Beginner Guitar Songs (Easy Playing/Learning)

• June 20, 2016
• Guitar Lessons

The first few times you pick up a guitar can be tough. Easy Beginner Guitar Songs can be hard to find. From learning chords to understanding patterns of rhythm, It can seem like a lot of technical details.

As important as those details are, eventually you’re going to want to learn how to play a song or two. Listed below are a few songs that we think you might enjoy playing. From oldies to songs you’ll hear on the radio today, these simple songs will have you playing music in no time.

1. “Clocks” - Coldplay (Easy Beginner Guitar Songs)

Originally released in 2002 as part of the band’s second album, “A Rush of Blood to the Head,” this song has an iconic piano riff that got stuck in people’s heads for a really long time. Now that over a decade has passed, this is a great song that will let you and your friends reminisce while jamming out.

The song is pretty simple to play as the vast majority of it is only 3 chords. Once you hit the bridge, a couple of new chords pop up. A chord chart can be found here.

Learning to play the piano riff that everyone remembers might take a little more work on your part but this video tutorial should help.

With a little bit of practice, you’ll be transformed into Chris Martin in no time. Unfortunately, you’re on your own with the cool laser show from the music video.

2. “Lay ‘Em Down” - Needtobreathe

Needtobreathe has been combining Christian lyrics with Southern rock and folk music for years. One of the best introductions you can get to the band is their 2009 single, “Lay ‘Em Down.”

Coming off their third album, “The Outsiders,” this song provides an upbeat guitar component that is fun and distinctly Southern. The song may favor an acoustic guitar, but it will be easy for anyone to learn to play.

Played in the key of C, “Lay ‘Em Down” requires only a small handful of chords, most of which are common beginner level ones like C and Am. A chart is available here.

There are also a few parts of the song without chords so you can really take your time with it. Get ready for a good time with this song once you get it down.

3. “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” - Bob Dylan

The first of a few older songs on our list, this 1973 title is often cited as one of the best beginner guitar songs to learn.

Dylan wrote the song for the film “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid” but it has taken on quite a life since. Covered by nearly every famous band at some point, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” is a simple tune that you can probably learn to play in less than an hour.

When playing in G, the song only requires four chords and they just so happen to be some of the easiest chords you’ll ever learn. If you don’t believe us, check out this chord chart.

4. “A Horse with No Name” - America

Sticking with the early 70’s and incredibly easy guitar songs, this single from the band America is another quick one for beginners to pick up on.

Although it reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, the song is a little repetitive and bears some resemblance to Neil Young’s work. Still, it’s a great song for beginners to learn because it doesn’t switch up chords very often and it gives them the chance to work on their strumming patterns.

This chord chart will show you just how easy the song is to learn.

5. “Blank Space” - Taylor Swift

Before we lose the young people, here’s a song basically anyone with a radio has heard in the past 18 months.

If you are reading this article, then you know who Taylor Swift is. Don’t deny it, guys.

This particular song is off the singer’s fifth album, “1989,” which was released in 2014.

The reason why you want to learn this song, aside from it being an easy one, is because you want to learn songs that your friends and family are going to recognize and enjoy. There’s only so many times your friends can endure “Greensleeves.”

Taking a look at the song’s chord chart, you’ll see that it’s pretty simple to understand. Although it calls for a capo on the third fret, there is another version out there with the cap on five.

If you really like the guitar in Taylor Swift’s music, you may be interested to know that Grant Mickelson is actually one of our guitar instructors here at Pro Lessons. Click here to learn more about the professional musicians we have as teachers.

6. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” - Guns N’ Roses

Venturing into rock n’ roll territory, this iconic song from 1987 has been featured in countless films and TV shows.

What better way to pull yourself closer to being a rock star than to jam out with some Guns N’ Roses? Fortunately, the majority of this song is rather simple. To play this song like the pros, you’ll need to do a little more picking than strumming in some parts but the chords can be found here.

This one may take a little more time on your part, but it will be a good challenge when you’re ready.

7. “Radioactive” - Imagine Dragons

For some more up to date rock music, we go to 2013’s hit single “Radioactive.” The first single off of the band’s debut album, this song catapulted Imagine Dragons to a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance.

The band uses a lot of electronic components in their music, but you can get a pretty good feel for the song just using the chord chart found here.

Four basic chords are all you really need to start playing this song in your bedroom, but be careful to not let the mosh pit tear up your house.

8. “Ho Hey” - The Lumineers

Bringing up the rear, we have some indie folk music that will be great for those of you with acoustic guitars to learn.

This 2012 hit from The Lumineers is known for its fun chorus and guitar melody. It’s a simple song for you to learn, as you can see here.

While the song is lighthearted and breezy, it’s immensely better to learn when not facing the rhythmic shouting of “Ho” and “Hey” that have earned it a few jokes over the years.

Like a lot of folk music, though, this song will sound really great in your home once you get the hang of it. It’s a fun jamming song that you don’t need a large group for, but it never hurts to add more players.

That does it for our list of easy beginner guitar songs. We hope this is a good resource for you in your musical journey as a beginner guitar player. If you would like more information about the professional guitar lessons we provide at Pro Lessons, click the link below.