Congratulations on starting your guitar journey! You've got your instrument, and you're ready to get started. But learning scales and chords can feel like a chore until you can actually play a song you recognize.
There's nothing more rewarding and motivating than strumming your first tune. That feeling is the key to staying inspired. We believe the best way to learn is by playing songs you love that are simple enough for a beginner.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of 10 classic songs that are perfect for your first foray into playing music. They all use simple chord shapes and easy rhythms, so you can sound great right from the start.
The Top 10
"Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley
This song is the ultimate beginner's choice. With just three simple chords—A, D, and E—and a gentle, repetitive strumming pattern, you’ll be able to play along in no time. It’s a feel-good tune that will make learning fun.
"Horse With No Name" by America
The mesmerizing, rhythmic feel of this song is created with only two chords: Em and D6. The chords are easy to form, and the repetitive picking pattern is a great way to practice your strumming hand's consistency.
"Stay With Me" by Sam Smith
If you're a fan of modern pop, this one's for you. "Stay With Me" uses a straightforward chord progression with C, G, Am, and F. While the F chord can be tricky, this song's slow tempo gives you plenty of time to practice the transition.
"Let It Be" by The Beatles
A timeless classic, this song is beloved by all generations. The chords are G, D, Em, and C, and the slow, simple rhythm makes it easy to follow along. Playing a Beatles song is a milestone for any guitarist, and this is a great place to start.
"Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
This is an absolute rock and roll staple that’s perfect for new players. The entire song uses just three chords—D, A, and G—and a simple, driving strumming pattern. It’s an easy one to sing along to as well!
"Aqualung" by Jethro Tull
A classic acoustic tune that is easier to play than you'd think. The song uses a simple chord progression and a constant, flowing strumming pattern that is a great workout for your rhythm.
"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King
The famous bassline in this song makes it sound complex, but the guitar chords are simple and straightforward (G, Em, C, D). This is a fantastic song for practicing your chord changes in a relaxed tempo.
"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
This song is a rock anthem that every guitarist loves to play. The famous intro riff is a bit tricky, but the main verses are just three simple chords: D, C, and G.
"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
A modern classic that’s perfect for beginners. The simple, repetitive chord progression and gentle strumming pattern make it incredibly easy to learn. It’s a great way to get a feel for playing a more contemporary song.
"One" by U2
This is a perfect song for learning arpeggios (playing one string at a time) and fingerpicking. The simple chords and slow tempo make it a great way to start practicing more intricate playing styles.
Your Next Step
Learning these songs is a fun and rewarding first step, but a great teacher can help you master them, correct any bad habits before they start, and keep you inspired and motivated.
If you’re ready to move beyond these songs and truly accelerate your progress, the team at Kitchen Jam in East London would love to help you.
Book a Trial Lesson and Start Your Musical Journey Today!
