Easy guitar songs for beginners
Start with songs that use a few open chords, slow changes, and simple strumming.
Taught by Rene Free Beginner firstQuick answer
The easiest guitar songs use two to four open chords that repeat in a loop, at a slow tempo, with a simple down strum. Start with songs built on G, C, D and Em, or A, D and E.
- Two to four open chords
- One repeating chord loop
- Slow enough to change in time
The four shapes most of these songs use
G, C, D and Em. A chord is a few strings pressed and strummed together. Tap Play to hear how each should sound.
Numbers are fingers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky. × means do not play that string, ○ means play it open.
Pick songs by chords you already know
The fastest beginner win is not learning harder songs. It is choosing songs that match the chords you can already play.
Wagon Wheel
Old Crow Medicine Show GDEmCThe same four open chords repeat, so it is useful for steady beginner strumming.
Open lesson 4 chordsKnockin' on Heaven's Door
Bob Dylan GDAmCA slower song with beginner-friendly open chords and enough space to change shapes.
Open lesson 4 chordsStand By Me
Ben E. King GEmCDA classic four-chord loop that builds confidence with common beginner shapes.
Open lesson 3 chordsThree Little Birds
Bob Marley ADEOnly three open chords, with a bright groove that works well at a slow tempo.
Open lesson 3 chordsRiptide
Vance Joy AmGCThree chords repeat, so you can focus on rhythm instead of memorizing sections.
Open lesson 3 chordsLeaving on a Jet Plane
John Denver GCDA gentle three-chord song that gives new players time to land each change.
Open lesson 3 chordsBad Moon Rising
Creedence Clearwater Revival DAGA fast but simple three-chord song once D, A, and G feel comfortable.
Open lesson 4 chordsZombie
The Cranberries EmCGDOne recognizable four-chord loop makes it a strong first song for dynamics.
Open lessonSongs grouped by the chords you know
Tap the set that matches your hands right now. Every song in it uses only those chords.
Every easy song on the site
Take Me Home, Country Roads
John Denver GEmDCA familiar singalong built from four open chords taught early in the course.
Open lesson 4 chordsI'm Yours
Jason Mraz GDEmCA relaxed four-chord loop for practicing smooth, even strumming.
Open lesson 4 chordsPerfect
Ed Sheeran GEmCDA slow modern song using familiar open chord shapes with capo-friendly practice.
Open lesson 3 chordsWhat's Up
4 Non Blondes GAmCThree chords and a big strumming feel make it a useful beginner workout.
Open lesson 2 chordsA Horse With No Name
America EmDA two-chord song is perfect when you want music before many chord shapes feel ready.
Open lesson 3 chordsLove Me Do
The Beatles GCDA simple early rock song for practicing G, C, and D without a crowded progression.
Open lesson 3 chordsSweet Caroline
Neil Diamond ADEA familiar three-chord singalong that helps A, D, and E feel connected.
Open lesson 4 chordsNo Woman No Cry
Bob Marley CGAmFA famous four-chord loop; use a simplified F or capo version if full F is not ready.
Open lesson 4 chordsLet It Be
The Beatles CGAmFA slow four-chord practice song that rewards clean changes more than speed.
Open lesson 4 chordsHo Hey
The Lumineers CFAmGA simple folk rhythm with a common four-chord family; use easy F while learning.
Open lesson 4 chordsBoulevard of Broken Dreams
Green Day EmGDAA darker four-chord loop that is useful for slow electric or acoustic practice.
Open lesson 4 chordsGood Riddance
Green Day GCDEmA familiar beginner song for moving between G, C, D, and Em cleanly.
Open lesson 2 chordsJambalaya
Hank Williams CGA two-chord country song gives beginners a real tune with very little memorizing.
Open lesson 2 chordsAchy Breaky Heart
Billy Ray Cyrus AETwo chords and a clear beat make it useful for first rhythm confidence.
Open lesson 2 chordsDreams
Fleetwood Mac FGA two-chord loop that is simple musically, though F may need the easy version first.
Open lesson 3 chordsSweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd DCGThree open chords you already know, looped through the whole song.
Open lessonNo lyrics, just practice facts
These pages use chords, progressions, tempos, and practice steps, so you can learn legally and clearly without needing a lyric sheet.
One song at a time
Choose one song and stay with it until the changes stop freezing. Switching songs every day feels like progress but mostly repeats the easy first minute.
Useful next pages
Common questions
What is the easiest first guitar song?
Choose a song with two to four open chords and a slow strum. The best first song is the one where you can change chords without stopping.
Should I learn songs before theory?
Yes. Learn a few chord shapes, play simple songs, then use theory to explain what you already hear.
How long until I can play a full song?
Most beginners can play a slow version of a three or four chord song within one to three weeks of short daily practice. The chord changes take longest, so practise those on their own.