If you are just starting to learn how to play the guitar, it would be best to choose songs that you can easily play and learn its chords. Here are easy guitar songs that you could play if you are a beginner and regardless of your age.

Easy guitar songs perfect for beginners of all ages
(Photo: Neel Patel)
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Read also: 105 One chord songs that any beginner can play

"Twist And Shout" by The Beatles (1963)

What's good with the song "Twist and Shout" is that it sticks to easy open chords. D-G-A are the only chords you need to play for the whole song. However, it has breakdowns wherein it just stays on A. It's not immediately playable, but it won't take too long for you to memorize it. With a bit of practice, the two-note shapes in the solo are achievable.


"Talkin' 'Bout A Revolution" by Tracy Chapman (1988)

If you are struggling with a full-length song, it is best to listen to a classic protest style folk song like "Talkin' 'Bout A Revolution." The song starts with a simple four-chord progression (G-C-Em-D). 

The dynamics of this song matches the other instruments as well. You can vary how hard you strum your guitar and put some rhythm into it. This will help you improve the sense of the dynamics in the recording.

"One" by U2 (1991)

"One" starts with an acoustic guitar line. That's why it has beginner-friendly chords. There are two progressions: Am-Dsus2-Fmaj7-G in the first verse then C-Am-Fmaj7-C to round it off. This sequence covers the whole song, so it is all you need to know to play the song using your guitar. 

When you listen to the song, pay attention to the light bounce of the acoustic guitar, and if you try to play along with it, try to go with the drums' beat. The emphasis on each snare drum hit helps.

"Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes (2003)

In the 21st century, Jack White's song has one of the most recognizable guitar riffs, which is also one of the easiest to learn. "Seven Nation Army" has only seven notes played one after the other while all on the fifth string. That's it!

The fifth string would be the second string from the top in a standard six-string guitar. When playing this song, play in order of the following frets: 7th 7th 10th 7th 5th 3rd 2nd. The ending is played with G5 and A5 power chord. After that, you are good to go! Just listen comprehensively to the track to have the right timing.

"Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift (2014)

Swift delivered a great reinvention of a song through "Wildest Dream," which appealed to a more traditional guitar-playing audience. How do you play it? Just use C, Em, and D in the verses and then G, D, Am, and C in the chorus. With a gentle tempo, you will sound good as if you are not a beginner. Just keep on practicing to get into the right rhythm.


Old Town Road by Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus (2019)

"Old Town Road" is one of the biggest worldwide hits in 2019 from hip-hop artist Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus strumming a few open chords: E, G, D and C.

Use a capo on the 4th fret of the guitar like what Billy Ray Cyrus does. It is suitable for a higher-voice singer or if you need to change the pitch of the song. 

Remember the chords E, G, D, and C; these are the classic chords you'll find in a host of guitar campfire songs.

Join the Discussion