Easy Guitar Songs for Beginners: Start Playing in Minutes

Learning guitar is one of the most exciting musical journeys. For beginners, it’s motivating to start playing songs right away without needing years of practice. The good news?

There are plenty of easy guitar songs for beginners that require just a few chords, simple strumming, and a little patience. With the right guidance, anyone can start playing in minutes!

Why Start with Easy Songs?

Starting with easy songs helps build confidence, improves finger placement, and develops rhythm.

These songs often use basic open chords like G, C, D, E, A, Em, Am, and D7 — the building blocks of thousands of popular tracks. You don’t need to read sheet music; just follow chord charts or tabs.

Top 7 Easy Guitar Songs to Try First

Here are some timeless classics and modern hits that are perfect for beginners:

1. “Horse With No Name” — America

Chords: Em, D6add9/F#

Why it’s great: Just two chords and a steady rhythm. It’s easy to remember and sounds great.

2. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” — Bob Dylan

Chords: G, D, Am, C

Why it’s great: Simple progression and slow tempo make it ideal for practicing chord changes.

3. “Stand By Me” — Ben E. King

Chords: G, Em, C, D

Why it’s great: Repetitive chord pattern, and nearly everyone recognizes it.

4. “Love Me Do” — The Beatles

Chords: G, C, D

Why it’s great: Short, upbeat, and fun — great for beginners exploring classic pop.

5. “Riptide” — Vance Joy

Chords: Am, G, C

Why it’s great: Modern, catchy, and uses a basic strumming pattern.

6. “I’m Yours” — Jason Mraz

Chords: C, G, Am, F

Why it’s great: Helps beginners learn the popular I–V–vi–IV progression.

7. “Three Little Birds” — Bob Marley

Chords: A, D, E

Why it’s great: Easy chords and an uplifting tune make this a favorite starter song.

Tips for Learning These Songs

1. Start Slow: Practice chord transitions at a slow tempo before trying to match the song’s speed.

2. Use a Metronome: Helps with rhythm and timing.

3. Keep It Simple: Focus on downstrokes for strumming at first, then add upstrokes as you improve.

4. Sing Along: Singing helps with timing and makes practice more fun.

5. Use Online Tutorials: YouTube and guitar apps offer step-by-step guidance for each song.

Final Thoughts

Playing songs early in your guitar journey keeps motivation high. These easy guitar songs for beginners are not just simple — they’re fun, memorable, and help you build essential guitar skills.

So pick up your guitar, choose a song, and start playing within minutes. Before long, you’ll be strumming your way through your favorite tunes with confidence and joy!