Well, hello there. Welcome. If you’re looking for some easy songs to sink your teeth into, you’re in the right place.
Here’s the thing about learning guitar songs: it’s supposed to be fun. That’s why we picked up the instrument in the first place, right? Not to run scales until our eyes glaze over, but to actually play something.
This collection covers everything from easy songs you can learn this weekend to more challenging pieces that’ll keep you busy for a while. Each one includes video instruction so you can see exactly what’s happening, pause when you need to, and rewind as many times as you like. You can’t shut me up, but you can rewind me!
What you’ll find here:
- Easy Songs – Perfect if you’re newer to guitar or want some quick wins
- Intermediate Songs – Ready to stretch a bit? These will challenge you without breaking you
- Advanced Songs – For when you want to really dig in and work on something substantial
Don’t worry about tackling everything at once. Pick one song that catches your eye, learn it well, and then come back for more. Quality before quantity – that’s how you actually get better.
Alright, let’s get into it.
Easy Guitar Songs
These songs use simple chord shapes, straightforward rhythms, and forgiving tempos. Perfect for building confidence or adding some quick wins to your repertoire.
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
A true classic that’s perfect for beginners. Just four chords (G, C, D, Em) and a straightforward rhythm. This one’s great for campfires, parties, or just playing for yourself. Everyone knows it, everyone loves it.
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
Four simple chords and a gentle strumming pattern. Whether you prefer Dylan’s original or the Guns N’ Roses version, the chord progression is the same. One of those songs that sounds impressive but is surprisingly approachable.
Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd
The name says it all. Three chords (C, G, Am) played in a beautiful arpeggio pattern. Take your time with this one and focus on letting each note ring clearly. Southern rock at its most accessible.
With or Without You – U2
Four chords that repeat throughout the entire song: D, A, Bm, G. The magic is in the dynamics – start soft and build. A great exercise in playing with feel rather than complexity.
Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Fast, fun, and just three chords: D, A, G. The rhythm is what makes this one bounce. Great for building your strumming confidence.
Up Around the Bend – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Another CCR classic with simple open chords. Bright, upbeat, and impossible not to enjoy playing. The chord progression is friendly to newer players.
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
A beautiful slow song with basic chord shapes. Perfect for working on smooth transitions and playing with expression. Clapton kept this one simple, and that’s what makes it so good.
Intermediate Guitar Songs
Ready for more of a challenge? These songs introduce bar chords, more complex rhythms, signature riffs, or techniques that require some practice to nail.
All Along the Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix
The chords themselves aren’t too bad, but Hendrix’s intro riff and embellishments take this beyond beginner territory. A great stepping stone into more expressive playing.
Bad Moon Rising – Lead Guitar
Already learned the chords? Now add the lead parts. This lesson covers the fills and licks that make the song complete.
Blue on Black – Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Chords)
That distinctive groove requires some attention to rhythm and dynamics. Not the hardest song technically, but getting the feel right takes practice.
Dear Mr. Fantasy – Traffic
A classic rock gem with chord voicings and transitions that’ll stretch your skills. Great for developing your sense of musical dynamics.
Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top
That iconic riff! It’s not as hard as it sounds once you break it down, but it’ll take some woodshedding to get it tight and confident.
Sunshine of Your Love – Cream (Part 1)
One of the most recognizable riffs in rock history. This three-part lesson starts with the main riff and rhythm parts.
Sunshine of Your Love – Cream (Part 2)
Continuing with more details on the song structure and variations.
Sunshine of Your Love – Cream (Part 3)
Wrapping up the complete arrangement so you can play the whole thing.
The Thrill Is Gone – B.B. King
A blues essential. The chord progression is straightforward but the minor key and the feel make this one special. Great introduction to blues phrasing.
Up Around the Bend – Intro Riff
Already know the chords? Add that signature intro riff to really make it shine.
Purple Haze – Jimi Hendrix
The Hendrix chord (E7#9), that iconic opening riff, and the whole psychedelic package. A rite of passage for rock guitarists.
Advanced Guitar Songs
These lessons demand more from you – complex solos, challenging techniques, or arrangements that take real dedication. Worth every minute of practice.
Blue on Black – Guitar Solo
Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s solo is a masterclass in blues-rock phrasing. We break it down note by note, covering the flatted 7th approach that gives it that signature sound.
Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits
Mark Knopfler’s fingerpicking tour de force. This one will keep you busy for a while, but the satisfaction of nailing it is worth every hour of practice.
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) – Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix at his most explosive. Wah pedal mastery, aggressive riffing, and improvisational fire. Not for the faint of heart, but incredibly rewarding.
Have fun with these, and remember – it’s not about how fast you learn them, it’s about how well you play them. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and we’ll see you in the next lesson.