You are just starting out on the guitar. You know the basic chords. You are ready to get rockin’ and rollin’ BUT all you can play is “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Unfortunately, that is not going to impress the cutie you’ve been making eyes with at the local coffee shop.
We’ve compiled a list of easy guitar songs that are great for beginners and also cool to play in public.
[tcb-script id=”mNCC” language=”javascript”]medianet_width = “600”;medianet_height = “250”;medianet_crid = “712534424”;medianet_versionId = “3111299”;[/tcb-script][tcb-script src=”//contextual.media.net/nmedianet.js?cid=8CU7GM763″][/tcb-script]
1. Stand By Me by Ben E. Kings, instructed by Rob Swift
Rob breaks down this classic song into an easily digestible format. The video lesson includes chords, lyrics, and explains how to do the R&B strumming technique. It’s a bonus that Rob’s voice is equally as good as his guitar skills.
2. Red Red Wine by Neil Diamond, instructed by Marty Schwartz
Marty is one of the most popular YouTube instructors. If you think of a song, it’s likely Marty has already covered it on his YouTube channel. Neil Diamond’s Red Red Wine is an easy one to learn with only 3 chords.
3. Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People, instructed by Michelle Arseneau
Michelle takes guitar lessons to a peppy level. Her YouTube channel is filled with some of today’s most popular songs. Michelle breaks Pumped Up Kicks into 3 strumming levels: easiest, easy, and intermediate.
4. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheerin, instructed by Troy from Studio 33 Guitar
Troy goes through the chords and provides cheater versions for beginner guitar players. His YouTube notes are helpful if you want to skip around. It’s helpful to use the exact times for different sections of the lesson.
5. Ring of Fire, by Johnny Cash, instructed by Andy Crowley
Andy makes Johnny Cash’s song easy to play. He gives us a mini tutorial on the 3 chords: G, C, and D major. Andy includes a little Johnny Cash history with the lesson!
6. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley, instructed by Justin
Justin has a great versatile voice, which is helpful when following along on his YouTube videos. Three Little Birds uses the A, D, and E chords, which makes it a super easy guitar song.
7. Back in Black by AC/DC, instructed by Brett Papa
Brett Papa makes Back in Black easy to play. He quickly goes through the chords and strumming lesson, but no one will know how many times you have to pause and replay! Instructions to grow the handlebar mustache are not included.
8. Hey Brother by Avicii, instructed by Alan Robinson from Guitar Tutor Man
Alan’s videos are very helpful, because they cover the strumming patters and the chords are visually displayed in the corners. Take a seat and hold on tight, this one goes fast!
9. Riptide by Vance Joy, instructed by Drue James from Learn Guitar in London
Drue uses an arrow system to help with strumming patterns. The different camera angles are helpful for learning the chords. Drue’s intense glare has a special way of keeping you engaged.
10. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley (original by Leonard Cohen), instructed by Ian from Learning Guitar Fast Tips
Also coined, “Mr. Headless,” Ian has tons of videos all with the same theme – he doesn’t show his face. It may be stage fright, but it adds a layer of mystery to his lessons. Mr. Headless covers the easy chords and offers alternatives based on your skill level. Mr. Headless is honest when he knows his vocals are off-key. It’s quite endearing!
We have given you 10 videos from 10 different instructors to learn a variety of easy guitar songs. This provides different teaching styles to choose from. Many of these artists and teachers have tons of songs to choose from. When you find a format that fits your learning style best, check out other songs they have on their YouTube channel. Let us know if this scores you any points with the cutie at the coffee shop!
BONUS: Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen, Instructed by Rock Licks Guitar Tuition
Rock Licks makes it incredibly easy to play the foot tapping song by Queen. Check out other videos by Rock-Licks to enhance your repertoire.
Once you and your friends have jams that are good enough to record, make sure to look into creating CDs to distribute to your growing fan base!
