The 15 Best Guitar Songs For Beginners To Learn First
Learning guitar opens up a world of music, creativity, and fun that you can enjoy for years to come.
Picking the right songs to start with makes all the difference between feeling frustrated and feeling like a rockstar in just a few weeks.
These classics are perfect for new players because they use simple chords, memorable melodies, and rhythms that stick in your head long after you put the guitar down.
Disclaimer: The descriptions in this article are not instructional guidance and should not replace formal music education or professional training.
1. Wonderwall – Oasis
Strumming this anthem feels like joining a massive sing-along at a summer festival, where everyone knows every word.
Chords like Em7, G, Dsus4, and A7sus4 might sound fancy, but they’re actually friendly shapes that your fingers will memorize quickly.
The rhythm has a special bounce that makes you want to keep playing, even when your fingertips start to tingle.
Honestly, once you nail that signature pattern, you’ll feel ready to serenade anyone who’ll listen.
2. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
If you’ve ever wanted to play a song that sounds timeless and soulful, this one’s your ticket.
Just three chords – G, D, and C – are all you need to capture the spirit of a folk legend.
Because the tempo is relaxed, you can focus on making each chord ring out clearly without rushing through changes.
Maybe you’ll discover that simplicity is the secret ingredient to songs that touch people’s hearts, even decades after they were written.
3. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Picture yourself sitting around a campfire under a starry sky, playing this hauntingly beautiful melody.
The intro might seem tricky at first, but breaking it down note by note reveals a pattern that’s surprisingly approachable.
While the song carries deep emotion, the chord progression stays gentle and forgiving for beginners.
Essentially, mastering this track gives you bragging rights and a go-to piece for quiet, reflective moments.
4. A Horse With No Name – America
Two chords are all that stand between you and playing this dreamy, desert-inspired classic.
Em and D6add9 create a hypnotic vibe that makes you feel like you’re wandering through wide-open spaces.
Often, beginners worry about complicated finger gymnastics, but this song proves that less really can be more.
Surprisingly, the simplicity frees you up to focus on rhythm and developing your own strumming style.
5. Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Soulful grooves meet beginner-friendly chords in this timeless tune that never goes out of style.
The steady bassline-inspired rhythm helps you develop a sense of timing that’ll serve you well in countless other songs.
How cool is it that a song this iconic uses just a handful of basic chord shapes?
Naturally, once you’ve got it down, you’ll find yourself humming along every time you pick up your guitar.
6. Zombie – The Cranberries
Cranking out this alternative rock anthem makes you feel like you’re channeling the raw energy of the ’90s.
Though the song carries powerful emotion, the chord progression remains accessible for players just starting out.
Instead of complex solos, you’ll focus on strong, driving strums that create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Personally, there’s something empowering about playing a song that blends intensity with straightforward technique.
7. House Of The Rising Sun – The Animals
Arpeggios sound fancy, but this folk-rock staple breaks them down into bite-sized pieces anyone can handle.
Picking each note individually rather than strumming chords gives your fingers a different kind of workout.
Because the pattern repeats throughout the song, you’ll build muscle memory faster than you might expect.
Ideally, you’ll play this one on a quiet Sunday morning when you want to feel transported to another era.
8. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Nothing says Southern rock quite like this anthem that gets toes tapping from the very first chord.
The repeating D, C, and G progression creates a groove that’s both catchy and confidence-building.
However, the real fun comes when you start adding the signature riff that everyone recognizes instantly.
Fortunately, even if you’re brand new, the steady rhythm makes it easy to lock in and sound great.
9. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
Upbeat and joyful, this song practically begs you to smile while you play it.
The chord changes come at a comfortable pace, giving you time to settle into each shape before moving on.
Later, when you’ve got the basics down, you can experiment with adding your own strumming flair.
Really, it’s hard to have a bad day when you’re playing a tune this sunny and full of good vibes.
10. Love Me Do – The Beatles
When you play this early Beatles classic, you’re tapping into the magic that started a musical revolution.
G, C, and D chords form the backbone, making it perfect for practicing smooth transitions.
The upbeat tempo keeps things lively without overwhelming your fingers or your brain.
Absolutely, there’s something special about playing a song that helped define an entire generation of rock and roll.
11. Smoke On The Water – Deep Purple
Ask any guitar teacher about beginner riffs, and this one will come up every single time.
The iconic four-note pattern is so famous that even non-guitarists can hum it on command.
Though it’s simple, the riff teaches you about power chords and moving along the fretboard with confidence.
Somehow, playing these notes makes you feel like a rock legend, even in your bedroom on a Tuesday afternoon.
12. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
Gently slide into this modern classic that proves you don’t need a bass guitar to create a massive, unforgettable hook.
The main riff uses just one string, making it incredibly accessible for absolute beginners.
Despite its simplicity, the melody is so powerful that it gets played at sports stadiums around the world.
Quietly, you’ll realize that sometimes the most memorable music comes from the most straightforward ideas.
13. Highway To Hell – AC/DC
Crank up the volume and get ready to rock with this high-energy anthem that never gets old.
The main riff uses power chords that sound huge but are actually pretty easy to play once you get the hang of them.
Usually, beginners love this song because it makes them feel like they’re on stage at a massive concert.
Precisely, it’s the perfect choice when you want to practice something that sounds impressive without being too complicated.
14. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams – Green Day
Melancholy meets catchy in this punk rock ballad that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt a little lost.
The chord progression is straightforward, but the strumming pattern adds just enough challenge to keep things interesting.
Where some songs feel dated, this one remains fresh and relevant, making it a favorite among new players.
Curiously, mastering it gives you a solid foundation for exploring more punk and alternative rock styles.
15. Island In The Sun – Weezer
Bright, breezy, and impossibly cheerful, this song feels like a musical vacation every time you play it.
The chords are simple and the rhythm is relaxed, making it ideal for lazy afternoons when you just want to strum along.
Thankfully, the repetitive structure means you’ll have it memorized faster than you can say “hip hip.”
Ultimately, it’s the kind of tune that reminds you why you picked up a guitar in the first place.
