When you’re first learning to play the guitar, there are a lot of things to learn. You have to figure out how to do things that aren’t as fun as playing your guitar, things like tuning, stringing and holding your guitar. Once you figure out the basics, you have to learn how basic chord shapes and maybe some scales, but it takes a long time before any of that starts to sound like music. Many people get discouraged because what you’re doing doesn’t sound like music, so when you’re learning those chord shapes, try practicing them in the context of a song you know. There are a number of good beginner guitar songs that use basic chords, and those songs will make learning chords shapes feel like you’re actually learning music!
CCR’s classic song “Proud Mary” is one of the easiest songs you can learn when you’re first starting out, and it only uses a handful of chords. The verse chord progression is D, A, Bm and D. The Bm chord may take some time to get right, but may sure you’re patient; Bm is one of the most useful and common minor guitar chords you’ll ever learn.
“Proud Mary” is one of those songs that everybody knows, so when you play your first gig (probably in front of your friends and family), they’ll be able to follow what you’re playing.
If classic rock really isn’t your thing, try Jimmy Buffet’s classic song “Margaritaville.” It’s simpler than CCR’s “Proud Mary,” so it won’t take you long to figure out. It uses three chords: D, A and G. This tune is a crowd favorite, and it’s an easy go-to song in almost any crowd. This is a fun song to play and sing, so get it under your fingers quickly!
Check out this guitar on BASIC CHORDS
If you’re looking for something more recent, take a look at Taylor Swift’s huge hit “Blank Space.” Even if you’re not a Taylor Swift fan, it’s hard to argue that this is a really good pop song. It has a relatively simple chord progression: D, Bm, Em7, G and A. “Blank Space” is one of those tunes that can be pretty easily reworked into a new arrangement, so even if you’re not a huge fan of pop music, work on a new arrangement for the song. (This song would be really cool as a slow-burning blues ballad.)
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned guitar veteran, these good beginner guitar songs can be a lot of fun to play. If you’re looking for more easy guitar songs or cool lessons, take a look at the huge selection available on our website.
I also recommend you to check out our beginner course:
ULTIMATE BEGINNER GUITAR COURSE
