Are you ready to learn some easy pop songs on guitar? Brilliant! Let’s get started.
You’ve probably noticed that it’s a bit hard to play along to songs on the radio.
And if you’ve gone looking for guitar tablature, you might have noticed how awfully inaccurate it can be!
So I’ve made it easy for you. Here’s a collection of pop songs that I’ve gone through to make sure they’re suitable for beginner guitarists.
You’ll find chords and the original tracks with each song, as well as teacher tips to get you sounding fantastic. If you’re new on guitar, check out my 10 Day Guitar Crash Course. And if you’re ready for a whole lot more learning, check out the guitar course.
Let’s get you started on some easy pop songs on guitar!
Old Town Road
Lil Nas X
Old Town Road was written and released by Lil Nas X in 2018. It’s a catchy, easy 4-chord song that became hugely popular after its rerelease in 2019 featuring Billy Ray Cyrus.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: E G D A
STRUM: Simple Down Strum
Below is the original song for you. If you want to play along with the recording, capo on the 4th fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
The key to playing this song well is to practice your chord changes between the E, G, D and A chords. The more fluid you can make your chord changes, the better the song will sound.
Bad Guy
Billie Eilish
Bad Guy was released on Billy Eilish‘s album ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’. It’s a song that pokes fun at people trying to be tough. As a straightforward 3 chord song, it’s a great place for beginners to start.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: Em Am B7
STRUM: Down Strums
Below is the original song for you. If you want to play along with the recording, capo on the 3rd fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
This song has a very catchy electronic riff, but it’s better when you’re playing solo to stick to playing rhythm with the three chords. Using a capo on the 3rd fret means you can practice along with the original recording. If you find the original too fast, just practice the chord changes slowly on your own.
Pumped Up Kicks
Foster The People
Pumped Up Kicks was written by indie pop band Foster The People. It was released in 2010 and was one of the most popular songs of 2011. You can play it easily with the four chords listed below.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: Em G D A
STRUM: Simple Down Strum
Below is the original song for you. If you want to play along with the recording, capo on the 1st fret
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
These 4 chord songs with repetitive patterns are a great chance to go over and over the same chord changes and make your playing fluid and seamless. These easy pop songs on guitar are a great start to your repertoire and great to jam and sing along with friends.
Riptide
Vance Joy
Riptide is a well known song by Australian artist Vance Joy. It was released in 2013. Although the recording is on a ukulele, it works great on a guitar.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: Am G C
STRUM: Simple Down Strums
Below is the original song for you, but it’s not in standard tuning, so it won’t sound quite right if you play along.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
I’ve recorded a free Riptide guitar lesson for you. It’s totally beginner-friendly and in easier tuning. You’ll have better luck learning the song if you play along to that.
Adore
Amy Shark
Adore is a beautiful love song by Australian artist Amy Shark. She released it independently in 2016, it gained traction on Triple J and then was picked up by the mainstream stations.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: C Am F
STRUM: Easy Hanging Strums, then Palm Muting
Below is the original song for you if you want to play along with the recording. Note that this is the acoustic version. If you want to play along with the standard version, you’ll need to capo on the 1st fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
This song sounds really spectacular when strummed with plenty of space. Use hangs through the verses, and save the palm muting for the bridge section.
Big Jet Plane
Angus & Julia Stone
Big Jet Plane, by Angus & Julia Stone is still a hugely popular hit, more than 10 years since its release. It sounds great on acoustic guitar, and is moderately easy to play with just four chords.
DIFFICULTY: Moderately easy
CHORDS: C Am Em*
(Replace the Em with a G every second time round)
STRUM: Palm muting
Below is the original song for you. If you want to play along with the recording, capo on the 1st fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
It really makes a difference when you master that palm muting strum. Don’t worry if you can’t get it at first, just focus on the chord changes and learn different strums as your capabilities allow.
Crazy
Gnarls Barkley
Another timeless hit. Crazy by Gnarls Barkley was first released in 2006 and still gets regular airplay. A brilliant upbeat song that easily translated to guitar.
DIFFICULTY: Moderately Easy
CHORDS: Am C F E / A F C E
STRUM: Down Strums
Below is the original song for you. If you want to play along with the recording, capo on the 3rd fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
Be hyper aware of the change from A minor to A major. It happens at the start of verses 2 and 3. The more you train your ears to listen for these changes, the better you will become as a musician.
Deceptacon
Le Tigre
This is a bit of an unexpected song in a guitar list, but it’s totally worth including. Deceptacon featured on Le Tigre‘s self titled album released in 1999. It’s fun, electro-pop-punk roots translate surprisingly well to acoustic guitar. Give it a go!
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: A G D C
STRUM: Intuitive Strum
Below is the original song for you. If you want to play along with the recording, capo on the 2nd fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
The more you develop your strumming technique, the better you’ll sound when you play these songs. This is something I focus heavily on in my guitar courses. It will make ALL the difference, transforming your chords into awesome entertaining songs.
Summary
Congratulations! Now you know how to play a bunch of easy pop songs on guitar.
There’s plenty more easy guitar songs you can learn to play. Feel free to share this list with your guitar-lovin’ friends. Then get together and have a jam!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this pop guitar collection. If you’re having any trouble mastering any of these songs, check out my 10 Day Guitar Crash Course. It might be just what you need.
Happy strumming!
