Want to learn some easy rock songs on guitar? You’re in the right place.
When you first start playing guitar, it’s tricky to figure out which songs are actually easy to play.
A three chord song, for instance, can be super easy, or super complicated. It all depends on the song structure. And you can’t trust guitar tablature, because it’s rarely accurate.
So here’s a list of easy rock, alternative and grunge songs for you to learn that I’ve personally checked through. These are songs I teach to my beginner and intermediate guitar students. Grab yourself a capo and a guitar pick and strap yourself in for some fun.
You’ll find chords and the original tracks with each song, as well as teacher tips to get you sounding rad. If you’re brand new to guitar, start with my Crash Course for guitar newbies. Or if you’re ready for a whole lot more, check out my Guitar Courses.
Let’s get ready to rock!
Sex On Fire
Kings Of Leon
In 2008, Kings Of Leon burst onto the indie rock scene with their massive hit Sex On Fire. It’s easy to play, and satisfyingly gritty to sing. Just two simple chords and you’re off.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: C Am
STRUM: Intuitive 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 *
Ok, so the trick to this song? It’s all in the singing. You can’t just play the chords – it’s dull. You have to learn to sing and play at the same time, and this is a great song to get you started. Nail your chord changes, and then get straight into howling that chorus. Have FUN with it.
Jane Says
Jane's Addiction
An oldie but a goodie. Jane Says is a simple two chord song released in 1988 by Jane’s Addiction. It’s an easy rock song to add to your guitar playing collection.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: G A
STRUM: Intuitive Strum
Below is the original song if you want to play along with the recording.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
What makes this song work is the rhythm of the strumming. If you’re just starting out, use whatever basic strum you can do. As you master the chord changes, start to incorporate more interesting strumming patterns that reflect the energy and rhythm of the song.
Something In The Way
Nirvana
Something In The Way first graced our ears as the last song on Nirvana‘s 1991 album Nevermind. One of the easier rock songs to play on guitar, it’s just two chords.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: Em C
STRUM: Intuitive Strum
Below is the live version of the song for you from the MTV Unplugged in New York album. If you want to play along with the recording, capo on the 1st fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
I’ve provided you with the live version above to play along with instead of the original, because the original recording on Nevermind is out of tune. You’ll find this happens sometimes when artists intentionally use out of tune instruments, strange tunings or on very old recordings. But that’s ok, you don’t need recordings to learn guitar.
Teenage Kicks
The Undertones
A bit of an older song, but no less rockin’, Teenage Kicks was released by The Undertones in 1978. Fun fact, it was covered by Nouvelle Vague in 2004. Sounds great on acoustic.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: C A | F G
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 *
This song is easy to play – 2 chords for the verse, the other 2 chords for the chorus. Play around with your strumming style until you get a nice rhythm that’s easy to sing along to.
Wolf Like Me
TV On The Radio
TV On The Radio‘s hit song Wolf Like Me is one of the greatest rock songs you could learn to play on guitar. Three simple chords. Hard drivin’ rhythm. So. Much. Fun.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: Am F C
STRUM: Down Up Continuous 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 *
Easy chords? Yes. Easy strum? Yep. The catch? It’s fast, continuous, and totally going to challenge your guitar stamina. Stay with it. This is how you get good. Songs like these are “easy”, but they help you transition into better guitar skills. Build your strength by playing along to the whole song without stopping. Then hit repeat.
Lonely Boy
The Black Keys
Are you having as much fun as I am with these easy rock songs? Here’s another cracker – Lonely Boy by The Black Keys. Three chords and a whole lotta fun.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: E G A
STRUM: Down Up Continuous Strum
Below is the original song for you if you want to play along with the recording.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
Here’s a hot tip for ya – the intro to this song is just the E & A chords repeated. The 3 chord structure starts when vocalist Dan Auerbach starts singing. Now you’re sounding like a rockstar!
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana
There are very pro guitar players alive today who haven’t smashed out Nirvana‘s classic hit Smells Like Teen Spirit. The four open chords listed here give you an easier version to get started with than power chords.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: E A G C
STRUM: Intuitive 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 *
You can learn about power chords and how to use them properly in my guitar course. But another important skill I teach is making electric guitar songs sound amazing on acoustic guitar. Because that’s what matters more when you’re sitting around a campfire with no amp, jamming in your room or playing tunes with friends at a party. Learn to make songs sound good without relying on effects will give you a better sense of what you’re actually doing and you’ll be a much better guitarist.
Boys In The Better Land
Fontaines D.C.
How about some hard driving Irish punk rock? Boys In The Better Land from the Fontaines D.C. album Dogrel is super fun to play.
DIFFICULTY: Moderately Easy
CHORDS: E D A
STRUM: Intuitive Strum
Below is the original song for you if you want to play along with the recording.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
You really need to play along with this song to get a strum that feels right, especially if you’re playing it with just an acoustic guitar. Have fun with it. It’s just three chords. Another good one for stamina building. Remember if it’s too fast, just do one simple strum for each change.
Summary
That’s it! Now you know how to play a bunch of easy rock songs on guitar.
There’s plenty more easy songs you can learn on guitar. Feel free to share this list with your guitar-lovin’ friends. Then get together and have a jam!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of guitar rock songs. If you’re having any trouble mastering them, check out my comprehensive courses. It might be just what you need.
Happy strumming!
<a href=”https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/20669257/?claim=mfvhua4uk5f”>Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
