So you know how to play a few songs on guitar. Congrats, dude! You’re on your way. But how do you choose your next songs to learn on guitar?
It’s a bit of a trick, because you don’t want total basics. You’re beyond that. But you also need songs that aren’t too hard. They’re no fun.
I’ve put together the perfect collection of beyond-beginner songs to learn on guitar. These songs aren’t too easy or hard – they’re just right.
You’ll get a good challenge from learning these songs, without breaking your brain trying. I’ve included chords, original tracks and handy guitar tips to make your learning easier.
Ready? Let’s go!
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: Moderately 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.
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.
Love Interruption
Jack White
Jack White (of The White Stripes) released Love Interruption as the first single from his solo album ‘Blunderbuss’. The lyrics are brilliant, and it’s a good song to play on guitar once you’re beyond basics.
DIFFICULTY: Moderately Easy
CHORDS: E G A (E)
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 *
The best way to master this song is to really listen to what Jack White is playing on guitar. The chord changes are clear enough to hear (plus there’s only 3 chords). Follow along and you’ll hear when that extra E chord is and isn’t played.
Hit The Road Jack
Ray Charles
Hit The Road Jack is certainly a well-known song, but it’s rarely played by intermediate guitarists. What a shame! It’s definitely worth adding to your repertoire. An easy 4 chord song that, played right, appeals to almost any audience.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: Am G F E
STRUM: Emphasis Strum
Below is the original song for you. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to play along as it’s in Ab. But it will still give you ideas for your own version.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
The chords are easy, what you need to work on here is singing and rhythm. Go for a strum that emphasises the off-beat, one-TWO-three-FOUR. And get that singing phrasing just right. Don’t try to mimic Ray Charles exactly. Instead, try to hit that balance between making the melody recognisable and making it sounding like you.
Wagon Wheel
Old Crow Medicine Show
The ultimate country guitar song you absolutely must learn – Wagon Wheel. Did you know, Bob Dylan wrote the bones of the chorus back in 1973, and then 25 years later, Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show polished it into the song we know and love today. Fascinating stuff! Whilst this song is played a lot, it s a beauty and it’s a good ‘un because it’s great for getting people singing along.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: G D Em 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 *
This song follows an easy, repetitive four chord structure. Use whatever strum you can master (or muster) right now, and add some hangs in the slow down bit. You’ll sound great!
Wade In The Water
Eva Cassidy
Wade In The Water is an old spiritual song first published in 1901. It’s been covered by countless artists. Here I’ve included Eva Cassidy‘s cover, which is one of the best known versions.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: Am G F E
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 *
When you listen to Eva Cassidy’s version, you’ll hear the guitar strum is pretty swingin’. Don’t feel like you have to replicate that rhythm. You could produce a stunning arrangement of this song with a simple down strum, hangs, or your own intuitive strumming style.
Same For Me
Cable Ties
Geez Louise, do I have a treat for you! Same For Me is a bangin’ tune from Melbourne punk 3-piece Cable Ties. Released in 2017, it’s one of the most underrated hits of the decade.
DIFFICULTY: Moderately Easy
CHORDS: D C G | 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 2nd fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
The best songs to learn next on guitar (once you’re past novice status) are interesting songs that other people aren’t covering. It takes guts and creativity to turn distorted punk songs into great acoustic covers, but it’s totally worth the effort. Songs like these are hidden gems.
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: 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 *
This song works well for beginners or intermediate players. As you get comfortable with the chord changes, you should focus on your strumming – make it a bit more interesting and dynamic. So start with simple down strums, or hangs, and move into more rhythmic strumming as you gain confidence.
Seven Nation Army
The White Stripes
One of my all-time favourites, and a favourite of many of my guitar students. Seven Nation Army, by The White Stripes first appeared on their 2003 album Elephant. It sounds excellent on acoustic guitar, and you’ll get the hang of the chords really easily.
DIFFICULTY: Moderately Easy
CHORDS: Em C B7 | G A
STRUM: Intuitive Down Strum
Below is the original song for you if you want to play along with the recording.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
This song is commonly played as a one-string or power chord riff. While the riff is catchy in the original recording, it’s not very entertaining for other people to listen to on a single guitar. I would recommend you learn to play the chords and sing the song for a more rewarding sound.
Home
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros released their smash hit Home in 2010 and it’s still standing loud and proud amongst modern guitar songs. Three easy chords make this song come together beautifully.
DIFFICULTY: Moderately easy
CHORDS: Am C F
STRUM: Little Big 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 has a bridge section in it with different chords. However I really don’t believe that you need to learn the bridge to make the song sound great. When I perform this song professionally I leave the bridge out and it rocks the room every time.
Frankie's Gun
The Felice Brothers
Frankie’s Gun by country rock band The Felice Brothers was released in 2007. It’s a relatively easy three chord song that’s fun to sing – especially that chorus!
DIFFICULTY: Moderately easy
CHORDS: D A G
STRUM: Intuitive Strum
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 *
As you get better at changing between guitar chords, you’ll be able to focus on more interesting ways to strum songs. For now, just focus on getting those chord changes in the right spot. This one’s got a few interesting changes that’ll keep you on your toes. Not hard, but a great challenge.
All The Small Things
blink - 182
Blink-182 released the song All the Small Things in 1999. It’s a classic of that era of pop punk songs, and it translates nicely to acoustic guitar.
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
CHORDS: C G F (G)
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 *
What makes all the difference in a song like this is your strum. In my guitar courses I teach different approaches to make your strums sound excellent. First we work on nailing your timing (which you have to get right first) then we get you into intuitive strumming – and that’s what makes you sound like a great guitarist.
Summary
There you have it! Your next songs to learn on guitar.
Hopefully you found some new favs in the collection.
Practice them in front of your cat, or jam them with friends. And don’t worry if these songs are a bit beyond you right now. Check out my online guitar courses and other song articles, you’re sure to find what you need.
And bookmark this page for later – these can be your next songs to learn on guitar. It doesn’t have to take long to get to this level of playing. Just take it one step at a time, you’ll get there!
Happy strumming. xx
