Are you keen for some super easy guitar songs to get you started?
I hope so. Because some of the greatest songs are easy ones. Simple, one chord wonders. Easy progressions. No-worries chord shapes.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing for 15 minutes or 15 years, super easy guitar songs are FUN.
In this collection, I’ve chosen songs that weren’t written in snoresville; a cross-section of interesting songs from diverse genres.
Along with each song, you’ll find guitar chords, strums, original recordings and playing tips to help you sound grand. So strap in, saddle up your guitar and let’s get started.
Roving Gambler
Norah Jones & Billie Joe Armstrong
Roving Gambler is a traditional folk song first collected in 1909. It’s been covered by many artists, but my favourite version is this one by Norah Jones & Billie Joe Armstrong from their 2013 duet album ‘Foreverly’. And it’s just one chord!
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: E
STRUM: Emphasis Strum or Simple Down Strum
Below is the original song for you if you want to play along with the recording. You can capo on the 2nd fret and play along with the E chord, or capo on the 4th fret and play along with the D chord.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
You can either play this 1 chord song using a D chord or E chord. If you want to match the recording above, you’ll need to use a capo to bring it up to the same key. The recording above uses the D shape chord to get that high-happy tone, but if you find the E shape chord easier for you right now, that’s totally fine.
Jorge Regula
The Moldy Peaches
If you haven’t discovered The Moldy Peaches yet, you really need to check them out. This song, Jorge Regula, from their 2001 self-titled album is a simple acoustic song to learn – perfect for practicing switching between your G and C chords.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: G C
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 *
Intuitive strumming makes this song sound great. I teach a full tutorial on this song and strumming style in my Acoustic Guitar Revolution course. If you’re extremely new to guitar, you can just do a simple down strum for now.
The Clapping Song
The Belle Stars
Here’s another super easy song to play along to – just one chord! The Clapping Song was originally released by Shirley Ellis in 1965, and then made a comeback in 1982 with The Belle Stars version which I’ve included for you below.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: A
STRUM: Simple Down Strum
Below is the original song if you want to play along with the recording. Use your capo on the 5th fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
If you don’t have a capo, you can always play this song with a D chord. This is one of the beginner-friendly songs I teach in my guitar courses.
Coconut
Harry Nilsson
Coconut (also known as Lime In The Coconut) is a fun one-chord song written by Harry Nilsson and released in 1971. It’s a great song to get started with, practicing that C chord and simple strumming.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: C
STRUM: Down Strum
Below is the original song for you if you want to play along with the recording.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
If you have trouble with your C chord, or if you haven’t learnt it yet, you can play this song in with an E chord with your capo on the 8th fret. Although you might prefer to check out my 10-day guitar crash course and get your basics mastered.
Dreams
Fleetwood Mac
Thunder only happens when.. you’re playing super easy guitar songs. Here’s one from Fleetwood Mac‘s 1977 album Rumours. Dreams is an easy two chord song you can play along to right now.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: D E
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 *
If you don’t have a capo, you can play along with the chords F and G. Although they’re a bit harder for beginners, so I recommend you stick to the easier D and E chord version with your capo on the 3rd fret. Alternatively, just play without the recording and it’ll sound fine.
Run Through The Jungle
Credence Clearwater Revival
Run Through The Jungle is a simple one chord song by Creedence Clearwater Revival. The original song is played in the key of D. If you can play a D chord, you can play along with the recording above.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: D
STRUM: Emphasis Strum
Below is the original song for you if you want to play along with the recording.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
As you start to develop your musical ears, you’ll notice that the D chord sounds far too happy (or major) for this song. My recommendation is that you learn the lyrics and then you can play and sing it on your own in any key. I like it played with the E chord shape, which is a little moodier and more suitable for the song.
Loser
Beck
One chord songs are the best. You’ve got time to learn to strum, you build stamina holding chord shapes, and you can sing along with ease. Loser, by Beck, was first released in 1994 on his Mellow Gold album. Give it a crack.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: D
STRUM: Down Strum or Hangs
Below is the original song for you if you want to play along with the recording.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
You can either use a simple down strum or hangs to play this song when you first start. Either will sound good if you do it with conviction and really own that singing.
Summary
Well, friends, I hope you found these super easy guitar songs to be right up your alley.
If they’re too easy for you, check out my other beginner-friendly songs posts. You’ll find plenty more there.
If these songs were too hard for you, that’s ok. Be gentle on yourself. Learning guitar isn’t hard, but you do need to learn the right way.
xx
Fidel
