Easiest Songs to Learn on an Electric Guitar: A Guide for Beginners

Are you a beginner in guitar playing and looking for songs that are easy to learn on an electric guitar? This guide is for you! In this post, we explore some of the simplest and most accessible songs that even beginners can play with minimal practice. Let’s dive into some of the best options.

For those new to playing the guitar, transitioning chords can be challenging. But fear not, there are several songs and chord progressions that will help you get comfortable with basic chords and chord changes at a slow to medium speed. One such song is Gloria by the Shadows of Knight. This 1960s hit uses just three of the first open chords you’ll learn—E, D, and A. Playing it will give you a solid foundation for future learning.

Starting Slow with Gloria by the Shadows of Knight

For chording practice, try Gloria by the Shadows of Knight. It uses only three of the first open chords you’ll learn—E, D, and A. Playing this song at a slow to medium speed will help you get used to switching between these chords, which is a great way to build your guitar-playing skills.

There are tons of 3-chord songs from the 1960s that are perfect for getting familiar with chords and chord changes, making them ideal for beginners. This era saw the emergence of many memorable and simple chord progressions, which can help you get a feel for the guitar.

A Beginner-Friendly Classic: Learning to Fly by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Another great option for beginners is “Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The song only involves four chords: F, C, Am, and G. These are the same chords used in the chorus, making it easier to learn and play. While Tom Petty's original arrangement includes some intricate details, the simplified version for beginners is quite straightforward. Strumming in a campfire style will help you get the rhythm right and make the song sound great.

The Simplicity of H. Nilsson's "Coconut"

For the best example of an easy song to learn, one that even beginners can master with minimal effort, check out “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson. This iconic song contains only one chord—C7. Playing this song will not only make you feel like a prodigious songwriter, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment and highlight how simplicity in chords can create beautiful music.

Making Folk Songs Accessible with Basic Chords

When it comes to folk songs, knowing just one, four, and five chords in any key allows you to play most any American folk song. Invest in a capo to expand your repertoire and make learning these songs even more rewarding. Some popular folk songs that are relatively easy to play include:

Heart of Gold by Neil Young Knocking on Heaven's Door (Dylan Version) Houses of the Rising Sun by The Animals

These songs have simple chord progressions, making them perfect for beginners. However, keep in mind that the rhythm or time signatures might make them less straightforward, but with practice, they are well within your reach.

Modern Hits with Simple Chord Progressions

Looking for some modern hits that are also easy to play? Here are a few options:

Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC Ride On by AC/DC (or any AC/DC song) You Wreck Me by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (requires a capo or tuning a semitone up)

AC/DC is known for its straightforward chord progressions, making many of their songs ideal for beginners. Similarly, "You Wreck Me" is another great song to play, but it includes a barre chord (B Major) that you may need a capo for. With practice, you’ll be playing these chords with ease.

Common Chord Transitions for Folk and Rock Songs

Whether you’re playing folk or rock, one of the most common chord transitions is between the first, fourth, and fifth chords in any key. Once you master these transitions, you can play a wide range of songs. Consider The Ghost Rides in the Sky, Cant Get No Satisfaction, and Smoke on the Water. These songs, while challenging at first, become much easier to play once you get the hang of these chord transitions.

Mastering these chord progressions will not only help you play these songs, but it will also enhance your overall guitar playing skills. By learning these simple and accessible songs, you can build a solid foundation and progress to more complex pieces with confidence.