Hey Noise Makers!
I hope you’re all making some incredible music! I’m Elo, the newest member of the Noisy Clan team, and I’m beyond excited to be here. I am a part of the marketing team here at noisy, and I am also a musician myself. I’ve got a fresh blog post to share with you today, and I can’t wait to dive into it together!
Learning the guitar is an exciting journey, and one of the best ways to stay motivated is by playing songs you love. While there are countless easy guitar songs out there, some of the usual beginner suggestions can get a bit repetitive. Sure, ‘A Horse with No Name’ by The America is a classic, but after playing it for the hundredth time, you might start to feel like you’re stuck in a loop.
So, to help break up the monotony and add some variety to your practice sessions, I’ve compiled a list of five fun and easy songs that are perfect for beginners – no need to feel bored when learning guitar anymore! Whilst this blog post will help beginner guitar players get into the swing of things, if you are intermediate or advanced - stick around! There is something in here for you too.
- ‘With Or Without you’ - U2
No capo? No problem! This classic by U2 is a fantastic choice for beginners, and you don’t need a capo to play it. The song is built around just four simple chords: D, A, Bm and G – which makes it easy to pick up and play. While the chord progression repeats throughout the song, the dynamic shifts between the verses, chorus and bridge adding depth and excitement, making it a fun and engaging piece for new guitarists. Plus, the slower tempo means you can easily play along with the track at your own pace, allowing you to focus on perfecting your rhythm and transitions. Whether you’re practicing solo or jamming along to the original, this iconic U2 hit is a great way to hone your skills and enjoy playing a song that’s both easy and memorable.
- ‘As It Was’- Harry Styles
Don’t be fooled by the upbeat tempo and infectious energy of this song. At its core, this song is built on just four simple chords: C, Am, D, and G. That’s all you need to get started! Whether you prefer to slow it down and master the chord transitions at your own pace or challenge yourself to play along with the original, this track is perfect for beginners. The song's catchy, funky vibe makes it a lot of fun to play, and with so many acoustic covers out there, it’s your turn to put your unique spin on it. Make it your own and enjoy the process of bringing this hit to life on your guitar!
- ‘No Woman, No Cry’ - Bob Marley
The great news? This song only uses three chords: C, G, and Am—and they couldn’t be easier! With its laid-back groove and simple chord progression, it’s the perfect song for beginners. The pace is just right for practicing smooth transitions, and whether you’re a singer or not, it’s easy to sing along to as you play. If you’re looking for a chill rhythm to play with, this song is a must-try! Plus, if you're a fan of reggae, Bob Marley's ‘Three Little Birds’ is another fantastic track that is easy to play along to!
- ‘Candy’ – Paolo Nutini
I had to throw a Scottish one in there! This classic track is a perfect choice for beginners and seasoned guitarists alike. The song features a simple strumming pattern, but if you're still getting the hang of strumming, feel free to play it at your own pace and with a pattern that feels comfortable to you. There's no need for a capo, and the chords you'll need are Am, Em, G, and D7.
What makes this song ideal for learning on guitar is that the original recording is built around an acoustic guitar, so if you master these basic chords and techniques, you'll be close to capturing the vibe of the original. While the studio version does have some additional instrumentation, focusing on these core chords will help you nail the sound.
- ‘Roslyn’ – Bon Iver
I had to add this one, because it is the first song I ever learned on guitar! This is almost purely an acoustic track, and perfect for practicing your strumming. It may not seem easy, because its strumming pattern is possibly harder to grasp, but this will advance your playing and give you a challenge. As for the chords, they are very easy! This beautiful song is composed of F, C, G, Dm and Am. I know this sounds like a lot – but trust me! Most of the song is built on F and C, the other chords come at the end of each verse and in the outro. If you can only master the intro and the beginning of the verse, it’s still going to sound beautiful. And, if you master the chord changes, you’re going to sound like a pro. If you master the transitions from F to C, the song is already recognisable. This song took me a little bit to grasp in fluidity, but once I had it, it’s still one of my go-to’s when I’m playing in my bedroom or playing with others.
SO, grab your guitar, play at your own pace, and enjoy making these classic hits your own. With these songs in your repertoire, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more confident and skilled guitarist in no time! Happy playing!
Thanks for reading!
Elo