Beginning playing the guitar is not as hard as it seems. When you first start out, you may think that all there is to it is learning chords and butchering children’s songs like Hot Cross Buns, however, there are a variety of songs ranging through all genres that are actually fun and easy to play.
1. Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker
This song is perfect for beginners, because it focuses mainly on open chords with capo on the second fret and it is popular. G, D, E minor, and C are the basic chords focused on in this song, and it’s great to sing along to.
2. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
This has a similar strumming pattern to Billionaire by Travie McCoy. G, D, E minor, and C are the main chords focused on for both the verse and the chorus - it doesn’t get any simpler than that! You can play with up beats or all together.
3. Stolen Dance by Milky Chance
This song is easy if you’re good at bar chords. It follows a similar downward strumming pattern throughout the entire song, which lets your mind focus more on the chords themselves. E minor, D, C, G, and B7 are the major chords used for this song.
4. Hotel California - The Eagles
This is the easier strumming method for playing this song. If you choose to fingerpick, then it becomes more complicated. The chords open position with one bar chord. The main chords for this classic include A minor, E, G, D, F, C, D minor, and E for the verse and F, C, D minor, A minor and E for the chorus.
5. Speak Now - Taylor Swift
Similar to Hotel California, you can simply strum the chords with down strokes (which is easier when starting out) or you can finger pick them if you are comfortable and confident. The main chords focused on are G, D, A minor, and C. You Belong With Me is another simple Taylor Swift song if you’re looking for more!
7. Ho Hey by The Lumineers
This is a low-key song to sing along to around the campfire with your friends. The main chords focused on are C, F major 7, A minor, G, and C. The strumming pattern is simple up and down strokes.
8. Yellow - Coldplay
You can never go wrong with oldschool Coldplay - so why not learn their first single? The song is easy and beautiful to play, so go ahead and serenade someone special with this one. Variations of A, E major, and variations of D are the main chords focused on.
With this list of diverse songs you will be sure to impress your friends and family with everything and anything other than Mary Had A Little Lamb. Keep practicing and never forget your capo!
