15 Easy To Play Songs On Guitar

Hurt by Johnny Cash is a powerful and emotive song that can be a great addition to the beginner and is easy to play on guitar.

“Hurt” is a song written and originally performed by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, but it was covered by Johnny Cash in 2002 for his album “American IV: The Man Comes Around”.

The song is a haunting and emotional ballad that reflects pain, regret, and the passage of time.

Cash’s version of “Hurt” was released as a single in 2003, March and received critical acclaim.

The video is particularly notable for its imagery of Cash’s frail and aged body, which served to emphasize the lyrics of the song.

The song’s instrumentation is fairly simple, relying on a piano and guitar to provide the melody and accompaniment. The lyrics of the song are sung in a melancholic and contemplative tone, and the song’s emotional power is heightened by Cash’s unique vocal delivery.

This song just calls for a few finger movements, but it’s the opening that’s crucial. Its chosen chord progression is Am, C, and D, and for most of the song, this intro is repeated. Therefore, the chord progression only changes to Am, F, C, and G in the chorus part.

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” 1973  is a song by Bob Dylan. It was featured in the movie “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid” and quickly became a hit for Dylan, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Many artists created its cover song, but Dylan’s version remains the most iconic and enduring.

The song’s lyrics are simple and evocative, telling the story of a dying gunslinger who is “knockin’ on heaven’s door”.

The song’s theme of death and mortality is something that many people can relate to, and Dylan’s version of the song is widely considered a powerful and moving song.

To play “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” on guitar, you’ll need to be familiar with the chords G, D, and A. The song follows a basic chord progression of G-D-A-G-D-A, with the chords played in a steady, repeating pattern throughout the song. The song is played in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), and you can use a variety of strumming patterns to play the song.

Wildest Dreams is a song written and performed by Taylor Swift in “1989”. The song is from the fifth album.

The song was released in 2015 and quickly became a hit for Swift, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song’s lyrics are about the end of a relationship and the memories that are left behind, and the music video for the song was set in Africa and directed by Joseph Kahn.

The song’s instrumentation is characterized by a catchy piano melody and strong drums, with Swift’s vocals on top.

There are only five chords on the song C and Em D G and Am. To play “Wildest Dreams” on guitar, you will need to be practice the chords C, G, Am, Em, and D. The song is played in the key of C Major and you can use a variety of strumming patterns to play the song, like down-up-down-up or up-down-up-down.

Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes was released as the lead single of their fourth studio album “Elephant” in 2003.

Written and composed by Jack White, the song features a distinctive guitar riff and has become one of the band’s most recognizable and popular songs.

“Seven Nation Army” is a testament to the band’s unique style and musicianship.

The simplicity of the riff is what makes it so iconic and easy to play, as it only requires seven notes played one after the other on the fifth string. The riff is so simple that you don’t even need a tab to play it.

The fifth string, also known as the A string, is the second fattest string on a standard six-string guitar. To play the riff, start by placing your finger on the 7th-7th-10th-7th-5th-3th-2nd of the A string and play the note.

To finish off the riff, play the G5 and A5 power chords. It’s important to listen carefully to the track to pick up the rhythm and timing of the riff. With practice, you’ll be able to play the riff flawlessly and impress your friends with your guitar skills.

The one song was released as the third single from Irish rock band U2 from their 1991 album Achtung Baby. 

The song reached the top 10 in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The song’s lyrics, written by lead vocalist Bono, deal with themes of unity and self-sacrifice. The lyrics include lines such as “We’re one, but we’re not the same” and “We get to carry each other.”

These themes are reflected in the song’s music video, which features footage of people from different cultures and backgrounds coming together and interacting.

It is played on the guitar using a combination of chords and single-note melodies. The song primarily uses the chords G, D, C, and A, played at a moderate tempo.

The first verse’s progression is Am-Dsus2-Fmaj7-G, and the final verse’s progression is C-AM-Fmaj7-C. These two sequences cover the entirety of the song.

The verses consist of a simple strumming pattern, while the chorus features a more complex pattern with a mix of strumming and single-note melodies. 

Mannish Boy by Muddy Water is a blues classic that has been covered by countless artists and continues to be a staple in the genre. The song was first recorded by Muddy Waters in 1955 and released as a single on the Chess label.

One of the most striking things about “Mannish Boy” is its raw energy and power. His vocal delivery is confident and assertive, and the musicianship of his band is top-notch.

The song features a driving, rhythmic guitar riff and a steady, pulsing bass line that gives it a sense of forward momentum.

Playing “Mannish Boy” on the guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience for any musician. The song is primarily played in the key of E, using a combination of chords and single-note melodies.

The main riff is played using the chords E, A, and B7, and the verses consist of a simple strumming pattern. The chorus features a  pattern with a mix of strumming and single-note melodies. It’s important to practice the song and listen to the original recording to get a feel for the timing and phrasing.

Free Fallin’ is a popular song by American singer-songwriter Tom Petty. It was released in 1989 as the lead single from his debut solo album, “Full Moon Fever.”

The song quickly became a hit, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning widespread critical acclaim

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is “free falling” through life, with no particular direction or purpose. The narrator of the song is describing the freedom he feels while living in California, and the feeling of falling in love.

Musically, it is characterized by its simple, upbeat guitar riff and catchy chorus. The song is played in the key of A major and features a basic chord progression of A – D – E.

Related: Top Ten Beginner Piano Songs For Adults That Are Popular

Fix You by Coldplay is a popular and emotional song that has resonated with listeners since its release in 2005. It’s a song by British rock band Coldplay, released as the second single from their third studio album, “X&Y.”

The song quickly became one of Coldplay’s most popular and enduring hits, reaching the top 10 charts in multiple countries and earning widespread critical acclaim

The song’s message of hope and healing is conveyed through its anthemic chorus and emotive instrumental arrangements.

If you’re looking to play “Fix You”, it’s important to note that the song is played in the key of Eb, with a capo on the 3rd fret. The tuning is standard E A D G B E.

The chords used in the song are C, Em, Am7, G, F, and Am. The verses are played with a simple arpeggio pattern with the chords C, Em, Am7, and G, which are played in that order.

The chorus changes to Em – Am7 – C – G, with a more syncopated rhythm. The song also features a guitar solo that starts with a simple melody and gradually builds to a more complex one.

To play the song, place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string (C), your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string (G), your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd string (C) and your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 2nd string (G) to form the C chord.

As you become more comfortable with the song, you can experiment with different voicings and inversions of the chords to add your unique style to the song.

“Let It Be” is a song by the Beatles, released in 1970 as a single and later included on their final studio album of the same name.

The song was written by Paul McCartney and is widely considered to be one of the band’s most iconic and enduring tracks.

The song’s lyrics are a plea for guidance and reassurance, with McCartney singing, “When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be.”

The song’s message of hope and perseverance resonated with audiences around the world, and it quickly became one of the Beatles’ most popular songs.

The song is played in the key of C, using standard tuning of E A D G B E. The chords used in the song include C, G, Am, Am7, Fmaj7, F6, F, E, and D. No capo is needed to play the song.

The simplicity of the chord progression coupled with the iconic melody creates a timeless classic for music enthusiasts to enjoy.

Hey There Delilah is a song by the American rock band Plain White T’s which was released in 2006 as the third single from their third studio album, “All That We Needed.” 

The song quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning the band widespread fame and recognition.

It’s a timeless love song that has endured through the years. Its relatable lyrics and catchy melody have made it a favorite of music fans around the world, and it continues to be played on radio stations and in movies, television shows, and commercials. 

It’s a popular song that is easy for beginners to play. The song is played in the key of D and uses standard tuning of E A D G B E, making it easy for everyone of all skill levels to play.

The chords used in the song include D, F#m, Bm, G, and A, and no capo is required. With its simple chord progression and relatable lyrics, “Hey There Delilah” is a perfect song for guitar players to learn and add to their repertoire.

The song’s simplicity and popularity make it a great choice for performances and sing-alongs with friends and family.

Let Her Go is a song by British singer-songwriter Passenger, real name Michael Rosenberg. It was released in 2012 as the second single from his fifth studio album, “All the Little Lights.” 

The song quickly gained popularity and reached the top of the charts in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.

The song’s melodic and emotive guitar riff, combined with Michael Rosenberg’s soulful and personal vocal delivery, made it a hit with audiences of all ages. The song has been covered by many artists and is still a popular song today.

The song’s relatable lyrics and powerful melody have made it a favorite of music fans around the world, and it continues to be played on radio stations and in movies, television shows, and commercials

The song is played in the key of Em and uses standard tuning of E A D G B E.

The chords used in the song include G, F, Am, C, and Em, and the capo is required to be placed on the 7th fret. The song’s simplicity makes it a great choice for guitar players to learn and add to their repertoire. 

“Wonderful Tonight” is a song written by Eric Clapton and released in 1987 on his album “Slowhand.” The song quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in many countries.

The song is considered one of the greatest love songs of all time.  Its relatable lyrics and powerful melody have made it a favorite of music fans around the world. It’s a reminder of the beauty of everyday life and the power of love and appreciation.

“Wonderful Tonight” is a classic love song that is easy for guitar players to play. The song is played in the key of G and uses standard tuning of E A D G B E. 

The chords used in the song include G, D/F#, C, D, and Em, and no capo is required. The song’s simple chord progression and relatable lyrics make it a perfect choice for guitar players to learn and add to their repertoire. 

Polly is a song by the American rock band Nirvana, written by frontman Kurt Cobain. It was released on the band’s second studio album, “Nevermind,” in 1991, and has since become one of Nirvana’s most recognizable and enduring songs.

The song uses standard tuning of E A D G B E and no capo is required. The chords used in the song include Em, G, D, C, C, and Bb, which gives a somber and eerie melody.

The song’s driving guitar riff and Cobain’s raw and anguished vocals are a perfect match for the disturbing subject matter of the song, which is based on a true story of a kidnapped and raped girl, with the lyrics written from the perspective of her captor.

Twist and Shout is a song by the Beatles, originally recorded by the Top Notes in 1961. The song was covered by the Beatles in 1964 and released on the album “Please Please Me”. 

It quickly became one of the band’s most popular songs and is considered one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time.

The song uses standard tuning of E A D G B E and no capo is required. The chords used in the song include D, G, A, A7, Bb, B, C, and C# that create an upbeat, high-energy rock and roll track, driven by John Lennon’s powerful and emotive vocals.

The lyrics of the song urge the listener to “Come on, come on, come on, come on, baby now, twist and shout.” The song’s catchy and upbeat melody, combined with the band’s high-energy performance, make it a perfect song for dancing and singing along.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring legacy of The Beatles and their influence on music.

Old Town Road” is a hit song by American rapper Lil Nas X. The song was released in 2019 and quickly gained popularity on the TikTok platform.

The song’s blend of country and hip-hop elements, along with its catchy chorus and memorable lyrics, helped it become a viral sensation.

It’s a hit song that’s easy to play on guitar even for the absolute beginner. The song uses standard tuning of E A D G B E and a capo on the 4th fret. The chords used in the song include E, G, D, and A, creating a catchy and infectious beat.

The song’s popularity helped it break several chart records and it eventually became the longest-running number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song’s success has also helped establish Lil Nas X as a major force in the music industry. Playing the song with these four chords, you can easily master the Old Town Road tune.