
~ by Turja Das Gupta
Guitar & Ukulele Head
~ by Turja Das Gupta
Guitar & Ukulele Head
Learning the guitar is one of the most rewarding musical journeys you can take. But as a beginner guitar player, it can feel overwhelming. So many artists, so many songs, and so many different chord shapes! The key is to start with songs that use simple chord progressions, basic strumming patterns, and recognizable melodies. That way, you not only learn quickly but also gain confidence even if you are a beginner guitar player as you hear yourself playing real music.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the famous songs from top guitar artists that are perfect for beginner guitar players. Each song will come with its chord progression and a few practical tips on strumming and rhythm. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap of songs to practice that gradually build your skills.
Many beginners spend weeks just memorizing chords or practicing scales. While that’s important, the real motivation comes when you can actually play a song you love. Learning songs helps you:
The Beatles wrote some of the most timeless and accessible songs in popular music. Their tunes often use just 3–4 open chords, making them perfect for a beginner guitar player.
C G Am F
When I find myself in times of trouble
C G F C
Mother Mary comes to me
This progression (C–G–Am–F) is one of the most common in music and will come up in countless other songs.
G D
We all live in a yellow submarine
C G
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine
A fun sing-along song that works great with group practice.
Bob Dylan is one of the most famous solo guitar artists. His music is rooted in folk, which is why it often uses very basic progressions. These are excellent for strumming practice for beginner guitar player.
G D
Mama, take this badge off of me
Am C
I can’t use it anymore
This is one of the most taught beginner songs worldwide—simple chords, easy tempo.
This song lets you focus on smooth chord changes rather than fancy strumming.
Oasis songs are incredibly popular among beginner guitar players because they sound great even with simple strumming.
Wonderwall
Em G D A
Today is gonna be the day that they’re gonna throw it back to you
A campfire classic that every beginner guitarist should know.
Ed Sheeran often uses looping and fingerpicking live, but his core songs are based on very simple chord structures making them a must for beginner guitar players.
G Em
I found a love for me
C D
Darling, just dive right in
Coldplay’s songs usually revolve around repetitive patterns that are perfect for beginner guitar player practice.
C
Look at the stars
F G
Look how they shine for you
Green Day is fantastic for beginner guitar players who want to get into power chords and a rock sound.
G C D
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Great for practicing sliding power chord shapes.
Taylor Swift’s early songs especially are built on very easy progressions, perfect for beginner guitar players, specially for all Swifties.
C G
We were both young
Am F
When I first saw you
So grab your guitar, pick one song from this list, and start strumming today! Explore acoustic guitar and electric guitar courses. And book a free trial class today!
-Turja Das Gupta
Guitar and Ukulele Head
Spardha School of Music