Learning to play an instrument can be overwhelming at first, but choosing easy songs to play on the guitar is one of the most effective ways to build confidence and stay engaged. 

Playing familiar tunes is fun, and research shows that students practice longer and enjoy lessons more when they work on self-selected songs. 

Every small success—like strumming a full song or mastering a chord progression—builds momentum. Setting goals such as “learn one new song this week” and celebrating each milestone is a powerful way to boost self-confidence. 

Plus, learning songs instead of just exercises gives you a meaningful repertoire to share at campfires or open-mic nights, making practice feel more rewarding.

Why Learning Popular Songs Boosts Confidence and Motivation

Choosing popular songs that students love taps into the psychology of choice and relevance. When students pick their own repertoire (often inspired by favorite artists or hits), they tend to practice longer and with more focus. 

Based on our experience at Angeles Academy of Music, students tend to spend significantly more time practicing and using advanced techniques when working on self-chosen songs compared to teacher-assigned pieces.

This sense of ownership means even a few minutes of practice on a beloved song can feel exciting rather than like a chore. Just a few extra minutes of focused practice (often underestimated) can compound into significant progress when done consistently over time.

Moreover, mastering a new song provides a clear sense of achievement. Each time you learn a chord change or a strumming pattern, it’s a “small victory” that builds real confidence.

Over time these victories add up – you start to see yourself as a musician who can play, sing, and perform. Performing a song in front of friends or at an open mic (even a casual family gathering) is also a confidence booster. 

Playing for others helps overcome stage fright; each successful performance under pressure teaches you that you can handle it—in music and beyond.

Learning easy, familiar songs also means quicker wins. Instead of struggling endlessly with theory or technique, beginners can focus on the fun of making music right away. 

This immediate reward cycle helps with retention: keeping lessons short-term fun keeps students coming back and steadily improving. 

In short, popular easy songs give guitar students a reason to practice (because they enjoy it), help them develop skills in context, and provide quick gratification – all of which boosts motivation and memory.

5 Easy Songs to Play on Guitar for Beginners

Below are five student favorites that complete beginners can learn quickly. Each song uses only a handful of chords and simple strumming. We include why it’s effective, the chords/techniques it teaches, how long it takes to learn, sing-along appeal, and best use-cases.

“A Horse with No Name” – America (1971)

This mellow folk-rock tune is one of the easiest songs to learn on guitar. It uses just two chords (Em and D6/9) and a straightforward 4/4 strum. 

Because the chords each last a full bar and the strumming pattern is repetitive, beginners can master the chord change by counting “1–2–3–4” per chord. In practice, many students pick it up in just a couple of days of practice. 

  • Why it works: The dreamy sound and “la-la-la” chorus make it fun to sing along, which encourages practice.

  • What you learn: Basic down-strum and chord rhythm (no barre chords at all).

  • Learning time: About 1–3 days of casual practice to get comfortable.

  • Sing-along: Very high – the chorus is just “na-na” vocals that everyone can join in.

  • Best for: Campfire jams or background music at gatherings (its relaxed vibe is perfect for outdoor or acoustic settings). 

“Love Me Do” – The Beatles (1962)

This was one of the Beatles’ first hits, and it’s amazingly simple on guitar. It mainly alternates between G7 and C chords, with only a tiny D in the brief bridge. The G7→C progression is very easy on the hands. 

  • Why it works: It’s upbeat and immediately recognizable, which keeps beginners motivated.

  • What you learn: Smooth switching between G7 and C (two basic open chords) and a simple 4/4 strum.

  • Learning time: 2–3 days to groove on the strumming pattern and lyrics.

  • Sing-along: High – this classic tune is fun to belt out once the chord changes click.

  • Best for: Beginner practice and sing-alongs with friends (great for living-room jam sessions). 

“Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley (1977)

This one is a cheerful reggae favorite, this song uses just three chords – A, D, and E. According to Bateman, it’s a “very nice and easy beginner guitar song only using three chords”. 

The strumming is down-up reggae style (you can keep it very simple), which teaches beginners about rhythmic off-beats. 

  • Why it works: Its positive “don’t worry” message and catchy rhythm instantly encourage singing along.

  • What you learn: Standard open chords (A, D, E) and basic reggae strumming accents.

  • Learning time: 1–3 days to nail the chord changes and feel the groove.

  • Sing-along: Very high – this feel-good anthem has an irresistible chorus.

  • Best for: Beach trips, summer cookouts, or any laid-back hangout where an acoustic guitar provides the soundtrack. 

“Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison (1967)

This upbeat pop-rock standard is often used by teachers because it reinforces the first four chords new players learn. As Bateman notes, it “uses the 4 most basic guitar chords I start my students on” (G, Em, C, D). 

There are a few stops and a strumming pattern variation (including “sha la la” in the chorus) which helps build coordination. 

  • Why it works: Everyone loves singing the “sha la la” refrain, and the chord changes (G→Em→C→D) are extremely common in popular music.

  • What you learn: Smooth open-chord transitions and a fun strum.

  • Learning time: About 1 week to get comfortable with all the chord shifts and rhythm.

  • Sing-along: Very high – the song is a sing-along classic at parties.

  • Best for: Parties, weddings, or casual gigs – it’s a danceable tune that always gets people moving.

“Stand By Me” – Ben E. King (1961)

This soulful ballad has a simple chord progression ideal for beginners (in the key of G it uses G, Em, C, D, with a capo on 2nd fret). The tempo is slow and steady, which makes timing and chord changes easier to manage. 

  • Why it works: Its steady rhythm and inspiring lyrics keep students engaged as they learn.

  • What you learn: Four basic open chords with a capo and a relaxed strum (each chord holds for 4 beats).

  • Learning time: About a week to practice the strum and smooth chord transitions.

  • Sing-along: High – it’s a widely loved classic, perfect for soulful duets or personal performances.

  • Best for: Romantic serenades (think proms or dates), open mics, and gospel or soul nights.

5 Easy Songs to Play on Acoustic Guitar (or Electric) for Beginner-Intermediate Players

“Wonderwall” – Oasis (1995)

A ’90s acoustic-rock anthem that nearly everyone recognizes. It uses common open chords (Em, G, D, A7sus4, and C) with a capo on the 2nd fret. According to guitar resources, “Wonderwall is one of those songs that everyone probably knows and can all sing around a campfire.”

  • Why it works: It reinforces changing chords with a capo and introduces a non-standard chord shape (A7sus4).

  • What you learn: Strumming with a capo, timing syncopated rhythms, and capoed chord shapes.

  • Learning time: 1–2 weeks to master both the strum/pattern and the vocal melody.

  • Sing-along: Very high – crowds love singing the chorus together.

  • Best for: Acoustic gigs, campfire jams, and when you want a dramatic sing-along moment.

“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day (1997)

A modern classic with a simple but beautiful chord progression in G major, using chords like G, Cadd9, Dsus4, and Em. The optional acoustic picking intro and open-chord strum make it a great bridge between rhythm and melody.

  • Why it works: The intro teaches fingerpicking basics, while the verses reinforce timing and transitions.

  • What you learn: Gentle strum patterns, finger-picking arpeggios, and common chord shapes (G, Em, Cadd9, Dsus4).

  • Learning time: Around 1–2 weeks, especially if learning both the intro and strumming parts.

  • Sing-along: High – a sentimental favorite at graduations and weddings.

  • Best for: Solo acoustic sets and heartfelt performances.

“Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple (1972)

This song is usually always on the list of the easy rock songs to play on guitar. Though originally an electric-rock staple, the legendary four-note riff can be played on acoustic or electric guitar using just a few power chords or double-stops.

  • Why it works: The iconic riff is recognizable and only requires a basic shape that’s moved across frets.

  • What you learn: Power chords, riff timing, and basic fretboard movement.

  • Learning time: 1–2 weeks to nail the timing and play the riff confidently.

  • Sing-along: Low – it’s more of a riff showcase than a sing-along.

  • Best for: Rock jam sessions or impressing friends with your first recognizable riff.

“Wish You Were Here” – Pink Floyd (1975)

A staple of acoustic-rock, this song blends a simple arpeggiated intro with open-chord strumming (Em, G, C, D, A7sus4, etc.), making it a favorite for emotional performances.

  • Why it works: It bridges single-note intro playing with open chord transitions in a mellow, reflective tune.

  • What you learn: Intro fingerpicking, Em→G→C/D transitions, and A7sus4 usage.

  • Learning time: Around 2 weeks to confidently play both the intro and vocal sections.

  • Sing-along: High – the chorus is widely known and deeply emotional.

  • Best for: Intimate performances, acoustic sets, and building solo confidence.

“Zombie” – The Cranberries (1994)

This 90s alt-rock hit uses a haunting, repetitive progression (Em, Cmaj7, G6, D6), which are slight variations of basic open chords.

  • Why it works: The repeated pattern with slight chord extensions adds interest without being too difficult.

  • What you learn: Chord embellishments (maj7/6), strong rhythmic strumming, and maintaining consistency.

  • Learning time: About 1 week to lock in the pattern and energy of the strum.

  • Sing-along: Moderately high – the chorus is cathartic and memorable.

  • Best for: Rock-themed sessions, unplugged sets, or jamming with a band.

Each of these songs is deliberately chosen to be fun and rewarding at the beginner stage. By learning them, students not only build useful skills (chord changes, strumming patterns, timing, simple riffs) but also gain a sense of mastery.

When a student sings a complete song after a few lessons, their confidence skyrockets, and that’s what keeps them coming back for more lessons!

Wrapping It Up

If you're just getting started or leveling up your strumming game, these picks are seriously the best easy songs to play on the guitar—hands down. They’re fun, recognizable, and give you that “whoa, I’m actually playing music!” kind of feeling early on, which is huge for building confidence.

So keep it simple, keep it fun, and remember—guitar isn’t about playing it perfect. It’s about playing it at all. Start with these songs, stick with it, and the rest will come naturally. You've got this.

And if you want a little extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Angeles Academy of Music for the most helpful guitar lessons in Los Angeles. We’ve been helping students—young, grown-up, total beginners, and rising stars—learn the right songs, the right way, and actually enjoy the ride. 

With our super rigorous hiring process, we have onboarded some of the best guitar teachers in Los Angeles, CA. So, book a trial lesson today and let’s make music happen.

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