As a beginner guitarist, it’s important to start with songs that are both iconic and relatively straightforward to play. Here are seven classic guitar songs that every beginner should consider learning:
- “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan:
- This timeless song features basic open chords (G, D, C, and Am) and a simple strumming pattern. It’s a great starting point for beginners and offers an opportunity to practice chord transitions.
- “Wonderwall” by Oasis:
- “Wonderwall” is known for its distinctive chord progression (Em7, G, D, A7sus4) and strumming pattern. It’s a favorite among beginner guitarists and is instantly recognizable.
- “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison:
- This song incorporates basic open chords like G, C, D, and E minor. It’s an upbeat and catchy tune that’s perfect for practicing chord changes and strumming.
- “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals:
- This classic folk song uses a simple fingerstyle picking pattern, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore fingerpicking techniques. The chords used are Am, C, D, F, and E.
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King:
- “Stand by Me” features a straightforward chord progression (G, Em, C, D) and a gentle strumming pattern. It’s a timeless song that’s both enjoyable to play and sing along to.
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
- This iconic Beatles song uses basic open chords (C, G, Am, F) and features a beautiful melody. It’s a great introduction to playing songs by one of the greatest bands in history.
- “Horse with No Name” by America:
- “Horse with No Name” primarily uses two simple chords, Em and D6/9, along with some basic strumming. It’s a relaxing song with a distinctive sound.
Remember that practice is key to mastering these songs. Start with one that appeals to you the most and gradually work your way through the list. As you become more comfortable with these songs, you can begin exploring more complex techniques and a broader repertoire.
