Learning to play the guitar? Now we understand the excitement of strumming that amazing instrument and getting yourself all disciplined and dedicated to learning how to play the guitar. You have made practice schedules, learning the basics, and getting yourself acquainted with the instrument.
You now know the different chords, the scales, your fingers are now used in playing the instrument, do you think it is about time to test the skill and finally play the first song after the long hours of practice. Exciting, isn’t it?
How to choose your first song to play?
In choosing your first song, it is of great importance that we consider the level of our skill with our song choice. Why? So that you won’t get frustrated. It is as simple as that. You may have learned the basics of the guitar, but songs also differ as per the level of difficulty. You may have chosen to play as a song requires advanced guitar skills than you have, so you may end up not being able to play the song and get frustrated. On the other hand, some songs have great melodies and simpler chords that you can play. You may also use this song to practicing or honing your guitar skills.
When you are just getting started with playing the guitar, it is fascinating to know that there are are many songs which a beginner can play. Most of these songs only have 2 or 3 major chords, and it is easy to pick up these songs when you are playing. As a beginner guitarist, these kinds of songs will fit the skill level that you are in. It will not complicate things for you, and it can be you can master the song as you try to hone and improve your guitar skills. You want to keep on learning and master playing the guitar, and playing these songs will help you in your continuous learning on how to play the guitar, and with practice, there is no doubt that you will get a better guitar player.
What is the importance of finding the right first song?
Finding easy songs to play is also good for your morale as you will not get disappointed if you find the chords difficult because you have not mastered the easy ones first. To be able to play a song is an achievement for an aspiring musician. So to help boost your ego, let’s start from the basic first. Take it one step at a time.
Now, as we have mentioned earlier, there are many songs that a beginner can play and enjoy the melody while strumming their guitars. The songs are easy to play, and they have great melodies. You may play the song, master it, and then as your skill advances, you can also choose another song that will fit your skill. In this article, we have compiled a list of songs that a beginner can play. If you are a beginner guitar player, this list is for you. Ready your guitar, remember the chords, ready what you have practiced, get some inspiration, and start strumming.
- “I Wanna Be There” by Blessed Union Of Souls – this song is written by Jeffrey Curtis Pence, Eliot Walker Sloan, Eddie James Hedges, and Matthew Joseph Senatore. I Wanna Be There is a meaningful love song that tells a man offering his love to a woman. It is about love and chances. Aside from the beautiful lyrics, this song also has easy chords that beginners can play.
It is composed of just three simple and major chords: G, C, and D, which one of the basic chords that you will need to know as you start learning the guitar. You can start strumming with the melody, and the chord progresses from G / C / D / G. It is very basic, and you can switch to each chord without any problems. As you listen to the melody, just follow the lead, and in no time, you will found yourself humming and finishing the song. “I Wanna Be There” is a good start-up song for beginners. It is not complicated, and the melody is easy to play.
- “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan – composed by Bob Dylan, this song was written for the soundtrack of the 1973 classic film Pat Garett and Billy the Kid. This song is a hit worldwide dominating the music charts worldwide. This song became so popular that it has become one of the most covered post-1960 compositions as it was covered by Eric Clapton, Guns N’ Roses, and many more.
This masterpiece has only for easy chords. Believe it or not. The progression is very simple. It starts with G-D Am and then goes back to G-D-C every other time. Though there a couple of chord variations, still they are simple chord you could also just leave them out and just focus on the main chord progression. You can also focus on strumming, which is a straight-up and down on a 16th note pattern. Strumming is an important part of the rhythm section.
- “What’s Up” by Four Non-Blonds – this song was written by Linda Perry, the lead vocalist of the rock musical group 4 Non-Blondes from their debut album in 1992. This song has become popular and also dominated the music charts upon their release. The song has a slow rock melody. It has more three chords Am, E, B, and D. However; it is really easy to play. The progression is easy; it repeats throughout the song. Thus, this song is perfect for beginners, and with just a little practice, you’ll sure to play this song perfectly.
- “Love Me Do” by the Beatles – perhaps one of the best songs to practice and play as a beginner. This song will only let you play two initial chords. The G major and the C major chords. If you get to the part that goes ” Someone to love…” you may add the D major chord. “Love Me Do” has a great melody and a very simple song to play.
Take note to follow the strumming patterns. The strumming pattern differs from the song that you choose, and every song has different strumming patterns. It is important to study the song’s strumming pattern.
- “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King – this classic song has a very good melody, nice to listen to, and an easy song for guitar. Probably one of the top choices among beginner guitar players, Stand By Me, is a popular song when it came out in 1960, yet since then it remained popular. It is among the top 500 best songs of all time by Rolling Stones Magazine. It is really pleasant to hear and has been covered by many famous artists. This great song has amazingly four easy chords.
The basic chords that you need to know are E minor, G, C, and D. This song has great strumming patterns, which can help you improve your rhythm. The chords of this song are the same. A nice classic song that you add on your playlist and a great song to begin with.
- “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Deep Something Blue – this 1995 hit by Deep Something Blue has topped the charts since its release. This song is perfect for beginners who are looking for an upbeat track. This is a great song that may sound complicated, but in reality, it only uses 3 chords! The chords you should know are D, A, and G. Amazing! The strumming pattern is also unique and fun to play with.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is excellent for developing rhythm. This is an excellent song choice for a beginner guitar player; It is important to listen and take note of the strumming pattern too.
- “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd – if you are country folk, well, this would be a great starter song for you. We all know that country music will never exist without the guitar. Country music breathes the guitar. This old rock song will surely move your country’s soul.
If you are a beginner, start with this song as it will surely be a boost to your ego as soon as you master it. Sweet Home Alabama is a piece of classic country music with easy chords. It can be easily learned on the guitar. The chords that you need all throughout the list are C, D, and G. The progression is also very easy. Listen to the song and get the plucking and the rhythm right. You will surely find yourself enjoying a moment of rhythm and blues with this country song.
- “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus – Country Music are fun. They tell so many stories, and the rhythm varies from the blues to the upbeat country cowboy style. “Achy Breaky Heart” is a popular song that has an upbeat country beat. The melody is really catchy, and it is easy to sing along with. If you are into country music and loves the country scene, this is another song that you may need to start off as a beginner guitarist.
The chords are simple, and we are talking of using just two chords! The chords that you need are C and G. The chorus and the verses follow the same pattern, so they are easy to play. “Achy Breaky Heart” is an excellent song choice for a beginner who loves the country scene.
- “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morisson – This is a classic song which is part of most weddings and parties. It is upbeat, and the lyrics will make you fall in love. Fortunately, this song is also easy to play. It uses only 3 guitar chords: G major, C major, and D major and E minor. Just like any other song, study the rhythm of the song before playing them. It will make things easier for you.
The progression and the pattern of this song are G | C | G | D Then C | D | G | Em. Listen to the song and strum the pattern, just like in the song. “Brown Eyed Girl” is an enjoyable song to play and is a great starter song for a beginner guitarist.
- “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley – perhaps you may want to start your guitar career with a Bob Marley song and get into the reggae vibe, well good news, this is just the song for you. Don’t worry about a thing as this song is one of the easiest to play. It uses only 3 major chords: A, D, and E. Yep, a very good song with 3 chords. Fantastic!
You should really get the strumming right to play this song and feel the “island” vibe as you get along and play this song. Do not worry because, just like the song says, “every little thing is gonna be alright.” This song is a great song for jamming.
As we have mentioned earlier, these are just a few of the many songs that you can play as a beginner. By practicing, you should be able to master the chords and to learn to change between chords with ease. You may need to add some things like a capo, as you may need as you continually learn how to play other songs. The capo is used to change the key of the song or raise the pitch. A capo also makes it possible to play different sets of chords, which can make it easier for you to play a song. In conclusion, after having been practicing the guitar and have been extra disciplined in mastering it, a song is a good reward for yourself to see the fruit of your hard work. Start with the easiest song to play. A song that goes with your skills. You don’t have to worry because as your skill progress and so are the songs that you can play. Take it a day at a time. As a beginner, the first song that you play could be very important to you. Choose the song that fits your skill. Do not be disappointed if you don’t get it right away. Try again. Practice makes perfect. Enjoy the song. Sing a song and happy strumming!
