You pick up your guitar, eager to play something that will impress your friends—but every song you find feels way too hard. Barre chords, complicated rhythms, confusing tabs…it’s enough to make you want to give up.
You don’t need to tackle impossible songs to sound good. If you’re searching for easy acoustic guitar songs for beginners, you’re in the right place. These songs use simple chords, familiar patterns, and will have you playing full songs faster than you think.
What Makes an Acoustic Guitar Song Easy?
When you’re just beginning to learn guitar, you need songs that let you build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. So what makes an acoustic guitar song “easy”?
It’s all about the chords. The easiest songs stick to basic open chords like G, C, D, A, and E shapes that are comfortable for beginners to form and switch between. These beginner chords show up in tons of popular songs, which makes them perfect for early practice sessions.
You also want simple, steady patterns that repeat throughout the song. No fancy picking or syncopation—just a rhythm that keeps you in time and helps you focus on getting the basics right.
An excellent, simple song doesn’t change keys or throw in unexpected twists. The structure stays predictable, so you can focus on playing guitar notes cleanly and confidently. The best part? Many of these “easy” songs still sound great, so you’ll feel like a real musician from the start.
60 Easy Acoustic Guitar Songs for Beginners
If you’re a new acoustic guitar player, learning a variety of songs that are simple is the best way to stay motivated and have fun. These acoustic songs are simple, basic four-chord songs with steady rhythms and no overwhelming techniques. With just a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Classic Rock Acoustic Songs
For fans of timeless hits with straightforward chord progressions and singable melodies.
Released in 1962, this early Beatles hit features a simple two-chord progression (G and C) that makes it one of the easiest songs for beginners to pick up. It’s perfect for practicing rhythm and switching chords confidently.
A staple of classic rock and wedding playlists alike, this 1967 hit uses a repetitive I-IV-V progression and bright rhythm, making it a joyful song to strum and sing along with.
A must-learn for every acoustic guitarist, this Dylan classic from 1973 uses four chords and a slow, soulful tempo. It’s great for practicing chord transitions and emotional dynamics.
Upbeat and catchy, this 1969 track sticks to D, A, and G chords, and is ideal for learning fast strumming and staying in rhythm.
Released in 1975, this emotional anthem introduces beginners to a blend of strumming and simple picking. Its mellow pace gives you room to focus on your technique.
This 1972 folk-rock favorite mixes just a few chords with a steady rhythm. It’s perfect for learning consistency and feeling a song’s groove.
With a country-rock vibe and leisurely tempo, this song is great for beginners looking to ease into Stones classics with just a few chords.
This politically charged anthem from 1989 uses simple chord shapes and a driving rhythm. It’s great for learning how to maintain energy while playing.
A folk-rock essential, this song features a repeating chord pattern and lyrics encouraging expressive playing. Perfect for group sing-alongs.
An iconic protest song from the 60s, its predictable chord changes and steady rhythm make it easy to learn while practicing storytelling through music.
Southern rock at its finest, this song uses D, C, and G chords throughout. It’s a fun and energetic track for mastering consistency.
One of the ultimate beginner guitar songs, this garage rock classic uses three chords and lets you focus entirely on rhythm and confidence.
Released in 1977, this smooth groove from the ‘Rumours’ album is laid-back and great for working on strumming patterns and chord control.
While it can be played simply, this song introduces expressive dynamics and phrasing. A good step up for learners wanting to explore mood.
A slow ballad with basic chord shapes, this track gives new players time to focus on clean transitions and musical feel.
Combining acoustic picking and rich folk tones, this track is ideal for players who want to explore texture while staying within a manageable skill range.
A laid-back groove with consistent rhythm and accessible chords. It’s great for learning how to lock into a song’s feel.
This soulful tune offers gentle changes and flowing rhythms. It’s a great intro to dynamics and musical storytelling.
Rooted in southern rock and blues, this tune challenges beginners with subtle lead fills and clean rhythm playing.
This track blends soft passages and thoughtful lyrics. It’s excellent for learning patience in your playing and introducing expressive timing.
90s Rock & Grunge
Stripped-down versions of raw, emotional ’90s favorites are perfect for rhythm practice and building confidence.
A go-to beginner song, this acoustic ballad mixes open chords with a basic picking pattern, making it ideal for practicing chord clarity and finger strength.
This slow, brooding song is a great introduction to power chords and dynamics. The repetitive structure helps build confidence and rhythm.
A foundational grunge track that leans on open chords and a steady strumming pattern—perfect for beginners who love the ’90s sound.
Upbeat and power-chord heavy, this song helps you work on timing and switching shapes without losing the groove.
Known for its relaxed feel and steady progression, this song gives you room to focus on clean chord changes and tone.
With looping open chords and a strong vocal melody, this song is both rewarding to learn and great for performance practice.
This emotionally charged track features a slow rhythm and steady transitions, allowing beginners to work on expression and tone.
Fast and fun, this song combines an energetic rhythm with familiar chord shapes to keep your strumming sharp.
A 90s rock staple that mixes open chords with the occasional barre, perfect for easing into more advanced techniques.
This mellow track helps beginners explore dynamics, from quiet strums to fuller, more emotional sounds.
A little more complex, but approachable with practice, this track sharpens strumming skills and builds endurance.
This acoustic ballad offers an intro to alternate tunings and soft fingerpicking—a significant next step for developing your ear and touch.
This song’s clean arpeggios and steady rhythm help beginners build picking accuracy and fluidity.
A rock ballad classic with open chords and emotional delivery. It’s great for working on timing and voice-led transitions.
Romantic and dramatic, this song lets you practice dynamics and slow chord progressions with a melodic structure.
Quick chord changes and syncopation make this one a fun challenge for players looking to push their rhythm skills.
Upbeat and catchy, this power-pop anthem has quick transitions that sharpen chord fluency and help build speed.
Indie & Alternative
Modern melodies and emotionally driven chord progressions make these songs perfect for expressive, chill playing sessions.
A feel-good indie folk anthem with just four simple chords. Its repetitive downstrum pattern and catchy rhythm make it perfect for beginners who want quick wins.
Arguably, the most iconic beginner guitar song of the ’90s. With capo-friendly open chords and a steady strum, this one builds confidence fast.
Though slightly more complex in feel, the simplified chord version of this emotional ballad helps you work on dynamics and control without overwhelming finger work.
This soulful indie-pop hit has a bouncy rhythm and clear chord shapes—ideal for developing timing and getting comfortable playing with feel.
A gentle, introspective song that combines light fingerpicking with soft strumming. It’s a beautiful way to practice mood and texture on the guitar.
Folk & Traditional
Rooted in storytelling and sing-alongs, these songs are perfect for beginners who love strong melodies and steady rhythms.
A country-folk classic with just three chords and a bold rhythm. Great for building timing, confidence, and learning how to lead with your strumming hand.
This timeless spiritual is built around a repetitive structure and simple chord progression—ideal for group playing and learning chord memory.
A folk favorite with a playful rhythm and predictable chord changes. It’s a fun choice for practicing clean transitions and consistent tempo.
Pop & Modern
Catchy, accessible, and familiar—these songs keep things simple while helping you sound polished from the start.
This 80s pop-rock hit features a driving rhythm and an easy chord loop, making it perfect for strumming practice and building stamina.
A heartfelt modern ballad that introduces chord extensions and smoother transitions. A great step for beginners ready to challenge their fingers just a little.
Country
Straightforward chord progressions, heartfelt lyrics, and a rhythm that feels like home—perfect for players who love to sing and strum.
This modern country ballad is built on sustained chords and emotional delivery. Great for working on clean transitions and expressive strumming.
This cinematic pop-country song blends barre chords and dramatic dynamics, ideal for developing control and playing with intensity.
With its steady groove and gospel-inspired feel, this song is fantastic for building confidence and adding personal flair to your strumming.
Singer-Songwriter
Emotional, personal, and often built around simple progressions—these songs are ideal for building expression and storytelling through your playing.
A 90s anthem with a steady four-chord loop that’s easy to memorize and great for sing-alongs. Perfect for building chord confidence and volume control.
This grungy acoustic track has a hypnotic progression (Em–C–G–D) that’s excellent for practicing repetition and dynamics.
A steady, empowering song that uses open chords and a relaxed tempo. It’s great for working on consistency and clarity.
A laid-back classic with a simple, looping progression—ideal for honing rhythm and strumming flow.
This tongue-in-cheek acoustic tune is built on straightforward chords and a clean, repetitive rhythm. Fun and easy to learn.
Mellow and optimistic, this song features simple chords and a steady pace—great for easing into more expressive playing.
A high-energy track with classic rock vibes. Its open chords and uplifting tempo make it a solid go-to for rhythm training.
A timeless beginner favorite with D, G, and Asus4. Perfect for learning chord clarity and timing.
Familiar riffs and open chords make this one fun and achievable, even for new players.
With a down-home feel and manageable tempo, this song is great for building strumming accuracy and keeping a steady beat.
Easy Acoustic Guitar Songs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest song to play on an acoustic guitar?
“Love Me Do” by The Beatles is one of the easiest songs to play on an acoustic guitar. It uses just two basic chords (G and C), making it perfect for absolute beginners.
What is the absolute easiest song to play on guitar?
“Wild Thing” by The Troggs is often considered the absolute easiest song to play on guitar. It features a simple three-chord progression and a repetitive strumming pattern that’s great for first-time players.
What is a famous 3 chord song?
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan is a famous three-chord song. It uses the G, D, and C chords, making it a popular and accessible choice for beginners.
Learn Easy Acoustic Guitar Songs in Lessons with Chambers Music Studio
Ready to play your favorite songs with confidence? Our expert instructors make learning easy, fun, and personalized to your style. Sign up for acoustic guitar lessons at Chambers Music Studio today and start making music from your very first session!
