9 Songs Every Beginner Should Know

Author Bio:  * Plays for the band Your Name In Neon * Has been playing for 9 years * Has 3 years teaching experience * Is in love with the Beatles * Has been gigging for 7 years * Has a secret crush on The Bangles * Is a beginner specialist * Has been a session guitarist

For the beginner guitarist, here is a list of 9 songs that are easily recognisable, easy to learn and will leave you feeling good after a run through. By learning the 9 songs listed below you will have covered some essential basics e.g. strumming patterns, string skipping with the plectrum, barre chords, single string riffs and leads. These techniques will lay the foundation for your guitar playing so the
songs should not be rushed and should be worked on tirelessly. I have listed them in an order from easiest to the hardest.

Strumming Songs

1. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan

The song consists of four chords in the key of G major: G, D, Am7, and
C. The basic pattern throughout the song is G-D-Am7-Am7 and then
G-D-C-C, and this is repeated. Its is a good song to try out many
different strumming patterns.

2. Wonderwall by Oasis

Wonderwall is one of Oasis’s most popular songs and in 2008 it was 76th
in the UK’s list of best-selling singles. The chords change a little
quicker in this songs but the core of this song has a straight forward
finger movements. Focus on the strumming rhythm.

3. Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes

Blister in the Sun is a song by American rock band Violent Femmes,
released on their 1983 debut Violent Femmes. This is a party
favourite. The song is played with the four chords (G, C, E minor, D)
has a simple and fun to play introduction riff. The song has a rock
edge to it and will introduce the beginner to ranging their sound from
quiet to loud.

4. Don McLean- American Pie

A classic rock standard, American Pie, is a somewhat challenging song
for a beginner?s because of its length and tempo. The song uses 10
chords (G, D, E Minor7, A Minor, C, E Minor, A Minor7, D7, A7, A), but
the beginner can get away with major chords of G, D, E, A, and D
Minor, and it will still sound good.

Introducing the F chord

4. House of the Rising Sun (Traditional)

The House of the Rising Sun is a folk song from the United States and
is also called “House of the Rising Sun” or occasionally “Rising Sun
Blues?. There are many versions of the song but I would recommend
learning the version recorded by the band The Animals.

5. Mr Jones by Counting Crows

This track was Counting Crows first radio hit and remains one of
their most popular singles. A surprisingly large number of people know
the words to this whole song.  Another party classic

String Skipping Songs

6. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) is a popular song by the American
rock band Green Day. This song can be learnt with a finger picking
technique as well as with a plectrum.

Power chords (Fifth Chords)

7. Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

This song is the opening track and lead single from the band’s second
album, Nevermind (1991). The song will introduce the beginner to the
muted strum technique. It’s easy to play this song badly so keep your
timing and fretting in check.

Riff Based Songs

8. Sunshine of Your Love by Cream

The British supergroup Cream, released this track on the Disraeli
Gears album. It features a distinctive guitar riff and an
acclaimed guitar solo from Eric Clapton. This song has a great groove
and introduces a bluesy flavour. For a laugh, play it while pecking
your head back and forth.

Solos

9. Knocking on Heaven’s Door by Guns and Roses

Guns and Roses version of the song is a good place to start when you
feel the time is right to tackle your first guitar solo. The solo is
extremely tasteful and fun to play.  Get together with a fellow
guitarist and take turns playing rhythm and lead.