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9 Songs Every Beginner Should Know

Here is a list of 9 songs every beginner should know. These are easy to learn and will leave you feeling good after a run through. By learning these 9 songs every beginner should know 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.

Here are the basic strumming songs every beginner should know. Some can be picked as well.

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 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.  Now in the next song we are introducing you to 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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

That is the list of 9 essential good songs that every beginner should know. Enjoy and let us know what you think of them in the comments section.

* 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

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Awesome Information, thanks for this great Post. I will come back later . Great information about learning guitar playing

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