48 Easy Rock Songs To Play on Guitar

Are you a growing guitarist, eager to dive into the world of rock music? If so, you're in the right place!

(Pro Tip: We're all growing guitarists, always.)

Learning to play guitar is an exciting journey, and the best way to start is by mastering easy rock songs. These songs act as stepping stones, building your guitar skills and confidence as you progress toward more complex pieces.

Starting with easy rock songs offers numerous advantages for beginners. Not only do they help you grasp fundamental techniques, but they also provide a solid foundation for future growth. By focusing on simpler melodies and chord progressions, you can develop your sense of rhythm, coordination, and finger dexterity without feeling overwhelmed.

Easy rock songs offer a gentle introduction to the guitar, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the instrument's nuances and develop a feel for its sound.

Most importantly, learning familiar songs creates a fun and motivating environment around learning to play the guitar.

These songs can provide a sense of accomplishment, fueling your motivation to continue learning and improving. As you tackle each new song, you'll witness your progress firsthand, boosting your confidence and inspiring you to take on more challenging pieces.

This is why learning programs like Rocksmith+ will help push your learning path forward, as you learn new songs and techniques while having a good time.

So grab your guitar, tune those strings, and get ready to rock! We're here to guide you through the exhilarating world of easy rock songs and help you lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical exploration.

Tips and Tricks for Easy Rock Songs:

Start with familiar songs: Choose easy rock songs that you already enjoy listening to. Familiarity with the melody and structure will make it easier to learn and play along. Plus, playing songs you love adds an extra level of excitement and motivation to your practice sessions.

Break it down: Take a systematic approach to learning each song. Start by breaking the song into smaller sections, such as verses, choruses, and bridges. Focus on mastering one section at a time before moving on to the next. This approach allows you to build confidence gradually and prevents overwhelming yourself with the entire song. When learning in Rocksmith+, the songs are already broken down into different phrases for you.

Adaptive Difficulty: One more way you can break a song down is by taking advantage of the Adaptive Difficulty feature in Rocksmith+. This system adjusts a song's complexity section by section based on your performance so that any song in the library is playable and learnable. As you play notes correctly you'll be shown more and more notes until you're playing it note-for-note as it was originally played. Conversely, if you're struggling in a particular section, Rocksmith+ can dial things back so you're never overwhelmed. While this is an optional feature you can toggle on or off or customize to your liking, it's another great way to get started and make any song in the library easier.

Simplified arrangements: Sometimes, it's easiest to get started by playing a more simple arrangement of a song. These types of arrangements represent more achievable goals for a beginner by limiting the amount of techniques or chords a player may be exposed to. And you can still use Adaptive Difficulty with Simple arrangements when you're getting started. Once you mastered a Simple arrangement it'll still sound like the song you're familiar with. It's a great short-term goal on the journey to playing an authentic Lead or Rhythm arrangement to be just like the original artist. Simple arrangements or simplified versions of chord charts (with Root Notes or Power Chords) are just some of the arrangements that you can learn to play in Rocksmith+.

Practice with a metronome: Timing is crucial in playing any instrument, especially in rock music. Use a metronome to develop a solid sense of rhythm and timing. Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Practicing with a metronome will improve your overall timing and help you stay in sync with the music.

Focus on accuracy before speed: It's tempting to play songs as fast as possible, but accuracy should always be the priority, especially when learning. Start by playing the song at a slower tempo and concentrate on hitting the right notes and chords with precision. As you gain proficiency, gradually increase the speed while maintaining accuracy. The Riff Repeater tool in Rocksmith+ lets you adjust your speed by 1 percent increments for precise practice.

Master the basic chords: Many easy rock songs revolve around basic chords like A, D, E, G, and C. Spend time mastering these fundamental chords and transitioning between them smoothly. Practice chord progressions in different songs to strengthen your chord-changing abilities and develop muscle memory.

Pay attention to strumming patterns: Strumming patterns bring life and rhythm to rock songs. Listen closely to the original recording and pay attention to how the strumming patterns align with the lyrics and melody. Practice replicating those patterns and experiment with adding your own variations once you feel comfortable.

Play along with the original recording: Whenever possible, play along with the original recording of the song. This allows you to synchronize your playing with the tempo, dynamics, and overall feel of the song. Playing along with the original track helps develop your musical ear and improves your ability to play in a band or ensemble setting. The Rocksmith+ library always features original recordings from the credited artists rather than soundalike versions.

Play In Tune: Make sure your guitar is always in tune when practicing. As you progress, you will build your "musical ear" --- getting used to playing even slightly out of tune can create issues down the road.

Analyze your progress: After playing any song on Rocksmith+, you will receive a score based on your accuracy and difficulty, coming together for an overall score for the song. As you practice and perfect certain sections, you'll be able to track your progress and improvements both with that particular song, and overall too!

Have fun and be patient: Remember that learning guitar is a journey, and it's important to enjoy the process. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and don't get discouraged by occasional mistakes. With consistent practice and patience, you'll gradually improve and gain the confidence to tackle more challenging rock songs.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to mastering easy rock songs and building a strong foundation for your guitar playing. Keep practicing, stay motivated, and enjoy the exhilaration of rocking out to your favorite tunes!

What Are the Best Easy Rock Songs?

Before we dive into the list, remember, rock has been around for generations. This means the term "rock" and the type of music it represents has changed.

Rock could refer to 90s punk, 80s hair bands, or even that 60s upbeat hot rodders music.

Don't limit yourself to one style of rock --- as a musician, take advantage of trying and learning a wide range of styles!

With that, here are 48 easy rock songs worth giving a go:

• "Poison" by Alice Cooper is a good song for beginner guitar players due to its simple chord progressions, catchy riffs, and the opportunity to practice common rock techniques. The moderate tempo and popularity of the song also make it an engaging choice to learn and play.

• "Stargazer" by American Hi-Fiis a good song for guitar players to learn as it features straightforward power chord progressions, a memorable main riff, and a moderate tempo. It provides an opportunity to practice basic rock techniques and offers an enjoyable and recognizable song to play.

• "Howl" by Beware of Darkness can be a fun song for guitarists to learn due to its simple yet powerful riff-based structure, which helps develop rhythm and coordination skills. The song's moderate tempo and catchy melody make it an engaging choice for beginners to practice and enjoy.

• "The Story" by Brandi Carlile is a folk-rock anthem with a raw, passionate style. It gives players a chance to practice fingerpicking patterns and strumming patterns, and it incorporates slides and open chords that can help guitarists expand their skillset. Rocksmith+'s simple arrangement for "The Story" makes this song an approachable choice for beginner guitar players just getting started.

• "Clampdown" by The Clash is a combination of punk energy and melodic hooks. It offers an opportunity for beginners to practice power chords, palm muting, and basic punk rock rhythm playing, all while capturing the spirit of the influential punk band.

• "Boys Don't Cry" by The Cure is an iconic tune from the British rock band The Cure, featuring an upbeat, new wave sound that fuses pop with post-punk. This song mainly uses open and power chord shapes, making it a great chance for guitarists to finetune their skills.

• "Friday I'm In Love" by The Cure has a pop-infused, joyful sound and bright guitar chords that bounce between D Major, G Major, A Major, and C Major. The major chords make this tune approachable for beginners, but fun for pro guitar players, too. The mix of the chord progression with the clean guitar sound creates a vibrant, sunny backdrop for Robert Smith's lighthearted vocals. With a simple arrangement available on Rocksmith+, "Friday I'm In Love" is a great choice for guitarists still learning to master basic skills.

• "Boring Life" by FAR offers an opportunity to explore intricate and melodic guitar parts within an alternative rock context. The song features unique chord progressions, dynamic changes, and expressive solos, allowing guitarists to develop their skills in playing complex and emotionally-driven music.

• "The Star Spangled Banner / 4th of July Reprise" by Boston is not only the pride of the Red, White, and Blue, but a great song for guitar players to practice as it allows them to work on their fingerpicking technique, chord transitions, and playing melodies. The song's recognizable and patriotic nature also adds a sense of motivation and accomplishment.

• "Summer of '69" by Bowling for Soup is a fun song with its energetic and nostalgic vibe. It features simple chord progressions, easy strumming patterns, and a catchy melody, making it an enjoyable and rewarding song to play while practicing essential guitar skills.

• "Stinker" by The Chats gives you a chance to dive into a raw, heavy, punk rock sound with fun lyrics. The song consists of straightforward power chords, a driving rhythm, and an easy-to-follow structure, allowing beginners to practice their power chord techniques while enjoying the energetic and rebellious spirit of the song.

• "You Don't Belong" by Daughtry is a good song for all players as it features a mix of acoustic and electric guitar parts, allowing beginners to practice both styles. The song's straightforward chord progressions, melodic hooks, and moderate tempo make it accessible and enjoyable for beginner guitarists to learn and play.

• "The Battle Rages On" by Deep Purple showcases advanced techniques such as fast-paced riffing, intricate solos, and dynamic shifts. By tackling this song, guitarists can enhance their technical skills, improve speed and accuracy, and gain insight into Deep Purple's iconic rock sound.

• "Nightmares" by A Flock of Seagulls provides a chance to practice simple yet effective guitar parts, including basic chords, strumming patterns, and catchy riffs. The song's accessible structure and melodic hooks make it an enjoyable and rewarding choice for beginners to develop their skills.

• "Superman" by Goldfinger can teach players power chords, palm muting, and fast-paced punk rock strumming. The song also offers an opportunity to practice catchy guitar riffs and solo sections, allowing players to enhance their coordination, speed, and overall understanding of energetic punk rock guitar playing.

• "The American Dream Is Killing Me" by Green Dayis one of the iconic band's more recent hits, and it features beginner-friendly chords that make it a great choice for amateur and professional-level guitarists alike.

• "Minority" by Green Day is another recent hit from the band featuring beginner-friendly chords and some fingerpicking, making it a great way for guitarists of all skill levels to continue practicing their technique.

• "I Hate Myself for Loving You" by Joan Jett & the Blackheartsis a staple rock-and-roll song from the late 1980s, and it features a classic E Major, G Major, A Major, and B Major chord progression that beginner and pro guitar players alike can enjoy.

• "Echoes" by Klaxons is a good song for a guitar player to learn a blend of atmospheric and driving guitar parts. It provides an opportunity to practice unique chord progressions, intricate picking patterns, and atmospheric effects, helping guitarists explore a fusion of indie rock and electronic influences while honing their playing skills.

• "The Other Guy" by Little River Band benefits a guitar player by providing an opportunity to practice smooth chord transitions, melodic picking patterns, and rhythmic strumming. The song's catchy hooks and melodic structure contribute to developing a sense of timing, dynamics, and songwriting skills.

• "In the End" by Linkin Parkis an emblematic song from the early 2000s that brings together metal and rap-rock. This tune features a blend of vocals, electronic elements, and dynamic guitar work with a somber feel. This song offers guitarists a chance to practice power chords, palm muting, and heavy riffing.

• "Things Goin' On" by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a great song to learn on guitar due to its blend of folk and rock elements. It allows players to practice fingerpicking patterns, open chords, and basic blues-inspired riffs; it captures the Southern rock style and provides a foundation for developing versatility and groove.

• "Vibrator" by Motorhead offers guitar players a chance to develop their power chord technique, palm muting, and fast-paced rhythm playing. It also allows for practicing aggressive and energetic guitar solos, helping to build speed, precision, and an understanding of the heavy metal genre's intensity and attitude.

• "Care Bear" by Murphy's Law offers simple yet impactful hardcore punk guitar techniques. It involves power chords, palm muting, and aggressive downstroke strumming, allowing players to practice speed, aggression, and tightness while immersing themselves in the raw energy of the punk rock genre.

• "Soul Doubt" by NOFX helps develop punk rock playing skills. The song features fast-paced palm-muted power chords, quick chord changes, and a dynamic structure. By practicing this song, guitarists can improve their speed, precision, and rhythmic abilities within the energetic realm of punk rock.

• "Pinocchio" by ORESKABAND lets guitarists explore a blend of ska, punk, and rock elements. The song offers an opportunity to practice upstroke strumming, ska-inspired chord progressions, and energetic power chords. Additionally, it incorporates catchy riffs and a lively solo section, allowing guitarists to develop their sense of rhythm, dynamics, and improvisation skills while embracing the vibrant and upbeat nature of the song.

• "Everyone Gets Older" by Patty Smyth is great for all guitarists as it features a blend of acoustic and electric guitar parts. It provides an opportunity to practice fingerpicking, strumming patterns, and basic chord progressions, while also allowing guitarists to accompany their playing with the heartfelt and introspective lyrics of the song.

• "Still Into You" by Paramoreis one of the band's most popular hits, combining heartfelt lyrics with an upbeat, catchy melody. Plus, the song uses relatively approachable chords, making it an accessible choice for rock fans who are still mastering their technique.

• "On Your Side" by Pete Yorn allows a player to explore a melodic and introspective indie rock style. The song features arpeggiated chords, fingerpicking patterns, and intricate chord progressions. Guitarists can develop their fingerstyle technique, melodic playing, and songwriting skills while capturing the emotional atmosphere of the song.

• "All The Saints" by Pixies provides alternative rock techniques like palm-muted power chords, dynamic shifts, and dissonant melodies. The song offers an opportunity to practice rhythmic precision and unconventional song structures, as well as explore the Pixies' unique blend of punk and experimental rock.

• "Palace of the King" by Popa Chubby is within the blues-rock territory. The song offers a chance to practice bluesy guitar licks, bending techniques, and expressive soloing. Guitarists can expect to develop their improvisation skills and capture the soulful essence of blues while immersing themselves in Popa Chubby's energetic and raw style.

• "Sacrifice" by Roachford showcases soulful rhythm guitar playing and melodic lead lines. The song provides an opportunity to practice chord progressions, strumming patterns, and expressive bends. Guitarists can develop their sense of groove, dynamics, and melodic phrasing while exploring the soul and rock fusion of the track.

• "Calling All Lovers" by Rogue Traders offers a chance to practice catchy pop-rock guitar riffs, power chords, and energetic strumming. The song's upbeat tempo, infectious hooks, and dynamic structure make it an enjoyable and rewarding choice for guitarists to develop their playing skills in a pop-rock context.

• "Solicito Seguro" by Tex Tex is a dynamic song on guitar as it showcases a blend of rock and Latin influences. The song features lively chord progressions, energetic rhythms, and catchy guitar hooks. By learning and playing this song, guitarists can develop their skills in playing Latin rock styles and explore the vibrant and infectious sound of Tex Tex.

• "Tears in the Rain" by Triumph is a good song to play on guitar because it offers a chance to practice melodic rock guitar playing. The song features soaring guitar solos, arpeggiated chord progressions, and emotional bends, allowing guitarists to develop their lead playing, melodic phrasing, and expressiveness on the instrument.

• "I Can't Control Myself" by The Troggs might be your next go-to practice song due to its simple yet infectious garage rock style. The song features straightforward power chords, catchy riffs, and an energetic rhythm. By learning this song, guitarists can practice basic rock techniques, develop a sense of groove, and experience the raw energy of classic rock 'n' roll.

• "Colors of the Heart" by UVERworld is unique musically due to its fusion of various genres. The song seamlessly blends elements of rock, pop, and electronic music. It features intricate guitar riffs, dynamic shifts, and a catchy chorus. UVERworld's distinct vocal style, intricate instrumentation, and genre-bending approach contribute to the song's uniqueness and appeal.

• "Cold Ethyl" by Vince Neil (originally by Alice Cooper) will benefit new guitarists looking to play rock as it offers a chance to practice classic rock power chords, energetic riffs, and palm muting techniques. The song's catchy hooks and straightforward structure provide an enjoyable entry point to the world of rock guitar playing.

• "Mississippi Queen" by W.A.S.P.(originally by Mountain) has influenced (and continues to influence) guitar players due to its iconic riff and energetic blues-rock style. The song's memorable guitar work, featuring power chords and slide guitar, showcases the fusion of blues and hard rock, making it a classic and influential piece in the rock guitar repertoire.

• "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripesfrom the early 2000s features a distinct guitar riff and power chords that give guitarists a chance to continue mastering their skills. It has a gritty but stripped-down guitar sound paired with echoing vocals for the ultimate garage rock anthem. Plus, with a simple arrangement on Rocksmith+, beginner guitarists can dip their toes in as they progress.

• "NARUTO Main Theme" by Yasuharu Takanashi is a good song to learn on guitar as it allows players to practice fingerstyle techniques, melodic phrasing, and dynamic chord progressions all while enjoying the sounds of one of the most iconic anime series. The song's emotive and catchy melodies capture the essence of the Naruto series, offering an enjoyable and rewarding experience for guitarists. This song goes out to all the otaku!

• "Rumble" by You Am I is fun to play on guitar as it combines energetic power chords, catchy riffs, and a driving rhythm. The song offers a high-energy experience, allowing guitarists to unleash their rock and roll spirit, engage in lively strumming, and enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with playing a spirited rock anthem.

• "Sin La Memoria" by Yuridia is a good song for musicians to learn as it provides an opportunity to explore Latin pop balladry. The song features beautiful melodies, expressive vocals, and emotional dynamics, allowing musicians to develop their skills in phrasing, dynamics, and capturing the heartfelt essence of Latin music.

• "John" by Ten Foot Pole is characterized by its fast-paced punk rock sound. The song features aggressive guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and energetic drumming. Its catchy hooks and high-energy approach make it a notable example of the melodic punk genre, inviting listeners to embrace the spirited and rebellious nature of punk rock.

• "More Fool You" by Uriah Heep showcases complex guitar parts. It features intricate guitar harmonies, melodic solos, and intricate chord progressions. The song demands technical proficiency, precision, and attention to detail. Guitarists can learn from the song's advanced techniques, such as fast alternate picking, arpeggios, and creative use of scales by immersing themselves in the progressive rock style of Uriah Heep.

• "Survival of the Fittest" by Sick Of It All is a fast and aggressive hardcore punk style found in the 90s and early 00s. The song features rapid palm-muted power chords, complex riff patterns, and tight breakdowns. Guitarists can expect to develop speed, precision, and stamina while diving into the intense world of hardcore punk.

• "Halo" by SOiL features a guitar part characterized by heavy and aggressive alternative metal riffs. The song features palm-muted chugging, downtuned power chords, and a mix of single-note lines and chords. Guitarists can explore the song's powerful rhythm section, dynamic changes, and incorporate techniques like palm muting and slides to capture the intense and raw energy of the genre.

*Available songs in Rocksmith+ may vary by region.

Have Fun!

Playing guitar is not just about technical proficiency and hitting the right notes --- it's about expressing yourself, connecting with the music, and having a blast along the way. As you embark on your adventure of mastering easy rock songs, remember to keep the spirit of fun alive throughout your learning process.

One way to keep things interesting while getting the feedback you need to guide your own growth is through guitar learning programs such as Rocksmith+, where you can play more than 7,500 songs (including the songs on this list).

So, crank up the volume, let your fingers dance on the fretboard, and lose yourself in the magic of music.

Sources

Why the Metronome is the Ultimate Accessory | Music & Art 

Best Guitar Strumming Patterns and Techniques | School of Rock

Why Fun in Learning Works Better Than Dull Learning | Growth Engineering