18 Easy Electric Guitar Songs To Learn for Beginners
Learning to play the electric guitar can be an exciting and rewarding journey, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming.
As a beginner, it's best to begin with easy songs that allow you to develop essential skills and build a strong foundation.
In this article, we've compiled a list of 18 easy electric guitar songs specifically tailored for beginners to help you start your musical journey on the right foot. These songs have been carefully selected for their simplicity and accessibility, making them perfect for novice guitarists to practice and learn.
These songs, and over 7,000 more, can be found on Rocksmith+, an interactive music learning platform designed to help beginners and experienced guitarists alike in their musical journey. Songs available may vary by region.
So, grab your electric guitar, and let's dive into the world of music with these 18 easy songs!
How To Choose Guitar Songs for Beginners
As a beginner, it's essential to select songs that are appropriate for your skill level. This will ensure you can develop your skills and build confidence while still having fun.
When choosing songs for beginners, consider the following factors:
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Simplicity: Look for songs with straightforward chord progressions and uncomplicated guitar riffs. This will make it easier for you to learn the song and focus on your technique.
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Familiarity: Choose songs you know and love, as this will help keep you motivated and engaged during practice. The more familiar you are with a song, the easier it will be to learn and play along.
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Guitar Techniques: As a beginner, developing a solid foundation in basic guitar techniques is important. Select songs that incorporate simple techniques like strumming patterns, power chords, and basic lead guitar techniques.
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Song Structure: Opt for songs with a clear and easy-to-follow structure. This will make it easier for you to understand the song's progression and identify its different parts, such as verses, choruses, and bridges.
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Variety: Choose songs from different genres and styles to broaden your musical horizons and keep things interesting. This will also help you develop a more versatile playing style.
When you're ready to start learning songs, consider using Rocksmith+. This interactive music learning platform offers a vast library of over 7,000 songs, allowing you to easily find songs that suit your skill level and taste. Plus, at least 50 new songs are added to the library each month so you can continue branching out.
The platform's intuitive learning tools and features make it an ideal resource for beginner guitarists looking to learn their favorite songs and improve their skills.
What Are the Best Songs for Beginners?
These songs give you a great platform and opportunity to learn rhythms, styles, genres, and how different forms of music come together.
It's important to play music you enjoy while grasping what makes new music special. Have fun learning new music.
1. "Simple Man" by The Charlie Daniels Band
"Simple Man" by The Charlie Daniels Band is a fantastic song for beginner guitarists because of its accessible chord progressions and easy-to-follow rhythm. The song relies on basic open chords and a steady strumming pattern, which allows new players to build their foundation in chord transitions and timing.
Furthermore, the song's memorable melody and country-rock sound provide an enjoyable learning experience, encouraging beginners to practice and develop their skills.
2. "All of This Ugly" by Crash Test Dummies
"All of This Ugly" by Crash Test Dummies is an approachable song for beginners looking to master the electric guitar, thanks to its slower tempo and well-timed chords.
The song blends the genres of country, folk, and rock for a fun-to-play tune that can help you finetune your skills without being too challenging.
3. Devil in Your Eye by Mumford & Sons
"Devil in Your Eye" by Mumford & Sons is an excellent choice for beginner guitarists due to its simple chord structure and moderate tempo. The song predominantly features basic open chords and straightforward strumming patterns, allowing new players to focus on developing their technique and rhythm.
Mumford & Sons' unique folk-rock style provides a refreshing learning experience that can inspire beginners to explore different genres and expand their musical horizons.
4. "Don't Say Goodbye" by Goldfinger
"Don't Say Goodbye" by Goldfinger is an excellent choice for beginner guitarists due to its straightforward power chord structure and catchy, up-tempo rhythm. The song features simple chord progressions that allow new players to become familiar with power chords while working on their strumming and timing.
The energetic punk rock sound and infectious melody make it an enjoyable tune to practice, keeping beginners motivated and engaged as they develop their skills.
5. "21st Century Schizoid Man" by Ozzy Osbourne
"21st Century Schizoid Man" by Ozzy Osbourne may not be the easiest song for beginners, but it offers some valuable learning experiences. The song's riffs and power chords are relatively simple to learn, making it an excellent introduction to rock guitar techniques.
Additionally, the song's tempo and rhythm changes encourage beginners to develop their sense of timing and dynamics. While the song may be challenging at first, it will ultimately help aspiring guitarists build a strong foundation for their future musical growth.
With Rocksmith, even more difficult songs can be made approachable. Leveraging Rocksmith's Adaptive Difficulty and Riff Repeater can help you learn the song more gradually while you continue to finetune your skills.
6. "I'm Your Gun" by Alice Cooper
"I'm Your Gun" by Alice Cooper is an excellent song for beginner guitarists due to its straightforward structure and catchy riffs. The song predominantly features power chords, which are easy to learn and play, allowing beginners to familiarize themselves with essential rock guitar techniques.
The song's moderate tempo also enables new players to focus on proper strumming patterns and finger placement without feeling overwhelmed. Overall, "I'm Your Gun" provides a fun and accessible way for beginners to build their guitar-playing confidence.
7. "A Taste for Crime" by American Hi-Fi
"A Taste for Crime" by American Hi-Fi is a great choice for beginner guitarists due to its catchy and uncomplicated riffs. The song uses power chords, which are beginner-friendly and form the foundation of many rock songs.
Its steady tempo allows new players to practice their rhythm and strumming techniques without feeling rushed. Moreover, the memorable melody and straightforward structure make "A Taste for Crime" an enjoyable and accessible tune for aspiring guitarists to learn and play.
8. "Gone Country" by Alan Jackson
"Gone Country" by Alan Jackson is an excellent song for guitar beginners because of its simple chord progression and laid-back tempo. The song primarily uses open chords, which are among the first chords that new guitarists learn.
The slow pace allows beginners to focus on their chord transitions and strumming patterns without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, "Gone Country" introduces players to the distinct sound of country music, expanding their musical horizons and helping them develop a versatile playing style.
9. "Do Your Thing" by Bakelite Radio
"Do Your Thing" by Bakelite Radio is a great song for beginner guitarists due to its straightforward chord progression and rhythmic strumming patterns. The song consists of basic chords that are easy for new players to learn, helping them build a strong foundation in chord knowledge.
The moderate tempo allows beginners to practice their timing and coordination while playing along with the track. Furthermore, "Do Your Thing" exposes new guitarists to a bluesy sound, helping them explore different genres and develop their unique style.
10. "Worried Life Blues" by Eric Clapton
"Worried Life Blues" is an excellent song for beginner guitarists because it introduces them to the world of blues music in a simple and accessible way. This classic blues tune features a standard 12-bar blues progression and utilizes basic chords that are easy for new players to learn and master.
The slow tempo allows beginners to focus on their fretting and strumming techniques without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, "Worried Life Blues" provides an opportunity for new guitarists to practice playing with emotion and dynamics, essential skills in blues music.
11. "Reggae Got Soul" by 311
"Reggae Got Soul" by 311 is a fantastic choice for beginner guitarists looking to explore reggae and ska music styles. The song features a catchy and repetitive chord progression, making it easy for new players to follow and memorize. Additionally, the song's upbeat tempo and syncopated rhythm help beginners develop their sense of timing and groove.
The clean and rhythmic guitar parts in "Reggae Got Soul" also encourage new guitarists to practice their muting and strumming techniques, essential skills for mastering reggae guitar playing.
12. "Who Feels It (Knows It) by Bob Marley & The Wailers
"Who Feels It" by Bob Marley and The Wailers is an excellent song for beginner guitarists to learn, as it introduces them to the iconic reggae genre. The song features a simple and memorable chord progression that is easy to pick up and play.
The relaxed tempo allows new players to focus on mastering the characteristic offbeat strumming patterns common in reggae music. Furthermore, practicing this song will help beginners develop a strong sense of rhythm and a smooth, flowing playing style.
13. "Frustrated" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
"Frustrated" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts is a fantastic song for beginner guitarists to learn due to its straightforward structure and catchy riff. The song's basic power chord progressions are easy to follow, allowing new players to quickly build confidence and develop their skills.
Moreover, the moderate tempo and driving rhythm will help beginners hone their sense of timing and rock 'n' roll attitude. Learning "Frustrated" is a fun and engaging way to kickstart one's guitar journey.
14. "Good Thing" by Paul Revere & The Raiders
"Good Thing" by Paul Revere & The Raiders is an excellent choice for beginner guitarists due to its catchy melody and simple chord progressions. The song's upbeat tempo and classic 60s pop-rock sound make it enjoyable to play, while its basic structure allows beginners to focus on developing their strumming and chord-switching techniques.
Furthermore, "Good Thing" offers a great opportunity for new guitarists to become acquainted with the fundamentals of rhythm and song structure.
15. "A Night Like This" by The Cure
"A Night Like This" by The Cure features a moderate tempo and some barre chords, which may offer beginner guitarists a fun chance to put their barre skills to the test --- but if it feels too tricky, the Rocksmith Adaptive Difficulty and Riff Repeater features have you covered.
Barre chords are one of the most useful skills to master, and intentional practice is key.
16. "Jenny Says" by Cowboy Mouth
"Jenny Says" by Cowboy Mouth is an excellent choice for beginner guitarists due to its simple chord structure and repetitive rhythm patterns. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy hooks make it enjoyable to learn, while the straightforward chord changes allow new players to focus on building their finger strength and dexterity.
Furthermore, "Jenny Says" offers a great opportunity for beginners to practice basic strumming techniques and experiment with different rhythmic patterns, helping to build their confidence as they progress in their guitar journey.
17. "Mississippi Queen" by W.A.S.P.
"Mississippi Queen" by W.A.S.P. is a great song for beginner guitarists because it features a simple yet memorable riff that is easy to learn and fun to play. The song's classic rock structure and moderate tempo make it approachable for those just starting out, while the catchy melody and powerful chords help to build a strong foundation in rhythm and timing.
"Mississippi Queen" also provides a perfect opportunity for beginners to practice basic techniques like power chords, slides, and bends in a musical context.
18. "Tell Me" by Sara Evans
"Tell Me" by Sara Evans is an excellent song for beginner guitarists because it features a straightforward chord progression and a moderate tempo that is accessible for those new to the instrument.
The song's catchy melody and country-pop vibe make it enjoyable to play, while the simple strumming patterns help beginners develop rhythm and timing skills. Furthermore, "Tell Me" offers a great opportunity to practice open chords and transitions between them, which are essential skills for any aspiring guitarist.
What Are Some Tips for Learning Beginner Songs?
As you embark on your journey to learn beginner electric guitar songs, it's essential to have a strategy in place to ensure your progress is smooth and enjoyable.
Here are some helpful tips for learning beginner songs:
Start Slow
It's crucial to begin by playing the song at a slow tempo. This will allow you to focus on your technique and ensure you're playing each note correctly. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the song.
Break It Down
Divide 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 will make it easier to learn the song as a whole and help you maintain your focus.
Practice Regularly
Consistency is key when learning a new instrument. Dedicate time to practice each day and make it a part of your routine. The more time you spend practicing, the faster you'll see progress in your playing.
Use Rocksmith+ Features
Utilize the learning tools and features available on Rocksmith+ to help you learn songs more efficiently. The platform offers features like dynamic difficulty adjustments, instant feedback, and interactive lessons, making it an invaluable resource for beginners.
Be Patient and Persistent
Learning to play the guitar takes time and effort, so it's essential to be patient with yourself and stay persistent. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that every guitar player started as a beginner at some point.
Have Fun
Lastly, always remember that playing the guitar should be an enjoyable experience. Choose songs that you love and have fun with your practice sessions. This will not only make learning more enjoyable but will also keep you motivated to continue improving your skills.
With Rocksmith+, you can have fun while learning songs and developing your guitar-playing abilities, all at your own pace.
Have Fun
Learning to play the electric guitar can be an exciting and fulfilling journey.
By starting with these 18 easy electric guitar songs found on Rocksmith+, beginners can build a solid foundation and gradually develop their skills.
Remember to take it slow, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun playing the music you love. As you progress, you'll gain confidence and be ready to tackle more challenging songs in no time. Happy playing!
Sources:
4 Song Structure Types to Know & When to Use Them in Your Songwriting | Careers in Music
