31+ Easy Electric Guitar Songs For Beginners (2024)
Learning to play the electric guitar can be exciting, and one of the best ways to build your skills is by practicing and mastering some easy electric guitar songs.
As a beginner, choosing great songs and targeting fundamental techniques such as power chords, slides, and bends is crucial.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
These beginner-friendly electric guitar songs help build confidence and introduce you to various styles and genres like rock, heavy metal, and alternative. You can gradually progress and challenge yourself with more intricate songs by starting with simple tunes.
The songs listed here cover the full range from old classics to the latest guitar hits.
Be patient, learn the basics, build on those skills, and learn more challenging techniques. The key is to be consistent with your practice. If you stick with it, you’ll play like a professional guitarist in no time!
So, grab your guitar, and let’s go!
Popular Easy Electric Guitar Songs
1. Rolling Stones – (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Ready to have some fun with your electric guitar? Start by learning “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones. This classic rock tune presents a straightforward rock n’ roll jam, making it a perfect starting point for beginners. Embrace your new skills by mastering this infectious riff.
2. Black Sabbath – Iron Man
Take on the challenge of “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath. This hard rock classic features an iconic, slow-tempo riff that’s easier than you might think. As you learn to play this song, you’ll get acquainted with power chords, an essential element in electric guitar playing.
3. AC/DC – Back in Black
Immerse yourself in the rock guitar world with “Back in Black” by AC/DC. This song’s legendary intro riff is a must-learn for beginners and seasoned guitarists. Plus, it’ll help you sharpen your skills while exposing you to the techniques that make AC/DC’s sound so distinct.
4. Nirvana – Smells like Teen Spirit
Channel your inner grunge star by learning “Smells like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. This iconic 90s tune is packed with an unforgettable riff that’s both simple and enjoyable to play. Diving into this song will give you a strong foundation in power chord transitions.
5. Guns N’ Roses – Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
Expand your repertoire with “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses. This song features a laid-back tempo and an accessible chord progression, perfect for beginners. Plus, the solo section offers a great introduction to lead guitar techniques.
6. White Stripes – Seven Nation Army
Embrace a modern classic with “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. The distinct main riff is surprisingly easy to learn, making this an excellent choice for new guitarists. This tune will become a favorite from the infectious melody to the driving rhythm.
7. Police – Roxanne
Boost your confidence by tackling “Roxanne” by The Police. This reggae-infused track revolves around simple, repetitive chords that will help hone your rhythm skills. The clean guitar sound also allows you to focus on accuracy and technique.
8. Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want to Have Fun
For an upbeat, feel-good anthem, look no further than “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper. This 80s classic is a blast, featuring a catchy riff and easy chord progression. As you learn this tune, you’ll become more familiar with palm muting and alternate strumming techniques.
9. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Otherside
Delve into alternative rock with “Otherside” by Red Hot Chili Peppers. This moody, introspective song showcases a simple yet appealing guitar riff. In addition, the tune’s combination of arpeggios and strumming patterns will help fine-tune your playing techniques.
10. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication
Continuing with the Red Hot Chili Peppers theme, take on their hit “Californication.” This song’s melodic riff and straightforward chord structure make it an enjoyable and beginner-friendly choice. Mastering this track will give you the confidence to tackle more complex tunes.
11. Alanis Morissette – Right Through You
Pick up your electric guitar and learn “Right Through You” by Alanis Morissette. This empowering 90s anthem provides a great lesson in barred chords and downstroke strumming, helping to elevate your guitar skills.
12. Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love
Last, dive into “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin. This classic rock track is driven by a memorable riff that’s relatively easy to master. By tackling this legendary tune, you’ll not only improve your skills, but also pay homage to one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Famous Easy Electric Guitar Riffs
13. Deep Purple – Smoke on the Water
One of the most iconic guitar riffs, “Smoke on the Water” should be in every beginner’s repertoire. The simplicity of the riff allows you to focus on power chords and timing. Remember to practice the riff slowly, then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the chords.
14. Metallica – Nothing Else Matters
Metallica has produced some great riffs ideal for beginners. “Nothing Else Matters” introduces you to fingerpicking, while “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets” focus on power chords and palm muting. Master these riffs to improve your playing versatility and gain confidence in your abilities.
15. Metallica – Enter Sandman
16. Metallica – Master Of Puppets
17. Avenged Sevenfold – This Means War
For fans of Avenged Sevenfold, “This Means War” is a fun riff focusing on palm muting and power chords. Practicing this riff will help you develop a strong sense of rhythm and improve your palm-muting technique.
18. Joan Jett – I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll
Joan Jett’s famous “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” concentrates on power chords and strumming. This catchy tune is perfect for beginners, as the chords are easy to master and the riff is instantly recognizable.
19. Neil Young – Keep On Rockin’ In The Free World
“Rockin’ in the Free World” by Neil Young is an ideal song for guitar beginners. The simple chord progression and catchy opening riffs allow you to focus on your strumming and timing, while the progressive structure helps develop your fretboard familiarity.
20. Eagles – Hotel California
The iconic “Hotel California” by the Eagles is an excellent introduction to arpeggios and fingerpicking. With its mesmerizing intro and simple chord progression, this song is a great choice for budding guitarists to sharpen their skills.
21. The Scorpions – Rock You Like A Hurricane
“Rock You Like A Hurricane” by The Scorpions is another beginner-friendly song. This riff focuses on power chords and slides, adding variation to your playing and help you build a more dynamic guitar skillset.
22. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
“Sweet Home Alabama” is a classic tune with a memorable, easy-to-learn riff. This song is perfect for beginners and experts, as the simple chords and strumming patterns allow players to focus on improving their tone and timing.
23. Judas Priest – Breaking the Law
Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” provides a straightforward riff for beginners. The power chords and catchy melody allow you to practice your rhythm, chord changes, and palm muting techniques.
Iconic Bands and Songs for Beginner Guitarists
24. The Beatles – Let It Be
“Let It Be” is a legendary song to learn when starting your guitar journey. Composed by Paul McCartney, its simple chords and memorable melody make it easy for beginners. As you learn this iconic song, you’ll also discover the genius of The Beatles.
25. The Beatles – I Saw Her Standing There
Another great Beatles song for beginners is “I Saw Her Standing There.” With its upbeat tempo and catchy guitar riffs, this song is an excellent introduction to playing rhythm guitar. Your skills will improve as you explore the timeless music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
26. Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven
“Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is a must-learn song for aspiring guitarists. Although slightly more advanced, its intro is manageable for beginners and will enhance your finger-picking abilities. With practice, you’ll gain confidence while exploring the world of classic rock.
27. Led Zeppelin – Communication Breakdown
“Communication Breakdown” is another fantastic Led Zeppelin song perfect for learning power chords and mastering rhythm guitar. As you pick up the tempo, you’ll feel the energy of legendary guitarist Jimmy Page and refine your electric guitar technique.
28. Dire Straights – Sultans Of Swing
Get ready to rock with “Sultans Of Swing” by Dire Straights. This iconic song offers a great opportunity to practice barre chords and fingerpicking. As you explore this masterpiece, you’ll appreciate the incredible guitar talent of Mark Knopfler.
29. Bob Marley – Redemption Song
Dive into the reggae world with Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” Suitable for beginners, its beautiful melody and simple chords make it a joy to play. As you strum along, immerse yourself in Marley’s powerful message of freedom and redemption.
30. Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
Romance is in the air with Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.” This heartwarming ballad is an excellent choice for beginners looking to build their chord vocabulary. Embrace the soothing tones of Clapton’s guitar work and grow as a musician.
31. Cream – Sunshine Of Your Love
Step into the blues-rock world with Cream’s “Sunshine Of Your Love.” Featuring a legendary riff and powerful chords, this song is perfect for beginners eager to tackle more advanced material. Learn from the astounding talent of Eric Clapton and discover the joy of playing the electric guitar.
Easy Electric Guitar Songs in Various Genres
Rock and Hard Rock Gems
If you’re looking for easy electric guitar songs in the rock and hard rock genres, you can start with these iconic tracks:
- “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin: This timeless riff is catchy and beginner-friendly, providing a strong hook for the song.
- “Cocaine” by Eric Clapton: Another classic rock guitar song, “Cocaine,” is perfect for those who want to play a well-known tune and improve their technique.
Heavy Metal Classics
Dive into the metal genre with these easy-to-learn heavy metal songs for electric guitar beginners:
- “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath: A fantastic and accessible heavy metal song that is perfect for beginners aiming to master the genre.
- “Enter Sandman” by Metallica: This recognizable riff will help you hone your guitar skills while learning a true metal classic.
Alternative and Punk Rock Hits
Alternative and punk rock hits often feature simple yet catchy guitar riffs. Give these songs a try:
- “Cherub Rock” by Smashing Pumpkins: Learn and practice octave riffs and 16th-note strumming with this straightforward and impressive song.
- “Last Nite” by The Strokes: Improve your rhythm while playing one of the most iconic hits from the indie rock scene.
Romantic Ballads and Love Songs
Finally, embrace the softer side of electric guitar with these romantic ballads and love songs:
- “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton: Express your sentiment and emotion with this timeless love song, perfect for beginners and experts alike.
- “I Can’t Tell You Why” by Eagles: This smooth ballad features relatively simple chords and will undoubtedly enhance your electric guitar playing skills.
Make sure you practice regularly. Enjoy exploring these easy electric guitar songs across various genres and soon you’ll be impressing your friends and family with your newfound skills.
Tips for Learning Easy Electric Guitar Songs
Start with Slower Tempos and Gradually Increase Speed
As a beginner, it’s essential to start with slower tempos when learning easy electric guitar songs. This will help you to focus on finger placement, chord shapes, and overall technique.
To do this, use a metronome or an app to control the tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with each song.
Starting slow will also build your confidence, as you’ll find it easier to master the different elements of a song at a more manageable pace.
If you’re a leftie, make sure to either find a suitable left-handed guitar, or get your guitar set up correctly for your playing preferences.
Use Online Resources, Books and Guitar Lessons
In today’s digital world, you can access many resources for learning electric guitar songs. For guided practice sessions, use online resources such as YouTube video tutorials, guitar tab websites, and even mobile apps.
There are also many great books for beginner guitarists that take a comprehensive approach to teaching you guitar. If you’d prefer the feel of a real book rather than an online resource, then I highly recommend finding a book course that matches your goals.
Additionally, consider investing in guitar lessons, in-person or online, like Skype or Zoom. Instructors can provide personalized guidance and techniques tailored to your learning style, helping you progress more efficiently.
Practice Consistently and Patiently
When learning electric guitar songs, consistent practice is key to success. Aim to practice regularly, even for a few minutes a day. However, remember that progress takes time, and patience is essential during learning.
Be gentle with yourself and set realistic expectations, as this will help you stay motivated and committed. By practicing, you’ll find that your skills and knowledge will increase, leading to better performance and enhanced enjoyment of the instrument.
As you learn easy electric guitar songs, following these tips will improve your skills and confidence.
And most importantly, make sure you’re having fun!
Chords and Progressions for Beginners
Understanding Major and Minor Chords
Major and minor chords are the foundation of most music; as a beginner, knowing their differences is essential. Major chords have a bright, uplifting sound, while minor chords evoke a darker, somber mood.
To build a major chord, combine the root note, the major third, and the perfect fifth. You use the root note, minor third, and perfect fifth for a minor chord. As you progress on your electric guitar journey, learning to identify and play major and minor chords will become second nature.
Basic Chord Progressions
Chord progressions are the backbone of any song, and you should know a few essential progressions as a beginner. These include:
- The I-IV-V progression is one of the most common progressions in popular music; you can find it in countless songs. In the key of C major, this progression would be C (I), F (IV), and G (V).
- The ii-V-I progression: Common in jazz and other genres, this progression uses two minor chords and one major chord. In C major, this would be Dm (ii), G (V), and C (I).
- The I-vi-IV-V progression: Also known as the ’50s progression, this pattern is popular in doo-wop and early rock ‘n’ roll. In C major, it’d be C (I), Am (vi), F (IV), and G (V).
As you learn more songs, you’ll start to recognize these progressions and develop an intuitive understanding of their structure.
Importance of Open Chords and Barre Chords
Open chords are essential for beginners because they involve open strings and require less finger strength and stretching. These chords, E, A, D, G, C, Am, and Em, form the basis for many easy electric guitar songs.
As you become more comfortable playing open chords, it’s also important to start learning barre chords.
Barre chords involve using your index finger to press down multiple strings and create a “bar” across the fretboard. This technique allows you to play chords in any key by moving the shape up and down the neck.
Barre chords are harder to play initially but will increase your versatility and allow you to expand your repertoire.
In conclusion, learning major and minor chords, understanding basic chord progressions, and mastering open and barre chords are essential steps in your journey as a beginner electric guitarist.
Practice these concepts diligently, and you’ll be well on your way.
Developing Techniques and Skillset
Mastering Power Chords
Power chords are fundamental to playing rock and electric guitar songs. They provide a solid foundation to build your skills and help you sound great even as a beginner. To play a power chord, you must learn the fretboard’s basic shape and finger placement.
Place your index finger on the chord’s root note and your ring or pinky finger two frets up on the adjacent string. For example, a G power chord is played with your index finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string and your ring finger on the 5th fret of the A string.
Once comfortable with the shape, practice switching between different power chords to build speed and dexterity.
Basic Finger Placements and Tablature Reading
Familiarizing yourself with basic finger placements on the fretboard is essential for playing simple guitar songs. The index, middle, and ring fingers are primarily used when starting out on the electric guitar. Focus on building finger strength and flexibility to smoothly transition between chords.
Guitar tabs (tablature) allow beginners to learn songs quickly without formal sheet music notation. Tabs display the fret numbers on horizontal lines representing the guitar’s strings. Get acquainted with reading tabs and recognizing common chord shapes to develop your playing abilities.
Introduction to Slides, Bends, and Hammer-Ons
As you progress in your guitar playing, incorporating techniques like slides, bends, and hammer-ons will add depth to your sound. These techniques give your playing character and make simple songs sound more advanced.
- Slides: Start by fretting a note and plucking the string to perform a slide. Next, slide your fretting finger up or down the fretboard without lifting your finger off the guitar neck.
- Bends: Bends involve pushing a fretted note up or down to raise its pitch. Use your index, middle, and ring fingers for support and strength when bending notes.
- Hammer-Ons: Hammer-ons require you to quickly and forcefully press your finger onto a fret after playing a note on the same string. This technique creates a smooth, legato sound between two notes.
Practice these techniques individually, then try incorporating them into your playing as you learn new songs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular beginner songs for electric guitar?
There are many popular beginner songs for electric guitars, such as “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin, “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath, and “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan.
These songs have catchy riffs and simple chord progressions, making them great for practice.
Which pop songs have easy to play electric guitar parts?
Some pop songs with easy to play electric guitar parts include “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber, “Closer” by Chainsmokers, and “Wonderwall” by Oasis. These songs feature simple chords and recognizable melodies, making them suitable for beginners.
How can I start learning electric guitar with easy songs?
Choose a song with a simple chord progression and melody to start learning electric guitar with easy songs. Practice playing the chords smoothly, focusing on changing between them accurately.
Then, work on the melody by breaking it down into smaller sections and playing them slowly. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
What are the easiest songs to play for beginner electric guitarists?
The easiest songs for beginner electric guitarists often feature just a few chords and simple strumming patterns. Examples include “Horse with No Name” by America, “Wonderwall” by Oasis, and “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd.
These songs allow you to practice basic chords and get comfortable with the instrument.
Which classic rock songs are easy to play on electric guitar?
Many classic rock songs are easy to play on electric guitar. Examples include “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream, “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals, and “Wild Thing” by The Troggs.
These songs have simple riffs and chord progressions perfect for beginners looking to expand their repertoire.
What are the simplest electric guitar songs with chords?
The simplest electric guitar songs with chords often feature just two or three chords and a basic strumming pattern. Some examples are “A Horse with No Name” by America, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan, and “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley.
These songs are great for building chord-changing skills and practicing rhythm.
What should my first electric guitar song be?
Ideally, your first electric guitar song should be a simple song you enjoy and are motivated to learn. A great example is “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. It’s a popular song with a fun, easy rock guitar riff that beginners can pick up quickly.
The song is played at a slower tempo, perfect for beginners to practice and get comfortable with their instrument.
What is 1 easy song to play on guitar?
One easy song to play on the guitar is “Horse with No Name” by America. It’s a great song for beginners because it only uses two chords, E minor, and D6/9, played with a simple strumming pattern.
The song’s slow tempo also allows beginners to focus on their strumming technique and chord changes.
Are electric guitars easier for beginners?
Electric guitars can be easier for beginners for a few reasons. The strings on an electric guitar are typically lighter than those on an acoustic guitar, making it easier to press down and play chords.
Additionally, the neck of an electric guitar is usually narrower, which can be more comfortable for beginners. However, it’s important to note that the best guitar for a beginner is the one they find most comfortable and enjoyable to play.
What is the most basic song to learn on guitar?
One of the most basic songs to learn on the guitar is “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple. This rock song is known for its iconic, easy guitar riffs played on a single note, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
The rest of the song is also relatively straightforward, making it a good song.
Is it easier to solo on electric guitar?
Soloing can be easier on an electric guitar due to the lighter string gauge and lower action, which makes the strings easier to bend and the frets easier to reach. Electric guitars also often have cutaways that allow easier access to the higher frets.
However, the ease of soloing also depends on the player’s skill level and familiarity with the instrument. It’s recommended to start with simple solos and gradually work your way up to more complex ones as your skills improve.
Conclusion
Becoming a rock star with your guitar doesn’t happen overnight. Starting with easy guitar songs is the best way to build confidence and develop your skills. Once you start gaining confidence on your instrument you can move on to more challening songs.
From the simple tune of “Wild Thing” by The Rolling Stones to the famous song “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath, these songs offer a great way to practice basic techniques at a slower speed.
Songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses are great examples of popular and easy rock guitar songs. They provide excellent practice for beginner guitar players, allowing them to learn easy chords and riffs in standard tuning.
Moreover, songs like “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne and “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes are fun songs to play and can make you feel like a rock star, even if you’re starting. They are also a great way to learn different chords and advanced techniques.
The best songs to start with are those you enjoy and feel motivated to learn. Whether it’s a classic song by Jimi Hendrix or a power ballad by Bon Jovi, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.
You’ll soon be able to play an entire song with consistent practice. And sooner than you even realize it, you’ll know enough songs to start jamming with your friends.
