Easy songs to sing and play on guitar have few chords, a relaxed tempo and a melody you already know. With a handful of basic chords like G, C, D, Em and Am, you can already accompany many well-known songs, from “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” to folk singalongs and children’s songs. Below you will find songs to start with for each genre, plus exercises for combining singing and playing.
Why start with easy singalongs?
With simple songs you learn the basic chords and techniques without being overwhelmed by complicated structures. Because you already know the melody, you hear right away whether it sounds right, and you quickly get a sense of accomplishment. That keeps you motivated to keep going.
Beginner songs often use only a limited number of chords. That lets you concentrate on smooth changes and a steady rhythm. Friends and family also know many of these songs, so you can sing them together. That social side is one more reason to keep practicing regularly.
Summary
- Classics like “Wonderwall” and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” are ideal for practicing chords
- Modern pop songs and folk singalongs often use simple chords
- Children’s songs are short, repetitive and easy to accompany
- With C, G, D, Em, Am, A and E, you can play a large part of the beginner repertoire
- Practice the chords first and only then add the vocals
- Choose a key that suits your voice, with a capo if needed
Classic hits every beginner learns
Some songs come back in almost every guitar lesson. “Wonderwall” by Oasis (1995) is considered a must-know for every guitarist. The song has a recognizable rhythm, and the best-known version is played with a capo on the second fret and four simple chord shapes. Singing along comes almost automatically. If you play them outdoors with a group, these tips for playing and singing around the campfire can help.
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan from 1973, later also known in the version by Guns N’ Roses, is another perfect starting point. You play it with just four chords: G, D, Am and C. Because the chord pattern repeats, you can concentrate on rhythm and timing. It is a timeless song that you can perform in different styles. If you want to learn more of that band’s work afterwards, this piece on playing guitar like Slash can help.
Other classics that often appear on beginner lists are “Let It Be” by The Beatles, “Horse with No Name” by America, “Zombie” by The Cranberries and “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. If you want more songs you can play with just a few shapes, take a look at these easy songs with 3 chords.
Modern pop songs with simple chords
In today’s pop music, too, you will find many songs with simple chords. Artists like Ed Sheeran and Billie Eilish have written songs that are accessible to beginning guitarists. You play “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran with a few basic chords, and it appeals to a lot of people. You can find more examples in these easy Ed Sheeran songs on guitar.
“Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi also revolves around a repeating chord pattern. With modern songs like these you practice your singing while you play, and you build a repertoire you can use in many situations.
Folk songs and singalong classics
Folk songs and singalong classics are made for singing together: everyone knows the chorus, and the chords stay simple. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver are fixtures at every singalong. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan and “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie work with G, C and D, and “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival uses D, A and G.
If you are looking for something more recent, try “Riptide” by Vance Joy or “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers. Would you rather have a true classic? “You Are My Sunshine” has a simple melody that almost everyone can sing along to. “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash and “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison are also popular with beginning guitarists.
Because a whole group can join in, these songs are perfect for parties and evenings outdoors. You will find chords for more singalong favorites in this top 10 of campfire songs on guitar, and if you like traditional music, take a look at these Irish folk music guitar chords.
Children’s songs that are fun to sing
Children’s songs are short, cheerful and have a repeating structure. That makes them perfect for beginning guitarists. Think of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”. They use few chords and you remember them quickly, whether you are young or starting as an adult.
You can sing them with friends or family, or play them for children at a party. Meanwhile you train your timing and sense of rhythm. If you play them for or with children, this guide to children’s songs on guitar will get you started. For a birthday, you will find suitable songs and chords in this top 10 birthday songs on guitar.
Easy chords for acoustic accompaniment
When you are just starting out, focus on a small number of open chords. With C, G, D and Em you can already play many popular songs. Add Am, A and E and you can accompany most of the beginner songs in this article. Here is how to play them, from the low E string to the high e string (x = don’t strum):
- C: x32010
- G: 320003
- D: xx0232
- Em: 022000
- Am: x02210
- A: x02220
- E: 022100
Practice these chords in different orders. That improves your technique and develops your musical ear at the same time. Then combine them with simple melodies, such as a well-known children’s song or a folk song with the same chords. That way the changes get smoother and smoother. If you want to know which combinations sound logical, find out which guitar chords go well together. If your changes still stumble, use these tips for changing guitar chords faster.
How to choose the right beginner song
- Does it fit your level? Choose songs without many chords or complicated structures, so you work on your technique without getting overwhelmed.
- Do you like it? If you are enthusiastic about a song, you naturally practice it more often.
- Does it fit your voice? A song that is comfortable to sing is one you play with more enjoyment.
- Is it often sung? Songs that people sing along to at parties and around the campfire give extra motivation.
- Do you mix it up? Variety in styles and genres improves your playing and broadens your musical horizons.
If you like a relaxed, acoustic style, these simple country songs for beginners are also a good choice. Country music is known for accessible chords and catchy melodies. If you want to master the style itself, read how to go about learning country guitar.
Exercises for combining vocals and guitar accompaniment
Singing and playing at the same time is hard at first. These steps make it a lot easier:
- Choose a simple song you like and whose chords you already know.
- First play just the chords, without singing, until the changes and the rhythm come naturally.
- Add the vocals at a slow tempo, so you can coordinate both well.
- Only increase the tempo when it goes smoothly, and then bring more expression into your singing and playing.
- Practice with others now and then. That gives you feedback and you learn new things.
Beginner songs are also handy for training specific techniques, such as strumming, fingerpicking and changing smoothly between chords. Take “Stand By Me”: you can play it both strummed and with fingerpicking. The clear structure and repeating patterns of songs like this help you sharpen your timing and sense of rhythm. You will find more explanation in how to combine singing and guitar playing and in these tips for improving your timing when singing with guitar.
Finding the right key and adapting chords
The right key for your voice makes a big difference in how comfortably you sing and play. Try different keys by transposing the chords up or down until vocals and accompaniment fit together well. You can often do this with a capo: you play the same chord shapes, but the pitch shifts along with it, without you having to learn new shapes.
Be flexible, too. Some songs sound better in a different key than the original, especially if the original doesn’t suit your voice. Experiment with chord variations or alternative fingerings to adapt the sound to your own style.
Practicing regularly and keeping it fun
For beginners, regular practice is the fastest way forward. Make time every day or a few times a week for your beginner songs. By playing the same songs often, you strengthen your muscle memory and technique, so you can handle harder pieces later. If you don’t see progress right away, keep practicing consistently. After a while you will notice it getting better, and that feeling is hugely motivating.
In the end, making music is about enjoyment and connection. Whether you are playing with friends or practicing at home, singing and playing familiar songs is a great way to express yourself. The foundation you lay with these songs is also the stepping stone to more complex pieces of music. So pick up your guitar, choose a few songs and get started.
Frequently asked questions about easy songs to sing
What are easy songs to sing and play on guitar?
Well-known examples are “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “Let It Be” by The Beatles, “Horse with No Name” by America, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan, “Zombie” by The Cranberries and “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Singalong classics like “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver and “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan are popular choices too.
Which chords are handy for beginners to learn?
For beginners, G, C, D, E, A, Em and Am are handy to learn. These open chords appear in many popular songs and are relatively easy to play.
Where can I find the chords and lyrics of these songs?
You can find chords and lyrics on websites and apps like Ultimate Guitar, E-Chords and Songsterr. There are also many YouTube tutorials that explain chords and playing techniques, and guitar books with chord charts for beginners.
Do I need to read music to play guitar?
No, reading music is not necessary. Many guitarists learn to play with chord charts and tablature, a simpler form of music notation. In this explanation you can read how to read guitar tabs step by step.
How do I learn to sing and play guitar at the same time?
Start with simple songs at a slow tempo, so you get used to playing chords and singing at the same time. Practice strumming the chords rhythmically while you sing and keep repeating until it feels natural.
How many chords do you need for your first song?
With two or three chords you can already accompany a whole song. Many children’s songs use two chords, and a well-known song like “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” is played with four.
What do you do if a song is too high or too low for your voice?
With a capo on a higher fret you raise the pitch while playing the same shapes. If the song is too high, transpose the chords to a lower key. Try a few variations until you can sing without straining.
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