6 Easy Songs For Guitar Beginners

For a beginning guitarist, you know that you have to learn a few scales and practice riffs, but after awhile, you're going to want to learn real songs. I mean, sure it's fun to play a scale over and over again. I'm sure the fans will love to hear that on stage.

Seriously, the sooner you start learning real songs, the sooner you can begin to identify the similarities and trends that will allow you to learn more songs faster. Check out this short list of easy songs for guitar beginners.

1. "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones

When I was 15, the first band that I performed with covered this song and boy, is it easy. This classic tune by The Rolling Stones only has one riff for the entire song, but you're sure to see people get up and dance when the first few notes start going.

2. "Mary Jane's Last Dance" by Tom Petty

Tom Petty has a way of taking simple songs and turning them into hits, and "Mary Jane's Last Dance" is one of them. The main riff contains only three chords so when you learn those, you look like enough of a guitar professional to fool your friends.

3. "Basket Case" by Green Day

You can't meet any guitarists these days that don't know at least one song by Green Day and "Basket Case" is a popular one. This one features a few power chords with roughly only two riffs to the entire song.

4. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan or Guns and Roses

The two versions of this song are not so different in rhythm and structure, but you can pick between an indie or classic rock approach. It's another four chord banger with a few simple lead riffs that can get your fingers use to playing solos.

5. "Country Roads" by John Denver

"Country Roads" is a great campfire tune to have ready when you're out in the summer. Again, the chords are not difficult, but being able to sing along with the changes might give you some trouble if singing isn't your forte.

6. "A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White" by Underoath

For metal heads and hardcore kids, most of the songs from Underoath's popular album "They're Only Chasing Safety" contain fast power chords that will give you a lesson in tempo and rhythm. Check out "A Boy Brushed Red..." and you can also tighten up your palm-muting skills.

This is just a short list of easy songs for guitar beginners, but if you look and listen long enough, you can find literally hundreds of songs for someone just starting out. Try out a few of the songs on this list and start building your song library.