Did you realize you can play your first song in one month from now?
It will take you some dedication, but this is a very realistic goal.
How about one of these songs:
1. Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
This feel-good reggae anthem is famous for its infectious optimism and timeless, soothing melody. Because of its relaxed vibe, it serves as the ultimate confidence booster for absolute beginners stepping into rhythm playing.
You only need the three open chords A, D, and E, played with a simple four-downstrums-per-bar pattern to capture the classic reggae feel.
2. Blue Suede Shoes – Elvis
Blue Suede Shoes – Elvis
This 1950s rock and roll classic is an absolute blast to play and guarantees to get everyone moving. It is a fantastic beginner song because it introduces you to a foundational blues structure while keeping the physical transitions highly manageable.
The track relies on three simple dominant seventh chords—A7, D7, and E7—which you can play using a basic four-downstrums-per-bar pattern.
3. Knocking On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
This legendary track is widely considered a rite of passage for every new guitar player due to its beautiful, slow-paced melody. Its structural predictability makes it the perfect playground for mastering smooth transitions without feeling rushed.
The song uses four basic open chords in a continuous loop—G, D, Am, and C—utilizing an accessible strumming sequence.
4. Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
This modern romantic ballad has quickly become a global favorite for weddings and acoustic covers everywhere. It is an exceptional beginner song because it utilizes standard open shapes that sound incredibly full on a single acoustic guitar.
With a capo on the 1st fret, it uses four open chords—G, Em, C, and D—played with a rolling 6/8 strumming feel.
5. Wonderwall – Oasis
Wonderwall – Oasis
As one of the most recognizable acoustic tracks of the 90s, this anthem is a staple for any casual guitar session. What makes it brilliant for beginners is that two fingers stay anchored on the top strings the entire time, making the changes incredibly easy.
With a capo on the 2nd fret, it utilizes five chords—Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4, and Cadd9—driven by a fast, rhythmic strumming pattern.
6. One – U2
One – U2
This emotionally charged masterpiece features a powerful arrangement that has cemented it as a high point in modern pop history. It provides an excellent challenge for early players because it shifts its emotional dynamic between the verses and the driving chorus.
The backbone of the track is built on five open chords—Am, C, D, G, and Fmaj7—which you can comfortably back using a steady, building sixteenth-note rhythm.
7. Time Of Your Life – Green Day
Time Of Your Life (Good Riddance) – Green Day
This acoustic rock classic is a nostalgic favorite that has closed out countless events over the decades. It’s a wonderful teaching tool because it encourages you to practice clean, precise string contact while keeping a rock-solid internal pulse.
The song uses four core chords—G, Cadd9, D, and Em—and beginners can completely nail the rhythm by using an accessible strumming pattern.
8. As It Was – Harry Styles
As It Was – Harry Styles
This massive indie-pop hit pairs a bright, driving synth melody with a wonderfully laid-back acoustic backing layer. It is a stellar choice for a first-month guitarist because the chord sequence simply repeats in the exact same order for the entire track.
With a capo on the 2nd fret, you only need four straightforward chords—C, Am, D, and G—played with a steady, driving eighth-note pulse.
More beginner songs…
Besides these songs there are countless beginner songs waiting to be explored with only a few chords and different rhythms to learn.
Ultimate Guitar is a useful external resource for beginner songs, but make sure to check the songs and chords/tabs with your guitar teacher.
Tell us what you’ll like to learn and our teachers can surely guide you on your musical journey.
