The Beatles are one of the most iconic and influential bands of all time.
They have inspired generations of musicians and have been covered by countless artists.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, learning to play some of the Beatles’ classic songs is a great way to improve your skills and have fun.
This article will provide you with 27 easy Beatles songs to play on guitar, including their respective tabs.
From the upbeat “Can’t Buy Me Love” to the classic “Hey Jude,” you’ll find something for every skill level.
With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to learn the chords, melodies, and solos of some of the greatest songs ever written.
So grab your guitar and get ready to rock out to the timeless music of the Beatles!
Table of Contents
- 27. “Hello Little Girl”
- 26. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
- 25. “I Want To Hold Your Hand”
- 24. “Octopus’s Garden”
- 23. “Hello Goodbye”
- 22. “Ob-la-di Ob-la-da”
- 21. “In My Life”
- 20. “Something”
- 19. “With a Little Help From My Friends”
- 18. “Here Comes the Sun”
- 17. “Love Me Do”
- 16. “Eight Days a Week”
- 15. “Yellow Submarine”
- 14. “Come Together”
- 13. “All My Loving”
- 12. “Help!”
- 11. “She Loves You”
- 10. “A Hard Day’s Night”
- 9. “Eleanor Rigby”
- 8. “I Saw Her Standing There”
- 7. “Can’t Buy Me Love”
- 6. “Twist and Shout”
- 5. “Blackbird”
- 4. “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”
- 3. “Hey Jude”
- 2. “Let It Be”
- 1. “Yesterday”
27. “Hello Little Girl”
The Beatles’ song “Hello Little Girl” is a classic example of the band’s early songwriting style.
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it was the first song they wrote together and was recorded in 1962.
It was released as the B-side to their first single, “Love Me Do,” and is a simple, upbeat tune about a man’s attempts to woo a young girl.
The lyrics are lighthearted and playful, with the narrator asking the girl to “smile, show me you’re glad to see me.”
The song is driven by a strong, bouncy rhythm and features a catchy chorus, making it an infectious, memorable tune.
The Beatles’ harmonies and vocal delivery add to the song’s charm, making it a timeless classic.
With its catchy melody and simple, yet heartfelt lyrics, “Hello Little Girl” is a classic Beatles song that still stands the test of time.
26. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
The Beatles’ song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is a classic that has been covered by many artists over the years.
Written by George Harrison, it was released on the 1968 album The Beatles (also known as The White Album).
This song is an example of the band’s experimentation with different musical styles.
It features a distinctive guitar solo by Eric Clapton, who was invited by Harrison to play on the track.
The lyrics are a reflection on the pain of life and the need to find inner peace.
The song has been praised for its complex structure and use of musical elements such as counterpoint and chromaticism.
It is also notable for its use of a string quartet, which is a rare feature in rock music.
The song has been covered by many different artists, including Prince, U2, and Tom Petty.
It remains one of the most beloved songs in the Beatles’ catalogue and is a testament to the band’s influence on popular music.
25. “I Want To Hold Your Hand”
The Beatles’ song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” is a classic, and it’s easy to see why.
Released in 1963, it was the first of the band’s singles to reach number one in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
It was also the first single released by the band in the United States, and it helped launch the band’s career in the United States.
The song was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and it was produced by George Martin.
It has a classic rock and roll sound, with a catchy melody and a simple, yet powerful, chorus.
The song features a driving rhythm section, with a prominent bass line and a steady beat from Ringo Starr’s drums.
It also features some of the Beatles’ signature harmonies, with Lennon and McCartney singing in unison.
It’s a timeless classic that still sounds fresh today, and is a great example of the Beatles’ early work.
24. “Octopus’s Garden”
The Beatles’ “Octopus’s Garden” is a whimsical and lighthearted song from the band’s 1969 album, Abbey Road.
Written by Ringo Starr, it is one of the few Beatles songs to be credited to him alone.
The song is an upbeat and cheerful tune, featuring a simple, catchy melody and lyrics that tell the story of an octopus living in a garden.
The lyrics are filled with imagery of the sea, as well as references to the Beatles’ own experiences, such as the line “we would be warm below the storm”.
The song was a hit, reaching number 25 on the UK Singles Chart and number 67 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It has since become a beloved classic among Beatles fans, and has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beach Boys, The Muppets, and Ringo Starr himself.
The song is often seen as a representation of the band’s more whimsical side, and its message of peace and harmony is one that still resonates today.
23. “Hello Goodbye”
The Beatles’ song “Hello Goodbye” is a classic that has been beloved by fans since its release in 1967.
Written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, the song is a perfect example of the band’s unique blend of rock and pop.
The song was released as a single and was a huge hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100.
It was also included on the band’s album Magical Mystery Tour.
The song’s lyrics are simple but powerful, with the chorus repeating the phrase “Hello, goodbye” over and over.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, Celine Dion, and The Jackson 5.
It’s a timeless classic that will remain popular for years to come.
22. “Ob-la-di Ob-la-da”
The Beatles’ 1968 hit single “Ob-la-di Ob-la-da” is a classic example of the band’s signature sound.
Written by Paul McCartney, the song is an upbeat, lighthearted track with a catchy melody and a memorable chorus.
The song has a reggae-influenced sound, with a prominent ska guitar line and a Jamaican-style vocal delivery.
The lyrics tell the story of a couple, Desmond and Molly, whose lives are seemingly perfect, despite the fact that they have no money.
The song is often seen as a celebration of life’s simple pleasures and the idea that happiness can be found in the little things.
It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Marmalade, The Specials, and even Bob Marley.
The song is a testament to the Beatles’ timelessness and influence, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.
21. “In My Life”
The Beatles’ song “In My Life” is a beautiful and timeless classic.
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it was released in 1965 on the album Rubber Soul.
The song is an introspective reflection on Lennon’s past, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
It has a simple, yet haunting melody, and the lyrics are filled with nostalgia and longing.
The song is often cited as one of the greatest of all time, and it is one of the few Beatles songs to be covered by the band itself.
The song features George Harrison on lead guitar, Ringo Starr on drums, and McCartney on bass.
It is one of the few Beatles songs to feature all four members of the band playing together.
The song has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to capture the essence of nostalgia and reflection.
It’s a timeless classic that will continue to be loved and appreciated for generations to come.
20. “Something”
The Beatles’ song “Something” is one of the most popular and beloved songs of all time.
Written by George Harrison and released in 1969, it was the first Harrison-penned song to be featured as an A-side single by the group.
The song was also the only Harrison composition to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it has become one of the most covered songs in the history of popular music.
The song was written in the key of G major and features a simple chord progression of G-Bm-C-D.
Harrison’s lyrics, which are often interpreted as a love song, are simple yet powerful, and the melody is both memorable and beautiful.
The song was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, with Harrison on lead guitar and vocals, Paul McCartney on bass, Ringo Starr on drums, and George Martin on piano.
The Beatles’ version of “Something” has been praised for its production and arrangement, with its lush strings and backing vocals providing a perfect backdrop for Harrison’s vocal performance.
It remains one of the most beloved and influential songs of the band’s career, and its timelessness is a testament to the genius of The Beatles.
19. “With a Little Help From My Friends”
“With a Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles is an iconic song that has been covered by countless artists over the years.
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it was released in 1967 on their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
This song is an example of the band’s signature sound, combining elements of rock and roll, blues, and pop music.
The lyrics tell the story of a person who is feeling down and in need of help, but finds solace in the support of their friends.
The song has a catchy chorus and a memorable melody, making it one of The Beatles’ most beloved hits.
The song was a success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and is considered one of the greatest songs of all time.
It is a testament to the power of friendship and the impact of The Beatles’ music on generations of fans.
18. “Here Comes the Sun”
“Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles is a timeless classic that has been loved by generations of fans.
Written by George Harrison and released in 1969, it was featured on the album Abbey Road and has become one of the most popular songs by the band.
The song is an upbeat, optimistic tune that celebrates the arrival of spring and the end of a period of darkness.
Its simple, catchy melody and positive lyrics have made it a favorite among Beatles fans and music lovers alike.
The song also features some of Harrison’s signature guitar work, which adds to its charm.
It is a reminder of the band’s incredible songwriting ability and their lasting influence on popular music.
“Here Comes the Sun” is a classic example of the Beatles’ ability to create timeless music that speaks to people of all ages and backgrounds.
17. “Love Me Do”
“Love Me Do” by The Beatles is an iconic song that marked the beginning of the band’s career.
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song was released in 1962 and was the band’s first single.
It was recorded at EMI Studios in London and was produced by George Martin.
The song was an instant success, reaching number 17 on the UK Singles Chart and number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song has since become a classic, and is often cited as one of the most influential songs of the 20th century.
It has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley and Otis Redding, and has been featured in various films and television shows.
The song is a simple love song, with the chorus “Love, love me do/You know I love you/I’ll always be true/So please, love me do”.
It is a timeless classic that has endured the test of time and will continue to be a favorite of Beatles fans for years to come.
16. “Eight Days a Week”
“Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles is a classic love song, released in 1964.
Written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, it was the band’s seventh single, and it topped the charts in both the UK and the US.
The song is a reflection of the band’s early fame and the struggles of maintaining a relationship while on tour.
It features a simple, catchy melody and a chorus that is easy to sing along to.
The Beatles were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, and this song is a testament to their ability to craft timeless, memorable songs.
The lyrics are full of romantic imagery, and the upbeat tempo creates a sense of joy and optimism.
The song has been covered by many other artists, and it remains a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
It is a classic example of the band’s early sound, and it stands as a timeless reminder of the power of love.
15. “Yellow Submarine”
“Yellow Submarine” is a classic song by the iconic British rock band, The Beatles.
Released in 1966, the song was written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon and produced by George Martin.
It was the title track from the band’s 1966 album of the same name and was also featured in the 1968 animated film of the same name.
The song is a psychedelic rock number that features a light-hearted, whimsical melody and lyrics about a yellow submarine.
The song has become one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in the Beatles’ catalog, and has been covered by numerous other artists over the years.
It is also one of the most popular songs to be played at sing-alongs and karaoke events.
The song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and is one of the few Beatles songs to have been featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list.
14. “Come Together”
“Come Together” by The Beatles is a classic rock song that was released in 1969 as the opening track for their album Abbey Road.
Written primarily by John Lennon, the song is a call for unity and is often seen as a political statement.
Musically, the song is a mix of blues, rock, and soul, with a catchy chorus and a memorable guitar riff.
The Beatles were known for their experimental approach to music, and this song is no exception.
With its use of multiple instruments and its unique sound, “Come Together” has become a staple in the Beatles’ discography and is still widely covered by artists today.
The song was also featured in the film Across the Universe and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014.
13. “All My Loving”
“All My Loving” by The Beatles is a classic song from their 1963 album “With The Beatles”.
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song has become one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in the band’s extensive catalog.
It is a simple love song, with the lyrics expressing an earnest devotion and affection for a loved one.
Musically, the song is a classic example of the Beatles’ early style, with a catchy melody and simple chord progression.
The instrumentation is sparse, featuring only acoustic guitar, bass, and drums, with Ringo Starr’s drumming providing the backbone of the song.
The Beatles’ harmonies are also featured prominently, with Lennon and McCartney singing in unison for much of the song.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and its influence can still be heard in modern pop music.
12. “Help!”
The Beatles’ 1965 song “Help!” is one of the most iconic songs of all time.
The song was written and composed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and was released as the title track of the band’s 1965 album of the same name.
It was the first single released from the album, and was a huge success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song is a plea for help from Lennon, who was struggling with personal issues at the time.
The lyrics are simple and direct, with Lennon singing “Help me if you can, I’m feeling down/And I do appreciate you being ’round”.
The song has a classic Beatles sound, with a simple but catchy guitar riff, a driving rhythm, and a powerful vocal performance from Lennon.
The song has since become a classic of the Beatles’ catalogue, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
11. “She Loves You”
The Beatles’ iconic song “She Loves You” was released in 1963 and quickly became a worldwide sensation.
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song was the band’s first number one hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
It was also the best-selling single of the 1960s and was the first Beatles song to be performed on the Ed Sullivan Show.
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The song’s simple, yet catchy chorus of “She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah” has become one of the most recognizable pop music refrains of all time.
The song’s success helped to launch the band’s career, and it has since been covered by numerous other artists, including Stevie Wonder and the Beach Boys.
“She Loves You” is a timeless classic that continues to be a favorite among Beatles fans and music lovers alike.
10. “A Hard Day’s Night”
“A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles is a timeless classic that has become an anthem for the band.
Released in 1964, the song was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and was the title track of their first film.
It was also the first song by The Beatles to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song is a classic example of the band’s signature sound, blending elements of rock and roll and pop with a jangly guitar riff, tight harmonies, and a catchy chorus.
The song’s lyrics, which tell the story of a day in the life of a working-class man, are a reflection of the band’s working-class roots and their commitment to social justice.
The song has become a symbol of the band’s influence on popular culture and has been covered by many other artists, including Elvis Presley and U2.
9. “Eleanor Rigby”
“Eleanor Rigby” is a classic song by The Beatles, released in 1966 on their album Revolver.
It was written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney.
The song tells the story of a lonely woman named Eleanor Rigby who is buried in a churchyard, and the song’s lyrics reflect themes of loneliness and isolation.
The song is set to a classical-style string arrangement, and features a distinctive violin solo played by a session musician.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number eleven on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It has since become one of the most covered songs in the history of popular music, and is widely considered to be one of The Beatles’ most iconic songs.
The song has been praised for its innovative use of strings, its poetic lyrics, and its evocative portrait of loneliness and isolation.
It has been covered by many artists, including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Jimi Hendrix.
The song has also been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
8. “I Saw Her Standing There”
“I Saw Her Standing There” by The Beatles is a classic rock ‘n’ roll song that was released in 1963 as part of their debut album, Please Please Me.
The song was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and was one of the first songs they wrote together.
It was produced by George Martin and was recorded in one take in the Abbey Road Studios.
The song has a fast-paced and upbeat tempo, with a catchy chorus and a memorable guitar riff.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, and The Jackson 5.
It was also featured in the movie Across the Universe.
The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and was ranked number 139 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
It is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and is still enjoyed by music fans of all ages.
7. “Can’t Buy Me Love”
“Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles is a classic hit that was released in 1964 and was featured on the album A Hard Day’s Night.
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song was an instant success and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
It was the first of six consecutive number one singles for The Beatles in the United States, and is still one of the most recognizable songs in the band’s catalogue.
The song has a unique structure, with a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format, and its catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a timeless classic.
Its lyrics are simple and direct, focusing on the idea of love being something that cannot be bought with money.
The Beatles’ use of vocal harmonies and their signature sound of electric guitars, bass, and drums make this song a timeless classic and a favorite among Beatles fans.
6. “Twist and Shout”
The Beatles’ classic hit “Twist and Shout” is a song that has been around since the early 1960s and is still a popular favorite today.
Originally written by Phil Medley and Bert Russell, the song was first recorded by the Isley Brothers in 1962.
The Beatles then covered the song in 1963 and released it as the final track on their debut album Please Please Me.
The song was an instant success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number seventeen on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The Beatles’ version of “Twist and Shout” is considered one of the greatest cover songs of all time, and has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and advertisements.
The song is a classic rock and roll number, with a strong beat and a catchy chorus.
The song features John Lennon on lead vocals, Paul McCartney on backing vocals, George Harrison on guitar, and Ringo Starr on drums.
The song is a testament to the band’s ability to take a song and make it their own, and it is a classic example of the Beatles’ signature sound.
5. “Blackbird”
The Beatles’ song “Blackbird” is an iconic piece of music that has been covered by countless artists since its original release in 1968.
Written by Paul McCartney, it is a folk-style song that has been described as a “message of hope and freedom” for its lyrical content.
The song was inspired by the struggles of the civil rights movement in the United States and was written as a metaphor for the struggles of African Americans.
The song features a simple but beautiful fingerpicking guitar accompaniment and is sung by McCartney in a gentle, melodic voice.
The song has been praised for its lyrical depth and its ability to convey a powerful message in a simple, yet profound way.
It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Aretha Franklin, Sarah McLachlan, and Alison Krauss.
The Beatles’ version of “Blackbird” remains one of the most beloved and recognizable songs of the band’s entire catalogue.
4. “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”
One of the most iconic songs of the 1960s, “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” by the Beatles is a classic example of the band’s signature sound.
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song was released in 1965 on the album Rubber Soul and was one of the first pop songs to feature the sitar.
The song is a reflection on a failed romantic relationship, with the narrator recalling a time when he was invited to stay in a woman’s house, only to find out that she was already in a relationship with someone else.
The song’s title is a reference to the Norwegian spruce wood often used in furniture making, and the lyrics are full of imagery and symbolism.
The Beatles were one of the most influential bands of the 20th century, and their music had a profound impact on the music industry.
“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” is a perfect example of the band’s unique style and sound, and it continues to be a fan favorite to this day.
3. “Hey Jude”
“Hey Jude” by The Beatles is an iconic song that has been a staple of classic rock radio since its release in 1968.
Written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney, the song was released as a single by The Beatles and became the band’s best-selling single worldwide.
The song was written by McCartney to comfort John Lennon’s son, Julian, during his parents’ divorce.
It starts off with a slow, gentle piano introduction and then builds to a powerful chorus.
The song is known for its long outro, which consists of a repeated coda that gradually fades out over a period of four minutes.
The song has been covered by numerous artists since its release, including Elton John, Aerosmith, and The Who.
It has also been featured in several films and television shows.
The Beatles performed the song live for the first time in 1968 on the BBC show “Top of the Pops”.
It has since become one of the most recognizable songs in the world.
2. “Let It Be”
The Beatles’ iconic song “Let It Be” is a timeless classic that has been beloved by generations of fans.
Written by Paul McCartney and released in 1970, the song is a heartfelt plea for peace and understanding.
It was the title track of the Beatles’ last album and was the last single released before the band’s breakup.
The song has been covered by countless artists, including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Johnny Cash.
It has also been featured in countless films, television shows, and commercials.
The song’s uplifting message and simple, yet powerful melody make it a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
1. “Yesterday”
“Yesterday” by The Beatles is one of the most iconic and beloved songs of all time.
Written by Paul McCartney and released in 1965, the song has become one of the most covered songs in the history of popular music.
It was the first single to be released by the band without the contribution of John Lennon and was the first song by The Beatles to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
The song has a melancholic tone and its lyrics reflect on the idea of lost love and longing.
It has been interpreted in various ways, but its most popular interpretation is that of a man who is reflecting on a past relationship.
The song has been praised for its simplicity and its ability to convey a powerful message in just a few words.
It has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Ray Charles. “Yesterday” is an enduring classic and a timeless reminder of the power of music.
More than 10 years of experience playing and writing about guitars! When not writing, I can be found strumming away some Johnny Cash tunes. Favorite all time guitar is the Gibson Les Paul. #TeamGibson
