When you’re picking up a guitar and looking to play some songs, it’s natural to want to find tunes that are easy to get your head around.
Though there are plenty of great songs that require more than just three chords, sometimes you just want something simple that you can strum along to without having to think too hard.
In this blog post, we’re going to be listing our favorite 3-chord guitar songs of all time (in no particular order) in terms of how popular they were and how easy they are to play.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these easy songs will get your toes tapping in no time!
So grab your guitar and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Top 100 Best 3-Chord Guitar Songs
- 100. “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens (C- F-G)
- 99. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars (D-Em-G)
- 98. “The First Cut Is The Deepest” by Sheryl Crow (A-D-G)
- 97. “Little Ghost” by The White Stripes (G-C-D)
- 96. “Great Balls Of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis (C-F7-G7)
- 95. “The Tide Is High” by Blondie (A-D-E)
- 94. “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash (G-C-D)
- 93. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver (D-G-C)
- 92. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cirus (A-E-A)
- 91. “Gloria” by Them (E-D-A)
- 90. “Bye Bye Love” by The Everly Brothers (D-A-E)
- 89. “Break On Through” by The Doors (Em-D)
- 88. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw (G-Em-C)
- 87. “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert (Em-C-D)
- 86. “Lullaby” by Johannes Brahms (G-D7-C)
- 85. “Wonderful” by Everclear (G-D-C)
- 84. “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles (C-Em)
- 83. “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes (A-Bm-D)
- 82. “Come on Everybody” by Eddie Cochran (E-A-B7)
- 81. “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris (C-F-G)
- 80. “The Duck Song” by Bryant Oden (F-B-C)
- 79. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley (A-D-E)
- 78. “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen (A-D-E)
- 77. “Royals” by Lorde (D-C-G)
- 76. “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield (E-A-G)
- 75. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens (D-G-A | 3rd fret capo)
- 74. “Love Me Do” by The Beatles (G-C-D)
- 73. “Nebraska” by Bruce Springsteen (G-C-F | 1st fret capo)
- 72. “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett (A-D-E)
- 71. “Here I am to Worship” by Tim Hughes (G-D-C)
- 70. “Babylon Too Rough” by Gregory Isaacs (C#m-G#m-D#m)
- 69. “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith (Am-F-C)
- 68. “Werewolves Of London” by Warren Zevon (D-C-G)
- 67. “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys (D#-A#-G#)
- 66. “Wild Thing” by The Troggs (A-D-E)
- 65. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac (F-G)
- 64. “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett (G-A-D)
- 63. “Willie And The Hand Jive” by Eric Clapton (A-D-E)
- 62. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift (Am-C-G)
- 61. “Spirit In The Sky” by Norman Greenbaum (A-D-C)
- 60. “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers (C-F-G)
- 59. “Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley And His Comets (A-D-E)
- 58. “The Joker” by Steve Miller Band (G-C-D)
- 57. “The Guns Of Brixton” by The Clash (F#m-Bm-G)
- 56. “Blowin In The Wind” by Bob Dylan (G-C-D | 7th fret capo)
- 55. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol (A-E-D)
- 54. “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins (Dm-C-Bb)
- 53. “A Horse With No Name” by America (Em-D6/9)
- 52. “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something (D-G-A)
- 51. “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars (D-Bm-G)
- 50. “Get It On” by T. Rex (E-A-G)
- 49. “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (D-A-G)
- 48. “Used To Love Her” by Guns N’ Roses (D-A-G)
- 47. “Mellow Yellow” by Donovan (D-G-A)
- 46. “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones (D-A-G)
- 45. “In The Name Of Love” by Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha (C-Em-D)
- 44. “Walk of Life” by Dire Straits (A-D-E)
- 43. “Mr. Tambourine Man” by Bob Dylan (D-G-A | 3rd fret capo)
- 42. “Love Is A Rose” by Neil Young (G-C-D)
- 41. “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles (D-G-A)
- 40. “Not Fade Away” by Buddy Holly (E-A-D)
- 39. “Working Class Hero” by John Lennon (Am-G-D)
- 38. “Walk On The Wild Side” by Lou Reed (C-F-Dm)
- 37. “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes (G-Am-C)
- 36. “Unknown Legend” by Neil Young (G-C-G)
- 35. “Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen (A-D-Em)
- 34. “C’mon Everybody’ by Eddie Cochran (E-A-B7)
- 33. “Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel (G-C-D | 4th fret capo)
- 32. “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock (D-C-G)
- 31. “Common People” by Pulp (A-E-D | 3rd fret capo)
- 30. “Closer” by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey (C-D-Em)
- 29. “Midnight Rambler” by The Rolling Stones (E-D-A)
- 28. “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers (G-C-D)
- 27. “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys (E-A-G)
- 26. “No Fun” by The Stooges (A-E-D)
- 25. “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by John Denver (D-G-C)
- 24. “Lovely” by Billie Eilish feat. Khalid (Em-C-Bm)
- 23. “I Have A Dream” by Abba (D-A-E)
- 22. “Stir It Up” by Bob Marley (A-D-E)
- 21. “Solitude” by Black Sabbath (Gm-F)
- 20. “Desire” by U2 (E-D-A)
- 19. “Seven Bridges Road” by Eagles (D-C-G)
- 18. “Happy Birthday To You” (G-D-C)
- 17. “Something In The Way” by Nirvana (Em-C/G | 1st fret capo)
- 16. “All The Small Things” by Blink-182 (C-F-G)
- 15. “The Bees” by Lee Ann Womack (D-G-A | 1st fret capo)
- 14. “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction (E-A-B)
- 13. “Englishman In New York” by Sting (Em-A-Bm)
- 12. “Judy Is A Punk” by Ramones (D#5-G#5-Bb5)
- 11. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World (D-A-G)
- 10. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin (D-E-A)
- 9. “Riptide” by Vance Joy (Am-G-C | 1st fret capo)
- 8. “Beat It” by Michael Jackson (Em-D-C)
- 7. “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry (A-D-E)
- 6. “Times Like These” by Foo Fighters (C-Em-D)
- 5. “Free Fallin” by Tom Petty (D-G-A)
- 4. “TNT” by AC/DC (E-G-A)
- 3. “Knockin’ On Heavens Door” by Bob Dylan (G-D-Am)
- 2. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D-C-G)
- 1. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley (A-D-E)
Top 100 Best 3-Chord Guitar Songs
100. “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens (C- F-G)
“Para bailar La Bamba se necesita una poca de gracia!”
“La Bamba” is a traditional Mexican folk song that has been popularized by many artists over the years.
The most well-known version was recorded by Ritchie Valens in 1958.
Ritchie Valens was a Mexican-American singer and songwriter and “La Bamba” is one of his best-known songs.
This song is a great piece to start learning to play the guitar, is a little fast-paced, but still very easy and extremely fun.
99. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars (D-Em-G)
“It’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for something dumb to do. Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you”
Bruno Mars’s song “Marry You” is a beautiful ballad about wanting to spend the rest of one’s life with someone.
The lyrics are full of love and emotion, and the song is perfect for weddings or other romantic occasions.
He talks about how much he loves her and how he wants to spend the rest of his life with her; it’s a really sweet song and a great proposal anthem.
As to how easy it is to play this song on a guitar, it mainly has three chords, which are D major, E minor, and G major.
98. “The First Cut Is The Deepest” by Sheryl Crow (A-D-G)
“The first cut is the deepest. But when it comes to being lucky, he’s cursed. When it comes to lovin’ me, he’s worse”
The First Cut Is The Deepest by Sheryl Crow is about a break-up between two people that loved each other at some point.
Crow sings about the power of the first cut, how it’s always the deepest when it comes to love.
This can be interpreted in many ways, including the idea that being hurt by somebody hurts the most when you didn’t expect it at all.
97. “Little Ghost” by The White Stripes (G-C-D)
“Little ghost, little ghost. One I’m scared of the most”
When I first heard The White Stripes’ song “Little Ghost”, I was immediately drawn in by the haunting and bluesy melody.
The lyrics, which tell a story of unrequited love and heartbreak, perfectly capture the mix of sadness and apathy that is so often associated with longing and loss.
Through simple but evocative imagery, Jack White paints a vivid picture of desperation and heartache.
Whether you’ve experienced similar overwhelming emotions or not, “Little Ghost” is sure to elicit an emotional response, making it one of the most powerful tracks in The White Stripes’ repertoire.
96. “Great Balls Of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis (C-F7-G7)
“You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain. Too much love drives a man insane”
“Great Balls of Fire” is a song written by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer.
It was first recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis in 1957 and released as a single on Sun Records.
The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been covered by many artists; Lewis’s recording of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
“Great Balls of Fire” is one of the most iconic songs of the 1950s, and its energy and style are still unmatched today.
Thanks to Lewis’s incredible performance, the song has stood the test of time and remains an essential part of rock ‘n’ roll history.
95. “The Tide Is High” by Blondie (A-D-E)
“The tide is high but I’m holdin’ on. I’m gonna be your number one”
“The Tide Is High” is a 1967 rocksteady song written by John Holt, originally produced by Duke Reid and performed by the Jamaican group the Paragons.
The song gained international attention in 1980, when a version by the American band Blondie became a US and UK number one hit
It was released in December 1980 as the lead single from the group’s fifth studio album, Autoamerican.
The song only has three chords, which makes it really easy to learn how to play.
You can use a variety of different strumming patterns to add interest to the song, and some embellishments, such as picking out the melody or adding in some simple fills.
94. “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash (G-C-D)
“Love is a burning thing and it makes a fiery ring. Bound by wild desire, I fell into a ring of fire”
The song “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash is a classic piece of Americana that has become synonymous with the rugged, pioneering spirit of the West.
Featuring evocative imagery and a driving, folksy melody, this beloved tune perfectly captures the sense of adventure that lies at the heart of the American psyche.
With lyrics like “love is a burning thing,” it perfectly evokes both the passions and perils one can find out in the wild frontier.
So whether you’re headed out on your own adventures or simply looking to relive some good old-fashioned Americana, there’s no better way to get in touch with those roots than by rocking out to “Ring of Fire.”
93. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver (D-G-C)
“All my bags are packed I’m ready to go, I’m standin’ here outside your door. I hate to wake you up to say goodbye”
There’s something about the opening chords of “Leaving on a Jet Plane” that instantly transports you back to the past.
Whether driving down the highway, walking down the street, or just sitting at home with the windows open, whenever you hear those first few notes, it brings you back to that carefree time before adulthood and responsibility.
The lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of longing for faraway places, as well as the bittersweet joy of finally starting that journey.
In many ways, it embodies what it means to grow up and become your own person.
Through its timeless melodies and poignant lyrics, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” reminds us of the innocence and beauty of childhood, even as it reminds us that everything must eventually come to an end.
92. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cirus (A-E-A)
“You can tell the world you never was my girl, you can burn my clothes up when I’m gone”
For anyone who grew up in the ’90s, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cirus is sure to evoke a flood of memories.
Whether it was the catchy melody, the goofy line dancing, or just the pure nostalgia of it all, this song quickly became one of the most iconic hits of that decade.
In many ways, it also marked a shift in popular culture.
With its wacky country-pop sound and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, “Achy Breaky Heart” was a breath of fresh air at a time when most people were still listening predominantly to rock music.
91. “Gloria” by Them (E-D-A)
“Like to tell ya about my baby, you know she comes around. She about five feet four, from her head to the ground”
The song “Gloria” by Them is an undisputed classic of the 60s rock scene.
With its raw, bluesy sound and self-assured vocals, this iconic song perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of that era.
In fact, many music critics have hailed it as one of the greatest songs to ever emerge from the British rock scene.
With its catchy riffs and memorable lyrics, “Gloria” has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved choice on rock playlists to this day.
90. “Bye Bye Love” by The Everly Brothers (D-A-E)
“There goes my baby with someone new, she sure looks happy, I sure am blue”
“Bye Bye Love” is a song written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and first recorded by The Everly Brothers in 1957.
The song became a no. 2 hit on the US Billboard Pop charts and no. 1 on the Cash Box Best Selling Record charts.
The Everly Brothers version of “Bye Bye Love” is a melancholy tale of lost love and features close harmonies and intricate guitar work.
The song has a simple, but catchy melody that helps to convey the emotions of the protagonist.
89. “Break On Through” by The Doors (Em-D)
“You know the day destroys the night. Night divides the day”
88. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw (G-Em-C)
“You know there’s a light that glows by the front door. Don’t forget the key’s under the mat”
87. “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert (Em-C-D)
“I see you and me riding like Bonnie and Clyde. Going ninety five, burning down 129, yeah”
86. “Lullaby” by Johannes Brahms (G-D7-C)
“Lullaby and good night, with pink roses bedight, with lilies o’er spread, is my baby’s sweet head.”
85. “Wonderful” by Everclear (G-D-C)
“I close my eyes when I get too sad, I think thoughts that I know are bad”
84. “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles (C-Em)
“Ah, look at all the lonely people”
83. “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes (A-Bm-D)
“25 years and my life is still tryin’ to get up that great big hill of hope”
82. “Come on Everybody” by Eddie Cochran (E-A-B7)
“Well, c’mon everybody and let’s get together tonight, I got some money in my jeans and I’m really gonna spend it right”
81. “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris (C-F-G)
“Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, wipe out”
80. “The Duck Song” by Bryant Oden (F-B-C)
“A duck walked up to a lemonade stand and he said to the man, running the stand: “Hey! (Bum bum bum) Got any grapes?””
79. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley (A-D-E)
“You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog cryin’ all the time”
78. “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen (A-D-E)
“I had a friend was a big baseball player back in high school. He could throw that speedball by you, make you look like a fool boy”
77. “Royals” by Lorde (D-C-G)
“And we’ll never be royals, it don’t run in our blood. That kind of luxe just ain’t for us, we crave a different kind of buzz”
76. “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield (E-A-G)
“There’s something happening here, but what it is ain’t exactly clear”
75. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens (D-G-A | 3rd fret capo)
“In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight”
74. “Love Me Do” by The Beatles (G-C-D)
“Love, love me do you know I love you. I’ll always be true, so please…”
73. “Nebraska” by Bruce Springsteen (G-C-F | 1st fret capo)
“I saw her standing on her front lawn just twirling her baton”
72. “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett (A-D-E)
“Mustang Sally, H’uh, h’uh. Guess you better slow your Mustang down. Oh Lord, what I say now”
71. “Here I am to Worship” by Tim Hughes (G-D-C)
“Light of the world, you stepped down into darkness”
70. “Babylon Too Rough” by Gregory Isaacs (C#m-G#m-D#m)
“Easy, Natty, easy. Nah take it so rough”
69. “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith (Am-F-C)
“Oh, won’t you stay with me? ‘Cause you’re all I need”
68. “Werewolves Of London” by Warren Zevon (D-C-G)
“I saw werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand walking through the streets of SoHo in the rain”
![Warren Zevon - Werewolves Of London (Official Music Video) [HD]](https://www.guitarbased.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fqae25976UgA%2F0.jpg)
67. “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys (D#-A#-G#)
“Everybody’s gone surfin’. Surfin’ U.S.A”
66. “Wild Thing” by The Troggs (A-D-E)
“Wild thing, you make my heart sing. You make everything groovy, wild thing”
65. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac (F-G)
“Now there you go again, you say you want your freedom. Well, who am I to keep you down?”
![Fleetwood Mac - Dreams [with lyrics]](https://www.guitarbased.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FmrZRURcb1cM%2F0.jpg)
64. “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett (G-A-D)
“Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville, searchin’ for my long lost shaker of salt”
63. “Willie And The Hand Jive” by Eric Clapton (A-D-E)
“I know a cat named Way-Out Willie, had a cool little chick named Rockin’ Billie”
62. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift (Am-C-G)
“I stay out too late, got nothing in my brain, that’s what people say”
61. “Spirit In The Sky” by Norman Greenbaum (A-D-C)
“When I die and they lay me to rest, gonna go to the place that’s the best”
60. “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers (C-F-G)
“Lean on me when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on…”
59. “Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley And His Comets (A-D-E)
“Put your glad rags on and join me hon’, we’ll have some fun when the clock strikes one”
58. “The Joker” by Steve Miller Band (G-C-D)
“Some people call me the space cowboy, yeah, some call me the gangster of love”
57. “The Guns Of Brixton” by The Clash (F#m-Bm-G)
“When they kick at your front door, how you gonna come?”
56. “Blowin In The Wind” by Bob Dylan (G-C-D | 7th fret capo)
“How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?”
55. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol (A-E-D)
“Let’s waste time chasing cars around our heads”
54. “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins (Dm-C-Bb)
“I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh lord. And I’ve been waiting for this moment, for all my life, oh lord”
53. “A Horse With No Name” by America (Em-D6/9)
“On the first part of the journey I was looking at all the life; there were plants and birds and rocks and things, there was sand and hills and rings”
52. “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something (D-G-A)
“You say that we’ve got nothing in common, no common ground to start from. And we’re falling apart, you’ll say the world has come between us”
51. “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars (D-Bm-G)
“When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change. ‘Cause you’re amazing, just the way you are”
50. “Get It On” by T. Rex (E-A-G)
“Well, you’re dirty and sweet. Clad in black, don’t look back and I love you”
49. “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (D-A-G)
“Don’t go around tonight. Well it’s bound to take your life. There’s a bad moon on the rise”
48. “Used To Love Her” by Guns N’ Roses (D-A-G)
“I used to love her but I had to kill her”
47. “Mellow Yellow” by Donovan (D-G-A)
“I’m just mad about saffron. A-saffron’s mad about me”
46. “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones (D-A-G)
“Send me dead flowers to my wedding and I won’t forget to put roses on your grave”
45. “In The Name Of Love” by Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha (C-Em-D)
“If I told you this was only gonna hurt, if I warned you that the fire’s gonna burn”
44. “Walk of Life” by Dire Straits (A-D-E)
“He got the action, he got the motion. Oh yeah, the boy can play”
43. “Mr. Tambourine Man” by Bob Dylan (D-G-A | 3rd fret capo)
“Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me, I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to”
42. “Love Is A Rose” by Neil Young (G-C-D)
“Love is a rose, but you better not pick it”
41. “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles (D-G-A)
“Well, shake it up, baby, now, twist and shout”
40. “Not Fade Away” by Buddy Holly (E-A-D)
“I’m gonna tell you how it’s gonna be. ‘Bop-bop-bop-bop”
39. “Working Class Hero” by John Lennon (Am-G-D)
“As soon as you’re born, they make you feel small by giving you no time instead of it all”
38. “Walk On The Wild Side” by Lou Reed (C-F-Dm)
“She says: Hey, babe, take a walk on the wild side”
37. “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes (G-Am-C)
“And I take a deep breath and I get real high, and I scream from the top of my lungs: What’s going on?”
36. “Unknown Legend” by Neil Young (G-C-G)
“You know it ain’t easy, you got to hold on, she was an unknown legend in her time”
35. “Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen (A-D-Em)
“Louie Louie, oh no. Me gotta go”
34. “C’mon Everybody’ by Eddie Cochran (E-A-B7)
“Well, c’mon everybody and let’s get together tonight, I got some money in my jeans and I’m really gonna spend it right”
33. “Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel (G-C-D | 4th fret capo)
“‘Cilia, you’re breaking my heart, you’re shaking my confidence daily”
32. “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock (D-C-G)
“It was 1989, my thoughts were short my hair was long. Caught somewhere between a boy and man”
![Kid Rock - All Summer Long [Official Music Video]](https://www.guitarbased.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FaSkFygPCTwE%2F0.jpg)
31. “Common People” by Pulp (A-E-D | 3rd fret capo)
“I wanna live like common people, I wanna do whatever common people do”
30. “Closer” by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey (C-D-Em)
“So, baby, pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover that I know you can’t afford”
29. “Midnight Rambler” by The Rolling Stones (E-D-A)
“Did you hear about the midnight rambler? Everybody got to go”
28. “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers (G-C-D)
“On a warm summer’s evening, on a train bound for nowhere”
27. “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys (E-A-G)
“I got a love that keeps me waitin’, I’m a lonely boy”
![The Black Keys - Lonely Boy [Official Music Video]](https://www.guitarbased.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fa_426RiwST8%2F0.jpg)
26. “No Fun” by The Stooges (A-E-D)
“No fun to hang around feelin’ that same old way”
25. “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by John Denver (D-G-C)
“All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go, I’m standin’ here outside your door, I hate to wake you up to say goodbye”
24. “Lovely” by Billie Eilish feat. Khalid (Em-C-Bm)
“Oh, I hope some day I’ll make it out of here even if it takes all night or a hundred years”
23. “I Have A Dream” by Abba (D-A-E)
“I Have a Dream, a song to sing to help me cope, with anything”
22. “Stir It Up” by Bob Marley (A-D-E)
“Come on and stir it up, little darlin’! Stir it up, come on, baby!”
21. “Solitude” by Black Sabbath (Gm-F)
“My name it means nothing, my fortune is less, my future is shrouded in dark wilderness”
20. “Desire” by U2 (E-D-A)
“Lover, I’m off the streets. Gonna go where the bright lights”
19. “Seven Bridges Road” by Eagles (D-C-G)
“There are stars in the southern sky, southward as you go”
18. “Happy Birthday To You” (G-D-C)
“Happy Birthday to You”, also known as “Happy Birthday”, is a song traditionally sung to celebrate a person’s birthday.
17. “Something In The Way” by Nirvana (Em-C/G | 1st fret capo)
“Underneath the bridge tarp has sprung a leak, and the animals I’ve trapped have all become my pets”
16. “All The Small Things” by Blink-182 (C-F-G)
“All the small things, true care, truth brings. I’ll take one lift, your ride, best trip”
15. “The Bees” by Lee Ann Womack (D-G-A | 1st fret capo)
“I’ve been looking for a sweeter side, looking for a big bloom on a short vine”
14. “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction (E-A-B)
“You’re insecure, don’t know what for, you’re turning heads when you walk through the do-o-or”
13. “Englishman In New York” by Sting (Em-A-Bm)
“And you can hear it in my accent when I talk, I’m an Englishman in New York”
12. “Judy Is A Punk” by Ramones (D#5-G#5-Bb5)
“Jackie is a punk, Judy is a runt. They both went down to Berlin, joined the Ice Capades”
11. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World (D-A-G)
“Hey, don’t write yourself off yet. It’s only in your head, you feel left out”
10. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin (D-E-A)
“You need cooling, baby I’m not fooling. I’m gonna send ya back to schooling”
Led Zeppelin’s 1969 song “Whole Lotta Love” is one of the band’s most popular and well-known tracks.
The song was written by guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant, and was inspired by Willie Dixon’s blues song “You Need Love.”
“Whole Lotta Love” was released as a single in November 1969, and became a hit in the United States, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
9. “Riptide” by Vance Joy (Am-G-C | 1st fret capo)
“I was scared of dentists and the dark, I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations”
Riptide is a song by Vance Joy that was released in March 1, 2013.
The song has been a hit on radio stations and has been featured in various commercials and TV shows.
![Vance Joy - Riptide [Acoustic]](https://www.guitarbased.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FsqlyIlpV-eA%2F0.jpg)
The song has an upbeat tempo and is super catchy, making it perfect for summertime listening.
For beginner guitarists or anybody looking for a simple and easy song to play, then this is a great option to consider and learn.
8. “Beat It” by Michael Jackson (Em-D-C)
“The fire’s in their eyes and their words are really clear, so beat it, just beat it”
The song “Beat It” by Michael Jackson is a great upbeat song to listen to when you need to get pumped up for something.
It’s one of the most iconic songs of all time; recorded in 1982 and released in February 14, 1983, the song was written by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones.
It was a huge success and won multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards.
“Beat It” is an incredibly catchy song with an infectious beat that will keep you dancing all night long.
7. “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry (A-D-E)
“Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans, way back up in the woods among the evergreens”
Chuck Berry was a rock and roll pioneer who is considered one of the fathers of the genre.
He wrote and recorded many classic songs, including “Johnny B. Goode.”
This song has been covered by many artists over the years, and remains a popular song even after so many years since the day it was written.
Berry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and passed away in 2017 at the age of 90.
6. “Times Like These” by Foo Fighters (C-Em-D)
“It’s times like these you learn to live again, it’s times like these you give and give again”
“Times Like These” is a single from American rock band Foo Fighters’ fourth album, “One by One”.
The song was written by frontman Dave Grohl and is speculated to be either about his divorce or how the Foo Fighters were on the verge of disbanding at some point in their musical journey.
The lyrics are full of hope and resilience, with Grohl singing about how times like these make you stronger.
The song was released as a single in January 14, 2003, and rapidly received heavy airplay on rock radio.
It has been used in a number of popular TV shows and movies, including “One Tree Hill”, “American Wedding”, “Jericho”, and in the trailer for the 2006 film “The Benchwarmers”.
5. “Free Fallin” by Tom Petty (D-G-A)
“She’s a good girl, loves her mama, loves Jesus and America, too”
Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin'” is a beautiful ballad about the ups and downs of love.
The song was written by Petty and Jeff Lynne, and it was released on Petty’s 1989 album, “Full Moon Fever”.
It tells the story of a young man who is in love with a girl that he recently broke up with.
Throughout the years, this song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a popular choice for karaoke.
4. “TNT” by AC/DC (E-G-A)
“See me ride out of the sunset on your color TV screen. Out for all that I can get, if you know what I mean”
TNT is an acronym for “Too Much TNT”.
It is a song by AC/DC and it was first recorded in 1975 and later released in 1976.
Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson, “TNT” is one of AC/DC’s most popular songs, having been performed live over 1,000 times.
The song is very easy to play on a guitar and is a great choice for those just starting to learn the instrument.
It starts with a simple guitar riff that is then joined by the rest of the band.
The lyrics of the song are very straightforward, and they tell the story of a young man who is living life to the fullest and taking risks.
3. “Knockin’ On Heavens Door” by Bob Dylan (G-D-Am)
“Mama, take this badge off of me. I can’t use it anymore. It’s getting dark, too dark to see, I feel like I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door”
“Knockin’ On Heavens Door” is a song by Bob Dylan that was released in 1973.
The song is about someone who is at the end of their life and is looking back on their life; they are asking for forgiveness from God and are ready to meet Him.
Although this song uses 4 chords in total, it can easily be played with just 3 chords in most main sections of the track.
It is a simple song, but the lyrics are very powerful, since is the best reminder that even though life can be hard, we should always be looking to the future and not dwelling on the past.
Also it has been covered by many artists throughout the last few decades, including Guns N’ Roses and Eric Clapton.
2. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D-C-G)
“Sweet home Alabama! Where the skies are so blue”
Sweet Home Alabama is one of the most iconic songs in American history.
It was released in 1974 by southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and has been covered by countless artists over the years.
The song is a response to Neil Young’s song “Alabama”, which was critical of the state’s racism.
“Sweet Home Alabama” is a celebration of southern culture and values, and has become an anthem for people from all parts of the country.
1. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley (A-D-E)
“Don’t worry about a thing’. Cause every little thing gonna be all right”
The song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley is about hope and being positive and it’s a very easy song to play on the guitar.
Understanding and closely listening to the lyrics will give you a sense of how no matter what happens, everything will be alright.
To put it another way, whatever life throws your way, always remember to stay positive and have hope for the future since things will eventually get better.
Born and raised in Florida! I’ve been playing guitars for the past 5 years. Love to learn, and I’m always striving to achieve greater heights in music. Currently have a Fender Stratocaster as my main guitar.
