If you’re a fan of rock music, chances are you know all about Pearl Jam.
Formed in Seattle in 1990, the band has become one of the most influential and successful rock bands of all time.
With a career spanning over 30 years, Pearl Jam has released a plethora of hit songs that have become staples of rock radio and the music industry.
Whether you’re a fan of the band or just looking to learn some of their songs on guitar, this article is perfect for you!
Here, we’ll provide you with 10 easy Pearl Jam songs to play on guitar, complete with guitar tabs.
From the classic hits like “Alive” and “Jeremy” to lesser known tracks like “Grievance” and “Black”, you’ll find something for everyone.
So, grab your guitar and get ready to rock out with Pearl Jam!
Table of Contents
10. “Black”
“Black” by Pearl Jam is an emotionally charged and powerful song that has become one of the band’s most popular and beloved tracks.
Written by lead singer Eddie Vedder, the song was released on the band’s debut album Ten in 1991, and has since become a fan favorite and a staple of their live shows.
The song is a deeply personal and introspective look at the struggles of depression and grief, and is widely considered to be one of the most emotionally raw and powerful songs of the grunge era.
Musically, the song is marked by its heavy guitar riffs, and Vedder’s hauntingly beautiful vocals, which soar to a powerful crescendo at the end of the song.
The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films and television shows, cementing its place as one of Pearl Jam’s most iconic songs.
9. “Given To Fly”
Pearl Jam’s “Given To Fly” is an uplifting, inspirational rock song that speaks to the human spirit’s desire to break free and explore the world.
Released in 1998, it was the lead single from their fifth studio album, Yield.
The song is driven by an anthemic guitar riff and Eddie Vedder’s passionate vocals, which convey a sense of freedom and exploration.
Lyrically, the song speaks to the desire to break free from the mundane and explore the world, with references to birds taking flight and the beauty of nature.
Musically, it features a complex mix of styles, from grunge to folk rock, and is considered one of Pearl Jam’s most successful singles.
It peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified gold by the RIAA in 2000.
The song has since become a staple of Pearl Jam’s live performances, and has been covered by numerous artists, including the Foo Fighters and the Zac Brown Band.
8. “Corduroy”
“Corduroy” by Pearl Jam is a classic rock song that was released in 1994 as part of the band’s second studio album, Vitalogy.
The song is an upbeat, hard rock track that features lead singer Eddie Vedder’s signature vocals and a catchy chorus.
The song is about a man who is struggling to find his place in the world and is looking for something to hold on to.
The lyrics reflect the feelings of frustration and restlessness that many people experience in their lives.
The song was an instant hit with fans and critics alike, and it remains one of Pearl Jam’s most popular songs to this day.
It was also a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and being certified Platinum by the RIAA.
The song is also notable for its use of a distorted guitar sound, which was a new sound for the band at the time and helped to define their sound.
7. “Yellow Ledbetter”
The song “Yellow Ledbetter” by Pearl Jam is an iconic and beloved rock anthem.
It was released in 1992 as the B-side to the single “Jeremy” and has since become a fan favorite.
The song is known for its mysterious lyrics and its extended guitar solo.
It has been performed live by Pearl Jam over 500 times, making it one of their most popular songs.
The song is often interpreted as a tribute to the Vietnam War, with the “yellow” in the title referring to the yellow ribbons worn in support of the war.
The song has been covered by many other artists, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Dave Matthews Band.
It has also been featured in many films and television shows, such as “The Sopranos” and “The Simpsons.”
Despite its mysterious lyrics, “Yellow Ledbetter” remains a beloved rock anthem that has stood the test of time.
6. “Daughter”
Pearl Jam’s song “Daughter” is a powerful and emotional ballad.
Released in 1993, it was the third single from their second album, Vs.
Written by vocalist Eddie Vedder, the song is a reflection on the struggles of parenthood and the importance of communication between parents and children.
It was a major hit in the US, reaching number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number four on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Musically, the song is a blend of alternative rock and grunge, featuring a simple but effective guitar riff, a driving rhythm section, and Vedder’s passionate vocals.
The song also features a unique bridge section in which Vedder sings in a higher register, and a powerful chorus that captures the emotion of the lyrics.
“Daughter” has become a classic of the grunge era, and is still a fan favorite today.
5. “Alive”
Pearl Jam’s “Alive” is a powerful and emotionally charged song that has become a staple of the band’s live performances.
The song was written by vocalist Eddie Vedder and released on their debut album Ten in 1991.
It is a reflection of Vedder’s turbulent childhood, with lyrics that explore the pain of abandonment and the joy of self-discovery.
Musically, it is a hard-hitting rock song, driven by Mike McCready’s intense guitar riffs and Jeff Ament’s driving bass lines.
The song has become a fan favorite, with its soaring chorus and Vedder’s passionate vocals.
It has been covered by numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Chris Cornell, and has been featured in films and television shows.
The song’s success has helped to cement Pearl Jam’s status as one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
4. “Jeremy”
Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy” is an iconic song that has become a staple in alternative rock.
Written by lead singer Eddie Vedder, the song tells the story of a troubled youth named Jeremy who eventually commits suicide in front of his classmates.
The song was released in 1992 as the third single from Pearl Jam’s debut album Ten.
The song was an instant success, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the band’s highest-charting single.
It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1993.
The song’s music video was directed by Mark Pellington and won four MTV Video Music Awards in 1993, including Best Video of the Year.
The song has been influential in the music industry, inspiring other artists such as Tori Amos and Taylor Swift.
Pearl Jam has performed the song live many times, and it has become a fan favorite.
3. “I Am Mine”
Pearl Jam’s 2002 single “I Am Mine” is a powerful, uplifting anthem of self-empowerment and self-love.
The song, which was released as the lead single from their seventh studio album Riot Act, is an ode to the idea of taking control of one’s own life and destiny.
The lyrics, written by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, are an emotional and heartfelt reflection on how we can take ownership of our lives and our choices.
Musically, the song is driven by a propulsive guitar riff and Vedder’s passionate vocals.
The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
It is one of the most recognizable songs in the Pearl Jam catalog, and has become a fan-favorite over the years.
The band has performed the song live countless times, and it continues to be a staple of their live shows.
2. “Even Flow”
“Even Flow” by Pearl Jam is an iconic song that has been an integral part of their live set since its release in 1991.
The song was the second single from their debut album, Ten, and is one of the band’s most recognizable songs.
It was written by lead singer Eddie Vedder and guitarist Stone Gossard, and was inspired by Vedder’s experiences of homelessness.
The song’s lyrics are full of emotion and imagery, and its music is driven by a powerful guitar riff and a steady beat.
The song’s popularity has endured over the years, as it has been covered by numerous artists and featured in films and television shows.
The song has been a staple of Pearl Jam’s live set since its release, and the band has performed it at almost every concert since then.
It is a testament to the band’s staying power and their ability to write timeless music that continues to resonate with fans.
1. “Better Man”
“Better Man” by Pearl Jam is a classic rock staple that has been around since the band’s 1994 album Vitalogy.
The song was written by lead singer Eddie Vedder, and it is a powerful ballad that speaks to the heart of many listeners.
It is a song about a relationship gone wrong, and it speaks to the pain of being in a situation where one person is not being treated fairly.
The song speaks to the idea of wanting to be a better man for someone, and it has become one of Pearl Jam’s most popular songs.
It has been covered by many artists, and it continues to be a popular choice for acoustic performances.
It is a song that speaks to the heart of many, and it is a testament to the power of Pearl Jam’s songwriting.
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
