If you’re looking for an easy way to get started playing guitar, and want some easy songs to learn, then look no further than the Beach Boys!
The Beach Boys are an iconic American rock band that formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California.
As such, they’re widely considered to be one of the most influential bands of all time, and their music has stood the test of time.
With catchy melodies, simple chords, and memorable lyrics, the Beach Boys are a great choice for any aspiring guitarist.
Here, we’ve compiled eight easy Beach Boys songs to play on guitar, including all of their respective tabs so that you can learn them today.
Table of Contents
8. “Kokomo”
“Kokomo” by the Beach Boys is a summertime song that was released in 1988, and I’m sure the second you hear its chorus, you’ll recognize it perfectly.
It was written by Mike Love, Terry Melcher, and John Phillips and produced by Terry Melcher and Scott McKenzie.
The song was featured on the soundtrack of the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail and was the Beach Boys’ first number-one hit in the US since “Good Vibrations” in 1966.
The song is a tropical-themed ode to the Caribbean island of Kokomo, and it features a laid-back, reggae-influenced sound and a catchy chorus.
Like I said, the song was a major success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for two weeks.
The Beach Boys were a hugely influential American rock band that formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California.
As such, they’re often credited with helping to define the sound of the 1960s and are known for their close vocal harmonies, catchy melodies, and sunny disposition.
For anybody looking for an easy guitar song to learn from The Beach Boys, this should be on top of your list.
You’ll basically be playing chords for the most part, and the rhythm stays very consistent throughout the whole song.
7. “Help Me Rhonda”
The Beach Boys’ 1965 hit single “Help Me Rhonda” is an old surf-rock song that has become one of the band’s signature tunes.
Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the song was released as the lead single from their album Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!).
It was an immediate success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming the group’s second number one hit in the United States.
The song is a very good example of the Beach Boys’ signature sound, blending elements of rock, pop, and surf music.
Now, as for the lyrics, they tell the story of a man asking for help from a woman named Rhonda.
The Beach Boys’ harmonies, as well as their use of instruments such as the electric guitar, bass, and drums, give the song a distinct sound.
6. “Good Vibrations”
“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys is another one of their iconic songs that was released in 1966 and quickly became a hit.
Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the song was recorded over the course of six months, making it one of the most expensive singles ever recorded at the time.
It was the band’s third number-one hit in the US, and it also topped the charts in the UK and Canada.
As you can see, The Beach Boys really had their run at some point, with so many number-one hits one after the other.
“Good Vibrations” was a major departure from their earlier style, and it was one of the first songs to use the Moog synthesizer.
5. “Don’t Worry Baby”
The Beach Boys’ “Don’t Worry Baby” was released in 1964, and is one of my favorite tracks from their repertoire.
It was written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian, and yet again, reached many good positions in the charts at the time.
The Beach Boys’ version of the song features a classic surf-rock sound, with a driving rhythm guitar and a prominent lead vocal.
As for the rhythm of the song, it’s certainly slower than many of their songs, so it’s very easy to learn and play.
The lyrics of the song are a message of reassurance to a lover, with the singer promising to always be there for them no matter what happens.
4. “Sloop John B”
The Beach Boys’ tune “Sloop John B” I’d say deserves a mention in a list like this one.
Originally written by folk artist A.P. Carter and recorded by the Kingston Trio in the 1950s, the Beach Boys took the song and made it their own in 1966, in other words, it’s a cover.
With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, the song became an instant hit, since it brings this positive vibe that inevitably makes you feel good.
It was also a favorite of the band’s leader, Brian Wilson, who sang lead vocals and added a unique musical arrangement to the track.
The song was featured on the Beach Boys’ 1966 album Pet Sounds, which is widely considered one of their most influential albums.
In fact, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, cementing its legacy as a timeless classic.
3. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys is a song that was released in 1966.
It was written by Brian Wilson, Mike Love, and Tony Asher, and was featured on the band’s album Pet Sounds.
This song is a really good example of the band’s signature sound, which consists of layered vocal harmonies, lush instrumentation, and a catchy melody.
Its lyrics express the desire of two young lovers to be together, and the chorus of “Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older/Then we wouldn’t have to wait so long” is especially the one that sets the mood for the whole track.
If I were you, I would learn it, as you’ll only need to play a few chords, and again, the rhythm will stay very consistent for the most part.
2. “God Only Knows”
“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys is also one of my favorite songs from them.
Written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, the song was released in 1966 as part of the album Pet Sounds and has since become one of the most iconic songs of the 1960s.
As for the lyrics of “God Only Knows”, they’re deeply meaningful and explore themes of love and faith.
The song’s narrator expresses his love for a woman and his belief that only God knows what will happen to the relationship.
Its instrumentation is a combination of traditional instruments, such as piano and guitar, as well as more unusual elements, such as what sounds like a French horn and harpsichord.
1. “Surfin’ USA”
Last but definitely not least, “Surfin’ USA” by the Beach Boys has been around since the 1960s.
Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, it was released as a single in 1963; the song is based on the melody of Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen” and has been covered by many artists since its release.
The Beach Boys recorded the song in their signature style of layered harmonies, with the lead vocals sung by Mike Love and Brian Wilson.
The lyrics are an ode to the California surf culture and include references to many of the most popular surf spots in the state.
It has become an iconic part of the Beach Boys’ discography and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials.
For those of you who want a classic The Beach Boys song that everybody will know and sing, you’ve found the one.
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
