If you’re a fan of U2 and looking to learn some of their songs on guitar, you’ve come to the right place!
U2 is one of the most influential rock bands of all time, having sold over 170 million records and won 22 Grammy Awards.
They have been around since 1976 and have released 14 studio albums, so there are plenty of songs to choose from.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of 27 easy U2 songs to play on guitar, complete with guitar tabs.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, you’ll find something to enjoy here.
U2’s music is known for its unique blend of rock, pop, and post-punk, and their songs are often praised for their lyrical depth and musical complexity.
With this list of easy U2 songs to play on guitar, you can learn some of the band’s most iconic songs and get a taste of their signature sound.
Table of Contents
- 27. “All I Want Is You”.
- 26. “Ultraviolet (Light My Way)”
- 25. “The Unforgettable Fire”
- 24. “Stay (Faraway, So Close)”
- 23. “I Will Follow”
- 22. “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of”
- 21. “Even Better than the Real Thing”
- 20. “If God Will Send His Angels”
- 19. “Electric Co.”
- 18. “One Tree Hill”
- 17. “City of Blinding Lights”
- 16. “Sweetest Thing”
- 15. “Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own”
- 14. “Gloria”
- 13. “The Fly”
- 12. “Vertigo”
- 11. “Mysterious Ways”
- 10. “Desire”
- 9. “Angel of Harlem”
- 8. “New Year’s Day”
- 7. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”
- 6. “Where The Streets Have No Name”
- 5. “Pride (In The Name Of Love)”
- 4. “One”
- 3. “Sunday Bloody Sunday”
- 2. “With Or Without You”
- 1. “Beautiful Day”
27. “All I Want Is You”.
“All I Want Is You” is a song by the Irish rock band U2, released in 1989 as the closing track on their fifth studio album, Rattle and Hum.
Written by lead singer Bono and produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, the song is a love ballad that lyrically expresses the singer’s desire for a lover.
Musically, the song is a combination of folk rock and gospel, with a rhythm and blues-inspired bridge.
The song features a solo guitar performance by the Edge, and a string arrangement by Van Dyke Parks.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
It was also a top 20 hit in Australia and Canada.
The song has since become a staple of U2’s live shows and has been covered by numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen, the Wallflowers, and the Goo Goo Dolls.
26. “Ultraviolet (Light My Way)”
“Ultraviolet (Light My Way)” by U2 is a beautiful and powerful song off of their 1991 album Achtung Baby.
Written by the lead vocalist Bono, the song is a tribute to his mother who passed away when he was fourteen.
The lyrics are a reflection on the power of love and its ability to transcend time and space.
The song is driven by a steady, pulsing beat and a soaring guitar solo.
The band’s signature sound is present throughout the track, with the Edge’s signature guitar riffs and Adam Clayton’s bass lines.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart and the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It is also one of U2’s most popular live tracks and is often performed at their concerts.
The song is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both emotionally charged and commercially successful.
25. “The Unforgettable Fire”
“The Unforgettable Fire” by U2 is a powerful and captivating song from the band’s fourth studio album of the same name.
It was released in 1984 and is one of the most popular songs from the album.
The song was written by U2’s lead singer Bono and guitarist The Edge and was produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.
It is a slow, atmospheric song that builds to a powerful climax and features a range of instruments, including a Mellotron, a synthesizer, and a drum machine.
The lyrics are about the power of memory and the power of love, and the song has been described as a “hymn of hope” for the world.
U2 has performed the song live many times, including at the Live Aid concert in 1985, and it remains one of their most beloved songs.
24. “Stay (Faraway, So Close)”
The song “Stay (Faraway, So Close)” by U2 is a powerful and emotive track from the band’s 1993 album, Zooropa.
The song was written by lead singer Bono, and it expresses the idea of being close to someone, even when they are far away.
The song has a hauntingly beautiful melody and Bono’s vocals are full of emotion and longing.
The song features a variety of instruments, including a harmonica, a mandolin, and a piano, which adds to its unique sound.
The song was a commercial success and was the fourth single from the album, reaching number one on the UK singles chart.
U2 are one of the most successful bands of all time, having sold over 170 million records worldwide and winning 22 Grammy Awards.
They are also well known for their activism and philanthropy, having raised millions of dollars for charity over the years.
The band has been active since 1976 and continues to tour and record to this day.
23. “I Will Follow”
The song “I Will Follow” by U2 is a powerful anthem about commitment and faith.
It was the band’s first single and the lead track off their debut album, Boy.
The song was written by lead singer Bono and guitarist The Edge, and was recorded in Dublin in 1980.
The lyrics of the song express Bono’s commitment to his faith, his friends, and to the band itself.
Musically, the song is driven by a simple, yet powerful guitar riff and a steady drumbeat.
The song also features a memorable keyboard solo by The Edge.
The song has become a live staple for U2 and has been performed at almost every concert since its release.
It has also been covered by a number of other artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, and The Killers.
It is a testament to the power of U2’s songwriting that a song written over 40 years ago can still be relevant today.
22. “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of”
“Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” by U2 is a song from the band’s 2000 album, All That You Can’t Leave Behind.
Written by lead singer Bono, the song is a reflection on the death of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, who committed suicide in 1997.
The song speaks to the idea of being stuck in a moment of sorrow and regret, and the struggle to move on.
Musically, the song is a mid-tempo rock ballad, featuring a melodic guitar line and Bono’s emotive vocals.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Canadian Singles Chart and number four on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It also earned U2 a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2002.
The song is still performed live by the band today, and is a fan favorite in their live set.
21. “Even Better than the Real Thing”
“Even Better than the Real Thing” by U2 is a classic rock song that first appeared on the band’s 1991 album, Achtung Baby.
Written by U2’s lead vocalist, Bono, and the band’s guitarist, The Edge, the song has become a fan favorite over the years.
It has a distinct sound, with a driving beat and a memorable guitar riff.
The lyrics are optimistic and uplifting, and the song has been described as a celebration of the power of music.
It has been performed live by the band numerous times, and has been covered by a variety of artists.
The song was also featured in the film, Mission: Impossible 2.
U2 has been one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, and this song is a testament to their legacy.
20. “If God Will Send His Angels”
The song “If God Will Send His Angels” by U2 is a powerful and emotional track from the band’s 1997 album, Pop.
The song was written by Bono, the lead singer of U2, and was inspired by his faith and his desire to help those in need.
The song is a plea for divine help, as Bono sings, “If God will send his angels, maybe things will work out alright.”
The song is also a reflection on the state of the world, as Bono sings, “The world is so hard, so cold, so mean.”
The song features a gospel choir and a strong, emotive vocal performance from Bono.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and number eight on the UK Singles Chart.
It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
The song has become a staple of U2’s live shows, and has been performed in various formats, including acoustic and electric.
19. “Electric Co.”
“Electric Co.” by U2 is a song from the band’s 1980 album, Boy.
It is a fast-paced, energetic track that showcases the band’s early post-punk sound.
The song was written by lead singer Bono and guitarist The Edge, and was the third single released from the album.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number twenty-five on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is characterized by its driving bass line, pulsing synthesizers, and layered guitars.
The lyrics of the song are about the power of electricity and its potential to bring people together.
The song also references the band’s early influences, such as punk and new wave.
U2 has continued to perform the song live, and it has become a fan favorite.
It is a testament to the band’s early sound, and has been described as a classic of their early work.
18. “One Tree Hill”
“One Tree Hill” by U2 is a song from their 1987 album, The Joshua Tree.
The song was written by lead singer Bono, who was inspired by the death of a friend’s mother.
The lyrics are a reflection on mortality and the fragility of life.
Musically, the song is a classic U2 anthem, featuring layered guitars, a driving rhythm section, and Bono’s soaring vocals.
The song has become a fan favorite, and has been performed live by the band numerous times.
It is also featured in the 2003 film, The Hulk, and was used as the theme song for the popular television show, One Tree Hill.
The song has been praised for its emotional depth, and is widely considered one of the band’s best works.
17. “City of Blinding Lights”
“City of Blinding Lights” by U2 is a song that was released in 2004 as the lead single off of their album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
The song was written by U2’s lead singer, Bono, and was produced by Steve Lillywhite.
It is a powerful and anthemic song that speaks to the beauty and power of cities.
The song’s lyrics are full of imagery and evoke a sense of awe and wonderment.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, and was also well-received critically, with Rolling Stone magazine ranking it as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The song was also a live staple for U2, and was performed at the band’s 2005 Super Bowl halftime show, as well as at the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
It is a song that has become a classic and is a testament to U2’s ability to create powerful and meaningful music.
16. “Sweetest Thing”
“Sweetest Thing” by U2 is a classic love song that has been a fan favorite since its release in 1987.
It was originally released as a B-side to their hit single “Where the Streets Have No Name,” and it has since become a beloved part of U2’s repertoire.
The song is a heartfelt tribute to the singer’s beloved, and it has a gentle, dreamy sound that perfectly captures the emotion of the lyrics.
The song was written by Bono, the lead singer of U2, and it is one of the few U2 songs that does not feature the band’s signature guitar sound.
Instead, the song relies on a combination of synthesizers, acoustic guitar, and strings to create a lush, romantic atmosphere.
The song has been covered by many artists, including The Corrs, who released a live version of the song in 1998.
It has also been featured in several movies, including “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Wedding Singer.”
U2’s “Sweetest Thing” is a timeless love song that will continue to be cherished by fans for years to come.
15. “Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own”
“Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own” by U2 is a powerful and emotionally charged track from their 2004 album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
The song was written by lead singer Bono as a tribute to his late father, Bob Hewson, and his struggles with illness.
The song is a heartfelt plea for strength and understanding, as Bono sings “sometimes you can’t make it on your own/you can’t make it/you can’t make it alone.”
The lyrics are accompanied by a simple, yet powerful guitar riff and a driving drumbeat.
U2’s signature sound is evident throughout the song, with the band’s trademark combination of soaring vocals, passionate guitar playing, and passionate lyrics.
The song has become a fan favorite, with its uplifting message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
U2 has been one of the most influential and successful rock bands of all time, and “Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own” is a testament to their lasting legacy.
14. “Gloria”
U2’s “Gloria” is a powerful and inspiring song from the Irish rock band’s 1981 album, October.
The song was written by lead vocalist Bono and guitarist the Edge, and it was one of the first songs the band wrote together.
It was also the first song U2 released as a single, and it has since become a fan favorite.
The song’s lyrics are a passionate call to faith, with Bono singing “Gloria, in te domine/ Gloria, exultate” which translates to “Glory to you, Lord/ Glory, rejoice.”
The song is driven by a strong, pounding drumbeat and a soaring guitar riff, and it has a strong gospel influence.
It’s a song that speaks to the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit, and it’s a song that U2 fans have been singing along to for decades.
13. “The Fly”
“The Fly” by U2 is a classic song from the band’s 1991 album Achtung Baby.
It was the album’s lead single and was a huge success, reaching the top 10 in various countries and the top 20 in the United States.
The song is a great example of U2’s experimentation with alternative rock and dance music, as it features a heavy electronic sound and a catchy chorus.
The lyrics of the song are about a person’s struggle with fame and the need to break away from it, something that the band was going through at the time.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, and has been featured in movies and TV shows.
It is one of U2’s most popular songs and is a great example of the band’s evolution from their early days as a post-punk band to their current status as one of the most successful rock bands of all time.
12. “Vertigo”
“Vertigo” by U2 is a song that was released in 2004 as the lead single from their eleventh studio album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
Written by the band’s lead vocalist Bono, the song is an uptempo rock track that features a strong guitar riff and a driving beat.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of fear and insecurity, with Bono singing about feeling “lost and dizzy” and “spinning around in circles.”
U2 has been one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, with over 170 million albums sold worldwide and 22 Grammy Awards.
They are also well-known for their social activism and their commitment to causes such as poverty, AIDS, and human rights.
“Vertigo” was a huge hit for the band, reaching number one in the UK and number nine in the US, and it has become one of their signature songs.
11. “Mysterious Ways”
“Mysterious Ways” by U2 is a classic song from the Irish rock band’s 1991 album Achtung Baby.
Written by lead singer Bono and bassist Adam Clayton, the song is an upbeat and funky track that features a memorable chorus and a unique blend of rock and dance elements.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and earning U2 their second Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Rock Duo or Group with Vocal.
The song also helped propel the band to international stardom, becoming one of their signature songs and a fan favorite.
The lyrics of the song explore the idea of faith and how it can help us make sense of the world around us.
The song’s music video, which was directed by Mark Romanek and shot in Morocco, was also a success and won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Special Effects.
“Mysterious Ways” remains one of U2’s most popular songs, and is a staple of their live shows.
10. “Desire”
“Desire” by U2 is a classic rock song from the band’s 1988 album, The Joshua Tree.
It was written by lead singer Bono and guitarist The Edge and produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.
The song has a driving beat and a memorable guitar riff, and its lyrics explore themes of love, longing, and desire.
It reached the top of the charts in the United States and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
U2 is an Irish rock band that formed in 1976 and has since become one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time.
They have released 14 studio albums and won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band.
They are best known for their anthemic songs and politically charged lyrics, and they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“Desire” is one of U2’s most popular songs, and it continues to be a fan favorite today.
9. “Angel of Harlem”
“Angel of Harlem” by U2 is a beautiful tribute to the city of New York, and the song has become a classic in the band’s repertoire.
Written by U2 frontman Bono, the song was released on the band’s 1988 album Rattle and Hum and was inspired by Billie Holiday’s version of “Strange Fruit”.
The song has a jazzy, soulful feel to it, with the lyrics painting a vivid picture of the city and its people.
The song also features a prominent saxophone solo, played by jazz legend Branford Marsalis.
U2 has a long history of paying tribute to New York City: their album The Joshua Tree was inspired by the band’s time spent in the city, and their 2001 album All That You Can’t Leave Behind was dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
“Angel of Harlem” is a fitting tribute to the city and its people, and its lasting legacy is a testament to U2’s enduring influence.
8. “New Year’s Day”
The song “New Year’s Day” by U2 is a powerful and inspirational anthem that was released in 1983.
It was the lead single from their third studio album, War, and was written by lead singer Bono.
The song is about the Solidarity movement in Poland, which was a trade union that was formed in 1980 to fight for the rights of workers.
The song has a strong political message and speaks of the power of hope and the need for change.
The song has a driving beat and a soaring chorus that captures the spirit of the movement.
The lyrics are full of metaphors and imagery that evoke the struggle for freedom and justice.
U2 has always been known for their political activism and this song is a perfect example of that.
It has become an iconic anthem for the band and is still performed in their live shows to this day.
7. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”
The iconic song “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 is a powerful and timeless anthem of hope and spiritual longing.
Released in 1987, it was the second single from their fifth studio album, The Joshua Tree.
The song was written by lead singer Bono and the Edge and was produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.
It has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved songs of the 1980s.
The song’s lyrics are a powerful expression of Bono’s spiritual journey, as he searches for something greater than himself.
The song’s uplifting chorus, “I have climbed the highest mountains, I have run through the fields, only to be with you,” is an inspiring reminder of the power of love and faith.
The song’s signature guitar riff, played by the Edge, is one of the most iconic of its time, and its timeless message of hope and faith continues to resonate with listeners today.
6. “Where The Streets Have No Name”
The iconic song “Where The Streets Have No Name” by U2 is a classic that has been around since 1987.
It was released on the album The Joshua Tree and was the third single from the album.
It was written by lead singer Bono and the Edge and is a powerful anthem of hope.
The song is about the idea of a world without divisions and boundaries, and it was inspired by the band’s visit to Ethiopia.
The song has a unique sound, with a driving rhythm, a memorable guitar riff, and a strong vocal performance from Bono.
It has become one of U2’s most popular songs, and it has been covered by many artists over the years.
The song has been used in many films and television shows, and it has been performed live by U2 countless times.
It is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed by music fans for years to come.
5. “Pride (In The Name Of Love)”
“Pride (In The Name Of Love)” by U2 is an iconic and powerful song that has stood the test of time.
Released in 1984, it was the third single from the band’s album The Unforgettable Fire and was a huge commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in both the UK and the US.
The song is an ode to Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy, and the lyrics are a call for peace and understanding.
The song is driven by a simple and memorable guitar riff, and the lyrics are delivered with passion and emotion by lead singer Bono.
The song was a major influence on the band’s sound and helped to establish U2 as one of the biggest bands in the world.
It has since become a classic, and has been covered by numerous artists.
It is a timeless reminder of the power of music to bring people together and to inspire hope and change.
4. “One”
The iconic song “One” by U2 is an emotionally charged anthem that has resonated with listeners since its release in 1992.
It was written by lead singer Bono as a tribute to the band’s friend and fellow musician, the late Ian Curtis of Joy Division.
The song’s lyrics explore the idea of unity and the power of togetherness, and its message of hope has been embraced by fans all over the world.
Musically, the song is characterized by its driving beat, layered guitar riffs, and Bono’s powerful vocal delivery.
It has become a signature tune for the band, and has been performed live on numerous occasions.
U2 has been one of the most successful and influential bands of the past four decades, selling more than 170 million records worldwide and winning 22 Grammy Awards.
They have also been recognized for their humanitarian work, with Bono receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
“One” remains one of the most iconic and beloved songs in the U2 catalogue, and its message of hope and unity continues to resonate with fans around the world.
3. “Sunday Bloody Sunday”
The iconic song “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2 is a powerful protest anthem that speaks to the horrors of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Written by Bono, the lead singer of U2, the song was released in 1983 as part of the band’s third studio album, War.
The song’s lyrics are a direct response to the events of “Bloody Sunday”, a day in 1972 when British troops shot and killed fourteen unarmed civil rights protesters in Derry, Northern Ireland.
The song’s title and lyrics also reference the events of “Bloody Friday”, a day in 1972 when twenty-one bombs exploded in Belfast, killing nine people and injuring 130.
The song’s powerful lyrics and anthemic chorus have made it one of U2’s most beloved and enduring songs.
It has been performed live by the band over 500 times, and it remains a staple in their live setlist.
The song has been covered by numerous other artists, including Bruce Springsteen, The Killers, and The Chieftains.
It has also been featured in films, television shows, and video games. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” is a timeless classic that continues to be relevant today, reminding us of the power of music to bring attention to social issues.
2. “With Or Without You”
“With Or Without You” by U2 is a classic hit released in 1987 and is one of the band’s most successful singles.
It is featured on their fifth studio album, The Joshua Tree, which was a huge commercial success and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
The song was written by lead singer Bono and guitarist The Edge, and it has a unique sound that combines elements of folk, rock, and gospel.
The lyrics of the song focus on the struggles of a relationship and the power of love.
The song has a simple but powerful guitar riff that is repeated throughout the song and is accompanied by a strong bass line.
The song has been covered by many artists and has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
It is one of U2’s most recognizable and beloved songs and continues to be a fan favorite.
1. “Beautiful Day”
“Beautiful Day” by U2 is a classic hit that has been around since 2000.
The song was the first single off of the band’s album, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
The song is an upbeat and uplifting anthem about looking on the bright side of life, no matter the circumstances.
It features a strong, driving beat and a catchy chorus that has been stuck in the heads of fans for years.
U2’s signature sound is present in the song, with a combination of Bono’s powerful vocals, the Edge’s signature guitar riffs, and the rest of the band’s tight, driving rhythm section.
The song was a huge success, winning three Grammy Awards and topping the charts in over 30 countries.
It has become a timeless classic and a staple of U2’s live performances.
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.
