The enchanting sound of an acoustic guitar can captivate hearts and create an atmosphere of warmth and serenity. Whether you’re a beginner looking to embark on a musical journey or an experienced player seeking some relaxing tunes, this blog post is here to guide you through these easy acoustic guitar songs.
These melodies, carefully chosen for their simplicity and beauty, will help you develop your fingerpicking skills, chord progressions, and overall playing technique.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
“i wanna be there” by Blessed Union of Souls
When it comes to easy acoustic guitar songs, “i wanna be there” by Blessed Union of Souls stands out as a perfect choice for beginners. This uplifting track encompasses a heartfelt message of love and longing, beautifully conveyed through a straightforward chord progression and an infectious energy.
With just three major chords – G, C, and D – this song provides an excellent opportunity for novice guitarists to hone their skills and gain confidence in their playing abilities.
[Intro] G C D G [Pre-Chorus] Em C G Em C D [Chorus] G C D G [Verse 1] G C Won't you let me catch your fall D G Won't you let me lend a hand G Those lonely eyes have seen it C all D But love's too blind to G understand Em Cause you don't know what you C have G 'Til your everything is gone Em C You need someone to show you how D to live again [Chorus] G I wanna be there when you're feeling high C I wanna be there when you wanna die D I'm gonna light your fire, I'm gonna feel your flame G I wanna be there when you go insane G I wanna be there when you're feeling down C And I'll be there when your head is spinnin' round D Gonna be your lover, gonna be your friend G I wanna be there 'til the end [Verse 2] G You wouldn't know that I was C there D Cause I have been there all the G time G And if I had my way I'd hold you C in my arms D G And leave this madness all behind Em C Cause you got so much to give, G but you throw it all away Em C And all you got to show for who D you are is pain Em C And I've got so much to give, G if you'd only let me in Em C I'm gonna take the time to show D you I'm a friend D You'll believe in love again [Chorus] G I wanna be there in the pouring rain C I wanna be there when you call my name D I'm gonna light your fire, I'm gonna feel your flame G I wanna be there when you go insane G I wanna be there when I'm outta town C And when your whole damn world is crashing down D I'm gonna be your lover, gonna be your friend G I wanna be there 'til the end [Bridge] Em Cause you don't know what you C have G 'Til your everything is gone Em C You need someone to show you how D to live again Em C And I got so much to give, if G you'd only let me in Em C I'm gonna take the time to show D you I'm a friend D You'll believe again [Chorus] G I wanna be there when your baby cries C I wanna be there when they tell you lies D I'm gonna light your fire, I'm gonna feel your flame G I wanna be there when you go insane G I wanna be there when your nights are long C And when you're feeling like you don't belong D Gonna be your lover, gonna be your friend G Gonna be there 'til the end G I'm gonna be there in the morning C I'm gonna be there in the night D I'm gonna be your lover I'm gonna be your friend G I'm gonna be there 'til the end
The chord progression of “i wanna be there” follows a simple pattern: G | C | D | G. These three chords are among the easiest to learn on the guitar, making this song an ideal starting point for beginners.
Once you have mastered the finger placements and can switch between the chords seamlessly, you’ll be well on your way to playing this enchanting piece.
Not only does “i wanna be there” offer simplicity in its chord structure, but it also presents an opportunity to practice your strumming technique.
By focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm and experimenting with different strumming patterns, you can bring out the song’s vibrant energy and infuse it with your personal touch.
“Love Me Do” by The Beatles
When it comes to iconic songs that have left an indelible mark on music history, “Love Me Do” by The Beatles stands tall. This timeless classic not only embodies the charm and charisma of the Fab Four but also offers a fantastic opportunity for beginner guitarists to dive into the world of playing Beatles songs.
With its simple chord structure and infectious melody, “Love Me Do” is a fantastic choice for those looking to enhance their skills and pay homage to one of the greatest bands of all time.
What makes “Love Me Do” particularly beginner-friendly is its minimalistic chord progression. In fact, for the chorus, you only need to know two chords: G major and C major.
These fundamental chords are among the first that aspiring guitarists typically learn, making it an ideal entry point into playing The Beatles’ repertoire.
[Verse 1] G C Love, love me do G C You know I love you G C I'll always be true C N.C. G7 So pleeeeeease... Love me do C G C Woah love me do [Verse 2] G C Love, love me do G C You know I love you G C I'll always be true C N.C. G7 So pleeeeeease... Love me do C G C Woah love me do [Bridge] D C G Someone to love, somebody new D C G Someone to love, someone like you [Verse 3] G C Love, love me do G C You know I love you G C I'll always be true C N.C. G7 So pleeeeeease... Love me do C G Woah love me do [Solo] D C G D C G G C G [Verse 4] G C Love, love me do G C You know I love you G C I'll always be true C N.C. G7 So pleeeeeease... Love me do C G C G C G C Woah love me do, Yeah love me do, woah love me do...
The repetitive pattern of G and C chords in the chorus not only simplifies the song but also allows beginners to focus on mastering chord transitions and building confidence in their fretting hand.
As the song progresses and you reach the bridge section with the line, “Someone to love…”, you can introduce a D major chord. This addition expands the musical depth of the song and provides an opportunity to explore more chord variations.
By incorporating this third chord into your playing, you’ll be able to showcase your progress and add a new layer of richness to your rendition of “Love Me Do.”
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
There’s something undeniably uplifting about the music of Bob Marley, and “Three Little Birds” perfectly captures the essence of his iconic reggae sound. This well-known tune spreads a message of hope and reassurance, reminding us that “every little thing is gonna be alright.”
A [Chorus] A Don't worry, about a thing D A Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright A Singin' don't worry, about a thing D A Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright [Verse] A Rise up this mornin' E Smile with the rising sun A D Three little birds perch by my doorstep A Singin' sweet songs E Of melodies pure and true D A Singin', this is my message to you-ou-ou [Chorus] A Singin' don't worry, about a thing D A Cause' every little thing, (is) gonna be alright A Singin' don't worry, (don't worry) about a thing D A Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright [Verse] A Rise up this mornin' E Smile with the rising sun A D Three little birds perch by my doorstep A Singin' sweet songs E Of melodies pure and true D A Singing, this is my message to you-ou-ou [Chorus] A Don't worry, about a thing D A Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright A Singin' don't worry, about a thing D A Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright [Solo] A E A D A E D A [Chorus] A Don't worry, about a thing D A Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright A Singin' don't worry, about a thing D A Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright A Don't worry, about a thing D A Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright
As a guitar player, you can easily tap into the rhythmic charm of reggae with this simple and delightful song. With just three major chords – A, D, and E – “Three Little Birds” presents an opportunity to embrace the island vibes and enjoy a jamming session that feels continuous and joyful.
The three major chords required for “Three Little Birds” provide a solid foundation for beginners to explore the world of reggae on the guitar.
The A, D, and E chords are commonly used in various musical genres, and mastering them will not only enable you to play this particular song but will also serve you well in many other songs you encounter along your musical journey.
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
If there’s one song that has stood the test of time and remains a perennial favorite at weddings, parties, and gatherings, it’s “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison. This beloved tune holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
What makes it even more remarkable is that it can be easily learned using just three guitar chords: G major, C major, and D major. With the addition of an E minor chord in the chorus, where the first “My brown-eyed girl” appears, you’ll discover the incredible versatility that can be achieved with these three simple chords. It’s astonishing how many songs can be created using this foundational trio.
The chord progression for “Brown Eyed Girl” follows a pattern that goes G | C | G | D, and then C | D | G | Em.
[Verse 1] G C G D Hey, where did we go days when the rain came G C G D Down in the hollow playing a new game G C Laughing, and a running, hey, hey G D Skipping and a jumping G C In the misty morning fog, G D C D G Em with our hearts a thumpin' and you, my brown eyed girl C D G D You, my brown eyed girl [Verse 2] G C G D Whatever happened to Tuesday and so slow G C G D Going down to the old mine with a transistor radio G C Standing in the sunlight laughing G D Hiding behind a rainbow's wall G C Slipping and a sliding G D7 All along the waterfall C D7 G Em With you, my brown eyed girl C D G D You, my brown eyed girl [Bridge] D7 Do you remember when we used to sing G C G D7 Sha la la la la la la la te da Just like that G C G D7 G Sha la la la la la la la te da la te da [Verse 3] G C So hard to find my way, G D Now that I'm all on my own G C I saw you just the other day, G D My how you have grown G C Cast my memory back there, Lord G D Sometime I'm overcome thinking 'bout G C Making love in the green grass G D7 C Behind the stadium with you D7 G Em My brown eyed girl C D7 G D You my brown eyed girl [Bridge] D7 Do you remember when we used to sing (Repeat till fade) G C G D7 Sha la la la la la la la te da G C G D7 G Sha la la la la la la la te da la te da
By mastering these chord transitions, you’ll be well-equipped to play not only this classic hit but also numerous other songs that share a similar chord structure. It’s a testament to the power and flexibility of these three chords, opening a world of possibilities for aspiring guitarists.
While the chords provide the backbone of the song, it’s the strum pattern that truly solidifies your prowess as a guitarist. The rhythm and strumming technique are just as important as correctly fingering the chords.
Listen closely to the original recording of “Brown Eyed Girl” and pay attention to the distinctive strumming pattern employed by Van Morrison’s band.
Read Also: Easy Worship Songs on Guitar
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a beginner starting your musical journey or an experienced player looking for some delightful tunes, these easy acoustic guitar songs have provided a solid foundation for you to explore and expand upon.
Let them be your starting point, your source of inspiration, and your gateway to a world of musical possibilities.
Remember, the beauty of playing the guitar lies not only in the destination but also in the journey.
Embrace the challenges, savor the small victories, and allow the music to guide you as you continue to grow as a guitarist. With each strum and each chord progression, you are building a connection between your heart and your instrument, creating melodies that resonate with your soul and captivate those who listen.
References:
- Harper D. Beginner Guitar Songs Tabs: The Best Way to Learn the Guitar?. – 2022.
- Perlman K., Perlman K. Fingerstyle guitar. – Prentice-Hall, 1980.
- Josel S. F., Tsao M. The techniques of guitar playing. – Bärenreiter-Verlag, 2021.
Marko is a passionate composer, producer, and multimedia artist with a Master of Music degree. His career involves performing, creating, and producing his own music in his home studio using digital and analogue equipment. Marko is a multi-instrumentalist (he plays guitar, bass, piano, theremin, and other instruments). performs live acts and DJ sets, and works on feature and short films, documentaries, festivals, theaters, and government initiatives.
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