Easy Open Chord Guitar Songs
When it comes to songs for beginner guitar players to learn, open chord songs top the list. In this lesson we’re going to look at some really easy songs that only require open chords. All of the songs have straightforward rhythms and strumming patterns, so there’s nothing complicated here. Dive in and start strumming!
1. Just My Imagination – The Cranberries
Chords: G – D – Am – Em
Capo: Fret 3
Featuring my favorite female vocalist, Just My Imagination is a great choice you want an easy, upbeat song to strum. There’s nothing fancy to this one at all, just an easy chord progression with straightforward strumming pattern.
2. Dead Flowers – The Rolling Stones
Chords: D – A – G
Dead Flowers is a perfect example of how chord arrangement can give you a dynamic song that seems like there’s more to it than there actually is. It’s a great lesson on song writing in addition to be an easy song to play on guitar.
3. Used to Love Her – Guns N’ Roses
Chords: D – A – G
Let’s stick with those same chords from above and play another song. Used to Love Her uses the exact same chords as Dead Flowers and the rhythm and progressions are very similar.
4. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Chords: Em7 – A7sus4 – D – C – Am – G
From the 1973 album with the same name, Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here is one of my all time favorite songs and a super easy song to play. While there are some chord variations used in the original recording, standard open chords sound great and is usually how I personally opt to play it.
5. Via Chicago – Wilco
Chords: Dmaj7 – A – G
Once again, a three chord song on repeat. While it’s an easy to play with open chords, Via Chicago is also a great song to work on your triads across the fretboard. The slow tempo allows you plenty of room for exploration.
6. You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
Chords: G – Cadd9 – D
If you’re looking for a little more rock ‘n roll, Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC is perfect. It’s a hard rocking song with a catchy chorus. Best thing about it is it only takes three chords to rock it out!
7. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
Chords: G – C – D – Am
If you have a list of easy songs to play, it’s not complete unless it has this classic Bob Dylan tune. Covered by countless acts, this song should be a staple in ever guitar player’s song book.
8. Don’t Follow – Alice In Chains
Chords: D – D/F# – G6 – A – A7
It doesn’t seem to get much attention, but Don’t Follow is one of my favorite songs by Alice In Chains. Musically it’s just beautiful. While this song is played finger style, it sounds great strummed as well.
9. Mary Jane’s Last Dance – Tom Petty
Chords: Am – G – D – Em – A
Mary Jane’s Last Dance is one of those songs where you can just lose yourself in the jam. Whether you’re playing a band or just by yourself, you’ll find your whole body contributes to the groove. It’s another super easy song to play with just a few chords.
10. A Sorta Fairytale – Tori Amos
Chords: Am – Em – D – C – G
Capo: Fret 1
A Sorta Fairytale is a throwback to the beginning of Tori Amos’ rise to stardom. Maybe a surprise for a list like this as you don’t really think of Tori Amos’ songs as guitar songs. It’s simple rhythm and simple progression makes it really easy to play.
11. Blowin’ In the Wind – Bob Dylan
Chords: D – A – G
Yes, another D – A – G song! While normally played with a capo, you can just as easily play Blowin’ In the Wind without one using the normal open chords. It has some walk downs between chords to spice up the progression a bit, but it still sounds good without them if you find them too challenging.
12. Authority Song – John Mellencamp
Chords: D – G – A
Let’s stick with the D, G, and A chords one more time! This upbeat John Mellencamp song is a ton of fun to play and as easy as it gets.
13. Cortez the Killer – Neil Young
Chords: Em – D – Am7
One more 3-chord song to complete the list. This might just be my favorite Neil Young song. It’s a slower tempo song that, similar to Mary Jane’s Last Dance, you can just get caught up in the groove. It’s also a great song to practice your improvisation.
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