Introduction
Hey guys! Are you eager to kickstart your journey into the world of acoustic guitar playing? Look no further! In this article, we present to you the 7 best acoustic guitar songs to learn for beginners. Whether you are a complete novice or have just started strumming, these songs are perfect for honing your skills and building a solid foundation in guitar playing. So grab your guitar, tune those strings, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of music!
1. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
🎵 “Wonderwall” by Oasis is a timeless classic that features easy-to-follow chord progressions. It is an excellent song for beginners to practice their basic strumming techniques. By learning this song, you’ll develop finger coordination, rhythm, and the ability to transition smoothly between chords.
Chords used in “Wonderwall”:
| Chord | Finger Position |
|---|---|
| G | 320003 |
| D | xx0232 |
| Em | 022000 |
| C9 | x32033 |
Click here to learn how to play “Wonderwall” step-by-step!
2. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
🎵 “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan is an iconic folk song that can be played with just a few basic chords. This song is perfect for beginners as it helps in developing finger strength and chord transitioning. Moreover, the lyrics carry a powerful message, making it a great choice for sing-alongs with friends and family.
Chords used in “Blowin’ in the Wind”:
| Chord | Finger Position |
|---|---|
| G | 320003 |
| C | x32010 |
| D | xx0232 |
Click here to learn how to play “Blowin’ in the Wind” step-by-step!
3. “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals
🎵 “House of the Rising Sun” is a classic folk tune that beginners can easily master. This song not only helps you practice fingerpicking and strumming techniques but also introduces you to arpeggios. Learning “House of the Rising Sun” will enhance your coordination between melody and chords, enabling you to play more complex songs in the future.
Chords used in “House of the Rising Sun”:
| Chord | Finger Position |
|---|---|
| Am | x02210 |
| C | x32010 |
| D | xx0232 |
| F | 133211 |
| E | 022100 |
Click here to learn how to play “House of the Rising Sun” step-by-step!
4. “Horse with No Name” by America
🎵 “Horse with No Name” is an easy acoustic guitar song that is perfect for beginners looking to improve their chord and rhythm skills. It features repetitive patterns and simple strumming techniques, allowing you to focus on building a consistent playing style. This song is also great for practicing your singing while playing the guitar.
Chords used in “Horse with No Name”:
| Chord | Finger Position |
|---|---|
| E7 | 020100 |
| D6/9 | xx0430 |
| F#m7 | 242222 |
| Em7 | 022030 |
Click here to learn how to play “Horse with No Name” step-by-step!
5. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
🎵 “Tears in Heaven” is a beautiful acoustic guitar song that evokes deep emotions. Although it may require more finger dexterity than some other beginner songs, it is worth the effort. Learning this song will improve your fingerpicking skills and introduce you to complex chord progressions. As you master “Tears in Heaven,” you’ll gain more confidence in handling challenging pieces.
Chords used in “Tears in Heaven”:
| Chord | Finger Position |
|---|---|
| G | 320033 |
| D/F# | 200232 |
| Em | 022000 |
| Cmaj7 | x32000 |
| Am | x02210 |
Click here to learn how to play “Tears in Heaven” step-by-step!
6. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
🎵 “Wish You Were Here” is a beloved acoustic guitar ballad that captivates listeners with its poignant lyrics and captivating melody. While it may seem challenging at first, learning this song will enhance your finger coordination, introduce you to intermediate chords, and develop your sense of timing. Challenge yourself with “Wish You Were Here” and witness your skills grow.
Chords used in “Wish You Were Here”:
| Chord | Finger Position |
|---|---|
| Em7 | 022033 |
| G | 320033 |
| A7sus4 | x02033 |
| C | x32010 |
| D/F# | 200232 |
Click here to learn how to play “Wish You Were Here” step-by-step!
7. “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas
🎵 “Dust in the Wind” is a mesmerizing acoustic guitar song that showcases the beauty of fingerpicking. Although it requires practice to master, it provides an excellent opportunity for beginners to develop finger independence and precision. Learning this song will not only improve your fingerpicking skills but also introduce you to more complex chord progressions.
Chords used in “Dust in the Wind”:
| Chord | Finger Position |
|---|---|
| G | 320033 |
| Em | 022000 |
| Cmaj7 | x32000 |
| Cadd9 | 032033 |
| D | xx0232 |
Click here to learn how to play “Dust in the Wind” step-by-step!
Benefits of Learning Acoustic Guitar Songs for Beginners
1. Enhances Finger Strength and Dexterity
🎸 By learning and practicing these acoustic guitar songs, beginners can strengthen their fingers, allowing them to press down on the strings with more ease and precision. Improved finger strength and dexterity not only benefit guitar playing but also contribute to overall hand coordination.
2. Develops Rhythm and Timing Skills
🎸 Acoustic guitar songs for beginners often emphasize basic strumming patterns and chord progressions, helping learners grasp essential rhythm and timing skills. By practicing these songs, beginners develop a solid sense of rhythm, enhancing their ability to play in sync with other musicians.
3. Introduces Basic Chord Progressions
🎸 The selected songs present beginners with fundamental chord progressions commonly used in various music genres. By learning these chord progressions, beginners gain a solid foundation for playing a wide range of songs and can easily transition between chords.
4. Improves Hand-Eye Coordination
🎸 Playing acoustic guitar songs requires simultaneous coordination between the eyes, fingers, and mind. As beginners practice and memorize these songs, they strengthen their hand-eye coordination, allowing them to effortlessly hit the right chords and produce melodious sounds.
5. Boosts Confidence and Motivation
🎸 Successfully learning and playing acoustic guitar songs gives beginners a sense of accomplishment and boosts their confidence. The feeling of progressing and mastering a song motivates learners to continue their musical journey and explore more complex pieces in the future.
6. Provides Relaxation and Stress Relief
🎸 Strumming the acoustic guitar is not only a fun and engaging activity, but it also offers relaxation and stress relief. Playing these songs allows beginners to immerse themselves in the soothing melodies, providing a therapeutic escape from the challenges of everyday life.
7. Fosters Creativity and Expression
🎸 As beginners become more proficient in playing acoustic guitar songs, they discover an outlet for expressing their creativity. They can experiment with different strumming patterns, embellishments, and even create their arrangements, fostering their unique musical style.
Disadvantages of Learning Acoustic Guitar Songs for Beginners
1. Initial Finger Discomfort
❌ Beginners may experience short-term finger soreness and discomfort as they build finger strength and calluses. However, with regular practice, the discomfort diminishes and is outweighed by the long-term benefits.
2. Challenging Coordination
❌ Initially, beginners may find it challenging to coordinate their fingers to form chords while simultaneously strumming. However, with consistent practice and perseverance, coordination gradually improves, resulting in smooth and effortless playing.
3. Requires Patience and Persistence
❌ Mastering acoustic guitar songs requires patience and persistence. It is essential to stay dedicated to regular practice sessions, especially during the early stages when progress may seem slow. With time and perseverance, the effort pays off.
4. Learning Curve for Complex Songs
❌ As beginners progress in their guitar journey, they may encounter more complex songs that require advanced techniques and fingerpicking patterns. Tackling these challenges requires a willingness to step out of the comfort zone and invest time in developing new skills.
5. Potential Frustration with Strumming Accuracy
❌ Achieving consistent strumming accuracy can be frustrating for beginners. It takes time to develop the right rhythm and strumming patterns. However, with regular practice and the help of instructional resources, beginners can overcome this hurdle.
6. Limited Focus on Music Theory
❌ Acoustic guitar songs for beginners primarily focus on mastering chords, strumming patterns, and rhythm. While this is essential for building a solid foundation, beginners may need to supplement their learning with music theory knowledge to understand advanced concepts.
7. Repetitive Practice Sessions
❌ Beginners may find themselves practicing the same songs repeatedly to achieve proficiency. While repetition is crucial for improvement, it may lead to monotony. Incorporating a variety of songs and styles in practice sessions can help combat monotony and keep the learning experience enjoyable.
Table: Best Acoustic Guitar Songs for Beginners
| Song | Artist | Chords Used |
|---|---|---|
| Wonderwall | Oasis | G, D, Em, C9 |
| Blowin’ in the Wind | Bob Dylan | G, C, D |
| House of the Rising Sun | The Animals | Am, C, D, F, E |
| Horse with No Name | America | E7, D6/9, F#m7, Em7 |
| Tears in Heaven | Eric Clapton | G, D/F#, Em, Cmaj7, Am |
| Wish You Were Here | Pink Floyd | Em7, G, A7sus4, C, D/F# |
| Dust in the Wind | Kansas | G, Em, Cmaj7, Cadd9, D |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the easiest acoustic guitar song for beginners?
The easiest acoustic guitar song for beginners would be “Wonderwall” by Oasis. It features simple chord progressions and strumming patterns, making it perfect for novice players.
2. How long does it take to learn these songs as a beginner?
The time it takes to learn these songs as a beginner varies from person to person. With regular practice, dedication, and guidance, you can expect to play them proficiently within a few weeks or months.
3. Can I learn acoustic guitar without any prior musical experience?
Yes, absolutely! Acoustic guitar is an excellent instrument for beginners with no prior musical experience. With patience, practice, and the right resources, you can learn to play beautiful songs and