When you first start learning guitar, playing songs that you know and love is one of the most effective ways to learn new skills and build confidence immediately. But which songs are best suited for beginner guitarists? In this post, we'll take a look at the top beginner guitar songs, hand selected by the expert guitar teachers at Greater Toronto Music School. These songs are perfect choices for beginner guitarists because they're simple to pickup and fun to play.
While it's important to focus on technical exercises in order to build skill and technical proficiency on our instruments, many new players want to play familiar music right away. For new guitarists, playing music that they love will help to build confidence and make the learning experience far more gratifying, but finding songs that are at the appropriate level can be a challenge. If you're looking for the top 10 easy guitar songs that beginners can start playing right away, along with some quick tips to make learning guitar smoother and quicker, jump right in because this guide is for you. If you still need to purchase your first guitar, make sure to take a look at our buying guide for the best acoustic guitars for beginners, linked here.
Top 10 Beginner Guitar Songs: Quick Menu
What makes these songs great for beginners? Frequently Asked Questions: Beginner Guitar Lessons in Toronto
Why Learning Beginner Guitar Songs is Important
For people who are just beginning to play the guitar, learning music that they recognize will help to strengthen fingers, speed up chord transitions and improve rhythm. These are all essentials for new guitarists looking to improve their skills. Starting your guitar journey with simple songs will keep you motivated, allowing you to hear great progress right from the start and keeping you motivated to play your instrument. No matter if you're already enrolled in guitar lessons in Toronto, using an app like Simply Guitar, or learning on your own, our selection of beginner guitar songs will help you lay a solid foundation to build upon.
The Top 10 Beginner Guitar Songs for New Players
“Horse with No Name” by America
This is a fantastic and classic song that only uses two chords, E minor and D6/9, making it ideal for any beginner guitarist. It has a simple and consistent strumming pattern which will help beginner guitarists practice switching between chords without feeling overwhelmed.
"Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
A classic and iconic song that has been covered by legendary rock band Guns 'n' Roses, this Bob Dylan favourite uses the chords G, D, Am and C and is perfect for new players. It features a slower tempo which makes it a popular choice for beginner guitar lessons in Toronto.
"Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
Stand By Me is a timeless classic that will allow beginners to work on their rhythm and strumming. It uses a 4-chord progression (G, Em, C & D) and t's simple enough to start playing but sounds impressive, especially when played with a group. Overall, it's a popular choice for beginner guitar students in Toronto.
"Love Me Do” by The Beatles
A song that's as catchy as it is simple to learn. The Beatles' smash hit, "Love Me Do", uses only G and C for the majority of the song. As a result, it's a perfect choice for new players who would like to practice their finger placement and master a couple of basic chords without being overwhelmed.
"Riptide” by Vance Joy
Riptide is an upbeat hit that uses the chords Am, G and C. It features fast rhythm and is a great vehicle for players seeking to increase their strumming speed. Amongst young students at Greater Toronto Music School, Riptide has become a favourite for it's infectious melody and beginner-friendly structure.
“Wonderwall” by Oasis
While Oasis has recently announced their comeback, this classic song for beginner guitarists never went away! Wonderwall features easy chord shapes and a basic and steady strumming pattern. This smash hit will help new guitarists master the Em, D and A7sus4 chords, making it a popular choice during our Toronto guitar lessons.
“Free Fallin'’” by Tom Petty
Free Fallin' by the late, great Tom Petty, as a repeating chord progression of D, G and A. This makes it an ideal choice for beginner guitarists to practice seamlessly switching between chords. It has a familiar tune which can help keep beginner players motivated and a common chord progression that can be easily used to "mashup" with other songs. At Greater Toronto Music School, our guitar teachers love to use this classic to help students with strumming and chord changes.
“Zombie” by The Cranberries
This song is ideal for new players who want to add some intensity to their playing. Using Em, C, G, and D/F# chords, it introduces power chords, allowing beginners to explore a slightly edgier style. Zombie’s simplicity and drive make it a Toronto beginner favorite.
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
A reggae classic and smash hit which uses only 3 chords: A, D, and E. Its laid-back tempo makes it perfect for those just starting out, helping new guitarists work on the reggae strumming pattern and strengthen their rhythm and timing without a rush. Guitar lessons in Toronto often use this song to introduce students to reggae’s distinct strumming style.
"Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
Van Morrison's smash hit, "Brown Eyed Girl", uses the C, G & D chords in an upbeat and simple rhythm. Its recognizable melody makes it a fantastic song choice for beginner guitarists who are keen to play a song in its entirety right way.
How to Get the Most Out of Learning These Songs
Practice Consistently
The key to improving on your instrument quickly is regular and focused practice sessions. Consistency will help to build muscle memory which will help with seamless and smooth chord changes. As little as 15 minutes of daily practice will make a huge impact on your playing!
Start Slow, Then Build Speed
When learning a new song, it’s helpful to start at a slower pace. Focus on getting the chord shapes and strumming right, and gradually build speed as you feel more comfortable. Most Toronto guitar teachers emphasize this approach to ensure clean, accurate playing.
Take Advantage of Toronto Guitar Teachers
For personalized feedback and guidance to help you progress as fast as possible, working with a top Toronto guitar teacher is extremely beneficial and valuable. Toronto has many of the world's best guitar teachers who will help you overcome challenges and avoid developing bad habits. Contact us today if you'd like us to pair you with the perfect guitar teacher.
What Makes These Songs Great for Beginners?
The guitar teachers at Greater Toronto Music School selected each of these songs for various reasons. Each helps beginners with the following:
Simple Chords:
Each song includes only a few easy chords, helping beginners gain confidence with basic shapes.
Repetitive Patterns:
Repetition helps beginners get comfortable with rhythm and chord transitions.
Recognizable Tunes:
Familiar songs make practice more engaging and provide a sense of accomplishment.
FAQs: Beginner Guitar Songs and Lessons in Toronto
Q: How long will it take to learn these beginner guitar songs?
A: It varies, but with consistent practice, most beginners can play simple songs within a few weeks. Starting with one song and gradually adding more will build your skillset without overwhelming you.
Q: Can I learn these songs without taking guitar lessons in Toronto?
A: Yes, many beginners learn on their own using online tutorials. However, working with a guitar teacher can help you learn faster by providing feedback on your technique and ensuring good habits.
Q: What if I want to learn a specific genre?
A: Toronto guitar teachers often specialize in various genres, so whether you’re into rock, jazz, folk, or classical, you’ll be able to find a teacher who can guide you in the style you love.
Q: Do I need any special equipment to play these songs?
A: A basic acoustic or electric guitar is all you need to start playing these songs. You may want to invest in a tuner and picks as well, which can improve your playing experience.
Q: Are private guitar lessons in Toronto necessary for beginners?
A: Private lessons aren’t necessary, but they’re beneficial. With a teacher, you can get personalized guidance, which is especially helpful if you encounter challenges or want to build a strong foundation quickly.
Conclusion: Start Your Journey with Fun Beginner Songs
Playing songs you know and love can make your guitar journey more exciting from day one. By starting with these beginner-friendly tunes, you’ll be building skills in a fun and rewarding way. Whether you’re learning solo or with a Toronto guitar teacher, these songs offer a great entry point into guitar. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a local instructor if you’re ready to dive deeper into learning!
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