Guitar is one of the most popular instruments and one of the reasons for its popularity is that learning it is as simple as it gets. This accessibility also means that if you just know a few basic chords you can play some of the most loved songs across the world and amaze the people around you. At the same time playing popular songs is one of the most rewarding ways to practice and hone your skills. At Artium Academy over the years we have understood that the first step to mastering the strings is to begin simple, which is why we have curated some beginner-friendly but timeless classics. These tracks range from Bollywood gems to global classics that offer a great way to practice basic guitar chords for beginners while keeping your learning journey fun.
But before that…
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10 popular songs you can play with simple guitar keys
- “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
Chords: G, D, Am, C
Strumming Pattern: D-D-U-U-D-U (D = Down, U = Up)
This famous song is a perfect guitar chord for beginners because it only uses four simple chords: G, D, Am, and C. The chord progression also repeats throughout the entire song, making it easy to follow. Start by strumming slowly and practice transitioning smoothly between chords. Once you’re comfortable with the chords, gradually increase the speed to match the song’s tempo.
- “Chura Liya Hai Tumne” – Yaadon Ki Baaraat
Chords: G, D, C, Am
Strumming Pattern: D-D-U-U-D-U
This Bollywood classic has a soft melody that matches well with light strumming as it uses G, D, C, and Am chords, which are the best guitar keys for beginner-friendly. Play G and D during the verses, switching to C and Am for the chorus. The slow pace makes it perfect for learning chord changes while creating a soothing vibe.
- “Wonderwall” by Oasis
Chords: Em, G, D, A7sus4, C
Strumming Pattern: D-D-D-U-U-D-U
This song uses a capo on the second fret, which is optional but helps match the original key. Focus on strumming evenly and muting the strings between some chords for a cleaner sound. The strumming pattern may take some practice, but once you master it, the song flows well. It uses Em, G, D, and A7sus4 chords, which can be a bit complex. The good news is that the repetitive strumming pattern makes it easy to play while sounding very professional.
- “Tum Hi Ho” – Aashiqui 2
Chords: Am, G, F, C
Strumming Pattern: D-D-U-U-D-U
To play this romantic track, start by playing each chord—Am, G, F, and C—for one bar (4 beats) to match the melody. Its guitar keys for Hindi songs are simple and easy to learn. The slow pace lets you practice switching between chords without feeling rushed. Once you feel confident, try arpeggiating by plucking the individual strings of each chord. This adds a richer sound, especially in the intro and quieter parts of the song.
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles
Chords: C, G, Am, F
Strumming Pattern: D-D-U-U-D-U
This song is all about keeping a steady beat. For the verses, use gentle strumming, and then strum stronger during the chorus to show more feeling. Pay attention to smoothly changing chords, and enjoy the calming tune. It’s great for practising in a relaxing way and is good for beginners who are learning how to strum.
- “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
Chords: A, E
Strumming Pattern: D-D-D-D
This country song is fun and uses just two chords: A and E. It’s perfect for beginners who want to practice strumming. You can start playing quickly because it’s very simple. Strum down on each beat and pay attention to your timing. The repeating pattern helps you learn to keep a steady rhythm.
- “Pani Da Rang” – Vicky Donor
Chords: G, C, Am
Strumming Pattern: D-D-U-U-D-U
This beautiful Bollywood song has a simple pattern of chords that is easy to remember. It uses the G, C, and Am chords, which are great for practising basic guitar for Hindi songs. Play softly during the verses and strum harder in the chorus to create a strong feeling.
- “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
Chords: A, D, E
Strumming Pattern: D-U-D-U-D-U
This classic reggae song has a lively and joyful vibe that’s perfect for keeping you motivated while you practice. It mainly uses three easy chords: A, D, and E. To capture the reggae style, try making short, sharp strumming motions and lightly pressing down on the strings after you strum. It’s a cheerful and fun tune that’s sure to bring some energy to your practice sessions!
- “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
Chords: G, Em, C, D
Strumming Pattern: D-D-U-U-D-U
This iconic track is perfect for practising those smooth transitions between chords. Start with slow strumming and gradually increase the pace. You can also experiment with fingerpicking for a more intricate sound. The melody is simple, yet it sounds beautiful and professional when played correctly.
- “Give Me Some Sunshine” – 3 Idiots
Chords: G, C, D
Strumming Pattern: D-D-U-U-D-U
This popular Bollywood song is simple and fun to play on guitar, which helps new players feel good about themselves. For the verses, use the G chord, and for the chorus, switch to C and D chords. Strum gently and steadily to match the song’s happy feeling.
Conclusion
See! Starting your guitar journey does not always need to be intimidating. These 10 melodies handpicked by us, will help you master the basics with the music you love. Just like this curation of songs, at Artium Academy, our online guitar classes are designed to make learning the guitar fun and accessible. You might just be exploring guitar chords for beginners or getting ready to dive into more complex compositions; our guitar courses online are there to guide you through every step of the way. So join our guitar courses online or book one of our trial classes today and pick up your guitar today to let your inner music flow under the guidance of our mentors shaping your musical future today.
