Playing pop songs on the guitar can be both rewarding and enjoyable, especially for beginners looking to build their repertoire. Whether you’re strumming chords or picking melodies, pop music offers a diverse range of songs that are relatively easy to learn and play. In this article, we explore 25 of the easiest pop songs that you can master on the guitar, providing a mix of classic hits and contemporary favorites.
25 Easiest Pop Songs to Play on Guitar
1. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
“Wonderwall” remains a classic for aspiring guitarists, featuring a simple chord progression and recognizable melody. It’s a great song to practice strumming and chord transitions, as it predominantly uses open chords like Em, G, D, and A7sus4. The rhythmic strumming pattern adds to its appeal, helping beginners develop their timing and coordination while playing a song that’s well-loved and often requested.
2. “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s
This acoustic-driven song is perfect for beginners, focusing on basic open chords and a straightforward picking pattern. The simplicity of the chord progression—primarily using D, F#m, Bm, and G—allows new players to focus on developing their fingerpicking skills. The repetitive nature of the song’s structure makes it easy to memorize, and its soothing melody is enjoyable to play.
3. “Riptide” by Vance Joy
Known for its ukulele riff, “Riptide” translates well to the guitar with its upbeat tempo and repetitive chord progression. Using just three chords—Am, G, and C—this song is ideal for beginners practicing chord changes. The song’s energetic rhythm encourages players to develop their strumming techniques and helps build a sense of musical timing, making it a fun and engaging piece to learn.
4. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen (Jeff Buckley version)
Jeff Buckley’s rendition of “Hallelujah” is poignant yet accessible, featuring common open chords and a haunting melody. This version primarily uses chords like C, Am, F, and G, which are staple chords for any guitarist. The slow tempo and emotional depth of the song allow players to focus on expression and dynamics, enhancing their overall musicality while performing a timeless piece.
5. “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic
This energetic pop-rock song is characterized by its driving rhythm and simple chord structure, making it ideal for beginners. The song revolves around a four-chord progression (Am, C, G, F), which is repeated throughout. This repetition helps new players become comfortable with chord transitions and strumming patterns, while the upbeat tempo keeps the practice session lively and engaging.
6. “Let Her Go” by Passenger
Featuring fingerpicking and easy-to-follow chord changes, “Let Her Go” is a melodic gem for acoustic guitar enthusiasts. The song’s picking pattern, combined with chords like C, G, Am, F, and Em, provides a gentle introduction to fingerstyle playing. Its reflective lyrics and soothing melody make it a favorite for practice, offering both technical development and emotional expression.
7. “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers
With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, “Ho Hey” is a fun song that focuses on basic strumming patterns and chord shapes. The song uses a simple progression of C, F, and Am chords, making it accessible for beginners. The rhythmic nature of the song allows players to work on their timing and strumming consistency, while the repetitive chorus ensures that the song is easy to learn and perform.
8. “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber
A contemporary hit, “Love Yourself” uses common chords and a repeating pattern that’s easy to pick up for novice guitarists. The song’s chords—C, G, Am, and F—are straightforward, and the rhythmic strumming pattern makes it a great piece for practicing chord transitions. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics make it an enjoyable addition to any beginner’s repertoire.
9. “Someone Like You” by Adele
Adele’s emotional ballad is simplified on guitar with its slow tempo and basic chord progressions, perfect for practicing fingerpicking. The song primarily uses chords like A, E, F#m, and D, which are easy to finger. The slow tempo allows players to focus on technique and expression, making it an excellent piece for developing both technical skills and musicality.
10. “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
This romantic song features a simple chord progression and a heartfelt melody, making it a favorite for acoustic guitar covers. The chords—G, D, Em, and C—are common and easy to play, while the gentle strumming pattern adds to the song’s emotional depth. The song’s structure provides a good balance between repetition and variation, helping beginners build their confidence.
11. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
Known for its romantic lyrics and gentle melody, “Perfect” uses common open chords and is great for beginners learning fingerstyle. The song’s chord progression—G, Em, C, and D—is easy to memorize, and the fingerpicking pattern helps develop coordination and dexterity. The song’s popularity and beautiful melody make it a rewarding piece to learn and perform.
12. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day
A rock ballad that’s relatively easy to play, featuring power chords and a melodic solo section that’s accessible to developing guitarists. The song’s structure, with chords like G, D, and Em, provides a good introduction to power chords and basic soloing techniques. The emotional intensity of the song also helps players connect with their music on a deeper level.
13. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
A fun and upbeat pop anthem, “Shake It Off” uses basic chords and strumming patterns, making it ideal for learning rhythm guitar. The song’s chord progression—G, D, Am, and C—is simple, and the rhythmic strumming helps develop a sense of timing. The energetic nature of the song makes it a fun practice piece that keeps players motivated.
14. “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People
This indie-pop hit features a repetitive chord progression and rhythmic strumming pattern that’s easy to pick up. The song uses chords like Em, G, D, and A, which are beginner-friendly. The driving rhythm and catchy melody make it a fun song to play, helping beginners develop their strumming and timing skills in a lively context.
15. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
With its laid-back vibe and catchy melody, “I’m Yours” is a great song for practicing both strumming and fingerpicking techniques. The song’s chords—G, D, Em, and C—are easy to play, and the relaxed tempo allows for careful practice. The song’s feel-good nature and popularity make it a staple for any guitarist’s repertoire, providing a sense of accomplishment once mastered.
16. “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons
An energetic rock song with a simple chord structure and powerful chorus, suitable for beginner guitarists. The song primarily uses chords like Am, C, G, and D, which are easy to finger. The song’s driving beat and dynamic chorus help beginners practice power chords and rhythmic strumming, adding an element of intensity to their practice sessions.
17. “All of Me” by John Legend
This piano-driven ballad translates well to guitar with its basic chord progression and soulful melody, perfect for acoustic covers. The song uses chords like Em, C, G, and D, which are beginner-friendly. The emotional depth of the song allows players to focus on expression and dynamics, enhancing their overall musicality while performing a heartfelt piece.
18. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
Featuring a distinctive guitar riff and straightforward chord progression, “Viva La Vida” is a favorite for aspiring guitarists. The song’s chords—C, D, G, and Em—are easy to play, and the rhythmic strumming pattern helps develop timing and coordination. The song’s anthemic quality and memorable melody make it a rewarding piece to learn and perform.
19. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Though emotional, “Tears in Heaven” uses basic fingerpicking patterns and chords, making it accessible for acoustic guitar learners. The song’s chords—A, E, F#m, and D—are common, and the fingerpicking pattern helps develop coordination and dexterity. The song’s poignant lyrics and gentle melody make it a meaningful piece to practice and perform.
20. “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran
A poignant song with meaningful lyrics, “The A Team” features simple chords and a delicate fingerpicking pattern. The song uses chords like G, C, D, and Em, which are easy to finger. The gentle fingerpicking pattern helps beginners develop coordination and precision, while the song’s emotional depth makes it a rewarding piece to learn.
21. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol
Known for its emotive lyrics and gentle melody, “Chasing Cars” is easy to play with its repetitive chord progression. The song’s chords—A, E, D, and F#m—are straightforward, and the slow tempo allows for careful practice. The song’s repetitive structure helps beginners focus on consistency and timing, making it a great piece for developing foundational skills.
22. “Yellow” by Coldplay
“Yellow” is characterized by its iconic guitar riff and straightforward chord structure, perfect for beginners. The song uses chords like G, D, C, and Em, which are easy to finger. The rhythmic strumming pattern and memorable melody make it an enjoyable song to practice, helping beginners develop their timing and coordination while playing a well-loved hit.
23. “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie
A heartfelt indie hit, featuring simple chords and a melodic line that’s easy to learn for acoustic guitarists. The song’s chords—F, C, Am, and G—are common and easy to finger. The gentle strumming pattern and emotional lyrics make it a rewarding piece to practice and perform, helping beginners develop both technical skills and musicality.
24. “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith
With its soulful melody and basic chord progression, “Stay With Me” is great for beginners looking to practice vocals and guitar simultaneously. The song’s chords—Am, F, C, and G—are straightforward, and the slow tempo allows for careful practice. The song’s emotional depth and memorable melody make it a favorite for acoustic covers, providing a sense of accomplishment once mastered.
25. “Free Fallin'” by Tom Petty
A classic rock song that’s relatively easy to play, featuring open chords and a memorable melody that’s enjoyable for guitarists of all levels. The song’s chords—D, G, and A—are simple and easy to finger. The rhythmic strumming pattern and catchy chorus make it a fun song to play, helping beginners develop their timing and coordination while enjoying a timeless hit.
See Also: Unveiling the Band that Set the Standard for Pop Music
Conclusion
Playing pop songs on the guitar is a rewarding experience that enhances your musical skills and allows you to connect with your favorite music on a deeper level. By mastering these 25 easiest pop songs, you’ll not only build confidence in your playing but also enjoy the process of learning and performing timeless classics and contemporary hits alike. Whether you’re strumming chords or picking melodies, these songs offer a solid foundation for developing your guitar skills and exploring your musical creativity.
