Songs to Play on Guitar
Playing the guitar is a popular hobby that many people enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, learning new songs on the guitar is always a great way to improve your skills and have fun. In this article, we will explore a variety of songs that are perfect for guitar players of all levels. From classic rock tunes to contemporary pop hits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Key Takeaways
- Discover a diverse selection of songs suitable for all skill levels.
- Learn how to improve your guitar skills by mastering these songs.
- Explore different genres and styles to diversify your repertoire.
Playing the guitar can be a rewarding experience, and one way to enhance your skills is by learning and mastering songs. Whether you prefer strumming chords, fingerpicking melodies, or shredding solos, there are countless songs that showcase different techniques and styles. By practicing these songs regularly, you can improve your finger dexterity, rhythm, timing, and overall playing ability.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and by incorporating these songs into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient guitarist.
Table 1: Top 5 Classic Rock Songs on Guitar
| Song | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| “Stairway to Heaven” | Led Zeppelin | Intermediate |
| “Hotel California” | The Eagles | Intermediate |
| “Sweet Child o’ Mine” | Guns N’ Roses | Advanced |
| “Purple Haze” | Jimi Hendrix | Advanced |
| “Free Bird” | Lynyrd Skynyrd | Advanced |
If you’re a fan of classic rock, there are some iconic songs that every guitarist should know. Songs like “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin and “Hotel California” by The Eagles are not only enjoyable to play, but they also provide excellent opportunities to practice classic rock techniques, such as power chords, arpeggios, and melodic solos.
Playing the guitar isn’t just limited to classic rock, though. There are plenty of songs in various genres that offer unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Pop songs, for instance, often have catchy melodies and simple chord progressions, making them great options for beginners looking to build their repertoire.
Table 2: Top 5 Pop Songs on Guitar
| Song | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| “Shape of You” | Ed Sheeran | Beginner |
| “Wonderwall” | Oasis | Beginner |
| “Hallelujah” | Leonard Cohen | Intermediate |
| “Thinking Out Loud” | Ed Sheeran | Intermediate |
| “Counting Stars” | OneRepublic | Intermediate |
Learning popular pop songs like “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran and “Wonderwall” by Oasis can help you develop your strumming and chord transition skills.
Alongside classic rock and pop, other genres such as blues, jazz, country, and folk offer a diverse range of songs for guitarists to explore. By branching out and trying songs from different genres, you can expand your musical horizons and gain a deeper understanding of different playing styles.
Table 3: Top 5 Songs from Various Genres on Guitar
| Song | Genre | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| “Pride and Joy” | Blues | Intermediate |
| “All of Me” | Jazz | Advanced |
| “Wagon Wheel” | Country | Intermediate |
| “The Boxer” | Folk | Intermediate |
| “Black Dog” | Rock | Advanced |
Imagine the satisfaction of learning classics like “All of Me” in jazz or “Pride and Joy” in blues.
When it comes to choosing songs to play on guitar, it’s essential to select pieces that match your skill level and interests. By practicing regularly, challenging yourself with new songs, and seeking guidance from experienced guitar teachers or online resources, you can continually improve and reach new milestones in your guitar-playing journey.
So grab your guitar, get inspired, and start playing the songs that resonate with you. The more you practice and explore different genres, the more enjoyable and fulfilling your guitar-playing experience will become.
Common Misconceptions
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One common misconception about songs to play on guitar is that they all need to be difficult and require advanced skills. This is not true as there are plenty of songs suitable for beginners or players with limited experience.
- Simple chords progression can be used to play many popular songs
- Melody lines can often be simplified to make it easier to play
- There are resources available online that provide guitar tabs for easy songs
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Another misconception is that playing songs on guitar requires expensive and high-quality instruments. While having a high-quality instrument may enhance your playing experience, it is not necessary to play songs on guitar.
- Entry-level guitars can still produce good sound for playing songs
- Many famous guitarists started with affordable instruments
- The most important factor is your commitment and dedication to practice, not the price of your guitar
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Some people believe that learning songs on guitar should be done by ear, and that using tabs or sheet music is a shortcut or cheating. However, using tabs or sheet music is a valid learning method and can help beginners understand songs more quickly.
- Tabs provide a visual representation of where to place your fingers on the guitar
- Sheet music can help beginners read musical notation and understand the structure of songs
- Many professional guitarists use tabs and sheet music as references
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There is a misconception that songs to play on guitar are limited to a specific genre, such as rock or folk. However, songs can be played on the guitar from a wide range of genres, including pop, blues, jazz, and even classical.
- Guitar can be adapted to various musical styles
- Songs from different genres can be arranged for guitar
- Exploring different genres can help broaden your playing skills and musicality
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Lastly, some people assume that playing songs on guitar requires extensive music theory knowledge. While having a solid understanding of music theory can be beneficial, it is not a requirement to play songs on guitar.
- Basic knowledge of chords and scales is sufficient to start playing songs
- Learning songs can be a practical way to improve your music theory understanding
- There are many resources available for learning guitar that emphasize practical application over theory
Popular Songs to Play on Guitar
These tables showcase some of the most popular songs that guitarists love to play. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned player, these songs are sure to keep you entertained and inspired.
Rock Classics
Rock classics have always been crowd-pleasers and guitarists often find themselves drawn to the iconic riffs and solos. Here are some well-known rock songs that will make your fingers dance on the guitar fretboard:
| Song Title | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Child O’ Mine | Guns N’ Roses | Intermediate |
| Stairway to Heaven | Led Zeppelin | Advanced |
| Smoke on the Water | Deep Purple | Beginner |
Acoustic Simplicity
For those quiet moments or intimate gatherings, acoustic songs offer a soothing and melodic experience. Below are some popular acoustic songs that you can enjoy playing:
| Song Title | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Wonderwall | Oasis | Beginner |
| Blackbird | The Beatles | Intermediate |
| The A Team | Ed Sheeran | Advanced |
Bluesy Vibes
Blues music has always been an essential part of guitar playing. These bluesy songs will take you on a journey through the expressive and soulful side of the guitar:
| Song Title | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Crossroads | Robert Johnson | Intermediate |
| Pride and Joy | Stevie Ray Vaughan | Advanced |
| The Thrill Is Gone | B.B. King | Beginner |
Indie Favorites
Indie songs often have a unique charm and capture the essence of stripped-down music. These indie favorites are perfect for indie enthusiasts and guitar players alike:
| Song Title | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sweater Weather | The Neighbourhood | Beginner |
| Hurt | Johnny Cash | Intermediate |
| Ho Hey | The Lumineers | Advanced |
Fingerstyle Beauties
Fingerstyle guitar playing adds intricate melodies and harmonies to songs. These fingerstyle beauties will challenge your fingerpicking skills and create beautiful sounds:
| Song Title | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Tears in Heaven | Eric Clapton | Intermediate |
| Dust in the Wind | Kansas | Advanced |
| Blackbird | The Beatles | Beginner |
Country and Folk Delights
Country and folk songs often possess heartfelt storytelling and catchy melodies. Here are a few delightful country and folk songs that will transport you to the heartland of guitar music:
| Song Title | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Wagon Wheel | Old Crow Medicine Show | Beginner |
| Achy Breaky Heart | Billy Ray Cyrus | Intermediate |
| The House That Built Me | Miranda Lambert | Advanced |
Funk and Rhythm Grooves
Funk and rhythm-driven songs are all about infectious bass lines and funky chords. These groovy songs will get you moving and improve your sense of rhythm:
| Song Title | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Superstition | Stevie Wonder | Intermediate |
| Uptown Funk | Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars | Advanced |
| Funky Music | Wild Cherry | Beginner |
Metal Madness
For guitarists craving heavy distortion and lightning-speed solos, metal songs are a true test of skill and technique. Here are some metal masterpieces:
| Song Title | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Puppets | Metallica | Intermediate |
| Crazy Train | Ozzy Osbourne | Advanced |
| Through the Fire and Flames | DragonForce | Expert |
Jazz Gems
Jazz music offers a harmonically rich and improvisational approach to guitar playing. These jazz gems will introduce you to the world of jazz guitar and its complexities:
| Song Title | Artist | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| All the Things You Are | Jerome Kern | Intermediate |
| Giant Steps | John Coltrane | Advanced |
| Autumn Leaves | Joseph Kosma | Expert |
Playing guitar is both an enjoyable hobby and a way to express creativity. These tables provide a glimpse into the diverse world of songs that guitarists immerse themselves in. Whether you prefer rock, acoustic, blues, or jazz, there’s a song for every guitarist to explore and make their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular songs to play on guitar for beginners?
Some popular songs for beginners include “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “Horse with No Name” by America, and “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan.
Can you suggest some easy acoustic songs for beginners to play on guitar?
Yes, some easy acoustic songs for beginners include “Let Her Go” by Passenger, “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen.
What are some classic rock songs that are fun to play on guitar?
Some classic rock songs that are fun to play on guitar include “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, and “Hotel California” by Eagles.
Are there any popular modern songs that are easy to play on guitar?
Yes, some popular modern songs that are relatively easy to play on guitar include “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons, “Riptide” by Vance Joy, and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day.
What are some must-know guitar songs for intermediate players?
Some must-know guitar songs for intermediate players include “Blackbird” by The Beatles, “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, and “Hotel California” by Eagles.
Can you recommend some fingerstyle guitar songs for intermediate players?
Sure! Some fingerstyle guitar songs that are great for intermediate players include “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, and “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton.
What songs should I learn to improve my guitar technique?
To improve your guitar technique, it’s beneficial to learn songs like “Eruption” by Van Halen, “Through the Fire and Flames” by DragonForce, and “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne.
Are there any beginner-friendly songs with basic chords?
Absolutely! Some beginner-friendly songs with basic chords include “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, and “You Belong with Me” by Taylor Swift.
What are some instrumental guitar songs worth learning?
Some instrumental guitar songs that are worth learning include “Eruption” by Van Halen, “Romanza” by Anonymous, and “Classical Gas” by Mason Williams.
What are some easy guitar songs to play along with singing?
Some easy guitar songs to play along with singing include “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, “Free Fallin'” by Tom Petty, and “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s.
