10 Top Songs To Learn On Guitar
There are some songs that never go out of style. The classics that have been able to stand the test of time are known by two or three generations. The same goes for songs people learn to play on guitar. There are some essential songs that whether your 50 or 15 you just need to learn.
I did a little research and compiled a list of the top 10 essential songs to learn on guitar. These span a few decades and are not genre specific. So if you’re looking for some new songs to learn this is a great list to start with.
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10 - Dust in the Wind - Kansas
You might recall this song on the radio in the late seventies or on one of the many movie soundtracks it was on in the past 10-15 years. Either way this classic tune by Kansas is an easy to play song for most beginners. All you need to know your basic open chords.
9 - Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
The guitar riff at the beginning of Sweet Home Alabama is as memorable as anything that’s every been played on the radio. It’s easy enough to figure out but fun enough to play that beginners absolutely love it. Whether you learn it on electric or acoustic guitar this song sounds great.
Take the time to figure out how to play the intro picking portion and then connect it with the chords for the chorus and the verse.
8 - Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple
Another classic riff during the intro of this song makes it another memorable tune. While the band Deep Purple did have quite a few hits none were as popular as Smoke on the Water.
7 - Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton
This is a newer song on the list, but a great acoustic tune to learn. He wrote the song about the sudden loss of his four year old son in 1991, but has since stopped performing the song in more recent years.
This is a classic tune to learn on acoustic guitar. It takes a bit of patience and practice to play it properly but it’s worth the time.
6 - Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Few song writers have had the longevity of Van Morrison, and his song Brown Eyed Girl is a testament of just how great he is at his craft. This song is a blast to play if you can sing at the same time, also it’s easy for most beginners as well.
5 - More Than Words - Extreme
This great acoustic slow song echoed through most high school gymnasiums in the early and mid nineties. Another great song to play and sing a lot of guitar players have learned to play this one for a special someone they love.
4 - Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
This is a great classic rock tune that has something to challenge beginners and intermediate players. If you’re a beginner I suggest skipping the intro lead section and jumping right to the chords.
3 - Hotel California - The Eagles
This song is still on classic rock stations daily and sounds great on your own or jamming with a friend. There is more then one guitar part in the song so depending on your current skill level you could learn just the chords or also take a stab at the great lead part and solo.
2 - Wonder Wall - Oasis
This might seem crazy to some of you by Oasis’s Wonder Wall was a classic acoustic tune from the early nineties. It’s still going strong with beginners thanks to it’s unique chord progression and catchy melody. If you can sing and play at the same time this one is a must.
1 - Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
It’s probably no surprise that the #1 song people learn to play on guitar is Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. Learning this song challenges beginner and intermediate players.
The intro is challenging for beginners to learn, while the solo is as tough as any for more advanced players.