Have you recently picked up a guitar and are looking for some easy songs to play? Learning a new instrument can be intimidating, but starting with simple songs can make the process more enjoyable and less frustrating.
If you’re a beginner guitarist, learning easy guitar songs with two chords can help you build confidence and develop your skills. In this article, we’ll explore some popular songs that you can learn quickly and easily with just two chords. Whether you’re looking to impress your friends or just want to enjoy playing the guitar, these songs are a great place to start.
Contents
- 1 1. Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus
- 2 2. Horse With No Name by America
- 3 3. Dance The Night Away by The Mavericks
- 4 4. Boys ‘Round Here by Blake Shelton
- 5 5. I’d Rather Go Bling by Etta James
- 6 6. Lady In Black by Urian Heep
- 7 7. 505 by Arctic Monkeys
- 8 8. Break on Through by The Doors
- 9 9. Love Is A Stranger by Eurythmics
- 10 10. You Sound Good To Me by Lucy Hale
- 11 11. Jambalaya by Hank Williams
- 12 12. Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon
- 13 13. Molly’s Lips by Nirvana
- 14 14. Tulsa Time by Eric Clapton
- 15 14. Blowin’ Smoke by Kasey Musgraves
- 16 15. Something In The Way by Nirvana
- 17 16. When Love Comes To Town by U2 & B.B. King
- 18 Conclusion
1. Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus
Achy Breaky Heart is a classic country song composed by Don Von Tress in 1990 and made famous by Billy Ray Cyrus. Despite its simple lyrical structure, this song has become an iconic part of American pop culture.
This song consists of only two chords: A major and E Major. To play it on guitar, start with the A chord while you strum four times for each measure and then switch to the E chord for the next four measures. This pattern is repeated throughout the entire song, making it easy to learn and fun to play!
Achy Breaky Heart Video Tutorial
Achy Breaky Heart Lyrics with Chords
2. Horse With No Name by America
Horse with No Name is a captivating folk-rock song by the American band America. Released in 1971, it effortlessly transports listeners on a vivid musical journey through the vast American desert. The track’s haunting melodies, soothing vocals, and introspective lyrics evoke a sense of freedom and introspection. Another easy one that you can quickly add to your repertoire.
You only need to learn two chords Em (E Minor) and D6/9 (D six over nine) to get through the learning. The song has a shuffle feel to it’s rhythm so the original strumming pattern is something you can try after a few months. However you can still play the entire song with a simple ‘all 4 down’ strumming followed by another easy 1/8 strumming pattern.
Hey, no one’s watchin’….experiment! 🙂
Horse With No Name Video Tutorial
Horse With No Name Lyrics with Chords
3. Dance The Night Away by The Mavericks
If you want the fastest way to get the party started, Dance The Night Away is the best song to get everyone on the floor. It’s impossible to resist the sheer energy and fun this 1998 hit infuses in the party. If you want to be the party favorite guitarists among friends and family, Dance The Night Away has got to be in your repertoire.
You just need two chords A7 (or A Major) and D Major all the way. You’ll need a capo on the 2nd fret and the strumming pattern is 1/8 note down up for each beat. Practice it with a metronome and you’ll nail it in no time. The song has a fast tempo (140 bpm). If you’re not yet comfortable, feel free to slow it down to say 110 or 120 bpm – it’ll sound just fine.
Dance The Night Away Video Tutorial
Dance The Night Away Lyrics with Chords
4. Boys ‘Round Here by Blake Shelton
This lively 2013 country anthem instantly grabs your attention with its infectious energy and catchy chorus. It celebrates the pride and camaraderie of small-town, southern life, with Shelton’s smooth vocals delivering relatable lyrics that resonate with listeners. With its blend of country and rock elements, this one’s a fun one to learn and sing over couple of ice cold beers.
Just two simple chords A Major and D Major is all you need to start grooving with just simple all four down strumming. However, the song actually has a lot to offer to guitar students. 1/16th note strum pattern, palm muting, power/barre chords – stuff you can keep adding as you learn and grow with the song.
Boys ‘Round Here Video Tutorial
Boys ‘Round Here Lyrics with Chords
5. I’d Rather Go Bling by Etta James
You need two chords for this – A Major and B Minor. Beginner’s can add a capo on the 2nd fret and play G Major for A and A Minor for Bm. If you’ve been learning barre chords then this is a great song to practice your barring chops. Play full barre chords on 6th string root with A Major on 5th fret and B Minor on 7th fret.
I’d Rather Go Blind Video Tutorial
I’d Rather Go Bling Lyrics with Chords
6. Lady In Black by Urian Heep
An easy, laid back song from the band’s 1971 album Salisbury. With its melodic charm and powerful guitar work, it offers a great opportunity for beginners to delve into the world of rock music. The song features memorable riffs and easy chord progressions that are both enjoyable to play and great for beginner’s to practice strumming patterns and open chord changes.
The only two chords you’ll need are A Minor and G Major. Although the song is usually taught with open chords, you can also use this song to practice barre chords with sixth string root. For beginners the strumming may take some time but with practice you’ll get there.
Lady In Black Lyrics with Chords
7. 505 by Arctic Monkeys
“505” by Arctic Monkeys is a popular hit known for its blend of old-school Britpop and indie vibes. The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity, as it only features two chords: D Minor and E Minor. For beginners, this makes it a great opportunity to practice barre chords and transitions.
The song begins with a basic strumming pattern, allowing newcomers to get comfortable with the chord changes. As the song progresses, it gradually builds in complexity, making it the perfect opportunity for beginners to experiment with different strumming patterns and effects.
By practicing this song, you can also develop your barre chord skills and improve their ability to transition between chords smoothly. So if you’re a beginner looking for a fun and challenging song to learn, give “505” by Arctic Monkeys a try.
8. Break on Through by The Doors
“Break On Through (To the Other Side)” is the electrifying opening track from The Doors’ debut self-titled album. What makes “Break On Through” an excellent choice for beginners is the opportunity to practice a straightforward strumming pattern while still enjoying the energy and spirit of The Doors’ music.
For beginners looking to tackle this classic rock anthem, you’ll be delighted to know that it only requires two simple chords: D Major and E Minor. Starting with a basic strumming pattern, beginners can get acquainted with the changes between these two chords, which are played throughout the entire song.
This song allows new guitar players to focus on accurately transitioning between the chords and getting comfortable with the rhythm. If rock is the reason you picked up a guitar, then “Break On Through” is a fantastic song to start with.
Break on Through (To The Other Side) Video Lesson
Break on Through (To The Other Side) Lyrics with Chords
9. Love Is A Stranger by Eurythmics
“Love Is A Stranger” by Eurythmics is a synth-pop and new wave hit that was released in 1982. While the track primarily features electric instruments and synthesizers, it can also be easily played on an electric or an acoustic guitar with just two simple chords: C Major and F Major.
One of the most challenging skill every beginner guitarist finds the hardest is getting the F major chord right. Well why not ease the pain and frustration a bit by learning to play the F Major over a great song on the 1980s? Learning to transition smoothly between these two chords will provide beginners with a solid foundation for more complex songs.
Love Is A Stranger Lyrics with Chords
10. You Sound Good To Me by Lucy Hale
Another two chord wonder for beginners to start humming and strumming. “You Sound Good To Me” by Lucy Hale is a modern pop-country track from her album “Road Between,” which was released in 2014.
The two chords you’ll need are A Major and D Major coupled with simple strumming patter of 4 downstrokes to begin with. With just these two easy chords, beginner guitar players can strum along to Lucy Hale’s catchy and upbeat “You Sound Good To Me.” So grab your guitar and enjoy playing this modern pop-country hit!
You Sound Good To Me Video Lesson
11. Jambalaya by Hank Williams
One of Hank Williams’ most famous and beloved songs, Jambalaya is a classic country-western/blues number inspired by the popular Cajun/Creole dish of the same name. This timeless tune is a favorite among guitar players, especially beginners.
To play Jambalaya, you’ll need to know just two simple chords: C major and G major. If you want to add a little extra flavor to your playing, you can also choose to pick the bass notes of each chord before strumming. This technique gives the song a more authentic country feel.
With its catchy melody and easy chord progression, Jambalaya is a fantastic song for beginners to learn on the guitar. It’s a classic country song that will have you singing and strumming along in no time.
12. Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon
Cited as the anthem of the American anti-war movement in 1970s, Give Peace A Chance is a great song for absolute beginners to try.
The main chords used in this song are D and A. The majority of the song is played with a D chord, with occasional jumps to the A chord. This makes it easy for beginners to follow along and strum along with the song.
Not only is Give Peace A Chance easy to play, but it’s also a great song for practicing singing while playing. The repetitive structure of the song allows you to focus on your vocals while getting comfortable with the chords and strumming.
Give Peace A Change Video Lesson
Give Peace A Chance Lyrics with Chords
13. Molly’s Lips by Nirvana
“Mollys Lips” is an energetic and gritty alternative rock song by the Vaselines. We are looking at version covered by Nirvana. The song showcases the distinctive sound that defined the alternative rock, pop punk, and grunge genres of the early 90s.
One of the highlights of Molly’s Lips is its simplicity. The entire song revolves around just two chords, 2 beats on G Major and 2 beats on C Major, making it a perfect choice for beginner guitarists.
With its straightforward chord progression and infectious energy, Molly’s Lips is a fantastic song for guitar players looking to flex their skills on easy yet iconic tunes. It provides an opportunity to practice your power chords and rhythm while immersing yourself in the nostalgic sound of the alternative rock heyday.
Molly’s Lips Lyrics with Chords
14. Tulsa Time by Eric Clapton
Originally performed by American country music artist Don Williams in 1978, Tulsa Time was also covered by Eric Clapton later that year. Great song for beginners with just two chords, A and E Major with an easy shuffle rhythm you can learn quickly.
The chord progression is simple yet effective, consisting of 4 bars of A followed by 2 bars of E. It’s easy to follow and can be played with some basic strumming patterns or picked bass notes for extra flavor.
It’s worth noting that the song has a distinctive 12/8 feel, which is created by playing each bar with an extra eighth note. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the song but is not necessary for beginners.
This country-rock anthem is a true classic and with some practice, you’ll be strumming and singing along in no time.
14. Blowin’ Smoke by Kasey Musgraves
Blowin’ Smoke is a catchy country tune by the talented Kacey Musgraves. An easy one for y’all beginners with an easy rhythm and two chords – A Major and D Major.
The chord progression remains the same for most of the song, only occasionally changing up to provide some variation. As a result, this makes it very simple for any beginner.
Don’t forget to listen to the song for the timing and to catch the small nuances that make it special. With a bit of practice, you’ll be strumming along to Blowin’ Smoke in no time,
If you’re looking for an easy and catchy song to learn on your guitar, then Blowin’ Smoke by Kacey Musgraves is a great choice.
Blowin’ Smoke Lyrics with Chords
15. Something In The Way by Nirvana
Something In The Way by Nirvana is a beautiful and somber acoustic song from the band’s groundbreaking 1991 album Nevermind. The song is based around just two chords – Em and B7 – and is perfect for beginning guitarists.
With its melancholic melody, delicate finger-picking patterns, and simple chord progressions, Something In The Way will provide an excellent opportunity to practice your basic musical skills without overwhelming yourself. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an easy yet meaningful song to learn on guitar.
So grab your guitar and start learning this iconic 90s classic today! You’ll be playing it in no time.
Something In The Way Video Lesson
Something In The Way Lyrics with Chords
16. When Love Comes To Town by U2 & B.B. King
When Love Comes To Town is a classic collaboration between U2 and the legendary B.B. King, released in 1988 as part of U2’s Rattle And Hum album. This blues-rock gem features just two chords – A Major and D Major – making it an ideal starting point for beginner guitarists looking to get into blues music.
The song has a simple yet effective chord progression that you can easily learn with some practice, allowing you to capture the atmosphere of this classic song. With its bluesy vibes and uplifting lyrics, When Love Comes To Town is sure to make your friends and family smile along with you when you perform it on your guitar.
When Love Comes To Town Video Lesson
When Love Comes To Town Lyrics with Chords
Conclusion
That’s all folks! We hope you’ve found at least a couple of songs that you love and are pumped to start learning them right away. We can’t wait to see your efforts bear fruit. Learn the song and upload a video of you playing on YouTube and we’ll include yours too in the list! How’s that for motivation?
And if you think you know of songs that should be in list for your beginner friends, please feel free to share in the comments below and we’ll update the list.
Keep on rockin’!
