Five Easy to Play Love Songs for Guitar
Romantic Music for Your Date on Valentine’s Day
Jan 16, 2009
Some prefer flowers and some candy, yet nothing touches the heart like a well crafted love song. The following five songs have been chosen because of a combination of ease of play and emotional impact.
While most of the songs here are well known, such as “In Your Eyes” and “Wonderful Tonight,” a few, such as Josh Ritter‘s “Kathleen,” are out of the public eye.
More specific chords and lyrics can be found easily on certain guitar sites. Therefore, the author chooses not to repeat them here other than to give specific playing tips.
Lay Lady Lay, by Bob Dylan
“Lay Lady, Lady,” from Bob Dylan’s brilliant--though far too short-- 1969 album Nashville Skyline, is one of his more romantic songs. This is furthered by his use of a low, soft voice during the song rather than his normal high, nasal voice.
The rhythm of “Lay Lady Lay” is slow enough that the chord changes will come easy with practice. The most difficult chord is B minor (Bm), however an option is to play the chord and let the first string (high e) ring out. This will change the sound of the chord slightly, but will still be in key.
For this more experienced guitar player, “Lay Lady Lady” sounds great with embellishments from hammer-ons and pull-offs.
Kathleen, by Josh Ritter
Josh Ritter is the finest songwriter of the 21st century. There are many amazing songwriters out there, but none of them can match Josh Ritter’s extraordinary songwriting.
“Kathleen” is on Josh Ritter’s 2003 album, Hello Starling, which should be in every person’s album library. This song is very simple to perform, and with golden lines such as “every heart is a package wrapped up in knots someone else tied,” “Kathleen” should make any listener swoon.
The only unfamiliar chord is this song is a C9. Although it sounds daunting, it is very easy to play. The verse goes from G to C9, and it only requires a slight shift of the index and middle fingers to the 4th and 5th strings to change the chord.
For maximum effect, consider changing the name from “Kathleen” to whichever name is suitable.
In Your Eyes, by Peter Gabriel
“In Your Eyes” is the most difficult song on this list due to its rhythm and fairly quick chord change from Bm to A to D (in the key of D). However, the romantic, heart-melting lyrics, along with its connection to the movie Say Anything, makes this a must have in any guitarist’s repertoire.
The most difficult part of “In Your Eyes” is singing along with the rhythm. Make sure to have the chord changes perfected before adding vocals.
To hear how this song works on acoustic guitar, listen to Jeffrey Gaines’ version.
Fire, by Bruce Springsteen
Although Springsteen’s recent deal with Wal-Mart leaves his reputation as “The Boss” in doubt among fans, there is no doubt that “Fire” is one of the sexiest songs out there. Sung in a low voice, with the bass line throbbing, this song is a champion.
This song is a simple 12 bar blues chord progression in the key of G. The trick to “Fire” is the base line. Pick the 6th string (low E) at the third fret (G) twice, then remove your finger and pick the open 6th string three times quickly. That is the basic rhythm.
When it is time to change to the C chord, repeat this rhythm on the 5th string (A). The feel to “Fire” comes easily, and it is a very effective song for romance.
Wonderful Tonight, By Eric Clapton
Inspired by Eric Clapton’s wife (and George Harrison’s ex-wife) Pattie Boyd, “Wonderful Tonight” is such a popular love song that it has almost become a cliché. Still, “Wonderful Tonight” is the gold standard for love songs.
The opening riff is deceptively easy to play. Bending the 2nd string at the 10th fret creates that iconic cry in the riff. That bend is the center of the riff that the other notes are centered around. Theoretically, this riff can be played with two fingers. The rest of the song is a simple progression of G-D-C-D and repeat.
Any of these songs will make you Valentine’s Day extra special. But remember, no matter how amazing, how romantic these songs are, it is the love put behind it that makes the song stand out.
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