When learning to play a new instrument, a knowledge of which songs are the easiest to play is important. Using the trial and error method to find songs with simple chord progressions can be time consuming and will rarely yield great results.
This article takes the guess work out of the equation. The following three songs can be played by anyone with a basic knowledge of guitar chords. Unless otherwise specified, all these songs should be played in standard tuning (EADGBE).
To learn a few more straightforward songs, check out these three articles:
The Midnight Special by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Originally a folk song sung by prison inmates in the American South, this tune has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Little Richard, Leadbelly, The Kingston Trio, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Johnny Rivers, and Sir Paul McCartney. The most famous version of the song, however, is the one recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival on their 1969 album Willy and the Poor Boys, the same album on which Down on the Corner and Fortunate Son first appear.
This song should be played in dropped D tuning (tune the base E string down to D). Apart from a single D chord played at the beginning of the song, the same chord progression is followed throughout. It is:
- G, D, A7, D
The cool sound at the end of the intro is achieved by plucking and slightly bending the base D string (normall E) repeatedly while holding down the third fret. The D chord is played the same way as it would be in standard tuning, except the base string can now be strummed without skewing the sound. The G and A7 chords must be modified because of the alternate tuning. The fingerings for these chords are:
- G: 550003
- A7: 202020 (use thumb to hold the base string)
Playing along with the recording is the best and easiest way to pick up the rythym. This song can also be played in standard tuning (with standard chord fingerings) but this style, with practice, will sound closer to the studio version.
Working Class Hero by John Lennon
After listening to the lyrics of this song, anyone who questions the genius of John Lennon will find it difficult to deny that the man was operating on a level beyond what most of us are capable of comprehending. The lyrics are uncompromising and their implications are frightening, yet for all the complexity and depth on display in the vocals, the accompanying guitar part is extremely simple to learn. It follows this:
- Am, G, Am
Those chords are played during each lyric. In between lyrics , strike the open A string then strum the Am chord a few times. Then hammer-on to the second fret of the D string and strum the Am chord a few more times. That gives the songs its haunting feel.
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right by Bob Dylan
Dylan wrote this song in 1962 and since then it has been covered by a myriad of artists. The song first appeared on The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. On that version, the vocals were backed by a fingerstyle guitar accompaniment. However, during live performances, Dylan often strummed the chords instead of fingerpicking. It is much easier to learn the song by using the strumming method. The verses all use the same series of chords. They are:
- First Line ("Well it ain't no use..."): G, D, Em, C, G, D
- Second Line ("Well it ain't no use..."): G, D, Em, A7, D7
- Third Line ("When your rooster crows..."): G, G7, C, A7
- Fourth Line ("You're the reason..."): G, D, Em, C
- Fifth Line ("So don't think twice..."): G, D, G
Dylan often played this song at wildly different tempos throughout his career so don't be afraid to experiment at multiple speeds. Check out the version on Before the Flood for a good example of the song being performed at a rapid pace.
Knowing the chords to these songs is only the first step toward playing them proficiently. There are plenty of online resources devoted to assisting budding musicians with strumming troubles, chord fingerings, and soloing techniques. Use these resources to expand on the chord progressions in this article.
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