Let’s go straight to the fun, that’s what guitar is about after all. By now, you must know a bunch of chords and the best way to practice is to play!
We’ll use only the chords we learned in the previous lessons – so you can practice only the ones you need to start and add more only when you need them, so it’s not overwhelming.
You will quickly notice that playing the chords doesn’t make it all, you have to play in rhythm and strum correctly. To put you at ease, very few amateur guitar players do that well 🙂 Ideally, play with a metronome (free on Google) so you take the habit sooner rather than later and strum down every beat. Once you’re comfortable, do as you please – listen to the song and try to mimic the strumming you hear.
What’s Up – 4 Non Blondes
Chords: G – Am – C, Capo 2nd fret
The whole song is G, Am, C, G. Very fun to start, you can check the Full Tabs to perfect it.
Hey Joe – Jimi Hendrix
Chords: C – G – D – A – E
It’s a good one to learn because it has many basic chords; I probably play that chord progression every day in some way or form, trying to add variations all over the fretboard. It also follows the circle of fifth, which makes it so enjoyable for the ears. Check the Full Tabs
Stand By Me – Ben E King
Chords: G – Em – C – D (Capo 2nd fret)
Great song, the proof is, we all know the lyrics which makes it an even better song to start singing along.
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
Chords: A – D – E
You have a guitar, you now have to learn at least one Bob Marley song that’s a moral contract. Three Little Birds is a good one because it’s a lovely song with only 3 chords. To explore next: “No Woman, No Cry” and “Redemption Song”.
Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash
Chords: G, C, D
Very basic chords and tons of room to improve on your strumming and finger-picking techniques. Well, Johnny Cash is the one of the GOATs.
Let It Be – The Beatles
Chords: G, D, Em, C
You can spend a lifetime playing the Beatles repertoire, they have so many popular and catchy songs. Let It Be is one you will play again and again, thank you, Sir Paul, for this jewel.
Yellow Submarine – The Beatles
Chords: G, D, C, Em, Am
Another song by The Beatles, “Yellow Submarine” is just fun to play and sing.
Wonderwall – OASIS
Chords: Em, G, D, A, C
You are with your friends and you have your guitar in your hands, chances are they will ask you to play Wonderwall and it’s most definitely a good one to sing with your friends.
Find more popular songs tablatures ordered by difficulty on Ultimate-Guitar