Here Are Some Easy Acoustic Guitar Songs To Practice and Perform!
Searching for some easy acoustic guitar songs? So were we! Whether you’re a beginner at the guitar or an intermediate player, it’s always good to have a handful of easy guitar songs in your back pocket ready to go.
And there are loads of great simple acoustic songs to learn that are perfect at a campfire singalong or to sing to that special person.
This list is loaded with easy guitar songs for beginners with relatively easy guitar chords and easy acoustic guitar tabs to go with them.
Many of these songs are originally played on acoustic but a handful are acoustic covers of other songs (like popular rock songs) which sound great and are easy to play.
So, from indie songs you’ve never heard of (but should) to country classics, there’s a great guitar song on this list for everyone. We provided basic chords and whether or not you need a capo so you can have a quick glance at which song you’re interested in/able to play!
Keep in mind, this list is all about easy acoustic songs. We’ll write up our post on easy electric songs real soon. Also, remember that there are different versions/ways to play the same song and even the same chord.
To make them easier or closer to the original version, a guitar capo is sometimes used. However, many acoustic songs below are done in standard tuning.
Time of Your Life (Good Riddance) – Green Day
If you are looking for the easiest songs to play on acoustic guitar for beginners, look no further than Time of Your Life. In fact, this was the first song I ever learned to play on my first acoustic guitar (a Seagull).
Time of Your Life was also the first song I could play through with no problems. Comprised of just 4 chords in different progressions, it’s a classic acoustic song all about reflection. Because of the themes, it goes with lots of different occasions like graduations, end of the summer, etc.
- Chords For Time of Your Life (Good Riddance): G, Cadd9, Em, D
- Capo: Capo on 3rd Fret
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Time of Your Life (Good Riddance).
Breakfast at Tiffanys – Deep Blue Something
If you’re looking for an upbeat acoustic song to play, check out Breakfast at Tiffanys. This is a song that shares its name with the famous 1961 film featuring Audrey Hepburn.
As far as music goes, this 1995 hit is one of the easy songs to learn on acoustic guitar because it’s only got 3 chords! There are slight variations of those base chords but you only have to move a finger or two. It’s a faster-paced song so get ready to strum your heart out.
- Chords For Breakfast at Tiffanys: D, G, A
- Capo: No Capo
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Breakfast at Tiffanys.
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
For one of the most fun acoustic songs (that is also a classic), Sweet Caroline is it! This oldie from 1969 is still popular today and features easy chords that you can play on acoustic.
Of course, you can play the intro on guitar if you are keen to learn – but you can also just strum right into the song!
Sweet Caroline is a good song to have in your back pocket if you perform for various ages or if you’re at a campfire. The crowd always loves their “BAH BAH BAHH” part!
- Chords For Sweet Caroline: E7, A, D, E
- Capo: Capo on 2nd Fret
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Sweet Caroline.
In The Sun – Howie Day (Originally Joseph Arthur)
Whether you like the Howie Day version or the original from the early 2000s by Joseph Arthur, In the Sun is a great acoustic song to learn.
Easy to play with simple chords and strumming pattern, this song is a little bit slower and goes well when the crowd is looking for something heartfelt. It can also be sung to a special someone.
- Chords For In the Sun: Em7, Cadd9, G, D. (Don’t be scared by Em7 – it’s a pretty chord, an easy acoustic chord, and this song can be definitely be played by a beginner).
- Capo: Capo on 3rd Fret
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for In The Sun.
Skinny Love – Bon Iver (Justin Vernon)
We know that most people might not equate Bon Iver with “easy acoustic songs”. However, there’s a simplified version of Skinny Love that sounds half decent if you want to give it a go! For a more modern acoustic guitar song, the popular indie-folk song from 2007 might work well.
Skinny Love is a song that is close to our hearts and so we’d be hesitant to cover it – but it’s a song that should be shared with the masses. Some people might be familiar with the piano cover by Birdy but it sounds way better on acoustic.
- Chords For Skinny Love: Am, C, D6sus2, F
- Capo: No Capo
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Skinny Love.
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
For another absolute classic guitar song – which sounds nice on acoustic, check out Brown Eyed Girl. As a song that came out back in 1967, it’s amazing to see it still as popular as ever today.
The chords to strum aren’t overly difficult and you can always learn the more difficult intro bit to please the crowd (or just yourself).
If you do play Brown Eyed Girl for a small audience, it’s a great choice since everyone loves the part where they get to sing “Sha la la la la la la la la la la te da”!
- Chords For Brown Eyes Girl: G, C, D, Em, D7
- Capo: No Capo
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Brown Eyed Girl.
Fear You Won’t Fall – Joshua Radin
For a soft and cute acoustic song with lyrics about love, Fear You Won’t Fall comes to mind. It’s a little more recent – 2008 – but it’s relatively unheard of since it really only made it onto TV shows as background music.
In any case, it’s one of the easiest acoustic guitar songs. With simple chords and a very light strum pattern, it’s also a great song to play to a special person.
- Chords For Fear You Won’t Fall: G, D, F, C, Em Am (used in the bridge)
- Capo: Capo on 4th Fret (but depending on your singing voice you can remove it)
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Fear You Won’t Fall.
Closing Time – Semisonic
Here’s another classic rock song that sounds great on the acoustic – Closing Time by Semisonic. Debuted back in 1998, Closing Time is definitely one of those easy songs to play on acoustic guitar. This is because the song has very easy chords and a simple strumming pattern.
Closing Time is a song I’ve personally played many, many times at campfires and at the end of summer since it’s a great song about “closing up shop” after an experience.
- Chords For Closing Time: G, D, Am, C
- Capo: No Capo
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Closing Time.
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Also from 2008, I’m Yours is a popular and simple acoustic guitar song that usually gets people singing along (because they know the tune). The chords to the song are very easy and the strumming pattern isn’t too hard.
This is a song you can definitely sing to another person whom you’re with/interested in. It’ll also definitely speak to the couples in the audience if you have any!
- Chords For I’m Yours: C, G, Am, F
- Capo: No Capo (in fact, you can tune down a half step if you’d prefer)
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for I’m Yours.
Hey There Delilah – Plain White Ts
If you want an easy acoustic song that involves a little more fingerpicking, Hey There Delilah is for you. This classic acoustic song from 2006 has been defining long-distance relationships for over a decade and has no chance of slowing down.
The chords themselves aren’t overly difficult but if you are a beginner you might need a little time figuring out the plucking pattern. In any case, it’s a great, soft song to play when the night winds down.
- Chords For Hey There Delilah: D, F#m, Bm, G, A
- Capo: No Capo
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Hey There Delilah.
Radioactive – Imagine Dragons
Those looking for a more modern song that can be done on acoustic should check out Radioactive. Radioactive came out in 2012 but it seems like this song (and Imagine Dragons) haven’t gone away at all since then.
Because the song is more popular (like, radio popular), you might have a fun time playing it for people who know the lyrics.
The chords are really easy and with a capo on the 2nd fret you’ll have a version that sounds like the original. Good for playing when you want to liven up the crowd!
- Chords For Radioactive: Am, C, G, D, G6
- Capo: Capo on 2nd Fret
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Radioactive.
Breathe (2 am) – Anna Nalick
Breathe by Anna Nalick is a song you might not know right away but you’ve maybe heard before. It’s a song that came out in 2005 and has been featured on popular TV shows over the years. In any case, the acoustic version of this song is super easy to play.
Since this is a slower song with a reflective message, it’s best played towards the end of the night… or for someone who needs to be reminded to “just breathe”.
- Chords For Breathe (2 am): A, G, D, E, Bm
- Capo: No Capo
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Breathe (2 am).
I’ll Be – Edwin McCain
Definitely a song to sing to a significant other or special person, I’ll Be is great as an easy acoustic song because the strumming isn’t hard and the chords are pretty basic.
I’ll Be came out in 1997 so it definitely has that 90s rock feel to it – but it sounds great on acoustic. It’s also a good song to play on that nostalgia card depending on who is listening!
- Chords For I’ll Be: A, D, E, F#m, F, B
- Capo: Capo on 2nd Fret
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for I’ll Be.
About Rain – Sequoyah Prep School
Searching for a special acoustic song that is easy to play and has great lyrics? About Rain is for you. Of all the acoustic songs to learn, I’d bet you’ve never heard of this one before.
About Rain came out back in 2005 as a classic emo/indie track from a small-time band. Regardless, it is a great song to sing to a special someone.
All you have to do is repeat 4 chords throughout the song – which means you need to get the lyrics right cause they convey a message for your audience!
- Chords For About Rain: Am, F, C, G
- Capo: Capo on 4th Fret
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for About Rain.
Chicken Fried – Zac Brown Band
If you need an easy acoustic song that is also a popular country jam, Chicken Fried is that song! With memorable lyrics that are very easy to sing along to, it’s a crowd-pleasing song for sure.
Chicken fried came out back in 2005 but it’s still a staple of karaoke nights and country bars to this day. The song has really, really easy chords and a twangy strum pattern that is also not hard to pick up. It’s definitely a more upbeat song to get the night going!
- Chords For Chicken Fried: D, G, Dsus, C
- Capo: No Capo
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Chicken Fried.
Wonderwall – Oasis
Talk about popular acoustic songs, eh? If you want one of the most popular and easy acoustic songs, Wonderwall comes to mind.
From the depths of the 90s (1995), Wonderwall by Oasis continues to be a classic (and cliché) sing-along song for talent shows, campfires, or whatever the occasion may be.
As we mentioned in our post on love songs on guitar, the Ryan Adams cover version is more fingerpicking than strumming and is more haunting and emotional. It’s also a go-to version of mine (over the original).
- Chords For Wonderwall (Oasis Version): Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4, Cadd9, Em
- Capo: Capo on 2nd Fret
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Wonderwall. This is a very popular version since you essentially hold down “3-3” (3rd fret on both the 1st and 2nd strings) the entire time. It makes the chords sing a little brighter and makes it close to the original.
Travelin’ Soldier – Bruce Robison (Covered by The Chicks – Formerly The Dixie Chicks)
If you want a simple acoustic song that tells a story, Travelin’ Soldier is a go-to track. Done by Bruce Robison in 1999, the version by The Chicks from a few years later is arguably more mainstream.
In any case, it’s a song with easy chords and a very light strumming pattern that you can pick up in no time. Because this is a song that tells a story, it’s important to know the lyrics if you’re going to give it a go.
It’s a thoughtful, emotional song that goes well when the fire is dying and the night is coming to a close.
- Chords For Travelin’ Soldier: A, D, G, F#m, E
- Capo: No Capo
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Travelin’ Soldier.
Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show (Covered by Darius Rucker)
For one of the best acoustic songs to learn (because people love it), check out Wagon Wheel! This gem of a country track from 2004 has been covered by Darius Rucker.
However you know it, it’s a great sing-along song because people usually know the chorus – or they can pick it up really quickly.
As for chords, Wagon Wheel really couldn’t be more simple. It’s got a bit more of an upbeat strumming pattern though so be sure you can keep up!
- Chords For Wagon Wheel: G, D, Em, C
- Capo: Capo on 2nd Fret
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Wagon Wheel.
Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty
If you need another classic song to play for an audience who loves the oldies, Free Fallin’ definitely fits the bill.
With classic lyrics and really easy chords that you can strum to, Free Fallin’ is just one of those classic crowd-pleasers. Just make sure you know the words or else people might get angry if you butcher this 1989 hit.
- Chords For Free Fallin’: A, D, E, Asus4
- Capo: Capo on 8th (to make it sound really high in pitch)
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Free Fallin’.
Collide – Howie Day
For a very meaningful song from a brilliant artist, check out Collide. Collide came out back in 2004 but continues to be a perfect beginner acoustic guitar song. The chords are very basic but the lyrics are still sweet and impactful.
It’s a great song to learn if you are looking to sing to someone special and you are just starting off on your guitar journey!
- Chords For Collide: G, D, Em, C
- Capo: Capo on 3rd fret
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Collide.
Take a Picture – Filter
As a personal favorite from 1999, Take a Picture seems like a difficult song but it’s actually very easy to play.
The strum patter is faster tempo but the chords themselves are just simple variations of themselves (you only move one or two fingers to change between chords). Depending on your audience, it’s a song people might remember and then get filled with nostalgia.
- Chords For Take a Picture: Asus2, A, Dsus4, D (it’s really not as hard as it may seem)
- Capo: No Capo
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Take a Picture.
Yellow Submarine – The Beatles
What list of guitar songs is complete without at least one entry from The Beatles? Well, Yellow Submarine is pretty easy to play if you want to take a shot at a classic.
Coming out in 1966, Yellow Submarine has really easy chords to play and a simple strum pattern that any beginner can master. It’s a bit of a quirky song but makes for a great sing-along since people at least know what to say at the chorus!
- Chords For Yellow Submarine: G, D, C, Em, Am
- Capo: No Capo (actually tuned a half step down to sound like the recorded original)
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for Yellow Submarine.
You and Me – Lifehouse
Last – but certainly not least – we have one more acoustic song that you can sing to a special someone. Released back in 2005, You and Me has a beautiful lyrics that really convey a message of love and adoration.
As for the chords, they might seem wild but it’s actually a lovely song to learn on acoustic guitar. The strumming pattern is slow and light so you won’t strain yourself playing it.
- Chords For You and Me: G, Cadd9, Dsus4, Em7, A7sus4, Bm, C (there are a few more but it’s really not as hard as it may seem)
- Capo: No Capo
You can look here to find a version of the chords/tabs for You and Me.
And there you have it – a rundown of some of the best easy acoustic guitar songs out there! Of course, there are so many other good acoustic guitar songs that are simple to play.
This list is just a well-rounded handful of acoustic songs across many genres. We’re hopeful that you found one or more that you can practice and enjoy playing for years to come!
As always, Happy Strumming,
-E