Will Fenton
If you’ve just started learning electric guitar, you’re probably looking for some easy songs to play.
So for today’s article, we rounded up the best easy electric guitar songs for beginners.
You’re probably familiar with most of these tunes, which makes them even easier to learn.
Either way, they are fun and enjoyable to play, and they will certainly help you improve your technique.
Practice makes perfect, and is there a better way to practice than to play the songs you love?
1. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath
There’s no doubt about it – “Iron Man” is one of the best electric guitar songs of all time.
And you’ll be glad to hear that you can learn this iconic guitar riff quite easily.
Learning how to play “Iron Man” will also introduce you to the power chords, one of the most common shapes in electric guitar playing.
And if you mastered this chord before, you’re already on the right path to playing Black Sabbath’s hit effortlessly.
2. “Back in Black” by AC/DC
“Back in Black” is another rock classic and one of AC/DC’s greatest hits.
The song has a steady rhythm and repetitive melodies, and the main chords in the song are A, D, and E.
It will take you a while to play this tune smoothly, but you shouldn’t come across any big challenges.
And don’t forget to play it confidently and loudly – the energy and attitude you put into your performance can make up for any potential lack of skill you might have.
3. “Cherub Rock” by Smashing Pumpkins
Another song that will make you feel like a rock star is “Cherub Rock” by Smashing Pumpkins.
It’s one of Smashing Pumpkins’ staple songs from the 90s.
When it comes to its difficulty, “Cherub Rock” is a simple electric guitar song for beginners, and it sounds more complex than it is.
This song is a good way to learn and practice octave riffs and 16th-note strumming.
And it will also help you improve your rhythm.
4. “Last Nite” by The Strokes
“Last Nite” by The Strokes has that recognizable Strokes atmosphere and early 2000s sound.
More importantly, it’s an easy song for electric guitar that’s extremely fun to play.
It includes simple 2-note intervals and a few easy chords on the verse.
And if the solo seems too challenging for you, you can skip it for now; there are enough chords and rhythm patterns for you to practice instead.
5. “Smoke On The Water” by Deep Purple
Without a doubt, “Smoke On The Water” has one of the most iconic guitar riffs in music history.
The title of the song refers to the smoke over Lake Geneva from the casino that went up in flames during the Frank Zappa concert.
And that’s how this iconic rock anthem was born.
The opening riff is played with a fourth interval (by barring 2 notes on the string), so there are no power chords involved.
However, you’ll encounter some arpeggiated power chords in the verse.
That said, playing “Smoke On The Water” on an electric guitar requires some experience, but if you put the work in, you’ll be able to master it even if you’re a beginner.
6. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin
Another must-learn song for electric guitar beginners is “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin.
Released in 1969, “Whole Lotta Love” is hands down one of the best rock songs ever written.
It’s energetic and powerful, and those guitar riffs are truly unique.
Learning this song on an electric guitar will help you master some fundamental techniques.
It includes accented power chords, palm muting, and a guitar solo.
But once you master the opening riff, the rest of the song should be relatively easy to learn.
7. “(Don’t) Fear The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult
“(Don’t) Fear The Reaper” is another beginner electric guitar song you can add to your repertoire.
With its unique melodies and a slightly haunting vibe, “(Don’t) Fear The Reaper” is very interesting to learn and perform.
It’s also quite simple, as long as you’re familiar with basic electric guitar techniques.
8. “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses
Needless to say, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” is a timeless classic.
And if you want to learn it on electric guitar, Guns N’ Roses’ 1990 cover is the best version to opt for.
The song will help you practice basic electric guitar techniques, along with essential strumming and fingerpicking.
And don’t forget to pour some emotions into it.
9. “Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones
If you’re looking for an upbeat beginner-friendly song to play on electric guitar, “Blitzkrieg Bop” might be exactly what you need.
The song relies on power chords, and it features some fast down picking that will help your work on your rhythm.
“Blitzkrieg Bop” is indeed quite fast, so be ready for a challenging guitar practice session.
Nevertheless, adding this punk rock classic to your repertoire will ultimately make you a more complete player.
10. “Creep” by Radiohead
And the same goes for “Creep” by Radiohead – every aspiring guitarist learns Radiohead’s biggest hit sooner or later.
Radiohead is arguably one of the most influential and enduring rock bands in the industry.
And although they have many other great tunes you can learn, “Creep” is best suited for electric guitar beginners.
It’s relatively slow and steady, and chord progressions are not too hard to handle.
11. “It Hurts Me Too” by Elmore James
If you’re interested in blues-style playing, this one’s for you.
“It Hurts Me Too” by Elmore James is a great song to start with in the blues genre.
It will introduce you to the blues scale and creative phrasing characteristic of the blues style.
Elmore James was one of the most influential blues guitarists and songwriters in the 50s and the 60s.
And his “It Hurts Me Too” performance is proof of his talent and skills.
12. “I Can’t Quit You Baby” by Willie Dixon
Another song from an older era you can easily learn on an electric guitar is “I Can’t Quit You Baby” by Willie Dixon.
“I Can’t Quit You Baby” was first recorded by Chicago blues artist Otis Rush in 1956, and it became one of the staples of the blues guitar style.
The song was also covered by Led Zeppelin, which is another indication of the song’s brilliant guitar parts.
13. “Low” by Cracker
“Low” by Cracker is a great electric guitar song to play for beginners.
The song is taken from the band’s 1993 album Kerosene Hat, and it has been a guitar beginner favorite ever since.
It’s very fun to play, and it uses some classic country flair with its microtonal bends.
All in all, Cracker’s “Low” is a great option for anyone interested in this specific type of rock sound; desert rock, to be precise.
14. “Master of Puppets” by Metallica
When thinking about the best metal songs of all time, “Master of Puppets” certainly comes to mind.
It’s one of Metallica’s most recognizable songs, and it gained even more popularity after being featured in Stranger Things in 2022.
“Master of Puppets” truly has some amazing riffs, and it’s usually played with down-picking.
Playing this song on electric guitar well does require some skills, especially when it comes to picking.
But this could be your first step toward more advanced levels.
15. “My Best Friend’s Girl” by The Cars
“My Best Friend’s Girl” by The Cars came out in 1978, as a part of their debut album that sold over 6 million copies.
And the song definitely passes the test of time.
It’s a perfect combination of rock ‘n’ roll guitar riffs and catchy melodies.
And it’s a good electric guitar song for beginners because it features straightforward power chords.
16. “This Means War” by Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold made a huge impact on the heavy metal genre.
They were formed in 1999 and continued to grow and evolve in the 2000s.
They released “This Means War” on their sixth studio album Hail to the King, so the song has a more traditional heavy metal sound they’ve adopted over the years.
It’s a simple song to play on electric guitar as it uses a drop D tuning which allows you to play power chords by barring a single fret.
17. “Zombie” by The Cranberries
“Zombie” is hands down one of the best rock songs of the 90s.
There’s something very powerful and unique about it, and its guitar riffs still sound fresh.
That said, we recommend adding “Zombie” to your repertoire – and we promise you’ll enjoy learning it.
The song mostly features open chords, and its chord progression is fairly easy.
18. “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” by Black Uhuru
Black Uhuru is associated with the ‘rockers’ style of reggae, and their influence on the genre is undeniable.
The rockers’ style is more contemporary-sounding than, for example, Bob Marley’s style.
And you can hear that in their 1969 hit “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” released in 1969.
If you’re a beginner, this song will be the perfect introduction to reggae rhythms.
There are many bass covers and tutorials for “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, but you can easily learn it on electric guitar too.
19. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
If you want to play something uplifting and more pop, we suggest learning “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.
After all, we’re talking about one of the most iconic 80s songs.
It’s Cyndi Lauper’s signature song and breakthrough hit that brought her everlasting fame.
Plus, it’s fairly easy to learn on electric guitar – and we’re sure you’re going to have fun in the process.
20. “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” by Rolling Stones
Another fun and uplifting song you can play on your electric guitar is “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” by Rolling Stones.
Besides being fun and catchy, this song has immense value – it’s one of Stones’ greatest hits and one of the world’s most popular rock songs in general.
It’s also believed to have one of the best hooks of all time.
And we agree – therefore, you should give this Stones classic a try.
It’s fairly easy for beginners, and it will introduce you to some small slides as well as allow you to practice keeping time.
21. “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin
Another iconic song you can learn on an electric guitar is “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin.
“Immigrant Song” was released in 1970, after the band decided to write a song about their trip to Reykjavik, Iceland.
The song eventually became a universal hit, and it’s still very popular, especially among guitar players.
It’s relatively easy to learn for beginners, and playing that powerful opening riff will make you feel like a rock star.
22. “Otherside” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ music is another must-learn for every aspiring guitarist.
And their popular tune “Otherside” is a great song to start with.
The song is taken from their iconic album Californication, and it’s been a staple in their live performances ever since.
“Otherside” is ideal for beginners because it’s slow (compared to some of their other tracks), and it features single-note lines.
23. “Lonely Day” by System of a Down
When it comes to influential bands with great electric guitars, we can’t skip System of a Down.
They made a huge impact on the hard rock and heavy metal genre of this era.
And one of the best ways to get introduced to their repertoire is by learning “Lonely Day” from their fifth studio album Hypnotize.
The song has some unique arpeggiated chords, so if you’re up for a challenge…
Chord progressions are simple though, and there’s a tremolo-picked solo to help you improve your hand strength and dexterity.
24. “Reptilia” by The Strokes
Besides “Last Nite”, there’s another Strokes song you can easily learn on electric guitar even if you’re just starting out.
“Reptilia” is probably one of their most recognizable songs, and it begins with guitars that are hard to ignore.
Also, practicing this great tune will help you learn how to mute unwanted strings on the guitar, and that’s an essential skill for every guitar player.
25. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
If you like the sound of electric guitar in Nirvana’s songs, you’ll be happy to hear that “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is actually a beginner song.
Of course, playing it well requires you to go through a few guitar lessons, but with basic music skills, you should be able to learn it in no time.
The song uses 4 power chords, and since you have to achieve that garage rock sound, you don’t have to play them very tightly.
We also suggest playing it slowly first, and then rocking at full speed once you feel comfortable with the chords.
26. “Smoking Gun” by Robert Cray
When searching for simple electric guitar songs to play, don’t forget about “Smoking Gun” by Robert Cray.
Although it’s not as popular as some other songs on this list, “Smoking Gun” is a classic among blues guitarists.
It was released in 1986 on Cray’s fifth studio album Strong Persuader, and it has been a part of blues guitar players’ repertoires ever since.
Even though it has rather unique chord voicings, the song is relatively easy to play even if you’re a beginner.
27. “Two Tickets to Paradise” by Eddie Money
“Two Tickets to Paradise” is a song by American rock singer Eddie Money, released on his debut album in 1977.
Besides being one of his most successful early songs, “Two Tickets to Paradise” is also considered a staple of classic rock.
Then it comes to its difficulty, it’s suitable for any level.
If you’re just starting out, this tune will introduce you to some basic phrasing techniques nicely and easily.
28. “Wild Thing” by The Troggs
“Wild Thing” was first recorded in 1965 and popularized by The Troggs.
The Troggs version was, in fact, included on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
It was also covered and performed by many musicians.
That said, learning how to play “Wild Thing” is a must for every guitarist.
As a beginner, you shouldn’t have any difficulties learning it.
Just don’t forget to crank up the gain for the best playing experience.
29. “Ace of Spades” by Motorhead
We don’t have to make a special introduction for Motorhead.
They are, after all, one of the most iconic metal bands of all time.
Their lead singer and bassist Lemmy Klimister was widely known and respected for his gravelly voice and playing skills.
And “Ace of Spades” is one of Motorhead’s songs you can learn as a beginner.
The song involves classic heavy metal riffs, so this is a great chance for you to familiarize yourself with heavy metal guitar playing.
30. “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” by Judas Priest
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” is one of Judas Priest’s biggest hits, released on their album Screaming for Vengeance.
The song is ideal for beginners because it’s not too fast.
However, learning it requires you to master techniques such as bending and slides, and classic heavy metal riffs can be a bit tricky to play.
However, with enough practice, you’ll be able to play this quintessential Judas Priest tune without hassle.
31. “All The Small Things” by Blink-182
Learning how to play easy songs on electric guitar takes time and practice.
But being familiar with the song from start to finish will certainly make your learning process a whole lot easier.
And if you’re a 90s kid, there’s no doubt you’re familiar with “All The Small Things” by Blink-182.
The song mainly relies on power chords, but it also features a suspended 2nd chord.
Nevertheless, it’s fairly easy to play, and not to mention fun.
32. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day
If you’ve always wanted to play Green Day, learning “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is a great tune to start with.
After all, it’s their signature song.
But it’s also a power ballad with a relatively slow tempo, which ultimately makes it suitable for beginners.
33. “Californication” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Another simple RHCP song you can play is “Californication”, a huge hit released on their famous album of the same name.
“Californication” definitely helped define the band’s unique sound, and it remains one of their most performed live songs.
And thanks to its simple chord progression, it’s ideal for guitar beginners.
34. “Come As You Are” by Nirvana
Let’s go back to Nirvana and its grunge sound.
“Come As You Are” is one of the band’s most recognizable songs, released on their iconic album Nevermind in 1991.
And it remains one of the most popular electric guitar songs for beginners.
Since it has a powerful riff that’s also very easy to play, that comes as no surprise.
35. “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne rose to fame as a singer of Black Sabbath.
But he decided to embark on a solo career, which turned out to be a great move – his first solo album Blizzard of Ozz received a lot of praise.
And “Crazy Train” is hands down one of the best tracks on the album.
If you want to play it on your electric guitar, you’ll have to deal with some alternate picking and fast tapping, but that’s nothing you can’t handle with practice.
36. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
Besides “Master of Puppets”, another Metallica hit you can easily learn on the guitar is “Enter Sandman.”
The song was written by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich, and it eventually became their signature song and biggest hit.
And although it might sound difficult, “Enter Sandman” is a good option for beginners.
If you’re not familiar with power chord chugging, this song is a great opportunity for some new guitar lessons.
37. “Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen
Released in 1984, “Hot for Teacher” quickly became a hard rock hit.
The song is a mix of glam metal, hard rock, and heavy metal.
And it’s suitable for beginners, but you have to be ready to speed up.
But if the tempo of the song is too much for you, you can start slowly first.
And when you feel more confident, you can play it at full speed (and volume.)
38. “Raining Blood” by Slayer
Slayer is known as one of the “big four” bands of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.
Their impact on the genre is undeniable, and their song “Raining Blood” is by far one of the best thrash metal songs out there.
It was released in 1986, and it has been a staple of guitar players’ repertoire ever since.
Therefore, if you’re interested in playing this genre, learning “Raining Blood” is a good place to start.
39. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
Critics have ranked “Seven Nation Army” as one of the best songs of the 2000s decade.
Whether you agree or not, one thing is undeniable – the song has one of the most recognizable opening riffs ever.
And it’s quite easy to learn, regardless of your level.
So if you want to expand your repertoire with famous guitar lines, “Seven Nation Army” is a good option.
40. “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden
As one of the most influential bands in history, Iron Maiden has many notable hits.
But if you want to play something that’s not too demanding, you can start with “The Trooper”, a single from their fourth studio album Piece of Mind.
The song requires you to put some effort into it though (like any good song), as it includes a lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs.
Nevertheless, this might be a good chance to learn something new and improve your skills.
41. “Wicked Game” by HIM
HIM’s cover of Chris Isaak’s classic “Wicked Game” is really hard to forget.
As a band with a darker, gothic feel, HIM certainly added something new to this iconic 80s song.
So if you’re a fan of the genre, you can learn to play “Wicked Game” without hassle.
Besides simple chords, there are some single-note melodies in the chorus, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.
42. “Hotel California” by Eagles
“Hotel California” is a 1977 classic from the Eagles’ album of the same name, and it’s an essential part of every guitarist’s repertoire.
Although it’s a popular song for acoustic guitar, it also sounds great on electric guitar.
It’s a good song for practicing basic picking techniques.
And it’s generally very enjoyable to play, especially after you master the basics.
43. “Rockin’ in the Free World” by Neil Young
If you’re a Neil Young fan, you’ll be delighted to hear that his “Rockin’ in the Free World” is suitable for beginners.
You can play this song on the acoustic guitar, but the electric guitar version is more powerful.
And you don’t have to worry about any complex techniques or chord progressions.
The song’s strumming patterns are rather simple, and the chords are logical and easy to memorize.
44. “The One I Love” by R.E.M.
“The One I Love” is another great tune for electric guitar newbies.
R.E.M. released it in 1987, on their fifth studio album Document.
And the song still sounds just as catchy as it did back then.
If you decide to learn how to play “The One I Love”, you’ll have a chance to work on your rhythm and fingerpicking, while enjoying some familiar melodies.
45. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits
Another familiar melody you can easily learn is “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits.
This classic catapulted Dire Straits into stardom, and it remains one of their signature songs.
And the band’s mastery of the guitar is undeniable.
But even though it might not seem that way, “Sultans of Swing” is relatively easy to play.
The song is lively but it’s not too fast, and chord progressions are not very difficult, even if you’re a beginner.
Easy Electric Guitar Songs – Final Thoughts
And that’s it for our best easy electric guitar songs for beginners.
Of course, even though they’re categorized as easy, these songs still require quite some time and practice for beginners to master.
But they won’t overwhelm you with complex techniques and scary chord progressions.
And they’re very popular too, so you’ll find plenty of online resources to help you learn them.
That said, we hope our list provided you with the suggestions you like and inspired you to grab your guitar and start learning!
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