Easy Electric Guitar Songs: Simple Tunes To Learn Fast
So, you've got an electric guitar, and you're ready to rock! Awesome! But where do you start? Learning guitar can feel overwhelming, especially when you're faced with complex chords and lightning-fast solos. Don't worry, guys! There are plenty of easy electric guitar songs out there that will get you playing quickly and build your confidence. This guide will walk you through some fantastic beginner-friendly tunes, focusing on simple chords, manageable riffs, and easy-to-learn structures. We'll also touch on why these songs are great for beginners and offer some tips to make your learning process even smoother. Get ready to strum your way to success!
Why Start with Easy Songs?
Before we dive into the song list, let's talk about why starting with easy material is crucial. Jumping straight into complicated songs can lead to frustration and discouragement. You might struggle with the chord changes, get bogged down in difficult techniques, and ultimately lose motivation. Easy songs, on the other hand, provide a solid foundation upon which you can build your skills. These songs typically use basic chords like G, C, D, and Em, which are essential for any guitarist to master. Learning these chords in the context of actual songs makes the process more engaging and rewarding. Furthermore, playing simple songs allows you to focus on essential techniques like strumming patterns, picking, and transitioning between chords smoothly. You'll also develop your sense of timing and rhythm, which are vital for playing in time with other musicians or backing tracks. Think of it like learning to walk before you run. You wouldn't try to run a marathon on your first day of training, would you? Similarly, you shouldn't try to tackle a complex guitar solo before you've mastered the basics. By starting with easy songs, you'll experience early success, which will motivate you to keep learning and improving. You'll also build a repertoire of tunes that you can play and enjoy, which is a great way to stay engaged and have fun with your instrument. Ultimately, the goal is to make learning guitar an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and starting with easy songs is the best way to achieve that.
Top Easy Electric Guitar Songs for Beginners
Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the easiest and most popular songs for beginner electric guitar players:
1. "Smoke on the Water" - Deep Purple
This song is practically a rite of passage for any aspiring guitarist. The main riff is incredibly simple, consisting of just four notes played on two strings. It's a great way to practice your finger placement and develop your picking hand technique. Even better, it's instantly recognizable, so you'll impress your friends and family right away. The song uses power chords, which are a simplified version of regular chords, making them easier to play. Power chords are often the first type of chord that electric guitarists learn, so "Smoke on the Water" is an excellent starting point. Beyond the main riff, the song also features a simple blues-based structure, which provides a good introduction to basic song forms. While the full song does have some more complex sections, you can easily focus on learning the main riff and a simplified version of the verse chords to get started. The repetition in the song makes it easy to memorize, and you'll be able to play along with the recording in no time. Plus, the iconic status of "Smoke on the Water" means that there are tons of resources available online, including guitar tabs, video lessons, and backing tracks. You'll find everything you need to learn this song quickly and easily. In summary, "Smoke on the Water" is a fun, recognizable, and relatively simple song that is perfect for beginner electric guitarists who want to learn a classic rock riff and get started with power chords.
2. "Seven Nation Army" - The White Stripes
This iconic riff is another excellent choice for beginners. Like "Smoke on the Water," it's built around simple notes and a catchy rhythm. It primarily utilizes single notes, making it easier to play cleanly and accurately. The song's minimalist arrangement also helps you focus on your timing and develop a strong sense of groove. "Seven Nation Army" doesn't rely on complex chords or intricate fingerpicking patterns, which can be daunting for beginners. Instead, it focuses on a powerful and memorable melody that is instantly recognizable. The riff is also quite repetitive, making it easy to memorize and practice. You can quickly build muscle memory and play it without having to think too much about the notes. The song's simplicity doesn't diminish its impact, however. "Seven Nation Army" is a high-energy and exciting song that is guaranteed to get people moving. It's a popular choice for sports stadiums and other large events, and it's a great song to play if you want to get people's attention. Furthermore, "Seven Nation Army" is a versatile song that can be played in a variety of styles. You can play it with a clean tone, a distorted tone, or even an acoustic guitar. The possibilities are endless. For beginner electric guitarists, "Seven Nation Army" is an excellent way to develop your picking technique, improve your timing, and learn a song that is both fun and impressive.
3. "You Really Got Me" - The Kinks
This classic rock anthem features a simple yet powerful riff that's perfect for beginners. It's based on power chords, making it easier to play than songs with complex chord progressions. The song's energetic rhythm and catchy melody make it a fun and engaging choice for new guitarists. "You Really Got Me" is a great way to develop your power chord technique, improve your timing, and learn a song that is both iconic and influential. The riff is based on a simple two-chord progression, which makes it easy to memorize and play. You can quickly learn the basic structure of the song and start jamming along with the recording. The song's energy and excitement are infectious, and you'll find yourself wanting to play it over and over again. Furthermore, "You Really Got Me" is a great song to play with other musicians. It's a simple and straightforward song that is easy to jam on, and it's guaranteed to get people moving. The song's influence can be heard in countless rock and pop songs, and it's a must-know for any aspiring guitarist. For beginner electric guitarists, "You Really Got Me" is an excellent way to learn power chords, improve your timing, and discover a classic rock anthem that is both fun and influential.
4. "Blitzkrieg Bop" - Ramones
If you're looking for a fast and energetic song that's still easy to play, look no further than "Blitzkrieg Bop." This punk rock classic features a simple chord progression and a driving rhythm that will get your adrenaline pumping. The song primarily uses power chords, making it accessible to beginners, and its repetitive structure makes it easy to memorize. "Blitzkrieg Bop" is a fantastic way to develop your strumming technique and build up your stamina on the guitar. The song's fast tempo requires you to keep a steady rhythm and maintain a consistent strumming pattern. This will help you improve your timing and develop your sense of groove. While the song's speed may seem intimidating at first, you can always start by practicing it at a slower tempo and gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable. "Blitzkrieg Bop" is also a great song to play with other musicians. Its simple structure and high energy make it ideal for jamming, and its punk rock attitude is guaranteed to get people moving. The song's raw and unpolished sound is also a reminder that you don't need to be a virtuoso to make great music. For beginner electric guitarists, "Blitzkrieg Bop" is an excellent way to improve your strumming technique, build your stamina, and discover a punk rock classic that is both fun and energetic.
5. "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
This song is a classic for a reason. It's got a killer riff, a catchy chorus, and a simple chord progression that's perfect for beginners. The main riff is based on power chords, making it easy to play, and the song's straightforward structure makes it easy to learn. "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" is a great way to develop your power chord technique, improve your timing, and learn a song that is both iconic and fun. The song's energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and you'll find yourself wanting to play it over and over again. Furthermore, "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" is a great song to play with other musicians. It's a simple and straightforward song that is easy to jam on, and it's guaranteed to get people moving. The song's message of rock and roll rebellion is also sure to resonate with aspiring guitarists. For beginner electric guitarists, "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" is an excellent way to learn power chords, improve your timing, and discover a classic rock anthem that is both fun and inspiring.
Tips for Learning Guitar Quickly
Okay, you've got your song list. Now, let's talk about some tips to help you learn these songs quickly and efficiently:
- Start slow: Don't try to play the songs at full speed right away. Begin by practicing the chords and riffs slowly and deliberately. Focus on accuracy and clean playing. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo.
- Use online resources: There are tons of free resources available online, including guitar tabs, video lessons, and backing tracks. Take advantage of these resources to help you learn the songs more effectively.
- Practice regularly: The key to learning guitar is consistent practice. Aim to practice for at least 30 minutes each day. Even short, regular practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.
- Break it down: If a song seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller sections. Focus on learning one section at a time, and then gradually piece them together.
- Have fun! Learning guitar should be an enjoyable experience. Choose songs that you like and that motivate you to keep practicing. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Final Thoughts
Learning electric guitar can be a challenging but rewarding journey. By starting with easy songs and following these tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient guitarist. Remember to be patient, persistent, and most importantly, have fun! Keep practicing, keep learning, and keep rocking!