One of my favorite things about the guitar, is the fact that you can play tons of songs with just 3 or 4 chords. I’ve been teaching for years now, and there is nothing more exciting then telling someone that with just a couple chords, you will be well on your way to playing some of your favorite songs. Below are some of my favorite songs to teach to beginners.

1. Three Little Birds – Bob Marley

Three little birds is a bob marley classic and with just 3 chords in the song, it is a must learn for beginners. This song contains the chords D, A and E which are generally the first three chords I teach to beginners. With all quarter note downstrums, this song is perfect to practice the D, A and E Chord.

2. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers

Written in 1971 by Bill Withers, Ain’t No Sunshine is a classic blues song that has been redone countless times by many other artists. This song contains the three first minor chords i teach. The Am, Dm and Em. With a mix of quarter note and half note strums, make sure to give this blues classic a try.

3. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

Last on the list is the classic pop hit by Van Morrison which contains the chords C,G,D and Em. I generally don’t teach this song to students until they are one hundred percent comfortable with quarter note and eighth note strumming. This song has a syncopated strum pattern which can sometimes be tricky for beginners.