25 Easy 2 Chord Guitar Songs That Anyone Can Play
Are you a first-time guitarist looking for songs to practice?
Learning to play the guitar can get overwhelming. Sometimes you want to get it over with and start making music.
We understand the struggle, which is why we compiled some foolproof titles for you.
These are 2-chord guitar songs that even beginners can play!
1. “A Horse With No Name” by America
| Genre | Folk Rock |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | Em, Dmaj9/6 |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | A Horse With No Name Tabs |
In an interview with American Songwriter, Dewey Bunnell confessed that he wrote this song out of boredom. The lyrics came out of him without warning, like a dream. He didn’t understand what it meant.
Of course, we don’t doubt this one bit.
“A Horse With No Name” is one of the most enigmatic titles on this list. However, it’s also quite popular.
The song became a hit when it first came out in the 1970s, and it hasn’t disappeared from the radio since then. It even made it into a scene in Breaking Bad!
We recommend learning this song because of its simplicity. All you need is a guitar and a conga, and you’re good to go!
2. “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles
| Genre | Alternative Indie |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | Em, C |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Eleanor Rigby Tabs |
Don’t let the upbeat tempo fool you. “Eleanor Rigby” is a sad song.
It’s about two lonely people who could have become friends. Yet, fate only brings them together after one of them passes away.
Because of its deep meaning, the song transformed The Beatles from a pop act to an unconventional studio-based band. The lyrics also appealed to a lot of people beyond their genre.
These contributed to the band’s popularity!
This song should be on your list because its message is even more relevant today. Although it got released in 1966, it still resonates with many.
3. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
| Genre | Soft Rock |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Chords | F, G |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Dreams Tabs |
Written during a rocky period of the band’s career, “Dreams” has become an anthem representing the art of letting go.
Stevie Nicks wrote the song following her breakup with fellow bandmate, Lindsey Buckingham. However, once she let the other members hear it, they complained that it was too simple and boring.
It took a lot of convincing from Stevie, but the song finally made it into their album. Now, if you look into Fleetwood Mac’s top songs, “Dreams” is always on the list!
We love “Dreams” because it represents hope, renewal, and perseverance. In the words of Mick Fleetwood, “It’s lazy, but well-thought-out”.
4. “Something in the Way” by Nirvana
| Genre | Acoustic Rock |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | D, Dsus4 |
| Type of Guitar | Electric/Acoustic |
| Tabs | Something in the Way Tabs |
We all have our struggles, and Kurt Cobain, the writer of “Something in the Way” is no different. The song is about his life, specifically about the time he had to live under a bridge.
It got released in 1991, but it only made it to the top 20 list on iTunes in 2022. This is thanks to its appearance in a trailer for The Batman. In fact, Kurt Cobain was the inspiration for the movie!
Unfortunately, Cobain wouldn’t get to see the fruits of his labor. He passed away from self-inflicted injuries two years after the song’s debut.
“Something in the Way” is a reflection of our troubled pasts. It’s a story and a reminder that we should always look after our friends.
5. “Paperback Writer” by The Beatles
| Genre | Alternative Indie |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Chords | G7, C |
| Type of Guitar | Electric |
| Tabs | Paperback Writer Tabs |
Sometimes, even if you’re a chart-topper, your Aunt Lil still complains that your songs aren’t interesting enough. That’s exactly what happened to Paul McCartney.
“Paperback Writer” is a title born out of Paul’s promise to write about a meaningful topic. He came up with a story of a struggling author looking to get hired.
No one could have known that it would become a hit at that time. The quirky lyrics landed this song a spot at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100’s.
If you’re looking for a unique tune with a fun story, then look no further than “Paperback Writer!”
6. “Jane Says” by Jane’s Addiction
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | G, A |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Jane Says Tabs |
Either you love it or you hate it, either way, “Jane Says” is a song that refuses to die. The monotonous two-chord beat still plays on radios today.
Jane’s Addiction’s dynamic was shakey from the get-go. It released the billboard hit “Jane Says” in 1988. Ironically, the band split a few years later because of several members’ addictions.
Yet, this wasn’t the end as the members later reunited in 2001! The band’s 5th album is set to come out in 2024.
We’re excited about the release, but before it comes out, why not practice with the easy-to-play “Jane Says?”
7. “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
| Genre | Rock |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | B, E |
| Type of Guitar | Electric |
| Tabs | Born in the U.S.A Tabs |
Some people think that “Born in the U.S.A” is a song about blind patriotism, but that’s a far cry from the truth.
If you remove the chorus, it’s a story about a veteran who’s come home from war. He finds himself out of work options, and nowhere to go.
In reality, the song is a call for better rights!
“Born in the USA” made it on our list because of the complexity of its message. War is still an issue with no end in sight. This song is our prayer for peace.
8. “Tomorrow Never Knows” by The Beatles
| Genre | Psychedelic Rock |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Chords | C, G |
| Type of Guitar | Electric |
| Tabs | Tomorrow Never Knows Tabs |
When John Lennon first introduced this song to the band, he did so by strumming entirely on the C chord. That’s how you can tell it’s easy to learn!
“Tomorrow Never Knows” is noteworthy because it began the psychedelic movement.
As you listen to the melody, you’re transported to the Tibetan mountains. The chanting and the instruments make listeners feel like they’re in a trance.
It’s amazing to think that music can make us feel trippy. We recommend this song because of how it invokes our emotions!
9. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
| Genre | Country |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | C, G |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Achy Breaky Heart Tabs |
Do you have an upcoming family gathering where you’d like to perform? If so, it’s time to bust “Achy Breaky Heart” out. It’s a surefire way to get your aunts to line dance and sing along!
The song became a global hit in 1992, which is a rare feat for country music. It stayed at Billboard’s Top Country Albums for 17 weeks.
Not long after, it got cemented into pop culture with appearances in The Simpsons and South Park.
The best story about this was when Cyrus got told country music didn’t need another three-chord song. He responded with “Ahem, it’s only two.”
10. “Candy Says” by The Velvet Underground
| Genre | Rock/Pop |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | D, A |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Candy Says Tabs |
For people who prefer mellow music, “Candy Says” is a song you can’t overlook.
It’s about Candy Darling, a transgender woman in the 1960s. It recounts how she feels uncomfortable in her own body, and her dreams for the future.
At that time, no other band was writing music quite like this. This is why many believe it’s one of the best songs from The Velvet Underground!
“Candy Says” is an easy song to remember. It’s catchy and has mass appeal. Plus, you get to tell people you know how to play music from a band that fired Andy Warhol!
11. “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” by Hank Williams
| Genre | Folk |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | C, G |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Jambalaya (On the Bayou) Tabs |
If the idea of a song about food isn’t enough to convince you “Jambalaya” is worth learning, here are more reasons.
First, the original version was a number-one country hit that made it to the top 20 US pop charts.
Next, it’s a celebration of love, community, and Cajun culture in the 1950s. The tune is spicy, and the lyrics are challenging to pronounce. These, of course, add to the song’s charm.
Finally, The Carpenters loved it so much that they made their version in 1973!
12. “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | C7, F7 |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Coconut Tabs |
At first, “Coconut” may seem simple and repetitive. That is until you realize that Harry Nilsson sings it from the perspective of three people.
This is why many consider it a theatrical masterpiece sung by a genius!
The song is so popular that it turned into a hilarious commercial for Coke’s lime-flavored drink. It was even featured in movies like Confessions of a Shopaholic and Daddy Day Care.
“Coconut” is a whimsical piece that’ll get stuck in the head of anyone who hears you practice it!
13. “C.C. Rider” (Traditional)
| Genre | Blues |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | C, G |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | C.C. Rider Tabs |
“C.C Rider” is a song from 1925, making it almost a century old!
Through this time, over a hundred artists have covered the song. Even Elvis Presley has his version.
So, what’s the song about?
C.C. Rider is an old term for an unfaithful boyfriend. The first version of the song by Ma Rainey involved jealousy and homicide. Later, singers removed lyrics to give it a lighter undertone.
Regardless of this change, it’s a historical song, which is why it’s worth learning!
14. “Shady Grove” (Traditional)
| Genre | Folk |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | Dm, C |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Shady Grove Tabs |
Speaking of historical music, “Shady Grove” surpasses “C.C. Rider” in age.
The first records of the melody appeared in 1786. Back then, it was an instrumental tune that people played with a fiddle.
Doc Watson popularized a version of the song with lyrics about love. However, it seems it took on a life of its own after this!
Each artist who sings it puts a twist on the verses.
“Shady Grove” is great for those who want to put their spin on traditional music. With the countless versions out there, you might as well make your adaptation!
15. “What I Got” by Sublime
| Genre | Pop/Rock |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | D, G |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | What I Got Tabs |
This song hits hard when you realize that the lead singer, Brad Nowell, passed from a drug overdose.
To top it off, the song’s message is that life is too short, so love to your fullest.
“What I Got” gained traction after Nowell’s death. They had to piece his pictures together for the music video because of this. You’ll even see touching cameos from Nowell’s rescued Dalmatian.
Later on, this video would receive an award from MTV. Sublime’s album also sold 5 million copies in 1997.
“What I Got” is a tender song, which is why you might want to give it a try!
16. “Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley
| Genre | Reggae |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | A, D |
| Type of Guitar | Electric |
| Tabs | Get Up, Stand Up Tabs |
“Get Up, Stand Up” is the last song that Bob Marley performed before he succumbed to cancer in 1981. It’s as if the fates decided that he should go out with a message to the world.
The song is moving because it talks about standing against oppression. “Get Up, Stand Up” even inspired a musical with the same title.
The main reason we selected this song is because of its relevance to recent events.
It’s also easy to play, and the beat is infectious as Bob Marley’s ideals!
17. “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” by The Doors
| Genre | Rock |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | Em, D |
| Type of Guitar | Electric/Acoustic |
| Tabs | Break on Through (To the Other Side) Tabs |
“Break on Through (To the Other Side)” has one of the most fun guitar riffs on this list. It’s electrifying and addicting once you get it right!
This song is all about breaking barriers.
It launched the band’s career even though the lyrics were unconventional. The producer had to convince the band to make a few words unintelligible though.
Fun fact, “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” got featured in a trailer for the 2001 movie, Monsters Inc. We think it’s appropriate, given that it’s by a band named The Doors!
18. “Not Fade Away” by Buddy Holly
| Genre | Pop/Jazz |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | E, A |
| Type of Guitar | Electric/Acoustic |
| Tabs | Not Fade Away Tabs |
“Not Fade Away” is one of the first songs that used the Bo Diddley sound. This is the series of beats that turned Buddy Holly into a rock icon!
Recorded in May 1957, the song would later become an inspiration for artists like Tanya Tucker, Mick Fleetwood, and Bob Dylan.
Plus, a cover version of “Not Fade Away” landed The Rolling Stones a spot on the Billboard chart!
If you’d like to play a song by the pioneer of rock music, “Not Fade Away” is a good pick.
19. “Feelin’ Alright” by Traffic
| Genre | Rock |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | C, G |
| Type of Guitar | Electric/Acoustic |
| Tabs | Feelin’ Alright Tabs |
In his attempt to write the simplest song he could, Dave Mason ended up creating this two-chord wonder. Today, “Feelin’ Alright” has 42 covers, and it got featured in a Nissan commercial.
It also appeared several times in the US charts. The original version made it to number 123, but Joe Cocker’s version made it to number 33 in 1972.
Moreover, Michael Jackson sang it back when he was in The Jackson 5!
What’s so great about this song?
We’re inclined to believe that it’s because “Feelin’ Alright” is the easiest break-up song you could learn. If you’re going through one, why not give it a go?
20. “Chordbusters’ March” by Red River Dave
| Genre | Country |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | C, G |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Sheet Music | Chordbusters’ March Sheet Music |
“Chordbusters’ March” is an entertaining track that’s a staple in acapella competitions. This means people sing it without instruments.
However, you might consider playing this song with your guitar. That’s because its upbeat melody is an invitation to have fun!
The lyrics urge people to chime in and find their place in the group.
We believe that practicing “Chordbusters’ March” is a great family activity. As you know, there’s no better way to learn a song than with others!
22. “Love Me Do” by The Beatles
| Genre | Rhythm and Blues |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | G, C |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Love Me Do Tabs |
Paul McCartney and John Lennon wrote “Love Me Do” when they were 16 and 17. It was The Beatles’ first single!
This song is charming for two reasons.
One, Lennon always sang lead. However, because he had to play the harmonica for this song, McCartney had to do it instead. Paul once said that you could hear the terror in his voice.
Second, it was born out of love at first sight. It took form when McCartney laid his eyes on Iris Caldwell. Well, the song worked since the two started dating not long after.
If that doesn’t inspire you to learn the song for your loved one, we don’t know what will!
23. “Stealin’” by Uriah Heep
| Genre | Rock |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Chords | C, G |
| Type of Guitar | Electric |
| Tabs | Stealin’ Tabs |
Fancy an easy-to-learn song that’s banned in some areas? “Stealin” by Uriah Heep is your go-to.
It’s about an outlaw that’s on the run. Though it’s fictional, some of the lyrics resonate with Uriah Heep’s fans.
The lines about shunning religion make people feel the profoundness of the music.
If you listen to it, you might find that it strikes a chord for you as well!
24. “Rockin’ in the Free World” by Neil Young
| Genre | Rock |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | Em, D |
| Type of Guitar | Electric/Acoustic |
| Tabs | Rockin’ in the Free World Tabs |
“Rockin’ in the Free World” leaves a bad impression on some. That’s because Trump used the track for his presidential campaign!
Of course, this didn’t sit well with Neil Young, who demanded that Trump stop it.
Regardless, it’s a political song. Neil Young wrote it to criticize George H.W. Bush. It also became the hymn for the fall of the Berlin Wall.
We love “Rockin’ in the Free World” because it’s our homage to liberty!
“O Mary Don’t You Weep” (Traditional)
| Genre | Gospel |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | F, C |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | O Mary Don’t You Weep Tabs |
“O Mary Don’t You Weep” is an African American freedom song during a time when slavery was rampant. It draws its lyrics from the Bible, recounting the time when a Pharaoh chased the Israelites out of Egypt.
In 1958, a version by The Swan Silvertones became popular because of the civil rights movement.
Around the same time, Paul Simon happened to be present at one of the group’s performances. The lyrics later inspired him to write the iconic song “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
“O Mary Don’t You Weep” is a moving song that’s rooted in our culture today. It laid the foundation for our ideals of freedom!
“Two of Us” by The Beatles
| Genre | Rock/Folk |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Chords | G, C |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Two of Us Tabs |
We can’t get enough of The Beatles and for good reason! Every song that they write is magical. “Two of Us” exudes this because of the wistfulness it makes listeners feel.
Although Paul McCartney claims that it’s a song about him and his wife, some fans speculate otherwise. Many believe that it recounts the band’s early years.
The sad part about this song is that it gave insight into the downfall of the band. There are recordings of arguments between members during its making.
Whatever the case, it’s a song that evokes nostalgia and anyone can play it!
