25 Easy 90s Guitar Songs (With Tabs + Videos)
If you had a time machine and wanted to go back to a time of some of the best guitar hits, set your travel course to the 90s. During that time, genres like punk and rock took center stage.
Fortunately, you can relive those times easily. Whether you’re covering Oasis’s “Wonderwall” or Radiohead’s “Creep,” you can learn their beginner-friendly chords.
You don’t have to have lived through the 90s to appreciate its grunge-style guitar melodies. Stick around to learn more about the easiest 90s guitar songs that’ll give you a blast from the past.
“Wonderwall” by Oasis (Em, G, D, A, C)
Oasis Wonderwall Guitar Lesson + Tutorial
Whether you’re a 90s or 00s baby, you’ve likely heard the famous 1995 hit “Wonderwall” by Oasis.
Many regarded the song as a dedication to the songwriter, Noel Gallagher’s then-girlfriend, Meg Mathews.
Contrary to these beliefs, the song tells a story of an imaginary friend rescuing you from yourself.
Fortunately, this rhythmic song is easy to play on the guitar. In most of the song, you only have to reposition two fingers.
“Wonderwall” has several chord variations. One of them involves G, D, A, and Em. In this case, ensure you place your capo on the second fret.
| Genre | Alternative Indie |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic and Electric |
| Tabs | Wonderwall Tabs |
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day (G, C, D, Em)
How To Play Green Day – Good Riddance
Despite Green Day’s famed punk image, they came out with the sentimental “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”
Luckily, the soft acoustic melody uses simple chords, C, D, G, and Em. Some variations also include Cadd9. Nevertheless, you can use the latter once you’ve mastered the simpler prior version.
Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong claimed the song refers to his ex-girlfriend who broke up with him and left for Ecuador. In turn, the song connotes heartbreak.
| Genre | Alternative Indie |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) Tabs |
“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls (Bm, D, A, G)
Goo Goo Dolls Iris Guitar Lesson + Tutorial
The Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” held its place in the Billboard charts for nearly one year in 1998. It stood the test of time after earning a spot on Billboard’s Top 100 Pop Songs from 1992 to 2012.
In 1999, it won the Song of the Year at the Radio Music Awards. Even though it won various accolades, “Iris” is relatively easy to master on the guitar.
While the intro is challenging to nail, the rest of the song’s chord progressions are playable for beginners.
| Genre | Pop and Alternative Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Iris Tabs |
“Zombie” by The Cranberries (Em, C, G, D)
How to Play “Zombie” by The Cranberries on Guitar (Easy Acoustic)
“Zombie” has accumulated numerous plays since its release. Its fame stems from its raw and powerful notes and lyrics.
The meaning of the latter originates from tragedy. You can feel the unrestrained emotions as O’Riordan belts out the chorus.
Besides that, “Zombie” requires you to master the chords Em, C, G, and D/F#. The last chord might take time to grasp. In turn, you can play a D chord instead.
| Genre | Grunge, Alternative Rock, and Pop |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Zombie Tabs |
“No Rain” by Blind Melon (G, D, E, A, C)
Blind Melon No Rain Acoustic Guitar Lesson + Tutorial
“No Rain” was written by Blind Melon’s bassist Brad Smith before forming the band. Back then, Smith was struggling with mental issues. The song’s inspiration came from how challenging his life became.
The song mentions how he wishes there was rain so there’s an excuse to lie down, but it’s sunny, and he has to face the music.
Playing-wise, “No Rain” uses chords E, D, A, G, and E7. Other variations incorporate C. That said, it may take some time to follow the fast-paced 150 bpm strumming tempo.
| Genre | Folk, Alternative Indie, and Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic and Electric |
| Tabs | No Rain Tabs |
“One Headlight” by The Wallflowers (G, D, A, E)
How to Play “One Headlight” by The Wallflowers on Guitar
The Wallflowers won a Grammy award for Best Rock Song for their hit song, “One Headlight” in 1998. The song is also number 58 in Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Pop Songs list.
Besides that, learning the song will take some practice, especially as a beginner player. The tune has over eight chords in one variation. Nonetheless, you can start with options limited to four chords.
Lead singer Jakob Dylan wrote the song. Listeners usually take his lyrics at face value. Dylan injects his songs with metaphors and symbolic meanings. In turn, “One Headlight” refers to the death of ideas rather than of a friend.
| Genre | Alternative Indie and Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | One Headlight Tabs |
“Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry (Am, F, C, G)
Eagle Eye Cherry – Save Tonight – Easy Beginner Song on Acoustic Guitar Lesson
Eagle-Eye Cherry’s “Save Tonight” was awarded the Rockbjörnen prize for “Swedish Song of the Year” in 1997.
The song is widely known, making it easy to follow along. The chord progressions are also relatively simple and include Am, F, C, and G. You may need to work more on the barre F to master it.
“Save Tonight” depicts change-related emotions and how everyone should accept them. It expresses how we should cherish our relationships and time, especially at night.
| Genre | Alternative Indie, Pop, and Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Save Tonight Tabs |
“Losing My Religion” by R.E.M. (Am, Em, Dm, G)
How to Play “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M. on Guitar – Super Easy Acoustic
The Grammy award-winning hit, “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M offers beginner guitar players a chance to advance their skills.
The song uses multiple chords, such as F, Dm, G, Em, and C. Whether you have an electric or acoustic guitar handy, the song will sound just as catchy and harmonious.
When it comes to the song’s meaning, “Losing My Religion” uses a Southern expression that connotes feelings of exasperation.
It specifically refers to when you try to let your crush know that you like them by leaving all kinds of hints. In the end, they respond cryptically, leaving you confused and frustrated.
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic and Electric |
| Tabs | Losing My Religion Tabs |
“Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia (D, G, A, Bm)
How to play Torn by Natalie Imbruglia on the guitar
“Torn” is a heartfelt song worth learning on your acoustic guitar. You’ll want to learn the chords D, G, A, and Bm to comfortably play it. You can then move on to more complicated variations that use Fsus4, Bb, and Dm.
Imbruglia’s lyrics connote feelings of betrayal and heartbreak. The song talks about loving someone and finding out they’re someone else as you advance into the relationship.
It’s a “You’re not who I thought you were” kind of vibe. Overall, it’s an ideal song to show off your strumming skills.
| Genre | Pop |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Torn Tabs |
“Two Princes” by Spin Doctors (G, C, D)
Spin Doctors Two Princes Guitar Lesson + Tutorial
This song never fails to put a smile on its listeners. “Two Princes” is upbeat, catchy, and fun to play. The best part is that it’s one of the easiest songs to play on the guitar on this list.
You’ll want to use the chords D, A, G, and Bm with a 104 bpm strumming pattern. Other simpler variations use G, C, and D chords.
In terms of meaning, “Two Princes” talks about a lady protagonist choosing between two suitors. One of them brings wealth, while the other, love.
She chooses the latter to portray the importance of feeling fulfilled in a relationship rather than relying on material wealth.
| Genre | Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Two Princes Tabs |
“One of Us” by Joan Osborne (G, Em, C, D)
Joan Osborne – One OF Us Chords (Guitar Tutorial) for Acoustic Cover
Joan Osborne’s “One of Us” only requires you to learn four chords, G, Em, C, and D. The rhythmic tune is beginner-friendly.
While playing the song, make sure you have a capo pinned to your second fret and tune your guitar to E A D G B E.
The singer and songwriter, Eric Bazilian created “One of Us” in hopes of expressing a change in perspective. This change could come from various events, such as meeting God or having a near-death experience.
| Genre | Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | One of Us Tabs |
“Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows (Am, F, G, C)
Counting Crows Mr. Jones Guitar Lesson + Tutorial
Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones” was released in 1993 and sold an impressive seven million copies. The song won the MTV Video Music Award for the “Best New Artist” category.
The song includes chords Am, F, G, and C, and for more advanced players, you can incorporate Fmaj7 and Dm.
“Mr. Jones” evokes a commentary regarding fame. The writers, Adam Duritz and David Bryson talk about how they were in a bar and didn’t dare to go up to two ladies.
Back then, they were still low-budget singers. In turn, they wrote the song about wishing to gain fame so everybody would love them.
| Genre | Folk, Rock, and Alternative Indie |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Mr. Jones Tabs |
“What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes (G, Am, C, D)
4 Non Blondes “What’s Up” Guitar Lesson – “What’s Going On” 90’s Songs
“What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes is perfect if you just started learning the guitar. The simplest variation only involves three chords, G, Am, and C. You can integrate the D chord into the verses as you advance.
Aside from that, “What’s Up?” garnered international acclaim, peaking in Germany’s, Sweden’s, and Denmark’s music charts. At some point, it reached number 14 on Billboard Hot 100.
| Genre | Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic and Electric |
| Tabs | What’s Up Tabs |
“Black” by Pearl Jam (E, A, D, G, B)
Pearl Jam Black Guitar Lesson + Tutorial
“Black” by Pearl Jam is a song devoted to unrequited love and heartache. The song is so emotionally sentimental that the band refused to release it as a single.
The song resonated with lots of Pearl Jammers and listeners. It advises on the importance of letting go. Besides that, you can tune in to this powerful song by mastering the E, A, D, G, and B chords.
You can also add C, Asus2, and Em chords in the mix for a more refined touch after nailing down the basics.
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Black Tabs |
“When I Come Around” by Green Day (G, D, Em, C)
Green Day – When I Come Around – Guitar Lesson – How to Play Green Day on Guitar
Green Day’s “When I Come Around” is loaded with easy-to-learn power chords. It’s ideal for those just starting their guitar-learning journey.
The punk-inspired song is also ideal to practice your palm muting technique. You’ll use the edge of your right hand to press on the strings, creating a slightly muffled effect.
Overall, the song evokes the frustrations of long-distance relationships. Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong wrote it to express these feelings to his girlfriend, Adrienne Nesser.
Another perspective looks at a boy searching for a casual relationship but ending up with a girl vying for a serious one.
| Genre | Punk Rock and Alternative Indie |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | When I Come Around Tabs |
“Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve (E, Bm, D, A)
Play ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ by The Verve with FOUR simple CHORDS
“Bitter Sweet Symphony” offers a distinct commentary on life and how everyone struggles to make ends meet, but we all end up dying in the end.
The song depicts an “against the system” idea and how everyone falls to capitalism’s feet.
Playing “Bitter Sweet Symphony” will likely take extra time to catch up to every chord. It includes E, Bm, D, and A. Some variations use Bm7 and Dsus2.
| Genre | Pop and Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Bitter Sweet Symphony Tabs |
“Creep” by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
Creep – Radiohead – Guitar Lesson – How to Play on Guitar – Tutorial
Radiohead’s “Creep has a moody and slow-moving feel to it. Luckily, playing it on the guitar won’t be too challenging since it only has four prime chords.
Nevertheless, beginners may find a couple of barre chords, namely the Cm and B, somewhat difficult to play. It’ll give you more time to practice the guitar technique.
Another technique worth exploring in “Creep” is playing dead notes. The method cuts the note’s pitch since you’re pressing your finger on a string that you’re strumming, reducing the vibration.
Meaning-wise, “Creep” portrays self-deprecation, where you feel weird in a world of perfection or certain expectations.
| Genre | Grunge and Alternative Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Creep Tabs |
“You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette (F#, B, C#, G#m)
Alanis Morissette “You Oughta Know” acoustic guitar tutorial ft. Hannah Dorman
While the 2020s sang Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U” after breakups, the 90s belted to Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know.”
The song is perfect for practicing barre chords like F#m, B, and F#. You can keep things easier by pinning your capo on the second fret.
Whether you’re going through a tough breakup or just a 90s guitar music enthusiast, you’ll enjoy riffing to “You Oughta Know.”
| Genre | Pop and Alternative Indie |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | You Oughta Know Tabs |
“Santa Monica” by Everclear (G, D, C, Em)
Everclear – Santa Monica – Guitar Lesson (STUPID EASY!)
“Santa Monica” is relatively challenging for beginner players. While playing the song, ensure you’re aware of which strings need to be muted to get an accurate strum.
That said, the song has a few interpretations. According to Genius, the singer wrote the song to express his teenage years when he struggled with depression.
Others believe “Santa Monica” is about escaping rough patches in your life. It implies new beginnings and leaving the past behind.
| Genre | Alternative Indie, Pop, and Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Santa Monica Tabs |
“Sex and Candy” by Marcy Playground (A, E, G, D)
Marcy Playground Sex and Candy Guitar Lesson + Tutorial
“Sex and Candy” was more so about a moment in John Wozniak’s life rather than an idea. He mentioned that during his college years, he went to a girl’s dorm room, and her roommate showed up and said that it smelled like sex and candy.
Meaning aside, playing the song may be slightly difficult for beginners since it involves barre chords. Once you get the hang of A, E, G, and D chords, you’ll be strumming “Sex and Candy” like no tomorrow.
| Genre | Alternative Indie |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic and Electric |
| Tabs | Sex and Candy Tabs |
“Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers (E, B, C#m, G#m, A)
How to Play “Under The Bridge” (verse, chorus, ending) Guitar Lesson by Red Hot Chili Peppers
From the album Blood Sugar Sex Magik came “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song touched plenty of fans since it exposed another, more raw side to the band’s life.
It emphasized the struggle of living with drug addiction and loneliness. In one particular moment, Anthony Keidis recalls doing drugs under a bridge while his girlfriend was looking for him.
“Under the Bridge” has multiple chords, but the most beginner-friendly version uses E, B, C#m, G#m, and A. Nevertheless, you can strum other chords, such as Fmaj7, E7, and Am7, and create an arpeggio pattern.
| Genre | Alternative Rock and Indie |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Under the Bridge Tabs |
“Name” by Goo Goo Dolls (G, D, A, Bm)
Goo Goo Dolls Name Guitar Lesson
“Name” expanded the Goo Goo Dolls’ fan base thanks to its pop genre change. The hit brought the band national fame.
Playing the song might be on the more challenging side. Some variations include the chords Dsus4/F# and Dsus4/A, which needs more practice with barre chords.
In terms of meaning, fans speculate a couple of interpretations. One of them is that the song refers to the lead singer, John Rzeznik’s sisters who raised him.
Another perspective draws from Rzeznik’s former lover and how he doesn’t want to publicize her real name.
| Genre | Alternative Rock and Pop |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Name Tabs |
“Alive” by Pearl Jam (E, A, D, G, B)
Pearl Jam Alive Rhythm & Lead Guitar Lesson + Tutorial
Released in 1991 in the band’s Ten album, “Alive” snatched the number 2 rank on the Billboard charts. Despite its top spot, Eddie Vedder talks about the song as a curse due to its underlying meaning.
It talks about a boy finding out that his father is his stepfather, and his biological father passed away. Nonetheless, fans created their interpretations, which in Vedder’s perspective, lifted the curse.
| Genre | Rock and Alternative Indie |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Alive Tabs |
“Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots (G, D, A, C)
Stone Temple Pilots – Plush – Guitar Lesson – STP
“Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots was inspired by the true events of a kidnapped young woman, later found dead. The lyrics portray an obsessive relationship.
Aside from that, the song includes techniques such as palm muting, barre chords, and power chords. Basic versions use the chords G, D, A, and C, while others have D/F# and EbM7/G.
| Genre | Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Electric and Acoustic |
| Tabs | Plush Tabs |
“Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum (Am, G, F, C)
Soul Asylum – Runaway Train Guitar Lesson
Running at a 117 bpm tempo, “Runaway Train” uses the chords Em/B, Em, G, C, F, and Am. You can showcase your chord-learning progress in the instrumental parts.
Even though the song garnered a Grammy in 1994 for Best Rock Song, lead singer David Pirner didn’t attend. He didn’t believe in celebrating one song over others. Meat Loaf took the prize on his behalf.
| Genre | Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | Runaway Train Tabs |
