25 Easy One String Guitar Songs (With Tabs + Videos)
One of the worst mistakes a beginner guitarist may make is practicing songs with advanced movements and techniques. This can quickly turn into huge frustration and disappointment.
That way, when you’re just getting started on guitar, it’s vital to pick songs that fit your experience level.
In this post, we’ve listed 25 one-string guitar songs ideal for beginner guitarists. If you’re new to the guitar world, here is where to start.
1. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple (Low E String)
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Electric/Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Smoke on the Water] Tabs |
The first song on our list is the iconic classic “Smoke on the Water,” released in 1973. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine chose this masterpiece among the greatest 500 songs of all time.
Watching Richie Blackmore’s idiosyncratic playing style for the song might give you an indication of the riff’s complexity. However, it’s not as it seems.
This song is one of the first songs beginner guitarists learn when they’re just getting started with their musical journey.
You can easily play the main riff only on the 6th string (low E). You’ll move between the 0th, 3rd, 5th, and 6th frets.
2. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes (A String)
| Genre | Alternative Rock/Punk Blues/Garage Rock/Blues Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Semi-Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Seven Nation Army] Tabs |
The White Stripes rolled out their classic song “Seven Nation Army” in 2003.
It became widely spread in a little time, and it’s still commonly used in sports events everywhere today. It also won multiple prizes, including the best rock song at the 46th Grammy Awards.
Jack White did a great job playing the main riff of the song. Despite its greatness, the song’s riff is relatively easy and beginner-friendly.
You can play it on only the 5th string (A). You’ll move between the 7th, 10th, 5th, 3rd, and 2nd frets.
3. “Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven (B String)
| Genre | Classical/Romantic |
| Type of Guitar | Classical |
| Tabs | [Ode to Joy] Tabs |
Take a deep breath, and let’s delve back into history with this masterpiece of Beethoven. “Ode to Joy” song has long roots dating back to 1785.
However, it only started to pervade European culture when Beethoven used it in his 9th Symphony.
Later, the European Council and European Union then chose this song as the Anthem of Europe.
Despite the complexity in the depth of its meaning, you can play a simplified version of this song easily on a single string (B). That’s because the song’s melody follows a simple pattern on the B string.
4. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” (Traditional Melody, D String)
| Genre | Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic/Classical |
| Tabs | [Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star] Tabs |
Who doesn’t love the melody of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”? I do. You probably do as well.
Millions around the world enjoyed this English lullaby, whose lyrics date back to 1806.
The famous poet and novelist Jane Taylor wrote these lyrics to be published in the poetry collection “Rhymes for the Nursery.”
Surprisingly, you can play this universally beloved song on one string (B). You’ll go between the 2nd, 9th, 11th, 6th, 7th, and 4th frets.
5. “Happy Birthday” (Traditional Melody, E String)
| Genre | Traditional Folk/Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic/Electric |
| Tabs | [Happy Birthday] Tabs |
When is the next birthday of a friend or close one? Whenever it is, get ready to gift them something special. Play “Happy Birthday” and bring an amazing atmosphere to the place.
Don’t worry; preparing for this won’t take forever. With a few hours of practice, you can master playing this song on a single string: E string.
You’ll only move between seven frets in this simple one-string version of the song.
6. “Jingle Bells” (Traditional Melody, High E String)
| Genre | Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Jingle Bells] Tabs |
No wonder it was the first song to be broadcasted from space in 1965! “Jingle Bells” is one of those songs that brings back fond memories for all of us.
It’s highly associated with Christmas, holidays, celebrations, and gatherings. It’s also one of the easiest songs you can play on just a single string.
So if you’re a beginner guitarist, it’s an excellent idea to practice this classic tune and have fun.
Using only the E string, you’ll be able to produce the song’s melody.
7. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” (Traditional Melody, High E String)
| Genre | Children’s Music/Blues/Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Mary Had a Little Lamb] Tabs |
The nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is another beginner-friendly song you may want to try. The song’s lyrics were inspired by an actual event in the 19th century.
Mary’s teacher reported that the girl had brought a lamb to the school. The song was later written to tell the story of Mary’s little lamb, its visit to the school, and the student’s reactions.
You can play its main melody by focusing on only the E string. You’ll move between the 0th, 2nd, 4th, and 8th frets along the guitar neck.
By practicing daily, you’ll be able to master this simplified version in no time and with minimal effort.
8. “You Are My Sunshine” (Traditional Melody, G string)
| Genre | Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [You Are My Sunshine] Tabs |
“You Are My Sunshine” is a vintage American country song. It’s also one of Louisiana state’s official songs. Its first version dates back to 1939.
That said, this music piece goes beyond the US, as over 350 artists have sung it in 30 different languages. One of the most popular versions of the song is Johnny Cash’s cover in 1989.
The original melody of the song uses three chords on the guitar. Nonetheless, you can play an easy version using only the G-string.
9. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath (A String)
| Genre | Rock/Metal/Pop |
| Type of Guitar | Electric/Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Iron Man] Tabs |
In 1970, Black Sabbath came up with the outstanding “Iron Man” song as a part of their iconic: “Paranoid” album.
People have continued to play this song for years since its release, and here we are writing about it!
Tony Iommi created a deep riff that stands out in the song. That said, you can still play a simplified version of it on a single string.
You can produce the main riff by focusing on the A string moving between the 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 10th frets. It’s incredibly easy to play yet a great addition to your music arsenal.
10. “A Horse with No Name” by America (Low E String)
| Genre | Folk Rock/Country Rock/Soft Rock |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [A Horse with No Name] Tabs |
“A Horse with No Name” is one of the most popular songs by the band “America. The folk band released this song in 1972 in the United States.
Dewey Bunnell performs the guitar work, producing a harmonious melody that stands out in the song. The song uses only two chords, which makes it beginner-friendly to practice.
Still, for further simplification for new guitarists, you can play it on only one string. Focusing on the low E string allows you to produce the main melody of “ A Horse with No Name.”
11. “When the Saints Go Marching In” (Traditional Melody, B String)
| Genre | Rock & Roll |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [When the Saints Go Marching In] Tabs |
Despite its religious nature, many enjoy listening to “When the Saints Go Marching In” outside its spiritual context.
The origins of this song are still unknown, yet Louis Armstrong was one of the first to record it in 1938.
“When the Saints Go Marching In” emerged alongside numerous other gospel songs of the 20th century.
This song has 16 bars; you can play it fully with only two strings. Even better, you may play it focusing solely on the B string.
12. “Brahms’ Lullaby” by Johannes Brahms (G String)
| Genre | Lullabies |
| Type of Guitar | Classical |
| Tabs | [Brahms Lullaby] Tabs |
“Lullaby” is one of the simplest yet most popular songs by Johannes Brahms. Its first publication dates back to 1868. Then, Brahms performed it for the public one year after its official release.
The song originally consisted of only one verse. However, Brahms added another verse to it later from a poem by George Scherer.
To play the original melody with all its details, you’ll need to use G major, C major, and D major. Nonetheless, you can play a simplified melody version using only a single string, the G-string.
13. “Frère Jacques” (Traditional Melody, B String)
| Genre | Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Frère Jacques] Tabs |
Frère Jacques” is one of the most beloved French nursery rhymes. It’s known in English as “Brother John.” This piece of music was first published in 1811.
Some sources even state that the song’s melody has roots from the 18th century. It has multiple versions, yet all share the same main tune.
The beauty of its melody is its simplicity and ease of practice on the guitar. Using only the B string, you can play it without complications or advanced movement.
14. “Theme from the Godfather” by Nino Rota (B String)
| Genre | Soft Rock/Pop |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Theme from The Godfather] Tabs |
Like the movie, the theme of Godfather has lived on for generations after its initial release.
Nino Rota composed this iconic theme in 1972. It has become an integral part of the Godfather movie’s identity.
Despite the complexity of the original theme, many guitarists have created beginner-friendly versions.
You can practice some of these easy versions on only one string. To do so, focus on the B string and move between the 0th, 5th, 8th, 7th, 1st, 3rd, and 4th frets.
15. “Theme from James Bond” by Monty Norman (G String)
| Genre | Classical |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Theme from James Bond] Tabs |
Monty Norman composed the well-known unified theme for all “James Bond” movies since 1962.
The songwriter said he drew inspiration for the theme from one of his other songs, “Bad Sing, good sing.”
The theme has different versions with some slight differences. The original melody includes various strings in its main riff.
However, you can play a beginner-friendly version using only the G-string.
16. “London Bridge Is Falling Down” (Traditional Melody, B String)
| Genre | J-pop/Vocaloid Utaite |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [London Bridge Is Falling Down] Tabs |
“London Bridge Is Falling Down” is another children’s music on our list. Contrary to its name, the song’s melody is cheerful.
The first version of this nursery rhyme dates back to the 17th century. Though, the modern melody was recorded in the 19th century.
The song then became widely spread all over England and the US. More interestingly, if you’re a beginner guitarist, you can practice its melody on one string.
To do this, use the B string and play at the 0th, 1st, and 3rd frets.
17. “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” (Traditional Melody, G String)
| Genre | Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Row, Row, Row Your Boat] Tabs |
Listened to “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” countless times during your childhood? What about playing it? This 19th-century song was a memorable part of our early years.
The song was initially released in 1852 but with a totally different melody than the one we know today. Nonetheless, 30 years later, another producer introduced the song’s modern tune.
Luckily, practicing its melody on guitar as a beginner is as enjoyable as listening to it. The song has a clear chord progression and repetitive tune, making playing it a breeze.
By focusing on the G-string, you can produce the main melody. You’ll play it at the 0th,1st, and 3rd frets.
18. “Mission Impossible Theme” by Lalo Schifrin (High E String)
| Genre | Electronic Dance |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Mission Impossible Theme] Tabs |
If you’ve watched the “Mission Impossible” TV or film series, you must have loved their music theme.
This iconic melody brings a motivating atmosphere of action to the place out of nowhere. It won the 10th Grammy Award in 1968 as the best instrument theme.
With its immense popularity, many guitarists tried to play different theme adaptations. Some of them created simplified versions that are easy to practice.
If you’re a beginner guitarist, a single-string version of this song will be perfect for you to play. You’ll mainly play it on the E string, moving between the 0th, 3rd, 5th, and 10th frets.
19. “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” (Traditional Melody, High E String)
| Genre | Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Old MacDonald Had a Farm] Tabs |
Here we are with another children’s song on the list. Thomas d’Urfey composed “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” in the 18th century.
Though you can find different versions of this song in many cultures worldwide. The secret of that is its universal tune and meaning that can fit almost anywhere on the earth.
Guitarists play the original melody switching between three chords: D major, C major, and G major.
Although these chords are easy to switch between, it might be slightly confusing for a beginner.
That way, it’s better for you to practice this melody on a single string first. To do so, play it on the high E string while moving between the 5th, 0th, 2nd, 9th, and 7th frets.
You’ll find it’s pretty simple to play, as it has a nearly constant strumming pattern throughout the melody.
20. “Yankee Doodle” (Traditional Melody, B String)
| Genre | Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Yankee Doodle] Tabs |
“Yankee Doodle” is the anthem of Connecticut state and one of the most popular patriotic songs in the US.
Some sources state that the melody of this song is hundreds of years old. They claim that the tune first emerged in Western Europe.
Others say that the tune composer drew inspiration from the famous Irish music piece” All the Way to Galway.”
Anyway, “Yankee Doodle” is an ideal melody for a new guitar player to practice. Using only the B string, you can produce the main tone of the song.
21. “Bingo” (Traditional Melody, B String)
| Genre | Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Bingo] Tabs |
“And Bingo Was His Name-O.” What a cheerful song “Bingo” is. This music piece’s roots date back to 1780 when the lyrics first emerged.
It has super simple music with a consistent rhythm throughout the song. For this reason, “Bingo” can be an excellent beginner-friendly melody to practice as a guitarist.
To do this, you can practice “Bingo” on only the B string moving between the 2nd, 5th, and 7th frets.
22. “Camptown Races” (Traditional Melody, B String)
| Genre | Minstrel |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Camptown Races] Tabs |
“Camptown Races” is a vintage minstrel song by Stephen Foster. It first emerged in 1850.
Then, Foster rolled out another version with a guitar play in 1852. Both versions quickly went viral in the United States after their release.
The song even gained more popularity when many “Looney Tunes” characters sang it in some of the show’s episodes.
In addition, other artists, including Kenny Rogers and Johnny Mercer, have sung it in the 20th century.
The melody of “Camptown Races” is ridiculously simple, which makes it easy for beginner guitarists to practice. You can play it focusing only on the B-string.
23. “This Old Man” (Traditional Melody, B String)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_YfOGtTeOw
| Genre | Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [This Old Man] Tabs |
“This Old Man” is a cheerful English nursery rhyme. Although its origin is vague, sources state that an English magazine contained the song in 1937.
Teachers still use this song to teach children counting and numbers.
Likewise, guitar trainers use it to teach beginner guitarists some basics. That’s because the main song’s melody is relatively easy. You can play it using only the B string.
24. “The Wheels on the Bus” (Traditional Melody, G String)
| Genre | Children’s Music |
| Type of Guitar | Acoustic |
| Tabs | [The Wheels on the Bus] Tabs |
“The Wheels on the Bus” is a popular folk song in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and many European countries. The song’s writer first published the lyrics in 1937.
Melody-wise, it has a repetitive cyclical rhythm making it easy to play on guitar, even for first-time guitarists. This is true for both versions of the song.
It originally uses two different chords, D and A. However, you can play the song’s main melody on the G-string.
25. “Theme from Indiana Jones” by John Williams (B String)
| Genre | Film Score |
| Type of Guitar | Electric/Acoustic |
| Tabs | [Theme from Indiana Jones] Tabs |
John Williams first released the “Riders of the Lost Ark” soundtrack in 1981. Then, he uses the iconic theme for the Indiana Jones films.
This soundtrack brings a sense of adventure, heroism, and action. This perfectly matches the theme of Indiana Jones.
The original melody of the theme includes four strings in its guitar tabs. Though, you can still play a simplified version using only the B string.
