I know you’ll probably want to immediately start playing your favorite songs.  They are probably part of what inspired you to want to learn guitar in the first place, right?  Music has the power to truly move people.  It can inspire and motivate, and it causes a lot of people to be moved to play their own music.

But you need to take things slowly.  If you start out trying to play songs that are far above your ability level, you’ll only end up disappointed.  You’ll feel frustrated, and you’ll be likely to give up.  By sticking with easier beginner guitar songs, you can still play a lot of your favorites without losing your motivation.

Some suggested beginner guitar songs:

 Basic 12-bar blues chords

|E7 |A7 |E7 | |
|A7 | |E7 | |
|B7 |A7 |E7 |B7 |

 House of the Rising Sun (The Animals/trad.)

note: this song is in 6/8 what means that every bar lasts 6 counts.

|Am |C |D |F |
|Am |C |E | |
|Am |C |D |F |
|Am |E |Am | |

 Drive On (Johny Cash)

|E | |A |B7 |
|B7 | |E |B7      E |

 Papa Loves Mama (Brooks Garth)

|E | |A | |
|B7 | |C |B7 |

 Hotel California (The eagles)

|Am | |E | |
|G | |D | |
|F | |C | |
|Dm | |E | |
 
chorus:
 
|F | |C | |
|Dm | |Am | |
|F | |C | |
|Dm | |E | |

 Suzie Q (Creedence Clearwater Revival)

|E | | | |
|A |C7     B7 |E | |

That should get you started… You can also look for guitar tablature for some of your favorite songs.  Look for songs that consist of two to four main chords, and songs that use standard chords like C, F, and G.  These will be easier to play, and easier to memorize.

Some guitar instructors actually ask their students not to attempt to learn songs for the first few days, instead practicing strumming and chords.  I believe learning a few begineer guitar songs is a good idea, because you can learn chords, strumming, finger placement, and how to switch chords quickly while still enjoying the process.  It can be a bit boring to practice if you’re simply changing to random chords.

You should listen to your instructor if they tell you to practice in a certain way, but talk to them about learning a beginner guitar song or two to make things interesting.  If they are open to teaching you a simple song, you’ll be more inclined to practice as much as you need to.

For More info on beginner guitar songs and to learn to play guitar check out the 14 Day Guitar Challenege!