Sam Smith paid tribute to Tom Petty in this contemporary song. This Stones homage to disco uses the Am–Dm chords. Please see the Maroon 5 tune, “Moves Like Jagger”. This is another crowd favorite that uses only two chords: Bm–Em or, with a capo at the 2nd fret, Am–Dm. Here’s a tip: Use the open-E chord with your pinky on the 2nd string for the C# and D notes to create the chord riff.īorn to Be Wild YouTube Video 14. Born to Be Wild (Steppenwolf)Īlthough this is considered to be a hard rock classic, I played this on a 12-string acoustic at a motorcycle rally and the leather-clad, tattooed, bearded crowd sang along. If you have more guitars, then double the bass and chords. One guitar played a simple bass line, the other the reggae-style chords, and the other the melody (which falls nicely into the minor pentatonic box). I used this song for a guitar ensemble for beginners. Bm–F#m–G with a capo at the 2nd fret, Am–Em–F. We used this song for a group of beginning 8-year olds. I couldn’t believe how much fun this was to play in the jazz ensemble and with an acoustic guitar at a backyard party. This song is two chords: G#m–C#m and, with a capo at the 4th fret uses the Em–Am chords. However, it was for a student jazz ensemble. This three-chord classic is another crowd favorite that’s fun to play, sing, and solo (for you fretheads that love to solo). All of the chords are basic, first-position chords that sound great on an acoustic guitar.Īin’t No Sunshine YouTube Video 9. Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers)Ī great song for dinner parties and family gatherings. She performed it with only voice and guitar.Īll About That Bass YouTube Video 8. She was actually a pretty good guitar player and we created a bossa nova-version. I was surprised when a student asked me to teach her this song for a school talent show. Two beats each and your guitar-soloing buddy will love you.īreezin’ YouTube Video 7.
Four chords, here are the basic versions of these chords: D–Bm–Em–A. This instrumental tune is actually very easy-for the rhythm guitar player, that is. They also tend to choose off-the-beaten-path tunes to endlessly solo over. We all have a friend that skates all over the fretboard. Also, if you use a capo at the 3rd fret the chords become: Em–Cmaj7–Am and the Cmaj7 is actually easier to play than an open-C chord. Verse: Gm–Ebmaj7–Cm (You can play an Eb chord for the Eb maj7). Shout (Tears for Fears)Īnother classic 80s tune that uses the AB song form.
Be careful when surfing the web for a chord chart as many of the charts state that the verse is A–G when it’s actually Am–G. A perfect example of the AB song structure and each section uses only two chords. The production was what made it: layers of synths with a very cool delay effect on the guitar. This 80s new wave hit is incredibly simple. The audience loves this.Ĭlosing Time YouTube Video 4. Find a comfortable strumming pattern and sing along using the lyrics and melody. Here’s a tip: Don’t try to imitate the recording exactly. Closing Time (Semisonic)Īnother four-chord progression (G–D–Am–C) that repeats. Sting is an absolute master of using simple songwriting techniques to achieve a sophisticated sound.Įnglishman in New York YouTube Video 3. But, the verse and chorus are only three chords (Em–A–Bm). Upon first listen, it sounds like there’s so much more going on. It also works great for practicing your funky strumming. This four-chord song is a crowd favorite that inspires others to do the singing for you.