You picked up a three-string guitar and want to play something real today, not in six months. That’s very doable.
Three strings mean fewer notes to track and far fewer chords to learn. You reach songs people know much faster than you would on a six-string.
The riff to Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” sits comfortably in this range. Short, repeating patterns like that are exactly what makes a song beginner-friendly here.
Below are five picks to learn first, each with a quick reason it works. If you want more gentle material, these easy two-chord beginner songs pair well with this list.
Three-String Beginner Guitar Songs
1. Another One Bites the Dust - Queen
This song is a classic, and it was the first Queen song I learned to play on guitar. It works well for beginners because it has a simple progression, plenty of rests between chords, and translates cleanly to the 3-string guitar.
One of the best things about it’s that the same chords repeat over and over, so you can memorize the whole song quickly and focus on your timing and groove.
2. Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
This is another awesome three-string song for beginners. It’s easy to play thanks to its straightforward chords and progression, and two lines repeat throughout the entire song, which makes it simple to memorize.
There are no fancy strumming patterns or unusual chords to trip you up, so you can lock in the rhythm and enjoy playing a song everyone recognizes.
3. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
This song is a fun way to learn the basics. The melody is easy to play and repetitive, which is exactly what beginners need, and the familiar lyrics make it simple to follow along.
It’s also a great candidate for an open tuning, since it takes advantage of the open strings for some extra notes and a fuller sound.
4. Beat It - Michael Jackson
Beat It has a simple, recognizable melody that’s easy to learn on three strings. The picking pattern is easy to understand and stays popular with beginners because it gives the guitar a distinct, melodic voice.
It takes a little time to master the riff cleanly, but it’s a rewarding song that adds a new sound to your playing.
5. Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday is a favorite among beginner guitar players, and for good reason. It has a simple chord progression and an easy picking pattern, so you can learn it in a single sitting.
It’s also genuinely useful: once you have it down, you have a crowd-pleaser ready for the next party, and playing it helps build your confidence on the instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a 3-string guitar?
A 3-string guitar is a stripped-down instrument with only three strings instead of the usual six. Many are built from cigar boxes or other simple bodies, which is why they’re often called cigar box guitars.
The reduced string count makes them lighter, simpler, and far less intimidating for someone learning their first chords and riffs.
Is the 3-string guitar good for beginners?
Yes. With only three strings, there are fewer notes to fret and fewer chord shapes to memorize, so beginners can play recognizable songs much faster than on a six-string.
It’s a great way to build confidence, get comfortable with rhythm and picking, and develop habits that carry over to a standard guitar later.
How is a 3-string guitar tuned?
3-string guitars are commonly set up in open tunings, where the open strings already form a chord. This lets you play simple chords by laying one finger straight across the fretboard, which is perfect for beginners.
The exact tuning varies by player and instrument, so check the recommendation that came with your guitar or follow a tuning your favorite songs use.
Can you play full songs on a 3-string guitar?
Absolutely. As the songs on this list show, you can play the full melody or chord progression of many popular tunes on three strings.
Songs built around a few repeating chords, like Another One Bites the Dust or Happy Birthday, translate especially well and sound complete even with the simpler setup.
Final Thoughts
Playing three-string guitar songs is a great way to get comfortable with the instrument, and it lets beginners build real confidence quickly. Because each of these songs leans on a few repeating chords, you can spend less time memorizing and more time actually playing music.
Working through this list also helps you explore different picking patterns, open tunings, and chord shapes that carry straight over to a six-string later. Start with whichever song you know best, get it under your fingers, then move on to the next.
When you’re ready for more, be sure to check out these 4 chord guitar songs for beginners too.
