Few things keep a new player going like finally playing a song people recognize. Pop hits are perfect for that, since most lean on a small set of open chords you can pick up fast.
The trick is the repetition. These songs loop the same shapes through verse and chorus, so once you’ve nailed the progression you’ve basically got the whole tune.
Below are 16 easy pop songs, each with a quick note on what makes it friendly for beginners. They pair well with our wider list of super easy beginner songs.
Let’s get into the picks.
Easy Guitar Pop Songs for Beginners
1. Hey Soul Sister - Train
This song is an excellent beginner pop song. It has a basic, easy-to-play chord progression, and it uses open chords, so just about anyone will be able to sound good with it.
Plus, it’s not a long song, so it’ll take you less time to learn to play it. You’ll still need a basic understanding of chords and strumming, but the song won’t require much practice time.
2. All of Me - John Legend
This song is great because the melody is easy to sing along to, and it’s simple to play. The chords are easy to recognize, and it takes only a few minutes to get the hang of it.
The chorus features a fairly quick chord change, so you’ll be using a one-finger spread this time. Because the song is very catchy and easy to memorize, you’ll have an easier time learning it than a more complex tune.
3. Love on the Weekend - John Mayer
This song features a simple structure with a clear melody, making it easy for a beginning guitar player. The chords change every few lines, so you’ll use one-finger chords for most of it.
Be careful not to play too fast. Many players consider Love on the Weekend one of the most straightforward songs to play, especially for beginners.
4. Ride - Twenty One Pilots
If you’re a fan of pop music, then there’s a good chance you know Ride by Twenty One Pilots. It’s easy to play, and the melody is easy enough to memorize.
The song also features simple chords, so you won’t have to worry too much about fingerings or chord changes.
5. Perfect - Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s Perfect is a song that gives a new guitar player an excellent place to start. You can play it on advanced or beginner chords, and it requires only a minimal amount of practice to learn.
The melody is also reasonably straightforward. If you decide to learn this song, you’ll soon notice an improvement in your skills as you begin to play more songs on the guitar.
6. Memories - Maroon 5
Another popular song you can learn to play easily is Memories by Maroon 5. Recorded by the band as a tribute, it covers the topic of heartbreak.
It keeps the listener engaged throughout thanks to its catchy lyrics and upbeat tempo, and the chord shapes stay friendly for beginners.
7. Six Feet Under - Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is another singer-songwriter who has grown in popularity in recent years. Her song Six Feet Under is catchy but straightforward, and it’s easy to play.
This tune was quite popular in 2018 and earned award nominations the following year. The arrangement can be broken down and simplified to suit your skill level.
8. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber
This song by Justin Bieber is a modern classic and a true example of a clean pop arrangement. Every beginner can learn this song, and it’s surprisingly fun to play.
While it isn’t too challenging, it does reward good technique and control. Believable chords and a memorable melody make this song easy to pick up, and the tune will stick in your head after just a few listens.
9. Blinding Lights - The Weeknd
This pop tune is straightforward to learn. Known for intense synths and strong vocal harmonies, this style can help you progress quickly as a guitarist.
It uses straightforward chords that are easy to learn, making it accessible for beginners. Simple lyrics and an easy-to-play melody make it a great song to begin your musical journey with.
10. Rise Up - Andra Day
This track is familiar to nearly every pop listener out there, yet it’s simple enough for beginners to learn. It uses chords that are easy to grab and a familiar tune, so you’ll be left with plenty of good memories from the song.
While it’s catchy and memorable, it isn’t tough to learn.
11. Kids - MGMT
Kids is an upbeat pop song that you’ll love playing. The song structure is simple, making it easy to learn.
The arrangement generally follows the chorus (the repeated section) until you reach the hook. The hook is the part that stays in your head after a few listens and amps up the audience’s excitement.
12. All About That Bass - Meghan Trainor
This upbeat song is great for learning chords and is easy and fun to play. The song consists of a few clear sections: the hook, the verses, and the chorus.
Each section is different from the others, which keeps the arrangement interesting to listen to. The verses are pretty straightforward, and the hook is simple as well.
Just follow along in rhythm, and before you know it you’ll be playing the song like a pro.
13. I Have a Dream - ABBA
This song is great to learn because it incorporates key rhythm patterns that can help you master different ways to play the guitar. The first part, the chorus, is a repeated riff with chord changes.
This chorus pattern is the heart of the song, and mastering it goes a long way toward improving your playing.
14. You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift
This song has slightly more involved rhythm patterns. The rhythm is easy to follow, but the chords are a touch more complex.
Each part of the progression uses a different chord, so chords are one of the most important aspects of this song. You’ve a chorus, the verses, and the hook.
Learning the riff and the chords is the key to playing it well.
15. Your Call - Secondhand Serenade
This is a fun song with a catchy beat, making it easy to learn. The chords are simple, and the rhythm is easy to remember.
The chord changes move along with each verse, so you’ll pick up the whole song in only a matter of minutes. The chorus is the trickiest part because it repeats so often.
Once you learn the entire piece, you can start playing with the main riffs, either solo or alongside a lead guitar.
16. What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
This song is another excellent choice. The chords mainly change between the chorus and the verses.
The hook is easy, and the chorus is a little more involved but fun to play. You can play it as a solo or as a lead part.
Try to press down the chords cleanly when the hook comes around, since that section drives the energy of the song.
How to Practice These Songs
Although these songs are easy to learn, remember that not every riff mentioned in this article is effortless. It’ll take some time to work through all of them, but with consistent practice you’ll steadily get better.
Start slowly, get the chord changes clean, then gradually speed up to match the original tempo.
It also helps to practice your scales and chords alongside these songs. Practice slowly at first, then build up speed once the shapes feel natural.
Remembering your chords and scales makes everything you play sound better and more in time. When you’re ready for more material, take a look at our list of beginner guitar songs for kids for even more simple options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the easiest pop songs to start with on guitar?
Hey Soul Sister by Train and Perfect by Ed Sheeran are two of the easiest on this list because they use common open chords and repeating progressions. All of Me by John Legend is another great first song since the chord shapes are simple and the melody is easy to sing along to.
Starting with a song you already know by ear makes a big difference. When the melody is familiar, you can focus on your hands instead of trying to memorize how the song goes.
Do I need an electric or acoustic guitar to play these songs?
Either works. Every song on this list can be played on an acoustic guitar with basic open chords, which is why pop songs are such a good fit for beginners.
An electric guitar will play the same chords, just with a different tone.
If you only have one guitar, use what you’ve and focus on clean chord changes and steady strumming. The instrument matters far less than consistent practice in these early stages.
How long does it take to learn an easy pop song?
Many beginners can play a simplified version of an easy pop song within a few days of focused practice. Songs with three or four open chords and a steady strumming pattern come together the fastest.
Playing it smoothly at full speed takes longer, often a couple of weeks. The chord changes are usually the slowest part to master, so practice switching between chords slowly before you worry about tempo.
Should I use a capo for these songs?
A capo can help, especially if a song’s original key feels too high or low to sing comfortably. It lets you keep using easy open-chord shapes while shifting the pitch to match your voice.
A capo isn’t required to learn the songs, but it’s an inexpensive accessory that makes many pop tunes easier to play and sing. If you find a chord shape uncomfortable, try moving the capo up the neck.
Final Thoughts
Easy pop songs are some of the best material for beginners because they reward you quickly. Most rely on a small set of open chords and repeating sections, so you can sound good early and stay motivated while your hands build strength and speed.
Work through this list at your own pace and don’t rush the tricky riffs. Start slow, keep your chord changes clean, and let speed come naturally with repetition.
With steady practice, every song here’s well within reach, and learning them will give you a solid foundation for tackling more challenging music down the road.
