10 Easy Guitar Songs from the 2020s

Learning to play guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially when you start with songs that resonate with you. The 2020s have brought us a diverse range of music across various genres, making it easier than ever for beginners to find tunes they enjoy and can easily learn. This article is all about easy guitar songs from the 2020s.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to learn every song verbatim for it to be a rewarding learning experience. You can strum the chords from a disco song, experiment with playing it in a different key, and even put your own spin on it. This creative approach allows you to explore the songs in a way that feels personal and enjoyable while building your foundational guitar skills.

1. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd

“Blinding Lights” is one of the defining songs of the decade, and due to its simplicity and repetitive structure, it’s a fantastic choice for beginners. The song’s chord progression is straightforward and easy to memorize, making it perfect for practicing smooth transitions between chords. Additionally, the upbeat tempo helps beginners develop their strumming skills, encouraging a sense of rhythm and timing. This combination of accessible chords and an engaging rhythm makes “Blinding Lights” both fun to play and great for building foundational guitar skills.

Why “Blinding Lights” is a Good Addition to Your Repertoire:

Simple Chord Progression: The song has a straightforward chord progression that repeats throughout, making it easy for beginners to learn and memorize.
Upbeat Tempo: The energetic tempo encourages beginners to practice strumming and rhythm, helping them build confidence in their timing.
Modern and Popular: As one of the most iconic songs of the decade, “Blinding Lights” is instantly recognizable and fun to play, making it a great addition to any beginner’s repertoire.

Chords & Structure for “Blinding Lights”:

Key: A Minor
Chords: Am, Em, F, C
Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

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2. “willow” by Taylor Swift

“willow” is an excellent song for beginners because of its gentle tempo and simple chord progression. The folk-inspired melody makes it easy to focus on clean chord changes without feeling rushed. The repetitive structure allows beginners to quickly get comfortable with the song, while the soothing vibe helps develop smooth, flowing transitions between chords. It’s a great choice for those looking to build confidence and control in their playing.

Why “willow” is a Good Addition to Your Repertoire:

Gentle Tempo: The song’s moderate pace allows beginners to focus on clean chord changes without feeling rushed.
Melodic and Simple: The folk-inspired melody and simple chord structure make it easy for beginners to grasp and play along with.
Soothing and Reflective: The song’s introspective vibe makes it enjoyable to play and provides a calming experience for new guitarists.

Chords & Structure for “willow”:

Key: A Minor
Chords: Am, Em, C, G
Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

3. “drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo

“drivers license” is a fantastic song for beginners who want to explore emotional expression through their playing. Its slow tempo and simple chord progression make it accessible for new guitarists, allowing them to focus on mastering timing and strumming. The song’s melancholic mood and straightforward structure make it a great piece for practicing controlled, deliberate playing, which is crucial for developing a good sense of rhythm.

Why “drivers license” is a Good Addition to Your Repertoire:

Slow Tempo: The ballad’s slow pace is perfect for beginners, allowing them to practice timing and strumming without pressure.
Emotional Expression: The song’s emotional depth gives beginners an opportunity to practice playing with feeling and dynamics.
Simple Chord Progression: The straightforward chord changes make it accessible for those just starting out on the guitar.

Chords & Structure for “drivers license”:

Key: B Minor
Chords: A, E, F#m, D
Song Structure: Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

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4. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa

“Levitating” is a great pick for beginners due to its infectious rhythm and easy-to-follow chord progression. The song’s disco-inspired beat provides an opportunity to work on timing and strumming consistency, which are essential skills for any guitarist. Its upbeat, danceable vibe makes practice sessions enjoyable and encourages beginners to keep playing and experimenting with rhythm variations.

Why “Levitating” is a Good Addition to Your Repertoire:

Infectious Rhythm: The song’s catchy, disco-inspired beat is great for practicing consistent strumming patterns, which are essential for developing rhythm.
Easy-to-Follow Chords: The familiar chord progression is simple and easy to master, allowing beginners to focus on their strumming and timing.
Upbeat and Fun: The lively, danceable vibe makes practice sessions enjoyable, encouraging beginners to keep playing and experiment with different rhythm variations.

Chords & Structure for “Levitating”:

Key: C Major
Chords: Am, G, C, F
Song Structure: Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

5. “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals

“Heat Waves” is an ideal song for beginners because of its laid-back tempo and straightforward chords. The relaxed feel allows beginners to practice chord changes at their own pace without feeling pressured. This track is particularly useful for developing consistent strumming patterns, and its repetitive structure makes it easier to memorize and play along with confidence.

Why “Heat Waves” is a Good Addition to Your Repertoire:

Laid-Back Tempo: The relaxed pace allows beginners to practice chord changes at their own speed, reducing the pressure to play fast.
Repetitive Structure: The song’s repetitive chord progression helps build muscle memory, making it easier to play along with confidence.
Chill Vibe: The indie rock feel of “Heat Waves” is both calming and engaging, making practice sessions more enjoyable and less stressful for beginners.

Chords & Structure for “Heat Waves”:

Key: A Minor
Chords: Am, G, C, F
Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

6. “Good Time” by Niko Moon

“Good Time” is perfect for beginners who enjoy country music and want to build their chord-changing skills. The song’s simple, repetitive chord progression makes it easy to learn and fun to play. Its upbeat, feel-good tempo is great for practicing strumming patterns and keeping time, which are important aspects of becoming a well-rounded guitarist.

Why “Good Time” is a Good Addition to Your Repertoire:

Simple Chord Progression: The song’s repetitive and straightforward chord structure is ideal for beginners who are still getting comfortable with chord changes.
Upbeat Tempo: The lively, feel-good rhythm encourages consistent strumming practice and helps beginners keep time.
Positive and Fun: The song’s upbeat, carefree vibe makes it a joy to play, keeping beginners motivated and engaged during practice.

Chords & Structure for “Good Time”:

Key: G Major
Chords: C, G, D, Em
Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

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7. “Circles” by Post Malone

“Circles” is a smooth, melodic song that’s perfect for beginners working on their chord transitions. The slow pace and repetitive chord progression allow new guitarists to focus on accuracy and rhythm without being overwhelmed. Its calming vibe also makes it a great song for practicing consistent strumming and dynamic control, helping to build confidence in your playing.

Why “Circles” is a Good Addition to Your Repertoire:

Smooth Melodic Flow: The song’s calm, smooth melody is perfect for beginners working on chord transitions and timing without being overwhelmed.
Repetitive Chord Structure: The easy-to-follow chords make it accessible for new players, helping them gain confidence in their playing.
Relaxed Tempo: The slower pace allows beginners to focus on accuracy and control, essential skills for becoming a well-rounded guitarist.

Chords & Structure for “Circles”:

Key: C Major
Chords: C, G, Am, F
Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

8. “Somebody’s Problem” by Morgan Wallen

“Somebody’s Problem” is a great song for beginners interested in modern country music. The song’s gentle tempo and classic chord progression make it easy to follow, allowing beginners to concentrate on smooth chord changes and clear strumming. The repetitive structure helps in building muscle memory, which is crucial for progressing in guitar playing.

Why “Somebody’s Problem” is a Good Addition to Your Repertoire:

Classic Chord Progression: The familiar and simple chord changes are easy for beginners to learn and memorize, making it a great song for building foundational skills.
Gentle Tempo: The song’s relaxed pace is perfect for practicing smooth chord transitions and clear strumming without feeling rushed.
Modern Country Appeal: The contemporary country vibe adds variety to a beginner’s repertoire, offering a different style and rhythm to explore.

Chords & Structure for “Somebody’s Problem”:

Key: G Major
Chords: G, D, Em, C
Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

9. “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

“Flowers” is a great choice for beginners due to its catchy melody and straightforward chord progression. The song’s moderate tempo makes it easy to keep up with, and the repetitive structure allows for quick mastery. Its pop sensibility encourages beginners to explore rhythm and dynamics, helping to develop a well-rounded guitar skill set while having fun with a modern hit.

Why “Flowers” is a Good Addition to Your Repertoire:

Catchy Melody: The song’s engaging, pop melody is both fun and easy for beginners to learn.
Simple Chord Progression: The straightforward chords make it ideal for practicing rhythm and timing.
Modern Hit: “Flowers” is a popular, contemporary song that’s enjoyable to play and share with others, making practice sessions more rewarding.

Chords & Structure for “Flowers”:

Key: A Minor
Chords: Am, Dm, G, C
Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

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10. “Archie, Marry Me” by Alvvays

“Archie, Marry Me” is a great addition for beginners who are fans of indie rock. The song’s simple chord progression and catchy rhythm make it easy to learn and fun to play. Its dreamy, melodic vibe provides a good foundation for practicing consistent strumming patterns, while the song’s popularity in the indie scene makes it a rewarding track to master.

Why “Archie, Marry Me” is a Good Addition to Your Repertoire:

Simple Chord Progression: The repetitive and straightforward chords make it easy for beginners to pick up and play confidently.
Catchy Rhythm: The song’s steady, mid-tempo rhythm provides a solid foundation for practicing consistent strumming patterns.
Dreamy Indie Vibe: The song’s atmospheric and melodic sound is enjoyable to play, making practice sessions both fun and rewarding.

Chords & Structure for “Archie, Marry Me”:

Key: C Major
Chords: C, G, Am, F
Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus

Tips for Beginners

Take Your Time: Start slow and focus on accuracy. It’s better to play the chords correctly at a slower pace than to rush through them.
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key when learning guitar. Try to practice every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Over time, you’ll see improvement.
Use a Metronome: Playing with a metronome can help you keep time and develop a steady rhythm, which is crucial for playing songs smoothly.
Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions can help you hear your progress and identify areas where you need improvement.
Use a Capo: Using a capo can help you play in the open position more easily, especially if a song is in a key that’s challenging for beginners. It allows you to use familiar chord shapes in different keys, making the learning process smoother.
Break Down the Song: Divide the song into sections (e.g., verse, chorus) and practice each part individually before putting it all together. This approach makes learning more manageable.
Focus on Chord Transitions: Start by practicing the transitions between two chords slowly. Focus on getting each transition smooth before moving on to the next. Over time, speed will come naturally.
Play Along with the Recording: Once you’ve learned the chords, try playing along with the original track. This helps with timing and getting the feel of the song.
Stay Patient: Learning guitar is a journey, and progress might be slow at times. Stay patient, keep practicing, and enjoy the process.

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The Coda

The 2020s have produced a wide variety of music that’s both modern and accessible to beginners. These 10 songs are not only easy to learn but also represent different genres, giving you a well-rounded experience as you develop your guitar skills. Whether you’re into pop, rock, or country, there’s something here for everyone.

Ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? Green Hills Guitar Studio offers personalized guitar lessons in Nashville and online, catered to your skill level and musical interests. Whether you’re in Nashville or prefer online lessons, our experienced instructors are here to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to start your journey with Green Hills Guitar Studio!

FAQ’s About Learning Easy Guitar Songs

Yes, all the songs on this list can be played on either an acoustic or electric guitar. The choice depends on your personal preference and the sound you’re aiming for.

All you need is a guitar, a tuner, and a basic understanding of chord shapes. A capo can also be helpful for certain songs to play in the open position.

The time it takes to learn each song varies depending on your practice routine and skill level. With regular practice, you should be able to learn most of these songs within a few days to a couple of weeks.

These songs are chosen for their simplicity, so no advanced techniques are required. However, as you progress, you can experiment with adding more advanced embellishments and techniques.

Start by learning the chord progression, then practice strumming patterns slowly. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Playing along with the original track can also help improve your timing.

Absolutely! Many of these songs have rhythmic patterns that are great for developing strumming skills. Practicing them will help you build a strong sense of timing and rhythm.

While it’s beneficial to learn the entire song to improve your overall playing and familiarity with song structures, you can certainly focus on the chorus or any section that interests you most. This can be a great way to start, especially if you’re building confidence or working on specific techniques.

Set small, achievable goals, such as mastering one song or a specific section of a song each week. Celebrate your progress, and consider recording yourself to track improvements. Playing along with the original track or jamming with others can also keep you motivated.

Yes, many beginners learn songs on their own, but taking lessons can significantly speed up your progress and help you avoid common mistakes. A guitar instructor can provide personalized guidance and tips that you might not get from self-study.

If you find a song challenging, break it down into smaller sections and practice each part individually. Slow down the tempo, use a metronome, and focus on difficult transitions. If you’re still struggling, consider reaching out to an instructor for targeted help.