10 Easy Guitar Songs from the 1980s
The 1980s were a golden era for music, offering iconic tracks that span a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to new wave and ballads. For beginner guitarists, learning these easy songs from the 1980s is not only a fun way to build your repertoire, but also a great method to improve essential guitar skills like chord transitions, timing, and strumming.
Whether you’re jamming to the infectious riffs of Guns N’ Roses or grooving to Prince, this list will help you progress while playing some of the greatest hits of the 80s.
The best part? You don’t have to play every note perfectly or stick to the original key. Start by learning the basic chord progressions, simplify as needed, and add your own spin. As you improve, you can revisit these songs to learn more intricate details.
Let’s dive into these timeless 80s classics!
1. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
This iconic track features one of the most recognizable guitar riffs of all time. Although the intro riff may seem challenging, the song’s chord progressions are straightforward and ideal for beginners to practice basic picking and timing.
Why “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Iconic Riff: Perfect for learning classic rock patterns.
- Basic Chords: Simple progressions for improving transitions.
- Rhythm Practice: Helps build a steady strumming hand.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: D Major
- Chords: D, C, G
- Song Structure: Intro (Riff) – Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
2. Every Breath You Take – The Police
With its repetitive and instantly recognizable riff, this classic track is perfect for practicing picking technique and dreamy add 9 chords. Its structure also makes it ideal for developing smooth transitions and hand coordination.
Why “Every Breath You Take” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Arpeggiated picking: Easy to follow and great for beginners.
- Repetitive Structure: Helps build muscle memory with repeated progressions.
- Familiar Sound: A well-known melody that’s enjoyable to play.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: A Major
- Chords: A, F#m, D, E
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
3. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
A beautiful ballad from the 80s, “Time After Time” is perfect for beginners due to its slow tempo and simple chord structure. It’s a great song to practice rhythm and strumming, allowing you to focus on playing with feeling.
Why “Time After Time” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Simple Chords: Easy-to-play basic chord shapes.
- Slow Tempo: Ideal for learning chord transitions at a comfortable pace.
- Emotional Dynamics: Great for practicing playing with expression.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: C Major
- Chords: C, G, Am, F
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
4. Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
This rock anthem is a must-learn for any guitarist, featuring simple power chords and a fun rhythm that gets people singing along. It’s perfect for beginners working on power chord transitions and building timing.
Why “Livin’ on a Prayer” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Simple Power Chords: A solid introduction to power chord shapes and movements.
- Upbeat Energy: A great song for learning rhythm and staying on beat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Fun to play with friends or at gatherings.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: Em (Intro and verse), modulates to G Minor (Chorus)
- Chords: Em, C, D, G (verses) – Bb, Eb, F (chorus)
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
5. With or Without You – U2
A minimalist masterpiece, this U2 song is built around a repeating chord progression, making it perfect for beginners to focus on dynamics and timing. The steady build throughout the song also offers a good chance to practice intensity and control.
Why “With or Without You” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Repetitive Progression: Easy to remember and play.
- Dynamic Control: Teaches how to manage volume and intensity.
- Timeless Melody: A song that feels rewarding to master.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: D Major
- Chords: D, A, Bm, G
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
6. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
A staple of any beginner guitarist’s repertoire, “Don’t Stop Believin’” is famous for its driving rhythm and simple chord progression. This song provides excellent practice for strumming and maintaining a steady groove.
Why “Don’t Stop Believin'” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Basic Progressions: The simple chords make it easy to pick up quickly.
- Rhythm Practice: Great for developing a consistent strumming pattern.
- Iconic Sound: A song that everyone knows and loves.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: E Major
- Chords: E, A, B, C#m (in the verses), G# minor, F# minor (chorus)
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
7. He Stopped Loving Her Today – George Jones
This emotional country ballad is a timeless classic and perfect for beginners. Its simple chord structure and slower tempo make it easy to learn, and it provides a great opportunity to practice playing with expression and feeling.
Why “He Stopped Loving Her Today” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Simple Chords: Ideal for beginners to master basic chord changes.
- Slow Tempo: Gives you more time to focus on smooth transitions and playing with emotion.
- Country Ballad Feel: A classic example of heartfelt country music that’s enjoyable to play.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: G Major
- Chords: G, C, D
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
8. Purple Rain – Prince
“Purple Rain” may have a reputation for being emotional and expressive, but its basic chord structure is approachable for beginners. It’s a great song for practicing slow, deliberate strumming and playing with feeling.
Why “Purple Rain” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Emotional Dynamics: A great song for learning to play with expression and dynamics.
- Simple Chords: The basic chord structure is easy to pick up.
- Iconic Ballad: Perfect for working on a slower, more deliberate style of playing.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: Bb Major
- Chords: Bb, F, Gm, Eb
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
9. All My Ex’s Live in Texas – George Strait
This classic country hit from George Strait is a great introduction to country rhythm guitar. Its straightforward chord progression and steady strumming make it perfect for beginners looking to practice chord transitions and timing in a fun, laid-back style.
Why “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Simple Chord Progression: Easy to pick up and perfect for working on transitions.
- Steady Rhythm: Great for practicing strumming consistency.
- Classic Country Sound: A well-loved song that’s fun to play and sing along to.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: G Major
- Chords: G, C, D
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
10. Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
This rock ballad is a perfect choice for beginner guitarists looking to practice strumming, chord changes, and timing. Its laid-back rhythm makes it an easy yet satisfying song to add to your setlist.
Why “Here I Go Again” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Simple Chords: A great introduction to basic rock chord progressions.
- Steady Strumming: Excellent for practicing rhythm and strumming consistency.
- Classic Ballad: A feel-good song that’s fun to play.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: G Major
- Chords: G, C, D, Em
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
Essential Tips for Beginning Guitar Players
Learning to strum songs with simple chords is one of the best ways to improve as a guitarist. Here’s why:
- Build a Strong Foundation: Songs with basic chords allow you to practice the essential building blocks of guitar. Mastering basic chords like G, C, and D will give you a strong foundation that applies to many songs across different genres.
- Improve Rhythm and Timing: Strumming along with simple songs helps you develop rhythm and timing, key aspects of playing that will serve you well as you advance. Start slow, lock into the groove, and gradually build speed.
- Learn Note for Note as You Progress: Start with the simplified version of a song, and as you improve, revisit it to learn the more intricate details like riffs or fingerpicking patterns. This way, you can steadily build complexity into your playing.
- Develop Chord Transitions: Playing songs with easy progressions allows you to focus on making smooth and clean chord transitions. The more you practice, the more effortless it becomes.
- Enjoy the Learning Process: Playing full songs, even simplified versions, keeps your practice fun and engaging. Choose songs you love to stay motivated and enjoy the learning process.
The Coda
The 1980s produced some of the most iconic music in history, and these 10 easy guitar songs offer the perfect combination of enjoyment and skill-building for beginners. Whether you’re strumming along to Don’t Stop Believin’ or trying your hand at Purple Rain, these tracks will help you improve your timing, chord changes, and overall confidence as a guitarist.
Remember, the goal is to have fun while progressing—don’t worry about perfection. As you revisit these songs, you’ll notice how much your skills have grown, and each song will become more enjoyable to play.
If you’re ready to take your playing to the next level, Green Hills Guitar Studio offers personalized guitar lessons in Nashville and online. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your technique, our instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to book your first guitar lesson!
