10 Easy Guitar Songs from the 1970s
The 1970s were a defining decade in music, offering a rich tapestry of rock, folk, country, and more. For beginner guitarists, learning songs from this era is a fantastic way to develop your skills while enjoying some of the most beloved tunes of all time. Whether you’re into rock classics from Led Zeppelin, folk hits from John Denver, or country favorites from Willie Nelson, this list will help you work on essential guitar techniques like strumming, chord transitions, and timing.
These songs are all approachable, and you can always revisit them as you improve to add more detail and complexity. Let’s explore these classic ’70s hits!
1. Take It Easy – Eagles
This laid-back anthem from the Eagles is a perfect starting point for beginners. With its simple chord progression and easy strumming pattern, you’ll be jamming along in no time.
Why “Take It Easy” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Basic Chord Progression: Features easy-to-play open chords.
- Relaxed Tempo: Perfect for practicing smooth transitions.
- Iconic Melody: A well-loved song that’s rewarding to play and sing along to.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: G Major
- Chords: G, D, C, Em, Am
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
2. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
A Southern rock classic, “Sweet Home Alabama” is built around a repeating chord progression that makes it ideal for beginners. The song is catchy and instantly recognizable, perfect for practicing rhythm and picking.
Why “Sweet Home Alabama” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Repetitive Progression: Easy to memorize and play.
- Great for Rhythm Practice: The steady groove helps improve timing.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A song everyone knows and loves to hear (play some Skynyrd!!).
Chords & Structure:
- Key: D Major (there’s controversy about whether it’s in D or G)
- Chords: D, C, G
- Song Structure: Intro – Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
3. Jolene – Dolly Parton
This classic country song is simple but powerful, with a repeating chord progression. “Jolene” is a great song for beginners to practice minor chords and work on consistent strumming.
Why “Jolene” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Simple Progression: The chords are repetitive, making it easy to learn.
- Minor Chords: A chance to get comfortable with minor shapes.
- Emotional Depth: Great for practicing expressive playing.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: C# Minor
- Chords: Am, C, G, Em
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
4. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
With only a few basic chords, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” is a fantastic choice for beginners. The slow tempo allows you to focus on chord transitions while enjoying a timeless song that’s easy to sing along with.
Why “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Basic Chords: Easy-to-learn open chords, ideal for beginners.
- Slow Tempo: Allows for relaxed transitions.
- Folk-Rock Vibe: A classic that’s rewarding to play and sing.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: G Major
- Chords: G, D, Am, C
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
5. The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
This country staple by Kenny Rogers is a must-learn for fans of the genre. Its straightforward chord progression and easy rhythm make it perfect for beginners looking to improve their strumming and timing.
Why “The Gambler” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Simple Chords: Uses basic shapes that are beginner-friendly.
- Steady Rhythm: Great for practicing timing and consistency.
- Classic Country Tune: A beloved song that’s fun to play and sing along with.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: C Major
- Chords: C, G, Am, F
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
6. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
This Pink Floyd classic is a great song for beginners to practice both strumming and basic picking patterns. It’s a gentle, melodic tune that’s perfect for relaxing practice sessions.
Why “Wish You Were Here” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Slow Tempo: Helps you focus on accuracy and control.
- Easy Chords: Simple, open chords that are easy to follow.
- Emotional Feel: Great for practicing playing with dynamics.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: G Major
- Chords: G, C, D, Em, Am
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
7. Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
This Joni Mitchell classic is a fun, upbeat song with simple chords and an easy-to-follow rhythm. It’s perfect for beginners who want to work on their strumming while enjoying an iconic track from the 1970s.
Why “Big Yellow Taxi” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Simple Chord Progression: The chords are repetitive and easy to learn.
- Upbeat Tempo: Helps improve rhythm and strumming consistency.
- Iconic Folk-Rock Song: A timeless tune that’s fun to play and sing along with.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: E Major
- Chords: E, A, B, C#m
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
8. Lean on Me – Bill Withers
This classic song by Bill Withers has a straightforward chord progression and a steady rhythm, making it perfect for beginners. It’s a great song to work on your strumming and timing while playing a timeless, uplifting tune.
Why “Lean on Me” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Simple Chord Progression: Uses basic, beginner-friendly chords.
- Steady Tempo: Ideal for practicing smooth transitions.
- Uplifting Melody: A feel-good song that’s fun to play and sing along to.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: C Major
- Chords: C, F, G, Am
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
9. Friend of the Devil – Grateful Dead
This classic from the Grateful Dead is a fun song with a lively tempo, perfect for beginners who want to practice their strumming and cowboy chord transitions. It’s a favorite among Deadheads and offers a great introduction to folk-rock rhythms. Check out the bluegrass standard, “Blackberry Blossom,” and see if you can spot any similarities!
Why “Friend of the Devil” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Basic Chord Shapes: Uses simple chords that are easy to follow.
- Lively Rhythm: Great for practicing timing and quicker transitions.
- Folk-Rock Feel: A well-loved tune that’s fun to play and has a memorable melody.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: G Major
- Chords: G, C, D, Am
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
10. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
Another gem from John Denver, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is an easy-going song that’s perfect for beginners. Its familiar melody and simple chord structure make it an excellent addition to any guitarist’s repertoire.
Why “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a Great Pick for Beginners:
- Simple Progression: Uses easy-to-play chords.
- Memorable Melody: A song everyone knows, making it fun to play.
- Country Vibe: Great for practicing strumming and chord transitions.
Chords & Structure:
- Key: G Major
- Chords: G, D, Em, C
- Song Structure: Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
Essential Tips for Beginning Guitar Players
Learning these songs with simple chords is a great way to start building your guitar skills. Here’s how to get the most out of your practice:
- Learn Basic Chords: Focus on familiarizing yourself with essential chords like G, C, D, and Em. These are common in many songs and will give you a strong foundation.
- Work on Smooth Chord Transitions: Practice switching between two chords at a time until they feel natural. Repetition is key, and speed will come as you build muscle memory.
- Focus on Rhythm and Timing: Strumming along to songs with a steady beat helps develop your sense of rhythm. Use a metronome to keep time, and start slow before gradually increasing your speed.
- Break Songs into Sections: Divide each song into parts—like verse and chorus—and master each section separately before putting them all together. This makes learning new songs more manageable.
- Stay Consistent: Regular practice, even just a few minutes each day, will help you improve over time. The more you play, the easier these songs will become.
Remember, progress takes time, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the ride!
The Coda
The 1970s gave us an incredible mix of music, from soulful ballads to rock anthems and country classics. Learning these 10 easy songs is a great way to develop your guitar skills while enjoying some of the best music of the decade. Each of these tracks offers a unique way to practice essential techniques like chord transitions, strumming, and timing. Plus, they’re just plain fun to play!
Remember, you don’t have to nail every note or chord right away. Take your time, break each song down, and work on it piece by piece. Consistent practice will help you build confidence and enjoy the process. Whether you’re strumming along to Lean on Me or picking out Friend of the Devil, the key is to keep playing and enjoy the music.
Ready to take your skills further? Green Hills Guitar Studio offers personalized guitar lessons to help you reach your guitar goals. Whether you’re just getting started or want to refine your technique, our instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to book your first lesson and start expanding your repertoire!
