6 of the most iconic rock songs you can (easily) learn on your own guitar

There is no instrument as iconic as the guitar, and we all dream of being able to shred like our favorite. rock stars do with ease. However, it’s not as straightforward as just picking up the guitar and giving it a few bangs, as the instrument is easy to pick up but notoriously difficult to master. It takes time, practice, and guidance from those at the level you want to achieve.

Once you’ve mastered the basics of the guitar, maybe it’s time to tackle some legendary tunes. The following songs are considered accessible even to newcomers:

1. ‘Army of Seven Countries‘- The White Stripes

Heard in arenas around the world over the past decade, “Seven Nation Army” has a loud but straightforward riff that is instantly recognizable. Give it a few tunes to internalize the flow, then get ready to hit some power chords, as they will come in handy throughout the instrumental chorus.

The solo seems more intimidating than it actually is, and crossing it is just a matter of keeping the pace. Once you get the hang of that, you’ll be able to play one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time, just like Jack White himself.

Better yet, if you still find yourself struggling with the intricacies of the song, take Musician Authority, a site built for the sole purpose of helping beginner guitarists find their musical basics. Also, the tool can probably help guitarists do just that with each of the five remaining songs on this list – keep the site nearby, just in case.

2. ‘(I can‘T Get No) Satisfaction’ – The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones have been together for over fifty years and over the course of their collaboration have released dozens of songs focused on guitar and acclaimed songs. While they tragically never got quite their satisfaction, you can certainly play their most famous song with a little practice.
The rhythm repeats for the whole song except for the chorus. So, once you have mastered these chords, you will already be able to play the majority of the classical melody.

Add the riff that appears in the intro and verses and you’ll be ready and off to a satisfying cover of this classic song.

3. ‘Don’t Fear the Grim Reaper’ – Cult of the Blue Oyster

Right out of the door, this song is recognizable for the hypnotic classic rock sound that seems to fold in on itself and resonate. While the solo and bridges might be a bit too much for beginners, most of the song only requires four chords. At just over five minutes, it’s an ideal song to learn as practicing it builds vital muscle memory and stamina in your fingers.

The iconic riff is deceptively fast, but there’s no reason beginners shy away from playing this tune. Once you have the basics of the pattern, all you have to do is find a friend to play the cowbell for the full effect of the song.

4.’Stuck In the Middle With You ‘- Steelers Wheel

This contagiously optimistic tune doesn’t change much structurally during its three and a half minutes of performance. This means that it is a fantastic song for a new guitarist to learn and practice from the start as it teaches and reinforces the concept of chord progression.

A chord progression plays a series of chords in a deliberate sequence, and it’s something every musician will eventually have to learn. The strumming patterns needed to learn this song are usually found in other songs, so the skills are immediately transferable for future success.

5.’Love Me Do ‘- The Beatles

Inside the Beatles’ incredibly deep discography everyone can find a song that will resonate with them, and there is no better place to start for beginner guitarists than the simple and beautiful “Love Me Do”.

Most of the song only requires two chords, G major and C major, and if you can also familiarize yourself with D major, then you can learn and play the whole track faster than you think. This is a great song for practicing strumming with its slow but deliberate beat, and still a crowd pleaser that’s easy to sing along to in any setting.

6. ‘Wonderful Tonight’ – Eric Clapton

Our final song is arguably the most difficult, but can serve as a good test for a beginner guitarist’s progress. There is a wide range of chords required, but the vanishing beat makes it more accessible than you might think.

There are nuances in the song that make it difficult to play perfectly, but it’s a great learning experience for beginners who are trying to tackle something a little more complex. Eric Clapton‘s song has calmed people down for decades, and with this one in your pocket, you’ll always have the perfect late-night song to play.

Let the Shreddin ‘begin!

If you are new to the guitar, don’t be discouraged if you fail to find instant success in your playing. No one has ever mastered the instrument overnight, but by starting with fun and achievable songs, you can find motivating success to stimulate you on your musical journey.