Beginner Guitar Rock Songs - 4 Tunes That Early Guitarists Can Learn

Tackling some beginner guitar rock songs is a great idea when you've learned enough on the instrument to give yourself some confidence. Really, learning to play the guitar isn't about scales and warm-up riffs that put you to sleep. It's about playing songs!

If you don't believe that you have the guitar skills necessary to go at these rock songs just yet, don't despair. With time, you'll develop into a fine guitarist and won't be branded as a naive beginner any longer.

But if you want to take a stab at these, here are 4 tunes that early guitarists can try:

1. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" by Green Day

Anything by Green Day is usually completely easy for anyone just starting the guitar. That doesn't mean that the songs are not written well and are not as catchy as a brushfire because they are.

For this song, you really should focus on keeping a consistent tempo because easy four-chord rhythms are known to coerce players into rushing when they get bored with the strumming pattern. Keep the intro and verse strumming patterns more relaxed and double the number of hits during the chorus.

Verse chords: Em, G, D, and A

Chorus chords: C5, G5, D5, E5

2. "Mary Jane's Last Dance" by Tom Petty

Out of all the beginner guitar rock songs, there is no greater importance than learning a tune by Tom Petty. This really has nothing to do with personal preference, but if you're attacked by a gang of bar-hopping illiterates, you'll need this in your arsenal to survive.

This is one of those great songs where the main riff is repeated over and over again. It's simply great and doesn't put any more stress on your memory.

Verse: Am, G, D, and Am

Chorus: Em and AM

3. "Slow Ride" by Foghat

Has anyone ever said to you, "Boy, I sure do feel like pumping my fist right now." Well, now they can with the popular single, "Slow ride!"

It's another case where repetition conquers all. Learn the intro riff and a tiny bit of variation later and you're set with this one. Just remember to announce that it's fist pumping time before you bust it out.

Chords: A, D, C, and A

4. "One" by U2

Hey, it's U2 and that don't fail to deliver a hit. If you're hanging out with a younger crowd, make sure that they know what they're in for when you bring out this tune.

Don't worry about being intricate just like the other tunes. Go with the beat and enjoy the nature of the song as it starts to unravel under your fingers.

Chords: Am, D7, FM7, and G