There are thousands of popular songs out there, but certain ones stand out as true classics in terms of longevity and awareness. Here are some of the most beloved and well-recognized tracks ever written.
Beginner guitarists may feel overwhelmed by all of the chord information necessary to play songs on guitar. To ease their learning process, this article will introduce several easy-to-play guitar songs that use standard open chords.
Rolling In The Deep by Adele
Rolling in the Deep by British singer Adele was released as her first single from her second album 21 and addressed painful break-up experiences she has personally encountered. It became an international hit and one of 2011’s best-selling digital singles.
This song has garnered high acclaim and been covered by artists such as Lea Michele of Glee. The video for it has been watched over two billion times on YouTube; directed by Sam Brown and set against an abandoned house with Adele singing her song it has become one of the most watched music videos of all time.
Someone Like You by Adele
Adele’s ballad “Remedy,” written and performed with producer Mark Ronson, captures heartbreak and loss as it climbs the charts to become her first number-one hit in America. The music video depicts Adele walking alone through Paris streets.
Adele’s beautiful lament lays bare the anguish and pain caused by suffering, using only five basic chords and is relatively straightforward to learn; though its progression might prove challenging without using a capo.
Those just starting out playing guitar will find this 2010 hit ideal, featuring four straightforward open chords and a simple strumming pattern to help build their skill level. Plus, its catchy tune makes an unforgettable acoustic guitar performance!
Hey Soul Sister by Train
Hey Soul Sister is a song by American rock band Train that was released as the lead single from their fifth album Save Me, San Francisco (2009). Written by lead singer Pat Monahan with assistance from Amund Bjorklund and Espen Lind, its composition was heavily inspired by Reno, Nevada’s annual Burning Man festival that takes place every August.
Michael Levine directed the music video for Train’s song. It features intercutting images of him performing and an image of her walking around her apartment building, as well as images of someone painting words to the song on a landscape.
The song has made several TV show appearances, such as in CSI: NY in its inaugural episode and Hellcats and Medium chapter 6×03 “Pain Killer”. Additionally, it was used on 2010 Dancing With the Stars and America’s Got Talent seasons.
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sweet Home Alabama is a classic rock song with straightforward beginner chords and an accessible strumming pattern, as well as a memorable riff that you can add to your repertoire.
If you want to learn this song, check out JustinGuitarTabs’ video lesson for an in-depth tutorial and demonstration of chords, strumming patterns and riffs. Plus you can download both chords and TAB for even easier learning!
This song serves as an excellent illustration of why it is important to vary chord progressions and strumming patterns, giving your music character and preventing it from sounding monotonous or boring. Furthermore, varying these features is sure to impress when friends hear you play!
Highwayman by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Highwayman was one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most successful songs on Billboard charts (reaching #1 in the US), penned by John Fogerty himself for their final album Mardi Gras and released under Fantasy Records owner Saul Zaentz’s label. Due to a disagreement between John Fogerty and Zaentz over ownership rights for Fantasy Records’ label resulting in legal battles among former bandmates Cook and Clifford and ultimately leading to its disbandment.
Fogerty and Clifford joined with musician Al Jardine to form The Highwaymen. Together they performed Creedence Clearwater Revival songs on television shows and record albums; becoming one of the greatest country music supergroups ever assembled alongside Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt.