Easy Guitar Tab Songs for Beginners
Learning guitar is more fun when you can play recognisable songs. Guitar tab, or tablature, shows you where to place your fingers on the strings, making it a friendly starting point if you have not learnt to read standard music notation.
Some songs use just a few chords; others are built around a short riff that can be played one note at a time. Both are useful for beginners. The key is to choose music that feels manageable and practise it slowly before trying to play along with the original recording.
What is guitar tab?
Guitar tab is written as six horizontal lines, representing the six strings of the guitar. The top line is the thinnest string, and the bottom line is the thickest. Numbers on the lines tell you which fret to press. A “0” means to play the string open, without pressing a fret.
For example, e|--0-- means to pluck the thinnest string without fretting it. When numbers are stacked vertically, play the notes together as a chord. Tabs may also use symbols for techniques such as slides, bends and hammer-ons, but you can focus on the numbers when you are just starting out.
Beginner-friendly songs to try
“Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley and the Wailers
This is a relaxed choice for practising a small group of repeating chords and keeping a steady rhythm. Start with gentle down-strums, then add a light up-strum when the chord changes feel comfortable.
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” – Bob Dylan
The familiar chord progression makes this a good song for practising smooth changes. Play each chord slowly and evenly at first. Once the changes feel secure, try adding a simple strumming pattern.
“Love Me Do” – The Beatles
This song is a useful introduction to playing chords in time with a straightforward pop arrangement. It is also a good reminder that clean, well-timed playing matters more than complicated technique.
“Horse with No Name” – America
With a simple, repeating accompaniment, this song is helpful for practising a consistent strumming hand. Check the tuning and chord shapes in the tab or lesson you are using, as arrangements can differ.
“Wild Thing” – The Troggs
The basic version is built around a small number of simple chords, making it a lively option for practising changes. Keep the rhythm steady and leave space between chord changes rather than rushing to catch up.
“Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes
The main riff is instantly recognisable and uses a simple sequence of notes. It is often played on guitar, although the original recording’s riff was created on a bass guitar. Look for a beginner arrangement in a comfortable position on the fretboard.
Try an original beginner riff
Here is a short, original riff to practise reading tab. Play one note at a time, keeping each note even:
e|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----------------|
D|------0--2--0---|
A|--0-3----------3|
E|----------------|
Begin slowly and let each note ring clearly. If you hear buzzing, check that your fingertip is close behind the fret and that you are pressing firmly enough.
Tips for learning songs from tab
- Check the tuning. Many beginner songs use standard tuning, but some arrangements use a different tuning.
- Learn a short section at a time. Repeat one bar or phrase until it feels comfortable before moving on.
- Use a slow tempo. A metronome or slowed-down recording can help you build accuracy before speed.
- Practise chord changes separately. Move between two chords repeatedly before trying to play the whole song.
- Keep your strumming hand moving. Even when you miss a chord, staying in time makes it easier to rejoin the song.
- Use reliable, authorised resources. Song arrangements can vary, so compare versions and check that the tab matches the recording you are learning.
Start simple and enjoy the progress
The best beginner song is one you enjoy hearing and do not mind practising. Choose a tune with a manageable riff or a few repeating chords, take it at your own pace, and aim for a clean, steady sound. With regular practice, songs that once seemed difficult will start to feel natural.
Top 5 Beginner-Friendly Guitar Tabs to Kickstart Your Playing Journey
- Try “Seven Nation Army” for a simple, memorable riff.
- Learn the main riff from “Smoke on the Water” slowly.
- “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” is great for practising basic chords.
- Use an easy tab version of “Horse with No Name” to practise chord changes.
- Start with short sections, then build up to the whole song.
Try “Seven Nation Army” for a simple, memorable riff.
Try “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes for a simple, memorable riff that’s ideal for beginners. Its repeating sequence of notes makes it easy to learn a little at a time, while helping you practise picking each note clearly and keeping a steady rhythm. Start slowly, then build up the speed once the riff feels comfortable.
Learn the main riff from “Smoke on the Water” slowly.
Learning the main riff from “Smoke on the Water” is a great way to get started with guitar tab. Take it slowly, playing each note clearly and keeping an even rhythm rather than trying to match the recording straight away. Practise a small section at a time, and only increase the speed once it feels comfortable. This famous riff is simple enough for beginners to enjoy, while helping you build accuracy and confidence.
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” is great for practising basic chords.
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” is a great song for beginners to practise basic chords and smooth changes between them. Its simple, repeating progression gives you time to position your fingers and keep a steady rhythm. Start slowly with gentle strumming, then gradually build up speed as the chord changes become more comfortable.
Use an easy tab version of “Horse with No Name” to practise chord changes.
An easy tab version of “A Horse with No Name” is a handy way to practise changing between two simple chord shapes while keeping a steady rhythm. Start slowly, making sure each chord rings clearly before moving on, then gradually increase the tempo as the changes become smoother. Once you feel confident, try playing along with the song.
Start with short sections, then build up to the whole song.
Start with a short section, such as one riff, a few bars or a single chord change, rather than tackling the whole song at once. Practise it slowly until the notes sound clear and your fingers feel comfortable, then move on to the next section. Once each part feels familiar, join them together and gradually build up to playing the whole song.