This article features 5 beginner rock songs for guitar. We use these in our guitar lessons in the Sutherland Shire to help students master chords G, C, D and E minor. The “|” written in the chord progressions of each song are the barlines. I have added these to make it easier for you to workout how many chords are played in each bar.
1) Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) (Green Day)
The first of the beginner rock songs is a classic by Green Day. The lyrics are included below for it and for all the other songs in this article.
[Intro]
G | C D | (2x)
[Verse 1]
G | C D | (2x)
Em D | C G | (2x)
[Chorus 1]
Em G | Em G | Em D | G | C D |G | C D |
[Verse 2]
G | C D | (2x)
Em D | C G | (2x)
[Chorus 2]
Em G | Em G | Em D |
G | C D | G | C D |
[Instrumental]
G | C D | G | C D |
Em D | C G | Em D | C G |
[Chorus 3]
Em G | Em G | Em D |
G | C D | G | C D |
Em G | Em G | Em D |
G | C D | G | C D |
[Ending]
G | C D | G | C D | G ||
2) Hang On Sloopy (The McCoys)
The second of our beginner rock songs (Hang On Sloopy) is an 1960s hit. It features only chords G, C and D. Note that there are 2 chords played per each bar. The same chord progression is used throughout the entire song.
Chords progression: G C | D C |
3) Can’t You See (Marshall Tucker Band)
Song 3 of our beginner rock songs, features a 4 bar chord progression that is played throughout the entire song. The easiest place to start playing along with the song is when the drums starts.
Chord progression: D | C | G | D |
4) The One I love (REM)
The one I Love is one of my favourite beginner rock songs for guitar. It has a catchy riff and a simple accompaniment can be used to play throughout the song. There is an E flat chord in the second last bar. If you are not familiar with this chord, simply finish playing the song on the first bar of the ending section (chord E minor).
[Intro]
Em | D | Em | Em |
Em | D | Em | Em |
[Verse 1]
Em | D | Em | Em |
Em | D | Em | Em |
G | D | C | C |
Em | D | Em | Em |
[Chorus]
Em | D | Em | Em |
Em | D | Em | Em |
[Verse 2]
Em | D | Em | Em |
Em | D | Em | Em |
G | D | C | C |
Em | D | Em | Em |
[Chorus]
Em | D | Em | Em |
Em | D | Em | Em |
[Guitar Solo]
G | D | G | D |
Em | D | Em | Em|
[Verse 3]
Em | D | Em | Em |
Em | D | Em | Em |
G | D | C | C |
Em | D | Em | Em |
[Chorus] (x2)
Em | D | Em | Em |
Em | D | Em | Em |
[Ending]
Em |D Eb | Em ||
5) For The First Time (The Script)
The last of the beginner rock songs in this article requires you to place a capo on the second fret of your guitar. Note that this is only necessary if you wish to play along with the original audio recording.
Capo fret 2
[Verse 1 & 2]
G | G | D | D | Em | Em | C | C | (2x)
[Chorus]
Em | C | G | D | (2x)
[Instrumental section with singer singing “Ooh”]
G | G | D | D | Em | Em | C | C |
[Verse 3]
G | G | D | D | Em | Em | C | C |
[Chorus]
Em | C | G | D | (2x)
[Instrumental section with singer singing “Ooh”]
G | G | D | D | Em | Em | C | C |
[Chorus]
Em | C | G | D | (2x)
[Outro]
G | G | D | D | Em | Em | C | C | (3x)
Finish on chord G
Want to learn more beginner rock songs? If you wish to practice chords A, D and E via some popular songs, check out this article. In addition, to learn more about the types of lessons we offer at Do Re Mi Studios, click here.