You’ve tried to play November Rain, failed miserably, and now you are looking for easy guitar songs for beginners without a capo? Well, we have just the thing you need.
For those of you not yet familiar with the device, the capo is a helpful little thing used mostly on guitars but also can be attached to banjos and mandolins for example. When a capo is attached to a guitar, it shortens the length of playable strings and creates a new nut. With a capo, the open strings are played in a higher pitch than usual. The use of a capo varies from music genres. For example, the device is extensively used in flamenco and country music. The jazz musicians on the other hand, rarely turn to capo.
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Although this all may seem a bit complicated for the beginners, it really isn’t that much big of a deal. Everything stays the same, you just have fewer frets available. Capo isn’t expensive, and it is a nice tool to have, especially if you intend to engage in playing country music. You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to play your favorite song just because there is a capo required. Still, if you are just starting your journey as a guitar player, you should stay away from those kinds of songs, since you need to learn the basics first and get your fingers accustomed to playing more demanding chords. If you are in doubt with the songs you would like to begin, we recommend you to check out our list of 25 Easiest and Best Songs to Play on Guitar.
In order to create the list of easy guitar songs for beginners without a capo, we decided to go simple. We headed out to Guitar Player Box and browsed through their database of easy guitar songs that don’t require capo. We focused on the songs that have fewer chords, while also making sure that we feature multiple genres on the list of easy guitar songs for beginners without a capo. So, check it out.
10. Knocking On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
You mean you still didn’t learn to play this one? I’ve put this Bob Dylan’s classic at the top so we can get over with it right away. Simple, slick, few chords and fun to play.
9. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
I will be honest with you. It hurts me to recommend any song from Taylor Swift but knowing there are some of you who want to play her songs, take this one. It has a steady rhythm and the chords are not demanding. Em7 is simply Em with the finger removed from the D string and Cadd9 is C with the finger from the B string moved to the 3rd fret.
8. Everyday People – Sly & The Family Stone
Now we are talking. If you want to play some funk with a pinch of soul, this song from Sly & The Family Stone is perfect. Just keep on switching from C to G and there you have it. Make sure to listen to the song a few times to get a sense of rhythm.
7. Sublime – What I Got
One of the simplest chord progressions you’ll find out there or on our list of easy guitar songs for beginners without a capo. You would expect that of course from a ska punk band. Until the second verse, you play D and G per each line. After that, you play D on one line of the verse and G on the other. A piece of cake. There is a tricky short break in the middle of the song, but you can skip that until you get more experienced.
6. Tulsa Time – Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is known to be an exceptional guitarist, but that doesn’t mean he liked to complicate things. In his cover of Danny Flowers’ Tulsa Time, he just opted for A and E7 chords. E7 is played like an E chord with finger removed from the G string. The song has a faster tempo and it is really catchy.
5. Jane Says – Jane’s Addiction
Don’t worry; we have some rock on our list of easy guitar songs for beginners without a capo. Jane’s Addiction is playing again, and you can play it as well. The song is repetitive and uses G and A with a few changes in the order. You’ll just need some faster strumming.
4. Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles
Don’t be afraid of the Em chord variations, since they are just as easy to play. Em7 was explained earlier while Em6 chord requires you to move your finger on the A string to the 4th fret. The song itself isn’t complicated and doesn’t require frequent changes in tempo and rhythm.
3. Unknown Legend – Neil Young
Although there is an intro riff at the beginning of the song, it shouldn’t pose much of a problem. You can always skip straight to the verse. The song that ranks 3rd on the list of easy guitar songs for beginners without a capo is perfect to sing along since the strumming won’t take much concentration after you get it going.
2. Jambalaya – Hank Williams
If you were looking a country song without a capo, why don’t try this classic from 1952? Named after Louisiana’s dish made from meat, vegetables, and rice, the song was covered numerous times in multiple genres. Still, the original remains the easiest to play. Just strum C and G7 in that order on each verse line through the entire song. G7 is played like G chord with the finger on the e string moved to the 1st fret.
1. Life During Wartime -Talking Heads
We will finish our list of easy guitar songs for beginners without a capo with a rock and funk mix. Life During Wartime is a great song that will make you feel proud after you rip it on your electric guitar. But get this. On the verses, you play Am and on the choruses E. Yes, it’s that simple. Now, warm up your fingers and get going with the noise.
