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Look no further! To start playing songs on guitar, you don’t need to know a whole ton of chords and strumming patterns. If you know only two chords, there are already songs you can play! In this lesson, we'll explore 7 tunes that only use the A and D chords.
💡 More beginner friendly songs available on the JustinGuitar Lessons & Songs app! The karaoke-style is a super fun way to get your learning songs FASTER. And, it'll help you improve your rhyhtm. :)
If you haven't played your first song yet, Dance the Night Away is a great one to get started! It's easy and fun to play along with. This song is available on my Beginner APP. If you find that it's too fast, try slowing it down the first few times. There’s a slider on the left of the screen! If you can't afford the APP, use this play-along video to practice!
Dance The Night Away is a great song to grow with as you improve your guitar skills. This song tutorial includes more advanced information - try it when you're ready for more challenges!
The chord changes for Born in the USA are slightly slower than in Dance The Night Away, so you might find it a bit easier. But that also means you get less practice with the chord changes.You'll need a capo on the 2nd fret to play Born in the USA. The good news is that you’ll play along with The Boss! I've also got a song tutorial on this tune. Check it out if you want to get fancier.
If you dig the style, this modern pop-country track is a great, easy beginner song! You'll need a capo on the 4th fret, so your chords might feel a bit cramped. It’s a tight squeeze up there! Check out this song tutorial for more advanced tips on how to play this song.
John Lennon originally played Give Peace a Chance using the D and the A chords. But Lennon tuned his guitar down a semitone, which means it’ll sound weird if you try to play along with the original.
If you're a big fan and want to sound just like the original recording, you'll need to tune your guitar to Eb. When you're ready to grow your playing on this, check out this song tutorial on how to play Give Peace a Chance.
The hit Feeling Alright by Joe Cocker is a fun song for beginners! You'll need a capo on the 3rd fret. There are a few piano fancy-pants rhythms, but don't get put off by it. Find the count, and follow along!
Blowin’ Smoke is a lovely country/pop tune. It's a simple and fun song to play - and you don't need a capo! Learn how to play it with this song tutorial. :)
If you dig songs about trucks, dirt roads, kickin' up dust, and prayers to the man upstairs - this one is for you! :) You don't need a capo to play along with the original record. Have fun!
Here's a Spotify playlist of the songs listed above for you to check out! :) You might discover some new bands to love (or not!).
Other songs use only the A and the D chords, but you'll have way more options after learning the E chord.
You should practice with songs that you love and that inspire you. It's tricky with only a few chords, but you can explore new music, too. You might find an artist you dig and want to get to know better. Practice sessions are way more fun and productive if you enjoy what you’re studying.
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