Starting out on guitar means facing some harsh realities. Getting to be a good guitarist means learning a lot of songs so you can build your confidence.
Sounds like you need to learn some hard songs, right? Nope.
Once a guitarist learns a few simple techniques, they can play some of the most famous and recognizable rock songs ever. Rock songs and riffs are often built on the same principles as simple riffs.
Once you start learning the songs, you build the following skills.
You’ll develop timing and rhythm
You’ll build muscle memory
You will be less frustrated and as a result, motivated to keep learning.
You’ll be able to play with confidence, and as a result, annoy all your friends with real music
For the reasons above, as well as the following, below are ten of the most fun, forgiving, and easy rock songs to learn.
1. Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple
This is the beginner riff. One string. Simple rhythm. Instant recognition.
You can play it badly and people still know what it is — which is huge early on.
Why it’s great: teaches power-note movement and timing
Difficulty: very easy
2. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
Technically a bass line — but every guitarist plays it.
It uses single notes and repetition, which lets beginners focus on groove, not chord stress.
Why it’s great: builds rhythm control and confidence
Difficulty: very easy
3. Come As You Are – Nirvana
Slow tempo, clean tone, iconic riff.
This song teaches you that feel matters more than speed.
Why it’s great: intro to effects (chorus) and clean playing
Difficulty: easy
4. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan / Guns N’ Roses version
Four open chords. That’s it.
This song shows how simplicity can carry emotion.
Why it’s great: open chords + strumming practice
Difficulty: easy
5. Paranoid – Black Sabbath
Fast, yes — but simple.
Great for learning palm muting and tight rhythm without complex finger work.
Why it’s great: early metal feel without technical overload
Difficulty: easy–medium
6. Back in Black – AC/DC
This song teaches control.
Simple chords, lots of space, and a focus on groove.
Why it’s great: rhythm guitar fundamentals
Difficulty: easy
7. You Give Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi
Power chords, big chorus, fun energy.
Perfect introduction to 80s rock rhythm playing.
Why it’s great: power chords + confidence
Difficulty: easy–medium
8. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
This song sounds harder than it is.
It teaches chord transitions and steady strumming.
Why it’s great: coordination and rhythm endurance
Difficulty: easy–medium
9. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
Four power chords. Huge impact.
This is the song where beginners realize: I can actually play rock.
Why it’s great: power chord movement + dynamics
Difficulty: easy
10. Zombie – The Cranberries
Simple progression, emotional payoff.
Great for practicing clean vs distorted dynamics.
Why it’s great: chord consistency + feel
Difficulty: easy
Practicing a Song the Beginner-Proof Strategy Way
Here’s the good stuff that really works:
Start at a slow tempo. Later, you can increase your speed as it comes naturally.
Replay the same riff or chord progression over and over and over. Repetition builds confidence.
Don’t focus too much on perfection. Instead, strive for the right rhythm.
If you make mistakes, keep on going and play through the finished piece. If you stop, you’ll lose your momentum.
And finally, the most important thing:
Always play with songs, never with exercises.