There are plenty of legendary songs out there that can be easily recreated on your guitar, so if you’re looking for inspiration on what to learn next, this list is for you. With everything from James Blunt to The Black Eyed Peas, these are 80 4 chord song that don’t require much skill at all in order to get an amazing tune.
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You probably remember the viral video that did the rounds a few years ago of a comedy musical act called Axis of Awesome playing an ensemble of famous songs that only used four chords. If you’re new to playing guitar and are looking for some easy songs to learn, you can take a page out of their book and get started working your way through our four chord list, with something here for everyone.
#80
Adele – "Someone Like You": Maybe don’t sing along to this one or you’ll ruin the lovely tune.
#79
a-ha – "Take On Me": A classic hit from the 80’s that will get everyone singing along.
#78
Akon – "Beautiful": There’s no reason you can’t have some RnB on the list.
#77
Akon – "Don't Matter": Another hit from Akon and one that will have the crowd dancing.
#76
Alex Lloyd – "Amazing": A major song from the Australian singer.
#75
Alphaville – "Forever Young": People won’t be able to resist singing along to this catchy little number.
#74
Amiel – "Lovesong": The 2003 pop song goes down a treat on an acoustic guitar.
#73
Andrea Bocelli – "Time To Say Goodbye": You might not nail the opera singing but you can certainly try.
#72
Aqua – "Barbie Girl": Who can forget this cheesy pop song from the 90’s?
#71
Avril Lavigne – "Complicated": Some angsty teen pop rock for you to belt out at your next party.
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#70
Banjo Patterson – "Waltzing Matilda": This classic Australian tune sounds amazing on guitar.
#69
Ben Lee – "Cigarettes Will Kill You": Claire Danes’ former flame sure knows how to write a catchy song.
#68
Beyoncé – "If I Were A Boy": Create your very own Beyonce moment while you play this sad tune.
#67
Bic Runga –"Sway": This romantic song would be the perfect tune to learn for Valentine’s Day.
#66
Black Eyed Peas – "Where Is the Love": The song that united the world.
#65
Blink 182 – “Dammit”: A witty and catchy rock song from the pop rock’s favorite troublemakers.
#64
Bob Marley – "No Woman No Cry": His songs were known for being simple but meaningful, just like this one.
#63
Bon Jovi – "It's My Life": This power ballad is surprisingly easy to master.
#62
Bruno Mars – “Grenade”: One of the singer’s earlier hits that sounds great on guitar.
#61
Bush – "Glycerine": Don’t let the days go by when you play this ditty from Gwen Stefani’s ex.
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#60
Eagle Eye Cherry – "Save Tonight": A catchy and romantic tune that topped the charts in the 90s.
#59
Elton John – “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”: Lion King fans will remember this song from their favorite flick
#58
Eminem featuring Rihanna – “Love the Way You Lie”: You may need to bleep out some of the swear words if you’re playing this one in public.
#57
Elton John – “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”: Lion King fans will remember this song from their favorite flick
#56
Green Day – “When I Come Around” – This was an early hit that cemented Green Day in rock royalty status.
#55
Jack Johnson – “Taylor” – Beautiful beachy sounding song from the laid back crooner.
#54
James Blunt – “You’re Beautiful”: A kind of creepy but romantic song to sing someone you’ve had your eye on.
#53
Jason DeRulo – “In My Head”: Sing yourself an MTV award-winning tune and impress the ladies for sure.
#52
Jason Mraz – “I’m Yours”: This happy little song is the perfect tune to play on your acoustic guitar when you want a singalong.
#51
Jill Colucci – “The Funny Things You Do”: Make everyone laugh with the famous theme from from America’s Funniest Home Videos.
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#50
Joan Osborne – ” One of Us”: Classic rock ballad that requires everyone to scream at the top of their lungs.
#49
John Denver – “Take Me Home, Country Roads”: One of America’s most beloved classic songs from a beloved artist.
#48
Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin’”: Just try not to sing along when you play the chords to this famous Journey song.
#47
Justin Bieber – “Love Me”: The perfect song for those with an acquired taste for Justin Bieber music.
#46
Kelly Clarkson – “Behind These Hazel Eyes”: This has to be one of the American Idol superstar’s most famous songs.
#45
Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi”: It was one of the songs that made us all fall in love with LadyGaga.
#44
Lady Gaga – “Poker Face”: A catchy song that will boost any party atmosphere.
#43
Lighthouse Family – “High”: This is a blast from the past and one that everyone will surely remember the chorus to.
#42
Linkin Park – “Numb: Turn the volume up and bust out the electric guitar.
#41
Marcy Playground – “Sex and Candy”: probably not one to play at the kids’ birthday party but a great song nonetheless.
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#40
Maroon Five – “She Will Be Loved”: An early hit from the now superstar status pop band.
#39
Men At Work – “Down Under”: The song about all things Down Under, and vegemite sandwiches.
#38
MGMT – “Kids”: This electric pop song sounds amazing coming from an acoustic guitar and will get the crowd wild.
#37
Michael Jackson – “Man in the Mirror”: He had many great songs but none as easy to play.
#36
Mika – “Happy Ending”: Mika had a range of easy and fun pop songs that are a breeze to recreate.
#35
Missy Higgins – “Scar”: A pleasant little breakup song to strum along to that has some kick to it.
#34
Natalie Imbruglia – “Torn”: The film clip took place in apartment, and we’ve never been the same since.
#33
Neil Young – “When God Made Me”: The iconic singer is a popular choice for people wanting to play their favorite guitar tunes.
#32
Nine Inch Nails – “Hurt”: Also covered by Johnny Cash, this is a powerful ballad when played on acoustic.
#31
Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Otherside”: One of the biggest hits that the Peppers ever released for us lucky listeners.
#30
Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Soul to Squeeze”: Another great hit from the rock legends who changed the way we play guitar.
#29
Richard Marx – “Right Here Waiting”: Try not to burst into tears when you play this heartfelt song from the 80’s.
#28
Robert Burns – “Auld Lang Syne”: The perfect song to play on New Years Eve to get everyone singing along.
#27
Shakira – “Whenever, Wherever”: Get your hips shaking to this dance-worthy song by the Colombian songstress.
#26
Spice Girls – “2 Become 1”: Who said you can’t play a good Spice Girls song on an electric guitar
#25
The Axis of Awesome – “Birdplane”: Pay homage to the lords of 4 chords with this amazing song.
#24
The Beatles – “Let It Be”: One of the best singalong songs ever written by the talented group.
#23
The Calling – “Wherever You Will Go”: This 2001 pop song will be a huge hit with teens that were young enough to remember.
#22
The Cranberries – ” Zombie”: A haunting song made better with the iconic singing that went along with it.
#21
The Gregory Brothers – “Double Rainbow Song”: For something a little silly, why not recreate this viral YouTube hit.
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#20
The Last Goodnight – “Pictures of You”: Another great song to play anyone going through a breakup.
#19
The Offspring – “Self Esteem”: Get your rock hat on when you jam out to this classic.
#18
The Offspring – “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid”: Another hit from The Offspring that proves anyone can be rock royalty with 4 chords.
#17
The Smashing Pumpkins – “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”: The most famous song from the Pumpkins and a rock classic.
#16
The Spice Girls – “Wannabe”: Yes, it’s true. You really can play Spice Girls on the guitar with just four chords.
#15
Thirsty Merc – “20 Good Reasons”: This song is so easy to recreate on acoustic guitar.
#14
Timbaland featuring OneRepublic – “Apologize”: Leave the rapping and singing to the professionals and just stick to guitar.
#13
Timbaland featuring Katy Perry – “If We Ever Meet Again”: A duet to try out at your next party.
#12
Toto – “Africa”: One of the most famous songs of all time, period.
#11
Train – “Hey, Soul Sister”: Play this and see how long it takes for people to start singing along.
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#10
Troye Sivan – “Heaven”: Get your feels on with this recent hit from boy superstar Troy Sivan
#9
Twenty One Pilots – “Ride”: Tap into your teenage angst with this fun little number.
#8
Twenty One Pilots – “Scream”: Another emotional rock ballad to master.
#7
U2 – “With Or Without You”: Make a Bono moment for yourself and get into this sad but catchy breakup song from U2.
#6
U2 – “Electrical Storm”: Kick things up a notch with this U2 classic.
#5
U2 – “Electrical Storm”: Kick things up a notch with this U2 classic.
#4
Weezer – “My Name Is Jonas”: The first of three songs on our list from the popular indie pop band.
#3
Weezer –“ Pork and Beans”: These guys are certainly fans of four chords.
#2
Weezer – “No One Else”: The third and final song from Weezer.
#1
3 Doors Down: “Here Without You”: This 2003 song couldn’t be easier to learn.
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