6 min read
12 fun songs to play on guitar
Learning to play guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it takes time and practice to get good at it. That being said, one of the best things you can do to get better at playing guitar (apart from taking lessons) is to learn fun guitar songs!
In this article, I'll be discussing 12 fun songs that are perfect for beginner and intermediate guitar players. I'll also provide a link to each song and its corresponding tabs so that you can listen and get started learning right away!
1. "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor is a fun guitar song to play because it's upbeat and energetic. The chords are simple, the melody is pretty easy to follow, and the heavy chugging of that C power chord really propels the song forward and builds anticipation. Plus, who doesn't love singing along to the famous Rocky theme song?
2. "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
"Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison is next on our list. This is a fun, up-tempo song that is perfect for strumming along on a sunny day. You can choose to just play the chords and sing along, but the truly fun part of this song are the licks at the beginning of it. If you want to challenge yourself a bit more, try learning the picking melody that goes on in the background through the rest of the entire song.
3. "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC
No song is quite as distinguishable as “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC is. If your fingers are ready for a workout of hammer-ons and pull-offs, then playing “Thunderstruck” will fit the bill. Just be sure to stretch your fingers before and after playing, as the fast pace of this song can cause cramping.
4. "The Spirit of Radio" by Rush
The opening lick to “The Spirit Of Radio” by Rush is both fun and challenging to play. It’s a perfectly executed example of what makes Rush’s music so special: it’s complex and intricate, but at the same time, it’s catchy and accessible. Like “Thunderstruck” you’re going to want to lean heavily on hammer-ons and pull-offs. It’s also a good idea to play this one with a metronome, since it can be easy to lose your timing in the fast pace of the guitar lick.
5. "Crazy on you" by Heart
If the acoustic guitar is more up your alley, then “Crazy On You” by Heart is an excellent choice to try out. The intro of this song is incredibly fun to play and uses various techniques, so you’ll learn lots. What's more, once you get the hang of it, you can start to experiment with your own embellishments to make the piece your own.
6. "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos
"Layla" by Derek and the Dominos is another great, fun song to play on guitar. This song features one of the most iconic guitar solos of all time, and it's a great way to show off your skills on the instrument If you're playing for a crowd. The melody is also very catchy, and when you crank up the distortion on your amp for this one, it really shines.
7. "Crossroads" by Eric Clapton
"Crossroads" by Eric Clapton is a blues classic that is perfect for intermediate guitar players. It features a simple chord progression but the overall groove and feel of this one are really what makes it special and fun to play.
8. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a great example of a song that combines picking and strumming techniques. Whether you’ve been playing guitar for a few years or you’re just picking it up, “Sweet Home Alabama” is a timeless classic. Plus, everybody you play it for will instantly recognize it!
9. "Life in the Fast Lane" by The Eagles
Eagles Life In The Fast Lane -HD
The Eagles' "Life in the Fast Lane" is a fun rock song with a snappy lick for the intro and chorus. The chords are relatively simple in the verses, but the melody is catchy and fun to play. This song is sure to get your toes tapping and your fingers flying.
10. "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk
If you're looking for a fun song that is sure to get the party started, then look no further than "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk. This song has a catchy beat and a funky disco sound that will get everybody’s heads bopping. Plus, it's a great song to dance to, so you can get your groove on while you play.
11. "Little Wing" by Jimi Hendrix
No fun guitar song list can be complete without mentioning the great Jimi Hendrix. I think “Little Wing” is one of his best songs and offers a happy medium between intermediate and hard difficulty. Be sure to focus on your tone for this one as Jimi Hendrix was known to have an impeccable tone and getting that right for this song brings it to a whole new level.
12. "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
Last on this list is "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses. This song is perfect for intermediate guitar players who are looking to add a bit of challenge to their repertoire. The opening riff can take some time to get used to but once you get it it’ll be second nature. If you really want to challenge your guitar skills, try your hand at the solo - it will be sure to impress everyone you play it for.
About the author: Cody is the founder of Musician Tuts, a free tutorial hub for musicians. He has over 15 years of experience playing a variety of instruments and dabbling in audio engineering. He spends his days blogging, listening to Spotify, and playing music.
