With pop-rock hooks and bluesy licks all over his catalog, John Mayer is one of the most consistent singer-songwriters in recent history. He has also earned his place as one of the best acoustic guitar players alive. One of the great things about John Mayer is that he’s not afraid to write easy songs with catchy riffs that everyone can enjoy. While we’re used to listening to him shredding away on his guitar, he’s also written some beautiful acoustic ballads that are surprisingly easy to play.

Let’s take a look at 9 of John Mayer’s best songs that are easy enough for just about anyone to play on guitar.

1. Love on the Weekend

Love on the Weekend is a breezy, laid-back song from John Mayer’s seventh studio album, The Search for Everything. It’s a great song to learn and add to your repertoire of fun songs to play yet still sound impressive when you get them right.

The song only has 3 basic chords, G, C, and D, relatively straightforward. Still, there are enough changes in there to keep things interesting. John Mayer uses a unique fingerpicking style on the main riff, but the rest of the song has a simple strumming pattern. If you’re looking for a more challenging version of this song, try the acoustic version on YouTube. It’s more complex than the album version, with some nice chord substitutions and melodic embellishments.

2. XO

This is one of John Mayer’s most popular songs, and it’s very simple to play on the guitar. John Mayer’s version of XO includes various incredible guitar parts, all of which are distinct from one another. The song begins with mellow arpeggios and strumming before shifting into a funky rhythm section that becomes the song’s main groove.

It’s hard to believe this is a cover of a Beyoncé song, yet John transforms it into something completely new. The song only has four chords: C, F, Am, and G, which you play on with the capo on the 2nd fret. This is a great piece that’s perfect for strumming on an acoustic guitar, but its intricacy shines through in the way John Mayer performs it

The F chord, which is pretty basic, simply requires the thumb over technique in this song. There is some fun strumming throughout the tune that will help you practice keeping a complete and accurate rhythm while keeping your pick light in your fingers.

Hammer-ons and accented notes can also give your playing more vitality, which helps to bring the song to life. All of these combined make a chord progression into a whole song.

3. Last Train Home

John Mayer’s Last Train Home is an excellent song for practicing triads. John Mayer plays around with the bass notes in this song. If you’re planning to play guitar and sing simultaneously, like John Mayer always does, changing the bass note can be a little tricky.

The introduction to Last Train Home simply requires five open chords. John Mayer plays single notes and triads in the original recording. When he plays and sings it simultaneously, there’s a riff going on, which, like many other John Mayer songs, can be rather challenging.

For beginners, strumming patterns can be used to play Last Train Home, which would make a terrific cover version. It has a 16th Note Strumming vibe, but you can experiment with the up and down strums.

4. Your Body Is a Wonderland

The song Your Body Is a Wonderland is an acoustic ballad. The lyrics depict a story about a first-person narrator who acts as a tour guide around his lover’s body. Mayer’s ex-girlfriend Jennifer Love Hewitt inspired the song. At the 2004 Grammy Awards, the song won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

Mayer played electric guitar on two songs on Heavier Things, this being one of them (the other was “Come Back To Bed”). Mayer used a Gibson Les Paul Junior guitar and an old Fender Bassman amp to produce a specific tone.

You’ll need to tune down your low E string to D for this song. The main part that played during the verses and chorus is easy, while the pre-chorus and the bridge are a little more difficult for a beginner. Here, it’s best to practice the fundamentals of the pluck-and-chuck technique, which is used in many of John Mayer’s songs.

5. Daughters

Daughters is the third single from John Mayer’s critically acclaimed album Heavier Things, released in 2003. The song was nominated for several accolades, including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2005.

Beginners can use this song to learn how to imitate Mayer’s delivery and precision on the guitar. It’s also a great area for a novice to experiment with various rhythms and chord progressions. This tune may become a little too difficult at first if you’re just starting out and have never ventured beyond 4/4 time. However, if you put in the effort, you will improve.

Daughters might be tough to learn because there are so many chords, some of which are unfamiliar to beginners. The chords themselves are distinctive, but the progression will seem straightforward after you’ve memorized them.

6. Gravity

Gravity is one of Mayer’s most popular songs, and it has long been a part of his live shows. This song is from his well-known Continuum album, which many believe is the pinnacle of John Mayer’s career. Gravity has Jimi Hendrix-inspired rhythm passages and some nice melodic solos.

Like Daughters, it has multiple repetitions of the same chords throughout the song. Some chords will need you to use fingerings that you may not be familiar with or comfortable with. However, you can always find a fingering that works better for you and your skill level.

7. Who Says

Who Says is a little more complicated than Daughters and Gravity, with a few additional chords and some chord switching in between. This song was a worldwide hit and was featured on his 2009 album Battle Studies.

The key to playing John Mayer’s Who Says and sounding well is getting the percussive-hit strumming under your fingers and making it sound good. You’ll need to know how to play barre chords on the acoustic guitar to play Who Says. Although the grips aren’t overly difficult, there is some movement involved.

You must develop a sense of the song’s rhythm to sound great when playing Who Says. It’s all about getting into the rhythm, feeling the groove well, and making your percussive hit feel good.

8. Free Fallin’

At the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles in 2008, Mayer performed an acoustic version of Tom Petty’s classic “Free Fallin.” Mayer’s version was softer and gentler, thanks to two additional guitarists on stage.

Mayer’s version of the song is in the key of E major and features three chords. This song is simple to play and sounds best on an acoustic guitar if you have a capo. It’s worth noting, though, that playing it exactly as Mayer does might be difficult, especially for new players. Nonetheless, numerous guitar lessons are available online that demonstrate how to fingerpick in this tune.

9. Vultures

John Mayer’s tunes might be intimidating for some guitarists, but this one isn’t too challenging. The tough part is getting into the song’s groove without making it feel or sound clunky and unnatural. You’ll need to learn the main riff, the second overdubbed guitar section, and the two guitar solos if you want to play it like John Mayer.

There are a few hammer-ons and flick-offs throughout the first solo, but putting the appropriate notes down isn’t an issue. The difficulty here is to get the proper inflections and tones throughout the solo, especially for less experienced players. On the other hand, the second solo has a little more depth than the first. It’s a fantastic solo, with many bends, vibrato, and dynamic rhythms.

Conclusion

Sure, the John Mayer songs above can be easy to play, but they still take a lot of practice to master. Some of the songs are tricky, so make sure you figure out how to play them before trying to sing along. Take your time in learning Mayer’s techniques and playing style. Though time, playing like him will become a lot easier.

The slide guitar has been around since the early days of country music. Thanks to artists like Duane Allman and Ry Cooder, the instrument has become an essential part of blues, rock, jazz, and many other genres. Indeed, slide guitar can add soul and grit to any song, whether you’re playing it on acoustic or electric guitar. If you’re looking to learn how to play slide guitar, or if you just want to explore some of the best slide guitar songs ever written, this list should help.

What is a slide guitar?

A slide guitar is a guitar technique played by placing an object against the strings while playing to create glissando effects and deep vibratos that make the music emotionally expressive. It typically involves playing the guitar in the traditional position (flat against the body) using a tubular “slide” fitted on one of the guitarist’s fingers. The slide may be a metal or glass tube, such as the neck of a bottle.

When a musician plays slide guitar, it creates a unique sound due to its very different timbre compared to other forms of guitar playing. This gives musicians a unique tone, which may give them an edge during recording sessions, especially if they’re in a genre where there are already too many guitars cluttering up a mix.

The technique was first popularized by African-American blues artists, such as Robert Johnson and Son House, who used modified tubes and bottles. More recently, playing styles have diversified, with many other materials, including flat objects like spoons, garden trowels, and even chains being used to play slides.

10 Best Slide Guitar Songs of All Time

These top 10 best slide guitar songs contain some of the most memorable solos in blues, rock, and country music history. They show off the instrumental virtuosity of their performers and exhibit just how expressive the electric slide guitar can be when played by an artist who knows how to use it to his or her advantage.

1. The Allman Brothers Band – Statesboro Blues

No list of top slide guitar songs would be complete without one from The Allman Brothers Band. The original version was recorded in 1928 by Blind Willie McTell, but The Allman Brothers Band’s interpretation helped propel it on to Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and gave us the definitive slide version.

In Statesboro Blues, Duane Allman creates a powerful, hypnotic melody using his slide. It is a blues-based song with a bit of old country flavor. The guitar riffs here really give a nice groove feel, something that you’ll agree with and makes for some of the best slide guitar songs ever recorded.

2. Steve Miller Band – The Joker

The Joker by Steve Miller is one of the most popular blues-rock slide guitar songs. It’s an easy acoustic guitar song too. The song, which he wrote on an acoustic guitar while watching TV, was Miller’s first hit when it was released in 1973. The Joker went to No. 1 on the Billboard chart and remains Miller’s signature tune today. The single’s success played a significant role in making Miller one of the most successful recording artists of the ’70s.

It also helped that the song contained a slide guitar solo (played by lead guitarist Boz Scaggs) that caught many listeners’ ears — including George Harrison’s. Harrison listened to Miller’s first two albums when he wrote Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth). He later said that The Joker inspired him to use a slide guitar on his tune.

3. Eric Clapton – Running On Faith

Eric Clapton is one of the best living guitarists in the world today. Running On Faith was part of his Journeyman album, which won him a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 1990. The title track on that album was another hit for Clapton, winning another Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.

Running On Faith starts with a slow, haunting riff and builds to an intense solo performance. Clapton’s bluesy vocals are accompanied by a beautiful melody and arrangement purposefully kept simple.

4. Foghat – Slow Ride

With Slow Ride released in 1975, Foghat created a solid gold rock n’ roll classic with its laid-back groove and instantly recognizable riffs. The song became a greasy, sleazy tour de force of ’70s arena rock thanks to Dave Peverett’s gritty vocal performance.

Slow Ride’s musical vibe is primarily derived from merging three unique musical performances. The trashy, bluesy rhythm guitar, the grooving bass line with unforgettable slap and pop passages, and the classic slide guitar performance that ties it all together.

5. Led Zeppelin – In My Time of Dying

In My Time of Dying is one of the best-known slide guitar songs. This is because it’s one of the two songs featuring slide guitar on Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti album released in 1975. The other, Boogie with Stu, is a cover of an old blues tune by Ike Turner that isn’t quite as well-known.

In My Time of Dying has a sound bass-heavy and loud mix, which gives it a dynamic and forceful sound. One of the top surviving guitarists today, Jimmy Page, did the slide work but didn’t mess around with any fancy chords or scales. There is no progressive rock pyrotechnics here. Page plays some simple major and minor chords, with the occasional octave thrown in for good measure.

6. George Harrison – Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)

George Harrison’s solo career took off after he left The Beatles, and Give Me Love is an excellent example of why he soared as a solo artist. Fans and music critics agree that Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) is one of Harrison’s most famous songs. It includes a sequence of well-praised slide guitar solos.

Moving away from the sound identifiable with All Things Must Pass and his other co-productions with Phil Spector between 1970–1971, the song also signified a purposeful shift from his prior post-Beatles work.

7. Derek and the Dominos – Layla

The song that first made many listeners aware of Duane Allman and his slide-playing abilities was the Derek & The Dominos version of Layla. It’s a classic example of two guitarists – Allman and Clapton – complementing each other perfectly.

Clapton first heard Duane Allman play on Wilson Pickett’s cover of Hey Jude. He was so impressed that he asked him to be the session guitarist on his upcoming album, which became Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The song Layla features some of Allman’s finest work, including an awe-inspiring solo.

8. Pink Floyd – High Hopes

This final track from The Division Bell album is one of Pink Floyd’s purest rock songs, with a towering solo from David Gilmour. The solo in High Hopes by Pink Floyd is played on a Gibson Les Paul with a slide and is one of the most popular slide guitar solos of all time. High Hopes is the closing track on Pink Floyd’s 14th studio album, The Division Bell, released in 1994.

David Gilmour has said that High Hopes is one of his favorite songs from the entire Pink Floyd catalog. Gilmour co-wrote High Hopes and numerous other songs from The Division Bell with his then-girlfriend Polly Sampson, who wrote the lyrics.

9. Muddy Waters – I Can’t Be Satisfied

I Can’t Be Satisfied is a great blues jam with some killer slide guitar. Muddy Waters used the electric slide guitar in this song released in 1948. It became a success upon release, and his fame in clubs skyrocketed. This song was remade by Buddy Guy in 1966 under the name I Can’t Quit You Baby.

Muddy Waters, who is often called “The Father of Chicago Blues,” has a sound often imitated but never duplicated. His late-1940s blues recordings are fundamental in the genre. It’s said that his electric Chicago blues helped define rock and roll, and this track is a stellar example of the slide guitar he used to achieve that.

10. Elmore James – Dust My Broom

Elmore James is considered the “King of Slide Guitar” that inspired many other notable blues guitarists after him. He earned this title by his skills with bottleneck, the historical term for slide guitar playing, and his emotional expressiveness and ability to transform simple songs into masterpieces.

Dust My Broom is one song where Elmore’s talent with bottleneck shines. He takes a regular 12-bar blues song and turns it into a gorgeous lamentation of lost love. This blues standard is arguably one of the most popular slide guitar songs ever recorded. It is why many think of slide guitar as being synonymous with blues music.

Conclusion

All in all, there are many excellent slide guitar songs out there. Slide guitar can be found all over the musical spectrum. If you’re a fan of any popular music genre, chances are you’ve heard it or been influenced by it, mainly because slide guitar can infuse something new and different into virtually any sound.

If you’re a guitar player and want to hear songs that will help you improve your technique while also showing off your skills, then check out the best slide guitar songs above. They will take a little time to learn but are worth it.

The guitar is one of the first instruments most musicians learn to play before going into stardom. If you’re trying to advance your guitar-playing skills, maybe learning about the hardest songs you could play on the instrument will help.

More often than not, the most difficult guitar songs come from rock metal because of their fast-paced nature. Nonetheless, there are also songs from other genres that are just as hard to learn. Don’t worry. Learning to play them will surely improve your mastery of the guitar.

Having said that, here’s a quick list of the hardest guitar songs you could play.

Top 10 Hardest Guitar Songs

1. “Snow (Hey Oh)” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

The song “Snow (Hey Oh)” is about two popular drugs; cocaine, sometimes referred to as snow, and heroin, which sounds like hey oh. Anthony Kiedis further explains that it’s also about continuously failing to start a new life and going back to destructive habits.

Some people might argue that this song is not that difficult to play, but Kiedis says so himself that when John Frusciante came into the studio playing what he thought was a “complex piece of flamenco music,” he didn’t even think it could work in a song.

What makes the song difficult is that, aside from being fast-paced, you have to play multiple strings in four different frets almost simultaneously. Not to mention the hammer-ons and licks involved in the riff.

2. “Master of Puppets” by Metallica

Metallica is one of the most prominent rock metal bands from the 80s and up until today’s time. They also wrote a song about drugs and how it controls the user’s life, hence the song title “Master of Puppets,” the master being the drugs and the puppet being the user.

While they were recording the song, Kirk Hammet pulled the top string of his guitar on the fretboard. It then ended up making an extremely high, almost siren-like sound. Everyone from the band loved how it sounded, and so they kept it on the track.

“Master of Puppets” is a relatively difficult guitar song because of how fast the song is, which is around 212 beats per minute. Additionally, the entire song is played with downstrokes. This means you must have quite a strong wrist to learn this.

3. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Jimi Hendrix is one of the most popular musicians of all time, sometimes referred to as the world’s greatest guitarist. Obviously, this list will not be complete without him. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” actually came from an impromptu jam of the band. An ABC film crew went to the studio and asked them to make it look like they were playing their instruments. Hendrix then ended up creating the riff of the song.

“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” was such a huge hit that even popular guitarists like Stevie Ray Vaughn covered it in one of his albums. It was also the last song Hendrix was able to perform live before his death.

The song is full of string-bending and vibratos. Even the intro involves palm mutes. The song also incorporates mastery of the wah-wah pedal. Despite being a relatively slow song compared to the rock metal ones on this list, “Voodoo Child” is a difficult guitar song because of these characteristics.

4. “This Charming Man” by The Smiths

“This Charming Man” is one of the brighter songs on this list, and it’s also one of the easiest, despite being relatively difficult. It’s about a male protagonist who got a flat tire while on a hill. He was then approached by a charming man who helped him and eventually flirted with him.

Johnny Marr, the guitarist who composed the song, said that he wrote it specifically for a BBC radio session. DJ John Peel, a vital promoter of The Smiths, granted bands studio time for up to three hours.

The song incorporates a repetitive riff on the lower strings. However, it’s mostly upstrokes, and you have to switch between the 11th, 9th, and 7th frets to the 3rd and 5th frets quickly. That’s why you must have rather good picking skills to play the song.

5. “Neon” by John Mayer

Despite not being a rock song, “Neon” from John Mayer is surprisingly difficult. That’s probably because of the quick chord changes that span over almost the entire fretboard. Additionally, the chord shapes are also very different from one another, so you need to have flexible fingers.

Another thing worth noting is that the song does not use the standard guitar tuning. The low E string is tuned even lower at C. The original version is played with an electric guitar. However, what really gained traction from Mayer’s fans and followers was his live performance in LA, where he used an acoustic guitar. The entire riff makes it extremely difficult to even sing while playing the song.

6. “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix

We have yet another iconic song from Jimi Hendrix. The studio version of “Little Wing” is two minutes and 24 seconds long. Nonetheless, Rolling Stone ranks it at 188 of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

The chord sequence and progression are not that difficult. However, what gave it a spot on our list is Hendrix’s solo. He played numerous notes with surprisingly large gaps, and missing them or playing it slightly wrong somehow kills the song.

7. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Just like “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” also incorporates rather straightforward chord progressions. However, it’s that guitar solo that makes it a difficult song to play. The entire song is nine minutes and eight seconds long, with the guitar solo lasting for four minutes.

There are a lot of off-beats, hammer-ons, string-bending, and finger vibratos on the solo. You have to be an intermediate guitar player just to even attempt to play the song. That’s because it requires advanced skills in both your fretting and picking hands.

8. “Cliffs of Dover” by Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson is best known for his guitar-playing skills. “Cliffs of Dover” is an instrumental song and is hailed as his best work. Ironically, Johnson didn’t initially think it was a great song. He wrote it in five minutes and thought it was a fluke.

His mother heard him when he was rehearsing it and said, “That song will be a huge hit.” Sure enough, the song won a Grammy Award in 1992 for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

We don’t have to tell you that this song is difficult to learn. You are learning an award-winning song, after all. It’s almost exclusively for expert guitarists because you need to play the right notes at the right tempo while making sure that you get the song’s phrasing properly.

9. “Heartbreaker” by Led Zeppelin

The beginning of “Heartbreaker” is almost percussive, playing only one or two notes per beat. Don’t be fooled. It is a Led Zeppelin song, so you can expect hard-hitting guitar parts. The guitar solo requires you to press and bend the strings past the nut. Yes, we’re talking about the strings above the headstock!

Additionally, Jimmy Page almost always plays different solos every time the band performs live, so learning the song really makes it difficult.

10. “Eruption” by Van Halen

Van Halen is another rock band known for its electrifying music. Of all their songs, perhaps “Eruption” is the most difficult. That’s because it incorporates almost all guitar-playing techniques known to man.

From fingerpicking to string-bends to vibratos to slides to hammer-ons to tapping to shredding to tremolos, all of these are part of the song’s guitar solo and riff! That’s why you need to have really advanced skills before attempting to learn this song.

Conclusion

The guitar is a very common instrument in the music industry. However, as Tom Petty says, “no matter how long you play the guitar, there’s always something else to learn.” The top 10 hardest guitar songs on this list are proof of that.

Ergo, keep on learning! Who knows? Maybe your song will be featured on our next list of hardest guitar songs to play.

The baritone guitar is one of the least common guitar types, but it’s also one of the most unique and dynamic instruments you can own. Since baritone guitars are even larger than standard dreadnoughts, they can accommodate larger strings and lower tunings. Whether you’re an experienced musician or just getting started, you can learn how to play baritone guitar songs using this list of top 10 baritone guitar songs to learn.

What is a baritone guitar?

Baritone guitars are tuned lower than a standard guitar (B, F#, D, A, E, B) and are typically used to play lower registers. This means that regular guitar tabs may not be compatible with your baritone in terms of tuning and string size.

Although baritone guitars are an adaptation of a standard guitar, they are not as common. Therefore, you may need to adjust your guitar tabs to make them baritone-friendly. You may also have to play chords deeper on the neck of the baritone compared to the standard guitar.

Their deep, dark tones are the perfect complement to heavy rock, metal, and punk music. There are plenty of great songs that take advantage of the baritone’s rich sound and lower notes, so we’ve put together some of the best songs to learn on a baritone guitar.

Baritone Guitar Songs for Beginners

Here are 10 songs that work well with a baritone guitar. These tunes use simple chord progressions and melody lines, making them easy to learn. Baritone guitars can be difficult to play compared to other guitar types, but you have a good chance of sounding like a pro with these songs under your belt.

1. Twin Peaks Theme

The main theme from Twin Peaks is one of the most memorable television tunes ever. It’s also pretty easy to play on a baritone guitar. The theme is played in the F major key, a common choice for popular songs.

This theme was composed by Angelo Badalamenti and made famous because of its appearance in a 90s television show called Twin Peaks. This is a beginner-level baritone guitar song that most amateur baritone guitar players should play after some practice time.

2. Glen Campbell – Galveston

If you want to learn baritone guitar, start with an iconic country song featuring Glen Campbell’s smooth voice and acoustic guitar playing. The song Galveston tells the story of a man who has been drafted and is preparing to leave for war.

It was written by Jimmy Webb, who was also the composer of songs like MacArthur Park, Up, Up and Away, and Where’s the Playground Susie. It was recorded in 1969 and reached number one on the Billboard charts in January 1970.

The chords are straightforward, and there aren’t any tricky chord changes. It only features basic guitar chord shapes. The song also starts slowly, so you’ll have time to get your hands in position on the fretboard before the tempo picks up.

3. The Beach Boys – Caroline, No

This 1960s classic is one of The Beach Boys’ most loved songs that appeared as the closing track on their album Pet Sounds. The song’s lyrics, written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, depict a disillusioned guy reflecting on his aging past love interest and losing her innocence.

This song features a baritone guitar line that is easy to follow, even for beginners. It’s definitely worth learning if you want to get into some good baritone guitar songs.

4. Metallica – Invisible Kid

Invisible Kid is about a little boy who has shut himself off from the outside world and is only visible to himself. With his sentiments of apathy and despair, he “floats” alone in his room. No one is aware of or cares about the anguish and anxiety he is experiencing on the inside.

This song is, without a doubt, Metallica’s most controversial song. It’s from their album St. Anger, their first studio album in almost five years since Reload in 1997. In this song, James Hetfield used his signature ESP baritone guitar, “The Grynch,” which was tuned to Drop-Ab.

5. Dave Matthews Band – The Space Between

The Dave Matthews Band song The Space Between was included on their 2001 album Everyday. It was the album’s first successful single and the band’s first Top 40 hit, reaching number 22 in the US.

This specific song is actually relatively easy to play. It starts with the main riff, then a chorus you can easily strum along to. After the first chorus, you can play the main riff for the verses with a swing strum rhythm. Many DMB songs don’t require too much practice as they tend to not go outside their typical structure, making it ideal for beginners.

6. The Cure – Primary

The Cure has always played with odd tunings and time signatures, but Primary is one of their easiest tunes to learn on the baritone. Robert Smith is one of the few rock guitarists that play the baritone guitar.

He uses his humble old Fender Bass VI, a baritone guitar, in many of The Cure’s songs over the years. This baritone guitar has recently come back in popularity with numerous Fender reissues.

7. Mark Lettieri – Barreleye

In 2019, Mark Lettieri of Snarky Puppy released his solo album Deep: The Baritone Sessions.

One of the tracks entitled Barreleye has an addictingly catchy melody. This is partly due to Lettieri’s ability to use a tremolo pedal effect for his chords. Using this style can feel good on your fingers, making it easier to play along.

This song also lets you use various techniques, from bending strings to tapping. It’s accessible enough that even beginner baritone players can learn some of these guitar techniques and not feel out of their depth.

8. The Pixies – Here Comes Your Man

The Pixies may be best known for Where Is My Mind? but they also had several great baritone guitar-oriented tracks. Here Comes Your Man is a bright, upbeat tune that serves as a nice introduction to people who are new to playing such a low-pitched instrument. It has some great bass lines and melodies, which will give you plenty of practice opportunities.

9. Van Halen – Spanked

Eddie Van Halen played a baritone guitar on the song Spanked from Van Halen’s 1991 album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. His guitar was a double-necked Ernie Ball EVH Music Man with a baritone top neck, which he used in music videos and live performances.

Baritone guitars were part of Van Halen’s sound for the first few albums, and this early tune features the instrument prominently.

10. Staind – Mudshovel

There is no denying that Staind is one of the most popular bands in metal ever. Mike Mushok, the band’s lead guitarist, has a distinct playing style. Mushok is noted for his baritone guitars and for playing with tunings, although he also plays standard guitars.

One of the band’s most famous songs, Mudshovel, is one of the first songs that comes to mind when you think about rocking out on a baritone guitar. The baritone guitar’s lower pitch makes the riffs on the song sound really heavy. This is a great song to learn if you want to add some metal music to your repertoire.

Conclusion

The baritone guitar is a beautiful instrument for any guitarist. Since it’s tuned lower than a standard guitar, it can add depth to your music and allow you to play different styles of music. We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of baritone guitar songs. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert player, these songs will give you a chance to work on your skills.

Fast guitar songs have been around since the dawn of rock and roll, but not all of them are as easy to play as you’d think. Whether you’re teaching yourself how to play or just trying to mix things up, it’s important to know your fastest guitar songs and be able to play them quickly with fluidity and accuracy.

Here are five of the top fast guitar songs for any serious guitarist looking to learn how to play some quick riffs.

Fast Guitar Songs – Are you up for the challenge?

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov – “Flight of the Bumblebee”

Flight of the Bumblebee is a classic piece of music composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1899. The piece was originally composed as an interlude in the opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan. It has since become a staple for classical musicians such as classical guitarists and violinists. The song is a favorite for classical guitarists because of its incredible speed and technical skill required to perform it.

Although it’s not always possible to play every note at full speed, experienced guitarists can play it at speeds that would make a beginner’s head spin. Playing this song is a great way to show off your technique, and it’s a lot of fun to play.

Steve Vai – “Eugene’s Trick Bag”

Eugene’s Trick Bag is a song by Steve Vai on his Fire Garden album. It is full of fast licks that are fun to play and great practice for speed picking. The only distortion used in the song is a wah-wah pedal, which means that you need to really be on your toes when it comes to picking hand technique, as well as fretting hand muting.

This song is one of the greatest fast pieces ever recorded, and it is one of the most popular songs to play at guitar shows. Played in the key of G minor, the song begins with a slow, descending arpeggio that sets up the main theme. The main theme builds in intensity as Vai blasts through some really fast alternate picking and legato playing.

After about two minutes, there is a brief pause before the next section begins. This section features a series of fast licks that change direction every couple of measures. If you are looking for a challenge, this is one of the best songs to learn on guitar.

Guthrie Govan – “Fives”

Guthrie Govan is a UK-based guitarist who has played for acts like Hans Zimmer, Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), and others. He’s also widely regarded as one of the best guitarists in the world today. His playing style is incredibly diverse, capable of switching from jazz to funk to rock to country and more.

Fives is taken from his 2005 solo album Erotic Cakes, which took the world by storm when it was released. It’s a masterclass in fast guitar playing that’s rarely matched in terms of sheer speed. The song starts off slow and fairly tame but then explodes into a flurry of fast notes that are almost impossible to keep up with. It’s just three minutes long, but it will leave you breathless.

Buckethead – “Big Sur Moon”

Big Sur Moon is a track from Buckethead’s fourth album Colma, released on March 24, 1998. The song is performed on an acoustic guitar with a delay pedal set to 500ms of repetition time, 80 percent level/blend, and 50 percent feedback. Big Sur Moon also features some nice sweep picking. To play this song, you need to sweep pick arpeggios. It’s not the easiest technique to master. But if you can get it, it’s a whole lot of fun.

This song has three parts: the intro, the solo, and the outro. The intro is in 5/4 time and includes some chord arpeggios and tapping. The solo is 7/8 and uses sweep picking, string skipping with hammer-ons, and very fast palm muting. The outro is similar to the intro in that it uses chord arpeggios with tapping.

The song starts with a quick E minor riff followed by a fast arpeggio before going into the chorus. The chorus is just three chords, each played twice. After that, we have a bridge section and go back into the verse again. This might seem like a lot to take in at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to pick up other songs like this easily.

Rodrigo y Gabriella – “Tamacun”

Spanish guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela are masters at crafting intricate, layered acoustic guitar music full of energy. Tamacun was one of their most popular songs. This song is the perfect example of how two people can make music with just an acoustic guitar. The sound is full and somehow makes you feel as if there are more instruments than just two guitars. Tamacun is a Spanish word that is a mixture of Mexican, Indian and Spanish culture.

The techniques used in this song are quite simple but can be a challenge to play at the speed they play it at. It uses a lot of barre chords, chord slides, and hammer-ons. The song is played in D major, and it’s mostly about practicing your picking technique throughout the entire song. This piece is played entirely with the thumb and fingers, so you won’t need a pick for this one. So, you’ll need to build up callouses on your fingertips before playing this song.

Conclusion

Guitar music is not all with soft romantic in slow tempo or scary growling from heavy metal bands. Many of the most popular songs throughout music history have been fast, guitar-driven rock and roll songs that get your heart pumping and your feet tapping as you sing along to the lyrics. A guitar can rock with immense speed and accuracy without going overboard, giving you a treat for ears to listen to and for your fingers to learn.

Listening to these fast guitar songs will help you improve your speed on the guitar. The fast tunes will force you to practice at a faster tempo, and each day you’ll notice that your skills are improving.

The post-rock movement as it started in the late 80s dared to break away from the traditional structure of rock. While several post-rock bands were conformist and only post-rock in name, others carved out a niche for themselves. Artists like Talk Talk and Slint been credited with the foundational works while artists like Cul de Sac and Sigur Ros have taken the movement forward.

10 of the Best Post-Rock Songs ever written.

1. Halcyon (Beautiful Days) by MONO

MONO is one of the few post-rock bands which has truly balanced the loud and soft in post-rock. They’ve put the interplay of both types of sound to good use. They know how to ease you into the music. This is a perfect example of that.

Halcyon showcases this duality and the masterful interplay beautifully. When it finally ends, you know you’ve gone through something even though you can’t quite put it into words.

2. 2 Rights Make 1 Wrong by Mogwai

A typical title by the Scotts of Glasgow. The band is still going strong, but they’ve never done another number like 2 Rights Make 1 Wrong. As with other songs on the list, it delivers the unexpected. You may find elements of music which will work even today. Yes, the beat and the bass clearly set it apart from today’s more pulled back melodies. However, Mogwai’s sound seems like a breath of fresh air in a morose world.

The track reads in reverse order. It begins with an electrifying instrumental and transitions to a soft ending. It’s like the ending of a great day out with your pals. The ending, which is performed by a choir of voice ushers is indicative of a quiet close to the day. If you like communing with your creator after a day of debauchery, then this may be the one for you.

It’s one of the best post-rock songs you’ll ever hear.

3. Radio Protector by 65daysofstatic

As the name implies, this track is something you may find blaring on the radio one night. The rhythm in the song and the frantic use of instruments is a trademark of the 65daysofstatic approach. They think of instrumental music as enough to tell a story and more than that, a way to keep things interesting.

The song sounds urgent and vibrant, just like songs on the radio do. You need to listen now or you may miss it. Songs on the radio have a way of going away, so you may never know when your last listen will be.

When you hear Radio Protector for the first time, you’ll think you’re about to hear a ballad. And in a way, you’re right. For this one, you may get to write your own lyrics.

4. Doldrums by Cul de Sac

The Doldrums is a classical term used as a metaphor and even the literal meaning of depression. While it’s a light term like being down in the dumps, it can represent real depression. With Doldrums, Cul de Sac made an early entry into the post-rock world.

They made this experimental debut that showed just how varied they could be. Doldrums blends both rock and ambient textures and surf jams. It creates a fantastic showcase of their talent. It’s a full 9-minute epic song that deserves to be right up there with Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd’s best work.

5. Untitled 8 by Sigur Ros

Untitled 8 is perhaps the one song on their album “()” that should have a title. This heavy number is the perfect climax to an emotionally overloaded evening. They call upon this monster of a number to conclude their sets many a times.

While the rest of the album “()” is a gentle breeze like the calm before the storm, this one is the East Wind. However, it’s an East Wind you can ride into a new world.

Sigur Ros cemented their legacy with “Untitled 8”. Even though certain purists demanded that they not be recognized, this number proved them wrong. It’s without a doubt one of the best post-rock songs ever written.

6. Talk Talk by Talk Talk

If you’ve ever liked listening to post-rock then you need to visit the OGs every once in a while. Talk Talk’s eponymous single is just as great today as it was in 1982. This blend of rock and pop-synth has an endearing quality to it.

Talk Talk starts out like it’s going to throw some rainbow pop at you, but it quickly transforms. The song is about aimless loners as one would know rock from the 80s to be. However, it defies the structure of classic rock and goes its own way right from the beginning. You can’t pigeonhole this song.

7. Good Morning, Captain by Slint

It wouldn’t be a best post-rock song list without Slint. Along with Talk Talk, they are considered the pioneers of the post-rock movement. Spiderland is considered their underrated masterpiece, and Good Morning, Captain is the jewel in the crown.

It is a narrative of destruction. The destruction could be of one’s physical or mental world. The interpretation is up to you. The juxtaposed rhythm and guitars going in and out paint a picture of a world destroyed.

This is what post-rock began as. It was truly the destruction after the storm that was rock. This unique blend of music and vocals has passed. Post-rock is now very different from what it began as. Still, we have this song as a time machine to always remind us.

8. Your Hand In Mine by Explosions in the Sky

Explosions in the Sky are a comfort band to many. Their song “An Old Peasant Like Me” is a personal favorite. However, “Your Hand In Mine” has to take it as their best post-rock number. Like their other songs, it has a delicate beauty to it. Some consider it to be their best song ever. Others consider it to be one of the best songs ever, period.

The melody is particularly powerful and drifts along like a dove in flight. If there was ever a list of perfect songs, this would be on it without a doubt.

9. Untitled #2 by Gregor Samsa

Gregor Samsa, named after the protagonist in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, is one of the most iconic bands in post-rock. This is one of the few selections of this list which includes vocals. The song has become a trademark for the post-rock single out there.

It’s a hushed single which begins almost like an opera, swelling to a crescendo. It swells until it bursts with glorious sound. Blazing through the hype during the post-rock movement’s heydays, this one has stuck around for a long time.

10. The Sad Mafioso by Godspeed You Black Emperor!

The Sad Mafioso first graced me with its presence when I watched 28 Days Later. It was a bone chilling experience when combined with the movie. There are a lot of great riffs in Rock that I can name. However, I can’t name many which are eerie. The Sad Mafioso is a haunting song which conveys dread and was perfectly placed in the movie.

When you consider the name of the band, Godspeed You Black Emperor!, it’s extremely apt that they would compose this.

What is the easiest Nirvana song to play on guitar? There are quite a number of Nirvana songs that you can easily play on the guitar. It’s the solos and Kurt’s voice that are hard to replicate. Nonetheless, if we have to choose one, perhaps “All Apologies” is the easiest one because of its repetitive chords.

Nirvana has cemented its name in the world of rock and roll. They are one of the many bands that changed the landscape of music through their songs, lyricism, and instrumental dynamics. That’s perhaps why almost three decades since they were last active after Kurt Cobain’s death, they still have millions of followers and listeners all over the globe.

If you’ve just learned about them, or you’ve just learned how to play the guitar, you might be wondering which of their songs you can easily learn. Well, there are quite a few, and we’ll name most of them in this article, so be sure to stick around.

Easiest Nirvana Songs to Play on the Guitar

Here’s a quick list of the easiest Nirvana songs to play on the guitar.

“All Apologies”

A song from Nirvana’s In Utero album, “All Apologies” is characterized by its repetitive chords and lyrics that are rather easy to memorize. The plucking or string-picking is the difficult part since you’d have to understand how to read tabs to play it. Nonetheless, the song is rather easy if you stick to the basic chords and you have a capo clamped on the first fret.

The entire verses only use one chord, which is C. So, you just have to fret the A, D, and B strings on the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st fret and strum the guitar with only downward strokes.

The chorus, on the other hand, uses the F and G chords. To play the F chord, fret the D, G, and B strings on the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st fret, respectively. For the G chord, press the low E string on the 3rd fret, the A on the 2nd fret, the B on the 3rd fret, and the high E on the 3rd fret as well.

Play only the F chord on the first line of the chorus, followed by the F and G chords on the second line and the G chord on the last line. The entire outro is just the C chord all throughout.

“Molly’s Lips”

Another relatively easy song to play from Nirvana is “Molly’s Lips” from the Hormoaning EP and Incesticide compilation. It was originally written by a duo called The Vaselines from Scotland but is widely popularized by Nirvana. What makes the song easy to play on the guitar is that it only uses two chords since the entire track is only less than two minutes long.

All throughout the song, you just have to play the chords G and C alternatively, but you have to switch chords rather quickly, which is perhaps the most difficult part about it. You can refer to the quick guide above to learn how to fret the G and C chords on your guitar.

Once you’ve learned that, strum the G chord with two downstrokes and quickly shift to the C chord and strum it with two downstrokes as well. Continue this throughout the entire song, and that’s basically it.

“Come As You Are”

Nirvana has made numerous hits while they were active, and one of these is the song “Come As You Are” from the Nevermind album. Luckily, it’s also one of their easiest songs to play on the guitar. There are many versions you might find online that will teach you how to play this, but the easiest one would only require you to clamp a capo on the 2nd fret, and all the chords become pretty basic.

The verses only use the chords Em and D. To play Em, press both the A and D strings on the 2nd fret. To play the chord D, press the G string on the 2nd fret, the D on the 3rd fret, and the high E on the 2nd fret. Play each chord by strumming with downstrokes and upstrokes alternatively.

For the chorus, you need to play Em and G chords. You can refer to the quick guide above on how to play each of these notes.

The bridge is played using the A and C chords. You already know how to play the C chord. For the A chord, press the D, G, and B strings on the 2nd fret. Play these chords alternatively using the same strumming pattern before switching to Em and D for the solo and back to Em and G for the chorus.

“Something In The Way”

Another song from the Nevermind album that you may want to play on the guitar is called “Something In The Way.” It’s not as easy as the other songs on this list because you have to learn how to play the chord C/G. Nonetheless, if you learn this, you’ll be playing the song in no time. First, clamp the capo on the 1st fret of the guitar.

The verses and chorus only use two chords played alternatively, which are Em and C/G. You can check the song “Come As You Are” to learn how to fret Em on your guitar.

For the C/G chord, press the low E string on the 3rd fret, the A string on the 3rd fret, the D string on the 2nd fret, and the B string on the 1st fret. As you can see, the C/G chord requires you to fret four strings, just like the G chord, which means you’d have to use your pinky finger.

Once you’ve mastered how to swiftly transition from Em to C/G, “Something In The Way” would be a breeze to play on the guitar.

Conclusion

Nirvana is one of the most famous bands of all time. Thankfully, a lot of their songs are not that difficult to play on the guitar, especially the acoustic versions. If you’re looking to sing along to Kurt Cobain’s voice while playing the guitar, learning how to play the songs listed here is the best place to start.

A guitar can make you look 10 times more attractive, and there’s no denying that. But while you’re at it, it’s also important that you choose the right songs for everyone to swoon over. There are plenty of songs to play on guitar.

Are you ready to get the party started with some fun guitar tunes? If you do, we’ve got your back.

Here is a list of the ‘8 Most Fun Songs to Play on Guitar’

Let’s strum along!

Fun Songs To Learn On Guitar

1. Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) by Green Day

The beat of Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)” is a classic song with a lot of movement; great for showing off your guitar skills. It also has catchy lyrics and a rhythm that beginners can quickly learn. The song starts with power chords and then kicks into the verse. The verse can be played using two different strumming patterns: down-strumming, which is when you strum down on every beat, or alternating, which is when you play two down-strums followed by one up-strum.

It’s ideal for the kind of music they’re known for, which usually relies on catchy guitar riffs, strong drum beats, and vocals that are simple enough to follow along.

2. Wonderwall by Oasis

One does not simply become a guitar player without learning to play Wonderwall by Oasis. Isn’t that right?

Wonderwall by Oasis is one of the most iconic songs of the 90s, and for a good reason. It’s a song that managed to stay at the top of the charts all these years, Wonderwall is what we call ‘legendary’ in the music fraternity. Everything, from the lyrics to music to even the song’s video, is just absolutely timeless.

It’s full of memorable riffs and rhythms, and if you’re a guitarist, you can play the song quickly. The basic intro consists of just three chords repeatedly played as the song progresses. It has a classic rock feel and would sound great if you played it loud for your friends.

The song has a specific beat and can be a little tricky at first because three parts are going simultaneously and all have their particular movements and tones, but it’s so fun once you get the hang of it.

Moreover, this song is also a popular choice amongst guitar players who want to explore new strumming techniques. You’ll have to learn the chords Em – G – D – A – C to master its tune. Good luck!

3. Mr. Brightside by The Killers

Mr. Brightside by The Killers is a classic rock song recorded in 2004, and it’s famous for its distinctive guitar parts and upbeat tempo, perfect for learning on guitar. It stays at the same tempo throughout the song, and it’s a real challenge to play. When played on a guitar, the beat is described as slow and relaxing.

You can play Mr. Brightside on electric, acoustic, or bass guitar. It sounds perfect on an electric guitar because it has a lot of exciting chords.

4. Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses

Sweet Child O’ Mine is a rock classic that has been a go-to song for beginner guitarists since it was released in 1988. This song is a lot of fun to play on guitar, and as long as you remember the chord progression and strumming pattern, you’ll be able to play this one with relative ease. It’s also important to remember that strumming is key in this song, so don’t be afraid to use your wrist!

It starts with a simple version of the riff that repeats for the first minute. Then it becomes more complex and interesting. After that, there are a few more minutes of the same variation, but a little faster, adding a lot more movement and changing chords.

5. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

Bohemian Rhapsody is a song by the British rock band Queen for their 1975 album A Night at the Opera. This song is one of the most popular and well-known rock songs in history. It’s famous for being over six minutes long and for its unusual chord progression and rhythm section, featuring a complex piano part and a vast range of vocals spanning from a bass range to a soprano range. The song is known for its famous closing riff played on electric guitar.

Bohemian Rhapsody is remarkable for its extensive, epic build and an unforgettable refrain. The chords are easy to learn, and the intro is pretty easy to play with just one finger (though once the song starts getting into that first verse, you’ll need at least two fingers and maybe a capo).

6. Blackbird by The Beatles

Playing Blackbird by The Beatles is an easy song to learn on guitar. It’s a great beginner song that uses the open E string, which means you only have to use the top five strings of your guitar. This song is based on a simple blues progression, and it has a fun, funky rhythm that will get you grooving in no time! It has a distinct rhythm, kind of like a slow, legato tapping pattern, but the timing is 6/8.

If you want to learn the rhythm, close your eyes and tap your foot along with the song. If it feels like you’re stressing out about tapping your foot in time with the music, open your eyes and make sure that you’re in time with the music.

7. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

Three Little Birds by Bob Marley is a popular song that lots of people love to play on the guitar. It has a reggae-influenced beat with a melody that mainly uses eighth and quarter notes, with some dotted quarter notes thrown in for good measure. It’s a dance type of song, so it doesn’t have a lot of rests or long stretches without any notes. It’s fun to play and easy to learn!

The song starts with a quick downstroke strumming pattern that repeats throughout the song. The first two beats have the same chord, followed by a quick upstroke strum on the third beat of each measure. The fourth beat is where the chord changes and stays for four beats before changing again on the fifth beat.

8. Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

‘Chasing Cars’ by Snow Patrol is one of those songs that takes you to another zone. Hence, it is no surprise why most guitar players choose to learn this beautiful tune.

The most fun part about learning the guitar tabs of Chasing Cars is that the melody is composed of different chord complexities . This gives guitar players a chance to learn multiple chords while taking care of the song’s fluctuating pace.

Learning this tune is as fun as listening to it, and we’ve all been guilty of doing that on repeat. Haven’t we?

9. Ho Hey by The Lumineers

If you are a fan of indie music, chances are ‘The Lumineers’ is already a part of your playlist. Their unique music and heartfelt lyrics are what sets them apart from other artists. This is also one of the major reasons why all beginner guitar players are so fond of their music.

‘Ho Hey’ by The Lumineers is another soulful track that has managed to captivate the attention and hearts of new as well as old guitar lovers. You just need to learn how to play the 4 chords, and you will be an expert in no time. It also leaves room for some experimentation, so you can also give your own twist to the amazing tune.

Check out this guitar tutorial for some inspiration.

10. Wake Me Up by Avicii

Avicii may not be in the world anymore, but he will live through his music forever. Wake Me Up by Avicii is a fun and groovy track that beginner guitar players would definitely enjoy.

The song may not be so easy to learn at first, but you will get the hang of it after a few practice sessions.

You have to use the chords Bm, G, D, A, and F# to learn the tune for this song and enjoy playing it to your heart’s content. Here’s a handy tutorial for you to follow.

Pro-tip: Start slow and gradually pick up the pace to learn this song faster.

11. Skinny Love by Bon Iver

Though this may sound like a slow-paced song, the melancholy tune of Bon Iver’s ‘Skinny Love’ offers a delightful learning experience to beginner guitar players. It is one of those classic melodies that every guitar enthusiast wishes to master.

You may need to practice a few advanced chords to play this tune to perfection. However, give it a few days, and you will be able to play this song like a pro.

For bonus points, try to sing along to the song, and you are guaranteed to make all heads turn.

12. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

When anyone talks about fun songs, ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz is bound to make it to the list. The sweet lyrics and chirpy music of this song is perfect to set the mood right for any music lover.

This is why it’s also a great song for beginner guitar players. If you’re feeling a little intimidated, don’t worry, as you can start with a simpler version featuring only 4 chords – G, D, Em, and C.

Check out this easy tutorial to master the chords and tell your crush “I’m yours.” Good luck!

13. Time of Your Life by Greenday

Every time you think of youthful days and having fun, Greenday’s song ‘Time of Your Life’ should be playing in the background. That’s how relevant it is!

Even though Greenday has given us many amazing songs to muse to, this one somehow stands out from them all. The song is also one of the most popular choices amongst guitar beginners as it helps them practice repetition skills. This also makes it easier to get a hold of the melody.

You might need to practice a few rounds before you can play this tune to perfection and reminisce over the best ‘time of your life.’

14. Hotel California by Eagles

If you wish to truly qualify as a proper guitar player, ‘Hotel California’ by Eagles is one track that has to be on your list.

Besides the fact that it’s a timeless tune, this song also brings in a fun learning experience like no other. This song is also ideal if you want to take your guitar playing skills to the next step and practice chord progression and repetition in a single tune.

Don’t be intimidated, as you will only need to learn the chords Am, E7, G, D, F, C, and Dm, which most beginners are already familiar with.

The reward? You can flaunt your skills in front of your friends and loved ones and enjoy the attention and validation.

The Final Chords

In conclusion, we would like to say that learning the guitar songs mentioned above will only double the fun for you. You can also improve your guitar skills. So, hurry up. Grab your guitar and start practicing before someone else decides to steal your thunder. Good luck.

If you have any other fun guitar songs to add to the list, feel free to share them in the comments section below.

Have a Fun-tastic Day