10 Easy Songs To Sing and Play on the Guitar

“Why don’t you play something for us?”

Your good ol’ friend Pete just saw that western guitar in the corner of the living room. 

“Damnit. Why did I even tell him about it?”

Before you’re able to clear your head, more and more people gather together and join Pete’s teasing.

Now, what are you supposed to do?

Well, if you had a killer repertoire – good for you. Nothing can be as rewarding as playing in front of an audience… and getting some good vibes.

But what if your singing and guitar playing skills are…let’s say “under construction”?

How can you avoid a “Ahem….sorry guys, but you know….I don’t feel like playing today”? 

Hold on tight, Pal, and watch out for your savior Felix.

Because in this article I’ going to give you some answers to your desperate prayers.

I’m going to provide you with a powerful portfolio of cover songs, you can use from now on to make jaws drop…whenever you pick up the guitar.

 

To set the stage…here are some general rules you should keep in mind…

Rule #1: Don’t Make It Too Hard For Yourself

When you are just starting out playing music, you should be aware of some pitfalls.   

Avoid them and you’ll never sound like a complete greenhorn.  

You see, many singers seem to get this whole thing wrong.

Because when you listen to songs performed by killer vocalists, EVERYTHING seems easy.

But the shrieking truth is…

The average person in the audience will never be able to tell if what you perform is easy or monstrously hard. Actually, they don’t even care.

The only thing the crowd cares about is how it makes them feel.  When you’re trying to sing something completely out of your range and struggling all the way, you certainly don’t get any neck-turns.

With that being said…let me lend you some help to pick the ‘right’ songs for your personal repertoire.

Rule #2: Easy Chords

You can break down the most complex song on earth to very easy chords. Vice versa, you can make a virtuous masterpiece out of “Old Mc Donald”.

If you are a beginner, google the easiest version of the song you want to perform.

Focus on playing it smoothly rather than sophisticated. 

Rule #3: Sing Within Your Range

This is huge. And I want you to never forget this: YOU ALWAYS MUST SING WITHIN YOUR RANGE. 

It’s absolutely meaningless to squeak or crack through a song, only because it’s your favorite one.  Know your skill level and play it smart.

Rule #4: Learn The Lyrics Off By Heart

It’s simply mandatory to learn all the lyrics off by heart. Your performance will nothing else but suck when you can’t even recall the words…and make something up instead.

Rule #5: Make The Capodaster Your BFF

The simplest method to transpose a song to your range is to use a capo. That way you don’t have to learn any new chords. Just slide the capo up and down your fretboard. 

Go and read my article about how to sing and play the guitar in 3 simple steps to get some more ideas.

Rule #6: Entertain the Crowd Like There’s No Tomorrow

People like to listen to a good piece of music. But people LOVE to be entertained. 

What does that mean?

People want to be a part of the show. That’s why you should talk to them. Tell an intimate story in between the songs. Be honest, be vulnerable. People love that.

Here are two things that always resonate with my audience.

1. Jokes

You don’t have to make a fool out of you. But don’t take yourself too seriously either. Be authentic and real.

2. Engage them

Protected by the crowd, even the worst singer in the audience will join in and sing along, if his favorite song is played.
Don’t forget: Deep down inside, EVERYONE loves to sing!

So, make them follow your lead and sing along with you.

Top 10 Easy Songs To Impress Your Audience

Alrighty…drum roll…here come my 10 all-time-best cover songs that every beginner should have under his belt…

1. Knocking On Heavens Door (Bob Dylan/ Guns ‘n’ Roses)

Very easy to play, within comfortable singing range, probably one of the most known songs in the world.
Get the chords and lyrics here

2. Let It Be (Beatles)

Chorus perfect for the crowd to join in.
Get the chords and lyrics here

3. Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd)

Listeners will recognize the song by the first 2 notes of the intro riff.
Get the chords and lyrics here

4. Achy Breaky Heart (Billy Ray Cyrus)

Easy vocal line and entertaining. 
Get the chords and lyrics here

5. Under The Bridge (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

Great intro where you can show some guitar skills.
Get the intro, chords and lyrics here

6. Smoke On The Water (Deep Purple)

Helluva riff. Yet stupidly simple.
Get the riff here

7. Wonderwall (Oasis)

A classy one with great rhythm.
Get the chords and lyrics here

8. Wake Me Up When September Ends (Greenday)

Love that one from Greenday. Be wary of the interval jump in the verse.
Get the chords and lyrics here

9. Always On My Mind (Elvis Presley)

A heart-melting piece of music history. You just have to have “The King” in your portfolio. 
Get the chords and lyrics here

10. Complicated (Avril Lavigne)

Especially for female singers, Avril’s smash hit is still appealing.
Get the chords and lyrics here

Conclusion

When you are starting out singing and/or playing the guitar, choose wisely the songs you want to perform in front of an audience.

Play it smart and just make the best out of where you are now. 

That means…

Choose songs that fit your vocal range and make them as easy as possible.

• Simplify chords
• Stay within your vocal range
• Learn the lyrics off by heart
• Transpose songs

I shared my personal Top 10 songs, which can be played easily…while still impressing the audience..