Good songs to learn

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Good songs to learn

Posted by BarbaraM on July 14, 2024 at 12:54 pm

I’m having fun in the lessons, but now I want to learn some songs that I could consider playing at an open mic without embarrassing myself too much. Preferably ones that don’t contain any F chords, overly stretchy chords, or any barre chords. I’m only 6.5 months into TAC. The C chord is barely doable but not nearly as awkward to get into position as an F, even a mini F. Somewhat complex rhythm is OK. I know some of the lessons have resulted in a nearly complete song, so I could work on those and polish them up, but I’d like to have a larger repertoire. Even if all I do is play for myself.

Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Marty75 replied 1 year, 8 months ago 7 Members · 11 Replies
11 Replies

IowaDave

Member
July 14, 2024 at 1:30 pm

Wagon Wheel is one of the easiest full songs to play IMO. Same (easy) chord progressions thruout the entire song.
- BarbaraM
  
  Member
  July 14, 2024 at 5:52 pm
  
  Thanks, I’ll look that one up.
  - BarbaraM
    
    Member
    July 14, 2024 at 6:18 pm
    
    Anyone know of a chord/tab source that is free?
  - Moose408
    
    Member
    July 14, 2024 at 9:05 pm
    
    Ultimate Guitar has thousands of free guitar tabs
  - BarbaraM
    
    Member
    July 15, 2024 at 11:34 am
    
    Thanks, Moose408, yes they do, but I can’t print anything out unless I join. I don’t want to have to copy it all out by hand. Right now they’re running a discount special, I’ll see if that’s doable. Thanks again.
Skyman911

Member
July 17, 2024 at 2:14 pm

@BarbaraM Here’s a short list of easy songs that can make you sound great.

You Ain’t Going Nowhere – Bob Dylan. G Am C

Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffet. A D G with a number of chord variations

Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash. C D G also with chord variations

Cry to Me – John Hiatt. G C/G Em D C

Heart of Gold – Neil Young. Em7 D Em C G

Hope this helps. I use Chordify a lot to play along with. You get one free song per day if you don’t want to sign up for a pay service.
ChuckS

Member
July 18, 2024 at 5:59 am

Look into some of the Bob Dylan tunes like Knocking on Heaven’s Door for example – many of his tunes use simple, basic chords.
Latebloomer

Member
July 18, 2024 at 10:26 am

Hi Barbara, I am only six weeks in and, naturally, paddling hard to keep afloat! However, I decided that learning a song will provide an achievable, short term goal. I chose Three Little Birds (A D E), and there are YT videos that elaborate on reggae rythme, and on added finger runs, if you want to get more ambitious.
Marty75

Member
July 18, 2024 at 11:02 am

I would stay away from Eagle & Bob Dylan songs. I got my Youtube account suspended & canceled because I did some Eagle song covers. I even gave credit to the writers/group. They claimed “Copy Rights” violations. The managers of these groups are trying to squeeze every penny of profit. Sucks when your a musician wanting to share your music. I had over 100+ videos post on YouTube and were dumped by them.
- ChuckS
  
  Member
  July 19, 2024 at 7:02 am
  
  @Marty73, Agree that can be an issue and the Eagles especially are way over the top when it comes to that stuff. But, they are not going to care at all if you are just playing their songs sitting in the basement or living room or even in a jam session – only an issue if you post on line.
  - Marty75
    
    Member
    July 19, 2024 at 9:51 am
    
    So true as I found out the hard way @ChuckS But, YouTube posted it pubic while I just recorded it for a TAC post.

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