On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, if your New Year’s Resolution is to learn a musical instrument, these are the best songs to inspire guitar players.
The new year is the perfect time to turn that long-held dream into reality: learning to play guitar. A fresh study from UK’s largest guitar retailer guitarguitar, analyzed over 5,000 of the most-viewed tabs and chords on Ultimate Guitar — covering 3,424 unique songs from 1,349 artists — and the results are incredibly encouraging for beginners.
Millions of views show that people aren’t chasing impossible shred solos or complex jazz theory. They’re drawn to songs that are accessible, rewarding, and fun from day one — tracks built on simple open chords, steady strumming, and melodies that sound great even when played simply.
Top Artists By Total Page Views
These artists top the list because their music uses straightforward chords, capo-friendly keys, and emotional arrangements perfect for acoustic or electric — from heartfelt pop to classic rock.
Ed Sheeran – 229.6 million views
Modern acoustic pop-folk with simple open chords (often G, Em, C, D) and capo use. Builds rhythm consistency and singer-songwriter confidence. Most popular: “Perfect”.
The Beatles – 226.1 million views
Timeless melodic progressions using basic open chords and gentle arpeggios. Teaches harmony and structure in a fun way. Most popular: “Let It Be“.
Taylor Swift – 167.9 million views
Storytelling country-pop with easy chord transitions (e.g., D, A, Bm, G). Great for expressive strumming. Most popular: “Love Story”.
Metallica – 126 million views
Ballad intros with fingerpicking plus powerful riffs. Introduces palm muting and hammer-ons. Most popular: “Nothing Else Matters”.
Coldplay – 122.3 million views
Atmospheric adaptations with suspended chords. Focuses on dynamics from soft to soaring. Most popular: “The Scientist”.
Adele – 115.7 million views
Sparse, emotional ballads with open chords and sustain. Emphasizes feel and fingerpicking. Most popular: “Someone Like You”.
Oasis – 113.4 million views
Driving Britpop progressions (e.g., Em-G-Dsus4). Perfect for strumming energy and group playing. Most popular: “Wonderwall”.
The top 20 extends to Green Day, Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, Nirvana, Jason Mraz, Pink Floyd, Eagles, Guns N’ Roses, Jeff Buckley, Elvis Presley, Queen, and Led Zeppelin — a mix of genres showing guitar’s endless versatility.
Most-Requested Individual Songs
These tracks excel because they offer simple structures, repeatable patterns, basic open chords, and gradual challenges — they sound impressive fast and keep you motivated.
Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (61.7 million views)
Haunting ballad with basic open chords (C, Am, F, G, E — often capoed). Builds fingerstyle, dynamics, control, and emotional phrasing.
Wonderwall – Oasis
Repetitive progression (Em, G, Dsus4, A7sus4 with capo). Minimal movement, smooth changes, and rewarding down-up strumming for rhythm growth.
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Upbeat reggae groove with repetitive open chords and off-beat strumming. Focuses on timing, groove, and small embellishments.
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Four basic open chords (G, Em, C, D — often capoed) in a classic progression. Gentle swung rhythm and slow tempo for clean switches.
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Waltz in 3/4 with few chords (D, A, G, Em). Forgiving pace for smooth transitions and expressive fingerstyle.
Hotel California – Eagles
Accessible verse chords plus iconic harmonies/solo. Steps up lead skills (arpeggios, bends) for intermediates.
Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Open chords with slides and bends. Emphasizes dynamics, tone, emotion, and subtle techniques.
These songs balance accessibility with real musical payoff — few chords, forgiving tempos, and familiar melodies that make practice feel joyful.
Essential Advice for Learning Guitar in 2026
Starting (or restarting) guitar can feel overwhelming, but consistent, smart practice turns beginners into confident players. Here are practical, proven tips to help you progress steadily and enjoy the journey:
Practice consistently but keep sessions short: Aim for 15–30 minutes daily (or more if you can) rather than infrequent long sessions. Daily practice builds muscle memory faster and prevents burnout. Consistency beats intensity every time.
Start with the fundamentals: Master basic open chords (E, A, D, G, C, Em, Am) and learn the string names (Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears). Get proper posture: sit/stand straight, relax your shoulders, and hold the guitar comfortably without tension.
Tune every time: Use a free app like Guitar Tuna before playing. Practicing out of tune trains your ear incorrectly and makes everything sound bad.
Use a metronome from day one: Start slow (50–60 BPM) to build steady timing and rhythm — the foundation of all music. Many beginners neglect this, but it dramatically improves groove.
Focus on technique early: Press strings just hard enough for clean sound (avoid death-grip tension — it causes pain and slows you down). Use proper fretting (fingertips, close to frets) and relaxed strumming/picking motion.
Learn songs you love: Pick easy tracks from the lists above. Combine tabs from Ultimate Guitar with listening to originals to develop your ear for timing, feel, and tone.
Warm up and stretch: Do simple finger exercises or chromatic runs to build dexterity and avoid cramps. Record yourself weekly to track progress and spot issues.
Avoid common pitfalls: Don’t rush ahead (e.g., skip basics for flashy solos), practice only what you already know, or jump between random YouTube videos. Stick to one structured resource (like JustinGuitar.com’s free beginner courses — highly recommended by thousands for clear, step-by-step guidance).
Be patient and have fun: Fingers will hurt at first (build calluses gradually), and progress feels slow — that’s normal. Celebrate small wins like your first clean chord change or smooth transition. Mistakes are how you learn; relax, enjoy the process, and remember: every pro started exactly where you are.
As Adam Speck from guitarguitar notes, these popular hits are genuinely beginner-friendly with practice. Grab your guitar, start with one song, and make 2026 the year you become the guitarist you’ve always wanted to be. You’ve got this — happy playing!
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