If you’re a music teacher with beginning guitar students, you know how important it is to find guitar tab sheet music that is appropriate for their skill level but also motivating to learn. Of course, the easiest way to motivate a student is to find music they love. But what about those students that don’t know what they like or are too indecisive? Here are ten sheet music suggestions for beginning guitarists.
1. Leonard Cohen: ‘Hallelujah’
The melody of this song is one that old and young alike can’t resist. Almost everyone has heard it, and with its slower tempo, it is perfect for beginners. It also consists of just five chords, which makes this guitar tab sheet music easier to memorize and play.
2. Billy Ray Cyrus: ‘Achy Breaky Heart’
This classic country song has simple chord progressions and isn’t overly complicated. Your students will quickly build muscle memory with this one.
3. The Beatles: ‘Twist and Shout’
Who doesn’t love The Beatles? The tune of “Twist and Shout” is repetitive and uses some of the most basic guitar chords, making it apt for beginners.
4. Snow Patrol: ‘Chasing Cars’
Your youngest students may not have heard of this one; however, give them a quick listen, and they’re sure to love it. While the guitar tab sheet music features chord progressions that are slightly more difficult than other songs on this list, the song has a slow tempo and gives your student plenty of time to prepare for the change in chords.
5. John Lennon: ‘Imagine’
Another slightly advanced beginner piece, the best part of this song is that once your student learns the introduction and bridge, they know the rest of the song. This does have 12 different chords, but the song is slower, and they have plenty of time to switch chords.
6. Greenday: ‘Time of Your Life’
This popular punk rock piece is excellent for novice guitarists needing easy guitar tab sheet music. It includes a lot of chord repetition. Most kids have heard it before and are sure to get right into it.
7. Sam Smith: ‘Stay With Me’
Sam Smith tends to have good songs for beginners because he uses relaxing rhythms and doesn’t use tons of difficult chords. It also has a simple composition, making it easy to learn and remember.
8. John Legend: ‘All of Me’
Another super popular pop song that your students will want to learn is “All of Me”. This ballad uses five chords that are doable for novice guitar players.
9. ABBA: ‘I Have a Dream’
While some students may not have heard of this song, it was popular through the 80s, and people still make covers of it today. The guitar tab sheet music for this song contains only three chords, and the strumming pattern is super easy to pick up.
10. Train: ‘Hey, Soul Sister’
This Grammy award-winning song originally features a ukulele but is easily adapted to guitar. The strumming pattern is repetitive, and the chords are simple. The only exception would be the F chord, but this is an excellent chance for your students to work on one complex chord at a time.
Where To Purchase Easy Beginner Guitar Sheet Music
There is plenty of sheet music out there, but for extensive and relevant options for beginner guitarists, we recommend you check out our collection of guitar tab sheet music.
How to Start Playing Guitar
Playing the guitar can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Whether you aspire to become a professional guitarist or simply want to strum your favorite songs in your leisure time, getting started can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some steps to help you embark on your guitar-playing journey.
Learn Guitar Anatomy
Before diving into playing, familiarize yourself with the basic parts of the guitar. This includes the body, neck, fretboard, strings, tuning pegs, and soundhole (for acoustic guitars). Understanding the instrument’s anatomy will help you follow instructions and navigate your way around the guitar more effectively.
Tune
Tuning your instrument is crucial for producing accurate and pleasant sounds. You can use an electronic tuner or smartphone apps to tune your guitar. Standard tuning for a guitar is E-A-D-G-B-E, from the thickest to the thinnest string. Make sure your instrument is in tune before you start practicing.
Learn Basic Chords
Chords are the foundation of guitar playing. Begin with some basic chords such as C, D, E, G, and A. These chords are commonly used in many songs and will help you develop finger strength and dexterity. Practice transitioning between chords smoothly, starting with simple chord progressions.
Practice Proper Posture and Technique
Developing good posture and technique is essential to avoid strain and play with precision. Sit or stand with a straight back, relax your shoulders, and hold the instrument comfortably. Position your fretting hand correctly on the neck, using the tips of your fingers to press down the strings. Strum or pick the strings using a relaxed wrist motion, and practice alternate picking for more versatility.
Start with Simple Songs
Beginners should start with songs that have simple chord progressions and strumming patterns. There are numerous resources available online that provide chord charts and tutorials for popular songs. Start by learning the chords and gradually progress to playing along with the song.
Seek Guidance
While self-teaching is possible, having a guitar teacher or joining a beginner’s class can greatly accelerate your progress. A teacher can provide personalized instruction, correct any mistakes, and offer guidance tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, interacting with fellow enthusiasts can be motivating and inspiring.
Set Realistic Goals and Practice Regularly
Improving your guitar skills requires consistent practice. Set realistic goals for yourself, such as learning a new chord or mastering a specific technique, and allocate regular practice time. Even short daily sessions can yield better results than infrequent, lengthy practice sessions. Remember that progress takes time and patience.
Explore Music Theory
While not mandatory, learning some music theory can deepen your understanding of the instrument and enhance your playing abilities. Topics such as scales, chord progressions, and rhythm can provide a solid foundation for improvisation and songwriting.
Enjoy the Journey
Playing the guitar is a lifelong journey of learning and self-expression. Embrace the process, have fun, and enjoy the music you create. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem, and stay motivated to continue progressing.
Starting to play the guitar requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for music. With practice and patience, you’ll gradually develop your skills and unlock the joy of playing this versatile instrument. So grab your instrument, follow these steps, and embark on a musical adventure that will enrich your life for years to come.
