100 Classic Guitar Songs

Curated worldwide hits for guitar & vocals, with progressions, keys, and difficulty analysis.

100
songs
58
beginner songs
G/C/D
Most common keys
I-V-vi-IV
Most popular progression

Filter by Progression

🎓Beginner's guide: What is a chord progression?

A chord progression is the order of chords in a song. Just like a recipe in cooking, songs have chord formulas. Learn a few common progressions and you can play tons of pop songs!

📖 How to read Roman numerals?

Progressions use Roman numerals so they work in any key:

I = degree 1 (tonic)
IV = degree 4 (subdominant)
V = degree 5 (dominant)
vi = degree 6 (minor chord)

💡 Uppercase = major, lowercase = minor

🎹 Key comparison table

The same progression maps to different chords in different keys:

DegreeIiiiiiIVVvi
Key of CCDmEmFGAm
Key of GGAmBmCDEm
Key of DDEmF#mGABm

🔥 The 3 most common progressions

I-V-vi-IV

Pop four-chord — appears in 18 songs!

Key of C: C → G → Am → F

I-IV-V-I

Classic three-chord — backbone of rock and country

Key of G: G → C → D → G

vi-IV-I-V

Sad four-chord — a ballad favorite

Key of C: Am → F → C → G

💡 How to use this playlist?

  1. Learn the chords: check the "Chords" column and make sure you can fret them
  2. Understand the progression: check the "Numerals" column to see relationships
  3. Practice rhythm: use the "Strum" column to practice patterns
  4. Play along: click YouTube and jam with the original
Want to go deeper on progressions?→ Go to the progression library
Showing 108 songs
#1Beginner

Let It Be

The Beatles · 1970

C×
G
Am×
F1
classicbeginner-friendlycampfire
Key:C
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:71
▶YouTube
#2Beginner

No Woman No Cry

Bob Marley · 1974

C×
G
Am×
F1
classicbeginner-friendlycampfire
Key:C
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:80
▶YouTube
#3Beginner

With or Without You

U2 · 1987

D××
A×
Bm2×
G
classic80s
Key:D
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:110
▶YouTube
#4Beginner

When I Come Around

Green Day · 1994

G
D××
Em
C×
90spower-chords
Key:G
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D D DU DU
BPM:98
▶YouTube
#5Beginner

She Will Be Loved

Maroon 5 · 2002

C×
G
Am×
F1
2000sbeginner-friendly
Key:C
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:102
▶YouTube
#6Beginner

Love the Way You Lie

Eminem ft. Rihanna · 2010

G
D××
Em
C×
2010sbeginner-friendly
Key:G
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:87
▶YouTube
#7Beginner

Apologize

OneRepublic · 2006

Am×
F1
C×
G
2000semotional
Key:C(Capo 3)
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:116
▶YouTube
#8Beginner

Demons

Imagine Dragons · 2012

D××
A×
Bm2×
G
2010semotional
Key:D
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:90
▶YouTube
#9Beginner

Can You Feel the Love Tonight

Elton John · 1994

G
D××
Em
C×
disneyclassicballad
Key:G
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:63
▶YouTube
#10Beginner

Not Afraid

Eminem · 2010

Am×
F1
C×
G
2010smotivational
Key:Am
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:86
▶YouTube
#11Beginner

Counting Stars

OneRepublic · 2013

Am×
C×
G
F1
2010supbeat
Key:Am
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:122
▶YouTube
#12Beginner

Paparazzi

Lady Gaga · 2009

G
D××
Em
C×
2000sdance
Key:Ab(Capo 1)
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:115
▶YouTube
#13Beginner

Someone Like You

Adele · 2011

A×
E
F#m2
D××
2010semotionalballad
Key:A(Capo 2)
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:68
▶YouTube
#14Beginner

Take On Me

a-ha · 1985

A×
E
F#m2
D××
80sclassic
Key:A
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:169
▶YouTube
#15Beginner

Viva la Vida

Coldplay · 2008

G
D××
Em
C×
2000sepic
Key:Ab(Capo 1)
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:138
▶YouTube
#16Beginner

Zombie

The Cranberries · 1994

Em
C×
G
D××
90sclassicpowerful
Key:Em
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:87
▶YouTube
#17Beginner

Hello

Adele · 2015

Em
G
D××
C×
2010semotionalpowerful
Key:Em
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:79
▶YouTube
#18Beginner

Numb

Linkin Park · 2003

Em
C×
G
D××
2000spowerful
Key:F#m(Capo 2)
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D D DU DU
BPM:110
▶YouTube
#19Beginner

Despacito

Luis Fonsi · 2017

Bm2×
G
D××
A×
2010sviral
Key:Bm(Capo 2)
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:89
▶YouTube
#20Beginner

Radioactive

Imagine Dragons · 2012

Bm2×
G
D××
A×
2010sepic
Key:Bm(Capo 2)
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:137
▶YouTube
#21Beginner

In the End

Linkin Park · 2000

Am×
F1
C×
G
2000siconic
Key:C#m(Capo 4)
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:105
▶YouTube
#22Beginner

Pompeii

Bastille · 2013

Em
C×
G
D××
2010santhemic
Key:F(Capo 1)
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:128
▶YouTube
#23Beginner

Wonderwall

Oasis · 1995

Em7
G
Dsus4××
A7sus4×
90sclassiccampfirebeginner-friendly
Key:F#m(Capo 2)
Numerals:vi - I - V - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:87
▶YouTube
#24Intermediate

Africa

Toto · 1982

A×
G#m4
C#m4×
E
F#m2
B2×
80sclassic
Key:A
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:93
▶YouTube
#25Beginner

Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Bob Dylan · 1973

G
D××
Am×
C×
classicbeginner-friendlycampfire
Key:G
Numerals:I - V - ii - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:69
▶YouTube
#26Beginner

Free Fallin'

Tom Petty · 1989

D××
Asus4×
A×
80sclassicbeginner-friendly
Key:F(Capo 3)
Numerals:I - V - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:85
▶YouTube
#27Beginner

Sweet Home Alabama

Lynyrd Skynyrd · 1974

D××
C×
G
70sclassiciconic-riff
Key:D
Numerals:V - IV - I
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:98
▶YouTube
#28Beginner

Twist and Shout

The Beatles · 1963

D××
G
A×
60sclassicupbeat
Key:D
Numerals:I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:125
▶YouTube
#29Beginner

La Bamba

Ritchie Valens · 1958

C×
F1
G
50sclassicfun
Key:C
Numerals:I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:142
▶YouTube
#30Beginner

Wild Thing

The Troggs · 1966

A×
D××
E
60sclassicfun
Key:A
Numerals:I - IV - V
Strum:D D D D
BPM:101
▶YouTube
#31Beginner

Bad Moon Rising

Creedence Clearwater Revival · 1969

D××
A×
G
60sclassicupbeat
Key:D
Numerals:I - V - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:180
▶YouTube
#32Beginner

Blowin' in the Wind

Bob Dylan · 1963

G
C×
D××
60sclassicfolkprotest
Key:G
Numerals:I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:90
▶YouTube
#33Beginner

Ring of Fire

Johnny Cash · 1963

G
C×
D××
60sclassiccountry
Key:G
Numerals:I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:107
▶YouTube
#34Beginner

Proud Mary

Creedence Clearwater Revival · 1969

D××
A×
Bm2×
G
60sclassic
Key:D
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:126
▶YouTube
#35Beginner

Stand By Me

Ben E. King · 1961

G
Em
C×
D××
60sclassicdoo-woptimeless
Key:A(Capo 2)
Numerals:I - vi - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:119
▶YouTube
#36Beginner

Every Breath You Take

The Police · 1983

G
Em
C×
D××
80sclassic
Key:Ab(Capo 1)
Numerals:I - vi - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:117
▶YouTube
#37Intermediate

Unchained Melody

The Righteous Brothers · 1965

C×
Am×
F1
G
60sclassicballadromantic
Key:C
Numerals:I - vi - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:67
▶YouTube
#38Beginner

Crocodile Rock

Elton John · 1972

G
Em
C×
D××
70sfunnostalgic
Key:G
Numerals:I - vi - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:138
▶YouTube
#39Beginner

Earth Angel

The Penguins · 1954

A×
F#m2
D××
E
50sclassicdoo-wopromantic
Key:A
Numerals:I - vi - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:76
▶YouTube
#40Beginner

Be My Baby

The Ronettes · 1963

E
C#m4×
A×
B2×
60sclassicwall-of-sound
Key:E
Numerals:I - vi - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:118
▶YouTube
#41Beginner

Perfect

Ed Sheeran · 2017

G
Em
C×
D××
2010sweddingromantic
Key:Ab(Capo 1)
Numerals:I - vi - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:65
▶YouTube
#42Intermediate

Thinking Out Loud

Ed Sheeran · 2014

D××
D/F#×
G
A×
2010sweddingromantic
Key:D
Numerals:I - V/vi - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:79
▶YouTube
#43Intermediate

Hotel California

Eagles · 1977

Bm2×
F#72
A×
E
G
D××
Em
70sclassicfingerpickingiconic
Key:Bm
Numerals:i - V - VII - IV - VI - III - iv - V
Strum:D D DU DU
BPM:75
▶YouTube
#44Advanced

Stairway to Heaven

Led Zeppelin · 1971

Am×
G#dim××
C×
D××
Fmaj7××
G
Am7×
70sclassicepicguitar-anthem
Key:Am
Numerals:i - VII - VI - V
Strum:Fingerpicking
BPM:83
▶YouTube
#45Intermediate

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

The Beatles · 1968

Am×
Am/G
Am/F#
F1
E
60sclassicbeatles
Key:Am
Numerals:i - VII - VI - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:116
▶YouTube
#46Intermediate

All Along the Watchtower

Bob Dylan / Jimi Hendrix · 1967

Am×
G
F1
E
60sclassicguitar-anthem
Key:C#m
Numerals:i - VII - VI - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:114
▶YouTube
#47Beginner

Hit the Road Jack

Ray Charles · 1961

Am×
G
F1
E
60sclassicfun
Key:Am
Numerals:i - VII - VI - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:117
▶YouTube
#48Intermediate

House of the Rising Sun

The Animals · 1964

Am×
C×
D××
F1
E
60sclassicfingerpicking
Key:Am
Numerals:i - III - IV - VI - i - III - V
Strum:Arpeggio
BPM:78
▶YouTube
#49Beginner

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)

Green Day · 1997

G
Cadd9×
D××
90sgraduationacoustic
Key:G
Numerals:I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:95
▶YouTube
#50Beginner

Take Me Home, Country Roads

John Denver · 1971

G
Em
D××
C×
70sclassiccampfiresingalong
Key:G(Capo 2)
Numerals:I - vi - V - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:82
▶YouTube
#51Beginner

Brown Eyed Girl

Van Morrison · 1967

G
C×
D××
Em
60sclassicfeel-good
Key:G
Numerals:I - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:147
▶YouTube
#52Beginner

Hey Jude

The Beatles · 1968

C×
G
F1
Am×
60sclassicsingalonganthem
Key:F(Capo 5)
Numerals:I - V - IV - vi
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:74
▶YouTube
#53Intermediate

Hallelujah

Leonard Cohen · 1984

C×
Am×
F1
G
E
80sclassicemotionalcovered
Key:C
Numerals:I - vi - IV - V - I - vi - III - IV
Strum:Arpeggio
BPM:56
▶YouTube
#54Intermediate

Wish You Were Here

Pink Floyd · 1975

G
C×
D××
Am×
Em
70sclassicemotional
Key:G
Numerals:I - IV - V - vi
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:60
▶YouTube
#55Beginner

Riptide

Vance Joy · 2013

Am×
G
C×
2010sukulelefun
Key:Db(Capo 1)
Numerals:vi - V - I
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:102
▶YouTube
#56Beginner

Hey There Delilah

Plain White T's · 2005

D××
F#m2
Bm2×
G
A×
2000sromanticacoustic
Key:D
Numerals:I - iii - vi - IV
Strum:Fingerpicking
BPM:110
▶YouTube
#57Beginner

Creep

Radiohead · 1992

G
B2×
C×
Cm3×
90siconicemotional
Key:G
Numerals:I - III - IV - iv
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:92
▶YouTube
#58Beginner

Yellow

Coldplay · 2000

G
D××
C×
Em
2000semotionalbeautiful
Key:B(Capo 4)
Numerals:I - V - IV - I
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:88
▶YouTube
#59Intermediate

Clocks

Coldplay · 2002

Eb3×
Bbm1×
Fm1
2000spiano-based
Key:Eb
Numerals:I - v - ii
Strum:Arpeggio
BPM:131
▶YouTube
#60Intermediate

The Scientist

Coldplay · 2002

Am×
F1
C×
G
2000semotional
Key:Dm(Capo 5)
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:75
▶YouTube
#61Beginner

Chasing Cars

Snow Patrol · 2006

A×
E
D××
2000semotionalwedding
Key:A
Numerals:I - V - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:104
▶YouTube
#62Beginner

I'm Yours

Jason Mraz · 2008

G
D××
Em
C×
2000sfeel-goodsummer
Key:B(Capo 4)
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:76
▶YouTube
#63Beginner

All of Me

John Legend · 2013

Em
C×
G
D××
2010sweddingromantic
Key:Ab(Capo 1)
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:63
▶YouTube
#64Beginner

Stay With Me

Sam Smith · 2014

Am×
F1
C×
2010semotional
Key:Am
Numerals:vi - IV - I
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:84
▶YouTube
#65Intermediate

Let Her Go

Passenger · 2012

D××
Em
C×
G
2010semotionalfingerpicking
Key:G(Capo 7)
Numerals:I - vi - IV - I
Strum:Fingerpicking
BPM:75
▶YouTube
#66Beginner

Photograph

Ed Sheeran · 2014

E
B2×
C#m4×
A×
2010semotionalromantic
Key:E(Capo 4)
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:108
▶YouTube
#67Beginner

Shape of You

Ed Sheeran · 2017

Am×
Dm××
F1
G
2010sviralrhythmic
Key:C#m(Capo 4)
Numerals:vi - ii - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:96
▶YouTube
#68Intermediate

Shallow

Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper · 2018

G
D××
Em
C×
Am×
2010smovieoscar
Key:G
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:96
▶YouTube
#69Beginner

Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Green Day · 2004

Em
G
D××
A×
2000siconicemo
Key:Fm(Capo 1)
Numerals:vi - I - V - II
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:86
▶YouTube
#70Intermediate

Iris

Goo Goo Dolls · 1998

D××
E
G
Bm2×
A×
90smovieemotional
Key:D
Numerals:I - II - IV - vi
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:100
▶YouTube
#71Intermediate

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Nirvana · 1991

Fm1
Bb51×××
Ab54×××
Db54×××
90siconicgrunge
Key:Fm
Numerals:i - IV - III - VI
Strum:Power chords
BPM:117
▶YouTube
#72Intermediate

Come As You Are

Nirvana · 1991

Em
G
D××
90sgrunge
Key:Em
Numerals:vi - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:120
▶YouTube
#73Intermediate

Sweet Child O' Mine

Guns N' Roses · 1987

D××
C×
G
A×
80sclassicguitar-anthem
Key:D
Numerals:I - bVII - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:125
▶YouTube
#74Intermediate

Nothing Else Matters

Metallica · 1991

Em
Am×
C×
D××
G
B7×
90sepicfingerpicking
Key:Em
Numerals:i - iv - VI - VII
Strum:Fingerpicking
BPM:46
▶YouTube
#75Intermediate

Enter Sandman

Metallica · 1991

Em
G53×××
F#52×××
90siconic-riff
Key:Em
Numerals:i - III - II
Strum:Power chords
BPM:123
▶YouTube
#76Beginner

Smoke on the Water

Deep Purple · 1972

G53×××
Bb51×××
C53×××
70sclassiciconic-riffbeginner-friendly
Key:Gm
Numerals:i - III - IV
Strum:Power chords
BPM:112
▶YouTube
#77Intermediate

Back in Black

AC/DC · 1980

E5×××
D5×××
A5×××
80sclassiciconic-riff
Key:E
Numerals:I - bVII - IV
Strum:Power chords
BPM:92
▶YouTube
#78Intermediate

Highway to Hell

AC/DC · 1979

A5×××
D5×××
G53×××
70sclassicanthem
Key:A
Numerals:I - IV - bVII
Strum:D D DU DU
BPM:116
▶YouTube
#79Intermediate

You Shook Me All Night Long

AC/DC · 1980

G
C×
D××
80sclassic
Key:G
Numerals:I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:128
▶YouTube
#80Beginner

Seven Nation Army

The White Stripes · 2003

Em
G
C×
B2×
2000siconic-riffsports-anthem
Key:Em
Numerals:i - III - VI - V
Strum:Single note riff
BPM:124
▶YouTube
#81Beginner

Redemption Song

Bob Marley · 1980

G
Em
C×
Am×
D××
80sclassicacousticmeaningful
Key:G
Numerals:I - vi - IV - ii - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:92
▶YouTube
#82Beginner

Three Little Birds

Bob Marley · 1977

A×
D××
E
70sfeel-goodbeginner-friendly
Key:A
Numerals:I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:74
▶YouTube
#83Beginner

One Love

Bob Marley · 1977

G
C×
D××
Em
70sclassicfeel-good
Key:Bb(Capo 3)
Numerals:I - IV - V - vi
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:77
▶YouTube
#84Beginner

Mad World

Tears for Fears · 1982

Em
A×
D××
G
80semotionalcovered
Key:Fm(Capo 1)
Numerals:vi - II - V - I
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:88
▶YouTube
#85Intermediate

I Will Always Love You

Whitney Houston · 1992

G
Em
C×
D××
90sballadpowerful
Key:A(Capo 2)
Numerals:I - vi - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:67
▶YouTube
#86Intermediate

More Than Words

Extreme · 1990

G
G/B×
Cadd9×
Am7×
D××
90sromanticfingerpicking
Key:G
Numerals:I - I/3 - IV - ii - V
Strum:Fingerpicking
BPM:92
▶YouTube
#87Intermediate

Under the Bridge

Red Hot Chili Peppers · 1991

E
B2×
C#m4×
G#m4
A×
Am×
90semotional
Key:E
Numerals:I - V - vi - iii - IV - iv
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:68
▶YouTube
#88Intermediate

Californication

Red Hot Chili Peppers · 1999

Am×
F1
C×
G
90sclassic
Key:Am
Numerals:vi - IV - I - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:97
▶YouTube
#89Beginner

Have You Ever Seen the Rain

Creedence Clearwater Revival · 1971

C×
G
Am×
F1
70sclassiccampfire
Key:C
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:116
▶YouTube
#90Intermediate

Tears in Heaven

Eric Clapton · 1992

A×
E
F#m2
D××
E7
90semotionalfingerpicking
Key:A
Numerals:I - V - vi - IV
Strum:Fingerpicking
BPM:80
▶YouTube
#91Beginner

Wonderful Tonight

Eric Clapton · 1977

G
D××
C×
Em
70sromanticwedding
Key:G
Numerals:I - V - IV - vi
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:95
▶YouTube
#92Advanced

Layla

Eric Clapton · 1970

Dm××
Bb1×
C×
A×
70sclassicguitar-anthem
Key:Dm
Numerals:i - VI - VII - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:117
▶YouTube
#93Beginner

Heart of Gold

Neil Young · 1972

Em
C×
D××
G
70sclassicharmonica
Key:Em
Numerals:vi - IV - V - I
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:97
▶YouTube
#94Intermediate

American Pie

Don McLean · 1971

G
D××
Em
Am×
C×
70sclassicepicstory-song
Key:G
Numerals:I - V - vi - ii - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:104
▶YouTube
#95Beginner

Horse with No Name

America · 1971

Em
D6add9××
70stwo-chordeasy
Key:Em
Numerals:i - VII
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:122
▶YouTube
#96Beginner

Lean on Me

Bill Withers · 1972

C×
F1
G
Em
Dm××
70sclassicfeel-good
Key:C
Numerals:I - IV - V - vi
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:79
▶YouTube
#97Beginner

Ain't No Sunshine

Bill Withers · 1971

Am×
Em
Dm××
70sclassicemotional
Key:Am
Numerals:i - v - iv
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:76
▶YouTube
#98Intermediate

Here Comes the Sun

The Beatles · 1969

A×
D××
E
B7×
60sclassicfeel-good
Key:A(Capo 7)
Numerals:I - IV - V - V7
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:129
▶YouTube
#99Intermediate

Yesterday

The Beatles · 1965

G
B7×
Em
C×
D××
Am×
60sclassictimeless
Key:F(Capo 5)
Numerals:I - V7/vi - vi - IV - V - ii
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:97
▶YouTube
#100Advanced

Blackbird

The Beatles · 1968

G
Am7×
G/B×
C×
A7×
D××
60sclassicfingerpicking
Key:G
Numerals:I - ii7 - I/3 - IV - II7 - V
Strum:Fingerpicking
BPM:93
▶YouTube
#101Intermediate

Canon in D (Rock Version)

Johann Pachelbel / JerryC · 1680

D××
A×
Bm2×
F#m2
G
D××
G
A×
classicalweddingiconic
Key:D
Numerals:I - V - vi - iii - IV - I - IV - V
Strum:Arpeggio
BPM:60
▶YouTube
#102Intermediate

Don't Look Back in Anger

Oasis · 1996

C×
G
Am×
E
F1
G
90sclassicanthemsingalong
Key:C
Numerals:I - V - vi - III - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:82
▶YouTube
#103Beginner

Graduation (Friends Forever)

Vitamin C · 1999

C×
G
Am×
Em
F1
C×
F1
G
90sgraduationnostalgic
Key:C
Numerals:I - V - vi - iii - IV - I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:100
▶YouTube
#104Intermediate

Basket Case

Green Day · 1994

D××
A×
Bm2×
F#m2
G
A×
90spunkiconic
Key:Eb(Capo 1)
Numerals:I - V - vi - iii - IV - V
Strum:D D DU DU
BPM:171
▶YouTube
#105Beginner

Forever Young

Alphaville · 1984

G
D××
Em
Bm2×
C×
G
C×
D××
80sclassicnostalgic
Key:G
Numerals:I - V - vi - iii - IV - I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:68
▶YouTube
#106Intermediate

Let It Go

Idina Menzel (Frozen) · 2013

G
D××
Em
Bm2×
C×
2010sdisneypowerful
Key:Ab(Capo 1)
Numerals:I - V - vi - iii - IV
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:137
▶YouTube
#107Beginner

Memories

Maroon 5 · 2019

C×
G
Am×
Em
F1
C×
F1
G
2010snostalgicsingalong
Key:C
Numerals:I - V - vi - iii - IV - I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:91
▶YouTube
#108Beginner

All I Have to Do Is Dream

The Everly Brothers · 1958

E
B2×
C#m4×
G#m4
A×
E
A×
B2×
50sclassicromantic
Key:E
Numerals:I - V - vi - iii - IV - I - IV - V
Strum:D DU UDU
BPM:95
▶YouTube

Progression Analysis

I-V-vi-IV15 songs

The most popular progression, often called the pop four-chord

Examples: Let It Be, No Woman No Cry, With or Without You, Someone Like You, Viva la Vida

vi-IV-I-V15 songs

The "Sensitive Female Chord Progression" - emotional and powerful

Examples: Zombie, Hello, Numb, Despacito, All of Me

I-IV-V18 songs

Classic three-chord rock and blues foundation

Examples: La Bamba, Twist and Shout, Bad Moon Rising, Good Riddance, Three Little Birds

I-vi-IV-V14 songs

The 50s doo-wop progression - timeless and nostalgic

Examples: Stand By Me, Every Breath You Take, Perfect, Hallelujah, Wonderful Tonight

i-VII-VI-V12 songs

Andalusian cadence - dramatic and powerful

Examples: Hotel California, Stairway to Heaven, All Along the Watchtower, Hit the Road Jack, Nothing Else Matters

I-III-IV-iv1 songs

Unique progression using borrowed minor iv chord

Examples: Creep

Canon8 songs

Pachelbel's Canon progression (I-V-vi-iii-IV-I-IV-V) - from 17th century to modern hits

Examples: Canon in D, Memories, Graduation, Don't Look Back in Anger, Basket Case

Key Distribution

Why are these 100 songs great for guitar & vocals?

This list curates classic, popular guitar-singalong songs from the 1960s to today. Selection criteria include:

  • Simple chords: most songs use 4–6 basic shapes
  • Easy rhythm: clear strumming patterns for beginners
  • Great melodies: satisfying and fun to play
  • High familiarity: perfect for gatherings and campfires

Most common progression

Among these 100 songs, I-V-vi-IV (e.g., C-G-Am-F) is the most common progression, appearing in 18 songs. It is often called the pop four-chord because it sounds familiar and catchy. Learn it and you can play nearly 20% of this list.

Best keys for beginners

G major and C major are the most beginner-friendly keys because their chords (G, C, D, Em, Am) are open shapes without full barres. If a song is in a different key, use a capo to transpose.

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