Pop Songs Lessons
Malibu by Miley Cyrus
We will be learning an acoustic fingerstyle version of this Miley Cyrus tune. The song requires a capo at the first fret and knowledge of some open chords and a Bm barre chord.
Song Difficulty: 4
Feel It Still by Portugal The Man
In this lesson we are going to learn all the parts to Feel It Still by Portugal The Man.
Song Difficulty: 3
Lips Are Moving by Meghan Trainor
Learn how to play this easy 3 chord pop tune. Chords used are G, C, and Am
Song Difficulty: 3
Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur
This tune uses just 4 chords - G, D, Em7, and C. You will also need a capo at the 3rd fret to be in tune with the record. The song is played fingerstyle and uses basically the same arrangement throughout the entire tune.
Song Difficulty: 3
Happier by Ed Sheeran
This song is easy in respect to the chords used and the arrangement. Just need to know Am7, F, and C. However, there are some embellishments that make it sound more interesting and give it that Ed Sheeran sound.
Song Difficulty: 3
Lose Yourself by Eminem
Its not often that you hear guitar as the main instrument in the rap genre, but this one is an exception. The power chord riff sets the mood and groove for the vibe of the song. The song is played in Dm and implies 3 different chords from the D power chord position.
Song Difficulty: 3
Sweet Creature by Harry Styles
Sweet Creature is written in the key of G and incorporates finger style guitar. The song contains this heavy acoustic guitar part making it a great song to learn for those interested in finger style acoustic guitar.
Song Difficulty: 5
Daughters by John Mayer
Great acoustic tune! Written with the use of interesting extended and altered chords in classic John Mayer fashion. The chords used in this song are complex, especially in the bridge. If you are for a challenge and increasing your chord knowledge, this is a good song for you to study.
Song Difficulty: 5
Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran
Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran is a fairy easy 4 chord Pop tune. The trick here is getting the accented rhythm down.
Song Difficulty: 3
Creep by Radiohead
Learn this easy 4 chord acoustic version of Creep by Radiohead.
Song Difficulty: 3
More Than Words by Extreme Part 1
This finger style tune by Extreme requires you to tune down a half step to be in tune with the original recording.
Song Difficulty: 5
Renegades by X Ambassadors
In this lesson we will learn the song Renegades. This is an easy 4 chord song with the same arrangement throughout. The intro applies a nice hybrid picking technique. The chords used are Bm, D, A, and G
Song Difficulty: 3
Without You by Kid Laroi
In this lesson we will be learning Without You by Kid Laroi. The song has a simple arrangement and consists of just 5 basic chords. They are Am, Fmaj7, C, G and E7. Good song for those beginners learning their open chords and F chord.
Song Difficulty: 2
More Than Words by Extreme Part 2
This finger style tune by Extreme requires you to tune down a half step to be in tune with the original recording.
Song Difficulty: 5
Stitches by Shawn Mendes
In this lesson we will learn the smash pop hit Stitches. The tune requires a capo and some finger style skill. It uses 4 chords throughout - Am, G, C, and F. Just 3 sections to learn for the arrangement.
Song Difficulty: 4
Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
Check out this lesson of Love Yourself. Good song for electric or acoustic.
Song Difficulty: 3
Ex's and Oh's by Elle King
Ex's & Oh's is an uptempo pop-rock song that blends elements of alternative rock, blues rock, and rockabilly. Chords needed for this tune include Em, B7, G, D, C, and A.
Song Difficulty: 3
Perfect by Ed Sheeran
Perfect by Ed Sheeran is played with a capo at the first fret and uses G, Csus, Em, and D for most of the tune. The part is played fingerstyle and incorporates some challenging arpeggiated parts in the breaks. We will also be covering the solo.
Song Difficulty: 5
Cold Cold Cold by Cage The Elephant
In this lesson we will be learning all the parts to Cold Cold Cold by Cage The Elephant, including the solo. Need to know some basic barre chords for this one.
Song Difficulty: 3
Memories by Maroon 5
In this lesson we will be learning Memories by Maroon 5. The original recording was played on electric piano and we have transcribed this into a fingerstyle guitar part. The chords shapes used are G, Em, D, Bm, and C with a capo on the 4th fret.
Song Difficulty: 3
Sunflower by Post Malone
In this lesson we will be learning Sunflower by Post Malone. Great song for beginners with a simple chord progression and strumming pattern. Just 3 chords in this one and a great way to practicing switching on the beat.
Song Difficulty: 2
Shotgun by George Ezra
Shotgun by George Ezra is a simple 4 chord song with the same arrangement throughout. The song requires the chord shapes C, F, Am, and G played with a capo at the fifth fret.
Song Difficulty: 2
The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars
The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars is a relatively simple tune with a reggae feel. With a reggae feel you will be playing on the up beats rather than the downbeats. From an arrangement standpoint, pretty easy with 3 parts mad mostly of a I-IV-V progression. The challenging part is the key. Being in the key of B we have all barre chords.
Song Difficulty: 4
Dance Monkey by Tones And I
In this lesson we will be learning Dance Monkey by Tones and I. The song consists of 4 chords with capo at the 2nd fret. The chords are Em, C, D, and Bm. The chords are played in the same progression throughout the entire tune. Since there are no noticeable guitar parts on the recording we have a lot of latitude to interpret the song on guitar.
Song Difficulty: 3
Gravity Solo Lesson - John Mayer
In this lesson we will be learning the solo and lead parts to Gravity by John Mayer. The song is in G and follows a I-IV chord progression. The lead parts are comprised of mostly G pentatonic major licks. Mayer's use of articulations such as hammer ons and slides makes the solo interesting, not to mention his masterful use of melodic phrasing. This is a great solo to study for those interested in playing lead guitar and improvising.
Song Difficulty: 5
Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
In this lesson we will be learning Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper. The lesson is taught on acoustic guitar but could easily be played on either acoustic or electric. The most challenging part is the melodic chordal intro theme. Other than the intro, it is mainly open chord strumming. Remember to tune down a half step to be in tune with the original recording.
Song Difficulty: 4
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
In this lesson we will be learning Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. The song, played on acoustic guitar, is mad up of 2 parts. The majority of the song is played fingerstyle using mostly open chords. The bridge consists of open chords with a simple strumming pattern
Song Difficulty: 4
Because I Had You by Shawn Mendes
Because I Had You by Shawn Mendes is a pop tune in the key of Em. It is originally played fingerstyle on electric guitar but sounds good on acoustic as well. The chords used are Em, D, C, G, and Bm, all played with a barre chord shape.
Song Difficulty: 4
Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles
In this lesson on Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles we will be focusing on the challenging rhythm aspect. While the song is comprised of the same four chord harmonic structure throughout, it is the rhythm that drives the tune. The four chords used are Dm7, Am, C, and G.
Song Difficulty: 4
You Were Meant For Me by Jewel
In this song lesson, You Were Meant For Me by Jewel, we will be using fingerstyle in the verse and strumming in the rest of the parts. It is played in the key of G. Chords used are Cadd9, C, G/B, G, D, Em, Bm, and Am7
Song Difficulty: 4
Budapest by George Ezra
In this lesson we will be studying George Ezra's Budapest. The song is played on acoustic guitar tuned down a whole step. The song is best played fingerstyle with the thumb playing the bass notes. The chords used are simple open chords G, C, and D. The challenge here is getting the groove right.
Song Difficulty: 3
Old Town Road by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
In this lesson we will be learning Old Town Road. For beginners I would suggest tuning down 1/2 step. This will allow you to play along with the original recording while using open chords. The song consists of just 4 chords - A, C, G, F.
Song Difficulty: 2
Shallow (From A Star Is Born)
In this lesson we are going to learn the song Shallow as performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the movie A Star Is Born. The song uses a fingerstyle method throughout. The fingerstyle part is pretty crucial in the verse. Later in the song a strumming pattern can be applied. We will cover both a fingerstyle and strumming way of approaching the song.
Song Difficulty: 4
Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow
In this lesson we will be learning Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow on acoustic guitar. The song is played fingerstyle but can also be strummed. It contains mainly open chords but makes use of an interesting Bm7b6 chord. From an arrangement standpoint it is relatively easy, made up of just 3 parts.
Song Difficulty: 4
High Hopes by Panic at the Disco
High Hopes by Panic at the Disco is a pretty simple tune with just 2 parts and a fairly easy strum pattern. You will need a capo at the 5th fret to play with the original recording. The chords used are F, C, Am, G, Em, and E7.
Song Difficulty: 3
Victoria by John Mayer
In this lesson we will be learning Victoria by John Mayer. We will be covering the fingerstyle parts along with the strumming that comes later. The song contains some interesting chords in the form of Maj and min 7ths. We will also be covering the solo note for note.
Song Difficulty: 5
Hey Ho by the Lumineers
In this lesson we will learn Hey Ho by the Lumineers. Good song for beginners that know open chords.
Song Difficulty: 2
Brave by Sara Bareilles
In this lesson we will study Brave by Sara Bareilles
Song Difficulty: 2
Let Her Go by Passenger (Chords and Tab)
In this lesson we will be studying the song Let Her Go by Passenger. This piece includes a fingerstyle intro with a capo at the 7th fret. Let Her Go chords are relatively basic chords with some melodic embellishments throughout. For the intro, a fingerstyle approach is used. The rest of the song uses strumming of these chords.
Song Difficulty: 7
Rolling in the Deep by Adele
In this lesson we will learn Rolling in the Deep by Adele. This is a great tune for beginners as it uses only power chords.
Song Difficulty: 1
Im Yours by Jason Mraz
In this lesson we will learn the Jason Mraz tune I'm Yours. This song requires a capo on the 2nd fret.
Song Difficulty: 3
What I Got by Sublime
In this lesson we will study the song What I Got by Sublime.
Song Difficulty: 3
Demons by Imagine Dragons
In this lesson we will learn Demons by Imagine Dragons.
Song Difficulty: 2
When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars
In this lesson we will learn When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars.
Song Difficulty: 3
Angel by Jack Johnson
In this lesson we will be learning Angel by Jack Johnson. Great tune for beginners. Uses mainly open chords.
Song Difficulty: 2
Starships by Nicki Minaj
In this lesson we will study the chord progression and guitar parts to Starships by Nicki Minaj.
Song Difficulty: 2
We Are Young by Fun
In this lesson we will learn the the song We Are Young by Fun.
Song Difficulty: 3
Forget You by Cee-Lo
In this lesson we will do a song study of the tune Forget You by Cee-Lo.
Song Difficulty: 3
Roar by Katy Perry
In this lesson we will learn the Katy Perry song Roar. Capo required for this song.
Song Difficulty: 2
Somebody I Used To Know
In this lesson we will learn Somebody I Used To Know by GOTYE.
Song Difficulty: 3
Wild Ones by Flo Rida
In this lesson we will study the chord progression to Wild Ones by Flo Rida
Song Difficulty: 2
No Such Thing by John Mayer
This lesson is a song study of John Mayer's "No Such Thing"
Song Difficulty: 7
What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
This is a song study of What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
Song Difficulty: 2
Home by Phillip Phillips
In this lesson we will study Home by Phillip Phillips.
Song Difficulty: 3
Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus
Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus begins with an R&B like chord based riff with an interesting use of rhythmic dead notes. The rest of the tune, other than the bridge is based off of the same chord progression. This tune, while played on an electric could easily be adapted to play on an acoustic with basic barre chords.
Song Difficulty: 4
Use Somebody by Kings of Leon
Learn how to play Use Somebody by Kings of Leon. The song is relatively easy with just a few parts and an easy guitar solo.
Song Difficulty: 3
I'm Not The Only One by Sam Smith
In this lesson we will be learning I'm Not The Only One by Sam Smith.
Song Difficulty: 3
Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
This is a super easy 3 chord pop tune using Am, C, and G. Great tune for beginners. There is no real guitar part in the original recording so you are free to be creative.
Song Difficulty: 1
Thinking Out Loud Chords
In this free guitar lesson we will be learning Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. This popular tune is a great song for beginners. This lesson also includes a tab sheet that you can download to follow along with the video. Thinking Out Loud chords are A, D, Em, Bm, and G. There are also A7 and D/F# used in the song. In the verse of the song Ed uses a quick hammer on lick over the A chord going into the D chord. This short melodic lick leads us back the the beginning of the phrase.
Song Difficulty: 3
All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor
In this lesson we will be learning All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor. This is a basic 3 chord tune.
Song Difficulty: 2
Pink Panther Theme
In this lesson we will study the melody to the Pink Panther theme song.
Song Difficulty: 3
Gravity by John Mayer
In this lesson we will study Gravity by John Mayer. There are just 2 parts to this soulful tune that used Hendrix style major chord voicings and maj7 chords in the choruses.
Song Difficulty: 4
Take Me To Church by Hozier
In this lesson we will study the chord progression and transpose for guitar.
Song Difficulty: 3
A Team by Ed Sheeran
In this lesson we will be learning A Team by Ed Sheeran. This song will require a capo at the 2nd fret
Song Difficulty: 3
Riptide by Vance Joy
This is a relatively simple tune using 3 or 4 open chords. The trick here is getting the strum pattern down.
Song Difficulty: 3
Your Song by Ellie Goulding
In this lesson we will learn Ellie Goulding's version of the classic Elton John tune "Your Song". Capo at 3rd fret.
Song Difficulty: 3
Ants Marching by Dave Matthews
In this lesson we will study Ants Marching by Dave Matthews
Song Difficulty: 5
All of Me by John Legend
In this lesson we will be arranging the piano based John Legend tune All of Me for acoustic guitar. Requires a capo at the 1st fret.
Song Difficulty: 2
Hey There Delilah by the Plain White T's
In this lesson I will teach how to play Hey There Delilah. Great tune for finger pickers.
Song Difficulty: 4
Counting Stars by One Republic
In this lesson we will be learning Counting Stars by One Republic. Pretty simple tune. Does require a capo
Song Difficulty: 2
Happy by Pharrell Williams
In this lesson we will be learning Happy by Pharrell Williams. The tune consists of just 2 parts. A bluesy pentatonic minor lick fills the verses and the chorus contains a Cmaj7, Bm, and E7 chord. The song does require a capo to be in tune with the original recording.
Song Difficulty: 3
Rude by Magic!
In this lesson we will be learning Rude by Magic! This is a reggae style tune using barre chords and related barre chord voicings.
Song Difficulty: 4
Wake Me Up by Avicii
This tune has a simple 4 chord progression using all open chords. The challenging part of this song is the rhythm. You will need to know C, F, Am, G, and E
Song Difficulty: 4
Payphone by Maroon 5
This is a song study of Payphone by Maroon 5
Song Difficulty: 2