• From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2007-02-08
  • Posts: 1,912

Topic: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

I was just reading a post requesting easy songs.... and we usually tell the newer members to just check the songbooks and offer 1 or 2 of our own recommendations. We tend to get a lot of requests for this! So I'm proposing that every one leave a recommendation or 2 here with a link to an accurate tab from chordie and I'll compile them all into a songbook. Doing it this way should give us a wide range of music and hopefully a very usefull songbook for beginners. Keep in mind that most of the fellow chordians asking for this are beginners so lets keep them real simple. Easy to sing is also something to keep in mind. Most of the people using these will ,probably,  be cutting their teeth on doing both at the same time. -Pix

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Guitarpix's Website

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Good idea, but I'll have to rely on you (or someone who's a better player than me) to validate the "accurate" part. 

I'll go through my song-book and pull out a couple hopefully this evening.

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

3 Reply by LesPaulGuy (edited by LesPaulGuy 2008-09-24 19:14:49)

  • From: Texas
  • Registered: 2008-08-05
  • Posts: 256

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Pix ... I've worked on these already ... they're good to go ... I figured different styles would be a good variety for the beginners

Blue on Black - Kenny Wayne Shepherd
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.g … 17156.html

Stars on the Water - George Strait
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.r … r-crd.html

Problem Child - AC/DC
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.x … _child.txt

"Rhythm drives the Rock-n-Roll train"

Gibson Les Paul/PRS Custom/Ovation Celebrity Koa
Line6 SpiderIII 75
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2007-02-08
  • Posts: 1,912

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Cool thanks for the suggestions! If I get enough to warrant it, I'll probably split this into 2 songbooks. Acoustic & Electric to better focus on the players intrest.-Pix

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Guitarpix's Website

  • From: Ipswich, UK
  • Registered: 2008-05-20
  • Posts: 101

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

What a FAB idea, Pix. I wish there'd been such a thing when i 1st stared out. .:)

Here's my reccommendations.. smile

ELECTRIC

Apache, The Shadows
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.u … ;id=331397

Wonderful tonight, Eric Clapton
(no link, the song has been taken down)

ACOUSTIC

Love Is All Around, Wet Wet Wet (or The Troggs)
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.g … 19801.html

Bad Moon Rising, CCR
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/teman … ing.chopro

Blue moon
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/?url= … ranspose=0

I cant help falling in love with you, Richard Marx
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/?url= … ranspose=0

That'll do for now...

Rachael x

The time to be happy, is NOW !

Freshman acoustic, IbanezGAX70, MarshallMG15cd, Digitech:RP100
  • From: Madeira Beach, Florida
  • Registered: 2007-12-05
  • Posts: 3,311

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

This is a great idea Pix. The first two I learned (and am still trying to perfect):

Knockin On Heavens Door
Bob Dylan

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.u … p;id=66607

And even though it has the beginner's dreaded F chord (start with the cheater version):

House of the Rising Sun

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.p … SINGSN.TXT

Rule No. 1 - If it sounds good - it is good!
  • From: Renfrewshire, Scotland
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 1,359

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Here's my tuppence worth

Amazing Grace
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/?url= … ranspose=0

Caledonia by Dougie MacLean
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/?url= … anspose=-5

Is anything really made up of zeros and ones??

alvee33's Website

8 Reply by bonedaddy (edited by bonedaddy 2008-09-26 08:39:03)

  • From: Grimsby, UK
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 604

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

great idea!

try:  Julie by The Levellers

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.b … ent=260979

or

Billy Davey's Daughter by Stereophonics

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.b … ent=260979

for what it's worth, they're great songs! 


Enjoy

I'm the son of rage and love
  • From: Madeira Beach, Florida
  • Registered: 2007-12-05
  • Posts: 3,311

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

I just want to bump this thread because I think it is an excellent idea and a benevolent undertaking by Pix. Come on Chordians! Speak Up! What were the first tunes you learned to play? Everyone was a beginner once.

I'm also going to sticky this thread to keep it on top for a week or so.

Rule No. 1 - If it sounds good - it is good!
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2007-02-08
  • Posts: 1,912

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Thanks Tops! I'll throw out a few I had in mind...
Drivin' n' Cryin' s "Straight to hell" http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.g … /5651.html
Tom Petty "Free Fallin" http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.g … 14472.html
John Denver "Leaving on a Jet Plane" http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.g … /5090.html
Gordon Lightfoot "Sundown" http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.r … n-crd.html
Green Day "Good Riddance" http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.u … p;id=12832

There are so many more that come to mind but I don't want to suggest too many....

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Guitarpix's Website

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2007-02-08
  • Posts: 1,912

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

After I get the songbook organized I'm going to edit the songs to include a basic strumming pattern. So if you know the one for the song you recommend feel free to add it with your post. If not I'll work them out...Thanks! -Pix

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Guitarpix's Website

  • From: BELGIUM
  • Registered: 2007-01-27
  • Posts: 3,403

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Songs I like are more acoustic than electric, but I see a lot of artists I never heard about, again US vs EUROPE.
I stick to
- JOHN DENVER
- BOB DYLAN is one of my all time favorite song writers, AND he uses only 3-4 chords so for beginners... great tunes, easy chords and great songs.
- THE BEATLES: Yesterday, Let it be, When I'm 64....
- ROLLING STONES: My sweet lady Jane, Ruby Tuesday, Mother's little kelper
- CAT STEVENS: Lady d'Arbanville, Father and Son, Wild World
AND MANY MORE, see GITAARDOCPHIL'S SONGBOOK.

[color=blue]- GITAARDOCPHIL SAIS: TO CONQUER DEAD, YOU HAVE TO DIE[/color]   AND [color=blue] we are born to die[/color]
- MY GUITAR PLAYS EVERY STYLE = BLUES, ROCK, METAL, so I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT.
[color=blue]Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock.[/color]

gitaardocphil's Website

13 Reply by mixter102 (edited by mixter102 2008-09-28 00:22:43)

  • From: Stockton Ca
  • Registered: 2007-10-19
  • Posts: 192

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

A couple of classic country songs that are great for beginers are

Jambalaya by Hank Williams

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/?url= … ranspose=0

and

Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/?url= … ranspose=0

14 Reply by LesPaulGuy (edited by LesPaulGuy 2008-09-30 13:30:49)

  • From: Texas
  • Registered: 2008-08-05
  • Posts: 256

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Good pick-up on Drivin' N' Cryin' Pix ... great song not many know about

"Rhythm drives the Rock-n-Roll train"

Gibson Les Paul/PRS Custom/Ovation Celebrity Koa
Line6 SpiderIII 75

15 Reply by Headcase (edited by Headcase 2008-11-18 00:03:09)

  • Registered: 2008-06-20
  • Posts: 139

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Here's five that I think are easy,  the songs can all be got at the Chordie Artists section, under the names below.

Seven Spanish Angles,  Chords  A  D  E7.  By  Willie Nelson & the late Ray Charles.

The City Of New Orleans,     Chords   G  C  D  Em  D7. Willie Nelson.

Good  Hearted  Woman,        Chords   G  C  D7.  Waylon Jennings.

The Lost Highway,                Chords  G  C  D7.  Hank  Williams.

Hobo  Bill's  Last  Ride,         Chords  G  Am  C  D7.  Jimmie Rodgers.

All these songs are normaly 1  4  5,  Remember  the five chord is a Domanant 7th, beginers can
get away with playing the five chord as Major.   The City of New Orleans has 1 4 5 6, the sixth,
chord is always Minor,  Hobo  Bill's  Last  ride has 1 2 4 5, now the two chord is Minor;  however,
you can play it as a Domanant 7th, or even Major.   Remember the chord system  I.E.

[1]  G MAJOR [2] A minor [3] B minor [4] C MAJOR [5] D, Domanant 7th  [6] E minor ,

[7] F Dim [8] G Major.

I normanly never write out the eight chord it's the same as One.
Remember it's the same for any Key!  Hope this helps.

As for;  The City of New Orleans  it gives an Am  and a Bm however I play that bit with just the Am; I have tried the Bm, and it sounds out of place, or maybe it's just me.  Anybody any other,
thoughts let me know.


As you learn how to play them you can increse the number of chords, but don't go overboard?

I'll have another look through my song books, I think this is a great Idea!

Luck to all!!!

  • Registered: 2006-04-30
  • Posts: 80

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

I would nominate any of the classic gospel tunes.  My personal favorites are I Saw The Light, Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Are You Washed In the Blood Of The Lamb and I'll Fly Away.  Just play in the key of G and use G, C and D chords.  Substitute a G7 and D7 once in a while to give a more bluegrassy/country sound.  Throw in an Em in place of a G occasionally and now you're really improvising.  Capo up the neck when you need to better fit your vocals.

Please talk slowly I don't hear good any more.
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2007-02-08
  • Posts: 1,912

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Thanks everyone!  Anymore?

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Guitarpix's Website

  • From: Almancil, Algarve, Portugal
  • Registered: 2006-09-02
  • Posts: 6,198

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Here's a real beginners song, two chords only and just revitalised here in Portugal as it is used as background music to an advert for Portuguese Electricity. This spiritual song was originally recorded by Laurie London in 1958 but I have yet to findout who is singing the new one.

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.u … ;id=343288


Roger

"Do, or do not; there is no try"

Roger Guppy's Website

  • From: Texas
  • Registered: 2008-08-05
  • Posts: 256

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Kenny Chesney - Anything But Mine
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.u … ;id=200253

Social Distortion - Cold Feelings
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.g … 17772.html

Social Distortion - Don't Take Me for Granted
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.u … ;id=156365

"Rhythm drives the Rock-n-Roll train"

Gibson Les Paul/PRS Custom/Ovation Celebrity Koa
Line6 SpiderIII 75
  • dino48
  • Honoured Member
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  • From: los banos,california
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

HI guitarpix , I think almost any song done by the following three would be easy beginner music, Buddy Holly, Neil Diamond amd Credence clearwater . Most are only three easy chords.              dino48

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman

21 Reply by leodragon (edited by leodragon 2008-10-31 02:04:29)

  • From: Colorado
  • Registered: 2008-09-06
  • Posts: 31

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

How about Pink Floyd-Wish you were here=4 chords G/C/D/Am

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/getso … e.2.chopro

and Lynyrd Skynyrd-Simple man= 3 chords/C/G/Am

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/getso … e_man2.tab

finally Simon & Garfunkel-Bye Bye Love=3 chords G/D/A transpose -2 semi's

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/hem.p … 1944-06-06
=always&tuning=EADGBE&transpose=-2

Hopefully this will help out the newbies.:D

Picking away at life, one tune at a time.
  • From: Louisiana
  • Registered: 2008-11-06
  • Posts: 863

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Roger Guppy wrote:

Here's a real beginners song, two chords only and just revitalised here in Portugal as it is used as background music to an advert for Portuguese Electricity. This spiritual song was originally recorded by Laurie London in 1958 but I have yet to findout who is singing the new one.

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.u … ;id=343288


Roger

This is the first song my 9 year old Grandson has learned.( I am teaching him as I learn. I hope it will turn into student teaching teacher situation one day.) Since The Long Black Train is among his favorite songs I showed him how to play it using C G and F. He is doing the one finger C and G right now but the fact that he can play and sing for his folks has really boosted his enthusiasm. Kind of like the song "Dream" by the Everly bros. did for me. So simple yet so pretty.

When the Power of Love overcomes The Love of Power the world will be a better place.

deadstring's Website

  • From: Almancil, Algarve, Portugal
  • Registered: 2006-09-02
  • Posts: 6,198

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

Hi Deadstrings,

It is usually the first song I teach my students. Two chords and a pleasant melody, I do not know of an easier one to start with.

Roger

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Pix,

How is the Ultimate Easy/Beginner's Songbook coming along? Are you still looking for more entrys?

Roger

"Do, or do not; there is no try"

Roger Guppy's Website

  • From: Wuppertal, Germany
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 35

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

I recommend: "You Never Can Tell" (Chuck Berry or Status Quo)

  • From: Em
  • Registered: 2008-11-05
  • Posts: 3

Re: The ultimate easy/beginner songbook! Chordie collaboration..

brilliant, brilliant idea. thanks pix! agree comments above on Bob Dylan but to nominate specific songs would choose bad Moon Rising, Simple Man (as above), and these:

Beatles - Get Back:
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/?url= … ranspose=0

Neil Young - Heart of Gold:
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/?url= … ranspose=0

Troggs - Wild Thing (obviously!)
http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/?url= … ranspose=0

Enjoy.

ted

[color=blue]... you'll be glad every night, if you treated her right![/color]