Songs that are easy to play without a capo for guitar beginners
If you’ve just started learning guitar chords, you might be unsure which songs to play.
Many of you are probably looking for songs that are as easy to understand as possible and built with simple chords.
So in this article, I’ll introduce easy songs you can play without using a capo to hold down the frets.
I’ll cover a wide range—from pop and rock to ballads—so you’re sure to find a favorite.
Try playing songs that match your theme, like “I want tracks with fewer barre chords” or “I’m looking for songs with a slower, more relaxed progression.”
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Songs that are easy to play without a capo for beginner guitarists (1–10)
You don’t listen to rock.aimyon
Aimyon is a female singer-songwriter whose vivid, scene-evoking lyrics and acoustic sound have garnered strong support, especially among younger listeners.
Her major 3rd single, “Kimi wa Rock wo Kikanai” (“You Don’t Listen to Rock”), pairs a realistic, youth-overlapping story with a refreshing melody that feels great.
While most of the song is built from basic, easy-to-grip chords, it also features trickier changes like D/F# and D#dim, so start by practicing the chord transitions at a slow tempo.
There are also barre chords, but since they’re not 6th-string-root shapes like F, it’s a number that beginners will find relatively approachable.
Dried flowersYuuri
Singer-songwriter Yuuri, whose presence continues to grow thanks to a voice and songs that make your heart tremble just by listening, has a massive hit with his second major digital single, “Dry Flower,” boasting over 500 million streams.
The song features some challenging chords like D/F#, D#dim, and B7, but since the surrounding chords are simple, start by thoroughly learning each chord shape.
The overall tempo is relaxed as well, so if you practice calmly, it’s approachable even for beginner guitarists.
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda, who was a symbol of the idol boom of the 1980s and continues to work energetically as a singer-songwriter today.
Her 8th single Akai Sweet Pea, which has been continuously covered by artists since its release, is known as one of her most popular signature songs.
While chords like C#m7-5 and B7 may be challenging for beginner guitarists, the song is overall simple with a relaxed tempo, making it approachable.
As a classic from years past, it’s a staple Showa-era idol song that’s well worth adding to your repertoire.
Songs that are easy to play without a capo for beginner guitarists (11–20)
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
Elephant Kashimashi is a four-piece rock band whose trademark is the impactful presence of vocalist Hiroji Miyamoto.
Their 15th single, “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni,” written as the theme song for the TV drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara,” has been widely known across generations as one of the band’s signature songs since its release.
Although it features many barre chords and several challenging shapes like B7 and G/F, the chord changes are relaxed, so beginner guitarists can take their time and learn each chord steadily.
It’s a famous song everyone knows, making it a fun and highly recommended piece to practice for sing-and-play performances.
to youMONGOL800
Although they are based in their home of Okinawa Prefecture, MONGOL800 is known as a leading rock band of the 2000s youth-punk boom.
Their song “Anata ni,” used in a commercial for Lion’s “TOP,” is a catchy rock tune that, despite not being a single, has been covered by many artists.
It only uses simple, basic chords, and the only barre chord is Bm with a 5th-string root, so it’s easy to learn and play.
However, because the song has a driving feel and the chords change rapidly, be careful not to fall behind the rhythm.
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama is a singer-songwriter who has found success both as a musician and an actor, and he’s also beloved for his humorous personality.
His 15th single “Sakurazaka,” used as the theme song for the “Mirai Nikki V” segment of the variety show “U-nan no Honto Kō!,” features bittersweet lyrics and a melody drawn from Fukuyama’s own experiences that really resonate.
Since it mainly uses simple chord shapes and the only barre chord is Bm7 with the 5th string as the root, it’s approachable for beginner guitarists.
With its relaxed tempo that allows for comfortable playing, it’s a timeless classic.
To the Lightmiwa
Singer-songwriter miwa, known for her refreshing melodies woven with a cute singing voice, has gained widespread popularity.
Her 9th single “Hikari e,” written as the theme song for the TV drama Rich Man, Poor Woman, is an upbeat track distinguished by its transparent ensemble.
While the song is uptempo, the chord changes are relaxed, and only simple chord shapes appear, making it approachable for beginner guitarists.
Once you get comfortable, try tackling the arpeggio in the opening—it’s a number with a pleasantly exhilarating drive.