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 (11–20)
Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS
THE BLUE HEARTS are a legendary rock band that electrified junior high and high school students with intense live performances and passionate, message-driven songs.
Their ninth single, “Jounetsu no Bara” (“Rose of Passion”), featured in Chugai Pharmaceutical’s commercial for Gronsan Kyouryoku Naifukueki, is one of the band’s signature rock tunes known to a wide range of listeners.
Since it uses many barre chords like F and B♭—often considered the first major hurdle for beginner guitarists—and has a fast tempo, start practicing at a slow pace.
Because it’s built from the basic chord forms every guitarist needs, it’s also highly recommended as a practice piece.
Messenger from Sunday↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓
A standout track with a breezy guitar riff and an exhilarating melody.
After being included on the album “THE HIGH-LOWS,” released in October 1995, it was also released as a single in February 2004.
It’s known for numerous tie-ins, including serving as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Downtown no Gottsu Ee Kanji,” a Honda commercial song, and the theme song for the film “Zebraman.” Since the original is built on three chords, it’s a number that even beginner guitarists can faithfully play.
Dancing All Nightmonta & burazāzu
A classic that swept through Japan’s 1980s music scene, depicting a sweetly romantic story.
Its nostalgic melody and lyrics that capture delicate emotions resonate deeply.
Yoshinori Monta’s distinctive husky voice beautifully expresses its romantic worldview.
Released in April 1980, it held the No.
1 spot on the Oricon charts for 10 consecutive weeks and won the Gold Prize at the 22nd Japan Record Awards.
Built mainly on three chords—Em, Am, and B7—with just a single Em/A appearing once, it’s a perfect song for mastering guitar fundamentals.
CHE.R.RYYUI
Set to a breezy melody, this is YUI’s eighth major single, delicately portraying the sweet-and-sour feelings of unrequited love.
The down-to-earth depiction of romance—like exchanging emails and the flutter of waiting for a reply—leaves a strong impression.
Released in March 2007, it drew attention as the CM song for KDDI’s “LISMO!” and was also used as the ending theme for the TV anime ReLIFE: Final Arc.
While the original features many chords and some challenging parts, you can simplify it and play it with just three chords: G, D, and A.
It’s a singable standard number that’s perfect for spring.
In conclusion
Focusing on classic J-pop songs everyone knows, we introduced tracks that are easy for beginner guitarists to tackle.
Even fast-tempo songs can be easy to play if they repeat the same chords, so they’re recommended.
Learning the positions of guitar chords without a capo will also help you handle many more songs.
If it’s hard to keep rhythm with guitar alone, try practicing along with singing.
Get a feel for the overall vibe of each song, and keep practicing until you can play one all the way through!