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)
Heroineback number
Back number is a three-piece rock band that enjoys immense popularity among younger generations for their heart-wrenching, relatable lyric stories.
Their 11th single “Heroine,” featured as the theme song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercial, is known as one of back number’s signature tracks.
Since it includes barre chords like F and Bm7, as well as tricky shapes such as D/C, D#dim, and B7, beginner guitarists should start by practicing and getting used to each chord form.
Once you get accustomed to the chord changes, the relaxed tempo makes it easy to play, and it’s a famous song that’s great to perform in front of others.
somedaySaucy Dog
Saucy Dog is a three-piece rock band drawing attention for lyrics that capture everyday life in a relatable, true-to-size way.
“Itsuka,” included on their first mini-album Country Road, is a memorable number featuring a lyrical rock ensemble, and was used as the ending theme for AbemaTV’s AbemaPrime.
While it includes barre chords like F and D# and chords such as B7 that can be challenging for beginner guitarists, the chord changes are quite relaxed, so once you firmly learn the shapes, it should be fairly easy to play.
Since the guitar part isn’t overly difficult, try putting extra focus into your vocals to elevate the overall performance.
Become the windtsuji ayano
Ayano Tsuji is a singer-songwriter who’s gained popularity with her organic style of ukulele-and-vocal performances.
Her 6th single, “Kaze ni Naru,” used as the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns, is a track whose fresh, breezy ensemble—true to its title—sticks in your ears.
If you play it on ukulele like the original, it’s simple, but on guitar it introduces some tricky chords—starting with barre chords and including shapes like A#dim and D/C—so learn each form one by one.
The chord changes aren’t that fast, making it a great practice piece for beginner guitarists.
cherrysupittsu
Spitz is a four-piece rock band that has enjoyed long-lasting popularity with songs featuring striking guitar arpeggios and high-register vocals.
Their 13th single, “Cherry,” became a million seller despite having no tie-in, and is known as one of Spitz’s signature songs.
Throughout the song, it uses only basic chords, and even chords that appear partway through—like Fmaj7 and Cadd9—are easy to finger, making it approachable for beginner guitarists.
However, since the F chord appears quite frequently and the tempo is fast, it’s best to start practicing at a slow tempo and focus on executing solid chord changes at the beginning.
Everyday Revolutionneguse.
Neguse is a four-piece rock band based in Nagoya that’s been gaining popularity through their self-produced projects and music videos.
“Nichijo Kakumei,” included on their mini-album Wonderland ni Aijou o!, leaves a lasting impression with its delicate ensemble and catchy melody.
The song is largely built on basic chords, with Bm being the only barre chord, but be mindful of the trickier D/F# that appears in the latter half.
With its fairly relaxed tempo and a touch of melancholy, it’s an approachable number even for beginner guitarists.
Until the day we meet againyuzu
Yuzu, a folk duo widely supported by listeners across generations and a flagship act among musicians who got their start on the streets.
Their 14th single, “Mata Aeru Hi Made,” used as the ending theme for the TV anime Doraemon, features lyrics said to be compiled from the words of children who took part in an adventure camp organized by member Yujin Kitagawa—lyrics that truly hit home.
While slightly tricky chords like C7 and Am/G do appear, the song mostly uses easy fingerings overall, making it a great pick for beginner guitarists.
Just be careful: if you can’t lock into the bouncy feel of the shuffle beat, the vibe of the song can change significantly.
dancerVaundy
Vaundy, a singer-songwriter who’s also an active art school student, is drawing attention and taking the J-POP scene by storm with his modern, urban musical sensibilities.
His 13th digital-only single, “Odoriko,” features a simple ensemble built around the bass line that really highlights the catchy melody and choral work.
Chords like B7 and barre-chord Cm pop up here and there, but the chord changes are quite relaxed, making it approachable even for beginner guitarists.
First, get comfortable with the chord shapes, and practice repeatedly so you can perform with confidence.