30 Must-Know Guitar and Singalong Songs for Any Occasion

Whether you're a seasoned guitar player or a beginner discovering the joy of playing chords and singing along, these classic and contemporary hits are a great way to explore a diverse range of genres and styles. These songs are well-known for their simple chord progressions, making them perfect for anyone looking to play and sing at the same time. Enjoy playing them and having people beg for more when you finish!

Classic Hits

Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd Over the Hills and Far Away - Led Zeppelin Candle in the Wind (transferring great to guitar) - Elton John Golden Brown - the Stranglers The Boxer - Simon and Garfunkel American Pie - Don McLean

Note: These songs are timeless and will have your audience singing along in no time. With simple chord progressions, you can focus more on your vocals and less on intricate guitar solos. If you can sing them decently, the right guitar part is just a chord progression away!

Contemporary Favorites

Love Story - Taylor Swift Black Velvet - Alannah Myles We Will Rock You - Queen Eternal Flame - the Bangles

These songs are a great choice for contemporary pop and rock enthusiasts. They blend well with guitar arrangements, making them perfect for performances and sing-alongs. The chord progressions are simple enough to play while you focus on your vocal delivery.

Folk and Indie

Over the Hills and Far Away - Led Zeppelin (can sound folk-like) Gypsy - Suzanne Vega Layla - Eric Clapton/Derek and the Dominos Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - The Police

Folk and indie songs offer a unique twist on your repertoire. From Eric Clapton's bluesy chords to Suzanne Vega's fingerpicking style, these songs add variety and depth to your setlist. Playing these songs on guitar is a joy due to their well-known and simple chord structures.

Pop Songs

There She Goes - the Las Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix (can be adapted to guitar) How Many Roads - Bob Dylan Golden Brown - the Stranglers (popular for its pop feel)

These pop diamonds sparkle with simplicity in their chord progressions. Whether you're playing them for an impromptu jam session or a formal performance, these songs are guaranteed to get people singing along. Just stick to chord progressions and memorize your lyrics!

Rock Anthems

Romeo and Juliet - Dire Straits Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix (great for rock lovers) Mississippi - Sheryl Crow Over the Hills and Far Away - Led Zeppelin (rock staple)

For rock music aficionados, these anthems are a must. From Dire Straits' emotive ballads to Led Zeppelin's classic rock tunes, these songs are rock standards that everyone can enjoy. Focus on the chord progressions and let the melody of the song guide your vocal performance.

Remember, when singing and playing guitar, it's essential to remember that the lead guitar part is best left to a lead guitarist. Just play the chord progressions and match the key of your song to your singing. This way, you can ensure a seamless performance and keep your audience engaged.

With these 30 songs, you can play for 90 minutes non-stop and have people begging for more. Simply pick songs that you can sing decently, and you'll be able to play any song on this list with ease. Enjoy the process and the joy of playing music together.