Essential Guitar Songs for Intermediate Players

Every aspiring guitar player faces the question of which songs they should master. However, there's no cut-and-dried rule as to what any given guitar player must know. While some songs might come naturally to one player, they might pose a challenge for another. It's important to focus on what you enjoy and want to play, rather than feeling pressurized to keep up with others.

Why Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach?

What some guitar players find easy to play, others might struggle with. The mentality of wanting to be in the "big league" by mastering certain songs can be counterproductive. Instead, it's crucial to focus on your own skill level and what you enjoy playing. Every guitar player, regardless of experience, should prioritize playing what resonate with them before impressing others.

Introduction to... "Greensleeves"

'Greensleeves' is a Great Choice for Intermediate Guitarists

'Greensleeves' is a beautifully composed tune that offers timeless appeal. It's a great starting point for intermediate guitarists who are also learning to read music. The song features a few sharps, which can add to its enigmatic and challenging nature. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to pick up on finger-picking techniques, which are essential for any guitar player. I remember learning 'Greensleeves' many years ago, and I still enjoy playing it from time to time.

Choosing Your Own Path

The Importance of Personal Preference and Challenge

There's no list of mandatory songs that every intermediate guitar player must know. My best advice is to play the songs you truly love and are challenged by. You will be playing these songs an endless number of times, so it's vital to enjoy them. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore genres, keys, and time signatures that are not easy or natural to you. If you find a particular song challenging and can’t seem to get past it, it’s okay to drop it and return to it in a few months. You might surprise yourself with your progress and capabilities.

Diving into Genres

Classical Guitar

For classical guitar, there’s an established repertoire of pieces that you can choose from or are often expected to learn. These pieces are typically found in classical guitar books. Some examples include works by composers like Tarrega, Sor, and Aguilar.

Blues

In the world of blues, it’s expected that you can play a variety of different grooves, such as shuffle, slow blues, and funky blues. Being able to improvise in the most important keys (E Major, A Major, A Minor, B Minor) using the pentatonic scale and licks based on it is crucial. Essential blues songs include "Crossroads," "Born Under a Bad Sign," and "Sweet Home Chicago."

Jazz

When it comes to jazz, there are numerous classic standards to choose from. 'Autumn Leaves' and 'Rhythm Changes' are two such songs that many beginners often start with. Other notable jazz pieces include 'Take Five,' 'So What,' and 'Round Midnight.'

Conclusion

The world of music is vast and diverse, and there’s no one-size-fits-all list of songs that intermediate guitar players must know. Focus on enjoying the music you play and pushing yourself to learn new genres and techniques. 'Greensleeves' and 'Cliffs of Dover' are great starting points, but don't limit yourself. Explore and have fun with the music that inspires you.