The Five Best Folk Songs for Beginning Guitarists

A new guitar player unsure of what to learn and how to practice may want to lean toward folksy tunes-the sort that can be played nonchalantly around a campfire for friendly feedback without too much pressure. Folk songs are typically pretty easy to play, and complex vocal ability is not always necessary for many gritty, organic folk songs.

Although not mentioned on the list of songs below, early Bob Dylan records are definitely a good starting point. In Bob Dylan's case, a single song does not stand out as ideal. Rather, consider his early library in its entirety. Bob Dylan's first few albums were much more bare-bones and truly folksy, whereas the later years feature full-on backing bands, wicked solos, and other elements not conducive to both a new player and an ideal "campfire" setting.

1. "This Land is Your Land." Like Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie offers a wide range of options. His classic song "This Land is Your Land" is fairly easy to play and is very recognizable for almost any audience. Chords for "This Land is Your Land" can be found at the Ultimate-Guitar website.

2. "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag." The song "Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag" by Country Joe and the Fish is a great folk song. Country Joe played the song at Woodstock, further skyrocketing the song's recognition and popularity. It's got a very repetitive chorus that is easy for a campfire sing-along. The chord progression is more difficult than "This Land is Your Land," but the strumming pattern is much easier. Sheet music for the song is available at CountryJoe.com.

3. "Anyone Else But You." A more contemporary piece that is very easy is "Anyone Else but You" by The Moldy Peaches. This song is two chords with a simple strumming pattern. It can be played solo, but is written to be sung as a duet, so it creates for neat audience participation if you are lacking a partner. Chords and lyrics for "Anyone Else But You" are found at MxTabs.

4. "All I Want is You." Another modern song is Barry Louis Polisar's "All I Want is You." It only requires three chords yet sounds great and has a catchy folk rhythm. The chords can be found at Tab Wiki.

5. "We're going to be Friends." Though the White Stripes are by no means a folk band, "We're going to be Friends" has a distinctive folk sound, it's easy to play, and it is very recognizable for singing along with groups of friends. The song's lyrics and chords are available from Ultimate-Guitar.

For those looking to play electric folk songs, consider the customization suggestions found in my article "The Best Kind of Stratocaster Guitar for a Country Player" since the plugged-in tones desired will be very similar.

Sources:

Steve Putz, This Land is Your Land Chords, Ultimate-Guitar.

Joe McDonald, I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag, Country Joe's Place

Bigearedbean, The Moldy Peaces - 'Anyone Else But You' Guitar Tab, MxTabs.

Jeremy Latimer, Barry Louis Polisar/All I Want is You, Tab Wiki.

Grant Yeardley, We Are Going To Be Friends Chords, Ultimate-Guitar.