Looking for easy songs to play on piano or guitar? This list includes 60+ familiar tracks you can play with just three simple chords — no theory, no sheet music, no stress.
Each chord set includes well-known songs across genres, from rock and reggae to pop and indie. And to make things even easier, I’ve added clear chord diagrams for both piano and guitar for every set. So you can jump straight in and start playing real music
- Understanding the three-chord formula
- C – F – G (easy classics in C major)
- G – C – D (beginner-friendly in G major)
- D – G – A (great for folk and acoustic rock)
- A – D – E (simple and upbeat for beginners)
- Am – G – C (modern minor pop favourites)
- C – G – Am (emotional pop and piano ballads)
- C – Am – F (popular modern progression)
- G – D – Em (folk-rock and indie acoustic)
- D – A – Bm (smooth transitions in pop and rock)
- Tips for playing on piano
- Tips for playing on guitar
- Learn your first song with our 7-day free trial
Understanding the three-chord formula
Most 3-chord songs use a I–IV–V progression, built from the first, fourth, and fifth chords of a major key. For example:
C – F – G (in the key of C)
G – C – D (in the key of G)
D – G – A (in the key of D)
A – D – E (in the key of A)
That simple formula gives you dozens of classic songs. But in modern pop and indie, you’ll also see minor chords creeping in — like Am – G – C or C – G – Am. Still just three chords. Still perfect for beginners.
💡 ARTMASTER TIP: Want a clearer grasp of chord progressions? FInd out how music theory can improve your songwriting for practical and beginner-friendly ideas.
C – F – G (easy classics in C major)
This is one of the most common chord sets for beginners — especially on piano. The chords sit nicely under your fingers, and they’re just as easy on guitar. With C, F, and G, you can already play loads of upbeat, feel-good songs. Here are some classics that sound great with just these three chords:
La Bamba – Ritchie Valens | This Land Is Your Land – Woody Guthrie |
Hound Dog – Elvis Presley | Iko Iko – Justin Wellington |
Jambalaya – Hank Williams | Feelin’ Alright – Joe Cocker |
You Are My Sunshine – Traditional | Surfin’ U.S.A. – The Beach Boys |
Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly | Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison |
💡 ARTMASTER TIP: Getting uneven sound from your piano chords? Find out how to improve your piano touch with simple exercises that actually make a difference.
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G – C – D (beginner-friendly in G major)
Another classic chord combo that’s super easy to learn — especially on guitar. G, C, and D are all open chords that feel natural to play, and they sound great on piano too. If you’re looking for sing-along folk, acoustic pop, or a few campfire favourites, this set has you covered:
Leaving on a Jet Plane – John Denver | Blowin’ in the Wind – Bob Dylan |
Love Me Do – The Beatles | Good Riddance – Green Day |
Cecilia – Simon & Garfunkel | Tulsa Time – Don Williams |
If I Had a Boat – Lyle Lovett | Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show |
Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson | Ho Hey – The Lumineers |
💡 ARTMASTER TIP: Want even more simple songs to build confidence? Here's a list of 20 beginner-friendly songs to learn on piano that use just a few chords.
D – G – A (great for folk and acoustic rock)
D, G, and A make a great trio for upbeat rock, country, and singable pop. They’re simple to strum on guitar and easy to find on the piano keyboard. If you're into classic tunes or acoustic covers, this set opens up a lot of great tracks:
Twist and Shout – The Beatles | Keep Your Hands to Yourself – Satellites |
The Scientist – Coldplay | The Gambler – Kenny Rogers |
I Still Haven’t Found… – U2 | Not Fade Away – Buddy Holly |
Hey Good Lookin’ – Hank Williams | She’ll Be Coming Round – Traditional |
Take It Easy – Eagles | Put Your Records On – Ritt Momney |
A – D – E (simple and upbeat for beginners)
This chord set is a favourite in rock, reggae, and classic country. A, D, and E are straightforward on both piano and guitar, and once you get the feel for them, you’ll be able to play everything from party anthems to laid-back grooves:
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley | Move It On Over – Hank Williams |
Wild Thing – The Troggs | Rock Around the Clock – Bill Haley |
Louie Louie – The Kingsmen | Tush – ZZ Top |
Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus | Kiss – Prince |
Walk of Life – Dire Straits | Everyday People – Sly & the Family Stone |
💡 ARTMASTER TIP: Starting on guitar? Before you learn more songs, check out 7 essential guitar techniques every player should know to boost your playing from day one.
Am – G – C (modern minor pop favourites)
This is a super popular chord set in indie and modern pop — especially for songs with a slightly emotional or atmospheric vibe. Whether you're playing gently on piano or strumming along on guitar, these three chords give you access to some of the biggest hits of the last decade:
Riptide – Vance Joy | Safe and Sound – Capital Cities |
Ride – Twenty One Pilots | Counting Stars – OneRepublic |
Skinny Love – Birdy | Demons – Imagine Dragons |
Sweater Weather – The Neighbourhood | Home – Phillip Phillips |
Let Me Down Slowly – Alec Benjamin | Fireflies – Owl City |
C – G – Am (emotional pop and piano ballads)
This mellow, emotional chord set is everywhere in modern pop and ballads — especially on piano. The chords feel natural to play, and they give you that expressive, heartfelt sound instantly. Perfect for slower songs, rich vocal lines, and introspective vibes:
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi | All of Me – John Legend |
Memories – Maroon 5 | Jealous – Labrinth |
Stay – Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko | Drivers License – Olivia Rodrigo |
Royals – Lorde | Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur |
Ocean Eyes – Billie Eilish | Easy On Me – Adele |
C – Am – F (popular modern progression)
This is one of the most common progressions in today’s pop music — rich, emotional, and perfect for ballads or stripped-down covers. On piano, it’s especially beginner-friendly, since all three chords use just white keys. You can keep things soft and simple or build to something big — this set always sounds good:
Blinding Lights – The Weeknd | Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran |
Hello – Adele | No Time to Die – Billie Eilish |
Stay With Me – Sam Smith | Photograph – Ed Sheeran |
Let It Go – James Bay | Somebody You Loved – Lewis Capaldi |
💡 ARTMASTER TIP: Love simple progressions that still sound rich? You’ll like this expanded list of 100+ four-chord songs you can play right now.
G – D – Em (folk-rock and indie acoustic)
This chord set shows up in loads of mellow acoustic and indie-style tracks. The minor chord (Em) adds just enough depth without making things complicated. These songs are great for relaxed strumming or gentle piano playing — easy to learn, and easy to make your own:
Let Her Go – Passenger | Hey There Delilah – Plain White T’s |
Yellow – Coldplay | Love Yourself – Justin Bieber |
All the Small Things – Blink-182 | Good People – Jack Johnson |
Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol | Fast Car – Jonas Blue (acoustic ver.) |
D – A – Bm (smooth transitions in pop and rock)
This progression is a favourite in pop and soft rock — clean, emotional, and easy to sing over. The minor chord (Bm) gives it just enough moodiness, while the shapes stay simple on both guitar and piano. You’ll find it in everything from heartfelt ballads to chart-topping hits:
What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction | Style – Taylor Swift |
Brave – Sara Bareilles | Halo – Beyoncé |
Story of My Life – One Direction | She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5 |
Back to December – Taylor Swift | Happier – Ed Sheeran |
💡 ARTMASTER TIP: Struggling to remember chord changes? It helps to think in patterns. Here's why patterns are the secret to learning music.
Tips for playing on piano
Start with root position chords – Begin with simple triads in root position to familiarise yourself with the chord shapes.
Use the sustain pedal – This helps connect chords smoothly, especially during transitions.
Practice hands separately – Master the chords with each hand individually before combining them.
Maintain a steady rhythm – Use a metronome to keep time and ensure a consistent tempo.
Explore more tips and guides on learning piano
Tips for playing on guitar
Focus on open chords – Chords like G, C, D, A, and E are beginner-friendly and widely used.
Practice chord transitions – Smooth transitions between chords are crucial for maintaining rhythm.
Use a capo – A capo lets you play songs in different keys using the same chord shapes.
Strumming patterns – Start with simple downstrokes, then gradually add upstrokes and more complex patterns.
Check out all our articles on learning guitar
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