Playing the guitar is a great hobby, and fingerpicking is a popular style of guitar playing that can create a unique sound. There are a variety of easy fingerpicking songs for the guitar, suitable for both acoustic and electric guitars.
1. The Beatles - Blackbird
With just an acoustic guitar and Paul McCartney's soothing voice, the song takes flight and carries listeners away on a mesmerizing journey. The fingerpicking pattern is simple yet intricate, and perfectly complements the song's message of hope and resilience. 'Blackbird' is a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
2. Pink Floyd - Wish you were here
The song features a soulful guitar solo that flawlessly blends with the lyrics, creating a hauntingly beautiful melody. The song is a tribute to former band member Syd Barrett, who had left the band due to mental health issues. The lyrics are a poignant reminder of the emotional toll of fame and success and the longing for simpler times.
3. Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence
The song's acoustic guitar and soft vocals create a sense of serenity and melancholy that is both soothing and poignant. The lyrics touch on the themes of alienation and the inability to communicate, which are still relevant today. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and the power of its simple yet evocative melody.
4. Patsy Cline - Tennessee Waltz
This classic song embodies the essence of modern country music. With its upbeat tempo, twangy guitar riffs, and soulful vocals, the song takes listeners on a journey through the heart of Tennessee. Cline's emotive voice and the song's catchy melody make it a beloved favorite among country music fans. Whether you're two-stepping on a dance floor or cruising down a country road
5. Johnny Cash - I walk the line
I walk the line has become a staple in American music. The song's simple yet catchy melody is instantly recognizable, and Cash's deep, resonant voice brings a sense of honesty and authenticity to the lyrics. The song's theme of loyalty and commitment, as well as its relatable message about the struggles of temptation and staying true to one's values.
6. Django Reinhardt - Minor Swing
This song showcases the quintessential sound of gypsy jazz fingerpicking. With its swift and intricate guitar melodies, the song takes the listener on a journey through the heart of France, where Reinhardt's musical legacy was born. The interplay between the guitar and the violin is nothing short of magical, creating a sense of joy and wonder that is impossible to resist.
7. Fats Waller - I can give you anything but love
This track is a classic jazz upbeat tune. While it may not be the best choice for learning the basics of jazz fingerpicking, it's a catchy tune that's sure to get toes tapping and heads bobbing. The song's lyrics are playful and romantic, making it a beloved classic that's been covered by numerous artists over the years.
8. Robert Johnson - Cross Road Blues
Cross road blues is legendary blues song that features his signature fingerpicking style on a haunting, melancholic guitar melody. The song's lyrics tell the story of a man at a crossroads, contemplating a life-changing decision. Johnson's soulful vocals and intricate guitar work make this song a true masterpiece of the Delta blues genre, and its influence can be heard in the music of countless artists who followed in Johnson's footsteps.
9. Muddy Waters - Love in Vain
Love in vain is a classic blues song that tells a melancholic tale of unrequited love. The song's haunting melody and soulful vocals convey the depth of the narrator's pain and longing, while the lyrics evoke a sense of heartbreak and despair.
10. Deep Purple - Smoke on water
The iconic guitar riff is instantly recognizable and has been covered by countless artists over the years. The lyrics describe a real-life event where the band witnessed a fire at a casino in Montreux, Switzerland, inspiring the memorable opening line, "We all came out to Montreux, on the Lake Geneva shoreline.
11. Randy Newman - You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me is a heartwarming and playful ode to friendship. The song's catchy and upbeat melody, combined with Newman's signature wit and charm, make it an instant classic. With clever lyrics that speak to the loyalty and support that true friends provide, this song is a reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we always have a friend in the world.
12. Scarborough Fair
Scarborough Fair" is a traditional English ballad that has been passed down through generations. Made famous by the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel in the 1960s, the song is known for its haunting melody and timeless lyrics. The fingerpicked guitar and ethereal vocals create a sense of longing and melancholy that resonates with listeners. The lyrics speak of impossible tasks and unrequited love, adding to the emotional depth of the song.
13. Iris - goo goo dolls
The song's melodic guitar riff is instantly recognizable, while John Rzeznik's vocals are hauntingly beautiful. The lyrics speak to the heart of anyone who has ever felt lost or alone, searching for a connection that seems just out of reach. "Iris" is a powerful reminder that love can be both beautiful and painful, and that sometimes the greatest rewards come from taking risks and opening ourselves up to the unknown.
14. passenger let her go
This ballad captures the heartache of lost love. The song's minimalistic arrangement, featuring just a guitar and vocals, allows the lyrics to take center stage as the singer reflects on the pain of letting go of someone he loved. The melody is hauntingly beautiful, and the emotional weight of the song.
15. sam smith - not the only one
The song explores the painful emotions of betrayal and heartbreak. The slow and somber melody creates a melancholic atmosphere, perfectly complementing the lyrics that express the loneliness and sadness of realizing that one's partner has been unfaithful. Sam Smith's soulful vocals add an extra layer of emotion to the song, making it a powerful and heart-wrenching experience for any listener.
16. REM - Everybody hurts
Everybody Hurts is a beautiful song by REM that captures the essence of human vulnerability and the power of empathy. The haunting melody and emotional lyrics remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that it's okay to feel pain. The song offers a message of hope and encouragement, encouraging us to hold on and reach out for support when we need it.
17. Jason Mraz - Im yours
I'm yours is a feel-good acoustic pop song that exudes positivity and good vibes. The catchy melody and upbeat rhythm are complemented by Mraz's smooth, effortless vocals, making the song an instant hit. The lyrics, which speak of living in the moment and embracing life's possibilities, are both uplifting and inspiring.
18. Bill Withers - Lean on me
The song Lean on me speaks to the importance of friendship and support in times of need. Withers' soulful vocals and simple, yet powerful lyrics evoke a sense of comfort and camaraderie, urging listeners to lean on each other and offer a helping hand. The song's uplifting melody and catchy chorus make it a feel-good anthem that has resonated with audiences for decades, solidifying its place as a beloved staple in the world of music.
19. Ludwig Beethoven - Fur Elise
It is a beloved classical piece that has been popular for centuries. The song has a gentle melody that starts out softly and builds in intensity, evoking a range of emotions from wistfulness to joy. The piece is notable for its intricate phrasing and dynamic contrasts, which make it a challenging yet rewarding piece for pianists to master.
20. House of the Rising Sun
The traditional folk song that has been covered by various artists over the years. The song tells the story of a life gone wrong in New Orleans, and the narrator's warning to others not to make the same mistakes.
21. Oasis - Wonderwall
The song wonderwall exudes a sense of nostalgia and longing. With its distinct acoustic guitar riff and Liam Gallagher's emotive vocals, the song captures the essence of 90s Britpop and remains a fan favorite to this day. The lyrics speak of unrequited love and the desire to be someone's "wonderwall," a term that has become synonymous with the song itself. Whether you're singing along to the catchy chorus or strumming the chords on your guitar
22. Adele - Skyfall
Skyfall is a powerful theme song for the James Bond movie of the same name. Adele's soulful vocals, combined with the orchestral arrangement, create an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue that perfectly captures the essence of the iconic spy character. The lyrics speak to the danger and risk that come with espionage and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.
23. The Beatles - Yesterday
The song's simple yet haunting melody is complemented by Paul McCartney's heartfelt vocals, making it one of the most iconic and beloved songs of all time. The lyrics speak to the universal experience of feeling alone and helpless after a relationship ends, and McCartney's delivery captures the raw emotion of this sentiment perfectly.
24. Bob Marley - Three little birds
Three little birds is a reggae classic that inspires hope and positivity. The upbeat rhythm, catchy melody, and Marley's signature vocals create a musical experience that transports listeners to a tropical paradise. The song's uplifting message about not worrying about the future or the past and enjoying the present moment resonates with audiences of all ages. "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be all right." These lyrics have become iconic and serve as a reminder to stay optimistic, even in difficult times.
25. Fugees - Killing me softly
Killing Me Softly by the Fugees is a soulful and mesmerizing cover of the original song by Roberta Flack. The smooth and haunting vocals of Lauryn Hill, combined with the powerful rapping of Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel, create a unique and unforgettable musical experience. The lyrics tell a story of being captivated by a performer's voice and feeling a deep emotional connection. No matter what genre of music you prefer, there are plenty of easy fingerpicking songs for the guitar. Whether you’re playing the acoustic guitar, the electric guitar, or the gypsy jazz guitar, there are plenty of pieces to choose from. With practice, you can soon be playing your favourite fingerpicking songs on the guitar.
Up next: Classical guitar vs Acoustic guitar?
