4 Easy Guitar Songs from the 1970s for Beginners

The 1970s was a legendary decade for music, with rock, folk, and pop flourishing in exciting ways. If you’re a beginner taking guitar lessons in Hockley, Essex, learning some classic 70s songs is a fantastic way to develop your skills while playing timeless hits. These songs are fun, straightforward, and perfect for building your confidence as a guitarist.

Here are four easy 70s guitar songs that every beginner can learn, even if you’ve only just started your journey.

1. “Horse with No Name” by America (1971)

Why It’s Great:
This folk-rock classic is perfect for beginners as it only uses two chords: Em and D6add9. The repetitive strumming pattern and relaxed tempo make it one of the easiest songs to pick up.
What You’ll Learn:
- Switching between two simple chords.
- Getting comfortable with a steady strumming rhythm.
Pro Tip: Focus on your strumming hand and try to give the song a laid-back, groovy feel—it’s all about the vibe!

2. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)

Why It’s Great:
With its iconic intro riff and easy chord progression (D, C, G), this Southern rock anthem is a must-learn for beginners. The chords repeat throughout the song, making it easy to master.
What You’ll Learn:
- Playing a catchy riff that incorporates picking and strumming.
- Basic chord transitions for a rock feel.
Pro Tip: Start with just the chords before tackling the riff. Once you’re confident, try adding the iconic picking pattern.

3. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan (1973)

Why It’s Great:
One of Bob Dylan’s most famous songs, this track uses just four chords: G, D, Am, and C. The progression is repetitive, so you can focus on perfecting your transitions and timing.
What You’ll Learn:
- Smooth transitions between four beginner-friendly chords.
- Playing a steady rhythm to accompany vocals.
Pro Tip: Try strumming lightly to match the emotional feel of the song—it’s a great way to practice dynamics.

4. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple (1972)

Why It’s Great:
Famous for its iconic riff, this hard rock anthem is a great introduction to power chords. The riff can be played on just two strings, making it accessible for beginners while sounding impressive.
What You’ll Learn:
- Playing basic power chords.
- Developing timing and precision with riffs.
Pro Tip: Play the riff slowly at first to ensure clean transitions between notes, then speed it up as you gain confidence.

Why These Songs Are Perfect for Beginners

Simple Structures: These tracks use basic chords and easy-to-learn riffs, making them beginner-friendly.
Recognizable Tunes: Playing well-known songs is motivating and helps you build confidence.
Core Techniques: You’ll practice essential skills like chord switching, strumming, and picking, which form the foundation of guitar playing.

How to Make the Most of Your Guitar Lessons in Hockley, Essex

Ask Your Teacher for Guidance: Your tutor can help break down these songs and show you the proper techniques.
Practice Consistently: Spend 10–15 minutes each day working on these songs to build muscle memory and confidence.
Play Along with the Originals: Once you’ve got the chords and riffs down, try playing along with the recordings to improve your timing and feel.
Experiment with Style: Once you’ve mastered the basics, try adding your own flair with different strumming patterns or dynamics.

Final Thoughts

Learning songs from the 1970s is a fantastic way to combine nostalgia with skill-building. Whether it’s the chill vibe of “Horse with No Name” or the rock anthem energy of “Smoke on the Water,” these tracks are sure to keep you motivated as you progress in your guitar lessons in Hockley, Essex.

So grab your guitar, pick a song, and start practicing today. You’ll be rocking 70s classics in no time!

4 Easy Guitar Songs from the 1970s for Beginners