62 Intermediate Guitar Songs (2024 With Tabs)

People can have different opinions as to what can be considered an intermediate guitar song. Some say that a song that has more than 5 or 7 chords to play qualifies as a piece for intermediate guitar players. Some might also consider a song that uses more advanced techniques as an intermediate song.

In general, people will consider you an intermediate guitar player if you are already comfortable playing basic scales, barre chords, and open chords. You should also already know the basics of strumming and a few ground rules for fingerpicking. It is also important that you are already able to work out individual notes and chords by ear, read the tabs with confidence, and transcribe music from other instruments.

If you already have these fundamentals, then you should be ready for any of these intermediate guitar songs.

Here is a List of Intermediate Guitar Songs

1. Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Hard Rock
Tabs	See Eye Of The Tiger Tabs Here

Let’s bring you some motivation and energy. “Eye of the Tiger” is a famous rock anthem by the American rock band Survivor. It was released in 1982, and after that, it gained formidable popularity as the theme song for the film “Rocky III.”

The song is known for its energetic and grand sound, which perfectly brings you the motivation needed in order to have a good time in the gym or just concentrate on something and accomplish it. For example, it can be grabbing your guitar and learning the song, tabs of which are really easy to find, and there are also many tutorials related to the track on different platforms. The thing you should know at this moment is that it’s important to mute strings that are not required in a chord because, at such a level of distortion, it’s important to gain full control and awareness over the sounds you make.

2. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Sweet Home Alabama Tabs Here

“Sweet Home Alabama” is a classic rock song by the American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was released in 1974 as a single from their second studio album, “Second Helping.” The song blows you away with its charismatic Southern vibe that resonates greatly with many guitar players, especially from the US.

On the instrumental side, we can hear the introduction guitar riff that has already become a staple in rock music and made an imprint on the hearts of almost every musician, especially guitar players. It is definitely one of the most recognizable riffs in the history of music; therefore, it would be really interesting and fun to learn it, especially considering the fact that the song doesn’t change the key throughout the whole length, so you won’t need time to think about how to make a proper transition, etc.

3. Use Somebody by Kings of Leon

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Indie Rock
Tabs	See Use Somebody Tabs Here

“Use Somebody” is a powerful rock anthem by the American rock band Kings of Leon. It was released in the 00s as the second single from one of their albums. The track represents a very good-quality sound for such a genre, created by the great job that was done.

The song has a very roomy and massive sound. It combines elements of alternative rock and arena rock, which draws out a formidable feeling of grandeur in the composition. Its driving rhythm guitar section is created by distorting the guitar sound a little bit on purpose to create a more absorbing tone that would occupy more space and add more power to the track in general. The song uses an inverted G chord in order to make the sound cohesive and solid (G/B, where the upper bass note G is muted).

4. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Alternative Rock
Tabs	See Good Riddance Tabs Here

“Time of Your Life” (a.k.a. “Good Riddance”) is a popular acoustic rock ballad by the American punk rock band Green Day. It was released in 1997 as a single from their fifth studio album. The 90s have definitely influenced the band in some aspects; therefore, the vibe of the time can be truly felt sometimes.

The song is a reflective and bittersweet emotional track that explores themes of change, transition, and moving on. The clean and raw sound that the metal strings of the acoustic guitar featured on the track creates a really honest and open-hearted atmosphere. It’s better to use a pick while playing the song because it will make your guitar sound more vivid and intense compared to the same strumming pattern played just with your palm and fingers. Especially there’s one extended chord that truly stands out from the main chord progression: Cadd9.

5. Thinking Out Loud By Ed Sheeran

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Pop
Tabs	See Thinking Out Loud Tabs Here

This 2014 blue-eyed soul piece can rightfully be called an easy beginner song. It only has 6 chords, and the strumming pattern is easy enough even for grade-schoolers. However, this is not always the case. This Ed Sheeran song borrows some of the more unorthodox fingerstyle techniques employed by Extreme in their 1990 soft rock song, More than Words.

Not only that. You will also have to master the anchoring technique for your picking fingers. This is crucial to help you achieve that nice melody of the song. You’ll also employ the slap technique to give the song its punchy vibe. You need clear focus to get the technique right. It’s important to pluck the two critical strings at the same time to produce that beautiful sound people love about the song. Overall, this is a fun intermediate guitar song that I enjoy playing.

6. Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Learn to Fly Tabs Here

Nine chords should not be a problem for a beginner guitarist, right? Having 3 barre chords that you will have to play at a blitzkrieg tempo of 136 BPM might. Well, this is exactly what Learn to Fly has. This 1999 alternative rock song may have a very simple structure. However, its tempo can be challenging. It would also a big mistake to think that you can get away with a simple strumming pattern.

This is one musical piece that uses both strumming and fingerpicking techniques to give it that amazing melody and harmonic quality. The fingerstyle is not as complicated as hardcore rock songs. However, it is still enough to strain your fingers. It’s a must that you have already developed stamina in guitar playing before you take on this song.

7. Space Oddity by David Bowie

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Space Oddity Tabs Here

This is one of the best guitar songs that will help you make that transition from easy numbers to more advanced pieces. The strumming technique required by this song can be as simple as beginner guitar songs. However, it is the number of chords that new intermediate guitar players might find intimidating. The original song requires 15 different chords, a few of which are either barre chords or slash chords.

Most people will find this song somewhere between a level 5 beginner song and a level 1 intermediate song. Another thing that you should learn about playing this song is to pick only the right string as you initiate the strumming sequence. Mastering this 1969 psychedelic folk music piece should have you ready to showcase your newfound skill at a local talent show.

8. When I’m Sixty-Four by The Beatles

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See When I’m Sixty-Four Tabs Here

The chords of this classic 1966 Beatles pop song may pass for an easy beginner’s piece. Yeah, you can strum it just like you would any ordinary song. However, if you really want to up your game in guitar playing, then you really must focus on the fingerstyle of this music hall song. This can be quite tricky, especially if you consider that the original song used a pair of clarinets and a bass clarinet.

Now, you’ve got to pay close attention to the harmonics of the song. It may sound wonderful to the ears. However, a lot is going on between the chords. This is where you will test your fingerpicking skills and see whether your fingers are already as nimble as you would like them to be.

9. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Alternative Rock
Tabs	See Boulevard of Broken Dreams Tabs Here

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is a popular rock song by the American punk rock band Green Day that quickly became the anthem for the 00s. It was released as the second single from their seventh studio album, “American Idiot,” in 2004.

The song consists of a good mixture of alternative rock and pop punk, representing the signature sound and style of the band called Green Day. The guitar riff is played using the delay effect in a really sophisticated way that brings out the feeling of space around you that is full of powerful chords that don’t include open ones, which means you have to learn the skill of using barre chords in order to replicate the original tone and sound. It can be explained by the presence of distortion that doesn’t allow any extra sounds in because they can break the whole picture (that’s why the song also uses power chords in the chorus.)

10. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Soft Rock
Tabs	See Tears in Heaven Tabs Here

Newbies to the world of guitar playing always include this Eric Clapton classic in their list of must-learn songs. It has simple chords and uncomplicated strumming patterns that are the dream song characteristics of beginner guitarists. However, the harmonics may not be as beautiful as the original or when you play this song note-by-note. For intermediate guitarists, there is no better way to play this 1991 classic soft rock than by fingerpicking.

The good news is that the arpeggio isn’t that very complicated. It’s the bends and the slides that you will have to focus on. Take care of how you incorporate bass notes into the music to give it that nice melody. There are a few solos, too, that should test your readiness to tackle more advanced guitar pieces. So, go ahead and give this piece your best interpretation.

11. Every Breath You Take by The Police

Tuning	Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Every Breath You Take Tabs Here

This new wave song has one of the most phenomenal riffs ever to be composed in the 80s. The rhythm, bassline, and overall song structure were so great that BMI said that it is the song that’s played the most in the history of the radio. This song by The Police may have a very simple tonal structure. However, it calls for very specific techniques in playing it on the guitar.

The secret of this song is the amazing combination of trebles and bass notes. Your fingers will have to be very nimble and precise in picking only the correct string. One wrong move and you’ll produce an off sound that very picky ears will be able to discern right away. Get it right, though, and you’re already a superstar to your friends.

12. Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses

Tuning	D# G# C# F# A# D#
Genre	Hard Rock
Tabs	See Sweet Child o’ Mine Tabs Here

“Sweet Child o’ Mine” is a very famous guitar song by the iconic band Guns N’ Roses. It was released in 1987 as part of their debut album, “Appetite for Destruction” (a very powerful name, representing the forceful vibe of the songs on it).

This song is instantly recognizable by its memorable guitar intro, which presumably every guitar player knows by heart. The song is followed along by amazing solos and arpeggiated guitar parts that dwell in the background, but at the moment their time comes, they show their face in a very majestic and vivid way, revolving around the powerful chord progression in the key of C# Mixolydian that makes it sound really impressive and distinctive (the key is considered to bring out the feeling of bittersweetness, seriousness, and at the same time some sugar that truly makes up for a very good balance and combination).

13. Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels) By Jim Croce

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock, Pop
Tabs	See Operator Tabs Here

Here’s another great song for intermediate guitarists to flex their finger muscles. “Operator” has one of the most beautiful guitar riffs. I won’t blame you if you fall in love with the elegant blending of the high notes with the bass notes of the song. And this is where the tricky aspect of this song lies. It is also what makes this 1972 folk rock unsuitable for absolute beginners.

The beauty of this song is that you can achieve its amazing melody without any fancy guitar pedals or accessories. Most songs will require implements to produce additional sound effects. This is a song that is best played and listened to in its purest form. The song is sure to challenge those who are hell-bent on mastering their favorite string instrument.

14. Can’t Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Can’t Stop Tabs Here

Intermediate guitarists will love learning this song. It works especially cool with an electric guitar. Add some pedal effects, and you’ve got it rocking. This 2002 alternative rock piece has an easy-to-strum verse and chords. However, it is the intro and the bridge that will test your skills as a guitarist. The bridge requires precision upstrumming that follows a reggae style. The guitar solo will have you playing a fuzz, a very extreme kind of distortion.

It doesn’t stop there, unfortunately. You’ll also have to master tone bending. The good news? As soon as you get your rhythm going, it would be pointless to stop. That’s how enjoyable playing this guitar piece is. It has that groove that is perfect for transforming your ordinary home into a concert place.

15. Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Folk Rock
Tabs	See Time in a Bottle Tabs Here

There are 16 different chords in this 1973 folk rock song by Jim Croce. Most of the chords are quite easy to play. However, it’s the sheer number of chords you need to memorize that makes it quite difficult for beginners. This can complicate the correct progression and can also have an impact on the proper strumming.

But then, this song is not for avid strummers. Jim Croce injected the same formula he used in his earlier hit song, Operator, in this piece. It seems he recognized the beauty of doing the arpeggio to make the guitar produce a melody that is almost like a grand piano. Don’t think that the fingerstyle will be easy, too. It is important to remember that this song has a 135 BMP tempo.

16. To Be with You by Mr. Big

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Soft Rock, Reggae
Tabs	See To Be with You Tabs Here

Playing to Be with You seems simple and easy enough for most guitarists. After all, you cannot go wrong with a simple power strum, can you? The real issue here is that the song has 12 chords, three of which are barre chords. The number of chords can easily confuse beginner guitarists. They can also have issues about executing the barre chords.

The strumming technique is not as simple as it looks. The verses require you to strum mostly the treble strings. When you get to the chorus, it is crucial to hit the bass chords on the downstrum. It is easy to miss these strings, producing a melody that is less than appealing. There’s also an arpeggio for the guitar solo. Add all of these, and you’ve got a song that’s not really that easy.

Popular Related Article: Most Fun Songs to Play on Guitar

17. Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Pop Rock
Tabs	See Here Comes the Sun Tabs Here

With only 8 chords, it’s easy to dismiss this 1969 Beatles folk-pop as an easy piece to master. However, you’ll find its fingerstyle to be quite a challenge. This is especially true if you’re going to play it like the original. The song involves a lot of guitar flat-picking to embellish the E7 chord. And if you think that’s easy picking, it’s the timing that can throw you off balance.

The bridge can be quite a handful, too. There is a trio of descending 4th chord progression plus an extra V7. It would also help if you have a synthesizer with you. This is important for creating a counter melody for the fantastic guitar solo, as well as the song’s third verse. Master the song, and you’ll be a master of the guitar.

18. Hotel California By Eagles

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Pop Rock
Tabs	See Hotel California Tabs Here

Hotel California is a good song for beginners to get acquainted with the basics of guitar playing. It is also a wonderful learning piece for enhancing your instrumental skills. The guitar solo of this song is a great finger exercise, as it is an amazing tool for reinforcing your mastery of chord progression. It remains the Eagles’ most popular song. You’re never a guitarist if you cannot play this 1976 soft rock piece.

Obviously, the tricky part of this piece is its fingerstyle. You can play it easily by strumming, but you will never get the song’s fantastic melody. It is only by picking the note one by one that you’re able to produce a piano-like sound. It can be quite challenging, especially if you employ the bends and slides that make this song one of the greatest.

19. Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Soft Rock
Tabs	See Wonderful Tonight Tabs Here

Like many of the intermediate guitar songs I listed here, Wonderful Tonight is an easy piece. That is, if you’re just going to concentrate on its strumming technique. It’s the arpeggio that gives this 1977 soft rock classic its beautiful melody. It would be almost impossible to appreciate the beauty of this Eric Clapton piece without its iconic fingerstyle.

What most guitarists find tricky is the correct sequencing of the fingerpicks. You’ll have to focus on two things. The bass notes are crucial to giving the song its rhythm. The high notes should play well into the bass. The song not only pushes your picking fingers to play with utmost precision. This music piece will also test the agility and coordination of your fretting fingers. It’s the ultimate test that will mark your readiness to play more complex songs.

20. Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Pop Rock
Tabs	See Waiting on the World to Change Tabs Here

This John Mayer song is a great piece for those who are ready to further strengthen their mastery of chord progression. It is one of those 21st-century songs that combines elements of jazz and blues in a soft rock platform. As such, you can expect the chord progression of this song to be good material for brushing up on your blues, soul, and jazz knowledge.

Watching a guitarist play this 2006 song gives you the impression that it’s easy to execute. What’s tricky is to accent the beats of the song’s verses. You can strum the chords, but it wouldn’t be that harmonically beautiful without the beat accentuation. That alone is something that no beginner guitarist can execute with precision. An intermediate guitarist can.

21. Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Alternative Rock
Tabs	See Under the Bridge Tabs Here

“Under the Bridge” was heard by so many people who are into alternative rock music. It is the song written by the Red Hot Chili Peppers that was released in 1992. It is genuinely one of those songs that vividly represents the ability of the band to create something unique and pretty much undiscovered sometimes.

The song kicks off with a beautiful, arpeggiated, clean guitar riff in the key of D major that sets the proper mood for the rest of the song and gives the listener an understanding of what they are dealing with. If you are a curious explorer of different guitar playing styles and have some skills in that field already, then we truly recommend you learn the song because it’s almost perfect for intermediate players: it features a cool arpeggio, not the fastest tempo, and the chord changes are pretty much understandable and groovy.

22. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door Tabs Here

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” is a song you could have encountered so many times on different forums and platforms where musicians share their opinion or music they like. It is a formidably famous song written and performed by Bob Dylan. It was released in 1973 and has since become one of Dylan’s most recognized and covered songs, even by other famous musicians.

Even though the song features a very simple chord progression, the arpeggiation that follows along the whole song in the background will require you to already have some skills in playing guitar, such as using a pick, feeling the groove and the rhythm, and some finger agility, in order not to mess up the whole part with extra sounds. The song combines elements of genres such as classic rock and folk, as many of Bob Dylan’s works do, and you definitely should try out other ones in this genre.

23. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by The Beatles

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds Tabs Here

Forget the allusion of the song to the prohibited substance known as LSD. Intentional or not, Lucy is a fantastic piece to play on any string instrument. This 1967 psychedelic rock classic has ethereal qualities that can be very tricky to accomplish on a guitar if you’re only beginning in your journey. You’ve got to produce sound effects that will mimic the drone of the Indian tambura and the ghostly effect of a Lowrey organ.

The fingerstyle of this song isn’t for beginners, either. In fact, I know of seasoned guitarists who still have issues playing Lucy’s arpeggio with precision. It’s that tricky. However, it is a music piece that you can still master with dedication and perseverance. You’ll just have to push yourself a bit harder.

24. Yesterday by The Beatles

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Yesterday Tabs Here

“Yesterday” is a very famous rock song by the band almost every musician was inspired by – “The Beatles.” It was first released on the album Help! in August 1965, except in the United States, where it was issued as a single in September of the same year. That happened because of many reasons, but that truly represents the time when there were no streaming services, and music was less accessible and, at some point, even more valuable.

The song perfectly draws out the feeling of nostalgia and dreaminess that amazingly fits the framework of Paul McCartney’s raw guitar sound and warm ballad-like vocal line. The song uses an interesting chord progression that has a part where the chords change pretty fast, which is why it will perfectly fit the circle of an intermediate guitar player’s abilities and skills. You can impress your friends by learning to play the song because it sounds really beautiful and is known all around the world.

Popular Related Article: Our Favorite Easy Guitar Solos

25. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See In Your Eyes Tabs Here

With a combination of precision fingerpicking and a few fretting slides, In Your Eyes can rightfully qualify as an intermediate guitar song. Knowing that the tricky part of the song is the intro also helps prepare intermediate guitarists on how they can successfully execute this piece. The verses require basic strumming. No fancy fingerstyles will ever occupy your mind.

What your mind will have to keep focused on is the set of 14 chords that make up this 1985 art pop song. Two are barre chords, one of which is also a slash chord. You may want to start with these chords to familiarize yourself. The song will see you moving up and down the fretboard. It can be challenging if you have fingers that aren’t as nimble as they should be.

26. Layla by Derek and the Dominos

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Blues
Tabs	See Layla by Derek Tabs Here

“Layla” is a soulful blues rock ballad song recorded by Derek and the Dominos, a band formed by Eric Clapton in the early 1970s. It was released in 1971 as part of their only studio album, “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,’’ which is a very smart name for the work since many people know the eponymous song.

The song exemplifies Eric Clapton’s wonderful guitar skills and songwriting ability. The guitar part is really memorable and so popular among blues lovers and just people who love old recordings that feature guitar. Since the riff has all the rights to be called iconic, even though it is not the hardest one Eric has ever played, it is still one of the best ones for many people. To master the song, you’ll definitely need to get a bit more agile and proficient in terms of guitar playing because it features such tricks as bends, pull-offs, hammer-ons, etc.

27. Dust in The Wind by Kansas

I have seen some beginner guitarists nailing this song after only several practice sessions. It is not that difficult playing this 1978 soft rock by Kansas. This progressive rock band did not write the song for the sake of having a new song. Kerry Livgren intended the guitar line of the song to be more of a finger exercise. The melody was so enthralling that the band decided to put lyrics into it.

This is the main reason why Dust in the Wind remains one of the favorites of many seasoned artists. The guitar riff will reinforce the coordination of your picking fingers. Your fretting fingers will not move that much, except when playing the chords. There are occasional lightning-quick chord changes, too. It is an amazing song for any intermediate guitarist to play.

28. Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Blues
Tabs	See Hey Joe Tabs Here

“Hey Joe” is a classic rock song originally written by Billy Roberts but famously performed and popularized by the person who inspired millions of guitar players to pick up their instruments, Jimi Hendrix. It was released in 1966 as one of Hendrix’s early singles; the song became a staple in his live performances and an essential work (many people still associate the song with him) of his musical legacy.

The song features a powerful and instantly recognizable guitar intro that sets the atmosphere for the intensity of the composition. It also uses a chord progression made of the CAGED system chords, and each chord lasts two beats, except the E chord, which gets two bars. The mix of the raw guitar sound, fresh and loud vocals, and interesting mixing decisions is what makes this song sound like Jimi Hendrix.

29. Iris by Goo Goo Dolls

Tuning	B D D D D D
Genre	Alternative Rock
Tabs	See Iris Tabs Here

“Iris” is a very popular alternative rock ballad by the American band Goo Goo Dolls that was released in 1998 as the main soundtrack for the movie called “City of Angels” and later included on the band’s sixth studio album, “Dizzy Up the Girl.”

The tuning you need to use in order to get the closest sound used in the studio recording is probably one you haven’t seen before, but your first strum will be unforgettable because of the depth that can be felt due to the tuned-down E string (it becomes B). Chords change their shape, and so do your mind and perception because playing the song is a very unique and fascinating experience that every guitarist should try out for themselves.

30. Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	R&B
Tabs	See Johnny B. Goode Tabs Here

“Johnny B. Goode” is a song that most people first saw in the movie called “Back to the Future.” It is a rock and roll classic originally written and performed by Chuck Berry. It was released in 1958, and throughout its period of life, the song has become one of the most recognizable songs of all time, especially by people who have been into music for a long time.

It opens with a memorable and instantly recognizable guitar part, variations of which have been used in a great variety of tracks because it’s so open for modifications, but at the same time, it keeps its distinctive face no matter what changes you bring there, which is a true miracle of Chuck Berry’s legendary masterpiece. The song uses A Pentatonic Blues Scale that works incredibly well for such songs. If you want to explore the roots of many songs and the work that so many great musicians were inspired by, this is the perfect choice for you.

31. Scar Tissue by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Alternative Rock
Tabs	See Scar Tissue Tabs Here

“Scar Tissue” is a song by the famous inventive rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was released as the lead single from their seventh studio album, “Californication,” in 1999. This might be the song you are already familiar with, especially if you are a regular visitor of different public places where this song is on repeat all the time.

The song combines elements of alternative rock, funk, and pop that can describe the artistic feature of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ sound. It contains a melodic guitar arpeggio played in the key of D Minor by John Frusciante, no doubt one of the best guitarists of all time. In the middle of the track, there’s a very noticeable and soulful guitar solo that features crying bends that most intermediate players may already have in their arsenal.

32. Here Comes My Girl by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Here Comes My Girl Tabs Here

“Here Comes My Girl” is a classic rock song by the American rock band Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. It was released in 1979 as the second single from their third studio album, “Damn the Torpedoes.’’ Tom Petty’s sound is really unique because of his voice combined with the nice-sounding guitar sections, which immediately give you the feeling of the late 70s – early 80s music.

The song combines elements of rock and pop of that time, which are characteristic of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ sound. The opening of the song is a legendary guitar riff that instantly captures your attention. If you are a fan of rock music written in the 70s and 80s, this is a great choice for you to learn and improve your skills by expanding the range of songs you know by heart. The song’s written in the key of E major, which brings more openness and ease to the general sound of the track.

33. Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Brit Pop
Tabs	See Don’t Look Back in Anger Tabs Here

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” is one of the most famous songs in the discography of the British rock band called “Oasis.” It was released in 1996 as the fourth single from their hugely successful second studio album, “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” Yes, the same one that features “Wonderwall‘’ and “She’s Electric.”

The song has a very anthemic and even slightly melancholic sound because of the interesting chord progression written in C Major and the vocal line placed over it. The progression itself is not afraid of using chords such as E7 to create a very dominant-like transition between parts of the song, which combines elements of Britpop and rock, becoming a great part of the history of the band called Oasis and their signature sound, instantly recognizable by many guitar players and just music listeners.

34. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Stairway to Heaven Tabs Here

Want more songs that everybody knows since childhood? “Stairway to Heaven” might be the one you’re looking for. It is an epic rock song by the English rock band Led Zeppelin that was released in 1971 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rock compositions of all time. Many people from all around the world made covers on it and started their journey with being inspired by it.

The song is characterized by its dynamic structure, poetic lyrics, and gradual buildup from a gentle acoustic introduction to a powerful, guitar-driven part. As the song progresses, it builds in intensity, and so does the velocity you need to hit your strings with. Melodically, it also features multiple solos that you’ll need to learn in order to get closest to the sound of the actual recording featured on the album. There’s truly a combination of skills you have to acquire in order to scale yourself to the level at which you can recreate the song, but one of the most important ones is the feeling of intensity you play certain notes with.

35. Fields of Gold by Sting

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Pop Rock
Tabs	See Fields of Gold Tabs Here

“Fields of Gold” is a very beautiful ballad by the famous British musician Sting (Gordon Sumner), one that is considered to be one of the best songwriters of all time because of his skills to create memorable lines that resonate with people. The track was released as a single from his fourth solo studio album, “Ten Summoner’s Tales,” in 1993.

The song has a very tender and mysterious feeling that takes you somewhere away, right from the first notes. The guitar strumming pattern used in the song is very gentle, which is why you need to be really careful while trying to pick up the proper velocity. Also, it is followed up by a very meticulous and sophisticated lead guitar part that replicates the vocal line note by note. In order to play that one, you’ll need to already have a good sense of rhythm and feel the tempo to put the notes in the right place and in the right order.

36. Patience by Guns N’ Roses

Among the rock songs that entertained the world in the 80s, very few can be as powerful and enthralling as Guns N’ Roses’ Patience. It’s got one of the nicest melodies for acoustic rock. And its guitar riff also happens to be one of the most interesting pieces you can ever learn. While the 9-chord structure of the song can also be a good choice for beginner guitarists, its fingerstyle is best reserved for advanced players of the guitar.

The intro alone already commands exceptional fingerpicking skills. And while you can get away with playing the verses with a conventional strumming pattern, know that there are parts of the song where you need an accented pattern. There’s also a section that requires a different strumming technique to complement that part’s 120 BPM tempo.

37. Tennessee Waltz by Pee Wee King

Here’s a song that doesn’t require any introduction. It is one of the most covered country songs on the land. And even though Pee Wee King first sang this song in 1948, contemporary artists still give their rendition of the song. Just because it is so popular doesn’t mean Tennessee Waltz should already be included in a beginner guitarist’s repertoire.

True, this song only has 5 chords. However, you will never be strumming the strings. Fingerpicking is the only style that can give justice to the beautiful melody of this country classic. Compared to the other fingerstyle guitar songs in this list, however, Tennessee Waltz is quite easier to pick. There are also parts of the song where you’ll strum like you normally would. Consider it a temporary respite from fingerpicking.

38. Fire and Rain by James Taylor

It’s not difficult to fall in love with the melody and rhythm of this 1969 folk rock song by James Taylor. You may find the lyrics so depressing. However, the overall structure and composition of the song is nothing short of spectacular. There are only 8 chords in the song. It should be just right for beginners to play this song.

The truth of the matter is that this music piece doesn’t work with any standard strumming pattern. You can create your own, but the harmonics will not be as good as using fingerstyle. And this is where the challenge lies. You’ll need precision fingerpicking for both the playing and fretting actions of the song. Hit the notes right, and you’re a few steps closer to becoming a true guitarist.

39. Homeward Bound by Simon and Garfunkel

The ten chords in this song should be easy to pick for any beginning guitarist. That’s not often the case, however. Add to this the fact that two are barre chords, and you have a song that can be a lot trickier to perform than it seems. If you’re a beginner guitarist, you might find playing Homeward Bound quite intimidating. That’s why this 1965 folk rock song is best for those who have already mastered the basics of guitar playing.

Learning this song is all about mastering the licks and riffs that are the signature of the song. You will also have to pay attention to the fingerstyle patterns that give the song its beautiful melody and harmonics. The unique chord progressions will also demand your focus to round up your intermediate guitar-playing techniques.

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40. Give a Little Bit by Supertramp

This song is not really that difficult to play. I would like to classify it as a transitional piece, one that is perfect for making a move from difficult beginner songs to easy, intermediate songs. The 9 chords that this song has aren’t that tricky either. You can also easily execute the pair of barre chords. The tempo might push you a little bit. However, it should still be manageable.

I must warn you that the strumming pattern for this song is not your usual stuff. You will leave some strings unstrummed and that can be confusing for some. The chord changes also occur a lot more frequently. Overall, this 1977 classic can still be an excellent piece for reinforcing the skills you’ve learned at the start of your guitar-playing journey.

41. Cinnamon Girl by Neil Young

Some say that the one-note guitar solo of this 1969 proto-grunge classic is what defines it as a masterpiece. Young jangles the D note repeatedly and very sharply, creating a remarkable piece that beginner guitarists may not be able to get right. What is more interesting is that this so-called one-note solo is not actually a single note. Yes, you only have the D note. However, the way Neil Young plays it gives you the impression of having different notes.

That’s what makes this piece tricky to play. Your ears might say that you already got the notes right. Music experts may beg to differ. There’s also the famous descending bassline that you will have to incorporate into your playing. It’s a simple song with a complicated way of playing it.

42. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd

One of Pink Floyd’s finest compositions, Wish You Were Here, carries an emotional weight that resonates with almost anyone who listens to it. This 1975 progressive rock song has an almost ballad feel to it that makes for easy listening. Playing it using conventional strumming techniques is easy since this piece only has 7 chords. Playing it beautifully is an entirely different matter.

The challenging part here is getting the intro riff right. The basslines of the song are also very pronounced. The bass notes precede every strumming pattern as if heralding the arrival of harmonics that can move the soul. The guitar solos aren’t for beginners, too. They have this very twangy sound to them that complements the depth of the bass.

43. Stormy Monday By the Allman Brothers

If you consider yourself a big fan of the blues, then you’ve got to include Stormy Monday in your list. There are many versions and covers of this song. The original piece was recorded in 1947 by T-Bone Walker, one of the pioneers of blues rock. Bobby Bland substituted some of the chords and gave the song a new arrangement in 1961. The Allman Brothers picked up on Bland’s work in 1971 and turned Stormy Monday into a full 8-minute play.

Stormy Monday isn’t for beginners. There are a lot of chord substitutions from the original. It has plenty of guitar solos, too. This is a music piece that will test your skills in bending and sliding. Your plucking techniques will also be put to the test.

44. Just the Two of Us by Grover Washington, Jr. and Bill Withers

Just the Two of Us gives you a very different kind of listening experience. It is as suave as aged wine. It is this very refined character of the song that can be very intimidating even to advanced guitarists. The chords, tempo, and chord progression are basic. Unfortunately, it’s the actual playing of the song that can be challenging.

There are fingerstyle patterns that go with the strumming techniques. Knowing exactly when to incorporate these styles is crucial to playing the song right. Most intermediate guitarists will start with the usual strumming technique. Be very particular about picking the right notes. Otherwise, the sound you’ll produce will be off, and the melody won’t be that smooth anymore.

45. Wild Side by Motley Crue

This song’s guitar riff is wickedly cool. It ticks all the boxes of an awesome heavy metal hit. And if you’re looking for a piece that is perfect for showing off your advanced guitar-playing skills, this Motley Crue song won’t disappoint. The 115-BPM tempo is fast enough without severing your fingers off their wrist attachment.

What is very crucial here is the time signatures that switch between verses, choruses, and the bridge. You’ll be thankful there are no guitar solos in this song. Otherwise, you’ll need plenty of plaster around your fingers after only a few sessions of this song. What it does have are power chords and a few melodic lines for the lead guitar.

46. Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi

Some people might argue that this 1986 hard rock song by Bon Jovi is for beginners and not for intermediate guitarists. They may be right if you’re only considering the 4-chord composition of the piece. However, you will also have to consider the techniques that go into the playing of this song. While the strumming patterns are basic, they do require specific hammer-ons to give the ends of each verse their unique melody.

Most beginner guitarists don’t have the confidence to perform amazing hammer-ons, let alone execute them with precision timing. There is also that classic Wild Wild West hook to the song, marked by a punchy bass note that precedes a twangy high note. Your fretting fingers will get their exercise, too.

47. Enter Sandman by Metallica

If you’re only looking at the number of chords as the basis of determining whether a song is an easy one or not, then you’ll be forgiven for thinking that Enter Sandman is for the absolute newbie. It isn’t. This is a powerful heavy metal song that electrified the crowd in 1991. A song cannot have such a massive appeal if it only entails ordinary strumming to play it.

Enter Sandman has one of the most beguiling guitar solos ever. The bass notes are very punchy, and they drive the rest of the song. And when you get to the last part of the intro, you’ll have your fretting fingers sliding from the 2nd to the 6th fret. You’ll also be furiously strumming the strings at the same time.

48. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson Ft. Bruno Mars

A mixture of funk, boogie, soul, and disco, Uptown Funk can be a very tricky piece to play. The strain it puts on your fingers is immense. The arpeggio will have your fingers dancing on the fretboard while you’re playing hand is busy picking the correct chords. There are slides, too, that can cut your fingers if you’re not careful. And the bends are as tricky as ever.

The song may only have 6 chords. However, it’s its fingerstyle that can push even the most ardent guitar player out of his wits. It is a very demanding song. You’ve got to get the rhythm right. The individual notes must be spot-on, too. And if you’re ready to play this in front of your friends, you’ll know you’re ready for the concert stage.

49. Brick House by The Commodores

The guitar lines of this song may not be as complicated as Uptown Funk. Nevertheless, it will still put your basic fingerpicking techniques to the test. This 1977 funk piece employs more sliding techniques than you can possibly imagine. The verses are quite easy to play, though. They do have occasional bends that you need to execute to the letter.

The guitar solo is something else. This is where the song separates the true guitar virtuoso from someone who is only starting on his journey. The solo can be very intimidating to the uninitiated. And even if you’ve been playing the guitar for some time now, the composition will still leave you in awe.

You may have noticed that some of these songs are quite easy to play. That is if you are only going to use a traditional strumming technique. What makes these songs so fascinating is that they are a great tool for enhancing the different techniques of playing the guitar. From the arpeggio to the hammers-on, bends, and slides, these are great musical pieces to make your guitar playing journey a lot more exciting. Sooner or later, you’ll be more than ready to conquer the stage.

50. Rock and Roll by Led Zeppelin

It might blow you away if I told you that there are only three chords in this 1972 hard rock piece. That should classify this song as an easy piece, right? Unfortunately, there is no definite strumming pattern for this Led Zeppelin piece. It’s an all-out arpeggio that will test your knowledge of guitar fundamentals. You can look at it as a screening test that will determine if you’re ready to play the most hardcore songs for the guitar.

There are plenty of bends and slides in this song. And the fingerstyle requires not only lightning-quick finger and wrist movements. You’re also expected to master the art of fingerpicking. It’s the fretting fingers that will feel the brunt of this song. It also doesn’t help that the tempo is 156 BPM, which is absurd. If you’re looking for intermediate guitar songs, this is one I highly recommend trying to play.

51. Something by The Beatles

I know what you’re thinking. How could a pop rock with a slow tempo of 68 BPM be an intermediate guitar song? This 1969 Beatles song has one of the most beautiful melodies and a rhythm that makes it so easy to dance to in a very intimate way. However, the number of chords for this song can be dizzying even to the seasoned guitarist. There are 21 chords in all, making it one of the most tonally complex pieces you can play on your guitar.

Its arpeggio also doesn’t make life easy for the guitarist. Sure, there’s the conventional strumming. But, when you get to the guitar solo, only the fingerstyle will do. And this can be a real headache for those who have no inkling about basic fingerpicking.

52. The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel

It’s quite difficult not to be moved by this amazing folk-rock ballad. After all, the song’s message is one of loneliness and poverty. This 1969 folk rock piece has that plaintive refrain that is so simple yet so catchy. You can sing ‘lie-la-lie’ all day long, and you’d still sound incredible. And if you have a friend who knows how to play a bass harmonica, I suggest you let him play while you perform the iconic riff of this song on the arpeggio.

Beginner guitarists will find the chords to be easy to pick. However, the best way to achieve the harmonic and melodic characteristics of this song is by fingerstyle. That’s why The Boxer is best reserved for those who have already gained mastery of their precision fingerpicking. It’s tricky, but it’s the only way you can give justice to this piece.

53. Yesterday by The Beatles

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Pop Rock
Tabs	See Yesterday Tabs Here

“Yesterday” is a very famous rock song by the British band “The Beatles.” It was first released on the album Help! in August 1965, except in the United States, where it was issued as a single in September of the same year.

The song perfectly draws out the feeling of nostalgia and dreaminess that amazingly fits the framework of Paul McCartney’s raw guitar sound and warm ballad-like vocal line. The song uses an interesting chord progression that has a part where the chords change pretty fast, which is why it will perfectly fit the circle of an intermediate guitar player’s abilities and skills. You can impress your friends by learning to play the song because it sounds really beautiful and is known all around the world.

54. Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	See Yellow Ledbetter Tabs Here

“Yellow Ledbetter” is a very interesting rock song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. Although not officially released as a single, it has become one of the band’s most beloved and recognizable tracks, being an outtake from the band’s debut album, Ten. As any deep cut, the song really gives you some sort of an unstable yet warm feeling of incompleteness.

The song has a very melancholic and captivating sound, even resembling blues music a little bit. The starting riff is very pleasant and has so much space inside, even though it’s just a raw guitar sound with a bass track over it. In order to get the song right while playing it, you have to acquire skills like feeling the beat, hammer-on and pull-off, which in combination make a very sophisticated melody that warms up your soul.

55. Take It Easy by Eagles

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Pop Rock
Tabs	See Take It Easy Tabs Here

“Take It Easy” is a classic rock song by the American rock band Eagles. It was released in 1972 as their debut single and later appeared on their self-titled debut album, “Eagles.” You might have heard about it, even though it’s not as famous as another hit of the same band – “Hotel California.”

“Take It Easy” is a laid-back track that embodies the Southern California sound that the band uses pretty much all the time; therefore, it has already become their signature sound. The melody conveys a message of resilience and a carefree and relaxed feeling, and so does the guitar part, even if it is isolated from all the other tracks mixed into the composition. The acoustic guitar is blended with a slightly distorted solo that follows along with the song and makes it even more pleasant to the ear. Learning the song allows you to try yourself out in the role of a lead guitarist, even when your skills are just slightly above average.

56. Nothing Else Matters by Metallica

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Heavy Metal
Tabs	See Nothing Else Matters Tabs Here

“Nothing Else Matters” is a powerful-sounding ballad by the American heavy metal band Metallica. Released in 1992 as the third single from their self-titled fifth studio album, that features songs that many people would think are different from what the band usually creates, in other words, more experimental.

The song stands out in Metallica’s discography for its introspective and heartfelt vibe, especially when paired with a gorgeous acoustic guitar riff that truly makes the song sound really powerful and majestic. The arpeggiation is not really hard but still requires some knowledge in the field of music, but the solo featured at the end of the song will make you sit by the tabs of the song a little bit more, trying to examine each note and its place in the track.

57. “Hey Ya!” by OutKast

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Pop
Tabs	See Tabs Here

“Hey Ya!” is a highly energetic and catchy pop song by the American hip-hop duo OutKast. It was released in 2003 as the lead single from one of their albums. I would like to say that the song literally makes you sing along with it and jump from your bed in the morning because of the energy it conveys.

The song incorporates a truly catchy melody and a great blend of musical styles, such as pop, funk, soul, and R&B. All this shows the uniqueness of the band’s sound. The guitar part is written for a really fast tempo, but the hardest part is that the song isn’t written in the conventional time signature for pop music. Instead, it uses 2/4, which makes the song sound even faster. Even though we know about all these specific features of the song, the chord progression will not cause you any difficulties to memorize, though changing them at such speed might present one.

58. Brianstorm by Arctic Monkeys

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Alternative Rock
Tabs	See Brianstorm Tabs Here

“Brianstorm” is an alternative rock song by the band Arctic Monkeys. It is the opening track from their second studio album, “Favorite Worst Nightmare,” which was released in 2007. Sometimes, the year of release is really what you need to know about the song to understand what it would sound like, and in my opinion, this one isn’t an exception.

The song is a high-energy, powerful track that combines everything that you need from such a song: a heavily distorted guitar section, a fast-paced drum part, bass, and screaming vocals. Everything mentioned creates a very hectic mood that truly represents the signature sound of the Arctic Monkeys at the time it was written. The hardest part is the fast chord changes, which can truly be difficult for those who don’t have enough confidence in playing guitar. The song also uses power chords, which add some neatness to the sound and make the task of moving your hand faster a bit easier.

59. Message in a Bottle by The Police

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Alternative Rock
Tabs	See Message in a Bottle Tabs Here

Remember us talking about Sting before? Here’s him performing as a lead member in one of the best bands of all time.
“Message in a Bottle” is a classic rock song by the British band The Police. It was released in 1979 as the lead single from their second studio album, “Reggatta de Blanc,” and quickly became one of the most beloved songs of that time in the United Kingdom.

The song is known for its beautiful and a little bit confusing guitar part, which consists of three separate tracks blended together, creating a very distinct sound that feels so cohesive. This very part will make your hands hurt. The beautiful arpeggiation is built around chords that place notes at a pretty big distance from each other, which makes it a little bit hard to play this masterpiece for people who have shorter fingers. Even though everything is possible, all you need is practice and dedication!

60. Name by Goo Goo Dolls

Tuning	D A E A E E
Genre	Alternative Rock
Tabs	See Name Tabs Here

“Name” is an alternative rock ballad by the American rock band Goo Goo Dolls. It was released in 1995. Many of us still remember Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac appearing on the 90s TV show that is considered to be one of the first live performances of the song.

The track is known for its unusual acoustic guitar part, which is played in a different tuning: DAEAAE. However, be careful while retuning your instrument because you’ll need to add more tension to some strings, which makes it so easy to read them, so do it slowly. Respectively, since the tuning is changed, the chord shapes will be absolutely different and unfamiliar, but you’ll quickly learn them because the song is so catchy and lets you play it over and over again without getting tired of it.

61. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da by The Police

Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Reggae Rock
Tabs	See Tabs Here

“De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” is a new wave pop song that successfully mixes rock sounds with reggae by the British band The Police. It was released in 1980 as a single from their third studio album, “Zenyatta Mondatta,” which is truly a masterpiece.

“De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” is known for its catchy and repetitive chorus, but from the perspective of a musician, you can definitely notice the amazing electric guitar work done by Andy Summers, lead guitarist of the band. It incorporates such interesting chords, which you should at least try to replicate and then take note of in order to make them a part of your arsenal next time you jam with other musicians.

62. Salad Days by Mac DeMarco

Tuning	E A D G B C
Genre	Indie Rock
Tabs	See Salad Days Tabs Here

“Salad Days” is a very dreamy-sounding indie rock song by Canadian singer-songwriter Mac DeMarco, which was released in 2014 as the title track and lead single from his second studio album. The song was written and produced by him, which truly deserves respect and admiration.

The main instrumental part is created by electric guitar and synthesizers that create a very roomy feeling, especially considering how Mac DeMarco loves drenching his tracks in reverb and chorus. If you ever tried to learn this song or just play along with it, you might have already noticed that you don’t sound exactly like the recording. Try tuning your guitar 1/4 tone down, so it will give a little bit of the unstableness that tape machines usually tend to provide.