40 Popular Songs in 2/4 Time Signature (2024 With Tuning, Tabs & Videos)

Looking for 2/4 time signature songs to play on the guitar? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be sharing some of the most popular songs in 2/4 time signature! From folk, hard rock, indie pop to country, we’ve put this list together from across genres to give you a taste of this interesting beat pattern in different styles.

You’ll also find each song’s tuning, tabs, and helpful video lessons to speed up your learning. Scroll down to get playing!

List of Popular Songs in 2/4 Time

1. Goodbye by Steve Earle

Album	Guitar Town
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Country
Tabs	View tabs for Goodbye

A song full of longing, nostalgia, and pure country goodness, ‘Goodbye’ is a classic that weaves magic with only an acoustic guitar and vocals. Released in 1987 as part of Steve Earle’s album ‘Guitar Town,’ the song sounds as refreshing as it was written yesterday. Goodbye has an easygoing 2/4 time signature throughout the song, which gives a bit of an uptempo feel to an otherwise bittersweet, subdued track. The chords won’t be too tough to learn – we’ve got C, G/B, F, G, Am, and G7. A good one to add to your setlist as a breather between other intense, faster songs.

2. I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll by Joan Jett And The Blackhearts

Album	I Love Rock n’ Roll
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Hard Rock
Tabs	View tabs for I Love Rock n’ Roll

Another rock anthem that’s embedded in our collective consciousness! ‘I Love Rock n’ Roll’ is Joan Jett’s wildest hit – certified platinum and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. But did you know that Jett’s version is a cover, while the original was written by a British band? This song was actually written and performed by a band called The Arrows in 1975.

In true rock anthem fashion, it only uses 3 power chords all throughout the song – E, A, and B. Plus, it has a 2/4 time signature all throughout, giving it that anthem vibe all the more. Easy to learn, play and sing along with, this is a great one to start or end a set with.

3. Within You Without You by The Beatles

Album	Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Indian Classical, Raga Rock
Tabs	View tabs for Within You Without You

There’s no denying that the Beatles were heavily influenced by Indian classical music in their later years, and ‘Within You Without You’ showcases this influence in all its glory. Written by George Harrison, this enigmatic track opens with a sitar solo, followed by a complex tabla rhythm that switches between 4/4, 2/4, and 5/4, with the melody based on the ‘Khamaaj thaat’, which is an Indian scale that’s the equivalent of the Mixolydian scale. Despite the frequent time signature changes, the transitions happen really smoothly. ‘Within You Without You’ is quite a refreshingly different track compared to the band’s earlier popular works, both in its competitions and lyrical content.

Not gonna lie; this track is a bit of a challenge to get a hold of on the guitar, especially if you’re used to playing Western time signatures – the frequently changing rhythm pattern can throw you off at the beginning, but once you hear the track over and over again, you should be able to keep track of the changes. The chords are all, interestingly, in the C family – Cadd11, C, Cm, Cadd9, Csus4, C7, and C6. Keeping all chords in C keeps the listener in a calming, familiar zone, adding to the spiritual quality of the song. This will be a bit of a challenge to play, but quite satisfying to have under your belt once you’ve got the hang of it.

4. Kathy’s Song by Simon & Garfunkel

Album	Sounds of Silence
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Acoustic Folk
Tabs	View tabs for Kathy’s Song

Most songwriters strive to express themselves as truthfully as they can in their music, and Paul Simon is a shining beacon of this quality. Kathy’s song is a tender, honest song about the time Paul Simon was together with a woman named Kathy and how peaceful those months made him feel. Using only the simplest chords and a solitary guitar, he weaves absolute magic – taking the ordinary and turning it into the extraordinary.

The rhythm pattern switches between 2/4 and 3/4, adding that dreamy effect to the composition. The chords are very simple – G, C, Am, Em, D7, Bm, and D – all simple for beginners to grasp. If you’re a novice, you can create your own version by strumming the chords, but if you’re fairly experienced on the instrument, the fingerpicking shouldn’t be hard to grasp after thorough practice. 10/10 recommend learning to play this song, whether you’d like to perform it at a gig or even sing it to your special person!

5. Hey Ya! by Outkast

Album	Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Soul, funk, pop
Tabs	View tabs for Hey Ya!

A song as catchy as this has got to be a part of your guitar repertoire! “Hey Ya” by hip hop duo Outkast is a guitar-driven groove fest that first broke out nearly two decades ago but still sounds undeniably fresh. The track’s infectious melody and snappy pop hooks sealed its place in many ranking lists of the 2000s and turned André 3000 and Big Boi into global stars.

Written by André, “Hey Ya”’s fun and quirky lyrics are deeper than what most of us realized when we first heard the song. Fans speculate the real meaning behind the song was how sometimes people stay in relationships fully aware of just how unpleasant and messed up it is! Not as cheerful now, is it?

The song’s lyrics are not the only mysterious thing about it! Its odd-time signature has André playing G and C chords in one and two 4/4 measures before moving to 2/4 to play the D chord, finally flowing to two 4/4 measures of the E chord. This way, despite having the same four-chord progression, the track sounds lively, energetic, and not the least bit monotonous.

6. Heaven is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle

Album	Heaven on Earth
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Power Pop
Tabs	View tabs for Heaven is Place on Earth

There’s no way you’ve not heard this song – it is one of the most recognizable tracks of the late 1980s! And this track hides a fair bit of nuance under its extremely catchy chorus. First off, the verse and the chords are written in two different keys – it starts off in the key of E major, while the final chorus shifts up a full tone to F# major. Secondly, it pretty much follows a 2/4 time signature all throughout the song, adding that urgent ‘power’ in the ‘power pop’ that is this song.

The chords are your usual suspects – but there are a fair few used in the track. The only thing to be careful of is the key changes between the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. A fun, cool song to add to your repertoire!

7. I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons

Album	Babel
Tuning	C A C G C E
Genre	Indie folk, bluegrass
Tabs	View tabs for I Will Wait

“I Will Wait” was released by British rockers Mumford & Sons in their 2012 album Babel. An upbeat bluegrass melody, an exciting arrangement of lush horns and banjo, a sing-along chorus, and driving drums were all elements of the band’s signature formula that never failed to get the crowd going! This track had it all! Not surprisingly, it became their biggest chart success and fetched them two Grammy nominations for Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song.

The jury is still out on whether this Mumford & Sons classic is in 4/4 time or 2/4. It is a tricky one! But the fact that the bass drum swooshes in on every quarter beat and chord switches happen every two beats puts this in the 2/4 category. Listen to it and let us know if you’re with us on this one! The original uses alternate tuning, but we’ve added links to tabs and tutorials that teach you the song in a simplified way.

8. Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash

Album	Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Country
Tabs	View tabs for Ring of Fire

Next on this list is Johnny Cash’s boom-Chicka-boom fuelled earworm “Ring of Fire.”The song was written by Cash’s wife, June Carter, at a time when he was still married to his first wife. She poured her heart out, comparing her love for the country legend as fiery as a “Ring of Fire.”

Although Cash’s 1969 hit version is how the world came to know about this beautiful song, it was first released by June’s sister Anita Carter six years earlier. Cash tweaked some of the original’s phrases and decided to add in some Mariachi horns, transforming it into a rip-roaring fest.

Time signature-wise, there’s a lot going on in this classic that keeps the listeners guessing! The song is in an unconventional 4/4 with 1/4 and 2/4 meters thrown into the mix. The 2/4 rhythm shows up in the verse as well as the chorus. Listen to the track and see if you can make it out.

9. Samson by Regina Spektor

Album	Songs, Begin to Hope
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Anti-Folk, Indie Pop
Tabs	View tabs for Samson

Even though this song was never released by Regina Spektor as a single, ‘Samson’ charted in several countries and is widely considered to be one of the greatest tracks she’s ever written. The song makes biblical references to the story of Samson and Delilah and gives it a contemporary touch, as if this story could apply to any couple today. “You are my sweetest downfall,” goes the opening line, giving us a hint of the intensity of the track as it unfolds.

The time signature is mostly in 4/4, but some passages are in 2/4. And although the original version is composed on piano, it sounds stunning on the guitar. Once you’ve got the hang of the frequent chord changes, you will love the way this track flows. I am linking you to a fantastic video guitar lesson that’ll make your life real easy.

10. Happiness is a Warm Gun by The Beatles

Album	The Beatles
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	View tabs for Happiness Is A Warm Gun

Another unique, offbeat track written by the Beatles, ‘Happiness is Warm Gun’, is, in my opinion, one of the band’s most complex songs. Switching between different time signatures – 2/4 3/4 and 4/4 at different points of the song. In fact, the Beatles took a total of 15 hours and 95 takes to get to the final recording that they liked! The chorus of the song may be a catchy, simple one but the rest of the song is quite a trip, to say the least.

If you’re attempting this song, then I recommend making yourself extremely well-versed in the song’s frequent rhythm changes. Even though it’s challenging both in its rhythm and chords, you’ll enjoy playing this one after mastering it! This is one of my personal favorite songs in 2/4 time.

11. Foggy Mountain Breakdown by Earl Scruggs

Album	Single
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Bluegrass
Tabs	View tabs for Foggy Mountain Breakdown

If you were to ask a bluegrass fan to recommend a song that best represents the genre, chances are high that they’ll pick “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.” Written and released by Banjo virtuoso Earl Scruggs way back in 1949, the song has become a permanent feature at most bluegrass jam circles and concerts. The tune has also become pretty mainstream thanks to the popular 1967 flick Bonnie and Clyde, where it pops up frequently, especially in the car chase scenes.

According to banjo player John Hartford, Scruggs had an affinity for two- and four-beat meters. Inspired by ragtime pianist, Scruggs would force rolls of three notes into 2/4 and 4/4, emphasizing a different part of the bar each time. In his signature “Foggy Mountain Breakdown,” Scruggs is heard using a 2/4 time signature. While Scrugg’s five-string banjo is the hero of the original, guitarists and mandolin players use solo breaks to emulate this classic bluegrass instrument.

12. Hey Brother by Avicii

Album	True
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Dance-pop, country pop, bluegrass
Tabs	View tabs for Hey Brother

In his tragically short life, Swedish songwriter and producer Avicii left an indelible legacy on modern dance music. One of Avicii’s early releases from the debut album, “Hey Brother” was a testament to his enormous versatility. Boasting an undeniably catchy melody thanks to a tasteful fusion of country, western, and blues, the song conquered hearts and charts, one country after another.

Avicii raised the emotional quotient of the song many notches by releasing a heart-wrenching video of two brothers growing up in wartime. A befitting backdrop to lyrics that talk about the unconditional love between siblings. The song is dominantly in 4/4 meter with 2/4 measure in some parts of the chorus.

13. Carry On by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Album	Déjà Vu
Tuning	Eb Bb Eb Eb Eb Eb (Open Eb)
Genre	Folk rock, psychedelic rock
Tabs	View tabs for Carry On

What happens when the insanely talented Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Neil Young, and David Crosby come together? They produce one of the greatest albums and best-selling of all time! While recording for the 1970 masterpiece Déjà Vu, it suddenly occurred to the band that they didn’t have an album opener in place. The dreamy, psychedelic opener “Carry On” was born out of two unfinished pieces that Stills cleverly strung together and composed with the band in eight hours flat!

The slack-stringed C-tuned opening of this track is also said to have inspired Led Zeppelin’s “Friends”. The bridge is hands down the most amazing part of the song particularly where the meter goes from 6/8 groove to 2/4 with “Carry on, love is coming, love is coming to us all” being sung in Acapella style.

14. Circus Farm by Mind Garage

Album	Early Years
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Rock
Tabs	View Original Song Circus Farm

A relatively unknown psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll band from Morgantown, West Virginia, swung into motion the genesis of Christian rock with their 1968 single “The Electric Liturgy.” Despite being in existence for a handful of years, Mind Garage, with its unique and inventive style, influenced numerous acts across genres including punk and new wave.

In 1968, the band composed another gem, “Circus Farm” chronicling the violent history of what a town in West Virginia went through during the American Revolution and Civil War. But for some reason, the song was not released until 2006.

What’s interesting about “Circus Farm” is while most songs just feature a bar of 2/4 here and there, this song after a soft shuffle in the opening adopts a solid 2/4 rhythm. And for that reason, this song would be an excellent pick to practice this time signature. Listen to the original on the link above. You’ll be able to make out the 2/4 meter clear as day!

15. Mi Buenos Aires Querido by Carlos Gardel

Album	(Movie) Mi Buenos Aires Querido
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Tango
Tabs	View tabs for Mi Buenos Aires Querido

Let’s take you to the 1930s with this popular vintage tango! Mi Buenos Aires Querido is a beautiful tango written by Alfredo Le Pera with music by Carlos Gardel. A love letter to the Country of Buenos Aires, the track is all about how this nation evokes feelings of love and good luck to the singer. There is a key change in the song towards the end, where the song shifts from the key of B minor to B major. This lively track is composed in 2/4 time signature throughout the song, giving it an upbeat, cheerful feel.

16. Oh, Where Have You Been, Billy Boy, Billy Boy

Album	NA
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	American Folk
Tabs	View tabs for Oh, Where Have You Been, Billy Boy

‘Billy Boy’ is a traditional American folk song that is an adaptation of an even older English folk song that was first published in 1912. It’s a cheeky song written in questions and answer form, asking if ‘Billy Boy’s’ prospective girlfriend/wife can achieve the feats expected of her. Composed in an upbeat 2/4 time signature with only two chords, G and C7, it has all the qualities of an easy-to-play, bright, cheerful folk song.

17. What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor by The Irish Rovers

Genre	Folk
Chords	Em, D, G, A, D/A
Tabs	View What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor tabs here

Originating from the traditional maritime songs of the 19th century, this classic folk song has been spread throughout the world due to its catchy melody, humorous storyline, and the vibe it evokes. The Irish Rovers’ interpretation of “What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor” showcases their mastery of folk music and their ability to breathe new life into traditional songs.

I find that it’s pretty easy to play and hard to forget because, believe me, its catchy theme will not leave your head for at least a week or two. Its simplicity makes it sound frank and soulful as if the person singing it is a part of your crew on a ship.

18. Oh! Susanna by Misc Traditional/Stephen Foster

Genre	Folk
Chords	A, E, D
Tabs	View Oh! Susanna tabs here

This popular American folk song written by Stephen Foster in 1848 has become one of his most well-known and enduring compositions. The song combines elements of minstrelsy and folk music, reflecting the musical traditions of the time.

“Oh! Susanna” tells the story of a man who is traveling to Louisiana to reunite with his beloved Susanna. Due to its topic, melodically, it has a distinct jaunty melody. The song is typically played in 2/4 time signature, with a lively tempo and simple chord progressions. Often performed with acoustic instruments, such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles. I find this to be a great song for new guitar players because it’s easy to play and doesn’t have many chords.

19. Blitzkrieg Bop by The Ramones

Genre	Punk Rock
Chords	A5, D5, E5, B5
Tabs	View Blitzkrieg Bop tabs here

Blitzkrieg Bop is known for its energetic and fast-paced sound, characteristic of the punk rock genre. Guitarists love the catchy guitar riff that forms the backbone of the song. The lyrics are rebellious and conspicuous, with a concise chorus that makes you join in and sing along.

The song isn’t very hard to learn because it only uses chords consisting of 2 notes (the 1st and the 5th), which is a very common thing you can see in most of the songs of the same genre. That only means that even if you are not that familiar with advanced guitar chords and are a beginner, this song will be a perfect choice to broaden the spectrum of songs you can play.

20. I’m a Believer by The Monkees

Genre	Rock
Chords	G, D, C, F
Tabs	View I’m a Believer tabs here

Written by Neil Diamond and released in 1966 as a single, the song became one of the band’s biggest hits. It is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melodies, and joyful lyrics, combined in the perfect manner of that time.

The song’s meaning is built upon the matter of newfound love and the transformative power it holds.

Melodically, the song is not hard to play and represents the features of the period in which it was written. You can easily grab your 6-string guitar and learn the song really fast.

21. Row Row Row Your Boat (Traditional song)

Genre	Folk
Chords	G, Em, C, D, D7
Tabs	View Row Row Row Your Boat tabs here

“Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is a popular nursery rhyme and round that is often sung for kids. It is a very simple and repetitive song, which makes you want to sing along right off the bat. Just listen to it, and you will see what I’m talking about!

The song’s lyrics consist of just a few short lines, which are typically sung in a round, making participants communicate in the language of music.

Melodically, as with almost all similar songs, this one is easy to play because otherwise, it’d lose its catchiness and groove, which is the number-one requirement to make it stuck in your head so you can memorize it as a jingle. The only downside of learning this song is that it will probably be stuck in your head!

22. I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone by Elvis Presley

Genre	Rock
Chords	E, B7, A
Tabs	View I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone tabs here

“I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone” is a song recorded by Elvis Presley and released as a single in 1955. Written by Stan Kesler and William E. Taylor, it is a mixture of rock and country music, showcasing Elvis’s early sound and his ability to perform in different styles.

Musically, the song is backed by the lively arrangement of guitars, drums, and bass. It has a rhythmic guitar riff that evokes an energetic mood inside. The combination of Elvis’s charismatic image, dynamic instrumentation, and country-infused rockabilly sound creates a compelling and engaging listening experience.

23. Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys

Genre	Surf rock
Chords	C, G7, F
Tabs	View Surfin’ USA tabs here

It’s a classic surf rock song recorded by The Beach Boys and released in 1963 as the title track of their album. Originally, it was written by Brian Wilson and Chuck Berry. Thematically, the song is drenched in the surf culture that was popular in California during the early 1960s. The lyrics celebrate the thrill and joy of riding the waves while also mentioning various iconic surfing spots along the coast of the United States.

It features an upbeat and memorable guitar riff that opens the song. The general arrangement of the song combines elements of rock and roll, doo-wop, and surf music, showcasing the style The Beach Boys became known for. This is one of the most iconic 2/4 songs of all time.

24. Yankee Doodle (Traditional song)

Genre	Folk
Chords	G, D, D7
Tabs	View Yankee Doodle tabs here

If you like American patriotic songs, then this one is definitely your choice. Its melody is recognizable by its liveliness and its tendency to uplift a person’s mood.

Over the years, “Yankee Doodle” has been used in a variety of contexts. It has been sung as a marching song, a rallying cry, and a symbol of American patriotism.

The catchy melody used in the song will be imprinted in your mind for a very long time, trust me. Anyway, there’s a significant advantage in that because it can be learned much more easily. Just try, and you’ll experience unforgettable emotions by playing it – you’ll feel so uplifted and energized you won’t have any sadness!

25. Camptown Races by Stephen Foster

Genre	Folk
Chords	D, A, G
Tabs	View Camptown Races tabs here

“Camptown Races” is a popular American song written by Stephen Foster in 1850. It is known for its vigorous and simple melody, making it a favorite for sing-alongs and participatory performances.

The song’s lyrics talk about the excitement of a horse race taking place in Camptown (a non-existent town). The opening lines, “Camptown ladies sing this song / Doo-da, doo-da,” often serve as the song’s informal title. The lyrics go on to describe the various sights and sounds of the race, including the horses, the jockeys, and the crowd’s anticipation.

As we stated before, the song features an uncomplicated melody that invites audience participation. The chorus, “Gonna run all night, gonna run all day / I’ll bet my money on the bobtail nag,” is repeated throughout the song over and over again, making it easy to participate.

The guitar is one of the best instruments to perform the song on because it usually proffers the vibe better than any other one does.

26. Hush, Little Baby (Traditional Lullaby)

Genre	Folk
Chords	D, A
Tabs	View Hush, Little Baby tabs here

It is a traditional lullaby that has been passed down through generations and remains a popular choice for soothing infants and young children to sleep. You might have heard about the song or even listened to somebody sing it to their babies.

The song’s really gentle and simple; therefore, it would be a good choice for a beginner. It still remains one of the most popular pieces of music that is learned at music schools, etc.

27. Turkish March by Mozart

Genre	Classical Music
Chords	Am/C , B7/D#, Am, Em, C, E, G, E7, A, D, F#m, C#, C#m, D#dim7, Bdim, Dm6, C#7, G#7, F#7, Bm
Tabs	View Turkish March tabs here

“Turkish March,” also known as “Rondo Alla Turca,” is one of the most famous compositions by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The piece was composed in 1783 and has since become one of Mozart’s most recognized and beloved compositions.

The “Turkish March” is known for its distinctive character, inspired by the Turkish music style that was popular in Europe during Mozart’s time. It incorporates elements of Janissary music.

The piece begins with a spirited theme that immediately captures the listener’s attention. It is characterized by its rapid tempo, lively rhythm, and catchy melodies.

Throughout the piece, Mozart incorporates Turkish-inspired musical elements, such as the use of cymbals and bass drum-like effects, to mimic the sounds of a Janissary band.

You can learn how to play the song, even though it’s a very challenging task because it requires you to have certain skills and agility to play it on the fretboard of your guitar. If you’re looking for songs in 2/4 time signature to learn, this is one I highly recommend trying!

28. The Wheels On The Bus

Album	NA
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Nursery Rhyme
Tabs	View The Wheels On The Bus Tab Here

This old nursery rhyme is worth learning if you love playing songs for the kids. “The Wheel On The Bus” comes in various translations, making it a popular, widely-played song worldwide. I love how easy this song is on guitar, as it features a simple chord progression.

I recommend this song as one of the best 2/4 time signature tunes to play with a constant beat on the guitar. I only learned two chords; playing this song perfectly on the guitar took only three fingers. Once you learn the strumming pattern and the chords, I suggest practicing the song gently at a decent, smooth tempo.

29. Joy To The World

Album	NA For The Original Version
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Christmas Carol
Tabs	View Joy To The World Tab Here

English priest Isaac Watts composed this well-known holiday song in 1719. The song’s lyrics interpret Psalm 98, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. This song has been a favorite amongst people of all ages because of its unique melody and addictive tune.

The tune contains a simple strum rhythm and three simple chords (G, D, and C). You can add a little diversity to each measure’s first beat by strumming the low E string. Avoid attempting to learn the entire song at once. Divide it into more manageable pieces. A perfect song to play around Christmas Time with family.

30. Baa Baa, Black Sheep

Album	NA
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Nursery Rhyme
Tabs	View Baa Baa, Black Sheep Tab Here

The 2/4 time signature is used in another well-known children’s song, Baa Baa Black Sheep. Kids enjoy sleeping to this tune, mostly known as a bedtime song. The song is believed to have been written in France during the 18th century.

With G, D, and C chords and a classic steady-down strumming pattern, the tune is quite simple to perform. Follow all the instructions and play the song with your children; it is quite simple and easy to learn. All notes are played on the first string because the song is in the key of C major.

31. Flight Of The Bumblebee By Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Album	NA; Part of orchestral suite Scheherazade
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Classical Music
Tabs	View Flight Of The Bumblebee Tab Here

The opera “The Tale of Tsar Saltan” originally featured this tune as an orchestral interlude. The piece has gained notoriety for its difficult, quick runs that mimic the bumblebee’s flight patterns. The tune is performed using fast single-note licks all over the fretboard. Although it is not difficult to play, the song is nevertheless not the simplest. Working your fingers in every place on the fretboard is more like an exercise. The chords used in the song are E, A, D, G, B, E, and this particular piece is definitely a great way to increase the agility of your fingers!

32. Muffin Man By Frank Zappa

Album	Bongo Fury
Tuning	E B G D A E
Genre	Nursery Rhyme
Tabs	View Muffin Man Tab Here

Another classic children’s song with a 2/4 time signature is the British nursery rhyme, Muffin Man. A reason why kids loved the song is that it included a game for them to play. The tune has 5 chords and is really simple for any guitarist to perform. To play the tune, you can use a simple strum pattern, such as a constant down strum. The C# a minor pentatonic scale serves as the foundation for the song’s main riff. Personally, I think this song provides a great opportunity for improvisation, and apart from playing for kids, this can serve as a great song for jamming sessions.

33. Bobby Shaftoez

Album	NA
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Folk
Tabs	View Bobby Shaftoe Guitar Tab Here

Basic English folk song and nursery rhyme Bobby Shaftoe is one of the first folk songs that date back to the 1600s. With just two chords, C and G, it is a very simple song to perform. The strum pattern is equally simple, emphasizing the first strum of every two and the steady down strum. I advise paying close attention to the song’s meter. It’s important to note that the chorus moves along at a quicker pace than the verses do. To make it simpler to perform the song in the key of E major, I always use a capo, and so should you.

34. Ciao Bella

Album	NA
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Traditional Italian Folk
Tabs	View Ciao Bella Tab Here

Thanks to the well-known Spanish television series La Casa De Papel, the Italian protest song Ciao Bella from the 19th century is now among the most well-known, widely-played songs. After being featured in the show, the song became a great hit and was covered and sung by many musicians. However, it was also a well-known song a few decades ago because it had numerous translations into various languages. The song was sung on numerous occasions and served as a symbol of worker protests and radicals. Four simple chords are used to perform it, and the basic strum pattern involves muting the down strums and playing open upstrokes.

35. Kalinka

Album	Many, Eg: The Russian Album
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Russian Folk
Tabs	View Kalinka Tab Here

Another enjoyable piece to play in the 2/4 time signature is the Russian folk song from the 19th century. The song was written for a theater production, and after the audience enjoyed it, it became one of the most well-known folk songs in Russian culture. The snowball tree known as Kalinka is well-known there. The song features a quick pace, humorous lyrics, and a famous chorus that becomes faster every time the singer speaks the word “Kalinka.” It is a simple tune to play with five of the standard open chords and easy to practice.

36. Stop The Cavalry By Jona Lewie

Album	Standalone Single
Tuning	E B G D A E
Genre	Pop Rock
Tabs	View Stop The Cavalry Tab Here

Another excellent and vibrant song to learn and play in the 2/4 time signature is Jona Lewie’s 1980 anti-war protest song, Stop The Cavalry, which was composed and performed by the English musician. The song became a global success against the war after reaching the top of the charts in numerous nations. The song can be played simply using the A, E, G, and D chords.

I find this a wonderful piece to play and sing along to because of its charming lyrics and unique tunes. Traditional strumming patterns sometimes feature emphasized beats per two strummings.

37. The Grand Old Duke Of York

Album	NA
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Children’s Music
Tabs	View The Grand Old Duke Of York Tab Here

The Grand Old Duke of York is an English nursery rhyme that dates to the 18th century. Three chords (D, A, and G) and a simple strum pattern are all that is needed to perform it. The best way to play this action song is at a fast, cheerful tempo because it is one of those songs which lets out a happy vibe. As a result, if you want to perform the song, I recommend beginning with four G chord strokes, then four C strokes, and so on. To learn this song properly, I recommend taking your time and letting the chords ring out gradually yet steadily.

38. Down To The River To Pray

Album	O Brother, Where Art Thou
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Christian folk hymn
Tabs	View Down To The River To Pray Tab Here

Traditional American folk song Down To The River To Pray has been categorized as a Christian folk hymn, African-American spiritual, Appalachian, and Southern gospel song. Many various groups throughout the nation perform the song, the true origin of which is unknown. One of the song’s most well-known and amazing covers is from the motion picture O Brother Where Art Thou. A wonderful atmosphere is created by the song’s chorus, a 2/4 time signature, and simple chords. You can play this music and sing with friends or perform it in jamming sessions to recreate the mood.

39. You’re A Grand Old Flag

Album	The Patriotic Collection, And More
Tuning	E A D G B E
Genre	Patriotic March
Tabs	View You’re A Grand Old Flag Tab Here

A 2/4 time signature provides the American patriotic march ‘You’re A Grand Old Flag’ with the appearance of marching soldiers. The song has a patriotic fervor that matches with its addictive energy. Four basic guitar chords ( D, G, D7, and A) are used to play the tune. Continuous down and upstrokes with an accent on each downstroke make up the strum pattern. If you’re just learning, you might want to start by playing the song slowly.

You can progressively up the speed as you get more at ease. I would always recommend starting slow and then taking it forward.

40. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp By Led Zeppelin

Album	Led Zeppelin III
Tuning	C A F C F C
Genre	Folk Rock Instrumental
Tabs	View Bron-Y-Aur Stomp Tab Here

Led Zeppelin, a renowned hard rock band, enjoys experimenting with various time signatures, including 6/8, 3/4, 7/8, and 2/4. One of those excellent tunes with a 2/4 time signature is Bron-Y-Aur Stomp. The house in the country where the band was residing in Wales inspired the song’s title. The song is performed using a variety of chords and arpeggios.

To play this, you’ll need to tune your guitar to drop D tuning. It makes every chord shape much easier to control. This song is a great one to practice, and I would definitely recommend it.

Final Thoughts

Learning to play songs with varying time signatures is a great way to practice your guitar skills and strengthen your sense of timing. Do check out our articles on popular songs in 3/4 time signature as well as the guitar songs in 6/8 rhythm pattern to expand your repertoire. Happy playing!