Fingerpicking, also known as fingerstyle, is a technique on the guitar that involves plucking the strings with individual fingers rather than using a pick. This technique is especially prevalent in acoustic guitar music, but it’s not limited to it. Electric guitar enthusiasts also employ fingerpicking to evoke a different sonic texture.
One of the benefits of using this technique is it allows guitarists to play both the melody and accompaniment simultaneously. For those new to this style, diving into the world of easy fingerpicking songs can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – here are 30 of the best songs to get you started.
1. Blackbird – The Beatles
Arguably one of the most iconic fingerpicking songs by The Beatles, Blackbird is played on an acoustic guitar. Written by Paul McCartney, the song showcases a fingerpicking style where bass notes are played with the thumb and the melody with the other fingers. This unique method allows the song to sound complete even when played solo.
Blackbird is a testament to the fact that a simple fingerstyle guitar piece can carry a powerful message. The lyrics, written during the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., reflect McCartney’s hopes for a better future.
2. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine is another fantastic choice for those looking for fingerpicking songs for beginners. Its repetitive bass notes and chord shapes make it a relatively easy fingerpicking song to master.
But the real beauty of this song lies in its emotional depth. Despite its simplicity, it carries a heavy, soulful energy, with lyrics that evoke deep emotion. Withers was a craftsman of soul, and this song remains one of his timeless classics.
3. Everybody Hurts – R.E.M
While R.E.M is often associated with their electric guitar sound, Everybody Hurts stands out as an acoustic masterpiece. The fingerpicking style used in this track is simple yet effective. New players can focus on the bass notes while slowly integrating the melody. R.E.M, formed in the early 1980s, often tackled profound themes in their music.
Everybody Hurts is an anthem of empathy, reminding listeners that everyone faces challenges and encouraging perseverance.
4. Fire and Rain – James Taylor
James Taylor is a titan in the fingerstyle guitar world. Fire and Rain, one of his most iconic tracks, is a beautiful, melancholic ballad that showcases Taylor’s intricate fingerpicking style. This song may present a slightly more complex challenge for beginners due to its diverse chord shapes and fingerpicking patterns. However, its beautiful melody and touching lyrics about Taylor’s personal struggles and losses make it a rewarding piece to learn.
5. House of the Rising Sun – The Animals
This traditional folk song, made famous by The Animals in the 1960s, has been covered by many artists, from Bob Dylan to Eric Clapton. Recognizable by its haunting minor chords and captivating lyrics about a life gone astray, House of the Rising Sun is an excellent example of how fingerpicking can bring a song to life.
The version by The Animals integrates a blend of electric and acoustic guitars. While it’s often associated with the electric guitar, it’s a great song for both acoustic and electric enthusiasts.
6. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
One wouldn’t typically associate Green Day, a punk rock band, with easy fingerpicking songs. However, Good Riddance is a significant departure from their usual sound. This acoustic ballad is not only one of Green Day’s most iconic songs but is also a great entry point for fingerpicking enthusiasts. The fingerpicking style used in this song is smooth, with a focus on clear bass notes and melodic trebles.
Written by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, the song touches on themes of change and moving forward. Despite its title, Good Riddance offers a nostalgic look back at life, making it a favorite at graduation ceremonies and other milestone events.
7. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
Originally written by Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah has been covered by many artists. Still, Jeff Buckley’s rendition stands out, largely due to his ethereal vocals and delicate fingerstyle guitar work. The fingerpicking pattern in this version is soothing and repetitive, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to practice their fingerpicking skills.
This beautiful song, with its biblical references and deep emotions, has become a modern classic. Buckley’s haunting voice, combined with his guitar prowess, has solidified this as one of the most beloved versions of the song. It’s a testament to how a song can be transformed and elevated through fingerpicking.
8. Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
Here Comes The Sun is another gem that showcases the beauty of fingerpicking. Written by George Harrison, the song exudes warmth and optimism. It’s characterized by its bright melody, played on an acoustic guitar. The song’s intricate finger patterns and chord shapes might pose a bit of a challenge for those just learning to play guitar, but the effort is well worth it.
Written during a period when Harrison was taking a break from the band’s intense schedules and interpersonal challenges, the song feels like a breath of fresh air. It celebrates the simple joys of life – the warmth of the sun after a long, cold winter and the promise of a new day.
9. Hotel California – The Eagles
Hotel California by The Eagles is not just a song; it’s an anthem. This track showcases a masterful blend of electric and acoustic guitar sounds, with a fingerpicking pattern that is both intricate and haunting. This fingerpicking song weaves a tale of a traveler checking into a mysterious hotel, only to realize he can never leave.
The song’s complexity, both in terms of its narrative and its guitar work, might be a bit challenging for beginners. However, the iconic fingerpicking style combined with the captivating bass notes make it a rewarding song to master. It’s a deep dive into the darker, more enigmatic side of acoustic fingerstyle guitar.
10. Just Breathe – Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam, known for their grunge roots, unveiled a softer side with Just Breathe. The song is a heartfelt ballad that relies heavily on an acoustic fingerpicking style. Its simple, repetitive pattern makes it one of the best fingerpicking songs for beginners to consider.
Eddie Vedder’s raw and emotive vocals complement the guitar work, producing a track that’s poignant and introspective. The song touches on themes of love, mortality, and cherishing every moment. It’s a beautiful reminder of the transience of life and the importance of being present.
11. Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Stand By Me is a timeless classic that has been covered countless times, but Ben E. King’s original stands tall among the rest. The song is primarily known for its soulful vocals and rhythm, but its guitar accompaniment is just as notable. This fingerpicking song has a steady bass note complemented by melodic highs. The simplicity of the chord shapes and patterns makes it a great song for those venturing into the world of fingerstyle songs. More than just its musicality, Stand By Me is a song of solidarity, assurance, and unwavering support.
12. Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car is a testament to the storytelling power of music. The song’s narrative is driven forward by its distinctive guitar intro and fingerpicking pattern. The fingerstyle guitar work is intricate yet accessible, making it another excellent choice for those seeking easy fingerpicking songs.
As the song progresses, it transports listeners on a journey of hope, dreams, and the harsh realities of life. It’s a song that resonates deeply, reminding us of the power of ambition and the complexities of human relationships.
13. Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Road Trippin’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is a laid-back, acoustic gem that lends itself well to fingerpicking on the guitar. With its soothing melody and evocative lyrics, the song’s simplicity allows for intricate fingerstyle arrangements. The gentle, folksy vibe of Road Trippin’ makes it a perfect choice for showcasing the guitar’s fingerpicking finesse and adding a touch of warmth to the song’s road-trip narrative.
14. Love Yourself – Justin Bieber
Love Yourself marked a transformative phase in Justin Bieber’s career, showcasing a more mature, introspective side of the pop sensation. This track is driven by its basic fingerpicking pattern, making it an accessible song for beginners looking to enhance their style.
The song uses simple chord shapes and structures coupled with a relatable narrative about self-worth and moving on from toxic relationships. Whether you’re a fan of Bieber or not, there’s no denying the musicality and appeal of this fingerpicking song.
15. Is There Anybody Out There? – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s Is There Anybody Out There? from their iconic album The Wall is a haunting instrumental that stands out in their discography. Dominated by an acoustic guitar, the song uses a blend of fingerpicking and strumming to create an atmosphere of desolation and introspection. It’s a beautiful piece for those who appreciate the melodic potential of fingerstyle songs. This track exemplifies the power of music to evoke emotions and transport listeners to a different realm, even in the absence of lyrics.
16. Wherever You Will Go – The Calling
Wherever You Will Go by The Calling starts with an unmistakable style that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The melody is both catchy and evocative, making it a favorite among many guitar enthusiasts.
For those seeking fingerpicking songs for beginners, this track is a must-learn, given its repetitive yet melodious patterns. The song touches on themes of undying love and the lengths one might go to for a loved one. Its universal appeal lies not just in its lyrics but in the captivating guitar work that resonates with many.
17. Let Her Go – Passenger
Let Her Go by Passenger (the stage name for Michael Rosenberg) is a melodic gem. Characterized by its soft and steady style, the song beautifully captures the essence of love and loss. Its lyrical depth combined with a soothing guitar rhythm makes it one of the more poignant, easy fingerpicking songs in recent years. The chorus, with its gentle reminder that “you only know you love her when you let her go,” strikes a chord with many. Aspiring guitarists can truly appreciate the delicate balance of narrative and musicianship in this modern classic.
18. Every Breath You Take – The Police
Every Breath You Take by The Police is iconic. Its mesmerizing guitar pattern, crafted brilliantly by Andy Summers, stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. This track, while sounding straightforward, requires precision in maintaining a consistent style throughout.
The entire song, with its haunting lyrics and melody, often leaves an indelible mark on the listener. As you delve deeper into fingerstyle songs, this track teaches the importance of restraint and the beauty in subtlety.
19. Never Going Back Again – Fleetwood Mac
From Fleetwood Mac’s iconic Rumours album, Never Going Back Again is a guitar-driven delight. The intricate style used by Lindsey Buckingham showcases the depth and range of the acoustic guitar. This song, with its upbeat tempo and layered guitar tracks, may pose a challenge for beginners but is a rewarding experience once mastered. The track serves as a testament to Buckingham’s prowess and the limitless potential of fingerpicking. It’s a journey through hope, despair, and eventual acceptance.
20. Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin
Stairway To Heaven needs no introduction. Often hailed as one of the greatest rock songs ever written, its introduction is a fingerpicking masterpiece. Jimmy Page’s guitar work is both delicate and powerful, setting the stage for the song’s eventual crescendo.
This song encapsulates the essence of fingerstyle guitar, with its intricate patterns and chord transitions. While the full song includes both acoustic and electric guitar sections, the fingerpicked introduction remains a favorite among guitarists of all levels. Learning this track is a rite of passage, taking players through the realms of rock and folklore.
21. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
Landslide is one of Fleetwood Mac’s most touching songs, with its evocative lyrics and gentle style. Stevie Nicks’ haunting vocals, coupled with Lindsey Buckingham’s delicate guitar work, make this track a favorite among fingerstyle guitar enthusiasts.
The song touches upon themes of change, introspection, and acceptance. For guitarists, it presents a fantastic opportunity to explore and express emotion through simple yet effective fingerpicking songs for beginners. The beauty of Landslide lies in its rawness and the profound connection it establishes with the listener.
22. Yesterday – The Beatles
One of the most covered songs in the history of music, Yesterday by The Beatles, is a timeless classic. Its simplicity, both in terms of lyrics and guitar work, makes it a go-to easy fingerpicking song for many budding guitarists. Paul McCartney’s melancholic voice, paired with the soft acoustic guitar, creates a serene and reflective atmosphere. The song’s universal theme of nostalgia and loss resonates deeply, making it a great fingerpicking song for anyone just starting out.
23. Hey There, Delilah – Plain White T’s
Hey There, Delilah brought the Plain White T’s to the forefront of mainstream music with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. Its distinctive fingerpicking pattern and narrative style make it an engaging song to learn and perform.
The story of a long-distance romance, conveyed through gentle strums and plucks on the acoustic guitar, resonates with many of us. This track shows how fingerpicking songs can tell intricate stories with a few simple chords.
24. Shape of My Heart – Sting
Sting’s Shape of My Heart is a mesmerizing combination of profound lyrics and intricate guitar work. The song, with its contemplative theme, delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the complexities of love and destiny. The guitar work, with its emphasis on bass notes and nuanced style, complements the song’s depth.
For those passionate about pushing their boundaries in fingerstyle guitar, this song is a challenge and a treat. The marriage of Sting’s voice with the rhythmic pulse of the guitar creates a sonic experience unlike any other.
25. More Than Words – Extreme
More Than Words by Extreme stands as one of the quintessential easy-fingerpicking songs of the 90s. The song’s poignant lyrics, combined with Nuno Bettencourt’s intricate style, struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
While the song seems straightforward, it’s filled with subtleties that truly bring out the acoustic guitar’s magic. Its message, emphasizing the power of actions over words in expressing love, resonates deeply with a lot of people. For those exploring fingerstyle songs, this track offers a delicate balance of technical skill and emotional depth.
26. Don’t Cry – Guns ‘N Roses
Guns ‘N Roses, known for their hard-hitting rock anthems, showcased their softer side with Don’t Cry. This ballad, driven by Slash’s emotive guitar work, brings forth a sense of longing and nostalgia. While not entirely a fingerpicked song, it has segments that introduce players to a fusion of fingerpicking and strumming on the electric guitar.
The song’s melancholic lyrics, combined with its gentle guitar melodies, make it a unique and engaging piece for those looking to expand their repertoire. Delving into this track helps budding guitarists appreciate the versatility of fingerpicking across different music genres.
27. Fluff – Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath, pioneers of heavy metal, surprised many with their instrumental piece, Fluff. Led by Tony Iommi’s serene and melodic guitar work, this track is a stark departure from the band’s heavier offerings. Fluff offers guitarists a chance to explore the softer, more melodic aspects of metal legends.
The song’s peaceful ambiance, with a blend of fingerpicking style and harmonious chord progressions, makes it an excellent piece for intermediate guitarists. By diving into this track, guitarists will be able to appreciate the vast musical landscape that even heavy metal bands traverse, showcasing the boundless possibilities of the acoustic guitar.
28. Simply The Best – Noah Reid
Originally sung by Tina Turner, this version of Simply The Best by Noah Reid introduces a fresh, stripped-down acoustic rendition that beautifully highlights the song’s sentiment. Reid’s fingerpicking rendition resonates deeply, turning an iconic pop song into a gentle ballad perfect for the acoustic guitar.
This track shows how a classic can be reimagined with a fingerpicking style, breathing new life into well-known lyrics. For those searching for a modern twist to familiar tunes, this version offers a delightful experience.
29. April Come She Will – Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel have a reputation for crafting songs that resonate with emotion and intricate guitar work, and April Come She Will is no exception. This easy fingerpicking song captures the fleeting nature of time and relationships through its metaphorical lyrics.
Paul Simon’s delicate guitar playing weaves a spellbinding melody that pairs seamlessly with Art Garfunkel’s ethereal vocals. For guitarists looking to immerse themselves in a musical piece rich in both emotion and technique, this track is a gem.
30. Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
Eric Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight is a timeless classic known for its heartfelt lyrics and melodic beauty. It’s a great tune for fingerpicking due to its simple yet captivating chord progression and delicate arpeggio patterns. The song’s gentle rhythm and Clapton’s soulful vocals make it a perfect choice for showcasing the intricate and emotive qualities of fingerstyle playing.
In Closing: The Timeless Elegance of Fingerpicking
The world of easy fingerpicking songs is vast and varied, offering a rich tapestry of emotions, stories, and technical nuances. From the timeless classics of legends like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel to the modern renditions by artists like Noah Reid, there’s a fingerpicking song for every mood and moment. These tracks, woven together by the intricate dance of fingers on the acoustic guitar, serve as a poignant reminder of the power of music.
For both seasoned guitarists and beginners, delving into fingerstyle opens up a universe of expression and connection. Whether you have a classical guitar or an acoustic model, these songs can help you master this amazing technique. So, pick up that guitar, explore these songs, and embark on your own musical journey filled with discovery, passion, and soulful melodies.