The hits of The Beatles are so memorable that after listening just once, it’s hard to imagine ever not knowing them. This makes the band extremely popular, and you, a beginner guitarist, have the advantage of being able to instantly grasp these hits and develop your guitar skills.
Below, I have featured 30 easy Beatles songs on guitar with tabs that you’ll be able to master after just a few practices. In case you struggle with reading tablature, I included video tutorials, although I highly recommend familiarizing yourself with reading music and you can do so by looking at How to Read Guitar Tabs
The first 10 songs I want to introduce to you can all be played with the same four chords; G, D, Em and C. All of these are included in this video tutorial :
Contents
1.Paperback Writer
‘Paperback Writer’ was released as a single in 1966 and quickly climbed the number 1 spot in the charts of UK, USA, Germany, Australia and Norway. Interestingly enough, this is the first song released by The Beatles which didn’t involve the subject of love so if you’re trying to avoid love songs, definitely go for this one.
In the tablature version below you can add blues chords G7 and G6 (very simple, no barre) if you want the ultimate Beatles sound or you can follow the video tutorial and stay within G and C.
Tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/paperback-writer-chords-3711701
Video tutorial:
2. Eleanor Rigby
‘Eleanor Rigby’ was released in 1966 with the ‘Revolver’ album as well as a double A-side single and was included in the list of the 500 greatest songs of all time by The Rolling Stone magazine.
Although the original is played with an orchestra, an acoustic solo guitar can be a fine substitution to make for a stripped-down version with only two chords of Em and C. Another excellent feature of the song is that it introduces you to the technique of palm muting, expanding your dynamics range for greater expression.
Tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/eleanor-rigby-tabs-172333
Video tutorial:
3. Love Me Do
‘Love Me Do’ was one of the first original songs by The Beatles and was the one that set the foundation for the band’s following success in the British music scene and beyond.
The qualities that drove it to its boom are the qualities you’ll want to keep an eye out for as a novice guitarist; the melody is very easily remembered and has just three chords: G, C and D. Similarly to ‘Paperback Writer’, you can add the blues G7 chord if you wish but it’s not crucial.
Tabs:
Learn ‘Love Me Do’ by The Beatles
Video tutorial:
4. Taxman
‘Taxman’ is a track that demonstrates the versatility of The Beatles; it possesses a funky bass and a sharp rhythm, highlighting the band’s rock influences. Geoff Emerick, The Beatles’ sound engineer at the time, confessed that even though it was George Harrison who wrote the song, he struggled to record the guitar solo and had to pass the part to Paul McCartney.
That said, don’t be scared! The version of the song I’ve included can be mastered even by a total beginner guitarist. It uses the same three chords as the songs before; D, C and G and follows an easy strumming pattern.
This tablature version again includes the blues seventh version of the D, C and G chords and although these chords are very simple, you can also stick to the regular D, C and G.
Tabs:
https://www.cifraclub.com/the-beatles/taxman/
Video tutorial at 03:48 :
5. Rock and Roll Music
This classic hit was originally written by Chuck Berry : ‘Love Me Do’ by Chuck Berry but was covered and released by The Beatles in 1964, marking the band’s prominence in the rock-n-roll culture.
‘Rock and Roll Music’ has a typical twelve-bar-blues structure with chords that should now be familiar to you; G, C and D. It’s a great track to practice your chord switches with due its upbeat rhythm and simple strumming pattern.
Video tutorial at 04:33 :
6. Can’t Buy Me Love
Released in 1964 and established as the fourth highest selling single of the 1960s in the UK, ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ resonates to listeners all over the world up to this day.
The song is in the key of G and to keep it in its original, you will need a capo on the fifth fret. This way you can either follow the same twelve-bar-blues chords :
12 Bar Blues for Beginners, of G, C and D with the capo on or play without the capo, with additional chords as stated in this tablature :
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/cant-buy-me-love-chords-353748
Video tutorial at 05:21 :
7. Twist and Shout
Originally, The Isley Brothers’ hit, The Beatles’ version of ‘Twist And Shout’ was released as part of their debut album, “Please Please Me’ in 1963. In the US, it was released as a single in 1964 and has sold millions of copies.
‘Twist and Shout’ is one of those songs that are so vivacious, you find yourself playing it fluently almost instantly; the classic rock-n-roll pattern of full down strumming grabs you and the learning process becomes effortless. The song uses just these three chords; D, G and A.
Video tutorial :
8. Get Back
Newly popularized in 2021 by the homonymous Beatles’ documentary, ‘Get Back’, this is the last track on the iconic ‘Let It Be’ album. In 1969, Paul McCartney described the songwriting process as; ‘We were sitting in the studio and we made it up out of thin air. We started to write words there and then. When we finished it, we recorded at Apple Studios and made it into a song to rollercoast by.’
The song can be played with three basic chords; A, D and G and its punchy rhythm will be an excellent addition to your setlist if you’re planning to perform live.
Video tutorial at 06:31 :
Or :
This tablature also includes the seventh chords if you’ll want to incorporate them but it’s by no means necessary:
‘Get Back’ by The Beatles with 7th chords
9. Let It Be
‘Let It Be’ has become an anthem for many generations, advocating John Lennon’s hippie outlook on life. Soon after its release in 1970, ‘Let It Be’ climbed the Billboard Hot 100 from number 6 to 1. This was the last song before Paul McCartney’s announcement about leaving the band.
It’s almost certain that as a guitarist you will at some point want to play this remarkable tune and there’s no need to wait; the guitar part requires no complicated maneuvers. The song is very direct and is in the key of C major, for which you’ll need a capo on the fifth fret. The chords are G, D, Em and C.
Video tutorial :
Tabs :
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/let-it-be-chords-110561
10. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da’ was co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney in 1968 and has a straightforward Verse/Chorus structure. It follows a rather Jamaican motif which makes it a funky study for a neophyte guitarist.
To match the original, you should place a capo on the second fret and play the chords of G, D and Em. To grasp a better understanding of the use of capo and changes in tonality, I suggest looking into:
Video tutorial :
Alternatively, if you’re looking for more range in your chord vocabulary, you can try out this tab version :
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/ob-la-di-ob-la-da-chords-3194990
11. Come Together
‘Come Together’ has one of those riffs that are much easier to play than it sounds and as a beginner, will leave a good impression on your audience. You’ll play easy, no-barre chords: D, A, G, D5 and A5 and lead the guitar to a direct ABAB structure.
Video tutorial :
Tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/come-together-tabs-190052
12. Hey Jude
This legendary ballad is a real treat to play for both beginners and professionals. It was written by Paul McCartney, as he says, inspired by John Lennon’s divorce with his first wife, Cynthia; dedicating the song to Lennon junior. ‘Hey Jude’ became a number-one hit in numerous countries and the most-sold single in the UK, US, Canada and Australia. You can play this rock-n-roll gem at a slow pace with just these three basic chords; G, D and D7. ‘Hey Jude’ was one of the very first songs I learnt to play, taught to me by my older sister and it’s a song that greatly strengthened my emotional bond to the guitar; I hope it can do the same for you.
Video tutorial with an additional D7 chord:
Video tutorial with a standard D chord (at 10:47) :
Tabs :
https://pickuptheguitar.com/hey-jude-chords/
13. Why Don’t We Do It In the Road?
A risque hit adored by The Beatles’ groupies, ‘Why Don’t We Do It In the Road’ is one of the most talked about songs on the ‘White Album’ and it’s a bold way to express that core 1960s spirit of love, joy and freedom. Although many believe it to be the ultimate Lennon song, it was written by Paul McCartney so the guitar plays an essential role in driving the song forward. As a newbie, you can play an acoustic version of the song with the seventh blues chords of D7, G7, A7 and G. You’ll have a blast with this one!
Video tutorial:
Why Don’t We Do It In the Road on Acoustic Guitar
Tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/why-dont-we-do-it-in-the-road-chords-17387
14. Here Comes the Sun
‘Here Comes the Sun’ came to life at Eric Clapton’s home where George Harrison first began writing the song. In 1969, the band recorded the track and added it as the 7th track on the legendary Abbey Road album.
The original version was played with a capo on the 7th fret, which makes it easily accessible for beginner players. The track follows a down-down-up-up-down strumming pattern and the chords of D, G, A7 and E7.
Tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/here-comes-the-sun-tabs-201130
Video tutorial :
15. Tell Me What You See
‘Tell Me What You See’ is marked on the Guitar Tabs website as ‘absolute beginner’ level. Indeed, this oldie makes for an ideal song to introduce you to the guitar.
The track was released in 1965 as part of the ‘Help!’ album and was composed in the joint effort of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The song maintains a poetic folk-style structure; it’s the kind of song you learn as part of the oral tradition so for a beginner, it makes for a painless study. You’ll also love the fact that this song only uses the three fundamental chords; G, C and D. This is a gem you can learn within an hour.
Video tutorial:
Tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/tell-me-what-you-see-chords-194742
16. Money
Formerly written and known by a blues musician Barriet Strong, The Beatles have transformed the track into a rock-n-roll anthem with one of the easiest yet most funky guitar riffs. ‘Money’ is the ultimate hit to introduce you to power chords and explosive riffs. Personally, it’s one of my favourites and I often play it live when I sense the audience longing for more entertainment; it never fails to make people dance.
Tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/money-thats-what-i-want-tabs-109304
Video tutorial :
17. Yellow Submarine
‘Yellow Submarine’ is one of the best choices for newbie guitar players who love The Beatles. Being a childrens’ song, it’s the perfect track if you’re learning the guitar with your child or younger sibling. The chords of the song will be no sweat to you; accessible even for a child, (so no excuses about short fingers), are as follows; G, D, C, Em, Am and D7. ‘Yellow Submarine’ is also very easy to sing, so this should be no challenge.
Video tutorial :
Tabs :
Yellow Submarine: Tabs for beginners
18. Sometimes
‘Sometimes’ was written by George Harrison, originally for piano, while The Beatles were making the ‘White Album’. The famous four later recorded the track with guitar in 1969 and released it with the ‘Abbey Road’ album. ‘Something’ is the first song you want to learn if you want to surprise your significant other with a love ballad.
Originally it’s in the key of C, but this version is transposed to G. Nevertheless, it sounds almost identical to the original and can be played with practically one finger. As a beginner, you’ll be able to master the song within an hour.
Video Tutorial :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPiNwvgWGN8
Tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/something-tabs-163259
19. A Hard Day’s Night
‘A Hard Day’s Night’, co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was released in 1964 alongside the homonymous biographical film and was for a while a number 1 hit in the US charts.
Although it has two barre chords, there is a way to simplify them if you don’t yet feel ready to play them.
Chords :
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/a-hard-days-night-tabs-917404
Video tutorial :
20. Good Day Sunshine
Good Day Sunshine – Guitar Tutorial
‘Good Day Sunshine’ is a song from the 1966 ‘Revolver’ album, written mainly by Paul McCartney and it persists to be one of the best songs to play whenever you want to cheer someone up. Famous music critic, Richie Unterberger rightfully said that ‘Good Day Sunshine’ demonstrates the Beatles ‘at their effortless best.’ The song is truly so full of the 60s zeal, that it makes the learning experience super relaxed and enjoyable. This version should be played with a capo placed on the second fret and using the DDDD strumming pattern.
Tabs :
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/good-day-sunshine-chords-1045434
Video tutorial :
21. In My Life
The Beatles themselves referred to ‘In My Life’ as one of their greatest achievements and the public has shared this view. The song was claimed the best song of all time by Mojo Magazine and was even played at Kurt Cobain’s funeral. It is a beautifully touching addition to your setlist.
‘In My Life’ is in the key of A and can be played without any fingerpicking, with the chords of A, E, D, Dm and F#m.
Video tutorial :
Tabs:
22. Penny Lane
The Beatles’ British origins have been downplayed and ‘Penny Lane’ stands to be the track giving homage to their hometown, Liverpool, referring to ‘Penny Lane’ street. The track is sweetly nostalgic and has an unusual take on the Doo Woop pop chord style. Although complex in its tone, the song is absolutely beginner-friendly. With this song, you’ll begin to experiment with key changes, as ‘Penny Lane’ switched between A and B major, playing with a capo on the 4th fret.
Tabs :
https://www.guitarparty.com/songs/penny-lane-easy-version/
Video tutorial :
23. Nowhere Man
The song was released with the ‘Rubber Soul’ LP in 1965 and it immediately draws you in with the main hook. It’s no surprise the track reached number 1 in Australia and Canada and number 3 on the International Billboard Hot 100.
In this beginner-friendly version, ‘Nowhere Man’ is transposed with the capo on the second fret to no barre chords of D, A, G, Em and Gm. The melody of the track flows smoothly and makes the chord changes effortless with the most common strumming pattern of down-down-up-up-down-up. This is a good one for pensive, philosophical moments.
Video tutorial :
Tabs :
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/nowhere-man-chords-1050941
24. Eight Days a Week
Thousands of Beatles fans come back to this song every day; it’s one of their purest classic Brit-hits from the Flower Power era. ‘Eight Days a Week’ is a single that reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and was the number 1 hit in Canada, Belgium and Netherlands. Like ‘Sometimes’, this is a good track to dedicate to your loved one, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or your anniversary.
The song uses some of the nine essential guitar chords like D, G, A and additional D7, Bm, E7 and G6 to widen your guitar vocabulary. It has the most basic strum pattern so you’ll have no problems staying in sync with the rhythm.
Video tutorial :
Tabs :
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/eight-days-a-week-chords-114649
25. You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away
With no previous training, you can get the grasp of the song within a few days or even hours. The 1965 classic ‘You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away’ consists of a single strumming pattern and buskers style chords, ornamented with the hammer-on technique which will greatly complement the sound of your guitar.
Video tutorial:
Tabs :
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/youve-got-to-hide-your-love-away-chords-17403
26. I Should Have Known Better
Influenced by Bob Dylan’s ‘Freewheelin’ album, John Lennon wrote ‘I Should Have Known Better’ in 1965, noting about the song, ‘That’s me, just a song, it doesn’t mean a damn thing.’ It surely meant something to the band’s Norwegian fanbase, as it reached the country’s number 1 spot on the billboard as well as that of Sweden, where it was listed on the top of Kvallstoppen Chart.
The song has the chords of G, D, Em, C, B7 and G7; all barre-free and very commonly used by The Beatles’. George Harrison recorded his guitar solo on an electric Rickenbacker 12-string but your acoustic guitar will be a fine alternative.
Video tutorial:
Tabs :
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/i-should-have-known-better-chords-97380
- Two of Us
A 1970 hidden treasure from the ‘Let It Be’ album, ‘Two of Us’ is sweet and nostalgic; with beautiful harmonies inspired by the rock due, The Everly Brothers. Originally, the song is acoustic and very guitar-driven. It’s a superb practice for warming up your hands with a fingerstyle introduction, followed by a steady strumming pattern in just four chords of G, C, B and Am
Video tutorial:
Tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/two-of-us-chords-907970
- The Night Before
From the historic 1965 ‘Help!’ album, ‘The Night Before’ showcases the band’s pop-rock roots. It follows a Call and Response structure with a guitar solo that’s repeated over the coda part; making for a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your ongrowing guitar experience. The song has the chords of D, C, G, A, Gm, Bm and E; a diverse mix to exercise your chord switches.
Video tutorial :
Tabs :
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/the-night-before-tabs-1714114
29. She Loves You
‘She Loves You’ has the quintessential The Beatles sound which you’ll be able to adapt very fast, using blues harmony of seventh and sixth chords. These chords are essentials to have if you want to explore the world of rock-n-roll. The song follows the chords of Em, A7, G6, G, Bm (easy no-bar version of the chord)
Video tutorial:
Tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/she-loves-you-tabs-101505
30. Yesterday
I’ve saved the best for last. ‘Yesterday’ is the most-covered song not only by The Beatles but arguably by any band ever. It’s an essential track for every guitarist’s setlist. The beauty of ‘Yesterday’ is that it can be played both by a professional guitarist with a lifetime of training and a few-weeks old beginner. The song is very much stripped down and guitar-driven, making it a perfect choice to show off your newly acquired skills. I remember playing Yesterday in classical fingerstyle, incorporating almost every fret on the guitar for a Music GCSE examination, whilst a friend of mine who’s only been playing for over a month, was learning a simplified version with no bar chords or capo that sounded just as fluent. This version of “Yesterday’ will expand your chord knowledge with introduction to G5, F#madd11, Em, C, D and A7. These may sound complex but they are simple no-barre chords, great for training your skill of palm muting.
Video Tutorial :
Tabs :
https://www.ozbcoz.com/Songs/song.php?ID=2976,guitar
If you want to make things even simpler and not even have to sing, here is a simple version in the key of C which has the vocal melody incorporated in the tabs:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-beatles/yesterday-tabs-326526
Conclusion
Something I love about playing the guitar is that there’s no limit to its exploration. There’s millions of ways to play a song and with experience you can begin forming your own unique versions of universally loved hits by bands like The Beatles. The famous four, themselves, began their careers by playing covers songs at local pubs and the very act of covering songs puts you at the center of music culture; it’s you, learning and playing songs by bands like The Beatles, that keeps their legacy going. I hope you’ve found this list useful; again, there’s never just one way to play a song, but these versions are optimal for a beginner-guitarist and will help you broaden your skills as long as you keep up with the practice.
