Simple Songs: The Easiest Easy Guitar Songbook Ever – 50 Pop Rock Classics for Beginners

What is this

Simple Songs by Hal Leonard is a beginner-friendly guitar songbook designed to help new players build confidence. It combines simplified arrangements with tab, chords and lyrics for 50 well-known pop and rock tracks, aimed at acoustic and electric guitar. If you’re starting out and want familiar tunes to practice, this book provides a practical path without overwhelming technicalities.

What you get

The collection offers streamlined arrangements that mix tablature, chord diagrams and full lyrics. Song choices span recognisable titles such as Ain’t No Sunshine, Beat It, Folsom Prison Blues, Hallelujah, Highway to Hell, I Love Rock ’N Roll, La Grange, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Sweet Home Chicago and more. The emphasis is on playability for beginners, with familiar songs to reinforce rhythm, chord changes and timing.

Who it’s for

If you’re a total beginner or returning to guitar after a long break, this book sits in the mid-to-low end of the market in terms of difficulty. It’s well-suited to players who want quick wins—i.e. being able to play recognisable tunes early on—without investing in a more comprehensive theory-heavy method. It may also work well as a starter resource for self-tac- ed learning or for group lessons where simplifed arrangements speed up progress.

How to use it effectively

Start with a couple of gentle songs to get a sense of strumming patterns and basic chord shapes. Practice sections slowly, then gradually increase tempo as you feel more confident. Since the book includes both tabs and lyrics, sing-along practice can help with timing and gloss over tricky transitions. If you find certain songs too challenging, switch to simpler tracks first and return later.

What stands out

On the paper, the approach prioritises recognisable tunes and practical playing the moment you pick up the guitar. You’re not expected to master advanced techniques straight away, instead, you build muscle memory through repeatable chord changes and straightforward rhythms. This makes it a sensible option for those who value tangible progress over exhaustive theory.

What may not convince

If you’re seeking a deep dive into guitar technique, theory, or a broader range of styles beyond pop and rock classics, this book may feel limited. Likewise, some pop tracks in the list rely on basic power chords or open-position shapes, which won’t shift your playing beyond a starter level. It’s not the best option if you want performance-ready arrangements or nuanced phrasing.

Practical considerations before buying

• Check that you’re comfortable with basic chords and the concept of tabs, if you’re completely new to reading music, give yourself a bit of practice time.
• Expect a focus on rhythm and familiarity rather than virtuosic playing. If you prefer complex fingerstyle or drop tunings, this may not cover what you want.
• Consider your instrument (acoustic or electric) and ensure the arrangements feel suitable for your setup, some songs may feel friendlier on one guitar type.

How this compares to other approaches

This songbook stands out for immediacy: you can start playing well-known songs quickly, which helps maintain motivation. In contrast, more theory-heavy or multi-genre books can take longer to yield audible progress. If your aim is to strum along with friends or perform simple sing-alongs, this collection offers a pragmatic route. If you crave breadth of genres or advanced solos, you’d likely want supplementary material later.

Everyday use example

Imagine a rainy weeknight, you’ve just tuned your guitar and chosen Ain’t No Sunshine. You follow the simplified tab and open chords, strumming a steady four-beat rhythm while the lyrics guide the phrasing. After a few short practice sessions, you can play along with the chorus, which feels like a small milestone and boosts confidence to tackle the next track.

FAQ (based on available information)

• Does the book include chords and lyrics for every song? Yes, each arrangement combines tab, chords and lyrics.
• Is it suitable for electric guitar as well as acoustic? Yes, the book supports both acoustic and electric guitar use.
• Are the arrangements fully original tempo and key? The description emphasises simplified arrangements, no specifics on tempo or key are provided.

Is it worth it?

A solid pick if you prioritise quick wins and the ability to play recognisable songs early on. It makes sense for beginners who want a practical, low-friction way to build confidence and enjoy playing along. It may not be the best fit if your focus is on technical mastery or expanding beyond pop/rock selections.