If you have visions of rocking out on the guitar or want to teach your son or daughter to play, it can be hard knowing where to begin. However, several recognizable songs require only three or four chords. Once you've mastered the list below, you'll be ready to take your technique to the next level.

1. Shake It Off

This fun, uptempo Taylor Swift song requires three chords—Am7, Cmaj7, and G6—and a simple chord progression. As a bonus, you only need to use two fingers. After you've got it down, don't forget to sing along. 

2. Stand By Me

Made popular by Ben E. King in 1960, Stand By Me is a great song to work on your strumming pattern. The song uses four chords which are G6, Em, Cmaj7, and Dsus7. Like the previous entry, two fingers are all that's needed, but they are meant to sit close together on one fret, making the movement even simpler.

3. Rockstar

As one of Nickleback's more popular songs, this one only requires four chords. As long as you know G, F, C, and Am, you can pick it up quickly but still sound like a pro.

4. Radioactive

This song by Imagine Dragons spent 87 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking a record in the process. To play it, practice Am7, Cmaj7, G6, and Dsus2, several of which were also utilized above. When you’re ready, amp up the complexity by using a capo.

For more song ideas or to sign up for lessons, stop by 5J Music of Elko, Nevada. There, you’ll find a staff of expert guitar players with over 20 years of experience helping new guitarists get started. Call them at (775) 778-0484 to schedule your first lesson or to ask about the wide variety of guitars they have available for purchase.