Easy Guitar Songs for Kids

When trying to get your child to start learning the guitar, it may seem a little daunting given there are so many places to start and most songs that you listen to are potentially difficult to learn. 

But rest assured, here at Play Music Today we’ve compiled 10 kid-friendly songs that are sure to get yourself or your child’s guitar journey to a flying start!

From simple songs to universally known nursery rhymes, this varied list is a great first step for any learner taking their first steps in learning the guitar. So let’s get started:

One of the best-known lullabies across households and around the globe, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” has been sung by most parents to their children during bedtime for decades, which is why kids and adults know it so well. Not only is it a great song to learn, but it also only requires a few basic chords.

Chords: G, C, D7

Short and simple, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is a children’s song that’s one of the easiest to learn, due to it only consisting of two chords. Simply keep your guitar in standard tuning, and play C and G throughout.

"Happy Birthday To You" is a catchy and wonderfully simple song that resonates with everyone. As the undisputed champion of English-speaking tunes, its lyrics are engraved in our collective consciousness, which makes it an excellent starting point for aspiring guitarists. With its straightforward chords, players young and old will be learning and mastering it in no time.

"Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" may be short, but its age-old appeal is undeniable. Not only that but it's also very easy to strum on the guitar! Mirroring the melody of two other beloved tunes, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and the "Alphabet Song", you'll only need three basic guitar chords to master this beginner-friendly gem.

Used to teach children the English alphabet in primary schools, “The ABC Song” is a simple song for nursery teachers, which is an essential tool for facilitating learning. Remarkably, the song can be played with just four chords, making it accessible even to beginners. Additionally, the fingerpicked rendition of the melody serves as an excellent starting point for those venturing into the world of guitar playing.

"Frère Jacques/ Are You Sleeping", a cherished French nursery rhyme, has found its way into translations across numerous languages worldwide. Certainly, alternate guitar versions of the song exist, incorporating additional chords for those seeking to expand their repertoire. However, for novice players, it is highly recommended to begin with this straightforward rendition. 

A beloved children's song, "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" is popular among nursery and primary schools alike.  Its widespread popularity makes it a perfect choice for guitar classes involving kids. What makes it even more appealing is the fact that it only requires three guitar chords, making it easily accessible for young learners.

Mary Had a Little Lamb stands as another renowned nursery rhyme, captivating audiences with its endearing story. For beginners on the guitar, it serves as an excellent choice due to its simplicity, as it only requires two fundamental chords.

"The Wheels on the Bus" is one of our favourite songs for kids, it’s such a popular song that it’s sung in many other countries as well, either in English or in a translated version. With its simple structure and chords, it’s very easy to remember, making it perfect for beginners!

"Humpty Dumpty", a timeless nursery rhyme, carries with it a plethora of theories surrounding its origin. Curiously, the lyrics themselves make no direct mention of a humanoid egg, yet that is the image ingrained in our minds today. This particular song serves as an excellent exercise for honing one's ability to swiftly transition between chords, providing a valuable opportunity for musical growth.

Need help with learning to play the guitar? Want to check out the latest range of beginner acoustic guitars, electric guitars, affordable amps, and effects at PMT? Call us on 0151 448 2089 or check out your local store to speak to one of our Experts about your needs.