Pop Guitar
Pop songs might not scream "guitar music," but many of the biggest pop hits have iconic guitar parts. From Michael Jackson's funk-driven rhythms to Ed Sheeran's loop-pedal acoustic work, pop guitar is all about serving the song.
These are great songs for acoustic players, singer-guitarists and anyone who wants to learn songs that everyone knows.
Songs to Start With
A Flock of Seagulls 1
Adele 9
All of me 1
As It Was 1
Bee Gees 3
Benson Boone 1
Billy Joel 4
Bruno Mars 3
Christopher Cross 1
Commodores 1
Crowded House 1
Duran Duran 4
Ed Sheeran 8
Elton John 6
Elvis Presley 3
Gary Jules 1
Harry Nilsson 1
James Blunt 1
Jason Paige 1
John Legend 1
John Lennon 5
Lady Gaga 6
Mark Ronson 1
Massive Attack 1
Men at Work 1
Michael Jackson 9
Michael Sembello 1
Michel Sardou 1
Neil Diamond 1
OneRepublic 1
Otis Redding 1
Prince 4
Ray Parker Jr. 1
Sam Smith 1
Sarah McLachlan 1
Serge Gainsbourg 2
Stephen Sanchez 1
Sting 3
Tears for Fears 1
The Beach Boys 4
The Everly Brothers 1
The Gummy Bear Song 1
The Mamas and the Papas 1
The Righteous Brothers 2
Wiz Khalifa 1
Guitar in Pop Music
Pop guitar is about economy. Every note and strum serves the song. You'll practice clean chord transitions, rhythmic precision and tasteful embellishments. Many pop hits use just 4 chords, but playing them well, with the right dynamics and groove, is harder than it sounds.
Ed Sheeran proved that a single acoustic guitar can fill a stadium. John Lennon wrote some of the most recognized songs in history with simple chord progressions. Learning pop songs is one of the fastest ways to build confidence and have fun on guitar.
Try Pop Rock or Folk Rock for more guitar-forward songs in a similar style.