Are you ready to take your Spanish guitar skills to the next level? Here at Easy Spanish Songs on Guitar, we are here to help! With a little practice and dedication, you can be playing some of Spain’s most famous tunes in no time. Learn how today with our helpful tips and easy-to-follow tutorials. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced guitarist looking for a refresher, these lessons will get you up and playing traditional or modern Spanish songs and much more. So let’s explore the vibrant culture of Spain by beginning our journey through its iconic music scene!
Easy Spanish Songs on Guitar
1 Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira
The song by Shakira is a popular choice for Spanish guitar players because it is comparatively easy to learn and sing along. As one of the most iconic Latin Pop songs of all time, it’s sure to get people singing and dancing at any party.
2 Vivir Mi Vida – Marc Anthony
“Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony is a popular Latin song that has become a classic over time. It’s an easy one to learn on guitar, since the chords and melody are quite simple and repetitive. The lyrics of this upbeat tune tell the story of living life to its fullest.
3 Sofia – Alvaro Soler
For beginner guitarists hoping to learn Spanish music, this simple and easily understandable chord progression in Alvaro Soler’s catchy pop song would be an ideal choice. The gentle fingerpicking style used in this song makes it easier to focus on single notes instead of complicated chords. Additionally, you don’t need any special gear or effects to play the song – just your basic acoustic guitar is enough! With its lighthearted lyrics and cheerful melody, “Sofia” will surely bring a smile on your face as you progress with the strumming pattern. Give it a try and see how much fun it can be! [1]
4 La Tortura – Shakira feat. Alejandro Sanz
“La Tortura” by Shakira and Alejandro Sanz is an upbeat, danceable track with a salsa-inspired rhythm. The guitars used in the song are mostly arpeggios played in syncopation – which means they can be difficult to play but still sound great when done with precision. This song might take some practice to get right but it’s well worth the effort! Start by learning the main chord progression and then add in extra detail such as hammer-ons and slides as you progress. With its toe-tapping beat and lush harmonies, “La Tortura” will have you dancing along before you know it!
5 Disfruto – Carla Morrison
Carla Morrison is a Mexican singer-songwriter who has taken the Latin American music world by storm. Her beautiful songs with uplifting melodies are perfectly suited for guitar playing. Disfruto, one of her most popular tunes, is easy to learn and a great addition to any Spanish songbook. The song features just three chords: A Minor, D Major, and E Minor. With its simple structure, it’s easily mastered within minutes! Start off with strumming the three chords in order—A Minor, D Major, E Minor—while also singing along with Carla Morrison’s enchanting vocals. Once you get accustomed to it, try mixing up the chords and creating your own version of this classic tune. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to master this beautiful Spanish song in no time.
6 Amor Prohibido – Selena
Selena is a legendary Tejano singer who left an indelible mark on the Latin music scene. Her most famous song, Amor Prohibido, is a classic love story that’s perfect for playing on the guitar. The song features just two chords—A Minor and E Major—and it can be easily mastered in minutes. Start off by strumming the two chords in order—A Minor followed by E Major—while singing along with Selena’s beautiful vocals. Once you get used to it, try mixing up the two chords and creating your own unique version of this timeless tune.
7 Ojos Color Sol – Calle 13 feat. Silvio Rodriguez
This classic Spanish tune is a great song to add to your repertoire. This Latin pop and reggae-influenced song is originally by Calle 13, a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo, and it features Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodriguez. Its feel-good vibes will make you want to dance along. The catchy chorus will have you singing along in no time! With its simple chords, this song is perfect for the beginner guitarist. To make it extra special, try adding some syncopated rhythm guitar accompaniment to create an even more lively atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a festive party anthem or just want something fun and easy to play on your guitar, this track is sure to become one of your favorites. [2]
8 Saturno – Pablo Alboran
This upbeat and soulful acoustic song by Spanish singer-songwriter Pablo Alborán is just the perfect track to add to your repertoire. With its catchy chorus and uplifting lyrics, this tune will quickly become a favorite of yours. The guitar chords are simple enough for any beginner but they will take some practice to get right. Try adding in some intricate strumming patterns or fingerpicking techniques to give the song that extra bit of pizzazz. Whether you’re playing it at a gig or just want something fun and easy to jam out on your own, Saturno is sure to be a hit!
9 Despecha – Rosalia
This is a groovy tune from Rosalia, one of the greatest Spanish pop stars entering the international scene. The song has a steady beat and its fingerpicking style makes it an ideal candidate for learning to play Spanish songs on guitar. For those looking for a challenge, this song also contains some interesting harmonic progressions that can be difficult to recreate without practice. Once mastered, however, Despecha is sure to impress with its unique sound and upbeat tempo. Don’t forget to add your own flavor when playing this one!
10 Entra En Mi Vida – Sin Bandera
This classic pop song from the Mexican duo Sin Bandera has a beautiful guitar melody that’s easy to learn yet still sounds great. This is an ideal choice for those looking to learn Spanish songs on guitar as it has few chords and a simple, repetitive strumming pattern. Furthermore, Entra En Mi Vida is one of those tunes that everyone knows and its catchy chorus will surely get stuck in your head after you learn it!
11 Me Gustas Tu – Manu Chao
This upbeat song by Manu Chao is a great one to learn on the guitar. It starts with an infectious groove that will make you want to move your feet and join in! The lyrics are simple and easy to understand, as it’s all about expressing love. Even if you don’t understand Spanish, the melody is still captivating enough to keep you engaged. The intro riff is fun and easy to play, and adds an extra layer of complexity that makes this a great song for those wanting more of a challenge. You can also add little variations once you get the basics down, so there’s lots of room for creativity too. No matter what level of guitar playing you have, Me Gustas Tu is a song that will make you feel good! [3]
12 La Macarena – Los Del Rio
This latin dance classic by Los Del Rio is a fun one to learn on the guitar. It starts out with an irresistible rhythm that will get you up and grooving almost immediately! The chorus is easy to follow and sing along to, so it’s great for those who want to practice their Spanish vocabulary while they play. The intro riff is simple enough for beginners but still sounds great, making this a good choice for any level of musician. And if you’re feeling brave, you can also add in some extra flourishes here and there to really show off your skills! La Macarena is a song that will make anyone smile.
13 Obsession – Aventura
This is one of Aventura’s most popular songs, and for good reason. It has a great melody that lends itself perfectly to be played on guitar. The strumming pattern for this song is simple, making it ideal for beginners who are just starting out playing Spanish songs on guitar. To make the song easier to play, try using a capo on the 4th fret. With some practice, you’ll soon have this classic Spanish song sounding like a pro!
14 Amor Eterno – Rocio Durcal
This is a classic song from Mexican singer Rocio Durcal. This song has an emotional and romantic melody that will have you singing along in no time. The chords for this song are relatively easy, so even complete beginners can have fun playing it on guitar. For the chorus of the song, try using a combination of simple palm muting and strumming to achieve the right sound.
15 Rayando El Sol – Maná
This song by the popular Mexican rock band Maná is upbeat and cheerful. The title translates to ‘Dawning the Sun’ and the lyrics describe waking up early to welcome the sunrise. The chord progression is simple and the strumming pattern is easy to pick up. With some basic guitar skills you can be playing along in no time.
16 El Condor Pasa – Simon & Garfunkel
This classic by Simon & Garfunkel has a distinctive Andean folk style. Although the lyrics are in English, the melody is based on a traditional Peruvian song. The fingerpicking pattern uses basic chords and is suitable for beginners to learn. Once you get the hang of the pattern, the song is very repetitive and you’ll be playing it smoothly in no time.
17 Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor – Juanes
Juanes is a Colombian singer and songwriter who has achieved widespread international success singing primarily in Spanish. His songs are often characterized by their catchy rhythms and romantic lyrics. “Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor” which translates to “I’m Worth Nothing Without Your Love” is a great example of this. The chords are simple and the strumming pattern is straightforward, making it an easy song for beginners to pick up. Once you get the hang of the rhythm, the lyrics are simple to memorize and sing along to. [4]
18 Te Amo – Franco de Vita
Franco de Vita is a Venezuelan Latin pop artist with a long and prolific career. “Te Amo” or “I Love You” is one of his most well-known romantic ballads. Like many of his songs, the chord progression is simple and the tempo is slow, focusing attention on the emotional lyrics and de Vita’s vocals. The repetitive chorus of “Te amo, te amo, te amo” makes it easy to pick up and sing along with, even for non-Spanish speakers. The slow tempo and simple chords also make it an accessible song for beginner guitarists.
19 Que Ha Pasao – Abraham Mateo feat. Sofia Reyes
This uptempo Latin pop song by Spanish singer Abraham Mateo features Mexican singer Sofia Reyes. The lyrics are all in Spanish and the melody is very catchy. The chorus goes “Que ha pasao, que ha pasao, que ha pasao contigo” which translates to “What happened, what happened, what happened to you”. It’s an easy song to play as a beginner guitarist since it primarily uses basic open guitar chords.
20 Bamboleo – Gipsy Kings
The Gipsy Kings are famous for their rumba flamenca music which blends Spanish guitar with Latin rhythms. “Bamboleo” is one of their most well-known songs and is very easy to play as a beginner. The chord progression uses E, A, and B7 and the strumming pattern is straightforward. You can find many tutorials online to help you learn the distinctive rhythm and lead guitar parts in the song. Singing along with the chorus in Spanish is optional but fun to do!
21 Diez Mil Maneras – David Bisbal
This song by Spanish pop artist David Bisbal is a great beginner song to learn on guitar. The chords are simple and the strumming pattern is straightforward. The lyrics are also quite simple, with the chorus just repeating “Diez mil maneras” which means “Ten thousand ways”. Once you get the hang of the chords and strumming, you can start to add your own flair to the rhythm to make it your own.
22 Bongo Bong – Manu Chao
This fun, catchy song by Manu Chao is a great one for beginners to learn. It uses Am, Dm and G chords, which you’ve likely already learned as a beginner. The strumming pattern involves a mix of downstrokes and upstrokes to give it a bouncy, reggae-inspired feel. Once you get the chord progression and strumming down, you can start to improvise and make the song your own. The lyrics are a mix of Spanish and English, with a call and response chorus that is easy to pick up. [5]
23 Clandestino – Manu Chao
This song by Manu Chao is very easy to play on guitar and is a great starter song if you’re learning Spanish. The chords are G, C and D7 and the strumming pattern is very simple. The lyrics are also easy to pick up and it’s a fun, upbeat song. The lyrics are about living life freely and not following rules.
24 Eso Y Mas – Joan Sebastian
This song by Joan Sebastian is a classic ranchera with a simple chord progression that is easy to pick up. The strumming pattern is also straightforward, making it ideal for beginners to learn. Once you have the chords and rhythm down, you can start to embellish the song by adding some rolls or other simple techniques. The lyrics are also quite easy to understand, even for those still learning Spanish. Overall, this is a great song for any guitar student to tackle when first starting out.
25 Apuesta Por El Rock And Roll – Enrique Bunbury
For something with a bit more of a rock feel, try this song by Enrique Bunbury. It uses common rock chords like E, A and D, and has a steady strumming rhythm that is easy to follow. The lyrics are a bit faster than in the Joan Sebastian song, but are still quite comprehensible for learners. This song allows you to practice both your rock strumming skills and your Spanish listening comprehension. The energetic feel of the tune also makes it fun to play, even for beginners.
26 Oye Como Va – Santana
“Oye Como Va” by Carlos Santana is a classic Latin rock song. It has an easy chord progression using A, D, and E major chords that you can play with a simple strumming pattern. The lyrics are in Spanish but are very repetitive and easy to pick up. This is a great song for beginners to learn to play on guitar and sing along with. Once you get the chord progression and strumming down, you can add your own flair to the song with some simple guitar solos.
27 Procuro Olvidare – Aitana
“Procuro Olvidarte” by Spanish pop artist Aitana is a slower ballad-style song with an easy chord progression using G, Em, C, and D major chords. The strumming pattern is slow and simple, focusing on letting Aitana’s emotional vocals shine through. The lyrics are all in Spanish, but even if you don’t understand the language, the melody and chords create a melancholic feel. This is another good beginner song to practice changing between chords smoothly and strumming softly.
28 Siete Vidas – Antonio Flores
This song is a classic in Spanish guitar repertoire. It was written and performed by Antonio Flores for the Spanish film ‘Siete Vidas’ from 1999. The song has a romantic feel with a simple chord progression using open guitar chords. It’s a great song for beginners to learn as the chords are easy to pick up and it has a very recognizable melody. The lyrics are all in Spanish but even if you don’t understand the words, the melody is very sing-along. [6]
29 Si Nos Dehan – Jose Alfredo Jimenez
Jose Alfredo Jimenez was a famous Mexican singer and songwriter. His song ‘Si Nos Dejan’ which means ‘If They Let Us’ is another classic that is often played by guitarists learning Spanish songs. It has a rhythmic strumming pattern and uses common open guitar chords. The melody is very distinctive and soulful. Although the lyrics are in Spanish, the emotional tone of the song comes through in the melody and chords. It’s a great song to play around a campfire or at a party.
30 Esto Es Vida – Robi Draco Rosa
This song by Puerto Rican singer Robi Draco Rosa is an upbeat reggae-pop tune with an easy chord progression that’s great for beginners. The lyrics are simple and uplifting, celebrating life and following your dreams. With just four chords (G, Em, C, D), you’ll be playing along in no time.
Easy Tips on Playing Spanish Songs on Guitar
Spanish guitar music is a lot of fun to play. The melodies are often lively and energetic and the strumming patterns can be quite rhythmic and fast-paced. Here are some tips for learning Spanish songs on guitar:
- Learn basic open guitar chords. Many Spanish songs use common open guitar chords like E minor, A, D, and G. Practice changing between these chords quickly and smoothly.
- Practice Spanish strumming patterns. A very common strumming pattern in Spanish guitar music is “down, up, down, up” or “down, down, up, up”. Practice strumming these patterns with a metronome to get the rhythm right.
- Listen to the song and find the chord progression. Listen to the song you want to learn and try to pick out the chord progression by ear. Figure out the key the song is in and listen for the chord changes to identify the progression.
- Practice the melody. Once you know the chord progression, listen for the melody of the song and practice playing it on the high strings of the guitar. Try to mimic the rhythm and phrasing of the vocals.
- Put it all together. Combine the chord progression, strumming pattern, and melody and play through the song. Start slowly and increase the speed as you get more comfortable. Have fun!
Why Is Spanish Guitar Music So Popular?
Spanish guitar music has been a popular genre for centuries. Its unique combination of traditional Spanish folk songs and classical elements have provided some of the most recognizable tunes in the world. Spanish guitar music is often associated with romance, passion, and celebration. The distinct sound of the Spanish guitar creates a captivating atmosphere that draws listeners in and transports them to another place and time.
Additionally, there are many talented musicians who use this style to create their own contemporary works of art. Whether you’re looking for something to set a romantic mood or just want to get your feet tapping, Spanish guitar music is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
FAQ
What is the easiest Spanish song to play on guitar?
Some of the easiest Spanish songs to play on guitar include:
- “Cuando Me Enamoro” by Enrique Iglesias. This romantic ballad has a simple chord progression using G, C, and D major chords. The strumming pattern is also quite straightforward.
- “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias. Another simple song by Enrique Iglesias using G, C, and D major chords. The strumming pattern provides a fun, Latin-inspired rhythm.
- “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo. This merengue song uses only two chords, G and D major, with an easy-to-pick-up rhythm.
- “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. While the full song is more complex, the intro and verse use simple E minor, G, and C major chords. The rhythm can be strummed or finger-picked.
Can you play Spanish songs on acoustic guitar?
Absolutely! It’s actually quite easy to learn a few simple Spanish guitar songs once you get the hang of it. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Learn basic Spanish guitar chords. The most common chords for Spanish songs are E minor, A, D, and G. Practice changing between these chords smoothly.
- Strum simple rhythms. A very common strumming pattern for Spanish songs is “down, down-up, up-down, up”. Practice strumming this rhythm while changing between chords until it feels comfortable.
- Find simple songs to learn. Some great beginner Spanish guitar songs include “Bésame Mucho”, “Cuando Calienta el Sol”, and “La Bamba”. Listen to recordings to get a feel for the rhythm and chord progression, then look up the chords and lyrics online.
Is it easy to learn Spanish guitar?
Learning to play Spanish guitar songs is a rewarding process. With some practice and persistence, you can master basic techniques and play beautiful Spanish guitar music. Here are some tips to get started:
- Get a nylon-string guitar. Spanish guitar music is typically played on a nylon-string classical guitar. This type of guitar produces a warm, mellow tone that is well-suited to Spanish guitar songs. If you do not already have a nylon-string guitar, you may want to consider purchasing or borrowing one to learn Spanish guitar.
- Practice basic techniques. Several techniques are essential to Spanish guitar, including fingerpicking, strumming, and chord fingering. Spend time practicing the basic techniques to build up your skills and get comfortable handling the guitar. Practice changing between chords and plucking melodic lines to prepare to play actual songs.
- Learn some simple songs. Once you have a grasp of the fundamental techniques, you are ready to learn some simple Spanish guitar songs. Some good beginner songs include “Romanza,” “Recuerdos de la Alhambra,” and “Spanish Romance.” Listen to recordings of the songs to learn the melody and rhythm, then find tabs or sheet music to help you figure out the fingering. With regular practice, you can master the songs and build up your repertoire.
What is the Spanish style of guitar?
The Spanish guitar, or classical guitar, typically has nylon strings and a distinct warm, mellow tone. The music played on Spanish guitar features fingerpicking techniques and emotive, lyrical melodies. Flamenco is a passionate style of Spanish guitar music with vigorous strumming and rhythmic hand clapping. The Spanish guitar is well suited to playing traditional Spanish songs, classical pieces, and Latin American styles like bossa nova. Overall, the Spanish guitar produces a beautiful sound that is perfect for playing emotive solo pieces or accompanying vocals.
What guitar chords sound Spanish?
Common Spanish-sounding guitar chords include:
- Em: 022000
- Am: x02210
- Dm: xx0211
- G: 320033
These chords have a minor, melancholy quality that evokes Spanish guitar music. You can also use arpeggios, or broken chords, to get that distinctive Spanish guitar sound. Try strumming an Em arpeggio: e|–0–0–0–0–| B|–3–3–3–3–| G|–2–2–2–2–| D|–2–2–2–2–| A|–0–0–0–0–| E|–0–0–0–0–|
What are the cons of Spanish guitar?
One of the major cons associated with Spanish guitar is that it can be difficult to learn. Although some may find it easy to pick up, others struggle due to its intricate finger movements and techniques. Additionally, since Spanish guitars are often more expensive than acoustic ones, they can be cost prohibitive for beginners who may not have the budget for a high-quality instrument. Finally, although there are many great Spanish songs available, learning them can take time and effort as they often require playing complex chords and progressions. As such, those looking for an easy way into playing guitar may find Spanish music too challenging or frustrating at times.
Useful Video: The Most SIMPLE SPANISH MELODY You Will Learn!
Conclusion
Learning easy Spanish songs on guitar can be a great way to add some flair to your repertoire and also build your skills. From classic flamenco rhythms to traditional Mexican corridos, there is a wide variety of music you can explore. Learning simple chord progressions and improvisation techniques can help you grow as an artist while still enjoying the vibrant sounds of Spanish music. Whether you’re just starting out or are looking for something new to play, there’s a Spanish song out there that will suit your style and skill level. With enough practice, anyone can master some amazing Spanish songs on guitar. ¡Buena suerte!
References:
- https://www.guitarnick.com/latin-easy-guitar-chord-songs-beginners.html
- https://rockguitaruniverse.com/spanish-guitar-songs/
- https://nationalguitaracademy.com/easy-spanish-guitar-tabs/
- https://classicalguitarshed.com/sm-spanish-guitar/
- https://www.blitzguitar.com/simple-spanish-song-for-beginners-on-acoustic-guitar-tab-available/
- https://www.halleonard.com/product/2501147/30-easy-spanish-guitar-solos