Are you looking for an easy way to learn some of John Mayer’s biggest hits? If so, then look no further! Playing the guitar can be tough and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ve put together a list of simple chords and lyrics to help you get started learning some of John Mayer’s greatest tunes. Whether you’re already a fan or just getting into his music, playing these songs will make anyone feel confident in their guitar-playing ability! So grab your guitar and let’s get strumming – we’ll show you how even novice players can master some classic John Mayer jams with just a few basic chord shapes and tricks.
Easy John Mayer Songs on Guitar
1 Free Fallin’
This classic John Mayer tune is a great one for beginners. This song can be easily mastered with just three chords played in a simple strumming pattern. When you get it right, it gives a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
2 Your Body Is A Wonderland
“Your Body Is A Wonderland” is a popular song by John Mayer that is highly recommended for novice guitarists. It has a simple chord progression that only requires two chords – G major and C major. The song also has an easy strumming pattern, which can be learned quickly and easily. To make the song sound even more like the original version, add in some simple lead licks to spice up the melody. With just a few practices, you’ll have this classic rock hit down in no time!
3 Waiting On The World To Change
“Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer is a classic song that you should consider adding to your repertoire. This one has four simple chords – C, G, D minor, and E minor. Additionally, the strumming pattern for this song is fairly easy – just two downstrokes followed by an upstroke. To make this song even more dynamic and interesting, try adding some lead licks while you play the rhythm. [1]
4 Daughters
Daughters is a popular song by the singer-songwriter John Mayer. The single was released in 2006 from the album Continuum by John Mayer. This acoustic song is an ode to all of the special relationships that he has with his four daughters. It’s a very heartfelt and sentimental tune, making it perfect for playing on guitar. Even if you’re still a beginner at playing guitar, you’ll find it easy to learn this song because the chords are straightforward. The main chord progression is Em – C – G – D. You can use either open chords or barre chords depending on your level of playing ability. If you’re just starting out, it’s probably best to stick with open chords.
5 You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me
You’re Gonna Live Forever In Me is a beautiful track from John Mayer’s 2017 album The Search For Everything. The song’s message is uplifting and highlights how love can have an enduring impact, and it’s also simple to play on the guitar. The chords you’ll need are A – D – Em7 – Cadd9. All of them can be played as open chords, so even if you’re a beginner guitarist, this one should be relatively easy to get down! You can add some muted strums to give it more depth and texture as you play along. With its simple chord progression and inspirational lyrics, this is a great song for any occasion.
6 Something Like Olivia
This easy John Mayer song is the perfect choice for those who are just starting to learn the guitar. The chords used in this song are simple and easy to play, making it a great learning tool for beginners. The strumming pattern is also quite straightforward and fun to play along with. All you need to do is add your own vocal melody and you’ll have yourself an enjoyable rendition of this classic tune.
7 Love On The Weekend
This is another great easy John Mayer song to learn on the guitar. It’s upbeat and whimsical, with a catchy melody that’s sure to get stuck in your head. The chords used can be mastered quite quickly, and the fingerpicking pattern is also fairly simple. All you need to do is add your own creative flair and you’ll have a great version of this fun track.
8 Shadow Days
“Shadow Days” from John Mayer’s album “Born and Raised” is a great one to learn on the guitar. The intro introduces some simple chords that can be easily transitioned with a bit of practice. It also has an easy-to-follow rhythm, making it very accessible for new players. There are two main parts throughout the song that use different chord progressions; once you have these down, you’ll have most of the song figured out. The bridge section features some more complicated chords but they add a nice change of pace to the overall sound of the track. After diligently practicing your strumming and switching between chords, you’ll be able to bring this soulful tune to life! [2]
9 Slow Dancing In A Burning Room
“Slow Dancing In A Burning Room” is an iconic John Mayer song that many guitarists love to play. Despite its being a bit more complex than some of his other songs, it’s still very manageable for beginners. It contains some simple chord shapes set against a steady rhythm and a catchy chorus melody. As with most of Mayer’s work, there are several layers in the music – so don’t be afraid to take your time and explore each one thoroughly before moving on. Once you have the chords down, you’ll be able to add extra flair to the track with your own strumming patterns or fingerpicking techniques. With a little persistence and practice, this classic will become easy as can be!
10 Outta My Head
If you’re looking for an easy John Mayer song to play on guitar, “Outta My Head” is a great one. It’s a catchy and upbeat tune that you can learn in no time! The song features simple strumming patterns and power chords, making it ideal for beginning guitar players. The main riff is quite easy to pick up, but the bridge might take some practice before you get it right. Once you master those sections, however, you’ll have this song down pat! So grab your guitar and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
11 In The Blood
John Mayer’s song “In The Blood” is another great one to learn on guitar. This song features some beautiful fingerpicking patterns that are easier than they sound. Plus, the chords are fairly simple, making it a great choice for beginners. Once you get the hang of it, you can add in some extra flourishes and fills to make your version stand out! Give this one a try—you’ll be glad you did!
12 Queen Of California
Queen of California is a great song by John Mayer to learn on guitar. It has simple chords, but the song itself has an intricate sound that belies its straightforward structure. As with many of his songs, this one shines when played with a fingerpicking style. The basic chord progression is C-G/B-Am-F and then repeated throughout the entire song. A few variations are thrown in here and there for effect, but it’s easy to pick up and play along with the record after just a few attempts. Beginners should be able to tackle this number quickly as long as they take their time and start slowly enough that they don’t miss any of the subtle changes in chord voicings or timing. [3]
13 I Guess I Just Feel Like
I Guess I Just Feel Like is another great Mayer song for beginner guitar players. The verse is just two chords, E minor and D major, which repeat over the entire section. The chorus changes up a bit with some added notes in between the basic chord shapes, but it’s still simple enough to learn quickly. This song also provides an opportunity to work on your fingerpicking technique since the picking pattern remains largely unchanged throughout most of the song. As you become comfortable with the basic structure, you can start to add in some variations and embellishments that make this piece sound more like the recording.
14 Shot In The Dark
“Shot In The Dark” by John Mayer is a great song for beginners to learn on guitar. The chord progression is fairly simple and the melody line can be easily picked up with some practice. At its core, this song only requires three chords: an E minor, A major, and B7. With just those three chords you can play the entire song! To add some flair to the song, try strumming each chord in different rhythms or adding syncopated accents. This will give the song more of a groove and make it sound like something out of one of John Mayer’s albums.
15 Wild Blue
“Wild Blue” by John Mayer is another great song for guitarists of all skill levels. It has an easy strumming pattern and only three chords to learn: A, D, and E. The chord progression in the verse follows a simple I-IV-V pattern which makes it perfect for practicing changing between chords quickly and smoothly. Try adding some extra strums or fingerpicking parts to mix up the dynamics of the song. This will help make it more interesting and give you a chance to experiment with different techniques. With just a few changes you can easily turn this simple song into something really special!
16 Changing
Changing is an upbeat and soulful song off of John Mayer’s 2005 album, Continuum. This catchy song makes it a great choice for those just beginning to learn guitar. With its simple chord structure and memorable chorus, Changing is a great introductory song when learning how to play guitar. The main chords used in the verse are Dmaj7, G6/B, A7sus4 and F2/C. The chorus consists of D/F♯, A9sus4 and G6/B. This song uses both strumming patterns as well as finger-picking techniques, making it a great practice piece for those looking to explore different styles of playing on the guitar. Additionally, this song is great for vocalists, as it has a catchy and memorable chorus. [4]
17 I Don’t Trust Myself With Loving You
I Don’t Trust Myself With Loving You is a John Mayer song off of his 2006 album, Continuum. This song is a great choice for those just beginning to learn guitar due to its simple chord structure and soulful melody. The main chords used are Dmaj7, G6/B, A7sus4 and Cadd9. Additionally, this song uses both strumming patterns as well as finger-picking techniques. For vocalists, the chorus is powerful and emotive, making it perfect for expressing emotion in your singing. If you’re looking for an easy but emotional John Mayer song to play on guitar, I Don’t Trust Myself With Loving You is a great choice!
18 Vultures
“Vultures” is a classic John Mayer track from his 2006 album Continuum. The song features an infectious country rock groove that makes it perfect for strumming on guitar. This upbeat tune contains some basic chords that make it accessible to most players. It starts off with a G chord and then quickly shifts into D, A, Bm and Em. There are some variations on the chords throughout the song, so feel free to experiment with them when learning this one. If you want to get creative, add in your own fills or licks between the verses and choruses. With enough practice, you’ll eventually be able to master this iconic John Mayer tune and impress your friends!
19 Speak For Me
Another great John Mayer tune for guitar is “Speak For Me”. This song appeared on his 2003 album Heavier Things and has become a fan favorite. The chords in this one are simple enough to pick up quickly, with just G, D, Em and C. It’s also a great opportunity to practice your fingerpicking skills. As the song progresses, you can switch between strumming and using single notes to create interesting textures. With its catchy melody and driving rhythm, it’s sure to be a hit at any social gathering or open mic night!
20 On The Way Home
This song, from Mayer’s 2006 album Continuum, is a great one to start out with for beginner guitarists. The basic chords are straightforward and repetitive, making it easy to pick up the structure quickly. There is also an interesting chord progression that evolves throughout the song which adds some complexity. Once you get comfortable with the basics, you can move on to adding in some of the more intricate elements of this tune. With its simple melody and relatable lyrics, On The Way Home is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
21 Say
This 2003 single from Mayer’s Heavier Things album is truly a gem. The melody is relatively easy to learn and the chords are mostly basic, making this a great choice for beginners. Plus, the lyrics and message of the song are inspiring and powerful—you can really feel it when you play it. This is definitely one of those songs that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing it. [5]
22 The Heart Of Life
The Heart of Life is a classic John Mayer song from his 2006 album Continuum. It has become one of his most popular songs, despite not being released as a single in the United States. The guitar part for this song is relatively easy to learn and can be played by beginners with just a few weeks of practice. The chords used are G major, D major, A minor, and E minor which makes it an ideal beginner level song. To play the song correctly, you need to pay close attention to the rhythm and timing of each chord change. Once you get comfortable with the chords and their progression, you’ll be able to play The Heart of Life with ease!
23 Why Georgia
Why Georgia is a classic John Mayer song from his 2001 album Room for Squares. Like The Heart of Life, this song has become incredibly popular over the years and makes for a great beginner guitar song. The chords used are D major, A minor, E minor, G major and B minor which make it fairly easy to learn. To master the timing of each chord change you’ll need to practice slowly and pay close attention to the rhythm. [6]
FAQ
What is the easiest John Mayer song to learn on guitar?
The most straightforward John Mayer song to learn on guitar is “Stop This Train”. It features just a few chords and some simple picking patterns, making it an ideal starting point for any aspiring guitarist wanting to learn how to play a John Mayer track.
Are there any other easy John Mayer songs to learn on guitar?
Yes! Other easy John Mayer songs to learn on guitar include “Your Body Is a Wonderland”, “Gravity”, and “Why Georgia”. All of these tracks feature fairly basic chord progressions and picking patterns that are perfect for beginner guitarists looking to expand their repertoire.
Does John Mayer use fingerstyle?
Yes, he does. John Mayer is known for his fingerpicking style of guitar playing that has become an integral part of his sound and songwriting. He plays many of his songs using fingerstyle techniques, including some of his most popular such as “Gravity” and “Free Fallin’”. Fingerstyle involves picking or plucking the strings with your fingers instead of using a pick or strumming with a strumming pattern. This technique requires more precision and dexterity than other styles and can produce unique sounds if done correctly. While it may take some practice to master, learning easy John Mayer songs on guitar with this style can be quite rewarding!
Does John Mayer use bar chords?
Yes, he does. John Mayer often uses bar chords in his songs to give them more depth and complexity. Bar chords are chords that involve pressing down multiple strings at once with the same finger, typically played on a higher part of the fretboard. This technique is especially useful for playing some of John Mayer’s more intricate chord progressions as it allows for quicker and easier transitions between different shapes. Mastering bar chords may take some practice but can be incredibly helpful when learning easy John Mayer songs on guitar!
How many hours did John Mayer practice guitar?
John Mayer has been playing guitar for most of his life, and is infamous for dedicating hours upon hours to perfecting his craft. He even bought a tape machine to record himself practicing so he could listen back and identify areas where he needed improvement. According to an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, John would practice guitar between 10-12 hours a day on average. That’s a staggering amount of time dedicated to perfecting his sound!
How to learn to play John Mayer songs on guitar?
Learning how to play John Mayer songs on guitar can be a great way to expand your skills as a guitarist. With his unique blend of blues, pop, and rock, Mayer has become one of the most respected songwriters and guitarists in popular music. If you want to try playing some of his songs on guitar, here are some helpful tips for getting started:
- Start with Easy Songs: While many of Mayer’s songs use complex chords and scales, there are plenty that are relatively simple and easy to learn. Start by finding an arrangement that works best for your skill level – even if it’s just a few basic chords or a single riff – and practice until you feel comfortable. A good place to start might be some of his most popular hits, like “Your Body Is A Wonderland” or “Gravity.”
- Learn the Chords: Once you have an arrangement that works for you, the next step is to learn the chords and scales that make up the song. Start by focusing on one chord at a time, learning its shape and sound before moving on to the next. This will help you get a better understanding of how each part fits together and give you more confidence when playing the song as a whole.
- Work on Your Timing: Many Mayer songs are structured around specific rhythms and tempos, so it’s important to practice your timing so that you can play along in sync with him. Work on counting along to the beat and try to play “in time” with the song. This will help you develop your rhythm playing skills, as well as get a better understanding of the structure of Mayer’s songs.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Finally, no amount of reading or studying can replace actual practice. Spend some time playing along with Mayer’s songs every day until you feel comfortable enough to start adding in your own improvisations and flourishes.
Useful Video: Top 3 EASY John Mayer songs on acoustic guitar!
Conclusion
Guitar players of all levels can enjoy playing easy John Mayer songs. All of these tracks showcase his signature guitar sound, and are the perfect introduction to some of his best work. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced player, there’s something on this list for every skill level. From bluesy riffs to memorable melodies, each song is sure to get your fingers moving and inspire you as a guitarist. So grab your axe and start learning some classic John Mayer!
References:
- https://bestguitarsnow.com/15-easy-john-mayer-songs/
- https://www.musicianauthority.com/easiest-john-mayer-songs-on-guitar/
- https://rockguitaruniverse.com/john-mayer-guitar-songs/
- https://instrumentio.com/easy-john-mayer-songs-on-guitar/
- https://www.e-chords.com/john-mayer
- https://www.musicroom.com/john-mayer-best-pop-songs-for-easy-guitar-guitar-hl00137700