Five Ed Sheeran Easy Guitar Songs Every Beginner Guitarist Should Learn
Five Ed Sheeran Songs Every Beginner Guitarist Should Learn
Why Ed Sheeran Songs Are Perfect for Beginner Guitarists
Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs is ideal for new guitarists because his music often use simple chord progressions, which are manageable for beginners. The straightforward chords allow new players to focus on rhythm and transitioning between chords smoothly. His melodies are catchy, making it easier to recognize mistakes and develop musical timing. Learning Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs can inspire new guitarists to practice regularly, as the music is popular and instantly recognizable.
Simple Chord Progressions
Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs use chord progressions that typically revolve around basic chords like G, C, D, and E minor. These foundational chords are common across many of his tracks, allowing beginners to practice essential shapes that appear in countless songs. Simple progressions make the learning process smoother, as the player doesn’t need to navigate complex chords right away. For beginners, mastering these basic progressions in Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs helps build confidence and muscle memory.
Catchy Melodies and Rhythms
Sheeran’s music has catchy rhythms that make his songs enjoyable to play, even at a beginner’s skill level. Songs like “Shape of You” and “Thinking Out Loud” use repetitive melodies that are easy to follow and keep in time. These rhythms also provide a foundation for learning more about timing and tempo, which are critical skills in guitar playing. The recognizable melodies make practicing more rewarding, as learners quickly recognize their progress when playing along with familiar songs.
Inspiring for New Guitar Players
For beginners, learning popular songs can be highly motivating, and Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs provide that appeal. Because he often performs solo with just his guitar, his songs are accessible for anyone learning to play on their own. Ed Sheeran’s success as a solo musician is inspiring, showing beginners that simple songs and styles can be impactful. His approachable style encourages beginners to keep practicing, with the hope of emulating his easy yet effective techniques.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
A few essentials will help beginners start learning Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs efficiently, including a well-tuned guitar and a basic understanding of chord shapes.
Basic Guitar Essentials for Beginners
Beginners should have a well-tuned acoustic or classical guitar, as these styles fit Ed Sheeran’s music best. Additionally, having a capo is essential since Sheeran often uses one to adjust pitch and simplify chords. Access to guitar picks can also help control strumming, providing clarity for each chord transition in songs. Beginners should invest in a tuner or use a mobile app to ensure they’re playing in tune for the best sound.
Understanding Basic Chords and Strumming Patterns
A foundational understanding of chords is crucial when starting with Ed Sheeran’s music. Many songs rely on G, D, Em, and C chords, so beginners should focus on these shapes first. Simple down-up strumming patterns work well for Sheeran’s music and are easy to follow. Learning basic strumming techniques makes it easier to keep rhythm in Sheeran’s songs, enabling beginners to play along with recordings accurately.
Setting Up Your Guitar for Optimal Sound
Setting up the guitar to ensure clarity is key, as Ed Sheeran’s songs often have distinct chord sounds. Beginners should check their tuning and consider using light gauge strings for easier playability. Adjusting the action, or string height, can make a significant difference in comfort, especially for new players. These small adjustments improve sound quality and make the guitar more comfortable for extended practice sessions.
1. “Shape of You”
Chords Used in “Shape of You”
“Shape of You” features simple chords such as Em, C, G, and D, which are beginner-friendly. These chords require only basic finger positioning, making them manageable for those new to guitar. The repetitive nature of these chords is ideal for practicing smooth transitions, an essential skill for any beginner. Since these chords are used in many other Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs, learning them here sets a strong foundation.
Simple Strumming Pattern for Beginners
The strumming pattern in “Shape of You” is straightforward, consisting of downstrokes with an occasional upstroke. This pattern is ideal for beginners, as it requires minimal movement and is easy to keep in rhythm. Focusing on steady downstrokes helps in achieving a consistent sound, essential for capturing the song’s vibe. Practicing with this pattern helps beginners maintain rhythm, even if they struggle with chord changes initially.
Tips for Mastering This Song
Practicing chord transitions slowly helps beginners avoid frustration while learning “Shape of You.” It’s useful to start by playing each chord individually, then gradually speed up as they feel more comfortable. Using a metronome can help keep a steady beat, ensuring that the song flows smoothly. With these steps, beginners will build confidence and consistency, allowing them to play the song with ease.
2. “Perfect”
Easy Chord Progressions in “Perfect”
“Perfect” features easy-to-play chords such as G, Em, C, and D, which are ideal for beginners. This song’s chord progression repeats, giving learners ample opportunity to practice each chord thoroughly. Beginners can focus on achieving clean sound in each chord, as these shapes are straightforward to master. Playing along with a recording helps beginners internalize the progression and timing, improving their overall guitar skills.
Step-by-Step Strumming Guide
The strumming pattern in “Perfect” is slightly more dynamic, requiring both down and upstrokes for rhythm. Beginners can start by focusing on downstrokes, gradually adding upstrokes as they feel more confident. Following the song’s rhythm closely is essential, as it has a slower, more emotional pace. Learning this strumming pattern prepares beginners for other Ed Sheeran songs that require more dynamic playing.
Playing “Perfect” with a Capo for Simplified Chords
Using a capo on the first or second fret can simplify some of the chords in “Perfect,” making them easier for beginners to play. A capo also allows beginners to play in the same key as Sheeran, so they can play along with his recordings. With the capo, some of the finger placements become more comfortable, reducing strain on the fingers. Experimenting with different capo positions helps beginners find the best fit for their skill level.
3. “Photograph”
Key Chords for “Photograph”
The primary chords for “Photograph” are G, D, Em, and C, making it a simple choice for beginners. These chords are all beginner-friendly, providing a great way to practice basic finger positioning. This song is a popular choice among Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs because it’s both emotional and technically accessible. Learning these chords builds confidence, enabling new players to play through the entire song with ease.
Strumming Tips for Smooth Transitions
The strumming pattern in “Photograph” has a steady rhythm that helps beginners maintain a smooth flow between chords. Practicing downstrokes first and then adding upstrokes once comfortable is an effective approach. Beginners can focus on minimizing pauses between chords, striving for fluid transitions. With repetition, new players will find themselves able to keep up with the song’s rhythm naturally.
Techniques to Capture the Song’s Emotion
“Photograph” is known for its emotional resonance, which beginners can capture by focusing on dynamics in their strumming. Softening or intensifying the strumming can reflect the mood changes in the song, even with simple chords. Experimenting with slight variations in strumming helps convey the song’s sentimental feel. This approach teaches beginners the impact of dynamics, an essential skill in guitar playing.
4. “Thinking Out Loud”
Beginner-Friendly Chords in “Thinking Out Loud”
“Thinking Out Loud” includes beginner-friendly chords like D, G, and Em, which are fundamental shapes that new players can master. The song’s progression is straightforward, allowing beginners to focus on building smooth transitions between each chord. With fewer chord changes than other songs, “Thinking Out Loud” is manageable for those just starting out. Learning this song also reinforces foundational chords that are used widely in other Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs.
Basic Fingerpicking Techniques
While “Thinking Out Loud” can be strummed, it’s often played with fingerpicking, giving beginners a chance to explore this technique. Using just the thumb and first two fingers to pick individual strings helps create the song’s iconic sound. Beginners can practice picking the bass note with their thumb and the melody notes with their fingers, establishing a steady rhythm. Practicing fingerpicking enhances coordination and opens up more stylistic options in guitar playing.
How to Keep the Rhythm Steady
Maintaining rhythm in “Thinking Out Loud” is essential, especially if using fingerpicking. Beginners can start by playing slowly, focusing on a consistent tempo, which will help build muscle memory. Using a metronome is helpful for staying in time, especially during tricky chord transitions. Practicing with the recording lets beginners follow the song’s pace, helping them gradually achieve the steady rhythm needed for this tune.
5. “Castle on the Hill”
Chord Structure of “Castle on the Hill”
The chords in “Castle on the Hill” include G, Em, C, and D, which are common in beginner guitar music. These chords allow beginners to practice transitioning between shapes quickly, as the song’s tempo is moderately fast. Playing through the full progression repeatedly helps build speed and confidence in chord changes. Because these chords recur in many songs, mastering them here helps in learning other Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs as well.
Strumming Pattern Breakdown
The strumming pattern in “Castle on the Hill” has a driving rhythm that matches the upbeat feel of the song. Beginners can focus on a down-down-up strumming pattern to capture the song’s energy. This pattern is accessible for beginners but also helps in practicing rhythm control. As players become comfortable, they can add emphasis on certain beats to match the dynamic shifts in the original song.
Practicing Dynamics for More Expression
“Castle on the Hill” features moments of intensity that make it ideal for practicing dynamics. Beginners can experiment with softer and louder strums to capture the song’s changing energy. Practicing dynamics helps beginners add depth to their playing, allowing them to convey more emotion. By focusing on expression, new players can enhance their overall guitar skills and develop their unique style.
Additional Tips for Playing Ed Sheeran Songs on Guitar
Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs are designed to sound great on acoustic guitars, with simple yet effective techniques. Learning additional strategies can help beginners play confidently and more accurately.
Practice with Ed Sheeran’s Live Versions
Listening to Sheeran’s live performances offers insight into slight variations he often adds to his songs. These variations can teach beginners about improvisation, timing, and adding personal touches to songs. Watching live versions also demonstrates how Sheeran uses simple techniques to create a fuller sound, even when playing alone. Trying to mimic these small changes can improve both skill and confidence for beginners.
Using a Capo for Simpler Chord Shapes
Many of Ed Sheeran’s songs use a capo, which changes the pitch and allows for easier chord shapes. Beginners can use a capo to avoid challenging barre chords, making the songs more accessible. Experimenting with different capo positions also helps players find a comfortable pitch for their voice if they plan to sing along. Using a capo is a useful tool for beginners to make guitar playing smoother and more enjoyable.
Building Confidence Through Repetition
Consistent practice is essential for beginners to improve their skills and play confidently. Playing through each song multiple times solidifies chord shapes and strumming patterns, building muscle memory. Repetition helps reduce pauses between chords, allowing beginners to achieve a smoother sound. Regularly practicing Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs ensures steady progress and greater enjoyment in learning guitar.
Final Thoughts: Learning Ed Sheeran Songs as a Beginner
Ed Sheeran easy guitar songs provide an excellent starting point for beginners, with simple chords and catchy melodies that make learning enjoyable. These songs encourage consistent practice, helping new players develop essential guitar skills. Learning Sheeran’s songs builds a strong foundation in chord transitions, rhythm, and dynamics. Beginners who practice regularly will find these songs rewarding and inspiring, motivating them to continue their guitar journey.
FAQs
Q: What are the easiest Ed Sheeran songs to play on guitar?
A: The easiest Ed Sheeran songs to play on guitar include “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” and “Photograph.” These songs have simple chord progressions and basic strumming patterns that are ideal for beginners. Using common chords like G, C, D, and Em, they allow beginners to play through the songs confidently with just a little practice.
Q: Can I play Ed Sheeran songs on guitar without a capo?
A: Yes, many Ed Sheeran songs can be played without a capo, but using one often simplifies the chords. For example, “Perfect” and “Photograph” sound better with a capo, as it allows you to play in the original key without complex chords. However, if you don’t have a capo, you can still play the songs by adjusting the chords slightly.
Q: How long does it take to learn Ed Sheeran songs on guitar?
A: The time it takes to learn Ed Sheeran songs on guitar depends on your practice consistency and familiarity with chords. Beginners can often learn simple songs like “Shape of You” or “Castle on the Hill” within a week of focused practice. Regular practice helps build the muscle memory needed for smooth transitions and steady rhythm.
Q: What strumming pattern should I use for Ed Sheeran songs?
A: Many Ed Sheeran songs use simple downstrokes or a down-up strumming pattern. For beginners, starting with downstrokes can help maintain a steady rhythm. As you gain confidence, adding an upstroke to the pattern creates a fuller sound. Practicing with the song’s recording can help match the exact strumming pattern used by Sheeran.
Q: What guitar skills can I learn from playing Ed Sheeran songs?
A: Playing Ed Sheeran songs helps beginners develop essential skills, including chord transitions, strumming patterns, and rhythm. His songs also introduce basic fingerpicking techniques and dynamics, which allow beginners to add more expression and emotion to their playing. These skills provide a solid foundation that can be applied to learning other songs and genres.
