10 Easy Folk Songs for the Guitar with Downloadable MP3s - A Beginner's Guide

Learning to play folk songs on the guitar is a great way to explore the rich history of this timeless genre. With their simple chord progressions and catchy melodies, folk songs are perfect for beginners looking to build their repertoire. In this guide, we will introduce you to 10 easy folk songs that you can start playing today. And the best part? We've included downloadable MP3s to help you learn the songs more effectively!

1. "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan

Let's start with a classic by the legendary Bob Dylan. "Blowin' in the Wind" is a beautiful and thought-provoking song that was an anthem for the civil rights movement in the 1960s. With just a few basic chords like G, C, and D, you'll be strumming along to this iconic tune in no time. Download the MP3 to follow along with the original recording and master Dylan's fingerpicking style.

2. "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by John Denver

This heartwarming ballad became a global hit when it was covered by Peter, Paul and Mary, but it was originally written and performed by John Denver. "Leaving on a Jet Plane" is a great song for practicing your chord transitions and will help you develop a solid strumming technique. The downloadable MP3 includes a slow-paced version to help you get the timing just right.

Easy Folk Songs for the Guitar with Downloadable MP3s (Dover Song Collections)

by Alan R Karls(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7264 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	77 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

3. "House of the Rising Sun" Traditional

Often regarded as a folk blues, "House of the Rising Sun" is a hauntingly beautiful song that will captivate your listeners. The chords may seem challenging at first, but with practice, you'll be able to master the iconic arpeggio pattern. The downloadable MP3 includes a backing track that allows you to play along with a band, enhancing your playing experience.

4. "This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie

A true symbol of American folk music, "This Land Is Your Land" is an uplifting anthem that celebrates the beauty of the United States. Woody Guthrie's simple chord progression and catchy melody make this song a perfect addition to your repertoire. The downloadable MP3 includes a slowed-down version for beginners and a full-speed version for more advanced players.

5. "Country Roads" by John Denver

Another timeless classic by John Denver, "Country Roads" is a feel-good song that resonates with people all over the world. With just a few chords, you'll be able to recreate the warm and nostalgic atmosphere of the original recording. The downloadable MP3 includes a vocal track that allows you to practice singing along while playing the guitar.

6. "Blowin' in the Wind" by Peter, Paul and Mary

Originally written by Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary's version of "Blowin' in the Wind" is equally captivating. This rendition features beautiful three-part harmonies that will take your folk guitar playing to the next level. The downloadable MP3 includes individual tracks for each vocal part, enabling you to practice playing alongside these amazing vocal arrangements.

7. "Scarborough Fair" Traditional

"Scarborough Fair" is a hauntingly beautiful English ballad that has been covered by countless artists throughout history. With its fingerpicking pattern and unique chord voicings, this song will not only enhance your technical skills but also your overall musicality. The downloadable MP3 includes a slow-paced version to help you nail each intricate detail.

8. "The Times They Are a-Changin'" by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan's powerful protest song, "The Times They Are a-Changin'", serves as a reminder of the transformative power of music. With its simple yet compelling chord progression, this song is a must-know for any aspiring folk guitarist. The downloadable MP3 incorporates a metronome click to help you maintain a steady rhythm while learning the song.

9. "Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob Dylan

Once again, Bob Dylan makes the list with "Mr. Tambourine Man." This iconic song features a memorable melody and a unique chord progression that will challenge your playing skills. The downloadable MP3 includes an instrumental track that allows you to take the lead and improvise your own solos over the song's structure.

10. "Blackbird" by The Beatles

We round off our list with "Blackbird" by The Beatles. While not strictly a folk song, its acoustic guitar-driven sound and poetic lyrics make it a worthy addition to any folk enthusiast's repertoire. The intricate fingerpicking pattern in this song will push your technical abilities and unlock a whole new level of musicality. The downloadable MP3 includes isolated guitar tracks to help you closely study and replicate the nuances of Paul McCartney's delicate playing.

By learning these 10 easy folk songs on the guitar, you'll not only expand your musical horizon but also establish a solid foundation for your guitar playing. Remember to start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with each song. And don't forget to use the downloadable MP3s to your advantage – they will greatly enhance your learning experience. So grab your guitar, download the MP3s, and start strumming away to these timeless folk tunes!

Easy Folk Songs for the Guitar with Downloadable MP3s (Dover Song Collections)

by Alan R Karls(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7264 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	77 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This original collection presents more than 20 popular folk songs that have been specially arranged for beginning guitarists. The timeless melodies are supplemented with a helpful tutorial on guitar basics that offers tips on identifying the strings, tuning, and basic chord patterns and strums.
These arrangements of Skip to My Lou, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Oh! Susanna, Down in the Valley, Barbara Allen, and other tunes include advice for following the time signatures, strumming patterns, and other suggestions. Best of all, each song features a free MP3 download for students to listen to and play along with. The recordings will familiarize beginning guitarists with the pieces' melodies and tempos, and provide practical guidance for playing these beloved folk songs.