3 Best 90s Songs to Learn on Guitar (Beginner to Intermediate)
I break down 3 iconic 90s songs that are perfect for learning guitar, using simple chords, smart shortcuts, and beginner-friendly techniques.
3 Best 90s Songs to Learn on Guitar
I grew up in the 90s, so this music is obviously special to me. But more importantly, when I first picked up the guitar in the early 2000s, this was the kind of music I wanted to learn.
Looking back now, I realize how lucky that was – because a lot of 90s songs are perfect for taking you from beginner into that early intermediate stage on guitar.
Music kept getting more complex from the 30s through the 80s…
Then the 90s hit and everyone basically said, “Forget it – let’s play simple parts and focus on writing great songs.”
That’s exactly why these songs sound amazing and are approachable on guitar.
Below are what I consider the three best 90s songs to learn on guitar, and why each one works so well.
1. Creep – Radiohead
This is one of the best beginner guitar songs ever written.
The entire song is built around a repeating four-chord progression, which means once you learn the shapes, you can play the whole thing start to finish without worrying about form changes.
What makes this song especially good for learning guitar is how little your fingers actually have to move.
You start with a G chord, then move that same shape slightly to create a B7. From there, you head to a C minor – but instead of a full barre chord, I show an easy workaround using a moved C shape with muted outer strings.
That means:
- No full barre chords
- Minimal finger movement
- Maximum payoff
Once you’ve got the basic strumming down, this song also gives you room to grow. You can:
- Add picking instead of strumming
- Change chord shapes slightly
- Capture more of the feel from the original recording
It’s simple enough for beginners, but deep enough to grow with you.
FREE PDF Songbook
Play 15 iconic songs on guitar — starting with just 2 chords
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2. Don’t Look Back in Anger – Oasis
What would a 90s list be without Oasis?
I went back and forth between this song and Wonderwall, but I chose this one because it has more to offer musically, even though it’s still very approachable.
Yes, Wonderwall is easier.
But Don’t Look Back in Anger is the song that kills it at campfires.
I’ve been playing this tune for over 20 years, and it never stops working.
To make this song accessible early on, I teach it without barre chords using an easy F chord shape:
- Index finger on the first fret of the B string
- Middle finger on the second fret of the G string
- Ring and pinky stacked on the third fret of the D and A strings
No barre. No pain. No waiting months to play the song.
Once you’re comfortable, you can start adding the iconic riffs that make this song sound huge. It’s a great example of how one song can grow with you as your skills improve.
3. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
This song is often misnamed, but everyone knows it the moment you play it.
It’s also one of the best absolute beginner songs on guitar.
The reason is something I call the two-finger trick.
You keep two fingers planted on the third fret of the high strings and leave them there the entire time. That means fewer moving parts and more time focusing on rhythm.
The strumming pattern is one of the most common you’ll ever use on guitar:
Down, down, up, down, up.
Once you learn it here, you’ll hear it everywhere.
This song is simple, musical, and incredibly rewarding early on.
Why 90s Songs Are So Good for Learning Guitar
All three of these songs share a few important traits:
- Simple chord progressions
- Repeating structures
- Familiar strumming patterns
- Clear paths for improvement
They let you focus on playing music, not memorizing complicated shapes or fighting your hands.
That’s exactly how you build confidence on guitar.
Want to Learn These Songs Step by Step?
I have full lessons for each of these songs where I break everything down slowly and clearly:
If you want everything laid out for you in one place, you can also try The All-Access Pass: Your All-Access Pass to Mastering Guitar!
It includes:
- On-demand access to my full course library
- Full song play-alongs and bonuses
- Worksheets and guided practice
- A private community where you can ask me questions directly
You can start with a free 10-day trial and see if it’s a good fit.
Have a fun time practicing and I’ll see you soon!
-James
