18 Songs That Use the Same Guitar Strumming Pattern
Learn 18 popular songs using the exact same strumming pattern (D-Du-uDu). Great for beginners looking to build confidence and rhythm with real songs.
Over the years, I’ve taught hundreds of songs on this channel. Recently, I went through all of them and broke them down by chords, key, tempo, and strumming patterns. I even built a free song finder tool to help you pick songs by chord and skill level.
But today’s all about giving you more bang for your buck: 18 real songs that all use the same strumming pattern:
They’re grouped by chord types, so you can learn a bunch at once with minimal adjustments. You’ll improve your rhythm, smooth out your chord changes, and stack your song list while you’re at it.
Group 1: Three-Chord Songs (G, C, D)
These classics only use three chords and this one pattern.
- Leaving on a Jet Plane – John Denver
- Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton (D-F# optional)
Group 2: The Four-Chord Combo (G, C, D, Em)
These songs use the most common 4-chord progression in modern music. Many use the “two-finger trick” (keep fingers 3 and 4 down for smoother transitions).
- Good Riddance – Green Day
- Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
- Country Roads – John Denver
- Stand By Me – Ben E. King
- Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
- You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
▶️ Lesson with 30 songs on guitar using the same 4 chords!
Group 3: 4-Chord Combo + 1 (Add Am, F, or similar)
Add one more chord and you unlock even more songs.
- All of Me – John Legend (G, Em, C, D, Am)
- Take It Easy – Eagles (G, C, D, Em, Am)
- Ramblin’ Man – Allman Brothers (G, F, C, D, Em)
Group 4: Other Four-Chord Songs (Basic Chords Only)
Each of these uses four basic chords, often outside the standard combo.
- 99 Red Balloons – Nena (C, Dm, F, G)
- Otherside – Red Hot Chili Peppers (Am, F, C, G)
- Shout – Tears for Fears (C, Em, A, G)
- Honky Tonk Woman – Rolling Stones (G, D, C, A)
- Closing Time – Semisonic (G, D, Am, C)
- Hey Ya – Outkast (G, C, D, E)
Group 5: Basic Chords, More Variety
These songs still use simple chords, but include more of them—great for expanding your chord vocabulary.
- Redemption Song – Bob Marley
(Includes classic descending bassline: C → G/B → Am) - I Want to Hold Your Hand – The Beatles
- Hotel California – The Eagles
(Uses Am, E, G, D, F, C, Dm – all common, just more of them!)
🎓 Take It to the Next Level with the Premium Membership
Your All-Access Pass to Mastering Guitar!
Step-by-step courses, bonus materials, and a private community to help you grow.
Have a fun time practicing and I’ll see you soon!
– James
