29 Fun Songs To Play On Guitar [With Tabs]

Looking for fun guitar songs to play?

“Fun” is a subjective thing, to be sure, and it’s going to depend a lot on the type of music you enjoy as well as your overall skill level.

Not to worry, though, because in this guide, we’ll be covering a vast array of fun songs to play, for beginners, intermediates, advanced players, in different genres, and I’ve even thrown in a few personal picks!

Now, let’s get to those fun songs to play on guitar!

“All The Small Things” by blink-182

The cheery, playful “All The Small Things” should be a fun number to tackle for punk rockers and beginners alike!

Most of the song is made up of simple, movable power chord shapes, and while its tempo is a little fast, with a little practice, anyone should be able to pick this one up.

“All The Small Things” is also a great tune to bust out at a party or a gig because it makes for a great singalong! It’s instantly recognizable.

Guitar Tab: Songsterr

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, A Fun Guitar Song

Speaking of songs that are mostly made up of power chords, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” tends to top most lists, as it became the most important song in grunge you could ever name. And all these years later, we simply can’t debate its place in history.

I remember learning the song, which wasn’t much of a challenge. But when I had the opportunity to jam it out with a bass player and drummer, I got to see just how fun it was!

So, after you’ve picked up this song on your own, I would recommend finding some people you can jam it out with. That’s where the true fun is.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Breakfast At Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something

A mid-90s, one-hit, three-chord wonder, Deep Blue Something’s “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” is easy, fun, and loved by many.

One of the reasons for that is probably due to the balance between the acoustic and electric guitar, and how the song ebbs and flows in dynamics from verse to chorus.

Anyone looking to capture the essence of 90s pop guitar should make it a point to add this song to their repertoire.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“December” by Collective Soul

Speaking of mid-90s alt-rock, we can’t forget (though unfortunately it is often forgotten), Collective Soul’s “December.”

Now, this isn’t an up-tempo song by any means, but it isn’t a ballad either. And that “in between” sound is kind of what makes it unique.

The main guitar riff is something every guitarist should aspire to learn, and don’t forget – you can play it with or without a pick (i.e., fingerpicking).

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“To Be With You” by Mr. Big

Mr. Big’s “To Be With You” obviously struck a chord with listeners everywhere, in a time when the big vocals and heavy guitars of the hair metal era were starting to wear tired on North American audiences (it was just starting to pick up momentum in Asia though).

“To Be With You” is beautiful, melodic, sentimental, and is mostly comprised of cowboy and standard barre chords. Of course, you can’t expect guitarist virtuoso Paul Gilbert to play anything straight, and the chorus features some fun movement on the bass strings, and the solo might take a few tries to get under your fingers.

But overall, this is a great challenge for intermediate level guitarists.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” by Van Halen Is Fun

As they were writing this song, Van Halen was looking for a way to parody the amateurish two-chord punk of the time. Their intention notwithstanding, with “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” they ended up creating an essential, unforgettable hard rock tune that would serve as the template for hard rock and hair metal guitarists everywhere.

Eddie Van Halen’s playing on it is aggressive, improvisational, full of energy and attitude. Learning to play it exactly as the late Eddie played it will prove a good exercise in patience and tenacity, especially with his intermittent use of palm muting, effects, and his seemingly endless bag of fills.

But every guitarist looking to join in on rock jams should know all the ins and outs of this tune!

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“The Spirit Of Radio” by Rush

Canadian progressive rock band Rush is a favorite among musicians. The complexity of their songs might turn the average listener away but is greatly appreciated by musicians who understand how daunting it can be to pull it off, seemingly effortlessly, as Rush does.

“The Spirit Of Radio” features multiple fun riffs in the intro alone! It’s not easy to play, but it is worth learning, especially those fast hammer-ons and pull-offs at the beginning.

Always pay special attention to the timing and rhythm because that’s probably the most challenging part.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Beat It” by Michael Jackson

Virtuoso session guitarist Steve Lukather graced this track with his rhythm guitar, along with the legendary Eddie Van Halen on lead. Van Halen helped make some changes to the solo section, and played a blazing, unforgettable solo that would trouble many a guitarist, including those hired on to perform with Jackson himself.

The main riff and verse sections aren’t especially hard, but they are a blast to play. The solo, as I’ve already said, is quite the project. I had to learn it for a performance and even adapt it to my shorter fingers. A word to the wise – if you ever find yourself needing to perform this solo, be sure to start preparing well in advance.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Hold The Line” by Toto

Speaking of Steve Lukather there are multiple Toto songs that are a blast to play. “Hold The Line” is an excellent choice, though, and is a great study in playing dynamically too. Notice how Lukather plays a quieter, muted part in the verses and amps up the energy in the chorus.

The chorus riff is probably the most fun to play, though. The solo is a bit of a challenge, as you might expect, but it makes great use of fast licks punctuated by emotive melodies, something all guitarists should aspire to learn.

A great song by one of the best bands ever created.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Switch 625” by Def Leppard, Another Fun Guitar Song

I struggled to think of the “perfect” Def Leppard song to put here, especially as I have a relatively strong command of their material. “Animal” came up as a possibility, and so did “Armageddon It” and “Hysteria.”

“Switch 625” came out on top, though, as I still think of it as one of the most fun Def Leppard songs to play live. Not to mention, it features the guitar quite heavily, because it’s an instrumental. It’s also not too difficult if you’ve already got some experience under your belt.

The best way to play it is with another guitarist, so if you can find someone else to jam it out with, that’s ideal!

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Rebel, Rebel” by David Bowie

It’s hard to pick just one David Bowie song here. “Ziggy Stardust” is also quite compelling, and if you don’t mind the mainstream-embracing “Let’s Dance,” it’s got a nice groove to it too.

But “Rebel, Rebel,” for me, tops the list of catchy and addictive Bowie songs, if a little repetitive. But it is that repetitiveness that makes the riff unforgettable, and it highlights Bowie’s genius, too, because he’s the one who wrote it.

This is a catchy, upbeat number that tends to put people in a good mood. A really fun guitar song.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Man In The Box” by Alice In Chains

You might remember this sulky rocker from Rock Band 2 (fun video game). Sure, there are plenty of songs with rhythmic riffs, but there are few things quite as satisfying as pounding out those power chords in the intro and verse sections of “Man In The Box.” If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself. It will want to make you head bang.

This song also isn’t overly challenging to learn, but the techniques and structure form the foundation of a lot of alt-rock tunes, so I highly recommend learning it inside and out. Use it as a jumping off point into other great alt-rockers.

Guitar Tab: Songsterr

“Run To You” by Bryan Adams

To be honest, everything off Bryan Adams’ Reckless is essential for every rock guitarist. Everything you need to know about the fundamentals of rock guitar are contained in this classic album (meaning – none of it is too hard to master either!).

“Run To You” is a quite amusing to play, though, with its arpeggiated riff in the verse, and incredibly satisfying chorus progression.

The interlude sections and fills are also quite easy and are worthwhile.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Hell’s Bells” by AC/DC

There are plenty of fun AC/DC riffs. I find some of them a little bland if I’m being honest, but “Hell’s Bells” is quite addicting, and I find myself returning to it often.

The intro / chorus riff is an obvious selection, but the rest of the song is worth learning too. Lots of great guitar moments here.

Also check out “Back In Black” and “Thunderstruck” for a deeper education in electricity.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Shut Up And Dance” by Aerosmith

If “Shut Up And Dance” doesn’t float your boat, then feel free to substitute this pick with one of your Aerosmith favorites.

To me, there’s something completely immersive and infectious about “Shut Up And Dance.” It helps that it’s upbeat and catchy, and that it appeared in Wayne’s World 2 as well.

As with most Aerosmith songs, you shouldn’t expect this one to be a total walk in the park. That said, how can you hate the main intro and verse riff? This one is worth sticking with.

Guitar Tab: Songsterr

“My Sharona” by The Knack

If I’m being honest, “My Sharona” is about as cheesy as they come. Which is easy to say in retrospect. But you’d be lying to yourself and everyone else if you can’t admit that the main riff isn’t at least a guilty pleasure of yours.

This is an excellent tune for beginners and intermediates to try too. It’s not so difficult that it should throw you for a loop.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Song 2” by Blur

I don’t know about this song or riff being “classic” as some publications claim (I don’t know if even Blur took it all that seriously), and it’s not a “four-chord” song either. That’s just inaccurate. There’s clearly a passing chord in between the last two chords in the main riff.

What I will say, though, is that as a beginner, this tune captured my imagination. For whatever reason, it was one of the first I tried to play on the guitar.

And the best part, of course, is the transition from the verse to the chorus, where you get to smash that distortion pedal and kick into total overdrive mayhem.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Izabella” by Jimi Hendrix

I know what you’re thinking. “Gosh, ‘Izabella’ is a bit of anobscure choice for Hendrix, isn’t it?” And you wouldn’t be wrong about that.

But when I think of Hendrix riffs that are fun to play, this is one that comes to mind. As with most Hendrix riffs, it still requires some concentration, but it’s not quite like “Purple Haze” or “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” where you’re constnatly all over the fretboard.

As I said, fun is a matter of perspective, but even if this wouldn’t be your top Hendrix pick, I still think it’s worth a look. “Crosstown Traffic” and “Foxy Lady” are solid choices too.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“You Give Love A Bad Name” by Bon Jovi

For some reason, lists like this often feature Bon Jovi’s “I’ll Be There For You,” which to me is one of their most underwhelming ballads – not a lot of fun to play. “You Give Love A Bad Name,” though, what’s not fun about this song? The verse riff is killer!

For some extra fun, mess around with pinch harmonics and whammy bar antics. Trust me – even if you don’t love this song to death, you’re going to have some fun!

“You Give Love A Bad Name” gives rock guitar a fun name!

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne

A rather obvious pick, to be sure, but “Crazy Train” highlights the late and great Randy Rhoads’ impeccable guitar technique and sandy guitar tone (unique and amazing).

The intro is fun, obviously. The rest of the song, though? It will make you sweat! There are some epic riffs, runs, and fills throughout, to say nothing of the classically influenced guitar solo.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“When I Come Around” by Green Day

When I think of fun Green Day riffs, I’m not thinking of “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” or “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life).” These are fine songs, to be sure, but fun? Call me a downer.

“When I Come Around” is the epitome of mid-90s Green Day, and quite possibly one of the best songs they’ve ever written. It’s upbeat and catchy!

For the most part, this is a beginner friendly tune, too, as most punk rock songs are.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas

I don’t know why you would pick “Dust In The Wind” over this, “Carry On Wayward Son.” I guess some people just like to be depressed…

I find the many riffs in this epic far more interesting and fun to play, and while they aren’t exactly beginner friendly, they aren’t the hardest riffs ever written either.

And, if you want to learn the entire song clocking in at nearly five and a half minutes, solos and all, you’ve got your work cut out for you!

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Houses Of Holy” by Led Zeppelin

It’s a bold claim to be sure, but I find “Houses Of Holy” by Led Zeppelin to be one of their most addicting songs. “Dancing Days” comes close.

And while “Houses Of Holy” may not have the bluesy, hard rock swagger of “Whole Lotta Love” or “Black Dog,” it has that infectious quality you will only find in the most fun songs.

This is a good pick for beginner to intermediate guitarists to try, too.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Fuel” by Metallica

There are obviously a lot of great Metallica riffs to learn, and if you intend to hone your metal playing skills, you should learn every riff they ever wrote.

But the pop oriented Reload features the blues-fueled heavy pop of “Fuel,” a song that makes you want to put the pedal to the metal, jump up and down, bang your head, and windmill like your name was Pete Townshend.

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that there are some fun riffs in this tune.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Wake Up” by Rage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello isn’t just an innovator – he’s a riff machine! And The Matrix ending credits “Wake Up” amply demonstrates this fact.

There are plenty of satisfying Rage riffs to play, but the dissonant, dynamic build in the intro followed by that contagious funky riff in the verse section make for a deadly eye-opening combination.

Guitar Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com

“Elevate” by The Winery Dogs

How do you choose one tune from Richie Kotzen’s expansive discography? I swear it’s an impossible task. The man doesn’t stop, regardless of whether the music he plays goes in or out of style. He just keeps motoring along.

Supergroup The Winery Dogs is not a bad place to begin, mind you, as it features the unique and virtuosic bass of Billy Sheehan and super drummer Mike Portnoy.

The main riff in “Elevate” is a little awkward, admittedly, but once you pull it off, it just feels and sounds amazing.

Guitar Tab: Songsterr

“No Justice” by Harem Scarem

When it comes to hard rock riffs, Canadian melodic rock outfit Harem Scarem have written their share! If anything, they’ve far outdone themselves at this point.

And “No Justice” is probably one of their most recognizable, if still a little obscure. What can you do? They mostly caught on in Europe and Asia, and less so in North America.

The timing of the intro riff can throw you for a little bit of a loop, but it is incredibly rewarding to learn, and this is also the song that had me going to school on my triplet licks (have a listen to the post-chorus sequence).

Guitar Tab: Songsterr

“Get The Funk Out” by Extreme

Extreme is most known for their hit song, “More Than Words.” And while guitarist Nuno Bettencourt accepted it as a blessing and not a curse, fundamentally, Extreme was a “funk metal” band, and is better represented by songs like their minor hit “Get The Funk Out.”

The guitar isn’t necessarily easy. In my mind, Bettencourt is one of those rare guitarists who exceeded even his heroes like Brian May and Eddie Van Halen, so you shouldn’t expect any less.

Listen for how Bettencourt outlines all the parts to be played by the rest of the band – the drummer, bass player, even the horn section. Bettencourt isn’t just a guitarist, he’s a conductor too.

Guitar Tab: Songsterr

“We Were Born To Be Loved” by King’s X

King’s X guitarist Ty Tabor isn’t an easy one to duplicate, especially given his unique, Strat-driven, mid-enhanced guitar tone.

“We Were Born To Be Loved,” though, is an excellent song to learn in drop D tuning. Not to mention the math rock of the false ending outro, which represents an excellent opportunity to practice your counting.

Give it a try for yourself, and there’s little doubt in my mind you’re going to be hooked on this tune. And aside from the false endings, it’s not that hard of a song to learn.

Guitar Tab: Aggie Band

Fun Guitar Songs, Final Thoughts

Well, we hope you enjoyed these fun songs to play on guitar.

There’s no possible way we could cover every fun song out there, but the above should serve as a great starting point. And it should keep you busy for a while to come!

As always, we wish you the very best on your guitar journey.