Acoustic guitar lessons for beginners can oftentimes have slim pickings when it comes to their song selection. When all of your options are nursery rhymes and children’s songs, it can feel like you’re light years away from learning the music that you really resonate with.

You’re going to be spending a lot of time learning essential techniques as a beginner, so why not base those lessons around your favorite tunes? With that in mind, here are five easy classic rock songs that can be used to teach the basics of acoustic guitar. Check out these songs and more in our upcoming Beginner’s Guide to Acoustic Guitar course.

The Troggs - “Wild Thing”

“Wild Thing” is proof that you don’t need flashy playing to write a solid, driving rock song. With a simple strumming pattern and minimal chords, this song is perfect for budding players to learn. And since it’s an early song in the course, you’ll be rocking out to it in no time!

Everly Brothers - “All I Have to do is Dream”

Neil Young - “Sugar Mountain”

Elvis Presley - “That’s Alright (Mama)”

The Beach Boys - “Surfer Girl”

If you’re learning how to play acoustic guitar, you’re eventually going to have to eventually tackle barre chords. Why not have some fun while doing it? Picture yourself along the sandy shores of California on a warm summer afternoon while learning this technique, and let David be your guide through this lesson on a Beach Boys staple.