15 Best Disney Guitar Songs

For decades, Disney films have played a vital role in generations of children’s lives. These films are often watched by children over and over again, providing a winning combination of animation and music. 

If you’re looking to add some new music to your repertoire, consider learning some songs from Disney films. The following Disney songs are selections that just about anybody from any generation will be able to easily recognize.

“Be Our Guest”

As far as specific scenes from Disney films go, Be Our Guest’s scene is one of the most memorable. Watching every utensil in a dining hall come alive in song and dance is unforgettable once you have seen it. 

The song starts off when Belle visits the Beast’s castle for the first time. Lumière greets Belle and essentially asks her to feel at home in their home.

He goes through the menu with Belle and explains a little bit what life is like amongst all the utensils. Of course, Cogsworth doesn’t want to upset the master, who eventually investigates what all the racket is.

Be Our Guest utilizes dynamics within the rhythm. There are times when the song will speed up or slow down depending on what is happening in the song. 

Playing this song is especially ideal if you’re having people over to your house. You’re sure to get a good laugh, and others might be tempted to sing along.

“Friend Like Me”

The animated Disney film, Aladdin, is chock full of smash hits that have become quite popular outside of the film. Much of this film’s longstanding success has to do with the involvement of comedian, Robin Williams. 

By the time Aladdin was released, Williams had already had a reputation for his completely zany antics. Aladdin showed the world that Williams only needed to use his voice to make you smile in excruciating laughter. 

His role as Genie was a match made in heaven, especially because of the limitless bounds of animation. Suddenly, visual aspects could be just as wild as the production team wished.

The song, Friend Like Me, features Williams in all of his glory as his performance characteristics are showcased. Robin’s massive range of vocal deliveries is both absolutely hilarious and jaw-droppingly awesome at the same time. 

He manages to change his accent at least a dozen times over the course of the song. Yet, the whole time, he maintains his flawless performance technique, as if he’d been singing on Broadway for years. 

As you likely know, whoever possesses the magic lamp can get 3 wishes granted by the Genie inside. Friend Like Me is the lyrical portrayal of Genie telling Aladdin the infinite possibilities he can provide. 

The entire scene with this song is absolutely unforgettable due to the wild animation and zany vocal performance. This song allows the legacy of Robin Williams to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

It would be especially ideal to play this song on the guitar for a friend who’s having a bad day. If you’re as unreserved in your delivery as Robin Williams, you’re sure to make them smile.

“A Whole New World”

A Whole New World is probably the most famous song to come from the animated film, Aladdin. It takes place during a scene where Aladdin and Princess Jasmine are riding on the famed magic carpet.

Rather than singing the Steppenwolf track, Magic Carpet Ride, the duo sings, A Whole New World. Since it was released, the song has become a popular choice for vocal duets, especially in schools. 

It really was one of the biggest songs Disney ever released from a film. The song even won a Grammy Award for being the Song Of The Year in 1992, among many other awards.

Both ASCAP and BMI (performance rights organizations) awarded A Whole New World as the most played song of the year. Yes, everybody was listening to this song, and it was readily heard on radio stations at the time.

If you know somebody that’s a serious Aladdin fan, you’ll win some points by playing this song. Just make sure you can sing the other half of the duet for a full effect.

“The Bare Necessities”

1967’s film, The Jungle Book, has become a staple viewing experience in every child’s life since its release. The movie follows Mowgli getting to know the animals of the jungle for the characters that they are. 

In some sense, Mowgli could almost be seen as a direct precursor to the famed Tarzan character. The exception between the two would be that Mowgli is much younger than Tarzan is portrayed to be.

Walt Disney died during the production of The Jungle Book, making it the last film he worked on. It certainly is an enthralling tale that, at times, has one gripping the edge of the seat for Mowgli’s safety.

Perhaps the most enduring factor of the film is the song, The Bare Necessities. This is sung by Baloo, an anthropomorphized bear character, played by Phil Harris. 

For children viewing the film, they would be likely to think of this song as “bear necessities” rather than “bare”. The lyrics, especially, paint the picture of living a carefree life in the shoes of a bear.

However, it isn’t until one gets older that the song, The Bare Necessities, begins to take on a deeper meaning. A major part of adulthood relies on financial stability, and nobody is exempt from financial troubles. 

Sometimes, there is only enough money to buy the essentials, and nothing more. Baloo’s song explains that life can be full of sunshine when you accept that the necessities are all you need. 

The Bare Necessities quickly becomes a favorite amongst children watching the film for the first time. Baloo’s deep vocalization provides an unforgettable aspect to the song.

This song has enjoyed several cover versions over the years, by artists such as Brian Wilson, and Lou Rawls. It’s almost a guarantee that this song will live on in popularity.

“Under The Sea”

Upon its release, The Little Mermaid was one of the biggest hits that the Disney production studio had ever had. This film tells the seemingly timeless story of a love between a mermaid and a human. 

Ariel wishes to be with a certain man, but their biological and environmental differences create the most unusual obstacle. The pair even go down the dark path to work with a witch to transform Ariel’s body into human form.

Like any good fairy tale, the story in this film became immediately relatable in almost every level of society. Children, especially, love this film because of its distinct underwater characters.

While Ariel is the main character of the movie, the crab, Sebastian, is truly the star of the show. His slightly grumpy and straightforward attitude makes him a lovable character that anyone can appreciate.

Under The Sea is Sebastian’s most famous song, and is arguably the most popular song in the film. The song is essentially Sebastian’s reasoning to Ariel that her life is better off in the ocean.

This track immediately became a hit and is infused with calypso elements throughout. The chorus, along with the ascending and descending melody, is instantly memorable.

An adult analysis finds that the song is quite telling in the way it describes human life. It really animates the fact that most humans tend to be working until the day that they die.

Meanwhile, it also has the soft undertone of warning against comparing oneself to others. Things certainly aren’t always as they appear, and one often isn’t aware of just how good they may have it.

If you were to play any Disney song on the guitar, this would be a surefire hit. Nearly every person alive has been immersed in the song’s iconic musicality to a degree.

“You’ve Got A Friend In Me” by Randy Newman

When Toy Story came out in 1995, kids were suddenly forced to consider the feelings of their toys. This was something almost unheard of outside of films like The Brave Little Toaster.

Typically, humans associate their child’s toys with being inanimate. Toy Story, however, gave them life and put them in the middle of a spellbinding story.

It’s a bit odd, but, in Toy Story, the viewer follows the jealous and insecure actions of 2 different toys. Each competes against the other to be their owner’s favorite toy.

The issue stems from the fact that one is Andy’s longtime companion, and the other is a newcomer. This is dramatized by the fact that one is a cowboy (Woody), and the other is an astronaut (Buzz Lightyear).

Toy Story would instantly become a cultural phenomenon amongst children (and parents, too) all around the world. Everyone who has ever played with toys likely can’t help but feel an emotional response after watching the film.

Randy Newman, a musician that has been incredibly successful since the 1960s, did the music for Toy Story. You’ve Got A Friend In Me is a staple track that has been in nearly every film in the franchise.

This song has a bit of a country feel, playing into the relationship between Andy and his toy cowboy, Woody. Anyone who’s been alive since the 90s is familiar with this song due to its use in the opening credits. 

The song is so well-known that it’s become Platinum-certified as a released single.

Because of that, You’ve Got A Friend In Me makes for a perfect song to play on the guitar. It’s primarily based around a simple chord progression with a loose rhythm.

“Bella Notte”

It’s an inarguable fact that Lady And The Tramp has one of the most iconic scenes in animated history. If you’re unsure of the scene, you’d recognize it as 2 dogs kissing by means of sharing a noodle.

Now sure, that might sound a bit odd, but essentially, it’s an anthropomorphized tale of how opposites can attract. These dogs have completely different backgrounds which are almost polar opposites, yet they fall in love. 

This iconic scene of the sharing of pasta is accompanied by a song called, Bella Notte. It’s sung by the restaurant owner who plays the accordion while his chef employs tremolo picking on a guitar.

For the most part, it takes on the characteristics of classic Italian music, complete with soulful harmonies. The song does become more orchestral but retains its romantic message of being the perfect night for love.

This is a song you’ll want to have in your back pocket for any romantic situation that may call. It can be played effectively during weddings or for expressing yourself in the way only a song can do.

“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Elton John

The middle years of the 1990s were dominated by all things related to The Lion King. With an all-star cast, this film based in Africa became one of the biggest film releases of all time.

The Lion King broke many records that were originally thought to be impossible to achieve by an animated film. Children of the era begged their parents to see it, with many seeing it dozens of times in the theaters. 

There really wasn’t another film like The Lion King, which is why it was so successful. For starters, the entire plot line, which is based around lions, has elements of a Shakespearean play.

Factor in some unforgettable characters and a powerful soundtrack, and you have yourself a goldmine film. Elton John was given the honor of writing much of the music for The Lion King’s soundtrack.

Even today, there is no instance of a film’s soundtrack selling more copies than what The Lion King has sold. This is evidence of the power that was present in each of the songs Elton John helped write. 

One of the biggest from the film was, Can You Feel The Love Tonight. This is a power ballad with a large, swelling chorus that really packs in an emotional punch.

Outside of the film, Can You Feel The Love Tonight won Elton John numerous awards for Best Original Song. The track topped the radio charts worldwide, holding positions over the course of 2 years. 

Can You Feel The Love Tonight is a perfect song to be playing on the guitar. Many have this song played at their wedding, and it’d be more heartfelt if you were the one performing it.

It’s safe to say that this gargantuan hit will always hold a place in the heart of pop culture. 

“When You Wish Upon A Star”

The classic film, Pinocchio, opens and closes with the iconic song When You Wish Upon A Star. In the film, the song is sung by Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio’s moral figure. 

Out of almost any of the Disney songs, this is perhaps the most important. Even if you’ve never seen Pinocchio, you’ve heard this melody if you’ve seen any Disney film.

That’s because Disney has extrapolated the song’s iconic opening line of the chorus melody for use with their production logo. It’s generally placed at the very beginning of each Disney film. 

For the most part, it’s the best musical representation of the mystical magic that Disney is associated with. 

When You Wish Upon A Star instills one with the innocent hope of childhood. Its lyrics tell of how all desires can be manifested if wishes are made with pure intentions.

If you or a loved one has a child, playing this song on guitar can be the perfect lullaby. It's a great way to remind one to always keep believing that they can succeed in every avenue of life.

“Circle Of Life”

The other smash-hit ballad that came from The Lion King was Circle Of Life. This song is instantly recognizable due to its shouting vocals, with lyrics in Zulu.

Circle Of Life was yet another song penned in the collaboration between Elton John’s music and Tim Rice’s lyrics. A choir can be heard in the background adding a musical tapestry to the backdrop of the song’s sonic landscape.

In the film, Circle Of Life is featured in 2 very emotionally climactic events of the plot line. This really drives home the powerful message that is embedded within the lyrics of the song. 

Everything in life (including life itself) runs the course of its cycle, with many things having smaller cycles within larger. This fractal nature of reality has become ancestral knowledge, having seemingly been noticed for centuries.

In fact, you’ll find many tales written about the rise and fall of mankind, whether it be individuals or societies. This too is part of the many cycles to be found playing out in the innumerable storylines happening on Earth.

That might all seem a bit confusing, but it’s essentially what has allowed Circle Of Life so much success. Many people have found it to be very appropriate for certain situations in life, such as a funeral. 

For that reason, it makes for a great addition to your guitar repertoire. You’ll never know when it can be of service in comforting a difficult situation.

“Up, Down And Touch The Ground”

Throughout the course of animated media, many bears have risen to extreme levels of popularity. One of the biggest bear stars is definitely Winnie-The-Pooh. 

When 2026 rolls along, Pooh Bear will be 100 years old. This is an astonishing feat considering that Pooh has been relevant for most of that time.

Pooh possesses one of the most authentically wholesome personalities in all of animation history. He’s a little bit slow to react and a tad apprehensive, but deadly loyal and warm-hearted.

His personality makes one feel at ease as if everything is okay. It’s probably for that reason that many children have latched onto Pooh’s image for solace over the years.

One of the most iconic Pooh songs is, Up, Down And Touch The Ground. It can be found in the film, The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh, released in 1977.

The song has a lighthearted and bouncy atmosphere, and features Pooh doing exercises in the mirror. Of course, it doesn’t take too long for him to begin eating shortly after.

Kids especially love this song because of the interaction built into the song. Quite often, they’ll mimic Pooh’s actions in the mirror while watching the film.

Like the song, Head, Shoulders, Knees, And Toes, you can play this song for audience interaction with kids.

“The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind”

As far as Disney films go, The Great Mouse Detective is undeservedly underrated. Sure, it’s a take on the classic Sherlock Holmes trope, however, its story is quite good.

Much of the film features somewhat of a darker picture, with much of the film taking place during the night. This only adds a bit of existential mystery to the film’s emotional experience.

Ratigan, the film’s villain, is quite the memorable character on his own, particularly because of his crazed look. He eventually hatches a grand scheme to overthrow the Queen and occupy London, with everyone under his control. 

As is the nature of Disney films, Ratigan has his own signature song that is a centerpiece for the film. The song, The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind, finds Ratigan singing lead and boasting of his abilities. 

Musically, The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind takes on the sound of a barroom singalong, singing Ratigan’s name. This is then augmented by poignant and dramatic singing by Ratigan, which really gives the song an uneasy feeling.

Ratigan’s portrayal is the perfect representation of someone with a grandiose sense of self in the 19th century. You certainly wouldn’t want to call him a rat to his face, or you’d land on his bad side.

“This Is Halloween”

The Nightmare Before Christmas has got to be the darkest Disney film in the entire catalog of releases. This film’s concept came from the vision of Tim Burton, who has a penchant for darker film aesthetics. 

And really, as a whole, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a bit of an oddball in terms of holiday movies. It can be equally relevant during both Halloween and Christmas, which sets it apart from other movies of the genre.

Part of what makes this film so dark and crazy is the music soundtrack, which was composed by Danny Elfman. It seems as if Elfman’s compositional stylings with Burton’s dark vision were a match gifted by the gods.

Take the song, This Is Halloween, which is essentially the theme song of Halloweentown. This track has a marching beat set against a polka bass line which elevates the descending lyrical melodies.

During the entire scene, viewers are subjected to the various citizens that live in Halloweentown. These include ghosts, skeletons hanging from a tree, and pumpkins, to name a few.

While it might not be the most popular, The Nightmare Before Christmas has a very large cult following. Playing This Is Halloween on the guitar around Halloween is a guaranteed hit. 

“Hakuna Matata”

There’s no question by now of the massive widespread success that The Lion King had when it was released. Aside from the other Elton John smash hits, the song Hakuna Matata was just as popular.

If you were a child during this time period, it’s a guarantee that you'd hear someone sing this at school. The song’s Swahili name is quite fun to say, particularly if you don’t speak Swahili. 

Kids absolutely love this song, and it had a simple melody that even an adolescent would have no problems carrying. Plus, the film’s characters, Timon and Pumbaa, play a big role in the success of this song amongst children.

Timon and Pumba became favorite characters for any child alive during that time period. These characters have a hilarious dynamic between them that could only exist between those who are longtime friends. 

And really, the duo of Timon and Pumba is a fairly unlikely pair, which makes their friendship even more effective. 

No matter what age you may be, you’d do well to adhere to the message of Hakuna Matata. This is especially true now that life has gotten faster, with more technology, since the film’s release in 1995. 

Hakuna Matata is one of those songs that you can play on the guitar almost anywhere. The song has a chill, reggae-infused swing, complete with excellent harmonies during the chorus. 

If you do play this, you’re sure to find somebody that wouldn’t mind singing along. It’s become a timeless classic that will likely always be embedded within the fabric of popular culture.

“Life Is A Highway” by Rascal Flatts

The Cars franchise wasn’t actually the first instance of anthropomorphic automobiles in Disney’s vast catalog. Herbie actually came about 40 years before Cars was even a brief spark in the lightbulb of someone’s mind. 

However, it’s safe to say that Cars was, by far, the most successful of the franchises. Each film has gone on to be smash box office hits, no doubt fueled by Pixar’s unbeatable computer animation.

When Cars was released in 2006, the song, Life Is A Highway, served as the film’s anthem. The song is actually a cover, with the original having been released in 1991 by Tom Cochrane.

Life is A Highway has a timeless message about living life to the fullest and seizing the day. The tinge of country rock flavor Rascal Flatts provides fits the aesthetic of something fitting for car races.

This is one of those instances where a single release from a film can often have a reciprocating promotional effect. People who loved the film listened to the song, and those who liked the song watched the film. 

Cars would go on to earn 4x what the cost of the initial budget was to make the film. Rascal Flatts saw their version of Life Is A Highway cross into the Top 10 on the Billboard charts. 

Since its release, Life Is A Highway has become a popular choice for school choirs to sing. Its popularity is, no doubt, a direct cause of the widespread love that people have for the film.

If you were to ask any teenager today, they might admit they still watch Cars on a regular basis. It really was the go-to movie that many kids chose to watch when given the choice.

Top Disney Guitar Songs, Final Thoughts

Let’s face it, the majority of modern music isn't exactly suited for family-friendly atmospheres. Guitarists often struggle when considering what songs they could play that might be fun for children. 

Disney songs make great repertoire additions because they can be fun for the entire family. Children can reap enjoyment in singing along while parents can reminisce on their childhood with the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia.