19 Easy Mandolin Songs For Beginners

“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King

Song year: 1988

Quite possibly one of the greatest songs of all time. Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” is catchy, romantic, and sentimental.

When you break it down, it’s a very simple four-chord tune. You can play it using the same four chords you learned in “3AM.”

The video tutorial will also show you how to play the riff that made this song so famous. You shouldn’t have any trouble with this either!

“All Along The Watchtower” by Bob Dylan

Song year: 1968

Bob Dylan has a knack for writing songs that get covered by other artists, and that includes “All Along The Watchtower,” which has practically become synonymous with Jimi Hendrix, thanks to his epic rendition.

But the song has also been jammed out by the likes of Eric Clapton, Lenny Kravitz, Neil Young, Eddie Vedder, U2, and Dave Matthews Band too. You will not find a version better than Jimi’s but if I’m being honest, Clapton and Kravitz’ “duet” is quite superb too.

The song is just three chords over and over. That makes it a great beginner-oriented tune, and one you can jam endlessly and put your spin on.

“Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Song year: 1969

If you’re looking for good beginner-oriented songs to try on your mandolin, just about anything by Creedence Clearwater Revival will do the trick, including “Fortunate Son,” which you can play with just four chords.

The strumming patterns you learn from songs like these offer a great foundation for branching out in other directions, so be sure to get this under your fingers.

“Lean On Me” by Bill Withers

Song year: 1972

Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me” may well be the ultimate barroom singalong. Its catchiness? Undeniable. Its popularity? Beyond reproach. Its chord progression? Remarkably simple (not surprisingly).

As a beginner, you may be surprised to find there are many songs you can play with just three chords. And “Lean On Me” happens to be one of them. Spend some time on this one. It’s worth it.

“Friday I’m In Love” by The Cure

Song year: 1992

The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love” is an excellent example of how to write a great pop song. The chord progression provides the backbone to the song, the melody is strong, and the additional instrumental layers decorate the tune with hooky color and texture.

If you want to be able to play the whole song, you will need to learn five chords, which is more than your average pop song. Most are quite easy though.

“Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

Song year: 1983

I’ve often said it, but I still hold to the notion that Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” is one of the happiest-sounding songs in existence (although other female pop stars of the time like Madonna, Paula Abdul, and Tiffany came mighty close).

Now, with most songs, you may be able to get away with holding chords for one or even two bars. This song, however, has some rapid chord changes. You may not want to begin your mandolin journey on this song, but once you’ve picked up a few simpler tunes, it’s a great one to tackle.

At some point, you will want to practice more rapid chord changes anyway!

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls

Song year: 1998

Many 90s alt-rock / pop songs truly do make for the best tutorials, and that includes the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris.” You will remember this one for its dramatic chord progression and lyrics.

At its core, you will find a relatively simple song. There are more chords in it than in your average pop song, so it would be a good idea to try “Iris” after you’ve mastered a few simpler tunes. Nevertheless, its many progressions and rhythms make for great study material.

“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison

Song year: 1988

Plenty of glam metal bands showed their softer side. I mean, how else were they supposed to attract the female contingent to their shows?

Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is as cheesy as it is notorious. But at least it’s not emo.

It’s okay to like the song, though, even if it’s just because of Bill & Ted’s influence. And it just so happens that you can play the entire song with just four chords too.

“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty

Song year: 1989

If there’s something Tom Petty (and his cohorts like Roy Orbison or George Harrison) were good at, it was writing simple songs. “Free Fallin’” is based around three chords, but it may well be one of the best examples of how to add interest and excitement to a song that repeats the same chords throughout.

The video tutorial is a good starting point, but I would suggest listening to the song for the rhythm because YouTuber MunsonCovers doesn’t quite nail it here.

Give this one a try and you should be freefalling in no time.

Easy Mandolin Songs For Beginners, Final Thoughts

Well, you should have your work cut out for you now. Don’t forget that learning songs can take time. If you find any parts challenging, slow things down, and work on problem areas intentionally and mindfully. You will not get better on autopilot.

Repetition is key to improving as a musician. At times, you will need to repeat certain melodies, chords, and passages repeatedly to get to the point where you feel comfortable with them. Stick with the process, and I promise you will get better.

Have fun!