Justin, I'm 75 years old and think like a 35 year old man, I fool around with the guitar and I taught myself but your song lessons are great. My wife passed away 10 days ago and my heart is broken but life must go on. These 10 songs are great I would love to play them but I need a guitar because I had to sell my guitar, as soon as I'm able to I will get an acoustic guitar. Thanks for being a great teacher!
As a 67 yr old deciding to learn to play guitar I love hearing stories like this. Occasionally I start telling myself that I should act my age because only teenagers get excited about learning to play, then I think about how much joy I've been getting out of it and realize I must be a teenager at heart.
I’m 71, and it does take longer for old dogs to learn new tricks, but working things out on a guitar is a fun challenge. So go for it, boys. The kids don’t need to have all the fun.
Omg, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you have a strong support network. Music is healing, even when played amateurishly and only for ourselves. Best wishes!
#10-The Joker #9-Sweet Caroline #8-Let It Be #7-Margaritaville #6-Wish YouWere Here #5-One More Time #4-Free Fallin #3-Brown Eyed Girl #2-Wonderwall #1-Country Roads Thanks for these lessons Justin
im 30, and Justin you are a Core memory when I picked up the guitar 15yrs ago. Your instructionals cut through all the balogna on the internet and made sense of it. I vividly remember studying your right hand on the Neon-John Mayer instruction video, I would slow it down and everything. I always thing about your "singing+playing at same time" videos and your "Jazz chord" lessons. You are AWESOME Justin. I'm glad you are world recognized now. You deserve it man, you've done so much for the guitar community and you've helped so many people!!
Thanks Justin, I’m 68 years old and I found you about 10 years ago when you started doing videos, I learned how to play songs from your song books and I now do open mics and some volunteer music events here in my Oregon hometown. Thanks Justin!
That's wonderful. My favourite songs :- country roads, Annie's song,let it be, House of the rising sun, my way, hotel California, Raindrops keep falling on my head, Massachusetts, El condor pasa, Feelings
Hi Justin, like many others here, I'm well over 70 (77), didn't start playing till I was 69, and your leasons are great. Keep it up, and we will try and keep up!
Hi Justin. I'm 67 years old and picked up a guitar for the first time 10 years ago in order to fulfill a dream....to play at my 60th birthday party. With the help of your online lessons and 3 (very patient) friends I was able to do it. At my 60th we played Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison), Time Of Your Life (Green Day), Walk Of Life (Dire Straits) and Wetsuit (The Vaccines) to over 100 guests. Wetsuit specifically had a special meaning to me as it did reflect very much how I felt. Since then, I've lapsed. I keep meaning to practice but never seem to have time. Maybe I need a goal to aim for....my 70th? Anyway, thank you for all you do for us learners; I for one certainly appreciate it!
15 years ago Justin’s video taught me the intro to Wish You Were Here and I love remembering him sing the cords! Over a month I learn it and made my entire family hate the best song of all time!
Justin is amazing. I started playing my guitar when I retired, 60. He teaches at a pace that is conducive to the learning level you are in. 100% recommend
Thank you Justin, I’m 61 self taught. I am still learning thanks to your UA-cam videos. Arthritis is starting to hamper my playing. I do feel the more I play through the pain and numbness the less of that happens. So I play something every day. Wish you were here, let it be, brown eyed girl and country roads. I Also do brain damage/Eclipse, comfortably numb, heart of gold, out on the weekend, harvest moon, for what it’s worth, the weight. Pink Floyd, Neil Young and The Band are huge for me. Learning more from The Band and Bob Dylon. You’re never too old to learn. I did go 30 years not playing or listening to secular music. Became a worship leader in my church. About 10 years ago I started learning the songs of my youth. Just the songs that do not glorify sin. There are a lot of them. Some I simply change a word or phrase to accomplish this. I know to some that’s horrible. Both in the church and out. I get it from both sides. I get from church folks, don’t play secular music at all then I get never change lyrics of a song from others out side the church. So I mostly play for myself and my wife. Publicly almost never. I do share my original spiritual songs I’ve recorded with some of my friends and family. Thank you again for the lesson. I’m disabled now and have plenty of time for playing and learning.
Brilliant post Justin. I am another of your 70 year old students, for about 4 years now after a 40 year hiatus in playing guitar after graduating from university. Thanks so much.
I play a lot in a band but also solo. Few solo songs that go over well in a mixed crowd: Lyin Eyes, Take it Easy, Sweet Home Alabama, Jolene, Chicken Fried, Purple Rain, Proud Mary, Santeria, 3am, American Pie, Boot Scoot Boogie, Jack and Diane. All crowd favs when I play, including many you listed. I do an acoustic version of Sweet Child o Mine that is popular. Cheers!
You're the best Justin! Great set of songs! Here are my 10 that I not only play at parties and get-togethers, but are also part of my gig list. I often do 2-song medleys from music bands: 1. America - Ventura Highway 2. America - Tin Man (or Sister Golden Hair, or A Horse With No Name) 3. Eagles - Tequila Sunrise (or I Can't Tell You Why, or Take It Easy) 4. Eagles - Lyin' Eyes (or Best Of My Love, or Peaceful Easy Feelin') 5. Dave Mason - We Just Disagree 6. Jimmy Buffett - Margaritaville 7. Jimmy Buffett - Come Monday 8. Beach Boys - Sloop John B 9. Rascals - Good Lovin' 10. Stephen Stills - Love The One You're With And just for good measure, here are a couple more fan-favs that I throw in to mix it up a bit - Ace - How Long - Seals & Crofts - Summer Breeze And lot's more when I play a gig!
Gotta say - Justin's email that brought me here... Just showed me how much I actually care and support Justin. It's the first mass email, in probably a decade, that has made me "do" anything. But reading "Can I ask a Quick Favor?" - from Justin - meant I immediately had to carefully read it, and immediately come here to show what little support I could. Thanks Justin, for all the years you've put into this, and everything you've given to the world.
Justin, I'm in my 60's and started learing the guitar during lockdown. Found your channel and have never looked back, I'm hooked. Your teaching style and structure to your courses is exceptional, you are the best in the world without a doubt.
This great guy taught me all I needed to know, when I picked up a guitar for the first time at age 47. There is no better teacher. I made it on a little stage entertaining some 50 people with a few songs just 5 years later. Go for it!! And keep up the incredible stuff you do, Justin! ❤
Great comment. I am getting back into at 47 myself. I used to be decent but really only used a guitar to help with vocals. Now I want to really learn how to play.
My immediate reaction: Wow Justin! Your singing has improved tenfold in such a short time! My second reaction: Of all the channels to do Top Ten lists, this is the one that does it perfectly! I've been teaching myself with JG since July of last year, and this video is essentially every song lesson you normally do, but abbreviated to basics, which is perfect for folks who have basic chords down and just wanna pick up quick songs! All that to say, this is a great one Justin! Keep doing what you're doing.
Justin, thank you for these suggestions. My go-to songs are Something (Beatles), Hotel California (no capo), House of the Rising Sun, Let It Be. In progress songs are Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, For What Its Worth, Helpless (Neil Young), Peaceful Easy Feeling. You have given me food for thought and several new songs to learn. Thanks again!
So happy to see all these older guitarists commenting. I'm only 65, have been playing on and off for 15 years. This is a great selection of songs, Justin! I already knew Wish You Were Here and Brown Eyed Girl. Excited to add Let it Be, Sweet Caroline, Free Falling (I'm a huge Tom Petty fan), and Country Roads to my repertoire.
This is great and very helpful in such a situation. I would suggest a few more songs: - Sunny Afternoon (Kinks) - Daydream (J.C.Sebastian) - Heart of Gold (N.Young) - Teach Your Children (C,S&N) - Streets Of London (R.McTell) - Norwegian Wood (Beatles) - If I Had A Hammer (T.Lopez) - Mellow Yellow (Donovan) - Wild Thing (Troggs)
Thanks Justin! 40 year old here getting back into playing again and haven't been a consistent player since my teens where it was my life and played in bands. Been taking your online lessons and find you to be the perfect teacher suited for my learning style and so grateful you post so much invaluable information for free. I've also bought annual membership to your app which is so fun to jam along with and goes great with the lessons.
Here at the request from the newsletter. I'm a total noob, grade 1 module 4 still, and I'm able to do more than I ever thought I could thanks to you and your team. I took lessons when I was 16 but really had no patience. Now at 54 I'm having a great time learning and am so grateful I was recommended to you!
That's about the level I was a couple weeks ago when I agreed to play a song for a party for volunteers at Lighthouse for the Blind in SF. The only thing I was comfortable with was Three Little Birds, but it was perfect for the occasion and they loved it. Thanks Justin for making it possible!
Despite personally knowing 300+ songs by heart I never can play on demand on the spot without an awkward 1-2 minutes to collect myself. You are a great teacher, Justin, congratulations on your new baby! To your song list, it’s such a subjective thing, but I always like to add some Bob Marley like Redemption Song or Three Little Birds and songs where you can do a little bit of whistling, like Sitting on the Dock of the Bay or Don’t Worry Be Happy and then, of course Classics, like me and Bobby McGee, Neil Young songs, like Old Man and Heart of Gold and CCR songs like Down on the Corner are always popular also. Thanks for your list!
my top song in this occasion is Have You Ever Seen The Rain by Creedence. A strong intro and a well-known song. other ones are: - Behind Blue Eyes by The Who - Living next door to Alice by Smokie - Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash - Fairytale Gone Bad by Sunrise Avenue - Losing My Religion by REM - Boulevard Of Broken Dreams by Green Day - Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode
Hey I just turned 77 and I’ve been a Justin follower for a long time. I really like the generosity and honesty of personal connection that comes through with the teaching style. A great example of allowing yourself to be yourself in your practice and performance. Thanks Justin.
I'm more of a folky, so I suppose my 'party list' would be a bit different...but 'Country Roads' would be on there, it's a song I've played since I was a teenager (now in my late 50s)! Also 'Something' by George Harrison, because if you can finger pick, the chords sound really cool and it's surprising how many people know it. Being a folky, 'Wild Mountain Thyme' would have to be on the list! It's a great one to get everyone singing, as is 'Bye, Bye, Love'. Another one that used to go down well in the pub was Lindisfarne's 'Meet me on the Corner'. And Gabrielle's 'Rise', which is a song that people don't realise they know until they hear it 😆. Oh, and 'I Can See Clearly Now' is another popular one. Congrats on your new baby and thanks for all you do to encourage us to keep playing!
Teach Your Children is the favorite of our mixed age family and friends parties here in America. Others are You Ain't Goin' No where (a good starter), Me and Julio , Folsom Prison Blues, I Shall be Released , Walk Right In, Charlie on the MTA ( we're in Boston). Songs on your list that we like are Wish You Were Here, Sweet Caroline, and especially, Country Roads. Common requests for me are Danny Boy, Over the Rainbow , Blackbird, and Here Comes the Sun ( that none of us can play through cleanly the first time! A lot of these songs I've leaned from you in the last 7 years since I retired. Ive leaned more than 100 songs of my life and my sons and now grandchildren, and we have three generations that play at annual sing alongs. So thanks, "You're Still the One" and I recommend your site to the younger generation starting out!
Justin sir, I really missed you. The same thing has happened with me and I also get frustrated that . 3 years ago I Started with your beginner course and now I am still here learning and visiting your channel everyday. I am really grateful for you contributions to the guitar community and specially as a GURU in my life. Thank you justin sir for everything. Looking forward for more intermediate lessons ❤. Good to have you back.
Nice playlist! A few of my party favorites to add: Hotel California (Eagles), Good Riddance/Time of Your Life (Green Day), and Against the Wind (Bob Seger).
Really interesting list Justin! The duo I'm in plays regular gigs as you'd expect, but we also do lots of "MemoryCafe" gigs for people with dementia and it's really important to play these kind of songs that might just spark a memory. We often get asked for songs that we don't have in our set at these gigs, so we learn them for the next time, so I would add to your list the following: Rhinestone Cowboy; Drift Away; Red Red Wine; Mighty Quinn; Make Me Smile; Lazy Sunday Afternoon and Itchycoo Park. Bear in mind that the vast majority of our audience at these gigs are 65+ (although frighteningly, not all of them!) so that dictates the age of the songs
Hey Justin, I‘m lucky enough to go to a regular acoustic guitar jam and the songs that always get people singing along are; Viva La Vida (Coldplay), What’s Up (4 Non-Blondes) and Dakota (Stereophonics). All easy and fun to play. 😊
I'm a 33 year old irish man living in Germany and can highly recommend all of these (no capo in sight)... Creep Psycho Killer Teenage Dirtbag SOS (ABBA) Wannabe Where is my Mind Shallow Everybody. (Backstreet Boys) Stacy's Mom
Im not sure if Justin reads the comments but I personally learned to play guitar from scratch all by using his web site.I remember when he was doing videos in his room and a friend filming him. Anyway until today I still watch and learn from his web site. When people see or hear me play and want to learn as well I just point them to your web site. Justin you are just phenomenal!!!
I was spending a ton of money with a mediocre instructor. Until, one day, he handed me a computer print out with some chord diagrams and Justin’s tag was on it. Long story short, I’ve been a student of Justin’s since then.
Great choice, Justin! Here are my TOP 25 that came to mind (excluding some of your songs) - knowing that there are at least 50 more top 25 songs in my songbook: 1. Cottonfields (CCR) 2. Bad Moon Rising (CCR) 3. Hey Jude (Beatles) 4. Can't Buy Me Love (Beatles) 5. Will The Circle Be Unbroken (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version) 6. House of the Rising Sun (Animals) 7. Goodnight Irene (Ry Cooder version) 8. Blowing In The Wind (Bob Dylan) 9. Heart of Gold (Neil Young) 10. A Hard Day's Night (Beatles) 11. Lady In Black (Uriah Heep) 12. Proud Mary (CCR/Ike & Tina Turner) 13. Johnny B. Goode (Chuck Berry) 14. Have You Ever Seen The Rain (CCR) 15. Guantanamera (trad.) 16. The Boxer (Simon & Garfunkel) 17. City of New Orleans (Arlo Guthrie) 18. Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life (Monty Python) 19. Ruby Tuesday (Rolling Stones) 20. Yellow Submarine (Beatles) 21. Cecilia (Simon & Garfunkel) 22. Locomotive Breath (Jethro Tull) 23. Jamaica Farewell (Harry Belafonte) 24. Rocking In The Free World (Neil Young) 25. Teach Your Children (Crosby Stills, Nash & Young) I have to admit: This list is a bit 60s and 70s dominated, but hey, that was probably the best era for campfire music!
A great list from the greatest guitar teacher :) Feeling in a country song mood today, so might humbly add these to the list: Jolene Friends in Low Places The Gambler
This is exactly what I wanted. I've had a similar experience, and I heard Dave Grohl describe exactly the same experience, where he was at a party, people asked him to sing something, didn't know what to do, and Taylor Swift saved his butt by volunteering to sing, performing one of his songs! This particular set of songs I think is too dated, but the concept is right, that I should be able to perform something everyone knows and enjoys on the spot.
Justin is the best - if you don't know his teaching yet and are looking for a way into learning to play guitar, I don't know of anyone better - clear, concise enough, enthusiastic, sensible and authoritative.
Seems like theres a lot of us old buggers that love playing are guitars. Im 72, and now and again my two mates pop around on wed. night have a couple of beers , put the world to rights, make a heck of a noise but we love it. Joseph if you lived near me you could come and join us, ive got plenty of guitars!😀
I have been in your situation, being randomly requested to play guitar “on the spot” and stalling. So I decided to memorize about 12 pop tunes [plus 12 jazz tunes (my present focus)]. I like to play the “Name that Tune” game with the audience - playing just a few opening notes of the melody and letting the audience guess the name of the tune. If they don't know it - I skip to the next one. I am now a senior citizen ( as the other "J" below) , and unfortunately those tunes fade from memory. Using a cell phone as my personal 'back up' memory is a great idea and should work in most locations. I like most of your "top 10" tunes especially on acoustic guitar and they span across generations. Thank you and best wishes with your growing family!
@@DBCooner On the 50s-60s Pop side - Pretty Woman, Sittin on Dock of Bay, Satisfaction, Michelle, Hotel California, Johnny be Good, Dust in the Wind, I got You (I feel Good), Papp's got a Brand new Bag, Classical Gas, She's Come Undone, Beat it, Shakin All Over, Susie Q, Louis Louis... etc. On the jazz side - Days of Wine.., So What, The Road Song, All the Things you Are, In a Semi-Mental mood LOL, Midnight Blue, Round Midnight, Darn that Dream, Ipanema, Cry me a River, Caravan, Blue Bossa, Straighten Up and Fly Rgt, Moon River, New York New York, Stella by Starlight, Don't Get Around much..., SomeDay my Prince..,Recoda Me, A Foggy Day in London, Ontario - LOL ...etc Anything with a memorable INTRO riff!
Justin 74 year old guitarist here, classical stuff though for close to 54 years. A little over a year ago my grandson expressed an interest in learning to play, so knowing he wouldn't be interested in learning Carcassi, or Sor or Carulli, and trudging thru my old Aaron Shearer technique books, I did some searching on the internet and came across your presentations here on the Tube and your homepage. I even purchased him a fender-strat style axe and two of your beginner books and together he and jumped into your lessons. I figured, your never too old to learn to play "Come As You Are".... Love Cobain and Dave Grohl. Any way to my long drawn out point... Thanks for what you do to encourage people to play. I still like my classical stuff, old horse I guess. But I will admit rock and roll just might be here to stay. I will be emailing him the link to this thread. Also I'd like to put my two cents in on other songs to add to a repertoire.... Neil Young"s "Old Man". I would venture about 99.9% of the world knows it. The Beatles "Norwegian Wood" definitely a classic and a great finger-picking tune, check out Angela Lancieri's rendition on UA-cam, and "Blackbird"... most indubitably a classic. Any way, again thanks for awesome lessons and Cheers
Terrific selection of rock-solid sing-alongs. As ever Justin demonstrates how they can be played by any of us camp-fire chorus leaders and he shows how to add flourishes that can turn the performance into something more rewarding for players and listeners alike. Thanks Justin.
Justin me, I am a young guy of 67 years old and my whole live I played guitar from my 17th. Just since 15 years back I did put my electric shelves with strings in the corner and learned such good accoustic songs and perfected a nice fingerpicking style. Nowadays I perform sologigs on a regularly basis and have about 200 songs to chose from, but this again was very helpfull. I definately am going to play a couple of these songs too. I allready got me four titles from Ultimate Guitar pro. Thanxxx a lot. And best greetings from the Netherlands.
This is great! My wife told me "I want to learn to play the guitar, teach me" and I didn't really know where to go from the basic chords and strumming patterns. This list will make a good foundation :)
Creep / No Surprises / High & Dry - radiohead any/all top 10 Beatles song We will rock you/ Bohemian - queen Brown Eyed Girl / Gloria - Van Morrison Runaway Train - Soul Asylum No Rain - Blind Melon More Than Words - Extreme Knockin' on Heaven's Door - Bob Dylan or GNR version Moon River - Audrey Hepburn Mr. Bojangles - Sammy Davis Jr. and lots more......
A super popular party singalong song is ‘Hotel California’ (though I appreciate it’s difficult or impossible to cover anything Eagles on UA-cam). Even though there a lot of chords in the song, you can cover the whole thing with open chord shapes, even the opening riff . Just put a capo wherever your voice or audience’s voice wants to sing. Verse shapes: Am E7 G D F C Dm E7 Chorus shapes: F C E7 Am F C Dm E7 You can also whistle the closing guitar solo over the verse chords, though it’s impossible to whistle once you start laughing, which you will.
Great selection there Justin. I would add 'Bad Moon rising', 'Proud Mary', and 'Wild Think'. Really enjoying your online courses and song lessons, My thanks go out to you and your team.
Yea - but you are a famous guitar player! I'm a 'Living Room' (Couch) player. No comparison! 👏🏻😊🥂. My "Go-to's have been early Beatles, some Simon and Garfunkle, Dylan, Beach Boys, and 50's/60's early Rock or Country.
This is the perfect lesson. Most of us can play these songs but we never remember to keep people pleasing songs by memory so to others it’s like “you said you can play guitar, why can’t you play?
Congrats, Justin, and thank you for your wonderful supportive guitar evangelism! Some of the songs I'd like to add to the list: Take It Easy, Knockin' on Heaven's Door, Father and Son, Jambalaya, The Weight, Maggie May,
I love playing American Pie because I memorized it as a kid and still remember all the words. No one else at the party will know the words to the verses but everyone sing along with the chorus!
I am happy that I found your teachings on guitar, Justin! You are a very heart-centered person and I am learning a lot and enjoying playing guitar under your instruction.
I'm in Taiwan and I sing in the bars in Hsinchu often... Here is my sing along list: - Dancing Queen / ABBA - What's Up / 4 Non Blonde - Hey Jude - Yellow / Coldplay - Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Purple Rain / Prince - Last Christmas / Wham! - Every Time You Go Away / Paul Young (When the bar closes or someone is leaving early...) - Payphone / Maroon 5 - La Bamba I think I'll add Hit Me Baby One More Time, Free Fallin and Wish You Were Here in the list! Thank you Justin!
I'm another Oldie from Queensland Mate...played when I was a kid sixty years ago, but somehow life got in the way and I left it behind. One of the big regrets . Your teaching has inspired me to have another go, and I'm slowly making progress. A big thank you Justin!
My classic list used to include Leaving on a Jet plane, First cut is the deepest, Don't look back in anger, Bad Moon Rising, She's the one, Hungry Heart or the River, Weather with you, Why does it always rain on you, Save tonight, The drugs don't work, Beautiful Ones, She's got her ticket.. and plenty of my own songs of course like Coming Down (on SoundCloud) 1998-2001 - great times in places like Knoydart!!!!
Many thanks for the super thanks and supporting the channel. It means a lot. Cheers 😊 | Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher www.justinguitar.com
My favorite parts were the intros for The Joker, Sweet Caroline, and Margaritaville-- so cool to see how they're done. Great vid, thanks so much for your cheerful spirit and spot-on teaching! 🙏
Hi Justin GREAT LIST!!!! On my list are "Yellow Submarine" (everybody knows the Chorus), "Obla-di Obla-da", "Knockin' On Heavens Door", "We Shall Overcome" ... easy sing-along you can tell them the next verse just before it ... just a few easy ones ... btw ... I am a 71 "youngtimer"
Ahah. Interesting choice you made. Based for sure because you´re a native English speaker and you have a massive music knowledge. I am italian living in Germany. Most of my colleague, might recognize Let it Be, but forget about sing along. They wouldn´t know the lyrics. Few of them might have heard The Joker or Wish you were, but with those it would be even harder to find someone who can sing along. My picks for party songs would be: Knockin´on Heavens Door, I´m a believer, Losing my religion, Wish you were here, ´74-´75, With or without you.. right in this order why as you progress from one song to the other people would know less and less words. I would throw in Ruby Tuesday or Runaway Train (Soul Asylum), but I would surprise if any of my colleague would recognize the second one.
My favorite song to play and it’s super easy, is changes by Justin Bieber. It catches people off guard because honestly I find a lot of people who have never heard of that song by him. It’s very beautiful and lyrics are very meaningful and make you think about your own life in its current state.
Glad to see Jimmy Buffett make the list....maybe the most underrated soon to be Rock and roll Hall of Fame singer songwriter.... Margaritaville most famous song...first song to make a billion dollars...but not even his best work. RIP Jimmy Buffett....Fins Up Forever
Thanks Justin. A great idea ... to be prepared. Glad to hear you are making time for your family, that's the most important thing. "English man in NY", is a good sing along as is "Horse with no name", "When I'm 64". Thanks for the music. I love your lessons and website. ❤
Thanks Justin for a great list. As you asked, my top 10 when asked to pick up a guitar are: Hotel California, Country Roads, Wish you were here, Free falling, Don't stop believing, La Bamba, Let it be into Dont look back in anger, Castle on the hill, Old time rock and roll - but it does depend on the audience!
Appreciate you brother, I LOVE this format! It's sort of like a buffet menu, where I can see what I like then go get more from your other lessons and I love it! I had a lot of these on my setlist, here's some to add for you! Dead or Alive- Bon Jovi Just a banger and fun intro Sweet Child O' Mine- GnR Can do the riff in open D chord position during the chorus ACDD, and fun! Hurt- Johny Cash Slow mix up, most people know the words I'd think Mr. Brightside- The Killers Easy to sing, high energy
It's good to see that even the very best guitar players can get stumped for inspiration at a party! What a great idea to do this lesson. I will heed your advice! I already learned a few of these through your other awesome lessons, so I'm on the way :) Thanks Justin
Is it wrong as a Floyd fan to say I enjoyed playing Britney more, it really works on acoustic. As I just got my first acoustic I love this, thanks Justin and congrats on your new arrival.
My favorite song to play for a sing-along has definitely gotta be Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen. Its a classic Queen song that a lot of people know the words to and if they dont, then its a short and simple song so they can learn the words quickly.
Great idea for a video Justin, nobody wants to hear someone struggling through the Sultans of Swing solo or something like that at a party so this is a really useful idea. Love the site too, keep it up 👍
A few of my go-tos: If I had a million dollars - BNL The gambler - Kenny Roger's The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (a local favourite) - Gordon Lightfoot We're here for a good time - Trooper Hurts so good - John Mellancamp Sex and candy - Marcy playground Folsom prison blues (everyone should have that one in their repertoire) On the road again - Willie Nelson Heart of gold (with harp neck rack) and Old man Neil Young. Always adding more.
Justin, I'm 75 years old and think like a 35 year old man, I fool around with the guitar and I taught myself but your song lessons are great. My wife passed away 10 days ago and my heart is broken but life must go on. These 10 songs are great I would love to play them but I need a guitar because I had to sell my guitar, as soon as I'm able to I will get an acoustic guitar. Thanks for being a great teacher!
As a 67 yr old deciding to learn to play guitar I love hearing stories like this. Occasionally I start telling myself that I should act my age because only teenagers get excited about learning to play, then I think about how much joy I've been getting out of it and realize I must be a teenager at heart.
I’m 71, and it does take longer for old dogs to learn new tricks, but working things out on a guitar is a fun challenge. So go for it, boys. The kids don’t need to have all the fun.
@@joelmckinnon3929 no matter what age, you can and should always be excited about learning, no matter what it is :)
So sorry for your loss! Music is a great place to seek comfort. 👍🙏💪
Omg, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you have a strong support network. Music is healing, even when played amateurishly and only for ourselves. Best wishes!
#10-The Joker
#9-Sweet Caroline
#8-Let It Be
#7-Margaritaville
#6-Wish YouWere Here
#5-One More Time
#4-Free Fallin
#3-Brown Eyed Girl
#2-Wonderwall
#1-Country Roads
Thanks for these lessons Justin
Straightway to Heaven
I played "The Joker" for a girl and she got offended...
@@GR_BackingTracks I'm sure you're not that terrible! X
Fun mashup you can go The Joker into Shaggy - Angel too
👉 *Check out the full song lessons and more information here:* www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/10-sing-along-songs-you-should-know-on-guitar-tp-02
Something about this dude reminds me of Norm
im 30, and Justin you are a Core memory when I picked up the guitar 15yrs ago. Your instructionals cut through all the balogna on the internet and made sense of it. I vividly remember studying your right hand on the Neon-John Mayer instruction video, I would slow it down and everything. I always thing about your "singing+playing at same time" videos and your "Jazz chord" lessons. You are AWESOME Justin. I'm glad you are world recognized now. You deserve it man, you've done so much for the guitar community and you've helped so many people!!
Thanks Justin, I’m 68 years old and I found you about 10 years ago when you started doing videos, I learned how to play songs from your song books and I now do open mics and some volunteer music events here in my Oregon hometown. Thanks Justin!
hey, I'm 58, and I just started last year -- so maybe there's hope! thanks!
It's never too late. Just keep on rocking 👍👏🎸
Wait, there are Justin C. Songbooks?!
That's wonderful. My favourite songs :- country roads, Annie's song,let it be, House of the rising sun, my way, hotel California, Raindrops keep falling on my head, Massachusetts, El condor pasa, Feelings
Thanks for your outstanding performance and advice
Hi Justin, like many others here, I'm well over 70 (77), didn't start playing till I was 69, and your leasons are great. Keep it up, and we will try and keep up!
Hi Justin. I'm 67 years old and picked up a guitar for the first time 10 years ago in order to fulfill a dream....to play at my 60th birthday party. With the help of your online lessons and 3 (very patient) friends I was able to do it. At my 60th we played Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison), Time Of Your Life (Green Day), Walk Of Life (Dire Straits) and Wetsuit (The Vaccines) to over 100 guests. Wetsuit specifically had a special meaning to me as it did reflect very much how I felt. Since then, I've lapsed. I keep meaning to practice but never seem to have time. Maybe I need a goal to aim for....my 70th? Anyway, thank you for all you do for us learners; I for one certainly appreciate it!
❤❤ great job‼️ I did a party too during my 60th and now looking forward to my 70th in 2 years time 🎉🎉
Really appreciate what you do Justin. I am 72 and thanks to you I have never given up learning and enjoying playing. Thanks so much for being there.
15 years ago Justin’s video taught me the intro to Wish You Were Here and I love remembering him sing the cords! Over a month I learn it and made my entire family hate the best song of all time!
I played it for my mother once. When I finished, she said "That's lovely! So romantic! Then he shot himself."
We were learning the same song at same time. And thanks to Justin!
😅 LOL
Guilty as well
Justin is amazing. I started playing my guitar when I retired, 60. He teaches at a pace that is conducive to the learning level you are in. 100% recommend
Thank you Justin, I’m 61 self taught. I am still learning thanks to your UA-cam videos. Arthritis is starting to hamper my playing. I do feel the more I play through the pain and numbness the less of that happens. So I play something every day. Wish you were here, let it be, brown eyed girl and country roads. I Also do brain damage/Eclipse, comfortably numb, heart of gold, out on the weekend, harvest moon, for what it’s worth, the weight. Pink Floyd, Neil Young and The Band are huge for me. Learning more from The Band and Bob Dylon. You’re never too old to learn. I did go 30 years not playing or listening to secular music. Became a worship leader in my church. About 10 years ago I started learning the songs of my youth. Just the songs that do not glorify sin. There are a lot of them. Some I simply change a word or phrase to accomplish this. I know to some that’s horrible. Both in the church and out. I get it from both sides. I get from church folks, don’t play secular music at all then I get never change lyrics of a song from others out side the church. So I mostly play for myself and my wife. Publicly almost never. I do share my original spiritual songs I’ve recorded with some of my friends and family. Thank you again for the lesson. I’m disabled now and have plenty of time for playing and learning.
Older player here. Combination of some actual lessons and OT has helped a TON to help me play better and with less pain.
Go on a carnivore diet to help with your arthritis !
@@MrJOHNMICHAELVEGAwe have been on the carnivore for 7 months. Lost 40 pounds. Blood work is now normal.
Brilliant post Justin. I am another of your 70 year old students, for about 4 years now after a 40 year hiatus in playing guitar after graduating from university. Thanks so much.
I play a lot in a band but also solo. Few solo songs that go over well in a mixed crowd: Lyin Eyes, Take it Easy, Sweet Home Alabama, Jolene, Chicken Fried, Purple Rain, Proud Mary, Santeria, 3am, American Pie, Boot Scoot Boogie, Jack and Diane. All crowd favs when I play, including many you listed. I do an acoustic version of Sweet Child o Mine that is popular. Cheers!
That vocal performance of ...Baby One More Time was surprisingly epic
Cheers!
Ambitious you could say, but Justin always seems up for a challenge.
@@justinguitar Your singing has come so far over the last few years. It's very cool!
That’s the one where I thought „ok, let’s skip that one bc people wouldn’t have the faintest idea what song I would be playing.“
Try Dm instead of the Dmajor in this one, if the D throws you.
I don't regret telling the restaurant owner he had two epic guitarists visiting that night. The night was astronomical. ❤
?
Justin is back!
Yes I am!! :)
Cool, thanks Justin, a legend.
Welcome back!
Pls justin teach us how to play a B diminished guitar chord @@justinguitar
@@justinguitarplease teach us how to play a B diminished guitar chord
Justin, i am 145 years old…this lesson made me pick up the guitar again even though I can’t move my arms or legs. Thanks for everything you do
so inspiring
Thanks for the support Sis, really appreciate it.
This video makes me feel 312 years old again. Man those were the days.
Love you Grandpa
@@524coconut Right? Nothing like the young age of early threehundreds.
You're the best Justin! Great set of songs! Here are my 10 that I not only play at parties and get-togethers, but are also part of my gig list. I often do 2-song medleys from music bands:
1. America - Ventura Highway
2. America - Tin Man (or Sister Golden Hair, or A Horse With No Name)
3. Eagles - Tequila Sunrise (or I Can't Tell You Why, or Take It Easy)
4. Eagles - Lyin' Eyes (or Best Of My Love, or Peaceful Easy Feelin')
5. Dave Mason - We Just Disagree
6. Jimmy Buffett - Margaritaville
7. Jimmy Buffett - Come Monday
8. Beach Boys - Sloop John B
9. Rascals - Good Lovin'
10. Stephen Stills - Love The One You're With
And just for good measure, here are a couple more fan-favs that I throw in to mix it up a bit
- Ace - How Long
- Seals & Crofts - Summer Breeze
And lot's more when I play a gig!
Some wonderful tunes there! Great choice.
Gotta say - Justin's email that brought me here...
Just showed me how much I actually care and support Justin. It's the first mass email, in probably a decade, that has made me "do" anything.
But reading "Can I ask a Quick Favor?" - from Justin - meant I immediately had to carefully read it, and immediately come here to show what little support I could.
Thanks Justin, for all the years you've put into this, and everything you've given to the world.
Thank you Victor - appreciate the support :)
Justin, I'm in my 60's and started learing the guitar during lockdown. Found your channel and have never looked back, I'm hooked. Your teaching style and structure to your courses is exceptional, you are the best in the world without a doubt.
This great guy taught me all I needed to know, when I picked up a guitar for the first time at age 47. There is no better teacher. I made it on a little stage entertaining some 50 people with a few songs just 5 years later. Go for it!!
And keep up the incredible stuff you do, Justin! ❤
Great comment. I am getting back into at 47 myself.
I used to be decent but really only used a guitar to help with vocals.
Now I want to really learn how to play.
My immediate reaction: Wow Justin! Your singing has improved tenfold in such a short time!
My second reaction: Of all the channels to do Top Ten lists, this is the one that does it perfectly! I've been teaching myself with JG since July of last year, and this video is essentially every song lesson you normally do, but abbreviated to basics, which is perfect for folks who have basic chords down and just wanna pick up quick songs!
All that to say, this is a great one Justin! Keep doing what you're doing.
Justin, thank you for these suggestions. My go-to songs are Something (Beatles), Hotel California (no capo), House of the Rising Sun, Let It Be. In progress songs are Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, For What Its Worth, Helpless (Neil Young), Peaceful Easy Feeling. You have given me food for thought and several new songs to learn. Thanks again!
I've never played Hotel California with a capo.
So happy to see all these older guitarists commenting. I'm only 65, have been playing on and off for 15 years. This is a great selection of songs, Justin! I already knew Wish You Were Here and Brown Eyed Girl. Excited to add Let it Be, Sweet Caroline, Free Falling (I'm a huge Tom Petty fan), and Country Roads to my repertoire.
Cheers mate. Sadly, most of them are AI generated bot comments :(
Ever think you would hear yourself say “ I’m only 65” keep strumming my friend. ( young 70 yr old here )
This is great and very helpful in such a situation. I would suggest a few more songs:
- Sunny Afternoon (Kinks)
- Daydream (J.C.Sebastian)
- Heart of Gold (N.Young)
- Teach Your Children (C,S&N)
- Streets Of London (R.McTell)
- Norwegian Wood (Beatles)
- If I Had A Hammer (T.Lopez)
- Mellow Yellow (Donovan)
- Wild Thing (Troggs)
Heart of Gold!!! 👌
Sunny Afternoon is a good one!
Throw in something from My Chemical Romance...easy.
And the kids will FREAK out!
Reasonable!
Thanks Justin! 40 year old here getting back into playing again and haven't been a consistent player since my teens where it was my life and played in bands. Been taking your online lessons and find you to be the perfect teacher suited for my learning style and so grateful you post so much invaluable information for free. I've also bought annual membership to your app which is so fun to jam along with and goes great with the lessons.
I'm 42 and I'm wondering why everyone feels the need to tell Justin their age.
😂
The youth these days don't even play Wonderwall smh
65 here 😂
Im 33 and agree
I had to scroll through the comments and this gave me a good laugh and just to not break the chain, I'm 43, lol.
I'd add Peaceful, Easy Feelin' and Wagon Wheel. Both fairly simple and people love to sing along.
Sweet Caroline
@@Dr.Pepperdave It's already in the list.
Not sure I know those 2
Here at the request from the newsletter. I'm a total noob, grade 1 module 4 still, and I'm able to do more than I ever thought I could thanks to you and your team. I took lessons when I was 16 but really had no patience. Now at 54 I'm having a great time learning and am so grateful I was recommended to you!
That's about the level I was a couple weeks ago when I agreed to play a song for a party for volunteers at Lighthouse for the Blind in SF. The only thing I was comfortable with was Three Little Birds, but it was perfect for the occasion and they loved it. Thanks Justin for making it possible!
Despite personally knowing 300+ songs by heart I never can play on demand on the spot without an awkward 1-2 minutes to collect myself. You are a great teacher, Justin, congratulations on your new baby! To your song list, it’s such a subjective thing, but I always like to add some Bob Marley like Redemption Song or Three Little Birds and songs where you can do a little bit of whistling, like Sitting on the Dock of the Bay or Don’t Worry Be Happy and then, of course Classics, like me and Bobby McGee, Neil Young songs, like Old Man and Heart of Gold and CCR songs like Down on the Corner are always popular also. Thanks for your list!
my top song in this occasion is Have You Ever Seen The Rain by Creedence. A strong intro and a well-known song.
other ones are:
- Behind Blue Eyes by The Who
- Living next door to Alice by Smokie
- Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash
- Fairytale Gone Bad by Sunrise Avenue
- Losing My Religion by REM
- Boulevard Of Broken Dreams by Green Day
- Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode
Learning Have You Ever See the Rain from Justin's video now. Love that song and hope to feature it in my repertoire soon!
CCR have so Many great songs
Hey I just turned 77 and I’ve been a Justin follower for a long time. I really like the generosity and honesty of personal connection that comes through with the teaching style. A great example of allowing yourself to be yourself in your practice and performance. Thanks Justin.
My favorite guitar teacher hands down!
I'm more of a folky, so I suppose my 'party list' would be a bit different...but 'Country Roads' would be on there, it's a song I've played since I was a teenager (now in my late 50s)! Also 'Something' by George Harrison, because if you can finger pick, the chords sound really cool and it's surprising how many people know it. Being a folky, 'Wild Mountain Thyme' would have to be on the list! It's a great one to get everyone singing, as is 'Bye, Bye, Love'. Another one that used to go down well in the pub was Lindisfarne's 'Meet me on the Corner'. And Gabrielle's 'Rise', which is a song that people don't realise they know until they hear it 😆. Oh, and 'I Can See Clearly Now' is another popular one. Congrats on your new baby and thanks for all you do to encourage us to keep playing!
Teach Your Children is the favorite of our mixed age family and friends parties here in America. Others are You Ain't Goin' No where (a good starter), Me and Julio , Folsom Prison Blues, I Shall be Released , Walk Right In, Charlie on the MTA ( we're in Boston). Songs on your list that we like are Wish You Were Here, Sweet Caroline, and especially, Country Roads. Common requests for me are
Danny Boy, Over the Rainbow , Blackbird, and Here Comes the Sun ( that none of us can play through cleanly the first time!
A lot of these songs I've leaned from you in the last 7 years since I retired. Ive leaned more than 100 songs of my life and my sons and now grandchildren, and we have three generations that play at annual sing alongs. So thanks, "You're Still the One" and I recommend your site to the younger generation starting out!
Welcome back, guitar friend! I hope that you are enjoying the new addition to your family.
Best guitar teacher! Thank you for all your videos and lessons, Justin!
Justin sir, I really missed you. The same thing has happened with me and I also get frustrated that . 3 years ago I Started with your beginner course and now I am still here learning and visiting your channel everyday. I am really grateful for you contributions to the guitar community and specially as a GURU in my life. Thank you justin sir for everything. Looking forward for more intermediate lessons ❤. Good to have you back.
Nice playlist! A few of my party favorites to add: Hotel California (Eagles), Good Riddance/Time of Your Life (Green Day), and Against the Wind (Bob Seger).
Really interesting list Justin! The duo I'm in plays regular gigs as you'd expect, but we also do lots of "MemoryCafe" gigs for people with dementia and it's really important to play these kind of songs that might just spark a memory. We often get asked for songs that we don't have in our set at these gigs, so we learn them for the next time, so I would add to your list the following: Rhinestone Cowboy; Drift Away; Red Red Wine; Mighty Quinn; Make Me Smile; Lazy Sunday Afternoon and Itchycoo Park. Bear in mind that the vast majority of our audience at these gigs are 65+ (although frighteningly, not all of them!) so that dictates the age of the songs
Hey Justin, I‘m lucky enough to go to a regular acoustic guitar jam and the songs that always get people singing along are; Viva La Vida (Coldplay), What’s Up (4 Non-Blondes) and Dakota (Stereophonics). All easy and fun to play. 😊
I'm a 33 year old irish man living in Germany and can highly recommend all of these (no capo in sight)...
Creep
Psycho Killer
Teenage Dirtbag
SOS (ABBA)
Wannabe
Where is my Mind
Shallow
Everybody. (Backstreet Boys)
Stacy's Mom
Im not sure if Justin reads the comments but I personally learned to play guitar from scratch all by using his web site.I remember when he was doing videos in his room and a friend filming him.
Anyway until today I still watch and learn from his web site.
When people see or hear me play and want to learn as well I just point them to your web site.
Justin you are just phenomenal!!!
I was spending a ton of money with a mediocre instructor. Until, one day, he handed me a computer print out with some chord diagrams and Justin’s tag was on it. Long story short, I’ve been a student of Justin’s since then.
Great choice, Justin! Here are my TOP 25 that came to mind (excluding some of your songs) - knowing that there are at least 50 more top 25 songs in my songbook:
1. Cottonfields (CCR)
2. Bad Moon Rising (CCR)
3. Hey Jude (Beatles)
4. Can't Buy Me Love (Beatles)
5. Will The Circle Be Unbroken (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version)
6. House of the Rising Sun (Animals)
7. Goodnight Irene (Ry Cooder version)
8. Blowing In The Wind (Bob Dylan)
9. Heart of Gold (Neil Young)
10. A Hard Day's Night (Beatles)
11. Lady In Black (Uriah Heep)
12. Proud Mary (CCR/Ike & Tina Turner)
13. Johnny B. Goode (Chuck Berry)
14. Have You Ever Seen The Rain (CCR)
15. Guantanamera (trad.)
16. The Boxer (Simon & Garfunkel)
17. City of New Orleans (Arlo Guthrie)
18. Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life (Monty Python)
19. Ruby Tuesday (Rolling Stones)
20. Yellow Submarine (Beatles)
21. Cecilia (Simon & Garfunkel)
22. Locomotive Breath (Jethro Tull)
23. Jamaica Farewell (Harry Belafonte)
24. Rocking In The Free World (Neil Young)
25. Teach Your Children (Crosby Stills, Nash & Young)
I have to admit: This list is a bit 60s and 70s dominated, but hey, that was probably the best era for campfire music!
A great list from the greatest guitar teacher :)
Feeling in a country song mood today, so might humbly add these to the list:
Jolene
Friends in Low Places
The Gambler
This is exactly what I wanted. I've had a similar experience, and I heard Dave Grohl describe exactly the same experience, where he was at a party, people asked him to sing something, didn't know what to do, and Taylor Swift saved his butt by volunteering to sing, performing one of his songs!
This particular set of songs I think is too dated, but the concept is right, that I should be able to perform something everyone knows and enjoys on the spot.
Justin is the best - if you don't know his teaching yet and are looking for a way into learning to play guitar, I don't know of anyone better - clear, concise enough, enthusiastic, sensible and authoritative.
Seems like theres a lot of us old buggers that love playing are guitars. Im 72, and now and again my two mates pop around on wed. night have a couple of beers , put the world to rights, make a heck of a noise but we love it. Joseph if you lived near me you could come and join us, ive got plenty of guitars!😀
Great lineup. The one that works well for me is Purple Rain . I play it in G to keep it simple. Everyone knows the chorus.
I have been in your situation, being randomly requested to play guitar “on the spot” and stalling. So I decided to memorize about 12 pop tunes [plus 12 jazz tunes (my present focus)].
I like to play the “Name that Tune” game with the audience - playing just a few opening notes of the melody and letting the audience guess the name of the tune. If they don't know it - I skip to the next one. I am now a senior citizen ( as the other "J" below) , and unfortunately those tunes fade from memory. Using a cell phone as my personal 'back up' memory is a great idea and should work in most locations. I like most of your "top 10" tunes especially on acoustic guitar and they span across generations. Thank you and best wishes with your growing family!
Great idea about name that tune.
Will you name a few here? Include the jazz numbers too!
@@DBCooner On the 50s-60s Pop side - Pretty Woman, Sittin on Dock of Bay, Satisfaction, Michelle, Hotel California, Johnny be Good, Dust in the Wind, I got You (I feel Good), Papp's got a Brand new Bag, Classical Gas, She's Come Undone, Beat it, Shakin All Over, Susie Q, Louis Louis... etc. On the jazz side - Days of Wine.., So What, The Road Song, All the Things you Are, In a Semi-Mental mood LOL, Midnight Blue, Round Midnight, Darn that Dream, Ipanema, Cry me a River, Caravan, Blue Bossa, Straighten Up and Fly Rgt, Moon River, New York New York, Stella by Starlight, Don't Get Around much..., SomeDay my Prince..,Recoda Me, A Foggy Day in London, Ontario - LOL ...etc Anything with a memorable INTRO riff!
I think the most important thing is not what you play but that you play it in a key which you comfortably sing it in.
Justin 74 year old guitarist here, classical stuff though for close to 54 years. A little over a year ago my grandson expressed an interest in learning to play, so knowing he wouldn't be interested in learning Carcassi, or Sor or Carulli, and trudging thru my old Aaron Shearer technique books, I did some searching on the internet and came across your presentations here on the Tube and your homepage. I even purchased him a fender-strat style axe and two of your beginner books and together he and jumped into your lessons. I figured, your never too old to learn to play "Come As You Are".... Love Cobain and Dave Grohl.
Any way to my long drawn out point... Thanks for what you do to encourage people to play. I still like my classical stuff, old horse I guess. But I will admit rock and roll just might be here to stay. I will be emailing him the link to this thread.
Also I'd like to put my two cents in on other songs to add to a repertoire.... Neil Young"s "Old Man". I would venture about 99.9% of the world knows it. The Beatles "Norwegian Wood" definitely a classic and a great finger-picking tune, check out Angela Lancieri's rendition on UA-cam, and "Blackbird"... most indubitably a classic.
Any way, again thanks for awesome lessons and Cheers
Knocking on heaven’s doors and take it easy are my go to ones
For me, "A Boy Named Sue". Also, I preform my own song, that way no one knows when I screw up.
I like to end my gigs with a reggae version of knocking on heavens door and invite people to sing along.....it ends on a great vibe.
Terrific selection of rock-solid sing-alongs. As ever Justin demonstrates how they can be played by any of us camp-fire chorus leaders and he shows how to add flourishes that can turn the performance into something more rewarding for players and listeners alike. Thanks Justin.
I would add the classic CCR Have you ever seen the rain, to this list Justin
Justin me, I am a young guy of 67 years old and my whole live I played guitar from my 17th. Just since 15 years back I did put my electric shelves with strings in the corner and learned such good accoustic songs and perfected a nice fingerpicking style. Nowadays I perform sologigs on a regularly basis and have about 200 songs to chose from, but this again was very helpfull. I definately am going to play a couple of these songs too. I allready got me four titles from Ultimate Guitar pro. Thanxxx a lot. And best greetings from the Netherlands.
Gotta end the night with 'Hey Jude'.
This list could have been easily a 10 Beatles'-songs list.
This is great! My wife told me "I want to learn to play the guitar, teach me" and I didn't really know where to go from the basic chords and strumming patterns. This list will make a good foundation :)
Creep / No Surprises / High & Dry - radiohead
any/all top 10 Beatles song
We will rock you/ Bohemian - queen
Brown Eyed Girl / Gloria - Van Morrison
Runaway Train - Soul Asylum
No Rain - Blind Melon
More Than Words - Extreme
Knockin' on Heaven's Door - Bob Dylan or GNR version
Moon River - Audrey Hepburn
Mr. Bojangles - Sammy Davis Jr.
and lots more......
Runaway Train. Your speaking my language there.
A super popular party singalong song is ‘Hotel California’ (though I appreciate it’s difficult or impossible to cover anything Eagles on UA-cam). Even though there a lot of chords in the song, you can cover the whole thing with open chord shapes, even the opening riff . Just put a capo wherever your voice or audience’s voice wants to sing.
Verse shapes: Am E7 G D F C Dm E7
Chorus shapes: F C E7 Am F C Dm E7
You can also whistle the closing guitar solo over the verse chords, though it’s impossible to whistle once you start laughing, which you will.
Great selection there Justin. I would add 'Bad Moon rising', 'Proud Mary', and 'Wild Think'. Really enjoying your online courses and song lessons, My thanks go out to you and your team.
This is surely what learning guitar is all about. Playing an accompaniment to a good sing along
Yea - but you are a famous guitar player! I'm a 'Living Room' (Couch) player. No comparison! 👏🏻😊🥂. My "Go-to's have been early Beatles, some Simon and Garfunkle, Dylan, Beach Boys, and 50's/60's early Rock or Country.
This is the perfect lesson. Most of us can play these songs but we never remember to keep people pleasing songs by memory so to others it’s like “you said you can play guitar, why can’t you play?
Wow! More of this this. Really helpful for for those of us who just love to play!!
Congrats, Justin, and thank you for your wonderful supportive guitar evangelism! Some of the songs I'd like to add to the list: Take It Easy, Knockin' on Heaven's Door, Father and Son, Jambalaya, The Weight, Maggie May,
i'm a 104 year old and just love this ;)
😂
I’m 170-something I forgot my age but I love this tutorial😅😊
John Denver's songs are still big in the Philippines. Everyone sings along to Country Roads...
Great lessons!
Bro you know you killed it at the ski resort. I would have skipped out the back, Jack.
Thanks for these Justin
I’d definitely add American Pie to the list, maybe Come on Eileen and some U2 songs as well.
I love playing American Pie because I memorized it as a kid and still remember all the words. No one else at the party will know the words to the verses but everyone sing along with the chorus!
I am happy that I found your teachings on guitar, Justin! You are a very heart-centered person and I am learning a lot and enjoying playing guitar under your instruction.
HEY! Justin’s back in the house! 🤘🏻
Singing togeather is medicine. Leading sing alongs is doing comunity service.
I'm in Taiwan and I sing in the bars in Hsinchu often... Here is my sing along list:
- Dancing Queen / ABBA
- What's Up / 4 Non Blonde
- Hey Jude
- Yellow / Coldplay
- Can't Take My Eyes Off You
- Purple Rain / Prince
- Last Christmas / Wham!
- Every Time You Go Away / Paul Young (When the bar closes or someone is leaving early...)
- Payphone / Maroon 5
- La Bamba
I think I'll add Hit Me Baby One More Time, Free Fallin and Wish You Were Here in the list! Thank you Justin!
How am I not subscribed to this legend? Justin helped me so much when I began guitar 10 years ago. I’m sorry buddy, that’s criminal, I’m subbed now.
Man, your singing has really developed over the years. There's hope for the rest of us. Thx for all you share!!
I'm another Oldie from Queensland Mate...played when I was a kid sixty years ago, but somehow life got in the way and I left it behind. One of the big regrets . Your teaching has inspired me to have another go, and I'm slowly making progress. A big thank you Justin!
Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show is always my go-to.
I like "Titties and Beer" and "In-a-gada-da-veda"!
My classic list used to include Leaving on a Jet plane, First cut is the deepest, Don't look back in anger, Bad Moon Rising, She's the one, Hungry Heart or the River, Weather with you, Why does it always rain on you, Save tonight, The drugs don't work, Beautiful Ones, She's got her ticket.. and plenty of my own songs of course like Coming Down (on SoundCloud) 1998-2001 - great times in places like Knoydart!!!!
Thanks!
Many thanks for the super thanks and supporting the channel. It means a lot. Cheers 😊 | Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher www.justinguitar.com
Justin the OG UA-camr, started doing this without getting any payment like other UA-camrs now. Bless your heart!
Welcome back sir
My favorite parts were the intros for The Joker, Sweet Caroline, and Margaritaville-- so cool to see how they're done. Great vid, thanks so much for your cheerful spirit and spot-on teaching! 🙏
"Anyway, here's Wonderwall" is the answer to everything. Stuck on an exam question? Put this and I guarantee you'll get full marks.
Hi Justin GREAT LIST!!!! On my list are "Yellow Submarine" (everybody knows the Chorus), "Obla-di Obla-da", "Knockin' On Heavens Door", "We Shall Overcome" ... easy sing-along you can tell them the next verse just before it ... just a few easy ones ... btw ... I am a 71 "youngtimer"
Great choices!!! Knockin' On Heavens Door is an awesome one to include, for sure.
Zombie the Cranberrys with the wars is timely again unfortuneatly
Ahah. Interesting choice you made. Based for sure because you´re a native English speaker and you have a massive music knowledge. I am italian living in Germany. Most of my colleague, might recognize Let it Be, but forget about sing along. They wouldn´t know the lyrics. Few of them might have heard The Joker or Wish you were, but with those it would be even harder to find someone who can sing along. My picks for party songs would be: Knockin´on Heavens Door, I´m a believer, Losing my religion, Wish you were here, ´74-´75, With or without you.. right in this order why as you progress from one song to the other people would know less and less words. I would throw in Ruby Tuesday or Runaway Train (Soul Asylum), but I would surprise if any of my colleague would recognize the second one.
Pretty sure these are the 10 songs you should never play at a party lol
My favorite song to play and it’s super easy, is changes by Justin Bieber. It catches people off guard because honestly I find a lot of people who have never heard of that song by him. It’s very beautiful and lyrics are very meaningful and make you think about your own life in its current state.
Glad to see Jimmy Buffett make the list....maybe the most underrated soon to be Rock and roll Hall of Fame singer songwriter.... Margaritaville most famous song...first song to make a billion dollars...but not even his best work. RIP Jimmy Buffett....Fins Up Forever
You could always add a Neil Young tune (Tell Me Why, Cowgirl in The Sand, Heart of Gold, etc.). Nicely done. I love your lessons.
Thanks Justin. A great idea ... to be prepared. Glad to hear you are making time for your family, that's the most important thing. "English man in NY", is a good sing along as is "Horse with no name", "When I'm 64". Thanks for the music. I love your lessons and website. ❤
Thanks Justin for a great list. As you asked, my top 10 when asked to pick up a guitar are: Hotel California, Country Roads, Wish you were here, Free falling, Don't stop believing, La Bamba, Let it be into Dont look back in anger, Castle on the hill, Old time rock and roll - but it does depend on the audience!
Appreciate you brother, I LOVE this format!
It's sort of like a buffet menu, where I can see what I like then go get more from your other lessons and I love it!
I had a lot of these on my setlist, here's some to add for you!
Dead or Alive- Bon Jovi
Just a banger and fun intro
Sweet Child O' Mine- GnR
Can do the riff in open D chord position during the chorus ACDD, and fun!
Hurt- Johny Cash
Slow mix up, most people know the words I'd think
Mr. Brightside- The Killers
Easy to sing, high energy
It's good to see that even the very best guitar players can get stumped for inspiration at a party! What a great idea to do this lesson. I will heed your advice! I already learned a few of these through your other awesome lessons, so I'm on the way :) Thanks Justin
Is it wrong as a Floyd fan to say I enjoyed playing Britney more, it really works on acoustic.
As I just got my first acoustic I love this, thanks Justin and congrats on your new arrival.
My favorite song to play for a sing-along has definitely gotta be Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen. Its a classic Queen song that a lot of people know the words to and if they dont, then its a short and simple song so they can learn the words quickly.
Great idea for a video Justin, nobody wants to hear someone struggling through the Sultans of Swing solo or something like that at a party so this is a really useful idea. Love the site too, keep it up 👍
A few of my go-tos:
If I had a million dollars - BNL
The gambler - Kenny Roger's
The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (a local favourite) - Gordon Lightfoot
We're here for a good time - Trooper
Hurts so good - John Mellancamp
Sex and candy - Marcy playground
Folsom prison blues (everyone should have that one in their repertoire)
On the road again - Willie Nelson
Heart of gold (with harp neck rack) and Old man Neil Young.
Always adding more.