Top 5 BEST Campfire Guitar Songs - 4 Chords or Less!

In this lesson, I'm going to teach you 5 of the best campfire songs for acoustic guitar! They all use the same 4 chords or less! These campfire guitar songs for beginners are easy to remember, and use the same progressions over and over.
I'll also show you how to write them down in a clever way so you don't have to bring a bunch of TAB and chord sheets with you. We'll discuss ways to memorize the songs and have FUN!
► Grab your copy of my FREE E-BOOK!
goodguitarist.com/learn-rhyth...
► Need help with the basic chords and strumming? My beginner guitar course will help you build a solid foundation one step at a time:
www.goodguitaristcourses.com/...
FULL TUTORIALS for all of these songs can be found here:
Sweet Home Alabama Guitar Tutorial (Lynyrd Skynyrd): • Learn "Sweet Home Alab...
Brown Eyed Girl Guitar Tutorial (Van Morrison): • "Brown Eyed Girl" Easy...
Stand By Me Guitar Tutorial (Ben E. King): • "Stand By Me" Easy Gui...
Wagon Wheel Guitar Tutorial (Old Crow Medicine Show): • "Wagon Wheel" Easy 4-C...
What I Got Guitar Tutorial (Sublime): • What I Got - Sublime |...
TABLE OF CONTENTS
0:00 - INTRO
0:25 - CHORD SHEETS?!
2:01 - SONG #1
5:09 - DIY CHORD SHEET
6:41 - SONG #2
9:41 - SONG #3
11:13 - MEMORIZATION TIPS
12:38 - SONG #4
14:49 - SONG #5
Enjoy!
-James
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goodguitarist.com/top-5-campfi...
/ goodguitarist

[@taggart8]

I strongly advise you to purchase Jame’s “Strumming made simple” course.This strumming course has a comprehensive workbook that supplements the course videos. Finally, I am now more confident on hearing and feeling the rhythm 🎶 which means I can play in time.This is a comprehensive strumming course that caters for beginners leading to advanced.🎸 Everyone has rhythm but it takes Jame’s exercises and reflection to realise this.

[@willolux9564]

I totally agree with you. James breaks down rhythm in a way that you can finally "get" it. I'm so happy you had the same experience.

[@Good_Guitarist]

I'm glad you're enjoying it!

[@wildalbalass4867]

Okay. Needs must as they say. Many thanks

[@joytormon7917]

I love the stand by me ❤songs

[@Kempie1]

2:01 Sweet Home Alabama 6:41 Brown Eyed Girl 9:41 Stand By Me 12:38 Wagon Wheel 14:49 What I got

[@johnmitchell9861]

Thank you,I could fall a sleep through his talking😂

[@martymcbride3234]

It's good if ur 8 but. After that it's just weird..like a bad radio station...or the same commercials you here over and infinity. Lame

[@bjs1762]

@@martymcbride3234I don’t care if your 8 or 80. Everyone has a first day of picking up the guitar or month whatever it may be. I’m sure he can play more advanced but thankfully he is taking the time to teach beginners Real basics and I appreciate it. Instead of him just showing off a cover of the song like most teachers do.

[@robertbain5076]

Excellent lesson! One thing beginning guitarists struggle with is simply building repertoire. While I wouldn’t knock learning a song note-for-note to match the original recording, it is also important to learn simplified versions of songs! You can always add the embellishments later as your skills improve.

[@dartht.3736]

I love that you have all these songs done in separate lessons with more detail. Crazy amount of content!

[@mboyer68]

I watched this a while back and saved it. I just re watched it and now I really see how awesome this strategy is. Thank you so much!

[@GogoGogo-zy5et]

excellent bro, I love the way you breakdown these cords and make it simple for people like me to stay interested with guitar, BRAVO !!

[@61cheezil]

Nice one! I haven't picked up my guitar in months! This makes me wanna try again, thanks!

[@MusicLover-sb7mo]

Brown Eye Girl is one I know so if that is the most difficult, I’ve got this. Love the up picks on the B & G strings on What I Got. Fun!

[@davery07]

Great video. Your teaching style is easy to pick up and learn from. I haven't played a lot in years and this type of thing is kinda inspiring. Thanks! Cheers. :)

[@REBEC65]

Thank you as your flow of explanation is easy to follow and listen!! Merci Beaucoup!!

[@mariontor8139]

Fantastic lesson! The strum pattern for songs stump me most times. Thank you.

[@raysennewald9699]

Just wow. I've restarted playing guitar since 2020 and have come a long way. That being said, I'm trying to transition from playing songs I've enjoyed on guitar into playing songs and singing. This straight forward tutorial brought in multiple songs I love in an easy to play and sing way. Thank you for this, it will surely help me for upcoming campfire guitar sessions this summer.

[@Good_Guitarist]

Hey Ray, I'm so happy that this video was able to offer you something tangible that you can take and make your own. I hope you have lots of great campfire sessions this summer.

[@mboyer68]

Every time, as soon as I start turning to sing, my hands cease to operate at all. They just go dead! So bad that it makes me laugh! They're like nuh uh, ain't doin this man. Nope. This is gonna take some practice!

[@rishidasgupta1891]

It's all about patience my friend.. everyone's brain doesn't operate at the same level so it might take some time for some people to multitask ... But you can dial down the tempo of the song you want to play and once you get habituated with chords and lyrics.. you can dial up the tempo of the song... 1. Start with something very easy.. maybe like a 3 chord song 2. Alternate with lyrics and chords... Strum the chords and let it ring .. sing the line.. and then when there is a chords change again strum once hard and sing the lyrics .. If the sound fades away with one strum.. ring it once more.. Hope this helps

[@bu11tough]

You’re not alone buddy! 😂

[@markevon6756]

don't give up

[@patrickfaunce3015]

I was the same way and as i became more comfortable with my voice it helped and it does take time

[@abigailrosedavis339]

Try humming first , chorus first repeat , repeat , add voice then hmm the first verse repeat , add voice one line at a time.

[@rickelkins45]

Sooo easy . Excellent demonstration for a basic camp fire player like myself. Good job, and easy watching too…👍⚓️🇺🇸

[@peggywarner162]

Wow. I really appreciate this. I took notes and will be putting this into practice. Thank you!!!

[@inayatsama6059]

You are great teacher James.. thanks a lot for all you do 🙏

[@paulramey3973]

Thanks James, this was a awesome lesson, achually one of the best for beginner guitarist

[@joshburfoot7986]

This is absolutely amazing! Thank you for all your knowledge! You’re the man!

[@lloydosmond678]

I really enjoyed your course , very help full indeed thanks alot

[@vh6225]

Thanks for these songs - and simple way to track the chords & strumming. I liked 3 of the 5 songs - more of the oldies but goldies please! Thanks James - I've got a plan now!

[@Good_Guitarist]

I'm more into the oldies myself, but you gotta throw a couple fresh tunes in there for the kids 😉

[@EZBrewMn]

Great lesson. Very well done and practical. Don't see a lot of that on the internet lesson circuit. Thanks

[@noraottenwaelder1168]

Thank you for this video, the easy songs are always welcome!

[@mickhope4401]

thanks James, i needed that, open cord sing along songs , so my Art & Lutherie must have got home sick, enjoyed the lesson, thanks mick H ,, Sth Australia

[@Doowopsid]

Love your video. These are all great “easy” songs for beginners or advanced beginners like myself to play. My biggest challenge is being able to memorize the lyrics and not refer to the sheets. Maybe being 70 years old has something to do with it but I am practicing everyday to get there. Thank you for all your advice, tips and guitar playing lesson!

[@davidbrown5152]

You’re selling yourself short! Lol I’m 65 and can’t remember lyrics to the great annoyance of my wife(a trained choral soprano) I think, At least for me, it takes a concerted effort to learn lyrics if I haven’t really learned the chords. I can’t think of two things at once! I think at our age our level of competency is proportional to the amount of interest and enthusiasm we put into our projects. Hope you have fun playing the guitar.

[@jeffj318]

Just learn one verse and maybe a course of a song. That will suffice. I thought I had to learn all the versus but you really don't have to. Someone will have a phone and they will all be singing along from that. 😊

[@Doowopsid]

@@jeffj318 Thank you!

[@foxibuster]

This was very helpful in how to consolidate the lyrics and chords to one page. Thank you

[@HairyKraken]

You by far are the best guitar instructor on YT I’ve watched, hands down! And I like your shirt…have an awesome day 🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@Blinddog606]

Thank you very much for your wonderful videos. I am vision impaired, and your solution for the lyrics and the chords and the number of times is very helpful. Why handheld reader can tell me that before I start to play excellent job. Keep up the good work. 6:17

[@bozzydawg-boris1115]

Awesome really good tutorial 👍🏻😁

[@tbatrics]

Only picked up stand by me so far. Really loving learning and playing so far

[@izamils]

Hello neighbour! I’m from Vancouver as well! I’m a singer/songwriter, self taught in piano and Ukulele. Just started learning guitar and LOVE it! Thanks for helping! ❤😂🎉😊

[@Good_Guitarist]

Hey! It's a great place to live! Thanks for tuning in!

[@smarter_in_5_mins]

Two tips: 1. If you have more songs that are impossible to memorize (I have about 600 pieces in my essential selection songbook, and I gave up on remembering them fully), just write chords for one verse, chorus and possibly bridge in the line above the text. I have all songs on one page this way, even the long ones, like Telegraph Road. 2. Transposition is your best friend. For James, song number 3 needed transposition as he couldn't sing it without improper octave jumps. It is good to learn to transpose by heart, but not necessary if you transpose the song on paper beforehand (or use web tools).

[@martinpratchett]

Great lesson. People always ask to hear a song and I struggle on the spot. I’ll practice and remember these thanks!

[@pyrocent6469]

Literally every guitar tutorial I've ever seen is just like "play the chords". You're the first person I've found to explain "roots" or go into strumming patterns. TY

[@Good_Guitarist]

Hey Pyrocent, you get what I'm about! Thanks for tuning in.

[@mitchellkey5959]

I love your channel. Your way you trach is great and you make it easy to learn.

[@alexterieur5242]

un grand merci et toujours aussi super 😊hello du sud de la france 😉

[@dakotahstr]

I look up a song, write them down in my song book and then add the chords. I find it helps when you literally write it down and sing along while your doing it.

[@Good_Guitarist]

Want more in-depth tutorials on all the songs covered here? Check 'em out! Sweet Home Alabama Guitar Tutorial (Lynyrd Skynyrd) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZjTd5ymqbqMpsU Brown Eyed Girl Guitar Tutorial (Van Morrison) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZC3m5KvftV9kJI Stand By Me Guitar Tutorial (Ben E. King) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iomvdp-FlL6Mn7s Wagon Wheel Guitar Tutorial (Old Crow Medicine Show) kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4XWf6mJjMmXnpo What I Got Guitar Tutorial (Sublime) kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3SkpmyLm8mbeKs 💻 Check out James' Guitar Course To Learn Guitar Once-And-For-All: goodguitarist.com/beginner-guitar-course/

[@willolux9564]

These are great! Thanks!

[@drunkviggo7263]

More Sublime bro.

[@Theogskux]

Nice vid. Very well laid out and easy

[@edbleazby5885]

Good one James. Thank you. Look forward to more of the same

[@dakotahstr]

i can fingerpick, learning but I have not been able to do what you do near the end. My pick doesnt pick one string, I end up screwing up. Youre videos are amazing. Just came across you,actually you popped up on my channel. Ill be studying with your videos. Thank you.

[@philhodgson5028]

I’m from Toronto and just found this site, it’s awesome, for a real beginner like me. Luv it. Thx Phil

[@Good_Guitarist]

Welcome aboard!

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing.... great songs to use...I play guitar using the Travis picking style & they sound ok... cheers from Australia 😀

[@Good_Guitarist]

Rock on!

[@jimboyes8382]

Great lesson James, and excellent idea to have these "in your pocket". For another (and I know this might be a real oldie for some), how about 'King of the Road' by Roger Miller.

[@guidobrunellijr.3]

Great stuff Thanks !

[@wsavage3696]

Great lesson !!!! Thanks!!!

[@jeffj318]

Great video tutorial especially for newbies. Keep on rocking in the free world! I recommend doing a verse and a refrain and leave it at that. Everyone will be happy! If anyone takes out their phone with the lyrics keep on playing. Go on to your next song and do the same thing. There's really no reason to learn all the verses to every song. Don't worry be happy! 🎸

[@MommeeMadre1]

This is perfect! The Axis of Awesome: Campfire Edition!!!!

[@willolux9564]

I love that all of the songs use the same chords. What a great video!

[@Good_Guitarist]

Glad you liked it!

[@mauricemagill3250]

Great video James. Think it's great that you play the tunes without backing tracks, so we can here how the guitar really sounds. Keep up the great work. Love your channel.

[@Good_Guitarist]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patnicholson1006]

Actually really cool my friend 😎 thanks for the lesson

[@johnwestcott5606]

Terrific lesson, James! 👍

[@ŁeChíí-Diné]

That was great lesson,with notes and lyric memorization included!! Thx for your time and effort!! By the way, you sounded like the Counting Crows doing Brown Eyed Girl!👍🎸🤘😁

[@Good_Guitarist]

Haha thanks! I know how rough my singing sounds so it's flattering to be compared to something of quality :)

[@mikestrashcan63mc]

Great video and great campfire and just great easy song's to play

[@sanderrezelman3712]

Just love this advice, this is what I was missing. How do you find the correct strumming pattern for a song?

[@SewMuchLikeMimi]

Thank you, James! Best explanation ever!

[@Good_Guitarist]

You're very welcome!

[@elmardreyden3013]

Hi James... awwwsumm tube lessons... i will most probably never truly play like i want to but you keep it interesting... heluva appreciated... do one on Bachelor Boy please man! Keep it up... Cape Town, South Africa... Elmar

[@TheLonewolfottawa]

omg I didn"t even need my crayon for this .... best guitar teacher I saw yet dumbs it all down so well .. I have extream learning disabilities and he really makes learning easy and fun .. amazing guitar video I just subed thank you so much

[@Good_Guitarist]

Hey there are so many like you with learning disabilities. I'm happy to help. What in particular do you struggle with?

[@edfulginiti8798]

Excellent teacher! So well taught! 👍

[@stevenprince9907]

James you really are good. A great teacher and a really good singer. You have everything. Thank you

[@Good_Guitarist]

Hi Steven, thanks for the compliments. Playing guitar is something I did in a self-taught way, so I am just happy to share my tips so others can learn on their own too! You're welcome.

[@kathuffines9158]

You are such an excellent teacher! Thank you for this video !

[@Good_Guitarist]

You're very welcome! It's my pleasure!

[@stephaneariyain4582]

Au top, merci beaucoup Cordialement du Sud "France"

[@jo-penford]

Thank you so much James..from a newbie in Nz...love your videos

[@Good_Guitarist]

Hi Michelle, thanks for taking the time to comment! James

[@kevinmccormick354]

Awesome James! Thanks very much!

[@Good_Guitarist]

Glad you liked it!

[@sammyarmstrong2098]

Cool lesson. I already play 4 of 5 so we agree! Maybe add Last Kiss by Eddie Vetter?

[@vicfdez7830]

Nice vid!

[@qazxswqazxswedc]

Hi great choice of song 👍👍 You could add « Horse with no name « also to your next list. Thank’s again 🎸🎸

[@kevinshamey]

Great post thanks 🤟

[@MrGmooney]

As I said before, great lesson James, good choice of songs, great vocals, great teacher. You are awesome Man. I know,cos I'm a pretty good teacher myself. As we say in our old native language (Gaeilge) Athníonn cíoróg,cíorógín eile. Meaning...it takes one, to know one.Maith thú

[@zemhrethagos2575]

I wish if i can find in person and you will reduce my struggle. Anyway this is very great lesson. Thank you for your dedication.

[@Good_Guitarist]

You are very welcome

[@shireboundscribbles]

Much appreciated as they are simple to play on my acoustic bass too.

[@Good_Guitarist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sindollface]

Great video! Sweet home Alabama !! Great choice. Love to see more like that.

[@Good_Guitarist]

Hey thanks for tuning in! It's a great song.

[@gtsipejr]

Great job!

[@adriangrajcarek6644]

Seriously one of if not the best teachers on KZbin!!

[@bjornkarlsson8009]

Must Agree 2 that 2 🤘

[@ME-xq8bg]

👍👍👍🇨🇦

[@joseecouture2722]

thank you!

[@TheRichardmay1]

Man you're the best for doing this

[@viewhub8900]

Whoever a beginner give a try on james beginners ebook its only no BS handbook out there!! So much easy to understand and every well designed.. stick to the guide you will be better in no time Thanks James❤❤!!!!

[@Good_Guitarist]

No BS is my language. Thanks for the support!

[@aalb1970]

Great lesson

[@donaldeubank6930]

Great thanks

[@ax83919]

Thanks for the Sweet Home Alabama!!! (had difficulties with the strumming rhythm) As for the songs, I manage printing 2- 3 songs on an A4 page, with chords on top of each line, with 10 - 11 font size, if you fiddle a bit with the line spacing and page borders & columns layout. Writing chords on top right side also works for me sometimes. Rock me Mamma goes faster and louder in the chorus (it gives the song additional energy/dynamics)... but, it's a matter of preferences... Darius Rucker has a brilliant version of it.

[@Good_Guitarist]

Yeah font size and margins would definitely help. Combined with good eye sight, you could probably get 4 on the same page 😆

[@ax83919]

@@Good_Guitarist only really short ones, otherwise the magnifyinh glasses are the solution! )

[@kevincalhoun5612]

Darius Rucker's version is in A instead of G. You can play A, E, F# minor, D chords instead or use a capo on 2d fret to match the recording.

[@HollerTenn]

Good info man

[@joytormon7917]

Yeah I do that the chords I write it on top I love the way you teach ❤❤❤

[@Good_Guitarist]

Hello Joy, thanks for saying that! And happy to help.

[@MrGmooney]

Great singing there James

[@loveguitarmusicchords]

Great chord progression, Great Stuff.

[@Good_Guitarist]

Thanks a lot! These are some of the most versatile chord progressions out there.

[@debycaven7494]

Wow awesome ideas.

[@Good_Guitarist]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@seniorp9444]

I dig your laid back style. Makes me feel good I can play and sing things like this just can’t play anything harder lol.

[@SamsonKiguli]

wow that's great

[@MrGmooney]

Great stuff James, awesome teacher.

[@Good_Guitarist]

Hey there, glad you think so!

[@EvolvedCognition]

Super helpful lesson and I hate to be that guy, but... Consider your audience before jumping in with Sweet Home Alabama. The lyrics: Well I heard Mr. Young sing about her Well I heard old Neil put her down Well I hope Neil Young will remember A southern man don't need him around anyhow were a response to Neil Young's song "Southern Man" which criticized the central reason for the Civil War. In short, in some way it could be construed as celebrating slavery. And for those reading this, I'm just the messenger, no need to attack me about the history of two songs.

[@davidbrown5152]

I wouldn’t say that I am a a beginner guitar player but I certainly SOUND like one. Lol I go through phases of playing for 3-4 hours a day and then not playing for months. I love the video. I’ll try and stick with the songs and see what happens. FYI, I can’t sing at all. I think that could be why I don’t stick with things. Any thoughts?

[@Nobody-qg2yc]

Love your shirt,love Pink Floyd

[@woodywood806]

Brilliant lesson needca part 2

[@Good_Guitarist]

Already in the works!

[@andymenchaca1648]

lol love the last song memories you had bro awesome

[@davidspencer2333]

James - loved your short section on Swing feel...longer downstrokes...Blues feel! Do you have a longer video lesson on how to sound as Blueseee as you?

[@Good_Guitarist]

I could make one.

[@davidspencer2333]

@@Good_Guitarist that would be great! Thanks...

[@davidspencer2333]

Hey James. Another great lesson! For us newbies who struggle with the traditional C chord, I'm assuming we can sub the Cadd9 for around the campfire?

[@Good_Guitarist]

Yes, absolutely

[@JohnWilson-cs7iq]

Gosh.... If you struggle with the C chord how do you get on with barre chords? They are my struggle. :)

[@dwtsn]

Dude, you're an awesome guy! What was that last bit though? I want to learn how to play that. What's it called.

[@phoenixia4089]

Can I request freedom by figgy duff for another guitar tutorial?

[@rdec8734]

Great video. What guitar model is that?

[@waltparkhurst2494]

One song we like around the camp fire is ring of fire by Johnny Cash. Yeah it's a bit more difficult but a goody

[@willolux9564]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5ychqh3ZbaEgKM he's got you

[@JoobaSchoolofMusic]

What mic are you using for your voice? Sounds really good

[@jomcdougall6559]

Hi James - love your videos. Thank you for sharing so much of your talent. If you do another campfire songs, maybe include these that, as a beginner, I've been doing pretty well with: Blowin in the wind, Leavin on a jet plane, Time of your life (Greenday),and Mr Tambourine Man. I look forward to trying these that you suggested. I've had fun with Cover of the Rolling Stones and Mr Tambourine Man as well.

[@Good_Guitarist]

When I was planning this lesson, I had a list of about 15 tunes. Those were ALL on there. I'll do another one next year with those 4 + one other.