Pop punk is the ideal place for beginner guitarists to start. So many new guitarists begin by learning songs by the likes of Green Day, Blink-182 etc.
Why? Because they’re relatively easy and fun to play. Most pop punk songs use power chords and regular strumming patterns. Maybe some palm muting.
And beginners often find these are quick and easy to pick up. So you can be playing songs you know and that sound good early on.
Below I’ve chosen 22 pop-punk songs that are perfect for beginners. These tracks are not only fun and simple to play but will also help you develop essential guitar skills.
All The Small Things – Blink-182
Blink-182’s most iconic song, “All The Small Things”, is a perfect introduction to pop-punk for new guitarists. It’s combines a few different techniques, mainly power chords and palm muting. But once you’ve mastered those it’s an fun, catchy and great song for beginners.
Basket Case – Green Day
A staple of pop-punk, “Basket Case” is an absolute classic. Like a lot of pop punk it’s pretty much all power chords and palm muting. Easy to play if you’ve nailed those or a great practice song if you’re still getting them down.
Fat Lip – Sum 41
‘Fat Lip’ is a little bit faster than some of the other tracks here. So it may take a little longer to get comfortable with. Nailing that intro is a great moment though as it’s so well known.
Dammit – Blink-182
“Dammit” is a quintessential pop-punk song. With that catchy riff and a straightforward chord progression it shouldn’t take too much practise to get it. The only thing to look out for is the palm muting during the verses, which can be tricky because of the speed.
The Anthem – Good Charlotte
I was never massively into Good Charlotte but this one is decent and easy. Mostly power chords, the strumming pattern might take a little work to get right but it shouldn’t give you too many problems.
Sugar, We’re Goin Down – Fall Out Boy
A bit more challenging, ‘Sugar, We’re Goin Down’ has some slightly more complex parts. It’s mostly power chords but the intro riff, bridge and parts of the verses might require a bit more work. It’s worth it though because everyone will recognize them.
Ocean Avenue – Yellowcard
Possibly my favorite to play on this list. 90% of it super simple – the usual power chords and palm muting. There’s a couple of lead parts in the pre chorus and bridge that might be difficult for real beginners, but you can happily play the rhythm instead.
My Friends Over You – New Found Glory
While most of ‘My Friends Over You’ is straightforward power chords and octaves the intro riff is fast and a bit tricky. It’s only 3 different notes repeated but it’s fast. So take slow at first and build up speed to get it perfect.
Welcome to My Life – Simple Plan
I was never a huge fan of Simple Plan but ‘Welcome to My Life’ is a decent pop punk ballad. It’s relatively slow too which makes it good for practice chord strumming and timing without the pressure of a fast tempo.
The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World is a banger. Everyone knows instantly knows it the second that intro kicks in. It’s also relatively easy to play as well.
The intro and verses are just palm muting a single string and the chorus only uses 3 easy chords. Maybe give the solo a miss though!
But it’s an ideal pop punk song for beginners and sounds awesome.
I Write Sins Not Tragedies – Panic! At The Disco
A slightly different take on pop-punk, Panic! At the Disco liked to bring in lots of theatrical elements. So it’s a little unique and that makes it more fun to learn. Still relatively simple though.
Stacy’s Mom – Fountains of Wayne
With a stupidly catchy riff and it’s iconic video ‘Stacy’s Mom’ is pop punk perfection. The song is very straightforward though, focusing on power chords and a steady strumming pattern. The intro riff shouldn’t take long to get comfortable with and it’s one everyone knows.
Dear Maria, Count Me In – All Time Low
Fast and super catchy, this one will test your stamina. It’s a great song for beginners to practice playing both rhythm and lead parts. Some of the lead octaves may be difficult at first but stick with them.
When I Come Around – Green Day
With its memorable riff ‘When I Come Around’ has to be on this list. Be warned though, while it’s a straightforward song the rhythm can be difficult to get right, especially with the palm muting. But when you nail it it’s sounds great.
+44 – When Your Heart Stops Beating
+44 was the side project of Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker from Blink-182. This was the lead single and is a catchy, hook laden bit of pop punk. Really simple to play with some slow lead parts and straightforward power chords.
Mest – Rooftops
Less well known that most of the other bands on this list, Mest were at their most successful in the early 2000’s. ‘Rooftops’ is easy to play and super catchy so it’s a good addition to this list.
Lit – My Own Worst Enemy
Lit were never really pop punk but I’m including this track any way because it’s so much fun to play. An unbelievably catchy riff and chorus that shouldn’t be too challenging.
Motion City Soundtrack – Everything is Alright
Another less well known one, Motion City Soundtrack brought synths to their pop punk sound. But ‘Everything is Alright’ is all guitars and easy to play. Even the little lead lines shouldn’t be very difficult.
Paramore – Crushcrushcrush
‘Emergency’ or ‘Misery Business’ are probably the most well known Paramore songs. But Crushcrushcrush should be right up there with them. It’s easier to play than most other Paramore tracks too but just as fun and punchy.
The Offspring – Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)
A stupid song but one that’s as catchy as the common cold. Very little guitar woke going on in the verses but the chorus riff is a banger and easy power chords.
The All American Rejects – Swing Swing
Another classic from the early 2000’s, and very much following the standard power chord template. But you do get a very simple guitar solo with ‘Swing Swing’ which is both easy to play and fun.
Something Corporate – Punk Rock Princess
This is a really easy one if you’re comfortable with power chords. Not too fast either. Just a lot of chugging palm muting and strumming.
And that’s it! These songs do a good job of representing the range of what pop-punk has to offer. There’s enough here that are easy enough for beginners to tackle and that will provide a solid foundation as you improve.
