1 String Guitar Songs: 20 Easy One String Guitar Songs For Beginners

If you love music and ever thought about playing the guitar but were too intimidated to try. good news awaits you. One of the most versatile instruments to play is the guitar. Your first strum on a guitar string may not actually be called music but could spark a musical interest in you. You may actually find that you are drawn to the sound that the vibrations make.

Go ahead and take a chance and strum on a guitar. You don’t have to worry about necessarily breaking a string because guitar strings are very versatile. They can be used to create a variety of different sounds, but they also have their limitations. Now all you need to do is learn how to play a few songs and build up your confidence.

What if you only had one string on a guitar? Well, there are still plenty of songs that you could learn to play! There is such a thing as songs that can be played with one string. This is a good way to begin and not be as afraid.

one string guitar songs

Here is a list of 20 amazing songs that can be played with just one guitar string alone:

1. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”

One of the most famous songs to ever be played with just one string is “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” This children’s classic is a great way to test your guitar skills!

The melody only uses the open E note, which makes this much easier than it sounds. Although you can play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star using just one string, we don’t recommend trying it unless you’re an expert at playing solos on a single string.

Lyrics: “Twinkle twinkle little star; How I wonder what you are like a diamond in the sky”

Recommended Difficulty Level: Expert or Intermediate (This solo requires lots of practice and skill – don’t even try if you’ve never done anything like this before. It might seem easy when listening to the song, but once you try playing it your fingers will be in pain! It’s much easier to sing than play!


2. Darth Vader Theme

Another fun song that can be played with just one string. Cross over to the dark side and have a little fun with this Star Wars’ favorite. It is a surprisingly catchy tune and sounds great when you play it using the open E note like in Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

The Darth Vader theme uses power chords, which makes this much easier than some of the other songs on this list! (While playing only one string will make your fingers hurt, it’s still a lot more manageable than replaying notes over and over again…)


3. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Another song that makes use of power chords. If you’ve ever watched Rocky, then I bet you know this is a powerful and positively charged super song. You can play almost the entire theme from Eye of The Tiger!

Like in Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Darth Vader Theme, this solo only uses open E notes to create a unique sound. However, if you’re not used to playing on just one string it will definitely be challenging at first…

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner or Intermediate This solo might take some practicing – but don’t give up! (if your fingers start hurting too much we recommend taking a break.)


4. Mission Impossible Theme

Most people know this well-known theme song by the iconic drum beat. This solo is actually much easier than it sounds because it’s only played with open E notes – like in Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Darth Vader Theme, and Eye of The Tiger.

Expert Tip: If you listen carefully to the Mission Impossible Theme, it’s actually quite similar to “Darth Vader Theme.” Although mastering this song will take some practice, you will have to hold still and have to try not to bop around to the beat.

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner or Intermediate (This solo might take some practicing – keep going, don’t give up! Again, if your fingers start hurting take a break and rest for a little while.


5. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen

Another easy song to play on one string is the bass line from “Another One Bites The Dust.” This rock classic uses power chords that sound great when played using an open E note. Plus this solo only consists of four notes, which makes it much easier than some of the other songs listed here…

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner or Intermediate (This solo might take a little bit of practice – but don’t give up. you can do this!


6. Mama Mia

This ABBA classic is the perfect song for guitarists who are just learning how to play solos. “Mama Mia’ only uses one string, making it easy enough that even beginners can learn this solo!

The lyrics of Mama Mia go as follows: “Here I go again; My my; How could I resist you? This is a very popular tune by a top-charting band!

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for kids and anyone else who’s new to playing solos with more than one chord). One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady.


7. Bring Me To Life by Evanescence

This is a more advanced solo so beginners might want to stick with some of the other songs on this list until they get a little better at playing guitar.

“Bring Me To Life” is’s a bit trickier than most solos but still not too hard for intermediate players. This song has been featured in various TV shows and movies over the years – it even won an MTV Award for Best Hard Rock Video!

Recommended Difficulty Level: Intermediate (For anyone who knows their basic chords & techniques.) with this particular song you will need to switch between two strings!

The lyrics of Bring me To life go as follows: “Wake me up inside; Wake me up inside; I can’t wake up.” This popular tune is perfect for beginners!


8. We Will Rock You by Queen

This popular song by Queen is a classic favorite that will be stuck in your head all day! It will hang around in your head like a cool chant. “We Will We Will Rock You” only uses open strings, so this solo is super easy to learn.

Expert Tip: It’s also really fun and since it has an upbeat rhythm, you’ll have no problem keeping pace with the rest of the music. This is a livelier version of an old favorite that will leave you feeling like a champion. This song can be perfect for kids who are just getting started!

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone starting out on their musical journey.) (One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)


9. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

Another classic song by a legendary artist, ’Three Little Birds” is perfect for kids who are first learning to play guitar. This upbeat reggae tune will keep you smiling as you strum on your one string – this solo is super fun and easy while also instilling a positive message.

The lyrics of Three little birds go as follows: “Don’t worry about a thing; ’cause every little thing gonna be alright.” (A must-know tune that’s great for beginners!)

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) (One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)


10. Toxic by Britney Spears

This chart-topper by one of the most famous singers ever is a fun solo that you’ll want to keep playing over and over again! “Toxic* uses only two chords, which makes it easy enough for beginners.

The lyrics go as follows: “With the taste of your lips l”m on a ride. You’re toxic I slipping under.’ ’(This is a really catchy tune with a slick riff. This one will keep you humming all day!)*

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for kids or anyone starting out on their musical journey.) (One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)*


11. Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple

This classic rock song by legendary band Deep Purple is perfect for anyone who loves to play guitar! “Smoke on the Water” only uses open strings, which makes it easy enough for beginners.

The lyrics go as follows: “We all came out to Montreux; On Lake Geneva shoreline.” If you are into Classic Rock or Southern Rock, this is a must-know tune that’s great for kids & adults!)*

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) (One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)


12. Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones

This chart-topper by one of the most famous bands ever is a must-know for all guitarists! “Satisfaction, something that we all striving for.” uses open strings, so this solo is super easy to learn. The lyrics go as follows: ’I can’t get no satisfaction.” ’(A fun song with an iconic riff!)*

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) (One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)


13. Hit Me with Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar

This classic rock song is perfect for anyone who loves to play guitar! Pat Benatar is known as a Power House Female Rocker. “Hit Me with your Best Shot” uses open strings, so this solo is super easy to learn. This is definitely a song to add to your repertoire.

The lyrics go as follows: Hit me with your best shot fire away.’ *(A must-know tune that’s great for kids & adults!)*

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) (One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)*


14. I am Ironman by Black Sabbath

This anthem is perfect for anyone who loves to play guitar not to mention Ironman movie fans. “I am Ironman” uses open strings, so this solo is super easy to learn. The lyrics go as follows: ’Iron Man; Born on a mountain top.’ *(A must-know tune that’s great for kids & adults!)*

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) * ’(One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)’


15. THE BATMAN THEME

One of the most iconic anthems in movie history. The Batman theme makes us all remember the caped crusader. This theme is good for any aspiring guitarist! This solo is super fun and easy to learn and great to impress your friends who love superheroes!

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) * ’(One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)’


16 Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard

This classic rock song by legendary band Def Leppard is another great song that is one of the classics. Great for anyone who loves to play guitar! “Pour Some Sugar on Me’ uses open strings, so this solo is super easy to learn.

The lyrics go as follows: “I’m hot sticky sweet from my head down to my feet.’ This song is especially known by tough guys who are trying to impress the ladies. *(A must-know tune that’s great for kids & adults!)*

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) (One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)’


17. Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood

This classic rock song is perfect for anyone who loves to play guitar! This song always makes me think of motorcycle riders out on the open road. “Bad to the Bone” uses open strings, so this solo is super easy to learn. The lyrics go as follows: “I’m bad ..to the bone.’ ’(A must-know tune that’s great for kids & adults!)’

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) (One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)*


18. Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

This iconic rock song is perfect for anyone who loves to play guitar! ’Smells Like Teen Spirit” uses open strings, so this solo is super easy to learn. The lyrics go as follows: I feel stupid and contagious.’

*(A must-know tune that’s great for kids & adults!)* Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) * ’(One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)*


19. Wild Thing by The Troggs

This iconic rock song is perfect for anyone who loves to play guitar! ’Wild Thing” uses open strings, so this solo is super easy to learn. The lyrics go as follows: Wild Thing You make my heart sing.” (A must-know tune that’s great for kids & adults!)

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) * ’(One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)’


20. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

This classic rock song is perfect for anyone who loves to play guitar! “Thunderstruck” uses open strings, so this solo is super easy to learn. The lyrics go as follows: There’s thunder in our hearts.” *(A must-know tune that’s great for kids & adults!)*

Recommended Difficulty Level: Beginner (Great for anyone just starting out on their musical journey.) * ‘(One string = no wrong notes – make sure your rhythm stays steady)*


Conclusion

The guitar is an amazing instrument that can be played by almost anyone in many ways! The songs listed above are just a few of many that you can learn to play by using just one string. Even if you have never tried to play before, you can pick up one and still be pumping out music soon. As with everything new you need to practice and keep at it.

Again if your fingers hurt you will need to rest awhile, but get back to it and keep on strumming, it takes a while to build up callouses that will make your fingers stronger. As this happens it will become easier to play. Learning to play these one-string songs may actually inspire you to create some songs of your own.

From soloing to strumming, the guitar is truly one of the most versatile instruments around. You should try playing a song using only one string today! It’s super easy and fun learning all these timeless classics from years gone by.

Now after you master the one-string technique you can go on to adding more strings. You may find that you want to go on and further your music experience by taking lessons. This article was written to be informative and to shed some light on the fact that there is such a thing as one-string songs.

We hope you are inspired to try and play your favorites. Thank you for reading this article we really hope it inspires you to get in touch with the musical abilities that are locked inside of you. Which songs would you like to learn?

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About Maggie Holding

Hello! My name is Maggie and I am a proud Editor/Author for PlayTheTunes. Coming From South Carolina, USA, my whole life I've sang and played the guitar and flute! I love music with a passion, and am ecstatic to help others in their own music journey!