No matter how accomplished you are at playing guitar, these acoustic guitar songs with G C D chords are essential learning for any musician. Moreover, they will boost your repertoire and add great sing-a-long tunes to your list. The best part is that all are easy to learn and fun to play. This article will provide everything you need to learn these songs quickly.
Blowin in the Wind – Bob Dylan
Click here for the complete song: Chords & Lyrics to Blowin in the Wind
Blowin in the Wind was both written and performed by the great Bob Dylan. The song was first released on the album: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan in 1963. The original song chords were G C D all played in open position. Inspired by the old slave song called “No More Auction Block” by Odetta, Bob Dylan wrote “Blowin in the Wind” in only ten minutes. The arrival of Blowing in the Wind could not have come at a better time as America was in the heat of the turmoil that defined the sixties. Racism was running rampant, young people were forced to fight a war they didn’t believe in, and change seemed both imminent and necessary.
Bob Dylan was able to capture the spirit of the times without even trying. “How many seas must a white dove sail Before she sleeps in the sand?” and “How many years can some people exist Before they’re allowed to be free?” Dylan sang as he questioned when and how America would change. When will we have peace? When will we be equal? And when will we stop killing? Blowin in the Wind quickly became the anthem of the civil rights and anti-war movements and still, today, resonates with the state of the world.
Redemption Song – Bob Marley
Click here for the complete song: Chords & Lyrics to Redemption Song
This amazing song was written and performed by Bob Marley. It was released on his last album, Uprising, in 1980. One of Bob Marley’s greatest songs, Redemption Song, dives deep into the meaning of existential life and what it means to truly be free. That his whole life, he’s seen the world destroy itself in the name of war, racism, and poverty. All he ever truly has is redemption songs. Redemption for the human race and sorrow for his fallen leaders of peace such as Martin Luther King and President Kennedy.
The underlining meaning of Redemption song is that the outside world has no power over what is inside. “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery” because “None but ourselves can free our minds.” He sings. “Have no fear for atomic energy ’cause none of them can stop the time.” Bob Marley is saying that as much as the world breaks us down, it can’t stop our cosmic truth, as he calls for peace among the world.
Heart of Gold – Neil Young
Click here for the complete song: Chords & Lyrics to Heart of Gold
Heart of Gold was written and performed by Neil Young. He released the song on his Harvest album in 1972. It became an instant classic. The song include the chords G C D and Em. If it wasn’t for a back injury, Neil Young might have never written the hit “Heart of Gold.” His back made it difficult to record using an electric guitar, so he had to settle for the lighter acoustic. Heart of Gold is not your usual Neil Young song either. The metaphors are straightforward yet still resonate with the listener in a distinct way. Everyone can relate to his longing for finding love and virtue. He’s done it all, seen it all, but at the end of the day, he is still looking for something. Looking for love, looking for peace of mind, looking for a “Heart of Gold.”
Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Click here for the complete song: Chords & Lyrics to Wish You Were Here
“Wish you Were Here” is far more than Pink Floyd’s attempt to follow up the all-time classic Dark Side of the Moon. Burdened with the cloud of success that followed the band like a predator preparing to attack its prey and the mental state of frontman Syd Barret, Pink Floyd was determined to deliver with “Wish You Were Here.” Not just to silence the critics who doubted they could top Dark Side of the Moon, but for their friend who had lost his way. Barret was battling a mental breakdown and drug addiction that crippled not only himself but the band. He became a shell of his former self, and Waters wrote the song “Wish You Were Here” as a homage to his lost friend.
There are a so many other great acoustic guitar songs with G C D chords that you must know. For example, Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones. But all the songs in this article are great ones to get started. Check out our Library to get the full song chords and lyrics for these songs and more.
For great instruction on basic guitar chords, check out this program.