From their 2026 album Dopamine Chamber, Japan by Fontaines D.C. is an ideal rhythm song for developing players. The absence of bar-chords, moderate tempo and clear structure provide a cool play-along track that will extend your strumming and timing ability.

The 1970 heavy guitar version of Eleanor Rigby by Australian band Zoot is a classic re-imagining of the famous Beatles song. Featuring the guitar work of Rick Springfield, this version was a big hit in Australia and gained a cult following amongst Rock aficionados globally. The Zoot’s version of Eleanor Rigby is a great chart for electric guitarists.

Radiohead’s 1992 debut single Creep was not a hit initially. Regarded as too depressing for mainstream radio, it’s fame grew slowly and it gradually became a global alt-rock anthem. Creep’s powerful instrumental contrasts and raw lyrics seem more suited to the 2020s and it has become one of the top tracks of the streaming era.

Almost With You by The Church is a rewarding track for established guitarists. The hit single from their 1982 album The Blurred Crusade, it features the band’s signature dual guitar interplay, one of the richest chord progressions of the era plus a classic nylon-string guitar solo.

Song Song Blue by Neil Diamond is a sweet, old-school sing-along number that is perfect for intermediate acoustic players and singers who self-accompany with guitar. Inspired by a Mozart melody, the original 1972 version of Song Song Blue was a hit in many countries that became an enduring fan favourite at Diamond’s live shows.

The second single from her 2026 album You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So In Love,The Cure by Olivia Rodrigo is a great song for acoustic and electric players. Cleverly written and structured, Rodrigo’s The Cure features a driving acoustic guitar rhythm reminiscent of the classic 1980s style of Robert Smith and The Cure. Works perfectly on electric too and is a great track for singers who self-accompany.

Easy Street by Queens of the Stone Age, released mid 2026, features a signature chord riff and makes a great chart for developing players. The relaxed tempo and dreamy alt-country vibes of Easy Street make it a perfect track to play along with for all steel-string guitarists.

A huge hit in 1978, It’s a Heartache brought Bonnie Tyler to international fame and success. The infectious folk tinged, sing-along style has ensured it’s enduring appeal and introduced Bonnie to new generations of listeners. For guitarists, the strong acoustic and electric guitar lines of It’s a Heartache make it a great classic pop choice.

Classic country-rock hit Take it Easy by The Eagles is a great song for steel-string players. From their 1972 album Eagles, Take it Easy features a great example of high-energy rhythm guitar as well as signature solo lines. This chart is for the rhythm part and makes an excellent choice for established intermediate players ready for the energy demands of a fast tempo.