End of Beginning by Djo (aka Joe Keery of Stranger Things fame ) is a billion+ streaming hit released in 2022. Since going viral on Tik Tok in 2024 the medium-tempo ‘80s vibe of End of Beginning has made it one of the most popular tunes currently on Spotify and is perfect for electric or steel-string acoustic guitarists.

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen is one of the most famous songs of the past half-century. From his 1984 album Various Positions, the original version of Hallelujah is typical of Cohen’s sparse folk style it but didn’t gel with the ‘80s Pop scene. It became a belated hit via ‘90s cover versions by John Cale, then Jeff Buckley, then K.D.Lang in 2004. This finger-style version borrows from the famous cover versions and is perfect for acoustic guitarists.

Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac is their classic ‘70s hit from the album before Rumours, the one that turned the Mac into a global household name. Released in 1975 on their self-titled album, Rhiannon became an international hit in 1976 and has since become a streaming hit in the 2020s. With it’s distinctive double-stops riff, memorable melody and floating harmonies Rhiannon makes an appealing number for both acoustic and electric players.

Released in October 2023, Angry is the lead single from Hackney Diamonds, the Stones first new originals album since 2005. The sound and style of the chord-riff intro are immediately familiar and hark back to the band’s 1970s heyday. Angry is a classic blues-rock number that is perfect for electric guitarists to jam with.

Sounding like they just found a long lost Punk demo-tape, Surf Curse take you back to the 1970s with the ridiculously catchy Freaks. More surprising still, this track recorded in 2013 has become a Spotify Billion-streams lister. Freaks is a classic electric guitar punk thrasher. Rock out!

Good Luck, Babe by Chappell Roan is one of the biggest global hits of 2024. A brilliant ‘80s Pop takeoff, it may not feature guitar but it’s steady rhythm and classic structure make it perfectly playable for developing guitarists. This rhythm chart is a suggested part for an accompaniment guitar and is ideal for guitarist-singers.

Better Man is one of Robbie Williams’ most popular songs and is also the title track of his 2024 biopic film Better Man. Originally from his 2000 album Sing When You’re Winning this version of Better Man is based on Robbie’s concert version from that time. Featuring common open-position chords, and a moderately slow tempo, this chart makes an excellent rhythm guitar piece for developing players.

Sailor Song by Gigi Perez has been a top 10 hit in numerous countries in the second half of 2024, including reaching No.1 in the UK. It’s dreamy alt-pop soundscape features a sophisticated, interesting strumming pattern that makes an excellent rhythm study for developing acoustic guitarists. Sailor Song is a great example of how you can make a simple progression sound interesting.

Jingle Bells is one of the most popular, most cheery and infectious of all Christmas songs. The 19th Century original by James Pierpont (the WIkipedia entry for it is well worth a read) refers to sleigh bells as ‘jingle bells’ but you don’t have to be in a snow-bound place to know this song - it gets sung everywhere from Greenland to the Australian Outback! This finger-style version includes chord symbols so a second guitar/ukulele can accompany with the chords, or for a sing along and hey, the whole lot can go together! Merry Christmas all!