If you’re just starting your vocal journey, prepping for an audition, or gearing up for your first live gig, you’re probably wondering the same thing every beginner singer does: What should I sing? And while it might be tempting to belt out your favorite power ballad or a chart-topping Beyoncé track, finding the right song that fits your range, tone, and confidence level is key.
Instead of doom-scrolling your streaming library for hours or trying to figure out what’s “easy enough,” we’ve done the work for you. Below, you’ll find 30 beginner-friendly songs across a variety of genres, including pop, rock, country, musical theater, and more, so you can find something that suits your vibe and your voice.
Let’s get into it.
What Makes a Song "Easy" to Sing?
When I first started digging around the internet to find “easy” songs for beginners, I quickly realized that a lot of people out there seriously misunderstood the assignment.
Many of the so-called beginner picks had massive 1.5-octave ranges, wild vocal jumps, or tricky runs that even experienced singers might hesitate to tackle. Sure, those songs might be easy for some, but for true beginners just getting comfortable with pitch, breath control, and tone? Not so much.
So before we dive into the list, here’s a quick look at the actual criteria I used to curate songs that are beginner-friendly in real life , not just on paper:
- Limited vocal range (generally no more than an octave)
- No wild melodic leaps — smooth, stepwise melodies are easier to follow
- Minimal belting or high notes — you shouldn’t have to strain
- Clear phrasing and breathing space — so you're not gasping for air mid-line
- Predictable rhythm and tempo — nothing too syncopated or erratic
- Familiar or catchy melodies — easy to memorize, easier to perform
- Lyrics that are easy to connect with — emotional delivery is half the battle
Pop/Rock
1. Lady Gaga – “Born This Way”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV1FrqwZyKw&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD
This empowerment anthem is surprisingly beginner-friendly. While it brings high energy, the vocal melody is repetitive and sits in a comfortable range, making it easier to memorize and perform confidently. No intricate riffs required.
2. Elton John – “I Want Love”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAJMUjmkyfg
This piano ballad is a fantastic choice for beginners thanks to its conversational phrasing and limited vocal range. The melody stays steady and centered, giving you space to focus on breath control and tone without worrying about big leaps or complicated runs.
3. Snow Patrol – “Chasing Cars”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GemKqzILV4w x
One of the most accessible pop songs for new singers. The range is narrow, the pacing is slow, and the emotion is easy to connect with. It's a wonderfully repetitive tune, especially for younger male singers going through voice changes. Plus, you get plenty of time to think ahead while singing.
4. Gary Jules – “Mad World”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18YvjD9oH38
This haunting cover is a beginner’s dream. It's in an accessible key, has a low range, and is slow enough to focus on breath control and tone. A perfect entry point into emotive singing. Its repetitive structure means you can focus entirely on delivery rather than pitch jumps or vocal tricks.
5. The Beatles – “Here Comes the Sun"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQetemT1sWc
This George Harrison classic is a bright and uplifting tune that’s great for beginners. The melody is smooth and repetitive, with natural phrasing that makes it easy to learn.
Its mid-range vocals and gentle acoustic vibe make it ideal for working on breath support, vocal control, and vocal consistency without feeling too technical.
Musical Theater
6. “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee” – Grease
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVrBl368VGY
Cheeky, charming, and easy to sing. This song sits comfortably in a modest range and gives beginners a chance to play with character without needing big vocals. Plus, the spoken-style rhythm makes it more about personality than perfect pitch.
7. “Sing” – A Chorus Line
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFDsTcnOf7Q
This one’s intentionally awkward, which makes it a great fit for nervous singers. It’s written to sound like someone learning to sing, giving you freedom to focus on timing and enunciation rather than belting.
8. “Send In The Clowns” – A Little Night Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvZex3Qf7QQ
A slow, lyrical ballad with a conversational feel. The melodic phrasing is gentle and sparse, letting you concentrate on emotional delivery and subtle breath control. Ideal for singers still finding their dynamic range.
9. “Mack the Knife” – The Threepenny Opera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kE_D43b9m0
Cool, jazzy, and laid-back, this number grooves more than it belts. It's basically a jazz standard at this point, making it a great song choice for crooner-type voices. The melody is repetitive and low-impact vocally, so you can focus on rhythm and storytelling. A fun way to experiment with phrasing and style.
10. “Tomorrow” – Annie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PtdpI-D6mM
Bright, optimistic, and iconic. While it reaches up into the higher register briefly, most of the melody is easy to follow and sits in a friendly range for younger singers. It’s a fun song that everyone knows, and it's great for working on vocal technique and projection.
Classical / Traditional
11. “Greensleeves" - Traditional
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g64hauOT6U
This timeless melody is gentle, lyrical, and instantly recognizable. With a narrow range and simple phrasing, it’s ideal for practicing dynamics and emotional nuance without feeling overwhelmed.
12. “Caro Mio Ben” – Giuseppe Giordani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgJKJJlAsXg
Often taught to beginners, this Italian aria helps build vocal tone and introduces you to classical vowels and breath placement. The melody is slow and clear, making it easier to focus on technique rather than complexity.
13. "Litanei auf das Fest Allerseelen" - Schubert
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDJHjltvrDI
A beautiful, prayer-like piece with slow pacing and clear melodic structure. Perfect for beginners wanting to explore German diction, breath support, and expressive singing in a classical context.
14. "O Death Rock Me Asleep"- Attributed to Anne Boleyn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWbfM5s_F-8
The slow tempo and simple melodic structure make this a solid starter for anyone new to Baroque repertoire.
15. "Delizie contente, che l’alma beate - Cavalli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A5mauSh0zE
Light, lilting, and full of Baroque charm. It’s short and sweet, offering a great entry into Italian art song with opportunities to explore ornaments and classical phrasing without being technically demanding.
Country
16. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Achy Breaky Heart”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byQIPdHMpjc
It doesn’t get easier (or more fun) than this. Repetitive phrases, a steady rhythm, and a low range make it approachable for just about anyone. Perfect for getting comfortable on stage or singing with a group.
17. Johnny Cash – “Ring of Fire”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WaV2x8GXj0
Low, slow, and rhythmic. The melody follows a predictable pattern, so it’s great for those just learning pitch and phrasing. The storytelling style also helps you focus less on perfection and more on delivery.
18. Dolly Parton – “Jolene”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ixrje2rXLMA
While there’s some fast phrasing, the notes are easy and repetitive. It’s a great intro to storytelling in country music. You’ll also learn to maintain clarity and rhythm while keeping up with quicker lyrics.
19. Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuNIsY6JdUw
Catchy, clear, and light on the vocal acrobatics. This is a fun, relatable pop-country crossover perfect for early singers. Its conversational tone makes it easier to sing naturally and comfortably.
20. Garth Brooks – “Friends in Low Places”
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b7P97b64Q5E
This country classic is a blast to sing and easy to follow. The melody sticks to a comfortable range, the phrasing is conversational, and it’s great for building stage presence and confidence in group sing-alongs. It might also be one of my favorite easy karaoke songs.
Indie/Alternative
21. Bob Dylan – “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm9coqlk8fY
Talk-singing is perfectly acceptable with a Bob Dylan song! In many ways, it's his "vocal technique." It's also what makes this song great for singers still developing pitch control or figuring out their voice type. Plus, the structure couldn’t be simpler. This is a great gateway to learning how to phrase lyrics naturally and with feeling.
22. Lana Del Rey – “Video Games”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE6wxDqdOV0
Dreamy and slow-paced, this one is forgiving for singers still working on pitch and control. It's also a chance to experiment with tone and breathy vocals, all without any high notes. Such an emotional atmosphere encourages singers to explore expression over vocal technique.
23. Coldplay – “Yellow”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKNxeF4KMsY
The verses stay in a very manageable range, and the chorus doesn't have many high notes either. It’s heartfelt without being vocally demanding. Plus, the slower tempo gives you space to experiment with dynamics and phrasing. It's also one of many karaoke tracks that'll get people singing along!
24. Norah Jones – “Don’t Know Why”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO4dxvguQDk
This jazzy ballad has a laid-back vibe that suits beginners. There are some subtle intervals, but it’s slow enough to work them out comfortably. It’s a lovely song choice for developing smooth tone and vocal finesse without big jumps.
25. Vance Joy – “Riptide”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ_1HMAGb4k
Simple chords, fun phrasing, and mellow range-wise, this is one of my favorite easy songs to sing, and it's also a popular choice for acoustic gigs. The best part about this song is that it teaches you how to stay rhythmically tight while delivering quirky, catchy lyrics.
R&B/Soul
26. Otis Redding – “Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTVjnBo96Ug
Laid-back and timeless, this soul staple features a relaxed vocal delivery that’s perfect for beginners. The phrasing is smooth, and the melody doesn’t wander far from a comfortable range.
27. Bill Withers – “Use Me”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuYDKzky4z0
Bill Withers is one of the kings of soul, and while this track is one of his most famous, it's also one of his simplest songs, vocal-wise. This groove-heavy track has a repetitive vocal line that’s great for locking in rhythm and tone. It’s a solid introduction to syncopation, soulful dynamics, and vocal strength.
28. Aretha Franklin – “Chain of Fools”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C4FnlftQt4
While Aretha’s power is legendary, this tune’s core melody is surprisingly beginner-friendly. The call-and-response phrasing and bluesy feel make it a fun, expressive option. While there are definitely some high notes, it's a great piece of music for beginner singers who want to work on their vocal flexibility.
29. TLC – “No Scrubs”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrLequ6dUdM
This ‘90s hit is catchy, rhythmically tight, and sits in a conversational vocal range without any high notes to worry about. It’s great for working on control, flow, and other vocal skills that come with that early R&B/pop crossover sound.
30. John Legend – “Ordinary People”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIh07c_P4hc
Emotionally rich yet melodically simple, this ballad lets you explore dynamics without overreaching vocally. It’s perfect for practicing control and connecting to lyrics. The song suits a low male voice type.
Start Singing Today!
Singing is one of the most rewarding ways to express yourself, whether you’re belting it out in the shower, stepping onto a stage, or just trying something new for fun. And no matter what’s motivating you (an upcoming audition, a karaoke night with friends, or that dream of starting a band), starting with the right songs can make all the difference.
This list of easy songs is your launchpad. Build your confidence, find your voice, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. Don't be afraid to change any of these easy songs to a different key to better suit your voice as well! You've got this!
