Best John Lennon Guitar Songs to Learn and Play

From powerful anthems like “Imagine” to tender tracks like “Woman,” his music translates beautifully to acoustic guitar.

On this page, you'll find 12 of his most memorable songs, complete with chords, strumming tips, video demos, and full tutorials to help you play them with ease.

Crippled Inside is a playful yet biting track from John Lennon's 1971 Imagine album. While it was never released as a single, the song stands out for its upbeat, country-flavored rhythm that contrasts sharply with its sarcastic lyrics about inner hypocrisy.

Lennon is backed by a loose, almost honky-tonk arrangement featuring piano, dobro, and acoustic guitar — making it a fun and rhythmic song to play on guitar.

It’s a great example of how Lennon could blend serious messages with a toe-tapping groove.

Happy Christmas (War Is Over)   was written as a protest song against the Vietnam War and became one of John Lennon’s most iconic solo tracks.

Featuring the Harlem Community Choir and co-credited to Yoko Ono, the song blends a hopeful holiday message with a powerful call for peace. It initially reached #4 on the UK charts and later re-entered the charts after Lennon’s death in 1980, climbing to #2.

The song appears on the Shaved Fish compilation released in 1975. With its gentle chords and singalong chorus, it remains a seasonal favorite and a moving acoustic guitar piece for players of all levels.

Imagine  is the title track from John Lennon’s 1971 album and became the most successful and enduring single of his solo career.

Lennon credited Yoko Ono as the inspiration behind the song’s vision of peace and unity, and she later received official co-writing credit. In the U.S., “Imagine” reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon release.

Interestingly, it wasn’t released as a single in the UK until 1975, where it peaked at #6 while promoting the Shaved Fish compilation.

Following Lennon’s tragic death in 1980, the song surged to #1 in the UK. With its gentle piano melody and universal message, “Imagine” has become one of the most iconic and covered songs in music history — and translates beautifully to acoustic guitar.

Jealous Guy was originally written during The Beatles' 1968 retreat in India, “Jealous Guy” began as a demo called “Child of Nature,” but the band never officially recorded it.

John Lennon later rewrote the lyrics and recorded the final version for his 1971 Imagine album. Although not released as a single at the time, the song gained new life after Lennon’s death when Roxy Music released a cover in 1981 that became an international hit, reaching #1 in the UK.

Lennon's original version was finally released as a single a year later, charting modestly but becoming a fan favorite over time. The song’s slow tempo, emotional lyrics, and simple chord progression make it a powerful and accessible piece for acoustic guitar.

Mind Games  was released in 1973 as the title track and lead single from John Lennon’s Mind Games album. The song reached #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #26 on the UK charts.

Lennon had originally written and demoed the song under several different titles, including “Make Love, Not War,” before settling on “Mind Games” — a name inspired by a book he had been reading at the time.

The song blends introspective lyrics with a dreamy arrangement, reflecting Lennon’s ongoing message of peace and self-awareness. It works well on acoustic guitar thanks to its steady rhythm and uplifting progression, offering players a thoughtful tune with a reflective mood.

Oh My Love was the final track recorded for John Lennon’s 1971 Imagine album and stands out as one of his most tender and introspective love songs. Co-written with Yoko Ono, the track showcases a stripped-down arrangement featuring delicate piano and guitar, making it a beautiful acoustic piece to learn.

The song has been featured in several films, including Little Darlings and Heartbreakers, and has been covered by artists like Jackson Browne, The Bells, and Fredo Viola.

Its heartfelt simplicity and emotional honesty continue to resonate with listeners and players alike.

Out The Blue  appears on John Lennon’s 1973 Mind Games album and is one of several tracks he wrote as a love letter to Yoko Ono during their temporary separation.

The lyrics express gratitude for unexpected love and emotional healing, delivered with vulnerability and sincerity. Though not released as a single, the song has become a deep cut favorite among fans. The original recording was trimmed down from an even longer version Lennon had envisioned.

Musically, it builds from a gentle acoustic start into a richer arrangement, but it works beautifully in a stripped-down setting — making it a rewarding piece for acoustic guitar players looking to explore Lennon’s softer side.

Real Love has a fascinating history. It began as a song called “Real Life,” written by John Lennon in 1977 for a stage play he was developing.

He recorded multiple demos of the track over the years, but it remained unfinished at the time of his death. In 1988, Lennon’s original demo was released on the Imagine: John Lennon film soundtrack.

Later, in 1995, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr completed the song as part of The Beatles Anthology 2 project, using Lennon’s vocal and piano demo as the foundation. Their version reached #4 on the UK charts and #11 in the U.S., introducing the song to a new generation.

With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Real Love” works beautifully as a fingerpicked or softly strummed acoustic piece.

Stand By Me was for his 1975 Rock 'n' Roll album, which featured his take on several early rock and roll classics.

Originally made famous by Ben E. King in 1961, the song had long been a favorite of Lennon’s. His version keeps the soul of the original intact while adding a slightly grittier vocal tone and a warmer, more laid-back arrangement.

Released as a single, Lennon’s cover became one of the standout tracks on the album and earned significant radio play. It's a great choice for acoustic guitar, with its classic chord progression and universal message of loyalty and support.

Starting Over was released in October 1980 as the lead single from John Lennon’s Double Fantasy album — his first new music in five years.

Tragically, just weeks after its release, Lennon was murdered in December of that year. The song quickly took on a deeper meaning for fans and became a posthumous #1 hit in both the U.S. and the UK.

Musically, it’s a throwback to the 1950s rock-and-roll style that Lennon loved, but with a polished, modern production. Its moderate tempo and straightforward chord structure make it a satisfying and nostalgic tune for acoustic guitar.

Watching The Wheels  was released posthumously as a single from John Lennon’s 1980 Double Fantasy album — which had come out just three weeks before his death.

Initially, the album received mixed reviews, but after Lennon’s passing, it gained massive critical and commercial acclaim, eventually winning Grammys in both 1981 and 1982.

“Watching the Wheels” captures Lennon’s peaceful state of mind during his time away from the spotlight, as he reflects on choosing a quieter, family-centered life. The song peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, #7 on the Cashbox chart, and #30 in the UK.

With its steady rhythm and introspective lyrics, it’s a thoughtful and rewarding piece to play on acoustic guitar.

Woman  was released as the second single from John Lennon’s Double Fantasy album in 1980 and is widely seen as a heartfelt dedication not only to Yoko Ono, but to women everywhere.

Lennon once described the song as a grown-up version of his earlier track “Girl” from his Beatles years. After his death, “Woman” became a UK #1 hit — notably replacing “Imagine,” which had posthumously re-entered the charts.

The song also charted strongly around the world and became one of Lennon’s most beloved solo ballads. With its gentle melody, emotional lyrics, and straightforward chord progression, “Woman” makes a powerful and accessible acoustic guitar piece for any player.