Go from Zero to Hero on Mandolin
(in 3 easy steps)
Already know a few chords?
Plug them into the search tool below to find loads of songs that use the exact chords you enter.
But....
If you're an absolute beginner, click here.
Search Songs by Chord
Add your chords to the search bar below.
Discover songs that only use those chords.
Type chords here or import from My Library
"Finding songs that have only the chords I know is HUGE for a beginner."
- Jason S
"Its a great idea. In 25 years of playing in bands (I'm a drummer) I've never seen this concept before."
- Dan P
"Easy access to songs you can play at your level....whatever that level is."
- Nico
Before diving in, it's important you know how to:
Once you've got the basics, you're ready to start making music.
Learn Your First Chords (and Songs)
Click the first image below for 1-chord songs with G. When you're ready, move onto 2-chord and 3-chord songs.
Step 1
1-Chord Songs with G Major
Click any song below to play along with the video.
- Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley - 1955
- My Jack Don't Drink No Water - Shortstuff Macon - 1964
- Dance to the Music - Sly & the Family Stone - 1968
- Everyday People - Sly & the Family Stone - 1969 - (Slightly out of tune.)
- It's a Rainy Day Sunshine Girl - Faust - 1972
- Low Rider - War - 1975
- Bad to The Bone - George Thorogood - 1982
- One Chord Song - Keith Urban - 2000
- U.S. 41 - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - 2010
- Pretty Polly - Traditional - NA
- Row, Row, Row Your Boat - Traditional - NA
- The Farmer in the Dell - Traditional - NA
- Make New Friends - Traditional - NA
- Frère Jacques - Traditional - NA
To see chord diagrams for guitar, ukulele, mandolin, or banjo, click here.
Step 2
2-Chord Songs with G & C
Click any title to see the chords and notation.
Click any artist for a video.
- The Bum Song - Harry "MAC" McClintock - 1928 - I don't have music notation yet.
- Jambalaya (On The Bayou) - Hank Williams - 1952
- Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley - 1955
- Paperback Writer - The Beatles - 1966
- Every Day People - Sly & the Family Stone - 1969 - The studio recording is slightly out of tune.
- Look So Fine, Feel So Low - Paul Kelly - 1985
- Molly's Lips - Nirvana - 1989
- Unknown Legend - Neil Young - 1992
- Anyone Else but You - Moldy Peaches - 2001 - Calls for Cmaj7 - but playable with C major.
There are also lots of folk tunes & nursery rhymes with these 2 chords.
To see chord diagrams for guitar, ukulele, mandolin, or banjo, click here.
Step 3
Once you can play 3+ chords, you’re ready to use the Search Songs by Chord tool.
If you found this resource helpful, please share it with others.
Thanks. And happy strumming.
-Austin