Ed Sheeran is one of the most popular and talented musicians of our time, known for his heartfelt lyrics, soulful voice, and catchy melodies. His music appeals to audiences of all ages and has earned him numerous awards and accolades. For aspiring guitar players, Ed Sheeran’s music is an excellent place to start, as his songs are often easy to play and offer a great introduction to the basics of guitar playing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a fun and easy-to-play tune, there are many Ed Sheeran songs that are perfect for the beginner guitarist. From the upbeat “Sing” to the soulful “Thinking Out Loud,” this list of the top 22 easy Ed Sheeran songs to play on guitar has something for everyone, regardless of your playing level or musical preference. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add some new songs to your repertoire, these Ed Sheeran songs are sure to bring a smile to your face and provide a fun and enjoyable playing experience.
1. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is a romantic ballad that showcases the singer’s signature blend of folksy guitar strumming and heartfelt lyrics. The song expresses the singer’s devotion to his significant other, describing her as his “perfect” match and promising to love her unconditionally. The melody is simple and catchy, featuring a soft acoustic guitar backing that builds to a sweeping chorus. Sheeran’s smooth and soulful voice conveys a sense of deep emotional connection, making this song a timeless declaration of love. Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been with someone for years, “Perfect” is a perfect anthem for those who believe in the power of love and commitment.
2. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran is a classic love song that showcases the singer’s soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. The song is a declaration of love and devotion, expressing the singer’s desire to grow old with his significant other. The melody is a slow, romantic waltz with a gentle acoustic guitar backing and tender piano notes. Sheeran’s voice is rich and emotional, conveying a deep sense of love and connection. The lyrics are sweet and simple, with lines like “We found love right where we are” that resonate with listeners of all ages. Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been with someone for years, “Thinking Out Loud” is a perfect anthem for those who believe in the power of love and commitment.
3. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran is a pop hit that showcases the singer’s upbeat and catchy style. The song is about falling in love with someone’s unique qualities, and the singer’s desire to know them better. The melody features a driving beat, with an infectious reggae-pop rhythm that encourages listeners to dance along. Sheeran’s voice is light and playful, perfectly suited to the song’s upbeat tone. The lyrics are simple and memorable, with lines like “I’m in love with the shape of you” that have become iconic. Whether you’re dancing in a club or just jamming in your living room, “Shape of You” is the perfect song to get you moving and feeling good.
4. “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran
“The A Team” by Ed Sheeran is a heartbreaking ballad that tackles the serious issue of homelessness and drug addiction. The song tells the story of a girl who has fallen on hard times and turned to drugs to escape her troubles. The melody is a gentle, folksy acoustic ballad, with a mournful string section that adds to the song’s emotional intensity. Sheeran’s voice is soft and tender, conveying a sense of empathy and compassion for the subject of the song. The lyrics are powerful and poignant, with lines like “White lips, pale face breathing in snowflakes” that paint a vivid picture of the girl’s struggles. “The A Team” is a heart-wrenching reminder of the human toll of poverty and addiction, and a call to action to help those in need.
5. “Castle On The Hill” by Ed Sheeran
“Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran is a nostalgic ode to the singer’s hometown and childhood memories. The song is a celebration of the small town where Sheeran grew up, and the memories he has of his friends and family. The melody is a upbeat and energetic, with a driving acoustic guitar backing that sets a joyous and celebratory tone. Sheeran’s voice is warm and expressive, conveying a sense of fondness and longing for the past. The lyrics are heartfelt and personal, with lines like “Those were the best days of my life” that will resonate with listeners of all ages. Whether you’re from a small town or a big city, “Castle on the Hill” is a tribute to the power of childhood memories and the importance of our roots.
6. “Happier” by Ed Sheeran
“Happier” by Ed Sheeran is a bittersweet ballad about heartbreak and moving on. The song is about the singer’s desire to see his former love happy, even if it means they are no longer together. The melody is a slow, emotional piano ballad, with a tender acoustic guitar backing that adds to the song’s mournful atmosphere. Sheeran’s voice is rich and soulful, conveying a sense of sadness and regret. The lyrics are introspective and personal, with lines like “Walking down 29th and Park, I saw you in another’s arm” that paint a vivid picture of the singer’s heartbreak. “Happier” is a powerful and moving tribute to the end of a relationship, and the process of moving on from love.
7. “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran
“Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran is a tender ballad that showcases the singer’s introspective and emotional style. The song is about the singer’s desire for love and comfort, as well as his fear of being vulnerable and exposed. The melody is a slow, acoustic-driven ballad, with a delicate finger-picking guitar that adds to the song’s intimate atmosphere. Sheeran’s voice is raw and soulful, conveying a sense of longing and vulnerability. The lyrics are personal and relatable, with lines like “Give me love like never before” that will resonate with listeners of all ages. “Give Me Love” is a powerful and moving tribute to the human need for love and connection, and the courage it takes to open ourselves up to it.
8. “Afterglow” by Ed Sheeran
“Afterglow” by Ed Sheeran is a reflective ballad about love and the aftermath of a relationship. The song is about the singer’s realization that he still loves his former partner, despite the end of their relationship. The melody is a gentle acoustic-driven ballad, with a tender piano backing that adds to the song’s emotional intensity. Sheeran’s voice is soulful and heartfelt, conveying a sense of sadness and longing. The lyrics are introspective and personal, with lines like “And you say, ‘As long as I’m here, no one can hurt you'” that showcase the singer’s love and devotion. “Afterglow” is a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of love, and the ways in which it can shape our lives long after a relationship has ended.
9. “River” by Eminem ft. Ed Sheeran
“River” by Eminem ft. Ed Sheeran is a raw and emotional duet that tackles the serious issue of relationships gone wrong. The song is about the singer’s regret over a failed relationship, and the impact it has had on both partners. The melody is a haunting and atmospheric, with a slow and steady beat that builds to a climax. Eminem’s rap verse is intense and introspective, while Sheeran’s chorus is tender and heartfelt. The lyrics are powerful and poignant, with lines like “You were my everything, thought you were my Cinderella” that showcase the singer’s pain and regret. “River” is a heart-wrenching reminder of the human toll of failed relationships, and the ways in which love can leave a lasting impact.
10. “All of the Stars” by Ed Sheeran
“All of the Stars” by Ed Sheeran is a romantic ballad that celebrates the beauty and magic of love. The song is about the singer’s admiration for the person he loves, and the way they light up his world. The melody is a gentle and uplifting, with a warm acoustic guitar backing that sets a romantic tone. Sheeran’s voice is tender and expressive, conveying a sense of wonder and awe. The lyrics are beautiful and poetic, with lines like “And I’m thinking ’bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways” that highlight the mystery and magic of love. “All of the Stars” is a stunning tribute to the power of love, and the ways in which it can bring light and beauty into our lives.
11. “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran
“Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran is a touching and emotional ballad about loss and remembrance. The song is about the singer’s late mother, and the memories she has left behind. The melody is a gentle and introspective piano ballad, with a tender acoustic guitar backing that adds to the song’s mournful atmosphere. Sheeran’s voice is raw and heartfelt, conveying a sense of sadness and loss. The lyrics are personal and poignant, with lines like “And you were my mum, and you were my dad” that showcase the singer’s love and grief. “Supermarket Flowers” is a powerful and moving tribute to the memories and love that endure after someone has passed, and the ways in which they continue to shape our lives.
12. “Don’t” by Ed Sheeran
“Don’t” by Ed Sheeran is a powerful ballad about a failed relationship and the lessons learned from it. The song is about the singer’s regret over a past relationship and the mistakes he made. The melody is a slow and soulful ballad, with a tender acoustic guitar backing that adds to the song’s emotional intensity. Sheeran’s voice is raw and expressive, conveying a sense of sadness and longing. The lyrics are introspective and personal, with lines like “I was running from my shadow and the lies that I have made” that showcase the singer’s self-reflection and regret. “Don’t” is a moving reminder of the importance of learning from our mistakes in relationships, and the ways in which they can shape our future.
13. “Galway Girl” by Ed Sheeran
“Galway Girl” by Ed Sheeran is a lively and upbeat folk-inspired track about a chance encounter and the magic of new love. The song is about the singer’s chance encounter with a young woman in the streets of Galway, and the instant connection they share. The melody is a fast-paced and energetic, with a lively acoustic guitar and bodhran drum backing that creates a festive atmosphere. Sheeran’s voice is playful and charming, conveying a sense of fun and excitement. The lyrics are whimsical and lighthearted, with lines like “She played the fiddle in an Irish band, but she fell in love with an English man” that showcase the singer’s love of Irish culture and his connection to the young woman. “Galway Girl” is a charming and joyful tribute to the joys of new love and the power of connection.
14. “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran
“I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran is a powerful and emotional ballad about loss and remembrance. The song was written as the end-credit track for the film “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” The melody is a slow and mournful acoustic ballad, with a gentle piano and string backing that adds to the song’s emotional intensity. Sheeran’s voice is raw and expressive, conveying a sense of sadness and loss. The lyrics are haunting and introspective, with lines like “I see fire, inside the mountains” that paint a vivid picture of loss and destruction. “I See Fire” is a moving and powerful tribute to the memories of those who have passed, and the way their memories continue to shape our lives.
15. “I’m a Mess” by Ed Sheeran
“I’m a Mess” by Ed Sheeran is a powerful and introspective ballad about the complexities of the human experience. The song is about the singer’s struggles with his own emotions and insecurities, and the difficulties of maintaining relationships. The melody is a slow and soulful ballad, with a tender acoustic guitar backing that adds to the song’s emotional intensity. Sheeran’s voice is raw and expressive, conveying a sense of vulnerability and openness. The lyrics are introspective and personal, with lines like “I’m just a lover with no touch, I’m just a writer with no pen” that showcase the singer’s struggles and the complexity of his emotions. “I’m a Mess” is a moving reminder of the struggles and complexities of the human experience, and the importance of being open and honest with ourselves and others.
16. “Lego House” by Ed Sheeran
“Lego House” by Ed Sheeran is a catchy and upbeat pop song about the power of love and the safety and comfort it can provide. The song is about the singer’s desire to build a “lego house” where he and his loved one can be safe and happy together. The melody is upbeat and energetic, with a lively acoustic guitar backing that adds to the song’s positive energy. Sheeran’s voice is smooth and expressive, conveying a sense of hope and happiness. The lyrics are playful and lighthearted, with lines like “I’m out of touch, I’m out of love” that showcase the singer’s playful and easy-going nature. “Lego House” is a fun and upbeat tribute to the power of love and the comfort and happiness it can bring to our lives.
17. “Tenerife Sea” by Ed Sheeran
“Tenerife Sea” by Ed Sheeran is a romantic and nostalgic ballad about a beautiful love story set against the backdrop of the Tenerife sea. The song is about the singer’s memories of a past relationship, and the way the memories continue to shape his life. The melody is a slow and soulful ballad, with a tender acoustic guitar backing that adds to the song’s emotional intensity. Sheeran’s voice is raw and expressive, conveying a sense of longing and regret. The lyrics are introspective and personal, with lines like “We are the only love, we are the only heart” that showcase the singer’s memories of his love and the depth of his feelings. “Tenerife Sea” is a beautiful and moving tribute to the power of love and the memories that continue to shape our lives.
18. “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran
“Photograph” by Ed Sheeran is a sentimental and nostalgic ballad about the power of memories and the way they shape our lives. The song is about the singer’s memories of a past relationship and the way they continue to shape his life. The melody is slow and soulful, with a tender acoustic guitar backing that adds to the song’s emotional intensity. Sheeran’s voice is raw and expressive, conveying a sense of longing and regret. The lyrics are introspective and personal, with lines like “We keep this love in a photograph, we made these memories for ourselves” that showcase the singer’s memories and the depth of his feelings. “Photograph” is a beautiful and moving tribute to the power of memories and the way they continue to shape our lives, even after a relationship has ended.
19. “Afire Love” by Ed Sheeran
“Afire Love” by Ed Sheeran is a tender and emotional ballad about the power of love and the way it can shape our lives. The song is about the singer’s love for a special someone and the way it has transformed him. The melody is slow and soulful, with a tender acoustic guitar backing that adds to the song’s emotional intensity. Sheeran’s voice is raw and expressive, conveying a sense of tenderness and devotion. The lyrics are introspective and personal, with lines like “I never knew love until I saw you” that showcase the depth of the singer’s feelings. “Afire Love” is a beautiful and moving tribute to the power of love and the way it can change our lives forever.
20. “Kiss Me” by Ed Sheeran
“Kiss Me” by Ed Sheeran is a sweet and romantic ballad about the power of love and the desire for a romantic connection. The song is about the singer’s longing for a kiss from his love and the way it represents their connection. The melody is soft and tender, with a gentle acoustic guitar backing that adds to the song’s romantic atmosphere. Sheeran’s voice is smooth and expressive, conveying a sense of longing and desire. The lyrics are straightforward and personal, with lines like “Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars” that showcase the singer’s romantic aspirations. “Kiss Me” is a beautiful and touching tribute to the power of love and the desire for a romantic connection.
21. “Sing” by Ed Sheeran
“Sing” by Ed Sheeran is an upbeat and energetic pop song that showcases the singer’s impressive vocal range and catchy melody. The song is about the joy of singing and the way it can bring people together. The rhythm is fast-paced and upbeat, with a groovy beat that is sure to get people dancing. Sheeran’s voice is powerful and confident, conveying a sense of joy and excitement. The lyrics are lighthearted and playful, with lines like “When your legs don’t work like they used to before” that showcase the singer’s sense of humor. “Sing” is a fun and upbeat celebration of the power of music and the way it can bring people together.
22. “Bad Habits” by Ed Sheeran
“Bad Habits” by Ed Sheeran is an introspective and personal song about the challenges of overcoming bad habits and making positive changes in one’s life. The song is about the singer’s own struggles with bad habits and the way they hold him back. The melody is mellow and introspective, with a gentle acoustic guitar backing that adds to the song’s intimate atmosphere. Sheeran’s voice is raw and expressive, conveying a sense of honesty and vulnerability. The lyrics are honest and personal, with lines like “I’m just a prisoner to my addiction” that showcase the singer’s struggle to overcome his bad habits. “Bad Habits” is a touching and introspective look at the challenges of change and the power of self-reflection.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
