Top 21 Acoustic Guitar Songs to Improve Your Playing Skills

From simple strumming for beginners to advanced techniques, having a selection of acoustic songs to learn is a smart strategy to help you progress and form a versatile repertoire.

The world of acoustic guitar allows you to explore a range of sounds and skills. Therefore, choosing the best acoustic songs to learn is the first step on your journey toward mastery.

Learning acoustic songs is also an excellent way to improve hand strength and dexterity for guitarists, especially when it includes barre chords beyond open chord positions.

This article lists 21 popular songs to learn on the acoustic guitar, satisfying a wide spectrum of guitarists, from a beginner’s challenging first chord to a professional’s more complex sequences.

In addition to the list of acoustic songs to learn, you will also find tips on:

• How to improve your skills on the acoustic guitar;
• How to choose the ideal key for you;
• How to add a personal touch to an acoustic cover;
• Extra songs for more experienced guitarists. Keep reading!

Acoustic Songs to Learn: 21 Ideas, from Easiest to Most Difficult

When it comes to acoustic songs, the rich sound of the guitar often plays a starring role, creating the perfect combination with the voice, guiding the melodic line, even though drums and bass serve as a background in the composition.

Each musician’s journey to learn to play the guitar is unique and personal. We advise exploring this instrument with a good selection of acoustic songs that match your skill level, as it is ideal to start with simpler chords. Progress gradually, increasing the level of difficulty with each new song.

Determining whether a song is easier or more difficult than another is a personal opinion. However, we have done our best to create a list of acoustic songs, classifying them from easiest to most difficult. Factors include the simplicity of the chords, strumming patterns, and rhythm consistency.

1. A Horse With No Name (America) is a desert-inspired song with only two simple chords. It’s one of those acoustic songs that even less experienced hands can learn to play and is among the easy songs that impress the most.
2. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan). Used as a background in iconic movie scenes, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” resonates across generations. A classic folk-rock song, it is characterized by a progression of simple chords.
3. What’s Up (4 Non Blondes). When thinking about acoustic songs to learn, “What’s Up” is often one of the first that comes to mind. It is both iconic and easy to learn, with four basic chords.
4. Good Riddance (Green Day). Combining punk spirit with acoustic energy, “Good Riddance” appeals to intermediate guitarists with accessible strumming and an opportunity to delve into something sweetly nostalgic yet mildly challenging.
5. Wonderwall (Oasis). Undoubtedly, it is an easy song for acoustic guitar and stands out as a 90s classic for its sing-along appeal. Ideal for beginners using a capo, the chords evoke a sense of nostalgia.
6. House of the Rising Sun (The Animals). Considered the first folk-rock hit, “House of the Rising Sun” offers intermediate-level musicians an opportunity to delve into its distinct arpeggio pattern and chord progression.
7. The Man Who Sold the World (Nirvana’s cover of a David Bowie song) Nirvana’s acoustic version of “The Man Who Sold the World” combines grunge spirit with an impressive melody. It’s an excellent choice for intermediate-level musicians looking to master the guitar to produce harmonious sounds.
8. I Will Follow You Into the Dark (Death Cab for Cutie). Valued for its lyricism and soft melody, “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” invites intermediate musicians to explore the relationship between lyrics and melodic structure.
9. Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd) is a classic among acoustic songs to learn for a good reason: taking you on an emotional journey, blending deep reflections and heart-touching rhythms.
10. Drive (Incubus). With its upbeat rhythm, “Drive” is a reassuring anthem for any guitar enthusiast. The track has a simple chord progression that resonates with its lyrics, creating an inconsequential hope character.
11. The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel). Immortalized by its intense fingerpicking and renewed by the powerful cover by the band Disturbed, “The Sound of Silence” touches the heartstrings of several generations.
12. Hurt (Johnny Cash’s cover of a Nine Inch Nails song). Johnny Cash’s version of “Hurt” is pure melancholy that crosses the soft notes of the acoustic guitar, ideal for those ready to develop emotional expression and fingerpicking skills.
13. Hotel California (The Eagles) is a classic rock anthem known for its captivating lyrics and complex guitar technique, making it indispensable for many acoustic guitarists.
14. Iris (Goo Goo Dolls) stands out for its emotional depth. It is a challenging yet rewarding song that invites guitarists to push intermediate boundaries with a balance of powerful chords and moments of vulnerability.
15. Blackbird (The Beatles). To elevate the list of acoustic songs to learn, McCartney’s “Blackbird” offers a sophisticated fingerstyle experience, ideal for those ready to be bolder with the frets.
16. Fast Car (Tracy Chapman) tells a story about hope and resilience conveyed through just four chords. Its unmistakable opening riff invites musicians to embark on a sequence of fingerpicking.
17. You’re So Vain (Carly Simon). With a chorus that captivated a generation, “You’re So Vain” offers a lively melody that gifts musicians an instantly recognizable riff and a chorus that challenges you not to sing along.
18. The Needle and the Damage Done (Neil Young). Reflecting on the dangers of addiction, Neil Young’s “The Needle and the Damage Done” merges reality with pure acoustics.
19. Tears in Heaven (by Eric Clapton) is a poignant narrative with a delicate sequence of notes and combines emotion and technique.
20. Jolene (Dolly Parton) is much more than a musical exercise; it captures the sincere desperation that Dolly Parton puts into every word.
21. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp (Led Zeppelin). With a folk vibe named after the Welsh cottage where it was created, “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” has a pulsating rhythm that fits perfectly with the slide work expected from a traditional guitar.

Mastering the acoustic guitar requires more than regular practice; it demands a combination of subtlety, emotion, and expression. Developing skills involves practicing with discipline, exploring a variety of songs, and dedicating yourself to perfecting your sound.

Tips for Acoustic Guitar Mastery

• Start Simple: Begin with songs that match your current skill level.
• Gradual Progression: Increase difficulty with each new song to build skills and confidence.
• Practice Regularly: Consistency is key in mastering techniques and songs.

Embrace each song, practice diligently, and let your creativity flourish. With each strum, you’re not just playing music but crafting an audible story that resonates with your soul.

While mastering the art of playing acoustic guitar is an enriching journey, the final step in making your music shine lies in professional mixing and mastering.

At SongMixMaster.com, we specialize in bringing out the best in your recordings. Once you’ve perfected your rendition of classics like ‘Hotel California’ or ‘Wonderwall,’ our online mixing and mastering services can elevate your sound professionally.

We ensure that your acoustic nuances are captured with clarity and warmth, giving your performance the polished finish it deserves.

Whether you’re creating covers or original compositions, our expert team at SongMixMaster.com is here to help you transform your acoustic creations into high-quality, studio-grade productions.