Top 20 acoustic guitar songs to learn

My personal search for great acoustic guitar songs

When I started my search for the best / great acoustic guitar songs ever produced, I started dreaming of a time when I was a voracious young guitarist trying to digest everything the radio could throw out. Since I started playing guitar a few decades ago, countless acoustic guitar songs have been produced that are perfect for beginners to experience the range of sounds that acoustic guitar can produce.

Now I am a bit biased and my options below reflect that. I went for what sounds good (to my ear and taste) played on acoustic guitar; I also looked at songs that would be a slight challenge (in some cases difficult) for beginners, but songs that would add value to their repertoire; in fact, the following songs, if played well, would add value to any guitarist’s repertoire. The following list is by no means exhaustive; It is simply my personal search on the Internet to re-acquire myself with what has been produced since the 1960s and really, return to one of my first loves; in fact, the first dream I had when I was nine years old: to play in a rock band.

Top ten classics

1. Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton

I thought it would start with one of the undying masters of acoustic / electric guitar. It has some nice touches that will make you sound good.

2. Drive – Incubus

Cute acoustic guitar song with driving beat that is great to play at parties.

3. I am yours – Jason Mraz

When I first heard this song in Honolulu, it took me by surprise; a great song for those beach parties.

4. Californication – Red Hot Chilli Peppers

A nice classic introduction worth learning.

5. Bubbly – Colbie Caillat

Okay, I have to admit I really liked this song; nice easy song for acoustic guitar.

6. Classic Gas – Mason Williams

A little harder to master, but once you do, you won’t be able to put it down.

7. Knocking on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan

A great Dylan classic that’s easy to play and would look great at parties.

8. Wanted (Dead or Alive) – Bon Jovi

A true classic, could not be overlooked. Nice distinctive intro known widely – this will put you on the map; it is not too difficult to play.

9. Blackbird – The Beatles

This is not a song that I would normally choose, but I think it is worth a try as it will broaden your skill.

10.Come on, climb higher

A nice, quiet song to sing that will end this first list of ten.

Second ten classics

11. Every breath I take – Police / Puff daddy

A classic from the eighties

12. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin

It was the measure of a guitarist in the seventies

13. Hotel California – The Eagles

This will stretch you; it’s worth the time it will take to master.

14. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd

A song widely recognized around the world.

15. Layla Uplugged – Clapton

You will enjoy this one, nice change of style.

16. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd

Classic Pink Floyd easy to play

17. Nothing else matters – Metallica

Classic Metallica: Great Sound

18. More than words: extreme

This is a great song to expand your chord collection.

19. Wonderwall – Oasis

Another distinctive classic opening riff

20. Yew – Bread

This is an old man with a lot of cool chords and changes for you to master and put together.