March 26, 2022 by Klaus Crow
There’s this one thing I find so great about the guitar. I love the fact that you can choose to be in two complete different worlds.
One moment you plug in your electric guitar and make it rock, scream and tear up the place. The other time you indulge yourself in beautiful acoustic guitar songs and get swept away by good melody and harmony. It’s the best of both worlds. Obviously today were gonna look at some of the best songs of all time on acoustic.
Best Acoustic Guitar Songs of all time
Time and time again you will see these songs appear in the billboards and Top 50 of all time because these tunes have earned their stripes as best acoustic guitar songs ever.
I’ve picked the songs that are timeless, ideally suited for the steel string western guitar and favorite of many guitar players and musicians ranging from The Eagles to Foo Fighters and from Springsteen to John Mayer.
The accomplished guitar player knows how to play the songs on this list as they are part of the evergreen acoustic guitar songs classics. This is perfect study material for the beginner and intermediate guitar student.
How to approach and practice the songs
As with all lists on this blog the songs are here to give you inspiration. The lists are in no particular order and incomplete. And it doesn’t matter, what matters is that you grab your guitar out of the stand and start learning these great guitar songs.
Maybe you’ll find a song or artist you haven’t heard before and be pleasantly surprised or you stumble upon a song you haven’t heard in a while and it makes you feel good again. I suggest you pick a few songs and study them thoroughly using the chord and tab sheets provided or watch a video lesson if you need some extra help.
You can also check out the easier guitar classics if you’re just starting out. If you practiced them well enough and feel comfortable to play them to your friends and family you can add them to your repertoire to expand your guitar song vocabulary. Let’s make some progress.
Guitar Video Lessons | Artist | Chords | Tabs |
---|---|---|---|
1 Hotel California (Hell freezes over) | The Eagles | Chords | Tabs |
2 Blackbird | Paul McCartney | Chords | Tabs |
3 Angie | Rolling Stones | Chords | Tabs |
4 Heart of gold | Neil Young | Chords | Tabs |
5 More than words | Extreme | Chords | Tabs |
Guitar Video Lessons | Artist | Chords | Tabs |
---|---|---|---|
6 Wonderwall | Oasis | Chords | Tabs |
7 Layla | Eric Clapton | Chords | Tabs |
8 To be with you | Mr.Big | Chords | Tabs |
9 Under the bridge | RHCP | Chords | Tabs |
10 Working class hero | John Lennon | Chords | Tabs |
Guitar Video Lessons | Artist | Chords | Tabs |
---|---|---|---|
11 Crazy little thing called love | Queen | Chords | Tabs |
12 The times they are a changing | Bob Dylan | Chords | Tabs |
13 Dust in the wind | Kansas | Chords | Tabs |
14 Daughters | John Mayer | Chords | Tabs |
15 Everlong (acoustic) | Foo Fighters | Chords | Tabs |
Acoustic Guitar Video Lesson:
Wonderwall – Oasis
Guitar Video Lessons | Artist | Chords | Tabs |
---|---|---|---|
16 The scientist (acoustic) | Coldplay | Chords | Tabs |
17 The river | Bruce Springsteen | Chords | Tabs |
18 Ain’t no sunshine | Bill Withers | Chords | Tabs |
19 When the stars go blue | Ryan Adams | Chords | Tabs |
20 Teach your children | Crosby Still Nash & Young | Chords | Tabs |
Guitar Video Lessons | Artist | Chords | Tabs |
---|---|---|---|
21 Cannonball | Damien Rice | Chords | Tabs |
22 Trouble | Ray La Montagne | Chords | Tabs |
23 Jolene | Dolly Parton | Chords | Tabs |
24 Wild horses | The Rolling Stones | Chords | Tabs |
25 Redemption song | Bob Marley | Chords | Tabs |
Guitar Video Lessons | Artist | Chords | Tabs |
---|---|---|---|
26 Free falling | Tom Petty | Chords | Tabs |
27 She talks to angels | Black Crowes | Chords | Tabs |
28 Fire and rain | James Taylor | Chords | Tabs |
29 Give a little bit | Supertramp | Chords | Tabs |
30 Pride and joy (acoustic) | Stevie Ray Vaughan | Chords | Tabs |
Acoustic Guitar Video Lesson:
Redemption song – Bob Marley
Guitar Video Lessons | Artist | Chords | Tabs |
---|---|---|---|
31 Sound of silence | Simon and Garfunkel | Chords | Tabs |
32 Sweet home chicago | Robert Johnson | Chords | Tabs |
33 Patience | Guns ‘n roses | Chords | Tabs |
34 Leaving on a jet plane | John Denver | Chords | Tabs |
35 Have you ever seen the rain | CCR | Chords | Tabs |
Guitar Video Lessons | Artist | Chords | Tabs |
---|---|---|---|
36 Yellow | Coldplay | Chords | Tabs |
37 The needle and the damage done | Neil Young | Chords | Tabs |
38 Horse with no name | America | Chords | Tabs |
39 Banana Pancakes | Jack Johnson | Chords | Tabs |
40 About a girl | Nirvana | Chords | Tabs |
Guitar Video Lessons | Artist | Chords | Tabs |
---|---|---|---|
41 American pie | Don McClean | Chords | Tabs |
42 Jack and Diane | John Mellencamp | Chords | Tabs |
43 Iris | Goo goo dolls | Chords | Tabs |
44 Wanted (Dead or Alive) | Bon Jovi | Chords | Tabs |
45 Both sides now | Joni Mitchell | Chords | Tabs |
Acoustic Guitar Video Lesson:
Yellow – Coldplay
Guitar Video Lessons | Artist | Chords | Tabs |
---|---|---|---|
46 Tears in heaven | Eric Clapton | Chords | Tabs |
47 Maggie May | Rod Stewart | Chords | Tabs |
48 Good riddance (time of your life) | Greenday | Chords | Tabs |
49 The A-team | Ed Sheeran | Chords | Tabs |
50 I will follow you into the dark | Death cab for cutie | Chords | Tabs |
~ Don’t forget to refresh your strings with the best strings for your guitar! ~
What’s your favorite acoustic guitar song of all time?
Please share in the comments. I appreciate it.
Cliff says
Cat Stevens. ‘The Boy with the Moon and Star on his Head’
Prasana says
Hi Klaus sir,
my favourite songs are
“When the stars go blue” – Ryan Adams
“Sound of silence” – Paul Simon
“Pride and joy (acoustic)” – Stevie Ray Vaughan
Paul says
I’m sorry, but barely any mention of acoustic greats. John Martyn? Nick Drake? Martin Simpson?
Fair enough you’re approaching from a rock-orientated standpoint though….
Sean says
Lists like these come down to personal taste, but since you like Ryan Adams you should give Uncle Tupelo’s album March 16–20, 1992 a listen. After Uncle Tupelo pretty much defined the modern alt-country genre with the electric guitar driven albums “No Depression” and “Still Feel Gone” they released one of the best acoustic albums you will ever hear.
Personally I think Paul Westerberg of the Replacements wrote some brilliant tunes that translate well to acoustic. Here Comes a Regular, Skyway, Achin’ to Be, etc. I also like to play Wilco’s Passenger Side, Box Full of Letters, I Must be High, Pick up the Change…
Oh and a big second on Paul’s Nick Drake suggestion. I will have to check out his other recommendations.
Sinnister says
Like this list or not there are songs worthy of playing here. The beauty of being a musician is playing what appeals to you, not some songs that appear on a list somewhere.
Wharfrat22 says
Wow! No Alice in Chains? They put out 2 amazing acoustic albums. I feel No Excuses, Nutshell, or Brother should be on here somewhere. (Did I miss them?).
NoChance says
Bob Seeger’s Nightmoves
FatSweatyElvis says
Any solo Lindsey Buckingham. He perfectly distills rock down to one voice and one guitar.
EDirmeyer says
Don’t know if you can find it but if you really like rock-oriented acoustic guitar you must check out a song called Movies from a 70s band called Hookfoot.
sargie says
I can’t believe Richard Thompson didn’t make the list, especially his superlative ‘1952 Vincent Black Lightning’. Please revise.
Michael T says
Astonished that ‘The Clap’ by Yes from The Yes Album was not included.
Brandon says
“Hands” by Goo Goo Dolls
“Touch, Peel And Stand” by Days Of The New
KB says
The Jazz Butcher, with the incomparable Max Eider on lead – Just Like Betty Page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WER6YPELmIA
Jim says
Don’t Follow by Alice in Chains
Life Uncommon by Jewel
Klaus Crow says
Hi Sean,
Thanks for the tips. I really appreciate that.
I will definitely check out those albums.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Klaus Crow says
Thanks everyone for sharing your favorites and giving me inspiration in return.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Andrew Careaga says
Some great tunes on this list, several of which I love to play. I also second “Night Moves” and any Lindsey Buckingham/Fleetwood Mac tune. I would add:
“Here Comes the Sun” and “My Sweet Lord,” George Harrison
“Across the Universe,” the Beatles
“Sit tin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” Otis Redding
“Peaceful Easy Feelng,” the Eagles
“Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You,””Going to California” and “Ramble On,” Led Zeppelin
And probably a dozen others I can’t think of right now.
Richard says
Joe Walsh….The Confessor
Jude brigley says
No Joni Mitchell! You cannot be serious.
Noble says
You forgot THE acoustic guitar song that created the genre for rock hits…
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
I favor it as number 1 easily.
Shame!!
Brent says
I am sure you have received comments like “you forgot ….” Or “what about ….” In any case one heck do a post!!!! You made me sit back, drink 4 or 5 beers and listen to some of the greatest songs ever written and sung in some of the greatest performances. Thanks for the list I would not change a thing!
BTW…What happened to current music today? To all the current musicians…you better kick it up a notch! Create music as powerful as this list and you will never be forgotten.
breWTus says
So, Stairway to Heaven doesn’t qualify? The first 5 or so minutes are acoustic……….
Richard says
Classical Gas
Mike says
The Who:
Love ain’t for Keeping, Who’ Next
Behind Blue Eyes, Who’s Next
I’m One, Quadrophenia
The Beatles:
Yesterday
Norwegian Wood
The Eagles:
Peaceful Easy Feeling
The Best of My Love
Barrie says
“Never Going Back Again” by Fleetwood Mac
“Coyote” Joni Mitchell
Marianne says
“Mull of Kintyre” Wings
jim says
los indo tabajaros …. maria elena
Jim M says
Vaseline Machine Gun by Leo Kottke
Absolutely brilliant , pure acoustic guitar work.
Roguewave 1 says
“Leyenda” – Andres Segovia
Jim says
@Cklords. Dylan’s Times they are a changing is on the list.
Evil dick says
Yes – The Clap and Mood for a day
Scott Murray says
Beatles: Here Comes the Sun, Mother Natures Son, and Yesterday.
Who: Blue Red & Gray
Scott Murray says
Paul McCartney: Put it There, Jenny Wren, Bluebird, & Early Days!
Robert McDill says
What about Grantchester Meadows?
A Kinnaman says
Acosutic, huh. Hotel Cali? The band arrangment ith the nice solo on the Martin, er Les Paul in the middle? Right. No band arrangements. Doc Watson Deep River Blues. Bert Jansch Anji. Jorma Kaukonen Water Song. Neil Young should be needle. Anything by Gary Davis or Skip James.
VL says
After seeing all the other songs, (most of which I agreed with) the first one that came to my mind was “California Dreaming” by The Mamas And The Papas.
Michael says
very nice list klaus, i´m listing to it now. very nice especially early in the moring.
gr.michael
pete3072 says
Where are the Indigo Girls? Or Patty Griffin? Especially if you want to talk about “being swept away by melody, harmony and lyrics.” Your list is fine, definitely some gems in there, but terribly one-sided. You need to listen to more variety before you write a “Top 50” list.
Victor says
This is a great list. i wish there was a way i could put all these songs into a playlist. I totally feel what you are saying about the guitar having two worlds. I have been spending a lot of time in the world of melody and harmony laity myself as well so this list makes me happy.
I love 32 – Sound of silence – Paul Simon and 40 – About a girl – Nirvana.
I’m sure I will cover one of the songs in this list soon.
Lee A. says
If you haven’t heard Colin Hay’s acoustic version of “Overkill” from his solo album ‘Man @ Work’, you haven’t really heard this song. This has been my favorite acoustic guitar song for some time now. I like the mainstream version, but this one blows it away. For a taste, try listening to it as a sample on iTunes or amazon. BTW, if you decide to download it, DO NOT get the much shorter edited version off of the ‘Scrubs’ soundtrack.
tom says
Stair way to heaven should be on your list
Fanis Firstpriest says
Tom Waits’ “I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You” and “Hold On”
Philip Moody says
My favorite songs and guitarists are ANYTHING by Bireli Lagrene, Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, Les Paul, Jacob Fischer, and Bucky & John Pizzarelli
Ken Pasco says
Led Zep’s Going to California.
Klaus Crow says
Hi Fanis,
Tom Waits’ I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You is absolutely beautiful.
That entire album “Closing time” is awesome.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Victor Geiger says
This is like a go to list for all the songs I should learn to play :P
Jan Ruizendaal says
1) Miles Kennedy – Watch over you
2) Sound of Silence – Simon And Grafunkel
Elton Bloye says
You missed Alice in Chains mate! There must be one of Jar of Flys in there somewhere. Otherwise great list!
BeeMusic says
Just Breathe – Pearl Jam
…just listen to it… shouldn’t it be on the frist place?
Ashok says
Good list!
Rob says
I have to say, even if you arent an Alice in Chains fan, it seems your missing the boat not to have one of their many fantastic songs on there. I get it though, there’s a LOT of great acoustic songs out there and your list is miniscule.
For me, I’d at least add the acoustic version of Rooster, by Alice in Chains.
i think though, its never going to be complete. I’d have a 500 acoustic songs you should know list.
okay, i am done droning on, move along!
Rob says
oh crap, dont forget “Wish You Were Here”, by Pink Floyd.
Klaus Crow says
Hi Rob,
Love that one!
The list is just not long enough is it? :)
Thanks for sharing.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Max says
Can’t you see Marshall Tucker Band. One of the best!
Fabio says
You guys forgot John Mayer!!
Erma says
Wendy Waldman’s “Vaudeville Man”
Janis Ian’s “At Seventeen”
cthulhu says
In 1979, there was a benefit for Amnesty International called “The Secret Policeman’s Ball”. Pete Townshend played acoustic versions of “Pinball Wizard”, “Drowned”, and (in a duet with classical guitarist John Williams) an astonishing version of “Won’t Get Fooled Again”. Unfortunately the soundtrack for that show has never been available in the CD and digital download era, but you can often spot these performances on YouTube. Highly recommended.
Wombat says
Good list mate!!
Here’s a few you should check out!
Avett brothers:
“Go to sleep””salvation song”
Mumford:
“The cave”
Old crow medicine show:
“Wagon wheel”
“Take em away”
Zeppelin:
“Tangerine”
Paul Kelly:
“Dumb things”
Xavier Rudd:
“Messages”
And also agree with “going to California” by zep!
Best song ever on acoustic guitar!
Enjoy
Wombat says
Oh and Fabio!
John Mayer did actually make the list!
50023 says
Led Zeppelin – “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”
&
Radiohead -“Street Spirit”
Joe says
Take me home Country Roads – John Denver
The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
Dust in the wind – Kansas
Listen to the music – Doobie Brothers
Corn dog says
“Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand
:) says
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” made the list!
but what about plain white t’s hey there delilah?
James Waltz says
A few essential ones:
1. Bread – Guitar Man
2. Jim Croce – I Got a Name
3. Jim Croce – Operator
4. Fleetwood Mack/Stevie Nicks – Landslide
5. Cat Stevens – Wild World
Come on, Peoples!
Cookie Monster says
A day to remember – “If it means a lot to you”
All time low- “Remembering Sunday”
Cookie Monster says
Three days grace- “Never too late”
z says
ben harper has a few i rate could make it… could listen through his entire discography without getting bored… try his first two albums and lifeline for inspiration! try the song forever…
Emil says
Laugh And A Half – D-A-D
To Be With You – Mr. Big
Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (Clean electric guitar but whatever)
Hurt – Johnny Cash
This Is My Life – Gasolin’
Eric C. says
Too many to mention so I’ll just name five good ones that are missing:
If I Could – Blue Merle
Ooh la la – The Faces
Riverman – Nick Drake
All I Want – Joni Mitchell
Octopus – Syd Barrett
jlee says
Red hot chilli peppers californiacation tracy Chapman fast car needs to be there where’s stairway to heavan
Jared prunty says
Radioactive by imagine dragons
Janey says
Alain Lee??
Danny says
there is not a #2
Janey says
That should say Alvin Lee.
Dillon says
No Jim Croce?
I Have a Name
Time in a Bottle
Operator
Dillon says
“Edit”
-I Got a Name
Mikey says
John Butler Trio OCEAN !
Janey says
Eric church – talladega
Janey says
Derek Trucks – midnight
gedjoe says
Genesis – Horizon
Dylan says
Stairway to heaven
Madison says
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN!!
M'eric says
Am I the only one that noticed there is no number 2?
eric says
cromok-another you
David Gilmour says
WISH YOU WERE HERE
PINK FLOYD
Andy J says
I agree any list is purely personal taste. That’s what’s so special about the arts and music. The world would be a boring place if we all liked the same stuff.
For me i like a fair amount on the list but it needs some Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and one track off the 1971 “Foxtrot” album by Genesis; go check out Horizons on side 2 if you’re still into vinyl or track 5 on the cd.
Ron D. says
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN- Led Zeppelin
Didnt make the list either, who created this list. No Zep on it at all
John F. says
What, no Taylor Swift, Tiny Tim, or Weird Al Yankovich? Where’s “Wheels on the Bus” or “Who Let the Dogs Out?” Or the greatest hits of such esteemable bands as Bread and Air Supply? You can’t be serious! (And neither am I of course. Great list and great additions in the comments… Thanks!)
Deepan says
Wish You Were Here? Stairway To Heaven? Tears In Heaeven?
Sheik Yerbuti says
“Never Going Back” and “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac (Lindsay Buckingham) blows away ALL of these songs.
So does “Mood For a Day” by Yes (Steve Howe).
And “From the Beginning” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
Sheik Yerbuti says
Also…”Silver Wheels” segue into “Crazy On You” by Heart (Nancy Wilson) blows away any songs on this list, too.
Brad Roberts says
Dream on Aerosmith is a necessity.
Goo goo dolls, radiohead, led Zeppelin?
Donald says
The black keys- little black submarines (first 2 minutes) and just got to be (probably doesn’t qualify.)
Sam says
Chris Isaak – Wicked Game
Your Mom says
Really? No Alice In Chains? Nutshell deserves at least #10
A Guy That Likes Certain Acoustic Songs says
Hey There Delilah anyone?
Jake says
Great list. I personally love playing Iris. It’s definitely one of the best
sang says
Thanks for sharing. It’s awesome :)
Wayne says
Here is some brilliant songs , you should absolutely listen to them :
Oasis- Talk Tonight- Married with Children- Half the World Away
Bob Dylan- Mr. Tambourine Man – Blowing in the Wind
Green Day – When it’s Time
Radiohead – True Love Waits
The Beatles- Across the Universe
Buanaa says
Stairway to heaven
John P says
If I had to pick ONE fave for Acoustic playing…I’d have to say: “Sweet Baby James”. I was somewhat sad to not see it listed instead of his “Fire and Rain”.
GringoChapin says
Not originally acoustic but seek out the acoustic versions:
Fake Plastic Trees – Radiohead
The Boxer – Mumford and Sons (I think better than original S&G version)
Everlong – Foo Fighters
1979 – Smashing Pumpkins
Am I Losing – Skynyrd
Angel – Jimi Hendrix
She Talks to Angels – Black Crowes
Blister in The Sun – Femmes
Laid – James
100 Years – Five For Fighting
No woman no cry – Fugees version
Plush – STP
Nickster says
Daniel, Elton John
Margueriteville,
jay says
I think the list is never ending but I love the folksy acoustic rhythm and message in RIPPLE by The Greatful Dead :D
Ted says
Aimee, by Pure Prairie League, Love,Me by Collin Ray, Where have you been, Kathy Matea, Landslide, Fleetwood Mac, The Reach, Dan Fogelburg, The Seven Bridges Road, The Eagles, Longer, Dan Fogelburg, Fire and Rain, James Taylor, Your The Lucky One, Allison Krause & Union Station, Time in a bottle, Jim Croce, Whenever You Come Around, Vince Gill, Man of Constant Sorrow, (as performed by Union Station),
Ted says
Mr. Bojangles,Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Leaving on a Jet Plane, John Denver, City of New Orleans,Steve Goodman, Alice’s Restaurant & Motorcycle song, Arlo Guthrie, Bobby McGee, Janis Joplin, Taxi, Harry Chapin, Please Come To Boston, Dave Loggins, Lady, Little River Band, Sailing, Christopher Cross, Lookin’ Out My Back Door, Credence Clear Water Revival.
chris says
A good list of new music for me to check out…..
My votes:
Souvenirs by John Prine and Steve Goodman
Taxi by Harry Chapin
Amy by Pure Prairie League
+1 Life Uncommon by Jewel
Mike says
Diamonds and Rust-Joan Baez, Tuesday Afternoon-Moody Blues, Can’t Find My Way Home-Traffic, Please Be With Me and Let It Grow-Clapton…
Mike says
And by “Traffic” I meant Blind Faith!
Alessandro says
Wish you were here should definitely be on here, same with stairway to heaven (if you consider it acoustic), and yesterday,
hotel california is my favorite though
Tim says
Sweet Chile of Mine – Slash and Myles Kennedy
Mark says
Triumph’s Rik Emmit – Midsummer Daydream
Richard says
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN!!
Marie says
Stairway to Heaven
Marina says
LOSING MY RELIGION by REM
Sebastian says
Jessie Cook – Fall at your feet
Richie says
Place to be- Nick Drake
Ryan H says
Crash by Dave Matthews Band
Alvin Steviro says
Man I love your list but you should try the underrated ones:
– The Kooks – All Over Town
– Coldplay – U.F.O.
– The Head and The Heart – Winter Song
– Daughter – Youth
– Gabrielle Aplin – Coming Home
– Novo Amor – From Gold
Mike says
Yesterday—Paul McCartney (Beatles)
Klaus Crow says
Hi Mike,
Beautiful indeed.
Thanks for mentioning that great song!
Best regards
Klaus Crow
Elena says
Mark Knopfler
Toby H says
Most of Peter, Paul and Mary’s work had splendid fingerstyle guitar work. My favorite is “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright”. Paul Stookey also had some fine acoustic work going solo with stuff like “Sebastian” and “The Wedding Song”. “The Wedding Song” was supposedly “must learn” stuff for aspiring acoustic players in the 70’s (so they could play at their friends’ weddings).
I’ll also recommend, don’t laugh, Bread. Most of their music was bubblegum pop songs about teen romance and such….pure sappy stuff…but the guitar work was sparkling.
frank says
Neil Young, so many, how about harvest moon, my my hey hey, greatest of all must be wish you were here
Ed Eichler says
“Vincent” by Don McLean is an acoustic player’s dream. Great melody, poetic lyrics beyond belief, and requires some skill.
Gordon Lightfoot has a large number of acoustic melodic and poetic songs in his catalogue. Mostly from the ’70s.
Dave Bilinsky says
San Francisco Bay Blues, done by Eric Clapton. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Bay_Blues
Andrea says
Pearl Jam ballads, every Neil Young and Bob Dylan songs, Jakson Brown with “for everyman”. James Taylor with ” you got a friend”.
Jimmy says
Am I the only one that thinks Aaron Lewis Acoustic black or sober should be on this list
Mikayla says
Fast car – Tracy Chapman
Bernhard says
Yes – Roundabaout
Better known as the theme of the “To be contiued” – Meme
Or for those who don’t know it: It’s the ending of the first season of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
James Hurt says
So Cool!
This is the list I am searching for. Every guitar lover should try this.
Nazar says
Well, the entire list of song is outstanding, but the first song deserve the first position in the ranking. I just bought guitar few weeks ago right after get inspire by the riff of the hotel California. Please if you can help me out in any way to learn how to play hotel California, it would be great honor for me.
shane says
I won’t give up by Jason Mraz
Jack says
Did I miss it or was Wish You Were Here not even listed? That tab is everywhere so that shouldnt be the reason. That’s the equivalent of not putting Michael Jordan on the list of greatest basketball players ever. Death Cab for Cutie gets a song over Pink Floyd lol.
Ntsako says
This is the best list of music i have come across
Larry says
There are many songs on this list I never heard of. Many I have and are worthy of a list.
If you’re an accomplished acoustic guitarist you should probably have about 500-1000 songs in your performance portfolio.
Cliché by Todd Rundgren
The Wheel by Todd Rundgren
Love of the Comman Man by Todd Rundgren
Nearly ANYTHING by James Taylor
Nearly ANYTHING by Paul Simon
Jim Croce.
About 8 songs from Bread.
KS2 Problema says
James Taylor is one of the very few people known for acoustic work on the list. Most of the artists were rock and pop artists and not even that many known for guitar.
Where were Renbourn, Martin Simpson, Leo Kottke, Jerry Douglas, Bert Jansch, Richard Thompson, John James, Duck Baker, Davey Graham, Stefan Grossman, Pierre Bensusan, and all the other people who are actually fine acoustic guitar players unlike the (mostly) pop lightweights on that list?
Diane says
Emerson Lake and Palmer ‘From The Beginning’ Methinks the list should be edited.
Ally says
Death Cab? Really how about Lisa Loeb instead, Stay, Do You Sleep, anything from 9 Tails is better than anything Death Cab could poop out.
t d says
Thank you
Jeff says
Over the hills and far away – Led Zeppelin, with the hammer on’s and pull offs a classic acoustic song every guitar player should have on his list, well the first half of it at least.
G says
Not one Led Zeppelin legendary accoustic song in the list. Must be something off with it…
Michael Musgrave says
Pete Murray – So Beautiful
Coldplay Fix You
John Butler Trio Oceans
Paul Kelly Careless
Eddie Vedder Hard Sun
john says
keep sharing worthy stuff
Bradleigh Norman says
Hi There,
My faviroute acoustic guitar song is
Nothing else matters – Metallica
Samson Malapati says
My fav
Wish you were here by Pink Floyd
Sarah Stevens says
All I Know by The Big Hurt
bestbeginnerguitars says
wonderful article i really like it
john says
wonderful article i really like it
Jeremy says
Ventura Highway – America
As Tears Go By – The Rolling Stones
It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) – Bob Dylan
Shelter from the Storm – Bob Dylan
Tangled up in Blue – Bob Dylan
Wheat Kings – The Tragically Hip
Bobcaygeon – The Tragically Hip
Fiddler’s Green – Tragically Hip
Closer to the Heart – Rush
Dog and Butterfly – Heart
Even in the Quietest Moments – Supertramp
Hasn’t Hit Me Yet – Blue Rodeo
Let Her Cry – Hootie and the Blowfish
Out on the Weekend – Neil Young
Shame on the Moon – Bob Seger
These Days – Jackson Browne
Poplip says
How in the name of fuck is Lindsey Buckinghams Live Acoustic Solo of Big Love not even on this list?
Insane ….makes me question the musical education of whoever wrote this list
William Nolan says
Now, I certainly would be the last guy to not recognize the subjectivity of music, and thuse the wide variance in the context of such “best ever” lists. (In fact, that is one of the coolest things about such lists.) That being said, though I agree with a majority of these selections, it is incomprehensible to me to imagine how someone could omit songs such as “Operator” by Jim Croce or even “Old Man” by Neil Young from a top *50* list. :)
Gary says
Awesome List.
I would love to add the song “Highway To Hell” in the list
Anonymous says
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
Dipanshu Mohapatra says
Informative resource for guitarists who are starting out. Thanks for the article.
Ali says
Er I’d love a few more female vocalists in here … so many too!
Klaus Crow says
Hi Ali,
Please add your favorite female singer songwriters in the comments. I appreciate it.
Best,
Klaus Crow
Henry says
“Hey There Delilah” is a good one
Peter says
Zachary Breaux’s “Thinking of Alexis”
Klaus Crow says
Hi Peter,
Really nice one, but I don’t think it falls into this category yet. :)
Best,
Klaus
Joseph says
Wish you were Here. Pink Floyd. Should be in the top 10
Klaus Crow says
Hi Joseph,
That’s definitely a great acoustic guitar song!
I’ll consider it ;)
Best,
Klaus
Jessie says
Although there are no easy guitar songs, this collection is as good as it gets, especially if you’re looking for good acoustic guitar tunes.
Barry says
David Bromberg’s rendition on his first album. Mr. Bojangles ….beautiful