My personal search for great acoustic guitar songs

When I began my search for the best/great acoustic guitar songs ever produced I began to dream of a time when I was a voracious young guitarists trying to digest everything the radio could spew. 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 sound that can be produced by the acoustic guitar.

Now I am a little biased and my choices below reflect that. I went for what sounds good (to my ear and taste) played on the acoustic guitar; I also looked at songs that would be a slight (in some cases hard) challenge to 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 merely my personal search throughout the internet to re-acquaint myself with what has been produced since the 1960s and really, to get back into one of my very first loves; actually the first dream I ever had as a boy of nine years old – of playing in a rock band.

First Ten Classics

1. Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton

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

2. Drive – Incubus

Nice driving rhythm acoustic guitar song that is great to play at parties.

3. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

When I first heard this song over 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

OK, I have to admit this song grew on me; nice easy song for acoustic guitar.

6. Classical Gas – Mason Williams

A little harder to master but once you do you wont be able to put it down.

7. Knocking on heaven’s door – Bob Dylan

A great Dylan classic that is easy to play and would be great at parties.

8. Wanted (Dead or Alive) – Bon Jovi

A real classic, couldn’t go past it. Nice distinctive intro known widely – this will put you on the map; not too difficult to play.

9. Blackbird – The Beatles

This is not a song I would normally go for, but I think it is worth trying as it will extend your skill.

10.Come on get higher

A nice easy-going sing-along song that will wrap this first list of ten up.

Second Ten Classics

11. Every breath I take – Police/Puff daddy

A classic from the eighties

12. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin

Was the measure of a guitarist in the seventies

13. Hotel California – The Eagles

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

14. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd

A widely recognised song throughout the world

15. Layla Uplugged – Clapton

This one you will enjoy, nice change in 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 extend your collection of chords

19. Wonderwall – Oasis

Another distinctive classic beginning riff

20. If – Bread

This is an oldie with a lot of interesting chords and changes for you to master and put together.