Learning to play the acoustic guitar can be an exciting journey, especially for beginners who want to dive into the world of music with fun and rewarding songs. Acoustic guitar music is known for its warm, resonant tones and its ability to convey emotion through simple yet expressive techniques. From the gentle fingerpicking of folk tunes to the strumming patterns of classic rock, the acoustic guitar offers a diverse range of musical experiences.
Below, we'll explore some of the best songs to learn on acoustic guitar, explicitly chosen for their simplicity, popularity, and the foundational skills they teach. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your repertoire, these songs are perfect for developing your skills and enjoying the art of acoustic guitar music.
Our Top 10 Picks on the Best Songs to Learn on Acoustic Guitar
1. “Expectation” by Logan Ransley
“Expectations” by Logan Ransley is a mellow acoustic song with a soothing melody, ideal for playing on the guitar. It often features a basic fingerstyle, which provides a gentle, intricate sound that complements the song's introspective lyrics and emotional tone.
This song likely uses a mix of open and barre chords, creating a rich, full sound on the acoustic guitar. It includes common chords such as G, C, D, Em, and Am. As a beginner looking for the best songs to learn on acoustic guitar, you should definitely add this song to your acoustic guitar music collection.
Listen to “Expectation” by Logan Ransley on YouTube
2. “A Horse With No Name” by America
“A Horse With No Name” is a desert-inspired tune with just two simple chords. It's one of the best beginner acoustic guitar songs to learn, even for the most tentative hands, ranking among the easy songs that leave lasting impressions.
This acoustic guitar music prominently features the chords Em and D6/9 in the original key. Many acoustic guitar beginners use it as one of their go-to songs for practice.
Listen to “A Horse With No Name” by America on YouTube
3. “Knockin' on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
Used as a backdrop to pivotal scenes in cinema, “Knockin' on Heaven’s Door” reverberates through generations. This acoustic guitar song is characterized by a simple chord progression, originally using the open chords G, D, Am, and C.
The simple chord progression and easy strumming pattern make it ideal for new players. The repetitive chord pattern makes it easy to remember and play, and the song itself is slow-paced.
Listen to “Knockin' on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan on YouTube
4. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Hurt” displays melancholic storytelling over gentle acoustic guitar songs, ideal for those ready to develop emotive expression and fingerpicking skills. This song is a mastery of Cash’s personal life, capturing a potent mixture of remorse and reflection.
It has simple chords, slow tempo, and emotional depth. Am, C, D, and G chords create a somber atmosphere that complements the poignant lyrics. It's perfect for practicing expressive playing and singing, making it one of the best beginner acoustic guitar songs.
Listen to “Hurt” by Johnny Cash on YouTube
5. “Hotel California” by The Eagles
This acoustic guitar song is a classic rock anthem known for its captivating storytelling and intricate guitar work. The song offers a beginner-friendly mix of chords like Am, E7, G, D, F, and C, perfect for refining strumming and chord transitions.
Listen to “Hotel California” by The Eagles on YouTube
6. “Blackbird” by The Beatles
McCartney's Blackbird delivers a nuanced fingerstyle experience, ideal for those ready to flutter more adventurously across the frets. It's among the best songs to learn on acoustic guitar because it focuses on fingerpicking, melodic playing, and incorporating both bass and melody notes.
Listen to “Blackbird” by The Beatles on YouTube
7. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
“Fast Car” is a journey of raw hope and resilience conveyed through just four chords (C, G, Em, D). Its unmistakable opening riff invites players into a fingerstyle odyssey. It's one of the best songs to learn on acoustic guitar.
Listen to “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman on YouTube
8. “The Needle and the Damage Done” by Neil Young
Reflecting on the perils of addiction, this masterpiece by Neil Young merges stark reality with acoustic rawness. The song features a variety of open chords. Its chord progression includes Em, D, G, A, C, and B7, maintaining a reflective and melancholic atmosphere.
Listen to “The Needle and the Damage Done” by Neil Young on YouTube
9. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Written after the tragic loss of his son, “Tears in Heaven” showcases Clapton’s emotional depth. This song includes chords like A, E/G#, F#m, D, A/C#, Bm, E, and F#7. It offers a balance between challenge and accessibility for those learning fingerpicking techniques.
Listen to “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton on YouTube
10. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
“Jolene” is more than just a music exercise. It captures the heartfelt desperation that Dolly Parton poured into every word. This acoustic guitar music offers a mix of strumming and picking, making it accessible for beginners while providing enough nuance to challenge intermediate players.
Listen to “Jolene” by Dolly Parton on YouTube
Learn With These Acoustic Guitar Songs
Conclusively, choosing the right songs as a beginner is crucial to your growth as an acoustic guitar player. The songs listed in this guide offer a variety of styles and techniques, from simple chord progressions to more intricate fingerpicking patterns, helping you build a solid foundation in acoustic guitar music. By practicing these songs, you'll not only improve your technical skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for the emotional range and versatility of the acoustic guitar.