Are you eager to play incredible songs on your acoustic guitar? You’re in the right place! We’ve compiled 19 iconic acoustic guitar songs with readily available Acoustic Guitar Tabs that are perfect for players of all levels. Get ready to be inspired and take your guitar skills to the next level!
In this guide, you will discover:
- 19 outstanding acoustic guitar tabs guaranteed to impress your ears.
- Essential tips to accelerate your learning and playing.
- A diverse range of musical styles to broaden your musical horizons.
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1) ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Pink Floyd
This timeless classic by Pink Floyd is instantly recognizable and a fantastic choice for acoustic guitar.
This acoustic guitar tab is ideal for beginners because:
- It beautifully combines chord progressions and lead guitar elements.
- It’s excellent practice for both alternate picking and chord transitions.
- The song itself is simply captivating!
Listen to the song here:
Be mindful of a few chord changes that might require a bit of practice for beginners.
2) ‘Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)’ by Green Day
This Green Day anthem defined the 90s and remains a beloved song for generations.
To master this song, you should be familiar with these fundamental chords:
- G major
- C major
- D major
- E minor
(If chord diagrams are new to you, check out our guide: “How To Read Guitar Chordboxes In 60 Seconds”. It’s designed to make chord charts easy to understand!)
Here’s a quick visual reminder of these chord shapes:
G Major
C Major
D Major
E minor
The song structure is built around two main parts:
- Verse
- Chorus
The verse section utilizes the following chord progression:
G |C D
1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4
The chorus section introduces a slight variation:
Em G | Em G |Em D
1 2 3 4| 1 2 3 4 |1 2 3 4
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3) ‘Redemption Song’ by Bob Marley
This reggae masterpiece is one of Bob Marley’s most iconic and emotionally resonant songs.
In this section, we will focus on learning the instantly recognizable opening riff.
Watch this video tutorial where Jack breaks down the acoustic guitar tabs for this classic:
Here’s why this acoustic guitar tab is an excellent learning choice:
- It’s enjoyable to play and relatively simple to grasp.
- It sounds fantastic right from the start.
- It primarily uses the top three strings, making it accessible for beginners.
4) ‘Hotel California’ by The Eagles
If you’re familiar with ‘Guitar Hero’, you’ll definitely know this legendary song.
‘Hotel California’ is an epic track that translates beautifully to acoustic guitar.
For this acoustic guitar tab, we’ll tackle the intro, originally played on a 12-string acoustic guitar.
While a 12-string guitar adds richness, it’s not essential for learning. Intrigued by different guitar types? Explore our guide: 9 Types of Guitar Every Guitarist Should Know
Here are the acoustic guitar tabs for the intro:
5) ‘Here Comes The Sun’ by The Beatles
‘Here Comes The Sun’ is a truly uplifting acoustic gem. The opening chords instantly evoke the spirit of the 60s!
Here’s why this tab is a must-learn from our collection of acoustic guitar tabs:
- The chord progression utilizes open chords, creating a bright and resonant sound.
- It’s perfect for honing your fingerpicking technique.
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – everyone loves this timeless hit.
To learn this song, check out the tabs available on Ultimate Guitar: Here Comes The Sun by ‘The Beatles’
6) ‘Tears in Heaven’ by Eric Clapton
‘Tears in Heaven’ stands out as one of Eric Clapton’s most poignant and emotionally charged acoustic tracks.
This song is exceptional for developing your fingerpicking skills and expressive playing.
While it presents a moderate challenge, its iconic status makes it an essential addition to this list.
Listen to the heartfelt melody here:
For the complete tabs to learn this song, visit: ‘Tears In Heaven’ by Eric Clapton
7) ‘Stairway To Heaven’ by Led Zeppelin
The opening of ‘Stairway To Heaven’ is a riff that has echoed through guitar stores for decades.
It’s undeniably one of the most iconic acoustic guitar riffs ever created.
Here are compelling reasons to learn this epic acoustic guitar tab:
- Its immense popularity ensures instant recognition.
- It’s a fantastic way to improve your finger dexterity and coordination.
- This riff is ideal for practicing fingerpicking patterns.
Stairway To Heaven acoustic guitar tabs
Fun Fact!
‘Stairway To Heaven’ was originally composed on a double-neck Gibson SG, an electric guitar. However, the opening riff sounds equally captivating on acoustic guitar.
To delve deeper into learning this song, find tabs here: ‘Hotel California’ by The Eagles (Note: The link seems to be incorrectly labeled “Hotel California” in the original text and should likely point to “Stairway To Heaven” tabs instead.)
Song Hack!
This song employs a capo on the 7th fret, simplifying the chord shapes significantly.
If you’re new to capos, learn how to use one effectively here: How To Use A Capo
8) ‘Harvest Moon’ by Neil Young
‘Harvest Moon’ is not only the title track of Neil Young’s 1992 album but also one of his signature acoustic songs.
Neil Young is renowned for crafting timeless acoustic guitar tracks, and ‘Harvest Moon’ is a perfect example.
Listen to the song’s mellow vibe here:
To learn this iconic acoustic guitar tab, check out: ‘Harvest Moon’ by Neil Young
9) ‘She Talks To Angels’ by The Black Crowes
‘She Talks To Angels’ became one of The Black Crowes’ biggest hits in the 1990s.
Featured on their debut album ‘Shake Your Money Maker’, it was the fourth single released and quickly gained popularity.
This track is a standout acoustic number, and here’s why it earned a spot on our list of top acoustic guitar tabs:
- The opening riff is both fun to play and sonically rich.
- It utilizes open strings, creating a resonant acoustic sound.
- It features an alternative tuning, ideal for those looking to explore new sonic landscapes.
For this song, you’ll need to tune your guitar to:
- E (6th string)
- B (5th string)
- E (4th string)
- G# (3rd string)
- B (2nd string)
- E (1st string)
Experimenting with alternate tunings can add a unique dimension to your guitar playing.
Listen to the track’s distinct sound here:
To learn this classic track, visit: ‘She Talks To Angels’ by The Black Crowes
10) ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz
This feel-good track by Jason Mraz is perfect for any aspiring guitarist.
Here’s why it’s a great song to learn:
- It maintains the same chord progression throughout the entire song, making it easy to memorize.
- It’s an excellent introduction to reggae-style strumming patterns.
- It’s universally loved and guaranteed to get people singing along.
Listen to the song’s infectious rhythm:
The chords you’ll need for this track are:
- G6
- Dsus2
- E minor
- C major 7
G6
Dsus2
Em
Cmaj7
The strumming pattern in this song is slightly syncopated, adding to its unique groove.
In typical music timing, you might strum on each beat:
1 2 3 4
However, in ‘I’m Yours’, the strumming emphasizes beats 2 and 4, creating a relaxed, reggae-infused feel:
1 2 3 4
11) ‘Thinking Out Loud’ by Ed Sheeran
‘Thinking Out Loud’ was a dominant hit in 2014, reaching number one in numerous countries worldwide.
It achieved a rare feat by remaining in the UK top 40 for a full year, demonstrating its lasting appeal.
Here’s why this song is a fantastic addition to our acoustic guitar tabs list:
- It’s beginner-friendly, utilizing a limited number of chords.
- The strumming pattern is engaging and rhythmically interesting.
- It’s an instant crowd-pleaser – perfect for parties or gatherings.
Listen to the song’s smooth melody:
This song features the following chords:
- D major
- D/F#
- G major
- A major
Familiarity with these chords is essential to play the intro and the rest of the song accurately.
Here are the chord diagrams for reference:
D Major
D/F
G Major
A Major
To learn this song in detail, check out the tabs here: ‘Thinking Out Loud’ by Ed Sheeran
12) ‘Fast Car’ by Tracy Chapman
‘Fast Car’ by Tracy Chapman is an iconic 80s classic. This song significantly highlighted the power of acoustic guitar in popular music.
If you’re an acoustic guitarist, learning this guitar riff is almost a rite of passage.
Here are compelling reasons why you should learn this track:
- This acoustic guitar riff is guaranteed to impress listeners.
- It’s incredibly popular at social gatherings and sing-alongs.
- It’s genuinely fun and rewarding to play.
Here are the acoustic guitar tabs for the main riff:
acoustic guitar tabs
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13) ‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson
This song by Jack Johnson is considered one of the best acoustic songs to learn.
Here’s why it’s a must-learn:
- It incorporates the string slapping technique, enhancing your rhythmic feel and musicality.
- It’s excellent practice for mastering barre chords.
- It’s a widely loved track, perfect for relaxed guitar sessions at home.
To play this track effectively, barre chord proficiency is key. Watch this video to learn barre chords:
You might also want to refine your string slapping technique. Watch this video tutorial:
To learn how to play ‘Better Together’, find tabs here: ‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson
14) ‘Under The Bridge’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers
This ballad is among the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ most commercially successful songs. It became a massive hit in the 1990s, propelling them into mainstream recognition.
Here are reasons why this track is included in our acoustic guitar tabs collection:
- It’s universally appealing and instantly recognizable.
- It’s excellent for practicing barre chords in a musical context.
- If you aim to perfect your alternate picking, this track provides great practice.
Listen to the song’s iconic intro:
When learning this song, be aware that barring chords can be challenging initially. If you find barre chords difficult, try using a capo on the 2nd fret and playing these simplified chords:
- C Major
- A Minor
15) ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd
This Southern rock anthem is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most recognizable and enduring tracks.
It’s perfect for beginner guitarists because it primarily uses just three chords throughout the entire song.
It sounds fantastic acoustically and is ideal for parties, jam sessions, and casual performances.
To learn this song, familiarity with these chords is essential:
- D major
- C major
- G major
Watch this video tutorial to learn the song:
16) ‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ by Bob Dylan
This timeless folk song is exceptionally well-suited for acoustic guitar, utilizing only three chords.
These essential chords are:
- G
- C
- D
If you want to learn classic folk guitar, mastering these chords with this song is a great starting point!
To learn these basic chords, check out these lessons:
The song structure is based on two main sections:
- Verse
- Chorus
The verse chord progression follows this pattern:
G C |D G |G C | D |
1 2 3 4 |1 2 3 4 |1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
The chorus section uses this progression:
C D |G C |C D |G |
1 2 3 4 |1 2 3 4 |1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
17) ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis
When acoustic guitar songs come to mind, ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis is often one of the first.
Despite being somewhat of a cliché due to its popularity, it’s rightfully included in this essential list.
This song defined the sound of the 90s. Listen to its iconic melody here:
To play this song, you’ll need to know these chords:
- Em7
- G
- Dsus4
- A7sus4
- C add 9
These chords are slightly more complex than standard open chords, but you can simplify them by using these alternatives:
- Em
- G
- D
- A
- C
These simplified chords will still capture the essence of the song.
To learn ‘Wonderwall’ in more detail, find tabs here: ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis
18) ‘Street Spirit (Fade Out)’ by Radiohead
Although originally played on electric guitar, ‘Street Spirit’ sounds equally haunting and beautiful on acoustic guitar.
There’s a unique power in the resonant sound of large chords ringing out on an acoustic.
This track is ideal for guitarists who want to:
- Develop their technique and finger dexterity.
- Practice playing more complex chord shapes.
- Enhance their fingerpicking skills.
Listen to the song’s evocative soundscape:
Here are the acoustic guitar tabs for the opening riff of this song:
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19) ‘Shake It Off’ by Taylor Swift
‘Shake It Off’ by Taylor Swift is one of the most recognizable pop songs of the 21st century. With over a billion views on YouTube, you’ve likely heard this catchy tune.
Click play to watch the music video:
This song is excellent for beginner acoustic guitarists for several reasons:
- It uses only 3 basic chords.
- The strumming pattern is upbeat and fun to play.
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loved by almost everyone.
The chords you’ll need to play this song are:
- Am7
- Cmaj7
- G6
To learn the song effectively, watch this video tutorial:
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