Best of Acoustic Guitar Songs: Top Tracks for Guitar Players

Acoustic guitars possess a unique magic, capable of conveying intimacy, raw emotion, and intricate musicality all at once. From gentle fingerpicking ballads to strumming anthems, the best acoustic guitar songs resonate with listeners and inspire players. Recently, guitarplayers.net conducted a massive poll asking you, our readers, to vote for your favorite acoustic tracks of all time. With over 75,000 votes cast, the results are in!

This definitive list celebrates the greatest acoustic guitar songs as chosen by guitar enthusiasts worldwide. We’ll count down from 50 to 21, briefly highlighting each gem, before diving deep into the top 20, exploring what makes each of these tracks essential listening and playing for any guitarist.

50 to 21: Acoustic Guitar Essentials

Here’s a quickfire round of incredible acoustic songs that made the top 50, showcasing the breadth and depth of acoustic guitar music:

50. The Entertainer – Chet Atkins
51. Shape Of My Heart – Sting
52. Somebody That I Used To Know – Mike Dawes
53. The River – Bruce Springsteen
54. Cross Road Blues – Robert Johnson
55. 1952 Vincent Black Lightning – Richard Thompson
56. Spanish Fly – Van Halen
57. Just Breathe – Pearl Jam
58. Mediterranean Sundance – Al Di Meola
59. Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
60. Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
61. Drifting – Andy McKee
62. Classical Gas – Mason Williams
63. The Clap – Yes
64. Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) – Green Day
65. Angelina – Tommy Emmanuel
66. Wonderwall – Oasis
67. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
68. Jolene – Dolly Parton
69. Wanted Dead Or Alive – Bon Jovi
70. Redemption Song – Bob Marley And The Wailers
71. Life By The Drop – Stevie Ray Vaughan
72. Romeo And Juliet – Dire Straits
73. Nutshell – Alice In Chains
74. Carry On – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
75. I Walk The Line – Johnny Cash
76. Maggie May – Rod Stewart
77. More Than Words – Extreme
78. Crazy On You – Heart
79. (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding

Now, let’s explore the top 20 acoustic guitar songs in more detail, uncovering the guitar work that makes them truly exceptional.

20. Tangled Up In Blue – Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan – Tangled Up In Blue (Official HD Video) – YouTube
Bob Dylan in black and white playing a Martin acoustic guitar, singing into a microphone, from the official music video for Tangled Up In Blue

Opening Bob Dylan’s iconic Blood On The Tracks album, “Tangled Up In Blue” is a masterclass in storytelling and deceptively simple acoustic guitar work. Dylan himself plays a 1950s Martin 00-21, complemented by Kevin Odegard on a 1969 Martin D-28. This track showcases the power of two acoustic guitars interweaving to create a rich and dynamic sound.

The song’s guitar part is built around common chord shapes, making it accessible for beginner guitarists. The intro riff moves between A and Asus4, while the verses utilize a progression of A, G, and D. The chorus introduces E and F#m, adding harmonic complexity. “Tangled Up In Blue” proves that even with basic chords, masterful songwriting and performance can create one of the best acoustic guitar songs of all time.

19. Patience – Guns N’ Roses (1988)

Guns N’ Roses – Patience – YouTube
Axl Rose singing and Izzy Stradlin playing a blonde acoustic guitar on stage during a Guns N' Roses concert, from the official music video for Patience

“Patience” from Guns N’ Roses stands out as a softer side for the hard rock legends, driven by Izzy Stradlin’s acoustic guitar. This song is built upon fundamental cowboy chords – the first chords many guitarists learn. The challenge lies not in the chord shapes themselves, but in Stradlin’s intricate and rhythmic picking pattern, which gives the song its distinctive groove.

Slash’s guitar solo, while electric, is rooted in the major pentatonic scale, offering a bright and uplifting contrast to the minor key verses. This blend of acoustic simplicity and melodic soloing contributes to “Patience” being recognized as one of the best acoustic-driven rock ballads. It’s a great example of how acoustic guitar can add depth and emotion even within a rock context.

18. Nothing Else Matters – Metallica (1991)

Metallica: Nothing Else Matters (Official Music Video) – YouTube
James Hetfield playing a black acoustic guitar in a dimly lit, smoky studio from the official music video for Nothing Else Matters

Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” begins with a hauntingly beautiful acoustic guitar intro played by James Hetfield. The song’s foundation is built on E minor arpeggios, cleverly utilizing open strings for ease of playing while creating a rich and full sound. This intro section is a lesson in atmospheric acoustic guitar arrangement.

The arpeggios expand to incorporate notes from the E natural minor scale, moving through chords like Am6, C, and D. Hetfield also incorporates natural harmonics at the 12th fret, adding ethereal textures. “Nothing Else Matters” showcases how acoustic guitar can be used to build a captivating and emotionally charged atmosphere, even in heavy metal.

17. Fast Car – Tracy Chapman (1988)

Tracy Chapman – Fast Car (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Tracy Chapman playing a sunburst acoustic guitar and singing in a black and white music video for Fast Car

Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” is a folk-rock classic powered by her Martin D-18E acoustic guitar, equipped with DeArmond pickups and a capo on the 2nd fret. The song’s magic lies in its simplicity: just four chords – C, G, Em, and D – form the harmonic backbone of this poignant narrative about escaping poverty.

Chapman’s use of upper register voicings for Em and D chords, combined with subtle melodic embellishments, adds depth and character to the seemingly simple arrangement. The song’s enduring legacy is cemented by countless covers, proving the timeless appeal of its acoustic-driven storytelling and making it one of the best acoustic guitar songs for singer-songwriters.

16. The Needle And The Damage Done – Neil Young (1972)

Neil Young – Needle And The Damage Done [Unplugged] – YouTube
Neil Young in a denim jacket playing a Martin D-45 acoustic guitar and singing on stage in a black and white performance of Needle And The Damage Done

Neil Young’s raw and poignant “The Needle And The Damage Done” was recorded live at UCLA’s Royce Hall in 1971. Performed on a Martin D-45, this acoustic ballad is a stark ode to the devastating effects of heroin addiction. The live setting enhances the song’s intimacy and emotional impact.

The arrangement is deceptively simple, revolving around D major and slash chords. However, the context and Young’s emotionally charged performance transform these simple chords into a powerful and heartbreaking message. “The Needle And The Damage Done” demonstrates the power of acoustic guitar to deliver raw and unflinching emotion.

15. Angie – The Rolling Stones (1973)

The Rolling Stones – Angie – OFFICIAL PROMO (Version 1) – YouTube
Mick Jagger singing and Keith Richards playing a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar in a promotional video for Angie by The Rolling Stones

“Angie” by The Rolling Stones is introduced by Keith Richards picking a harmonic on his Gibson Hummingbird, followed by a simple Am chord. This iconic acoustic ballad features both Richards and Mick Taylor on acoustic guitars, weaving intricate strumming patterns, bluesy licks, and non-scalic passing notes together.

The song is further enriched by Nicky Hopkins on piano and a string arrangement by Nicky Harrison, creating a lush and romantic soundscape. “Angie” stands as one of the Stones’ most successful acoustic-driven songs, showcasing their versatility beyond their rock and roll roots.

14. Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty (1989)

Tom Petty – Free Fallin’ – YouTube
Tom Petty playing a 12-string acoustic guitar and singing in the music video for Free Fallin'

Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” is a classic example of songwriting serendipity. Co-written with Jeff Lynne, the song features Petty’s distinctive 12-string acoustic guitar sound, layered with Lynne’s acoustic and a contrasting electric 12-string solo by Mike Campbell. The combination of these layered acoustic guitars creates the song’s signature jangle and bright, open feel.

The song’s simplicity and catchy melody, combined with the prominent 12-string acoustic, helped “Free Fallin’” become an instant classic and a staple in the American songbook. It is a testament to the power of simple, well-arranged acoustic instrumentation.

13. Can’t Find My Way Home – Blind Faith (1969)

Blind Faith ~ Can’t Find My Way Home ~ (Original Acoustic Version) HQ Audio – YouTube
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood of Blind Faith playing acoustic guitars and singing in a black and white photo

Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home,” written by Steve Winwood, is a masterpiece of acoustic arrangement. This track features three separate nylon-string guitar parts intricately woven together, creating a mesmerizing and ethereal sound. Winwood himself played the left and right-panned guitar parts, fingerpicking in drop D tuning for a unique Celtic folk flavor.

Eric Clapton adds melodic improvisations on acoustic guitar, showcasing a softer side to his playing. The song’s layered nylon-string guitars and haunting melody make it a standout example of acoustic artistry and one of the best acoustic songs from the supergroup era.

12. My Sweet Lord – George Harrison (1970)

George Harrison – My Sweet Lord – YouTube
George Harrison in a white suit playing a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar and singing in the music video for My Sweet Lord, despite the song being primarily acoustic

George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” is a spiritual anthem layered with multiple acoustic guitar tracks, showcasing Harrison’s burgeoning guitar genius post-Beatles. While often associated with its electric elements and Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” production, the song is fundamentally built upon a foundation of rich acoustic guitars.

Featuring contributions from Badfinger’s Peter Frampton, Pete Ham, and Joey Molland, as well as Eric Clapton, “My Sweet Lord” is an example of how acoustic guitars can form a dense and uplifting sonic tapestry. It’s a testament to Harrison’s songwriting and his ability to utilize acoustic instruments to create a powerful spiritual message.

11. Fire And Rain – James Taylor (1971)

James Taylor – Fire And Rain (BBC In Concert, 11/16/1970) – YouTube
James Taylor playing a Gibson J-50 acoustic guitar and singing on stage in a BBC In Concert performance of Fire and Rain

James Taylor’s “Fire And Rain” from Sweet Baby James is an exquisitely melancholic ballad featuring his signature fingerstyle acoustic guitar playing on a Gibson J-50 with a capo at the 3rd fret. Taylor employs unorthodox A and D chord shapes, augmented by hammer-ons, pull-offs, and added major 7ths, 9ths, and suspended chords, creating a rich harmonic texture.

The sensitive accompaniment, including Carole King on piano, Russ Kunkel on drums, and Bobby West on double bass, enhances the song’s emotional depth. “Fire And Rain” is a defining example of the singer-songwriter era and one of the best acoustic guitar songs for its intricate yet understated guitar work.

10. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac (1975)

Fleetwood Mac – Landslide (Official Music Video) [HD] – YouTube
Stevie Nicks singing and Lindsey Buckingham playing a Martin D-18 acoustic guitar in the music video for Landslide

Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” is a folk-tinged hit featuring Lindsey Buckingham’s distinctive fingerstyle acoustic guitar playing. The song is built around densely layered acoustic guitars, heavily reverbed to create a chorus-like effect. Buckingham, known for his aversion to picks, employs Travis picking and an “inside-out” picking pattern in the verses, along with reverse banjo-style rolls in the chorus.

Likely played on his beloved Martin D-18, “Landslide” showcases Buckingham’s unique fingerstyle technique and the power of layered acoustic guitars to create a simple yet deeply moving song. It’s a masterclass in acoustic arrangement and earns its place among the best acoustic guitar songs.

9. The Boxer – Simon & Garfunkel (1969)

Simon & Garfunkel – The Boxer (from The Concert in Central Park) – YouTube
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel singing and playing acoustic guitars during the Concert in Central Park performance of The Boxer

Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” features exquisite acoustic interplay between Paul Simon and Nashville session guitarist Fred Carter Jr. Carter played a baby Martin 000-18 in open B tuning (B C# F# B D# F#), creating the song’s iconic introductory lick. Simon played his Martin D-18 in regular tuning, fingerpicking in open C, tuned down a half step.

The combination of Carter’s open tuning lick and Simon’s rhythmic fingerpicking creates a rich and dynamic acoustic texture. “The Boxer” is a testament to the duo’s craft and the power of two acoustic guitars working in harmony, solidifying its place as one of the best acoustic guitar songs ever recorded.

8. American Pie – Don McLean (1971)

Don McLean – American Pie (Lyric Video) – YouTube
Don McLean in a brown jacket playing a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar and singing in a performance of American Pie

Don McLean’s epic “American Pie” is driven by his Martin D-28 acoustic guitar, renowned for its rich tone and resonance. McLean’s acoustic guitar work, complemented by Paul Griffin’s piano, propels this sprawling narrative about the “day the music died.” Despite its seemingly straightforward strumming, “American Pie” presents a significant challenge in its execution due to its frequent chord changes.

McLean himself noted the song’s complexity, with chord changes occurring almost every second. The result is a timeless classic and one of the best acoustic guitar songs for its storytelling and deceptively intricate acoustic foundation.

7. Dust In The Wind – Kansas

Kansas – Dust in the Wind (Official Video) – YouTube
Kansas band members Kerry Livgren and Rich Williams playing acoustic guitars in the music video for Dust In The Wind

Kansas’s “Dust In The Wind” originated from a fingerpicking exercise by guitarist Kerry Livgren. The song features a chimey guitar sound that resembles a 12-string, but is actually created by Kerry Livgren and Rich Williams playing six-string Martin Dreadnought acoustics in unison – one in standard tuning and the other in Nashville tuning.

This unique tuning combination creates the song’s signature shimmering acoustic texture. “Dust In The Wind” marked a departure from Kansas’s rock sound and became their biggest hit, showcasing the power of acoustic guitars even within a prog-rock context. It’s a testament to how a simple acoustic idea can become one of the best acoustic guitar songs.

6. Passionflower – Jon Gomm (2013)

Jon Gomm – Passionflower – YouTube
Jon Gomm tapping and playing percussively on a Lowden acoustic guitar in a live performance of Passionflower

Jon Gomm’s “Passionflower” redefines the boundaries of acoustic guitar playing. This instrumental piece showcases Gomm’s innovative techniques, treating the acoustic guitar as both a percussive and melodic instrument. He utilizes phenomenal legato and tapping techniques, freeing his picking hand to create rhythmic patterns on the guitar’s soundboard.

Gomm’s technique is audacious, drawing influence from both classical guitarists like Andrés Segovia and electric guitar virtuosos like Joe Satriani. He even manipulates the tuners mid-song like a whammy bar, adding further sonic textures. “Passionflower” is a groundbreaking example of modern acoustic guitar virtuosity and one of the best acoustic guitar songs for pushing instrumental boundaries.

5. Blackbird – The Beatles (1968)

Blackbird (Remastered 2009) – YouTube
Paul McCartney in a white shirt playing a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar and singing in a studio performance of Blackbird

The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” written by Paul McCartney, is inspired by Bach’s Bourrée in E minor and the civil rights movement. McCartney plays a steel-string Martin D-28, giving the song a pastoral and folk-like quality. The song’s fingerpicking pattern is reminiscent of Bach, adapted to the steel-string acoustic guitar.

“Blackbird” is a masterclass in minimalist acoustic arrangement, with only McCartney’s acoustic guitar and vocals, along with the percussive tapping of his foot. This simplicity highlights the song’s melodic beauty and poignant message, making it one of the best and most recognizable acoustic guitar songs ever written.

4. Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton (1992)

Eric Clapton, renowned as an electric guitar icon, revealed his emotional depth with “Tears In Heaven,” a Grammy-winning nylon-string acoustic piece. Written for the film Rush and inspired by the tragic loss of his son Conor, this heartfelt ballad is played in A major, pairing bass notes with diads on the higher strings.

Clapton’s nylon-string acoustic work is both technically proficient and deeply emotive, conveying profound grief and healing. “Tears In Heaven” showcases the acoustic guitar’s capacity for raw emotional expression and stands as one of Clapton’s most personal and best acoustic guitar songs.

3. Hotel California – Eagles (1976)

Eagles – Hotel California (Live 1977) (Official Video) [HD] – YouTube
Don Felder and Glenn Frey playing 12-string acoustic guitars on stage during a live performance of Hotel California by The Eagles

The Eagles’ “Hotel California” is a song renowned for its layered guitars, including Don Felder and Glenn Frey’s shimmering 12-string acoustics. The song’s main chord sequence in B minor incorporates chords borrowed from outside the key, creating its distinctive and pleasing harmonic structure.

The interplay of 12-string acoustics provides a rich and spacious foundation for the song, while the electric guitar solos further enhance its iconic status. “Hotel California” is a masterclass in arrangement and guitar layering, solidifying its place as one of the most covered and best acoustic guitar songs of all time.

2. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd (1975)

DAVID GILMOUR PLAYING / SINGING “WISH YOU WERE HERE” IN THE STUDIO. A GUITAR MASTERCLASS. – YouTube
David Gilmour playing a Martin D-12 28 12-string acoustic guitar and singing in a studio recording of Wish You Were Here

Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is a model of simplicity and minimalism, beginning with David Gilmour on a Martin D12-28 12-string acoustic. The opening chords, an Em7 shape and a G chord, are processed to sound like they are played through an AM radio, creating a nostalgic and intimate atmosphere.

Gilmour’s 12-string acoustic forms the core of the song, later joined by his 6-string Martin D-35 for fuller leads. “Wish You Were Here” demonstrates how a simple acoustic guitar idea, combined with atmospheric production, can create a deeply resonant and iconic song, making it one of the best acoustic guitar songs for its minimalist beauty.

1. Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin (1971)

Robert Plant with tambourine and Jimmy Page with his Gibson EDS-1275 doubleneck guitar on stage in concert

(Image credit: Jay Dickman/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” tops our list as the greatest acoustic guitar song of all time, despite its electric climax. Jimmy Page’s acoustic guitar work on his Sovereign H1260 forms the song’s delicate and intricate foundation. The song opens with an arpeggiated motif in A minor, gradually descending into open position chords.

Page’s acoustic guitar arrangement is both fragile and sophisticated, building tension and atmosphere throughout the song’s opening section. “Stairway To Heaven” is a masterpiece of musical dynamics and arrangement, seamlessly blending acoustic and electric elements, and solidifying its legendary status as the number one best acoustic guitar song as voted by guitarplayers.net readers.

Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven (Official Audio) – YouTube
Jimmy Page playing a Sovereign acoustic guitar in a promotional still for Led Zeppelin's Stairway To Heaven

Conclusion:

This list of the best acoustic guitar songs, voted by you, showcases the incredible versatility and enduring appeal of the acoustic guitar. From classic ballads to innovative instrumentals, these songs represent the pinnacle of acoustic guitar artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, these tracks offer endless inspiration and a deep dive into the world of acoustic guitar music. Explore these songs, learn their techniques, and discover your own acoustic guitar journey.