Are you on the hunt for fantastic Music Tabs For Acoustic Guitar? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 19 iconic acoustic guitar songs that are not only easy to learn but also sound incredible. Get ready to be inspired and start playing some amazing tunes!
In this guide to acoustic guitar tabs, you will discover:
- 19 awesome acoustic guitar tabs for songs that sound fantastic.
- 3 essential tips to accelerate your learning progress on the acoustic guitar.
- A diverse range of musical genres within these acoustic guitar tabs to broaden your musical horizons.
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Enhance Your Guitar Skills with These Acoustic Tabs
1) Pink Floyd – ‘Wish You Were Here’
‘Wish You Were Here’ is arguably one of Pink Floyd’s most beloved songs, instantly recognizable and emotionally resonant.
This acoustic guitar tab is an excellent choice for beginners because:
- It beautifully combines chord progressions and lead guitar elements in a single song.
- It’s perfect for honing your alternate picking technique and chord transitions.
- And most importantly, it sounds absolutely captivating!
Listen to the song here:
While mostly beginner-friendly, be aware that there are a few slightly more challenging chords in this piece – keep an eye out for them as you learn.
2) Green Day – ‘Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)’
This timeless track became the anthem of the 1990s for a generation, evoking nostalgia and heartfelt emotion.
To master this song with acoustic guitar tabs, you’ll need to be familiar with these fundamental chords:
- G major
- C major
- D major
- E minor
(If chord diagrams seem confusing, check out our guide: “How To Read Guitar Chordboxes In 60 Seconds” for quick clarity!)
Here are the chord diagrams for each:
G Major
C Major
D Major
E minor
The song structure is straightforward, divided into two main sections:
- Verse
- Chorus
The verse section utilizes this 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) Bob Marley – ‘Redemption Song’
‘Redemption Song’ is a reggae masterpiece and one of Bob Marley’s most enduring and globally recognized anthems.
In this section, we’ll focus on learning the iconic opening riff of this song with acoustic guitar tabs.
Watch Jack demonstrate how to play this classic acoustic guitar tab:
Here’s why learning this acoustic guitar tab is beneficial:
- It’s enjoyable and relatively easy to pick up.
- It sounds fantastic and is instantly recognizable.
- It primarily uses the top three strings, making it manageable for beginners.
4) The Eagles – ‘Hotel California’ (Intro)
If you’ve ever played ‘Guitar Hero’, you’re likely familiar with this legendary song.
‘Hotel California’ is an epic track that sounds phenomenal when played on acoustic guitar.
For these acoustic guitar tabs, we will tackle the intro, originally played on a 12-string acoustic guitar.
A 12-string guitar produces a richer, fuller sound than a standard 6-string. Curious about different guitar types? Learn more here: 9 Types of Guitar Every Guitarist Should Know
Here are the acoustic guitar tabs for the intro:
5) The Beatles – ‘Here Comes The Sun’
‘Here Comes The Sun’ is an iconic acoustic track. Its opening chords are instantly recognizable and evoke the spirit of the 1960s.
Here’s why this tab is included in our list of must-learn acoustic guitar tabs:
- The chord progression uses open chords, which resonate beautifully on acoustic guitar.
- This song is excellent for practicing your fingerpicking technique.
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser; everyone loves this timeless hit from The Beatles.
To learn the full song, check out this tab on Ultimate Guitar: Here Comes The Sun by ‘The Beatles’
6) Eric Clapton – ‘Tears in Heaven’
‘Tears in Heaven’ is one of Eric Clapton’s most emotionally moving songs, an acoustic ballad that has touched hearts worldwide.
This song is particularly beneficial for developing your fingerpicking skills on acoustic guitar.
While not the simplest song to learn initially, its iconic status makes it an essential addition to any acoustic guitarist’s repertoire.
Listen to it here:
For the complete acoustic guitar tabs for this song, visit: ‘Tears In Heaven’ by Eric Clapton
7) Led Zeppelin – ‘Stairway To Heaven’ (Intro)
The opening of ‘Stairway To Heaven’ is legendary and has been a staple in guitar stores for decades as aspiring guitarists try to learn this iconic riff.
There’s a good reason for its popularity; it’s one of the most recognizable acoustic guitar riffs of all time.
Here’s why you should learn this epic acoustic guitar tab:
- It’s incredibly popular and universally admired.
- It’s a fantastic exercise for improving your finger dexterity and coordination.
- The intro riff is ideal for practicing fingerpicking patterns.
Stairway To Heaven acoustic guitar tabs for intro riff
Fun Fact!
‘Stairway To Heaven’ was originally recorded on a double-neck Gibson SG, which is an electric guitar. However, the intro riff translates beautifully and sounds just as epic on acoustic guitar.
To explore the full song, visit: ‘Hotel California’ by The Eagles (Note: Link seems incorrect, should likely be ‘Stairway to Heaven’ tab)
Song Hack!
This song uses a capo on the 7th fret to simplify playing. Using a capo can significantly change the key and make certain songs easier to play in different positions.
If you’re unsure how to use a capo, learn here: How To Use A Capo
8) Neil Young – ‘Harvest Moon’
‘Harvest Moon’ is the title track from Neil Young’s 1992 album of the same name, ‘Harvest Moon’.
Neil Young is renowned for creating signature acoustic guitar tracks, and ‘Harvest Moon’ is a perfect example of his poignant and melodic style.
Listen to the song here:
To learn this iconic acoustic guitar tab, go here: ‘Harvest Moon’ by Neil Young
9) The Black Crowes – ‘She Talks To Angels’
‘She Talks To Angels’ was one of The Black Crowes’ biggest hits in the 1990s, propelling them into mainstream success.
Featured on their debut album ‘Shake Your Money Maker’, it was the fourth single released from the album and became a fan favorite.
This track is a standout acoustic number, and here’s why it’s on our list of top acoustic guitar tabs:
- The opening riff is incredibly fun to play and has a distinctive sound.
- It utilizes open strings effectively, creating a resonant and full sound on acoustic guitar.
- It employs an alternate tuning, making it ideal if you’re looking to experiment with different sonic textures.
For ‘She Talks To Angels’, you’ll need to tune your guitar to this configuration:
- 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 fresh and unique dimension to your guitar playing.
Listen to the track here:
To learn this classic track, find the acoustic guitar tabs here: ‘She Talks To Angels’ by The Black Crowes
10) Jason Mraz – ‘I’m Yours’
‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz is a feel-good song perfect for guitarists of any level, especially those aspiring to master acoustic rhythms.
Here are a few reasons why this song is excellent for learning acoustic guitar tabs:
- It uses a simple, repeating chord progression throughout the entire song, making it easy to memorize.
- It’s a fantastic introduction to reggae-style strumming patterns, which are rhythmically engaging and fun to play.
- It’s a definite crowd-pleaser; almost everyone recognizes and enjoys singing along to this song.
Click play to listen to this track:
The chords used in ‘I’m Yours’ are:
- G6
- Dsus2
- E minor
- C major 7
G6
Dsus2
Em
Cmaj7
The strumming pattern in ‘I’m Yours’ is a bit unique.
In most music, you typically strum on every beat, creating a consistent rhythm like this:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
However, in ‘I’m Yours’, the strumming focuses on beats 2 and 4, giving it a laid-back, syncopated feel:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
11) Ed Sheeran – ‘Thinking Out Loud’
‘Thinking Out Loud’ was a dominant song in 2014, topping charts worldwide including the UK, US, Australia, and many more.
It achieved the rare feat of staying in the UK Top 40 for a full year, highlighting its immense popularity and staying power.
Here are a few reasons why ‘Thinking Out Loud’ is a great choice for acoustic guitar tabs:
- It’s relatively simple to learn, relying on a limited number of chords that are common in pop music.
- The strumming pattern is both enjoyable and interesting, adding a subtle rhythmic complexity to the song.
- It’s a massive crowd-pleaser; playing this at a gathering is sure to be a hit and get people singing along.
Here’s the video:
The chords you’ll need for ‘Thinking Out Loud’ are:
- D major
- D/F#
- G major
- A major
Familiarity with these chords is essential for playing the intro and the rest of the song.
Here are the chord diagrams:
D Major
D/F
G Major
A Major
To learn this song in detail with acoustic guitar tabs, go here: ‘Thinking Out Loud’ by Ed Sheeran
12) Tracy Chapman – ‘Fast Car’
‘Fast Car’ by Tracy Chapman is an iconic song from the 1980s that prominently featured acoustic guitar, bringing it to the forefront of popular music.
For any acoustic guitarist, knowing how to play the main guitar riff of ‘Fast Car’ is almost a rite of passage.
Here are a few compelling reasons why you should learn this track:
- The acoustic guitar riff is instantly recognizable and guaranteed to impress listeners.
- It’s incredibly well-received at social gatherings and parties, making it a great song to have in your repertoire.
- It’s genuinely fun to play and rhythmically engaging.
Here are the acoustic guitar tabs for the main riff:
Acoustic guitar tabs for Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
Want to learn guitar online for FREE? Go here: Learn Guitar Online With The National Guitar Academy
13) Jack Johnson – ‘Better Together’
‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson is often cited as one of the best songs to learn on acoustic guitar due to its blend of technique and musicality.
Here’s why it’s a superb choice for acoustic guitar tabs:
- It incorporates the string slapping technique, which, when mastered, enhances your musical phrasing and rhythmic feel.
- It’s excellent practice for barre chords, essential for expanding your chord vocabulary and finger strength.
- It’s a very popular and laid-back track, perfect for relaxed guitar sessions at home or casual performances.
To play ‘Better Together’, proficiency in barre chords is needed. Watch this video to learn how:
It’s also beneficial to practice string slapping. This video will guide you:
To learn how to play this track with acoustic guitar tabs, go here: ‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson
14) Red Hot Chili Peppers – ‘Under The Bridge’
‘Under The Bridge’ is a ballad by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and one of their most commercially successful songs. It was a massive hit in the 1990s and helped propel them into mainstream popularity.
Here are a few reasons why ‘Under The Bridge’ is a great addition to our list of acoustic guitar tabs:
- It sounds fantastic acoustically, and it’s a song that almost everyone enjoys and recognizes.
- It provides excellent practice for barre chords, which are used extensively throughout the song.
- If you’re aiming to improve your alternate picking technique, learning this track is highly beneficial.
Here’s the video for this iconic track:
When learning ‘Under The Bridge’, be aware that barring chords can be challenging initially. If you find barre chords difficult, you can use a capo on the 2nd fret and play these simpler chords:
- C Major
- A Minor
15) Lynyrd Skynyrd – ‘Sweet Home Alabama’
‘Sweet Home Alabama’ is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most recognizable and enduring anthems.
It’s particularly great for beginner guitarists because it uses just three chords throughout the entire song, making it easy to memorize and play.
It sounds fantastic on acoustic guitar and is an ideal song for parties, sing-alongs, and casual gigs.
To learn ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, you’ll need to know these chords:
- D major
- C major
- G major
To learn the song, watch this video:
16) Bob Dylan – ‘Blowin’ In The Wind’
‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ by Bob Dylan is perfectly suited for acoustic guitarists, primarily because it uses only three basic chords.
These essential chords are:
- G
- C
- D
If you want to learn folk and acoustic guitar, mastering songs like this with these chords is fundamental!
To learn these chords, check out these lessons: (lessons links would be added here)
The song has a simple, repetitive structure with two main sections:
- Verse
- Chorus
The verse chord progression is as follows:
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 progression is slightly different:
C D |G C |C D |G |
1 2 3 4 |1 2 3 4 |1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4 |
17) Oasis – ‘Wonderwall’
When you think of quintessential acoustic guitar songs, ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis likely comes to mind immediately.
Despite being almost cliché due to its popularity, it’s undeniably a must-include on any list of acoustic guitar songs.
‘Wonderwall’ defined the sound of the 90s for many. Listen to it here:
For playing ‘Wonderwall’, you’ll ideally know these chords:
- Em7
- G
- Dsus4
- A7sus4
- Cadd9
These chords are a bit more nuanced than standard open chords, but you can also play simplified versions using standard open chords which will still sound great:
- Em
- G
- D
- A
- C
These simplified chords are perfectly acceptable and will allow you to play and enjoy the song.
To learn ‘Wonderwall’ in greater detail with acoustic guitar tabs, go here: ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis
18) Radiohead – ‘Street Spirit (Fade Out)’
Although originally played on electric guitar, ‘Street Spirit’ by Radiohead translates beautifully to acoustic guitar, retaining its haunting and powerful atmosphere.
There’s something uniquely captivating about the resonance of large, open chords ringing out on an acoustic guitar, and ‘Street Spirit’ exemplifies this.
This track is perfect for guitarists who want to:
- Develop their technique and finger dexterity through more complex chord shapes.
- Practice playing more intricate and unusual chord voicings.
- Enhance their fingerpicking and strumming skills with varied dynamics.
Watch this video to hear the acoustic interpretation:
Here are the acoustic guitar tabs for the opening riff of ‘Street Spirit’:
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19) Taylor Swift – ‘Shake It Off’
‘Shake It Off’ by Taylor Swift is undeniably one of the most popular songs of the 21st century. With over a billion views on YouTube, it’s a song that has permeated global pop culture.
Click ‘play’ to watch the video:
‘Shake It Off’ is an excellent choice for beginner acoustic guitarists for several reasons:
- It’s built around just three basic chords, making it easy to learn the harmonic structure.
- The strumming pattern is upbeat and really fun to play, encouraging rhythmic practice.
- It’s a massive crowd-pleaser; its popularity ensures it’s a hit whenever you play it for others.
The chords in ‘Shake It Off’ are:
- Am7
- Cmaj7
- G6
To learn ‘Shake It Off’ with acoustic guitar tabs, watch this tutorial:
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