Unplugging from the electric guitar and embracing the acoustic can be a transformative experience for any musician. While electric guitars offer a world of effects and forgiveness with distortion, the acoustic guitar demands precision, clarity, and often, highlights the pure essence of songwriting. Playing acoustic arrangements can breathe new life into familiar tunes, offer unique interpretations of covers, and truly showcase the beauty of a well-crafted song.
Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting your musical journey, exploring popular acoustic songs is a fantastic way to expand your repertoire and appreciate the versatility of the acoustic guitar. From timeless classics to modern hits, the world of acoustic music is vast and rewarding.
Here, we present 30 of the most popular acoustic songs that resonate with guitarists and music lovers alike. These are the tracks that have inspired countless players, filled concert halls, and continue to be cherished for their acoustic brilliance. Get ready to discover (or rediscover) songs that will give you goosebumps and make you eager to pick up your acoustic guitar.
30. Love Of My Life – Queen
Queen’s “Love Of My Life” stands as a powerful example of musical intimacy achieved with just voice and guitar. Freddie Mercury’s vocal performance is raw and emotive, perfectly complemented by Brian May’s masterful acoustic guitar work. May’s playing is both delicate and majestic, creating a perfect soundscape for Mercury’s vulnerable yet hopeful delivery. This song is a testament to the enduring power of simple acoustic arrangements and exceptional songwriting, making it a popular choice for acoustic guitarists seeking to express deep emotion.
29. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want – The Smiths
Considered by many to be the saddest of The Smiths’ songs, “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” is a masterclass in melancholic beauty. Morrissey’s vocals are filled with longing and vulnerability, while Johnny Marr’s understated acoustic arrangement perfectly captures the song’s bittersweet essence. The simplicity of the acoustic guitar part makes it accessible for many players, yet the emotional depth and iconic melody ensure its place among Popular Acoustic Guitar Songs. Its short, poignant nature makes it a perfect study in minimalist acoustic songwriting.
28. Working Class Hero – John Lennon
“Working Class Hero” showcases John Lennon in his rawest and most politically charged acoustic form. With just three chords and a powerful vocal delivery, Lennon dissects the class system with biting honesty. The song’s stark acoustic arrangement emphasizes the directness of the message, making it a potent and timeless protest anthem. Its simple structure makes it approachable for guitarists of various levels, while its iconic status and lyrical depth solidify its popularity as an acoustic guitar song. The raw energy and social commentary resonate deeply, making it a compelling choice for acoustic performance.
27. American Pie – Don McLean
Don McLean’s “American Pie” is an acoustic epic that has stood the test of time. Forget any cover versions; McLean’s original acoustic rendition remains the definitive version. The song’s enigmatic lyrics have been analyzed extensively, but the acoustic guitar work itself is a key element of its enduring appeal. The gentle fingerpicking and strumming patterns provide the foundation for McLean’s storytelling, creating a captivating and lengthy narrative. For acoustic guitarists, “American Pie” is a challenging yet rewarding song to learn, appreciated for its historical significance and intricate acoustic arrangement.
26. Pink Moon – Nick Drake
Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” is shrouded in the mystique of his enigmatic life, but the song’s beauty shines brightly. It highlights Drake’s exceptional talent for crafting unique chord progressions and utilizing distinctive tunings, all delivered with a hauntingly melodic vocal line. The sparse instrumentation, featuring just Drake’s voice and acoustic guitar, creates an intimate and captivating atmosphere. “Pink Moon” is a popular choice for acoustic guitarists drawn to introspective and technically interesting songs, showcasing Drake’s unique contribution to acoustic music.
25. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
“Landslide” is one of Fleetwood Mac’s most enduring and frequently performed songs, largely due to its powerful acoustic arrangement. Stevie Nicks’ deeply personal lyrics about her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham are enhanced by Buckingham’s delicate and intricate fingerpicked guitar passages. The acoustic guitar work is central to the song’s emotional impact, providing a sensitive and supportive backdrop for Nicks’ vocals. “Landslide” remains a popular acoustic guitar song for its emotional resonance and beautifully crafted guitar part, suitable for intermediate to advanced players looking for a song with depth and feeling.
24. Down In A Hole (Unplugged) – Alice In Chains
Alice In Chains’ “Down In A Hole” in its “Unplugged” version is a prime example of the softer, more emotive side of grunge. Recorded during their iconic 1996 MTV Unplugged session, this rendition strips away the electric distortion to reveal the raw emotional core of the song. The fingerpicked minor chords and Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell’s intertwined, gravelly vocals create a powerful and intimate performance. This acoustic version is popular among guitarists who appreciate the dynamic range of acoustic music and the ability to convey intensity through delicate playing.
23. The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'” is arguably the most timeless protest song ever written. Beyond its profound lyrics, the song’s Celtic-influenced strumming pattern and simple chord progression are instantly recognizable and deeply satisfying to play on acoustic guitar. Dylan’s iconic strumming style is both rhythmic and driving, perfectly complementing the song’s message of social change. Its accessibility and powerful message make it a perennially popular acoustic guitar song, especially for those interested in folk and protest music.
22. Life By The Drop – Stevie Ray Vaughan
“Life By The Drop” is a rare acoustic gem from electric guitar icon Stevie Ray Vaughan. On this track, SRV trades his Stratocaster for a 12-string acoustic, delivering a shimmering blues shuffle that showcases his versatility. While not as widely known as his electric blues anthems, “Life By The Drop” reveals Vaughan’s soulful vocals and heartfelt guitar embellishments. This song is popular among acoustic guitarists who appreciate blues and want to explore a different side of SRV’s musicianship, demonstrating that his blues sensibility translates beautifully to the acoustic realm.
21. Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses” is a classic ballad that translates beautifully to acoustic guitar. The song’s melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics are perfectly suited to acoustic instrumentation. Mick Taylor’s use of Nashville tuning on the original recording adds a unique shimmer to the acoustic guitars. While seemingly simple, capturing the nuances of “Wild Horses” on acoustic guitar requires attention to detail and dynamics, making it a rewarding challenge for intermediate players and a popular choice for those who love classic rock ballads.
20. Everlong (acoustic) – Foo Fighters
“Everlong,” originally a high-energy electric track by Foo Fighters, took on a new life as an acoustic rendition. Dave Grohl’s impromptu acoustic performance of “Everlong” on Howard Stern’s radio show became a sensation, highlighting the song’s strong melodic core and emotional depth even without the full band arrangement. Grohl’s urgent strumming and passionate vocals in the acoustic version resonated deeply with listeners. This acoustic version is widely popular and demonstrates how a powerful song can be transformed and appreciated in a stripped-down acoustic format, inspiring guitarists to explore acoustic arrangements of rock songs.
19. Wonderwall – Oasis
Oasis’ “Wonderwall” is practically synonymous with the acoustic guitar for a generation of players. Noel Gallagher’s simple four-chord progression has made “Wonderwall” the quintessential beginner acoustic guitar song. Its ubiquity might lead some to overlook it, but its undeniable melodic strength and singalong quality have cemented its place as a modern classic. “Wonderwall” remains a hugely popular choice for beginner guitarists and a recognizable anthem for acoustic singalongs, representing the Britpop era’s acoustic sensibilities.
18. May You Never – John Martyn
John Martyn’s “May You Never” is a deeply emotive song that showcases his unique guitar style and world-weary vocals. Martyn’s complex fingerpicking and use of effects, even in an acoustic context, create a rich and textured soundscape. The song’s lyrics offer advice from a man who has lived a full life, adding to its emotional weight. “May You Never” is popular among acoustic guitarists who appreciate intricate playing and songs with emotional depth, representing Martyn’s significant contribution to British folk and acoustic music.
17. Dust In The Wind – Kansas
“Dust In The Wind” by Kansas is a prog-folk masterpiece that began as a simple fingerpicking exercise. Kerry Livgren’s guitar work, often mistaken for a 12-string, is actually achieved with a combination of standard and Nashville-tuned acoustics, creating a chorus-like shimmer. The song’s philosophical lyrics and delicate acoustic arrangement have made it a classic. “Dust In The Wind” is a popular choice for acoustic guitarists seeking to explore fingerpicking techniques and appreciate the fusion of folk and progressive elements in acoustic music.
16. Layla (Unplugged) – Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton’s “Layla” in its “Unplugged” version is a testament to the power of re-arrangement. Stripped down from its electric rock origins, the acoustic “Layla” highlights the song’s melodic beauty and emotional core. Clapton’s performance on “Unplugged” is particularly poignant given the personal tragedies he had experienced. This acoustic version is immensely popular and arguably surpasses the original in emotional resonance for many listeners, demonstrating how a song can evolve and gain new depth through acoustic interpretation.
15. Fake Plastic Trees – Radiohead
Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is a song that begins acoustically and builds to a powerful crescendo. While the full band version incorporates electric elements, the song’s acoustic guitar foundation is crucial to its emotional impact. Thom Yorke’s emotive vocals and the song’s themes of consumerism and authenticity resonate deeply. “Fake Plastic Trees” is a popular choice for acoustic guitarists who appreciate songs with dynamic range and lyrical depth, and who are drawn to Radiohead’s unique blend of alternative and introspective songwriting.
14. Going To California – Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s “Going To California” showcases the band’s softer side, with Jimmy Page’s intricate acoustic guitar work taking center stage. The song features open tunings, mandolin, and a restrained vocal performance from Robert Plant. “Going To California” demonstrates Led Zeppelin’s versatility beyond hard rock and blues, highlighting their ability to create beautiful and nuanced acoustic music. It’s a popular choice for acoustic guitarists who want to explore open tunings and appreciate the lighter side of Led Zeppelin’s catalog.
13. Fire And Rain – James Taylor
James Taylor’s “Fire And Rain” is a quintessential acoustic storyteller song. Taylor’s gentle fingerpicking and poignant lyrics address themes of loss, addiction, and fame. The song’s cathartic nature and relatable themes have made it an enduring classic. “Fire And Rain” is a hugely popular choice for acoustic guitarists, particularly beginners, due to its relatively straightforward fingerpicking pattern and emotionally resonant lyrics. It exemplifies the singer-songwriter genre and Taylor’s mastery of acoustic guitar balladry.
12. Heart Of Gold – Neil Young
Neil Young’s “Heart Of Gold,” his biggest hit, is a result of him embracing the acoustic guitar due to a back injury. The song’s gentle folk-rock melody and prominent harmonica breaks are instantly recognizable. Despite its commercial success, even Bob Dylan had mixed feelings about its popularity, highlighting its Dylan-esque qualities. “Heart Of Gold” is a popular and accessible acoustic song for guitarists of all levels, showcasing Young’s signature folk-rock style and his ability to craft simple yet impactful songs.
11. More Than Words – Extreme
Extreme’s “More Than Words” is a power ballad anomaly from a funk-rock band. Its saccharine sweetness and simplicity are both endearing and, for some, irresistible. Despite its potentially polarizing nature, “More Than Words” is undeniably catchy and has become a karaoke and acoustic guitar party staple. It remains a popular choice for acoustic guitarists who enjoy ballads and don’t mind embracing a bit of cheesy charm, showcasing Nuno Bettencourt’s acoustic guitar skills in a different context.
10. The Boxer – Simon And Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” is an acoustic masterpiece known for its intricate and layered guitar work. The recording process was famously lengthy, with over 100 studio hours spent capturing the delicate fingerpicked guitar parts played by Paul Simon and session musician Fred Carter Jr. The song builds from a gentle folk ballad to a powerful and dramatic conclusion. “The Boxer” is a popular and challenging acoustic guitar song for advanced players who appreciate intricate fingerpicking and rich vocal harmonies, representing Simon & Garfunkel’s peak as acoustic songwriters and performers.
9. Redemption Song – Bob Marley
Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” is an unusual ballad within his reggae catalog, and unique among his songs for featuring only Marley on vocals and acoustic guitar. The lyrics are both politically charged, referencing Marcus Garvey, and deeply personal, reflecting on Marley’s own mortality. The song’s stark acoustic arrangement emphasizes its powerful message and emotional vulnerability. “Redemption Song” is a popular acoustic guitar song for its historical and cultural significance, its powerful message of hope and resilience, and its relatively simple yet effective acoustic arrangement.
8. Needle And The Damage Done – Neil Young
“Needle And The Damage Done” by Neil Young is a cornerstone in the lineage of acoustic songs addressing the perils of heroin abuse. Young wrote the song after witnessing his Crazy Horse bandmate Danny Whitten’s addiction. The recorded version is taken from a live performance, adding to its raw and intimate feel. “Needle And The Damage Done” is a poignant and powerful acoustic song, popular for its stark honesty and its place in music history as a commentary on drug addiction, delivered with Young’s signature acoustic style.
7. Hurt – Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” is a transformative reinterpretation that became definitively his own. By 2002, Cash’s voice was more fragile, but it’s this vulnerability that gives his rendition of “Hurt” its immense power. Rick Rubin’s sparse and biblical-sounding production further enhances the song’s emotional impact. Cash’s “Hurt” is a popular acoustic guitar song for its emotional depth, its unlikely pairing of artist and material, and its status as a career-defining late-career masterpiece, demonstrating the power of acoustic interpretation.
6. Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton’s “Tears In Heaven” is a song born from immense personal tragedy, making its creation and performance all the more remarkable. Instantly iconic upon release, the song’s simple acoustic arrangement and heartbreaking lyrics have resonated with millions. While often played at open mic nights, its emotional weight and Clapton’s masterful performance elevate it far beyond a simple ballad. “Tears In Heaven” is a popular acoustic guitar song for its emotional power, its simple yet effective arrangement, and its place as one of Clapton’s most enduring and personal classics.
5. Hotel California (Unplugged) – The Eagles
The Eagles’ “Hotel California” in its “Unplugged” version is an extended showcase of impressive acoustic guitar work. From the Spanish-style intro to the tasteful solos throughout, the acoustic arrangement highlights the guitarists’ skill and musicality. While some might find the bongo drums slightly out of place, the overall acoustic performance is captivating. “Hotel California (Unplugged)” is a popular choice for acoustic guitarists who appreciate extended arrangements, intricate guitar parts, and a classic rock song reimagined in an acoustic setting.
4. Blackbird – The Beatles
The Beatles’ “Blackbird” is a solo acoustic folk performance by Paul McCartney, inspired by Bach’s Bouree In E Minor. McCartney’s delicate fingerpicking on a Martin D-28 is the song’s centerpiece, accompanied only by his foot tapping for rhythm and ambient bird sounds. Lyrically, “Blackbird” is a metaphor for the civil rights movement. “Blackbird” is a hugely popular acoustic guitar song for its beauty, its historical context, its relatively accessible fingerpicking pattern, and its status as a classic Beatles track showcasing McCartney’s acoustic guitar skills.
3. Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
George Harrison’s “Here Comes The Sun” is an eternally optimistic and melodically rich song that he wrote while skipping out on Apple meetings. The song features multiple time signatures and showcases Harrison’s diverse acoustic guitar applications, including capoed parts. Its breezy and uplifting feel, combined with its melodic complexity, makes it a standout Beatles track. “Here Comes The Sun” is a highly popular acoustic guitar song for its positive vibes, its melodic strength, its interesting time signature changes, and its demonstration of Harrison’s songwriting prowess within The Beatles.
2. Yesterday – The Beatles
The Beatles’ “Yesterday” is one of the most covered songs in history, originating from a melody that came to Paul McCartney in a dream. Initially, the band struggled to arrange it, but producer George Martin suggested a solo acoustic performance by McCartney with a string quartet backing. This arrangement became iconic and profoundly influenced The Beatles’ future musical experimentation. “Yesterday” is an incredibly popular acoustic guitar song, universally recognized, relatively easy to learn, and historically significant as a turning point in The Beatles’ musical evolution towards more diverse instrumentation and arrangements.
1. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” tops this list as a powerful lament for Syd Barrett. It’s a towering tribute to a fallen comrade, showcasing Pink Floyd’s post-Dark Side Of The Moon grandeur in a more intimate and acoustic setting. David Gilmour’s emotive vocals and the song’s haunting melody are perfectly complemented by the acoustic guitar arrangement. “Wish You Were Here” is considered the number one popular acoustic guitar song in this list due to its emotional depth, its iconic status within Pink Floyd’s catalog, its poignant tribute to Syd Barrett, and its enduring appeal to acoustic guitar players and music lovers worldwide.
