Acoustic Songs Lessons
Sound Of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel
Learn how to play Sound Of Silence on guitar. This Simon and Garfunkel classic is played fingerstyle through the 1st verse and then moves to a strumming pattern. We will cover all the parts in this tutorial. You will need a capo on the 6th fret.
Song Difficulty: 4
Sweet Creature by Harry Styles
Sweet Creature is written in the key of G and incorporates finger style guitar. The song contains this heavy acoustic guitar part making it a great song to learn for those interested in finger style acoustic guitar.
Song Difficulty: 5
Daughters by John Mayer
Great acoustic tune! Written with the use of interesting extended and altered chords in classic John Mayer fashion. The chords used in this song are complex, especially in the bridge. If you are for a challenge and increasing your chord knowledge, this is a good song for you to study.
Song Difficulty: 5
Old Man by Neil Young
In this lesson we will be learning the Neil Young classic Old Man. While the song is made up of simple open chords, it does have some complexities in the rhythm and vibe of the sound. Neil Young's acoustic style often incorporates a semi palm muted technique that can be difficult to grasp for beginners. He also uses embellishments such as hammer ons within the chords to add color and movement.
Song Difficulty: 5
She Talks To Angels by The Black Crowes
She Talks To Angels is played with an open E tuning. The song incorporates several melodic lines in its intro. This is the key to getting the sound. The rest of the song is mainly chords.
Song Difficulty: 4
Dust in The Wind by Kansas (Part 1)
In this lesson we will learn the intro, verse, and chorus to this classic fingerstyle tune. The song uses whats known as a Travis picking style, alternating bass notes with your thumb.
Song Difficulty: 5
Big Iron by Marty Robbins
Big Iron is a relatively simple tune with 4 chords. It uses the same strumming pattern throughout with a simple arrangement. Chords used are Am, E, C, F. The original is played with a capo at the 4th fret.
Song Difficulty: 3
Hurt by Johnny Cash
In this lesson we will be learning Hurt by Johnny Cash. The tune consists of mostly open chords including Am, C, D, Dsus2, G, and F. The verse has a arpeggio picking pattern while the chorus goes to a simple 8th note up and down strumming pattern. Pretty easy tune and good for beginners, but also fun for any level player.
Song Difficulty: 3
Dust in The Wind by Kansas (Part 2)
In this lesson we will be finishing up our study of Dust in The Wind with the Bridge and Outro parts.
Song Difficulty: 5
Tequila Sunrise by The Eagles
Learn Tequila Sunrise by the Eagles. The song uses mostly Open chords and is written in the key of G. Chords used are G, Am, Em, C, B7, E7, and A7. The challenging part about this tune is getting the strumming pattern in the intro.
Song Difficulty: 4
Amie by Pure Prairie League
Great acoustic tune with cool lead intro solo in A Pentatonic major. Mostly uses open chords until the outro which requires some practice.
Song Difficulty: 5
Wildwood Flower
In this lesson we will be learning the Carter family classic Wildwood Flower. This is a great example of a traditional Bluegrass style tune. The melody is played within the chords much like a chord melody or solo.
Song Difficulty: 5
Blue On Black by Kenny Wayne Shepherd
In this lesson we delve into Kenny Wayne Shepherd's Blue On Black, an acoustic blues rock tune from the late 90's.
Song Difficulty: 4
Peaceful Easy Feeling by The Eagles
An easy tune in the key of E using the chords E, A, B, F#m. The intro does make use of an Esus4 chord. Great for acoustic and electric
Song Difficulty: 3
Far From Any Road by the Handsome Family
Learn the theme song from True Detective, Far From Any Road. Easy tune using mostly open chords and an F Barre chord.
Song Difficulty: 3
Morning Dew by Bonnie Dobson
In this lesson we will be learning the original version of Morning Dew by Bonnie Dobson. The song is played fingerstyle with a capo at the 2nd fret. The chords used are A, G, G/F#, D, C, G/B.
Song Difficulty: 4
Mama Tried by Merle Haggard
In this lesson we will learn the classic Merle Haggard tune Mama Tried. Just 4 chords needed for this one. D, G, A, and Bm. The intro is the most challenging part using a hybrid picking technique to create a D major based arpeggio.
Song Difficulty: 3
American Pie by Don McLean
Learn this classic acoustic tune by Don McLean. It is simple in the sense that it uses mostly open chords but the arrangement can be tricky to get down. A lot of chord changes in this one
Song Difficulty: 4
Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran
Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran is a fairy easy 4 chord Pop tune. The trick here is getting the accented rhythm down.
Song Difficulty: 3
I'll Fight by Wilco
I'll Fight by Wilco is a fairly simple song to play with the exception of the melodic intro. The song is a folk style acoustic tune using a capo on the 3rd fret. The intro contains a melody within the strumming of the chord progression. Chord shapes used are Am, C, Dm, Em, F, and G
Song Difficulty: 4
Wanted Dead Or Alive by Bon Jovi
In this lesson we will learn all the main acoustic parts to Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi. This song has a classic, very recognizable intro that is challenging and fun to play. The song is based in the key of D and uses just 4 simple chords, G, Cadd9, D, and F.
Song Difficulty: 4
Ripple by The Grateful Dead
In this lesson we are going to learn Ripple by The Grateful Dead. This is a great example of a folk / bluegrass style where the guitar plays the melody within the chord progression. The intro is a challenge to grasp with the combining of rhythm and melody, but the rest of the tune is quite simple. Five open chords used throughout, G, C, D, Am, and A
Song Difficulty: 5
Friend Of The Devil by The Grateful Dead
In this lesson we will be learning a simple version of Friend of The Devil by The Grateful Dead. The chords used in this acoustic based song are G, C, D, and Am. The strum pattern is the same throughout the entire song. We will also be covering the descending intro line.
Song Difficulty: 3
Yesterday by The Beatles
In this lesson we will be studying Yesterday by The Beatles. The song was performed by McCartney in a fingerstyle fashion. The guitar needs to be tuned down a whole step to be in tune with the original recording.
Song Difficulty: 4
Rocky Raccoon by the Beatles
In this lesson we will be learning the Beatles' classic Rocky Raccoon. Just 4 chords in this one with a simple strum pattern and easy arrangement. The chords are Am7, D7, G, G7, and C.
Song Difficulty: 3
Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell
In this lesson we will be learning Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi. The song is played with an open D alternate tuning. The tuning of open D is shown in the tab. The song consists of a I - IV - V (E, A, and B) chord progression for the most part. The tricky part about this tune is Mitchell's intricate rhythm playing. She keeps her strum hand going in an 8th note fashion accenting and muting various strums.
Song Difficulty: 5
Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs
The song Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs is played with a capo at the 4th fret and uses 7 chords. The chord shapes needed are G, D/F#, Em7, Dadd9, C, Am7, and C/B. The strumming pattern is a common one and stays consistent throughout.
Song Difficulty: 3
Shallow (From A Star Is Born)
In this lesson we are going to learn the song Shallow as performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the movie A Star Is Born. The song uses a fingerstyle method throughout. The fingerstyle part is pretty crucial in the verse. Later in the song a strumming pattern can be applied. We will cover both a fingerstyle and strumming way of approaching the song.
Song Difficulty: 4
Fell On Black Days (Acoustic) by Soundgarden
In this lesson we will be learning the acoustic version of Fell On Black Days. The song revolves around a main power chord type riff. Bars of 4 and 2 make for interesting timing and feel. We also cover the instrumental interlude in its entirety.
Song Difficulty: 5
Ohio by CSN&Y
In this lesson we will study Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Youngs' Ohio. The song was played originally on electric guitar but also played acoustic often in live performances. We have chosen to do the lesson on acoustic but it can be played the exact same way on both electric and acoustic. The song has just 4 chords, D5, F, C, and Gmin7. It requires you to drop both E strings to D so you are in Drop D tuning. The arrangement is simple. It involves a riff within the D, F, and C chords for the intro and breaks and everything else is strumming.
Song Difficulty: 4
Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard by Paul Simon
In this lesson we will be learning Me And Julio Down by The Schoolyard by Paul Simon. The song consists of just 4 chords, A, E, D, and G. The challenging part of this song is the rhythm. There is a consistent 16th note strum pattern with dead notes that creates a percussive sound throughout. There is also some Time Signature changes going from 4/4 to 2/4.
Song Difficulty: 5
Maggie May by Rod Stewart
In this lesson we will be learning a simple version of Rod Stewart's Maggie May on acoustic guitar. The chords used are D, A, G, Em, F#m. I will show you a few options on how to play the F#m chord if you have trouble playing full barre chords.
Song Difficulty: 3
In the Ghetto by Elvis
In this lesson we will be learning In The Ghetto by Elvis. The original recording was done with a capo on the first fret. The main riff of the song is played with a hybrid picking style. The rest of the tune is arpeggiated chords and strumming. Chords used are A, E, D, and a Bm barre chord shape.
Song Difficulty: 4
Victoria by John Mayer
In this lesson we will be learning Victoria by John Mayer. We will be covering the fingerstyle parts along with the strumming that comes later. The song contains some interesting chords in the form of Maj and min 7ths. We will also be covering the solo note for note.
Song Difficulty: 5
City Of New Orleans by Arlo Guthrie
In this lesson we will be studying the Arlo Guthrie version of City Of New Orleans. The tune is played with the guitar tuned a 1/2 step down and consists of 7 familiar chord shapes, G, Em, D, C, Bm, F, and A. While I have charted the song with a fingerstyle arrangement like the recording, I do cover a basic strumming pattern you can use instead of finger picking.
Song Difficulty: 5
Meant To Be by Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha
This tune by Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha is a pretty simple tune with 5 chords. The song is played, on the original recording, with a capo on the 3rd fret. Chords used are G, Am, Em, C, and G/F#.
Song Difficulty: 2
Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow
In this lesson we will be learning Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow on acoustic guitar. The song is played fingerstyle but can also be strummed. It contains mainly open chords but makes use of an interesting Bm7b6 chord. From an arrangement standpoint it is relatively easy, made up of just 3 parts.
Song Difficulty: 4
Budapest by George Ezra
In this lesson we will be studying George Ezra's Budapest. The song is played on acoustic guitar tuned down a whole step. The song is best played fingerstyle with the thumb playing the bass notes. The chords used are simple open chords G, C, and D. The challenge here is getting the groove right.
Song Difficulty: 3
Leaving On A Jet Plane by Peter Paul and Mary
In this lesson we will be learning Leaving on A Jet Plane. Some new chords you may have not run across yet. Chords are Amaj7, D6, F#m, Bm, C#m, A, D, and E. Same strumming pattern throughout.
Song Difficulty: 4
My Sweet Lord by George Harrison
My Sweet Lord by George Harrison is a mostly acoustic song played with a capo at the 2nd fret. The song is made up of two or three parts with a key change and the same strum pattern throughout. We will be studying not only the acoustic part but the electric slide lead parts as well.
Song Difficulty: 4
Nose On The Grindstone (Tyler Childers)
In this lesson we will be learning Nose On The Grindstone by Tyler Childers. The song is in 3/4 and requires a capo on the 3rd fret. The chords used are mostly basic open chords, Dm, C, F, G. The challenging part of the tune is the arrangement and his use of articulations in the solo section.
Song Difficulty: 4
Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton
In this lesson we will be learning the fingerstyle tune Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton. Clapton played the song on a nylon string, classical style guitar, but it can be played on any guitar. Don't be intimidated by all the chords in this tune. While it seems like a lot, it actually repeats much of the same progressions throughout.
Song Difficulty: 5
Will The Circle Be Unbroken (Chord Melody)
In this lesson we will be learning a chord melody version of Will The Circle Be Unbroken. Chord melody style involves playing the chords and melody at the same time. This can be tricky and challenging but very rewarding when accomplished. This particular song is a great one to try this style as it is not too difficult and involves a repeating melody pattern. Chords used are just G, C, and D open chords. This version lends itself to a bluegrassy sound.
Song Difficulty: 4
You Were Meant For Me by Jewel
In this song lesson, You Were Meant For Me by Jewel, we will be using fingerstyle in the verse and strumming in the rest of the parts. It is played in the key of G. Chords used are Cadd9, C, G/B, G, D, Em, Bm, and Am7
Song Difficulty: 4
Little Martha by The Allman Brothers
In this lesson we will be learning the instrumental Little Martha. The song is played fingerstyle with open E tuning.
Song Difficulty: 5
Don't Worry Baby by The Beach Boys
Don't Worry Baby by The Beach Boys is written in the key of E with a key change to F# for the chorus. Because of the key change it requires the use of barre chords. Other than that, pretty easy to play with a simple strumming pattern.
Song Difficulty: 3
Blowin in the Wind by Bob Dylan
In this lesson we will learn the classic Bob Dylan tune Blowin in the Wind. The tune requires a capo at the 7th fret.
Song Difficulty: 3
Hotel California by The Eagles
In this lesson we will learn the classic Eagles tune Hotel California. The song uses a finger picking technique and a capo at the 7th fret. TAB for this song can be found in your Tool Box. The Toll Box is located in your Profile.
Song Difficulty: 7
Hey Ho by the Lumineers
In this lesson we will learn Hey Ho by the Lumineers. Good song for beginners that know open chords.
Song Difficulty: 2
Frozen Man by James Taylor
In this lesson we will learn Frozen Man by James Taylor.
Song Difficulty: 7
Bad Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce
In this lesson we will learn Bad Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce. There are several ways to play the tune for beginners and intermediate players.
Song Difficulty: 4
Working at the Car Wash Blues
In this lesson we will learn the Jim Croce tune Working at the Car Wash Blues.
Song Difficulty: 4
California Dreaming by Mamas and the Papas
In this lesson we will learn California Dreaming by the Mamas and the Papas. This song requires a capo.
Song Difficulty: 4
If I Die Young by The Band Perry
In this lesson we will learn If I Die Young by The Band Perry
Song Difficulty: 3
Redemption Song by Bob Marley
This lesson covers Redemption Song by Bob Marley. A great tune for beginners learning open chords.
Song Difficulty: 2
Stay by Sugarland
In this lesson we will be learning Stay by Sugarland.
Song Difficulty: 2
Chicken Fried (Acoustic) by Zac Brown Band
In this lesson we will be studying the acoustic parts to Chicken Fried by the Zac Brown Band. Tune down 1/2 step to be in tune with the original recording. The song intro requires difficult Travis picking techniques. Recommended study of volume 12 lessons on finger picking. The rest of the tune is basic open chords.
Song Difficulty: 8
Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison
In this lesson we will learn the tune Every Rose Has Its Thorn. The original recording is tuned a half step down.
Song Difficulty: 2
Im Yours by Jason Mraz
In this lesson we will learn the Jason Mraz tune I'm Yours. This song requires a capo on the 2nd fret.
Song Difficulty: 3
Angel by Jack Johnson
In this lesson we will be learning Angel by Jack Johnson. Great tune for beginners. Uses mainly open chords.
Song Difficulty: 2
Midnight Rider by the Allman Brothers Band
This lesson is a song study of the Allman Brothers Band's "Midnight Rider." It will focus on the intro main riff, verse, chorus, and bridge chord progression.
Song Difficulty: 3
Country Road by John Denver
This lesson is a song study of John Denver's Country Road country classic.
Song Difficulty: 3
Stupid Boy by Keith Urban
This lesson is a song study of Keith Urban's Stupid Boy. The song requires Drop D tuning and capo at the 1st fret.
Song Difficulty: 5
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
In this lesson we will do a song study of the Fleetwood Mac classic "Landslide."
Song Difficulty: 4
Somebody I Used To Know
In this lesson we will learn Somebody I Used To Know by GOTYE.
Song Difficulty: 3
Norwegian Wood by the Beatles
In this lesson we will study the song Norwegian Wood by the Beatles.
Song Difficulty: 4
Handshake Drugs by Wilco
In this lesson we will do a song study of Handshake Drugs by Wilco.
Song Difficulty: 3
I'm Gonna Miss Her by Brad Paisley
This lesson is a song study of I'm Gonna Miss Her by Brad Paisley. This song is based in the key of F# and requires an alternate tuning of a 1/2 step down.
Song Difficulty: 6
Squeeze Box by the Who
This is a song study of the Who's Squeeze Box.
Song Difficulty: 3
Harvest Moon by Neil Young
This lesson is a song study of Neil Young's Harvest Moon. The song requires a Drop D tuning.
Song Difficulty: 3
Night Moves by Bob Seger
In this lesson we will study Night Moves by Bob Seger.
Song Difficulty: 3
Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers
In this lesson we will study the Bill Wither's tune Ain't No Sunshine
Song Difficulty: 3
Home by Phillip Phillips
In this lesson we will study Home by Phillip Phillips.
Song Difficulty: 3
Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker and Old Crow Medicine Show
In this lesson we will study the song "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker and Old Crow Medicine Show
Song Difficulty: 2
Fifteen by Taylor Swift
In this lesson we will study the song Fifteen by Taylor Swift. Good tune for beginners. Requires being able to play open chords.
Song Difficulty: 3
Let It Be by the Beatles
Let It Be is a relatively simple song to play along to. The original tune is mainly piano. We have transcribed a finger style version the requires just a few basic chords. You could also strum with a pick.
Song Difficulty: 3
Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet
In this lesson we will be learning Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet. Easy song for beginners using only 3 open chords.
Song Difficulty: 2
Picture by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow
In this lesson we will be learning Picture by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow. This is an easy tune using just a few open chords. Great tune for beginners.
Song Difficulty: 2
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by Carol King
In this lesson we will be studying Carol King's Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.
Song Difficulty: 4
Heart of Gold by Neil Young
In this lesson we will be learning Neil Young's Heart of Gold. This tune is fairly simple using just 4 open chords throughout. Heart of Gold chords are Em, G, C, and D. He also uses a variation on Em called Em7 by adding the pinky to the 3rd fret of the B string. There are basically 3 sections to the tune, an intro, verse, and chorus.
Song Difficulty: 2
Riptide by Vance Joy
This is a relatively simple tune using 3 or 4 open chords. The trick here is getting the strum pattern down.
Song Difficulty: 3
Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead
In this song study lesson we will be learning Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead. This tune is a fairly tune using mostly open chords.
Song Difficulty: 3
We Are Going To Be Friends by The White Stripes
In this lesson we will learn this simple finger style tune using just 4 chords.
Song Difficulty: 3
Via Chicago by Wilco
Via Chicago is a simple 3 chord tune applying the same progression throughout. The song does require a capo. I have also included a significant lead guitar part that is a recurring theme in the song.
Song Difficulty: 2
Brokedown Palace by Grateful Dead / Adrienne Young
This tune uses mostly open chords. The Adrienee Young version requires a capo at the 2nd fret.
Song Difficulty: 3
Man of Constant Sorrow
Learn this bluesy bluegrass tune from the movie Brother Where Art Thou. The tune requires Drop D tuning and a capo on the 3rd fret. Basic chords include D, G, and A. The song applies a bluesy line that recurs throughout the tune.
Song Difficulty: 4
You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift
Learn how to play this tune on acoustic guitar with a capo at the 4th fret. The tune is fairly simple using just 4 chords throughout.
Song Difficulty: 2
The Weight by The Band
In this lesson we will study how to play the classic tune The Weight by the Band.
Song Difficulty: 4
Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
This tune requires a capo at the 2nd fret to be in tune with the original recording. The chord progression is relatively easy just using open chords.
Song Difficulty: 3
Blackbird by the Beatles
In this lesson we will be learning the classic acoustic guitar song Blackbird by Paul McCartney and the Beatles. This is a great fingerstyle style piece that is sure to impress. Blackbird chords are unique in that there are no full open chords used throughout the tune. McCartney is specifically picking specific notes of implied chords creating a beautiful melodic piece. Specifically the root note on E or A string and the B string are highlighted with an open G ringing throughout.
Song Difficulty: 5
You and Tequila by Kenny Chesney (chords and tab)
You and Tequila is a relatively simple tune with mainly open chords based in the key of G. Tune down 1/2 step to be in tune with the original recording. Kenny Chesney uses the chords G, Csus2, G/B, D, Bm, and A7 to build the chord progressions in the song.
Song Difficulty: 3
Freebird by Lynard Skynard
In this lesson we will learn the main chord progressions to Freebird by Lynard Skynard.
Song Difficulty: 3
Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
In this lesson we will be learning the classic Brown Eyed Girl. This tune is a good song for beginners requiring only a few simple open chords
Song Difficulty: 2
Your Song by Ellie Goulding
In this lesson we will learn Ellie Goulding's version of the classic Elton John tune "Your Song". Capo at 3rd fret.
Song Difficulty: 3
Ants Marching by Dave Matthews
In this lesson we will study Ants Marching by Dave Matthews
Song Difficulty: 5
Drink A Beer by Luke Bryan
In this lesson we will be Learning Drink A Beer by Luke Bryan. This tune require a capo at the first fret.
Song Difficulty: 4
All of Me by John Legend
In this lesson we will be arranging the piano based John Legend tune All of Me for acoustic guitar. Requires a capo at the 1st fret.
Song Difficulty: 2
Free Fallin' by Tom Petty
In this lesson we will be learning Free Fallin' by Tom Petty. Song requires a capo at the 1st Fret
Song Difficulty: 3
Learning To Fly by Tom Petty
IN this lesson we will learn Learning To Fly by Tom Petty. Pretty simple tune requiring just 4 chords
Song Difficulty: 2
Simple Man by Lynard Skynard / Shinedown
In this lesson we will learn the tune Simple Man by Lynard Skynard. It has also been done in an acoustic version by Shinedown. The song uses an arpeggiated, three chord progression throughout.
Song Difficulty: 4
Wake Me Up by Avicii
This tune has a simple 4 chord progression using all open chords. The challenging part of this song is the rhythm. You will need to know C, F, Am, G, and E
Song Difficulty: 4
Love Sick Blues by Hank Williams
In this lesson we will be learning Lovesick Blues by Hank Williams. This tune uses mostly open chords, but does have an interesting arrangement and was written with a 2/2 time signature.
Song Difficulty: 3
Knockin on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan
In this lesson we will be learning the song Knockin On Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan. Very easy tune with a 4 chord progression that repeats for the entire song. None the less a great song!
Song Difficulty: 1
Wonderwall by Oasis
In this lesson we will be learning Wonderwall by Oasis. The song requires a capo at 2nd fret. Fairly easy tune with 4 chords, but does have a more complicated strumming pattern
Song Difficulty: 3
A Team by Ed Sheeran
In this lesson we will be learning A Team by Ed Sheeran. This song will require a capo at the 2nd fret
Song Difficulty: 3