50+ Best Acoustic Guitar Songs for Beginners

When you’re a guitar lover, the best part of waking up is your new favorite song. It’s not just about how it sounds but what that music means to you.

That’s why we created this list of the best acoustic songs for beginners in 2022 with a variety of genres and artists.

Whether you want some lighthearted tunes or something more intense, here are 20 great acoustic songs to get you started on your musical journey!

List of the Best Acoustic Guitar Songs for Beginners

Here is the list of the top 50+ acoustic guitar songs for beginners.

1. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin is one of the most recognized rock songs in history. But how much do we really know about it?

It’s one of those rarities; a song that everyone knows and everyone loves, but not many people actually stop to listen to the lyrics.

2. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day

Good Riddance is the only Green Day song to have a complete Spanish chorus. It’s also one of the most emotional rock songs in history, and the only Green Day song about an ex-girlfriend.

3. Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi

Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi was considered obscene in the UK, and the BBC refused to play it.

Lucky for them most people don’t know what “abrasive” means.

4. Patience by Guns N’ Roses

Patience by Guns N’ Roses was the first song ever played by the hard rock band KISS. The song was written in 1985, three years after their debut album.

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5. Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty

Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty is the only song that was recorded in seven different studios. It was also nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1990.

Besides, if it wasn’t for Tom Petty, we wouldn’t have had just about every other popular singer of the 80s.

6. More Than Words

More Than Words by Extreme is the only song ever to be no.1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and not reach the top 10 in any other country. It makes it the most successful song in history that failed to reach a top 10 spot anywhere else.

7. Have You Ever Seen the Rain

Have You Ever Seen the Rain is the only Creedence Clearwater Revival song to feature lead vocals by Stu Cook?

Moreover, the song was used in the Vietnam War film Hamburger Hill, and by NASA to wake up astronauts aboard Space Shuttle missions.

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8. Layla by Eric Clapton

Layla by Eric Clapton is one of the most expensive songs ever sold at an auction. It was purchased by guitar maker Pierre De Beauport for $850 000 in 2004.

Moreover, at the peak of its popularity, sales of Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs reached over two million records.

9. She Talks to Angels

She Talks to Angels is the only song by the Black Crowes to feature a horn section. The song was also used in the episode ‘Insensitive’ of the TV series House.

10. Everlong by The Black Crowes

Everlong by The Black Crowes is one of my all-time favorite songs. At first, I was not too fond of The Black Crowes but when I heard that song it changed me forever.

I listened to it in my car one time and was hooked. The lyrics are powerful, the guitar riffs are phenomenal.

11. Let Her Go by Foo Fighters

Let Her Go by Foo Fighters is one of the best songs ever written. The lyrics are touching and the song itself is mind-blowing.

It’s one of those songs that you want to play over and over again. It’s just that good.

12. Nothing Else Matters by Passenger

Nothing Else Matters by Passenger is one of those songs that you can either love or hate. Some people say that the singer sounds like a girl, but I don’t care because it’s a great song.

13. Hey There Delilah by Metallica

Hey There Delilah by Metallica is one of the most famous love songs ever written. The song was originally conceived as a joke but eventually became so popular that it reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Nothing out of the ordinary, though; as we all know Metallica is a legend among rock music bands ever since they started back in 1981.

14. The House of the Rising Sun by Plain White T’s

The House of the Rising Sun is one of the most famous folk songs in history. It has been recorded by hundreds of artists around the globe, including Bob Dylan and The Animals.

15. Crazy Little Thing Called Love by The Animals

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by The Animals is one of those songs that make you feel like a king. It’s an anthem for everyone who loves someone and feels like they can conquer the world. It is the best famous acoustic guitar song for beginners.

16. Over the Hills and Far Away by Queen

Over the Hills and Far Away by Queen is one of my favorite songs. Freddie Mercury’s voice is probably the best I’ve ever heard, and at some point, he does sound like an angel.

17. Ring of Fire by Led Zeppelin

Ring of Fire by Led Zeppelin is one of the most popular songs by the band. It was written by guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant and is based on the traditional American folk song “The Ring of Fire”.

18. I’m Yours by Johnny Cash

I’m Yours by Johnny Cash is one of my favorites. The lyrics are poetic, the vocals are captivating and the whole song itself is magical.

19. Silent Lucidity by Jason Mraz

Silent Lucidity by Jason Mraz is one of those songs that make you feel happy. The song was released in 2001 on the album ‘Mr. A.Z’, and it quickly reached the number 1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

20. Every Rose Has its Thorn by Queensrÿche

Every Rose Has its Thorn by Queensrÿche is one of those songs that make you feel like a rockstar. It’s a great song and the music video is funny as well.

21. Bad Moon Rising

Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival is one of those songs that you want to play again and again.

22. Sweet Home Alabama

Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of those songs that you simply can’t get enough of. It’s a great song with lyrics that are powerful.

23. Achy Breaky Heart

Achy Breaky Heart is one of the most popular country songs of all time. It’s an upbeat song that will take you back to the ’90s. Also, it was the number 1 song in the year 1992.

24. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

Three Little Birds is one of the most famous reggae songs ever. It’s uplifting, but also very calming at the same time. Other acoustic guitar songs for beginners.

25. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison

Brown Eyed Girl is one of those songs that you will never get enough of. The lyrics are so sweet and the music is so hypnotic that it’s impossible to not like.

26. Love Me Do by the Beatles

Love Me Do is one of the most famous songs by The Beatles. It’s fun to sing along because it’s so upbeat and makes you feel good about yourself.

27. What’s Up by Four Non.Blondes

What’s Up is a classic upbeat song that was released in 1994 and it quickly became one of the most popular songs of all time.

28. I Wanna Be There by Blessed Union of Souls

I Wanna Be There is the song that made Blessed Union Of Souls famous. It’s a song that makes you feel like listening to it over and over again.

29. Open Arms by Journey

Blaze Open Arms’ video is one of my favorite music videos ever. The song itself is beautiful and the lyrics are perfect.

30. One Love People Get Ready by Bob Marley

One Love People Get Ready is a great inspiring song from the king himself, Bob Marley. It makes you want to help others and make a change in this world.

31. Ironic by Alanis Morrisette

Ironic is definitely one of those songs that make you feel like an adult when you listen to it for the very first time. This song was released in 1996 and became popular immediately after its release. It is a modern acoustic guitar song for beginners.

32. Purple Rain by Prince

Purple Rain is a classic song that has been around since 1984 and it’s still one of the most famous songs in music history.

33. The Unforgiven by Metallica

The Unforgiven is a great rock song and it has amazing lyrics that will make you want to listen to it again and again. It was released in 1991 and spent six straight weeks at number one on the US Mainstream Rock chart.

34. Roxanne by The Police

Roxanne is a classic love ballad, but also an anthem for everyone who wants their freedom. It’s captivating, meaningful, and perfect! It is an easy acoustic guitar song for beginners.

35. American Pie by Madonna

American Pie is one of those songs that bring back memories from your childhood. Madonna recorded this song together with Jackson back in 2000, and the song is known as one of Madonna’s greatest moments on stage.

36. September by Earth, Wind & Fire

September is a great feel. A good song that will make you want to move and dance all night long! This song of happiness was released in 1978, but it still sounds fresh today.

37. You Get What You Give by New Radicals

You Get What You Give is one of those songs that inspire you to do your best and be kind to other people. It was number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for six straight weeks back in 1998.

38. Mysterious Ways by U2

Mysterious Ways is another famous love ballad that makes you think about someone who has impacted your life or changed it completely.

39. You Had Me by 98 Degrees

You Had Me is a great song that was released in 1998 and it quickly became one of the most popular songs of all time. This love ballad will make you think about an ex-girlfriend or boyfriend.

40. That’s The Way It Is by Celine Dion

That’s the Way It Is is one of those songs that are instantly recognizable, yet feel nostalgic to listen to. It was written by Diane Warren and covered by Celine Dion back in 1996.

The song spent 20 weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and it became the best selling single of all time with over 26 million sold copies worldwide. It’s definitely one of the all-time classic hits!

41. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston

I Will Always Love You is another song that reminds you of your first love. It was written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1974, but it instantly became a huge hit on radio stations across the US when Whitney Houston covered it in 1992. These beautiful ballad acoustic guitar songs for beginners made her even more famous and played on radio stations for decades after its release.

42. Saving All My Love For You by Whitney Houston

Saving All My Love For You was released in 1985 and quickly became a huge success on the Billboard Hot 100 chart reaching the number 1 spot for four consecutive weeks! The song won a Grammy award for best female pop vocal performance back then and was the best-selling single worldwide in 1986.

43. All For Love Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart & Sting by Rod Stewart

All For Love was released in 1993 and it became a big hit after its release. This power ballad spent 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is definitely one of those songs from your childhood that you can still enjoy today!

44. At Last. Etta James by Etta James

At Last, is another great song that will bring back memories from your childhood. It has been performed by Beyoncé for “The Blues Brothers” movie soundtrack back in 1998, but this version had more success than that particular movie itself!

45. Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin

Stairway To Heaven is one of the most iconic love songs ever released. This song inspired many musicians over the years, and it’s still played on radio stations for people to enjoy today.

46. Wishing On A Star by Rose Royce

Wishing on a Star was originally written by Bruce Springsteen in 1976, but this version has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. It spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart back in 1978!

47. I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton recorded I will always love you first back in 1974, but Whitney Houston made it even more popular with her cover released in 1992.

The song spent 20 weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and it became the best selling single of all time with over 26 million sold copies worldwide. It’s definitely one of the all-time classic hits!

48. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face was written back in 1967 by Ewan MacColl, but this cover version has become an instant hit after its release in 1972. It became a huge success reaching the number 1 spot on US Billboard Hot 100 chart for three consecutive weeks that same year.

49. Dream Lover Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera by Maroon 5

Dream Lover is another popular love song played on radio stations all across the US. It was originally written and recorded by Bobby Darin back in 1959, but it became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2007 when Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera covered it.

50. I Want To Know What Love Is

I Want to know what love is was released in 1984 and became a huge success worldwide reaching the number 4 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US.

This movie soundtrack song spent five weeks at the number 1 position in Australia! The music video has been filmed during a live concert performance which makes this cover even more special!

51. All Out of Love Air Supply by Air Supply

All Out of Love was released back in 1980 and it became a huge success all around the world. This beautiful ballad is definitely one of those songs that you can listen to again and again without getting bored! This one is another best acoustic guitar song for beginners.

52. All About That Bass Meghan Trainor by Meghan Trainor

All About That Bass is another song that was released just last year, but has already become one of the most popular love songs on radio stations!

It reached the number 1 spot on Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2014, sold over 5 million copies worldwide, won two Grammy awards back then, and many many more!

53. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston

I will always love you is an iconic power ballad released back in 1992. The song was written by Dolly Parton, but this cover version will always be remembered as Whitney Houston’s song throughout history!

It won three Grammy awards in 1994 and it went seven times platinum in the US. The music video has also become one of the most iconic videos around the world!

54. Stolen Dance by Milky Chance

Stolen Dance is another recent love song that was released back in 2013, but it quickly became a huge success worldwide reaching the number 1 position on many charts all over Europe.

This psychedelic pop track became even more popular after its appearance on FIFA World Cup 2014 TV ads! The official music video has already been viewed more than 50 million times on YouTube which shows just how much people loved it!

55. Blackbird

Blackbird is a beautiful acoustic guitar song that is perfect for beginners. It is a great song to learn because it is not too difficult and it sounds amazing when played on an acoustic guitar.

If you are looking for a challenge, try playing Blackbird is one of the higher positions. This will give you a chance to work on your barre chords and get a beautiful sound out of your guitar.

56. Wonderwall

Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles, and Riptide by Vance Joy are just a few examples of beautiful acoustic guitar songs that are perfect for any music lover. These songs are not only beautiful, but they’re also great for beginners to learn. So whether you’re a seasoned guitar player or just starting out, be sure to check out these beautiful acoustic guitar songs!

57. A Horse with No Name

A Horse with No Name was written by Dewey Bunnell and released in 1971. The song is about the horse that carried the narrator through the American Southwest.

Bunnell has said that the horse in the song is based on a real horse he saw while hitchhiking through New Mexico. The horse was being ridden by a Native American, who Bunnell said: “rode like the wind”.

The song was originally released as a single but was later included on America’s self-titled debut album. “A Horse with No Name” became a huge hit in the United States, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

58. Heart Of Gold

Heart Of Gold is a beautiful acoustic guitar song that was written by Neil Young. The song is about a man who is searching for his true purpose in life. The song has a beautiful melody and is perfect for anyone who is looking for a beautiful acoustic guitar song to play.

59. Angie

Angie was released in 1973 by The Rolling Stones. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. It is a beautiful ballad that has been covered by many artists. The song is about a beautiful woman who the singer cannot have.

The song has a beautiful guitar melody that is perfect for acoustic guitar. The lyrics are also very beautiful and make the song even more special.

60. Dust in the Wind

Dust in the Wind was released in 1977 by the American rock band Kansas. The song was written by Kerry Livgren and is one of their most popular songs. It has been covered by many artists and was ranked as the second most beautiful acoustic guitar song by Guitar World magazine.

The song is about how everything turns to dust and how we are all just temporary. The lyrics are very beautiful and the song is perfect for an acoustic guitar.

61. Tears In Heaven

Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton is one of the most beautiful acoustic guitar songs ever written. The song is about the loss of his young son and the pain and grief that comes with it. The lyrics are incredibly moving, and the melody is absolutely gorgeous.

62. Fast Car

Fast Car is another popular song that has been performed by a number of artists. The song was originally written and recorded by Tracy Chapman in 1988. It has been covered by a number of artists, including Usher, Alicia Keys, and John Legend.

The original version of the song is a great example of how an acoustic guitar can be used to create a beautiful melody. The song has a simple, yet catchy, chorus that is easy to sing along to. The verses are also relatively simple, but they contain a lot of emotion.

63. Going to California

Led Zeppelin – This is one of the most popular acoustic guitar songs of all time. The intro alone is enough to send chills down your spine. The lyrics are about loss and nostalgia, which makes it perfect for a summer night around the campfire.

64. Can’t You See

The Marshall Tucker Band is an American southern rock band formed in 1971 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The band’s classic lineup consisted of lead singer and keyboardist Doug Gray, guitarist Toy Caldwell, guitarist and singer Tommy Caldwell, bassist and singer George McCorkle, drummer Paul Riddle, and saxophonist Jerry Eubanks.

65. Never Going Back Again

Never Going Back Again is a great song that you can play on acoustic guitar. It is a perfect song for those who are just starting to learn how to play guitar. This song is also great for those who have been playing guitar for a while.

Another great thing about this song is that it is perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. You can find the chords and lyrics for this song online, and it is a great way to improve your guitar playing skills.

66. Ocean

The ocean is another popular song that was written by John Butler. It was released in 2001 and reached number one on the ARIA singles chart. The song is about a person who is struggling to find their place in the world.

67. Helplessly Hoping

Helplessly Hoping song is the embodiment of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s California sound. The song is about looking back on a relationship and hoping things would have been different. The song has a simple guitar riff that is easy to learn and play.

68. Pink Moon

Pink Moon was the last album released by English musician Nick Drake before his untimely death at the age of 26. The entire album is performed on acoustic guitar and is a stunning example of Drake’s songwriting prowess. The title track is a particular standout, with its delicate fingerpicking and ethereal atmosphere.

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69. Peaceful Easy Feeling

Peaceful Easy Feeling is a song by the Eagles. It was written by Jack Tempchin and Glenn Frey, and it was released in May 1972 as the lead single from the band’s second album, Desperado. The song peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the Cashbox Top 100. The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Emmylou Harris, who released her version as a single in 1979.

70. The Needle and the Damage Done

The Needle and the Damage Done song is written by Neil Young. This song is about the dangers of drug addiction. The lyrics talk about how addiction can ruin a person’s life.

This song is a great example of how an acoustic guitar can be used to create a beautiful and emotive song.

71. Old Man

Old Man is a song by Neil Young. It was released on his 1972 album Harvest. Musically, it is a folk-rock song. The lyrics are the death of Scott’s first wife, Rassy.

The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Bob Dylan, and Emmy describes the narrator’s reflection on an old man he once knew. The lyrics make use of similes, including “He’s like a book that I have read” and “His body is as wise as his old mind.”

72. Classical Gas

Classical Gas Mason Williams is one of the most beautiful and well-known acoustic guitar songs. It has been covered by many artists over the years, but the original is still the best.

73. Big Love

Big Love soars with an acoustic guitar melody that will melt your heart. The lyrics are poetic and beautiful, making this song the perfect choice for a romantic moment.

74. Long Way to Go

Long Way to Go song is written by Alan Jackson and it is one of the most beautiful acoustic guitar songs. The song is about a man who is trying to find his way back to his love. The lyrics and the melody of the song are very beautiful.

The acoustic guitar in the song is played by Jackson himself and it sounds very beautiful. The song is also a very good example of how an acoustic guitar can be used in a country song.

Conclusion: Acoustic Guitar Songs for Beginners

We hope you can now get the list of modern acoustic guitar songs for beginners. It will be nice to play at least one of them, so you can impress your loved ones with your new talent!

Don’t forget to share this post if you liked it so other people could find out more about the acoustic guitar songs for beginners too. Have fun strumming!

Frequently Ask Questions

That’s all for the easy guitar songs for beginners list. You can also check out 10 Best Fun Songs to Play on Guitar (Remarkable) and 15 Best Easy Songs to Sing.