From beginner strumming to advanced fingerstyle, having a lineup of acoustic songs to learn is a strategic path to progress and to a versatile repertoire. Additionally, Moises’ tools truly enhance your learning experience, offering invaluable insights and practical ways to refine your skills. Learn more here!
Camila Miranda · 17 min
Exploring the world of the acoustic guitar reveals a spectrum of tones and techniques waiting to be discovered. Selecting the right acoustic songs to master marks a pivotal step in developing your skills. Practicing these tunes not only builds musical fluency but also enhances finger strength and flexibility — especially once you dive into barre chords and move past simple open shapes.
In this guide, you’ll find a handpicked collection of 21 well-loved songs perfect for acoustic guitar, thoughtfully curated to support players at every stage — from total novices tackling their first strum to experienced players weaving intricate fingerstyle patterns.
Alongside this acoustic song selection, you’ll also uncover valuable advice on:
- How to maximize Moises for learning and practice sessions;
- Effective strategies for becoming a more proficient acoustic guitarist;
- Choosing a key that suits your voice and playing style;
- Ways to make a cover uniquely yours;
- Plus, 7 bonus tracks for seasoned acoustic performers.
Acoustic songs to learn: 21 ideas, easiest to hardest
The acoustic guitar often serves as the emotional anchor of a song, complementing the vocals with its rich resonance and setting the tone — even when accompanied by rhythm sections like bass and drums.
Every guitarist has a different starting point. One of the best ways to build your abilities is by practicing songs that match your current level, then gradually choosing ones that introduce new challenges. Start simple, then slowly elevate the complexity to match your growing confidence.
Difficulty is subjective, but we’ve organized this list from more accessible songs to more demanding ones, taking into account chord difficulty, fingerpicking patterns, and rhythm stability.
1. A Horse With No Name (America)
This minimalistic desert-themed track is one of the easiest songs to begin with. It features only two chords, making it ideal for those just getting comfortable with the guitar. Despite its simplicity, it leaves a lasting impression.
Played in DADGBE tuning rather than standard, it revolves around Em and D6/9 chords, offering a gentle introduction to alternative tunings and mood-setting acoustics.
2. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan)
A timeless folk-rock piece, this song’s emotional resonance and straightforward chord progression make it a favorite among learners. Often used in film, its familiarity adds to its appeal.
Originally using the open chords G, D, Am, and C, it pairs poignant lyrics with a rhythm that’s easy to grasp and satisfying to play.
3. What’s Up (4 Non Blondes)
This powerful ‘90s hit is an excellent learning piece, mixing strong emotional delivery with basic chord shapes. It’s frequently chosen by beginners due to its catchy nature and universal appeal.
The song cycles through G, Bm, C, and Am, offering players a chance to navigate changes in dynamics while honing timing and confidence.
4. Good Riddance (Green Day)
Blending acoustic warmth with punk nostalgia, this track invites intermediate players to dive into reflective melodies and simple strumming techniques.
Utilizing G, C, and D chords, the song evokes bittersweet memories and is a go-to for graduation ceremonies and heartfelt moments.
5. Wonderwall (Oasis)
A staple in acoustic guitar circles, Wonderwall is loved for its singalong quality and approachable structure. It’s especially ideal for players using a capo for the first time.
With chords like Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4, and Cadd9, it delivers a sound that’s both familiar and full, making it a rewarding piece for newcomers.
6. House of the Rising Sun (The Animals)
Often cited as one of the earliest examples of folk-rock, this song stands out with its arpeggiated picking and minor chords that evoke a haunting tone.
Incorporating Am, C, D, F, and E, it provides a great platform for those aiming to sharpen their fingerpicking technique and expand their chord library.
7. The Man Who Sold the World (David Bowie, covered by Nirvana)
Nirvana’s version infuses the original with gritty emotion and alternative edge, making it a great stepping stone into dropped tunings and expressive strumming.
Chords such as E, G, A, C, and D offer players the chance to experiment with tone and dynamics, bridging simplicity with depth.
8. I Will Follow You Into the Dark (Death Cab for Cutie)
This acoustic ballad invites players into a world of delicate emotion and lyrical intimacy, focusing on storytelling through music.
It features a gentle chord progression — C, Am, F, Dm, and G — that allows guitarists to connect deeply with the song’s mood and message.
9. Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd)
This emotionally charged piece is essential for any acoustic setlist, guiding players through reflective strumming and heartfelt melodies.
Using Em7, G, D/F#, A7sus4, and C, it captures the essence of longing and personal reflection, offering a richer understanding of mood and atmosphere in music.
10. Drive (Incubus)
With introspective lyrics and fluid guitar work, Drive encourages intermediate players to embrace nuanced strumming and thoughtful pacing.
The song’s accessible chord progression serves as a gateway to more advanced rhythmic concepts and dynamic expression.
11. The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel)
Renowned for its melancholic fingerpicking, this classic draws listeners in with its haunting quality, later revitalized by a modern rock interpretation.
Chords Am, G, F, and C combine to produce an introspective soundscape that resonates with themes of solitude and quiet reflection.
12. Hurt (Nine Inch Nails, covered by Johnny Cash)
Cash’s soulful cover transforms the industrial original into a stripped-back acoustic confession, perfect for players honing emotional delivery and picking finesse.
With a progression of Am, C, D, and G, the song offers a masterclass in minimalist storytelling through guitar.
13. Hotel California (The Eagles)
This rock epic pairs storytelling with intricate guitar lines, ideal for learners building fluency in chord changes and melodic phrasing.
Combining Am, E7, G, D, F, and C, it offers a structured challenge that grows with the player, leading into its iconic solo as a next-level goal.
14. Iris (Goo Goo Dolls)
Emotionally charged and musically dynamic, Iris is a rewarding track for players ready to explore beyond basic rhythms and chord shapes.
Utilizing G, D/F#, Em, C, and D, it bridges soft verses with soaring choruses, perfect for showcasing expressive range.
15. Blackbird (The Beatles)
Designed for the fingerstyle enthusiast, Blackbird challenges and delights with its intricate patterns and uplifting message.
Built on chords like G, Am7, G/B, C, and D7, it demands precision and grace, offering a true fingerstyle milestone for intermediate players.
As with A Horse With No Name, this piece uses the DADGBE tuning, opening the door to alternate tunings.
16. Fast Car (Tracy Chapman)
“Fast Car” unfolds as a story of unwavering hope and quiet strength, all driven by a simple quartet of chords: C, G, Em, and D. Its distinct introduction, played with a capo on the second fret, sets the stage for a fingerpicking journey that beckons players to step beyond familiar territory and explore new sonic textures.
As the melody travels across the fretboard, it transforms basic chord shapes into a compelling musical narrative—an emotional tapestry that captures dreams and transitions. This iconic tune isn’t just a study in minimalist chord arrangements; it’s a lyrical voyage rendered through expressive strumming and picking.
17. You’re So Vain (Carly Simon)
With its unforgettable hook, “You’re So Vain” left a lasting mark on a generation. It presents guitarists with a punchy, memorable riff and a sing-along chorus that practically demands participation.
This ’70s gem delivers a mellow, jazzy atmosphere using chords like G, Am, Bb, and C. The song carries the same magnetic confidence as the enigmatic figure it references in its most iconic line.
18. The Needle and the Damage Done (Neil Young)
Neil Young’s “The Needle and the Damage Done” offers a haunting reflection on addiction’s toll, blending stark lyrical honesty with acoustic purity. The chord structure—Em, D, G, A, C, and B7—supports the song’s introspective, melancholic tone.
Though short in length, it provides a rich narrative and musical lesson for skilled guitarists seeking to weave emotion into every note. It’s a piece that conveys vulnerability and raw storytelling power in equal measure.
19. Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton)
“Tears in Heaven” is a poignant tribute, born from Eric Clapton’s personal grief. It’s a delicate and emotionally charged piece that blends lyrical sorrow with technical finesse, inviting players to express depth through music.
The song includes an intricate chord lineup: A, E/G#, F#m, D, A/C#, Bm, E, and F#7. It challenges advanced musicians to deliver not only accurate finger placement but also sincere emotional nuance, making each performance a deeply personal experience.
20. Jolene (Dolly Parton)
More than a melodic exercise, “Jolene” channels the ache and urgency of Dolly Parton’s storytelling. Its addictive fingerpicking style makes it as engaging to play as it is heartfelt to sing.
This country classic unfolds a narrative of insecurity and confrontation through chords like Am, C, G, and F. It allows learners to explore emotional resonance while mastering expressive acoustic techniques.
21. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp (Led Zeppelin)
“Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” radiates rustic charm, deeply influenced by its namesake Welsh cottage. The tune’s percussive rhythm and folky energy evoke images of communal jam sessions and back-porch storytelling.
Crafted by Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Robert Plant, this dynamic instrumental is structured around chords such as D, G, C, and A, using the open tuning DGDGBD. It’s a demanding piece that rewards dedicated players with a full-bodied, acoustic groove rich in character and complexity.
How can Moises help you learn songs?
Moises stands out as a powerful companion for guitarists at any level. With its intuitive tools, it enhances your practice routine and helps you grow your skills while keeping the process enjoyable. It’s especially handy for tackling more challenging parts and polishing your playing techniques across a wide range of acoustic tunes.
Even the Free plan offers significant utility, while Premium or Pro subscriptions unlock an array of advanced features designed to deepen your musical insight and make your interpretation of each piece truly come alive.
AI Audio Separation
One of Moises’ most impactful tools is AI Audio Separation. With the Free tier, users can isolate vocals and instrumentals from five songs per month—and download those split tracks for detailed study.
Opting for Premium gives you unlimited* uploads and the ability to isolate guitar parts specifically, making it easier to grasp every subtle element of the performance you’re learning.
Song Key Finder
Maintaining correct pitch has never been easier with the Song Key Finder. Upon uploading a song, Moises automatically identifies the key, helping you stay aligned with the original composition while learning or performing.
Chord Finder
With Chord Finder, the days of puzzling over progressions are gone. As your track plays, the app visually displays the chords in real-time, helping you recognize and memorize patterns effortlessly.
This allows for smoother integration of new chords into your practice without interrupting your flow to research shapes or placements.
Audio Speed Changer
Adapt your practice tempo using the Audio Speed Changer. Free users can shift speed in 10 BPM increments, while Premium users enjoy unlimited adjustments to better manage tricky fingerpicking or rapid transitions.
Whether slowing down to perfect your accuracy or speeding up to test your limits, this tool provides a tailored learning pace.
Smart Metronome
Rhythm is the foundation of all music, and the Smart Metronome helps you lock it in. Premium members benefit from unrestricted metronome usage, which helps perfect timing across every song.
Use it to maintain precision in emotional ballads like “Good Riddance” or bring consistent energy to upbeat classics like “Wonderwall.”
Pitch Changer
Whether you’re accommodating your vocal range or that of a collaborator, the Pitch Changer lets you adjust a song’s key with ease.
This customization ensures that no matter the original arrangement, the piece feels comfortable and accessible, making each performance uniquely suited to your voice or interpretation.
How to get better at acoustic guitar?
Mastering acoustic guitar goes beyond daily practice — it demands expression, nuance, and a strong connection to the instrument. Skill building comes through consistency, a wide exploration of genres, and a deep commitment to honing technique and tone.
For effective strumming, begin with basic down-up strokes using a metronome. Focus on establishing steady rhythm and gradually integrate more complex syncopations and volume shifts.
Try out palm muting, strum accents, and other stylistic touches to see how strumming can transform a song’s feel. Learning diverse tracks will improve adaptability and enrich your rhythmic vocabulary.
Fingerstyle playing requires heightened finger independence and coordination. Start with simple drills to strengthen individual fingers and gradually evolve into full patterns that include bass and melody lines.
Emphasize clean articulation and consistency before increasing speed. Treat each pluck as purposeful, and aim to tell a story with every note.
How to choose the right key?
Choosing the appropriate key for a song is a balance between vocal comfort and emotional resonance. It ensures the melody is comfortably within range while preserving the song’s expressive depth.
In solo performances or group settings, selecting the ideal key enhances each contributor’s strengths. It allows the song to shine while complementing vocal timbres and instrumental dynamics. While authenticity matters, experimenting with alternate keys can unlock greater vocal potential.
Tools like capos and digital platforms such as Moises provide effortless transposition, enabling real-time experimentation and helping you find the most suitable key for your performance setup.
How to add your identity to covers?
Creating a cover is more than mimicking — it’s a chance to inject your artistic voice into an existing piece. Whether through subtle tweaks in rhythm or reimagining the entire genre, each modification helps define your rendition.
Consider rearranging the structure or layering vocal harmonies to reflect your personal style. It’s an opportunity not just to revisit a song, but to reshape it into something fresh and uniquely yours.
Every reinterpretation becomes a canvas for self-expression, allowing your identity as a musician to emerge more clearly with each creative decision.
Bonus: 7 hardest acoustic songs to learn
For seasoned players seeking a true challenge, this collection of seven acoustic masterpieces offers opportunities to refine advanced techniques, from intricate fingerpicking to expressive articulation and dynamic phrasing.
Explore these top selections and discover what sets each one apart:
- Big Love by Fleetwood Mac: A fusion of fingerstyle finesse and steady strumming, this track showcases Lindsey Buckingham’s ability to juggle melodic and rhythmic duties simultaneously. While the left hand enjoys lighter fretting work, coordinating vocals with the guitar line adds another layer of complexity.
- Angeles by Elliott Smith (combining fingerpicking and strumming): This track demands nimble fingerwork and fluidity when moving between picking and strumming. Although the chord structures are relatively straightforward, executing swift fingerpicked sequences alongside occasional strums poses a considerable coordination challenge.
- Classical Gas, originally by Mason Williams, covered by Tommy Emmanuel (fingerstyle with palm muting): Tommy Emmanuel brings a new level of intricacy to this piece, infusing it with brisk, articulate runs, intricate chords, and precise palm muting aided by a thumb pick. His rendition also features complex percussive effects. Playing this on a steel-string acoustic guitar adds a layer of difficulty, requiring enhanced dexterity and finger strength.
- Neon by John Mayer (percussive fingerstyle): Notable for its slap-pop technique and demanding chord transitions, this song challenges the right hand with its aggressive rhythmic style. Holding the chords can be physically taxing, making it a rigorous test of endurance and control in Mayer’s signature guitar approach.
- Passionflower by John Gomm (percussive fingerstyle): Gomm’s composition stands out due to its inventive use of percussive hits and tuning pegs to generate unconventional sounds. The guitar is tuned lower than standard, necessitating heavier strings to preserve tonal quality. Performing this piece also involves singing while navigating intricate fingerstyle passages, making it a true multitasking feat.
- Acousticore by Tobias Rauscher (percussive fingerstyle): This piece brings a fresh set of challenges, including unusual left-hand placements above the fretboard, harmonics, tapping, and synchronized rhythmic percussion. What sets it apart is its creative expression, not just technical prowess or speed, demanding both innovation and control from the performer.
- Spanish Fly by Van Halen (fingerpicking and tapping): Eddie Van Halen demonstrates acoustic mastery through a blend of flamenco-inspired flair and electric guitar techniques. Expect to encounter a mix of tapping, tremolo picking, hammer-ons, pull-offs, fingerpicked arpeggios, and more, resulting in a richly textured and dynamic composition that blurs genre lines.
Delving into this curated selection of acoustic pieces — whether you’re sticking to the primary list or branching into extra picks — can spark your creativity and enhance your musical versatility. Each track serves as a stepping stone toward stronger performance skills and broader musical insight. Consistent practice and determination are essential for growth and meaningful progress.
As you journey through the diverse world of acoustic guitar, every small improvement contributes to the development of your unique sound and musical identity. Think of these tracks as guideposts along your artistic path — and with the help of Moises, you’re equipped not only to imitate but to innovate and refine your own interpretation.
Moises offers the ability to seamlessly isolate vocals and instruments from both audio and video formats. Dive into this detailed guide to learn how!
Camila Miranda
A Brazilian with a foundation in Psychology, currently engaged in postgraduate studies in Communication & Marketing. A devoted music enthusiast whose voice is the primary instrument, but also experienced with guitar and has dabbled in bass. Proud pet parent, passionate about tattoos and ever-changing hairstyles.
