You’ve learnt a few easy guitar songs. But where to now? What are some great acoustic guitar songs to learn next?
The answer, my string-twanging friend, is right here. I’ve put together a list of the best acoustic songs to learn next on your path to guitar happiness. Songs that aren’t too simplistic, but not too hard either.
Each song listed below includes the original tracks (so you can play along) and tips to help you play the song better. And since the internet is full of too many incorrect guitar tabs to trust their accuracy, I’ve saved you the trouble and included the correct chords.
If you’re new to guitar and need a bit of help getting started, check out my 10 Day Guitar Crash Course for newbies. When you’re ready for a whole lot more, check out the guitar course.
Let’s get you learning some excellent acoustic songs!
Jolene
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s classic song Jolene is not the easiest song ever, but definitely not the hardest. It’s the perfect acoustic song to learn next on guitar because there are only 3 chords in 2 patterns that repeat themselves over and over for the duration of the song. For your convenience the exact chord order is written out for you below.
DIFFICULTY: Medium
CHORDS: Am C G Am G Am
STRUM: Intuitive Strum
Below is the original song for you. If you want to play along with the recording, capo on the 4th fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
This song is great for ear training. Follow the chord changes listed above and listen for the changes. Don’t rely on tab. When you do that, you never really learn how to play guitar. Learn to play by listening and noticing the chord changes and you’ll get good real quick.
Send His Love To Me
PJ Harvey
Send His Love To Me is a powerful song by PJ Harvey, off her 1995 album “To Bring You My Love”. Just two chords in the verse and two chords in the chorus make this an easy song to memorise – giving you a great chance to get working on your strum.
DIFFICULTY: Moderately Easy
CHORDS: Dm C | G F
STRUM: Intuitive Strum
If you want to play along with the recording, here is the original song for you.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
Getting the strumming right will make all the difference to this song. Start simple. Listen for the changes, the biggest impact strums, and then build your rhythm slowly up to full speed.
Shuffle Your Feet
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Shuffle Your Feet was originally a download-only single written and released in 2005 by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club from their album “Howl”. At the time, download-only songs were not eligible to get a place in the charts. Which is a massive shame because this song is brilliant.
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
CHORDS: E G A
STRUM: Intuitive Strum
If you want to play along with the recording, below is the original song for you.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
You’re going to need to listen for the chord changes in this song. The good thing is you know that there’s only 3 chords, it’s great ear training to try and hear what’s going on. It’s not difficult, but it does have a few different sections.
Adore
Amy Shark
Adore is a beautiful love song by Australian artist Amy Shark. Now, you might’ve heard the synth-heavy version, but if you listen to the version I’ve included here, you’ll see why this is one of the best acoustic guitar songs to learn once you’re past the complete beginner stage. It sounds unbelievably stunning on acoustic.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: C Am F
STRUM: Easy Hanging Strums, then Palm Muting
Below is the original song for you if you want to play along with the recording. Note that this is the acoustic version. If you want to play along with the standard version, you’ll need to capo on the 1st fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
This song sounds really spectacular when strummed with plenty of space. Use hangs through the verses, and save the palm muting for the bridge section.
Drivin' On 9
The Breeders
Drivin’ on 9 was originally written in 1988 by Ed’s Redeeming Qualities and then covered by The Breeders on their 1993 album “Last Splash”. It’s a beautiful, simple acoustic song with country vibes and a little bit of a twist in the middle for you.
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
CHORDS: G D Am C (Cm)
STRUM: Intuitive
If you want to play along with the recording, here is The Breeder’s version of the song for you.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
This song has an unexpected Cm chord that happens at the end of the first verse (“go another mile)”. You’ll have to listen for it, which is why it is so good to learn to play by ear. If you can’t hear the change, head over to my course and dive deeper into your guitar education.
Wagon Wheel
Old Crow Medicine Show
Wagon Wheel is such a worthwhile acoustic song to learn on guitar, once you’ve gotten past complete beginner status. Bob Dylan wrote the bones of the chorus and then 25 years later, Old Crow Medicine Show polished it into the song we know and love today.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
CHORDS: G D Em C
STRUM: Intuitive Strum
Below is the original song for you if you want to play along with the recording. Use a capo on the 2nd fret to make it sound right.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
This song follows an easy, repetitive four chord structure. Use whatever strum you can master (or muster) right now, and add some hangs in the slow down bit. You’ll sound great!
Big Jet Plane
Angus & Julia Stone
Big Jet Plane, by Angus & Julia Stone is still a hugely popular hit, more than 10 years since its release. It sounds great on acoustic guitar, and is moderately easy to play with just four chords.
DIFFICULTY: Moderately easy
CHORDS: C Am Em (G every second time round)
STRUM: Palm muting
Below is the original song for you. If you want to play along with the recording, capo on the 1st fret.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
It really makes a difference when you master that palm muting strum. Don’t worry if you can’t get it at first, just focus on the chord changes and learn different strums as your capabilities allow.
In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
Neutral Milk Hotel
Another brilliant song. In The Aeroplane Over The Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel was first released in 1998 on their album of the same name. It’s a quirky, dark romantic waltz and an absolute pleasure to play on acoustic guitar.
DIFFICULTY: Moderately Easy
CHORDS: G Em C D | Em C G D
STRUM: Intuitive Strum
Below is the original song if you want to play along with the recording.
* TIPS TO PLAY THIS SONG BETTER *
I’ve mapped out the two chord progressions above for you. Just use your ears, you can hear when it changes from the first to the second pattern. And really emphasise the first beat of your strum to get that waltz feel just right. (Count ONE-two-three, ONE-two-three!)
Summary
There you have it! Now you know which acoustic guitar songs to learn next.
Feel free to share with your guitar-lovin’ friends. If you have any trouble mastering them, check out my guitar course. It might give you some support and the structure you need for faster learning.
Happy strumming!
