When it comes to popular music, the acoustic guitar is the corner-stone. It is, in my opinion, the most honest of all the musical instruments.
What do I mean by that? It is a bare-bones instrument that does not allow the player to hide behind anything. It is unlike the electric guitar which can take advantage of effects and distortion. Those effects offer the guitar player some room for sloppy technique. The acoustic guitar, on the other hand, is what it is. If the musician misses a note or their technique is not clean, it is very noticeable.
With its softer tone, not only is the skill of the guitar player tested, but it is also crucial for the lyrics and vocals of the song to be great as well. These elements combined is what truly makes a great acoustic guitar song.
With that in mind I have come up with a small list of what I feel are some of the best acoustic guitar songs. Some simple, some a lot more difficult, but all deserve to be considered one of the best acoustic guitar songs.
1. Butterfly - By Weezer. Starting off the list is one of my favorite songs of all time. "Butterfly" by the geek rock group Weezer is simple, yet amazing. Off of their second album (and some would say their best) "Pinkerton", the band was able to take a simply chord transition, a beautiful melody, and heartbreaking lyrics to craft and melancholy breakup song about lost love. Again the music is simple, but it is well deserving to make this list.
2. Sweet Baby James - By James Taylor. I think most people would agree that "Sweet Baby James" is clearly one the best acoustic guitar songs of all times. Off of his second album of the same name, James Taylor, beloved singer/songwriter wrote this haunting tune while driving to meet his baby nephew for the first time. The finger picking technique used on this track is difficult and involved, yet flows so beautifully through out. With his amazing voice, amazing guitar playing, and his knack for writing hits, James Taylor hit the nail right on the head with this one.
3. St. Augustine - By Band of Horses. This song appears on the debut album of Band of Horses, an indie band that released the album in 2006. The acoustic guitar work is perfect for the song, a leveled mixture of strumming and plucking, and the lyrics are boarder-line mind-blowing. But what makes this song worthy to be mentioned on the list of best acoustic guitar songs is the harmony of the two vocalists. It is subtle, but it is there, and it was what really sets this song apart.
4. Tears in Heaven - By Eric Clapton. Not much needs to be said when the name Eric Clapton is mentioned. The man is a guitar and music legend. Most known for his blues and electric guitar, however his acoustic guitar skills are rarely paralleled. Sadly one of his best acoustic guitar songs was written after the tragic death of his young son. Clapton put his emotions not only in his heartfelt lyrics, but also into the acoustic guitar part of the song. It is masterfully finger picked by Clapton and the melody almost always brings a tear to the listeners eye. That is why it earned a spot on this list.
Though this list is short, mainly because it could go on forever, it really captures the depth of what can be done with an acoustic guitar when played properly.
Benjamin J. Cloyd is a guitar instructor and has a website called best acoustic songs where you can find and print great songs for beginners to intermediate to advanced. He also has a humorous clothing line for musicians at Music Tshirts ETC.
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