A lot of times there is more than just one element which makes a great acoustic song. The best acoustic songs have multiple things working for them which makes them great. Below are just a few of those elements that can turn a middle of the road acoustic song into one of those songs that potentially can live on forever.
Probably the most important element in any acoustic guitar song is how well the guitar is played. Now I do not mean how difficult and intricate the guitar is played, but is it played well. It does not matter how technically difficult a song is to play, if it is played poorly, the song as a whole is going to suffer. Some of the best acoustic songs are nothing more than strummed chord transitions. But the chords are played well enough and crisp enough that the simplicity is over shadowed by the skill.
Next, at least for me, is the lyrical content of a song. No matter how great the music is, if the lyrics are cliche or just plain bad, the song loses any ground it gained, even if the music is out of this world. Being a song writer is probably one of the most demanding forms of art. A song writer has to portray an emotion or a thought for an extended period of time and the words have to flow together perfectly. It is a daunting to task. But this is what separates decent acoustic songs from the best acoustic songs. Lyrics are an essential piece of the puzzle.
Melody ranks right up there with lyrics in my book. It is what draws the listener in and usually what they hum after hearing the song. The melody, and I am referring to the vocal melody here, has to flow effortlessly with what the acoustic guitar is doing. If one is good, but the other lacks, the song is doomed from the start. This combination is one of the most difficult parts of song writing and requires a good ear to be able to hear what works, and what doesn't. A great melody can make a song stand out against all the rest.
Well what I just gave is the basic break up of a song, all the elements, and how they work together. When these three elements combine, they summon a great acoustic song. But remember, when writing your own music, it is important to be overly critical. Never settle for second best. Because if you do, that is all you will ever be.
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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