Good Acoustic Guitar Songs

This page will tackle about three of many good acoustic guitar songs that will be easily played by beginners in guitar playing. You have to bear in mind that as an amateur, it’s imperative that we start on songs that doesn’t involve multiple constantly-changing guitar strokes or too complex chords. Always remember the acronym KISS—Keep It Simple, Starters.

#1 Horse with No Name by America

An amateur may find this song pretty easy to follow since it perfectly fit the basic description of the term “easy”. This song only employs two chords and each chord only use 2 fingers. E minor is one (and probably the easiest chord you’ll learn with acoustic guitar playing) and you can achieve this by positioning your fingers on the 2^nd fret. Place your index finger over the 5^th string (A) and your middle finger on the 4^th string (D). The other chord is Dadd6add9. You can do this by pressing your index finger on the 6^th string (E) and your middle finger on the 3^rd string (G). Do this repetitively throughout the whole song.

Here’s a very helpful video tutorial by one of the best youtube guitar guru, Marty Schwartz:

horse with no name guitar tutorial by Marty Schwartz

#2 For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield

Main chords to follow in this song are A Major and E Major. An A major is achieved by placing your index, middle and ring finger on 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th strings on the second fret. For E major, place your index finger on 3^rd string (G#) of the first fret, middle and ring fingers on the 5^th and 6^th strings (B and E) on the second fret. There may be changes on some parts of the song but you’ll be using these 2 chords mainly.

Video Tutorial by Aaron G:

For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield by Aaron G

#3 Hurt by Johnny Cash

The third good acoustic guitar song is Hurt by Johnny Cash and was written by Nine Inch Nails. We only have 3 primary chords to use here—A Minor, C and D Majors. These chords are done as follows:

A Minor

Index Finger-2^nd string, 1^st fret

Middle and ring fingers- 3^rd and 4^th strings, 2^nd fret

C Major

Index finger-2^nd string, 1^st fret

Middle finger-4^th string, 2^nd fret

Ring finger- 5^th string, 3^rd fret

D Major

Index and middle fingers-3^rd and 1^st strings, 2^nd fret

Ring finger-2^nd string, 3^rd fret

Hurt Video Tutorial by the Marty Schwartz

Hurt-Johnny Cash by Marty Schwartz

Don’t be afraid if you think you play crappy the first time. If there are chords that are hard for you at first, don’t lose hope. It’s okay if it sounds ugly at first, more practice will smoothen your strokes eventually.

A list of other good acoustic guitar songs is found at this site. Check them out and search for tutorial videos for them in the net! You’ll find out they’re really easy!