10 Acoustic Guitar Riffs That Will Make You A Better Player

[@Chris-MusicTheoryAndFretboard]

1. Angie 1:16 2. She talks to Angels 2:23 3. Layla 3:55 4. Iris 5:40 5. I Can't Be Satisfied 6:55 6. Blackbird 8:41 7. Over the hills and far away 9:54 8. Banana Pancakes 11:20 9. Dust in the wind 13:02 10. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You 14:13

[@power_of_many]

Great list

[@eliaslopezgonzalez1543]

nice

[@garrettvann7427]

Goat

[@conradgillard]

Muchas gracias!

[@gtsipejr]

1a.- Anji

[@PumkinHedGal]

The first riff in Paranoid Android was the acoustic guitar part that really made me excited to play acoustic guitar, it was super hard to learn but after I finished learning it I felt incredibly happy that I accomplished something I never thought possible, and it inspired me to start playing more acoustic music rather than just metal and grunge.

[@sebastiengiroux4718]

Same for me! One of the first song that i've learned. It took me awhile to get it right. Very good song to learn. But, very hard at first.

[@StarQueenEstrella]

In my list are: “Never Going Back Again” by Fleetwood Mac, “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, “Going to California” by Led Zeppelin, “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel, and “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas

[@ApolloSuns]

this is an amazing list. Going to California is a gem. Add Friend of the Devil by the Dead and it's perfect

[@jeremydahm2124]

The Boxer!

[@larryhall2805]

All great songs and good ideas! But here I go again, how about Black Water? I love the Doobies, now tie me with a rope & hang me (Roger Miller reference).

[@dakotaslim]

Great list. Add "Wish You Were Here" for acoustic perfection.

[@ApolloSuns]

@@dakotaslim good call

[@fbj1223]

Blackbird and Dust in the wind taught me how to fingerpick, they basically made me learn how to Travis pick and that changed my entire style of playing.

[@bellionjon]

same bro

[@zackerydodder7287]

It was Going to California for me

[@DonG-e3n]

I re-started playing in retirement (after 30 year of no playing) and made a list of 10 songs to focus on. 5 out of my 10 are in your list and your other 5 include songs I would like to learn. Good stuff here!

[@DomsGuitarGear]

The Rain Song is another great acoustic Zeppelin tune, so much fun to play and such a weird tuning, Page is a genuis!

[@ApolloSuns]

Amazing song. The first 3 songs on House of the Holy is such a great sequence

[@gui-texzan7477]

You'd be hard-pressed to find a prettier acoustic song. Melissa by the Allman Brothers Band is close. Mayonnaise by the Smashing Pumpkins and Seasons by Chris Cornell are close....

[@ApolloSuns]

@@gui-texzan7477 Good call!

[@zosomoso]

Most beautiful chord progression ever imo! Rain Song is so underrated.

[@ApolloSuns]

@@zosomoso the walk from Maj, Maj7th to flat7 is beautiful

[@Rawrxdlol79]

#1 1:16 Angie by The Rolling Stones #2 2:23 She Talks to Angels by The Black Crowes #3 3:56 Layla (Unplugged) by Eric Clapton #4 5:40 Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls #5 6:56 I Can't Be Satisfied by Muddy Waters #6 8:42 Blackbird by The Beatles #7 9:55 Over The Hills and Far Away by Led Zeppelin #8 11:23 Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson #9 13:03 Dust In The Wind by Kansas #10 14:14 Babe I'm Going To Leave You by Led Zeppelin

[@Hopeful_Husker]

She talks to angles?

[@squirrelbalz794]

@@Hopeful_Husker yeah?

[@Suleyman-qu2cq]

1:12?pls

[@Suleyman-qu2cq]

1:12 name of song pls

[@Rawrxdlol79]

@@Suleyman-qu2cq Wonderwall by Oasis

[@eddiecarter9831]

Great list! "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles, "Melissa" by ABB, "Black Water" by Doobie Brothers, "You've Got a Friend" by James Taylor (hard to believe you did not include one of his), "Peaceful Easy Feeling" by Eagles are a few that would make my list. So many great acoustic songs!

[@rogerjane1350]

Yes how can he not mention James Taylor? And Don McLean

[@douglasbarrows8110]

@@rogerjane1350 Ten songs is an impossible task. I think 100 would still be difficult.

[@scatlizard]

The whole Clapton unplugged is one of my favorite too. Great for learning guitar.

[@WldLifePicTkr]

Outstanding list man- opened my ears to a couple I'd forgotten were killer openers. On mine I also have Tears in Heaven, Nothing Else Matters, Time of your life, I'd Love 2 change the World, Fast Car, Stand by Me, & Dead or Alive, and Pink Houses- to each their own, & your list is outstanding- Great job & appreciate the helpful comments as am just getting into learning Acoustic

[@hoytdmartin]

Wish You Were Here is always a big one also for another finger style song I’d pick Deep River Blues by Doc Watson. I think the first acoustic song I ever learned was Night Moves by Bob Seger.

[@bunbun1741]

Interviewer once asked Doc how long it took him to learn to play Deep River Blues. Think he said the bass picking took him a few weeks to get down. The interviewer then asks 'and how long did the rest take?' to which Doc just smiles and says 'oh, about ten years'. Made me laugh when I saw it, and always makes me feel as bit better when I'm struggling to learn something.

[@mc495150]

About a girl by nirvana for me. I was 15…on the tab there’s was a note “tune half a step down”, but since i did not speak english at the time snd i never saw anything different from standard tuning, i was not able to undestand why i did not sound right (:

[@pwnnwb]

It we going there, lets not leave out that riff that was so many nineties kids first on any guitar: 'Come as you are' - da da da dum dadadada da dum da dum'' ...

[@KKMcK1]

My Takamine F400 12-string is one of my favorite guitars of my entire life. I got it in the late 70s. As for what you missed: A million Neil Young songs, starting with My My Hey Hey (Out of the Blue). Jimmy Page once said that when he was watching Neil Young do an acoustic set, he, Jimmy, actually had tears running down his face. That's how great an acoustic player Neil is.

[@anthonycofrancesco7137]

Dude I had the EXACT same introduction to hammer ons and pull offs with this song when I first started too! It’s got a place in my heart for life.

[@reddogdude]

This is probably the best “top 10 acoustic” list that I’ve seen. You are thoughtful and erudite throughout. Keep up the good work!

[@integerdivision]

Nick Drake - Pink Moon - not just the song, the whole album. Great tunings, great picking patterns, great strumming patterns, and it’ll break your heart with beauty

[@joelfabes]

Yes! One of my oldest musical memories is listening to Pink Moon on my dad's old Sony discman. Really inspirational for understated, beautiful acoustic parts.

[@ApolloSuns]

Agreed. A beautiful album for Sunday mornings or late night hangs

[@w.llawrence86]

Listened to that today-didn't "get it" at all (then again, I'm primarily a 50's rockabilly guy)

[@andypammenter8528]

Yes, nick and John Martyn :-)

[@FinnBjerke]

Josh Tuner have Nick Drake tutorials ---- Nick Drake was amazing..

[@Naitsirk1]

I think Landslide are really important on a list like this, to learn and practice travis picking with simple chords (i was only playing the chord for the verse for like over a year just to get down the picking with the chord changes sounding good), for the dynamics of the song, a song everybody knows instantly when you play it so crowd pleaser for sure etc etc. Love the video and the list tho!

[@ApolloSuns]

Totally!

[@chrisgough8372]

Completely agree. When “The Dance” DVD hit, I was mesmerized by the way Lindsey played it and had to learn it immediately. On that same show was “Big Love” and another is “Never Going Back Again”. All great and challenging songs, especially when you throw in the solos that Lindsey plays.

[@jasonbillingham1527]

New here, great list! I Agree. Landslide took a lot of practice for me, and totally got me ready for Dust in the Wind. I’d like to add that Lindsey is a hugely underrated guitar player in my opinion.

[@JimMcVay]

I started learning Over the Hills and Far Away in the 80's and never finished. Time to finally learn the whole song!

[@robinjgill]

Rhett, one of my favourite acoustic players is John Martyn. Small Hours with the echoplex from 1977 was phenomenally innovative for its time and a song I never ever get tired of. Martyn's combination with Danny THompson on double bass was killer. All the best.

[@dedaelus]

Yes that live performance of in the small hours is one of my favourite guitar performances ever.

[@RalphEOswald]

Jeff Beck has only recorded four songs I know of with acoustic guitar: Love Is Blue, Love Is Green (both of which have electric or electric/acoustic guitar), Just Another Night (Mick Jagger's 1985 She's The Boss album) and Greensleeves. It took me a couple years to lock down Greensleeves, simply because I'm a slow learner, and I found out he had actually played a second guitar on it. My point being: As a classical/traditional song his interpretation, his syncopation are ideas that every guitar player should get a feel for and appreciate them. Plus, it's a great rendition that gives a lively bounce to a simple traditional standard.

[@randalllavergne1258]

Man, that acoustic sounds amazing. The tone on “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” was killer.

[@RhettShull]

I love this guitar.

[@johnandre5558]

I could not agree more. I do wonder if that acoustic sound we love so much has to do with compression or just the sound of a well mic’d acoustic.

[@gamesforone4105]

@@johnandre5558 I think one of the sad things about acoustic guitar is that from where you, the player, sits you are not getting the best sound projection the instrument produces. The mic pics it up though.

[@johnandre5558]

@@gamesforone4105 Never though of it that way. Way to obvious. LOL.

[@darrellstyner0001]

@@RhettShull What kind of guitar is it? Really stunning wood!

[@InsaneWayne355]

Some of my favs ... Finger picking: Landslide Open E: Little Martha Weird Low-B tuning: Seasons by Chris Cornell (Singles soundtrack) Open C6 tuning: Bron-Yr-Aur (Physical Graffiti)

[@randybecker7339]

I'm quite a bit older than you, but I would recommend something (well, anything really) from Jim Croce. "I'll Have to Say I Love You In A Song" is probably my favorite and is my go-to when I first pick up my acoustic. Great list here by the way.

[@crispychip360]

Jim Croce is one of the greatest of all time. Maury Muehleisen has influenced my playing so much

[@DylanL69]

What about big bad Leroy Brown I don't remember if it's acoustic but still a good song

[@nickkonig5278]

Yeah, in my reply above I should have mentioned Jim Croce too. He and Muehleisen were truly superb. I think I would have gone with "These Dreams", "Lovers Cross" and "Operator". All have been in my repertoire for decades, when I play small venues solo. Damn, so much music so little time !!!

[@patriciogalvan7595]

Love She talks to Angels. A song that is a Must, " Hole hearted" from Nuno Betencourt

[@unessential5108]

As a kid born in the 80s and going to high school in the 90s, no music class jam would be complete without 6 acoustic guitars poorly playing 'fade to black' by MetallicA. Good times!

[@rexhavens4931]

Lucky you . being born in the 50s and going to school in the 60s there wasn't one guitar in my school to play anything on.

[@twhotzxgunz7622]

Lucky you I was born in 99 and I've never seen another kid listen to Fade to Black voluntarily

[@cliffschannel2521]

@@twhotzxgunz7622 I just met a 13 yo kid today that let me hear a recording on his phone of him playing it on his new martin . Im 61 and thought that was pretty cool actually .

[@twhotzxgunz7622]

@@cliffschannel2521 I’m jealous, people like that are far and few between. I’d love to find a few people like that my age.

[@georgedaly2187]

Grdaly02 is

[@michaelgillespie8257]

That Jack Johnson record, when listened front to back, is outstanding!

[@dwaynejessome1728]

since you asked, my top ten 10) Suite Judy Blue Eyes 9) Blackbird 8) Over the Hills and Far Away 7) Fearless -Pink Floyd 6) Ventura Highway 5) Moonlight in Vermont - Willie Nelson 4) The Needle and the Damage Done 3) Dee -Randy Rhoads 2) Give a Little Bit -Supertramp 1) Babe I'm Gonna Leave You

[@weyland1452]

The "Unplugged" album is a big tank for me. I've been playing them for 20 years. Tears in Heaven, Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, Walkin' Blues... I still like to play the forbidden song (Stairway to heaven). And Nothing else matters, it's always a pleasure to play that intro. Wish you where here too, strumming plus a tasteful solo. Yeah

[@gedpuna81]

your song choices...you look into the camera...you talked just enough to not bore me and what you said about learning those songs,to be better at playing other songs,was awesome dude.thank you

[@Elicid1965]

Sorry for doubling up on the comments. Kind of blown away, your ability to explain the nuance involved with this stuff is impressive. Acoustic playing is the base of everything. We aren’t just playing guitar, we are playing music. Simple melody is often overlooked imho. Anyway dude, good video. Thx

[@lucasklock5494]

“Babe I’m gonna leave you” was one song I struggled a lot when started playing, the picking pattern was so complex, I remember playing only the three notes after bass because I still couldn’t fit the bass in it. The first Time I played right was super cool though… as always, great list Rett. If I may add one song, the acoustic version of “Everlong” is a very distinct riff. And any song from the first “Days of the New” album would fit this list as well. Greetings from Brazil!

[@petejennings597]

@Lucas Klock ...couldn't agree more about Days of the New. Travis is a very sad story though.😞

[@lomarsweed6604]

Everlong was introduced as an electric song though, and the acoustic version's riff is identical, unlike Layla.

[@ElvisPriceless]

@@lomarsweed6604 You're right. But the definition of on acoustic song is : a song played with an acoustic guitar.

[@lomarsweed6604]

@@ElvisPriceless Sure if you're going by literal definitions, but lists like these are highlighting songs that are renowned as acoustic pieces, not songs that have an acoustic rendition.

[@ElvisPriceless]

@@lomarsweed6604 Yeah I know. I was just kidding. Everlong on acoustic guitar is not as good as on electric. Because... it's not an acoustic song !

[@mintran]

"Time in a bottle" is my favorite. The chord movement is incredible!

[@Snarkapotamus]

Croce and Maury Muehieisen were masterful acoustic guitar players...

[@mintran]

@@Snarkapotamus I learn a lot from them. Maury Muehieisen deserves more credit for his work with Jim Croce. I wish they could stay a little longer :(

[@crispychip360]

@@Snarkapotamus Maury has been one of the biggest influences on my playing. Extremely underrated

[@Channel-km8gd]

Dave Matthews band has a very unique approach to acoustic playing. Learning some of his songs has taught me new chords or techniques over the years. For example , Lie in our graves and Jimi thing is fun to play. 41 sounds great on an acoustic and Two step is unique in a few ways. Of course there is crash, which is overplayed and not my fav but it gets your left hand stretching and everyone knows that song. I might add a song of his to the list as a number 11.

[@troyraynor]

“So much to say” is a winner also

[@ysocky]

In the first few years I was learning guitar I had a moment of realization that like 50% of the songs I had in my repertoire were Dave Matthews songs because they were just so fun to learn and play on acoustic guitar. He has this unique approach to his guitar parts in that he often uses atypical chord voicings and plays with a percussive feel that both complements the rest of the band and also sounds great for solo acoustic playing.

[@michaeldebavay5914]

Love the variety, relevance to my own tastes, and you’re commentary on every song is unbiased and just good bro. Loved it

[@Elicid1965]

Angie. Deceptively intricate if played correctly. Makes me smile everytime I slide into that little intro part most miss. Dude, your video nailed it. The minor lead you ripped on ‘Layla’ was great. Clapton unplugged is my bible.

[@BLJKPLR]

My number one song to play is From the Beginning. Included on my list is Pink Floyd songs. You have a great list of top ten!

[@roenvalenzuela2492]

"From the beginning" is my go to song when I'm trying out any acoustic guitar. Love playing "Fearless" off Meddle. (Open G)

[@squirelova1815]

Led Zep's "That's the Way" is a killer composition. Immortal masterpiece.

[@kensalazar5066]

In reality ALL OF HIS ACOUSTIC STUFF IS KILLER...THE MLZ!!

[@bubbaguitar12]

Agree, "That's the way" = xclnt. And then I'll add in "Tangerine". Mr Page = Both electric & acoustic master.

[@39Lines]

The best version of that's the way is the 1975 earls Court version. Kick fucking ass.

[@artneville5994]

Great choice! Just a pain to tune up! Did that on my 12 string; sounded heavenly

[@pdub4600]

Rain Song is another great song with great acoustic. When I listen and play that song I’m just in awe of Jimmy Page. It’s truly stunning.

[@Sidewinder_55]

the song that taught me to finger pick was helplessly hoping by Crosby, Stills and Nash. that’s a great one

[@johnhunsinger2625]

Rhett, those are some great choices and fantastic songs. I agree that Angie is one of the best Rolling Stones songs. I think one missing is Wish You We’re Here by Pink Floyd. Great job! Keep on rockin’.

[@doofinator4285]

I was waiting for Babe I’m going to leave you…such an epic acoustic masterpiece. I halfway expected Going to California as well but I guess 3 Zeppelin songs m might be too much for a top 10 list. Nice playing as always.

[@danwhitehurst9592]

Great list! Lots of my favorites on there and ones I learned early in my playing. On my list I’d add “Seasons “by Chris Cornell ( another strange tuning but unforgettable sound)or Zero Chance from Soundgarden.If you could read my mind” Gordon Lightfoot( singer/songwriting legend), “Old Man” Neil Young , and maybe “Pardon Me” (acoustic version) Incubus, lots of creative chords/ time signatures with creative use of droning open high E and B strings. You can’t half ass their acoustic songs. I love simple chord songs like Hide your love away-Beatles and Got Me Wrong-AIC, and mix in some unique hard stuff to keep me on my toes and then go back to fun and easy.

[@wendellnsmith8392]

"Stairway to Heaven" is catchy, and fun. The intro is the "hook", and is good on acoustic. Also "Dust in the Wind" works well. for this lesson. Thanks for this video. Wendell Smith

[@sdbisalive1995]

You keep saying, "The Guitar Geniuses," but I hear you play, and I can't tell the difference. This says something about your guitar prowess. I like it , and I subscribed! Thanks...

[@DavePilotCH47]

So stoked to know that the 3 songs I can play are on this list! I just spent the last month learning Layla

[@simonjodet7308]

I would add Wish You Were Here. Otherwise great list!

[@gracecyoung]

I was surprised this one wasn’t on the list. The main guitar part, and the intro solo, are both absolute classics, and relatively easy to learn so a good beginner option, but super hard to get the feel right too. Great example of a melodic approach to solos as well. Som much richness in there for beginner and more experienced players…

[@averyavenue]

He listed it on his "solos that changed my life" video, so that's prob why he didn't include it on this one.

[@gracecyoung]

@@averyavenue Ahh, yes. Good point...

[@gjw45]

I have to agree. I was just learning guitar and somehow.....just playing around, the intro came to me. I felt like i had won the lottery! It was one of my favourites songs at the time, and still is now. I did have some of the chords wrong in the riff, but either way, it was a milestone for me. I remember playing that for friends, and they would all be blown away. Obviously, none of my friends played instruments, so small things amused small minds....lol

[@AnthonyGreenGuitar]

Absolutely

[@seanclements3783]

Honestly I loved the acoustic version of Layla, and actually preferred it over the electric version for years! Might be because I heard the acoustic version first, but it’s so smooth!

[@timothybarham9250]

If you have any time for jazz, listen to the version clapton does with Wynton Marsalis. Totally not acoustic guitar, but what an arrangement. Worth a youtube search

[@anthonyjames2366]

Same here. Although that keyboard outro is pretty hard to beat

[@billbitterman9487]

For me, the acoustic version of Layla completely loses the intensity and desperation of the original version. I just feel it’s completely watered down

[@tanishqchakravorty4400]

My list would be (in no particular order): 1) Wish You Were Here 2) Stairway to Heaven 3) Fast Car 4) Stop This Train 5) Tears in Heaven 6) Dust in The Wind 7) Hurt 8) Knocking on Heaven's Door 9) Here Comes The Sun 10) Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)

[@cptvanier]

For some reason its almost taboo to mention Stairway to Heaven these days. It's like a meme now but it should be on the list for sure.

[@sdmatso]

Hurt - Johnny Cash

[@ElvisPriceless]

Wish You Can Stop This Fast Car In The Sun

[@hefenzy]

Voice Of The Soul by Death

[@ericleon6482]

My all time favorites acoustic are: Norwegian Wood, No Reply, I'll Be Back by The Beatles. Angie I could never learn so I went with Wild Horses, Dead Flowers and Waiting on A Friend. Peaceful Easy Feeling, Tequila Sunrise, Lyin' Eyes and New Kid InTown are perennial in my acoustic setlist. Also, Summer Breeze by Seals & Crofts. Learning to Fly and Free Falling by Tom Petty. Love me some Bob Dylan too. Old Love, Running on Faith, Malted Milk and Alberta from EC Unplugged. And Hey Hey What Can I Do by Zeppelin....

[@999gremlins]

Gotta say....my first introduction to you was via Rick's videos....but you have really come into your own. I look forward to your videos every bit as much as I do Rick's. I have learned quite a bit from you, and you continue to grow as a "video podcaster". As finances allow I will come back and look at the premium services you are offering.I already play every song in this video...yet still found some inspiration in listening to this. Keep up the great work Rhett

[@harrysachs2274]

First song I ever learned was "About a Girl" off of the "Unplugged in New York" Nirvana album.

[@lukas_wolfe]

Same here!

[@DylanL69]

Polly because that's a real all acoustic even on the album about a girl is electric song if I remember correctly

[@josephliptak]

I love the intro to "I'd Love to Change the World" by Ten Years After. It was the first song I learned to play on acoustic guitar.

[@nicolomantovani7101]

That’s a masterpiece

[@edwhite7809]

You just reminded me that was one of my first sings as well, just after Wish you were here.

[@rodduncan3249]

Thanks so much Rhett. Great selection of songs and you did a great job presenting them. Thanks. I sense that cowboy chords may not be your favourite, but, to me, maybe showing my age, but I think CCR has a lot of really good stuff worth learning.

[@ericpeterson9336]

Because of "youtube" videos that you and others have made ....... I went ahead and got the "Orangewood Hudson Live" ... and then came straight to this video... Im 62... sober for a year and a half... and LOVE playing the guitar again... thanks for introducing me to Orangewood ( I know it's not an Orangewood video) Im back huh!!! ANGIE ...everyone went WOW ! Thanks Rhett

[@stevejordan7038]

If you ever do a second list, please consider From The Beginning by ELP, Roundabout by Yes or Crazy On You by Heart. I love those unaccompanied acoustic solos before the rest of the band kicks in.

[@johnh.blevins5927]

Greg Lake’s acoustic guitar playing was iconic.

[@rockstarr9000]

Really loved this. Your blackbird rendition was stunning.

[@seansmith6745]

Really good list. One I would add for beginning players that is not super challenging but very playable and satisfying is Needle and the Damage Done.

[@6StringStories]

That guitar sounds incredible. My go to acoustic song when I pick one up is “Who Says” by Mayer. Really fun to play

[@radmed979]

You realize how quick your strings go dull quick with all different tunings. It's awesome though. Just be prepared to change strings. That's why I have 5 of my guitars in different tunings. Your the bomb showing how diverse the guitar is. So many get stuck in the ebgdae standard tune. Great video

[@TheNortonio]

Ugh! If somebody already commented about this pls disregard.... Check your "Over the hills" bro! That chord that you walk down to needs a finger (ring finger) down on the D string (third fret). And then you slide that up like you did... (there is a missing hammer-on earlier but no biggie. You play very well!) Thanks for this video. I'm going to pick that first tune up. Great video!

[@johncrafton8319]

Nice list. I would've liked to have seen Tesla's "Love Song" and Mason Williams' "Classical Gas" among it, but I can't complain.

[@bradpoole400]

My favorite Jimmy Page number to play is Bron Y Aur. It's in like an open f6 tuning but its doable. It's a good one for your picking hand. I love the Black Crowes song and Im going to learn it again.

[@davidleamy7564]

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds Live at Luther college was the one that got me. It was just unreal.

[@ssalvaterra]

Amazing record

[@J.Feliciano-FOREVER-JAM-N]

Tim Reynolds!!!!!!!!!

[@larrydohanos5893]

Agreed. DMB recorded in studio is good. DMB live with Tim R is amazing

[@lefkospetrou5220]

Absolutely Great video production and overall flow of the vid. You talking over the music saves so much time. Your a great teacher Thanks !

[@jimmy5634]

I had the same experience with “Over the Hills and Far Away”. Learned how to do hammer-ons and pull-offs on my own and intuitively just by listening.

[@Marco01Antonio]

Man... Seasons, by Chris Cornell, is a must if you're talking about weird tunnings. Oh my God, this song is amazing...

[@goodknight37]

Absolutely. One of my favorite acoustic songs.

[@marcbergeron445]

I’m super agree with you!! Seasons is an amazing acoustic song!! Solid list though from our friend Rhett

[@ssalvaterra]

So true

[@JustSomeGuy]

I was just thinking that Seasons should be on this list.

[@cobainspriest]

Absolutely!

[@jdiscala54]

Good selections, nice playing. I think the thunder may have been a sign from the heavens that Dust in the Wind was not being played correctly! This song started out as a fingerpicking exercise by Kerry Livgren of Kansas, and later developed into a hit song. The top melody line is staggered, so when you're playing the first Am chord, the top notes should start with an open B, 3rd fret D, 1st fret C, and back to the open B. It really makes a difference. So instead of repeating notes C, B, D, C over and over it should be: Over the C Chord...notes C, B, D, C Over the Am chord...B, D, C, B Over the 2nd C chord...D, C, B, D Over the 2nd Am chord...C, B, D, C A little trickier to play, but that was Mr. Livgren's whole plan!

[@snap-off5383]

Exactly. What is weird is I absolutely CANNOT hit the c9 by JUST putting my pinkie down, I miss a good 50% of the time. But if I pull all my fingers off and go to the muscle memory of putting down the WHOLE c9 chord, I hit it pretty much every time. My music teacher was driven NUTS at me trying to "quietly" still pick my picking pattern while she wanted everyone to stop playing "plucks, pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck, plucks, pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck,plucks, pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck,plucks, pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck-pluck" I'm to the point with this one and "when the children cry" that I can sing them while I play them.

[@reverb508]

Sitting down and figuring out how the hell to play "Never Going Back Again" by Fleetwood Mac has done wonders for fingerpicking. I imagine it's a lot like how a beginner drummer feels when they start to acquire limb independence.

[@jasonbillingham1527]

New to your channel Rhett, but I got here as soon as I could. Your playing is right up there with the musicians that wrote these songs. That guitar sounds so amazing!

[@The_BeardedDragon]

I was once in a semi-acoustic covers band (I played acoustic). Our main crowd pleasers were Pink Floyd - Wish you were here Incubus - Drive QOTSA - No one knows Foo fighters - Everlong Loved the list, I’m definitely going to give a few of these a go

[@kenbrunet6120]

I'm curious to know how no one knows sounded. Great song

[@The_BeardedDragon]

@@kenbrunet6120 always went down a storm. Used to play it in standard tuning based around the Cm bar chord. Josh Homme played it acoustic on radio one live lounge.

[@Shadezman76]

Here's my top 10 that I learned in full or started to learn in the beginning, but never got all of them down pat. A lot of yours are on my ever growing list. Patience - G&R I remember you - Skid row When the children cry - WL Hysteria - DL Love of a lifetime - FH Silent Lucidity - Queensryche Dust in the wind -Kasas Jack and Diane - JM Behind Blue Eyes - The Who Don't Follow - AinC

[@barrya.6212]

WOW brother.....I think we are the same person !

[@wmrustycox]

I've heard several people play Black Bird ... but I've yet to hear one play it like he does...the pluck/strum he does is very unique and I guess difficult to replicate. Btw I heard Sir Paul made a comment in a interview that, (to paraphrase) " everyone's been playing my song incorrectly ".

[@manu9629]

One song that for me should be in the list is Just breathe by Pearl Jam, if you're learning to do finger picking and wanna gain some speed and accuracy, this is the song for you

[@glenberman873]

Hi Rhett. Great Video! I am really impressed with your videos. You are clearly an encyclopedia but I love your passion. You make most of your subjects so accessible. Than you. I am retired after 38 years and now doing anything for my family and myself. I just picked up an acoustic guitar for the first time and starting very late, looking for a teacher and with this video created my list of songs to learn. If I can learn these, I’ll learn how to play. (I added Melissa, Wish you were here and Wild Horses for me) Thank you!

[@DanielKarlMorgan]

Love what you say about acoustic guitar being a communal instrument. There are songs which I regularly include in my sets which I’m not really a fan of in my own life, but love performing for appreciate crowds. And I think it’s so important to remember this - people turn to acoustic gigs because of that sense of community and belonging that it creates. Great video dude.

[@ApolloSuns]

Seen the Black Crowes 3 times. Every time was sooooo good!

[@petejennings597]

First time I saw them wife was 8 1/2 months pregnant....thought maybe she would go into labor we were bouncing and dancing so much. This 1997 when they were on a rocket ride to the top!

[@ApolloSuns]

@@petejennings597 Ah so cool! Saw them on the "Freak N Roll Tour in 2004" when they got back together. Was sooo damn groovy and couldn't stop smiling. Was 17 at the time and just smiled and smoked the entire time

[@jazzmystic23]

A big one you left out, Nancy Wilson’s acoustic intro to “Crazy On You” by Heart. Fun and adventure for the ambitious guitarist. Not really that hard, but sounds like it.

[@maxieboy1232]

I think “the rain song” should have been on here, it shows how amazing Jimmy Page’s songwriting is

[@anthonyjames2366]

It's so hard to pick just one Zeppelin song. It could easily have been going to California, tangerine or bron-y-aur stomp too. But I think over the hills and far away is the right choice

[@bunyan6101]

Braun yr aur stomp

[@dispozablehero9829]

@@anthonyjames2366 Even "Friends"

[@39Lines]

@@dispozablehero9829 one of the best acoustic riffs ever.

[@jeffreygallahar4650]

Gallows pole is another great one. Page is the acoustic king of classic rock in my opinion. Hell he's just a master of everything!

[@stephenwalsh2634]

The BEST learning and motivational acoustic video I've found on KZbin, Rhett. Would love to see "Top Ten Part II (11-20). Maybe a series, ultimately, like Rick Beato's " What Makes..." "Dust in th Wind" is a finger warm up song for me. Twenty years ago I saw Kansas rock The Count Basie in NJ and now play it daily.

[@nathandoyle189]

Hi from Australia!! I had an amazing high school music teacher and in my first year of high school (i was 11 years old i think), i told him i had been playing my Dads acoustic since 8 (basic chords etc), he then started me on some basic finger picking, and then showed me Blackbird. That opened my musical and guitar brain to so much!! I still can play that blindfolded and not miss a note nearly 30 years on. Thanks Mr K!! P.s Love the guitar in this video, anyone know the brand/model? Cheers fellow guitarists!!

[@antonburger01]

Definitely needs to include "Daughter" by Pearl Jam in a next list! That's one of the most beautiful acoustic guitar riffs in my humble opinion. And also "Drive" by Incubus.

[@tjm5492]

Ok Rhett, feathers officially ruffled! Great list...major omission: From the Beginning by EL&P...

[@DylanL69]

Yup

[@roenvalenzuela2492]

"Still, you turn me on" also. " Lucky man" is the first ELP song I learned. Both drop d and in standard. Around Christmas, it's "Father Christmas!"

[@Saviol1509]

When you said a classic song from the 90s with an unique tuning, I immediately thought of “Daughter” from Pearl Jam

[@pwnnwb]

Absolutely. Also super easy, lots of fun.

[@JKHIBBO]

Balckbird was my first requested song when my grandmother found out I got a guitar for my birthday. We now pair it with blackbird by Alter bridge. Moving to the minor at the end sounds awesome in my opinion.

[@michaelgreen4935]

Hey Rhett! Sorry to come back so soon, but I checked the "Show More" tab and got my answers. Great Video!

[@phillipdouglas8699]

Pretty hard to have an acoustic list without any Neil Young - Needle & The Damage Done or Old Man, but otherwise, solid list!

[@roenvalenzuela2492]

" On my way home","Harvest moon", Natural beauty","Long may you run","Tell me why"!

[@flouisbailey]

@@sillysausage4549 And his politics make him a D I C K.

[@mraycgz]

Unknown legend

[@maraboo72]

my absolute No. 1 : Rory Gallagher - I'm not awake yet Led Zeppelin : Tangerine Led Zeppelin : Gallow's Pole

[@JoePariseauMusic]

Fast Car is a must!

[@treesurgeon2441]

@limelight81 haha goes great on a playlist with Indigo girls.

[@chymist66]

Yeah Fast Car was one of my first thoughts. Not particularly complex but a great tune.

[@geezerbliz]

Hey Rhett, the high note (b string notes) in the progression on the Dust In The Wind intro keeps a repeating 3-note pattern throughout: C-B-D-C-B-D-C-B-D etc. so the chord changes are C, Cmaj7, Cadd2, C, Asus2, Asus4, Am, Asus2, Cadd2, C, Cmaj7, Cadd2, Am, Asus2, Asus4, Am. Try it, you will notice the difference!

[@tisnotmy-name1180]

I watched this vid when released, somehow its come up to watch again. One thing I noticed was the sound of your acoustic. Its soooo good and balanced!

[@cozm8]

Great list Rhett! Need to add at least one Pink Floyd song my brotha... Aside from their iconic one - "Is There Anybody Out There" was the first finger picking song I learned all the way through, such a haunting & beautiful tune...

[@dylanadams1455]

that is an amazing song.

[@DylanL69]

Great song

[@dpault]

No Every Rose Has Its Thorn? ? Kidding aside, that was the first song on acoustic I learned. Haha. "When the Children Cry" was a really cool acoustic song back in the day.

[@gui-texzan7477]

Ain't a damned thing wrong with either of those Poison or White Lion songs.

[@philf4086]

You've got to be kidding.

[@MrMetalhorse]

Dude it's cool song both poison and white lion are awesome. Don't let guitar snobs bully you, they're just jealous because CC Deville sprayed some DNA in their girlfriend's face back in the 80's.

[@ericlindsey7751]

Uh, no! Not even in the top 500 of acoustic songs!

[@whimsy1088]

Hard to settle on just 10 riffs. Instantly recognizable “Solsbury Hill” by PeterGabriel should be on an acoustic list for certain.

[@csnymoodiesfan]

Thanks for sharing. I already play several of these, but always want to learn more. I just wanted to point out that the first Am chord you hit should be without the first finger on the B string, then you add it in.

[@franklesko2485]

Good choices and I can see why you picked them. Each teaches a certain skill. For me, I learned from a lot of sources, but some of the following were huge: I got tabs for Paul Simon... The Boxer was a perfect song to learn some acoustic picking and chord transitioning. John Denver.... especially Rocky Mountain High, great drop-D tuning song and a monster of a riff to sing and play along to. Jethro Tull's Aqualung album made me grow by leaps and bounds on the acoustic, songs like Mother Goose, Won'dring Aloud, etc.

[@victoroliveira9645]

Great list! As far acoustic for me… Shape of my heart by Dominic Miller and Fast Car by Tracy Chapman always hit the spot 😅

[@jamestoops7228]

Another great acos6song which really helps build ability is Needle and the Damage Done by Neil Young is is hauntingly beautiful and has really meaningful lyrics. But it is a great list.

[@danielmccar]

Can't have an acoustic guitar list without Paul Simon, James Taylor, Steve Stills and Joni Mitchell.

[@oldmantwofour5561]

Yes! JT. Brilliant stuff.

[@BelieveTheGospelToBeSaved]

Tommy Emmanuel and Don Ross.

[@ApolloSuns]

Just listened to CSN first album. So inspiring

[@crispychip360]

Jim Croce

[@J.Feliciano-FOREVER-JAM-N]

Oh yeah… Joni Mitchell

[@JimmyRadloff]

Awesome Rhett! That guitar has got to be one of the prettiest and best sounding acoustics I've ever seen and heard.

[@garthosborn8400]

Thanks, Rhett. Nice list. I might have to add a couple to my acoustic list. Acoustic stuff I like to play: - Little Martha (open D) - Marbletown (M. Knopfler in double drop D tuning) - Treetop Flier (S. Stills) but I play it in open D - Here Comes The Sun (concert for Bangladesh) - Copperhead Road (I do it in DADGAD) - Horse With No Name (one of the first songs I ever learned) - Crazy Mama (JJ Cale - open D slide) And a lot of noodling in various tunings. I play a lot of slide. Prefer acoustic guitar slide to resonator sound.