The Top 20 Acoustic Songs of All Time!

To draw this first season of Top 10 videos to a close, we've tackled the broadest one yet, the acoustic guitar!
The humble acoustic guitar is responsible for some of the most iconic songs in the history of popular music, from the Mississippi Blues through to the singer songwriters of today, the acoustic guitar is the sharpest, purest tool in the box.
Narrowing this down to 10 was frankly, impossible, so for this video we've hit you with a selection of 20. No honourable mentions, just our 20 favourite acoustic songs. We could have gone on forever such is the legacy of the instrument, and even settling on 20 was a monumental mission!
Whether you agree with our selections or you find them appalling, let us know your thoughts in the comments below! What would you pick for YOUR Top 10?
If you’d like to find out more information about any of these stunning guitars, then head to our website, via the link below, to check out our full range of Gibson acoustic, C.F Martin, Taylor, Lowden and Collings instruments!
Thanks as always for watching, be sure to leave a like if you’ve enjoyed the video, hit subscribe if you’re new here, and ring the bell, so you’re notified whenever we post a new video.
Take care, and we’ll see you in the next one.
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C.F. Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged - bit.ly/3qoC9vL
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Collings 01 12-String Sunburst - bit.ly/3vV5WgE
Taylor Builder's Edition 614ce Natural - bit.ly/2T8EQFo
Full Lowden range found here - bit.ly/2UwYdZ7
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[@PapaDudeness]

So, let's gather them: "Can't Find My Way Home" - Blind Faith "Shape Of My Heart" - Sting "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" - Anne Bredon, Led Zeppelin "Neon" - John Mayer "Heart Of Gold" - Neil Young "Angie" - The Rolling Stones "Romeo And Juliet" - Dire Straits "Dust In The Wind" - Kansas "Norwegian Wood" - The Beatles (played in the intro, but not listed) "Sailing Ships" - Whitesnake "I Don't Know Where I Stand" - Joni Mitchell "Stairway To Heaven" - Led Zeppelin "Moonlight Shadow" - Mike Oldfield So, 20 weren't enough probably.. Great playing once more though!

[@99Gara99]

thanks

[@lllULTIMATEMASTERlll]

Haven’t watched yet, but if both Dust in the Wind and Babe I’m Gonna Leave You aren’t on here, we riot. Update: RIOT TIME

[@Ernesto87]

Talk Tonight by Oasis Across The Universe by The Beatles Polly by Nirvana Wild Horses by Rolling Stones Behind Blue Eyes by The Who Celluloid Heroes by The Kinks Tequila Sunrise by Eagles Old Man by Neil Young Moonshadow by Cat Stevens It's all over now, Baby Blue by Bob Dylan

[@dannyharvey7398]

Great job, definitely a challenge to narrow down. Some worthy contenders: Angie - The Rolling Stones Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin 🤷🏻‍♂️ Daughter - Pearl Jam My Friends - RHCP

[@brenb87]

Dust in the Wind, Stairway and Hotel California are fairly glaring omissions, but the rest of the selection and playing is great as always

[@brandonrook9062]

Couldn't agree more

[@JRLopez13]

Those are probably the best 3, but the video would have been blocked. Cat Stevens was also missing.

[@edgardbittencourt8426]

Dust in the Wind; ok .... But. Stairway to Heaven, and Hotel California; acoustics? ...... Mmmmhhh, yes & no

[@CAllenBlack]

@andydguitar That is what I was wondering.

[@CAllenBlack]

First thing I thought of was Hotel California also but as Andy said maybe too much electric guitar there. The Intro to Hotel California, hmm...The whole song...Just amazing. I was also thinking about Landslide once I heard Never Going Back Again.

[@alexlanemusic]

I actually OWN the J45 in this video hahahah! Jack said to me there’s a killer J45 in the shop, and I couldn’t say no. He put this to the side for me. THANKS JACKY BOY!

[@sdriza]

beautiful guitar

[@akniznik]

Acoustic guitar is the essential singer/songwriter instrument. Great List! Some worthy omissions include Jim Croce, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Donovan, Bill Withers, Don Maclean, Harry Chapin, CSN and Angie by the Stones.

[@smudge0356]

I agree with almost all of your selections (not a great fan of Bill Withers or Joni Michell) but CSN... YES! Also, a huge thumbs-up for including Donovan (the UK's 'Dylan') so very much underated as a musician. Plus... there should've been more James Taylor.

[@kelseycurtis1546]

Croce was the best one you missed .His acoustics w/ Maury are superior in many ways .Try Operator once ! @@smudge0356

[@markarita3]

If You Could Read My Mind - G. Lightfoot...And I Love Her - Beatles...Suite Judy Blue Eyes - CSN

[@Bassmunchkin1]

Can you do your top 10,000 tracks, because you play brilliantly and this is just absolutely fantastic chill out sounds.

[@DavidAndBeverlyShumate]

Agree! ❤😊

[@richvanc100]

😊

[@Stringtheorist27]

Love - Alone Again Or Dolly Parton - Jolene Mason Williams - Classical Gas Rolling Stones - Angie Bert Jansch - Anji/Black Waterside Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer The Who - Behind Blue Eyes

[@922anthony]

Black Crowes: She Talks to Angels. But can't fault any of y9our choices you played each one beautifully, bravo.

[@troykase9472]

Very nice playing. I was watching this last night and my son walked into the room after hearing this and admiring your skills.

[@andrewhess2978]

So so many out there. Great choices but here’s a few adds: My Sweet Lord, Dust in the Wind, And I Love Her, Terraplane Blues, Mother Nature’s Son, Harvest Moon, Landslide, Into the Great Wide Open, Growing Up, Wildflowers

[@retired_USAF]

Enjoyed it much. Thanks, be safe, be healthy and most of all be happy.

[@alaincousineau9321]

Tommy Emmanuel deserve a spot as one of the best acoustic player ever.

[@drothberg3]

Jack would need to be able to play a Tommy Emmanuel song. A lot more difficult than anything on this list.

[@alaincousineau9321]

@@drothberg3 I think he can...I agree it's not a classic folks song.

[@carlschumacher3257]

@@drothberg3 i am sure that Jack can play a Tommy E. song, he just doesn't want to punch a hole in the top of the guitar.

[@thefretboard]

best i have ever seen live

[@NewFalconerRecords]

He's not a great songwriter though. Just a brilliant show-off guitarist.

[@paulcavaliere213]

I know Led Zeppelin was represented, but the biggest-selling single piece of sheet music in rock history can’t be wrong - do I even have to say it?

[@depracated]

Escalator to Hell?

[@marcmuller3429]

@@depracated haha The video from Music is win is nice

[@paulcavaliere213]

It could be that it is ‘the forbidden riff’ @peachguitars and Jack is just adhering to the rules.

[@dennisparker3786]

He is a Beatles Floyd Clapton fan I'm surprised over the hill's made it.

[@marcstanard2425]

" From the Beginning" by ELP...certainly belongs in the top 5

[@gijslimonard6583]

Great job 👌🏻 Blues run the game - Jackson C. Frank (or Bert Jansch version) Taken at all - Crosby Stills Nash Something in the way she moves - James Taylor Genesis - Jorma Kaukonen

[@antonygdouglas3935]

James , you have to date Mimi , you’re talent deserves it . Exceptional interpretation and delivery .

[@siliconjim]

AWESOME! Well chosen, but, of course, it had to be difficult to select only twenty. That said, I truly loved all of the selections and that you included songs by the Beatles, Led Zeppline, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, and Neil Young. You certainly selected an excellent mix of songs in the 20.

[@whiteheatable]

"I've Just Seen a Face" by the Beatles is a underrated masterpiece.

[@brandoncara8204]

Almost everything by the Beatles is an underrated masterpiece.

[@rdekemper]

Underrated is such an overrated comment….magnificent is magnificent! 🎸

[@javigar133]

Norwegian wood is another masterpiece

[@GaveMeGrace1]

My first thought was of Harry Chapin, “Cats in the Cradle.” My second thought was of near about anything Joni Mitchell. Oh and Heart, Anne’s opening to “Crazy on You!”

[@NewFalconerRecords]

'Crazy on You' -- best ever.

[@mars-lpv3458]

Over the hills and far away is like a breath of clean ocean air.

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

Here's a glaring omission, not by you necessarily but by the people-under-the-comments-section: Cat Stevens. Or are we still mad at him?

[@billyv321]

Still mad at him

[@TAYLORFAN50]

@@billyv321 - Get over it snowflake!

[@garyslavinsky4201]

Thank you, this is helpful. I'm looking for some new covers, as I'm getting tired of my list - and so my regular clients may be also. Scary thought! I already do some of these but i plan to learn around half of those presented here. Reading the comments gave me even more great ideas. Thanks everyone! BTW, you play beautifully.

[@chall5498]

Great list performed beautifully!

[@dylanhall9470]

First of all, I respect putting Wonderwall at #3. Even though it's a meme, it has had a profound impact on acoustic guitar. And I'm really glad that Never Going Back Again made the list. For missing ones, I think Stairway to Heaven and Dust in the Wind for sure should be here.

[@stevebrosnan9461]

Good selection, but perhaps the label should be top 20 "popular "acoustic songs, since you missed some of the best acoustic guitarists like Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Leo Koettke, John Fahey, Richie Havens (very unique style) , Joni Mitchell (open tunings!), Nick Drake and a dozen blues and jazz guitarists.

[@myeyezonly]

Can't understand why Suite Judy Blue Eyes never finds its way on these top acoustic guitar lists.

[@marcmuller3429]

U can play so good! Nice format I love it. Can u do the Top 10 Marshall Riffs or Fender Amp Riffs? Thx

[@pierreyveshuet1763]

I usually don't comment to complain but were you forced to put John Mayer in the list? I mean, his songs may be ok but Top of ALL TIME? Have you heard the acoustic masterpieces by Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, Richie Havens, Stephen Stills, Tommy Emmanuel, Joni Mitchell, Elisabeth Cotten?

[@5amtalk]

Bro y u be hating on john he only had one song

[@McLovin201]

Not to mention John Mayer is a master. It's hard for people older than him to admit it though.

[@candido7491]

I purposely ignored his song's on-screen title and couldn't identify it by sound .

[@knit1strum1]

Extreme More Than Words and GNR Patience needed features

[@shanemiller6982]

@@ronaldoquintos1675 How presumptuous of you to tell someone what music they like. I happen to think it's a great song.

[@DrFearCo]

The burst on that collings is gorgeous

[@joeldamron8062]

Fantastic vid! Great list, but some songs that I think deserve a spot/honorable mention: Cats in the Cradle - Harry Chapin Something from Seger, Night Moves? Something from Lightfoot, Sundown? Closer to the Heart - Rush Dust in the Wind Stairway Hotel California

[@robotdawg4752]

Close to the Edge and Roundabout would have been great additions.

[@alanirigoyen6746]

What is the song you play in the beginning called

[@dubshockmedia1110]

Well played! I bet this was the trickiest of these videos to put together.

[@PeachGuitars]

Absolutely!

[@Brianemersonpt]

Great choice including Over the Hills and Far Away. Good list overall.

[@greatkingrat]

You know, I was waiting for two songs, wish you were here and here comes the sun. :)

[@bearcat0607]

Black Crowes - She Talks to Angels - GREAT ACOUSTIC

[@karlmiller3623]

I came here to comment this. Not sure how it wasn't in the list

[@disturbedcarrot]

And wonderwall did???

[@ACDC267]

Dust in the Wind, not being on the list is criminal.

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

Your rendering of Neil young is sheer Brilliance ----well done !

[@cyberopbug]

More!! More!! More!! This is a FANTASTIC format. Detailing the various guitars, then playing parts of songs that are interwoven into our culture, is simply genius! Well-thought out, educational, AND entertaining! A+ plus friend! Bravo!

[@paddyotoole2058]

That Collings 12 string sounds superb.

[@earlgrey691]

Fairly definitive tbh.John Meyer had 2 too many,maybe an Alice in Chains -''l stay away' would have been refreshing.Utterly killer intro.

[@liamr194]

John Mayer, the finest singer songwriter of his generation. With some of the most intricate guitar in recent years (Neon, slow dancing, stop this train, vultures, heart of life) had too many? Crazy talk

[@brettgayer8170]

Wow what awesome guitar chops to be able to put this together nice job I recognized 90% of them.

[@larrymeece8896]

Emerson, Lake, and Palmer - From The Beginning, Lucky Man????

[@JamesHartnell]

Always surprised that 'More Than Words', Extreme, never pops up in these sorts of things.

[@garyslavinsky4201]

One of the reasons the song is so beautiful is the harmony. Other than bands, most of do solo work. But I thik I'll try it with my Helicon Play Acoustic Harmonizer box. It doesn't replace a live singer, but it beats nothing as long as it's not overused. Thanks for the inspiration 😊

[@paDdywitha]

Pinball Wizard was pretty good dude 🤘 had me grinning

[@Mikestheking]

Bro you play so clean I've been playing for decades mostly rock and roll but man that's so sweet good job!

[@ronaldsimmonds1002]

good job pretty good list. I thought for sure you might break out mason Williams classical gas that would’ve made my day.👍🏻

[@alaincousineau9321]

My number one is certainly Blackbird. Great job.

[@davidg4726]

Great choices and great playing as always by Jack! I could enjoy a top 20 mixed acoustic and electric songs by Jack.

[@trevg9450]

One cannot have only 1 Neil Young song in the top 20 . And not having any Joni Mitchell is criminal

[@ronshaw7247]

Well played. How about Mr. Page’s “The Rain Song”?

[@ceebee491]

My favourite song to play on acoustic

[@scottbucy871]

Four songs: 1. Operator. 2. Leader Of The Band. 3. Ventura Highway. 4. Dust In The Wind

[@zerep11]

I find "The Redemtion Song" by Bob Marley & The Wailers to be one of the most honest acoustic songs ever. It is so raw, it magically transforms itself to being as purely honest as they come.

[@shakrmakr]

I like the two mic setup and having it blended really shows off the great tones from each acoustic.

[@harrychristie5392]

Beautifully played ,an absolute pleasure listening to this ,so many memories, thank you

[@chili_phil]

That Martin sounded amazing!

[@JakubKazmierski]

Interesting, how other perceive what to add to a list. I like how a band only got one song. I just think another list of Great Acoustic songs is needed. Maybe Time in a Bottle, Wild World, Jolene, Angie, Cat's in the Cradle, Little Martha, Patience as specific songs should have been looked at. Anything song by Robert Johnson but I'd probably pick Cross Roads. Just too many songs. Maybe instead of "Greatest" we just need lists of "Great" or "Amazing"

[@jaypeterson7637]

Scarborough Fair/Canticle...Simon & Garfunkel

[@NewFalconerRecords]

I've seen a lot of these lists and 'Lola' by the Kinks is never on any of them for some reason. Not a complicated figure by any means, but damn effective and immediately recognisable. Otherwise, a very good list all round, just nice to hear good acoustic guitar played well.

[@thiennguyenba2963]

Neon as well, I think it’s one of the greatest riffs ever played on an acoustic guitar

[@dylanhall9470]

Even Jack probably can't play that one, as good as he is, that song is impossible lmao

[@jeffreyeisenberg]

All beautiful guitars and wonderful guitarist.

[@kelseycurtis1546]

Did you totally forget Jim Croce 'Operator' or, I Got a name' or, I'll have to say I love you in a song' ?

[@jCodingStuff]

I mean, even though I am a John Mayer fan, 2 spots is kinda too much? If I were to pick one to be on this list it would maybe be In Your Atmosphere, Stop This Train, or something like that, but Daughters? Also, Dust in the Wind should be there imo. Nice job as always!

[@PeachGuitars]

I guess you're referring to "Free Fallin" as the second? We're very much considering that a Tom Petty song, the original is the best!

[@jCodingStuff]

@@PeachGuitars Well yeah you sort of put both John Mayer's and Tom Petty's titles hehe. It is very true that John's version in Where The Light Is Live in LA got really popular and I like it more than the original (uffff), but I don't know if it would make it Top 20 of all time on my list. Looking forward to the videos you are for sure cooking up right now.

[@dahliafiend]

Yeah he’s good and all but putting him once is a stretch let alone twice. I get how hard Neon is to play but he doesn’t have any truly iconic songs the way so many more do in this area.

[@robertruschak1964]

The Everly Brothers are missing. The lead into Wake up Little Susie is classic. BTW Kieth Richards said that Don Everly was one of the best rythym guitarists.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

Great call.

[@craigthomson3621]

Very timely video for me as, after years of not having an acoustic, I recently obtained a lefty Martin OM28 Re-imagined.

[@drjcwardjr]

Great choices…music and guitars! Well played as well!😎👍

[@tagadabrothersband]

I would have picked Lady D'Arbanville and Babe I’m Gonna Leave You.

[@matthewcrowley9204]

Always good to see the acoustic guitar get some recognition. I can't argue much against what you included, and as you say you have to cut it off somewhere or it'll go on forever... But I would humbly suggest "Classical Gas" definitely should've made the top 20.

[@startingfingerstyle]

Classical Gas is the piece that persuaded me to try playing fingerstyle guitar........ then I met Tommy Emmanuel (several times) and his 'Classical gas on steroids' made me decide to stick to simpler things! it's a great tune!

[@matthewcrowley9204]

Tommy Emmanuel is unbelievable - I've seen him in concert a few times, and I always leave thinking I should burn my guitar.

[@jakesjacobs5075]

I think simple man is the one missing in your list, but they're all perfect.

[@JoseSalas-wn7im]

Incredibly nice! The Collings twelve string is something else!! Thank you.

[@edwardhall8113]

Very good top 20. I think Angie could easily be in the top 21. Thanks

[@ethanrummel7638]

There's a Damien Rice song or two I would put on here, purely out of my own love for his music. Over all though, really good video!

[@artheriford]

So many great songs....something is going to get left off. Anything by James Taylor is gold. The acoustic intro to Tesla's "Love Song" is killer.....

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

I have the fine standard D-18 with a K&K but the 1939 is where it's at! Thanks for your showcase of excellence.

[@dipanjanbose4989]

Hey man please do a video on top 10 drop d riffs

[@albirroja1234]

Needle of Death - Bert Jansch Pink Moon - Nick Drake Phil Ochs - Changes David Bowie - Space Oddity

[@mikeaaron2819]

Paul Weller Wild Wood is one that I would have to include.

[@sc5759]

Gibson sounded phenomenal.

[@donaldmeehan1631]

Videos getting awesome job thank you very much for posting however did you forget about Alice's Restaurant remember Alice the song about Alice

[@bumberchuff]

Great playing... you definitely know how to...👍

[@joewestern6387]

ELP - From the beginning

[@zinzoome]

Well done...I think my top 20 would have included Solsbury Hill - Peter Gabriel, Dust in the Wind - Kansas, and Silent Lucidity - Queensryche probably ahead of John Mayer, brilliant guitarist that he is. I definitely enjoyed your line up of guitars as well! Best!

[@brucecottier7042]

Loving the series guys- can't get enough. Can I suggest a couple of ideas for future programs? - Best J bass vs P bass songs -Best "Hot rod strat", ( ie 80's hair rock) songs Cheers

[@charlottemcmillan9668]

Wonderful video! Hard to narrow it down to 20. I would have included some Joni Mitchell and "Land of Canaan" by the Indigo Girls.

[@jason_cornelius]

“Hotel California” has entered the chat.

[@mcburnski]

Don Henley wants to block this comment on copyright grounds

[@zimvader25]

"Hotel California" is literally NOT an acoustic song... using this inane logic, every song is an acoustic song since there's an acoustic version of every song.

[@Raicden]

❤

[@abrahamlincoln6059]

I think here "Comes the Sun" should be in #2 and "Stairway to Heaven" should be number #1 but still great list.

[@Charon58]

Suite Judy Blue Eyes (Steven Stills) A Summer Song, Ventura Highway, From the Beginning (The late Greg Lake), My Maria (old or new), Can’t Find My Way Home…the list goes on and on

[@TR-uw2sp]

The gibson slope shoulder sounds fantastic!

[@josegallegosdds]

Brilliant!!!! Hard to get them all. Sooooo many good ones.

[@matswingmo4118]

Great compilations. May I add "Time in the bottle" by Jim Croce.

[@kentuckywindage222]

I think the D-18 carried its weight very nicely. I also agree on the 12 string sounding great. Also it kinda depends what era you are from with these types of groupings. Great job. I did miss, She talks to Angels, Wild Horses and even Wanted Dead or Alive. As was said, hard to get'm all.

[@hussledupgamejam]

Take me Home Country Roads anyone?

[@johnwilliams1223]

That Martin tone is just to die for. In other words, I’d kill for one! 😄

[@barkeater9606]

Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, and John Denver should be on the list.

[@VeloVagabond]

While I agree with the many comments that Hotel California should be on the list, I can see why it might have been left off. If it had been included Don Henley and his legions of lawyers surely would have come out guns-a-blazing. Take It Easy probably sneaks by because it was written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey.

[@andypammenter8528]

I think you should have included John Martyn's "May you never" Or any of Jethro Tull, Thick as a brick for a starter. KT Tunstall, black horse and the cherry tree.