10 Acoustic Guitar Songs You Need to Learn
Acoustic guitar is often the glue that holds a song together. It might not always be the loudest instrument in the mix, but a great acoustic part can define the feel of an entire track.
If you’re looking for something new to learn, teach or play at your next gig, we’ve picked out 10 tracks from the brand new Acoustic Guitar curriculum, which are well worth having under your fingers!
“Never Going Back Again” Fleetwood Mac
One of Lindsey Buckingham’s finest acoustic performances, this intricate part blends folk, country and bluegrass influences. Focus on maintaining an even fingerpicking pattern while keeping the melody and accompaniment balanced throughout.
Source: Rockschool Acoustic Guitar, Grade 7, 2026
“Best Part” Daniel Caesar feat. H.E.R
This contemporary R&B classic proves that tasteful chords can make a simple arrangement incredibly expressive. Take time to become familiar with the 7th chords, paying attention to smooth transitions and relaxed timing.
Source: Rockschool Acoustic Guitar, Grade 3, 2026
“I Walk the Line” Johnny Cash
This country and rockabilly classic showcases the timeless appeal of simple, confident rhythm guitar. The right hand is everything here, so concentrate on creating a steady bounce that keeps the groove locked in from beginning to end.
Source: Rockschool Acoustic Guitar, Grade 4, 2026
“Love Is a Losing Game” Amy Winehouse
With the vocals removed from this arrangement, the guitar takes centre stage. Listen carefully to how the harmony moves and focus on letting each chord ring naturally before moving to the next.
Source: Rockschool Acoustic Guitar, Grade 4, 2026\
“Beautiful Things” Benson Boone
One of today’s biggest pop songs, this arrangement relies on powerful acoustic strumming. Don’t be afraid to dig in with your strumming hand, but make sure every chord stays clean and controlled.
Source: Rockschool Acoustic Guitar, Grade 2, 2026
“Please, Please, Please” Sabrina Carpenter
It’s easy to overlook just how important this guitar part is until you isolate it from the rest of the arrangement. The line moves around the fretboard quite a bit, making it excellent practise for position changes and clean note transitions.
Source: Rockschool Acoustic Guitar, Grade 5, 2026
“Patience” Guns ’n’ Roses
This acoustic rock classic features melodic phrases that feel almost like an extended guitar solo. The challenge is maintaining smooth phrasing while letting each line breathe naturally, rather than rushing through the part.
Source: Rockschool Acoustic Guitar, Grade 6, 2026
“Many of Horror” Biffy Clyro
One of Biffy Clyro’s most recognisable songs, this is a powerful acoustic arrangement that builds throughout the track. Focus on keeping your strumming consistent and controlled, allowing the dynamics to grow naturally as the song develops.
Source: Rockschool Acoustic Guitar, Grade 5, 2026
“Me and My Chauffeur Blues” Memphis Minnie
A blues classic by guitarist Memphis Minnie, this track is a fantastic introduction to traditional acoustic blues and fingerstyle. Pay close attention to the alternating bass line and ensure your picking hand stays relaxed while keeping the rhythm flowing.
Source: Rockschool Acoustic Guitar, Grade 7, 2026
“Paranoid Android” Radiohead
Radiohead’s iconic track constantly shifts in mood, making it one of the most rewarding acoustic arrangements to learn. Feel free to experiment with a pick or fingerstyle, making sure to build intensity as the arrangement develops.
Source: Rockschool Acoustic Guitar, Grade 6, 2026
Ready for more?
If you want to explore the full versions of each piece, you can access them through RiFF, alongside over 6,000 other songs from the Rockschool catalogue.
RiFF is built for students and teachers, giving you access to sheet music, backing tracks and playthroughs all in one place!
See how Rockschool Associates actually run their teaching with Backstage. Explore the tools and test the workflow with a 14 day free trial.