You need lightning-fast fingers to be able to play these songs! For this list, we’ll be looking at the most intricate, speedy, and/or confusing instances of acoustic guitar in non-classical music.
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00:00 Take these broken wings and learn to fly
00:05 Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the top 10 hardest acoustic
00:10 guitar songs.
00:12 For this list, we'll be looking at the most intricate, speedy, and/or confusing instances
00:22 of acoustic guitar in non-classical music.
00:25 Did we forget about another unplugged masterpiece?
00:28 Let us know in the comments below.
00:30 Universally acclaimed as a songwriter, James Taylor doesn't always get the credit he
00:39 deserves for his guitar work.
00:41 "Fire and Rain" features some of the most memorable lyrics in music ever,
00:52 and on the acoustic guitar, he delivers a surprisingly involved arrangement.
00:56 "Won't you look down upon me, Jesus? You gotta help me make a stand."
01:02 This, of course, is underneath his soothing vocal melodies that always feel like a warm
01:08 blanket.
01:09 To match the magic of the original recording, you have to be much faster and more patient
01:13 on the instrument than you might expect in a folk-pop number.
01:16 "Oh, I've seen fire and I've seen rain."
01:20 Adding in the delicate singing only makes this one more complex.
01:25 "I thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you, fire and rain."
01:31 Number 9.
01:33 Blackbird - The Beatles Years after "Yesterday", Paul McCartney
01:38 delivered another acoustic performance for The Beatles.
01:41 "Blackbird singing in the dead of night."
01:44 On guitar, Blackbird tests both the left and right hand, proving he's as skilled a
01:50 player as they come.
01:52 McCartney brings a Bach influence to the folk tune, while making the piece iconic in
01:57 its own right.
01:57 "Take these sunken eyes and learn to see."
02:00 That alone should give you a sense of how complex it is to master.
02:06 "All your life."
02:08 Indeed, this intricate number from the group's self-titled album requires complete concentration,
02:16 lest you want to risk messing up the deliberate pace.
02:19 Plus, the chord progression and finger-picking may very well trip you up if you're not
02:23 careful.
02:24 "You're only waiting for this moment to be free."
02:28 Number 8.
02:32 Operator - That's Not The Way It Feels - Jim Croce
02:36 Reportedly inspired by the stories of soldiers receiving Dear John letters, this Jim Croce
02:41 tune is an ode to the complexity of heartbreak.
02:44 "Operator, oh could you help me place this card."
02:49 It's also a showcase for the artist's acoustic skills.
02:54 Together with his collaborator and fellow guitarist, Mori Mayu Laizen, he paints a beautiful
02:59 tapestry with dueling instruments.
03:01 "There's something in my eyes, you know it happens every time."
03:07 It's a whirlwind of finger-picking and passion fit only for players who are ready for advanced
03:14 lessons.
03:15 The richly layered work elevates an already moving pop song that's bound to give you
03:19 chills.
03:19 "Isn't that the way they say it goes?
03:23 Well let's forget all that."
03:26 If you and a friend want to attempt this brilliant number, be prepared with perfect
03:30 timing and nimble fingers.
03:32 "But that's not the way it feels."
03:34 Number 7.
03:40 Crazy On You - Heart - Crazy On You
03:43 represents one of Heart's strongest performances as a band.
03:46 It also allows for some killer acoustic guitar work.
03:49 "We still have time, we might still get by."
03:53 Indeed, the original album cut of the track features a lengthy introduction that's full
03:57 of highs.
03:58 Nancy Wilson starts things off right with a dynamic part, revealing her talents as an
04:03 underrated guitarist.
04:11 She mixes progressive and traditional rock styles, crafting something amazing.
04:16 Setting up the energetic verses, Wilson doesn't miss a beat with her lightning-fast strum
04:20 patterns.
04:21 She may make it sound effortless, but don't be fooled.
04:31 Given the speed and agility required, this one certainly isn't for beginners.
04:35 "Let me go crazy, crazy on you."
04:43 Number 6.
04:44 Wholehearted - Extreme - Extreme - Wholehearted
04:46 Known for glam metal and hard rock sounds, the band Extreme changed it up with Wholehearted,
04:51 embracing a more poppy, acoustic-leaning sound.
04:54 And much of their greatness here is fueled by Nuno Betancourt's playing.
05:02 Extreme doesn't need loud guitars to rock out, as evidenced by this catchy single.
05:07 Betancourt turns this into a groovy piece that never compromises on its nuances.
05:12 Sliding up and down the fretboard in a virtuoso performance, he shows his strength for stand-out
05:22 guitar work on a 12-string.
05:24 "There's a hole in my heart that can only be filled by you."
05:31 He accomplishes more with an acoustic instrument than most rockers can do with a standard Gibson
05:36 Les Paul.
05:37 So beware of the versatility required before you take on Wholehearted yourself.
05:42 Number 5.
05:50 Over the Hills and Far Away - Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin
05:54 Led Zeppelin brings an eclectic blend of influences to this track from Houses of the Holy.
05:58 "Hey lady, you got the love I need."
06:02 Jimmy Page makes his riffs seem simple, whether he's using an acoustic or electric guitar.
06:09 But they're far from it.
06:10 This tune begins with a folksy lick that's full of pull-offs and hammer-ons,
06:20 as his work skillfully salutes blues and rock players.
06:23 Just when you think you've got it, you realize that Page is nearly impossible to replicate
06:28 in his prime.
06:29 To say you'd need plenty of practice to even come close would be an understatement.
06:33 After all, he and the band have more than a few tricks up their sleeves.
06:37 Number 4.
06:46 Roundabout - Yes - Roundabout
06:47 When talking about progressive rock, Yes and compositions like Roundabout have to be in
06:52 the conversation.
06:53 This standout piece from the classic album Fragile features extraordinary contributions
07:05 from guitarist Steve Howe, especially in the intro.
07:08 The drama and technicality involved in his playing can't be overstated,
07:11 cementing it as endlessly memorable and tricky to pull off.
07:15 I'll be the roundabout, the words will make you out and out
07:22 It doesn't take long before listeners are treated to a swift array of harmonics and
07:27 quick riffs that are sure to stump rookies.
07:29 The eagles dancing on brimless creatures, lovers spinning tight right now
07:35 The agility needed to master each note is significant,
07:38 and not everyone has the fingers to make it happen.
07:41 Number 3.
07:44 Minor Swing - Django Reinhardt Talented musician Django Reinhardt helped
07:49 create a new musical style that veered away from traditional jazz.
07:53 Taking technical guitar to another level, minor swing doesn't shy away from chord changes
08:06 and licks, but it's a great way to get a little more out of the rhythm.
08:10 The main crux of the number involves extended improvisations by various guitarists.
08:15 With that in mind, players can make things as difficult as they want with inventive soloing.
08:20 Minor swing has since become a standard, and it's a great showcase for the most skilled guitarists.
08:26 Number 2.
08:27 The Metal Guitar - The Prodigy The metal guitar is a great way to
08:30 get a little more out of the rhythm.
08:32 The guitarist's technique is a bit more advanced than the metal guitar,
08:36 but it's a great way to get a little more out of the rhythm.
08:40 The guitarist's technique is a bit more advanced than the metal guitar,
08:43 but it's a great way to get a little more out of the rhythm.
08:46 Number 2.
08:48 Never Going Back Again - Fleetwood Mac Lindsay Buckingham's contributions to
08:53 music have been hugely impactful, to say the least.
09:03 Just look at his work on Fleetwood Mac's Rumors album,
09:06 and more specifically on Never Going Back Again.
09:09 With stylish fingerpicking, the musician brings a swirling melody to life,
09:14 while showing off his technical prowess.
09:16 His solo performance allows him to take in all the glory, and it's well-deserved.
09:28 "Been there one time, been there two times."
09:35 Naturally, Buckingham makes it all sound almost rudimentary.
09:38 But the reality is that this is a standout acoustic guitar tune that requires patience to nail.
09:44 You can't expect to sound like him anytime soon, especially if you're just starting out.
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10:07 Number 1.
10:10 Spanish Fly - Van Halen Eddie Van Halen wasn't necessarily known for
10:15 playing the acoustic guitar as much as its electric counterpart.
10:18 But when he picked one up, it was something special.
10:25 Off the Van Halen 2 album, Spanish Fly is a hidden gem in the band's discography.
10:30 The guitarist flies through this instrumental as if he's back on his prized electric rig.
10:36 Faster than a cheetah, he practically tears up the instrument in a performance that
10:47 isn't for the faint of heart.
10:48 To come anywhere close to rivaling Van Halen's playing, one must invest time to hone their talent.
10:54 Perhaps, more importantly, any guitarist taking this beast on has to be willing to
11:05 try, fail, and try again.
11:07 Even when success feels impossible.
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