Introduction
There are great songs, and then there are popular songs. Popular songs are great for a number of reasons- they’re easy to sing, people know them and love them, and they make great acoustic covers. But sometimes it can be hard to find great songs to cover in different genres.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best acoustic songs to cover- so you can have an easy song that sounds great too!
Why cover songs?
Covering songs has some great benefits. For the most part, great songs are great regardless of genre, and that’s where great covers come from- taking a great song regardless of genre and making it sound great in another genre. When you do an acoustic cover right, people not only love your cover but they love to hear their favorite songs done differently.
It’s a great way to stay relevant in a saturated music market. Not only that, but when you do an acoustic cover right, your audience will find the original song and enjoy that too. Covering songs is also a great way to learn songs before or after performing them live.
What makes a great cover song?
A great cover song already has the basics down- you already know it’s a great song, and people will recognize it. The best acoustic songs to cover are popular songs that you’ve probably heard before (and can sing along with). It’s also great to add some diversity into the mix with genres like country and bluegrass if you want to change your niche or try something new. A lot of acoustic covers out there are acoustic because they’re trying to make the song their own by using acoustic instruments.
Everything from the chord changes to the melody, great songs have great components that make them great songs. Though it’s a good idea to add in some of your own flair by personalizing a few lyrics or adding in an extra bridge if you want, you can’t really change up amazing songs too much since good songs have components that make them great songs.
When you cover a popular song, people often want to know exactly what they’re going to hear. That’s why it’s important to choose one of the best acoustic songs that not only sounds good but has lyrics that are easy to learn and sing along with!
What is an acoustic cover?
When you cover a song acousticlly, it means that the only instruments you’re going to be using are acoustic instruments. The acoustic guitar has incredible potential as a solo instrument and has a completely different tone and texture compared to the electric guitar. But it really shines when it’s accompanied by other acoustic instruments like the acoustic bass, acoustic drums, and acoustic piano.
The acoustic cover is broad, allowing acoustic covers to take on many different styles and time signature changes, which really makes acoustic covers stand out in an acoustic set. But acoustic covers are unique in how they blend together so well- they can cover a classic rock song or they can cover charts that you hear on the radio today.
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The best acoustic songs to cover will be acoustic because they’re already great songs, and when it comes to. That’s why the acoustic cover is perfect if you want to change up your style or experiment with acoustic instruments!
Many songs on the list below can be played by a beginner guitarist but if you can not play guitar then finding an acoustic guitarist via online searches is not such a difficult task.
Another thing to consider when looking for acoustic guitar songs, if you are determined to sing as well as play throughout your song, it may be better to look for acoustic songs with simple vocals and chords so you can concentrate on one or the other. If you just want something to strum and sing along with you can look for acoustic songs with vocals and chords that are more challenging.
How to choose the best acoustic songs to cover
Great songs make a great difference to your cover if you want it to be a great cover. No matter the chord progression, chord shapes, chord sizes, melodies, lyrics, or genres of any song — as long as it’s a great song — it’ll make for an amazing acoustic cover! but if you want to find acoustic songs to cover that bring in some diversity into your covers collection, then you’re looking for great songs with chord progressions that aren’t too difficult to play but are interesting enough to keep you engaged when you cover them.
It’s can be hard to find great songs for different genres sometimes since it’s hard to find acoustic songs that resonate with your voice and audience. You want acoustic songs that are great covers no matter the genre. You want to find acoustic songs that are known by everyone so you can share something everyone knows and loves!
16 of the best acoustic songs to cover
This is my list of the best songs to cover that are great acoustic songs and great covers no matter the genre. My list also includes songs that aren’t necessarily full acoustic but would sound great as an acoustic cover. In addition, I have included some songs that have been nominated for or have won Grammy awards, as successful songs at least give a great starting point.
1. “All of Me” by John Legend
This good song is perfect for singers of all levels, and great for acoustic covers since it’s got amazing lyrics that are easy to sing. Plus, the chords change aren’t too difficult to cover!
2. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Thinking Out Loud is one of Ed Sheeran’s biggest hits. This Love song was written about his then-fiancée, now-wife, Cherry Seaborn. The perfect acoustic cover song for vow renewal proposals, this song is great for singers of all levels and covers with little difficulty.
3. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Though it’s often covered in different genres- jazz, Lullaby versions, etc.- the original version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow doesn’t get old. This is one of the best acoustic songs because it’s great for your voice and great for your audience whether you sing in a low, high, or mid-range.
4. “Redemption song” by Bob Marley
This great song is a cover that takes an old favorite and makes it great again. The lyrics are easy to learn and sing, and the chords are simple enough for anyone to cover.” Reggae is great for acoustic covers since it’s full of energy and usually in the acoustic range. If you’re looking to cover a popular song that has lyrics that are easy to learn and sing along with, then “Redemption song” is one of the best acoustic songs to cover with easy chords!
5. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
This great song is a classic, and it’s one of the best acoustic songs to cover because it’s so well known. The chord changes are simple, and the melody is beautiful. Plus, the lyrics are amazing and easy to learn! This great song is perfect for any singer looking for an amazing acoustic cover!
6. “Hotel California” by the Eagle’s
A grammy award-winning song that is often covered in different genres, this classic is perfect for acoustic covers. The lyrics are easy to learn and the melody is simple enough for any singer at any level. One of the best acoustic songs to cover, “Hotel California” is one of the biggest hits in music!
7. “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young
This song is best known as one of the best acoustic songs to cover. The best part about Neil Young is that even though his songs are simple, they’re always soulful and sound great acoustically. This Grammy award-winning song is one of the best covers out there!
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8. “Wish You Were Here” Pink Floyd
This song was written about Syd Barrett, a founding member of Pink Floyd who left due to mental health issues. Though it’s often covered in different genres- pop, folk, etc.- the original version of Wish You Were Here is one of the best acoustic songs because it’s great for your voice and It’s one of the biggest hits from Pink Floyd, making it perfect to cover!
9. “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
James Taylor wrote this song when he was just 17, and it instantaneously became his most popular song. There are plenty of cover versions to choose from in different genres, but one of the best acoustic songs is always the original!
10. “Fix You” by Coldplay
“Fix you” by Coldplay is a beautiful song that has an acoustic/anthemic arrangement. The chord changes are easy to follow, and the melody is beautiful and haunting. Plus, the lyrics are great for singers to learn and perform. If you’re a singer who’s looking to cover a popular acoustic song that is great for your voice, then this cover is one of the best acoustic songs!
11. “In My Life” by the Beatles
This beautiful Lennon/McCartney ballad l. Many people believe it to be about John Lennon’s love for his childhood friends, but Lennon himself said it was a song about “disappearing”. This acoustic cover is good for all singers!
12. “Neon” by John Mayer
Learning how to cover this great song is easy, thanks to the fantastic chord changes and great melody. The lyrics are also easy to learn, making this one of the best acoustic songs to cover. When you cover “Neon”, you’ll be sure to wow your audience with your fantastic rendition!
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13. “Ain’t no sunshine” by Bill Withers
A classic, this song is often covered in different genres, but the best version of “Ain’t no sunshine” is always Bill Withers’s original version. The lyrics and melody are perfect for any singer to cover! Plus, it’s best acoustic songs- and best pop R&B love ballads- so you’ll be sure to wow your audience with it. This song still resonates with me today. It’s a great song to cover because the lyrics are powerful and easy to learn. The melody is simple, so it’s best for beginner singers or singers looking for an easy acoustic song!
14. “Tears in heaven” Eric Clapton
Another fan favorite, this song is a great one to cover if you want to bring in some diversity into your covers collection. A Beautiful and sad song perfect with guitar accompaniment.
15. “Someone Like You” by Adele
This grammy award-winning track is a song about lost love and longing to get it back, written by the British singer herself. It captures the raw emotion of a break up but manages to sou theirnd hopeful at the end, which makes it perfect for that tough moment in an acoustic song than! equipment
16. “Blowing in the wind” by Bob Dylan
One of the best acoustic songs to cover, bobs Dylans classic acoustic song is still relevant today. It’s one of the most popular acoustic songs out there, so it’s always a good idea to learn how to cover it! The song is also perfect for beginners because of its simplistic style. Plus, the lyrics are deep and meaningful, making this an acoustic song that speaks to everyone.
After artists to also check out:
Foo fighters
Johnny cash
Neil Diamond
Tracy Chapman
Tips for recording and performing your cover song
Once you’ve found the perfect song to cover and mastered your chord progressions, it’s time to move on to recording and performing! Of course, there are no set rules for this since every voice is different and every audience is different. But, if you want to give yourself a good starting point, here are some tips:
-Record the song at least one time before you perform it so you can get a feel for how to perform it and how much your chord progressions will need to change.
-Perform your cover as many times as you can so you can figure out exactly what chord changes work best live. Of course, there’s no rule for this, but the more you perform your cover, the better chord changes you can find and implement.
-Practice makes perfect! If your chord progressions are too difficult to master or if you need to make chord changes that don’t come as naturally as others, keep practicing until they flow like natural chord changes (practice with a metronome!).
-Don’t forget to have fun! You don’t want practicing or performing your cover song to feel like a chore. If you’re having fun, your audience will too! And that’s what it’s all about.
-Mix and master to perfection! When you’re recording and performing your cover, make sure the chord changes come out perfectly and the vocals are loud enough.
Sharing your cover song online
Once you’ve created the perfect acoustic cover, The first thing you need to do is share your acoustic song online! Social media is a great way to get your voice and acoustic songs heard all around the world. But if you want to be sure that your acoustic cover reaches as many people as possible, check out these tips:
-Choose a good profile picture of yourself so people can easily recognize you if they come across your acoustic cover.
-Tag the people, brands, and locations mentioned in your acoustic cover so it reaches as many eyes as possible! If you don’t know how to tag someone on social media, use this guide for help!
-Be yourself! You want to connect with your audience so they feel like they’re your friends and you’re singing to them. Use humour or be real whenever possible so people are sure who they’re following.
-Engage with other acoustic covers! If you’ve come across an acoustic cover that reaches out to you, reach back! Comment on their acoustic cover so it reaches as many people as possible.
-Keep practicing! The more acoustic covers you create, the better acoustic songs to cover you’ll find. You can never make acoustic covers if you don’t master acoustic guitar playing. All the best!
Tips for recording and performing your cover song
Once you’ve found the perfect song to cover and mastered your chord progressions, it’s time to move on to recording and performing! Of course, there are no set rules for this since every voice is different and every audience is different. But, if you want to give yourself a good starting point, here are some tips:
-Record the song at least one time before you perform it so you can get a feel for how to perform it and how much your chord progressions will need to change.
-Perform your cover as many times as you can so you can figure out exactly what chord changes work best live. Of course, there’s no rule for this, but the more you perform your cover, the better chord changes you can find and implement.
-Practice makes perfect! If your chord progressions are too difficult to master or if you need to make chord changes that don’t come as naturally as others, keep practicing until they flow like natural chord changes (practice with a metronome!).
-Don’t forget to have fun! You don’t want practicing or performing your cover song to feel like a chore. If you’re having fun, your audience will too! And that’s what it’s all about.
-Mix and master to perfection! When you’re recording and performing your cover, make sure the chord changes come out perfectly and the vocals are loud enough.
Sharing your cover song online
Once you’ve created the perfect acoustic cover, it’s time to share your acoustic song online! Social media is a great way to get your voice and acoustic songs heard all around the world. But if you want to be sure that your acoustic cover reaches as many people as possible, check out these tips:
-Choose a good profile picture of yourself so people can easily recognize you if they come across your acoustic cover.
-Tag the people, brands, and locations mentioned in your acoustic cover so it reaches as many eyes as possible! If you don’t know how to tag someone on social media, use this guide for help!
-Be yourself! You want to connect with your audience so they feel like they’re your friends and you’re singing to them. Use humour or be real whenever possible so people are sure who they’re following.
-Engage with other acoustic covers! If you’ve come across an acoustic cover that reaches out to you, reach back! Comment on their acoustic cover so it reaches as many people as possible.
-Keep practicing! The more acoustic covers you create, the better acoustic songs to cover you’ll find. You can never make acoustic covers if you don’t master acoustic guitar playing. All the best!
Bonus: Great acoustic R&B songs to cover
There are a lot of songs that come from modern R&B artists. It’s a genre that a lot of acoustic covers gravitate towards since the songs have great chord progressions and catchy melodies so people get drawn to them! But, if you want some modern R&B songs to cover acoustically, here are some recommendations:
Beyoncé – Love on Top https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob7vObnFUJc
SZA – Love Galore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHXfCOjb3fk
Drake – Hotline bling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxpDa-c-4Mc
H.E.R – Focus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj9y5xkHZaU&t=9s
Jeremih – oui https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd1Bxxqb-bM
Jhene Aiko – While we’re young https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjvwRSKVQNs
Easy guitar songs and guitar tab resources:
Guitar Chords:
-https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/
Guitar Tabs:
https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/collections/4731621/
Looking for some free instrumental R&B beats? Click HERE
Conclusion:
A good acoustic cover song connects with the audience, sounds great, and is performed perfectly. When choosing a song to acoustic cover, make sure to choose one that you have a connection with and that you can perform well. Practicing your playing and vocals until they’re perfect is key when it comes to creating an acoustic cover song that sounds great! And finally, be sure to engage with your audience by being yourself and commenting on other acoustic covers.
It can be hard to find great acoustic songs to cover in different genres, but I find it’s easy when you go with popular acoustic R&B songs! (but I’m biased lol) Make sure to use this guide for help finding the best acoustic songs to cover and enjoy making great music!
Best of luck,
