Best 90s Acoustic Guitar Songs: 2026 Top Picks

Stuck trying to find that perfect song to play at a campfire or open mic night? The kind that everyone instantly recognizes and wants to sing along to? The 90s are calling, and they have the answer. That decade was a gold rush for stripped-down, emotionally raw acoustic music that still sounds incredible today. From grunge gods unplugging their electrics to pop icons crafting timeless ballads, the era gave us some of the most memorable songs ever written for six strings.

This guide breaks down the absolute best 90s acoustic guitar songs, from super-easy strummers to impressive fingerstyle pieces. We'll cover the grunge anthems, the pop singalongs, and the one-hit wonders you need in your repertoire.

TL;DR: The Must-Know 90s Acoustic Hits

• The Ultimate Anthem: "Wonderwall" by Oasis is the quintessential 90s acoustic song. With its simple chords and capo on the 2nd fret, it's a must-learn for every guitarist.
• The Graduation Song: "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day proved punk bands could write beautiful, simple acoustic tracks. It's a beginner's favorite for a reason.
• The Emotional Epic: "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton is a masterpiece of fingerstyle guitar. It’s a challenge, but one of the most rewarding acoustic pieces to master.
• The Grunge Classic: Nirvana's cover of "The Man Who Sold the World" from their MTV Unplugged session defined the era's raw, acoustic sound and is surprisingly straightforward to play.

Why 90s Acoustic Songs Are More Popular Than Ever

It’s not just your imagination. Music from the 1990s is having a massive moment right now. Recent years have seen a huge peak in 90s nostalgia, with major tours and new albums from the era's biggest bands. This throwback vibe isn't just a fleeting trend; it's backed by hard data.

A huge driver of this revival is social media. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels act as a time machine for music, where Gen Z discovers and re-popularizes these classics. According to a 2025 analysis of social media trends, this demographic is a powerful force in shaping streaming charts, often bringing older songs back into the spotlight. A perfect example is "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls, which saw a major viral resurgence, helping it become one of the most-streamed songs from its era.

This has led to a major shift in listening habits. Recent reports show that over 75% of all audio streams in the U.S. were for "catalog" music (songs older than 18 months), as reported in a music industry market share study. People are actively choosing the classics over new releases, and the 90s are a huge part of that. In fact, music from the 1980s and 1990s saw its market share climb significantly in recent years. It's clear these acoustic gems aren't just relics; they are a vital part of today's musical landscape.

The Definitive List: 30 of the Best 90s Acoustic Guitar Songs

We've broken down our top 30 picks into categories, complete with difficulty ratings and the key chords you'll need. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned player, you'll find your next favorite song to play right here.

Grunge Goes Unplugged: The Acoustic Anthems

The early 90s were dominated by the electric roar of grunge, but the genre's most powerful moments often happened when the distortion was turned off. The MTV Unplugged series was the perfect stage for these bands to show their songwriting depth, creating some of the most iconic grunge acoustic classics of all time.

1. "The Man Who Sold the World" – Nirvana (David Bowie Cover)

   • Context: Nirvana’s 1993 MTV Unplugged in New York performance is legendary. Their haunting cover of this Bowie classic became so definitive that many fans thought it was a Nirvana original.
   • Difficulty: Beginner
   • Key Chords: A, Dm, F, C, G. The riff is simple and uses a catchy, descending pattern.
   • Why Learn It: It teaches you how to create a dark, atmospheric mood with basic chords and a memorable lead line.

2. "Nutshell" – Alice in Chains

   • Context: Another masterpiece from an Unplugged session, this 1996 performance of "Nutshell" is heartbreakingly beautiful. It's a simple song with immense emotional weight.
   • Difficulty: Beginner
   • Key Chords: Em, C, G, D. The key is the slow, deliberate strumming that lets each chord ring out.
   • Why Learn It: It's an incredible exercise in musical dynamics. You learn that power doesn't always come from playing loud, but from playing with feeling.

3. "Plush" (Acoustic Version) – Stone Temple Pilots

   • Context: Originally a hard-rocking hit, the acoustic version of "Plush" recorded for MTV's Headbangers Ball revealed the sophisticated, jazz-like chords underneath the grit.
   • Difficulty: Intermediate
   • Key Chords: G, D/F#, C, G/B, Am7. The walking bassline between chords is the tricky part.
   • Why Learn It: This song is a fantastic introduction to using chord inversions and connecting chords with bass notes, making your playing sound much more professional.

4. "Daughter" – Pearl Jam

   • Context: From their 1993 album Vs., "Daughter" is built on a simple, almost hypnotic, open-G tuning riff that drives the entire song.
   • Difficulty: Beginner (once in the right tuning)
   • Key Chords: Open G Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D). The main riff is just two simple chord shapes.
   • Why Learn It: It's a perfect gateway to exploring the world of alternate tunings for acoustic guitar, which can unlock a universe of new sounds.

5. "Black Hole Sun" (Acoustic Version) – Soundgarden

   • Context: Chris Cornell often performed an acoustic version of this psychedelic grunge anthem, stripping it down to its haunting core. His solo acoustic performances are legendary.
   • Difficulty: Intermediate
   • Key Chords: It uses standard tuning but has some unusual chord shapes and a tricky arpeggiated chorus. The Drop-D tuning often used makes it heavier.
   • Why Learn It: It forces you to get creative with chord voicings and shows how a complex rock song can be beautifully reinterpreted on a single acoustic guitar.

The Britpop Singalongs

While America had grunge, the UK had Britpop. These bands blended 60s pop sensibilities with 90s swagger, creating anthems that were practically designed to be belted out in a pub with an acoustic guitar.

6. "Wonderwall" – Oasis

   • Context: The song that launched a million guitarists. From 1995's (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, it became a global phenomenon. It also holds the distinction of being the first 1990s song to hit one billion Spotify streams, a milestone reported in October 2020.
   • Difficulty: Beginner
   • Key Chords: Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4. The trick is to keep your ring and pinky fingers anchored on the high E and B strings. Requires a capo on the 2nd fret.
   • Why Learn It: It is the essential campfire song. The strumming pattern is iconic and a great rhythm exercise.

7. "Don't Look Back In Anger" – Oasis

   • Context: Another giant hit from the same album, this one features Noel Gallagher on lead vocals. The piano intro is famous, but it translates perfectly to acoustic guitar.
   • Difficulty: Beginner
   • Key Chords: C, G, Am, E, F. Classic, open chords that every guitarist should know.
   • Why Learn It: It’s a masterclass in building a song's energy with simple chords and a powerful vocal melody.

8. "Lucky Man" – The Verve

   • Context: The closing track from their 1997 blockbuster album Urban Hymns. The song's optimistic feel is carried by a simple, repeating acoustic guitar riff.
   • Difficulty: Beginner
   • Key Chords: G, D, Em, C. The riff is based around the G major scale.
   • Why Learn It: It teaches you how to build a song around a single, catchy guitar part that runs from start to finish.

9. "Tender" – Blur

   • Context: A gospel-tinged departure for the band on their 1999 album 13. It's a loose, soulful strummer that feels incredibly heartfelt and genuine.
   • Difficulty: Beginner
   • Key Chords: A, D, E. Just three chords, but the feeling is everything.
   • Why Learn It: It's all about a relaxed, groovy strum. It shows that you don't need complex chords to write a moving song.

10. "Common People" – Pulp

    • Context: While the original is a synth-heavy epic, Jarvis Cocker's song about class tourism works brilliantly as a stripped-down acoustic track. It's a story set to music.
    • Difficulty: Intermediate
    • Key Chords: C, G, Am, F. The chord changes are fast in the verses, which can be a challenge.
    • Why Learn It: It helps you practice quick chord transitions and focus on lyrical delivery. It's a workout for your fretting hand.

Alternative Rock Ballads

The 90s alternative scene wasn't all noise and feedback. Many bands penned introspective, melodic songs that became some of the decade's biggest hits. This was the golden age of the alternative rock acoustic power ballad.

11. "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" – Green Day

    • Context: A shocking departure from the punk rock of Dookie, this song from 1997's Nimrod became an anthem for graduations and farewells everywhere.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: G, Cadd9, D, Em. The key is the arpeggiated picking pattern in the intro.
    • Why Learn It: It's one of the first songs many people learn. It introduces you to arpeggios (picking individual notes of a chord) in a very simple, accessible way.

12. "Iris" – Goo Goo Dolls

    • Context: Written for the 1998 film City of Angels, this song is an absolute giant. Its unique sound comes from a very unusual alternate tuning.
    • Difficulty: Advanced (due to tuning), Intermediate (if played in standard)
    • Key Chords: The original is in an open tuning (B-D-D-D-D-D). In standard, you can approximate it with chords like Bm, G, D, A.
    • Why Learn It: Learning it in the original tuning is a serious challenge that will expand your understanding of the guitar. It's an epic song that's worth the effort.

13. "Losing My Religion" – R.E.M.

    • Context: That mandolin riff is one of the most recognizable sounds of the 90s. While not a guitar, the underlying acoustic rhythm part is simple and drives the song.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: Am, G, F, C, E. Basic chords with a straightforward strumming pattern.
    • Why Learn It: It's a great song for practicing your rhythm and keeping a steady pulse. Plus, you can try to mimic the mandolin riff on your guitar's high strings.

14. "Fake Plastic Trees" – Radiohead

    • Context: From their 1995 breakout album The Bends, this is a stunningly beautiful and melancholic song that builds from a single acoustic guitar to a full-band crescendo.
    • Difficulty: Intermediate
    • Key Chords: A, Bm, D. The challenge is in the subtle fingerpicking and the emotional dynamics of the performance.
    • Why Learn It: It teaches you how to tell a story with your playing, starting soft and building intensity.

15. "Disarm" – Smashing Pumpkins

    • Context: A powerful and controversial song from 1993's Siamese Dream. Stripped of the band's usual wall of fuzz, "Disarm" is carried by a 12-string acoustic guitar and orchestration.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: Em, C, G, D. The 12-string gives it that shimmering sound, but it's perfectly playable on a standard 6-string.
    • Why Learn It: A perfect example of how four simple chords can create a song with incredible emotional depth.

16. "Under the Bridge" – Red Hot Chili Peppers

    • Context: The intro to this 1992 hit is one of the most beautiful and iconic guitar parts of the decade. John Frusciante's Hendrix-inspired playing is masterful.
    • Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
    • Key Chords: D, A, G. The difficulty isn't the chords themselves, but the intricate, clean fingerstyle playing in the intro. It's one of the best acoustic guitar intros ever recorded.
    • Why Learn It: Mastering this intro is a badge of honor. It will seriously improve your fretting hand dexterity and clean picking technique.

Timeless Folk & Pop Classics

Beyond the major rock movements, the 90s also produced a wealth of incredible songs from singer-songwriters and pop artists who put the acoustic guitar front and center.

17. "Tears in Heaven" – Eric Clapton

    • Context: Written after the tragic death of his young son, this 1992 song is a beautiful, heartbreaking piece of music that won multiple Grammy awards.
    • Difficulty: Advanced
    • Key Chords: A, E/G#, F#m. This isn't a strumming song; it's a delicate fingerstyle piece with complex classical guitar influences.
    • Why Learn It: It is a true fingerpicking workout. Learning it will improve your technique, control, and musical expression immensely.

18. "Hallelujah" – Jeff Buckley

    • Context: Though written by Leonard Cohen in the 80s, Jeff Buckley's 1994 version is the one that made it a modern standard. His ethereal guitar work, played on a Fender Telecaster but with a clean, acoustic-like quality, is iconic.
    • Difficulty: Intermediate
    • Key Chords: C, Am, F, G, E7. The arpeggiated chords require precision and a light touch. A capo on the 5th or 6th fret is common.
    • Why Learn It: It teaches you how to create an entire atmosphere with just your guitar and voice.

19. "Fast Car" – Tracy Chapman

    • Context: Released in 1988 but a constant presence throughout the 90s, this song's instantly recognizable fingerpicked riff is a folk-pop masterpiece.
    • Difficulty: Intermediate
    • Key Chords: C, G, Em, D. The riff itself is the main challenge, requiring you to sync up your picking hand and fretting hand perfectly.
    • Why Learn It: Once you nail the riff, you can play it for hours. It's a foundational piece for any aspiring fingerstyle player.

20. "You Were Meant for Me" – Jewel

    • Context: A huge hit from her 1995 debut album, Pieces of You. This song's gentle strumming and unique chord progression defined the coffeehouse singer-songwriter sound of the mid-90s.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: Em, C, G, D. The intro has a little hammer-on flourish that's easy to pick up.
    • Why Learn It: It’s a great song for practicing smooth transitions between the most common open chords.

21. "Building a Mystery" – Sarah McLachlan

    • Context: The lead single from her 1997 album Surfacing, this Grammy-winning song features a driving acoustic rhythm and a catchy, melodic chorus.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: Em, C, G, D, Am. The strumming pattern is constant and energetic.
    • Why Learn It: A fantastic song for developing rhythm and stamina. You have to keep that strumming hand moving.

22. "Crash Into Me" – Dave Matthews Band

    • Context: Dave Matthews is known for his unconventional chord voicings and complex rhythms. This 1996 hit is one of his most beloved and accessible songs.
    • Difficulty: Intermediate
    • Key Chords: E, A, C#m, B. The chords are standard, but Dave's syncopated, percussive strumming pattern is what gives the song its signature feel.
    • Why Learn It: It will completely transform your sense of rhythm. It’s less about just strumming chords and more about becoming a rhythm section.

One-Hit Wonders & Hidden Gems

Some of the most memorable acoustic songs of the 90s came from artists who burned brightly for a moment, leaving behind a perfect, time-encapsulating track.

23. "More Than Words" – Extreme

    • Context: A massive departure for a funk-metal band, this 1990 acoustic ballad became a number-one hit worldwide. It’s just Nuno Bettencourt's intricate acoustic playing and Gary Cherone's vocals. The artistry here is a great reminder for the age-old question: are singers musicians? The answer here is a clear yes.
    • Difficulty: Intermediate
    • Key Chords: G, Cadd9, Em7, D. The percussive body-tapping and syncopated fingerstyle are the main challenges.
    • Why Learn It: It's a two-part masterpiece: a beautiful fingerstyle part and a percussive rhythm part. It's like learning two songs in one.

24. "No Rain" – Blind Melon

    • Context: The "Bee Girl" video made this song unforgettable. Its sunny, laid-back vibe is pure 90s, driven by a simple, jangly acoustic guitar.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: E, A, G, D. Simple open chords with a relaxed, slightly swung strumming feel.
    • Why Learn It: It's a feel-good song that's incredibly fun to play and sing.

25. "What's Up?" – 4 Non Blondes

    • Context: Linda Perry's powerhouse vocals are the star here, but the song is built on three of the easiest chords you can play on guitar.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: G, Am, C. That's it. The entire song.
    • Why Learn It: It is arguably the greatest three-chord song of the decade. It's proof that you don't need complexity to write a smash hit.

26. "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" – Crash Test Dummies

    • Context: Known for Brad Roberts' deep baritone voice and its quirky lyrics, this 1993 song has a simple, melancholic acoustic backbone. The band's journey is a fascinating piece of 90s music history, with details you can find when exploring the Crash Test Dummies' net worth.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: Am, G, C, F. The slow tempo makes the chord changes very manageable.
    • Why Learn It: It's a great song for practicing the F barre chord in a slow, low-pressure setting.

27. "Fade Into You" – Mazzy Star

    • Context: The ultimate slow-dance song of the 90s. Hope Sandoval's dreamy vocals float over a simple, arpeggiated acoustic guitar line.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: A, E, Bm. The arpeggiated pattern is gentle and easy to follow.
    • Why Learn It: Teaches you how to create a mood and leave space in the music. It’s a lesson in "less is more."

28. "Miss Misery" – Elliott Smith

    • Context: Featured in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting, this song introduced the world to Elliott Smith's incredible talent for intricate, Beatles-esque chord progressions and delicate fingerpicking.
    • Difficulty: Advanced
    • Key Chords: Uses many complex chords (C, G/B, Am, Am/G, D7/F#, etc.) with constant movement.
    • Why Learn It: If you can master this, you can play almost anything. It's a deep dive into advanced chord theory and fingerstyle independence.

29. "I'll Be" – Edwin McCain

    • Context: A staple of weddings and romantic movie scenes, this 1998 hit is a heartfelt acoustic ballad with a soaring chorus.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: G, D, Em, C. The classic four chords of pop music.
    • Why Learn It: It’s a perfect song for practicing dynamic range, playing softly in the verses and building to a powerful strum in the chorus.

30. "Save Tonight" – Eagle-Eye Cherry

    • Context: A late-decade smash from 1997, this song's four-chord loop is instantly recognizable and incredibly catchy.
    • Difficulty: Beginner
    • Key Chords: Am, F, C, G. The percussive "chunk" or palm mute in the strumming pattern is the key to getting the right feel.
    • Why Learn It: It's an excellent workout for your strumming hand and a great introduction to palm muting techniques.

How to Learn These 90s Acoustic Classics

Feeling inspired? Grabbing your guitar and learning these songs is easier than you think. The biggest hurdles for most players are finding good learning resources and mastering a few key techniques.

Finding Accurate Guitar Tabs and Chords

The internet is filled with easy 90s guitar tabs, but not all are created equal. Start with reputable sites like Ultimate Guitar and look for tabs with high user ratings (4 or 5 stars), as these are usually the most accurate. For those who want official transcriptions, Acoustic Guitar magazine has published over 1,500 songs since 1990 and is a fantastic, reliable resource.

Many popular YouTube instructors like Marty Music or Justin Guitar also have excellent video lessons for these songs, which is great for visual learners. For even more options, you can check out our list of the best guitar riffs for beginners.

The Power of a Good Capo

If you're a beginner, a capo is your best friend. This simple device clamps onto the guitar's neck, raising the pitch and allowing you to play songs in different keys using the same easy chord shapes. A song like "Wonderwall" is nearly unplayable for a beginner without a capo on the 2nd fret. Don't think of it as cheating; think of it as a tool that unlocks hundreds of songs.

Essential Techniques to Master

Most of these songs rely on a few core skills:

• Clean Chord Changes: Practice switching between the common open chords (G, C, D, Em, Am) until it's second nature. Start slow and focus on getting every note to ring out clearly.
• Steady Strumming: Use a metronome to develop a solid sense of rhythm. Most of these songs use a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern or a variation of it.
• Basic Fingerpicking: For songs like "Good Riddance" or "Tears in Heaven," practice assigning each finger on your picking hand to a specific string (thumb for bass strings; index, middle, and ring for the G, B, and E strings).

The Gear That Defined the 90s Acoustic Sound

The raw, honest sound of these songs came from equally iconic instruments. The 90s saw a resurgence in the popularity of traditional acoustic guitars, a trend that continues today.

Iconic Acoustic Guitars of the Era

The MTV Unplugged stage was a showcase for some amazing guitars. Two models, in particular, became synonymous with the 90s sound.

Guitar Model	Famous Player(s)	Key Characteristics
Martin D-18	Kurt Cobain	A classic dreadnought. Warm, woody tone with a strong bass response. Perfect for powerful strumming.
Gibson SJ-200	Noel Gallagher	The "King of the Flat-tops." Big jumbo body, loud and clear tone with a distinctive look.
Taylor Guitars	Dave Matthews, Jewel	Known for bright, clear tones and exceptional playability. Taylor's popularity exploded in the 90s.

Kurt Cobain's choice of a Martin D-18 for the Unplugged show was significant. It's a workhorse dreadnought, a body shape known for its volume and projection. If you're curious about how that shape compares to smaller guitars, this guide on dreadnought vs. parlor guitars breaks it down.

Getting the "Unplugged" Tone

You don't need vintage gear to capture that 90s vibe. The sound is more about the approach. Use a fresh set of 80/20 Bronze strings for a bright, crisp sound. Try a medium-gauge pick for a good balance between strumming power and single-note clarity.

The real secret was the minimalist production. The beauty of these 90s unplugged hits was their honesty. There was no hiding behind layers of effects. It was just the sound of wood, steel, and a great voice. This approach is a great lesson for anyone interested in recording. If you want to learn more about the professional side, understanding how to make money as a music producer can provide valuable insights into capturing that perfect take.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest 90s acoustic song to play on guitar?

"What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes is one of the easiest. It uses only three simple open chords (G, Am, C) for the entire song. Other great choices for absolute beginners include "No Rain" by Blind Melon and "You Were Meant for Me" by Jewel.

What makes a 90s acoustic song sound "90s"?

The "90s sound" often comes from a combination of factors: simple, powerful chord progressions (often using G, C, D, Em), raw and emotional vocal delivery, and a focus on songwriting over technical flash. The influence of grunge added a certain angst and dynamic contrast (soft verses, loud choruses) even to acoustic tracks.

Did Kurt Cobain write "The Man Who Sold the World"?

That's a common misconception! The song was actually written and originally recorded by David Bowie for his 1970 album of the same name. However, Nirvana's iconic performance on MTV Unplugged introduced the song to a whole new generation and became the version many people are most familiar with.

Why was MTV Unplugged so important in the 90s?

MTV Unplugged was a cultural phenomenon. It gave rock bands, especially loud grunge and alternative acts, a platform to show a different side of their artistry. It proved that their songs were just as powerful when stripped down to their acoustic core, highlighting the strength of their melody and lyrics. The performances by Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Eric Clapton produced some of the best-selling albums of the decade.

What chords are most common in 90s acoustic rock?

The most common open chords are king. You'll see G, C, D, Em, and Am in the vast majority of these songs. Mastering these five chords and the transitions between them will allow you to play a huge portion of this list. The F barre chord also appears frequently, so it's a good one to practice.

Are these songs good for campfire singalongs?

Absolutely, they're perfect for it. Songs like "Wonderwall," "Good Riddance," and "What's Up?" are practically campfire requirements. They use simple chords, have memorable melodies, and nearly everyone knows the words, making them ideal for a group setting.