The 80s gave birth to a lot of legendary bands and artists. It was also the time MTV was launched (a real Music Television channel at that time ) and from that emerged MTV unplugged which gave artists a platform to turn their songs into acoustic diamonds.
MTV is not what it used to be anymore, but fortunately Youtube has become the new MTV and we can once again enjoy our favorite music in all it’s creative diversity, plugged or unplugged.
Today we got a list with 30 pop songs of the 80’s that are perfectly suited for the acoustic guitar. There are songs you might not have thought of before or didn’t dare to try, that will turn into really great tunes when you play them on your steel string.
I searched high and low for beautiful acoustic versions of these songs from the artists themselves. I hope the arrangements and videos inspire you to pick up your guitar from the stand and light a new spark.
You can click on the title of each song to hear the song on Youtube. Click on “Chords” for the chords&lyrics and “More Chords” for the official chords&lyrics&tabs.
Note: I want you to know I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through an amazon link to support the Guitarhabits website.
Pick out one or two songs every day. Enjoy the pleasure of jamming along and working out these songs, adding your own personal touch.
Have a great one!
1 – Angel of harlem – U2 (1988) – Chords – More Chords
2 – Free Falling – Tom Petty (1989) – Chords – More Chords
3 – Waiting on a friend – The Rolling Stones (1982) – Chords – More Chords
4 – Every breath you take – The Police (1983) – Chords – More Chords
5 – Wicked game – Chris Isaak (1989) – Chords – More Chords
6 – Heaven – Bryan Adams (1983) – Chords – More Chords
7 – Never Tear Us Apart – INXS (1988) – Chords
8 – End of the Line – Traveling Wilburys (1988) – Chords – More Chords
9 – Sweet dreams – Eurythmics (1983) – Chords – More Chords
10 – Careless Whisper – George Michael (1984) – Chords – More Chords
11 – Wanted Dead Or Alive – Bon Jovi (1986) – Chords – More Chords
12 – Men at work – Down under (1980) – Chords
13 – Janie’s got a gun – Aerosmith (1989) – Chords – More Chords
14 – Jack and Diane – John Mellencamp (1982) – Chords – More Chords
15 – The River – Bruce Springsteen (1980) – Chords – More Chords
16 – Faith – George Michael (1987) – Chords – More Chords
17 – Graceland – Paul Simon (1986) – Chords – More Chords
18 – Woman – John Lennon (1981) – Chords – More Chords
19 – Every rose has it’s torn – Poison (1988) – Chords – More Chords
20 – True colors – Cindy Lauper (1986) – Chords
21 – The one I love – REM (1984) – Chords – More Chords
22 – Holding back the years – Simply Red (1985) – Chords
23 – Patience – Guns n’ Roses (1988) – Chords – More Chords
24 – Crazy little thing called love – Queen (1980) – Chords – More Chords
25 – Sunday bloody sunday – U2 (1983) – Chords – More Chords
26 – La Bamba – Los Lobos (1987) – Chords – More Chords
27 – I want to know what love is – Foreigner (1988) – Chords – More Chords
28 – Stop loving you – Toto (1988) – Chords – More Chords
29 – Eternal Flame – The Bangles (1989) – Chords
30 – Kokomo – The Beach Boys (1988) – Chords – More Chords
So what is your favorite 80s song for the acoustic? I always appreciate your comments. I read them all.
I really like the “every breath you take version” of the song in Italy. Relaxed and good vibe.
Can’t wait to start.
Hi Sam,
Absolutely, I get you. Positive vibes all over. It really makes me want to play that song. This man keeps this song fresh and alive.