Summer is acoustic guitar season and a good time to learn some relaxing, feel-good tracks. It put this song list together with beach, sun, and warm evenings in mind, maybe with a campfire involved, that are also accessible to guitar players at a wide range of skill levels. Here are 15 of the best acoustic guitar songs for summer, with corresponding video lessons I've chosen carefully from YouTube with the best like to dislike ratio.
Get a FREE Guitar Tricks membership that lasts 14 days and try it out. If it's not for you, just cancel. Your membership is also backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
11,000+ lessons, 1000+ song tutorials with tabs, works on all devices.
1. "Banana Pancakes" – Jack Johnson
Chords: G, D, C
Why It’s Great for Summer: A laid-back, beachy vibe and easy chord progression.
2. "Island in the Sun" – Weezer
Chords: Em, Am, D, G
Why It’s Great for Summer: Has a very chill melody with simple chords.
3. "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" – Green Day
Chords: G, C, D, Em
Why It’s Great for Summer: A nostalgic tune that fits perfectly with summer’s fleeting moments.
4. "Margaritaville" – Jimmy Buffett
Chords: G, D, C, A7
Why It’s Great for Summer: Tropical classic that’s fun to sing along with and easy to play.
5. "Big Yellow Taxi" – Joni Mitchell
Chords: G, C, D
Why It’s Great for Summer: A fun, upbeat song with a meaningful message and catchy melody.
Get a FREE Guitar Tricks membership that lasts 14 days and try it out. If it's not for you, just cancel. Your membership is also backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
11,000+ lessons, 1000+ song tutorials with tabs, works on all devices.
6. "Brown Eyed Girl" – Van Morrison
Chords: G, C, D, Em
Why It’s Great for Summer: Well-known classic with an uplifting melody.
7. "Three Little Birds" – Bob Marley
Chords: A, D, E
Why It’s Great for Summer: Reggae rhythm and positive lyrics.
8. "Take It Easy" – Eagles
Chords: G, C, D, Am
Why It’s Great for Summer: Relaxed, road-trip-ready song with easy strumming pattern.
9. "Toes" – Zac Brown Band
Chords: G, D, C, Em
Why It’s Great for Summer: Captures the easygoing beach lifestyle with simple chords and a fun melody.
10. "Put Your Records On" – Corinne Bailey Rae
Chords: G, D, C
Why It’s Great for Summer: Breezy and soulful, easy to play and great for warm afternoons.
11. "Summer of '69" – Bryan Adams
Chords: D, A, G, Bm
Why It’s Great for Summer: A nostalgic rock anthem that works well acoustically.
12. "Sweater Weather" – The Neighbourhood
Chords: Am, G, Dm, F
Why It’s Great for Summer: A modern classic that works great on acoustic guitar.
13. "Drift Away" – Dobie Gray
Chords: G, D, A
Why It’s Great for Summer: Soulful, easy-to-play song with memorable lyrics (good for singing along).
14. "Riptide" – Vance Joy
Chords: Am, G, C
Why It’s Great for Summer: A fun, upbeat song with an easy strumming pattern.
15. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Chords: C, G, Am, F
Why It’s Great for Summer: A simple ukulele-inspired song that works great on acoustic guitar.
Tips for Learning These Songs
- Keep It Simple: Most of these songs have easy chord progressions, making them great for beginners.
- Strumming Matters: Focus on getting the right strumming pattern to match the song’s vibe.
- Sing Along: Playing and singing together can help improve timing and make learning more fun.
More Guitar Song Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Online Lessons & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Songs & Roundups
Guitar Tricks is one of our trusted partners that we both use and recommend. If you click through our orange buttons and sign up for a membership, or even a free trial, we might receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks to everyone for supporting us over the years while getting awesome guitar lessons. We could not do it without you! - Bobby and Danielle
Our disclosure↬
Comment Policy: You're down to leave a comment? That's awesome. Keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. Please avoid any spammy keywords or a domain as your name, otherwise your comment will be deleted. Let's stay on topic, keep questions relevant and have a meaningful conversation. All the best.