I heard?an acoustic version of Thunderstuck by AC/DC (see #4 below) and It made me think that this website needed a list of the best acoustic guitar covers.
So I have created my top 5 in the list below. The focus of the list is based around:
- The skill of the players;
- How they brought out the emotion and feel of the original; and
- The touch of uniqueness they added to the song.
In no particular order:
Acoustic Guitar Cover #6:
Artist:?Karlijn Langendijk
Song:?Beat It
Original Composition: Michael Jackson
O.k. so I know the title of this post says “top 5” but after I heard this arrangement of Michael Jackson’s Beat it, I couldn’t help myself – I had to add it in.
I suspect this will eventually resemble nothing close to a top 5!
Acoustic Guitar Cover #5:
Artist: Newton Faulkner
Song: Teardrop
Original Composition: Massive Attack
My focus for this list was on the guitar work – and this is the only one on the list with vocals. But I felt it earned a place. One guy playing this trip-hop classic with just him and his acoustic is pretty impressive!
Not sure how he gets that reverberation out of his guitar for the percussive parts – maybe something to do with the room that he?s playing in?
Acoustic Guitar Cover #4:
Artist: Luca Stricagnoli
Song: Thunderstruck
Original Composition: AC/DC
This isn?t the?last time this?talented Italian musician?appears on this list. In fact, I was tempted to put him at #1 and #2 but I felt the balance of the list was better splitting them up – but I just couldn?t leave either of them off the list.
And as if this wasn?t skilful enough watch out for around 1 minute 10 secs into the video – the dude starts walking as he?s playing!
What’s perhaps even more unbelievable is that?Luca is only 23 years old!
Acoustic Guitar Cover #3
Artist: Dan C Holloway
Song: Little Wing (fingerstyle arrangement)
Original Composition: Jimi Hendrix
I once learned the intro to this song and loved playing it (must re-learn it the way this guy plays it!) but I always got stuck after the intro – when playing without a band and without any singing it gets a bit fiddly after the intro.
But the way this guy has arranged it has really bought out the original song in a fingertsyle arrangement that sounds really awesome with just the one guitar.
Acoustic Guitar Cover #2:
Artist: Don Ross
Song: Crazy
Original Composition: Gnarls Barkley
What can I say! I have a whole new appreciation for this song now.
Brings through the funkiness of the song and adds his own flavour. Great arrangement, some immense skill and brilliantly brings out the emotion and the rhythm of the original – all on the one instrument.
Acoustic Guitar Cover #1:
Artist: Luca Straglioni
Song: Last of the Mohicans
Original Composition: Randy Edelman / Trevor Jones (last of the Mohicans score)
The second appearance for Luca Straglioni on this list is a cover of the theme from the movie Last of the Mohicans.
I?m a little embarrassed to say that this actually brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard it – in amidst huge admiration for the share skill of this guy.
What do you Think?
What are the best acoustic guitar covers you?ve heard? Anything you think that could top any of the one?s in this list. Let your opinion be know in the comments below.
Evie says
My Favorite of your list was number 3. WOW, He is one really talented guy. It sounded amazing. I could watch that video over and over again.
Why I liked him so much was that I could totally feel his passion in what he was doing. I can’t believe it was just him and the acoustic guitar. Was it him and just the acoustic guitar? Lol
All I can say is that I’m a Luca Stricagnoli fan. Would you do another article and show the top 5 acoustic guitar covers by girls? Fantastic article I really enjoyed reading and watching all the talented players. Thanks!
Nate says
Hey Evie
Yeah Luca is pretty extraordinary alright! I was very impressed when I first saw him play – and I still am.
Yes just him and acoustic – sometimes hard to believe.
Thanks for the idea of doing a top acoustic covers by girls. I will definitely add that to the list of posts to do.
Thanks for visiting and I’m glad you appreciated the talent on offer here.
Billy Hunter says
whoa I like Newton Faulkner! Firstly, he looks like a boss rock n roller! And the way he uses the guitar to get that bass drum sound. He has a cool voice too. Ah man that is too cool. Do you like him too.
Not to mention he’s playing a legendary song, he makes it look to easy too. haha. How does he do that tapping, it sounds so legit man. Good post though, Nate!
Nate says
Hey Billy
Yeah definitely like the Newton Faulkner one. Think a lot of that drum sound is to do with the little room he’s playing in (which I think is a lift) but there could also be some post production effects added.