How to Play Electric Guitar Songs on an Acoustic Guitar?

13 minutes read

Playing electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar can be challenging but rewarding. To do this, you may need to make some adjustments to accommodate the differences in sound and playability between the two types of guitars. Start by figuring out the basic chords and melody of the song you want to play. This may involve transposing the song into a key that works well on the acoustic guitar. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns and strumming techniques to achieve a sound that is similar to the original electric guitar version. You may also want to consider using a capo to simplify chords or change the key of the song. Practice regularly and be patient with yourself as you adapt the song to fit the acoustic guitar. With time and effort, you'll be able to master playing electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar.

Best Acoustic Guitars of October 2024

1
Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Rating is 5 out of 5

Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Natural

  • Solid Sitka spruce top
  • Nato and mahogany back & sides
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Rosewood bridge
2
Fender Acoustic Guitar, CD-60S, with 2-Year Warranty, Dreadnought Classic Design with Rounded Walnut Fingerboard, Glossed Finish, All-Mahogany Construction

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Fender Acoustic Guitar, CD-60S, with 2-Year Warranty, Dreadnought Classic Design with Rounded Walnut Fingerboard, Glossed Finish, All-Mahogany Construction

  • One right-handed Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
  • Dreadnought Body: This guitar’s dreadnought body shape resonates with a bold and rich bass tone, great for playing country, folk or bluegrass
  • Rock Steady Tuners: Chrome die-cast tuners help keep your guitar tuned with the perfect amount of tension, and they don't attract much dust or grime
3
Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Black Learn-to-Play Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, String Winder, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Black Learn-to-Play Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, String Winder, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

  • The Squier SA-150 is a full-size steel-string acoustic that offers big sound at a small price.
  • This guitar also features scalloped "X"-bracing, mahogany neck and a durable dark-stained maple fingerboard to give you an instrument that looks as good as it sounds.
  • With its slim, easy-to-play neck and full-bodied dreadnought tone, the SA-150 is an ideal choice for all rookie strummers.
4
Squier by Fender Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Dreadnought with Maple Fingerboard, Glossed Natural Finish, Mahogany Back and Side, Mahogany Neck, SA-150 Model

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Squier by Fender Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Dreadnought with Maple Fingerboard, Glossed Natural Finish, Mahogany Back and Side, Mahogany Neck, SA-150 Model

  • One right-handed Fender SA-150 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
  • Dreadnought Body: This guitar’s dreadnought body shape resonates with a bold and rich bass tone, great for playing country, folk or bluegrass
  • Durable Materials: All-Laminate construction allows this guitar to last long and sound as great as it looks a an affordable price
5
Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Natural

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Natural

  • One right-handed Fender Alternative Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar – a perfect beginner guitar for both kids and adults
  • Backed by a 75 year legacy of quality and craftsmanship -- the FA Series has all the sound and style of Fender's iconic acoustic guitars with specially designed features for beginners.
  • This guitar’s dreadnought body shape resonates with a bold and rich bass tone, great for playing country, folk or bluegrass
6
Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar,Natural

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar,Natural

  • Gloss Natural
  • Dreadnought body style
  • Laminate Spruce top
  • Sapele back and sides
  • Rosewood Fingerboard
7
Yamaha F325D Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Yamaha F325D Acoustic Guitar, Natural

  • The perfect guitar for beginners
  • Legendary Yamaha build quality
  • Spruce Top
  • Rosewood Fretboard
  • Chrome Tuners
8
Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Open Pore Natural

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Open Pore Natural

  • Dreadnought body
  • Solid mahogany top
  • Mahogany back & sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Rosewood bridge and fretboard


What is the best way to memorize chord progressions when playing electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar?

The best way to memorize chord progressions when playing electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar is to break down the progression into smaller sections and practice each section individually. Starting with the first few chords and slowly adding on more as you become comfortable with each section can help with memorization. It's also helpful to understand the theory behind the chord progression, so you can understand how the chords relate to each other and why they work together. Additionally, practicing with a metronome and playing along with the original song can help reinforce the progression in your memory. Lastly, consistently practicing and repetition will ultimately help you internalize the chord progression and play it more confidently on the acoustic guitar.


What is the hardest electric guitar song to play on an acoustic guitar?

There are many electric guitar songs that are difficult to play on an acoustic guitar due to the limitations of the instrument. Some of the hardest electric guitar songs to play on an acoustic guitar include:

  1. "Eruption" by Van Halen
  2. "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson
  3. "Hangar 18" by Megadeth
  4. "Through the Fire and Flames" by DragonForce
  5. "Black Star" by Yngwie Malmsteen


These songs are challenging to play on an acoustic guitar because they often require fast picking, intricate fretwork, and techniques such as tapping and sweeping that are easier to execute on an electric guitar.


What is the best way to learn new electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar?

There are a few tips to help you learn new electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar:

  1. Use tablature: Tablature, or tabs, is a form of musical notation that shows you exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard to play a song. It can be easier to follow along with tabs when learning a new song, especially if you are not familiar with reading traditional sheet music.
  2. Slow down the tempo: If a song is too fast or complex for you to play at full speed, try slowing it down. You can use a metronome or a slow-down software to practice at a comfortable pace and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the song.
  3. Break it down into smaller sections: Learning a new song can be overwhelming, so break it down into smaller sections and focus on mastering one part at a time. Once you feel comfortable with one section, move on to the next until you can play the entire song smoothly.
  4. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your guitar skills. Set aside dedicated practice time each day to work on learning new songs and techniques. This will help you progress faster and become more comfortable with playing electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar.
  5. Play along with the original track: Listening to the original recording of the song can help you understand the rhythm and feel of the music. Play along with the track to practice timing and get a better sense of how the song should sound when played on an electric guitar.


Remember, learning a new song takes time and patience, so don't get discouraged if you're not able to play it perfectly right away. Keep practicing and you will gradually improve and master the song.


How to strum properly when playing electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar?

When playing electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar, it's important to adjust your strumming technique to suit the different tone and projection of the acoustic instrument. Here are some tips for strumming properly on an acoustic guitar:

  1. Use a lighter touch: Acoustic guitars are more sensitive to the force of your strumming, so make sure to strum with a lighter touch to avoid overpowering the sound of the guitar.
  2. Use a pick: While some electric guitar players prefer to use their fingers to strum, using a pick can help you achieve a clean and consistent sound on an acoustic guitar.
  3. Strum closer to the bridge: Strumming closer to the bridge of the guitar can help produce a brighter and more defined tone, which is especially important when playing electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar.
  4. Experiment with different strumming patterns: Try experimenting with different strumming patterns to see what works best for the song you're playing. You can try using downstrokes, upstrokes, or a combination of both to create a dynamic and engaging rhythm.
  5. Practice regularly: Like any other aspect of playing the guitar, mastering your strumming technique on an acoustic guitar takes practice. Spend time practicing different strumming patterns and adjusting your technique to find what works best for you.


By following these tips and practicing regularly, you'll be able to strum properly when playing electric guitar songs on an acoustic guitar and enhance your overall playing experience.

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