Best Of Bruce Springsteen Songs
On The Acoustic

Across The Border is a song by Bruce Springsteen from his album "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" released in 1995. Unlike some of his other songs, this one wasn't put out as a single for radio play. In the song,

Springsteen tells a story about people trying to cross the border from Mexico into the United States. It's a thoughtful song that talks about the struggles and dreams of these individuals.

There's no official music video for it, but it's still a meaningful part of Springsteen's work, capturing the essence of his storytelling style.

The song is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 3rd fret and does have a bit of acoustic picking that can be added. The rhythm for the song is a down down up up down up and repeat using the chords G, C, D/Gb and a Bm.

Bobby Jean was a promotional single in 1984 for the "Born In The USA" album.

Even though it wasn't officially released as a single for radio, it still managed to reach number 36 on the charts in the United States. The song is about friendship and reminiscing about someone named Bobby Jean.

There's no official music video for it, but it's a beloved track from the album that showcases Springsteen's knack for heartfelt storytelling through his music.

Another one that can be played in standard tuning and contains some lead picking for the acoustic player. I play this one with a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a capo on the 2nd fret. Use the chords G, D/Gb, C, A and Em for this one.

Born In The USA is a famous song by Bruce Springsteen, released as the main single from his album of the same name in 1984. Although it reached number one in New Zealand, it peaked at number eight in the United States and number two in Australia.

The song is often misunderstood as a patriotic anthem, but its lyrics actually critique aspects of American society, particularly the treatment of Vietnam War veterans.

The music video features Springsteen performing the song with his band. It's a powerful track that became one of his most well-known songs, despite its complex message.

For this one I use a Drop D Tuning but that's always optional and with a capo on the 2nd fret. For rhythm I play a root down root up down up and repeat, and the song allows room to blend in a few riffs throughout. Only atwo chord songs using the D and G chords.

Cover Me is a song by Bruce Springsteen from his album "Born In The USA," released in 1984. It became a single and climbed to number two on the charts in the United States.

Additionally, it made it into the top 10 in both Ireland and New Zealand. The song has a catchy beat and is known for its energetic vibe.

While there isn't a particularly notable music video for "Cover Me," it remains a favorite among fans for its driving rhythm and Springsteen's passionate vocals.

This one has a few chords in it including Bm, D, A, Em, Gbsus, Gb and G using standard tuning.

I have a bit of picking in my acoustic version which is fully covered in the lesson and I play this one using a a quick shuffle followed by down strokes.

"Dancing in the Dark" is is a famous song by Bruce Springsteen, released in 1984 as the lead single from his album "Born in the U.S.A." It became one of his biggest hits, helping the album become incredibly successful.

Interestingly, Springsteen wrote the song overnight after being convinced by his manager that the album needed a strong single. Despite initially being reluctant, Springsteen wrote the song in one night, expressing his feelings of isolation and frustration.

The song was recorded in several takes and underwent numerous mixes before its release. Its music video features Springsteen dancing with actress Courteney Cox, which helped boost its popularity. "Dancing in the Dark" remains one of Springsteen's most iconic songs, loved by fans worldwide.

I play this one with a capo on the 4th to keep me in the original key while using a down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. There isn't any lead in this one to be concerned about while strumming the chords G, Em, C, Am and D.

Darkness On The Edge is a song by Bruce Springsteen from his album of the same name, which came out in 1978. Even though it's a standout track on the album, it was never officially released as a single for radio play.

It's not common for an artist to name an album after a song and then not release it as a single, but Springsteen's decision adds to the mystique of the song and the album as a whole.

While there isn't a music video for "Darkness on the Edge of Town," it remains a beloved song among Springsteen fans for its raw emotion and powerful lyrics.

This one can be played in standard tuning using the chords G, C/G, C, Em and D and playing a root up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. A bit of acoustic picking is embedded into this one.

Glory Days was another song from the "Born In The USA" album that just failed to hit #1 on the charts.

Although it didn't quite reach number one on the charts, it did manage to peak at number three in both the United States and Ireland. The song reflects on the passage of time and the nostalgia for past experiences.

While there isn't a particularly memorable music video for "Glory Days," there are clips of live performances that are entertaining.

For rhythm on this song, you can play a down up up down down and some down strokes in places using the three simple chords A, D and E in standard tuning. And there is no lead in this song, just rhythm.

Human Touch was released in 1992 as the only single from his album of the same name.

It reached the top spot on the charts in the United States, making it a number one hit. The song explores themes of connection and intimacy, with Springsteen's signature heartfelt lyrics and melodic sound.

While there isn't a particularly notable music video for "Human Touch," the song remains a standout track in Springsteen's discography, loved by fans for its emotional resonance and catchy tune.

This song can be played in standard tuning using the rhythm pattern down down up down up down up and repeat. There is a bit of picking as you move through this song using the chords G, F and C.

I Wish I Were Blind is a track from the 1992 album "Human Touch" and the song was never released as a single. There was also no music video produced.

I play this one with a root up down up up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning using the chords G, C, D, D7, D/Gb and Em. There is a bit of lead work for the guitar player in this song.

One Step Up hails from the 1988 from album "Tunnel of Love." The song climbed to the number two spot on the charts in the United States, making it a popular hit.

The song delves into themes of relationship struggles and personal reflection, with Springsteen's trademark heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice.

While there isn't a particularly notable music video for "One Step Up," the song remains a standout track on the album and a favorite among fans for its emotional resonance and relatable lyrics.

This one I play with a capo on the 3rd fret in standard tuning. Use a down up down up up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and be prepared for a bit of lead in this one. Chords I use for this one are G6, Dsus2, Em7 and an Asus4.

Tenth Avenue Freeze Out is a number from Springsteen that was released as one of the singles from his 1975 album "Born To Run." Despite not reaching high positions on the charts, it still managed to make an impact, peaking at number 83 in the United States and number 82 in Canada.

The song is known for its energetic rhythm and captivating storytelling, reflecting Springsteen's early musical style.

There is a bit of lead work in here for the acoustic using the chords Bm, A, G, D, and A7 in standard tuning. The rhythm pattern I use here is a quick shuffle down down up down up down - down up down up down and repeat.

The Promised Land is a track from Bruce Springsteen, featured on his 1978 album "Darkness on the Edge of Town." Although it didn't make it onto the charts, it's still considered a standout track on the album.

This song has no lead work to be concerned about and can be played in standard tuning with the chords G, C, Em, Am and D. The rhythm I use for this one is a down down up down up down up and repeat.

The Wrestler is a 2008 song by Bruce Springsteen, released as a single from his album "Working On A Dream."

While it didn't make it onto the charts in the USA, it reached number 14 in Norway. The song gained attention for its inclusion in the soundtrack of the movie "The Wrestler," starring Mickey Rourke.

I use Drop D Tuning in this one and a capo on the 1st fret. Using a slow down down up down up down rhythm pattern you're able to blend in a few riffs nicely while playing the chords D, G, A7sus, A7, Em, Gbm and A.

Thunder Road is a famous song by Bruce Springsteen, featured on his 1975 album "Born To Run." Despite its popularity, it was never officially released as a single.

The song is beloved by fans for its powerful lyrics and uplifting melody, capturing the spirit of freedom and hope. It's often considered one of Springsteen's most iconic tracks.

While there isn't a specific music video for "Thunder Road," its impact on Springsteen's career and its place in music history is undeniable.

This one can be played with a capo on the 3rd fret using the rhythm pattern down down up down up down combined with the chords D, Bm, G, Gbm, A and Em. There is a bit of lead picking in here for the acoustic player.

Tougher Than The Rest is a song by Bruce Springsteen, released as one of the singles from his 1988 album "Tunnel of Love." Despite being released as a single, it didn't manage to chart in the United States.

Uses a Drop D Tuning for this one while playing a root down up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. You'll need this tuning to get those low notes you hear. You will need to pick over top of the rhythm while playing the chords G, D, C, and Em.