Bruce Springsteen’s catalog is full of timeless rock and heartland anthems, and this collection shines a light on even more of his unforgettable tracks.
From the reflective “My Hometown” to the raw passion of “Thunder Road,” each song here offers a unique story and a fun challenge for guitar players of all levels.
Whether you’re drawn to the steady groove of “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out” or the emotional depth of “One Step Up,” you’ll find tips, chord charts, and play-along videos to help you capture the Boss’s signature sound on your own acoustic.
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.
My Hometown was released in 1985 as the final single from Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. album. The track reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart.
Lyrically, it’s a reflective ballad where Springsteen sings about growing up in a small town, touching on themes of economic decline, racial tension, and personal memory. Interestingly, the song’s arrangement is understated compared to the album’s more rock-driven hits, featuring soft keyboards and gentle percussion.
Springsteen often performed “My Hometown” as a poignant set-closer in his mid-80s concerts, leaving audiences with a quiet, thoughtful moment to end the night.
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.
If you’ve already worked through the first set of Springsteen classics, this page gives you even more music to add to your repertoire. Every song here is arranged with the acoustic player in mind, keeping the spirit of the original recordings while making them accessible for solo performance.
When you’re ready for even more, head over to our main Bruce Springsteen song list to explore the rest of his best-known hits. Also check out the pages on my best Journey guitar songs and ABBA guitar songs.