What is Acoustic Music? A Clear Definition
Acoustic music refers to music that solely or primarily uses instruments that produce sound through acoustic means, without relying on electrical amplification. The instruments used in acoustic music create sound by mechanical vibration, such as by plucking strings or striking percussion. Common acoustic instruments include guitar, piano, violin, drums, and more.
Acoustic instruments can be contrasted with electric instruments, which require amplification to be heard at significant volumes. Electric guitars and synthesizers are examples of instruments that need amplification equipment like speakers to produce audible sound.
While acoustic music is often instrumental, vocals are also typically present in the genre. The human voice itself is an acoustic instrument, so vocals mesh seamlessly with acoustic instrumentation. Most acoustic songs feature singers along with acoustic guitar, piano, strings, and/or percussion.
The Origins & History of Acoustic Music
Acoustic music has its roots in ancient musical traditions that predate electronic amplification technology. For thousands of years, music was created and performed solely using acoustic instruments. Early civilizations used instruments like drums, flutes, lyres and other stringed instruments to create music for cultural and religious ceremonies.
As various folk music traditions developed around the world, acoustic instruments like lutes, harps, mandolins and banjos became staples of regional styles. In Western culture, the Medieval and Renaissance periods saw innovations in acoustic instruments like the guitar, violin and piano. Music was passed down through oral traditions and live performances.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that acoustic folk music reached wider audiences through recordings. Influential early acoustic artists like Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger helped bring traditional American folk genres like blues, bluegrass and country into the mainstream. Guthrie and Seeger were pioneers of the singer-songwriter tradition that influenced generations of acoustic musicians.
In the 1960s, the folk revival led by artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Simon & Garfunkel popularized acoustic guitar-based folk rock. Their lyrical, stripped-down sound defined the socially conscious music of the era. The 1970s saw the rise of soft rock and acoustic pop from artists like James Taylor, Carole King and Carly Simon. The unplugged, introspective sound of acoustic music continued influencing various genres into the modern era.
Is Acoustic Music Considered a Genre?
Acoustic music is not considered a distinct genre itself, but rather a style of performing and recording music across various genres. While some genres like folk, bluegrass, and traditional country are inherently acoustic, acoustic renditions also exist for genres not normally associated with acoustic instruments.
Acoustic music allows artists to strip songs down to their most basic elements – vocals, melody, and lyrical content. By removing electrical amplification and production elements, artists and fans can experience the core of a song in a raw, organic way. This acoustic treatment can breathe new life into songs from pop, rock, R&B, rap, and other genres not typically considered “acoustic.”
Some of the main genres that commonly feature acoustic music performances and recordings include:
- Folk – One of the most inherently acoustic genres, with its roots in traditional folk music. Artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Woody Guthrie helped popularize the acoustic folk style.
- Singer-Songwriter – Focused on lyrics and melodies, with minimal instrumentation. James Taylor, Carole King, and Neil Young exemplify the acoustic singer-songwriter genre.
- Country – The earliest country music featured acoustic instrumentation like guitar, banjo, fiddle, and harmonica. Modern stars still record acoustic country songs and albums.
- Classic Rock – Groups like Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, and Pink Floyd have all done acoustic renditions of their hits. MTV’s famous “Unplugged” series spotlighted rock bands playing acoustic sets.
- Pop – Contemporary pop stars frequently release acoustic versions of their radio hits. These pared down covers allow fans to connect more directly to the vocal and lyrical content.
So while not a distinct genre itself, acoustic music allows artists across genres to put the spotlight on the songwriting craft and connect more intimately with listeners.
Notable Acoustic Artists Through the Decades
Acoustic music has been shaped by talented artists across many decades. Here’s a look at some of the most influential acoustic acts, both classic and modern:
1960s
- Bob Dylan – The folk icon’s early acoustic albums like The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan established him as a leading voice in folk music and inspired many other singer-songwriters. Key songs: “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “The Times They Are a-Changin'”
- Joan Baez – Her pure soprano vocals made her one of the queens of 1960s folk. She recorded classic covers like “We Shall Overcome” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”
- Simon & Garfunkel – Their intricate acoustic guitar and harmonies on folk rock songs like “The Sound of Silence” and “Mrs. Robinson” made them icons of the 60s scene.
1970s
- James Taylor – His warm vocals and expert acoustic guitar playing made him a ’70s superstar. Notable songs: “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend.”
- John Denver – His wholesome folk-pop tunes like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Annie’s Song” became acoustic sing-along standards.
- Jim Croce – A talented guitarist, his hits like “Operator” and “Time in a Bottle” became archetypal singer-songwriter fare before his untimely death in 1973.
1990s
- Indigo Girls – The folk rock duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers were college radio favorites for heartfelt acoustic songs like “Closer to Fine” and “Galileo.”
- Jewel – Her debut album Pieces of You ushered in a new era of female singer-songwriters in the 90s with raw, emotional folk-pop hits like “Who Will Save Your Soul.”
- Dave Matthews Band – Blending acoustic guitar with violin, saxophone and more, Dave Matthews brought a fresh eclectic sound to 90s acoustic rock.
2000s
- John Mayer – A new generation was introduced to acoustic bluesy pop through his early hits like “Your Body Is a Wonderland” and “Daughters.”
- Jack Johnson – His breezy acoustic surf rock tunes like “Banana Pancakes” and “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing” defined a laidback 2000s sound.
- Ray LaMontagne – On brooding folk albums like Trouble, his raspy vocals channeled classic 70s singer-songwriters.
2010s
- Mumford & Sons – Their smash hit “Little Lion Man” kicked off a folk rock revival thanks to their rowdy acoustic instrumentation.
- Hozier – This Irish blues-folk troubadour broke out globally with his darkly beautiful song “Take Me to Church” in 2013.
- Ed Sheeran – His clever songs and loop pedal-enhanced acoustic pop made him one of the decade’s biggest stars.
Best Acoustic Covers of Popular Songs
Acoustic covers of popular songs have become extremely popular over the last decade.
Fans love being able to experience their favorite pop, rock, hip hop, and other mainstream hits in a stripped-down, acoustic style.
There’s something about hearing a song unplugged that allows listeners to connect to the lyrics and melody in a more intimate way.
Some of the most famous acoustic covers include:
- “Killer Queen” originally by Queen, covered by Lissie
- “No Diggity” originally by Blackstreet, covered by Ed Sheeran
- “Billie Jean” originally by Michael Jackson, covered by Chris Cornell
- “Heartless” originally by Kanye West, covered by The Fray
- “Hello” originally by Adele, covered by Pentatonix
- “Hey Ya” originally by OutKast, covered by Obadiah Parker
YouTube has been instrumental in fueling the acoustic cover trend, with many artists gaining fame through viral videos of their stripped-down renditions. Channels like Mahogany Sessions showcase brilliant acoustic covers recorded live in one take.
Major streaming services like Spotify have compiled some fantastic acoustic cover playlists showcasing a wide variety of songs. Some recommended playlists to follow include:
- Spotify’s “Acoustic Covers” and “Coffee Shop Covers” playlists
- Apple Music’s “Acoustic Versions of Hip-Hop & R&B Songs”
- Pandora’s “Unplugged & Chilled Out” station
So next time you want to hear your favorite mainstream hits in a more mellow, acoustic style, explore some of these acoustic cover playlists and YouTube channels. It’s a great way to gain new appreciation for both well-known and undiscovered talent.
Acoustic Music Playlists
With the rise of music streaming, it’s easier than ever for fans to access curated playlists showcasing the best acoustic artists and songs. Popular platforms like Spotify and YouTube offer a treasure trove of acoustic playlists to suit any taste or mood.
For those seeking a well-rounded introduction to acoustic music’s greatest hits, playlists like “Acoustic Hits” and “Best Acoustic Covers” on Spotify offer an upbeat blend of classic and contemporary acoustic tracks. Fans of mellower sounds can unwind with “Relaxing Acoustic”, while “Acoustic Love Songs” provides the perfect soundtrack for a romantic evening.
Beyond compilation playlists, streaming services allow users to dive deep into specific acoustic genres. “Indie Folk” and “Folk Rock Classics” on Spotify highlight the intersection of folk and acoustic music, while YouTube channels like The Boot Room and Backporch Tapes feature roundups of folk, bluegrass, and country tunes old and new.
For acoustic music to focus or study to, “Acoustic Concentration” playlists abound with pleasant but unobtrusive instrumental numbers. “Acoustic Covers” collections strip away the distracting vocals from popular songs, resulting in soothing background music.
Whether it’s an upbeat acoustic playlist for a dinner party or a peaceful instrumental mix for reading, today’s streaming options offer endless ways to incorporate acoustic music into daily life. A few clicks instantly opens up a world of acoustic listening perfectly tailored to one’s taste and mood.
Acoustic Music for Relaxation and Focus
Acoustic music has long been appreciated for its calming and soothing qualities. Unlike heavily produced or amplified music, acoustic compositions tend to have a lighter, more delicate sound. This makes acoustic music an excellent choice when you want to relax, unwind, or improve your ability to focus.
Certain acoustic genres are especially effective for concentration and relaxation. Acoustic folk, with its mellow melodies and meaningful lyrics, is perfect for quiet contemplation or close listening. Indie folk artists like Iron & Wine, Fleet Foxes, and Sufjan Stevens create acoustic music that engages the mind while soothing frayed nerves. Simple, primarily acoustic singer-songwriter material can have similar zen-like qualities.
For those times when lyrics could prove distracting, instrumental acoustic music is a great option. Putting on an acoustic guitar, piano, or strings instrumental playlist provides lovely background music to keep you calm and focused as you study, work, or complete any mentally demanding task. The sparseness of the instrumentation allows your mind to fully concentrate on the task at hand without being pulled away by catchy choruses.
No matter what acoustic genre you prefer, there’s evidence that taking time to actively listen to acoustic music lowers stress and anxiety levels while improving mood and cognition. Unplug and unwind with some soothing acoustic tunes the next time you need a mental break or a concentration boost.
The Best Acoustic Musical Instruments
Acoustic music showcases a wide variety of string, percussion, and sometimes wind instruments that are able to produce sound without amplification. Here are some of the most popular acoustic instruments and what makes them well-suited for unplugged playing:
Guitar (acoustic, classical) – With its versatile, warm tone and ability to both strum chords and pick melodies, the acoustic guitar is one of the most ubiquitous instruments in acoustic music. The hollow body and lack of pickups allows the guitar’s strings to resonate naturally.
Piano – A staple of classical, jazz, and folk music, the grand acoustic piano offers a broad tonal range and ability to play chords, melodies, and basslines simultaneously. The percussive action of the keys and strings creates acoustic sound.
Violin – The violin produces a high, expressive sound by bowing or plucking its strings. From folk fiddling to classical concertos, the violin is a hallmark of acoustic ensembles and adds melody and harmony.
Cello – With its rich, deep tone, the cello often provides basslines and support in acoustic genres from chamber music to bluegrass. Its large hollow body amplifies the resonance.
Upright Bass – The big, hollow-bodied upright bass lays down bass grooves in acoustic jazz, swing, folk, and more. Its size gives it a deep, booming acoustic sound.
Drums/Percussion – Drums and various percussion like shakers, tambourines etc. provide rhythmic drive in acoustic music. The lack of electricity allows drums’ natural resonance and warmth.
Acoustic Music Terminology
Acoustic music has some unique terminology used to describe different aspects of this musical style and approach. Here are explanations of some common acoustic music terms:
Unplugged – Refers to music performed with all acoustic, non-amplified instruments. An “unplugged” version of a song originally performed with electric instruments would be an acoustic cover. Unplugged also refers to MTV’s famous “Unplugged” series of acoustic concerts in the 1990s.
Acoustic set – A section of a live concert performance where the artist puts aside their regular electric instruments and performs acoustic renditions of their songs. An acoustic set allows fans to experience a different, stripped-down performance.
Live looping – A technique where musicians record and loop multiple live acoustic instrument parts to create layered acoustic arrangements. Artists use specialized pedals to loop guitar, vocals, percussion and more.
Busking – The act of performing music in public spaces for tips and exposure rather than a paid gig. Many acoustic singer-songwriters get their start busking on street corners, parks, subways, etc.
Coffeehouse show – Casual acoustic performances in small, intimate venues like coffee shops, cafes and bars. The cozy, quiet atmosphere is perfect for listening to acoustic sets.
Acoustic jam – When a group of acoustic musicians get together informally to play music together for fun, often with improvisation and no prepared setlist. Acoustic jams may happen around a campfire or at someone’s home.
Open mic – A live event where amateur acoustic musicians can sign up to perform short sets, giving them a chance to practice live performance in front of an audience. Many open mic nights are focused on acoustic music.
Live Acoustic Music
Live acoustic music offers a uniquely intimate concert experience for both the performers and the audience. Unlike large arena shows with booming amplified sound, acoustic concerts allow fans to hear the raw, organic sounds of acoustic instruments and vocals in a stripped-down setting. This creates a closer connection between the musicians and the crowd.
Seeing acoustic artists perform live allows you to truly appreciate their musical talent and vocal abilities without any studio production or effects. The simplicity of the acoustic arrangements gives the spotlight to the lyrics and melodies. Audiences often find themselves captivated as they listen closely to the acoustic sounds filling the small venue.
Attending local acoustic shows is a great way to discover talented musicians in your area. Check the calendar for coffeehouses, wineries, bookstores, and small music venues to find upcoming acoustic performances. Many bars and restaurants also host live acoustic music certain nights of the week. Visit open mic nights to catch emerging acoustic acts.
Certain famous venues are renowned hot spots for intimate acoustic shows. The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, for example, is a beloved listening room that has hosted acoustic greats like Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and Steve Earle early in their careers. LA’s legendary Troubadour has presented iconic acoustic sets from artists like Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young over the decades. Experiencing acoustic music in these historic venues offers an unforgettable night of music.