It’s a night filled with stars here, a couple of friends around, and a campfire so big it lights up the sky. Some nights are just made for this kind of gathering, friends, family, good food, good songs, and good times. And of course, everybody singing along to one of these 7 best guitar campfire songs – it doesn’t get any better than that. So, if you are gearing up for an outdoorsy and fun camping adventure, but seemingly lack the necessary background music for your road trip and for those precious moments after sunset, then let us be of service. Also check out my list of 33 Easy Guitar Chord Songs for your trip!
These here are guitar campfire songs you will certainly enjoy strumming away on, at least until the fire dies out, and you’re stuck saving the show with your guitar. Because then, you’ll be the center of attention, at least as long as the solar flashlight lasts you. We’re about to give you a list of campfire songs for a guitar that you can play with little to no time invested.
Contents
1. Otis Redding – Sittin’ on The Dock of The Bay
We have nothing but go-good things to recommend you with in regard to Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay,” as it should help you bolster your campfire. Do bear in mind to reserve some time for some whistling practice, though, as your skill on this instrument will definitely surprise the onlookers. It also helps to be familiar with the song’s lyrics and rhythm pattern, but it isn’t exactly essential. Still, they never ruin a good song. It’s clear that this one should be performed by a single guitar, without any accompaniment, just like Otis did it. If you are looking to really up your guitar playing check out this site here.
2. The Steve Miller Band – The Joker
The single titled “The Joker” from The Steve Miller Band is a rather great track to sing along to, since more than 40 years ago, it was first penned down. That impressive piece uses a really simple and classic bass line, which by the way, is pretty useful if you decide to take up playing one. There are also some 16th bass notes to accompany it. Your timing should be on point, too, since you need to ensure that you get the chord and rhythm effectively and on time, and if it’s not, it may throw your guitar campfire off the rail. Also, there’s an additional solo part before you can return to the main rhythm. Just follow the pattern for the intro measures, 9, 10, and 11 being the important ones. Don’t forget to practice many times to get the chord changes right.
3. Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe
Noted as one of the coolest rock songs of all time, the legendary “Hey, Joe” by the titular Jimi Hendrix needs no introductions. It has had many covers throughout the music industry, and the actual guitar progression does guarantee a high success rate. You can certainly add your personal touch to it, if any, through freely improvisation. Just enjoy a great deal of fun you will have strumming your way through the classic instrumentals from this stunning guitar campfire song.
4. Creedence Clearwater Revival
Being one of the many famous songs of CCR, “Proud Mary” became an auto-need in our campfire songs world. The main riff on the song is ideal for guitar as well as vocals: this is the main reason why we can simply not live without it. The “iffy” Capo on the 5th fret might be needed to take us up to the 2nd A when we’re one octave below the first A, in the main riff. So, take a comfortable Capo, a guitar, and just boogie the night away. The common key is D Major. Well, modulate it to C minor if you feel like it. Just grab the Capo, and off we go! Or just take it a little slower and sing it slowly over a lovely fire.
5. Heart of Gold
“Heart of Gold” by Neil Young may prove to be a good contender to include into your playlist. Although the setlist features pretty much the complete collection of his hits and signature songs, “Heart of Gold” has always been the one totally different song in the bunch. Performed by Neil Young solo on an acoustic guitar, this song’s lyrics refer to a story where the protagonist had just met an old man by the side of the road. This old man had nothing to offer, except for his personality and a lovely heart of gold. From then on, the old man had been our protagonist’s best friend through the times of plenty as well as the moments of need. This song delves on friendship and the true sincerity of the human soul. On a lighter note, it was mentioned how the guitar solo in this song is proven to be the most difficult song to play on guitar. But of course, its campfire and you don’t really care if you’ve messed up, do you? The Heart of Gold may be difficult, but the mood you get from the forefront of an awesome campfire is much better than any guitar. Right?
6. Soul to Squeeze
“Soul to Squeeze” by Red Hot Chili Peppers. One of the best songs written by them, evidently, since it didn’t get much recognition. Nevertheless, the Chili’s Peppers are definitely bringing some fun with this one, as it has a funky guitar riff, with an upbeat melody and lyrics that convey optimism. All of these combined, ensure that it can get dark amidst the verses of the song. But, the chorus tells us that there is light. No one can ever repress our soul to squeeze anytime. No one can bottleneck our passion. We certainly can’t imagine our guitarist campfire without it.
7. Tiny Dancer
Our musical journey brings us to the iconic “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John. The song had been originally released in 1970 but gained pop culture icon status thanks to it featuring in the 2017 movie “A Star Is Born,” starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. The song is genuine when sung live but becomes particularly extraordinary once the falsetto kicks in for the credits of the aforementioned movie. Audiences were not ready for that, as musical expectations were not as stretchy back then. The same is true from the guitar. Since the same hand has to press down those notes, the challenge arises for only one of the campfire players to do the vocals, as he will have to hold the guitar at the same time. But it is comfort zones after all! Just flow with the song, and don’t hold-downs notes unnecessarily loud.
Verdict
These were our best guitar campfire songs that we can confidently recommend without a question. Some of them are classics that at least some people always seem to forget about, while others are relatively new, but no less awesome to strum rock happens to your guitar.
