Best Acoustic Guitars

Best Acoustic Guitars For Under $500

2008-01-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

For those on a budget or those that are looking for a fantastic bargain here are the best acoustic guitars that are available for under $500. Gone are the days when you needed to break the bank to be able to afford a great guitar as now you can have both great sound and a well built guitar that will last for years at under $500.

Here then are my recommended best acoustic guitars for under $500 in no particular order.

Washburn D10S Acoustic Guitar

The worlds best selling acoustic guitar and the one that acoustic guitar magazine named the best guitar available for under $500. Although I don't totally agree with that statement it certainly is a fantastic guitar for the money. It is easy to play and sounds fantastic, in fact it sounds better than many acoustic guitars that cost twice the price.
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Seagull S6

This is one of the best acoustic guitars in the world in fact if you didn't know it's price (under $400 ) you would swear it would be a $800 plus guitar. The Seagul S6 sounds almost as good as many top end Martins, Taylors and Gibsons but for a fraction of the price. It may be a little more expensive than the Washburn d10s but for that you will have a guitar that will last you a lifetime.
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Epiphone Hummingbird Acoustic Guitar

It's amazing how close this comes to the Gibson hummingbird when you consider the difference in price but Epiphone have done a fantastic job. It may not be a Gibson but for many it is as close as they will come to owning a hummingbird because of the price. This guitar is fantastic for beginners and even experienced players will find some joy.
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Fender DG100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

The beautiful DG100 has a fantastic feel to it and is well suited to almost any style of play. The strings that come with the guitar are a little harsh but this is easily fixed with new strings. If your looking for great acoustic guitar from one of the biggest names around then this is definitely worth a look for under $300.
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Takamine G320 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

If your looking for a bargain then this is it. I've played $800 acoustic guitars that don't have the same quality of sound as the G320 Dreadnought, and yet this cost under $150. This is another example of the quality that Takamine guitars provide. It may not last you a lifetime but for value for money this is amazing.
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Yamaha FG730S Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

Whether a complete novice or a veteran player the FG730S offers an amazing playing experience. The feel of it is that of a much more expensive guitar and the sound is also great. It may not be as easy to play as some of the others which is something a complete novice may want to consider but it is a wonderful instrument for the price.
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Alvarez RD8 Regent Series Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

I'd never played an Alvarez guitar before trying the RD8 and to be honest I wasn't expecting much but this is a great guitar for the price ( under $200 ). It has a clear and full sound that not many $200 guitars can match and is a great purchase for any beginner or for someone looking for a solid second guitar.
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Ibanez AEL20E Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Onboard Tuner

This is the best looking guitar you will find for under $500 but it deserves to be in this list of the best acoustic guitars for under $500 for more reasons than that. The Ibanez sounds absolutely beautiful whether plugged in or acoustic and is a match for many higher priced guitars available. If you can afford it this has to be considered.
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Takamine G Series 340C Acoustic-Electric Guitar

In my opinion I have saved the best until last as I believe the 340C to be the best of the best acoustic guitars for under $500, in fact in terms of sound I doubt you will find a guitar for less than a $1000 that sounds better. Takamine have produced, in my opinion the best value for money guitar in the world.
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And there you have my best acoustic guitars for under $500. If you have the complete $500 I'd go with the Takamine 340C but whichever of these guitars you opt for I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Ibanez AEL20E Acoustic Guitar Review

2008-01-04T01:27:00.000-08:00

For such a low price is the Ibanez AEL20E actually any good? The good news is that if you are considering purchasing one is that they are very good but are they a better purchase than the likes of the Washburn D10S.

First off let me start by saying that this is a beautiful looking acoustic guitar, certainly the best I've seen in this price range, although it smudges with fingerprints easily but that isn't much of a problem. The build of the guitar in general though is excellent. The model features a mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard and maple back and sides.

The guitar sounds truly amazing for the price with an absolutely beautiful tone especially when plugged in. Just like like the Seagull S6 and Washburn D10S if you didn't know any better you would swear the Ibanez was in the higher price range of guitars.

The action of the guitar is set up relatively well although it can be improved slightly. The bridge pin used is excellent and is made from a high quality material which helps both the general sound of the guitar and the volume of the acoustics.

The guitar stands up well to all types of playing and if looked after will last you as long as you want it to as like most Ibanez guitars the AEL20E is very sturdy and well built. Although I didn't require the need to use it customer service should also be top class as this is usually the case for Ibanez.

The Ibanez AEL20E is certainly a fantastic guitar for the money and is certainly worth serious consideration and in my opinion is a better by than the Washburn D10S. It isn't quite the best acoustic guitar available for under $500 but it certainly isn't far off.
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Alvarez RD8 Acoustic Guitar Review

2007-12-20T13:23:00.001-08:00

As a cheap acoustic guitar where does the Alvarez RD8 stand up against its better known rivals such as the Washburn D10S. Is it just an expensive bit of scrap wood or a fantastic bargain?

First off let me start by saying the guitar certainly looks like it has been built with a great deal of care. It certainly isn't the flashiest of guitars but it is certainly more attractive than many acoustics that fall into the same price category.

Of course looks mean nothing to an acoustic guitar if its sound is poor. Thankfully the looks of the Alvarez aren't wasted as the RD8 sounds fantastic and is certainly a match to many of the more higher priced acoustic guitars available. For the price only the Takamine G320 comes anywhere near and there are probably only an handful at double its price that actually better it.

The guitar also has the feel of a much more expensive acoustic guitar with a very impressive playing action and it is certainly built to last for a good while, which cannot be said of many cheap acoustic guitars.. I also found the guitar took to any style of play fairly well although I freely admit I mainly play acoustic rock and little else but a friend played a little country on it and said it was just as good.

Would I recommend buying an Alvarez RD8? Put it this way I certainly couldn't give you a good reason not to. The likes of the Seagull S6 and the Takamine 340C may be slightly better but they are over a $100 more expensive so don't offer the same value for money as the RD8. This would be a great acoustic guitar for $500 but for a little over $200 it is an absolute steal.

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Epiphone Hummingbird Acouctic Guitar Review

2007-12-19T11:12:00.000-08:00

If your looking for a cheap acoustic guitar then one option is the Epiphone Hummingbird acoustic guitar. At under $300 there is no doubt that the price is low but does it offer value for money, especially when compared to the likes of the Seagull S6.

Since the Hummingbird comes in at $80 less it is surprising that it doesn't get as much high praise as the Seagull S6. The guitar is beautiful to look at which is usually a sign with lower priced guitars that the money has gone into the looks of the guitar rather than the quality but I can assure you that this isn't the case with the Epiphone Hummingbird.

Of all the cheaper versions based on Gibson's Hummingbird guitar this Epiphone version is without question the best on offer, in fact considering the difference in price it is astonishing how close to the Gibson model this has come. The tones from the guitar offer wonderful value for the price and with a change of strings can be even better.

The size of the neck on the guitar makes it an ideal cheap acoustic guitar for beginners as it is very slimline and comfortable and has a superb playing action, for the price this is hard to find so it shows what a bargain the guitar is.

I've tested several styles of guitar playing on the guitar and found the Epiphone Hummingbird to take to them all without any problems, which is fantastic if you are a play anything kind of person. I found it particularly good with a little acoustic rock.

Would I buy an Epiphone Hummingbird? Maybe there are a few very good cheap acoustic guitars available for a similar price but if I did buy one I would certainly have no complaints and it is definitely in the top ten acoustic guitars in its price range.

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Acoustic Tab Of The Day - Blind Melon/ No Rain

2007-12-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

This is a song I absolutely love to bits and it is such a simple song to play that any novice should be able to pick it up fairly easy with a little practice.

E5 E D E D E D E D

E D
All I can say is that my life is pretty plain

A G E E7
I like watchin’ the puddles gather rain

E D
And all I can do is just pour some tea for two

A G E E7
and speak my point of view but it’s not sane, It’s not sane

E D E D
I just want some one to say to me oh,

E D E D
I’ll always be there when you wake yeah...

E D E D
Ya know I’d like to keep my cheeks dry today

E D E D
So stay with me and I’ll have it made

E D
And I don’t understand why I sleep all day

A G E E7
And I start to complain that there’s no rain

E D
And all I can do is read a book to stay awake

A G E
It rips my life away, but it’s a great escape

escape, escape, escape

Play this during guitar solo... E D E D

E D
All I can say is that my life is pretty plain

A
ya don’t like my point of view

G E
ya think that I’m insane

Its not sane, it’s not sane

E D E D
I just want someone to say to me oh,

E D E D
I’ll always be there when you wake yeah,

E D E D
Ya know I’d like to keep my cheeks dry today

E D E D
so stay with me and I’ll have it made

Acoustic Guitar Tab Of The Day - Sweet Child O' Mine

2007-12-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better for beginners than to hear a classic song is amazingly simple to play and Sweet Child O' Mine By Guns N Roses is one such song.

The song should pose very few problems with a little practice as the song contains nothing but the basic chords.

D
She's got a smile that it seems to me
C
Reminds me of childhood memories
G
Where everything
D
Was as fresh as a bright blue sky
D
Now and then when I see her face
C
She takes me away to that special place
G
And if I stared to long
D
I'd probably break down and cry

C G D
Whoa Oh, Sweet child o' mine
C G D
Whoa, Oh, Oh, Oh Sweet love o' mine

C G D

D
She's got eyes of the bluest skies
C
As if they thought of rain
G
I hate to look into those eyes
D
And see an ounce of pain
D
Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place
C
Where as a child I'd hide
G
And pray for the thunder

And the rain
D
To quietly pass me by

C G D
Whoa Oh, Sweet child o' mine
C G D
Whoa, Oh, Oh, Oh Sweet love o' mine

C G D x 2

C G D
Whoa Oh, Sweet child o' mine
C G D
Whoa, Oh, Oh, Oh Sweet love o' mine
C G D
Whoa Oh, Oh, Oh Sweet child o' mine
C G D
Oooh Sweet love o' mine

Em C Bm Am x 8

Em G A C D
Where do we go, Where do we go now, Where do we go
Em G A C D
Where do we go, Where do we go now, Where do we go now
Em G A C D
Where do we go, Sweet child, Where do we go now
Em G A C D
Aih, Aih, Aih Aih, where do we go now
Em G A C D
Where do we go , where do we go now
Em G A C D
Where do we go, where do we go now
Em G A C D
Where do we go, Sweet Child, where do we go now Now-now-now-now-now-now
Em G A C D Em
Sweet child, sweet child of mine

Beginner Acoustic Guitar - The Basic Chords

2007-11-30T11:50:00.000-08:00

Many new beginner acoustic guitar players get a little carried away with the idea of what they will be able to do when they first pick up their new guitar. They have visions of picking up the guitar and playing their favorite songs note perfect. The reality though is a different story as it takes time to learn even the easiest songs initially.

The first thing any new beginner acoustic guitar player should learn before even considering playing a song should be the basic guitar chords.

Here are the basic guitar chords

Practice and learn these chords as it is the first step towards becoming a good player of the guitar . Once you've learned the basic chords you will be able to let rip of thousands of popular songs and progress onto more advanced levels of guitar playing but without learning the basics you simply won't progress.

It may look rather daunting but trust me these will soon become second nature with practice and they are nothing that a beginner acoustic guitar player should fret ( sorry for the pun, I just couldn't help myself ) about. If you don't know how to read the chords check out my post Beginner Guitar Chords - How To Read Chord Diagrams

Acoustic Guitar Tab Of The Day - Angel By Aerosmith

2007-11-30T11:38:00.000-08:00

Aerosmith are one of the greatest bands of all time, at least in my opinion, and this is a song that sounds brilliant when played acoustically - and it's fairly simple too. Here it is to try out for yourselves.

D AG ABm AG AD AG ABm AG

VERSE

D G Bm G
I'M ALONE, YEAH I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN FACE THE NIGHT

D Bm A G
I'M IN TEARS AND THE CRYING THAT I DO IS FOR YOU

A Bm G
WITHOUT YOUR LOVE I'M NOTHING BUT A FAILURE

A Bm G
WITHOUT YOUR LOVE A DOG WITHOUT A BONE

A Bm G A
WHAT CAN I DO I'M SLEEPING IN THIS BED ALONE

CHORUS

SAME AS INTRO, TIMING AS FOLLOWS

D AG ABm
YOUR MY ANGEL COME AND SAVE ME TONIGHT

D AG ABm AG
YOUR MY ANGEL COME AND MAKE IT ALRIGHT

THE SOLO HAS ALREADY BEEN SENT IN

MIDDLE EIGHT

A G D
YOUR THE REASON I LIVE YOUR THE REASON I DIE

Bm G
YOUR THE REASON I GIVE WHEN I BREAK DOWN AND CRY

A
DON'T NEED KNOW REASON WHY BABY-----

Told you it was nothing difficult - hope you enjoyed playing it.

Beginner Guitar Chords - How To Read Chord Diagrams

2007-11-29T12:17:00.000-08:00

Reading chords isn't rocket science but for a beginner guitar chords can be daunting and hard to understand. This post has been written with those people in mind.

I am now going to show you how to read a guitar chord. Here is the C chord

The chord box is written like this

The top thick line going across is the end of the fretboard/nut of the guitar
The lines going across are the frets
The lines going down are the strings
The strings go thickest to thinest from left to right

The dots on the chord box indicate where your fingers should be to play that chord. The numbers indicate which finger should be placed on which string. Number 1 will always be the index finger and will go in order to the little finger which will be number 4. The number 0 indicates that the string is played but without you touching the fretboard, this is known as an open chord. Finally the x means that the string is not played.

So in other words you would play the c chord like this

6th string = play without touching a fret
5th string =1st fret with index finger
4th string = play without touching fret
3rd string = 2nd fret with middle finger
2nd string 3rd fret with third finger
1st string = do not play

I hope this has been easy for you to understand and hopefully will show any beginner guitar chords aren't as difficult to understand as they look.

Acoustic Guitar Tab Of The Day - Steady Rollin By Two Gallants

2007-11-29T02:39:00.000-08:00

Here is the tab for Steady Rollin By Two Gallants. The song if you haven't heard it before is featured on a previous post on this blog which you can check out first if you wish - Under Rated Great Acoustic Songs - Steady Rollin

This songs always gets me going so see if it does the same for you here's the tab

C
You might have seen me 'neath the pool hall lights.
F
Well baby I go back each night.
C
If you got a throat I got a knife.
G C
Steady rollin', I keep goin'.

C
I don't mind how quick the seasons change.
F
You know to me they's every one the same.
C
The sweetest sunshine drips the drain.
G C
Death's comin', I'm still runnin'.

C
Well I come from the old time baby,
F
too late for you to save me.
F G C
If I remain then I'm to blame.
C
But if you should ever need me,
F
I'll go where'er you lead me.
F G C
It's all the same, the same old game.

C
My lovin' lady she's a ball and chain.
F
I still can travel but my speed has changed.
C
I bring the money, I take the blame.
G C
Steady rollin', I keep goin'.

C
But I shot my wife today,
F
dropped her body in the Frisco bay.
C
I had no choice it was the only way.
G C
Death's comin', I'm still runnin'.

C
Well I come from the old time baby,
F
too late for you to save me.
F G C
If I remain then I'm to blame.
C
But if you should ever need me,
F
I'll go where'er you lead me.
F G C
It's all the same, the same old game.

C
Out waltzin' with the Holy Ghost,
F
from the Bowery to the Barbary Coast.
C
The land I'm from you know I love the most.
G C
Steady rollin', I keep goin'.

C
And everyday is just another town.
F
The more I search you know the less I've found.
C
Me, I'm a sucker, just a slave to sound.
G C
Death's comin', I'm still runnin'.

C
Well I come from the old time baby,
F
too late for you to save me.
F G C
If I remain then I'm to blame.
C
But if you should ever need me,
F
I'll go where'er you lead me.
F G C
It's all the same, the same old game.

Seagul S6 Acoustic Guitar Review

2007-11-29T01:40:00.000-08:00

Seagul may not be the first brand of guitar that people recognize but they make great acoustic guitars, which is all that really matters, and I've read several claims that this is one of the best acoustic guitars for any beginner. Is that true though.

The Seagul S6 features a solid top with wild cherry back and sides, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, tusq nut and compensated saddle. It comes in a semi-gloss lacquer finish.

As a guitar that is rated one of the best acoustic guitars for beginners you would expect a great sound and the Seagul S6 doesn't disappoint. The guitar produces a mellow, warm sound that for the price is astonishingly good, even bettering that of many top end guitars. It doesn't quite match the top Taylor or Martin guitars but for the price it does come staggeringly close.

Looks is where the Seagul S6 is slightly let down as it is far from the prettiest of acoustic guitars you will come across. That said it is built to last and if your a beginner that wants to avoid having to upgrade in a years time then the S6 is a great choice.

Summary - If your more interested in looks than quality then the Seagul S6 isn't for but otherwise I highly recommend it. The Washburn D10S ( read review here ) may be a little cheaper and more popular but for that little bit extra I think the Seagul S6 is the better acoustic guitar for a beginner.

Buy From Musicians Friend For $379.99
Seagull The Original S6 Acoustic Guitar Natural

Best Acoustic Guitars $150 - $300

2007-11-28T02:39:00.001-08:00

Top Pick

Best Of The Rest

Best Acoustic Guitars Under $150

2007-11-28T02:37:00.001-08:00

Top Pick

Best Of The Rest

Washburn D100DL Acoustic Guitar Mahogany

No plain Jane here! The mahogany top, back, and sides on this Washburn acoustic are complemented with a stunning inlaid wood rosette and backstrip that make this guitar look like it should be twice the price! The great finish is offset by a multi-laminated top binding, and single-strip back and neck binding. A trademark of the Washburn brand is the flatter neck, which makes it easier to play, especially if this is your first acoustic. Finished off with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, diecast tuners and pearloid dot fingerboard inlays you have a guitar you will be proud to own. If you are an experienced player this makes a great second guitar to carry with you. As with all Washburn guitars, it comes with a limited LIFETIME WARRANTY. Rest assured - you have 125 years of guitar making in every Washburn! Includes gig bag.

Washburn D10S Acoustic Guitar Review

2007-11-28T02:01:00.000-08:00

The Washburn D10S Acoustic Guitar is one of the best selling guitars in the world. Not everything that is popular is great however so does this one live up to its popularity and achieve the status of been one of the best acoustic guitars around.

The Washburn D10S has a mahogany neck with a fully bound rosewood fretboard and a nice natural finish ( a black version is also available). The tuners are grover styled and are pretty good, if not amazing.

The sound is a beautiful deep, full tone which is perfect for those that don't want to be messing about with amps and electric and just want to sit down and strum. It can also be fairly loud if the strings are strummed a tad bit harder. A lower action would have made the guitar even better to play.

I reviewed the D10S shortly after testing the EG530SSC and although the Washburn has a great sound it doesn't quite match that of the Takamine guitar although in fairness the Takamine is more expensive.

The build of the Washburn is very sturdy and is definitely built to last, although it is probably fair to say that if you do become a more serious player you will need to upgrade.

For the price of the Washburn D10S you aren't going to come across many better guitars. The Alvarez RD8 is possibly the best alternative if this is the most you can afford. If you have A little more cash then others are a better option but the in terms of value for money this is still one of the best acoustic guitars available.

Buy from Musicians Friend For $259.99
Washburn D10S Acoustic Guitar Natural

Buy From Zsounds For $259.95
Washburn D10S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (with Case)

Under Rated Great Acoustic Songs - Steady Rollin By Two Gallants

2007-11-28T01:29:00.000-08:00

Many of you will read the title and simply say "who", you probably also pass this song by but I advise you don't and you take a listen as it is one of the great acoustic songs that has been ignored, sadly like so many others.

I once read a comment somewhere that described them perfectly as a cross between Bob Dylan and Nirvana. Here is the video for the song.

I'll do the guitar tab for this song and put it on the blog at some point this week then you can try and add this to the list of great acoustic songs you can play.

Acoustic Guitar Tab Of The Day - Last Christmas

2007-11-28T01:12:00.000-08:00

With Christmas fast approaching I thought it would be a good idea to put a few tabs on the blog for Christmas songs hence this tab of Last Christmas.

Originally by Wham the song has been played by a host of bands including The Manic Street Preachers, Jimmy Eat World and Busted. Here is then the tab for Last Christmas by George Michael.

G
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
Em
But the very next day, You gave it away
Am
This year, to save me from tears
D
I'll give it to someone special

G
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
Em
But the very next day, You gave it away
Am
This year, to save me from tears
D
I'll give it to someone special

G
Once bitten and twice shy
Em
I keep my distance but you still catch my eye
Am
Tell me baby do you recognize me?
D
Well it's been a year, it doesn't surprise me

G *note above G
(Happy Christmas!) I wrapped it up and sent it
Em
With a note saying "I Love You" I meant it
Am
Now I know what a fool I've been
D
But if you kissed me now I know you'd fool me again

Chorus

G
A crowded room, friends with tired eyes
Em
I'm hiding from you and your soul of ice
Am
My God I thought you were someone to rely on
D
Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on
G
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
Em Am
A man undercover but you tore me apart
D
Now I've found a real love you'll never fool me again

Chorus

Hope you enjoy playing this easy to learn Christmas Classic. Enjoy!!!

Takamine EG530SSC Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar Review

2007-11-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

The Takamine EG530SSC is one of the best acoustic guitars available in its price range and even competes with many other more expensive acoustic guitars.

The features of the guitar are fantastic as the preamp is perfect and the gloss finish is beautiful . The Takamine EG530SSC also features an on board tuner which comes in very handy. It is also remarkably well built.

The sound however is where the EG530SSC really shines as for the price there is nothing that comes close to matching the quality offered by this and that is why it is rated as one of the best acoustic guitars around. Whether acoustic or plugged in it produces all the right tones and a brilliant clean and clear tone to boot. Honestly guitars costing double what you will pay for this don't sound as good.

The only real negative I have is that there does seem to be a little buzz on the 4th fret but this isn't a massive issue and is easily fixed. This apart the EG530SSC is a very reliable and well built guitar.

Summary - If you've read the review you don't need the summary to tell you I think it is an awesome instrument and one of the best acoustic guitars money can buy. I've played various types of music on the guitar and have yet to encounter anything sounding less than fantastic.

Buy From Musicians Friend price $599
Takamine EG530SSC Acoustic Electric Cutaway Guitar Natural

Buy From Musicians Hut $599
Takamine EG530SSC Acoustic-Electric Cutaway Guitar

Acoustic Tab - Merry Christmas Everybody

2007-11-25T02:27:00.000-08:00

G Bm D

Are you hanging up a stocking on your wall?
It's the time that every Santa has a ball

C G
Does he ride a red nosed reindeer?
Does he turn up on his sleigh

Am C D
Do the fairies keep him sober for a day?

G D
So here it is merry Christmas

Bb D
Everybody's having fun

G D
Look to the future now

Bb D
It's only just begun

Are you waiting for the family to arrive?
Are you sure you got the room to spare inside?
Does your granny always tell ya
that the old songs are the best?
Then she's up and rock 'n' rollin' with the rest

So here it is merry Christmas
Everybody's having fun
Look to the future now
It's only just begun

Dm Bb
What will your daddy do

Dm Bb
When he sees your Mama kissin' Santa Claus?

C--D
(ah) ah ah

Are you hanging up a stocking on your wall?
Are you hoping that the snow will start to fall?
Do you ride on down the hillside
in a buggy you have made?
When you land upon your head then you've been Slade

So here it is merry Christmas
Everybody's having fun
Look to the future now
It's only just begun

Acoustic Guitar Reviews

2007-11-04T01:38:00.000-07:00

Acoustic Guitar Reviews
Seagul S6
Washburn D10S
Takamine EG530SSC
Epiphone Hummingbird
Alvarez RD8
Ibanez AEL20E