Most Popular Grateful Dead Songs
On The Acoustic

Bertha, which first appeared on their 1971 live album Grateful Dead, commonly known as Skull and Roses due to its distinctive cover art. The song, written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, quickly became a staple in the band’s live performances.

It was first performed on February 18, 1971, at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York. Although "Bertha" was a popular live track, it was never released as a single and, therefore, did not chart. However, the Skull and Roses album itself reached number 25 on the Billboard 200 chart.

This song is played in standard tuning two rhythm patterns. The verse is a down down up down up down up down up down up down and in the chorus you'll chop it by playing down down up down up down down up down up until you get to the last line and then revert to the other pattern. Chords here are G, C/G, C, D and an Am. Some lead required in this one.

Candyman is a beloved song by the Grateful Dead, written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. It first appeared on their 1970 album "American Beauty."

The song tells the mysterious story of a traveling salesman called the "Candyman." Its lyrics hint at attraction and risk. The music blends folk and country-rock styles, featuring great guitar playing and singing by Garcia.

"Candyman" was a fan favorite at live shows, where the band would often play long, creative versions. Fans loved how the song could change and grow during concerts, making each performance special.

I play this in standard tuning with a root down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and some lead work with the chords Bb, F, C, Gm, Dm, Am and G.

Casey Jones  is a famous tune by the Grateful Dead. Written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, it tells the story of a daring train engineer from long ago. The song is known for its catchy tune and lively beat.

It was a big hit when played live, getting fans to dance and sing along. The song was part of the band's move away from psychedelic music to a more down-to-earth rock style. Its story of risk and adventure, set to exciting music, made it a fan favorite.

Even today, "Casey Jones" is seen as one of the Grateful Dead's best songs, often included in their greatest hits albums.

For rhythm play a down down down down up down up and repeat pattern with the chords C, F, D7, Em, Dm7, C#, A7 and G7 with some lead work in standard tuning.

Friend Of The Devil is a a famous Grateful Dead song, written by Jerry Garcia, Robert Hunter, and John Dawson. It tells the story of a person running from the law and hiding in different places.

The song first appeared on the band's 1970 album "American Beauty," which mixed folk and country-rock styles. It has a catchy folk-rock sound with great acoustic guitar playing by Garcia. Unlike some of their other songs, "Friend of the Devil" usually kept its original form when played live.

Many other artists have covered this song, and it has been used in movies and TV shows. It remains popular with fans old and new.

I play this one in standard tuning with a root down root up down and repeat rhythm pattern and a few riffs blended in. The chords you'll need are G, C, D and Am.

Loser is a deep and thoughtful song by the Grateful Dead. Written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, it was first played live in 1981. The song tells the story of someone who's down on their luck, exploring themes of hardship and self-doubt.

It first appeared on the Dead's 1981 album "Dead Set" and became a regular part of their live shows. The music has a blues-rock feel, with Garcia's slide guitar and rough vocals standing out. During concerts, the band would often extend the song with long musical solos.

While "Loser" was never released as a single, it remains a fan favorite, showing how the Grateful Dead could create music that stays meaningful over time.

I play this in standard tuning with the chords Am, G, C, D, G6, Am/G, Em and A with a root down root up down up rhythm pattern and some lead.

Ripple  is a thoughtful number by the Grateful Dead, written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. It was released in 1970 as the B-side of their single "Truckin'" from the album "American Beauty."

The song's lyrics make people think about life, love, and time passing. "American Beauty" is seen as one of the Dead's best albums, mixing folk and country-rock styles.

While "Ripple" wasn't played live as often as some of their other songs, fans loved it when it was performed. Its deep meaning always touched the audience, making it a special part of Grateful Dead concerts.

Use the chords G, C, D, Am and A7 and some lead with the rhythm pattern root down up root up down up played in standard tuning.

Sugaree is a beloved Grateful Dead song, written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. It can be seen as a love song or a reflection on life's ups and downs. The band first played it live in 1971, and it later appeared on their 1974 live album "Steal Your Face."

Fans especially love the version from the Europe '72 tour. The song has a blues and soul feel, with Garcia's strong singing and guitar playing. Its lyrics talk about wanting, desire, and the complex parts of love.

Even though "Sugaree" was never released as a single, it remains popular, showing how the Grateful Dead could make music that stays meaningful over time.

I play this one in standard tuning  using a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with some lead required.

The Monkey And The Engineer is a fun song on the Grateful Dead's 1981 album "Reckoning." It was originally written by Jesse Fuller, a famous blues and folk musician, in 1963.

The Dead put their own spin on it for their live album. The song has a playful sound with acoustic guitar, harmonica, and cheerful singing. It fits well with the band's folk-rock style.

While they didn't play it live very often, when they did, fans enjoyed the upbeat tune and good harmonies. Even though it wasn't released as a single, "The Monkey and the Engineer" remains a fan favorite, adding a light and happy touch to the Grateful Dead's music.

Played with the chords G, D7, C, A7 and C7 in standard tuning, there is a bit of picking in this one while playing a down up down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.

Touch of Grey is one of the Grateful Dead's most famous and successful songs. Written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, it was first played live in 1982 and later appeared on their 1987 album "In the Dark."

The song became their first and only #1 hit, making the band popular with a new group of fans. "Touch of Grey" has a rock sound with a catchy guitar part, mixing rock, pop, and folk styles.

Its lyrics talk about facing life's ups and downs with hope, with lines like "I will get by, I will survive." The song's music video, which showed animated skeletons, was popular on MTV and helped introduce the band to younger fans.

I play a capo 2nd fret here in standard tuning with a down up stop up down up stop up and repeat rhythm pattern while picking a few riffs. The chords you'll need here are D, A, E, G, D/Gb, Bm, B7, Gbm, Db and a B.

Truckin is another famous Grateful Dead song from 1970. It was written by Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, and Robert Hunter. The band first played it live in 1970 and then put it on their album "American Beauty."

This album is one of their best, and "Truckin'" is one of its top songs. The music mixes folk-rock and country-rock styles, with great guitar parts and singing. It has a lively beat that's good for dancing.

"Truckin'" was released as a single with "Ripple" on the other side. It reached #64 on the charts, showing how much fans loved it. Today, it's still one of the Grateful Dead's most popular songs.

You'll need a D, G, A, D7, F, Em, C, A7 and E7 in standard tuning for this one but there is no lead work. Play a down up down up and in a fast shuffle in place rhythm pattern.

Uncle John's Band is a cherished song among Grateful Dead fans, known for its harmonious melodies and welcoming feel. Written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, the song is part of the band's fourth studio album, Workingman's Dead, released in 1970.

This album marked a shift for the Grateful Dead, moving away from their psychedelic roots and embracing a folk and country-rock sound. "Uncle John's Band" stands out as a key track in this new direction.

Played in standard tuning, use a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern with some lead and the chords G, Bm, C, D, Am, Em and Dm.