Summer is a time of freedom, sunshine, and unforgettable moments. Warm evenings on the beach, bonfire gatherings, or starlit walks – these experiences are always accompanied by music that sets the mood. The acoustic guitar fits perfectly into this atmosphere, and fingerstyle playing allows you to capture the full depth of your favorite songs, blending melody and accompaniment in one performance. Here’s why this style is perfect for a summer repertoire:
- Vibrant sound – Each note feels rich and expressive, creating the atmosphere of a live performance.
- Versatility – Almost any song can be adapted for the guitar, whether it’s an upbeat hit or a romantic ballad.
- Ideal for solo performances – No need for additional instruments to make a song sound complete.
- Perfect for outdoor relaxation – Guitar and fingerstyle arrangements create a warm and soulful ambiance.
In this article, we’ve gathered the best summer hits to play in a fingerstyle arrangement. These songs bring a sense of freedom, joy, and warmth, filling each day with bright emotions. Ready to dive into the world of summer music and get inspired by fingerstyle arrangements? Let’s get started!
A Selection of Summer Fingerstyle Hits
Summer music isn’t just a collection of sounds – it’s a palette of emotions that creates an atmosphere of lightness, happiness, and inspiration. We’ve selected 10 vibrant tracks that perfectly capture the summer vibe. From upbeat rhythms to soft sunset melodies, each of these songs carries a unique sound that will make your summer even more musical.
1. Dynamite – BTS
This song bursts with energy and positivity from the very first chords. Its rhythmic structure and catchy melody make it an excellent choice for fingerstyle. In this arrangement, the song’s groove is enhanced with percussive hits on the guitar body and accented bass notes.
Video by Edward Ong on YouTube
2. Get Lucky – Daft Punk
This funk hit, released in 2013, still sounds fresh and stylish. It’s made for warm summer nights, when all you want to do is relax and enjoy the music. This fingerstyle arrangement beautifully conveys the song’s signature groove and lightness.
Video by Artem Mironenko on YouTube
3. Watermelon Sugar – Harry Styles
Light, sweet, and full of true summer vibes – that’s Watermelon Sugar. This song is packed with bright emotions and feels like it was made for fingerstyle guitar. Its smooth, airy melody makes it perfect for arpeggios and delicate fingerpicking.
Video by Andrew Foy on YouTube
4. Despacito – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber
This Latin American hit quickly became a symbol of warm climates, beaches, and sizzling dances. In a fingerstyle arrangement, Despacito gains new depth, allowing you to capture the signature reggaeton rhythm and the melody’s smooth vocal flow. A perfect choice for those looking to add some exotic flair to their repertoire.
Video by Eddie van der Meer on YouTube
5. Havana – Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug
From the very first notes, Havana transports you to the world of hot summer nights and Cuban vibes. The song’s pulsating rhythm translates beautifully into fingerstyle, using alternating bass notes and light string plucks. It’s an ideal choice for a laid-back summer evening performance.
Video by James Bartholomew on YouTube
6. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
This retro-wave hit immerses you in a world of neon city lights, fast-paced nights, and urban energy. Its dynamic melody and pulsing beat make it a fantastic choice for a fingerstyle arrangement.
Video by Peter Gergely on YouTube
7. STAY – The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber
This song blends emotional melodies with modern rhythms, creating an atmosphere of youth, passion, and freedom. In this fingerstyle version, the depth of the song is preserved while maintaining the brightness of the chorus.
Video by Josephine Alexandra on YouTube
8. Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift
This song captures the feeling of summer freedom and vibrant emotions, and its melodic structure makes it a great choice for fingerstyle. Cruel Summer sounds beautiful when played at a slower tempo.
Video by Iqbal Gumilar on YouTube
9. Shallow – Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper
A heartfelt and emotional ballad that quickly gained worldwide popularity after the release of “A Star Is Born”. This song is perfect for romantic summer evenings, and in fingerstyle, it takes on a whole new dimension.
Video by Eiro Nareth on YouTube
10. Forever Young – Alphaville
This nostalgic ballad with a warm summer vibe remains timeless even decades after its release. Its soft synthesizer chords and deep melody adapt beautifully to fingerstyle guitar, creating an atmosphere of serenity and daydreaming.
Each of these summer tracks brings its own unique vibe – from energetic dance rhythms to gentle, romantic ballads. Now, let’s explore how to adapt these songs to your skill level and discover techniques to make your playing more expressive.
Tips for Playing Summer Hits in Fingerstyle
Fingerstyle allows you to capture the atmosphere and essence of summer hits, making them sound rich and complete. However, to ensure your performance sounds smooth, expressive, and natural, it's important to keep a few key points in mind.
How to Adapt a Song to Your Skill Level?
If you're just starting to learn fingerstyle, don’t rush into complex arrangements right away. Break the process down into several steps:
- Start with the basics – Identify the key, main chords, and rhythmic structure of the song.
- Add the bass line – Choose essential bass notes to highlight the harmony and rhythm.
- Learn the melody – Try playing the vocal line separately to understand how to adapt it effectively.
- Combine the elements – Gradually merge the melody, bass, and chords, playing them together.
- Incorporate dynamics – Vary the intensity of your picking and strumming to make your performance more expressive.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! A fingerstyle arrangement doesn’t have to be overly complex – the key is to capture the song’s essence and make it sound natural. As you progress, you can gradually add new elements to enrich your playing.
Techniques to Make Your Performance More Expressive
Fingerstyle isn’t just a technique – it’s a language of the guitar. To make summer hits sound bright and lively, incorporate various techniques characteristic of this style:
- Percussive hits on the guitar body – Help convey rhythm and groove, especially in songs like Despacito, where maintaining the signature Latin pulse is essential.
- Natural and artificial harmonics – Add airiness and depth, making the sound more expressive, as heard in Cruel Summer.
- Slides and legato – Create smooth transitions between notes, perfect for lyrical songs like Blinding Lights.
- Dynamic playing – Varying volume and picking intensity enhances emotional depth, bringing out the full power of a ballad like Shallow.
Expressiveness is the key to bringing music to life. By incorporating these techniques into your performance, you’re not just playing a melody – you’re conveying its energy, mood, and character.
How to Maintain Rhythmic Precision?
Many summer hits rely on a strong rhythmic foundation, which must be accurately conveyed on the guitar. To maintain a steady groove, follow these tips:
- Use a metronome – It helps you stay in tempo and avoid inconsistencies. Try this free online metronome available on the website.
- Practice tricky rhythms separately – Break down the bass line, chords, and melody into smaller parts.
- Play along with recordings – Try performing alongside the original song to internalize its pulse and dynamics.
Rhythm is the foundation of any great performance. The more precise and natural your timing, the more convincing and professional your playing will sound.
How to Make Playing Comfortable Outdoors?
Fingerstyle summer hits are often performed on the beach, by the campfire, or in the park, where additional challenges may arise. Here are some tips to help you stay comfortable:
- Choose a stable playing position – If you’re sitting on sand or grass, try using a guitar strap or resting the guitar on your knee in a classical position.
- Be mindful of humidity and temperature – High humidity can affect your guitar’s tuning, so check it regularly.
- Use a balanced repertoire for long sessions – If you’re playing multiple songs in a row, alternate energetic pieces with slower ones to avoid fatigue.
Fingerstyle is a perfect way to bring summer hits to life, making them sound complete and unique. By using the right techniques, maintaining rhythm, and adapting songs to your skill level, each performance will truly shine.
Conclusion
Summer and music go hand in hand. Catchy hits lift our spirits, and a guitar can turn any evening into an unforgettable moment. Fingerstyle offers a fresh perspective on familiar songs, adding depth, melody, and richness to every performance.
In this article, we explored the best summer hits that sound fantastic in fingerstyle arrangements. Whether you prefer upbeat, energetic tunes or calm, romantic melodies, fingerstyle allows you to capture the unique atmosphere of each song. It's the perfect style to play on the beach, in the park, or simply at home on a warm summer evening.
But don’t stop at just summer tracks! If you enjoy playing popular songs on guitar, try performing legendary covers that inspire guitarists worldwide – you’ll find them in our selection of “10 Best Fingerstyle Covers of Popular Songs”. And if you’re looking for something cozier and more atmospheric, check out “The Best Fingerstyle Songs for a Winter Mood” – because music isn’t just for summer, it’s with us all year round.
Music is a journey, and fingerstyle makes it truly special. Enjoy playing, experiment with arrangements, and let every chord transport you to a world of summer inspiration!
