Bringemovies
← Browse Movies
When Rock Goes Acoustic
TITLE DETAILS

When Rock Goes Acoustic

2011-09-02 · 60 min · Not rated

Documentary · Music

The cliché of classic rock guitar is one of riffs, solos and noise. But write a list of great guitarists and their finest moments and a quieter, more intense playing comes to the fore. The acoustic guitar is the secret weapon in the armoury of the guitar hero, when paradoxically they get more attention by playing quietly than being loud. This documentary takes an insightful and occasionally irreverent look at the love affair between rock and the humble acoustic guitar. Exploring a much less celebrated, yet crucial part of the rock musician's arsenal, contributors including Johnny Marr, Keith Richards, Ray Davies, James Dean Bradfield, Biffy Clyro, Joan Armatrading, Donovan and Roger McGuinn discuss why an instrument favoured by medieval minstrels and singing nuns is as important to rock 'n' roll as the drums, bass and its noisy sister, the electric guitar.

Open detail page

Trailers are previews, not full movies.

No authorized playback source configured. Use the legal watch options below.

Production details

Directors
Unavailable
Production companies
BBC Four
Countries
United Kingdom
Status
Released

Top Cast

Cast unavailable.

Title information and images are supplied by TMDb. Explore our discovery guide for advice on comparing metadata and legal viewing options.

Where to watch

Availability provided by JustWatch via TMDb. Offers can change. Provider links are listed on TMDb; full playback requires a separately authorized source.

Availability not listed for this country.

Recommendations

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger
★ 6.9
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger2026Documentary · Music

Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me
★ 8.4
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me2022Documentary · Music

After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.

The Last Waltz
★ 7.7
The Last Waltz1978Documentary · Music

Martin Scorsese's documentary intertwines footage from The Band's incredible farewell tour with probing backstage interviews and featured performances by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, and other rock legends.

Justin Bieber's Believe
★ 6.9
Justin Bieber's Believe2013Documentary · Music

A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.

The Beach Boys
★ 6.7
The Beach Boys2024Documentary · Music

A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come.

Bad 25
★ 7.3
Bad 252012Documentary · Music

Spike Lee pays tribute to Michael Jackson's Bad on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the epochal album, offering behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson recording the album and interviews with confidants, musicians, choreographers, and such music-world superstars as Kanye West, Sheryl Crow, Cee Lo Green and Mariah Carey.

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition
★ 8.5
Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition2026Documentary · Music

With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band’s rise from the pubs of East London to the world’s biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden’s uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.

Western Stars
★ 7.0
Western Stars2019Documentary · Music

The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen himself.

Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly
★ 6.8
Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly2019Documentary · Music

While crafting his Grammy-nominated album "Astroworld," Travis Scott juggles controversy, fatherhood and career highs in this intimate documentary.

The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel
★ 7.3
The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel2026Documentary · Music

Explore the formative years of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the profound influence of original bandmate Hillel Slovak.

The Last Repair Shop
★ 7.5
The Last Repair Shop2024Documentary · Music

In a warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain more than 80,000 student musical instruments, the largest remaining workshop in America of its kind. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives have been dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren of this city.

Katy Perry: Part of Me
★ 7.1
Katy Perry: Part of Me2012Documentary · Music

Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, Katy Perry: Part of Me exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to achieve her dreams. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes interviews, personal moments between Katy and her friends, and all-access footage of rehearsals, choreography, Katy’s signature style and more, Katy Perry: Part of Me reveals the singer’s unwavering belief that if you can be yourself, then you can be anything.

Supersonic
★ 7.4
Supersonic2016Documentary · Music

Supersonic charts the meteoric rise of Oasis from the council estates of Manchester to some of the biggest concerts of all time in just three short years. This palpable, raw and moving film shines a light on one of the most genre and generation-defining British bands that has ever existed and features candid new interviews with Noel and Liam Gallagher, their mother, and members of the band and road crew.

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese
★ 7.0
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese2019Documentary · Music

Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream, this film captures the troubled spirit of America in 1975 and the joyous music that Dylan performed during the fall of that year.

Let It Be
★ 7.7
Let It Be1970Documentary · Music

A documentary chronicling the Beatles' rehearsal sessions in January 1969 for their proposed "back to basics" album, "Get Back," later re-envisioned and released as "Let It Be."

One Direction: This Is Us
★ 8.2
One Direction: This Is Us2013Documentary · Music

"One Direction: This Is Us" is a captivating and intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon. Weaved with stunning live concert footage, this inspiring feature film tells the remarkable story of Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis' meteoric rise to fame, from their humble hometown beginnings and competing on the X-Factor, to conquering the world and performing at London’s famed O2 Arena. Hear it from the boys themselves and see through their own eyes what it's really like to be One Direction.

20 Feet from Stardom
★ 7.2
20 Feet from Stardom2013Documentary · Music

Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we've had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead, until now.

Becoming Led Zeppelin
★ 7.4
Becoming Led Zeppelin2025Documentary · Music

The individual journeys of the four members of the band, as they move through the music scene of the 1960s, playing small clubs throughout Britain and performing some of the biggest hits of the era, until their meeting in the summer of 1968 for a rehearsal that changes their lives forever.

It Might Get Loud
★ 7.2
It Might Get Loud2008Documentary · Music

A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.

Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon
★ 8.1
Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon2011Documentary · Music

See Michael Jackson, one of the most recognizable and popular entertainers of all time, like never before in the feature-length tribute Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon. Known to millions of fans worldwide for his record-breaking albums, groundbreaking music videos, mesmerizing dance moves and humanitarian efforts, his true story has never really been told...until now. This unprecedented look into the King of Pop's fascinating life includes all-new interviews with his mother Katherine Jackson as well as siblings Tito and Rebbie Jackson, his nephew Jaafar Jackson and niece Tahkyah brings plenty Jackson and Friends ends and music legends such as Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and his 3 children and many more.

Similar titles

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Scar TissueMusic

The life of Anthony Kiedis, famed frontman of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, artist, addict, and ringleader, contains a deeply unconventional father and son story set against a substance-fueled 70s & 80s LA punk scene. This story examines, without judgement, how all of his experiences shaped the music that was eventually embraced by millions.

We Are Bleach
Not rated
We Are BleachMusic

A multi-awarded 23 minute short film about pansexual punk rockers in a toxic relationship in London’s underground music scene

Woodstock
★ 7.6
Woodstock1970Documentary · Music

An intimate look at the Woodstock Music & Art Festival held in Bethel, NY in 1969, from preparation through cleanup, with historic access to insiders, blistering concert footage, and portraits of the concertgoers; negative and positive aspects are shown, from drug use by performers to naked fans sliding in the mud, from the collapse of the fences by the unexpected hordes to the surreal arrival of National Guard helicopters with food and medical assistance for the impromptu city of 500,000.

MISTER MOTO - THE J. B.  EXPERIENCE
Not rated
MISTER MOTO - THE J. B. EXPERIENCE2021Music

Pushing The Boundary: The Making of Modern Problems
Not rated
Pushing The Boundary: The Making of Modern Problems2024Documentary · Music

Follow Busking For Misfits as they work on their debut album, Modern Problems. Filmed over four days in April 2023, this documentary takes a look at how Oliver, Luke and Josh operate in the studio and delves into the bands origins as well as what made them pursue music in the first place.

Pigface: Free for All
★ 8.0
Pigface: Free for All2006Documentary · Music

Join drummer Martin Atkins and his industrial rock band Pigface for this document of their epic 2005 tour of the United States. Visits backstage and interviews with the band meld with the concert footage to create the ultimate Pigface experience. Witness rehearsals, life on the road, collaboration with Nocturne and Sheep on Drugs and the challenges of setting up and tearing down the stage as the band hits venues from New York to San Diego.

The Rolling Stones: Totally Stripped Paris
★ 9.0
The Rolling Stones: Totally Stripped Paris1995Music

Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story
★ 8.2
Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story2017Documentary · Music

Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story is a documentary about the life and work of Michael "Mick" Ronson, the guitarist, songwriter, producer and arranger who, in the early part of his career, performed with David Bowie as one of the 'Spiders from Mars'.

The School of Rock
★ 7.1
The School of Rock2003Music

Fired from his band and hard up for cash, guitarist and vocalist Dewey Finn finagles his way into a job as a fifth-grade substitute teacher at a private school, where he secretly begins teaching his straight-A students the finer points of rock 'n' roll and the power of sticking it to the man. But as the school’s stern principal closes in and the Battle of the Bands looms, Dewey must risk everything to prove that rock 'n' roll can change lives.

Romantic Warriors II: A Progressive Music Saga About Rock in Opposition
★ 7.0
Romantic Warriors II: A Progressive Music Saga About Rock in Opposition2012Documentary

Romantic Warriors II explores the origins of the Rock in Opposition movement in the late 70s, and how it continues to influence contemporary bands throughout the world. Featured bands include Henry Cow, Art Zoyd, Magma, Univers Zero, Magma, Thinking Plague, Etron Fou Leloublan and Samla Mammas Manna.

CFNY: The Spirit of Radio
★ 8.5
CFNY: The Spirit of Radio2026Documentary · Music

In 1976, radio station CFNY 102.1FM went on the air, broadcast live from a modest suburban house just north of Toronto, and went on to become one of the most influential punk, new wave and alternative radio stations in the world. This is the story of their mission to bring the most exciting music in the world to the masses. It's also a story of the personalities, lawsuits, bankruptcies, concerts, and listener protests that went along with it.

Jupiter Apple – Six Colours Frenesi
★ 10.0
Jupiter Apple – Six Colours Frenesi2014Music

Six Colours Frenesi is a live video by the Brazilian musician Jupiter Apple. It was originally recorded during a venue at the famous Bar Opinião in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul on November 23, 2011, but only released in 2014 through the musician's own label, J.A.C.K. Records (J.A.C.K. is an acronym for "Jupiter Apple Corporation and Kingdom", and was also the name of his backing band at the time). Set-List: 01. Modern Kid / 02. Querida Superhist x Mr. Frog / 03. Síndrome de Pânico / 04. ... So You Leave The Hall / 05. Little Raver / 06. Beatle George / 07. Plataforma 6 / 08. As Toras e As Cucas / 09. Eu e Minha Ex / 10. A Lad And a Maid in The Bloom / 11. Mademoiselle Marchand / 12. Lobo da Estepe / 13. Lovely Riverside / 14. Six Colours Frenesi / 15. Calling All Bands! / 16. Essência Interior / 17. Head. Head / 18. A Marchinha Psicótica de Dr. Soup / 19. Cachorro Louco / 20. Um Lugar do Caralho

Rock del Caribe: Versión República Dominicana
Not rated
Rock del Caribe: Versión República Dominicana2024Documentary

The history of 70 years of Dominican rock.

Ave Mujica - prima aurora -
★ 9.0
Ave Mujica - prima aurora -2026Music

More than half a year has passed since Ave Mujica's comeback, and spring has arrived. The band's popularity continues to grow, while each member's individual activities are also gaining momentum. The next venue Sakiko proposes is a members-only masquerade ball. What lies behind the intentions of the girl who swore to become a god...?

Sleeping Monster
Not rated
Sleeping Monster2023Documentary · Music

Filmed in Melbourne during the first several months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sleeping Monster explores the prosaic beauty of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s studio routine. Featuring demos from the album "Changes", plus the track "Change" recorded live in the studio on film.

Next to Normal
★ 9.0
Next to Normal2025Music

A mother struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effects that managing her illness has on her family. The PBS Great Performances recording of the West End transfer to Wyndham's Theatre (from The Donmar Warehouse) in 2024.

Do You Believe in Magic: The Music of John Sebastian & The Lovin' Spoonful
★ 8.0
Do You Believe in Magic: The Music of John Sebastian & The Lovin' Spoonful2007Documentary · Music

Pop sensations the Lovin' Spoonful perform their biggest hits in this collection of television appearances from the 1960s and '70s. Lead singer and songwriter John Sebastian discusses the band, their music and their legacy. Songs include "Summer in the City," "She's Still a Mystery," "Nashville Cats," the hit theme to the sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?" and "Do You Believe in Magic?"

Dio: The Singles Collection
★ 7.5
Dio: The Singles Collection2012Music

A collection of conceptual videos that defined the legendary career of Ronnie James Dio and Dio.

Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise
★ 7.5
Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise2007Documentary · Music

Meat Loaf, the legendary rocker, reveals surprising shades of himself -- and his internal demons -- as he sets out on an ambitious world tour.

The Rainbow
★ 6.9
The Rainbow2019Documentary · Music

While the world around it has changed dramatically, The Rainbow Bar and Grill has remianed as one of the last bastions of true Rock n' Roll on Hollywood's famed Sunset Strip. Legendary musicians recount their stories from the iconic venue.

Your favorites

Recently viewed

Watch

Choose an authorized server.

Full video from an operator-configured authorized source. Official trailers use a separate player. If a server fails, retry or select another authorized server.

Legal watch options

Official trailer

Trailer preview only. Press Play to start.

Privacy choices

Favorites stay in your browser. Movie images load from TMDb. YouTube trailers contact YouTube only after you allow external media and choose a trailer. Advertising consent, if ads are enabled, is managed separately by the operator’s certified CMP.

Privacy policy

After allowing external media, choose the trailer button to load its player.