The operative words there are "you" and "play". Together "you play" and "you practice" and you pick the right songs and I guarantee that your friends will recognize the songs that you're playing.
From the time I picked up the guitar again (I had some training as a kid) my wife has been able to tell what song I've been playing, acoustic or electric. Even if and when I thought I sounded like a cat in a blender, the music (notes and rhythm) came through.
If you're friends can't recognize the famous opening riff to Sweet Home Alabama, or the simple chord progression of Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), which happens to be a great acoustic song for beginners, if they can't recognize those, then you need new friends. It really is that simple... lol
Keep banging away at it, you'll get it.
Mike
