Guitar Songs by 60s British Invasion Bands – Learn the Legends

This collection features unforgettable tracks by legendary bands who crossed the Atlantic and made history.

Learn how to play everything from haunting ballads to gritty blues-rock anthems, including “Whiter Shade of Pale,” “For Your Love,” and “The House of the Rising Sun.”

Each lesson comes with chords, rhythm patterns, demo videos, and everything you need to bring these British classics to life on your acoustic guitar.

I Like It reached #1 in the UK in the summer of 1963 and peaked at #17 in the US. It was also used in an Australia mini-series called "Peter Alien: Not The Boy Next Door".

This track can be found on their 1964 album "Gerry And The Pacemakers 2nd Album".

I'll Be There was written by Bobby Darin who recorded his version of the song in 1960. In 1963 Gerry And The Pacemakers had a #1 hit in Canada with their version.

Elvis Presley recorded the song in 1969 and Cass Elliott covered it as well in 1972.

Whiter Shade Of Pale was released back in 1967 and has been covered more than 1000 times up through the years. It peaked at #1 in the UK and #5 in the US. The song had four verses but many times only two are heard.

I've put in three verses in my version here. The song was in the can in two takes and can be found on their debut album.

Whiter Shade Of Pale is of course an old 60's number from Procol Harum. Dave Matthews played an acoustic version on Howard Stern's radio show, but was never released as a single.

In fact it isn't on any Dave Matthews album I could find. 

Itchycoo Park is one of the most famous songs by Small Faces. Released in 1967, it was a big hit in the UK, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart. The song is a classic from the psychedelic rock era.

The name "Itchycoo Park" comes from Little Ilford Park in London, where the band used to go and where there were nettles ("itchy coos").

The band's harmonies, Steve Marriott's soulful singing, and the strong rhythm section add to its charm. "Itchycoo Park" was released as a single and later included on their 1967 album "There Are But Four Small Faces."

Boom Boom was included on the 1965 album from The Animals called "Animal Tracks."The song was originally written and recorded by blues legend John Lee Hooker, and The Animals' version pays homage to the original while adding their own unique touch.

In The Animals' version of "Boom Boom," Burdon sings about a woman who has left him, but he can't seem to let go of his feelings for her.

Overall, "Boom Boom" is a classic blues rock track that showcases The Animals' talents as a band and Eric Burdon's powerful vocals.

Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood is a classic song that was released by The Animals as a single in 1965 and appeared on their album "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." The song was written by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, and Sol Marcus and was originally recorded by Nina Simone in 1964.

"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" became one of The Animals' most popular and enduring hits, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elvis Costello and Santa Esmeralda.

House of the Rising Sun is perhaps the most famous song recorded by The Animals. The song was released as a single in 1964 and quickly became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in the UK, US, and several other countries.

The song is a traditional folk song that tells the story of a life gone wrong in New Orleans, where a person must spend their life in a "house of ill repute" called the Rising Sun.

The Animals' version of "The House of the Rising Sun" is a powerful and emotive rendition that features Eric Burdon's distinctive vocals and a haunting organ riff that drives the song forward.

It's My Life is a song recorded by The Animals that was released as a single in 1965 and later included on their album, "Animal Tracks." The song was written by Roger Atkins and Carl D'Errico and was originally recorded by the American band, The Animals.

"It's My Life" was a departure from the bluesy sound that The Animals were known for and showcased the band's ability to experiment with different styles.

The song has since become a classic of the rock genre and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Bon Jovi and No Doubt.

River Deep, Mountain High was recorded by The Animals in 1968 for their album, "Love Is." The song was originally written by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich and was famously recorded by Tina Turner in 1966.

The Animals' version of "River Deep, Mountain High" features Eric Burdon's powerful vocals and a driving rhythm section, with a wall of sound production that was characteristic of Phil Spector's work.

Despite its initial lack of commercial success, "River Deep, Mountain High" has gone on to become one of the most beloved songs of the 1960s, with numerous artists covering the track over the years.

Reflections Of My Life was released in 1969 and was a huge top 10 hit in several countries worldwide. It never made it to #1 but got close in Ireland at #2.

The track hails from the album Reflections Of The Marmalade.

The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore was recorded by Frankie Valli and written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio back in 1965, but the Walker Brothers had more success with their version in 1966 reaching #1 in the UK.

The song was also a top 10 in several countries and a #13 in the USA.

For Your Love was a departure from the blues sound of this band when they recorded and released this song in 1965. It became a top 10 in both the UK and the US. But in spite of that, guitarist Eric Clapton left the band because the band took this direction.

The song is from their 1965 studio album of the same name.