Guitar Lessons from 60s Rock Bands You Remember
Step back in time with this hand-picked collection of guitar lessons from some of the most memorable rock bands of the 1960s.
Whether you grew up with these songs or you’re just discovering the era’s golden harmonies and jangly guitar riffs, this page is your backstage pass to learning the music of Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Turtles, The Ronettes, and more.
Every song lesson includes chords, strumming tips, and demo videos to help you master the classic 60s sound on your acoustic guitar.
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60s Rock Bands You Remember”
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60s Rock Bands Song List
1. Gary Lewis And The Playboys - Count Me In, This Diamond Ring2. Paul Revere And The Invaders - Indian Reservation, Kicks
3. The Association - Never My Love, Windy
4. The Beau Brummels - Don't Talk To Strangers, Laugh Laugh, Turn Around
5. The Brothers Four - Greenfields, The Green Leaves Of Summer
6. The Classics IV - Spooky, Traces
7. The Fortunes - – Here It Comes Again, You've Got Your Troubles
8. The Marbles - The Walls Fell Down
9. The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody, You've Lost That Lovin Feeling
10. The Ronettes - Be My Baby
11. The Turtles - Happy Together, You Baby
1. Gary Lewis And The Playboys Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Count Me In was a single released in 1965 and reached #2 in the US and #6 in Canada.
The song hails from their album "A Session With Gary Lewis & The Playboys".
Chords And Strumming
This one has a steady down down up down up down up rhythm pattern with a few chords in standard tuning. Chords here are an F, A#, Db, C, Am, C7 and a Gm. A little bit of lean here in standard tuning.
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This Diamond Ring climbed to the top of the Billboard Chart in Feb 1965. The group did play on the track and The Wrecking Crew came in later for some over-dubbing.
The song can be found on the album of the same name.
Chords And Strumming
This arrangement is in Abm with a Db, A7, D, A/Db, Bm, Bm/A, Gbm, Em and a D#. The rhythm pattern here is a down down up down down up and repeat. There is a decending bass line and I'm not in the original key with this one. Some picking work required.
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2. Paul Revere & The Raiders - Learn To Play On Guitar
Indian Reservation was released by Paul Revere And The Raiders as a single back in 1971. It was a huge #1 selling several million copies. It was their biggest hit song and hails from the album Indian Reservation.
The song was first recorded in 1959 that never charted and then again in 1968 by Don Fardon who has a top 20 hit in the US and a #3 in the UK.
Chords And Strumming
Played with a capo 4th fret, this one only has the chords Am, Dm and an E7 with a steady down down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. A few riffs in place but no real lead work.
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Kicks
by Paul Revere & The Raiders was included on their studio album
titled "Midnight Ride." Released in 1966, "Midnight Ride" was the band's
fifth studio album. It featured a collection of songs, including their
hit single "Kicks."
"Midnight Ride" further solidified Paul Revere & The Raiders' popularity and showcased their energetic rock sound. The album received positive reviews and reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming one of their most successful studio releases.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one in standard tuning with no capo but the original key is one fret higher with the chords Em, A, C, B7, G, E, Dbm and a B. The rhythm is mainly down strokes with some picking blended in throughout.
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3. The Association Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Never My Love was released in 1967 was the 2nd most played song on radio and television during the 20th century in the US. Many artists recorded this song thru the years.
The song can be found on their album "Inside Out".
Chords And Strumming
I play this number with a capo 2nd fret and in standard tuning. The chords here are G, D/Gb, F, C, Em, Cmaj7, B7sus, A7, Dmaj7 and a Cmaj7 and some lead required. Play a root up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
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Windy was actually written about a man according to Ruthann Freidman and in 1967 the song was a #1 hit for The Association. Later on she changed the story and said the song was written about herself.
This track can be found on their "Inside Out" album as well.
Chords And Strumming
I like to play a drop D tuning in this one with a down down up down down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Some lead here with the chords D, C, G, A, Em, Dmaj7, A7sus and an A7.
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4. The Beau Brummels Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Don't Talk to Strangers is a notable song by The Beau Brummels, featured on their album "The Beau Brummels, Volume 2," released in 1965. The song, like many of their works, captures the essence of folk-rock and pop that defined the band.
In terms of chart success, "Don't Talk to Strangers" didn't chart as highly as some of their other hits. Nevertheless, it resonated with fans and showcased The Beau Brummels' ability to craft melodic, harmonious tunes.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one in standard tuning with a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and no lead. The chords you'll need are D, F, G, A, Bm, E and a Gbm.
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Laugh Laugh is one of the standout tracks by The Beau Brummels, featured on their 1965 debut album, "Introducing... The Beau Brummels." This song played a pivotal role in launching the band's career and capturing the essence of the mid-60s pop and folk-rock sound.
"Laugh, Laugh" was a massive
success for the band, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
A notable piece of trivia about the song is that it was the first hit single for The Beau Brummels. It helped pave the way for their future success and established them as one of the prominent bands of the mid-60s.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 2nd fret for this one with the chords Em, Em/Db, Am, G, C, F, D, A#, D# and G# in standard tuning. No lead while playing a root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern as well as a root down up down up root up down up and repeat pattern.
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Turn Around is a significant song by The Beau Brummels, featured on their 1968 album, "Bradley's Barn." This track represented a departure from their earlier folk-rock sound, reflecting the evolving musical landscape of the late 60s.
"Turn Around" didn't chart as highly as some of their earlier
hits, but it showcased the band's willingness to experiment with new
styles.
An interesting piece of trivia about the song is that it was written by Ron Elliott, one of the band's core members.Some Nashville musicians performed on this track including Jerry Reed. The Everly Brothers also covered the song in 1968.
Chords And Strumming
This one you can play with a drop D tuning and guitar tuned down one fret. I play a root down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with no lead and the chords D, C, C/B and a G.
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5. The Brothers Four Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Greenfields was a hit song in 1960 reaching #2 on the Pop Charts.
It can be found on their debut album "The Brothers Four".
Chords And Strumming
A capo 2nd fret works here with an arpeggio 1-2-3 then up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. The chords you'll need are Am, Dm, E, F, G, C and A7 but no lead required.
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The Green Leaves Of Summer was included on The Brothers Four's album "BMOC/Best Music On/Off Campus," which was released in 1960. This album was one of their early successful releases and helped establish their reputation in the folk music scene.
As for chart performance, "The Green Leaves of Summer" reached number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While not a top 10 hit, it still made a respectable showing on the charts and contributed to The Brothers Four's popularity.
It's worth noting that the song itself was originally written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Paul Francis Webster for the 1960 film "The Alamo." The Brothers Four's version helped popularize the song beyond its original movie context.
Chords And Strumming
Play a down down up down up down up down up rhythm quick shuffle pattern in standard tuning. No lead work but for chords you'll need a Dm, D, A7.
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6. The Classics IV Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Spooky was first recorded as an instrumental in 1967 but lyrics were added for The Classics IV version which was released in 1968 and reached #3 in the US.
The track is from the album of the same name.
Chords And Strumming
I play this song in standard tuning with a down down up down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and some lead required. For chords you'll need an Em7, A6, Em7, B7 and a Bbdim.
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Traces became the Classics IV highest charting song peaking at #2 in both Canada and the US back in 1969.
The groups other bit song was "Stormy" which reached #5 on the charts.
Chords And Strumming
Lots of chords in this one including D, Gbm, Am, B7, Bm, Bm/A, Bm/Gb, Bm/G, A+, D+, Em, A7sus, A7, C, G6 11#3 and a Dmaj7. This one is played in standard tuning with some lead and a rhythm pattern that includes some arppegio, some chop strumming and root down up root up down up in this one.
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7. The Fortunes Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again was co-written by three writers of The Fortunes and was a top 40 hit for the group back in 1971.
The song hails from the album of the same name.
Chords And Strumming
Play this one in standard tuning using a down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a few down strokes for the riff. The chords are C, F, A#, Fm, Em, Gsus and G.
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Here It Comes Again was a #4 in Canada and the UK in 1965 and peaked at #27 in the US.
Chords And Strumming
This song has no lead work but does have a few horn which can be duplicated in the rhythm which is a down pause up down up down up and repeat pattern with a few down strokes in places. A capo 2nd fret with these chords is the original key. The chords you'll need are G, D, Gmaj7, A, E, F, A# and an A7.
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You've Got Your Troubles is a song by The Fortunes that was released in 1965 as a single by The Fortunes, a British pop rock band.
"You've Got Your Troubles" was written by Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, who were a prolific songwriting duo known for their contributions to the British pop music scene. The song became a major hit for The Fortunes, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
The
Fortunes' version of the song remains the most well-known and successful
rendition.
Chords And Strumming
This one has a a steady down down up down up down up rhythm pattern with a bit of lead work in the middle with standard tuning. The chords here are G, A, Cm, D7, F, D, C and Am.
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8. The Marbles Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Walls Fell Down was written by The Bee Gees and recorded by The Marbles and released as a single in 1969.
The song was a top 10 in The Netherlands and Belgium. Graham Bonnet sang lead on this one and takes it much higher then I do here.
Chords And Strumming
Play a down down up down up down up pattern but it will get somewhat interrupted as you make some quick chord changes. The song is in standard tuning and does a two fret key change near the end of the song. Chords you'll need here are D, G, A7, B7, E and an A.
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9. The Righteous Brothers Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Unchained Melody was a song in a 1955 film of the same name. The Righteous Brothers recorded their version in 1965. Of course these two lads were not actually brothers at all. Bobby Hatfield won a coin toss with his duet partner Bill Medley and took the lead vocals on this song as both wanted to sing the lead.
Phil Spector put this "throw away" song on a B-side assuming it would not get played but the DJ's proved him wrong and the song went to #4. It can be found on the album "Just One In My life.
Chords And Strumming
Standard tuning here with the chords G, Em, C, D, Bm, G7, A# and Cm will get you through this one with no lead work. Play a down down up down up down down and repeat rhythm pattern.
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You've Lost That Lovin Feeling was a huge #1 hit in both the UK and the US when it was released in 1964.
The song can be found on the album of the same name.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play in standard tuning with no lead work required. The rhythm consists of down strokes and then when you hit the chorus you can play down up pause up and repeat pattern. For chords here you'll need an A#/C, C, Dm7, Em, F, G, Dm, A#, G and a G#.
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10. The Ronettes Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Be My Baby was one of five singles from the only album ever recorded by The Ronettes. Three of the five singles were top 10s and this track made it to #2 in the US and was a top 10 in several countries.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 2nd fret here in drop D tuning and with two different rhythm patterns. For the verse I play down strokes and for the chorus I play down up pause up down up pause up and repeat. A bit of lead in here with the chords D, Em, A, Gb, B7, Em, E, Bm and a G.
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11. The Turtles Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Happy Together was released as a single by The Turtles back in 1967 and reached #1 in the US market although they did have a few top 10 hits.
This one hails from the album "Happy Together".
Chords And Strumming
I'm playing this one with a capo on the 4th fret in standard tuning and no lead work here. The chords are Dm, C, A#, A, Am7 and F using a down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with some shuffle strumming.
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You Baby is a song by The Turtles that was released in 1966. It was written by P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri, who were renowned songwriters and producers during the 1960s. The song became one of The Turtles' notable hits, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Turtles' rendition
of "You Baby" became a radio favorite and contributed to their growing
popularity during the mid-1960s.
It's worth noting that "You Baby" has also been recorded by other artists, including The Lovin' Spoonful and Cher, further showcasing its appeal and versatility as a well-loved song from the era.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played with a steady up and down rhythm pattern and one spot where you'll play all down strokes. It's a capo 4th if you can sing that high but I'm om the 2nd fret in standard tuning play the chords G, Bm, C, D, Am7 and a G6. A few riffs only in this one.
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These 60s rock bands left an undeniable mark on pop culture with their catchy melodies, unforgettable choruses, and guitar-driven charm.
Whether you’re strumming along to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” or grooving to “Happy Together,” each song on this page will take you back to a simpler, more melodic time. Bookmark this page, come back often, and keep the spirit of the 60s alive — one guitar chord at a time.
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