60s Rock Songs to Learn on Guitar

This page features guitar-friendly classics from bands like The Union Gap, Shocking Blue, The Easybeats, and The Vogues — each one perfect for players looking to relive the golden era of rock through their six strings.

Whether you're into jangly rhythm parts, bright lead riffs, or laid-back pop grooves, you'll find a wide mix of styles to explore. From garage rock gems to radio-friendly love songs, these tutorials offer easy-to-follow chords, strumming tips, and tuning notes — plus purchase options if you want to dive deeper.

Let’s dust off those retro guitar vibes and get started!

I'm Telling You Now is an exuberant track became the signature hit for the British quintet Freddie and the Dreamers, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.

Featured on the US album of the same name, it was part of the "second wave" of the British Invasion.

The song is best remembered for the band's manic performance style, specifically the synchronized leg-kicking dance routine known as "The Freddie." While they were often seen as the clowns of the invasion, this song proved they had legitimate pop chops, written by frontman Freddie Garrity himself.

Lady Willpower reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968, This song was a massive success for Gary Puckett & The Union Gap and appears on their album Incredible.

The song was written by Jerry Fuller, who penned most of the band's hits. Like many of their tracks, it features a lush, orchestral arrangement that bridged the gap between rock and adult contemporary pop.

The song showcased Puckett’s powerful baritone voice, which dominated radio during the late 60s, outselling even The Beatles for a brief period in 1968.

Woman Woman was a breakout single that launched the career of Gary Puckett & The Union Gap in 1967, climbing to #4 on the US charts.

It served as the title track for their debut album. Interestingly the song was a cover that was originally recorded by country artist Jim Glaser.

The lyrics depict a man who senses his wife is drifting away ("Have you got cheating on your mind?"), a mature theme that Puckett delivered with a distinct intensity, establishing the "Civil War soldier" image the band would famously wear on stage.

Young Girl is perhaps the most recognizable song by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. This 1968 smash hit #1 in the UK and #2 in the US AND is the title track of their second album.

While the melody is undeniable, the lyrics—about a man tempted by a girl who is too young for him—have drawn controversy in modern times.

Despite the taboo subject matter, it remains a gold standard of 60s pop production. Decades later, it was sampled heavily by hip-hop artist Biz Markie, proving its enduring catchy nature.

Venus became the first song from a Dutch band to hit #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1970 (released late 1969).It appeared on the album At Home.

The song is driven by a unique, percussive acoustic guitar riff and the powerful vocals of Mariska Veres.

While the original is a classic, the song achieved a rare feat when the British girl group Bananarama covered it in 1986, taking the exact same song back to #1 in the US all over again.

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 Lord 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."

More Today Than Yesterday was released in 1969 and became Spiral Starecase’s signature hit, blending soulful vocals with an irresistible horn-driven groove.

The song’s heartfelt message about growing love struck a chord with listeners, helping it reach the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its upbeat, optimistic vibe has made it a timeless oldies favorite.

Don't You Care reached #6 on the US charts in 1967 for The Buckinghams. It appeared on the album Time & Charges.

This track was recorded at the legendary Columbia Studios in New York and features the band's signature "horn rock" sound, blending brass sections with pop melodies.

It is often cited as a prime example of "Sunshine Pop." The song was written by Gary Beisbier and Jim Holvay, the same team that wrote their previous #1 hit.

Tracy is a bubblegum pop classic by The Cuff Links that reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.

Featured on the album Tracy, the track is a testament to studio magic.

The group "The Cuff Links" was largely a fabrication; the vocals were performed entirely by Ron Dante, the same session singer who provided the voice for The Archies' "Sugar, Sugar."

Dante overdubbed his own voice dozens of times to create the sound of a full backing choir, making it a "one-man band" masterpiece of the era.

Friday On My Mind was an absolute anthem for the working class and was the international breakthrough for the Australian band The Easybeats. It reached #16 in the US and #1 in Australia in 1966.

The track was written by band members George Young and Harry Vanda.

Trivia buffs know George Young as the older brother of Malcolm and Angus Young; he later produced the early albums for their band, AC/DC. This song has been covered by rock royalty, including David Bowie and Gary Moore, cementing its legendary status.

Smile A Little Smile For Me is a sentimental track was the only major hit for the British band The Flying Machine, reaching #5 in the US in 1969.

Appearing on their self-titled album, it tells the story of "Rosemarie," whose boyfriend didn't show up for a date. It serves as a classic example of a "One-Hit Wonder."

The song's simple, catchy melody and clear vocals fit perfectly into the late-60s AM radio landscape, often grouped with other British bubblegum acts like The Brotherhood of Man.

Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations reached #3 on the US charts in 1969. It is the title track of their album.

The group was notable for being one of the first multi-racial bands to succeed in the UK.

While a massive hit in the 60s, the song enjoyed a massive cultural resurgence in 1998 when it was featured in the closing credits of the film There's Something About Mary, introducing the infectious chorus to a whole new generation.

The Way You Look Tonight was originally a jazz standard from the 1930s, The Lettermen transformed The Way You Look Tonight into a smooth vocal pop hit in 1961.

Their version reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and appeared on the album A Song for Young Love.

This recording is defined by the trio's immaculate close-harmony singing, a style that bridged the gap between the pre-rock era and the incoming Beach Boys sound. It became a prom night staple for decades and remains their signature song.

A Day Without Love was a hit single for The Love Affair, released in 1968. It appeared on their debut album, "The Everlasting Love Affair," which was also released that year.

The song performed well on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 6 and further solidifying the band's popularity following their number one hit "Everlasting Love." Written by Philip Goodhand-Tait, "A Day Without Love" showcased Steve Ellis's powerful vocals and the band's signature blend of pop and soul.

The Lion Sleeps Tonight is based on a South African Zulu song called "Mbube,"

The song became a #1 smash for The Tokens in 1961. The track features one of the most famous falsetto leads in history, sung by Jay Siegel.

While it is often associated with the Disney film The Lion King, the Tokens' version predates the movie by thirty years. Interestingly, the soprano saxophone solo in the middle was played by jazz musician Steve Douglas, adding a unique texture to this doo-wop classic.

Silence Is Golden was originally recorded as a B-side by The Four Seasons and it became a massive #1 hit in the UK and reached #11 in the US for The Tremeloes in 1967.

It appeared on the album Here Comes the Tremeloes. The song features the band's trademark vocal harmonies.

The Tremeloes are famous in music history trivia as the band Decca Records chose to sign instead of The Beatles in 1962, a decision often cited as the biggest mistake in music business history, though they did manage several hits like this one.

You're The One climbed to #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1965 and was a breakthrough for the vocal group The Vogues.

It served as the title track for their debut album. The song was actually written by British superstar Petula Clark (along with Tony Hatch), who recorded her own version.

However, The Vogues' adaptation sped the tempo up and added a rock-and-roll backbeat, transforming the moody ballad into an energetic folk-rock hit that defined the mid-60s Pittsburgh music scene.

The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore was recorded by Frankie Valli and he released a version first, The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore became the signature smash for The Walker Brothers in 1966. It hit #1 in the UK and #13 in the US.

The track features a massive "Wall of Sound" production style similar to Phil Spector's work. Despite their name, the trio were Americans who moved to England to find fame.

The song’s deep, baritone vocals by Scott Walker influenced countless artists, including David Bowie and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke.

Good Lovin topped the US charts at #1 in 1966 and is the defining song for the blue-eyed soul group The Young Rascals.

It appeared on their self-titled debut album. The song was a cover of a minor R&B hit by The Olympics, but the Rascals injected it with high-octane energy and a famous Hammond organ solo by Felix Cavaliere.

It was famously performed by The Grateful Dead in their live sets for decades, but the Rascals' version remains the tight, radio-perfect classic.

How Can I Be Sure was  released in 1967, “How Can I Be Sure” showcased a softer, more introspective side of The Young Rascals.

With its baroque-pop arrangement and emotional lyrics about romantic uncertainty, the song reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its French café vibe and vulnerable delivery set it apart from the band’s earlier R&B-influenced hits.

It's A Beautiful Morning was released as a standalone single in 1968 and reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. This was the first release credited simply to "The Rascals," dropping the "Young" from their name.

The song was written as a conscious effort to capture the same peaceful, optimistic vibe as their previous hit "Groovin'." It features wind chimes and lush backing vocals, perfectly encapsulating the sunny, optimistic spirit of late-60s soul-pop.

It has been used in countless commercials and movies to signify a perfect day.