Top 70s Alternative Rock Songs You Can Learn on Guitar

This page is a tribute to those unique sounds and deep cuts that stood apart from the mainstream.

Whether you're into the power-pop vibes of Big Star, the mystique of Echo & the Bunnymen, or the haunting tones of Blue Öyster Cult, there’s something here to reignite your love for left-of-center rock.

These aren't just great listens — they’re also incredible songs to play and sing on acoustic guitar.

My Life Is Right is a beautifully crafted power-pop gem from Big Star's acclaimed 1972 debut album, #1 Record. Co-written by Chris Bell and Tom Eubanks, the song blends shimmering guitars, rich vocal harmonies, and heartfelt lyrics into a timeless expression of hope and renewed confidence.

Although #1 Record received widespread critical praise, distribution problems prevented the album from achieving commercial success upon its release. In the decades that followed, however, Big Star's music gained legendary status, inspiring generations of artists in alternative rock, indie, and power pop. Today, "My Life Is Right" is celebrated as one of the hidden treasures from an album widely regarded as one of the finest debut recordings of the 1970s

Thirteen is a track from Big Star's debut album from 1972.

This song was released as a single but was mislabeled and called Don't Lie To Me. There is no mention if the song became a hit but Rolling Stone has it as #396 on their list of the greatest 500 songs of all time.

Burning For You  was the lead single from Blue Öyster Cult’s eighth studio album, Fire of Unknown Origin (1981), and marked a commercial resurgence for the band.

Sung by guitarist Buck Dharma, who also co-wrote it with lyricist Richard Meltzer, the track became their only number‑one hit on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and reached #40 on the Hot 100, earning them a rare Top‑40 placement.

Its slick production, strong melody, and early MTV video helped cement it as a staple of early ‘80s hard rock radio.

Don't Fear The Reaper was originally released in 1976 from their album Agents of Fortune.

“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” became Blue Öyster Cult’s highest-charting single, peaking at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Written and sung by Dharma, the song unites a haunting melody, philosophical lyrics contemplating mortality and eternal love, and a hauntingly memorable riff. Over the decades, it has become a rock music landmark—praised for its craft, featured in numerous films and TV shows, and forever memorialized in pop culture thanks to the legendary “more cowbell” Saturday Night Live sketch.

Hooked On A Feeling was from the Swedish band Blue Swede and this song was also the name of the 1974 album. BJ Thomas first recorded the song in 1969.

The Blue Swede version hit #1 in the US in 1974.

Eagle Rock was recorded by Australian rock band Daddy Cool and released on their debut album Daddy Who? Daddy Cool in 1971.

Written by lead singer Ross Wilson, the song became one of Australia's biggest rock hits, spending ten consecutive weeks at number one on the national singles chart. Its infectious boogie-rock rhythm, memorable guitar riff, and singalong chorus helped make it an enduring classic that remains a fixture on Australian radio decades later.

Although largely unknown to many North American listeners, Eagle Rock has become one of the defining songs of Australian rock history and is widely regarded as Daddy Cool's signature recording.

The Killing Moon was a single release from the 1984 album Ocean Rain from Echo And The Bunnymen.

The song peaked at #7 in Ireland and #9 in the UK, which was their highest charting single in Ireland.

Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo was first recorded by Johnny Winter in 1970 with his band "Johnny Winter And," which included Rick Derringer and other former members of the McCoys.

Rick Derringer later recorded the song for his 1973 solo debut album "All American Boy."

Benediction can be found on the Stealers Wheel album Right Or Wrong from 1975.

The song was never released as a single.

Star was released as a single from the Stealers Wheel album Ferguslie Park from 1973.

The song reached #12 in Canada, #25 in the UK and #29 in the US.

Stuck In The Middle With You was from the bands first album in 1972 entitled Stealers Wheel.

The song hit #2 in Canada, #6 in the US and #8 in the UK and was their highest charting song.

Superstar was first recorded in 1969 by Bonnie & Delaney as a b-side to their single Comin Home.

But Richard Carpenter heard Bette Midler sing this on Johnny Carson and decided to make an arrangement for sister Karen to sing.  Good choice as they scored a #2 on the US pop charts in 1971.

Funk 49 was released in 1970  and is one of the James Gang's most iconic tracks and a defining moment for guitarist Joe Walsh, who co-wrote the song with bandmates Dale Peters and Jim Fox.

It appears on their second album, James Gang Rides Again, and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its gritty guitar riffs, heavy groove, and raw energy. While it didn’t chart high on the Billboard Hot 100 — peaking at #59 — the song’s infectious riff and explosive instrumental break earned it lasting recognition on classic rock radio and playlists. 

 “Funk #49” helped solidify Joe Walsh’s reputation as a powerful guitar force, eventually leading to his successful solo career and later, his role in The Eagles. The track remains a staple of 70s rock and a showcase of the power trio format done right.

Walk Away was released in 1971 as the lead track on Thirds, the James Gang’s third studio album — and it stands as one of the band’s most enduring songs.

Written and sung by Joe Walsh, the track blends crunchy guitar riffs with bluesy swagger and heartfelt lyrics about the end of a troubled relationship. It reached #51 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the band's highest-charting singles.

The song is notable for its sharp lyrical edge and Walsh’s signature guitar tone, which balances distortion with tight, rhythmic control. “Walk Away” was also the last single Walsh released with the James Gang before launching his solo career and later joining The Eagles. 

What I Like About You was a single release from The Romantics debut album. The song was released in 1979 and the album in 1980. The track reached #61 on the US Billboard Top 200.

The Wizard was the one of two tracks released as singles by Uriah Heep from their 1972 album Demons And Wizards.

The song did not chart in the US but did in Canada reaching #86.

One More Chance is a standout ballad from Zebra’s 1983 self-titled debut album, which showcased the band’s dynamic blend of hard rock and progressive influences.

Known for their powerful vocals, tight arrangements, and emotional delivery, Zebra slowed things down with this heartfelt track — a piano-driven plea for reconciliation and forgiveness.

While it wasn’t released as a major single like Tell Me What You Want or Who's Behind The Door?, the song became a fan favorite thanks to its soaring melody and Randy Jackson’s expressive vocal performance

Tell Me What You Want is one of the most recognizable and enduring tracks from Zebra’s self-titled debut album, released in 1983.

Blending hard rock riffs with soaring falsetto vocals by Randy Jackson, the song quickly became a fan favorite and helped establish Zebra as a formidable presence in the early ‘80s rock scene.

It was released as a single, reaching #89 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became a staple of rock radio stations across the U.S.