If you love the gritty charm and blues-infused swagger of southern rock, this page is for you.
Iâve gathered the best 70s southern rock songs that sound great on acoustic guitar.
Whether you're a fan of 38 Specialâs anthemic riffs, ZZ Topâs Texas twang, or the soulful slide work of Elvin Bishop and Bonnie Raitt, youâll find something here to sink your teeth into.
Each lesson comes with a free chord sheet, a video demo, and the option to purchase the full step-by-step tutorial.
Currently my 70s section is being rebuilt but all links work here.
Caught Up In You was the breakout hit from 38 Specialâs 1982 album Special Forces, and it remains one of their most recognizable songs.
Blending the bandâs Southern rock roots with a polished 80s arena-rock sound, the track showcased a more radio-friendly direction. It quickly climbed the charts, reaching #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hitting #1 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chartâmarking 38 Specialâs first Top 10 hit.
The song features lead vocals by Don Barnes and was co-written by Barnes and guitarist Jeff Carlisi, along with Survivorâs Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan.
I play a capo 2nd fret here in standard tuning and of course this one has multiple rhythm patterns including all down strokes, a down down up down up down up and some chops throughout. Yes some lead in here with the chords D, Bm, A, G, Gbm, D/Gb, Em, A/Db and a D dim.
Fade To Blue marked a later-but-still impactful entry in 38 Specialâs catalog, appearing on their 1997 studio album Resolution.
This track leaned into a pop-rock direction, featuring a subtle mandolin riff that softened the bandâs signature Southern rock and while not a blockbuster single, it did climb to number 33 on Billboardâs Mainstream Rock chart, demonstrating the bandâs sustained presence in rock radio well into the 90s
The chords here are Em, D, C, G6, Am7, A7 and an F played in standard tuning with some lead. I play a root up down up for the most part with a few quick shuffles in this one.
Hold On Loosely is a signature track from their 1981 album WildâEyed Southern Boys album from 1981. This tune perfectly blends Southern rock swagger with catchy hooks.
The opening riff nods to The Cars, while the chorus drives home the bandâs melodic hard-rock charm.
I play a standard tuning here with just a few riffs and no lead. The chords are E, E/Eb, D, A/Db, C, D, Gbm, B, A, D/A and a B7 with playing mainly down strokes for rhythm and a few places where you'll play an up and down pattern in the bridge.
If I'd Been The One is a standout track from their 1983 album Tour de Force and showcases 38 Special's ability to blend emotional depth with Southern rock swagger.
The song soared to #19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and captured the top spot on the Mainstream Rock Airplay.
Co-written by band members Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi alongside Larry Steele and Donnie Van Zantâand produced collaboratively with Rodney Millsâit reflects a tighter, more polished AOR style.
This one is played with a steady down up down up rhythm pattern and with just a few riffs but no lead. In standard tuning play the chords G, Em, C, D, B7 and an Am.
Somebody Like You ... surfaced in 1986 as the second single from 38 Specialâs seventh studio album, Strength in Numbers.
The track climbed to #48 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at #6 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart.
Strength in Numbers marked a late-career comeback for 38 Special, earning gold certification and reminding fans of their prowess with memorable hooks and polished production.
This one is played in standard tuning and has just a few riffs blended into the rhythm for a lead break. There are two rhythm patterns in this one consisting of s steady down up down up and all down strokes. For chords you'll need a G, D/Gb, C, D, Em and a C/G.
Papa Come Quick appears on Bonnie Raittâs Grammy-winning 1991 album Luck of the Draw. While it wasnât released as a single, the song stands out for its uptempo rockabilly flair and storytelling charm, co-written by Billy Vera, Chip Taylor, and Manion.
The album itself was a massive success, selling over 7 million copies and producing several hit singles like âSomething to Talk About.â Though âPapa Come Quickâ didnât chart, it remains a fan favorite for its playful energy and showcases Bonnieâs versatility beyond her signature ballads and bluesy numbers.
The track helps round out Luck of the Draw as a dynamic, genre-blending release during the peak of her commercial resurgence.
This song has a blues vibe to it in standard tuning with the chords E, A and B7 with some picking riffs throughout the song. You'll be playing a root down root up down up rhythm pattern.
I Fooled Around And Fell In Love was released in 1975 on Elvin Bishopâs album Struttinâ My Stuff. Interestingly, while Bishop is a skilled guitarist and bandleader, the song's lead vocals were performed by Mickey Thomas, a background singer in Bishopâs band at the timeâwho later became famous with Jefferson Starship.
The single became Bishopâs biggest hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976 and going gold. Its smooth blend of Southern rock and blue-eyed soul helped the track endure as a staple of â70s soft rock playlists.
Itâs widely considered a one-hit wonder, but it remains one of the eraâs most iconic love songs.
This one is in standard tuning with a down down down up down up rhythm pattern in a chop format is the best way I can describe it. Some lead required in standard tuning with the chords D, Gbm, C, G, A, Em, Em/D#, Em/D and an A7.
Sure Feels Good appears on Elvin Bishopâs 1975 album Juke Joint Jump, a record that blends blues, boogie, and Southern rock with Bishopâs signature laid-back charm.
Though the song didnât chart as a single, it showcases Bishopâs joyful vocal style and guitar work, often backed by his bandâs tight, funky grooves. The track contributed to the albumâs overall appeal, helping solidify Bishopâs reputation as a rootsy, good-time performer.
Juke Joint Jump was released between two of Bishopâs biggest albums â Let It Flow (1974) and Struttinâ My Stuff (1976) â placing it squarely in his creative prime.
This one has a steady down up down up shuffle rhythm with a groove kinda vibe to it. Played in standard tuning and with now lead you'll need an A, Dbm, Bm, D, E, Gbm, G and a G# for chords.
Dixie Chicken is the signature title track from Little Featâs 1973 album Dixie Chicken, released January 25 on Warner Bros.
The song was issued as a single in March 1973 in the U.S. (backed with âLafayette Railroadâ) and later in the UK. The album is often regarded as their landmark release, as it marked a key lineup shift (adding Paul Barrere, Sam Clayton, and Kenny Gradney) and leaned more into New Orleans funk/R&B grooves.
Though Dixie Chicken didnât make a huge commercial splash initially, the title track became Little Featâs best-known anthem and a staple of their live performances.
You can play this one with the three chords A, D and E in standard tuning and some lead required. You'll play a down up up down up rhythm pattern in this one.
Willin was written by Lowell George and first appeared on Little Featâs 1971 self-titled debut album.
Because George had injured his hand, Ry Cooder was recruited to play slide guitar on that initial recording. The band re-recorded âWillinââ at a slower, more iconic tempo for their 1972 Sailinâ Shoes album.
Though it never charted as a single, âWillinââ became Little Featâs signature tune, beloved for its roadâworn lyrical imagery and soulful, understated style.
A laid back vibe here with a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning. No lead but a few riffs here with the chords G, C, D, Em, G6 and an Am,
Jukin City is featured on Molly Hatchetâs acclaimed 1979 album Flirtinâ with Disaster.
Though not issued as a major charting single, it remains a beloved deep cut among fans for its gritty southern rock groove and storytelling.
The Flirtinâ with Disaster album itself reached #19 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart and later earned platinum status.
For guitar players, âJukinâ Cityâ offers classic southern rock chord progressions and an opportunity to explore slide or bluesâtinged leads in a compact, energetic arrangement.
This one is played with a steady down up down up rhythm but with a few chops throughout. Some lead required in standard tuning but a bit of a high one in this original key. You'll need the chords D, Em, G and a C.
Keep On Smiling ... the bands most well-known song, was released in 1974 as part of their album of the same name.
This upbeat, feel-good track became their biggest hit, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's positive message of perseverance and optimism, coupled with Jimmy Hall's soulful lead vocals, resonated strongly with listeners.
Its success helped propel the "Keep On Smilin'" album to No. 37 on the Billboard 200 chart. While Wet Willie never achieved the same level of commercial success with their subsequent releases, "Keep On Smiling" secured their place in the pantheon of 1970s Southern rock bands and remains their signature song, still played on classic rock radio stations today.
This one has a steady shuffle pattern with a few notes blended in standard tuning with the chords D, A and G and a small lead break.
Leona is a single from the 1975 Wet Willie album Dixie Rock.
This song was released as a single and made it to #69 on the US rock charts in 1975.
This is a fast paced steady up and down rhythm pattern with a bit of lead in the middle of the song. In standard tuning, the chords you'll need are G, C, A, D and an Em.
She's A Heartbreaker is a track from ZZ Topâs 1976 Tejas album, released by London Records.
It was penned by band members Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard. The song clocks in around 3:02 in length and has become a solid deep cut in their catalog â often featured in fan playlists though it wasnât a major hit single.
While it didnât climb high on mainstream charts, Tejas itself reached #17 on the Billboard LP chart and showed the band exploring more melodic and country-inflected sounds on that eraâs work.
The rhythm here can be played with all down strokes or with a combo down up down up pattern in standard tuning. Some lead required and comes with a key change as well. The chords required are D, C, G, A, E, B and an E7.
Tube Snake Boogie was released in 1981 as a single from ZZ Topâs El Loco album.
It became a hit on rock radio, climbing to #4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The song was written by Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard, and features the bandâs signature blend of bluesârock energy and witty lyrical double entendre.
In the liner notes of ZZ Topâs 1992 Greatest Hits, the band mentions that âtube snakeâ can refer playfully to a surfboard â though many fans debate its sexual innuend
The track is produced by Bill Ham and recorded/mixed by Terry Manning, and it remains a lively staple in their live sets decades later.
Only three chords in this one but quite a bit of lead playing required. You'll need an E, A and B7 played with down strokes and in standard tuning.
Southern rock from the 1970s blended blues, country, and hard rock into a powerful sound that still resonates today.
Whether you're jamming along to the gritty edge of ZZ Top, the soulful groove of Little Feat, or the heartfelt playing of Bonnie Raitt, these songs offer plenty of fun and flavor on acoustic guitar.
If youâve enjoyed exploring these lessons, be sure to check out our other 70s rock collections for even more iconic riffs and rhythms. Keep strumming â and keep that southern spirit alive in every chord you play.