🎸 Best 80s Alternative Rock Songs to Play on Guitar
(page being updated with new bands)

Blending elements of new wave, post-punk, synth-pop, and melodic rock, these artists brought a unique style that stood apart from mainstream arena rock of the era. On this page, you'll find acoustic guitar lessons inspired by many of the best 80s alternative rock songs from bands such as A-Ha, Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, Talking Heads, Concrete Blonde, and many others.

From atmospheric ballads and catchy radio favorites to energetic new wave classics, these songs continue to connect with listeners decades later. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering these recordings for the first time, this collection offers a wide variety of memorable songs that sound great on acoustic guitar.

Like The Weather appeared on 10,000 Maniacs' 1987 album In My Tribe. Written by lead singer Natalie Merchant, the song combined jangly folk-rock guitars with thoughtful lyrics about emotional uncertainty and changing moods.

Released as a single in 1988, it became one of the band's first major college radio successes and helped expand their audience beyond the alternative music scene. A music video featuring the band performing in a colorful studio setting received regular airplay on MTV during the late 1980s.

Although it was not a major mainstream chart hit in North America, the song became popular on modern rock stations and helped establish 10,000 Maniacs as one of the leading alternative bands of the era.

Take On Me was the international breakthrough hit for a-ha and appeared on their 1985 debut album Hunting High and Low. Written by band members Magne Furuholmen, Pål Waaktaar, and Morten Harket, the song was first released in 1984 but gained little attention until it was re-recorded and paired with an innovative pencil-sketch animation video.

The clip became one of the most celebrated videos in MTV history and helped push the single to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Top 10 in many countries worldwide.

Known for Harket's soaring vocal range and unforgettable keyboard melody, the song has since been covered by artists including Reel Big Fish and featured in countless films and television shows.

Cruel Summer was one of the defining hits for Bananarama and first appeared on their 1983 album Bananarama. Written by the group alongside songwriting team Steve Jolley and Tony Swain, the song reflected the loneliness and pressure of city life during a hot summer in London.

Released as a single in 1983, it became an international success after reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984. The energetic music video, filled with colorful street scenes and playful humor, became a favorite on MTV.

The song received renewed popularity decades later after appearing in films and commercials, while artists including Ace of Base created their own versions inspired by its memorable melody and rhythm.

Joey was the breakthrough hit for Concrete Blonde and appeared on their 1990 album Bloodletting. Written by lead singer Johnette Napolitano, the song explored the emotional struggles of loving someone battling addiction.

Released as a single in 1990, it became the band's biggest commercial success, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning heavy airplay on modern rock and mainstream radio stations.

The haunting music video helped introduce the group to a wider audience during the rise of alternative rock in the early 1990s. Napolitano's deeply emotional vocal performance gave the song lasting impact, and its honest lyrics have connected with listeners for decades. Artists such as Bon Jovi later performed the song live in tribute to its powerful songwriting.

Always The Last To Know was released by Del Amitri on their 1992 album Change Everything.

Written by frontman Justin Currie, the song blended sharp lyrical observations with melodic pop-rock arrangements that became a trademark of the band. Issued as the album's lead single, it reached No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart and helped establish Del Amitri as one of the leading British bands of the early 1990s.

A music video featuring the group performing in a moody urban setting received regular rotation on music television channels in Europe and Canada. Although the band enjoyed only modest success in the United States, the song became a favorite among fans for its bittersweet lyrics and memorable chorus.

Personal Jesus was released by Depeche Mode in 1989 as the lead single from their landmark album Violator. Written by Martin Gore, the song was inspired by the idea of people seeking guidance and comfort from others in deeply personal ways.

Built around a bluesy guitar riff unusual for electronic music at the time, it became one of the band's biggest international hits, reaching the Top 20 in several countries and earning strong radio airplay in North America.

The black-and-white music video, directed by Anton Corbijn, helped strengthen the group's darker visual image. The song later gained new attention through cover versions by artists including Johnny Cash and Marilyn Manson.

Come On Eileen was the signature hit for Dexys Midnight Runners and appeared on their 1982 album Too-Rye-Ay.

Written by Kevin Rowland, Jim Paterson, and Billy Adams, the song mixed Celtic folk influences with energetic pop rhythms and heartfelt lyrics inspired by youthful romance. Released as a single in 1982, it reached No. 1 in both the United Kingdom and the United States, becoming one of the decade's biggest international hits.

The lively street-themed music video helped make the band recognizable during the early MTV era. The song later returned to popular culture through films, television, and cover versions by artists including Save Ferris.

Rainbow In The Dark is found on Dio's 1983 debut album Holy Diver. Written by Ronnie James Dio along with band members Vivian Campbell, Jimmy Bain, and Vinny Appice, the song combined powerful keyboards with one of the most recognizable choruses in heavy metal.

Released as the second single from the album, it became a staple of rock radio and helped establish Dio as a successful solo artist after leaving Black Sabbath.

The colorful performance video received regular exposure on MTV, introducing the band to a wider audience. Despite Ronnie James Dio once considering removing the song from the album, it became one of the defining metal anthems of the 1980s.

Save It For Later was released by The Beat, known in North America as the English Beat, on their 1982 album Special Beat Service.

Written by guitarist and vocalist Dave Wakeling, the song blended ska rhythms, new wave energy, and thoughtful lyrics about uncertainty and growing older. Released as a single in 1982, it reached the UK Top 10 and became one of the band's best-known recordings. Although its original music video received moderate exposure at the time, the song gained even greater popularity in later years through film and television placements.

Artists including Pearl Jam later recorded live versions of the song, helping introduce it to new audiences beyond the new wave era.

She Drives Me Crazy was the breakout international hit for Fine Young Cannibals and appeared on their 1989 album The Raw & the Cooked.

Written by band members Roland Gift and David Steele, the song stood out for its sharp guitar sound, unusual snare drum effect, and Gift's soulful vocal style. Released as a single in late 1988, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in several countries.

The striking black-and-white music video became a major MTV favorite and helped turn the group into international stars. Its unique production style influenced many late-1980s pop recordings, while the song itself has remained a staple of retro radio and movie soundtracks.

Love Plus One was the debut single from Haircut One Hundred and appeared on their 1982 album Pelican West. Written by frontman Nick Heyward, the song blended upbeat pop melodies with jazz and funk influences that gave the band a fresh sound during the early 1980s.

Released in 1982, it reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and later became a moderate hit in North America. The colorful tropical-themed music video received regular airplay on MTV and helped introduce the group to international audiences.

With its bright horns, catchy chorus, and cheerful energy, the song became one of the defining pop recordings of the new wave era and remains closely associated with the early days of 1980s music television.

What's My Scene was one of the biggest hits for Hoodoo Gurus and appeared on their 1987 album Blow Your Cool!. Written by guitarist and singer Dave Faulkner, the song combined garage rock energy with catchy pop hooks and lyrics about identity and fitting in.

Released as a single in 1987, it became a major hit in Australia, reaching the Top 5 and helping the band gain international attention. A playful music video featuring colorful visual effects and energetic performances received strong rotation on Australian and college music television programs.

The song later found a new audience when it was used in commercials and sporting broadcasts, becoming one of the most recognizable Australian rock songs of the late 1980s.

Fallen On Hard Times was single from the Broadsword and the Beast album (1982). The track mixes folk-influenced rock with social commentary.

Ian Anderson’s distinctive vocals and the mid-tempo strum create a grounded, story-like song that never charted high but remains a fan favorite.

The single reached #20 on the US Main chart.

Skating Away or the acoustic-driven track, officially titled “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day,” showcases intricate fingerstyle patterns and thoughtful lyrics (but not in my version).

Released in 1974, it predates the 80s but remained part of their live rotation well into the decade.

The song failed to chart.

Live It Up was released in 1985 and is this upbeat Australian number that became a hit internationally after being featured in the Crocodile Dundee movie.

Its bouncy rhythm, catchy synth lines, and lighthearted lyrics reflect the vibrant Aussie pop-rock scene of the 80s. The song hit #2 in Australia and charted well across Europe. Its strumming pattern is tight and pop-oriented, making it a fun and accessible song on guitar.

Brother Louie is a synth-heavy Eurodisco track by German duo Modern Talking and was a major hit across Europe, reaching #1 in several countries. The song hails from their 1996 album Ready For Romance.  

The song did not chart in the US.

Known for its falsetto vocals, programmed rhythms, and catchy chorus, the song defines the glam side of 80s European pop. Guitar-wise, it’s more of a keyboard-driven tune but still adaptable with power chords and rhythmic strumming.

Always Something There To Remind Me was first released in the 1960s by Dionne Warwick and then later released in 1983 by Naked Eyes where they scored a #8 hit in the summer of 1983.

The Naked Eyes bersion brought a darker, modern twist. With a moody vocal delivery and layered synth textures,  it features simple chord progressions in a minor key and a strong rhythmic pulse for guitar adaptation.

Can't Live Without Your Love And Affection is from (1990) and became Nelson’s biggest hit.

Twin brothers Gunnar and Matthew Nelson brought soaring harmonies and melodic hard rock into the early 90s. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and features clean arpeggios, power chords, and a heartfelt ballad structure — perfect for acoustic play throughs.

Enola Gay is a 1980 synth-pop anthem that became a political and melodic piece about the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945.

Despite the serious subject, its danceable beat, catchy lead synth, and melodic structure made it a UK Top 10 hit.

Though heavily electronic, the song’s three-chord foundation makes it playable on guitar with steady eighth-note strumming.

Every Rose Has It's Thorn is a defining power ballad of the glam metal era and this 1988 acoustic-led hit topped the Billboard Hot 100.

Brett Michaels wrote it after a breakup, and its vulnerable lyrics, simple G–Cadd9–D–Em progression, and heartfelt vocal melody made it an essential campfire tune.

A perfect blend of stripped-down sincerity and 80s excess.

Don't You (Forget About Me) is a single by the group Simple Minds and has appeared in two films. The Breakfast Club in 1985 and the film Easy A in 2010.

Artists Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry both turned down an offer to record the song. The song was written by two fans of Simple Minds and the band was skeptical about recording a song they themselves had not written.

But they had not broken into the US market as yet. The song hit #1 in both Canada and the US in 1985.

For Your Babies is from the 1991 album by Simply Red called Stars and this soulful ballad shows Mick Hucknall’s vocal control and emotional delivery.

It didn’t chart as high in North America but reached #9 in the UK. Smooth, jazz-influenced chord progressions and gentle rhythm make it ideal for fingerstyle or light strumming on acoustic guitar.

Drivers Seat is technically not an 80s song but came out as a single in 1978.

The song reached #15 in the US in the fall of 1979 and reached #4 in the Netherlands in 1980. The band is considered a one hit wonder band as this was their only big hit.