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Best 50s Guitar Songs
Learn Classic Hits on Acoustic
Welcome to my Best 50s Guitar Songs page, where you’ll find over 30 legendary songs from the golden era of rock & roll, rockabilly, and rhythm & blues. Whether you're looking to master Chuck Berry’s iconic riffs, the smooth grooves of Fats Domino, or Buddy Holly’s timeless melodies, you’re in the right place!
Each lesson includes a free demo video, chord sheet, and rhythm tips, plus a full instructional tutorial available for a small fee. Browse through classic hits like Rock Around the Clock, Johnny B. Goode, Blueberry Hill, and more—perfect for acoustic players looking to capture the spirit of the '50s!
Bill Haley & The Comets - Rock Around The ClockBobby Day - Rockin Robin
Bobby Vee - Take Good Care Of My Baby
Buddy Knox - Party Doll
Carl Perkins - Everybody's Tryin To Be My Baby
Chubby Checker - Let's Twist Again
Del Shannon - Runaway
Eddie Cochran - Hallelujah I Love Her So, I Remember, Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie, Twenty Flight Rock
Fats Domino - Ain't That A Shame, Blueberry Hill, I'm Walkin
Frankie Avalon - Venus
Jerry Lee Lewis - Just Dropped In, Whole Lotta Shakin
Jimmy Rogers - Honeycomb
Little Richard - Good Golly Miss Molly
Los Lobos - We Belong Together
Melvin Endsley - The Blues Don't Mean A Thing
Otis Day & The Nights - Shama Lama Ding Dong
Ritchie Valens - Come On Let's Go, Donna
Skip And Flip - It Was I
The Crows - Gee
The Skyliners - Since I Don't Have You
The Teddy Bears - To Know Him Is To Love Him
Classic 1950s Guitar Songs
Free Chords, Demos & Full Lessons
Bill Haley & The Comets Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Rock Around The Clock was not written by Bill Haley but by Max Freedman and James Myers in 1952. Bill Haley recorded the song in 1954 and it took only two takes combined to make the final version.
And because of a delay arriving at the studio to record the song, Sammy Davis Jr's studio time was delayed while he waited in the hallway as Bill Haley recorded this song. Bill Haley had a #1 with this song and can be found on his album of the same name.
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Chords And Strumming
There is a lead break in this one playing the three chords of A, E7 and D7. For rhythm play a down up down up down up and a few down-strokes.
Guitar Lesson Detail -
Learn 50s Rock & Roll Classics!
Rock & Roll Pioneers - Master the iconic energy of 50s rock with classics like Bill Haley’s "Rock Around The Clock" and Bobby Day’s "Rockin’ Robin", both featuring steady rhythms and upbeat strumming patterns. If you’re a Chuck Berry fan, dig into his legendary riff-driven rockers like "Johnny B. Goode," "Roll Over Beethoven," "Sweet Little 16," "Promised Land," and "You Never Can Tell." These songs are must-learns for lead guitar and rhythm mastery.
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Bobby Day Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Rockin' Robin was a big hit song in 1958. It was written by Leon René, using the name Jimmie Thomas, and sung by Bobby Day. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was number one on the R&B sales chart for a week.
Michael Jackson also recorded a version of the song in 1972, which did well too.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play in standard tuning using a down up down up rhythm pattern with some walking bass. A little picking required while playing the chords G, C, D and C7.
Guitar Lesson Detail
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Bobby Vee Songs
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Take Good Care Of My Baby was co-written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin but made famous by Bobby Vee in 1961. Vee had a #1 hit with this song.
It can be found on the album of the same name.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a Drop D Tuning and a capo on the 3rd fret. A few riffs but no lead while playing the chords D, Bm, G, A7 and Daug. Play a down down up down up down up rhythm and repeat.
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Chords & Lyrics
Back To Song List For Best 50s Guitar Songs
The Night Has A Thousand Eyes is the name of the album and the single released back in Feb of 1963. The single peaked at #3 in both the US and the UK.
Chords And Strumming
The original key here is one fret higher and they also do a one fret key change but here I'm staying in one key all the way through the song. No lead but a fast paced down down up down up down up rhythm pattern is required while you play the chords D, F, G, A, Gb, B7, E, A7, A7sus, Bm, Em and a Gbm.
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Buddy Knox Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Party Doll is a rock 'n' roll song from 1957, written by Buddy Knox and Jimmy Bowen. Buddy Knox, a teenager from Happy, Texas, wrote it behind a haystack on his family farm in 1948. He recorded it in Clovis, New Mexico, with his friends Jimmy Bowen and Don Lanier.
Knox's sister and some friends sang backup vocals, and a girl from Clovis High School played the cymbal. The song became popular in Amarillo and later spread across the U.S. after Roulette Records picked it up. It reached number one on the Top 100 chart in March 1957.
Chords And Strumming
Three chords in this one are A, D and E playing a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. A little picking in this one.
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Carl Perkins Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Everybody's Tryin' To Be My Baby was written in 1936 by Rex Griffin but often given credit to Carl Perkins who recorded the song in 1957 and covered by The Beatles in 1964.
To my knowledge the song was released as a single in 1957 but I'm not sure if it charted. The track is from the album "Dance Album Of Carl Perkins".
Chords And Strumming
This one I play in standard tuning using the rhythm pattern root down root up down up and repeat. No lead work here, just a few riffs while playing thew chords E, A and B7.
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Chords & Lyrics
Back To Song List For Best 50s Guitar Songs
Chubby Checker Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Let's Twist Again was released in 1961 and probably his best know song, reaching #8 on Billboard and #3 on the Cash Box charts. The song won a Grammy in 1962. He also recorded the song in German and Italian.
The song was #1 in the UK, Holland and Belgium. The song is found on the album of the same name.
Chords And Strumming
Play this with a capo 3rd fret for the original key using a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. A bit of lead in here also with the chords G, C, Am, F and C7.
Guitar Lesson Detail
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Del Shannon Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Runaway was a song written by a guy named Charles Westover, (who changed his name to Del Shannon), and a keyboard player named Max Crook. Max had built a keyboard with a unique sound and he called it a Musitron.
When their manager persuaded them to record the song they had no idea it would peak at #1 on Billboard in the US and three weeks later top the charts in the UK. The song can be found on the 1961 album "Runaway With Del Shannon".
Chords And Strumming
A standard tuning song with some lead from the keyboard here from Del Shannon using the chords Am, G, F, E, E7, Gbm and D. Play a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern.
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Eddie Cochran Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Hallelujah I Love Her So is a song originally written and recorded by Ray Charles, in 1959. Cochran's rendition features his signature rockabilly style, with a prominent guitar riff and driving rhythm section but was never released as a single.
The song showcases Cochran's smooth vocals and impressive guitar skills, with a solo that incorporates bluesy bends and fast runs up and down the fretboard. The track was released as a single and performed moderately well on the charts, cementing Cochran's reputation as a skilled interpreter of other artists' songs.
Chords And Strumming
You will have a bit of lead in this one in standard tuning playing the chords G, G6, C, C#7, D7, Gdim, E7, Em and A7. I use a root up down root up down up rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Rockabilly & Blues Grooves -
If you love the raw energy of rockabilly, try Buddy Knox’s "Party Doll" or Carl Perkins’ "Everybody’s Tryin’ To Be My Baby"—great for learning classic shuffle rhythms. Fans of Eddie Cochran can take on "Twenty Flight Rock," "Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie," and "Hallelujah I Love Her So", each packed with snappy licks and fun chord progressions. For a taste of smooth 50s blues, check out Fats Domino’s "Blueberry Hill," "Ain’t That A Shame," and "I’m Walkin’."
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I Remember is a touching ballad that Eddie Cochran recorded in 1959, just a year before his untimely death.
The song is notable for its tender lyrics, which reflect on past memories of love and loss. Cochran's emotive vocals are backed by a simple arrangement featuring acoustic guitar, bass, and drums, which allows the poignant lyrics to take center stage.
Although "I Remember" was not a major commercial
success at the time of its release, it has since become a fan favorite
and is widely regarded as one of Cochran's most heartfelt recordings.
Chords And Strumming
Use a down up down down down down down and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning with some lead work required. I play the following chords C, Am, F, G, C7, Em, Dm, G7 and A7.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Best 50s Guitar Songs
Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie is a high-energy rock 'n' roll song that Eddie Cochran recorded in 1958. The track features a driving rhythm section and a catchy guitar riff that is instantly recognizable. Cochran's vocals are infused with a sense of playful energy, and his lyrics tell the story of a girl who has caught his eye.
Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie peaked at #98 in the US and after his death it was released again in the UK in 1961 and reached #33. It can be found on an album called "Legendary Masters Series". The Stray Cats also covered this number.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a capo 2nd fret playing a down up down up down up rhythm pattern. A little picking in this one with the E, A and B7 chords.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
Twenty Flight Rock was a single release by Eddie Cochran back in 1957 but the song never charted. Eddie also appeared in the film "The Girl Can't Help It" with Jane Mansfield, where he performed the song in that movie.
Twenty Flight Rock also gained
notoriety for its role in the history of rock 'n' roll, as it was
famously performed by a young Paul McCartney during his audition for
John Lennon and the Quarrymen, which led to his eventual inclusion in
the Beatles.
The song was written by a lady named Nelda Fairchild and can be found on the album "Never To Be Forgotten", which was released after Eddie's death in 1960.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a capo on the 2nd in standard tuning with the three chords C, C7 and D7. A little picking riff in here with a down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
Fats Domino Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Ain't That a Shame is a famous rock and roll song written by Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew. Fats Domino recorded the song in 1955, and it became really popular. It reached number 1 on the R&B chart and number 10 on the pop chart.
The song is about feeling sad and disappointed because of a breakup. Fats Domino included it in his first album, "Rock and Rollin' with Fats Domino," released in 1956. The song's success helped Fats Domino become well-known in the rock and roll genre.
An interesting fact is that the original title was "Ain't It a
Shame," but it was changed to "Ain't That a Shame" for the single
release.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with Drop D Tuning in standard tuning and put a bit of lead in my version. For rhythm play down-strokes and a steady shuffle with bass notes with the chords A, A7, D and an E.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Best 50s Guitar Songs
Blueberry Hill was recorded 6 times in 1940, the same year it was published. The Glenn Miller Orchestra had the biggest hit with the song that year reaching #2 in the US.
Fats Domino had a #1 on the R&B charts and a #2 Pop Hit when he released his version in 1956. Even Russian President Putin covered the song on Dec 10th 2010 in a benefit show for sick kids.
Chords And Strumming
Capo on the 3rd fret in standard tuning is where this one works best play the chords G, C, D, Am7, Gb, Bm, B7, D7 and Cm. For rhythm play a down down up down down up and repeat with walking bass. A bit of lead required in this lesson.
Guitar Lesson Detail
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I'm Walkin became a #1 hit on the R&B chart by Fats Domino in 1957. Others covered the song including Ricky Nelson, Nancy Sinatra and Tom Petty.
The song hails from the album "Here Stands Fats Domino".
Chords And Strumming
Capo on the 2nd fret is the original key playing the chords G, D, C, G7 and a Cm. For rhythm play a down up down up and repeat with walking bass blended into the rhythm. I add a bit of lead in my version here.
Guitar Lesson Detail
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Frankie Avalon Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Venus was a single by Frankie Avalon and first released in 1959 and then again in 1976. The original version top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1959 where the 2nd released made it to #46 and had a bit of a disco vibe to it. Frankie is quoted as saying that he preferred the original version.
Chords And Strumming
Play this one in standard tuning with the chords Amaj7, D, E, Bm, Gbm, Abm and a Dmaj7. No lead but you wan work in a riff as you play a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern.
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Jerry Lee Lewis Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Just Dropped In was considered a psychedelic rock song written Mickey Newbury. Jerry Lee Lewis first recorded the song in May of 1967. But it was Kenny Rogers and The First Edition who released their version later that year and scored a #5 hit.
I don't believe Jerry Lee Lewis released his version as a single but it can be found on the album "Soul My Way".
Chords And Strumming
The rhythm here is a steady root down root up down up using the chords Dm, A7, G and a Gm. There is a little picking for the acoustic player in this tune played in standard tuning.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Dancefloor Hits & Party Favorites -
Get people moving with Chubby Checker’s "Let’s Twist Again", a perfect song for energetic strumming. If you love the upbeat rock vibe, Jerry Lee Lewis’ "Whole Lotta Shakin’" and "Just Dropped In" will teach you boogie-woogie piano transcriptions on guitar.
Back To Song List For Best 50s Guitar Songs
Whole Lotta Shakin was first recorded by Big Maybelle in 1955, but the 1957 version by Jerry Lee Lewis is the one most people know best because he radically changed the vibe.
He said he'd knew it would be a hit when he cut the song at Sun Studios in Feb 1957. It hit #3 on Billboard and #1 on the R&B Charts.
This track can be found on the "Original Hits Vol 1" album from 1969.
Chords And Strumming
You can play this one in standard tuning using a down up down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with the chords C, F, G, G7 and a C7. A bit of lead in this lesson.
Guitar Lesson Detail
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Jimmy Rodgers Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Honeycomb is a song recorded by Jimmie Rodgers, but it was released in 1957. The song was written by Bob Merrill.
The song was a major hit and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
chart in 1957. The success of "Honeycomb" contributed to Jimmie Rodgers'
prominence in the music scene during that time.
In the song "Honeycomb," the term "honeycomb" is used metaphorically to describe the sweetness of love. The song was never released on an album.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one in standard tuning with a rhythm pattern of root down up bass up down up . There is a bit of picking in this one while playing the chords G, C, D, G7 and D7.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
Little Richard Songs
Good Golly Miss Molly ... info soon.
Chord sheet and video lesson contained in the zip file below.
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Los Lobos Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
We Belong Together is a song from 1958 and first recorded by the duo "Robert & Johnny" and was a #12 R&B hit for them. Ritchie Valens recorded the song in 1959 and had success with the song.
Los Lobos, who formed in LA in 1973, were chosen to record a version of the song in 1987 for the movie about Ritchie Valens life called "La Bamba".
Chords And Strumming
The original key is a capo on the 3rd fret with the chords D, Bm, Em, A7, G, D7, Gm and E7. My picking is an arpeggio riff as you play thru this one and use a down down down up down down and repeat pattern.
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Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Best 50s Guitar Songs
Melvin Endsley Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
The Blues Don't Mean A Thing was one written and recorded by Melvin Endsley but the only reference to the song is on a rockabilly album called The Last Great Rockabilly Saturday Night.
Most of the artists listed on the album cover are not well known. Endsley himself had a successful career as a writer, penning over 400 songs, but his commercial success as a singer was limited.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm play a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a little picking. For chords, play an A, D7, E, B7 and an E7.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Golden Oldies & Hidden Gems -
Explore some underrated gems from the 50s, like The Crows’ "Gee," Melvin Endsley’s "The Blues Don’t Mean A Thing," and Otis Day & The Nights’ "Shama Lama Ding Dong." These songs are great for beginners, featuring simple chord changes and classic doo-wop rhythms.
Chords & Lyrics
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Otis Day & The Nights Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Shama Lama Ding Dong is a fun song from the 1978 movie National Lampoon's Animal House. Mark Davis wrote it, and it was performed by a fictional band called Otis Day and the Knights. Although DeWayne Jessie played Otis Day in the film, the vocals were actually sung by Lloyd G. Williams, with Melvin Britt and Sidney Juston doing backing vocals.
The song was popular and won an award in 1995. John Mellencamp covered it in 1987, and it's also played by the band Goose. It's been recorded by different groups like the University of California Men's Octet and the Dartmouth Aires.
Chords And Strumming
This song is higher vocally than where I am here as it's original key is C and my demo here is lower in A. I'm playing with a capo 2nd fret so my four chords are G, Em, C and a D. For rhythm you'll need a root down up down up down up and repeat. I have a little lead section in this one.
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Ritchie Valens Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Come On Let's Go hails from 1958 and was written by Ritchie Valens himself.
It peaked at #42 on Billboard and was one of four singles from his debut album "Ritchie Valens".
Chords And Strumming
You can play this song in standard tuning with a down up down up up down up and repeat rhythm pattern playing the four chords A, D, G and E. A little picking in this number.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Heartfelt Ballads & Doo-Wop Classics -
For those drawn to soulful 50s ballads, try Del Shannon’s "Runaway", featuring a haunting chord progression. Or go with Ritchie Valens’ "Donna" for a romantic, slow-tempo acoustic feel. Songs like Frankie Avalon’s "Venus" and The Teddy Bears’ "To Know Him Is To Love Him" focus on gentle strumming and emotional delivery.
Back To Song List For Best 50s Guitar Songs
Donna was recorded in Dec of 1958 as the A-side for a single which was to include La Bamba as the B-Side. The song peaked at #2 and his highest charting single of the 3 he managed to release before his death. The other was Come On let's Go.
This song appears on an album entitled "Ritchie Valens".
Chords And Strumming
Capo this on on the 3rd fret in standard tuning using three chords, D, G and A. No picking here while playing a down down up down down down down rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
Skip And Flip Songs
It Was I ... info soon.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
The Crows
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Gee was the only hit from this group who formed in 1951 and released this song in 1953. Many considered this song to be the first rock and roll song.
The song reached #14 on the Pop charts and #2 on the R&B charts.
Chords And Strumming
The chords needed here are D, Bm, Em, A7, G, D7 and Ab while you play a little picking into the rhythm of down up down up down up. This one is played in standard tuning.
Guitar Lesson Detail
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The Skyliners - Learn To Play On Guitar
Since I Don't Have You ... info soon.
Chord sheet and video lesson found in the zip file below.
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The Teddy Bears
- Learn To Play On Guitar
To Know Him Is to Love Him is a famous song by The Teddy Bears, written by Phil Spector. Spector got the idea from the words on his father's tombstone. The song was a big hit in 1958, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the UK's New Musical Express chart.
Even though The Teddy Bears didn't have a whole album with this song, it's still remembered as one of the greats of early rock and roll. Other artists like Peter & Gordon, Bobby Vinton, and Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris also had hits with it later on.
Chords And Strumming
This one is full of chords which are D, G, A, A7, Bm, Bm/A, F, C, A#, D7, Dm, Gm and an E7. For rhythm you'll play a down down up down down down down and repeat. No lead break in the original version but I added one so it's optional.
Guitar Lesson Detail
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Best 50s Guitar Songs
Thanks for visiting my Best 50s Guitar Songs page! I hope you’ve found some great tunes to add to your repertoire. With so many legendary tracks from rock & roll pioneers, there’s no shortage of fun songs to learn. Don't forget to grab your free chord sheets and demo videos, and if you want to dive deeper, my step-by-step tutorials are available anytime. Happy strumming, and keep the '50s rockin'!
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