How To Play the Best Songs by Smokie on Guitar
Smokie emerged in the 1970s as one of Britain’s most recognizable soft rock bands, known for their catchy melodies, emotional lyrics, and distinct vocal style.
This page features 8 of their biggest songs — including two solo hits from lead singer Chris Norman — all arranged for acoustic guitar.
Whether you're strumming along to the timeless "Living Next Door to Alice" or digging into the slower ballads like "No Arms Can Ever Hold You," these lessons will help you bring Smokie’s signature sound to life with just a few chords and the right rhythm.
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Smokie Guitar Song List
1. A Few Dollars More2. If You Think You Know How To Love Me
3. Lay Back In The Arms Of Someone
4. Living Next Door To Alice
5. Mexican Girl
6. No Arms Can Ever Hold You
7. Oh Carol
8. Sun Is Rising
1. A Few Dollars More
A Few Dollars More has from in early 1978 when Smokie released this very first single from their album entitled "The Montreux Album".
Later in the fall the album came out. The song was a top 5 in Germany, Norway and Switzerland.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play in standard tuning with a down up stop up down up stop up and repeat rhythm pattern. A little bit of lead with the chords G, Am, C and D.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
2. If You Think You Know How To Love Me
If You Think You Know How To Love Me was a giant song for Smokie in 1975 reaching the top 10 in several European countries when it was released as a single. It later appeared on their album "Changing All The Time".
Alan Barton and Pat Benatar both covered the song in 1988 and 1979 respectively.
Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn wrote this song. They were a writing duo for many acts during the 1970s.
Chords And Strumming
Another song with the same chords of G, Em, C and D played in standard tuning with a capo 2nd fret. Play a little arpeggio with some up down up down up rhythm and eventually just root up down up down up down up. No lead here to be concerned.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
3. Lay Back In The Arms Of Someone
Lay Back In The Arms Of Someone was another huge song by Smokie in 1977 and written by the duo Mick Chapman and Nicky Chinn and can be found on their Greatest Hits album from 1977.
This song hit #1 in several European countries and was a top 10 in several others.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm here play a down down up down up down up and repeat for rhythm with the chords G, D, A, Bm and an Em. Played in standard tuning with a bit of lead involved.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
4. Living Next Door To Alice
Living Next Door To Alice was a song Australian band "New Order" first recorded in 1972 and had a #36 on the charts.
Several years later in 1976, Smokie decided to record their version and the song became a huge #1 in Europe and even peaked at #5 in the US. And you can guess who the duo was that wrote that one.
The song can be found on their Midnight Cafe album.
Chords And Strumming
Played with a capo 2nd fret and use arpeggio until you get into it then a root up down up down up will work here. Standard tuning with no lead and the chords G, C and D.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
5. Mexican Girl
Mexican Girl was the final single from "The Montreux Album" and reached the top 20 in most European countries and hit #1 in Germany.
The Smokie Mexican Girl chords are below.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 3rd fret with an up stroke with some arpeggio ... root down up down up root up down up -- using a quick shuffle on the first part of the chord in the chorus for rhythm. Some picking with the chords D, G, A7 and a D7.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
6. No Arms Can Ever Hold You - (Chris Norman)
No Arms Can Ever Hold You was originally featured on Chris Norman’s 1986 solo album Some Hearts Are Diamonds. This soft-rock ballad was produced and written by Dieter Bohlen of Modern Talking.
Released that same year as a single (with “Hunters of the Night” as the B-side), it reached No. 52 on the German charts and became particularly popular in the Philippine
Despite not being a major global hit, the song remains beloved among Norman’s European fanbase and has become a staple in his live sets—a testament to its emotional resonance and timeless melody.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one a bit lower but with a capo on the 2nd fret with the chords D, G, A, Gbm, Bm, E7, Em and an A7 you'll be in the original key. No lead in this one in standard tuning and played with a down down up down up down up down and repeat rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
7. Oh Carol
Oh Carol set a standard where many bands used the technique in the 1970's by releasing a single first, and then putting it on an album later. This song came out in the Spring of 1978 and ended up on The Montreux Album in Oct of the same year.
Another great song from Chapman and Chinn that reached the top 10 in several European countries.
Chords And Strumming
Play this one in standard tuning with the chords G, D, D7 and a C. Some lead required as you play a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
8. Sun Is Rising - (Chris Norman)
Sun Is Rising appeared on Norman's 2017 album Don’t Knock the Rock, and gained renewed visibility as part of the soundtrack for the film The Yesterday directed by Benita von Sass. While it wasn’t released as a standalone single, the track has a cinematic feel that makes it well-suited for both film and live performances.
This newer solo composition has become a concert favorite, often featured in Norman’s setlists during his “Junction 55 Live on Tour.” Its uplifting lyrics and memorable chorus resonate deeply with audiences across Europe.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 2nd fret here in standard tuning as does Chris Norman with the chords G, Am, D, C and a Dm. You'll play a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern and repeat. Some lead work required.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
Smokie’s catalog offers the perfect mix of upbeat anthems and heartfelt ballads for acoustic players of all levels. Each lesson on this page comes with a full video demo and optional PDF chord sheet, making it easy to follow along and build your skills.
If you enjoy this collection, be sure to check out other soft rock classics from the ‘70s and ‘80s — or explore more songs from Chris Norman’s solo career.
If you liked this best Smokie guitar songs page you might also like ... (click images)
Smokie Documentary
Acoustic Versions Of Rock Songs
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