How to Play Tom Petty on Acoustic Guitar

On this page, you’ll find lessons for acoustic-friendly tracks like Free Fallin’ and Wildflowers, as well as rock staples like Refugee, The Waiting, and You Wreck Me.

Let’s dig into the best of Tom Petty’s catalog—custom-tailored for acoustic players.

Free Fallin is  from his solo album called "Full Moon Fever," which came out on April 24, 1989. The album did really well, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, and it's one of Tom Petty's most successful solo works.

The song "Free Fallin'" is a big part of this success, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tom Petty worked closely with Jeff Lynne, known for his work with Electric Light Orchestra, in producing the album.

I Won't Back Down is from his solo album "Full Moon Fever," released on April 24, 1989. This album was a huge success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.

"I Won't Back Down" became one of the standout tracks from the album, known for its empowering lyrics and Tom Petty's distinctive voice. The single performed well on the charts, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100

Learning To Fly hails from their album "Into The Great Wide Open" in 1991. The album hit the music scene on July 2, 1991.

"Learning To Fly" became one of the most recognizable tracks from the album, known for its reflective lyrics and uplifting melody. The single achieved notable success, reaching No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album, produced by Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, showcased their continued successful collaboration. "Learning To Fly" stands as a testament to Tom Petty's ability to craft emotionally resonant songs, and the album remains a significant chapter in the band's discography.

Mary Jane's Last Dance appeared on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 1993 "Greatest Hits" album. Released on November 16, 1993, the compilation reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200.

The song, known for its haunting melody and Petty's distinctive vocals, hit No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its memorable music video was directed by Peyton Reed. Although recorded during the Wildflowers sessions, the song's success made it a natural fit for the Greatest Hits compilation, contributing to the band's enduring legacy.

Wildflowers is the title track of his second solo studio album, released in 1994.

The album "Wildflowers" was well-received and showcased Petty's exploration of a more acoustic and introspective sound. Released on November 1, 1994, the album reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Although "Wildflowers" was not released as a single, it became one of the standout tracks on the album, admired for its poetic lyrics and melodic beauty. The song is often praised for its simplicity and emotional depth, resonating with listeners.

American Girl  was released by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers on their self-titled debut album in 1976.

Though not an immediate hit, it became one of Petty's most beloved songs over time. Known for its catchy guitar riff and Petty's emotive vocals, the song has influenced many musicians and been featured in various media, notably in the 1991 film "The Silence of the Lambs."

The track exemplifies the late 1970s rock energy and played a significant role in establishing Petty's status as a respected figure in rock music.

Don't Do Me Like That is a single from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' album "Damn the Torpedoes," released on October 19, 1979. The album reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200, while the single hit No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Despite legal issues with their previous label, the band signed with MCA Records for this album. "Damn the Torpedoes" received critical acclaim and is considered a classic rock album.

Its success marked a turning point in Petty's career, establishing the band as major figures in rock music. The album's popularity and impact on the late 1970s rock scene continue to be recognized today.

Refugee is one of three singles from the "Damm The Torpedos" album from 1979.  The album, which hit the shelves on October 19, 1979, marked a significant moment in Tom Petty's career.

"Damn the Torpedoes" was a huge success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

"Refugee" emerged as one of the standout tracks, known for its energetic rock sound and poignant lyrics. The single performed well, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song, co-written by Petty and Mike Campbell, became one of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' signature tunes. "Refugee" and the success of "Damn the Torpedoes" solidified Tom Petty's position as a major force in the rock music landscape of the late 1970s.

Running Down A Dream is from Tom's solo album, "Full Moon Fever," which debuted on April 24. This album quickly rose to success, securing the third spot on the Billboard 200 chart.

"Running Down a Dream" stood out as a lead single and gained popularity, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by Petty, Mike Campbell, and Jeff Lynne, the song is known for its compelling rhythm and memorable guitar riffs.

Collaborating with Lynne in both writing and production, the album showcased Petty's solo talents.

The music video for the song, with its captivating imagery, added to its acclaim. Overall, "Full Moon Fever" played a pivotal role in solidifying Tom Petty's solo career, highlighting his skillful songwriting and musical versatility.

The track also reached #23 in Canada.

The Waiting was the lead single from the album Hard Promises. This album made its debut on May 5, 1981, and it found considerable success, securing the fifth spot on the Billboard 200 chart.

"The Waiting" emerged as a standout track, celebrated for its catchy melody and Tom Petty's distinctive voice. The single achieved notable success, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 but hit #1 on their newly created Rock charts.

"The Waiting" stands as a timeless classic from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, showcasing their talent for creating enduring and impactful rock music. The song peaked at #6 in Canada. Download the free Tom Petty The Waiting lyrics below.

You Wreck Me is a song by American rock musician Tom Petty, released in 1994 as part of his second solo album, "Wildflowers." The song was co-written by Petty and his longtime collaborator, Mike Campbell, who was also the lead guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

"You Wreck Me" is characterized by its upbeat, driving rock sound and catchy guitar riffs. It's considered one of the standout tracks from the "Wildflowers" album, which is widely regarded as one of Petty's best works. The song's energetic tempo and memorable chorus make it a fan favorite and a staple of rock radio.

Breakdown was released on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' self-titled debut album in 1976.

Initially overlooked, it gained popularity when re-released as a single in 1977, reaching No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is known for its catchy melody and Petty's emotive vocals.

"Breakdown" became one of Petty's classics and played a significant role in establishing the band's reputation in the late 1970s rock scene. It remains a fan favorite and exemplifies the raw, energetic sound of their early work.

Change Of Heart was one of three singles from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' fifth studio album, "Long After Dark," released on November 2, 1982.

The album, which reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200, blended rock and new wave influences. "Change of Heart" performed well, reaching #21 on the Billboard chart and #10 on the US Rock chart.

The album showcased the band's evolution, incorporating new wave elements and synthesizers while maintaining their rock roots, despite some creative tensions during recording.

Into The Great Wide Open is a track from their album with the same title. The album hit the music scene on July 2, 1991, and it did quite well, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The song "Into The Great Wide Open" is a standout with its catchy tunes and Tom Petty's storytelling lyrics. Although the single didn't reach the top of the charts, it managed a #4 position on the US Rock charts and remains a favorite among fans.

The music video for the song is famous for its narrative featuring Johnny Depp and Faye Dunaway. Produced by Jeff Lynne alongside Tom Petty, the album reflects their successful collaboration.

Listen To Her Heart hails from the 1978 album You're Gonna Get It. Apparently Ike Turner was hitting on Tom Petty's wife at the time so he wrote this song as a protest.

The label wanted Petty to remove the word cocaine and change it but her refused to the song received limited air time on radio but it still managed to reach #59 on the Top 100 Billboard charts.

Stop Draggin My Heart Around was a duet with Tom Petty as the guest of Stevie Nicks for her 1981 album "Bella Donna" and it quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" became a major hit, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's success was notable as it marked a fusion of rock and pop elements, blending Petty's distinctive style with Nicks' captivating vocals.

"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" remains a classic duet, illustrating the powerful synergy between Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks during the early 1980s.The song reached #5 in Canada as well.

Yer So Bad is a standout track from Tom Petty's solo album "Full Moon Fever," released in 1989. Rolling out on April 24 of that year, the album soared to No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant triumph.

While "Yer So Bad" didn't reach the same chart heights as some other songs from the album, it was one of five singles released from the Full Moon River album  and this song peaked at #5 on the US Rock charts.

The collaboration between Petty and Jeff Lynne in producing the album brought forth a timeless and iconic sound. Known for its clever lyrics and humorous touch, "Yer So Bad" showcases Petty's songwriting prowess.