Elvis Presley Movie Guitar Songs | 16 Acoustic Lessons

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Note: Every arrangement has been personally created, recorded and taught by Kirby
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Easy Elvis Guitar Songs
Elvis Songs In The 50s
Elvis Guitar Songs From The 70s
Elvis Presley Love Songs
Elvis Gospel & Inspirational Songs
Elvis Country And Blues Songs

More Elvis Resources

10 Elvis Presley Coloring Pages
12 Elvis Presley Wall Art

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New to Elvis Movie Songs?

If you're new to playing Elvis movie songs on acoustic guitar, start with lessons such as Blue Hawaii, Crawfish, El Toro, Mirage, or Young And Beautiful. These arrangements keep things fairly simple with manageable chord progressions, straightforward rhythm patterns and little or no lead work.

Once you're comfortable with the basics, move into songs such as Puppet On A String, Shopping Around, or The Lady Loves Me, where you'll begin adding bass runs, hammer-ons, rhythmic stops and other embellishments. More experienced players can tackle songs such as King Creole, Spinout, and Tonight's So Right for Love, where riffs, picking or more involved guitar parts require additional coordination.

Skill Level

Beginner-Friendly:
Blue Hawaii, Crawfish, El Toro, Golden Coins, Mirage, Sing You Children, and Young And Beautiful

Beginner to Intermediate:
Bossa Nova Baby, King Creole, Marguerita, Puppet On A String, Shopping Around, Spinout, The Lady Loves Me, They Remind Me Too Much Of You, and Tonight's So Right for Love

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Elvis Presley Guitar Lessons Included On This Page

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Blue Hawaii - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Blue Hawaii is played in standard tuning, and I play my arrangement without a capo using the chords G, C, E7, A7, D and Daug. The original recording is one fret higher, so you can place a capo on the 1st fret if you want to play along in the original key.

The song begins with a quick shuffle between the G and C chords, which I play without a pick. Once the progression moves down to E7, I switch to a root-up-down-up, bass-up-down-up rhythm pattern. There are a few bass runs between the chords, and during the second chorus I'll show you a walking bass line that changes the feel of the song and gives that section an almost hop-and-skip quality. There is no lead work required.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-friendly because the chords are manageable and there's no lead guitar to learn. Start with the chords and the two rhythm approaches, then add the bass runs and walking bass once you're comfortable. Bring in the vocals last to complete the arrangement.

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Bossa Nova Baby - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Bossa Nova Baby is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 3rd fret using only two chords, A and D7. I found the original key fairly high to sing, so you can lower the capo or remove it altogether if you need a more comfortable vocal range.

The main rhythm is a quick and steady down-up-down-up pattern. While maintaining that groove, you'll blend in several bass riffs around the two chords and mute the strings in places to create the choppy rhythmic feel the song needs. There is also a picking sequence that interrupts the rhythm at several points and adds another recognizable element to the acoustic arrangement.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-to-intermediate. The two chords are easy enough, but keeping the fast rhythm steady while adding the bass runs, muting and picking sequence requires more coordination. Learn the chords and basic rhythm first, then add the bass runs and picking sequence separately before putting everything together. Add the vocals last, and adjust the capo position if the original key sits too high for your voice.

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Crawfish - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Crawfish is played in standard tuning using only two chords, Dm and Gm. Rather than using a traditional strumming pattern, the arrangement is dominated by a repeating bass riff followed by the chord shape played higher up the neck.

The bass follows a 1-2, 1-2-3-4 pattern before you strike the Dm with an upstroke, and the same idea is then used with the Gm. This bass-driven approach creates the dark, bluesy groove that gives the song its distinctive sound. At the end, you'll play a final 1-2-3-4 count followed by a downstroke on the Dm to finish the song.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-friendly. With only two chords and plenty of time to play the bass runs, the main thing to concentrate on is timing. Get the bass pattern and chord upstrokes comfortable first, then practice singing over the repeating bass movement until everything falls naturally into place.

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El Toro - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

El Toro is played in standard tuning using the chords E, F, G and Am, with no lead or picking break required. The character of the song comes primarily from its Latin-flavored rhythm, which I play using a root-down-up-down-down, root-root-up-down-up-down-down pattern that repeats throughout the song.

The guitar arrangement itself is fairly straightforward, although the vocals climb higher when the progression reaches the G chord. At the end you'll need to hold the higher vocal note over the E chord before finishing with a 1-2-3 downstroke chop on the E.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-friendly. Learn the four chords first and then concentrate on getting the repeating rhythm pattern comfortable and consistent. Once the Latin groove feels natural, add the vocals and work on the higher passages separately if necessary.

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Golden Coins - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Golden Coins is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 2nd fret. The song opens with a faster shuffle rhythm using Dm and E7 before moving into the main progression, where you'll also need Am, Am/Ab, Am7, A7, Cmaj7, D and F.

For the main part of the song, I use a root-down-up-down-up, root-up-down-up rhythm pattern played with a shuffle feel. There are no bass runs or picking sections to learn, so the guitar remains focused entirely on rhythm as you move through the chord progression. At the end of the song, you'll return to the faster steady shuffle used in the introduction.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-friendly because it's strictly a rhythm arrangement with no lead or picking work required. Learn the chord shapes first, particularly the movement between the Am variations, then work on keeping the shuffle rhythm smooth as you move through the progression. Once that's comfortable, add the vocals to complete the song.

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I Can't Help Falling In Love With You - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

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King Creole - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

King Creole is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 1st fret using the chords A, D, A7 and E7. The verse uses a downstroke rhythm combined with some underlying bass movement. Once you reach the chorus, the rhythm changes to a steady down-up-down-up pattern with hammer-ons added to help create that driving rock-and-roll groove.

Later in the song you'll work through a lead guitar picking break that requires some quick movement up and down the neck before returning to the rhythm patterns used in the verse and chorus.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-to-intermediate, mainly because of the lead break and the coordination needed to combine the different parts of the arrangement. Start by learning the four chords and the bass-run/downstroke combination used in the verse. Next, work on the chorus rhythm and hammer-ons before tackling the picking section separately. Once each part feels comfortable, blend everything together and add the vocals last.

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Marguerita - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Marguerita is played in standard tuning using the chords Gm, F, D#, D, Cm, Dm, A7, C and A#. There are two different rhythm patterns to learn. The introduction uses a fast shuffle played down-up-down-up-down-down-down as you move through the opening chords.

Once the vocals begin, the rhythm changes to a root-down-up-down-up pattern. On the first downstroke, I use a rake across the chord, dragging the pick across the strings a little slower than a normal strum. This helps create the Latin and Spanish flavor of the arrangement. There is no lead work required, but chord shapes such as D# and A# may take some practice if you're not accustomed to playing them.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-to-intermediate because of the quick shuffle rhythm and some of the less familiar chord shapes. Learn the chords first, then practice each of the two rhythm patterns separately. Once you can move comfortably between the chords while maintaining the different rhythms, blend the sections together and add the vocals to complete the arrangement.

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Mirage - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Mirage is played in standard tuning and begins immediately with the vocals and strumming. I use one rhythm pattern throughout the entire song, played down-down-up-up-down-up and repeated as you move through the progression. The chords are F, Faug, Dm/F, G, A#m, Dm and Gm. Although some of those chord names may look unfamiliar, the opening F, Faug and Dm/F shapes require only small changes in finger position, making the progression easier than it first appears.

There is no lead picking or bass work required, so once you have the chord progression under your fingers, you can concentrate entirely on maintaining the steady rhythm. The minor chords, along with the augmented chord, help create the distinctive mood and character of the song.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-friendly because you're working with just one rhythm pattern and there are no additional riffs, bass runs or lead sections to learn. Start by getting comfortable with the chord shapes and changes, then add the strumming pattern and work through the complete progression. The vocal range is comfortable in this arrangement, so add the phrasing once the guitar part feels natural.

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Puppet On A String - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Puppet On A String is played in standard tuning using the chords G, D, Am, D7, G7, C, Em and A7. I use one relaxed rhythm pattern throughout the song, played root-down-up, root-up-down-up.

There is no lead section to master, but you'll add several bass runs and hammer-ons as you move through the progression, along with a slide pattern that adds another bit of character to the acoustic arrangement. The key is keeping the rhythm light and steady while working these additional pieces into the song.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-to-intermediate, mainly because you'll need to maintain the rhythm while moving through the bass runs, hammer-ons and slide. Start by learning the chords and getting comfortable with the one rhythm pattern. Then add the bass runs, hammer-ons and slide separately before blending everything together. Keep the accompaniment nice and light as you add the vocals.

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Shopping Around - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Shopping Around is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original key of E. You'll use just four chords: A, G, D and E. The introduction begins with downstrokes on the opening chords, and once you reach the D chord and the main part of the song begins, you'll switch to a steady down-up-down-up rhythm pattern.

Throughout the arrangement, you'll add hammer-ons and several bass runs while keeping the right hand moving steadily. These additions work with the rhythm to create the light, bouncy feel of the song. There is no lead guitar section to learn.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-to-intermediate, mainly because of the coordination required to work the hammer-ons and bass runs into the steady rhythm. With only four chords and one main strumming pattern, the foundation isn't difficult. Learn the chords and rhythm first, then add the hammer-ons and bass runs while keeping the groove moving. Once the complete guitar arrangement is comfortable, add the vocals if you're singing the song yourself.

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Sing You Children - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Sing You Children is played with a capo on the 4th fret to match the original key. I use Drop D tuning, although that's optional for this arrangement. I prefer Drop D because it allows me to strum all six strings when playing the D chord. The only other chords you'll need are A7 and Em.

For the rhythm, I use a steady root-down-up-down-up-down-up pattern that drives the song from beginning to end. During the verse, you'll hear a short horn phrase on the original recording. I recreate those few notes on guitar by briefly stopping the rhythm, picking the notes and then moving straight back into the strumming pattern.

The original recording eventually moves up one fret, but I leave that key change out of my arrangement because it would introduce two additional sharp or flat chord shapes without adding much value for a beginner player.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-friendly. There are only three chords, one steady rhythm pattern and no bass or lead work to master. The horn notes are optional, so you can leave them out and simply maintain the rhythm if you prefer. Once you can play the complete guitar arrangement comfortably, add the vocals if you're singing the song yourself.

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Spinout - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Spinout was recorded in A#, so I play it in standard tuning with a capo on the 1st fret to keep the chord shapes manageable. You'll use A, D, E, Gbm, C#7 and B7.

In the verses, I use a down-down-down, followed by a quick down-up rhythm that moves immediately into a short riff. This happens over both the A and D chords, so you'll need to keep the rhythm moving as you work those riffs into the progression. Outside the verses, the rhythm simplifies to downstrokes. The song also has several stop-and-start sections where you'll use accented downstrokes to help capture the punchy feel of the original. There is no lead break to learn.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-to-intermediate, mainly because of the coordination required to move from the rhythm directly into the two quick verse riffs. Start by learning the chords and playing the entire song using downstrokes. Once you can comfortably follow the progression, return to the verses and add the fuller rhythm pattern and riffs. Finally, work in the stops and accented chord hits. Once the complete guitar arrangement is comfortable, add the vocals if you're singing the song yourself.

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The Lady Loves Me - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

The Lady Loves Me is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 3rd fret. The original recording begins one fret lower before moving up a half step, but I keep the capo in one position throughout my arrangement to avoid that key change. The chords you'll need are G, Ddim, Am7, D7, D, C and D#.

I use one rhythm pattern throughout the song, played down-down-up-down-down, which gives the arrangement its light, bouncy feel. There is no lead work, but you'll add several bass runs along with a few starts and stops in the rhythm. A short section in the middle also uses walking bass, and near the end you'll accent the Ddim chord with individual upstrokes or downstrokes.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-to-intermediate, mainly because of the walking bass and the coordination needed to keep the rhythm flowing while adding the bass movement and rhythmic stops. Learn the chords first, followed by the main rhythm pattern. Then add the bass runs and finally work through the walking-bass section before putting the complete guitar arrangement together.

Since The Lady Loves Me was written as a conversation between Elvis and Ann-Margret, I keep the original male and female lyrics intact when performing both parts myself. It would also make a great duet if you have both a male and female singer available.

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They Remind Me Too Much Of You - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

They Remind Me Too Much Of You is a beautiful slow ballad played in standard tuning with a capo on the 1st fret to match the original key. There are a few picked notes at the beginning and end of the song, while the main accompaniment uses one soft down-down-up rhythm pattern throughout.

The chords are C, Cmaj7, G, Am/G, Dm, Aaug/D, Dm7, G7, Fm, C7, F/C, Edim, D7 and Adim. Although there are quite a few chord shapes to work through, the slow tempo and simple rhythm give you time to make the changes cleanly. There is no major lead section to learn beyond the few picking notes used to open and close the arrangement.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-to-intermediate, mainly because of the number and variety of chords. Learn the chord progression first and become comfortable with some of the less familiar shapes before adding the soft, light rhythm. Finally, work in the opening and closing picking notes. Once you have the complete guitar arrangement together, add the vocals if you're singing the song yourself.

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Tonight's So Right For Love - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Tonight's So Right for Love is played in standard tuning using a quick root-down-up-down-up-down-up rhythm pattern that repeats throughout the song. Underneath the strumming, you'll work in a repeating 1-2-1-2 bass movement, which helps drive the arrangement forward.

The chords you'll need are C, G7, Dm7, C7, F, D7, C/G and A, along with one variation of the A chord that I'll demonstrate in the lesson. There are also several short riffs blended into the rhythm in different places throughout the song.

For the main instrumental break, I use a short sliding melody riff that lasts about one verse. Rather than picking a series of individual lead notes, you'll use sliding movements to carry the melody while keeping the arrangement flowing.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-to-intermediate, mainly because of that sliding riff break. Start by learning the chords and getting comfortable with the main rhythm pattern. Next, add the underlying bass movement and the smaller riffs used throughout the song. Finally, work on the sliding melody break and blend everything together. Once the guitar arrangement is comfortable, add the vocals if you're singing the song yourself.

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Young And Beautiful - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar

What You'll Learn From This Lesson

Young And Beautiful is played in standard tuning using the chords F, Dm, Gm, C7 and A#. I use one down-up-down-up-down rhythm pattern throughout the song, played with a relaxed feel to suit this slow romantic ballad.

This is a pure rhythm arrangement with no lead picking, bass runs or riffs to worry about. That allows you to concentrate entirely on making clean chord changes and keeping the strumming smooth and steady from beginning to end.

I'd rate this lesson beginner-friendly because there are only five chords and one rhythm pattern to learn. Start by getting comfortable with the chord progression, then add the strumming pattern and work your way through the complete song. Once the guitar arrangement feels natural, add the vocals if you're singing the song yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Elvis Movie Songs on Guitar

Are Elvis movie songs easy to play on acoustic guitar?

Many of them are. Several lessons on this page, including Blue Hawaii, Crawfish, El Toro, Mirage, Sing You Children, and Young And Beautiful, are beginner-friendly arrangements with straightforward rhythm patterns and little or no lead work. Other songs add bass runs, hammer-ons, riffs, walking bass or picking sections and are better suited to beginner-to-intermediate players.

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Do I need a capo to play these Elvis movie songs?

It depends on the song and the arrangement. Some lessons use a capo to match Elvis's original recorded key while allowing you to play more manageable chord shapes. Others are played without one. The lesson information for each song explains the tuning and capo position I use, and you can sometimes move the capo if you need to adjust the key for your own purposes.

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Are these Elvis movie songs played in standard tuning?

Most of the arrangements on this page use standard tuning. Sing You Children is one exception where I use Drop D along with a capo on the 4th fret, although Drop D is optional in that arrangement. I use alternate tuning only when it provides a practical advantage for the acoustic guitar part.

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Do these lessons include riffs, bass runs and lead guitar?

Where the song calls for them, yes. Some arrangements are pure rhythm guitar, while others include bass runs, hammer-ons, slides, walking bass, short riffs or picking sections. Songs such as King Creole, Spinout, and Tonight's So Right for Love contain more involved guitar parts, while songs such as Mirage and Young And Beautiful can be played with chords and a single rhythm pattern.

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What's the best way to learn these Elvis songs on guitar?

Start with the chord progression and make sure you can move comfortably between the shapes. Next, learn the main rhythm pattern and play through the complete song using just chords and rhythm. Once that foundation is solid, add any bass runs, hammer-ons, riffs, slides or picking sections one at a time. This layered approach makes the more detailed arrangements much easier to learn.

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Can I play these arrangements if I'm not singing the Elvis songs myself?

Absolutely. These are acoustic guitar arrangements, so you can play them on your own, accompany another singer or use them as the rhythm guitar part in a duo, trio or larger group. If you are also singing, learn the complete guitar arrangement first and then add the vocals once the guitar part feels comfortable.

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These Elvis movie songs offer a great cross-section of the different musical styles he explored throughout his film career. Beginners can start with straightforward rhythm songs such as Crawfish, Mirage, or Young And Beautiful, while developing players can move into arrangements such as Puppet On A String, Shopping Around, Spinout, and Tonight's So Right for Love as they become comfortable adding bass runs, hammer-ons, riffs and other embellishments.

You don't need to master every technique at once—learn the chords and rhythm first, then build the additional guitar parts into the arrangement one step at a time. Whether you're playing on your own, accompanying another singer or adding the vocals yourself, these lessons are designed to help you turn each song into a complete acoustic performance.

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If you enjoy Elvis Presley's timeless rock 'n' roll style, you may also enjoy guitar lessons from fellow 1950s pioneers including The Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly. You can also return to our 50s Guitar Songs directory to explore even more classic artists and songs.

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