Famous Songs In The 60s
On The Acoustic

Can't Find My Way Home was written by Steve Winwood back in 1969 and released by his group Blind Faith, which Eric Clapton was also a part of that band. Over the years the song has been covered by many artists.

It can be found on the album of the same name.

I play a Drop D Tuning on this one with a simple down up down up shuffle rhythm pattern. No lead required with the chords C, G6, C/A#, D, F, G, A7 and Em.

Hush was written by Joe South and first recorded by Billy Joe Royal in 1967. Deep Purple covered the song a year later and had a #5 hit with their version.

The song can be found on their "Shades Of Deep Purple" album from 1968.

I play this one with a capo 3rd fret using a down up down up shuffle rhythm pattern and a few riffs in standard tuning. The chords you'll need are G, F, D, E, A and A7.

Come On Down To My Boat was a single released by Every Mothers Son back in 1967 and it peaked at #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song can be found on the album "Every Mothers Son".

I play a capo 3rd fret here but capos are always optional. Just a simple down up down up rhythm pattern with a few riffs blended into strumming. The chords you'll need are G, D, C, F and D7.

I'm Telling You Now became a #1 hit back in 1965. The song was released in the UK a few years earlier and reached #2.

You can find the track on the album of the same name.

You'll find the chords change quickly in this song with a basic root down up root up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning. A little picking in this one with the chords G, C, D, Am7, D7, Em, G6 and an F.

Count Me In was a single released in 1965 and reached #2 in the US and #6 in Canada.

The song hails from their album "A Session With Gary Lewis & The Playboys".

This one has a steady down down up down up down up rhythm pattern with a few chords in standard tuning. Chords here are an F, A#, Db, C, Am, C7 and a Gm. A little bit of lean here in standard tuning.

This Diamond Ring climbed to the top of the Billboard Chart in Feb 1965. The group did play on the track and The Wrecking Crew came in later for some over-dubbing.

The song can be found on the album of the same name.

This arrangement is in Abm with a Db, A7, D, A/Db, Bm, Bm/A, Gbm, Em and a D#. The rhythm pattern here is a down down up down down up and repeat. There is a decending bass line and I'm not in the original key with this one. Some picking work required.

Lady Willpower was a single released from this groups 1968 album which consisted of songs written by the band. Their two previous albums contained several cover songs by other artists. Lady Willpower went to #2 on the Hot Billboard 100 in the summer of 1968.

This one is quite high vocally which has the chords C, F, G, Dm, A#, Em, Fm. The song does a one fret move in the middle of the song but not here in my version.

A few picking riffs needed in the beginning and middle of the song with a down up pause up and repeat rhythm pattern.

Woman Woman was a single released back in 1967 from the bands debut album of the same name. Session musicians from the wrecking crew recorded the music and the song reached #1 in Canada and #7 in Australia. With a re-release in 1974 the song reached #6 in the UK.

The Lettermen, Jim Glaser (the writer) and Glen Campbell all covered this one.

For the rhythm pattern here you can play a root down up root up down up or a quick shuffle with a root down up down up root up down up. You'll also play a few down stroke chops as well. No lead in this one but a key change so the chords needed in standard tuning are A7, D, Gbm, G, Em, Gm, B7, E, Abm, A, Dbm and an Am.

Young Girl was released in March of 1968, 6 months after Woman Woman and also was a huge song for the group, reaching #2 on Billboard and making it to #1 in the UK. This one hails from the album "Young Girl".

The wrecking crew session musicians were also used on this track and on the re-release of the song 6 years later in 1974, it re-entered the UK chart reaching #6.

I play this one with a capo 2nd because of vocal issues and the song being too high vocally. The rhythm pattern here is a down down up down up down up and repeat in standard tuning. The chords you'll need here are Dmaj7, G, Gbm, E7, A, C, A# and a Gb.

I Like It reached #1 in the UK in the summer of 1963 and peaked at #17 in the US. It was also used in an Australia mini-series called "Peter Alien: Not The Boy Next Door".

This track can be found on their 1964 album "Gerry And The Pacemakers 2nd Album".

This one has a fast paced steady down up down up rhythm pattern with a G, C/G, C, Am, Em, D, Bm and an Em. No lead here but one riff to learn in standard tuning.

I'll Be There was written by Bobby Darin who recorded his version of the song in 1960. In 1963 Gerry And The Pacemakers had a #1 hit in Canada with their version.

Elvis Presley recorded the song in 1969 and Cass Elliott covered it as well in 1972.

This one is played in standard tuning with the chords G, Em, Am, D, C, B7, G7, A7 and a Cm. I play a root down up root up down up pattern for most of it and then some down stroke chops. Some lead required in this one.

Somebody To Love was first recorded by a San Francisco group called The Great Society in 1965 but never had much impact. The writer, Darby Slick, has a sister-in-law in that group known as Grace Slick.

When these cats disbanded only after one year, Grace took this song with her to Jefferson Airplane. The song went on to reach #1 in Canada and #5 in the US and has become a 60s classic.

Play this with a capo 4th fret using the chords Dm, G, C and F. No lead work here while playing a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with down strokes in some places.

Black Is Black was released in 1966 by the Spanish group Los Bravos. They were the first Spanish rock band to have an International single with a #1 in Canada, #2 in the UK and a #4 in the USA.

The song is from the album of the same name.

The chords here are Em, D, A, Gbm, G, Gb, F, E7, B7 and a G with some riffs blended into the rhythm. In standard tuning play down strokes for the rhythm pattern.

Indian Reservation was released by Paul Revere And The Raiders as a single back in 1971. It was a huge #1 selling several million copies. It was their biggest hit song and hails from the album Indian Reservation.

The song was first recorded in 1959 that never charted and then again in 1968 by Don Fardon who has a top 20 hit in the US and a #3 in the UK.

Played with a capo 4th fret, this one only has the chords Am, Dm and an E7 with a steady down down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. A few riffs in place but no real lead work.

Kicks by Paul Revere & The Raiders was included on their studio album titled "Midnight Ride." Released in 1966, "Midnight Ride" was the band's fifth studio album. It featured a collection of songs, including their hit single "Kicks."

"Midnight Ride" further solidified Paul Revere & The Raiders' popularity and showcased their energetic rock sound. The album received positive reviews and reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming one of their most successful studio releases.

I play this one in standard tuning with no capo but the original key is one fret higher with the chords Em, A, C, B7, G, E, Dbm and a B. The rhythm is mainly down strokes with some picking blended in throughout.

Whiter Shade Of Pale was released back in 1967 and has been covered more than 1000 times up through the years. It peaked at #1 in the UK and #5 in the US. The song had four verses but many times only two are heard.

I've put in three verses in my version here. The song was in the can in two takes and can be found on their debut album.

This version played in C in standard tuning with some lead and the chords C, G6, Am, Am/G, F, Em, Dm, Dm/C, Dm/A and G. The rhythm here is a root up down up, root up down up and repeat.

Whiter Shade Of Pale is of course an old 60's number from Procol Harum. Dave Matthews played an acoustic version on Howard Stern's radio show, but was never released as a single.

In fact it isn't on any Dave Matthews album I could find. 

This version differs in the fact it's played in G, so the lead work in completely different, but sounds like the original, just different chords. Play a down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with the chords G, D/Gb, Em, Em/D, C, G6, Am, Am/G, D, D/C, D7 and a Dsus.

Til We Kissed was from Ray Columbus And The Invaders who were a rock back from New Zealand from 1964 to 1966.

Til We Kissed was released in 1965 but surprisingly never charted in either Australia or New Zealand.

This one you can with down strokes for rhythm and then it switches into a root down up root up down up and repeat pattern. In standard  tuning with the chords  A, D, E and a Gb with a little bit of lead.

Venus was a monster hit for the Dutch group Shocking blue in the summer of 1969. The song reached #1 in nine countries, including the US.

The song appeared on their 2nd album "At Home" released in 1969.

You can play this one in standard tuning with the chords Bsus, Em, A, D, Am, C and B with a bit of lead required. Play a simple down down down up  and repeat rhythm pattern.

Itchycoo Park is one of the most famous songs by Small Faces. Released in 1967, it was a big hit in the UK, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart. The song is a classic from the psychedelic rock era.

The name "Itchycoo Park" comes from Little Ilford Park in London, where the band used to go and where there were nettles ("itchy coos").

The band's harmonies, Steve Marriott's soulful singing, and the strong rhythm section add to its charm. "Itchycoo Park" was released as a single and later included on their 1967 album "There Are But Four Small Faces."

This one in standard tuning has a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern as well as down strokes. No lead work here with the chords A, D, E, Gbm, Dbm, G and a C.

Never My Love was released in 1967 was the 2nd most played song on radio and television during the 20th century in the US. Many artists recorded this song thru the years.

The song can be found on their album "Inside Out". 

I play this number with a capo 2nd fret and in standard tuning. The chords here are G, D/Gb, F, C, Em, Cmaj7, B7sus, A7, Dmaj7 and a Cmaj7 and some lead required. Play a root up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.

Windy was actually written about a man according to Ruthann Freidman and in 1967 the song was a #1 hit for The Association. Later on she changed the story and said the song was written about herself.

This track can be found on their "Inside Out" album as well.

I like to play a drop D tuning in this one with a down down up down down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Some lead here with the chords D, C, G, A, Em, Dmaj7, A7sus and an A7.

Don't Talk to Strangers is a notable song by The Beau Brummels, featured on their album "The Beau Brummels, Volume 2," released in 1965. The song, like many of their works, captures the essence of folk-rock and pop that defined the band.

In terms of chart success, "Don't Talk to Strangers" didn't chart as highly as some of their other hits. Nevertheless, it resonated with fans and showcased The Beau Brummels' ability to craft melodic, harmonious tunes.

I play this one in standard tuning with a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and no lead. The chords you'll need are D, F, G, A, Bm, E and a Gbm.

Laugh Laugh is one of the standout tracks by The Beau Brummels, featured on their 1965 debut album, "Introducing... The Beau Brummels." This song played a pivotal role in launching the band's career and capturing the essence of the mid-60s pop and folk-rock sound.

"Laugh, Laugh" was a massive success for the band, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

A notable piece of trivia about the song is that it was the first hit single for The Beau Brummels. It helped pave the way for their future success and established them as one of the prominent bands of the mid-60s.

I play a capo 2nd fret for this one with the chords Em, Em/Db, Am, G, C, F, D, A#, D# and G# in standard tuning. No lead while playing a root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern as well as a root down up down up root up down up and repeat pattern.

Turn Around is a significant song by The Beau Brummels, featured on their 1968 album, "Bradley's Barn." This track represented a departure from their earlier folk-rock sound, reflecting the evolving musical landscape of the late 60s.

"Turn Around" didn't chart as highly as some of their earlier hits, but it showcased the band's willingness to experiment with new styles.

An interesting piece of trivia about the song is that it was written by Ron Elliott, one of the band's core members.Some Nashville musicians performed on this track including Jerry Reed. The Everly Brothers also covered the song in 1968.

This one you can play with a drop D tuning and guitar tuned down one fret. I play a root down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with no lead and the chords D, C, C/B and a G.

Greenfields was a hit song in 1960 reaching #2 on the Pop Charts.

It can be found on their debut album "The Brothers Four".

A capo 2nd fret works here with an arpeggio 1-2-3 then up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. The chords you'll need are Am, Dm, E, F, G, C and A7 but no lead required.

The Green Leaves Of Summer was included on The Brothers Four's album "BMOC/Best Music On/Off Campus," which was released in 1960. This album was one of their early successful releases and helped establish their reputation in the folk music scene.

As for chart performance, "The Green Leaves of Summer" reached number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While not a top 10 hit, it still made a respectable showing on the charts and contributed to The Brothers Four's popularity.

It's worth noting that the song itself was originally written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Paul Francis Webster for the 1960 film "The Alamo." The Brothers Four's version helped popularize the song beyond its original movie context.

Play a down down up down up down up down up rhythm quick shuffle pattern in standard tuning. No lead work but for chords you'll need a Dm, D, A7,

Don't You Care reached #1 in the Philippines, #4 in Canada and #6 in the US in 1967.

The track can be found on their "Time & Charges" album.

Standard tuning here and only a few riffs in place of any lead guitar. For rhythm I play a down up down up and repeat pattern. The chords here are Emaj7, Gbm, G, Dmaj7, Ab, A, Am, Abm , Gbm/F, Gbm/E, B7, E, E/C, Aaug, D, Dm and a D/A.

Spooky was first recorded as an instrumental in 1967 but lyrics were added for The Classics IV version which was released in 1968 and reached #3 in the US.

The track is from the album of the same name.

I play this song in standard tuning with a down down up down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and some lead required. For chords you'll need an Em7, A6, Em7, B7 and a Bbdim.

Traces became the Classics IV highest charting song peaking at #2 in both Canada and the US back in 1969.

The groups other bit song was "Stormy" which reached #5 on the charts. 

Lots of chords in this one including D, Gbm, Am, B7, Bm, Bm/A, Bm/Gb, Bm/G, A+, D+, Em, A7sus,  A7, C, G6 11#3 and a Dmaj7. This one is played in standard tuning with some lead and a rhythm pattern that includes some arppegio, some chop strumming and root down up root up down up in this one.

Tracy was the lead single from the album of the same name and was released by The Cuff Links in 1969. The song made it into the top 10 in several countries.

This song has several key changes in it and a bunch of chords.

Chord sheet, demo and full lesson now contained within a zip file, available below..

Because is a track from the 1964 album "American Tour". The song was a B-side in the UK release but an A-side in the US.

The song peaked at #3 in the US, Canada and New Zealand. Julian Lennon covered the song in 1855.

The rhythm here is a root down up down up down up and repeat pattern in standard tuning. A bit of picking here using the chords G, G/D#, G/E, G7, Am, C, D, Daug, Cm and E7.

Everybody Knows is a 1967 song by the Dave Clark Five, also known as "Everybody Knows (You Said Goodbye)." The song features lead vocals by Lenny Davidson, which is unusual for the band.

It was a major hit in the UK, reaching number two on the charts. It also made the Top 10 in Ireland and New Zealand, peaking at number six in both countries. In the U.S., it reached number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking their final entry among their two dozen hits.

On this one I play a capo 1st fret for the original key with a root down up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. No lead here as you play through the chords D, Em, E7, A, A7, G and D7.

Friday On My Mind come from the down under group The Easybeats and hit the airwaves in 1966. This song was a popular worldwide hit.

The track is from the album "Good Friday".

A simple down up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning and a few quick riffs throughout. The chords here are Dm, G, C, F, A7, G7, Cm, A#, D, E, A, E7, Am, D7 and a Bm.

Smile A Little Smile For Me was a debut single from The Flying machine off their album "The Flying Machine" from 1969.

The song was a #6 hit in the US and a #4 in Canada.

For the rhythm here play a root down up down up root up down up and repeat pattern with the chords C, G6, Am, Am/G, F, Dm, Gsus, G and A7. A bit of lead blended into the rhythm required here.

Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again was co-written by three writers of The Fortunes and was a top 40 hit for the group back in 1971.

The song hails from the album of the same name.

Play this one in standard tuning using a down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a few downstrokes for the riff. The chords are C, F, A#, Fm, Em, Gsus and G.

Here It Comes Again was a #4 in Canada and the UK in 1965 and peaked at #27 in the US.

This song has no lead work but does have a few horn which can be duplicated in the rhythm which is a down pause up down up down up and repeat pattern with a few down strokes in places. A capo 2nd fret with these chords is the original key. The chords you'll need are G, D, Gmaj7, A, E, F, A# and an A7.

You've Got Your Troubles is a song by The Fortunes that was released in 1965 as a single by The Fortunes, a British pop rock band.

"You've Got Your Troubles" was written by Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, who were a prolific songwriting duo known for their contributions to the British pop music scene. The song became a major hit for The Fortunes, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

The Fortunes' version of the song remains the most well-known and successful rendition.

This one has a a steady down down up down up down up rhythm pattern with a bit of lead work in the middle with standard tuning. The chords here are G, A, Cm, D7, F, D, C and Am.

Build Me Up Buttercup featured the bands new lead singer Colin Young and with it, their first big hit with this song. The song reached #3 in the US and # 2 in the UK.

The track is from the album of the same name which was released back in 1968.

This one can be played in standard tuning with a down up stop up down up stop up and repeat rhythm pattern. No lead here but a few riffs in the rhythm playing the chords C, E, F, G, C7, Fm, A#, Dm, Em, A7 and D7.

Big Girls Don't Cry is a classic song by the American pop rock band The Four Seasons. It was released in 1962 as a single from their album "Sherry & 11 Others." The song was written by Bob Gaudio along with Bob Crewe, who was also the band's producer.

 The song's catchy melody and emotional lyrics made it a hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and #2 in the UK Singles Chart.

The song was a #1 hit reaching #1 in both the US and Canada and  #13 in the UK.

For rhythm here play a down down up down up down up and repeat with down strokes also in some places. I play this in standard tuning with the chords G, Bm, Am7, D, Em, Am, D7, C, E and an A.

Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You was actually a solo single by Frankie Valli, after he left The Four Seasons. The song was released in 1967 and was written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, who were members of The Four Seasons and had previously worked with Valli on many of the group's hits.

The song was a huge success for Valli, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and #3 in the UK Singles Chart.

A radio station in Windsor On Canada played this song extensively and since those airwaves covered Detroit just across the river, helped Frankie Valli get a #2 hit with this song on both sides of the border.  

Played in standard tuning with a root down up down up root up down up and repeat pattern and no lead. For chords play a Gm, A7,D, Dmaj7, D7, G, E7, Em, Bm, B7, C7, F, Am, A+ and A+m.

Oh What A Night is a popular song by The Four Seasons, released in 1975. The song was written by Bob Gaudio and Judy Parker, and it was included in the group's album "Who Loves You." This was The Four Seasons last #1 hit.

The track was a huge commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and #3 in the UK Singles Chart.

A surprise to some was the lead singer of the song wasn't Frankie Valli but instead drummer Gerry Polci.

This one is played in standard tuning with a steady up and down shuffle with accents on various parts within the chord changes. No lean but a few riffs with the chords C, F ,G, Dm, Am, D and am Em.

Sherry was written by Bob Gaudio and became a #1 hit in several countries back in 1962. The original name was Jackie baby, then became Teri Baby and finally Sherry, after the name of Gaudio's best friend Jack Spector's daughter.

The song was included in their album "Sherry & 11 Others." This track has also been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including the 1993 film "Sleepless in Seattle."

"Sherry" was a huge commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and #4 in the UK Singles Chart. It was The Four Seasons' first #1 hit, and it helped to establish them as one of the most successful vocal groups of the 1960s.

I play this with a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning with the chords G, Em, Am, D, D7, B7, E and A. Some lead here but not in the original as you play a down down up down down up rhythm pattern as well was root down up root up down up in the middle of the song.

Walk Like A Man was not written by Bob Gaudio, who wrote many hits for The Four Seasons. Instead this one was written by a guy by the name of Bob Crewe, was also a co-writer on many of those hits, including this song from 1963. 

"Walk Like a Man" was a commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and #12 in the UK Singles Chart.

Writer Bob Crewe at the time would not leave the studio in his attempt to get the perfect mix, in sprite a fire blazing away on the floor above. Firemen had to cut through the studio door and pull Crewe out.

Capo 3rd is the original key in standard tuning but no lead with the chords G, C/G, C, F, Am and a Dm7. For rhythm play a root down up root up down up for the verse pattern and root up down up root up down up[ pattern for the chorus.

Workin My Way Back To You was recorded by both The Four Seasons in 1966 and The Spinners in 1980.

The song was written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, and it was included in the group's album "Working My Way Back to You and More Great New Hits."

"Working My Way Back to You" was a commercial success, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and #11 in the UK Singles Chart.

It has also been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including the 2005 film "The Wedding Date."

Played in standard tuning with a down up stop up down up stop up rhythm pattern and no lead. For chords play a G, Dm, C, F, B, Am, Am/G, D7, D, D/Gb, Edim, Cm and a C/G.

I'd Wait a Million Years from the bands 1969 album called Leaving It All Behind. The song was written by Gary Zekley and Mitchell Bottler, and it became one of the band's biggest hits, reaching #15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart

"I'd Wait a Million Years" has since become a classic of the pop rock genre and has been covered by other artists, including Wayne Newton and Neil Sedaka.

This one I play with a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning. Use a down down down down up down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a picking riff with the chords Am, G, F and E7.

Midnight Confessions was released as a single in 1968. The song was written by Lou T. Josie and became one of the band's biggest hits, reaching #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"Midnight Confessions" has since become a classic of the pop rock genre and has been covered by other artists, including The Everly Brothers and Meco Monardo.

This one is played with mainly down strokes with a just a riff included in standard tuning. The chords here are G, D, E, Gbm, Abm, Dbm, B, A and a Db.

Sooner Or Later was released in 1971 as a single form the album Their 16 Greatest Hits. The song was written by Dennis Provisor, who was a keyboardist and vocalist for the band.

"Sooner Or Later" was released as a single in 1971 and reached #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

It was the bands last top 10 in the US.

Lots of chords here including C, Em, F, G, G7, Dm, Am/Ab, Am/G, Am/Gb, Ab, C#, Fm and a Gb with a rhythm pattern down up down up down up down and repeat and some steady down up down up as well. No lead required.

Things I Should Have Said was recorded by the American rock band The Grass Roots in 1967. The song was written by group members Steve Barri and P.F. Sloan, who also produced the track.

This track was released as a single in 1967 and reached #23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song remains a beloved classic of the pop-rock genre and has been covered by other artists, including The Monkees.

For rhythm here play a down down up down up down up with some chops as you play through this one. A riff required but no lead needed in standard tuning. The chords here are G, F, C, D, Dsus, Bm, Em, A7sus, A7, A and Dm.

Two Divided By Love is a song by The Grass Roots, a popular band from the 1970s. It was written by Michael Price and Dan Walsh.

The song talks about the pain of love when two people feel separated from each other. It was released as a single in 1971 and was part of their album called "Move Along."

The song did well on the music charts, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Capo 1st fret is the original key and no lead here. Play a down up down up rhythm pattern with some chops and the chords G, Bm, Em, Am, G6, C, D, and D/Gb.