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Gerry Rafferty Guitar Songs You Can Learn and Play
Gerry Rafferty wrote some of the smoothest and most melodic rock-pop songs of the 70s and 80s.
Known for his warm voice, layered arrangements, and poetic lyrics, his music blends folk, rock, and soft pop in a timeless way.
On this page, you'll find step-by-step acoustic guitar lessons for seven of his best-loved tracks — from massive hits like Baker Street to soulful deep cuts like Whatever’s Written in Your Heart.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to add more Rafferty gems to your repertoire, you're in the right place.
🎸 Overview Video - “Watch This Preview of My Best Gerry Rafferty Guitar Songs”
Gerry Rafferty Guitar Lesson Titles
A New BeginningBaker Street
Days Gone Down
Get It Right Next Time
Right Down The Line
Stealin Time
Whatever's Written In Your Heart
Who Was Gerry Rafferty?
Gerry Rafferty was a Scottish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s. Born in 1947 in Paisley, Scotland, Rafferty had a successful musical career that spanned several decades.
Rafferty's love for music began at a young age, and he started performing with local folk groups while still in high school. In the 1960s, he formed a duo called The Humblebums with comedian Billy Connolly, and they released two albums together before Rafferty decided to pursue a solo career.
Rafferty's breakthrough came in 1978 with the release of his album "City to City," which featured the hit single "Baker Street." The song's iconic saxophone riff and Rafferty's soulful vocals made it an instant classic, and it reached the top of the charts in several countries.
The success of "Baker Street" helped to establish Rafferty as a major figure in the music industry, and he went on to have several more hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Despite his commercial success, Rafferty was a notoriously private and reclusive person, and he often struggled with alcohol addiction and personal issues. This led to long gaps between album releases and occasional disputes with his record label.
In the later years of his career, Rafferty continued to write and perform music, but his output was more sporadic. He released his final album, "Life in a Beautiful Light," in 2011, just a few years before his death in 2011 at the age of 63.
Gerry Rafferty's legacy as a talented and influential musician is secure, and his signature song "Baker Street" remains a beloved classic to this day.
1. A New Beginning - Learn To Play On Guitar
A New Beginning hails from the 1994 Rafferty album "Over My Head" and only released this song as the only single. The song charted at #67 in Germany.
A reflective tune from later in Rafferty’s career that showcases his signature mellow groove and emotional depth. A great rhythm workout.
Chords And Strumming
I play this with a capo 2nd fret and use a steady up and down rhythm pattern on this one. There is some lead within the rhythm playing the chords Am, Em, G, D, C/G and G#.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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2. Baker Street - Learn To Play On Guitar
Baker Street was a single from Rafferty's 1978 album "City To City" and was a huge success in several countries. The song is named after Baker Street in London in case anyone was curious.
Gerry used to hang out in a flat near Baker Street while he was going thru legal issues with his old band Stealers Wheel.
Initially the sax part in this song was going to be sung. The song reached #3 in the UK and #2 in the US.
His most iconic track. Instantly recognizable for its saxophone riff and rich chord progressions. A must-learn classic for any guitarist.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm here play a down up stop up and repeat except you'll need down strokes for the sax part of the song. Some picking here with the chords F, G, D, C, A7, D/A, Em, Dsus, Dm7 and Am in standard tuning.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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3. Days Gone Down - Learn To Play On Guitar
Days Gone Down hails from Rafferty's 1979 alum entitled "Night Owl".
A smooth and upbeat tune with layered acoustic rhythms. This one charted well in the UK and US.
Chords And Strumming
Played with a capo on the 2nd fret, I use a down down down down up down up and repeat pattern for the verse and eventually a down up stop up and repeat 2nd rhythm pattern. Some lead in this one played in standard tuning with the chords G, C, B, F, D, Dsus, Am and Em.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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4. Get It Right Next Time - Learn To Play On Guitar
Get It Right Next Time can be found on Rafferty's 1979 alum entitled "Night Owl".
Another hit from Night Owl, this track features catchy rhythms and is ideal for players who enjoy syncopated strumming patterns.
Chords And Strumming
The chords here you'll need to play A#, A, F, G, C and C/G in standard tuning with a a few riffs. For rhythm play a down up down up in the verse but some shuffle rhythm throughout.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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5. Right Down The Line - Learn To Play On Guitar
Right Down The Line was also a single release from the 1978 album "City To City" and peaked at #12 in the US on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. A soft-rock love song with an infectious groove.
The song was written by Rafferty himself.
Ron Sexsmith, Bonnie Raitt are a few musicians who have covered the song.
Chords And Strumming
This one is in standard tuning with the chords Dm, C, Am, G, F, Bm, Gdim and A while playing a root down up down up root up down up and repeat pattern. A bit of lead required.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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6. Stealin' Time - Learn To Play On Guitar
Stealin Time is also found on Gerry Rafferty's 1978 album "City To City" but the song was never released as a single.
A lesser-known gem that showcases Rafferty’s introspective songwriting. Great for intermediate players looking to explore mood and tone.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning with a little lead work and only the two chords C and F. For rhythm play a shuffle pattern blended in with some picking.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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7. Whatever's Written In Your Heart - Learn To Play On Guitar
Whatever's Written In Your Heart can also be found on the 1978 album "City To City".
The song was released as a single but failed to chart.
A moving ballad, simple but powerful — it’s a beautiful study in soft dynamics and heartfelt playing.
Chords And Strumming
The rhythm here is a down down up down up and repeat pattern in standard tuning with a bit of lead work. The chords you'll need are A#, G6, C, G, Em, Am and D.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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Gerry Rafferty’s songs aren’t just great to listen to — they’re a joy to play. His smooth vocal lines and smart chord progressions translate beautifully to acoustic guitar.
Whether you’re here for a classic like Baker Street or exploring deeper tracks like Stealin’ Time, these lessons will help you master the rhythm, feel, and heart of each tune.
Don’t forget to check out the demo videos and chord sheets — and if you want the full breakdown, each song has a tutorial available for instant download.
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