Phil Collins Guitar Lessons – 8 Classic Songs to Play
Phil Collins' music combines heartfelt lyrics, memorable melodies and distinctive rhythms that have captivated audiences for decades. From the atmospheric build of In the Air Tonight and the soulful ballad One More Night to the upbeat Motown groove of You Can't Hurry Love, his songs offer plenty of variety for acoustic guitar players.
Explore eight Phil Collins guitar lessons featuring step-by-step instruction, chord and lyric sheets, video demonstrations and full acoustic arrangements. You'll learn strumming patterns, picking techniques, recognizable riffs and practical approaches to playing these classic songs while singing.
🎸 Watch the Phil Collins Guitar Lessons Overview
performance clips taken directly from the complete lesson videos.
Click Play, then drag the timeline to quickly preview any Phil Collins lesson featured on this page.
Note: Every arrangement has been personally created, recorded and taught by Kirby
using teaching methods refined through decades of acoustic guitar instruction.
What's Included With Every Lesson
📦 Your Lesson Package Includes
✓ 8–12 minute HD video lesson so you can learn each song step-by-step.
✓ Printable chords & lyrics PDF for easy practice away from the screen.
✓ Instant download—start playing in minutes.
✓ Learn at your own pace on any device.
New to Phil Collins? Start Here
If you're new to playing Phil Collins songs on acoustic guitar, these three lessons offer a good introduction to his different musical styles.Start with Another Day In Paradise to explore a combination of arpeggio picking, steady rhythm and a recognizable melodic riff. Next, try In The Air Tonight , where muted downstrokes and a dramatic rhythm change help create the song's distinctive atmosphere.
Then move on to You Can't Hurry Love for a faster Motown-inspired shuffle that brings a completely different energy to your acoustic playing.
Together, these lessons introduce three important skills: combining picking with rhythm, controlling dynamics and maintaining a lively groove while singing.
Phil Collins Guitar Lessons Included On This Page
Against All Odds Guitar LessonAnother Day In Paradise Guitar Lesson
Easy Lover Guitar Lesson
Groovy Kind Of Love Guitar Lesson
In The Air Tonight Guitar Lesson
On My Way Guitar Lesson
One More Night Guitar Lesson
You Can't Hurry Love Guitar Lesson
Against All Odds - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” was written and recorded by Phil Collins for the 1984 romantic drama Against All Odds. Collins adapted the song from an earlier unreleased composition called “How Can You Just Sit There?”, drawing on the emotions surrounding the breakdown of his first marriage.
Produced by Collins and Arif Mardin, the recording features a restrained piano-led arrangement that gradually builds around his emotional vocal performance. Released as a single in February 1984, the song became Collins’ first solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, remaining there for three weeks.
It also reached No. 2 in the UK. The song received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and remains one of Collins’ best-known ballads.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
For Against All Odds, I use standard tuning with a capo on the 5th fret, singing in a lower register to accommodate my vocal range. A capo on the 1st fret works for the original key, but following Phil Collins' higher vocals can be challenging. The chords in my arrangement are Dm, Bm, C, F, G, Em, Am7, D7 and Gsus.
The song opens with a short keyboard riff adapted for acoustic guitar, which returns near the end. Once the vocals begin, I use a repeating down-down-up strumming pattern throughout the chord changes. There's no separate lead guitar section.
Start by learning the chords and rhythm, then add the opening and closing riff. Finally, concentrate on finding a comfortable vocal register while keeping the accompaniment steady.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
Another Day In Paradise - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Another Day In Paradise was written by Phil Collins and released in October 1989 as the lead single from his fourth solo studio album, ...But Seriously. The song addresses homelessness and society's tendency to overlook people in need, with Collins describing a man who ignores a homeless woman's plea for help. Its socially conscious message marked a departure from many of his earlier pop hits.
The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1989 and remained there into January 1990, making it his final American chart-topper of the 1980s and first of the 1990s.
It became an international hit and earned Collins the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1991.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
For Another Day in Paradise, I use standard tuning with the chords Em, D, Am, C and G. The arrangement combines arpeggio picking with rhythm guitar, using a 1-2-up, 1-2-up, down-up pattern through much of the song. Some sections switch to a down-up-down-up rhythm, while the bridge uses a down-up-up-down-up-down-up pattern. There's also a recognizable melodic riff that you'll learn to work into the accompaniment.
Start by getting comfortable with the chord changes and the main arpeggio-rhythm combination. Next, practise the alternate strumming patterns and add the signature riff. Finally, bring in the vocals, concentrating on keeping the rhythm steady while singing.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
Easy Lover - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Easy Lover was recorded as a duet by Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire and Phil Collins, and released in 1984 on Bailey's solo album Chinese Wall. Written by Bailey, Collins and bassist Nathan East, the song combines pop-rock energy with the soulful vocal styles of both performers. Collins also produced the recording, which became one of the most recognizable collaborations of the decade.
The single reached #1 in the UK and several other countries, while climbing to #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. Its success introduced Bailey to a wider pop audience and further strengthened Collins' solo career.
Collins later included a live performance of the song on his 1990 album Serious Hits... Live!
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
For Easy Lover, I use standard tuning with the chords Fmaj7, Em, C, D, Am7, Bm, Em7 and Am. The main rhythm follows a down-up-down-up-down-up pattern, with sections requiring all downstrokes and accented strums to capture the song's punchy, pop-funk groove. There's also a bass riff worked into the rhythm, along with some isolated lead guitar passages.
Vocally, this song has quite a high range. In my arrangement, I sing the opening line in the higher register before moving into a lower register for the remainder of the song.
Start by learning the chord changes, then concentrate on the strumming pattern and accents that give the rhythm its distinctive feel. Once that's comfortable, practise the lead passages and blend them into the accompaniment.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
Groovy Kind Of Love - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Groovy Kind Of Love was written in 1965 by Carole Bayer Sager and Toni Wine, who reportedly composed it in about 20 minutes. The song was first recorded by Diane & Annita before The Mindbenders turned it into a major hit in 1966, reaching #2 in both the UK and the United States.
Phil Collins recorded his own slower, romantic interpretation for the soundtrack of the 1988 film Buster, in which he also starred. His version became an international success, reaching #1 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart, along with topping charts in several other countries.
The recording appeared on the Buster soundtrack album and became one of Collins' best-known ballads.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
For A Groovy Kind of Love, I use standard tuning with a repeating down-down-up, down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern, along with some melodic lead guitar. The chords are F, Fsus2(maj7), Gm, Am, A#, Csus, G, D/Gb, Em7/C, Dsus, Am/D and D7.
My arrangement begins in the key of F and moves up to G later in the song. Phil Collins' original recording starts in G and moves up to A, so you can place a capo on the 2nd fret to match those keys while using the same chord shapes. There are also some recognizable melody passages that you'll learn to incorporate into the acoustic arrangement.
Start by learning the chord changes and establishing the rhythm pattern. Pay particular attention to the transition into the higher key. Once the accompaniment feels comfortable, practise the melodic lead passages separately before blending them into the rhythm.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
In The Air Tonight - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
In The Air Tonight launched Phil Collins' solo career in January 1981 as the lead single from his debut album, Face Value. Its haunting atmosphere, restrained vocals and explosive drum break helped establish a sound quite different from his work with Genesis, a band he continued performing and recording with throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
The song reached #2 in the UK, topped charts in several European countries and peaked at #19 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Inspired by the emotional turmoil surrounding Collins' first divorce, its mysterious lyrics have generated numerous interpretations over the years.
The dramatic drum entrance remains one of the most recognizable moments in popular music, helping make the track his signature song.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
For In the Air Tonight, I use drop D tuning to give the acoustic guitar a deeper, more powerful sound, although standard tuning is also an option. The song is played in D using the chords Dm, C, A# and F. The main rhythm consists of muted downstrokes, creating a restrained, atmospheric pulse that suits the mood of the original recording.
There's no lead guitar work in this arrangement, but I introduce some quicker shuffle-style strumming toward the end to build the intensity. Vocally, the final repeated chorus reaches a particularly high register, so I've omitted that section from my version.
Start by learning the four chords, with or without drop D tuning, and practise the muted downstroke rhythm. Once the timing feels comfortable, work on the quicker strumming near the end while maintaining the song's dramatic atmosphere.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
On My Way - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
On My Way appeared on the soundtrack of Disney's 2003 animated film Brother Bear, with Phil Collins contributing several songs to the production. Its upbeat rhythm and optimistic lyrics reflect the film's themes of friendship, adventure and personal discovery, particularly as the characters Kenai and Koda travel together through the wilderness.
Unlike many of Collins' earlier hits, the song wasn't released as a major commercial single, although it featured in promotional material for the movie. Collins also performed songs for the film's soundtrack, helping give Brother Bear its distinctive musical identity.
With its lively acoustic feel and memorable chorus, On My Way has remained a recognizable part of the film's musical legacy.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
For On My Way, I use standard tuning with a repeating root-down-up-down, root-down-up-down rhythm pattern that gives the song its upbeat, driving feel. There are quite a few chords to work through: C, A#, Am7, Gsus, G, F, Eb, Cm, Ab, Bbsus, Bb, D, G/Db, Em, A, Amaj7, Gm, Gbm, C6, A7sus and A7.
The arrangement begins with a short introductory riff, and there's another riff to learn around the middle of the song when the music moves into the D chord section. Apart from these two passages, there's no separate lead guitar work. Phil Collins sings in the higher register of the song, while I use the lower register to accommodate my vocal range.
Start by learning the chord changes and the repeating rhythm pattern. With so many chords involved, I recommend working through the song in sections rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Once the rhythm and chord transitions are comfortable, return to the opening riff and the second riff around the key change, then blend both into the full arrangement.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
One More Night
- Learn To Play
On Acoustic Guitar
One More Night became one of Phil Collins' biggest solo hits when it appeared on his third studio album, No Jacket Required, in 1985. The gentle, soulful ballad explores the longing and uncertainty of someone hoping for another chance at a relationship. Its understated arrangement, smooth keyboards and emotional vocal delivery offered a softer contrast to the album's more energetic pop songs.
Released as one of four major singles from the album, the song spent two weeks at #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Collins' second solo American chart-topper after Against All Odds.
It also reached #4 in the UK and helped propel No Jacket Required to enormous international success, including the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
For One More Night, I use standard tuning with a capo on the 2nd fret, playing A chord shapes that put my arrangement in the key of B. Phil Collins sings the original in A# (B♭), using a higher vocal register, while I sing my version in a lower register. The chords are A, D, D/Gb, G, Em and C, and there's no lead guitar work in this arrangement.
The rhythm follows a repeating down-down-up-down-up-down-up-up-up-down-up-down-up pattern, creating a smooth, steady accompaniment that supports the relaxed ballad feel of the song.
Start by learning the six chords and getting comfortable with the repeating strumming pattern. Once those are in place, experiment with the capo position, or play without one, to find a key and vocal register that work comfortably for your voice.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
You Can't Hurry Love - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
You Can't Hurry Love first became a major hit for The Supremes in 1966, reaching #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Written by the legendary Motown songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song became one of the group's signature recordings, featuring Diana Ross on lead vocals and the distinctive driving rhythm of the Motown sound.
Phil Collins revived the song in 1982 for his second solo album, Hello, I Must Be Going!. Rather than creating a completely modern interpretation, Collins aimed to recreate the feel and production style of the original 1960s recording.
His version reached #1 in the UK in early 1983 and climbed to #10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, introducing the Motown classic to a new generation of listeners.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
For You Can't Hurry Love, I use standard tuning with a capo on the 2nd fret and a fast, driving shuffle rhythm. The strumming follows a repeating down-down-down-up-down-up pattern, giving the song its lively Motown feel. The chords are G, C, Bm, Em, Am, D, Dsus and D7.
The original song is in G, but that vocal range is too high for me. By placing a capo on the 2nd fret and using the same chord shapes, my arrangement sounds in A, while I sing in a lower register. There's no lead guitar work in this version. However, there's a section where the music stops, and I keep the groove moving with a muted strum before returning to the regular rhythm.
Start by learning the eight chords and practising the repeating shuffle pattern. Pay particular attention to keeping the rhythm steady through the chord changes and the muted section. Once the accompaniment feels comfortable, experiment with the capo position and vocal register to find a combination that suits your voice.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
Phil Collins Guitar Lessons FAQ
Can I play Phil Collins songs on acoustic guitar?
Absolutely. Although many of Phil Collins' recordings feature keyboards, drums and full-band arrangements, they can be adapted for acoustic guitar. These lessons focus on the chords, rhythm patterns and recognizable musical passages that help capture each song's character with one guitar.
Which Phil Collins songs should I learn first?
I recommend starting with Another Day in Paradise, followed by In the Air Tonight and You Can't Hurry Love. These three songs introduce a combination of arpeggio picking and rhythm, muted strumming, and a faster Motown-inspired shuffle. Each develops a different part of your acoustic playing.
Do I need a capo to play Phil Collins songs?
Not necessarily. Some of my arrangements use a capo to accommodate my vocal range, including Against All Odds, One More Night and You Can't Hurry Love. You can experiment with different capo positions or play without one, depending on the key and vocal register that suit you best.
What strumming patterns will I learn in these Phil Collins lessons?
You'll encounter several approaches, from the gentle ballad rhythm of One More Night to the muted downstrokes of In the Air Tonight and the driving shuffle of You Can't Hurry Love. Other songs combine picking with strumming or use rhythmic accents to capture the feel of the original recordings.
Do these Phil Collins guitar lessons include riffs and lead guitar?
Some do. Against All Odds includes an adapted keyboard riff, Another Day in Paradise features a recognizable melodic passage, and On My Way includes two short riffs. Easy Lover also incorporates isolated lead passages. Other arrangements focus primarily on chords and rhythm rather than lead guitar.
How can I play Phil Collins songs while singing?
Start by learning the chord changes and establishing a steady rhythm before adding the vocals. Phil Collins often sings in a higher register, so finding a comfortable key and vocal position is important. Practise the song in sections, keeping the guitar accompaniment consistent while working on the vocal phrasing.
Phil Collins may be best known for his drumming and vocals, but his catalogue offers a wonderful variety of songs to explore on acoustic guitar. From gentle ballads and melodic picking to driving pop rhythms, these eight arrangements provide opportunities to develop your accompaniment, timing and confidence while playing familiar favourites.
Once you've explored these lessons, continue your musical journey with our Genesis guitar lessons or discover more songs from artists such as Sting and Don Henley. Each offers a different approach to memorable songwriting and acoustic guitar arrangements.
If you liked this Phil Collins guitar songs page you might like ... (click images)
Acoustic Versions Of Rock Songs
Kirby Swinemar is an acoustic guitar instructor, performer and song arranger who has taught online for 21 years and created more than 4,000 original acoustic guitar lessons. He specialises in song-based acoustic guitar instruction, rhythm guitar techniques, and creating full-sounding solo arrangements that help beginner and intermediate players move beyond basic strumming.
Explore his work at Kirby's Guitar Lessons and on social media on his social media YouTube Channel and his Facebook Page. Learn more about Kirby on his About Me page.
Latest 100 Tutorials
© 2019–2026 KirbysGuitarLessons.com — All Rights Reserved
