Popular 60s Rock Bands and Their Greatest Guitar Songs
The 1960s gave rise to a wave of unforgettable rock bands whose music still resonates today.
This collection highlights some of the most popular and influential acts from that golden decade—from the soulful sounds of The Young Rascals to the upbeat charm of Freddie and the Dreamers.
Whether it was the harmonic sunshine pop of The Buckinghams or the psychedelic flair of Shocking Blue, these artists helped define the era.
For guitar players and nostalgic fans alike, each song here is a chance to relive the magic of '60s rock through chords, videos, and full lessons.
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Popular 60s Rock Bands List
1. Freddie And The Dreamers - I'm Telling You Now2. Gary Puckett & The Union Gap - Lady Willpower, Woman Woman, Young Girl
3. Shocking Blue - Venus
4. Small Faces - Itchycoo Park
5. Spiral Staircase - More Today Than Yesterday
6. The Buckinghams - Don't You Care
7. The Cuff Links - Tracy
8. The Easybeats - Friday On My Mind
9. The Flying Machine - Smile A Little Smile For Me
7. The Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup
11. The Lettermen - The Way You Look Tonight
12. The Love Affair - A Day Without Love
13. The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
14. The Tremloes - Silence Is Golden
15. The Vogues - You're The One
16. The Walker Brothers - The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore
17. The Young Rascals - Good Lovin, How Can I Be Sure, It's A Beautiful Morning
1. Freddie And The Dreamers Songs
- Learn To Play On Guitar
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.
Chords And Strumming
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.
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2. Gary Puckett & The Union Gap Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
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.
Chords And Strumming
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.
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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.
Chords And Strumming
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.
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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.
Chords And Strumming
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.
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3. Shocking Blue Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
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.
Chords And Strumming
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.
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4. Small Faces Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
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 Lord 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."
Chords And Strumming
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.
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5. Spiral Starecase Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
More Today Than Yesterday was released in 1969 and became Spiral Starecase’s signature hit, blending soulful vocals with an irresistible horn-driven groove.
The song’s heartfelt message about growing love struck a chord with listeners, helping it reach the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Its upbeat, optimistic vibe has made it a timeless oldies favorite.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a capo 2nd fret and in standard tuning with no lead. Play a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern and with the chords Gmaj7, Am7, Bm, Em, D7, Cmaj7, B7 and an A7.
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6. The Buckinghams Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
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.
Chords And Strumming
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.
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7. The Cuff Links - Learn To Play On Guitar
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.
Chords And Strumming
No lead in this one and played in standard tuning with a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. There are lots of chords here including F, Am, Gm, C, A7, D, G, B7, E, C#. Gbm, A, Dm, Gbm, A#m, Abm, Db, D#m, Fm, Ab, D# and a Cm.
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8. The Easybeats Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
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".
Chords And Strumming
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.
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9. The Flying Machine Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
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.
Chords And Strumming
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.
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10. The Foundations Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
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.
Chords And Strumming
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.
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11. The Lettermen Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Way You Look Tonight song dates back to 1936 when Fred Astaire sang the song in a film called Swing Time.
Up through the years other artists recorded the song including Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Bing Crosby and in 1961, The Lettermen had a #13 in the US and a #36 in the UK with their version.
Chords And Strumming
The chords here are Em, C, B7, Dbm, Gbm, E, G, Gb, F, D, Bm and Am, played in standard tuning and no lead work. For rhythm play a down down down up down down and repeat pattern with some down strokes in places.
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12. The Love Affair Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
A Day Without Love was a hit single for The Love Affair, released in 1968. It appeared on their debut album, "The Everlasting Love Affair," which was also released that year.
The song performed well on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 6 and further solidifying the band's popularity following their number one hit "Everlasting Love." Written by Philip Goodhand-Tait, "A Day Without Love" showcased Steve Ellis's powerful vocals and the band's signature blend of pop and soul.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern. There is some d-cending orchestration line in here which can be duplicated slightly on the acoustic. The chords you'll need here are G, D/Gb. F, E7, Am, Am/G, D, C/G, C and an Em.
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13. The Tokens Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Lion Sleeps Tonight is a song from the band The Tokens. They were an American doo-wop group that gained fame in the 1960s. They are best known for their hit single "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1961.
The song is a reworking of a South African Zulu song titled "Mbube" by Solomon Linda.
Chords And Strumming
This one has a capo-ed 2nd fret with Drop D Tuning but only three chords which are D, G and A. There are a few riffs in this one while playing the rhythm down up down up and some muted shuffles.
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14. The Tremloes Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Silence Is Golden is a haunting ballad of unspoken heartbreak, “Silence Is Golden” was a 1967 hit for British band The Tremeloes, reaching #1 in the UK.
Originally recorded by The Four Seasons, their version gave the song a fresh, harmony-rich sound and emotional resonance.
It remains one of the era’s most poignant tracks about love and regret.
Chords And Strumming
You can play this one with a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning and with some lead. For chords here you'll need a D, A, G, A7, Gbm, Em and a Bm.
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15. The Vogues Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
You're The One was a song co-written by Petula Clark and Tony Hatch back in 1965 but they decided not to record a version themselves.
The song made it's way to The Vogues who recorded it that same year and scored a #4 hit in the US and a #55 in Australia with the song.
Chords And Strumming
This one has small picking section and played in standard tuning with a capo 3rd fret. For rhythm play a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. The chords here are G, C, Em, Am, D and a D7.
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16. The Walker Brothers Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore was recorded by Frankie Valli and written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio back in 1965, but the Walker Brothers had more success with their version in 1966 reaching #1 in the UK.
The song was also a top 10 in several countries and a #13 in the USA.
Chords And Strumming
Just a few riff in here in standard tuning playing a down down up down down up and repeat rhythm pattern and some down strokes. The chords are D, Em, A, G and A7.
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17. The Young Rascals Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Good Lovin was a single release by The Young Rascals in 1966. The song had been recorded twice before the Rascals did their version.
The song hit #1 in the US in the spring of 1966 and can be found on their album "The Young Rascals".
Chords And Strumming
Only four chords here and they are D, G, A and E in standard tuning. A few riffs and a little lead work while playing a steady down up down up down up rhythm pattern.
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How Can I Be Sure was released in 1967, “How Can I Be Sure” showcased a softer, more introspective side of The Young Rascals.
With its baroque-pop arrangement and emotional lyrics about romantic uncertainty, the song reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Its French café vibe and vulnerable delivery set it apart from the band’s earlier R&B-influenced hits.
Chords And Strumming
Soon
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It's A Beautiful Morning made its debut in 1968 and was the first single released under the band’s new name, The Rascals.
Radiating positivity and sunshine, the song quickly climbed the charts, peaking at #3 in the U.S.
With its breezy harmonies and uplifting message, it became an anthem of optimism during a turbulent decade.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played in standard tuning and has a steady down up down up rhythm pattern with a few down stroke accents and some shuffle rhythm. No lead really with the chords D, Gbm, Em, A, Bm, G and an E7.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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These popular '60s rock bands left a lasting legacy with their unique voices, vibrant harmonies, and catchy guitar-driven melodies.
If you’ve been looking to revisit the feel-good energy and raw emotion of the decade, this page is packed with lessons to help you bring that music to life.
Grab your guitar and dive in—whether you're just starting out or returning to old favorites, these songs are timeless treasures worth playing again.
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Popular Songs From The 60s
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