🎸 Guitar Chords for Rock Bands from the 70s – Volume 1

In this first volume, you'll find guitar lessons that tap into the sounds of Southern rock, arena rock, power pop, and early hard rock.

Whether you’re strumming through a mellow ballad by Ambrosia or cranking out a riff from .38 Special, each lesson breaks down the basic chords and rhythm patterns so you can play along confidently.

These are classic songs that helped shape a generation of music lovers — and now, they’re ready for your acoustic setlist.

Caught Up In You was the breakout hit from 38 Special’s 1982 album Special Forces, and it remains one of their most recognizable songs.

Blending the band’s Southern rock roots with a polished 80s arena-rock sound, the track showcased a more radio-friendly direction. It quickly climbed the charts, reaching #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hitting #1 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart—marking 38 Special’s first Top 10 hit.

The song features lead vocals by Don Barnes and was co-written by Barnes and guitarist Jeff Carlisi, along with Survivor’s Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan. 

Fade To Blue marked a later-but-still impactful entry in 38 Special’s catalog, appearing on their 1997 studio album Resolution.

This track leaned into a pop-rock direction, featuring a subtle mandolin riff that softened the band’s signature Southern rock  and while not a blockbuster single, it did climb to number 33 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, demonstrating the band’s sustained presence in rock radio well into the 90s

Hold On Loosely is a signature track from their 1981 album Wild‑Eyed Southern Boys album from 1981.  This tune perfectly blends Southern rock swagger with catchy hooks.

The opening riff nods to The Cars, while the chorus drives home the band’s melodic hard-rock charm.

If I'd Been The One is a standout track from their 1983 album Tour de Force and showcases 38 Special's ability to blend emotional depth with Southern rock swagger.

The song soared to #19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and captured the top spot on the Mainstream Rock Airplay.

Co-written by band members Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi alongside Larry Steele and Donnie Van Zant—and produced collaboratively with Rodney Mills—it reflects a tighter, more polished AOR style.

Somebody Like You ...  surfaced in 1986 as the second single from 38 Special’s seventh studio album, Strength in Numbers.

The track climbed to #48 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at #6 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart.

Strength in Numbers marked a late-career comeback for 38 Special, earning gold certification and reminding fans of their prowess with memorable hooks and polished production.

How Long was from the British band Ace which was formed in 1972. One of their most well-known songs is "How Long," which was released in 1974 and became a major hit, reaching the top 20 in the United States and the top 3 in the UK.

The band was led by singer and guitarist Paul Carrack, who later had a successful solo career and became known for his soulful voice.

Although "How Long" remains their most famous song, Ace released several albums throughout the 1970s before disbanding in 1977.

All Out Of Love was one of three singles from Air Supply's Lost In Love album from 1980.

This one reached #2 in both Canada and the US and peaked at #9 in Australia, #10 in Ireland and #11 in the UK.

Even The Nights Are Better is featured on the same album (Lost in Love for initial two; “Making Love…” came from the follow-up The One That You Love).

These songs highlight the duo's cascade of romantic hits in the early '80s.

Lost In Love was the first #3 hit  in New Zealand for Air Supply when it came out in 1979 from their Life Support album.

It was re-released again in 1980 from their album Lost In Love and scored a #1 in both Canada and the US with that re-release.

Making Love Out Of Nothing At All was released as the only single from their Greatest Hits album from 1983.

The song was a #2 in the US and a #3 in Canada. 

Tighter Tighter is a perfect one-hit-wonder pop-rock track from their self-titled 1970 album Alive 'N Kickin'.

Written and produced by Tommy James, the single shot to No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100—an upbeat earworm of the era.

How Much I Feel is a 1978 song by the American rock band Ambrosia. Written by guitarist and vocalist David Pack, it was released in the summer of 1978 as the lead single from their third album, Life Beyond L.A.

The song reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed at number two for three weeks on the Cash Box Top 100.