🎸 Rock Bands From The 70s – Vol 3 Guitar Lessons

In this collection, you’ll find another batch of hand-picked songs that capture the heart of 70s rock, with a focus on playability for acoustic players.

Whether you're jamming solo or performing for friends, these lessons break it down with chord sheets, rhythm tips, and full-song video demos to help you bring each tune to life.

Amanda was released in 1986 on the long-awaited album Third Stage, and marked Boston’s triumphant return after an eight-year studio break.

The power ballad soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band’s only chart-topping single in the U.S. Despite no official music video, radio airplay alone catapulted the song to success.

Written by Tom Scholz, “Amanda” features soaring vocals and melodic guitar lines that perfectly capture the emotion of young love and regret, making it a soft rock staple of the 80s.

Let Me Take You Home Tonight appeared as the final track on Boston’s groundbreaking 1976 debut album Boston.

The track offers a more relaxed, heartfelt tone compared to the album’s high-energy anthems. Sung by drummer Sib Hashian with backing by Brad Delp, it adds a refreshing dynamic to the record.

Though never released as a single, it remains a fan favorite and showcases the band’s ability to blend tender lyrics with a solid rock groove. The song helps round out one of the best-selling debut albums in rock history.

More Than A Feeling is arguably Boston’s most iconic song and was the lead single from their 1976 self-titled debut  that became an instant classic.

The track climbed to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped drive the album’s massive commercial success.

Written and meticulously crafted by Tom Scholz in his basement studio, the song is known for its crisp guitar riff, layered harmonies, and lyrical nostalgia. It has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and video games, and is often cited as a defining song of 70s arena rock.

Dream Police was released in 1979 as the title track from their fourth studio album, Dream Police

The song combines power-pop energy with symphonic rock textures. It reached #26 on the Billboard Hot 100, driven by its infectious hook and quirky lyrics about paranoia and surveillance.

With its blend of strings, synths, and Rick Nielsen’s signature guitar riffs, “Dream Police” was both satirical and futuristic — capturing the late-70s rock vibe while foreshadowing the polished direction of 80s arena rock. It remains a staple of Cheap Trick’s live shows.

I Want You To Want Me was originally recorded for their 1977 album In Color byt it didn’t reach iconic status until its live version was released in 1979 on Cheap Trick at Budokan.

That version became the band’s breakthrough hit, climbing to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and skyrocketing them to international fame.

With Robin Zander’s pleading vocals and Nielsen’s jangly guitar, the song walks a perfect line between power pop and glam rock. Its call-and-response chorus has become one of the most recognizable singalongs in rock history.

The Flame was a notable shift in tone and is a power ballad released in 1988 on the album Lap of Luxury, marking Cheap Trick’s commercial comeback.

It became their first and only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Unlike their earlier power-pop anthems, this track leans into emotional vulnerability, with lush production and Zander’s heartfelt vocal delivery.

Though a departure from their typical sound, “The Flame” introduced a new generation to the band and solidified their staying power in the ever-evolving world of rock radio.

San Bernadino was a single from the debut album from Christie called Christie in 1970.

The song was a top 10 in several countries and hit #1 in Switzerland.

Yellow River was a huge song for the band Christie when it was released as a single in 1970 from their album Christie.

The song went on to be a #1 in several places in Europe including the UK, and reached #23 in the US.

Couldn't Get It Right released this song in 1976 as a single from their album "Gold Plated".

The song came out of nowher according to bassist Derek Holt and the song went to #10 in the UK, #8 in Canada and #3 in the US.