80s Rock Bands – Vol 6:
More Classic Hits You Can Learn on Guitar

In Volume 6 of our 80s Rock Bands series, we spotlight another handpicked batch of hits that are both timeless and guitar-friendly.

Whether you're into synth-driven new wave, moody alternative ballads, or driving arena rock, this set offers a little of everything — from Simple Minds and  Simply Red to Modern Talking and Sniff N The Tears.

Each song lesson breaks down the chords used and rhythm patterns to help you play them confidently on acoustic guitar.

Fallen On Hard Times was single from the Broadsword and the Beast album (1982). The track mixes folk-influenced rock with social commentary.

Ian Anderson’s distinctive vocals and the mid-tempo strum create a grounded, story-like song that never charted high but remains a fan favorite.

The single reached #20 on the US Main chart.

Skating Away or the acoustic-driven track, officially titled “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day,” showcases intricate fingerstyle patterns and thoughtful lyrics (but not in my version).

Released in 1974, it predates the 80s but remained part of their live rotation well into the decade.

The song failed to chart.

Live It Up was released in 1985 and is this upbeat Australian number that became a hit internationally after being featured in the Crocodile Dundee movie.

Its bouncy rhythm, catchy synth lines, and lighthearted lyrics reflect the vibrant Aussie pop-rock scene of the 80s. The song hit #2 in Australia and charted well across Europe. Its strumming pattern is tight and pop-oriented, making it a fun and accessible song on guitar.

Brother Louie is a synth-heavy Eurodisco track by German duo Modern Talking and was a major hit across Europe, reaching #1 in several countries. The song hails from their 1996 album Ready For Romance.  

The song did not chart in the US.

Known for its falsetto vocals, programmed rhythms, and catchy chorus, the song defines the glam side of 80s European pop. Guitar-wise, it’s more of a keyboard-driven tune but still adaptable with power chords and rhythmic strumming.

Always Something There To Remind Me was first released in the 1960s by Dionne Warwick and then later released in 1983 by Naked Eyes where they scored a #8 hit in the summer of 1983.

The Naked Eyes bersion brought a darker, modern twist. With a moody vocal delivery and layered synth textures,  it features simple chord progressions in a minor key and a strong rhythmic pulse for guitar adaptation.

Can't Live Without Your Love And Affection is from (1990) and became Nelson’s biggest hit.

Twin brothers Gunnar and Matthew Nelson brought soaring harmonies and melodic hard rock into the early 90s. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and features clean arpeggios, power chords, and a heartfelt ballad structure — perfect for acoustic play throughs.

Enola Gay is a 1980 synth-pop anthem that became a political and melodic piece about the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945.

Despite the serious subject, its danceable beat, catchy lead synth, and melodic structure made it a UK Top 10 hit.

Though heavily electronic, the song’s three-chord foundation makes it playable on guitar with steady eighth-note strumming.

Every Rose Has It's Thorn is a defining power ballad of the glam metal era and this 1988 acoustic-led hit topped the Billboard Hot 100.

Brett Michaels wrote it after a breakup, and its vulnerable lyrics, simple G–Cadd9–D–Em progression, and heartfelt vocal melody made it an essential campfire tune.

A perfect blend of stripped-down sincerity and 80s excess.

Don't You (Forget About Me) is a single by the group Simple Minds and has appeared in two films. The Breakfast Club in 1985 and the film Easy A in 2010.

Artists Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry both turned down an offer to record the song. The song was written by two fans of Simple Minds and the band was skeptical about recording a song they themselves had not written.

But they had not broken into the US market as yet. The song hit #1 in both Canada and the US in 1985.

For Your Babies is from the 1991 album by Simply Red called Stars and this soulful ballad shows Mick Hucknall’s vocal control and emotional delivery.

It didn’t chart as high in North America but reached #9 in the UK. Smooth, jazz-influenced chord progressions and gentle rhythm make it ideal for fingerstyle or light strumming on acoustic guitar.

Drivers Seat is technically not an 80s song but came out as a single in 1978.

The song reached #15 in the US in the fall of 1979 and reached #4 in the Netherlands in 1980. The band is considered a one hit wonder band as this was their only big hit.