Top Hits Of The 50s
On The Acoustic

Step back in time to the golden era of music with my top hits of the 50s of tutorials on how to play iconic songs from the 1950s on the acoustic guitar.

From the infectious rhythms of Elvis Presley to the heartfelt melodies of Buddy Holly, dive into the timeless classics that defined an era.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, these tutorials will guide you through the chords, strumming patterns, and techniques needed to bring these legendary tracks to life. Let's journey back to the birth of rock 'n' roll and rediscover the magic of 1950s music.

The 1950s brought us unforgettable tunes that shaped the early sound of rock ’n’ roll and country pop. Each of these 50s guitar songs is arranged for easy acoustic play — perfect for capturing that vintage sound in your own style.

From chart-topping legends to one-hit wonders, the golden age of music delivered melodies that still inspire guitar players today. Click any artist’s name to explore full lessons, video demos, and chord breakdowns.

1920s Medley - Ain't She Sweet, Bye Bye Blackbird, 5 foot 2
Barry Manilow - Copacabana, I Can't Smile Without You, It's A Miracle, Weekend In N.E.
Bill Haley & The Comets - Rock Around The Clock
Bobby Darin - Dream Lover, If I Were A Carpenter, Lazy River, Mack The Knife, Splish Splash
Bobby Day - Rockin Robin
Bobby Goldsboro- Autumn Of My Life, Honey
Bobby Russell - Saturday Morning Confusion
Bobby Vee - Take Good Care of My Baby
Bobby Vee - The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
Buddy Holly - Blue Days Black Nights - Brown Eyed Handsome Man - Everyday - Fools Paradise - I Fought The Law - I Guess It Doesn't Matter Anymore - I'm Gonna Love You Too - Listen To Me - Maybe Baby - Oh Boy - Peggy Sue - Rave On - Reminiscing - Rockin' Around With Ollie Vee - Tell Me How - That'll Be The Day - Think It Over - True Love Ways - Words Of Love
Buddy Knox - Party Doll

The early years of rock ’n’ roll blended energy and innocence. These next 50s guitar songs capture that upbeat spirit that made the decade unforgettable.

Carl Perkins - Everybody's Tryin To Be My Baby
Chris Montez - The More I See You
Chubby Checker - Let's Twist Again
Chuck Berry - Johnny Be Goode, Roll Over Beethoven, Sweet Little 16, The Promised Land, You Never Can Tell
David Lee Roth - Just A Gigolo
David Soul - Going In With My Eyes Wide Open, Silver Lady
Dean Martin - Ain't That A Kick In The Head - Everybody Loves Somebody - Mumbo Italiano - Memories Are Made Of This - My Rifle My Pony And Me - Release Me - Return To Me - Sway - That's Amore - We'll Sing In The Sunshine - You Belong To Me
Del Shannon - Runaway

As the 50s sound spread, crooners and rockers alike filled the airwaves. From Dean Martin’s velvet voice to Chuck Berry’s driving riffs, the era’s variety shines through.

Eddie Cochran - Hallelujah I Love Her So
Eddie Cochran - I Remember, Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie, Twenty Flight Rock
Ella Fitzgerald - Dream A Little Dream Of Me
Elvis Presley (Easy) - A Mess Of Blues - Doin The Best I Can - Guitar Man - How's The World Treating You - If I Can Dream - In The Ghetto - Reconsider Baby - She Thinks I Still Care - Suspicious Minds - The Girl Of My Best Friend - There's Always Me - Too Much Monkey Business
Elvis Presley (50s Vol 1) - A Big Hunk Of Love - A Fool Such As I - All Shook Up - Anyway You Want Me - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Blue Suede Shoes - Devil In Disguise - Don't Be Cruel - Good Rockin Tonight
Elvis Presley (50s Vol 2) - Heartbreak Hotel - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - I Forgot To Remember To Forget - I Want You I Need You I Love You - I'm Right You're Left She's Gone - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Memphis Tennessee - Money Honey - Mystery Train
Elvis Presley (50s Vol 3) - One Night With You - Paralyzed - So Glad You're Mine - Such A Night - Teddy Bear - That's Alright Mama - Treat Me Nice - Trying To Get To You - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - You're A Heartbreaker
Elvis Presley (70s) - Burning Love - Good Time Charlies Got The Blues - How The Web Was Woven - I'm Leaving - It's Impossible - I've Got A Thing About You Baby - Kentucky Rain - Moody Blue - Snowbird - The Next Step - Thinking About You - Walk A Mile In My Shoes - Washed My Hands In Muddy Water - Way Down

No look at 50s music is complete without Elvis. These lessons cover his early rock hits, movie themes, and love songs that defined an era.

Elvis Presley (Love Songs Vol 1) - And I Love You So - Are You Lonesome Tonight - Ask Me - Baby What Do You Want Me To Do - Don't Cry Daddy - Fever - For The Heart - I Just Can't Help Believin - If That Isn't Love - I'll Remember You
Elvis Presley (Love Songs Vol 2) - It's Now Of Never - Love Me - Love Me Tender - Marie's The Name Of His Latest Flame - Mary In The Morning - Power Of My Lover - Return To Sender - Separate Ways - Stuck On You - Surrender - The Wonder Of You
Elvis Presley (Movies - 1) - Blue Hawaii - Bossa Nova Baby - Crawfish - El Toro - Golden Coins - I Can;t Help Falling In Love With You - King Creole - Marguerita
Elvis Presley (Movies - 2) - Mirage - Puppet On A String - Shopping Around - Sing You Children - Spinout - The Lady Loves Me - They Remind Me Of You - Tonight Is So Right For Love - Young & Beautiful
Englebert Humperdinck - After The Lovin, How Do I Stop Loving You, Love Me With All Your Heart
Fats Domino - Blueberry Hill
Fats Domino - Ain't That A Shame, I'm Walkin'
Francis Langford - I'm In The Mood For Love

From soulful ballads to upbeat shuffles, these 50s guitar tunes bring out the softer, smoother side of early pop and rhythm & blues.

Frank Sinatra - Both Sides Now - Fly Me To The Moon - I've Got You Under My Skin - My Way - Nice N Easy - Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone - Something Stupid - Strangers In The Night - That's Life - Young At Heart
Frankie Avalon - Venus
Henry Burr - I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight
Israel Kamakawiwo - Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Jerry Butler - Moon River
Jerry Lee Lewis - Just Dropped In
Jerry Lee Lewis - Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On
Jimmie Rodgers - Honeycomb

The late 50s introduced crooners and country influences that set the stage for a new wave of easy-listening hits.

Johnny Rivers - 7th Son - 500 Miles - Baby I Need Your Lovin - Memphis Tennessee - Poor Side Of Town - Secret Agent Man - Slow Dancing - Summer Rain - The Tracks Of My Tears
Little Richard - Good Golly Miss Molly
Los Lobos - We Belong Together
Lou Bega - Mambo #5
Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World
Matt Monroe - Be My Lady, Softly As I Leave You
Melvin Endsley - The Blues Don’t Mean A Thing
Michael Buble- Everything, It's A Beautiful Day

These timeless tracks mix rock energy with smooth swing and early jazz influences — proof that 50s music crossed every boundary.

Nat King Cole - L.O.V.E - Mona Lisa - My Baby Just Cares For Me - Nature Boy - Save The Bones For Henry Jones - The Christmas Song - Unforgettable
Otis Day & The Nights - Shama Lama Ding Dong
Pat Boone - Gone Fishin, Moody River, Speedy Gonzalas
Paul Anka - Put Your Head On My Shoulder, Times Of Your Life
Ricky Nelson - A Teenager In Love - Don't Leave Me This Way - Dream Lover - Fools Rush In - Garden Party - Never Be Anyone Else But You - Poor Little Fool - Someday - Sweeter Than You - Travelin Man
Ritchie Valens - Come On Let’s Go
Ritchie Valens - Donna
Sammy Davis Jr - The Candy Man

From Ricky Nelson’s youthful charm to Nat King Cole’s rich tone, these 50s guitar songs show the era’s perfect balance of rhythm and romance.

Sid Selvidge - Then I'd Be Satisfied With Life
Skip And Flip - It Was I
Sol Bloom - The Streets Of Cario
The Crows - Gee
The Everly Brothers - All I Have To Do Is Dream - Bird Dog - Bye Bye Love - Cathy's Clown - Claudette - Devoted To You - Like Strangers - Wake Up Little Suzie - Walk Right Back - Why Worry
The Lucky Duckies- Buona Sera
The Skyliners - Since I Don't Have You
The Teddy Bears - To Know Him Is To Love Him
Tom Jones - Delilah - I Believe - It's Not Unusual - Just Help Yourself - Say You'll Stay Until Tomorrow - Set Me Free - She's A Lady

Folk, pop, and early rock intertwined as the 50s came to a close — these artists carried that classic sound into the next decade.

Tony Orlando - Candida, Knock Three Times, Tie A yellow Ribbon
Wayne Newton - Remember When We Made These Memories, Through The Eyes Of Love

The 1950s remain one of music’s most influential eras — a decade that gave us rock ’n’ roll, doo-wop harmonies, and unforgettable crooners. These 50s guitar lessons make it easy to revisit the roots of modern music, with step-by-step tutorials that capture the warmth and rhythm of each classic song. Continue exploring the next generation of hits on our Popular Songs from the 60s page.

Jump To Top

Wikipedia 1950s Analysis of Music

Home Page

Top Hits Of The 50sOn The Acoustic

Top Hits Of The 50s
On The Acoustic