Best Bands From The 70s 
On The Acoustic

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.

I play this one in standard tuning with a capo 3rd fret using the rhythm pattern down up down up down down and repeat. There is some picking blended into the rhythm while playing the chords G, Fdim, Am, Em, Dm and Gsus.

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.

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. 

Thirteen is a track from Big Star's debut album from 1972.

This song was released as a single but was mislabeled and called Don't Lie To Me. There is no mention if the song became a hit but Rolling Stone has it as #396 on their list of the greatest 500 songs of all time.

Hooked On A Feeling was from the Swedish band Blue Swede and this song was also the name of the 1974 album. BJ Thomas first recorded the song in 1969.

The Blue Swede version hit #1 in the US in 1974.

I play this one in standard tuning with a capo on the 2nd fret using a down down up up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. There is a few riffs in this one with the chords A, Amaj7, A7, D, Dm, Esus, E, Db, Gbm and Asus2maj7.

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.

The chords in this one are D, Gbm, Bm, G and A with a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning. There are a few chord riffs but no lead work in this one.

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.

You have an option to play a little bass in the rhythm with this one playing a down up pause up rhythm pattern as you'll see as the song progresses. Playing the C chord you'll see a G bass being played so you can use that or leave it out.

The chords are C, Em, Am, Dm, G, and an F. So shuffle picking in this one.

The Killing Moon was a single release from the 1984 album Ocean Rain from Echo And The Bunnymen.

The song peaked at #7 in Ireland and #9 in the UK, which was their highest charting single in Ireland.

I play this one with a down down up up down up rhythm pattern with the chords Bm, Cm, G, Em, C, A, D and an E.

Affairs Of The Heart was a single from the bands 1992 album Black Moon, but it failed to chart anywhere. Their other single Black Moon, also failed to chart.

From The Beginning hails from the 1972 Trilogy album and made it to #39 in the US, which was the bands highest charting single.

This one has a 1-2- up down down up down up pattern going on in standard tuning. The chords you'll need are Am7, D7, C, G6, Am, F and an Fmaj7-5 with some variations on these as explained in the full tutorial. No lead in this one.

Lucky Man is a song by the band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, from their first album released in 1970. It was written by Greg Lake when he was only 12 years old. The song features one of the earliest Moog synthesizer solos in rock music.

Released as a single in 1970, it made it to the top 20 in the Netherlands and also charted in the United States and Canada. The single was released again in 1973 and charted once more in the U.S. and Canada.

I use a down down up down up rhythm pattern that repeats with drop D tuning. Play the chords D, G, Am, Em and I include a picking break within the rhythm.

Cool Change is a track from the Little River Band off of their 1979 album First Under The Wire.

The song hit #8 in the US but did not chart in the bands homeland of Australia.

Down On The Border is from the 1982 album, Greatest Hits, from The Little River Band.

This track charted in Australia only reaching #7 on the rock charts.

Lady was released as a single from the album by Little River band entitled Sleeper Catcher back in 1978.

The song peaked at #7 in the US and hit #46 in Australia.

Reminiscing is also a track from the 1978 album Sleeper Catcher by the Little River Band.

The song managed to reach #3 in the US and #35 in Australia. This song was written by lead guitarist Graeham Goble.

1. Another Brick In The Wall is one of Pink Floyd's most famous songs and a standout track from their iconic 1979 album, "The Wall." The song is actually divided into three parts, creatively titled "Part 1," "Part 2," and "Part 3," each with its own unique characteristics.

"Another Brick in the Wall" became a massive hit for Pink Floyd, reaching number one on the charts in multiple countries, including the US and several European nations.

This one is played with a shuffle pattern using the chords Dm, F, C and G using Drop D tuning. A few riffs and a bit of picking is required for a solo performance.

Fearless is a song by Pink Floyd from their album "Meddle," released in 1971. While it wasn't released as a single and didn't make it onto the charts, it's still a beloved track among fans.

The song has a calm and soothing vibe, with acoustic guitar and gentle vocals. One of its most distinctive features is the use of a crowd singing and chanting "You'll Never Walk Alone" toward the end, which creates a powerful and uplifting atmosphere.

This one is played in standard tuning with a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern and some riffs and some lead play as you'll see in my demo below. The chords you'll need are G, A#, C, A and a D.

Wish You Were Here is a heartfelt song by Pink Floyd from their 1975 album of the same name. Even though it wasn't released as a single, it's often considered one of their greatest songs.

The lyrics express feelings of longing and nostalgia, reflecting on the absence of someone important. The music features beautiful acoustic guitar melodies and emotive vocals, creating a deeply moving experience for listeners.

While a live version of the song was released as a single in 1995, it didn't make it onto the charts. Nonetheless, "Wish You Were Here" remains a beloved classic in Pink Floyd's catalog.

I play this one with a down down up down up - down up down up down up rhythm and repeat in standard tuning. There are also a few riffs as you move through this one while plying the chords Em, G, A, C, D, Am and an Asus.

Benediction can be found on the Stealers Wheel album Right Or Wrong from 1975.

The song was never released as a single.

A little picking in this one with a down down up down up down down up down up rhythm pattern played in standard tuning. These is some picking in here using the chords C, G, Am, F, Em, A and a D.

Star was released as a single from the Stealers Wheel album Ferguslie Park from 1973.

The song reached #12 in Canada, #25 in the UK and #29 in the US.

This one has a steady down up down up rhythm pattern or you could play a root down up root up down up in standard tuning. They recorded this a fret higher with the chords, D, C, G, Bm, Em, Am and a B7. You'll shuffle strum on that B7 change. A bit of picking in here as well.

Stuck In The Middle With You was from the bands first album in 1972 entitled Stealers Wheel.

The song hit #2 in Canada, #6 in the US and #8 in the UK and was their highest charting song.

You'll need Drop D Tuning for this one using the D, G, A, C and Am chords. If you were to play not fill in bass and slides the rhythm would be a down down up down up down up down up but as you'll see, this one keeps your hands moving.

Born To Be Wild was released in 1968 from the bands first album simple entitled Steppenwolf.

It was their only single to chart in the UK, peaking at #30. In the US the song reached #2 and hit #1 in Canada. It also appeared in the 1969 film Easy Rider with Peter Fonda.

Magic Carpet Ride was the only single released from their 2nd album in 1968 called Steppenwolf II.

This one reached #1 in Canada and #3 in the US. The band continued putting out records and singles until 1981, so I class them here as a 70's band.

Give Up Your Guns is a song written by Rupert Holmes and D. Jordan in 1972. It tells a big story about a bank robber who runs away. The song was sung by The Buoys for their first album called "The Buoys."

Even though "Give Up Your Guns" only reached number 84 on the charts, it became really popular in Europe. It was a big hit there when it first came out and again when it was released again in 1979.

For rhythm here you can use a 1-2-3 arpeggio up down up down up and down up down up in the ch in standard tuning. I added a little picking sequence at the end of this one while using the chords Em, Am, F, G, C and A# throughout the song. Original key is a capo 2nd fret.

Superstar was first recorded in 1969 by Bonnie & Delaney as a b-side to their single Comin Home. But Richard Carpenter heard Bette Midler sing this on Johnny Carson and decided to make an arrangement for sister Karen to sing.  Good choice as they scored a #2 on the US pop charts in 1971.

The chords here are Em, Em/D, C, G6, Am, Bm, B7, G and an Fmaj7. A few riffs with a 1-2-3 up down up down up arpeggio play for the verse and a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern for the chorus.

Back On The Chain Gang was one of the hit singles from The Pretenders' 1982 album "Learning to Crawl." It reached high positions on the charts in the US, Canada, and the UK, showcasing the band's widespread popularity.

The song is known for its catchy melody, memorable guitar riffs, and Chrissie Hynde's powerful vocals. Lyrically, it reflects on themes of heartbreak and resilience, with Hynde lamenting lost love and expressing determination to move forward.

"Back on the Chain Gang" remains one of The Pretenders' most beloved and enduring songs, capturing the spirit of the band's sound and ethos.

Played in standard tuning, this one has a few riffs throughout as you play through it from start to finish. A simple root down up down up down up pattern will work here using the chords D, A, Em, A7, Dm, E and a B7.

I'll Stand By You is a single from 1994 from The Pretenders and the song did well, reaching the top 20 in several countries and hails from the album The Last Of Independents.

For rhythm here play a down down up down up down up and repeat in standard tuning. No lead here and you play the chords D, Bm, Gbm, G, A, A7, F, C, Em, Am, Gsus and an Asus.

Talk Of The Town is a track by The Pretenders from their 1980 album "Pretenders II." While it didn't chart in Canada or the US, it did reach number 8 on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing the band's popularity in their home country.

"Talk of the Town" remains a fan favorite and a staple of The Pretenders' live performances, often praised for its infectious energy and relatable lyrics.

Despite not achieving widespread chart success, it's considered a classic example of The Pretenders' distinctive sound and songwriting style.

The chords for this one are G, C, Am7, B7, Em, D and a G6 in standard tuning. A root down up root up down up rhythm pattern will work here and there is no lead to be concerned about for this lesson.

What I Like About You was a single release from The Romantics debut album. The song was released in 1979 and the album in 1980. The track reached #61 on the US Billboard Top 200.

This one is a bit of a high sing for me in the key of E with the additional chords A, D, G and a B7. A little picking here with a steady down down up down up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning.

Dancing In The Moonlight is a single from 1977 and can be found on the Thin Lizzy album Bad Reputation.

This song peaked at #14 in the UK and #4 in Ireland. This song title is sometime confused with a King Harvest song with the same name.

I play this with a capo on the 3rd fret using the chords Bm, A, E Dbm and a B. There is a riff in the beginning that is used throughout the song and you'll have a bit of standalone lead in her as well while playing a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern.

Jailbreak is one of Thin Lizzy's most iconic songs, known for its infectious energy and memorable guitar riffs. It's the title track from their sixth studio album, released in 1976. The song tells the story of a daring prison escape and has become synonymous with Thin Lizzy's signature sound.

While "Jailbreak" didn't achieve significant chart success in North America, it reached number 31 in the UK, solidifying Thin Lizzy's popularity in their homeland and across Europe.

Music videos weren't as prevalent or elaborate as they are today however live performances of "Jailbreak" have been captured on film and video, showcasing the band's electrifying stage presence and Phil Lynott's charismatic performance style.

This one has a choppy rhythm with some steady up and down in places. I'm playing this in Drop D Tuning but it only has four chords which are G, D, Em and an A. There is some lead work in this one.

The Boys Are Back In Town is arguably Thin Lizzy's most famous and enduring song. It was released in 1976 as a single from their album "Jailbreak" and quickly became a rock anthem. The single was a #1 in Ireland and hit #8 in Canada and #12 in the US.

Lyrically, "The Boys Are Back in Town" depicts the excitement and camaraderie of a group of friends reuniting and hitting the town for a night of revelry. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the nightlife scene and capture the feeling of freedom and celebration.

The song's memorable guitar riff, composed by Thin Lizzy's guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, has become iconic in the realm of classic rock. It's a driving force behind the song's infectious energy and has made it a favorite among fans and musicians alike.

This one has a down up down up rhythm pattern as well as some quick shuffles in this one. You also have some quick riffs in here. The chord you'll need are G, A, C, Bm, Em, Am7, D, D#, and F.

The Wizard was the one of two tracks released as singles by Uriah Heep from their 1972 album Demons And Wizards.

The song did not chart in the US but did in Canada reaching #86.

Keep On Smiling ... the bands most well-known song, was released in 1974 as part of their album of the same name.

This upbeat, feel-good track became their biggest hit, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's positive message of perseverance and optimism, coupled with Jimmy Hall's soulful lead vocals, resonated strongly with listeners.

Its success helped propel the "Keep On Smilin'" album to No. 37 on the Billboard 200 chart. While Wet Willie never achieved the same level of commercial success with their subsequent releases, "Keep On Smiling" secured their place in the pantheon of 1970s Southern rock bands and remains their signature song, still played on classic rock radio stations today.

This one has a steady shuffle pattern with a few notes blended in standard tuning with the chords D, A and G and a small lead break.

Leona is a single from the 1975 Wet Willie album Dixie Rock.

This song was released as a single and made it to #69 on the US rock charts in 1975.

This is a fast paced steady up and down rhythm pattern with a bit of lead in the middle of the song. In standard tuning, the chords you'll need are G, C, A, D and an Em.

My Baby Loves Lovin was recorded in 1969 but not released by White Plains until Jan of 1970, so technically it's a 70's hit sonG. The song was a top 10 in several countries reaching it's highest at #4 in Canada.

You can play a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern as you move through the chords G, Bm, C, Am, D7 and a D#. No lead in this one played in standard tuning but the original key is a capo 3rd fret or play it without the capo in A#.