If you’re into rich harmonies, vintage vibes, and irresistible rhythms, The Mavericks have it all. On this best Mavericks guitar songs page, you’ll find acoustic guitar lessons for 7 of their most well-loved tracks — complete with chord sheets, demo videos, and rhythm tips tailored for intermediate-level players.
Whether you're strumming along to “Dance the Night Away” or digging into the groove of “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” these tutorials will help you nail the band’s signature sound.
All You Ever Do Is Bring Me DownAll You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down is a popular song by the American country music band The Mavericks. The song was written by the band's lead singer Raul Malo and bassist Robert Reynolds, and it was released in 1996 as the second single from their album "Music for All Occasions."
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1996. The song's popularity helped to establish The Mavericks as one of the leading acts in the country music scene of the mid-1990s.
I play a drop D Tuning in this one with a capo 2nd fret. Use a down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with some lead and the chords G and D.
This track brings a lively Tex-Mex rhythm — perfect for strumming practice and working on fast chord changes with bounce and precision.
Chords & LyricsBack In Your Arms Again hails from The Maverick 2013 album "In Time". The song was written by the band's lead singer Raul Malo and features a unique blend of country, rock, and Latin influences.
"Back In Your Arms Again" received critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising the band's musical skills and Malo's vocals. The song also achieved commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
Overall, "Back In Your Arms Again" is a testament to The Mavericks' ability to blend genres and create music that is both unique and universally appealing. The song remains a fan favorite and continues to be a popular choice for the band's live performances.
The original key with these chords is with a capo 3rd fret if you have the pipes and with the chords D, G, A and A7 with a steady rhythm down up pause up and repeat in standard tuning. Some lead and a few riffs in this one.
Learn how to capture the smooth, romantic vibe of this mid-tempo groove with an easy chord progression and classic rhythm pattern.
Chords & LyricsDance the Night Away is a popular song by The Mavericks, which was released in 1998 as the lead single from their album "Trampoline." The song was written by the band's lead singer Raul Malo and features a unique blend of country, rock, and Latin influences.
"Dance the Night Away" was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1999.
Play the three chords of E, A and B7 for this one in standard tuning and some lead. You'll play a root up down up root up down up rhythm pattern.
Upbeat and catchy, this lesson focuses on tight rhythm control and the percussive strumming that gives the song its drive.
Chords & LyricsFoolish Heart was included in the soundtrack of the 1996 film "From Dusk Till Dawn," directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino. The song was not written specifically for the film, but its inclusion in the soundtrack helped to increase its popularity.
The song was not released as a single, but it received significant attention after the release of the film. The "From Dusk Till Dawn" soundtrack was a commercial success, and it included several other notable tracks by artists such as ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Tito & Tarantula.
Backup singers on this track included Trish Yearwood, Shelby Lynn and Lari White.
I play a down up down up rhythm pattern with some bass and some lead. You'll need the chords D, A, G7, G, E and a D7.
A slower ballad with emotional depth — great for chord clarity and dynamic control.
Chords & LyricsThere Goes My Heart is a country song recorded by the American country music band The Mavericks, released as a single in 1994. The song was written by Kostas and was featured on the band's third studio album, "What a Crying Shame."
The song became a hit, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also charted in Canada and Australia.
The album earned platinum certification in the United States and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1995.
I play a capo 2nd fret with drop D tuning and a down up down up rhythm pattern with walking bass and some lead. The chords here are D, A, D7 and a G.
You'll explore gentle strumming and easy chord work that captures the band’s vintage country-pop blend.
Chords & LyricsWhat a Crying Shame is a country song recorded by The Mavericks, released as the lead single and title track of their third studio album of the same name in 1994. The song was written by band members Raul Malo and Kostas, along with bassist Robert Reynolds.
The song became a major hit for The Mavericks, reaching number 25 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also charted in Canada and the United Kingdom. The success of "What a Crying Shame" helped propel the album to platinum certification in the United States.
For rhythm on the verse it's down down down up - down down down up and repeat. In the chorus its down down up down down up down up and repeat with a few down strokes also.
Played in standard tuning but no lead, play the chords D, G, C and an A.
In this one, you’ll work on steady rhythm with clean chord switches and a tasteful, soulful delivery.
Chords & LyricsWorld Without Love was a remake by The Mavericks' of the Peter and Gordon hit song "World Without Love" was included on their 1999 album, "The Mavericks Greatest Hits." The original song was written by Paul McCartney and recorded by Peter and Gordon in 1964, where it became a hit in the US and UK.
For chords here play an E, Gbm, B7, C, Ab, Dbm, Am and a Db7. Play a root down up down up root up down up rhythm pattern to get you through this one. Play this one in standard tuning with no lead.
Another slow-dance number that helps refine your timing, expression, and control — ideal for acoustic players.
Chords & LyricsI must say that The Mavericks certainly have their own sound with a mix of Latin and Rockabilly music.
They formed in the early 1990's and hung in there until the first break up in 2000. They re-grouped again and broke up once more in 2004.
In 2012 they came back once more and have been together til this present day in 2021.
They formed in Miami Florida in 1991 as a punk group and frequently opened for Marilyn Manson.
Over time they began leaning away from that genre and into country. The band picked up a Grammy in 1995 for the song "Here Comes The Rain".
Out of the four members of The Mavericks, as of this writing, only two original members remain and they are Raul Malo and Paul Deakin.
Official Mavericks Band Website
The Mavericks' music is a joy to play — especially for those looking to expand their rhythm skills beyond standard country.
With the chord sheets, video demos, and full tutorials provided here, you’ll be able to master their unique blend of retro cool and Latin flair in no time. Grab your guitar and start strumming!