Best Songs Of
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
On The Acoustic

American Girl  was released by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers on their self-titled debut album in 1976.

Though not an immediate hit, it became one of Petty's most beloved songs over time. Known for its catchy guitar riff and Petty's emotive vocals, the song has influenced many musicians and been featured in various media, notably in the 1991 film "The Silence of the Lambs."

The track exemplifies the late 1970s rock energy and played a significant role in establishing Petty's status as a respected figure in rock music.

For rhythm here I play a down up down up - up down up - up down up down up down up and repeat as a shuffle pattern. There is no lead in standard tuning but a few riffs throughout with the chords D, E, G, A, Em, Bm and a Dsus.

Breakdown was released on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' self-titled debut album in 1976.

Initially overlooked, it gained popularity when re-released as a single in 1977, reaching No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is known for its catchy melody and Petty's emotive vocals.

"Breakdown" became one of Petty's classics and played a significant role in establishing the band's reputation in the late 1970s rock scene. It remains a fan favorite and exemplifies the raw, energetic sound of their early work.

Only a three chord song here with some lead required playing the Am, G and F in standard tuning. Play a down down up up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.

Change Of Heart was one of three singles from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' fifth studio album, "Long After Dark," released on November 2, 1982.

The album, which reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200, blended rock and new wave influences. "Change of Heart" performed well, reaching #21 on the Billboard chart and #10 on the US Rock chart.

The album showcased the band's evolution, incorporating new wave elements and synthesizers while maintaining their rock roots, despite some creative tensions during recording.

For rhythm here I play a down down up down down up - up down up down up down up  -- and down-strokes in a few places. In standard tuning play the chords C, G, F, Am, Am/G and Gsus with no lead required.

Don't Do Me Like That is a single from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' album "Damn the Torpedoes," released on October 19, 1979. The album reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200, while the single hit No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Despite legal issues with their previous label, the band signed with MCA Records for this album. "Damn the Torpedoes" received critical acclaim and is considered a classic rock album.

Its success marked a turning point in Petty's career, establishing the band as major figures in rock music. The album's popularity and impact on the late 1970s rock scene continue to be recognized today.

This one has a few picking riffs only with the chords G, F, C, D, Em and Cm in standard tuning while playing a down down down down down down up down up repeat rhythm pattern

Free Fallin is  from his solo album called "Full Moon Fever," which came out on April 24, 1989. The album did really well, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, and it's one of Tom Petty's most successful solo works.

The song "Free Fallin'" is a big part of this success, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tom Petty worked closely with Jeff Lynne, known for his work with Electric Light Orchestra, in producing the album.

I play a drop D tuning in this lesson with the three chords D, G and A and a few picking riffs. The rhythm pattern here is a down down up down down up down up and repeat.

I Won't Back Down is from his solo album "Full Moon Fever," released on April 24, 1989. This album was a huge success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.

"I Won't Back Down" became one of the standout tracks from the album, known for its empowering lyrics and Tom Petty's distinctive voice. The single performed well on the charts, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100

There is a bit of picking in the rhythm here while playing a down down up down down up and repeat pattern in standard tuning. The chords here are Em, D, G and a C.

Into The Great Wide Open is a track from their album with the same title. The album hit the music scene on July 2, 1991, and it did quite well, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The song "Into The Great Wide Open" is a standout with its catchy tunes and Tom Petty's storytelling lyrics. Although the single didn't reach the top of the charts, it managed a #4 position on the US Rock charts and remains a favorite among fans.

The music video for the song is famous for its narrative featuring Johnny Depp and Faye Dunaway. Produced by Jeff Lynne alongside Tom Petty, the album reflects their successful collaboration.

The chords here are Em, Em/Db, Em/D, Em/C#, Am, Am/G, G, F, C, A and D with a bit of picking blended in while in standard tuning. For rhythm, play a down down down down up, then down down up down up, and some shuffle strumming in places.

Learning To Fly hails from their album "Into The Great Wide Open" in 1991. The album hit the music scene on July 2, 1991.

"Learning To Fly" became one of the most recognizable tracks from the album, known for its reflective lyrics and uplifting melody. The single achieved notable success, reaching No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album, produced by Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, showcased their continued successful collaboration. "Learning To Fly" stands as a testament to Tom Petty's ability to craft emotionally resonant songs, and the album remains a significant chapter in the band's discography.

I play a simple down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern here in standard tuning. There is no lead and the chords needed are C, F, Am and G.

Mary Jane's Last Dance appeared on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 1993 "Greatest Hits" album. Released on November 16, 1993, the compilation reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200.

The song, known for its haunting melody and Petty's distinctive vocals, hit No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its memorable music video was directed by Peyton Reed. Although recorded during the Wildflowers sessions, the song's success made it a natural fit for the Greatest Hits compilation, contributing to the band's enduring legacy.

This one is played in standard tuning with the chords Am, G, D/Gb, D7, Em and A with some lead work required. You'll need a down down up down up rhythm pattern for this one.

Refugee is one of three singles from the "Damm The Torpedos" album from 1979.  The album, which hit the shelves on October 19, 1979, marked a significant moment in Tom Petty's career.

"Damn the Torpedoes" was a huge success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

"Refugee" emerged as one of the standout tracks, known for its energetic rock sound and poignant lyrics. The single performed well, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song, co-written by Petty and Mike Campbell, became one of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' signature tunes. "Refugee" and the success of "Damn the Torpedoes" solidified Tom Petty's position as a major force in the rock music landscape of the late 1970s.

I use a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern here with a few picking riffs in standard tuning. For chords you'll need  Gbm, A, E and a D.

Running Down A Dream is from Tom's solo album, "Full Moon Fever," which debuted on April 24. This album quickly rose to success, securing the third spot on the Billboard 200 chart.

"Running Down a Dream" stood out as a lead single and gained popularity, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by Petty, Mike Campbell, and Jeff Lynne, the song is known for its compelling rhythm and memorable guitar riffs.

Collaborating with Lynne in both writing and production, the album showcased Petty's solo talents.

The music video for the song, with its captivating imagery, added to its acclaim. Overall, "Full Moon Fever" played a pivotal role in solidifying Tom Petty's solo career, highlighting his skillful songwriting and musical versatility.

The track also reached #23 in Canada.

Another one in standard tuning with a bit of picking with the chords E, D, G, A and C. You'll need to play a rhythm pattern with a down up down up in a steady shuffle format.

Stop Draggin My Heart Around was a duet with Tom Petty as the guest of Stevie Nicks for her 1981 album "Bella Donna" and it quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" became a major hit, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's success was notable as it marked a fusion of rock and pop elements, blending Petty's distinctive style with Nicks' captivating vocals.

"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" remains a classic duet, illustrating the powerful synergy between Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks during the early 1980s.The song reached #5 in Canada as well.

For rhythm here use a 1-2-up-down down up down up where 1-2 are arpeggio notes in the chord in standard tuning. You'll have some lead work with the chords A, C, G6, G, Em and D.

The Waiting was the lead single from the album Hard Promises. This album made its debut on May 5, 1981, and it found considerable success, securing the fifth spot on the Billboard 200 chart.

"The Waiting" emerged as a standout track, celebrated for its catchy melody and Tom Petty's distinctive voice. The single achieved notable success, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 but hit #1 on their newly created Rock charts.

"The Waiting" stands as a timeless classic from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, showcasing their talent for creating enduring and impactful rock music. The song peaked at #6 in Canada. Download the free Tom Petty The Waiting lyrics below.

I play a capo on the 2nd fret here in standard tuning with the chords G, D/Gb, A, Bm and Gb. There is lead work in this one with a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern along with some down-strokes  in places.

Wildflowers is the title track of his second solo studio album, released in 1994.

The album "Wildflowers" was well-received and showcased Petty's exploration of a more acoustic and introspective sound. Released on November 1, 1994, the album reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Although "Wildflowers" was not released as a single, it became one of the standout tracks on the album, admired for its poetic lyrics and melodic beauty. The song is often praised for its simplicity and emotional depth, resonating with listeners.

I play a capo 5th fret here in standard tuning with the chords F, C, G, Em, Am and D. There is no lead work in this one as you play a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. 

Yer So Bad is a standout track from Tom Petty's solo album "Full Moon Fever," released in 1989. Rolling out on April 24 of that year, the album soared to No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant triumph.

While "Yer So Bad" didn't reach the same chart heights as some other songs from the album, it was one of five singles released from the Full Moon River album  and this song peaked at #5 on the US Rock charts.

The collaboration between Petty and Jeff Lynne in producing the album brought forth a timeless and iconic sound. Known for its clever lyrics and humorous touch, "Yer So Bad" showcases Petty's songwriting prowess.

For rhythm her I play a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and you'll put some picking riffs into the rhythm. Played in standard tuning with the chords Am, D/Gb, G, Em, C and D.

You Wreck Me is a song by American rock musician Tom Petty, released in 1994 as part of his second solo album, "Wildflowers." The song was co-written by Petty and his longtime collaborator, Mike Campbell, who was also the lead guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

"You Wreck Me" is characterized by its upbeat, driving rock sound and catchy guitar riffs. It's considered one of the standout tracks from the "Wildflowers" album, which is widely regarded as one of Petty's best works. The song's energetic tempo and memorable chorus make it a fan favorite and a staple of rock radio.

This one was recorded one fret higher but I'm playing this one in standard tuning with the chords D, A, E, G, C and B. This song has a bit of improvised lead with my version here using a steady down up down up down up down up down up down down rhythm pattern.