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.