Good  Tom Petty Songs
On The Acoustic

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.