Here on this Neil Diamond top songs page you'll find a collection of demo covers, free chord sheets, rhythm tips and more on how to play a few Neil Diamond songs on the acoustic.
If you need to purchase the full video lesson, you can for a few bucks each or less with a bulk purchase. I'll eventually be using Neil Diamond album covers below to indicate the source of the original song.
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If You Know What I Mean is a song by Neil Diamond, released in 1976 on his album "Beautiful Noise." It's a notable track that added to Diamond's success as a singer-songwriter in the 1970s.
Upon release, "If You Know What I Mean" topped charts in the US and Canada and reached the top 10 in The Netherlands and New Zealand. It also performed well in other countries, solidifying Neil Diamond's status as a prominent artist of the time.
This one you can play with down strokes and them play a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern and repeat in standard tuning. Just a few riffs in places with the chords Bm, A, G, D, Em, D/Gb A7sus and an Fmaj7.
Kentucky Woman hit the music scene in 1967, making its mark as a catchy and well-received single. It climbed to No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
The song is part of Neil Diamond's album "Just for You," released the same year. While "Kentucky Woman" contributed to Diamond's success, he later achieved even greater fame with hits like "Sweet Caroline" and "Cracklin' Rosie."
The song's popularity endured through the years, with various artists covering it.
Use a steady up and down rhythm pattern in standard tuning with a capo 4th fret for this one. A quick riff in one place but no lead as you play the chords G. C, D, C/G and an Am7.
Longfellow Serenade is a romantic song by Neil Diamond, released in 1974 on his album "Serenade." It's one of his well-known tracks, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody.
The song blends pop and soft rock, typical of his 1970s music, creating a romantic atmosphere that's perfect for weddings and special occasions.
Upon release, the song topped charts in the US and Canada and ranked in the top 10 in several other countries. This success helped cement Neil Diamond's reputation as a talented singer-songwriter.
This one has a down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a few slides and bass runs while played in standard tuning. You'll need the D, C, G6, Am7, G, A7, Dmaj7, A and D7 chords and a capo 2nd fret to bring this one together.
Neil Diamond recorded the song "Shilo" in 1967. The song can be found on his 1968 album titled "Just for You."
While "Shilo" was not a major chart-topping hit, it did manage to reach number 24 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. "Shilo" holds a special place in Neil Diamond's discography, as it's a heartfelt and autobiographical song.
Diamond wrote the song about an imaginary childhood friend named Shilo, helping him cope with loneliness during his early years.
Only four chords here and they are C, Dm, G and an F with a bit of arpeggio notes followed by a down up stop up and repeat pattern. A little picking and some riffs in here while in standard tuning.
Solitary Man is one of Neil Diamond's early hits, released in 1966 as a single. It's a key song that helped establish him as a prominent singer-songwriter.
The lyrics tell the story of a man reflecting on his loneliness and the challenges he faces. Despite these struggles, he remains strong and continues to seek love and connection. The title phrase, "Solitary Man," captures the narrator's feelings of isolation and perseverance.
Upon release, "Solitary Man" reached No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. While it wasn't an immediate massive hit, it laid the groundwork for Neil Diamond's future success.
Played in standard tuning with the chords Em, Am, G, C and a D, you'll play a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern broken with a few arpeggio notes on the Em, A few slides for the lead break but that's about all.
Song Sung Blue is a hit song by Neil Diamond from his 1972 album "Moods." It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1972 and became one of Diamond's signature songs. It also earned a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year in 1973, boosting Diamond's reputation as a talented singer-songwriter.
Neil Diamond got the idea for "Song Sung Blue" from a soccer match he attended in 1971, where the crowd's chanting inspired the song's joyful chorus. The song was recorded at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, known for producing hits by artists like Elvis Presley and Dusty Springfield.
The recording features a Hammond organ, adding to its unique sound along with guitar and percussion. Andy Williams also recorded a notable version that charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
A simple root down root up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning. You'll pick a melody pattern midway through the song while playing the chords C, A#, Am, G, G7, C7, F and a Dm.
Sweet Caroline is one of Neil Diamond's most famous songs. Released in 1969 on the album "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show," it quickly became a beloved classic. The song is especially popular at Boston Red Sox games.
"Sweet Caroline" is an upbeat love song about a man with deep feelings for a woman named Caroline. Its famous chorus, "Sweet Caroline, bah bah bah," encourages people to sing along, making it a favorite at parties and events.
The song was inspired by Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F. Kennedy, after Neil Diamond saw a photo of her in a magazine. Although it wasn't an immediate chart-topper, "Sweet Caroline" has become one of Neil Diamond's most cherished songs, known for its joyful melody and sing-along chorus.
You can play a down down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a bit of a shuffle as you enter into the chorus. A few riffs but no lead work while in standard tuning with the chords E, A, D, Gbm, Dmaj7, Dbm and Bm.
The Story of My Life is a song written and performed by Neil Diamond. It's a reflective and introspective piece that explores the journey and experiences of the narrator's life. The lyrics delve into various aspects of life, including love, loss, and personal growth.
While "The Story of My Life" may not be as well-known as some of Diamond's other hits, it's appreciated by fans for its sincere and poignant portrayal of life's ups and downs.
Play the chords C, G7, F, Fmaj7, G, Am7, Am and a Dm in standard tuning. You'll play a 1-2 up down rhythm pattern where 1-2 are arpeggio notes on the chord you're on. No lead in this one.
Thanks for stropping by my Neil Diamond top songs page and I hope the info here helps you learn some of the best Neil Diamond songs for the acoustic player.