1960s Nostalgia: Discovering the Enduring Hits
Songs from The Monkees

A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You is a song written by Neil Diamond, which was recorded and released by The Monkees in 1967. The song was produced by Diamond's frequent collaborator, Jeff Barry, and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

It was one of several hits for The Monkees in the mid-1960s, and helped cement their place as one of the most popular bands of the era.

Interestingly, "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You" was actually a solo recording by Monkees member Davy Jones, with the other band members providing backing vocals.

I play a capo 3rd fret here in standard tuning with the chords A, D, G, D/Gb and Em. For rhythm play a down down up down up down -- up up up down up down up and repeat pattern.

Daydream Believer is a song that was written by John Stewart and originally recorded by The Monkees in 1967. The song became one of the band's biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December of that year.

The song's success helped solidify The Monkees' status as one of the most popular bands of the 1960s, and it has remained a beloved classic in the years since its release.

I play mainly down strokes for rhythm in the beginning and then a steady down up down up and repeat pattern and some shuffle drum roll. In standard tuning with the chords G, C, Am7, G6, Em, D, D7, Bm and A7 but no lead.

I'm a Believer is a song written by Neil Diamond and originally recorded by The Monkees in 1966. The song was produced by Jeff Barry and features lead vocals by Monkees member Micky Dolenz.

"I'm a Believer" became one of The Monkees' biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1966 and remaining there for seven weeks.

This one I play with drop D tuning with the chords D7, G, D, C, G/F and F.  A bit of lead and a few riffs as you play a down up down up rhythm pattern.

Last Train to Clarksville is a song written by songwriting duo Boyce and Hart and originally recorded by The Monkees in 1966. The song features lead vocals by Monkees member Micky Dolenz and became the band's debut single, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in November of that year.

"Last Train to Clarksville" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and has been featured in a variety of films, television shows, and commercials.

For rhythm play a root down root up down up and repeat with a built in riff but no lead. In standard tuning with the chords G, D7, C7 and F.

Papa Gene's Blues is a song written by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees, and was included on their 1966 self-titled debut album. The song features Nesmith on lead vocals and acoustic guitar.

Despite not being released as a single, "Papa Gene's Blues" became a fan favorite and has since become a classic of 1960s rock music.

The song's blend of rock, country, and blues influences helped pave the way for the country-rock movement that would emerge in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

I play a capo 2nd fret here in standard tuning and with some lead work. Play a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with the chords G, Gb, E7, Am, D7, C and a D#.

Valleri is a song written by songwriting duo Boyce and Hart, and was recorded by The Monkees in 1968. The song features lead vocals by Monkees member Micky Dolenz and was released as a single, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In addition to its success as a single, "Valleri" has been featured in a variety of films, television shows, and commercials over the years, cementing its status as a beloved classic of 1960s pop music.

A down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern will work for this one in standard tuning and the chords Gm, F, A#, D7, G, C and an Em. Just a few arpeggio riffs.

Micky Dolenz (drums and vocals)

Michael Nesmith (guitar and vocals)

Peter Tork (bass guitar, keyboards)

Davy Jones (percussion and vocals)