Top Hits Of The 60s
On The Acoustic

Because is a track from the 1964 album "American Tour". The song was a B-side in the UK release but an A-side in the US.

The song peaked at #3 in the US, Canada and New Zealand. Julian Lennon covered the song in 1855.

The rhythm here is a root down up down up down up and repeat pattern in standard tuning. A bit of picking here using the chords G, G/D#, G/E, G7, Am, C, D, Daug, Cm and E7.

Black Is Black was released in 1966 by the Spanish group Los Bravos. They were the first Spanish rock band to have an International single with a #1 in Canada, #2 in the UK and a #4 in the USA.

The song is from the album of the same name.

The chords here are Em, D, A, Gbm, G, Gb, F, E7, B7 and a G with some riffs blended into the rhythm. In standard tuning play down strokes for the rhythm pattern.

Can't Find My Way Home was written by Steve Winwood back in 1969 and released by his group Blind Faith, which Eric Clapton was also a part of that band. Over the years the song has been covered by many artists.

It can be found on the album of the same name.

I play a Drop D Tuning on this one with a simple down up down up shuffle rhythm pattern. No lead required with the chords C, G6, C/A#, D, F, G, A7 and Em.

Come On Down To My Boat was a single released by Every Mothers Son back in 1967 and it peaked at #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song can be found on the album "Every Mothers Son".

I play a capo 3rd fret here but capos are always optional. Just a simple down up down up rhythm pattern with a few riffs blended into strumming. The chords you'll need are G, D, C, F and D7.

Don't You Care reached #1 in the Philippines, #4 in Canada and #6 in the US in 1967.

The track can be found on their "Time & Charges" album.

Standard tuning here and only a few riffs in place of any lead guitar. For rhythm I play a down up down up and repeat pattern. The chords here are Emaj7, Gbm, G, Dmaj7, Ab, A, Am, Abm , Gbm/F, Gbm/E, B7, E, E/C, Aaug, D, Dm and a D/A.

Everybody Knows is a 1967 song by the Dave Clark Five, also known as "Everybody Knows (You Said Goodbye)." The song features lead vocals by Lenny Davidson, which is unusual for the band.

It was a major hit in the UK, reaching number two on the charts. It also made the Top 10 in Ireland and New Zealand, peaking at number six in both countries. In the U.S., it reached number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking their final entry among their two dozen hits.

On this one I play a capo 1st fret for the original key with a root down up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. No lead here as you play through the chords D, Em, E7, A, A7, G and D7.

It Hurts To Be In Love was released in 1964 as part of Gene Pitney's album "Blue Gene." It's one of his most famous songs. Written by Howard Greenfield and Helen Miller, this emotional ballad became a big hit.

In the U.S., the song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and in the UK, it climbed to number 29. While Pitney's version is the most famous, other artists, like Marc Almond in the 1980s, have also covered it.

The song is known for its heartfelt lyrics and Pitney's powerful singing, which adds deep emotion. "It Hurts to Be in Love" captures the pain and complexity of love, making it a lasting part of Pitney's musical legacy and a treasured piece of 1960s music.

I play this without a capo but the original key is a capo on the 4th fret in standard tuning. There is some lead in this one with the chords D, Bm, G, Em, A7, Gbm and  F. The rhythm pattern is a down down up down up down up and repeat - or shuffle.

Itchycoo Park is one of the most famous songs by Small Faces. Released in 1967, it was a big hit in the UK, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart. The song is a classic from the psychedelic rock era.

Known for its catchy melody and fun chorus, "Itchycoo Park" uses psychedelic effects to create a dreamlike feeling. The lyrics talk about a utopian place where people can escape daily pressures. The name "Itchycoo Park" comes from Little Ilford Park in London, where the band used to go and where there were nettles ("itchy coos").

The song's sound features phasing and flanging effects, popular in psychedelic music, giving it a trippy vibe. The band's harmonies, Steve Marriott's soulful singing, and the strong rhythm section add to its charm. "Itchycoo Park" was released as a single and later included on their 1967 album "There Are But Four Small Faces."

This one in standard tuning has a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern as well as down strokes. No lead work here with the chords A, D, E, Gbm, Dbm, G and a C.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance was released in 1962. It's one of Gene Pitney's most famous songs, featured on his album "Only Love Can Break a Heart" from the same year.

Although it didn't reach number one, the song was a hit, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.

Written by the famous duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song tells a dramatic story, referencing the Western film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."

Pitney's emotional performance and the song's storytelling captured listeners' attention. Many artists, including Andy Williams and Johnny Mathis, have covered the song, showing its lasting appeal.

The title and lyrics often remind people of the classic movie starring John Wayne and James Stewart. This song highlights Gene Pitney's talent for conveying deep emotions and stories, making it a beloved part of his musical legacy.

I play a root down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning a capo 4th fret. There is some lead work with the chords C, Am, F, G and Em.

True Love Never Runs Smooth is a touching song released in 1963. It's part of Gene Pitney's album "Only Love Can Break a Heart," which came out the same year. The song did well on the charts, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.

Written by the famous duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song has powerful and emotional lyrics about the ups and downs of love. Gene Pitney's heartfelt singing connects deeply with listeners.

Many artists, including Connie Francis and Bobby Vinton, have covered "True Love Never Runs Smooth," showing its lasting popularity and classic status.

The chords here are G, Gmaj7, Cmaj7, D7 and an Am/D in standard tuning. Play a root down up down up root up down up rhythm pattern with some down-strokes and a bit of lead work required.