Top 40 Elvis Presley Songs to Play on Guitar – Including Tabs | Rock guitar universe (2024)

Is there a single artist with so much fame and tragedy in the world? Elvis Presley was the king of rock 'n' roll and stole the hearts of millions throughout his career.

He is a milestone in rock 'n' roll history. Studying his songs will give you a lot of intuition and knowledge about the music of the 40s and 50s, as he recorded many covers and newer versions of country and blues goldies.

Can't help but fall in love

We can include this tune in the top 5 most famous songs of the king. In 1961, the tune was released and appeared on his album Blue Hawaii. It is a pop ballad song recorded in Hollywood, California.

Place a capo on the 2nd fret so it matches the original tuning of the song. There are varying drum patterns combined with arpeggios and 2 main chord progressions. You can try going for Qm7, playing F as an alternative, as a suggestion.

I can't help falling in love with guitar chords

Jailhouse-rots

Not a single person listens to music and doesn't know Jailhouse Rock. In 1957, the most famous rock and roll song was released. The songwriters for this song were Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber.

This song is played with a capo on the 1st fret. There are only 3 chords to play it and it has a distinctive drum pattern that you can hear perfectly from the music once you understand the movement and progression.

Jailhouse Rock Guitar Chords

Suspicious thoughts

This song is by Mark James, who is known as an American songwriter. In 1969, Elvis released a new version of the song as a single in country rock, soul and pop styles.

This intermezzo is written in the key of G and has two dormant main patterns and beautiful arpeggio compositions. This tune sounds great with a bright, clean electric guitar tone. The coexistence of the drum beat and the rhythm of the guitar is remarkable.

Suspicious Minds Guitar Chords

In the ghetto

Here's a gospel, pop, rock and country song from the King. In The Ghetto is a song from 1969 and appears on Elvis' album From Elvis in Memphis, originally written by Mac Davis.

This song is played with a Hollowbody guitar and composed in the key of C. After the main chord progression, the guitar plays riff-like arpeggios with hammer-ons and pull-offs.

I Ghetto Guitar Chords

My way

In March 1969, this legendary song was released by Frank Sinatra and became very popular. After eight years, Elvis Presley played it on stage and included it on his album Elvis in Concert. Sid Vicious also covered this one.

The piano is the most important instrument in this performance. And the acoustic guitar only follows the main course of the piano and fills the room. There is a long chord progression that plays throughout the song.

My Way guitar chord

Blue suede shoes

Here's one of the King's best rockabilly songs. This rock 'n' roll classic was released in 1956, originally by Carl Perkins. The same year, Elvis made his interpretation of the tune very popular. It was on his self-titled album.

This song is a starter song based on a light rock and roll riff. It consists of 4 chords; this song is one of the easiest classics to play in standard tuning.

Blue suede shoes Guitar chords

It is now or never

Another famous Elvis Presley hit, It's Now Or Never, was released as a single in 1960. This song has sold 20 million copies worldwide. It clearly shows how Elvis can be so soft and aggressive at the same time.

The song starts with a classical guitar. The guitarist uses a fast picking technique and plays this intro tune. The song then transitions into piano-based riffs, and the guitar follows suit as a rhythm instrument.

It's now or never guitar chords

Return to Sender

This 2 minute rock and roll pop tune will blow your mind. It makes you dance every hour of the day. In 1962, the King released this tune through his album Girls! Girls! Girls!. It was well received and praised for its lyrics and musical compositions for many years.

To match the original sound you will need a capo on the 1st fret. An electric guitar plays the chord progression in the background with a faint, clean tone. It sounds good and the chord progression is not that difficult to play.

Back to sender Guitar chords

Blue Christmas

This number is Elvis' favorite Christmas song from his recordings. In 1965, he released it on his album, Elvis' Christmas Album. It is considered a Christmas country rhythm and blues. The Beach Boys have also done a cover version of this tune.

Blue Christmas is composed in the key of E and is easy to play. There is a bluesy progression throughout the song and the second guitar fills in a few times and licks here and there. Here's a great live performance with Martina McBridge.

Blue christmas guitar chords

If I can dream

This song is one of the most beautiful songs from Elvis' Comeback Special from 1968. He sang it as the last song of the legendary performance. The song was released the same year and appeared on Elvis' self-titled album.

The song starts with a bass progression and the guitars follow it with a middle chord progression. The guitars largely fill the room and form the basis on which the king can sing.

If I can dream guitar chords

Hunting dog

Big Mama Thronton recorded this blues classic as a single in 1952. It was so popular and there have been so many covers over the years. Elvis made it even more popular after his release in 1956.

Hound Dog is played with only 5 chords and the electric guitars play the bluesy riffs with slightly distorted crunchy tones. There are also 2 blues solos on it, as a difference from the late Elvis tunes.

Hound Dog Guitar Chords

Talk a little less

This song is one of the king's most popular hits and is known by millions, not just fans. After the Junkie XL remix, new generations were able to get acquainted with this track to this day. The song was originally released in 1968 on Elvis' album Almost in Love.

This song is a beginner song to play, but there is a lick and a chord progression to figure out. Once you get it, you will definitely rock with the king. The guitarist plays the lick in certain parts, and after the song you have to listen carefully.

Slightly less conversational guitar chords

Use over troebel water

This song is a beautiful pop-rock gospel by Simon & Garfunkel. They released it in 1970, and many artists subsequently covered it, including Aretha Franklin, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Linda Clifford and Elvis Presley. Elvis' version is of course brilliant.

This song is for advanced guitarists. It has a complicated piano progression that we have to adapt to the guitar. You must study this carefully and patiently. But once you get the hang of the progression and movement, it's easy to climb and follow the music.

Bridge Over Troubled Water Guitar Chords

Always in my thoughts

Always On My Mind is a famous ballad from 1972, first released as a single by Gwen McCrae. Later musicians, including Elvis, Willie Nelson, John Wesley and the Pet Shop Boys, covered and performed it many times.

This amazing song is again a piano based song. The rhythm guitar follows the chord progressions, and the lead guitar plays characteristic licks and fills between the lyrics and certain sections. The lead guitar sounds great playing little solos with a sliding ring.

Always On My Mind Gitaarakkorder

Hartzeerhotel

I think Heartbreak Hotel is one of Elvis' best rockabilly songs. This song was a single released in 1956. It peaked at number one on so many charts that year. Willie Nelson and Leon Russell also performed this.

The song has a rockabilly progression and is played by 3 guitars. One plays a simple chord progression as a rhythm, one plays small licks of two-note chord fills, and one plays a walking bass.

Heartbreak Hotel Guitar Chords

I just can't stop believing

BJ Thomas released this successful record in 1970 with his album; Everyone is out of town. The following year, Elvis placed his cover on his album That's the Way It Is. This song is a great blue-eyed soul song that is loved by many.

To play this you need a capo on the 1st fret. There is the main chord progression with light chords. All the instruments in this melody follow it softly.

I just can't stop believing in guitar chords

Baby what do you want me to do

This song is by Jimmy Reed; his 1959 release was a big hit for him at the time. Later in 1968, Elvis performed it during his special comeback show. It was a fantastic performance.

This is a 12-bar blues song played in standard tuning. Tune your guitars to a crisp, clear tone to get the right sound. So follow the 12-bar blues in E with the setting you're done with.

Baby, what you want me to do, guitar chords

Everyone brightened up

Here's an early rock 'n' roll release by King from 1957. Later, Billy Joel and The Beatles covered this song; you should check them out. Plus, they're great. This song peaked at number one on all available charts that year.

This is a short song that follows a bluesy rock and roll progression. It is played with a capo on the 1st fret while tuned in standard tuning and there are only 3 chords to play.

All Shook Up Guitar Chords

Are you lonely tonight?

This song is a traditional pop song from 1927, recorded by Charles Hart. Elvis Presley described it in 1960 as a very smart move for his career. It became very popular after that.

The tune is composed in the key of C. It is a beginner song with an acoustic guitar and simple drum patterns, and this gentle tune has a long chord progression throughout the song.

Are You Lonesome Tonight Guitar Chords

Little sister

Here's a great rock 'n' roll song released in 1961. Elvis recorded this in Nashville, Tennessee, which became a big hit for him. A great musician, Dwight Yoakam, has a great version of this song, and later Robert Plant, Pearl Jam and Ry Cooder also covered it.

This is a strict rock 'n' roll song with a beautiful composition. It is a beginner song and there are 4 chords to play it. It is also played with electric guitars and is perhaps one of Elvis' most guitar-oriented songs.

Little sister guitar chords

Long live Vegas

Viva Las Vegas is a musical film released in 1964. Elvis Presley played the leading role in it and is considered the king's top film. Also check out the song in one of the famous movies, The Big Lebowski.

This is an absolute beginner tune and has 5 chords to play. The chords here are very easy; all you can achieve is the fast strumming pattern and learning the movement of the song.

Viva Las Vegas guitar chord

For the good times

This was originally a Bill Nash song from 1968 and later Ray Price made his version in 1970. It is a well-known country song that Elvis later also covered.

To match the original sound, place a capo on the 3rd fret of your guitar. It's a beginner tune with a simple chord progression and strumming patterns. You can certainly play it with an acoustic guitar.

For The Good Times Guitar Chords

It's okay mom

Arthur Crudup, the blues singer, originally wrote and recorded this song in 1946. Elvis made a new record in Tennessee in 1954 with the big tune and released it as a single.

This song is a beginner blues song, played in rockabilly style. The chords and progression are simple. Listen carefully to the strummed patterns.

It's Okay Mama Guitar Chords

I'm trying to reach you

Here's a rhythm and blues song from 1956 covered by Elvis. It was originally written by a 1950s band called The Eagles – not the famous rock band – in 1954.

This song is a blues in E major. So you play E, A, B7 and E7. You can play it with an acoustic or electric guitar, whichever you prefer. Have fun!

I'm trying to get you guitar chords

do not be Cruel

Elvis recorded this song in 1956 and Otis Blackwell, a great songwriter, originally wrote it. This is strictly a rockabilly song recorded in New York City.

Don't Be Cruel has only 4 chords and is an absolute beginner's song that anyone can play. The same simple chord progression runs throughout the song.

Don't be cruel guitar chords

Kentucky reg

Kentucky Rain is a soft country rock song from the year 1970. This song is very loved by fans and has sold more than a million copies.

The guitars aren't that important here. Still, you can easily make an acoustic guitar version of this by following the main chord progression.

Kentucky regnguitarakorder

Promised land

Promised Land is a great Chuck Berry song from 1964. Elvis made a country rock version of this rock 'n' roll song and released it in 1974. It was on Elvis' album of the same name.

This is an absolute beginner's song, a blues composition in A major. So it is easy to play by following the A, D and E chords and have a signature rock and roll guitar setup.

Promised Land Guitar Chords

Good luck charm

Here's a single from 1962. This pop, rock 'n' roll song reached No. 1 that year. It was recorded in Nashville.

This is a must for all acoustic players as it follows a very classic chord progression for the American country, rock and roll style.

Good Luck Charm Guitar Chords

(Marie's The Name) Hans seneste flamme

This song is an early 1960s rock and roll song from King's discography. He recorded it in Nashville at RCA Studios. However, Del Shannon published it first.

With only 4 chords, this tune is simple. It has a distinctive drum pattern so you'll learn to play the first time you listen to it.

(Marie's The Name) His latest flame guitar chords

Love me tenderly

This is an important song for Elvis' career. It was featured in many TV shows and movies that became very popular in America and loved with the love of the nation. In 1956, his self-titled EP included the song recorded in Los Angeles, California.

This folk, rockabilly and pop song is an in-between tune because there are a few unusual chords in the progression. However, they are easy to play once you learn them.

Love Me Tender Guitar Chords

Help me get through the night

This is a ballad by Kris Kristofferson, first released in 1970. Sammi Smith later covered it as a famous version, and subsequently many popular musicians such as Joan Baez, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Mariah Carey and Elvis recorded this song.

The melody is originally a piano song. However, you can create an acoustic version by following the simple chord progressions and adjusting the drum patterns to suit your song.

Help me get through the night Guitar chords

Do not

Don't is another ballad, a pop single from 1958. It was used in the music show Smokey Joe's Cafe. Backing vocals from The Jordanaires are also on this record, as is Viva Las Vegas.

Play this ballad while tuned in standard tuning. This one has a lot of chords to play, but it has a simple chord composition.

Don't make guitar chords

Lawdy, Mrs. Clawdy

This song is originally a Lloyd Price song from Louisiana from 1952. Elvis recorded his version four years later and performed it on stage many times.

The melody has a rhythm and blues structure in A. It sounds great with both electric and acoustic guitar. So much fun to play and sing this song.

Lawdy Miss Clawdy guitar chord

Unchained melody

This song is a big hit in America, released in 1955 and originally composed by Alex North. So many musicians have recorded it, used it and performed it along the way. Elvis's 1978 version of Unchained Melody is just one of many versions, but perhaps one of the best.

The song is again piano-based. The chords are easy to follow and you can easily make an acoustic version of it.

Unleashed melody guitar chords

I want you, I need you and I love you

Written by Mysels and Kosloff, many fans love this 1956 single by The King. It is a rock and roll ballad recorded at RCA Studios.

This tune is an intermediate song and it may take some time to learn the chord progressions. But apart from examining the chords, the strumming pattern continues anyway.

I want you, I need you and I love you. Guitar chords

A fool like me

Hank Snow originally released this country song in 1952. Bob Dylan, Jo Stafford and many more reported on it later. And Elvis himself made a rock 'n' roll-infused version.

This tune is played with a crisp electric guitar tone. It's a rock and roll song that follows a bluesy main progression and you can hear the lead guitar playing little licks and fills here and there.

A Fool Like Me Guitar Chords

Mystery train

Little Junior's Blue Flames recorded this tune in 1953. There is a movie called Mystery Train, shot by Jim Jarmusch, inspired by this tune.

This electric blues or Memphis blues song was first covered by Elvis and had a rockabilly slant. The melody continues with a bluesy progression throughout the song. It is played in the key of E and has 3 chords.

Mystery Train guitar chord

Blue Moon Of Kentucky

This bluegrass song from 1947 is by Bill Monroe. Elvis recorded his version seven years later. It was produced by Sam Phillips, like most early Elvis Presley releases.

It's another beginner tune with the bluegrass structure in A major. I like to play this with different effects and tones and experiment with the sound. However, it is a classic and it is a priority to learn it as it is first.

Blue Moon Of Kentucky Guitar Chords

Fools rush in (where angels fear to tread)

Here is another beautiful cover image of the king. The song was originally released by Glenn Miller and his orchestra in 1940. There have been so many different versions and records of it over the years. Elvis released his version in 1972 with his album Elvis Now.

The melody is played with a capo on the 2nd fret. Get a crisp, clear electric guitar tone and go for it. The guitarist plays some great stuff on this.

Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear to Tread) Guitar chord

When my blue moon turns to gold

This song is by Wile Walker and Gene Sullivan. And it was released in 1941. In 1956, Elvis' self-titled album included his cover version, and he also played it on television to 50 million people, they estimated.

This tune follows a beautiful and simple chord progression composed in the key of F.

When my blue moon turns to golden guitar chords

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy practicing these King's Songs and are inspired by them. Listening to them carefully before trying to learn the progressions would be a good way to add the melodies to your repertoire.

Don't forget to be surprised and have fun while playing these classics. And watching the recently released film can also be inspiring on your journey to discover these gems. It would also be great to share these old songs next Christmas!

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