Learn to Play ABBA and Bee Gees Songs on Guitar – Chords, Tips & More

When you think of timeless pop music from the 1970s, two names stand out: ABBA and the Bee Gees. With global hits, unforgettable melodies, and genre-defining sounds, these iconic groups left a permanent imprint on music history. But beyond their polished studio productions lies a surprisingly accessible truth: many of their best songs are guitar-friendly and perfect for musicians of all levels.

In this article, we’ll explore a curated list of ABBA chords and Bee Gees chords on guitar, offering structure, tips, and musical background so you can play them with confidence and appreciation.

Why ABBA and Bee Gees Songs Are Great for Guitar

Although ABBA and the Bee Gees are often associated with layered production—strings, synths, and disco grooves—the core of many of their hits is simple chord progressions based on standard major and minor chords. This makes them perfect for acoustic guitar covers, jam sessions, and solo performances.

Both bands focused heavily on melody and harmony, which means even stripped-down acoustic versions retain emotional depth and recognizability.

ABBA – Guitar-Friendly Classics

Formed in Stockholm in 1972, ABBA (Agnetha, Björn, Benny, Anni-Frid) won Eurovision in 1974 and went on to sell over 385 million records worldwide. Many of their songs were composed on guitar and piano, making them ideal for reinterpretation on six strings.

1. Mamma Mia (1975)

• Key: D Major

• Chords: D – A – Bm – G – Em

• Capo: Optional (2nd fret for original pitch)

• Structure: Verse–Chorus–Verse–Chorus–Bridge–Chorus

Guitar Insight: The rhythmic phrasing is staccato with upbeat energy. Using barre chords for Bm and Em gives a more authentic punch. Down-strokes during the intro replicate the percussive piano stabs.

Trivia: The song was never intended to be released as a single until Australian fans propelled it to #1 in several countries.

2. Dancing Queen (1976)

• Key: A Major

• Chords: A – E – F#m – D – Bm

• Strumming Pattern: Down–down–up–up–down–up

• Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

Musical Note: It’s a moderate tempo 4/4 disco track. Play open chords with bright tone. To capture the string melodies, consider arpeggiated chord playing during the intro.

Historical Impact: One of ABBA’s biggest hits, it topped charts globally and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015.

3. Fernando (1976)

• Key: E Minor

• Chords: Em – D – C – G – Am – B7

• Strumming: Gentle ballad rhythm; try fingerpicking during the verses

• Tone: Lyrical and narrative-driven

Guitar Advice: The song flows slowly and tells a story, so dynamics matter. Light strums or fingerpicked arpeggios bring out its nostalgic feel.

Background: Originally a solo track for Anni-Frid, “Fernando” became one of ABBA’s best-selling singles, with over 10 million copies sold worldwide.

4. Chiquitita (1979)

• Key: E Major

• Chords: E – A – B – G#m – C#m – F#m

• Style: Latin-tinged ballad

• Guitar Tip: Use barre chords to transition smoothly. Fingerpicking works well in the verses, while strumming suits the chorus.

Trivia: All royalties from this song were donated to UNICEF as part of the "Music for UNICEF" campaign.

Bee Gees – Songs That Shine on Guitar

The Bee Gees (Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb) began as a harmony-driven pop trio in the '60s and evolved into disco icons in the '70s. Despite their genre shift, they remained deeply rooted in melodic songwriting and acoustic guitar foundations, especially Barry’s 12-string guitar playing.

1. How Deep Is Your Love (1977)

• Key: E♭ Major (use Capo 1, play in D Major)

• Chords (Capo 1): D – Bm – Em – A – G – F#m

• Style: Soft soul-ballad

• Strumming: Gentle, syncopated strums or fingerpicking

Guitar Tip: The song’s softness calls for subtle dynamics. Let the chords breathe. Great for practice in chord transitions and phrasing.

Background: Written for the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, it became one of the Bee Gees’ most enduring romantic ballads.

2. To Love Somebody (1967)

• Key: G Major

• Chords: G – A – Bm – C – D – Em

• Strumming: Soul rhythm—emphasize downbeats with light accent

• Mood: Emotional and reflective

Musical Note: The simplicity of the chords makes this a great beginner song, but adding emotion in your strumming and vocal phrasing is key.

History: Originally written for Otis Redding, the Bee Gees’ version became a global hit and has since been covered by over 200 artists.

3. Stayin' Alive (1977)

• Key: F Minor (Capo 1, play in Em)

• Chords (Capo 1): Em – A – D – Bm

• Strumming Pattern: Funky muted rhythm—try chucking or palm muting

• Tempo: 103 BPM, 4/4 time signature

Guitar Arrangement Tip: You can create a funk groove by alternating muted strums and chord stabs. The rhythm guitar part imitates the original’s disco pulse.

Fun Fact: Despite its upbeat rhythm, the lyrics deal with survival and anxiety. The bassline and drum beat are sampled from the Bee Gees’ own “Night Fever.”

4. Words (1968)

• Key: D Major

• Chords: D – A – G – Em – Bm

• Strumming: Down–up–down–up, very gentle

• Mood: Melancholic and expressive

Guitar Feel: Perfect for solo acoustic performances. Try using a capo to match Barry’s vocal range or adapt it to your own.

Legacy: “Words” showcases the Gibb brothers' signature vocal harmony and was later covered by Boyzone and Elvis Presley.

Final Thoughts

ABBA and the Bee Gees may have ruled the charts with full-scale productions, but at their core, their music is deeply melodic, emotionally rich, and surprisingly accessible to guitarists. Whether you're covering “Dancing Queen” at a cafe or playing “How Deep Is Your Love” for someone special, these classics will not only improve your playing but also connect you with music that’s stood the test of time.

So grab your guitar, revisit the golden era of pop and disco, and let these chords bring your performances to life.