Many of the bands we focus on in these song lesson blogs are well-known for their guitar riffs, interesting chord progressions, or cool rhythm parts. Today we’re covering a band known for their affinity to write catchy songs. The Goo Goo Dolls are an American rock band mainly consisting of vocalist/guitarist, John Rzeznik and bassist/vocalist Robby Takac. The band emerged in the late 1980s and achieved significant success throughout the 1990s and beyond.

The Goo Goo Dolls have released 14 studio albums over their 37-year tenure, though their breakthrough came with their fifth studio album, A Boy Named Goo, released in 1995. Since then, the band has had numerous chart successes; they’ve had 12 songs enter the Billboard Hot 100, 3 of which were Top 10 hits. Needless to say, their ability to consistently produce radio-friendly rock songs contributed to their lasting popularity.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably interested in learning some Goo Goo Dolls songs on guitar. Let’s dive right in!

“Ain’t That Unusual” – Song Lesson – JamPlay

Though you may know the Goo Goo Dolls for their softer-sounding hits, “Ain’t That Unusual” bridges the gap between their commercial sound and their early punk-infused roots.

Educator, D.J. Phillips has arranged the song with two guitars. But, if you’re interested in playing this in a power trio, the first guitar lesson will get you in good shape to perform. Check out the full song lesson on JamPlay!

“Iris” – Goo Goo Dolls Song Lesson – JamPlay

When we mentioned this band was known for their songs, this is a big part of what we were talking about. “Iris” is the Goo Goo Dolls’ all-time best-known hit; it got a pretty sweet debut, too, as John Rzeznik wrote it for the soundtrack of the 1998 film, City Of Angels starring Nicholas Cage. Following its release as a single, the song lived on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks, peaking at No. 9. And in Italy, Canada, and Australia, this mega hit peaked at No. 1.

Are you excited to learn a smash hit on guitar? Check out the full lesson with Mark Lincoln on JamPlay!

“Long Way Down” – Song Lesson – JamPlay

A single from their 1995 breakthrough album, A Boy Named Goo, “Long Way Down” certainly went a long way up on the rock charts. It rang in at No. 25 on Modern Rock, and peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks. The tune was also featured in the 1996 epic disaster film, Twister.

In this lesson, Chris Liepe teaches you rhythm and lead guitar parts for “Long Way Down.” Jump right in with the full lesson on JamPlay!

“Name” – Goo Goo Dolls Song Lesson – JamPlay

Remember we mentioned that 1995 breakthrough record? One of the huge reasons A Boy Named Goo was so successful was due to the huge popularity of its sixth track and third single, “Name.” Considered the Goo Goo Dolls’ first crossover hit, the song made its way near the top of many domestic and global chats. Namely, “Name” peaked at No 5. on Billboard’s Hot 100.

This song is as interesting as it is fun to play. In order to play it, you’ll need to tune your strings to D-A-E-A-E-E in ascending order. Check out the full lesson with D.J. Phillips on JamPlay.

“Only One” – Song Lesson – JamPlay

The first single from A Boy Named Goo, “Only One” is a power pop track that features a little more crunch than some of the other tracks on this list. Though it didn’t receive the same acclaim as “Name,” it did make its way onto Billboard’s Alternative Airplay and Mainstream Rock charts.

In this lesson, D.J. Phillips teaches you how to play “Only One” on guitar – including how to navigate the tempo change in the bridge! Find the full lesson with tab on JamPlay.

“Slide” – Goo Goo Dolls Song Lesson – JamPlay

The last song on our list comes from the band’s 1998 sixth studio album. “Slide” reached the No. 1 spot on three different Billboard charts, and peaked at No. 8 on the Hot 100. Along with “Iris,” this track is one of the reasons Dizzy Up The Girl became the Goo Goo Dolls’ most commercially successful album.

Follow along with D.J. Phillips as he shows you how to play the acoustic and electric guitar parts for “Slide.” Find the full lesson with tab & notation on JamPlay!

For more Song Lessons, check out JamPlay.com! JamPlay has over 450 guitar courses from 120+ instructors, and online guitar lessons tailored to every skill level, music genre, and playing style. Click here to learn more.

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