Bon Jovi is one of the most successful rock bands of all time, and their songs have resonated with fans for decades.
If you’re a beginner guitarist looking to get into playing Bon Jovi, these are 17 essential songs to start with.
From classics like ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ and ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ to deep cuts like ‘Have a Nice Day’ and ‘Who Says You Can’t Go Home’.
These are the essential Bon Jovi songs for any aspiring guitarist.
Even though some of them might not be super easy, they’re still ways to play them and simplify them.
Table of Contents
- 17. “You Want To Make A Memory”
- 16. “In These Arms”
- 15. “Who Says You Can’t Go Home?”
- 14. “Blaze Of Glory”
- 13. “I’ll Be There For You”
- 12. “Always”
- 11. “Bed Of Roses”
- 10. “Keep The Faith”
- 9. “Lay Your Hands On Me”
- 8. “We Weren’t Born To Follow”
- 7. “Have A Nice Day”
- 6. “Runaway”
- 5. “It’s My Life”
- 4. “You Give Love A Bad Name”
- 3. “Wanted Dead Or Alive”
- 2. “Bad Medicine”
- 1. “Livin’ On A Prayer”
17. “You Want To Make A Memory”
“You Want To Make A Memory” by Bon Jovi is an anthemic power ballad that captures the essence of the band’s signature sound.
Released in 2007, the song was the lead single from the band’s tenth studio album, Lost Highway.
The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and John Shanks, and was produced by Shanks.
It is a classic Bon Jovi track, with its soaring chorus and heartfelt lyrics.
The song has a strong message about making the most of life and living in the moment.
It speaks to the idea of seizing the day and making a lasting memory.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart and number twenty-two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Bon Jovi has been one of the most successful bands of the past four decades, selling over 130 million records worldwide and performing over 2,700 concerts in more than 50 countries.
The band has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has won multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and World Music Awards.
“You Want To Make A Memory” is a classic Bon Jovi song that captures the band’s signature sound and timeless message.
16. “In These Arms”
“In These Arms” by Bon Jovi is an iconic power ballad from their 1992 album, Keep the Faith.
Written by lead singer Jon Bon Jovi, the song is a heartfelt love song about the comfort and security of being in a loving relationship.
The song features a classic Bon Jovi sound, with a steady rhythm, soaring guitar solos, and Jon’s signature vocals.
The lyrics are simple and direct, but the message is powerful, expressing the desire for a safe haven from life’s struggles.
The song was a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the band’s third number one single in the US.
It was also a hit in the UK, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart.
It remains one of the band’s most popular songs and is a staple of their live shows.
15. “Who Says You Can’t Go Home?”
“Who Says You Can’t Go Home?” by Bon Jovi is an anthemic power ballad that was released in 2005 as the first single from their ninth studio album, Have a Nice Day.
This song was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, and it was produced by John Shanks.
It was an instant success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming the first song by a rock band to top the country chart.
The song also reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA.
The song has a strong message of hope and resilience, with Jon Bon Jovi singing about how you can always go back to where you started and find a way to make things work.
The song has been a staple of Bon Jovi’s live performances since its release, and it has been covered by many artists, including Sugarland and LeAnn Rimes.
It is a powerful reminder that no matter how hard life can be, you can always find your way back home.
14. “Blaze Of Glory”
“Blaze Of Glory” by Bon Jovi is a classic rock anthem that has been around for decades.
Released in 1990 as the lead single from the soundtrack of the movie Young Guns II, the song was a huge success for the band, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
Written by Jon Bon Jovi, the song is a power ballad that tells the story of a man who is willing to go out in a blaze of glory instead of facing a life of mediocrity.
The song features a powerful guitar solo by Richie Sambora, along with a gospel choir and a full orchestra.
Bon Jovi has been one of the most successful rock bands of all time, with more than 120 million albums sold worldwide and over 2,600 concerts performed in more than 50 countries.
The band has also won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for their 1986 album Slippery When Wet, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2018.
“Blaze Of Glory” is an iconic song that is sure to remain a staple of Bon Jovi’s live shows for years to come.
13. “I’ll Be There For You”
“I’ll Be There For You” by Bon Jovi is an iconic power ballad that was released in 1988 as part of the band’s album New Jersey.
The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child and became an instant classic, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It is a love song that speaks to the importance of standing by someone through thick and thin, and its message resonates with many listeners.
The song features a powerful guitar solo by Richie Sambora and a memorable chorus that has been covered by many artists.
Bon Jovi is one of the most successful rock bands of all time, having sold over 130 million albums worldwide.
They have also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 and have won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 1988.
“I’ll Be There For You” is a timeless classic that continues to be beloved by fans of Bon Jovi and music lovers alike.
12. “Always”
“Always” by Bon Jovi is an iconic power ballad that was released in 1994.
It was written by frontman Jon Bon Jovi and was the third single off of their album Cross Road.
The song is an ode to the power of love, and it has become a classic among fans of the band.
It has been covered by many other artists, and it remains a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
The song is notable for its soaring chorus and its memorable guitar solo.
It was a huge hit for the band, reaching number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it was also a top ten hit in many other countries.
Bon Jovi has been one of the most successful rock bands of all time, selling over 130 million records worldwide.
They have released fourteen studio albums and have had numerous hit singles, including “Livin’ On a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name”.
“Always” remains one of their most beloved and enduring songs.
11. “Bed Of Roses”
“Bed of Roses” by Bon Jovi is an iconic power ballad released in 1992 on the album Keep the Faith.
Written by Jon Bon Jovi, the song is a love song that speaks of a man’s longing for his lover.
The song is accompanied by a gentle acoustic guitar and a soft string section, creating a mellow and romantic atmosphere.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
It has since become one of Bon Jovi’s most popular songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists.
Bon Jovi is an American rock band formed in 1983 in New Jersey.
The band’s lineup consists of lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, guitarist Phil X, bassist Hugh McDonald, and drummer Tico Torres.
The band has sold more than 130 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
They have also released two live albums, two compilation albums, and four box sets.
Bon Jovi is known for their classic rock sound, and “Bed of Roses” is a great example of their signature style.
10. “Keep The Faith”
“Keep The Faith” by Bon Jovi is an iconic anthem of hope and resilience, released in 1992.
It was the lead single from the band’s fifth studio album of the same name, and was written and produced by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Desmond Child.
The song has become one of Bon Jovi’s signature songs, and is often played at their live shows.
The song’s lyrics speak of the importance of having faith in yourself and in others, and its uplifting message has resonated with listeners for decades.
The song also features a powerful guitar solo from Richie Sambora, which has become a fan favorite.
The song was very successful, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and also charting in the top 10 in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
It has since been certified Platinum in the US, and Gold in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Bon Jovi has become one of the most successful rock bands in history, having sold over 130 million albums worldwide, and having been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
“Keep The Faith” is a classic example of the band’s ability to write songs that are both meaningful and memorable.
9. “Lay Your Hands On Me”
“Lay Your Hands On Me” by Bon Jovi is a classic rock song released in 1988 on the album New Jersey.
The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora and it peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It is a classic example of Bon Jovi’s signature sound, combining a powerful rock chorus with a softer, more melodic verse.
The song’s lyrics are about a man asking a woman to touch him and give him the love he needs.
The song has become a staple of Bon Jovi’s live performances, with fans often singing along to the chorus.
The band has performed the song on several of their world tours, including the New Jersey Syndicate Tour, the Crush Tour, and the Lost Highway Tour.
Bon Jovi has also performed the song on television shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
The song has become a fan favorite and has been covered by numerous artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Def Leppard, and The Goo Goo Dolls.
8. “We Weren’t Born To Follow”
Bon Jovi’s “We Weren’t Born To Follow” is an inspiring anthem of hope and determination.
The song was released in 2009 as the lead single from their album The Circle and was the theme song for the movie, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
The song is a classic Bon Jovi power ballad with a driving beat and a soaring chorus.
The lyrics urge the listener to stand up for themselves and to never give up on their dreams.
The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, and it was produced by John Shanks.
The song was a huge hit, reaching the top ten in several countries, including the United States.
It also won a BMI Pop Award for Most Played Song in 2010.
The song has become an anthem for those who are willing to take risks and follow their own path, no matter the odds.
It is a reminder that we all have the power to make our own destiny.
7. “Have A Nice Day”
The song “Have A Nice Day” by Bon Jovi is a powerful rock anthem that was released in 2005 as the lead single from their album of the same name.
Written by lead singer Jon Bon Jovi and guitarist Richie Sambora, the song is an upbeat, uplifting track that encourages the listener to stay positive and fight through life’s struggles.
The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with its catchy “have a nice day” hook and its powerful guitar riffs.
The song was a commercial success, peaking at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming the band’s twelfth top-ten single in the United States.
It was also a hit in the United Kingdom, reaching number four on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the band’s fourth top-ten single in the United Kingdom.
Bon Jovi is an American rock band from Sayreville, New Jersey, formed in 1983 by lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi.
The band has released thirteen studio albums, with their most recent being 2020’s “2020”.
They have sold over 130 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Bon Jovi has won numerous awards, including an American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group, two Grammy Awards, and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
6. “Runaway”
The classic rock anthem “Runaway” by Bon Jovi is an iconic song that has been beloved by fans for decades.
Released in 1983, the song was the band’s first top-40 hit and was featured on their debut album, Bon Jovi.
Written by lead singer Jon Bon Jovi and keyboardist David Bryan, the song tells the story of a young man who has run away from home and is struggling to find his place in the world.
The song is an upbeat rock anthem with a catchy chorus and powerful guitar riffs that have become a staple of Bon Jovi’s iconic sound.
The song was a huge success, reaching number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple of classic rock radio stations.
Bon Jovi is one of the most successful rock bands of all time, having sold over 130 million albums worldwide and receiving numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.
“Runaway” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and remains a fan favorite to this day.
5. “It’s My Life”
“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi is an iconic rock anthem that has been inspiring listeners since its release in 2000.
The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Max Martin, and it was the lead single off of Bon Jovi’s seventh studio album Crush.
The song is an uplifting and empowering anthem that encourages listeners to take control of their lives and live on their own terms.
The lyrics are simple but powerful, with lines like “It’s my life, it’s now or never” and “I ain’t gonna live forever” making a strong statement about taking control of one’s life.
The song was a huge success, reaching number one in the UK and number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Bon Jovi is an American rock band that was formed in 1983 and has since become one of the most successful bands in the world.
The band has released thirteen studio albums, five compilation albums, and two live albums, and they have sold over 130 million records worldwide.
They have also earned numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for their album Crush.
“It’s My Life” is a timeless classic that has been inspiring listeners for two decades, and it is a testament to the success of Bon Jovi as a band.
4. “You Give Love A Bad Name”
“You Give Love A Bad Name” by Bon Jovi is an iconic rock song that has been a staple of the band’s live performances since its release in 1986.
Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, the song was the lead single from Bon Jovi’s third album, Slippery When Wet.
The song is an uptempo rock anthem that has become one of the most recognizable songs of the 1980s.
It has become one of Bon Jovi’s signature songs and is often used to introduce the band at their concerts.
The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Bon Jovi’s first chart-topping single in the United States.
It also reached the top 10 in several countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The song has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and has sold over 2 million copies in the United States alone.
It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group in 1987.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years and is still a popular choice for karaoke.
3. “Wanted Dead Or Alive”
Bon Jovi’s classic hit “Wanted Dead or Alive” is an iconic rock anthem that has become a staple in the band’s live performances.
It was released in 1986 as the third single from their album Slippery When Wet and was a huge success, peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was written by lead singer Jon Bon Jovi and guitarist Richie Sambora and is about the life of a touring musician.
The lyrics are about the struggles of life on the road, with Bon Jovi singing, “I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride/ I’m wanted dead or alive.”
The song was also featured in the 1987 film Young Guns and has become a classic rock anthem.
Bon Jovi has been one of the most successful rock bands of all time, selling over 130 million albums worldwide and performing over 2,700 concerts in over 50 countries.
They have also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
“Wanted Dead or Alive” is a testament to the band’s legacy, and its timeless lyrics and powerful guitar riffs make it a classic rock anthem that will be remembered for generations to come.
2. “Bad Medicine”
“Bad Medicine” by Bon Jovi is a classic rock anthem from the band’s 1988 album, New Jersey.
It was the first single released from the album, and it became a huge hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining there for two weeks.
The song is a classic example of the band’s signature sound, featuring an infectious guitar riff and a driving beat that makes it impossible to sit still.
The lyrics are about a man who is trying to get over a broken heart and is looking for a remedy in the form of a woman.
The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, and it was produced by Bruce Fairbairn.
It was one of the band’s most successful singles, and it has become a staple of their live shows over the years.
Bon Jovi has sold over 130 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
1. “Livin’ On A Prayer”
“Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi is a classic rock anthem that has been a favorite of fans since it was released in 1986.
Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, the song tells the story of two young lovers, Tommy and Gina, who are struggling to make ends meet.
The song speaks to the struggles of everyday life and the need to keep faith in order to make it through.
The song was a huge success for Bon Jovi, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the band’s signature songs.
It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, and has been covered by a variety of artists.
Bon Jovi has gone on to become one of the most successful rock bands of all time, selling over 130 million albums and performing over 2,600 concerts in over 50 countries.
“Livin’ On A Prayer” is an iconic song that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite of fans around the world.
Born and raised in Florida! I’ve been playing guitars for the past 5 years. Love to learn, and I’m always striving to achieve greater heights in music. Currently have a Fender Stratocaster as my main guitar.
