Are you struggling to play the F chord on guitar?

This chord can be quite the bugaboo for guitar players. In fact, there’s a reason why it’s called the “F” chord. 

Many guitarists hate and avoid it like the plague.

But I can show you how to not become one of those players - pain-free. In this post, I want to reveal some powerful tips to help you overcome what may feel like an insurmountable mountain.

So grab your guitar, and let’s learn how to play the F chord step-by-step!

What notes are in an F chord?

From a theoretical point of view, the F chord is built the same as any other major chord on guitar. However, because of the way the guitar is tuned (in standard tuning) only the open A string can be used in an F chord. But because it’s such a low note, it’s not ideal to have ring out. This means essentially you need more guitar skills like muting and bar technique.

Let me explain…

Major chords are built from a specific interval...

How many classic rock songs can you think of that use odd time signatures?

If you’ve learned a lot of popular songs, you’ll know that not very many venture away from the common 4/4 time signature. However, here’s a cryptic tune that does just that.

It’s become one of Cream’s most iconic songs, and the guitar part is a blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic sounds.

In this post, I’m going to break down the mystery behind Eric Clapton’s guitar style to it. 

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “White Room" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote White Room?

"White Room" was originally written by bassist Jack Bruce and a poet named Pete Brown. Brown wanted to create surreal imagery rather than straightforward storytelling. Many have often described this tune as cryptic – the lyrics are very open to interpretation. 

But the song became a hit for the British rock band Cream – featuring Jack Bruce on bass, Eric...

Here’s an epic tune that brought about one of the first times in music history where Indian music was blended with Western pop.

George Harrison was hanging around with a new guru, sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar. And started learning to play and this sparked what became known as “raga rock.” 

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Norwegian Wood" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Norwegian Wood?

"Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" is a fascinating Beatles track primarily written by John Lennon. But it was credited under the typical Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. Lennon later remarked that this song was about affairs he was having while married to his wife Cynthia. 

There wasn’t a specific one, but it was more about his clandestine behaviors of feeling attraction, and then frustration.

“Norwegian Wood” was released on The Beatles’ epic album Rubber Soul in 1965. Rubber Soul was recorded at Abbey Road...

I’m sitting down to write you this today, about 2 miles away from where rock legend Tom Petty wrote “Free Fallin”.

Back in the day he lived in Reseda, California in the San Fernando Valley.

There’s a famous quote from Harlan Howard, a world-renown songwriter, who said, “All you need for a great song is three chords and the truth”. 

I think Petty shows this powerful point in this classic song.

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Free Fallin" chords and guitar lesson! 

Who Wrote Free Fallin'?

"Free Fallin'" was written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. They had been writing a lot of tunes together and this track became one of Petty's most iconic songs. It debuted as a lead single for Petty's solo album, Full Moon Fever, in 1989. 

It’s a very simple tune, that apparently started off as a joke. Lynne was playing the chords and Petty was improvising lyrics about "free fallin'."  

As they developed the...

Many people say: 

“I already know bar chords.”

As if there is a set amount. And once you can do them that’s it. Sure, some players might think of bar chords as being something like the dreaded F chord. And a few other variations. 

But this is very limited thinking.  

There are crazy advanced bar chords and even bars used in countless hit songs’ solos. Are these considered when they say “bar chords?”

What’s more important, is taking time to make sure you’ve mastered the fundamental technique. If you’ve mastered the bar technique, then you should be able to say… 

“I can play 2 string, 3 string, 4 string, 5 string, and even 6 string bars effortlessly. I use this technique in a very relaxed way for rhythm and soloing. And it doesn’t matter what style I am playing, or even if I am on an acoustic guitar with high action, outside in the cold.” 

Jimi Hendrix was a master of...

Are you a fan of rock guitar?

Well if so, I want to let you in on a little secret. You see, there are countless rock hit songs that use this trick in their guitar parts. And it’s quite fun.

Maybe even a little addicting, so watch out.

What’s the secret?

Well, go through this “Runnin' Down A Dream” chords and guitar lesson and you’ll find out!

Who Wrote Runnin' Down A Dream?

"Runnin' Down a Dream" was written by Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, and Jeff Lynne. It’s an energetic classic rock song that was released in 1989 as part of Petty's debut solo album, Full Moon Fever.  

Although it was a solo album, it still featured many of Petty's longtime collaborators, including members of the Heartbreakers. During this time, Petty was experiencing a burst of creative freedom. He was working a lot with Jeff Lynne, who was not only the co-writer on this anthem, but a producer of the album as well. Lynne's influence along with Mike Campbell’s...

Here’s a classic indie pop ballad that’s been moving audiences since its release in 2005. 

The song was inspired by existential questions about what happens after death. The lyrics are deep and the guitar part is very soothing. 

I’m going to break down this style for you step-by-step in a way that I haven’t seen anyone do online yet. 

You see, most instructors explain the strumming pattern with a pick. However, if you listen to the original recording, it was done with a folk-style brushing pattern – similar to what Paul McCartney did on “Blackbird” 

So, grab your guitar, and let’s dive into this “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote I Will Follow You Into The Dark?

"I Will Follow You Into the Dark" is a song by Death Cab for Cutie, written by the band’s frontman, Ben Gibbard. It was released in 2005 as part of their fifth studio album, Plans.  

The...

If you’d like to jam a simple song that captures the gritty and bluesy side of the “Outlaw Country” sound… then this post can show you how.

It’s perfect for newer players. Or those that don’t like to have to memorize a million chord changes, or play tough bar chords.

This song is dirt simple. But it’s a lot of fun.

So, grab your guitar, and let’s dive into this “Waymore’s Blues” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Waymore’s Blues?

“Waymore's Blues" was co-written by Waylon Jennings and Curtis Buck. It was first recorded and released by Waylon Jennings in 1974 as part of his Dreaming My Dreams album. The song is a mix of country, blues, and outlaw music, reflecting Jennings' signature "Outlaw Country" sound—a genre he helped pioneer alongside other country rebels like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. 

The lyrics reflect a man on the move, likely symbolizing Waylon himself and his rebellious,...

Here’s an epic rock song Tom Petty wrote after some crazy person tried to burn down his house (with him in it)!

You’ll discover some mighty rock guitar techniques. And, it’s a great so for newer players too because you only need a couple of chords to play it.

So grab your 6-stringer and let’s dive into this “I Won’t Back Down” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote I Won’t Back Down?

"I Won’t Back Down" was written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. It was released in 1989 as the lead single from Petty’s first solo album, Full Moon Fever. The song was inspired by a crazy experience Petty went through when someone set fire to his house in Encino, California. Only about 10 minutes away from where I am typing this post right now.

Petty and his family were inside when it happened in 1987. Thankfully, they managed to escape but the house was pretty much destroyed. This left a profound impact on Petty, and this became the genesis...

You may not be able to tell listening to the lyrics and feel-good vibe of this tune… but it was inspired by a very traumatizing experience. 

Sherman Kelly (the lead singer and keyboard player of the band King Harvest) wrote this after he and his girlfriend were viciously attacked by a gang on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

In this post, I’m going to break down a couple of different versions and also a famous cover by Thin Lizzy.

So grab your 6-stringer and let’s dive into this “Dancing in the Moonlight” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Dancing in the Moonlight?

"Dancing in the Moonlight" was written by Sherman Kelly in 1969. The most famous version was recorded by the band King Harvest. This band was founded by Kelly’s brother, Wells Kelly, along with his friends in France. Kelly played keyboards and sang vocals on the most widely known version of this song released in 1972.

Sherman Kelly wrote this hit after a...