Jon MacLennan

My Library Blog FREE BLUES SCALE GUIDE Login

The ULTIMATE Sleepwalk Chords & Guitar Lesson (Santo & Johnny)

rock Dec 16, 2024

Behold… one of the most HYPNOTIC instrumental melodies of all time!

This song sounds amazing on guitar and can be played in many situations.

You only need a handful of chords to jam it.

Below I’m going to break down the nuances and how you can play along with the recording or do your own version in no time flat. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Sleepwalk" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Sleepwalk?

"Sleepwalk" was originally written and performed by the duo Santo & Johnny. It was first released in 1959 and quickly became a classic. Santo, the lead guitarist, created the dreamy melody while experimenting with a steel guitar. This Hawaiian-style instrument, gave the track its signature smooth and sliding tone.

While the song is instrumental and doesn’t have lyrics, its ethereal and haunting melody suggests a powerful emotions of longing, nostalgia, or dream-like states. 

Santo Farina and Johnny Farina were brothers who were originally a part of a group that play...

Continue Reading...

Rock Out With This Epic Blitzkrieg Bop Chords And Guitar Lesson (The Ramones)

rock Dec 16, 2024

Hey ho, let's go!

Ready to unleash an epic punk rock guitar sound?

Well if so, this song might be just what you're looking for.  

It’s got a high-energy riff and unforgettable chant. Below I’m going to break down the guitar techniques and gear that brought this iconic track to life.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Blitzkrieg Bop" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Blitzkrieg Bop? 

"Blitzkrieg Bop" was written by the punk rock band the Ramones. It was first released in February 1976 as their debut single and opening track of their self-titled debut album. 

The song was primarily written by drummer Tommy Ramone, with bassist Dee Dee Ramone contributing to the lyrics. It was originally titled "Animal Hop".  But the song's name was later changed to "Blitzkrieg Bop," referencing the German World War II tactic "blitzkrieg," meaning "lightning war." 

With the iconic chant "Hey! Ho! Let's go!", the lyrics paint the scene of the excitement and energy of kids going to a r...

Continue Reading...

The ULTIMATE Africa Chords And Guitar Lesson (Toto)

rock Dec 16, 2024

Behold… a musical masterpiece 

Few songs capture the imagination quite like “Africa” by Toto. Its soaring melody, intricate rhythms, and lush harmonies, have etched this iconic track into the fabric of pop and rock music history. 

It’s become more than just a hit song…

It’s a cultural phenomenon. 

Below I’m going to break down the story behind the song, the inspiration behind its lyrics and music, plus the guitar chords and techniques that bring it to life.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Africa" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Africa? 

“Africa” was written by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, both members of the iconic rock band Toto. It was released in 1982 as part of their Toto IV album, and the song became one of their biggest hits. 

David Paich came up with the melody and most of the lyrics inspired by Africa and its culture, which he had learned about through documentaries and school studies.

Jeff Porcaro, the band's drummer, contributed to the song's sign...

Continue Reading...

We Will Rock You Chords And Guitar Lesson (Queen)

rock Dec 09, 2024

Behold… one of the most legendary rock songs of all time.

I can’t think of any better song to get a crowd stomping, clapping, and singing along than this gem.

The lyrics sing about perseverance and defiance.. and the guitar solo is iconic 

Below I’m going to unpack the unique style behind it. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "We Will Rock You" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote We Will Rock You?

"We Will Rock You" is one of Queen's most iconic songs, written by guitarist Brian May and released on their 1977 album News of the World. May wanted a song designed to engage concertgoers, so he created this stomp-clap sing-along to do just that. It has a very minimalist arrangement. 

The majority of the tune is gang vocals and this stomp-clap experience, until the final guitar solo. The stomps and claps were overdubbed multiple times in the studio using wooden platforms on the floor to create this raw and almost tribal energy.  

“We Will Rock You” was recorded at Wessex...

Continue Reading...

Friend Of The Devil Chords And Guitar Lesson (Grateful Dead)

rock Dec 08, 2024

Behold… an incredible song oozing with outlaw folklore.

This gem blends elements of acoustic, bluegrass, and rock together in a brilliant way. The guitars were played by two legends Jerry Garcia on lead and Bob Weir on rhythm. 

Below I’m going to break down their guitar styles step by step.  

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Friend Of The Devil" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Friend Of The Devil?

"Friend of the Devil" is a song by the Grateful Dead that first appeared on their 1970 album American Beauty. It was written by Jerry Garcia, Robert Hunter, and John Dawson. Hunter is credited with the lyrics, while Garcia and Dawson worked on the music. The song is a first-person narrative about a fugitive on the run from the law, recounting his dealings with various characters, including women and the devil himself. The lyrics blend elements of outlaw folklore and spiritual imagery, portraying the narrator’s struggles with temptation, regret, and pursuit.

It was reco...

Continue Reading...

The ULTIMATE Higher Ground Chords And Guitar Lesson (Stevie Wonder)

rock Dec 02, 2024

Here’s a powerful song from none other than “The Eighth Wonder of the World" himself.

It’s got a groove deeper and wider than the Grand Canyon... 

And will show you how to blend fancy jazz chords and funky rhythms in an amazing way. 

So grab your 6-stringer, and let’s dive into this Stevie Wonder "Higher Ground" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Higher Ground?

“Higher Ground” was written, produced, and performed by Stevie Wonder. It’s one of his most iconic tracks where he recorded the song almost entirely by himself. Wonder is a virtuoso musician that is immensely adapt at playing multiple instruments at a level far beyond most. He played all the instruments on the track, including the clavinet, drums, and Moog bass. 

He’s said “Higher Ground” is about second chances — a chance for people to do better in their lives and strive for enlightenment. He wrote the song just before being involved in a near-fatal car accident in August 1973. After recovering, he saw the song’s mess...

Continue Reading...

Message In A Bottle Chords And Guitar Lesson (The Police)

rock Dec 02, 2024

I can’t think of any other band that blended rock, punk, and reggae in such a new and exciting way.

From Andy Summers’ driving rock rhythms… to the punk rock attitude Sting’s vocals brought to the mix… to the highly rhythmic and syncopated drum parts of Stewart Copeland… 

The Police were one of a kind.

Below I’m going to dive into the signature guitar style behind one of their most legendary tracks. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Message In A Bottle" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Message In A Bottle?

"Message In A Bottle" is one of most iconic tracks performed by British power rock trio The Police. It was written in 1979 by Sting, and released as the lead single from the band’s second studio album, Reggatta de Blanc

Sting reportedly wrote the song while living in a small apartment in London. He was reflecting on his own feelings of solitude after relocating to the city to pursue music.

Many of The Police’s biggest riffs and guitar parts were conjured up...

Continue Reading...

The ULTIMATE September Chords And Guitar Lesson (Earth, Wind & Fire)

rock Nov 25, 2024

If I had to pick ONE song that’s been a staple of all the weddings, parties, and events I’ve played over the years… it would be THIS ONE!

The carefree vibe and infectious dance groove have made its status legendary.

Below, I’m going to break down the guitar style behind it, as well as some cool jazzier chords to boot.

So grab your 6-stringer, and let’s dive into this "September" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote September?

“September” was originally written by Maurice White, Al McKay, and Allee Willis. It was first recorded in 1978 and released as a new track for Earth, Wind & Fire’s album: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1. The song’s iconic date, “the 21st night of September,” has no specific meaning other than “the words just sounded good together”, according to Allee Willis. Similarly, the “ba-dee-ya” lyric came from Maurice White whose preference was more about focusing on groove vs. literal meaning. This clearly worked out and the playful elements drive the song’s ...

Continue Reading...

Jumpin’ Jack Flash Chords And Guitar Lesson (The Rolling Stones)

rock Nov 25, 2024

Keith Richards is a master at creating simple riffs that evoke strong primal energy.

I know that may sound a bit strange but there’s something about his guitar parts and rhythms that hit you right in the gut. 

As of the time of me typing this, the song I want to share with you has over 13 million plays on YouTube. Apparently, I’m not the only one who can relate to this.  

So grab your axe, and let’s unpack this "Jumpin’ Jack Flash" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Jumpin’ Jack Flash?

"Jumpin' Jack Flash" was written by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger two founding members of the legendary rock band The Rolling Stones. It’s one of their most iconic songs, first released as a single in 1968 it marked the Stones' return to their blues-rock roots after a brief departure into psychedelia.

The song was recorded at Olympic Sound Studios in London and is a great example of the raw and driving sound that became a staple of the band’s identity. Richards described the chords as almos...

Continue Reading...

Fast And Easy Sweet Caroline Chords And Guitar Lesson (Neil Diamond)

rock Nov 24, 2024

Here’s an epic song that’s become a bit of a cultural phenomenon. 

Every time I’ve performed it at a special event, bar, wedding, or club the crowd always seems to go CRAZY.

Especially when they get to the sing-along… 

So grab your 6-stringer, and let’s dive into this "Sweet Caroline" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Sweet Caroline?

"Sweet Caroline" was written by Neil Diamond in 1969. The story goes for years he claimed it was inspired by Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F. Kennedy. 

He said he saw a photo of young Caroline on the cover of a magazine and thought the name "Caroline" fit perfectly with the melody he had already been developing. 

However, in 2014, Diamond revealed that the song was actually inspired by his then-wife, Marcia Murphey. He chose "Caroline" simply because her name didn’t fit the rhythm of the song.

Can you picture it?

“Sweet Marsha…”

This unexpected twist adds another layer of charm to the song’s already fascinating history....

Continue Reading...
Close

50% Complete

You're Seconds Away

Enter your best email address to get an instant download link + exclusive content direct to your inbox every week.