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Fast & Easy Ziggy Stardust Guitar Lesson (David Bowie)

rock Jul 29, 2024

Calling all space invaders! 

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to start rocking your guitar like David Bowie/Mick Ronson… then this post will show you how.

Using just a couple of chords and some powerful rock guitar techniques you can play this song in your cover band, at an open mic night, or even for a backyard party to amaze friends and family.

So tune up, and let’s dive into this “Ziggy Stardust” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Ziggy Stardust?

"Ziggy Stardust" is a song by British musician David Bowie, released in 1972. It is part of the concept album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars," which is considered one of Bowie's most iconic works. Bowie wrote "Ziggy Stardust," both as a song but also as part of a larger narrative for the album. The character Ziggy Stardust is a fictional androgynous rock star who acts as an alien messenger to humanity, bringing a message of hope amidst an impending...

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The ULTIMATE Listen To The Music Guitar Lesson (Doobie Brothers)

rock Jul 29, 2024

If you’re looking to “lock in” that fun and funky guitar groove for “Listen To The Music” by the Doobie Brothers…then this guitar lesson can show you how. 

But heads up, this ain’t the easiest song to play.

Playing the “Listen To The Music” chords and guitar parts does require a few advanced guitar skills. For example, techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and even some muted scratch strumming with 16th notes. 

But fear not, I’m going to explain the secrets behind this guitar style step-by-step in this post. 

So buckle up, and let’s dive into this “Listen To The Music” guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Listen To The Music?

"Listen to the Music" is a classic song by The Doobie Brothers, written by the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, Tom Johnston. It was released as a single in 1972 and featured on their album Toulouse Street.

Tom Johnston was inspired by the idea that music could bring people...

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Quick And Easy “Give A Little Bit” Guitar Lesson To Sound Just Like The Record (Supertramp)

rock Jul 22, 2024

Have you ever wondered how someone can play just two guitar chords, and make a stadium full of music lovers go crazy?

Well, today I’m going to share with you those two secret chords and more from an iconic song.

It’s been said that this song was inspired by The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love", during the love and peace movement of the 1960s.

So grab your guitar and let’s dive into this “Give A Little Bit” guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Give A Little Bit?

"Give a Little Bit" is a song by the British rock band Supertramp. Its writing credits are given to Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson, although it is a Hodgson composition. It was first released in 1977 on their album Even in the Quietest Moments... 

The song sings a simple, positive message about the importance of giving and sharing love and care with others. The track was recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles, where multiple layers of 12-string guitars were meticulously overdubbed to create its...

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The ULTIMATE Yellow Ledbetter Guitar Lesson (Pearl Jam)

rock Jul 22, 2024

Behold…

A powerful song with guitar parts under the influence of legends like Jimi Hendrix, Curtis Mayfield, and Cornell Dupree. 

You only need a couple of chords to be able to start jamming it along with the iconic recording. 

This song has moved the world, and was even placed in a famous TV show in a seaons finale scene for “Friends”. 

So grab your guitar and let’s dive into this “Yellow Ledbetter” guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Yellow Ledbetter?

"Yellow Ledbetter" was written by Eddie Vedder (vocals), Mike McCready (guitar), and Jeff Ament (bass). Three members of the American rock band Pearl Jam.  

The music was composed by Mike McCready, and the lyrics were written by Eddie Vedder. The song has a loose, jam-like structure and features guitar work from McCready that is straight out of the Hendrix school of rhythm guitar.

While the exact meaning of “Yellow Ledbetter” is ambiguous due to Vedder's mumbled and...

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Quick And Easy Harvest Moon Guitar Lesson

rock Jul 15, 2024

If you’d like a perfect song to delight your audience with this fall…then folk-rock legend Neil Young may just have a solution for you.

There’s something special about this tune that blends beautifully with a cup of coffee, and a chill in the air.

You only need a couple of chords to play it. 

So grab your guitar and let’s dive into this “Harvest Moon” guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Harvest Moon?

"Harvest Moon" was written and performed by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young. It was released as the title track on his 1992 album Harvest Moon.

Harvest Moon is often considered a sequel to Young's earlier album Harvest from 1972. It was recorded at a few different locations, including Young's Broken Arrow Ranch in Redwood City, California.  

The recording sessions involved many of the same musicians who played on Young's original Harvest album, including Ben Keith on pedal steel guitar, Tim Drummond on bass, and Kenny Buttrey on drums....

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Stranglehold Guitar Lesson (Ted Nugent)

rock Jul 11, 2024

If you want to learn to play guitar like a thunderous rock god.

Here's a powerful riff to help set you on your way. 

In fact, few guitar riffs hold as much raw energy as this one. It blends elements of the blues with searing rock guitar solos. 

I’m going to share its most iconic moments in this post. 

So grab your guitar and let’s dive into this “Stranglehold” guitar lesson.

Who wrote Stranglehold?

“Stranglehold” was written by American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Ted Nugent.  While Ted is often credited with the song, Rob Grange, the bassist, also played a significant role in its creation. 

Apparently "Stranglehold" is a song that evolved from a spontaneous jam session. The riff came about during a rehearsal, and then quickly took shape as the band experimented with different musical ideas. 

The recording captured the band's live energy, with Nugent's guitar work being a standout feature. His extended guitar...

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10 EPIC ROCK GUITAR ALBUMS EVERY GUITARIST SHOULD KNOW

rock Jul 09, 2024

If you want to master the art of rock guitar, then you are going to need to do something very important.

And that is...

Listen to great rock records.

So below are 10 epic rock guitar albums every guitarist should know.

As I go through them, I’ll some share key points I’ve gleaned from studying these masters of rock guitar.

So without further ado, here they are (in no particular order):

1. Back In Black AC/DC

Angus Young is one of the greatest grand pooh-bahs of rock guitar. Malcolm gets credit too. But Angus was a master at creating killer riffs. He also plays the h3llz out of them in a stadium full of fist-pumping rock fans.

2. The Dark Side of the Moon Pink Floyd

David Gilmour’s soaring leads with Pink Floyd have no doubt moved the world. Everything on this album from the way he bent strings, to the chord progressions, to even the use of psychedelic sounds is incredible.

3. Rumours Fleetwood Mac

Take a listen to tunes like “Go Your Own Way”....

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Mrs Robinson Guitar Lesson Just Like The Record

rock Jul 08, 2024

Here’s an edgy song made famous in the classic film “The Graduate” in 1967.

It all started with a bluesy riff Paul Simon mashed together with a catchy sing-along melody that made history.   

I’m going to share facts about the song and go through some of Paul Simon’s iconic guitar work in this post. 

So grab your guitar, and let’s dive into this “Mrs. Robinson” guitar lesson.

Who Wrote Mrs. Robinson?

"Mrs. Robinson" was written by Paul Simon, one-half of the American folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. The song was released in 1968 and is famously associated with the film "The Graduate," directed by Mike Nichols. 

Nichols, a fan of Simon & Garfunkel's music, initially wanted to use their existing songs for the movie's soundtrack. But Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel decided to write new material. 

At the time, Simon had been working on a song titled "Mrs. Roosevelt," which evolved into "Mrs. Robinson."...

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The ULTIMATE Can't You See Guitar Lesson

rock Jul 08, 2024

If you like playing along with your favorite recordings or even jamming songs with friends, then here’s a quick and easy tune to add to your setlist and have blast playing.

You only need 3 chords to get through it. And, you’ll potentially unlock a lot of powerful guitar skills like:

  • Improving your rhythm
  • Improving your fingerpicking
  • Improving your strumming
  • Combining licks and chords
  • Playing lead guitar

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Can’t You See” guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Can’t You See?

"Can't You See" was written by Toy Caldwell, the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for the classic Southern rock group the Marshall Tucker Band. Caldwell was known for his distinctive guitar playing and made big contributions to the band’s iconic sound.

He wrote "Can't You See" while recovering from a motorcycle accident. The song's bluesy tone and reflective lyrics show Caldwell's emotional state during his recovery.  

...

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The ULTIMATE Just What I Needed Guitar Lesson (The Cars)

rock Jul 06, 2024

True story: 

The first time I ever heard this song was when one of my childhood best friend’s played it at a high school talent show.

I remember sitting in wooden fold-down chairs, in the school auditorium when they came on to perform. But something looked a little bit different with the rhythm section. The drummer (who played with my friend) managed to cover keys and drums at the same time. He moved away the floor tom and played the synthesizer part on a keyboard setup where the floor tom would be with his right hand. The rest of his body played the rock drum beat.

I was blown away. My childhood friend sang the lead, and the crowd loved it.

There’s just something about this rock anthem that is so satisfying to listen to and play.

So grab your guitar and let’s dive into this The Cars’ “Just What I Needed” guitar lesson!

Who wrote Just What I Needed?

"Just What I Needed" is a classic rock song by the American rock band The Cars. It was...

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