Is she the ONE?

Well, here’s a classic Temptations song about just that.

A young couple in the throes of love. The opening guitar riff is one of the most famous riffs ever and is instantly recognizable.

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “My Girl” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote My Girl?

“My Girl” was written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White. They were both members of The Miracles, another vocal group also signed to Motown Records in Detroit, Michigan. 

Smokey Robinson had David Ruffin in mind, the Temptations’ lead singer, when he wrote the song. He knew about his soulful, gospel-influenced voice and thought it would be a perfect match for this song. 

Robinson was RIGHT!

You see, at Motown, there were songwriters and producers for other artists, all working together, creating a ton of hits. The Temptations recorded “My Girl” at Hitsville U.S.A. (Motown’s Studio A in Detroit, Michigan)...

NPR included this tune in their “100 most important American musical works of the 20th century.”

It's got a groove that makes you want to move. 

When I first heard this song, I thought it was written by Santana. However, much later, I found out the truth.  

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Oye Como Va” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Oye Como Va?

“Oye Como Va” was originally written by legendary American musician Tito Puente. It’s all built around a catchy keyboard groove often known as a montuno in Latin music.

The song appeared on Puente’s album El Rey Bravo. Puente led a full Latin orchestra – timbales, horns, flute, piano, bongos, congas, vocals – which crafted his signature sound.

In fact, a couple of my friends have played percussion for him.

However, Carlos Santana recorded a cover of this tune on his classic album Abraxas. 

His version infused rock elements like distorted ...

Here’s an epic classic rock song I used to cover in my first band.

The crowd always went wild when I kicked into the opening lick.

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “I Want You To Want Me” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote I Want You To Want Me?

“I Want You To Want Me” was written by Rick Nielsen, the lead guitarist and primary songwriter of the American rock band Cheap Trick. The first version was released in 1977 on their studio album called In Color. This original version was recorded at Kendun Recorders in Burbank, California. The original version became very successful. But there is also another great live version as well from their album Cheap Trick at Budokan.

The energy and feel of the live version really capture the essence of the song, and this version climbed the charts, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. 

“I Want You To Want Me” has gone on to become one ...

Many people don’t know this, but one of Jimi Hendrix's biggest influences was Curtis Mayfield. 

Mayfield’s style was unique. And you can hear strands of it in the DNA of Hendrix’s playing on tunes like “Little Wing” and “Wind Cries Mary.”

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on this style. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “People Get Ready” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote People Get Ready?

“People Get Ready” was originally written by the great American singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield. The message of the song is one of hope and spiritual readiness. It was first recorded by The Impressions in 1965, and blends gospel, soul, and blues in a powerful way.

The Impressions' take was recorded at Universal Recording Corporation in Chicago. The arrangement is simple and combines gospel-inspired harmonies with Mayfield’s iconic guitar style. 

Upon its release, “People Get Ready” became a hit for The Impressions, reaching #3 on the Billboard R&B chart and #14 on th...

After “You Really Got Me,” The Kinks followed up with another huge hit.

This one has an awesome combination of rock guitar techniques and will sound great solo or with a band. 

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.  

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

Who Wrote Lola?

“Lola” was written by Ray Davies, the lead singer and songwriter for the English rock band The Kinks. 

It’s a storytelling song that sings about a guy meeting someone named Lola in Soho, London. “Lola” was recorded at Morgan Studios in London in early 1970. The song kicks off with this “climbing” chord progression that moves up in whole steps in the key of E. This chord progression, combined with some cool arpeggio picking really helped create the vibe and basis for the song.

For its time, it was controversial and groundbreaking in many ways. Interestingly, the recorded version featured a lyric about “Coca-Cola”, which had to be changed...

I don’t know about you...

But one of my all-time favorite grooves to play is a... 

SLOW BLUES!

There’s just something about the FEELING of it that other groove can copy. Picture a smoky blues club at 12AM. The band is about to kick off the next song... 

What will they play?

Well, above is a brand new video on 9 slow blues tunes that could be perfect options for you.

Hope you enjoy!

Jon MacLennan

Behold… One of the best-selling Christmas songs of all time!

It wasn’t written by Elvis, but his version is certainly one of the most famous. 

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.  

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Blue Christmas” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Blue Christmas?

“Blue Christmas” was originally written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson in 1948. However, Elvis Presley has one of the most famous versions of it.

The song, as it says, is about a “Blue Christmas”. The main character is alone and feeling sad during the holidays because they are missing a loved one. The first recording of “Blue Christmas” was by Doye O'Dell in 1948, and his version has a classic country sound:

It wasn’t until 1957 that Elvis recorded his version at RCA Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. The King’s version was featured on his album, Elvis’ Christmas Album, as song 5.

While there are many jolly Christmas songs, this one captures the...

Jack Johnson and I both had a similar start.

You see, his career began by getting his music placed in surf movies. That was something I did as well, growing up on the coast in California.

Below, I want to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind one of his most iconic songs. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Better Together” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Better Together?

“Better Together” was written by American singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, known for his laid-back folk/surf rock vibes. It’s a simple song expressing one of the greatest joys of life for men, being with someone you love. The lyrics reflect on how life's experiences can be more meaningful this way. 

This gem was recorded in October 2004 at The Mango Tree studio in Hawaii. Mario Caldato Jr., known for his work with the Beastie Boys, produced the song. The studio's relaxed atmosphere contributed to the song's laid-back vibe, characteristic of Johnson's style. The song is the opening tra...

If you're a fan of music from the '70s, then you've probably heard this iconic tune. 

It's a beautiful song about a 30-year-long-term relationship.

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Sara Smile” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Sara Smile?

“Sara Smile” was originally written by Daryl Hall and John Oates. However, Oates has said it’s primarily a Daryl Hall song. Hall had most of it written, and then Oates contributed some minor lyric editing. 

The inspiration for this song came from Hall’s girlfriend, Sara Allen. They stayed together for 30 years. This song was sent as a heartfelt farewell postcard to Sara after their breakup.

It was released in August 1975 on the album Daryl Hall & John Oates. (This record is sometimes called The Silver Album because of its metal-looking cover.) “Sara Smile” was recorded at a few different studios in Hollywood, California, with Daryl Hall, John Oates, a...