Years ago, I was playing a wedding gig, and the husband and wife wanted this song for their first dance.

It was quite strange.

I’d wondered if they’d ever read the lyrics… 

But below, I’m going to share with you some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “With Or Without You” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote With Or Without You?

“With or Without You” was originally written by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., the 4 members of the Irish rock band U2. 

It was released in 1987 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, The Joshua Tree. The song lyrically emphasizes tension and contradiction often found in relationships.  

“With Or Without You” was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin with Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno producing. The song has a very atmospheric sound between the layered sounds and guitar textures that The Edge created. The recording process involved a lot of experimentation, and th...

Out of all the bass line riffs guitarists can learn, here’s one of the most popular.

It’s funky and iconic.

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

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Another One Bites The Dust” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Another One Bites The Dust?

“Another One Bites the Dust” is a song written by bassist John Deacon, but credited to the songwriting partnership of the entire band Queen. 

It was released in 1980 on their album The Game and quickly became one of the band’s biggest hits. Deacon said the bass line was inspired by the funky groove of “Good Times,” by Chic. Deacon had spent some time in the studio with Chic and ended up developing the groove shortly after.

On the recording, Deacon played most of the instruments himself. The drums were a loop by drummer Roger Taylor, and guitar and studio-effect contributions came later from Brian May. 

“Another One Bites The Dust” was recorded in 198...

For many people, the 13 years of formal schooling can feel like prison.

Here's one of Pink Floyd’s most signature songs about this.

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

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2)” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Another Brick In The Wall?

“Another Brick in the Wall” is a 3-part series of songs written for a rock opera album, The Wall, by Roger Waters. Waters is the bassist and primary songwriter for the English rock band Pink Floyd. The most famous of the 3 parts is Part 2, and they all appeared on the 1979 album The Wall.

The lyrics highlight teenage rebellion and a rock and roll spirit, especially lines like:

“We don’t need no education…”

“Another Brick in the Wall” was recorded at several studios in England, including Britannia Row Studios. The gang vocals were sung by a group of 23 London schoolchildren, with producers Bob Ezrin, David Gilmour, and Rog...

Here’s a fun storytelling song about a street performing band named “Willy and the Poor Boys. 

It’s got an awesome upbeat feeling and a great harmonized riff.

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

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Down on the Corner” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Down on the Corner?

“Down on the Corner” was written by John Fogerty, the lead singer for the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). It’s an upbeat roots rock style tune, with a funky groove. The lyrics sing the story of a street corner band that goes by the name of Willy and the Poor Boys. They play music for change. Willy and the Poor Boys consists of four members: Willy on washboard and bass, Stu on rhythm guitar, Doug on drums, and Tom on the trumpet. 

They play for tips and to bring joy to the community. But they are broke.

The song captures a romanticized, nostalgic view of simple street life and the power of music to...

Here’s an iconic song with an interesting backstory.

David Bowie wrote it, inspired by real-life events.

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

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

Who Wrote Heroes?

"Heroes" was co-written by David Bowie and Brian Eno. It was released as the title track for Bowie’s 1977 album of the same name. “Heroes” was inspired by two lovers Bowie saw in a tryst in front of the Berlin Wall. 

You see, Bowie was recording at the legendary Hansa Studio – by the Berlin Wall in Germany -- when he looked out the window and saw two lovers kissing. Although he didn't originally reveal who the lovers were, later Bowie came out and said it was his producer, Tony Visconti, and his mistress, a backing vocalist named Antonia Maass.

The song's lyrics capture a fleeting moment where people can feel heroic.

===

And I, I would be king

And you, you would be my queen

Though nothing wou...

Here’s an example of “They just don’t make 'em like they used to!”

David Bowie was a musical genius, and below I want to share with you some insider tips on one of his most famous songs. 

It’s got storytelling, drama, and an unparalleled emotion. Still to this day, it’s an incredibly unique and musical rollercoaster.

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

Who Wrote Space Oddity?

“Space Oddity” was written by the legend David Bowie. It was released first as a single in 1969, and then later included on his self-titled album in the U.S.

One thing I love about many great songs is…

THEIR STORIES.

“Space Oddity” tells the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who launches into space and has quite the journey. He experiences isolation and wonder, and the dangers of space to boot.

The song was recorded at Trident Studios in London in 1969, and the acoustic guitar drives a pretty big production. With instruments like Mellotron, stylophone, bas...

Here’s a nostalgic tune that sounds like you're floating out to sea into the haze.

You only need a handful of chords to play it, and it also has an incredible groove.

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

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

Who Wrote Into the Mystic?

"Into the Mystic" was originally written by Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It’s a vibey song that blends elements of folk, jazz, and pop into a very unique sound. Morrison wrote it during a time of great creative freedom in the late 1960s.

The original title was “Into the Misty”. But it was changed last minute. Though the lyrics are poetic and slightly ambiguous, the title change gave the song a deeper meaning. It made it transcend from a song of scenic imagery to having now a deeper philosophical meaning. The sea becomes a metaphor for the vastness of life’s seasons and cycles.

"Into the Mystic" was recorded i...

I still get the chills every time I hear the Bee Gees harmonize. 

They’d been singing together since they were kids and had an incredible sound. 

Below, I’m going to share with you some insider tips on one of their most famous songs.  

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “How Deep Is Your Love” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote How Deep Is Your Love?

"How Deep Is Your Love" was originally written by all three brothers in the Bee Gees: Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, and Maurice Gibb.

The song was specifically created for the soundtrack to the 1977 film, Saturday Night Fever. The Bee Gees were initially given the film script and asked to write songs for specific scenes. “How Deep Is Your Love” is a soft and sophisticated pop ballad with incredible vocal harmonies. The lyrics capture a feeling of vulnerability in a relationship. 

The Bee Gees wrote it in a recording studio in Château d'Hérouville, France. The melody came together quickly at the French chateau, a setting pe...

I still get the chills every time I hear this song. 

Cat Stevens is a masterful songwriter, and this is one of his most famous tunes.

Below, I’m going to share with you some insider tips on the guitar style behind it. (Including a way to combine lead and rhythm.) 

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

Who Wrote Father and Son?

“Father and Son” was originally written by Cat Stevens, who later changed his name to Yusuf Islam. It was released in 1970 on his monumental album Tea for the Tillerman. 

The narrative is a fascinating conversation from a father to his son. It addresses many issues in life, of struggle, freedom, and happiness. The father sings from experience and caution, telling his son to slow down and think before he makes big decisions. 

“Father and Son” was recorded at Morgan Studios in London, with Stevens performing acoustic guitar and vocals. The arrangement is subtle, but Islam’s vocals are powerful and theatri...