I can’t think of any other song that begins with the sound of an airplane taking off.Â
In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated Beatles songs. It’s a blend of rock n roll, rhythm & blues, and surf music.
Below we’ll take a look at the rhythm and lead guitar parts.
So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Back In The U.S.S.R." chords and guitar lesson!
"Back in the U.S.S.R." was written primarily by Paul McCartney, but it’s labeled with the typical Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. It was recorded by The Beatles, and released on the 1968 double album commonly known as the White Album.
The song is influenced by the Beach Boys and Chuck Berry. It features a blend of rock and roll, rhythm & blues, and surf music influences.Â
McCartney wrote the song during a visit to India, where the Beatles were studying transcendental meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Inspired by the Beach Boys' "California Girls," McCartney aimed to creat...
If you’re looking for a song that can get your audience out on the dance floor… this could be the perfect solution.
In fact, every time I have played it live with a band it’s done just that.
The infectious bass line and groovy feel create an almost automatic desire to do the shimmy.
You only need to know a handful of chords to play it.
Below I’m going to break down the funky guitar style and share insider tips to get jamming along with this famous recording – fast.
So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Billie Jean" chords and guitar lesson!
"Billie Jean" was written and performed by pop legend Michael Jackson. It was the second single from his 1982 album Thriller, and is often regarded as one of the greatest pop songs ever.Â
Jackson wrote "Billie Jean," after being inspired by fan letters he received that included claims of paternity. He later explained the song was not about a specific woman. But instead, a reflection of groupies he and his brot...
Here’s an epic rock song that NASA used as a wake-up call for the team working on the Spirit Mars rover.Â
It only uses a handful of chords.Â
Below I’m going to break down the guitar style behind it and share insider tips to get jamming along with this famous recording – fast.
So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Where Is My Mind" chords and guitar lesson!
"Where Is My Mind?" was written by Black Francis (Charles Thompson), the frontman for the alternative rock band Pixies. It was featured as the seventh track on their 1988 debut album, Surfer Rosa.Â
Francis, was inspired to write "Where Is My Mind?" by his experiences scuba diving in the Caribbean. He was being chased by a small fish while diving when inspiration struck. Â
Joey Santiago came up with the song’s catchy guitar line. The Pixies started as a Boston-based band formed in 1986 by Francis and Santiago. They were roomates at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Â
“Where Is My Mind...
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.Â
So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Sleepwalk" chords and guitar lesson!
"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.Â
Santo Farina and Johnny Farina were brothers who were originally a part of a group that play...
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. Â
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!
"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.Â
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."Â
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...
Behold… a musical masterpieceÂ
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.Â
It’s become more than just a hit song…
It’s a cultural phenomenon.Â
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!
“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.Â
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...
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 iconicÂ
Below I’m going to unpack the unique style behind it.Â
So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "We Will Rock You" chords and guitar lesson!
"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.Â
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. Â
“We Will Rock You” was recorded at Wessex...
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.Â
Below I’m going to break down their guitar styles step by step. Â
So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Friend Of The Devil" chords and guitar lesson!
"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...
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...Â
And will show you how to blend fancy jazz chords and funky rhythms in an amazing way.Â
So grab your 6-stringer, and let’s dive into this Stevie Wonder "Higher Ground" chords and guitar lesson!
“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.Â
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...
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…Â
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.Â
So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Message In A Bottle" chords and guitar lesson!
"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.Â
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...
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