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 ...

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 almost a...

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....

George Harrison was sued by the publishers of the song "He’s So Fine" recorded by the Chiffons. 

They claimed he had unintentionally copied their melody. 

This song is a standout tune from Harrison’s monumental album All Things Must Pass.

In this post, I’m going to break down the guitar style behind it in an easier and more advanced way.

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

Who Wrote My Sweet Lord?

"My Sweet Lord" is a powerful song written by George Harrison, the lead guitarist of The Beatles. It was released in 1970 as part of his landmark solo album All Things Must Pass. 

At this point, Harrison was truly blossoming into his unique solo sound – post The Beatles. “My Sweet Lord” is one of the most beloved spiritual pop songs of all time. It blends Harrison’s newfound enlightenment with pop music of the day.

Harrison was inspired to write the song after hearing the Edwin Hawkins Singers’ gospel track, "Oh Happy Day." The chord...

Here’s a powerful track that highlights an amazing moment in rock history…

The moment when Stevie Nicks (from Fleetwood Mac) became a Heartbreaker.

Nicks joined up with Tom Petty and released this emotional rock song that struck a chord with listeners around the world.

I’m going to break it down for you step-by-step.

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" chords and guitar lesson! 

Who Wrote"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around"?

"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" was written by Tom Petty and guitarist Mike Campbell. The song marked an epic collaboration between Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) and the Heartbreakers. This song was originally written for Petty’s band, but at the same time Nicks was working on her album Bella Donna, her producer Jimmy Lovine, was also working with Petty and suggested this duet. He felt that Petty could make a strong addition to her album.  

At first, Petty was reluctant, he didn’t want to let go of the song. But after heari...

Let’s go back in time to the early 1980s…

The story goes legendary guitarist Mike Campbell was about to get his house foreclosed on then suddenly had this smash hit song.

It was supposed to be a Tom Petty tune. But he passed on it. He thought it sounded too jazzy to be a Heartbreaker’s tune.

It wasn’t until Don Henley got into the mix and as they say, the rest is history.

Below I’m going to break it down for you step-by-step. 

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

Who Wrote Boys Of Summer?

“Boys of Summer” was written by Don Henley and Mike Campbell. It started off as a simple instrumental track Campbell was putting together using a LinnDrum drum machine at his home studio. Originally it was meant to be a Tom Petty tune. But when Petty heard the vibe, he felt it was too jazzy.  

So he didn’t want to record it.

Shortly after the song was pitched to Don Henley. Henley felt it was a good fit and added some lyrics, changed the ...

Behold the magnificent title track from the eighth studio album by American rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

This album was the second album that Petty produced with the incredible Jeff Lynne. 

I’m going to break it down for you step-by-step.

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Into The Great Wide Open" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Into The Great Wide Open?

"Into the Great Wide Open" was written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, it’s the title track off the band’s 1991 album, Into the Great Wide Open. Lynne, who was a key figure in Petty's supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, co-wrote and produced the song. 

The song’s lyrics sing a story about a guy named Eddie. He’s a young man with dreams of rock stardom and moves to Los Angeles. At first, he finds success, but as he rises, he loses his way, caught up in fame’s superficiality. The lyrics depict both the allure of the music industry and its inevitable letdowns. 

The song was recorded at Sound City Studios i...

Ever felt pain and the longing to be in another place? 

Well, this song symbolizes that along with the freedom and beauty of the California lifestyle. 

It’s a simple song, but the emotions run deep. 

Below I’m going to break it down for you step-by-step.

So grab your 6-stringer and let’s dive into this "California Dreamin'" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote California Dreamin'?

"California Dreamin’" was written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas. It came about during the winter of 1963 in New York where these two were living at the time.

They were longing for an escape from the cold weather and were dreaming of the California sunshine. The lyrics convey a sense of restlessness, isolation, and the desire to return to the warmth and freedom associated with the West Coast.

Initially, the track was offered to Barry McGuire (famous for "Eve of Destruction"), and it was McGuire’s producer, Lou Adler, who saw potential in the song for The Mamas & the ...

How many classic rock songs can you think of that use odd time signatures?

If you’ve learned a lot of popular songs, you’ll know that not very many venture away from the common 4/4 time signature. However, here’s a cryptic tune that does just that.

It’s become one of Cream’s most iconic songs, and the guitar part is a blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic sounds.

In this post, I’m going to break down the mystery behind Eric Clapton’s guitar style to it. 

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “White Room" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote White Room?

"White Room" was originally written by bassist Jack Bruce and a poet named Pete Brown. Brown wanted to create surreal imagery rather than straightforward storytelling. Many have often described this tune as cryptic – the lyrics are very open to interpretation. 

But the song became a hit for the British rock band Cream – featuring Jack Bruce on bass, Eric Clapton on guitar, and Ginger Baker on drums. Bruce was the primary son...

Here’s an epic tune that brought about one of the first times in music history where Indian music was blended with Western pop.

George Harrison was hanging around with a new guru, sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar. And started learning to play and this sparked what became known as “raga rock.” 

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Norwegian Wood" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Norwegian Wood?

"Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" is a fascinating Beatles track primarily written by John Lennon. But it was credited under the typical Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. Lennon later remarked that this song was about affairs he was having while married to his wife Cynthia. 

There wasn’t a specific one, but it was more about his clandestine behaviors of feeling attraction, and then frustration.

“Norwegian Wood” was released on The Beatles’ epic album Rubber Soul in 1965. Rubber Soul was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. During this time George Harrison was hangin...