Jon MacLennan

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Let's Dance Guitar Lesson (David Bowie)

blues Nov 11, 2023

 

Hey Friend, 

I’m a big fan of blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Did you know Stevie collaborated with David Bowie on an album produced by another legendary guitarist Nile Rodgers?

Well, the story I’m about to tell you is the honest truth.

And it involves this track, they all made together. 

But first, if you’re new here, you may not know that years ago my wife worked at Fender guitars…

So that’s how this came about… 

Alright, let’s go back in time…

…to the height of the 2020 pandemic 

People were scared and thought the world was going to end.

This was when overnight jumping on Zoom or a video call became the norm…

My wife was working from home and we hadn’t set up an office for her yet…

She was taking calls right from the living room… 

Early one morning I was fixing some breakfast in the kitchen… 

Just spreading some peanut butter on an English muffin...

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Hey Hey What Can I Do Led Zeppelin Guitar Lesson

rock Nov 11, 2023

Few guitarists are able to fuse together the roots of the blues and rock ‘n’ roll better than Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin. 

In fact, songs like ‘You Shook Me’, ‘Whole Lotta Love’, ‘Bring It On Home’ and ‘The Lemon Song’, are almost all directly ripped off from old blues classics. 

So it’s safe to say that Page’s style has come straight out of artists like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, and Willie Dixon…

But he did take their sound and styles to a new place. And played some amazing guitar parts with Led Zeppelin. 

So today, I’m going to share with you one of them…

You’ll learn a great tuning for blues guitar. How to blend bluesy riffs right into your rhythm playing, and even some more advanced concepts about theory, chords, and scales…

So grab your guitar, tune down, and let’s jump into this “Hey Hey What Can I Do” Led Zeppelin...

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Simple Man Guitar Lesson (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

rock Nov 02, 2023

I’ve noticed over the years often students have a hard time hearing the difference between ARPEGGIO picking and FINGER-picking in a song.

This can be tricky to know and distinguish.

Both techniques can create a similar vibe. However, there is a slight difference in the sound and style with each technique. 

Today I want to share with you an example of arpeggio picking in this “Simple Man” guitar lesson. With hopes that it reinforces this technique in our minds. So we can easily recognize it when it comes up again. PLUS we’ll also take a look at a number of other super valuable techniques you can start using in your guitar playing right away.

So grab your guitar and let’s dive in!

Who Wrote Simple Man?

The song "Simple Man" was written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington of the American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was released on their debut album, "Pronounced 'LÄ•h-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd," which came out in 1973. 

The album also...

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Comfortably Numb Guitar Lesson (Pink Floyd)

rock Oct 24, 2023

Today I want to share with you how I play what is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded. 

“What song is this?” you may be wondering…

I am talking about “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd. 

This epic composition has some INCREDIBLE guitar playing in it. And I am going to be breaking it down from top to bottom in this ultimate Pink Floyd Comfortably Numb guitar lesson.

So grab your guitar, tune-up, and let’s get started! 

Who wrote Comfortably Numb?

"Comfortably Numb" is an iconic song by the British rock band Pink Floyd. The tune was written by Roger Waters and David Gilmour, two of the band's primary songwriters. It was released on Pink Floyd's 1979 album, The Wall. The song is one of the most signature and lasting tracks in the band's catalog.

"Comfortably Numb" has it all, from powerful guitar solos, to haunting lyrics, and emotional depth. It features dual lead vocals, with Waters singing the verses and...

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Old Man Guitar Lesson (Neil Young)

rock Oct 21, 2023

Neil Young was once asked about his perspective on his musical career, and his response was… 

"It's all one song." 

I thought that was an interesting way to look at it…

Now sure he’s had continuous themes and emotions in his vast discography. 

But there are a handful of his tunes that have REALLY resonated with audiences more than others. Ones they’ve latched on to for decades.

And today I want to share one of those with you.

In this lesson, you’ll discover how to combine syncopated rhythms with quick chord changes. How to play folk-style chord embellishments, and even how to add walk-ups and licks in the middle of your rhythm playing.

Plus if you are a singer yourself, or you want to accompany others, this song is a great example of how to do that with just one guitar.

So tune up, and let’s dive into this “Old Man” guitar lesson. 

Who Wrote Old Man? 

"Old Man" is a classic song by Canadian singer-songwriter...

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Breathe Pink Floyd Guitar Lesson

rock Oct 10, 2023

Today I want to share with you a song from the 4th best-selling album of all time. In this “Breathe” Pink Floyd guitar lesson we’ll unpack beautiful lush-sounding chords, how to get a David Gilmour type of guitar tone, arpeggio picking, and even some cool fills you can use to add a splash of lead guitar style to your rhythm playing.

So get all tuned up, and let’s get started!

Breathe Guitar Tone

The guitar tone on “Breathe” is a result of several factors. Here are a few pointers worth mentioning.

Guitars: Gilmour often uses Fender Stratocaster guitars, which has become a signature part of his sound. His preferred Stratocaster during the recording of "The Dark Side of the Moon" was a 1969 Black Fender Stratocaster with a maple neck.

Amplifiers: Gilmour's amplifiers were a crucial element of his tone. During this period, he used a Hiwatt DR103 100-watt head and a WEM (Watkins Electric Music) Custom 4x12 speaker cabinet. The Hiwatt's clean and full...

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Little Wing Guitar Lesson (Jimi Hendrix)

blues Oct 07, 2023

After learning thousands of songs. I’ve seen first-hand the influence of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar style on the history of music. And to be frank, it’s REMARKABLE.

Now to be fair. Hendrix wasn’t the first. In fact, his style was heavily influenced by a few key players that came before him. But he did take it to another level.

Today I want to share with you an iconic song of his. A fantastic song that proves the many intricacies of not only his LEAD playing but also his RHYTHM.

So make sure you’re tuned up and let’s dive into this “Little Wing” guitar lesson.

Who first wrote Little Wing? 

"Little Wing" was written by legendary musician Jimi Hendrix. It was first recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience and was released on their 1967 album Axis: Bold as Love. The song is known for its beautiful and atmospheric guitar work, and it has become one of Hendrix's most celebrated and memorable compositions. "Little Wing" showcases Hendrix's...

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When My Train Pulls In Guitar Lesson (Gary Clark Jr)

blues Oct 05, 2023

Gary Clark Jr. is widely regarded as one of the most prominent contemporary blues artists. He is playing a vital role in continuing the blues lineage into the modern era. So today I want to share with you a guitar lesson on his hit song “When My Train Pulls In”. 

This epic jam is a 12-bar blues in the key of Em. In this post, we’ll cover the chords, riffs, and rhythms you need to know to get playing in this blues guitar style today.

So make sure you’re in tune and let’s dive into this “When My Train Pulls In” guitar lesson.

Who wrote "When My Train Pulls In"

The song "When My Train Pulls In" was written by American musician Gary Clark Jr. It is one of his original compositions and showcases his exceptional talent as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. The song was featured on his major-label debut album Blak and Blu, released in 2012. "When My Train Pulls In" has become one of Gary Clark Jr.'s most popular and critically acclaimed...

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Bad Moon Rising Guitar Lesson (CCR)

blues Oct 04, 2023

Few songwriters have been able to write as many extremely catchy riffs and melodies with very simple ideas as John Fogerty. 

You see, so many of the classic CCR tunes are all based around just a few chords and very basic musical concepts. Yet at the same time are so incredibly SATISFYING to play for any level of guitar player. 

Look, I’ve studied my share of fancy and complex music. But there’s just something about playing these iconic CCR songs and chord progressions that is just so fun!

And when it comes to timeless anthems, few can match the energetic vibe of "Bad Moon Rising". 

So in this guitar lesson, I’m going to break down its catchy rhythm and groove so you can get playing it today.

PLUS this song is actually rooted in the blues. You will see the influence and I will point it out in the guitar part I explain. 

The chord progression also uses only the I, IV, and V. Just like what we see in countless blues songs. 

So grab your...

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Blue Sky Guitar Lesson (Allman Brother Band)

rock Oct 04, 2023

I’ve never heard any two guitarists play together in a Southern rock style as well as Duane Allman and Dickey Betts. 

Whether it was their harmonized lead guitar lines…Or one holding down some rhythm for the other, the interplay between these two with the Allman Brothers Band was always magical…

So today I’m going to break down both their rhythm and lead guitar approaches in this “Blue Sky” guitar lesson.

So tune up, and let’s get started!

Who Wrote Blues Sky? 

"Blue Sky" was written by guitarist Dickey Betts and was featured on their 1972 album titled Eat a Peach. Betts was known for his contributions as a songwriter and lead guitarist in The Allman Brothers Band, and "Blue Sky" is one of his most celebrated songs.

"Blue Sky" was recorded at Capricorn Sound Studios in Macon, Georgia, USA. Capricorn Sound Studios was a significant recording facility for The Allman Brothers Band and other Southern rock artists of the era.

While...

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