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The ULTIMATE Higher Ground Chords And Guitar Lesson (Stevie Wonder)

rock Dec 02, 2024

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... 

And will show you how to blend fancy jazz chords and funky rhythms in an amazing way. 

So grab your 6-stringer, and let’s dive into this Stevie Wonder "Higher Ground" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Higher Ground?

“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. 

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...

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Message In A Bottle Chords And Guitar Lesson (The Police)

rock Dec 02, 2024

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… 

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. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Message In A Bottle" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Message In A Bottle?

"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. 

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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The ULTIMATE September Chords And Guitar Lesson (Earth, Wind & Fire)

rock Nov 25, 2024

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 ...

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Jumpin’ Jack Flash Chords And Guitar Lesson (The Rolling Stones)

rock Nov 25, 2024

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...

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Fast And Easy Sweet Caroline Chords And Guitar Lesson (Neil Diamond)

rock Nov 24, 2024

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....

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The ULTIMATE My Sweet Lord Chords And Guitar Lesson (George Harrison)

rock Nov 18, 2024

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...

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Stop Draggin' My Heart Around Chords And Guitar Lesson (Tom Petty)

rock Nov 16, 2024

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...

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Boys Of Summer Chords And Guitar Lesson (Don Henley)

rock Nov 13, 2024

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 ...

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Into The Great Wide Open Chords And Guitar Lesson (Tom Petty)

rock Nov 05, 2024

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...

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Quick And Easy ​​California Dreamin’ Chords And Guitar Lesson (The Mamas And The Papas)

rock Nov 04, 2024

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 ...

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