Jack Johnson and I both had a similar start.

You see, his career began by getting his music placed in surf movies. That was something I did as well, growing up on the coast in California.

Below, I want to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind one of his most iconic songs. 

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

Who Wrote Better Together?

“Better Together” was written by American singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, known for his laid-back folk/surf rock vibes. It’s a simple song expressing one of the greatest joys of life for men, being with someone you love. The lyrics reflect on how life's experiences can be more meaningful this way. 

This gem was recorded in October 2004 at The Mango Tree studio in Hawaii. Mario Caldato Jr., known for his work with the Beastie Boys, produced the song. The studio's relaxed atmosphere contributed to the song's laid-back vibe, characteristic of Johnson's style. The song is the opening tra...

If you're a fan of music from the '70s, then you've probably heard this iconic tune. 

It's a beautiful song about a 30-year-long-term relationship.

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

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

Who Wrote Sara Smile?

“Sara Smile” was originally written by Daryl Hall and John Oates. However, Oates has said it’s primarily a Daryl Hall song. Hall had most of it written, and then Oates contributed some minor lyric editing. 

The inspiration for this song came from Hall’s girlfriend, Sara Allen. They stayed together for 30 years. This song was sent as a heartfelt farewell postcard to Sara after their breakup.

It was released in August 1975 on the album Daryl Hall & John Oates. (This record is sometimes called The Silver Album because of its metal-looking cover.) “Sara Smile” was recorded at a few different studios in Hollywood, California, with Daryl Hall, John Oates, a...

RHYTHM:

LEAD:

Level: 🎸🎸🎸Advanced

Behold... the opening cut from “Blood on the Tracks,” one of my favorite albums of all time.

Dylan’s lyrics and songwriting are some of the best I’ve ever heard. 

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind this masterpiece. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Tangled Up In Blue” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Tangled Up In Blue?

“Tangled Up In Blue” was written by Bob Dylan and released in early 1975 as the opening track of his legendary album Blood on the Tracks. He wrote the song in the summer of 1974, after a comeback tour with The Band and during a separation from his wife, Sara. 

The lyrics are a whimsical masterpiece. 

They reflect all kinds of scenes. It's like a hologram of complex and romantic memories. Dylan was also studying painting with artist Norman Raeben during this time. Raeben’s methods emphasized an experience of past, present, and future all simultaneously. And that’s what happens throughout the song’s lyrics. This...

Behold…

One of the most beloved songs in country music history.

It’s a beautiful tune with an interesting backstory.

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

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

Who Wrote Amarillo by Morning?

“Amarillo by Morning” was originally written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser. 

The inspiration for the song came after Stafford played a gig at a rodeo in San Antonio. On his way back home, he saw a FedEx advertisement with the phrase “Amarillo by Morning” to promise next-day delivery. This phrase stuck with him, and he wrote most of the lyrics later that night. The next day, he met up with Fraser and they ended up finishing writing the song together. Soon after, they went to Nashville and recorded it.

Stafford recorded the first version in 1973.

However, the song became much more popular once George Strait covered it in the early '80s. The original is in a sl...

Is this the greatest rock riff ever?

Possibly…

Well, to be accurate, it’s actually a series of riffs and sections.

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind this masterpiece.  

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

Who Wrote Back in Black?

“Back in Black” was written by Angus and Malcolm Young, plus their new lead singer, Brian Johnson. You see, the Australian rock band AC/DC had just lost their lead singer, Bon Scott, to a sudden death caused by alcohol poisoning. 

Scott was only 33. 

But, instead of writing a sad ballad, they came up with something edgier. Something that matched his wide spirit. They wanted to march him out with an epic song as tribute. Johnson said he wrote the lyrics based on what he imagined Scott would say if he could come back and speak for himself. That’s where lines like, “Forget the hearse 'cause I never die” came from.

“Back in Black” was released as the title track for A...

Here’s a classic tune from the '90s to which a metalhead on YouTube commented:

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No shame. I'm a metalhead, and this is one of my favorite songs (ever). It grooves on drums and bass, riffs on guitar, and she's got a voice like an angel.

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He's got a point.

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind this masterpiece.

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

Who Wrote Lovefool?

“Lovefool” was an international breakthrough hit for the Swedish rock band The Cardigans, released in 1996. It was written by Peter Svensson and Nina Persson, the band’s guitarist and lead vocalist.

It’s got a sugary-sweet sound with lyrics that sing of a girl falling deep in love. The girl is pleading with a lover who doesn’t love her back, begging him to lie if necessary – just to keep her feelings alive. Persson said she was fascinated by the idea of someone willfully living a fantasy on the inside just to avoid heartbreak.

The ...

Here’s a Stevie Wonder tune that features one of the baddest harmonica solos I ever done heard.

The chords come straight out of jazz harmony. And, it’s often covered by many jazz musicians. 

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

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Isn't She Lovely” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Isn't She Lovely?

“Isn’t She Lovely” was written by the one and only Stevie Wonder in 1976. Its inspiration came from the birth of his daughter, Aisha Morris, from his then-woman Yolanda Simmons. 

Although the tune was never released as a single, it still became a worldwide anthem and permanent part of pop culture. “Isn’t She Lovely” was included on Stevie’s double album Songs in the Key of Life, released September 28, 1976. 

The lyrics are a pure expression of a father's love. In fact, the song even includes real-life audio of baby Aisha. She was crying and giggling while getting a bath. 

“Isn’t She Lovely” was recor...

Here’s a song that got its inspiration from the back seat… Bob Seger sang:

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Out in the back seat of my '60 Chevy...

Workin' on mysteries without any clues... 

Workin' on our night moves… 

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Originally, Seger thought it wasn’t going to be a hit. 

Why?

Because, it was a slower tempo. Plus, he felt it was too reflective. But history showed differently. 

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

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

Who Wrote Night Moves?

“Night Moves” was written by Bob Seger and became a song that was a turning point in his career. It was released in late 1976 as the title track to the album of the same name.

Though the album was credited to Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Night Moves itself was recorded with session musicians from the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. 

It was recorded at both Sound Studio One in Detroit and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. As...