Here’s a riff that’s become one of the most recognizable in all of rock and roll history.

It’s got a driving rhythm, and the guitar parts are mighty.

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 “Barracuda” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Barracuda?

“Barracuda” was written by Ann Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Roger Fisher, and Michael Derosier. It was released in 1977 as the lead single from Heart’s second studio album, Little Queen. 

It kicks off with an aggressive galloping guitar riff Roger Fisher came up with after being inspired by Led Zeppelin’s “Achilles Last Stand.” Ann Wilson is also a big fan of Robert Plant, and so this riff set the stage for her soaring vocals. The song has some very interesting rhythms and time signature changes. One of the biggest keys to getting the sound is putting a lot of energy into the guitar part.

This opening riff has become one of the most recognizable riffs in rock gu...

Here's a song about a man slowly waking up to the realization that his love is dead and his relationship is over. 

It’s an underrated Beatles song, but it packs a punch.

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

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “For No One” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote For No One?

“For No One” was written by Paul McCartney. But, like all Beatles songs, it’s credited to the Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. The song is about coming to the realization that a relationship has ended. The man’s love has detached, and he’s waking up to it. Perhaps not in its fullest sense and complete truth. But still, the protagonist remains calm and stoic. McCartney wrote this about his relationship with Jane Asher.   

“For No One” was included on The Beatles’ 1966 album Revolver, which is often cited as one of the most influential records in history. It was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, and features an...

I’ve always found songs titled women’s names interesting…

“Roxanne” 

“Peg”

“Josie”

But here’s one of the darkest, most mysterious of them all.

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

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

Who Wrote Eleanor Rigby?

“Eleanor Rigby” was written primarily by Paul McCartney; however, it’s credited under the typical Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. The song marks a clear shift in The Beatles' sound and direction to now including orchestral and classical influences. 

This was heavily do to George Martin’s influence. But “Eleanor Rigby” was released on the Beatles’ album Revolver in 1966.  

The lyrics sing of a woman named Eleanor Rigby who “picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been.” The song carries a sense of loneliness and isolation. It portrays the lives of people who live and die almost completely alone. Father McKenzie is anothe...

Here’s one of the first songs ever to blend Christmas and rock and roll.

It’s one of the most famous holiday tunes of all time.

But keep in mind, it's not for beginners. There are many advanced chords to know. 

Below, I’m going to share with you some insider tips for how to play it. 

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

Who Wrote Jingle Bell Rock? 

“Jingle Bell Rock” was originally written by two American songwriters, Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe, in 1957.

It was one of the first Christmas songs ever written in a rock and roll style, which was exploding in popularity during this time. Because of the theme of Christmas and the influence of rock and roll, the song was considered quite controversial. In fact, many radio stations would not play it. These two had not yet mixed together in society. 

But the recording for “Jingle Bell Rock” was done in Nashville, and the arrangement blends country twang, early rock rh...

Whether you know this song from the famous television show “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” or from some other cover, here’s one of the most famous Christmas songs of all time. 

You only need a handful of chords to play it.

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

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

Who Wrote Holly Jolly Christmas? 

“Holly Jolly Christmas” was originally written by Johnny Marks. Marks was an American songwriter who specialized in writing Christmas songs. He wrote many standards, like  “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “A Marshmallow World.” 

He wrote “Holly Jolly Christmas” in the early 1960s, and the first popularized version of it was recorded by Burl Ives.

Burl’s unique voice, coupled with the song’s cheerful spirit, created a classic. 

The song’s narrative is about the simple pleasures of the Christmas season, like ...

Paul McCartney sang: 

===

Now, somewhere in the black mining hills of Dakota

There lived a young boy named Rocky Raccoon

And one day, his woman ran off with another guy…

===

Here’s a mighty song from The Beatles' legendary 9th studio album, also known as The White Album. 

In this post, I’m going to share with you some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.

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

Who Wrote Rocky Raccoon?

“Rocky Raccoon” was primarily written by Paul McCartney. However, it is credited under the Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership, like all The Beatles’ songs. It first appeared on The Beatles' 9th studio album (commonly known as The White Album), released in 1968.

McCartney wrote “Rocky Raccoon” while on a retreat in India with Yogi Maharishi Mahesh. The rest of the band was there, along with Donovan Leitch (a Scottish folk singer).

The song tells the story of a young man named Rocky Raccoon whose woman...

Years ago, I was playing a gig at a lounge by the beach in Los Angeles with a friend who played keyboards with Sting.

I had called this song, and after we hit the last chord, my friend turned to me and told me this crazy story.

He was in England and was about to go play a gig with Sting.

Their mode of transport was an old World War II vehicle refurbished. The band hopped in, and as they rode from Sting’s residence to the gig, they passed by all these beautiful barley fields.

He told me, “Those were the fields of gold.”   

Pretty cool, huh? 

Below, I’m going to share with you some insider tips on the guitar style behind this iconic tune.

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

Who Wrote Fields of Gold?

“Fields of Gold” was originally written by Sting, whose real name is Gordon Sumner.

It was released on his brilliant 1993 solo album Ten Summoner’s Tales. 

The song is almost like a meditation on love, memory, and time. Lyr...

For anyone who has lost someone, the holidays can be tough.

Here’s a song about just that.

You only need a handful of chords to play it.

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

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

Who Wrote Last Christmas?

“Last Christmas” was originally written by George Michael from the British pop duo Wham! in 1984. 

It’s a song about heartbreak. Michael sings the story of a person who gave their heart to someone the previous Christmas but was let down. This year, they believe they won’t make the same mistake again.  

Wham! recorded “Last Christmas” with Andrew Ridgeley in London at the famous Sarm West Studios. It blends a synth-pop sound of the ‘80s with catchy melodies and a festive yet slightly melancholic feel.  

Upon its release, the tune became a hit, especially in Europe. Although it was beaten for the #1 spot by Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” ...

Behold… 

Here’s one of the most played and most recognizable Christmas songs of all time.

It sounds festive and laid back all at once. 

The blend of Spanish and English has made it a unique crossover tune that comes back year after year.  

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

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

Who Wrote Feliz Navidad?

“Feliz Navidad” was originally written by Puerto Rican musician José Feliciano. He wrote it as almost a throwaway idea, thinking it might resonate with fellow Puerto Ricans and Latin listeners. 

From there, it grew a life of its own.

“Feliz Navidad” was released in 1970 on Feliciano’s Christmas album of the same name. At this time, he was living and working primarily in New York and Los Angeles. Instead of crafting something elaborate, he intentionally kept the lyrics simple and to the point, repeating a bilingual message that could be understood b...