Here’s a tune that's a drunkard's dream if I ever did see one. 

It’s a perfect example of Americana rock, with a rootsy, funky style. 

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 “Up On Cripple Creek” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Up On Cripple Creek? 

“Up On Cripple Creek” was originally written by Robbie Robertson of the Canadian-American group known as The Band. The song blends storytelling, humor, and American rhythm & blues roots. The lyrics sing about a truck driver traveling to a place called Cripple Creek to see a woman named Bessie.  

Although The Band members were Canadian and from the northern U.S., they were fascinated with the sounds of the American South and brought this influence to their music. 

“Up On Cripple Creek” was recorded at the famous A&R Studios in New York City, with John Simon producing. One of the most interesting elements about the song is the use of a Hohne...

Here’s a song that's sure to have your audience singing along.

It blends 5 chords with rhythm and blues, rock, and folk in a special way.

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 “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Have You Ever Seen The Rain?

“Have You Ever Seen the Rain” was written by the legendary John Fogerty of the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, sometimes abbreviated as CCR, or simply Creedence. It was released in 1971 on their album Pendulum and features the classic sound the group is known for. Creedence consists of 4 members: John Fogerty, his brother, and fellow guitarist Tom Fogerty; the bassist Stu Cook; and the drummer Doug Clifford. 

The song has a catchy groove and was written during a time of musical success for the band. But it also hints at the drama and chaos the band was enduring as well. With opening lines like:

Someone ...

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...

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...

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?” ...

Glenn Frey sang:

===

Well, I'm runnin' down the road tryna loosen my load

I've got seven women on my mind

Four that wanna own me, two that wanna stone me

One says she's a friend of mine

=== 

Truer words have never been spoken.

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 “Take It Easy” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Take It Easy? 

“Take It Easy” was originally written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey. Browne thought it would be a perfect song for Glenn to sing, so the Eagles first recorded it. “Take It Easy” was released as a single in 1972 and later appeared on their self-titled album Eagles.  

“Take It Easy” has a classic Americana folk-rock sound. The lyrics convey a carefree yet restless narrative. Browne originally started drafting the song but got stuck. Glenn Frey, who lived upstairs from him at the time, finished it by adding the unforgettable “flatbed Ford” lines...

Here’s one of the Eagles’ most epic ballads. 

The song was inspired by real-life tensions within the band. Shortly after, the lead vocalist on this track left the group. 

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 “Take It To The Limit” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Take It To The Limit?

“Take It to the Limit” was originally written by Randy Meisner, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey of the Eagles. It was first released on their iconic 1975 album titled One of These Nights. “Take It to the Limit” is a slow ballad in a triple meter that’s become one of the Eagles’ most signature tunes. 

The song was inspired by touring musicians pushing life to the limits. The road can be brutal with endless weeks of travel, limited sleep, and powerhouse performances expected every night. That's the big idea behind "Take It To The Limit". 

Randy Meisner sang the lead and delivered a soaring performance, recorded...

Here’s a song from what I believe to be one of the greatest songwriters of all time…

The lyrics touch on many core human ideas of aspirations, community, and connection.

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 “Piano Man” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Piano Man?

"Piano Man" was originally written by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. It’s a brilliant song he wrote, inspired by playing gigs in the nightlife of Los Angeles, California. 

The song is almost entirely autobiographical. You see, in the early ‘70s, Joel had just moved from New York to Los Angeles and began playing local cocktail lounges. He did this for about six months and observed the patrons, who became the characters in “Piano Man”.   

"John at the bar" was really a bartender, "Paul" was a local real estate agent and aspiring writer, while "Davy" was indeed in the Navy. The song is a self-reflection on Joel’s own life and the ...

Years ago, I was playing a wedding gig, and the husband and wife wanted this song for their first dance.

It was quite strange.

I’d wondered if they’d ever read the lyrics… 

But 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 “With Or Without You” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote With Or Without You?

“With or Without You” was originally written by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., the 4 members of the Irish rock band U2. 

It was released in 1987 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, The Joshua Tree. The song lyrically emphasizes tension and contradiction often found in relationships.  

“With Or Without You” was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin with Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno producing. The song has a very atmospheric sound between the layered sounds and guitar textures that The Edge created. The recording process involved a lot of experimentation, and th...