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 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd," which came out in 1973. 

The album also...

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...

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...

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...

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...

I’m a guitar nerd. I’ve been obsessed with playing and studying this wonderful instrument for over 25 years. 

And the story I’m about to tell you is the absolute truth, as incredible as it may seem.

It all started one day sitting down in my studio creating a new song lesson for you... 

After countless hours of listening...

I'd figured out the basic chords to this iconic song but something still wasn't right...

Suddenly I had this unusual thought to try changing the tuning...

What happened next was I stumbled upon a magical SECRET...

A SECRET that has not been uncovered for the past 50 years...

Instantly the chords that came from my guitar sounded GLORIOUS...they were lush...like none I've ever played...

What I am about to share with you is incredibly RARE...

In fact, you won't find this ANYWHERE on the internet…  

There is not one single video online that reveals what you are about to see…

But because you are here with me…

Keith Richards said, "Music is a great healer, a great diffuser of things. It's a great way to express yourself." 

I couldn’t agree more. And that’s why today I wanted to share with you a classic Rolling Stones tune that hits on all 3 of these points.

The groove and vibe will give you a healing feeling. 

The lyrics are about diffusing any problems and tensions within a relationship. 

And finally, the chords and solo sections are a great way to express yourself on the guitar.

So tune up, and get ready, as we dive into this “Beast of Burden” guitar lesson.

Who wrote Beast of Burden?

"Beast of Burden" was written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood. The song was recorded for their 1978 album titled Some Girls, which is considered one of the band's most successful and iconic albums.

The recording of "Beast of Burden" took place at the Pathé Marconi Studios in Paris, France, and overdubbed at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles,...

There’s something that I noticed about some of the BIGGEST guitar riffs of all time. I am talking about the fist-pumping anthems you hear played at sports events and ones that seem to hit home with virtually everyone. In fact, when you think about it, it’s kind of a crazy idea. 

What am I talking about?

I am talking about a one-string riff. And despite its simplicity, a well-crafted one-string riff can create a catchy and memorable song. 

Today I want to explore this idea with you in this “Satisfaction” guitar lesson.

So make sure you’re tuned up and let’s get started!

Who wrote Satisfaction

The song "Satisfaction" was primarily written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger, the band's lead vocalist, contributed the lyrics, and Keith Richards, the guitarist, came up with the iconic one-string guitar riff that defines the song. 

The songwriting credit officially goes to "Jagger/Richards," which was the...

Today I want to share with you insights into Chuck Berry’s signature guitar style. In this guitar lesson, we’ll dive into Berry’s rhythm and lead styles, and I’ll show you how to understand the concepts behind what he was doing so you can use this in your own music. 

Berry is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. By studying his guitar style, you can gain a deeper understanding of the genre's roots and its evolution straight out of the blues. Berry's innovative guitar techniques laid the foundation for countless rock and roll artists who followed him.

So make sure you’re tuned up and let’s get started!

Chuck Berry Rhythms

One of the first things that you’ll notice about Berry’s rhythms is that he often departed from the typical bar chord shapes and instead relied heavily upon blues rhythm patterns.

For example, if a song was in the key of A, instead of playing an open position A chord and strumming it...

Today I want to share with you a song that Frank Sinatra had very high praise for.

In fact, he often referred to it as “the greatest love song ever written" when he introduced it at his live concerts.

And I would definitely agree with Sinatra…

I think it’s one of the best ones I have ever heard too… 

The guitar solo in it is incredible as well. 

It’s a perfect example of taste and melodic lead playing. (It also uses the CAGED system, and is perfect for players who are studying CAGED)

So if you’d like to play it, then you are in luck because I’m going to break down all the chords, rhythms, key changes, and even the solo for you today in this “Something” guitar lesson.

So tune up and let’s begin!

Who wrote Something?

"Something" is a classic song by The Beatles, written by George Harrison. It was released on their 1969 album Abbey Road. The song was primarily composed by George Harrison, making it one of his most...