Behold…

A powerful Dylan song originally from the 1973 film “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid”. 

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it. As well as some great covers of this tune…

…And a fingerpicking version to boot.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Knockin' On Heaven's Door” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Knockin' On Heaven's Door?

"Knockin' on Heaven's Door" was written by the great American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. He wrote it for the soundtrack of the 1973 film “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid”. Dylan also appeared in this movie. 

The song is a simple but powerful folk ballad. Dylan wrote it for a pivotal scene in the film where Sheriff’s Deputy Slim Pickens is slowly dying from a gunshot wound. His wife is there and crying, as the lyrics sing…

 "Mama, take this badge off of me 

I can't use it anymore…" 

It’s a great scene.

The song wrestles with the issues of mortality and death. This made it resonate with millions o...

If you’re a fan of The Beatles and looking for a fun acoustic song to add to your setlist… 

Then this post may be just what you’re looking for.

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the opening cut from the legendary Let it Be album.

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

Who Wrote Two of Us?

“Two of Us” was credited to the typical Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. However, it was primarily written by Paul McCartney. It was recorded at Apple Studios in London on January 31, 1969. These sessions later became known as the Get Back/Let It Be project. 

“Two of Us” was released as the opening cut on the legendary Let It Be album in 1970. 

Earlier arrangements of this tune were tried out in a heavier rock vibe. But the final version ended up being this folk-style acoustic tune. In my opinion, with the soft and sweeter lyrical content, I can’t see it really working as a rock song. So the final arrangement with Lennon and McC...

A famous songwriter named Harlan Howard once said, “All you need is three chords and the truth". 

Below is a perfect example of this idea.

It’s a song about June Carter’s haunting love for Johnny Cash… while he was still married. 

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it. I’m also going to show you ways of playing it in what I call “Carter Style”, plus an electric version a la Luther Perkins.

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

Who Wrote Ring Of Fire?

"Ring Of Fire" was originally written by June Carter and Merle Kilgore. It was inspired by June’s burning attraction to Johnny Cash while he was still married. She started by writing down the line, "Love is like a burning ring of fire."

Now, the first recording of this tune was actually done by Anita Carter, June's sister, in 1962. It was titled “(Love’s) Ring of Fire” and her voice sounds incredible on it:

But there was a problem. This trad...

Behold… one of the most famous songs of the ‘80s. 

From the opening saxophone solo to the funky rhythm guitar, this tune is sure to get recognized if you play it for friends and family. 

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 “Careless Whisper” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Careless Whisper?

"Careless Whisper" was written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, the two members of the band Wham!. 

It’s one of the most recognizable and famous ballads of the ‘80s. The song is about a couple going to hit the dance floor, but the main character is hiding something. Particularly the lyrics: 

Guilty feet have got no rhythm…  

Some say it’s about infidelity ruining a relationship. The title "Careless Whisper" refers to how his secret was revealed, likely through a whispered conversation or rumor. One of the most surprising facts about "Careless Whisper" is that despite its massive success, Michae...

Here’s a legendary song from the ‘70s recorded at Capitol Records in Hollywood.

It’s only got 2 sections. 

And it’s for sure to get the crowd going.

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 “The Joker” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote The Joker?

"The Joker" by the Steve Miller Band was primarily written by Steve Miller himself. However, he did use lyrics from the 1954 R&B song "Lovey Dovey," so he ended up crediting Eddie Curtis and Ahmet Ertegun as well.

“The Joker” is one of the most iconic songs of the 1970s. It’s got a great laid-back groove and feel that defined a new era for the band.

The song is a bit vague in its meaning. It sings of nicknames Miller had picked up, drugs, and women in a playful manner. 

"The Joker" was recorded in the United States and marked a pivotal point in the Steve Miller Band's career. It was part of the album of the same name and was released in 1973. 

This t...

There’s an old tongue-in-cheek way of describing the career of an artist in the music business that goes like this:

“Who’s Jon MacLennan?”

“Get me Jon MacLennan!”

“Get me a young Jon MacLennan!”

“Who’s Jon MacLennan?”

Simply use the formula: 

“Who’s [Name]?”

“Get me [Name]!”

“Get me a young [Name]!”

“Who’s [Name]?”

And you’ve got it!

Below, is a famous song from the Eagles about just that. And, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “New Kid in Town” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote New Kid in Town?

“New Kid in Town” was originally written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and J.D. Souther.

It was recorded and released as the lead single from the Eagles’ album Hotel California. 

The guys wrote it at the peak of their success. Yet they were already feeling anxiety around their own demise. The struggle to stay relevant as an artist. And, the constant threat of the “New Kid in Town”.

It was released...

If you look closely at many iconic Beatles songs, you'll find they have roots in rhythm & blues. 

The guitar in this legendary song rips a boogie-woogie bass line. right along with the piano part.

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 “Lady Madonna” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Lady Madonna?

“Lady Madonna” was written by the great Paul McCartney. However, it’s credited to the typical Lennon/McCartney partnership in The Beatles. The inspiration came from McCartney seeing a photo in National Geographic of a mother with her children. That was when the idea hit him.

It’s a tribute to everyday women juggling the toils of trying to be a mother while also a provider. 

“Lady Madonna” was recorded at Abbey Road Studios on February 3rd and 6th, 1968. The sessions were done with George Martin producing. McCartney played piano and sang lead vocals, Lennon and Harrison played guitars and sang backing v...

Is this the EASIEST AC/DC riff?

AC/DC has some of the best fist-pumping stadium riffs I’ve ever done heard, and this tune is a shining example.

You only need 3 chords to play it.

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 “TNT” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote TNT?

“TNT” was written by brother guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young, plus AC/DC’s lead singer at the time, Bon Scott.

This song is pure rock and roll energy. The “Oi! Oi! Oi!” chant became one of AC/DC’s most epic stadium anthems. The recording for “TNT” took place in 1975 at Albert Studios in Sydney, Australia, with producers Harry Vanda and George Young at the helm. 

It was released that same year in December on AC/DC’s album ”TNT”. The next year (1976), it was featured on their first international release, High Voltage.

In Australia, it was a major hit, reaching #11 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart. 

The riff itself is a perfect e...

While not originally a Halloween song, this tune’s haunting title has made it a staple of countless Halloween playlists.

It also has a surprising and complex backstory to boot.

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 ULTIMATE “Spooky” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Spooky?

"Spooky" was originally written by saxophonist Mike Shapiro (who recorded under the name Mike Sharpe). It began as a jazzier, instrumental piece. But the song has a pretty interesting backstory.

You see, the first instrumental version recorded by Sharpe was a minor success. It reached number 57 on the U.S. pop charts in 1967. However, shortly after the rock group Classics IV got hold of it, and took the haunting melody and added lyrics. Their version became the most popular and brought the song to a whole new audience.

The song's lyrics describe a relationship with a "spooky little girl." The line, "love is kinda crazy wit...

Not too many people know this, but…

This song was written about the great Duke Ellington.

He is… 

“Sir Duke”

My old mentor Kenny Burrell (who is friends with Stevie Wonder and has worked with him a lot) told me this directly. 

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 “Sir Duke” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Sir Duke?

"Sir Duke" was written by the legendary Stevie Wonder. It’s a tribute to the power of music and the jazz legends he admires. 

It was primarily dedicated to jazz musician and composer Duke Ellington, who had passed away in 1974. But there are also other explicit lyric mentions to Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald as well. 

The song is a celebration of music, and Wonder’s joyous laughter in the middle says it all. 

"Sir Duke" was recorded as part of Wonder's monumental 1976 album, Songs in the Key of Life. This album was recorded at severa...