After “You Really Got Me,” The Kinks followed up with another huge hit.

This one has an awesome combination of rock guitar techniques and will sound great solo or with a band. 

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 “Lola” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Lola?

“Lola” was written by Ray Davies, the lead singer and songwriter for the English rock band The Kinks. 

It’s a storytelling song that sings about a guy meeting someone named Lola in Soho, London. “Lola” was recorded at Morgan Studios in London in early 1970. The song kicks off with this “climbing” chord progression that moves up in whole steps in the key of E. This chord progression, combined with some cool arpeggio picking really helped create the vibe and basis for the song.

For its time, it was controversial and groundbreaking in many ways. Interestingly, the recorded version featured a lyric about “Coca-Cola”, which had to be changed...

I don’t know about you...

But one of my all-time favorite grooves to play is a... 

SLOW BLUES!

There’s just something about the FEELING of it that other groove can copy. Picture a smoky blues club at 12AM. The band is about to kick off the next song... 

What will they play?

Well, above is a brand new video on 9 slow blues tunes that could be perfect options for you.

Hope you enjoy!

Jon MacLennan

Behold… One of the best-selling Christmas songs of all time!

It wasn’t written by Elvis, but his version is certainly one of the most famous. 

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 “Blue Christmas” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Blue Christmas?

“Blue Christmas” was originally written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson in 1948. However, Elvis Presley has one of the most famous versions of it.

The song, as it says, is about a “Blue Christmas”. The main character is alone and feeling sad during the holidays because they are missing a loved one. The first recording of “Blue Christmas” was by Doye O'Dell in 1948, and his version has a classic country sound:

It wasn’t until 1957 that Elvis recorded his version at RCA Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. The King’s version was featured on his album, Elvis’ Christmas Album, as song 5.

While there are many jolly Christmas songs, this one captures the...

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...