When it comes to the roots of rock and roll guitar, it all started with Chuck Berry. In fact, even John Lennon said on The Mike Douglas Show in 1972, 

"If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it Chuck Berry." 

In this post, I am going to dive deep into his guitar style and share key elements for playing the way he played. Specifically, we'll cover how he used classic blues progressions and double-stops in his iconic hits. 

So grab your guitar and get ready to rock!

Who wrote No Particular Place To Go

“No Particular Place to Go" was written and performed by American musician Chuck Berry. It was first released in 1964 as a single and then later appeared on Berry’s album St. Louis to Liverpool.

The tune has a catchy melody and an upbeat groove that made it an instant hit, reaching #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also received critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone magazine ranking it as one of the 500...

If you're a fan of rock music, at some point, you are going to come across this tune. Whether it’s the original version by The Kinks or the version later done by Van Halen, this rock riff should be a part of every aspiring rock guitarist's repertoire.

In this “You Really Got Me” guitar lesson, I’ll be covering the original Kinks version and walking you through the main guitar parts you need to know to get playing in this style today!

The Kinks' original version of this song was first performed in more of a bluesy style, inspired by artists like Big Bill Broonzy and Lead Belly. Two takes were recorded, and the second one was used for the single, which was first released in the UK in the fall of 1964.

“You Really Got Me” was written by Ray Davies, and it was rumored that Jimmy Page played the guitar solo, however, this was a myth that has since been proven incorrect.

You Really Got Me Guitar Chords

The song is in the key of G and kicks off with an...

In this post, we'll dive into the guitar style of the classic rock anthem 'I Know It's Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)' by The Rolling Stones. 'I Know It's Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)' is the lead single from The Rolling Stones' 1974 album 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll'. The songwriting was credited to Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. In this guitar lesson, I'll guide you through the chords, strumming patterns, and rock guitar techniques you need to know to play it like a pro.

It's Only Rock n Roll (But I Like It) Chords

Essentially there are just 5 chords you need to know to jam along with this recording. Those chords are E, A, G, D, and B. Here’s how I would play them as open-position chords. 

For E I would play all 6 strings like this:

A like this:

G like this:

D like this:

And finally, B is like this:

Adding in the rhythm

Now Keith often instead of playing just the straight open chords, would substitute in blues rhythm patterns.

So instead of just strumming an...

Unlock a swampy blues jam you can add to your repertoire with this guitar lesson on how to play "Run Through The Jungle" as recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival. This lesson will guide you through the tuning, chords, strumming patterns, and riff variations so you can start playing in this style like a pro today!

Who wrote Run Through The Jungle

"Run Through The Jungle" was written by singer, guitarist, and songwriter John Fogerty. The song was first released on Creedence Clearwater Revival's fifth studio album, Cosmo's Factory, in 1970. The lyrics and title of the song have led many to believe that the song is about the Vietnam War.

What tuning is Run Through The Jungle in?

The guitar tuning for "Run Through The Jungle" is drop D tuning. To get there from standard tuning, you'll want to take your low 6th string and tune it down from E to the note D. This gives the song and riffs a deep bass foundation that adds to the emotion and feel of the song. Simply tune the 6th string...

Looking to unlock that funky, bluesy guitar riff that Eric Clapton played on "Lay Down Sally"? 

If so, this "Lay Down Sally" guitar lesson will be your step-by-step guide to the chords, rhythm, and even soloing over this fun song!

If you're a guitarist of any level, this song is a great one to add to your repertoire. If you’re a beginner I would suggest starting with just working on the three fundamental chords and changing between them in time.

Getting that down first helps you build a strong foundation for the tune. Then, for more experienced guitarists, this song is a chance to explore Clapton's iconic bluesy rhythms and add some new licks to your arsenal. 

So, grab your guitar, and let's get ready to learn how to play "Lay Down Sally"!

Lay Down Sally Chords

Like so many great songs there are only 3 chords you need to know to play this one. A, D, and E. 

For A play it like this:

For the D play it like this:

For the E play it like this:

These chords can...

Are you looking to improve your rock and blues guitar skills?

If so, this step-by-step “Suzie Q” guitar lesson is your ticket! 

In this post, I’ll share with you the history of the song, the chords, the iconic riff, and everything else you need to know to get playing in the style today!

Who Originally Sang Suzie Q?

The original version of "Suzie Q" was sung by American rock singer-songwriter Dale Hawkins. Hawkins was often credited as the architect of swamp rock boogie. He wrote the tune during a booming rockabilly era with fellow bandmate Robert Chaisson, and they recorded it in 1957. Hawkins's version featured the brilliant guitar work of James Burton, who worked with many famous artists such as Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson among others.

What key is Suzie Q in?

“Suzie Q” is in the key of E and features a blues riff and chord progression. The original version by Hawkins and the later version recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) are...

If you're looking to add some classic rock and roll to your repertoire, then look no further than this "Great Balls of Fire" guitar lesson. This iconic song by Jerry Lee Lewis is known for its fast-paced piano riff, but it can also be played on the guitar, and it’s a lot of fun. In this lesson, we'll break down the chords, signature bass lines, and rhythm patterns, step-by-step so you can start playing this song today! 

What did Jerry Lee Lewis mean by Great Balls of Fire?

Before we can jump into the guitar lesson let’s answer the one question that I’m sure you’re all wondering, “What did Jerry Lee Lewis mean by Great Balls of Fire?” The song is essentially about the earthquake feeling that love can put a person in. Lewis captured the energy of those emotions and channeled it into this hit song. 

“Great Balls Of Fire” was recorded in Memphis, Tennessee at Sun Studio on October 8, 1957.

The track features Lewis on piano...

Let’s dive into one of the most iconic guitar performances of all time: Jimi Hendrix's version of 'All Along the Watchtower.' In this guitar lesson, I'll walk you through step-by-step some of the key elements in Hendrix's guitar style, with the hope that you can discover how to incorporate some of Hendrix's magic into your own guitar playing.

Who wrote All Along The Watchtower?

This legendary song was originally written by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan and was transformed into a masterpiece by Hendrix's innovative guitar playing and unique interpretation. It was first released on Dylan’s eighth studio album, John Wesley Harding, in 1967. A year later, Hendrix released his version on the album Electric Ladyland in 1968. 

All Along The Watchtower Chords

You only need to know 3 chords to play 'All Along The Watchtower,' C#m, B, and A.

For C#m play this:

B play this: 

And finally, for A play this:

The entire song is played with one looping chord...

In this post, you’ll learn how to play in the style of “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” by the Hollies. It has an awesome riff and is very much based on blues guitar patterns, so tune-up and let’s get started!

Who wrote Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress?

"Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" was written by Allan Clarke, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway. Allan Clarke, the lead singer of The Hollies, claimed in a 2023 interview that he and Cook wrote the song, with Greenaway receiving writing credit due to a long-standing agreement between Cook and Greenaway.

The song was recorded in London in 1972 at Trident Studios. It was produced by Mike Leander, who was known for his work with artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and The Who. "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 3 in the UK Singles Chart.

It was the band's most successful single in the United States, spending seven weeks in the top...

For generations, music has been used to protest and express powerful emotions…

Sometimes songs tell made-up stories…

But sometimes they are as REAL as it gets…

Today’s lesson is a perfect example of the latter...

It was released in 1969 during the height of the Vietnam War. 

And it carries a powerful message and some great guitar riffs.

So grab your guitar and let’s get started with this “Fortunate Son” guitar lesson.

Who wrote Fortunate Son?

“Fortunate Son” was written by the iconic frontman for the band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), John Fogerty.

This song is often considered an anti-Vietnam War anthem. It was even recorded at Wally Heider's Recording Studio in San Francisco in 1969, during the height of the Vietnam War.

Fogerty wanted to express his frustration and anger about the socioeconomic disparities prevalent during the Vietnam War era. The song criticizes the privileged class, particularly those who were...