Here’s a controversial tune from the 1960s that’s even been linked to a fan’s death.

The band is The Rolling Stones, and you only need to know a handful of 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 “Under My Thumb” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Under My Thumb?

“Under My Thumb” was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, two members of the English rock band The Rolling Stones. 

It was recorded in March 1966 at RCA Studios in Hollywood and released later that year on the album Aftermath. One of the unique things about this track is its distinctive use of the marimba, played by Brian Jones. 

This was not a common sound to mix into rock and roll – especially during the 60s. Along with the marimba, Keith Richards played both acoustic and electric guitars. The track was produced by Andrew Loog Oldham.

Lyrically, “Under My Thumb” tells the story of a relationship in which the nar...

Imagine walking into your band rehearsal with a new song and telling your mates the hook goes:

===

We all live in a yellow submarine

Yellow submarine, yellow submarine...

=== 

Well, that’s what Paul McCartney did when he introduced this song to The Beatles that he wrote specifically for Ringo Starr to sing.

Below I’m going to dive into the guitar styles behind it.

So grab your axe and let’s get started with this “Yellow Submarine” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Yellow Submarine?

As I mentioned above Paul McCartney is the primary songwriter for “Yellow Submarine”. However, the tune was officially credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership. The inspiration for this little ditty came about after McCartney thought of the line "We all live in a yellow submarine." 

It’s one of the select Beatles songs Ringo Starr sang the lead on. Ringo brought his unique and lighthearted character to The Beatles' catalog. His lead vocals can also be heard on other tunes like "With A Litt...

Since the beginning of time, women have "runaway" from men, leaving them heartbroken, spinning, and wondering, "Why-why-why-why-why?"

Here's a legendary song about just that. 

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 “Runaway” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Runaway?

“Runaway” was written by Del Shannon (a.k.a. Charles Westover) and keyboardist Max Crook, who shared credit for the iconic keyboard break. It sings about an emotional story of heartbreak. The lyrics describe a guy walking in the rain, mourning the loss of his girl.

“Runaway” was recorded at Bell Sound Studios, New York City, on January 21, 1961, with producer Harry Balk at the helm. 

The track features Del Shannon (vocals/guitar), Max Crook on the Musitron (an early synth he built), plus session players like Al Caiola, Moe Wechsler, Joe Marshall, Milt Hinton, and Bucky Pizzarelli.

One of the most distinct features of the song is th...

A wise man once said: 

“All of the significant battles are waged within the self."

I don’t think there is anything more chaotic than a man torn apart inside by love. Here’s an epic song recorded by Bryan Adams about just that.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Run To You” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Run To You?

​“Run to You” was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. It was released on October 18, 1984, as the lead single from Adams' fourth studio album, Reckless. ​

Adams and Vallance wrote “Run to You” over three days in January 1983 in Vancouver, Canada. Initially, the song was penned for bands like Blue Öyster Cult and .38 Special, but both declined to record it. 

So, Bryan decided to record it, and the sessions were done at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, with Bob Clearmountain producing. ​

“Run to You” is basically a song about infidelity and internal conflict. The lyrics sing about a man torn between his faithf...

Here’s a crowd-favorite song that’s had a bit of controversy around the lyrics. 

I’ve played it for years and honestly never thought much about it.

For me, it’s a unique, up-tempo, acoustic rock tune. Below I’m going to break down some of the secrets behind the guitar stylings.

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Blister In The Sun” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Blister In The Sun?

"Blister in the Sun" is one of the most iconic tracks by the American rock band Violent Femmes, first appearing on their self-titled debut album in 1983. The song was written by the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, Gordon Gano. Interestingly, Gano initially composed it with a female vocalist in mind. ​

The lyrics of "Blister in the Sun" have been subject to various interpretations over the years. While some listeners have speculated that the song references masturbation, Gano has clarified that the lyrics actually are about drug use. 

Either way, the recording took place in July 198...

Paul McCartney got the idea for this song when he jumped in a cab and asked the driver, “How've you been?”

The guy’s response was, “Oh, working hard…working eight days a week.”

Below, I want to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Eight Days A Week” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Eight Days A Week?

“Eight Days A Week” was written primarily by Paul McCartney. However, it’s officially credited to the Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. 

The Beatles recorded “Eight Days A Week” at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios) in London on October 6 and 18, 1964. George Martin was at the helm producing, and the song is noted as one of the first ever pop songs to fade in. This was a technique suggested by recording engineer Norman Smith. 

“Eight Days A Week” was released in the UK on the album Beatles for Sale in December 1964. Shortly after, it was issued as a single in the US in February 1965. This is when it bec...

True story:

The first version of this song I learned on guitar was actually the cover version done by Marilyn Manson.

But it’s a haunting song, touching on the complexities of human relationships and the music industry. 

Below, I want to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Sweet Dreams” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Sweet Dreams?

“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” was originally written by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart – the British duo also known as Eurythmics. It’s one of the most iconic synth-pop songs of the 80s.

The song came about during a chaotic period following the breakup of their previous band, The Tourists, and their personal relationship. Lennox and Stewart were together however, they didn’t work out, but still remained musically active together. 

Lennox described the lyrics as reflecting a sense of disillusionment and vulnerability, stating, "I was feeling very vulnerable. The song was an expre...

Here’s a groovy love song written from Paul McCartney to Jane Asher. It’s got some fiery guitar parts laid down by John Lennon and George Harrison.

For me, this one brings back nostalgia of simpler times. Times where loyalty and commitment seem to have held more value in society. 

Below I’m going to dive into the LEAD and RHYTHM guitar styles behind it.

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “All My Loving” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote All My Loving?

"All My Loving" was written by Paul McCartney, though as with all Beatles songs, it’s credited to Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership. While John Lennon contributed to many of their early songs, this one was almost entirely Paul’s work, both in lyrics and melody.

The lyrics to “All My Loving” read like a love letter from someone about to (temporarily) leave their lover. But they promise to remain faithful and dream of coming home. I get the feeling Paul McCartney is a pretty standup guy. Too bad so many women seem t...

Ever dream of being in a band?

Hanging out with friends, playing music, groupies… the works.

Well, here’s a song about some kids doing just that back in 1969.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Summer of '69” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Summer of '69?

"Summer of '69" was written by Bryan Adams (Canadian singer-songwriter and musician) and his longtime songwriting collaborator, Jim Vallance. It’s one of Bryan’s most iconic songs from his fourth studio album, Reckless released in 1984. "Summer of '69" sings of the excitement around forming a band and chasing musical dreams. The lyrics have a feeling of longing for the past and the bittersweet nature of reminiscence.​

The recording of "Summer of '69" was done in 1984 at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, Canada. It was produced by both Adams and Bob Clearmountain. The recording process involved multiple takes to perfect its distinctive sound.​

It was later released as a single in June 1985 and the song ...

Here’s a raw acoustic song with a disturbing back story…

It was written from the perspective of a protagonist in a real life crime story.

Below I’m going to break down the guitar style behind it. So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Polly” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Polly?

"Polly" was written by Kurt Cobain, the lead singer/guitarist of the American rock band Nirvana. It first appeared on their iconic album Nevermind, which was released in 1991. The tune stands out with a stark acoustic arrangement, as opposed to the heavier grunge sound heard on the rest of the album.

The inspiration came from a crime where a 14-year-old girl was kidnapped. She got into a completely random man’s car hitchhiking home after a concert. That ride did not end well. Thankfully, she managed to escape after being enslaved in his motor home for 2 days.

The lesson: teach your children to never get into cars with random strangers. But "Polly" was recorded in 1990 at Sound City Studios in Van...