You may not be able to tell listening to the lyrics and feel-good vibe of this tune… but it was inspired by a very traumatizing experience. 

Sherman Kelly (the lead singer and keyboard player of the band King Harvest) wrote this after he and his girlfriend were viciously attacked by a gang on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

In this post, I’m going to break down a couple of different versions and also a famous cover by Thin Lizzy.

So grab your 6-stringer and let’s dive into this “Dancing in the Moonlight” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Dancing in the Moonlight?

"Dancing in the Moonlight" was written by Sherman Kelly in 1969. The most famous version was recorded by the band King Harvest. This band was founded by Kelly’s brother, Wells Kelly, along with his friends in France. Kelly played keyboards and sang vocals on the most widely known version of this song released in 1972.

Sherman Kelly wrote this hit after a very traumatic experience. You see, he wa...

Here’s a moving song that’s often been associated with peace and anti-war movements. 

After The Beatles broke up, John Lennon went on to keep creating original music. The song I want to share with you today, he wrote in the 70s and it may be one of his most monumental tunes.

In this blog post, I’m going to break down 2 different versions – an easy version and a more advanced one. 

So grab your 6-stringer and let’s dive into this “Imagine” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Imagine?

"Imagine" was written by John Lennon, and released in 1971 on an album with the same name. The song came out of a period where John was reflecting on a deeper philosophical level. He was picturing a world without war, possessions, or religious and nationalistic boundaries. 

The lyrics were influenced by his wife, Yoko Ono. Lennon initially took sole credit for the song. But later recognized Ono's contribution as a significant influence on the song's lyrics and philosophy.

“Imagine” was recorded in...

True story:

Years ago, I had a gig up in Folsom, California performing with a Johnny Cash tribute band. We played for the ribbon cutting of the opening of the Johnny Cash bridge in Folsom, California. The ribbon was cut by Johnny Cash’s daughter Rosanne Cash. And, we were the band behind her that let it rip on the news for the opening. 

Today I want to share with you a song we played that day. You only need 4 chords to play it. 

So, grab your guitar, and let’s dive into this “Cocaine Blues” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Cocaine Blues?

"Cocaine Blues" was originally written by T.J. "Red" Arnall in 1947. It was recorded under the title of "Cocaine Blues" but it’s an adaptation of a late 19th-century song called "Little Sadie". However, Johnny Cash’s performance at Folsom Prison in 1968 is arguably the most famous version.

The song is a storytelling song. To be honest, the lyrics are pretty brutal. However, I think the overall message is positive and more of a cautionary ta...

Behold…one of the signature songs of Beatlemania.

A unique period in pop culture history where a whole horde of teenagers went berserker for The Beatles. It was a time characterized by overwhelming excitement, devotion, and sometimes even chaotic reactions from fans – especially young women – during the 60s. 

This song is rooted in the blues and fundamental principles every guitarist should know. So grab your 6-stringer and let’s dive into this “Can’t Buy Me Love” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Can’t Buy Me Love?

"Can't Buy Me Love" was originally written by Paul McCartney although it was credited to the usual Lennon-McCartney partnership. It was released in 1964 and became one of The Beatles’ biggest hits. It’s considered a signature song of Beatlemania. And has a powerful, timeless theme: money can’t buy love. 

"Can't Buy Me Love" was recorded at the famous Pathé Marconi Studios in Paris on January 29, 1964, during The Beatles’ time in France. This marked a rare occas...

All aboard sailors!

Here's a fun and groovy tune that's sure to get your audience up on the dance floor.

It may sound simple, but this song is definitely an intermediate-level guitar song. You’ll want to make sure you know how to play effortless bar chords and syncopated rhythms. 

Below I’ll walk you through key insights and strategies to keep in mind as you cruise along in your journey.

So grab your 6-stringer and let’s dive into this “Brandy” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)?

"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" was written by Elliot Lurie, the lead guitarist and co-lead singer of the American pop rock band Looking Glass. It was released in 1972 on their self-titled album and became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

The song’s lyrics tell of a woman named Brandy who works as a barmaid in a busy harbor town. She waits for a sailor (the love of her life) to return back to her but he never comes. The sailor can’t fully commit because "his lif...

Here’s a hauntingly beautiful song that’s resonating with audiences around the world.

There are two famous versions. The original by Tears For Fears and the minimalistic piano cover by Gary Jules. In this post, I’m going to discuss guitar styles for how to play them both. And some behind the scenes on this powerful tune. 

So grab your 6-stringer and let’s dive into this “Mad World” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Mad World?

"Mad World" was originally written by Roland Orzabal, cofounder and main creative force behind the British pop rock band Tears for Fears. The song sings of deep emotional reflection and existential struggles.

It’s pretty bluesy and dark, but it’s moved a lot of people. Musically speaking, it’s very simple. Despite the melancholy feel of the lyrics, the original version of "Mad World" features a relatively upbeat new wave sound. Then the Gary Jules version lowers the key and hits a deeper emotional tone – for me at least.

In various interviews, Roland Or...

Here’s an iconic song that was released unfinished.

You see, Otis had recorded the rough vocal, but then shortly after was in a horrific plane crash and went on to join the choir invisible. 

Even the final whistling at the end was meant to be just a place holder where he was going to write more lyrics.

The band finished the production without him, and he never made it to the release. This is a very unique situation. 

So grab your 6-stringer and let’s dive into this “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Sitting on the Dock of the Bay?

"Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" was written by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper. Otis took some time off in Sausalito, California. Sausalito is about 4 miles north of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

The waters tapping the shores here was what inspired Otis to come up with this tune. Particularly the lyrics:

“Sitting on the dock of the bay, watching the tide roll away.” 

The song was recorded in two sessi...

Did you know the Beatles used many unusual recording tricks to create some of their biggest hits?

In this post, I want to share with you a strange example of this. The final recording was pieced together in the studio with some tape machine magic from producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick.

So, grab your guitar, and let’s dive into this “Strawberry Fields Forever” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Strawberry Fields Forever?

"Strawberry Fields Forever" is one of The Beatles' most iconic and experimental songs. It was written primarily by John Lennon but has some contributions from Paul McCartney. It is credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, as were all Beatles songs written by either or both of them. “Strawberry Fields Forever” was released as a double A-side single with "Penny Lane" in February 1967. 

The studio recording techniques used in this song at the time were quite unconventional and groundbreaking. 

The recording took place at EMI Studios (now Abbe...

So, you want to learn how to become a better guitarist in a band?

You want to improve your skills playing behind singers?

And you don’t want to practice a bunch of boring scales and exercises…

Well if so, this post below might help you out. I’m going to break down a classic song from the 70s that features brilliant guitar work from the late great Reggie Young. (Young was a world-class guitarist who played in many bands accompanying singers masterfully on countless hit records.)

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Drift Away” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Drift Away?

"Drift Away"  was written by songwriter Mentor Williams in 1970. Now, it was first recorded by John Henry Kurtz in 1972. But the version that put the song on the map was done by Dobie Gray in 1973. 

It’s a classic soul tune with a laid-back, feel-good vibe. It blends together elements of rock, soul, and even country. 

There’s just something about “Drift Away” that is soothing. The song almost provide...

Behold… a perfect song to play in a balmy breeze on an island under a coconut tree.

But while this song sings of sipping margaritas and a laid-back lifestyle. If you look under the surface it actually has undertones of mistakes made in a relationship.

Ever been there?

Well, jamming this song just might help you out.

So grab your 6-stringer, and let’s dive into this “Margaritaville” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Margaritaville?

"Margaritaville" was written by the legend Jimmy Buffett (RIP) and his producer Norbert Putnam. Buffett was an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his laid back tropical vibes. He recorded over 30 albums in his career. 

“Margaritaville” was released in 1977 on his album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes. It became one of his most well-known songs, and it was recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida.

The song sings about the relaxed life of a man who is sipping margaritas while reflecting on how he ended up in a tropic...