Here’s a song where Bill Withers sustained one of the longest vocal notes ever in a US Top 40 hit. 

This note clocked in at an astonishing 18 seconds, and the track features some LA session musician royalty.

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

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

Who Wrote Lovely Day?

“Lovely Day” was written by American singer-songwriters Bill Withers and Skip Scarborough. It’s a soulful classic that celebrates the power of love to brighten life.  

Withers sings:

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Just one look at you

And I know it’s gonna be 

A lovely day…

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It first appeared on Withers’ sixth studio album, Menagerie, featuring these musicians:

• Keyboards/arrangement: Clarence McDonald
• Guitar: Ray Parker Jr.
• Bass: Jerry Knight
• Drums: Russ Kunkel
• Percussion: Ralph MacDonald 

"Lovely Day" was recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles, California, in 1977. The Record Plant was on...

Here's a unique song that bridged the gap between folk-rock and jazz-pop.

It’s inspired generations of musicians, and it’s a lot of fun to play.

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

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

Who Wrote Moondance?

“Moondance” was written by Northern Irish singer-songwriter and musician Van Morrison. It’s one of his most iconic songs that blends jazz, soul, and pop in a way that has made it a timeless classic. 

After finishing his second album (Astral Weeks), Morrison moved to Woodstock, New York. Inspired by a new environment, he wanted to write a song that sounded like a jazz standard. He wrote the melody on saxophone.

It was recorded at A&R Studios in New York City, in 1969. The studio band included Jeff Labes (piano), John Klingberg (bass), Gary Mallaber (drums), and Jack Schroer (alto sax), among others. The arrangement featured a swinging rhythm section and punchy gr...

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...

Years ago, I was at a gig in a club in Los Angeles listening to my old mentor play Ron Anthony – guitarist for Frank Sinatra.

There were a bunch of other great guitar players there too in the audience. They all would come out to hear Ron play because he was so good. At this time, I had just gotten my driver’s license and was definitely the youngest one hanging around in the club. But these older musicians would all hang out, and share stories, and tips about guitar.

After the gig, we were chilling out backstage and into the alley behind the club. I got to talking with this one guitarist and they said, “Have you started learning your triads on guitar yet?”

I said, “No, what do you mean?"

They pulled out a nylon string guitar from the back of their trunk and started showing me these chord shapes moving up and down the neck.

I was blown away and tried to soak up everything they were sharing. When I got home, I went to work practicing these guitar triads.

Below I want to share wit...

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...

Here's a song Paul McCartney started writing as a mock French tune to perform at parties.

It's got a soothing, melodic charm to it.

It wasn't until John Lennon told McCartney to develop it into a full song, and as they say, the rest is history…

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

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

Who Wrote Michelle?

“Michelle” was primarily written by Paul McCartney, although it’s credited to the Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. It was featured on The Beatles’ monumental album Rubber Soul, released in 1965.

One of the other unique things about “Michelle” is that, as far as I’ve heard, this is the only Beatles song with French lyrics. McCartney sought the help of Jan Vaughan, a French teacher and wife of his friend Ivan Vaughan, to write some authentic French phrases. She contributed the iconic lines “Michelle, ma belle” and “sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,...

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 ...