I've always wondered about these famous songs titled a woman’s name...

Are they real? What was this person like at that time? Do they know said song was written about them?

Tunes like: 

* Jessica

* Layla

* Or Josie…

Well, below I’m going to break down the guitar style behind one of these types of songs. So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Roxanne" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Roxanne?

"Roxanne" was written by Sting, the lead vocalist and bassist for the English rock band The Police. The song sings of a man's romantic feelings for a woman named Roxanne, who is implied to be a prostitute. He drew inspiration from his experiences in Paris, where he observed the city's red-light district. The name "Roxanne" was inspired by a character from the play Cyrano de Bergerac, a poster of which was present in the hotel where the band stayed. 

"Roxanne" was recorded in 1978 at Surrey Sound Studios in Leatherhead, England. It was released on...

Behold... the forbidden riff.

I’m thrilled to announce a brand new series of posts where I’m going dive deep into the guitar style behind “Stairway To Heaven”. We’re going to go slow and leave no stone unturned. 

So get excited, grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Stairway To Heaven" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Stairway To Heaven?

“Stairway To Heaven” was co-written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant – the guitarist and lead vocalist for the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin. 

They wrote the song in 1970 while they were staying at Bron-Yr-Aur, a remote cottage in Wales. It started with the guitar instrumental Page had already composed and the Plant developed the lyrics and melody around it. Plant described the lyrics as reflective of a journey and a warning against materialism, touching on the idea that chasing the wrong things in life can lead to spiritual emptiness. This journey is symbolized by the...

Ever been at a party and stuck in the middle of an awkward conversation? 

This can be quite uncomfortable, and that’s where the inspiration for this song came.

It only uses a handful of chords. Below I’m going to break down a couple of ways to play it – easier to advanced.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Stuck In The Middle With You" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Stuck In The Middle With You?

"Stuck in the Middle with You" was co-written by Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan, two members of the Scottish band Stealers Wheel.

The song’s inspiration came from an awkward industry party hosted by their record label. They were at this party and feeling out of place. They took their discomfort and channeled it into the lyrics which poke fun at the superficiality of the music industry. The chorus, "clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right," reflects their sentiments of being caught between insincere individuals. 

“Stuck In The...

I can’t think of any other song that begins with the sound of an airplane taking off. 

In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated Beatles songs. It’s a blend of rock n roll, rhythm & blues, and surf music.

Below we’ll take a look at the rhythm and lead guitar parts.

So grab your axe and let’s dive into this “Back In The U.S.S.R." chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Back In The U.S.S.R?

"Back in the U.S.S.R." was written primarily by Paul McCartney, but it’s labeled with the typical Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. It was recorded by The Beatles, and released on the 1968 double album commonly known as the White Album.

The song is influenced by the Beach Boys and Chuck Berry. It features a blend of rock and roll, rhythm & blues, and surf music influences. 

McCartney wrote the song during a visit to India, where the Beatles were studying transcendental meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Inspired by the Beach...

If you’re looking for a song that can get your audience out on the dance floor… this could be the perfect solution.

In fact, every time I have played it live with a band it’s done just that.

The infectious bass line and groovy feel create an almost automatic desire to do the shimmy.

You only need to know a handful of chords to play it.

Below I’m going to break down the funky guitar style and share insider tips to get jamming along with this famous recording – fast.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Billie Jean" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Billie Jean?

"Billie Jean" was written and performed by pop legend Michael Jackson. It was the second single from his 1982 album Thriller, and is often regarded as one of the greatest pop songs ever. 

Jackson wrote "Billie Jean," after being inspired by fan letters he received that included claims of paternity. He later explained the song was not about a specific woman. But...

Here’s an epic rock song that NASA used as a wake-up call for the team working on the Spirit Mars rover. 

It only uses a handful of chords. 

Below I’m going to break down the guitar style behind it and share insider tips to get jamming along with this famous recording – fast.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Where Is My Mind" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Where Is My Mind?

"Where Is My Mind?" was written by Black Francis (Charles Thompson), the frontman for the alternative rock band Pixies. It was featured as the seventh track on their 1988 debut album, Surfer Rosa. 

Francis, was inspired to write "Where Is My Mind?" by his experiences scuba diving in the Caribbean. He was being chased by a small fish while diving when inspiration struck.  

Joey Santiago came up with the song’s catchy guitar line. The Pixies started as a Boston-based band formed in 1986 by Francis and Santiago. They were roomates at the...

Behold… one of the most HYPNOTIC instrumental melodies of all time!

This song sounds amazing on guitar and can be played in many situations.

You only need a handful of chords to jam it.

Below I’m going to break down the nuances and how you can play along with the recording or do your own version in no time flat. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Sleepwalk" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Sleepwalk?

"Sleepwalk" was originally written and performed by the duo Santo & Johnny. It was first released in 1959 and quickly became a classic. Santo, the lead guitarist, created the dreamy melody while experimenting with a steel guitar. This Hawaiian-style instrument, gave the track its signature smooth and sliding tone.

While the song is instrumental and doesn’t have lyrics, its ethereal and haunting melody suggests a powerful emotions of longing, nostalgia, or dream-like states. 

Santo Farina and Johnny Farina were brothers who were...

Hey ho, let's go!

Ready to unleash an epic punk rock guitar sound?

Well if so, this song might be just what you're looking for.  

It’s got a high-energy riff and unforgettable chant. Below I’m going to break down the guitar techniques and gear that brought this iconic track to life.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Blitzkrieg Bop" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Blitzkrieg Bop? 

"Blitzkrieg Bop" was written by the punk rock band the Ramones. It was first released in February 1976 as their debut single and opening track of their self-titled debut album. 

The song was primarily written by drummer Tommy Ramone, with bassist Dee Dee Ramone contributing to the lyrics. It was originally titled "Animal Hop".  But the song's name was later changed to "Blitzkrieg Bop," referencing the German World War II tactic "blitzkrieg," meaning "lightning war." 

With the iconic chant "Hey! Ho! Let's go!", the lyrics paint the scene of...

Behold… a musical masterpiece 

Few songs capture the imagination quite like “Africa” by Toto. Its soaring melody, intricate rhythms, and lush harmonies, have etched this iconic track into the fabric of pop and rock music history. 

It’s become more than just a hit song…

It’s a cultural phenomenon. 

Below I’m going to break down the story behind the song, the inspiration behind its lyrics and music, plus the guitar chords and techniques that bring it to life.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "Africa" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Africa? 

“Africa” was written by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, both members of the iconic rock band Toto. It was released in 1982 as part of their Toto IV album, and the song became one of their biggest hits. 

David Paich came up with the melody and most of the lyrics inspired by Africa and its culture, which he had learned about through documentaries and...

Behold… one of the most legendary rock songs of all time.

I can’t think of any better song to get a crowd stomping, clapping, and singing along than this gem.

The lyrics sing about perseverance and defiance.. and the guitar solo is iconic 

Below I’m going to unpack the unique style behind it. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this "We Will Rock You" chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote We Will Rock You?

"We Will Rock You" is one of Queen's most iconic songs, written by guitarist Brian May and released on their 1977 album News of the World. May wanted a song designed to engage concertgoers, so he created this stomp-clap sing-along to do just that. It has a very minimalist arrangement. 

The majority of the tune is gang vocals and this stomp-clap experience, until the final guitar solo. The stomps and claps were overdubbed multiple times in the studio using wooden platforms on the floor to create this raw and almost tribal energy. ...