Elton John is a singer-songwriter, composer and pianist who came to popularity during the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. His songs like his signature song Crocodile Rock and his breakthrough hit Your Song were hugely popular and remain favorites. Nearly all of John’s songs were co-written with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. John has garnered several [...]
How to play Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin
Perhaps one of the hardest rocking bands of its era, Led Zeppelin is often considered the predecessor to heavy metal. With a heavy guitar-driven sound and a strong blues-rock influence the band put out hits like Stairway to Heaven and Whole Lotta Love. Whole Lotta Love with its freeform middle section which built to a [...]
How to play Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
He’s one of the greatest guitarists in rock and roll history. In fact, Eric Clapton, got his nickname, Slowhand, because of his guitar skill. He’s been successful in his career with the bands Cream and The Yardbirds as well as in his own solo career. While most musicians are inspired by the relationships around them, [...]
How to play Wonderwall by Oasis
Wonderwall is a song by the band Oasis. The song was a mega-hit for the band but it wasn’t their first. Oasis found success with the release of their first album, Definitely Maybe. Their second studio album with songs like Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova found even greater success and broke several records. Though the group’s [...]
How to play My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
Who could forget the epic song My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion? Not many people, considering the song went to #1 all over the world. With beautiful music marked by emotive, progressive chords and the incredible vocals of Celine Dion the song broke sales records the world over. The song combines powerful music [...]
How to play Hero by Mariah Carey
Hero is a song by Mariah Carey about self-empowerment. It explores the concept that everyone is a hero if they just look inside and search for the inner strength to find the way. The song is from Carey’s fourth album, the 1993 Music Box. It was the second single release off the album and it [...]
How to play Never Had a Dream Come True by S Club 7
The song Never Had a Dream Come True was a song by manufactured pop group S Club 7. The group enjoyed several successful songs during their time as S Club 7. The group rose to fame after starring in the BBC series Miami 7. When they released the song Never Had a Dream Come True [...]
How to play Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers
The song Under the Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is the song that almost wasn’t. An intensely personal song, the lyrics were written by Anthony Kiedis to express his feelings about the impact drugs had on his life and his feelings during that time. After some convincing, Kiedis presented the song to the [...]
How to play Somewhere Only We Know by Keane
Keane is an English alternative rock band known for its use of piano instead of guitar in its rock music. A common feature in the band’s music was the inclusion of a distorted piano effect and various synthesizers giving the band’s songs a more electronic sound. The band achieved initial breakthrough success with the album [...]
How to play With a Little Help From My Friends by Joe Cocker
Some songs are so good that other musicians can’t help but create their own cover of the song. With A Little Help From My Friends by Joe Cocker is one of those songs. The song was actually written and performed by The Beatles originally, but Joe Cocker’s version of the song became a classic. Cocker [...]
How to play When You’re Gone by Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne has gone through several reinventions of herself and her music has never been easily confined to any one genre. Her songs have been called pop punk, teen pop, power pop and alternative rock. There is one thing that has remained consistent about Lavigne, however; she can produce hits. Her debut album Let Go [...]
How to play Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
English progressive rock band Pink Floyd blazed trails with its musical experimentation, cutting edge style and over-the-top live shoes. The band produced thought- provoking, mind-exploring music and earned critical acclaim. Perhaps one of the best known songs, and definitely the song most guitarists desire to learn is Wish You Were Here. The song explores themes [...]
How to play Yesterday by the Beatles
The Beatles were a hit producing machine when they released the song Yesterday. The song would become the band’s third song in a consecutive string of #1 hits on the American charts, the others being I Feel Fine, Eight Days a Week, Ticket to Ride, Help! and We Can Work it Out. The song was [...]
How to play Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi has been rocking audiences since the 1980s. Hailing from Sayreville, New Jersey, the band gained worldwide recognition with its third album Slippery When Wet in 1986. After the album’s success the band toured non-stop until finally taking a hiatus in 1990. The band returned two years later with the album Keep the Faith. [...]
How to play Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix
In a musician’s world, sometimes that spark of genius comes not from the rehearsed performance but from the impromptu jam session. That’s how the classic song Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix was born into existence. But then again nothing was ever really rehearsed with Hendrix. Many of his greatest performances veered away from the songs [...]
How to play My Immortal by Evanescence
With their heavy metal sound offset by the melancholy vocals of lead singer Amy Lee, Evanescence is a band that is hard to categorize. Though critics have tried, most closely defining the band as gothic metal or gothic rock. Evanescence became popular in 2003 with the release of their single My Immortal. The band gained [...]
How to play The Times They Are a-Changin’ by Bob Dylan
When American singer-songwriter and poet Bob Dylan first appeared on the scene, he had a voice that turned off some people but had a message that appealed to many. With his poetic and politically charged lyrics he became a prominent figure in the anti-war and civil rights movements. Dylan’s music and lyrics inspired a generation [...]
How to play Taylor by Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson is an American folk singer, songwriter and musician, known for his laid-back tunes and acoustic stylings. Son of well-known surfer Jeff Johnson, the Hawaii-born Jack Johnson initially pursued a career in professional surfing. That pursuit ended after a bad surfing accident at Pipeline which resulted in 150 stitches to his head and a [...]
How to play Piano Man by Billy Joel
Billy Joel was having a rough time in life when he was working as a piano player in a lounge. His first album had failed and he was having issues with his record company. However, his time at that piano bar was a blessing in disguise because it inspired him to write the song Piano [...]
How to play Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
It was a terrible tragedy that inspired one of Eric Clapton’s most successful songs, Tears in Heaven. Clapton had been working with Will Jennings for a particular song for the soundtrack to the movie Rush. During the process Clapton was inspired to write a song about his four-year-old son, who had recently died. Despite the [...]
How to play Moondance by Van Morrison
Moondance is a great jazzy song that theoretically should have been released on the album of the same name in 1970 but wasn’t released as a single until seven years later. Moondance is a song about Autumn by Irish musician Van Morrison. When it was released in 1977 it was the A-side to Cold Wind [...]
How to play Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
When the radio plays the song Sweet Home Alabama by Southern Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd and those infamous first words are uttered “Turn it up” you can’t help but comply. The song was a response to Neil Young’s Southern Man. In the song the band’s producer can actually be heard lightly singing Southern Man in [...]
How to play Lady Madonna by The Beatles
Lady Madonna is a song by The Beatles that was inspired by the bluesy sound of rock pianist Fats Domino. The Beatles were known to experiment with a variety of sounds. Just as they have influenced a variety of musical genres long after their breakup, so were they inspired by a variety of musical styles. [...]
How to play Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel
Billy Joel already had four studio albums that were moderate hits when he released his breakthrough album The Stranger. The album was a huge success topping the charts propelled by the single Just the Way You Are. Just the Way You Are is a love song by Billy Joel for his first wife. The couple [...]
How to play Santeria by Sublime
Santeria is a song by ska-punk band Sublime. The band first gained popularity outside of the Los Angeles area with the song Date Rape off their debut album. Their second album brought them further into the limelight. However, it was their third and last album that brought them the most success, propelled by the song [...]
How to play It’s Too Late by Carole King
It’s Too Late is a song by Carole King off her wildly successful album Tapestry. Long before releasing the album King had found success as a songwriter for other artists. When she finally sang her own songs and released Tapestry she was met with success as a singer as well. Her album Tapestry garnered four [...]
How to play Steal My Kisses by Ben Harper
Steal My Kisses by Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals first gained popularity with college radio airplay. Written by Harper, the song is one of his more mainstream songs reaching #15 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Adult top 40 Tracks in 2000. The song may have reached mainstream, but Harper had been a well-respected musician [...]
How to play Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
The song Ring of Fire was the biggest hit by country music icon Johnny Cash. The song stayed at the number one spot on the charts for seven weeks. The song was written by June Carter with the term Ring of Fire, referring to falling in love, which is how she felt about Johnny Cash [...]
How to play No Woman, No Cry by Bob Marley
No Woman, No Cry is a reggae song by Bob Marley off the 1974 album Natty Dread. The album was a first in a lot of ways for Marley. It was the first time the band recorded as Bob Marley and The Wailers. It was the first time they recorded without former bandmates Peter Tosh [...]
How to play Please Bleed by Ben Harper
Growing up with the musical influences that Ben Harper had when he was young, it’s no surprise that he is the musical powerhouse that he has become. The American singer-songwriter grew up around his grandparent’s music store with exposure to many influential musicians. That exposure helped shape Harper’s music infusing a mix of soul, blues, [...]
How to play Nothing Else Matters by Metallica
Nothing Else Matters is a song by Metallica that marked a departure from the band’s metal thrash sound and a move toward a more commercial metal sound. Released off the album Metallica, the song reached #11 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. And the top ten in many European countries. The song was written [...]
How to play Imagine by John Lennon
Occasionally, there is a song written that becomes the anthem for a movement or a generation, Imagine has endured as that song for decades. Written by John Lennon after he embarked on his solo career, Imagine is a call for peace and a utopian society. The song is Lennon’s signature song and was ranked by [...]
How to play If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys
From an early age Alicia Keys earned praise for her amazing singing voice, skillful piano playing and emotion-filled lyrics. She wowed audiences and critics alike with her debut album Songs in A Minor and continued that with the follow up album The Diary of Alicia Keys. That album produced four songs that hit the top [...]
How to play Light My Fire by The Doors
The song Light My Fire was a song by The Doors, an American band that were an influential part of the psychedelic rock movement of the 1960s. When the single Light My Fire was released, the song catapulted the band to success. The song is ranked #35 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of 500 Greatest [...]
How to play I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
I Will Survive is a song by Gloria Gaynor and is an anthem from the days of disco. The song was also the biggest hit for Gaynor. I Will Survive was actually an accidental hit. It was the B-side song that became a hit when disc jockeys began playing I Will Survive instead. The song [...]
How to play Layla by Eric Clapton
The song Layla was written by Eric Clapton when he was with his band Derek and the Dominoes. It appears on the band’s album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Layla has been performed in both a rocking electric version and a stripped down acoustic version. The song was written about the wife of Clapton’s [...]
How to play Hurt by Christina Aguilera
Like many of her songs, Christina Aguilera’s song Hurt was a hit for her. Marked by her remarkable singing ability and moving lyrics, Hurt is not just a ballad, it’s a power ballad. Aguilera co-wrote the song that discusses losing love and dealing with the hurt that happens. Aguilera has a hand in most aspects [...]
How to play How to Save a Life by The Fray
How to Save a Life is a song that helped bring mainstream success to American rock band The Fray. The song has some pretty deep lyrics and some serious piano playing to match. How to Save a Life’s storyline is about trying to reach out to someone and in essence “save a life.” The song [...]
How to play I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash
I Walk the Line is a classic Johnny Cash song and one of his first hits. The song is actually a defining hit for Cash whose later songs would feature the “boom-chicka-boom” sound developed in I Walk the Line. The song is a classic but it’s not hard to play. In fact it’s a great [...]
How to play I Shot the Sheriff by Eric Clapton
I Shot the Sheriff is a song by Eric Clapton that has become a favorite Clapton song for many. The song was originally a Bob Marley song but when Clapton covered it the song became a hit. In fact, it’s Clapton’s only #1 hit in the U.S. I Shot the Sheriff remains an important introduction [...]
How to play Hurt by Johnny Cash
Hurt is a song that was one of Johnny Cash’s final hits before his death. The song was originally written by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. Cash’s dramatic acoustic version makes a definite impact, however, it’s an easy song to play. Reznor was a little hestitant when first hearing about Cash covering the song, [...]
How to play Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright lent his beautiful tenor voice to the cover of one of the most lyrically poetic songs, Hallelujah, by Leonard Cohen. The performance appears on the DVD Live at The Fillmore, that accompanied the album Want Two by Wainwright. Live at The Fillmore was a DVD that highlighted live concert footage from a 1994 [...]
How to play Hotel California by The Eagles
Hotel California is a song by The Eagles that talks about the excesses of life in the music industry and the high price of success. The song and its cryptic lyrics describe the band’s first impressions of Los Angeles when they first arrived in the city. Through the years people have interpreted the song to [...]
How to play Hey There Delilah by Plain White Tee’s
Hey There Delilah by the Plain White Tee’s is a love song about a long-distance romance. It’s a sincere love song that features a catchy melody that has a way of staying with you. Plain White Tee’s achieved their biggest success to date with this song, which was a hit in both the U.S. and [...]
How to play Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis
Great Balls of Fire is a single by Jerry Lee Lewis that rocketed him to fame when it was released in 1957. The song’s title was taken from a Southern slang phrase that was considered blasphemous. Because of that and Lewis’ overtly sexual overtones in his performances many radio stations banned his music from air [...]
How to play Funeral March by Frederic Chopin
It’s a song that many people are familiar with but may not even know it. The Funeral March by Frederic Chopin is often used to represent death in popular culture, especially in cartoons and video games. The Imperial March, played whenever the character Darth Vader entered a room in the Star Wars trilogy, bears a [...]
How to play Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix
Hey Joe is a song that was made popular by Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s when he recorded it with his band The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The song is the story of a man who shoots his wife and is on the run to Mexico. The song was popular in the UK but failed to [...]
How to play Help! by The Beatles
Help! was a hit by The Beatles that came from both the album and film of the same name. The song was written primarily by John Lennon but was credited to Lennon/McCartney as were all The Beatles songs. The song was written about The Beatles quick rise to fame.The album’s release in the United States [...]
How to play Fallin’ by Alicia Keys
Fallin’ is a song by American R&B artist Alicia Keys. The song is an emotion-filled look at relationships and the ups and downs that inevitably happen. Though Keys wrote the song, she almost didn’t record it. It was originally meant for another artist but Keys felt strongly about the song and wanted to record it. [...]
How to Play Endless Love by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
One of the most classic contemporary love songs is Endless Love by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. The duet has become a favorite whenever the situation calls for a romantic song. It’s become almost a standard song to play at weddings. Endless Love is the biggest hit of Diana Ross’ career but just one of [...]
How to play Flake by Jack Johnson
Flake by singer-songwriter Jack Johnson is a laid back song that makes easy listening at any time. Like many of Johnson’s songs, Flake is a mostly acoustic arrangement with the mellow sound that Johnson is known for. Johnson is a musician, surfer and film director. He has directed and composed the music for a number [...]
How to play Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd
Comfortably Numb is an iconic song by Pink Floyd that any guitarist would love to have in their repertoire. It’s highly regarded for its guitar solo by David Gilmour. The solo has been featured in many “best of” lists by the likes of Guitarist and Guitar World magazines. A dark melody and meaningful lyrics has allowed this rock classic to endure. It remains one of the most requested and played songs by Pink Floyd.
How to play Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
Brown Eyed Girl is a classic song by singer songwriter Van Morrison. The song has an upbeat tempo and fun lyrics. Brown Eyed girl still gets popular radio air play and has been covered by many bands.
The song is great for a novice guitarist to learn because of its simple structure and use of just four main chords. A distinctive intro makes the song a little more challenging and a lot of fun to play.
How to play Brick by Ben Folds Five
Brick is a song by the band Ben Folds Five that deals with the topic of abortion and how it affects two individuals and their relationship. Though the 1997 song tackled a deeply emotional issue for Ben Folds who wrote it about his high school girlfriend, the song received major radio airplay. It remains one [...]
How to play Better Be Home Soon by Crowded House
Better Be Home Soon is a song by the Australian rock group Crowded House and released in July 1988. The song is a great display of singer-songwriter Neil Finn’s writing prowess. Though it only performed moderately well in the United States and British charts, the song peaked at number two on the Australian charts.
An acoustic favorite, the song has a catchy chorus and melody that’s unforgettable. It’s a good song for novice guitarists to learn and because of that melody and a unique strumming technique that offers just a bit of challenge.
How to play Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
The progressive rock group Queen was known for its elaborate live shows and the flamboyant stage presence of its lead singer Freddie Mercury. The song Bohemian Rhapsody was perhaps the most perfect example of the band’s outrageous style. Bohemian Rhapsody is the quintessential Queen song that lends itself to an elaborate production. The song is [...]
How to play Because of You by Kelly Clarkson
Because of You is one of many hits by former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. Clarkson had a hard time shaking her American Idol image, but by the time she released her second album, Breakaway she proved that she had star power. That album released Because of You, a song about the effects of a [...]
How to play Angie by The Rolling Stones
The song Angie by The Rolling Stones is an acoustic driven ballad about the end of a romance. Written by band members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is regularly played by the band in live performances and has been covered extensively by many other bands.
The song’s distinctive piano chords were played by The Rolling Stones recording regular Nicky Hopkins, and the strings on the piece were arranged by Nicky Harrison. An interesting fact about Angie is that a “ghost vocal” can be faintly heard on the song, which is Jagger’s vocal guide track.
How to play Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
There are many great bands, but only a few can make as big of an impression, or as lasting of one as Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin forever changed the way bands rock. With their guitar-driven sound infused with a blues-rock influence the band presented a sound like no other when they first arrived on the [...]
How to Play You’re So Vain by Carly Simon
When Carly Simon released the song You’re So Vain it became her biggest hit but Simon wasn’t going to name names. Since its release she has left audiences in the dark about who the song is about.Through the years she has alluded to several possibilities and provided several clues however she’s never publicly confirmed who [...]
How to play Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole
The song Autumn Leaves is a much-recorded song that was originally a 1945 French song called Les feuilles mortes. It was introduced in the 1946 film Les Portes de la Nuit. A year later American songwriter Johnny Mercer wrote English lyrics for the song and it became a jazz and pop standard in both French [...]
How to play Blackbird by The Beatles
Despite its rhythmic and pleasant melody, Blackbird is a song with a much deeper meaning. It’s a song written by Paul McCartney—though credit as usual was given to Lennon-McCartney—while McCartney was in Scotland. He was inspired to write it after seeing footage of the racial tension happening in the U.S. during the 60s.
The song remains a beautiful ode to a time of upheaval and civil unrest. The combination of lyrical meaning and moving melody makes Blackbird a great song to learn.
How to play Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.
The song Everybody Hurts was released off the album Automatic for the People, by R.E.M. The song and the album itself was largely seen as a departure from the band’s established alternative rock sound. Even so, the subdued sounds of the album didn’t cause fans to turn away and the album hit #2 on the [...]
How to play Crocodile Rock by Elton John
Crocodile Rock is one of Elton John’s first and biggest hits. The song pays tribute to the sounds of the 50s and 60s both with the sounds that influence the song itself and also the lyrics.The writer waxes nostalgic about the rock and roll songs of that era and a relationship he had at the [...]
How to play Trouble by Coldplay
Since coming on the scene Coldplay has seen its share of hits. The band’s debut album Parachutes spawned several hits including Yellow, Shiver and Trouble and received generally positive acclaim. The band’s music has been so well accepted that there have been plenty of offers to license the band’s music for commercial purposes. Coldplay has [...]
How to play Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses is an American hard rock band that created a stir in the late 1980s and early 1990s with its rebelliousness and punk attitude. The band is a fusion of punk rock, blues-rock, heavy metal and hard rock. The band’s image and sound is largely based on Finnish band Hanoi Rocks, of which [...]
How to play We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters
We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters had an unlikely beginning. Richard Carpenter heard it one late night on a commercial for Crocker Bank in California. The Crocker Bank commercial used the song in a wedding-themed commercial advertising its services to new couples but featured no mention of the bank in the lyrics. Richard Carpenter [...]
How to play Stand By Me by Ben E. King
Ben E. King didn’t realize he had a hit on his hands when he co-wrote Stand By Me. Originally, he had written it for The Drifters, of which he was lead singer. However, the group passed on the song and Redding recorded it instead. The song became a hit not once but twice. First at [...]
How to play Summertime by Ella Fitzgerald
Summertime is a song by The First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald. Known for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and in general, her incredible voice, Fitzgerald enjoyed a career that spanned 59 years. Fitzgerald began her career singing with big bands. When music saw a shift to jazz Fitzgerald began incorporating [...]
How to play Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay
Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay is one of the most well-known songs by American soul singer Otis Redding. Redding’s career was cut short when he died in a plane crash. His death came just prior to the release of the album The Dock of the Bay, which contained the single Sittin’ On The [...]
How to play Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
Dire Straits came onto the scene with nothing but a demo cut of Sultans of Swing. The song got radio rotation on Radio London and quickly gained popularity. That song caught the attention of record executives and Dire Straits was on its way to becoming a best selling music group. Marked by a bluesy, laid [...]
How to play New York State of Mind by Billy Joel
New Yorkers have something of a love affair with New York City, and Billy Joel is no exception. After spending several years on the West Coast of the United States Joel returned to the East Coast with a song in his heart – a love song for New York City. He came up with New [...]
How to play Back in Black by ACDC
Australian rock band ACDC is known for its hard rocking sound and one of the greatest rock songs of all time, Back in Black. Written as a celebratory song, Back in Black is actually a tribute to the band’s former lead singer Bon Scott who died in 1980 of alcohol poisoning. The band didn’t want [...]
How to play Love Song by Sara Bareilles
Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles struggled to find a hit until her record label gave her some advice that all at once enraged her and prompted her to find some renewed motivation. The result was her first smash hit Love Song. The song talks about her refusal to write a commercial love song on demand.The song earned [...]
How to play Let It Be by The Beatles
English rock band The Beatles undoubtedly had a spectacular run as a band. They had throngs of fans, were the inspiration for several copycat bands and even influenced fashion trends with their mop tops and stylish suits. They have remained as influential as they were when they first appeared on the scene even though they [...]
How to play Drive by Incubus
Drive is an excellent song by Incubus that allowed the band to cross over into mainstream. The song gave the band a chance to show off its songwriting skills and paved the way for an even more successful follow up album.
Drive is notable for its strong guitar riff and acoustic elements. The song has been played in a variety of ways. It’s been acoustic and electric, and has been remixed and reconstructed. No matter how it’s played it remains one of Incubus’ best.
How to play Apologize by OneRepublic
Apologize by OneRepublic is a song about dealing with the pain of a failed relationship and moving on. The song garnered the band a lot of attention on MySpace. However, when Timbaland produced it as a remix and included it on his Timbaland Presents: Shock Value album the song received an international audience. Apologize went on to become an international hit.
How to play Redemption Song by Bob Marley
When Bob Marley wrote Redemption Song he had already been diagnosed with cancer. Some say that the song is Marley coming to terms with his mortality. Some of the lyrics are taken from a speech by Marcus Garvey, a Pan-Africanist orator. Redemption Song is off the album Uprising and like many of the songs on [...]
How to play Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix
Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix is an iconic song of the psychedelic rock days of the 1960s. The song is often considered Hendrix’s greatest song by both critics and music lovers alike. The song is often thought to be about drugs, however Hendrix has repeatedly denied that, saying instead that it’s just another love song [...]
How to play Night Moves by Bob Seger
The song Night Moves is a nostalgic look at teenage love by American rock musician Bob Seger. Seger’s raspy voice and honest lyrics invoke a sincere reminiscence of a coming of age romance. The song brought Seger to fame after finding success as an artist in the Detroit area as The Bob Seger System. Night [...]
How to play More Than Words by Extreme
More than Words is a beautiful ballad by rock band Extreme, in which the writer urges a loved one to express that love in more than words. The ballad was a huge hit for the band, but it was quite a departure from the band’s usual hard-rocking, guitar-heavy sound. Nonetheless More than Words was the [...]
How to play Moondance by Van Morrison
Moondance is a jazzy song by Irish musician Van Morrison. The song was the title track of his 1970 album but was not released as a single until seven and a half years after the album’s release. It was finally released in 1977 with the B-side single Cold Wind in August which was featured on [...]
How to play Bad Day by Daniel Powter
The song Bad Day was a tremendous hit for Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Powter. It has been popularly used as a song of defeat, though the song itself has achieved mega success. It gained immense popularity when it was used in farewell video packages when contestants were eliminated from American Idol in Season 5. It’s also [...]
How to play Angel by Sarah McLachlan
When Sarah McLachlan read an article in Rolling Stone magazine about the drug-related death of Smashing Pumpkins touring keyboard player Jonathan Melvoin, and other musicians who turned to drugs to deal with the pressures of the industry, she was inspired to write the song Angel.
Despite such a somber subject, McLachlan called the writing process of Angel, “a real joyous occasion.” Since its release, the song has been used in television shows and soundtracks to highlight emotional scenes. It was used as a song of comfort and healing following the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and the Sept. 11, 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attacks.
How to play Hey Jude by The Beatles
Hey Jude is a song by the English rock band The Beatles. The song, as are all songs by the band, is credited to Lennon/McCartney. Paul McCartney actually wrote the song for John Lennon’s son Julian during his parent’s divorce. The song was later thought by several people to have been written for them. One [...]
How to play Desperado by The Eagles
Desperado is a ballad by The Eagles. The song is one of the band’s signature songs, though it wasn’t a commercial success when it was released. In fact, the song, though it was the title track of the album wasn’t even released as a single. Since its release the song and the album have come [...]
How to play Cornflake Girl by Tori Amos
Cornflake Girl by Tori Amos is a song that she was inspired to write to explore the themes of betrayal between women. The song explores the idea of “cornflake girls” being girls who are narrow-minded and prejudiced and “raisin girls” who are open minded and multi-cultural. Because of the title of the song, Amos has [...]
How to play Fire and Rain by James Taylor
Fire and Rain by James Taylor is really the song that launched his career. The song talks about some traumatic times in Taylor’s life. Yet, the song has a simple, quiet melody. Released in 1971, Fire and Rain is an acoustic song with a melody that is just as unforgettable as the lyrics. When it [...]
How to play Everlong by Foo Fighters
Everlong is a rocking song by the Foo Fighters. Coming from a band that was founded by an excellent drummer, formerly of the notorious band Nirvana, the sound is pure guitar magic featuring some really rocking riffs. Everlong is the second release from the band’s second album but it’s one that left an indelible impact, [...]
How to play Dust in the Wind by Kansas
Dust in the Wind is a moody acoustic song by the band Kansas that is a popular song with guitarists. It has an unforgettable melody that is all at once rich and varied yet derived from what was originally meant to be a finger exercise. The song is remarkable in that it uses only three [...]
How to play Clocks by Coldplay
Clocks is a release off the second studio album by Coldplay, A Rush of Blood to the Head. The album was a major success and the song received critical praise for its unique sound. The song features a tempo that builds and is structured around an incredible piano riff. In fact, Clocks is most notable [...]
How to play Candle in the Wind by Elton John
Candle in the Wind by Elton John is a beautiful tribute to Marilyn Monroe after her death. The song paints a picture of a vulnerable Monroe whose persona was bigger than herself and expresses sorrow that her life was cut short. The song was written by John’s longtime musical partner and collaborator Bernie Taupin and [...]
How to play Bridge Over Troubled Water
Bridge Over Troubled Water is a classic folk song by Simon and Garfunkel that is an all-time classic. Initially there was some disagreement over who would sing the song. Paul Simon penned the song intending for Art Garfunkel to sing it accompanied by piano. Garfunkel liked Simon’s singing on the demo and thought Simon should [...]
How to play Come Away with Me by Norah Jones
Norah Jones’ career hit a high when she released the song Come Away With Me, off the album of the same name. However, success didn’t come quickly. Though it received critical acclaim the song was slow to climb the charts. Ultimately it went on to sell 20 million copies and the album went platinum. Jones’ [...]
How to play Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix
Little Wing is a song written by Jimi Hendrix and recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967. The unique thing about the song is that it was played through a Leslie speaker along with some distortion to create a unique sound. Like much of the album Little Wing uses a lot of recording techniques, [...]
How to Play All Along The Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix
All Along The Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix is a powerful and well crafted rock song. Originally written and performed by Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix’s treatment of this song has helped establish All Along The Watchtower as one of the greatest rock songs ever.
How to play Always On My Mind by Willie Nelson
Always On My Mind is a beautifully written country ballad, that has been recorded by many artists. One of the most memorable rendition’s is one by country singer Willie Nelson.
The song features lyrics infused with emotion. Nelson’s sincere vocals and laid back stylings give the song a depth of feeling and makes it a great version for performers of all skill levels.
How to Play American Pie by Don McLean
American Pie’ by Don McLean is a unique, classic country rock song, well known for its cryptic lyrics and distinctive, catchy melody.
It is a great song to learn on piano because of its relative ease and enduring popularity. The melody and baselines closely follow the main vocal melody which makes it very distinctive.
The ‘American Pie’ full video lesson brings all of the songs elements (introduction, verse, chorus and outro) together and breaks them into manageable, easily learned chunks.
How to Play Adam’s Song by Blink 182
Adam’s Song has a very strong motif which is played on an electric guitar with some effects.
The same little riff can be played on an acoustic guitar and it sounds fantastic. If you are want to learn how to play Adam’s song you will need to learn this motif, the chorus and a few other little parts.
We have made a full video lesson which breaks down each section into manageable chunks. If you would like to see the preview and the first chapter of the video the link below will take you to the Song lesson in SongPond. For now here is some information about Blink 182 and Adam’s Song.
How to Play I Shot the Sheriff by Eric Clapton
Yes, we are proud to announce the release of this awesome song lesson. Even if you are not a fan of reggae this song is undeniably fun to play and a definite hit at parties and gatherings. Mark McKenzie teaches the song in very manageable chunks so you will enjoy yourself as your rhythm and [...]
How to Play Sunshine of Your Love by Cream
Sunshine of Your Love by Cream is now live on SongPond. Mark McKenzie presents another incredible lesson and sheds light on all the intricacies involved in playing this song (This is the perfect chance to exercise your vibrato muscles and practice your new skills in context). Getting this Rock ‘n’ Roll anthem under your belt [...]
How to Play Dust in The Wind by Kansas
“Dust in The Wind” by Kansas has been one of the most requested songs on SongPond and we are glad to be releasing this awesome guitar lesson. This song has been featured in numerous television shows and films over the years and is well worth adding to your repertoire. You will have fun applying your [...]
How to Play Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix
The wait is over with the arrival of Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix. Mark McKenzie delivers a power packed lesson that will open your mind to what is possible on the guitar. Voodoo Child is now over 40 years old but still remains widely regarded as one of the best guitar songs ever. There is [...]