Blues is individualistic and expressive as a musical style, heavily emphasizing improvisation, much like jazz. Despite that, you’ll notice some recurring elements in countless blues tunes, such as the 12-bar form, extended chords, and the ubiquitous I – IV – V sequence. In this guide, I’ll walk you through not only the ultra-popular I – …
As far as playing guitar goes, country songs aren’t usually very complex. In fact, their simple chords and straightforward rhythm make them a great starting point for beginner guitarists. The trick to growing your repertoire is to pick up and master a bunch of heavily used chord progressions of the genre. Don’t go scouting for …
Jazz is all about fluid, ever-evolving creative expression that allows you to push the envelope and grow as a musician. And while learning jazz standards is a great way to make your foray, getting a good grounding in the standard chord progressions will go a long way in allowing you to explore endless melodic and …
One thing common in the most iconic pop songs is that they are super catchy and easy to remember. However, if you get down to analyzing the chord structure, you’ll find the use of repetitive pop chord progressions to be a common ingredient. Pop songs are also spiced up with hooks designed to grab the …
For beginner guitarists, getting into metal can be daunting. Many tracks in the genre are complex, often seeming out of reach for those just starting out. However, Metallica’s vast discography offers a unique blend of songs that are both iconic and accessible for beginners. While a lot of Metallica tracks boast intricate solos, many also …
Have you ever wondered why some songs sound so heartbreaking and sad? There are many factors that affect a song’s vibe, like the lyrics, song structure, and chord progressions. Using chord progressions in minor keys is a surefire recipe for crafting a powerful, emotional experience for the listeners. Depending on how you use them, these …
It’s impossible to imagine a world without Keith Richards’ three-note strut in “Satisfaction” or Jimmy Page’s chugging wonder in “Whole Lotta Love”? As a repetitive, melodic hook, a well-written guitar riff can make a song unforgettable. They have shaped genres, immortalized musicians, and inspired a generation of guitarists. A riff doesn’t even have to be …
You may be a guitar player, bassist, vocalist, or just a person who likes listening to different kinds of music, but I am sure that you have heard about the band we’re about to learn some songs from. Yes, I’m talking about Nirvana, which was an American grunge band formed in the late 1980s with …
E minor is a widely favored key in music, renowned for its melancholic and emotional qualities. Numerous songwriters have crafted unforgettable and heart-rending pieces that prominently feature E minor as a chord or a key. Besides, the chord stands as one of the most popular chords in music, and luckily, it’s pretty easy to play! …
As a beginner guitarist, coming up with chord progressions all on your own can be tricky. And while it’s always good to be creative and play around, knowing some common chord progressions can give you a powerful tool to understand the structure of some of the most popular songs while also giving you the ability …