Hey Reader, If your chord changes still feel a little clunky, this week's lesson is for you. I'm sharing three simple techniques that can make moving between chords feel much more natural: the Anchor Finger, the Slide Finger, and the Common Pattern. These are little "shortcuts" that many players overlook, but they can make a big difference. This lesson is especially helpful for beginners, but even intermediate players may pick up a few ideas to make their playing smoother. I also show how...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, This week’s lesson is Something for Nothing by Rush. If you enjoy digging into Rush songs, this one is a lot of fun to play. It has some great riffs, interesting chord movement, and that unmistakable Lifeson style that keeps things engaging without being overcomplicated. I’d put this lesson in the “all levels” category because there’s something here for everyone. More experienced players can work on the details and feel, while newer players can focus on the main rhythm parts and...
23 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, This week we’re looking at three Alex Lifeson riffs that make great finger exercises. The lesson is built around “Spirit of Radio,” “Jacob’s Ladder,” and “Xanadu,” but you don’t have to be a Rush fan to get something from this one. These riffs are great for working on finger independence, clean movement, and getting your hands to feel more relaxed across the fretboard. Take them slow at first. The goal isn’t just speed, it’s control. Once the fingers know where they’re going, the...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, This week we’re looking at “I Can’t Tell You Why” by the Eagles. This one sits in that easy-to-moderate range, and it’s a really nice lesson for working on feel. The parts are not too busy, but they do ask you to play clean and listen closely. What makes this song work is the space. You don’t have to overplay it. Let the chords ring, keep the rhythm steady, and try to keep everything smooth. It’s a good one for building control without feeling like you’re forcing it. Check it out...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, This week we’re looking at “Sister Golden Hair” by America on acoustic guitar. This is a great easy-to-moderate tune if you want to work on steady strumming and clean chord changes without getting too complicated. The song has that relaxed feel, but the timing still matters. Try not to rush the changes. Let the chords ring and keep your strumming hand moving naturally. It’s one of those songs that sounds good even when you keep it simple. Check it out here: Sister Golden Hair Rock...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, This week we’re looking at “The Pass” by Rush. This is a moderate-level lesson, but don’t let that scare you off. A lot of the song sits in a comfortable place on the guitar, and once you get the feel of the changes, it starts to come together pretty naturally. What I like about this one is how much emotion is in the parts without needing anything overly flashy. It’s a good tune for working on clean chord movement, timing, and keeping the rhythm steady. Take it slow at first and...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, This week we’re looking at “The World I Know” by Collective Soul. It’s a great ’90s rock ballad with a nice mix of acoustic and electric parts. The acoustic side gives you a good chord and strumming workout, while the electric part adds some simple textures that really help the song feel complete. This one is a good fit if you’re a beginner moving into intermediate territory. Nothing feels too out of reach, but there’s enough going on to keep it interesting. Take your time with...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, This week’s lesson is built around 5 classic riffs that are great for more than just learning the song. We’re looking at parts from “Dreamline,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Lights,” “Breakdown,” and “Closer to the Heart.” Each riff gives your hands something useful to work on. Alternate picking, string skipping, timing, and overall fretboard control all show up in a musical way. That’s what I like about practicing riffs like these. You’re not just running an exercise. You’re...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, This week’s lesson is a quick 5-minute routine for those times when your fingers feel stiff or sloppy right when you pick up the guitar. We’re working through a few simple exercises that help with strength, dexterity, and coordination. There’s a chromatic walk for finger independence, a spider walk to get both hands working together, and some trills and short speed bursts to build control. The big thing here is to start slow and keep the notes clean. Even a few minutes of focused...
2 months ago • 1 min read