Songs Worth Learning - 2
There are certain songs that I think every guitar player should try to learn. Either they have cool guitar parts, or they will expand your playing skills, or they will introduce you to a style of music you may not have played before. I am going to recommend songs in several styles of music and explain why I think they should be added to your “play list.” Obviously, these are my choices, and no doubt, some will disagree with my choices. But each song has something good to offer so I think they are worth learning.
This will eventually be a huge list so I am going to post them one song at a time in no particular order. Take your time and enjoy each one.
Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s music is often labelled “country music” but it was really his own unique thing. His driving acoustic, train-like "boom chucka, boom chucka" alternating bass note and chord rhythm created a popular rhythm guitar style for both country and rockabilly guitarists for generations. It still works great in many songs. The song also has a simple but very cool, and fun to play, single note intro. This three chord song is a lesson in simplicity that musicians would be wise to heed. The solo is a cool mix of country and 50s style rock and roll. The song is an "autobiographical story song” but is pure fiction. A good lesson in songwriting also.
