Songs Worth Learning - 13
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.
All Right Now - Free
If you are fan of “classic rock” (a music industry label, not mine) you might recognize the singer as Paul Rodgers who went on to international fame with the band Bad Company. But the guitar playing of Paul Kossoff is the real star in this song. The ambiguous chords in the verse have stymied beginning guitarists since the song’s release. They are actually two different chord voicings overdubbed. I will have mercy on you and show a way to play them with only one guitar. After the A D A beginning play the Dadd4 and D chord voicing below, then A again.
The chorus starts with staccato doubles stops and a riff that leads to chords. Another cool, unique bit of rhythm playing. And while the chords and riffs of the verse and chorus are cool and very fun to play, it is the guitar solo that makes this a real must learn song. Besides being one of the most melodic rock solos of all time, the solo features multiple lead guitar techniques, amazing vibrato, and great use of space (or phrasing.) You don’t have to play constantly during a solo. Creating musical phrases with space between them is far more musical as this solo clearly demonstrates. The solo will be a challenge for newer lead guitar players but well worth the time spent learning it.
