“Rainy Night in Soho” by The Pogues is a melancholic masterpiece, capturing the essence of love and loss. Shane MacGowan’s raw vocals paint a vivid picture of a rainy London night, invoking a bittersweet nostalgia. The song’s tender accordion and melodic sway create an atmosphere both haunting and romantic. The lyrics, a poetic blend of despair and hope, delve into the complexities of relationships and urban solitude. It’s a musical journey through the streets of Soho, where the rain becomes a metaphor for life’s struggles, and the music becomes a poignant soundtrack to the human experience.
A Pair of Brown Eyes – Shane MacGowan & The Pogues
“A Pair of Brown Eyes” by The Pogues is a poetic journey through love’s highs and lows. Shane MacGowan’s gritty vocals tell a tale of passion and nostalgia, accompanied by a mix of folk and punk. The accordion and fiddle weave a Celtic tapestry, creating a haunting and beautiful ode to enduring love.
Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
Yellow by Coldplay – Acoustic Guitar Lesson
Yellow by Chris Martin of Coldplay is a catchy tune, with a nice and simple melody that guitarists of all levels can play. In this video the capo is on the 4th fret with G, D, C and Eminor chord shapes and a pick strum rhythm as explained by Des – enjoy!
Travelin’ Soldier by the Dixie Chicks
Here’s an easy to learn version of “Travelin’ Soldier” by the Dixie Chicks. In this video, Des plays the tune in the key of B with the capo at the 4th fret with a pick & strum rhythm. The chord shapes used at the 4th fret are G, C, Fmaj7, D and Em.
“Travelin’ Soldier” by the Dixie Chicks is a poignant narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The song tells the story of a young soldier who strikes up a fleeting romance with a small-town girl before heading off to war. The lyrics skillfully capture the emotional turbulence of love and loss, weaving a tale of longing and heartbreak. The chorus, with its haunting melody, amplifies the emotional weight of the narrative, making it a powerful reflection on the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and the emotional toll it takes on their loved ones. The Dixie Chicks’ harmonies and storytelling prowess shine through, turning the song into a timeless and resonant piece that pays tribute to the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of war on personal lives.
If you would like to try a private guitar lesson with Des to learn this or any other tune, please get in touch!
Winter Wonderland Acoustic Guitar Lesson
IT’s that time of year again as we start the run in to Christmas, so a good time to share this fingerpicking video. Winter Wonderland is a classic Christmas song which has been recorded by over 200 different musical artists down through the years since its release in the 1930s. Artists to have recorded Winter Wonderland include Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett and Bing Crosby.
“Winter Wonderland” is a classic holiday tune that wraps you up in the enchantment of the season. With its cheerful melody and playful lyrics, it’s a festive favorite for all ages. The song invites listeners to join in the magic of winter, with images of snowmen and sleigh bells creating a whimsical atmosphere. Whether you’re walking in a winter wonderland or simply enjoying the coziness of the holiday season, the song captures the essence of the joy and beauty that winter brings. It’s a musical journey through a snow-covered landscape, complete with laughter, love, and the timeless charm of the holidays. “Winter Wonderland” is more than just a song; it’s a celebration of the wonders that make winter a magical and heartwarming time of year.
Perfect by Ed Sheeran – Acoustic Lesson
The song uses four simple open chords in the key of G – Gmajor, Eminor, Cmajor and Dmajor. To learn this tune – or any tune – in private guitar lessons with Des, get in touch!
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is like a musical love story for the younger crowd. Ed paints a picture of sweet, simple romance that feels straight out of a teen dream. The lyrics are a blend of innocence and infatuation, describing moments that make young hearts skip a beat. With lines like “dancing in the dark” and “barefoot on the grass,” it’s a song that captures the carefree spirit of young love. The catchy melody and Ed’s earnest delivery make it a go-to anthem for those navigating the maze of teenage emotions. “Perfect” speaks a language that resonates with the butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling, making it a soundtrack for the highs and lows of young love, and a reminder that sometimes, perfection is found in the simplest moments.
Wild Wood – Paul Weller – Acoustic Guitar Lesson
This is a nice version of Wild Wood by Paul Weller – the Modfather himself – of The Jam and Style Council fame. The song is 30 years old, which is hard to believe, but it’s a beautiful one to add to your acoustic guitar repertoire, whether you are a Paul Weller fan or not.
“Wild Wood” by Paul Weller is a sonic journey through rustic landscapes and introspection. Released in 1993, the song blends folk, rock, and soul, showcasing Weller’s musical versatility. The acoustic guitar’s warm embrace complements Weller’s soulful vocals, creating a nostalgic and contemplative atmosphere. With lyrics that evoke nature’s beauty and the passage of time, “Wild Wood” becomes a timeless anthem, inviting listeners to wander through the wild landscapes of memory and emotion. Weller’s melodic craftsmanship and poetic storytelling make this song a cherished gem in his diverse musical repertoire.
Fisherman’s Blues – The Waterboys – Acoustic Guitar Lesson
This is a short and simple beginners lesson on Fisherman’s Blues using just four chords – Gmajor, Fmajor, Aminor and Cmajor – with a couple of slight variations from Des and an easy beginners rhythm. If you would like to have beginners guitar lessons with Des in Galway, get in touch today – lessons are adapted to suit guitarists of all levels and playing preferences.
“Fisherman’s Blues,” a celestial ballad by The Waterboys, is a sonic journey that dives deep into the soul. Released in 1988, this track encapsulates the band’s transition to a folk-inspired sound. Mike Scott’s vocals, both haunting and heartfelt, navigate the listener through a sea of emotions. The swirling combination of fiddles, accordion, and Scott’s introspective lyrics creates an ethereal atmosphere. It’s a hymn to the restless spirit, a call to the open waters of self-discovery. “Fisherman’s Blues” remains an enduring anthem, resonating with those who seek solace and inspiration in the vast, uncharted realms of their own existence.
1 Minute Lesson – How to play Happy Birthday!
Learn to play Happy Birthday on the acoustic guitar with this 1-minute video! It’s a simple tune and one absolutely every guitarist should be able to play, whatever level you play at.
In this video Des explains how to play Happy Birthday on acoustic guitar with simple chord changes and standard chords – Gmajor, Dmajor and Cmajor – and a simple rhythm that beginners can follow.