Don’t like barre chords? Then don’t bother trying to use them just yet, there are plenty of alternatives that can be used elsewhere along the fretboard. Barre chords are good to know and a necessary part of excelling on guitar but you might just not be ready for that right now and that’s okay – there are other ways to achieve the same sound. Check out this short video where Des explains some ways in which you can add variety to how you play by exploring more of the fretboard and repeating shapes you already know to expand your chord repertoire.

“Dirty Old Town” by The Pogues captures gritty urban life with raw emotion. The haunting melody and Shane MacGowan’s evocative vocals blend perfectly, delivering a poignant, nostalgic reflection on industrial decay and longing. Its simplicity and sincerity make it a timeless, powerful ballad that resonates deeply with listeners. In this short guitar lesson, Des uses a bluegrass rhythm, check it out.

For this classic Beatles tune, Des plays a hymn-style fingerpicking pattern which is a great introduction to fingerpicking for anyone looking to add another string to their bow.

“Let It Be” by The Beatles is a timeless spiritual anthem of acceptance and solace. With a simple yet profound melody, Paul McCartney’s soothing vocals and heartfelt lyrics encourage embracing life’s challenges. Released in 1970, this timeless Beatles classic is a reminder to find peace in challenging times, go with the flow and to let things unfold naturally.

“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” 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.

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!

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!

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.

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.