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Song Notes by David Pots

Learn to play guitar with weekly video lessons & print-friendly guides! Learn your favorite songs & techniques with step-by-step tutorials that actually explain how to get from here to there.

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🎸 "Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell – plus 5 other classics from 1968

Hey there, Reader! New lesson today teaching Wichita Lineman, the all-time classic from 1968, written by Jimmy Webb & recorded by Glen Campbell. I've gotten so many requests for this one over the years – and I'm quite happy to finally have learned it and made a lesson. This song is originally recorded in the Key of F, using some rather unconventional chord shapes — but I teach a capo 5th fret version that uses the Key of C chord family. This makes things quite a bit easier to play, while...

7 days ago • 2 min read

Hey there, Reader — here's monthly digest as we wrap up April and head into May! Hard to believe summer is almost here... my kids have less than 4 weeks left of school and soccer, and then it's away we go into summertime. But first, I have some fun guitar stuff to share.... First, let me introduce you to Key Master – a new interactive web tool over on my Song Notes website. This free tool lets you see and hear the notes, chords, and progressions found in the most common major keys — all in...

15 days ago • 2 min read

Hey there, friends! In today’s video I’d like to share a collection of 13 songs I’ve taught previously – all of which utilize droning strings as part of the main riff. This is not something you’ll find in all songs — but when used well, it can really elevate a riff to a whole new level. Here's a link to the new video: What is a "Droning" String? The term droning strings simply refers to one string, usually open (un-fretted), which is played constantly. While this is happening, a melodic riff...

22 days ago • 1 min read

Hey there, Reader! I'm excited to share a brand new lesson teaching Moonshadow — the Cat Stevens classic from 1971. I originally planned to have this one ready for the recent eclipse, but it needed a bit more time in the oven. I'm very happy how things came out, and trust you'll enjoy! This song may seem simple on the surface, but it’s quite tricky in a few parts — the fingerstyle riff and quick chord changes in particular. But fear not, as I’ll walk you through things step by step — in a way...

29 days ago • 1 min read

Hey there, Reader! Belated monthly digest here, wrapping up March and kicking off April. It's been a bit of a holiday whirlwind around here the past few weeks — kids' spring break, Easter weekend, and then the eclipse! Which passed over our heads here in Austin, TX a few days ago — giving us yet another extended weekend here with school being out. A truly magical experience! On the topic of guitar, a nice big update and a quick summary of all my March lessons. Over in my course library, I...

about 1 month ago • 2 min read

Hey there friends, quick email here to let you know about two new lessons from the past couple weeks – check 'em out below! In addition to these, I've been busy with some additions to the Practical Music Theory course... but more on that next week 😎 To everyone celebrating Easter or otherwise spending time with family tomorrow — I hope it's a day full for joy and nice weather! Enjoy the new lessons and see you next week ✌️ David JUST RELEASED!Gordon Lightfoot's Carefree Highway In today’s...

about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hey there, friends! Coming at you today from the Texas gulf coast, where we're celebrating my wife's birthday. The sun came out just in time for the beach today — which was a nice gift! Today's new lesson looks at Pink Floyd’s classic Breathe, from their all-time classic album Dark Side of the Moon. In my tutorial, I’ll teach things as Pink Floyd plays them — but also include a ton of handy tips for simplifying the chord shapes, riffs, and strumming patterns. This will let you play the song...

2 months ago • 1 min read

Hey there, friends — brand new video today where I'll answer a question that came in twice this past week from members of the Song Notes community. The topic is muting strings while playing chords – and how to stop doing this in situations where you're looking for a clean sound instead of that annoying buzz. In my video, I'll give 8 tips to help with finger placement while playing chords. Keep these suggestions in mind during your practice, and with consistent effort I do believe you'll make...

2 months ago • 1 min read

Hey there, friends! It's been a crazy busy last couple weeks as I've muscled through my Blues Fundamentals course — and I have a nice update for you today. First up, a free lesson — giving you a preview of what's in this course! The lesson above focuses on 2-string shuffle riffs, which are incredibly fun and quite easy to get started with. My video introduces the concept from the ground up, showing you the basics and several ways to extend the concept. There's also a tons of bonus content...

3 months ago • 1 min read

Hey there, friends! Brand new lesson today looking at America the Beautiful — where I'll show you two approaches you might take to playing melodic lead guitar over this traditional song. Whether you're into acoustic or electric, this one has plenty for you to sink your teeth into! I'll start off on my acoustic, teaching you how to play the melody notes as part of basic chords in open position, with a touch of strumming thrown in. Then I'll switch to my electric, showing the same melody but...

3 months ago • 1 min read
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