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.
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 that still captures the essence of Cat Stevens’ playing, while being much easier to play. Even if you’re only looking for a campfire easy-strum version, I’ve got you covered. Here's what I teach in this new lesson:
For all my bonus content, including print-friendly practice notes and some zoomed-in slow playthrough videos, head on over to the Moonshadow lesson page on my website: ​ Looking for more Cat Stevens Lessons? Back in my first couple years of learning guitar, he was one of my absolute favorites — and I can't tell you how happy I am to add another one of his songs to my lesson library. Here's the other Cat Stevens songs in my lesson library:
​ Other Favorites from 1971 I'm a total sucker for the music released in the first few years of the 1970s... so want to share a few other picks from my lesson library. Video tutorials and any bonus content I've made for these is available via the links below:
As always, I hope you all enjoy! Special thanks to all of you who have requested & patiently awaited this song. Remember, you can always reply to this email with any suggestions, questions, or song requests you may have — I keep track of 'em all, and always love hearing what lessons you'd like to see next. Until next time! ✌️ David ​
PS – Thanks for being a Premium supporter of Song Notes! Here's a few handy links for this lesson:
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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.
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...
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...
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...