There’s no denying it: Summer 2022 has arrived. School is out, people are embarking on long-awaited vacations, and it’s HOT (well, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere). But what’s even hotter is the ever-growing songbook of summertime anthems. Over the years, musicians and bands have released countless songs that just feel right to crank through your car’s stereo on a summer’s day. And many of the most popular tunes on the list feature recognizable, ear-worm-level lead guitar parts. Today, we’re checking out 5 famous guitar parts you can learn this summer. Let’s dive right in!

1. “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream

If you are a relatively new guitar player, listen up! Some of your favorite guitarists probably learned this classic, fuzzed guitar riff at some point in their career. “Sunshine of Your Love” is Cream’s second track on their 1967 album, Disraeli Gears, and is still played on radio stations worldwide. The iconic, Jimi-Hendrix-inspired lead guitar part that glues this track together features all the pentatonic, chromatic, vibrato’d tones you love about ’60s blues rock.

In this performance video, Chris Buono shows you how the main guitar parts work together. For the breakdown of how to play this iconic riff, check out Chris Buono’s full song lesson on JamPlay.

2. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison

Also released in 1967, “Brown Eyed Girl” is one of the most radio-played hits in the history of modern music. This calypso-infused classic features an iconic double stop guitar part, feel-good chord progressions, and lyrics about the joys of youth. This summer song is perfect for learning on guitar, especially if your are a beginner to playing.

In this lesson, JamPlay educator, Mike Henecke provides a little bit of the song’s history before teaching you how to play its famous double stop guitar part. For the full breakdown of the song, check out Mike Henecke’s song lesson on JamPlay.

3. “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet

Hailing from the land Down Under, Jet made waves in the summer of 2003 with their debut hit “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” Although it feels wrong to call a song from 2003 a “classic” summer song, it has broken the top 20 on so many charts worldwide, we feel it has earned this title. One of the most recognizable features of this song is a bendy, distorted electric guitar part that’s perfect for learning this summer.

Here, David Wallimann shows you how to play this blazin’ electric guitar riff. For the For the breakdown of the song, check out David Wallimann’s full “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” song lesson on JamPlay.

4.  “Day Tripper” by The Beatles

Here’s another tune that’s famously carried by an iconic guitar riff. “Day Tripper” was the Beatles’ 1965 double A-Side single accompanying “We Can Work It Out.” Though the record was released in December, the summertime vibes of the lead electric guitar part are undeniable. As the 7th greatest selling single of the 1960s, this is one classic you should absolutely learn this summer!

In this performance, JamPlay educator, John Auker demonstrates how the different guitar parts work together in “Day Tripper.” For the For the breakdown of the song, check out John Auker’s full song lesson on JamPlay.

5. “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” by Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett

This last tune is one you’ve probably heard if you’ve ever seen live music at a bar or beach lounge. This is because “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” references the popular phrase that excuses drinking alcohol at any time of the day. No matter what your time zone you are in, it’s probably happy hour somewhere on the globe. This 2003 hit, naturally, features an emblematic bluesy guitar part that evokes feelings of relaxation in the sun.

In this performance, David Wallimann demonstrates the electric blues guitar parts in “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere.” The lead riff features pentatonic runs, string bends, and some sweet sounding double stop descending thirds. For the For the breakdown of the song, check out David Wallimann’s full song lesson on JamPlay.

For an ever-growing library of Song Lessons, check out JamPlay.com! JamPlay has over 450 guitar courses from 120+ instructors, and online guitar lessons tailored to every skill level, music genre, and playing style. Click here to learn more.

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