5 Classic Christmas Songs Guitar Lessons
Whether you are a Christian or not, the festivities surrounding Christmas probably have an influence on your life every December. It is an essential part of the holiday season, and its cultural impact is basically ubiquitous this time of year. And one of the hallmark traditions of this celebration is the singing and playing of Christmas songs. Many songs have permanently found their way into the Christmas songbook over the centuries.
Here at JamPlay, we worked with fingerstyle guitar player, Trevor Gordon Hall to produce a course all about teaching you how to play 5 Classic Christmas Songs. Let’s take a look at each song and its history!
“O Christmas Tree” (“O Tannenbaum”) Song Lesson – Trevor Gordon Hall
The music for the song we know as “O Tannenbaum” or “O Christmas Tree” is actually that of a German folk song from the Baroque era. The modern lyrics to this tune, which were written by Ernst Anschütz in 1824, originally had nothing to do with a Christmas tree. The words compared a fir tree’s evergreen nature to the faithfulness of a love interest. But, as the “Christmas tree” proliferated as a tradition, this song became associated with the holiday as a carol. Then, some time in the 20th century, the lyrics were modified slightly and translated to the English version we sing and play today.
In this lesson from Trevor Gordon Hall, you’ll learn how to play a fingerstyle arrangement of “O Christmas Tree.” For the note-by-note breakdown, check out the full course on JamPlay!
“The First Noel” – Song Lesson – Trevor Gordon Hall
The word “Noel” comes from an Early Modern English word, “Nowell” which was synonymous with Christmas. The song we know as “The First Noel” had its musical origins in Cornwall, England as far back as Medieval times. However, the lyrics and modern version of the song didn’t appear until the late 19th century.
In this lesson, Trevor Gordon Hall demonstrates his fingerstyle arrangement of “The First Noel.” For the breakdown of how to play this arrangement, check out his full course.
“Angels We Have Heard on High” – Song Lesson – Trevor Gordon Hall
“Angels We have Heard on High” is modern Christmas carol based on the music from a traditional French folk song. The song that we know today is based on the hymn, “Gloria” and thus draws its lyrics from passages in the bible. The hymnal adaptation is believed to have originated in the mid 19th century.
Trevor Gordon Hall created a fingerstyle arrangement for “Angels We have Heard on High,” which he demonstrated in this lesson. To learn the whole long note-for-note, check out Trevor’s full lesson in his course on JamPlay!
“Silent Night” – Song Lesson – Trevor Gordon Hall
Hailing from the tiny village of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, “Silent Night” was composed by schoolmaster, Franz Xaver Gruber and a priest named Joseph Mohr in 1818. The English lyrics that are most commonly sung today, however, were not published until 1859.
In this electric fingerstyle guitar lesson, Trevor Gordon Hall shows you how to play his arrangement of this timeless Christmas classic. For the full breakdown, check out his course on Jamplay.
“Auld Lang Syne” – Song Lesson – Trevor Gordon Hall
Last but not least, we’ll look at the popular tune, “Auld Lang Syne.” Though this is not technically a Christmas song, it is commonly sung to celebrate the end of the year amongst other celebrations. The song itself was written and published by Robert Burns in 1788, which he adapted from an older folk song.
You can learn how to play this holiday tune on guitar with this lesson from Trevor Gordon Hall. For the full breakdown, check out 5 Classic Christmas Songs on JamPlay!
For more 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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How to Play Guitar Like Jeff Beck
Named as one of the top 5 guitar players in rock history by Rolling Stone, Jeff Beck is a musical wonder of the world. Often referred to as a “guitarist’s guitarist,” Jeff Beck is well known for his un-copyable style of electric guitar playing. But, what makes his style so unattainably unique? Jeff Beck’s playing could be described as pure flow; he never hits a wrong note because it is all an improvised stream of artistic expression. During a performance, he can be seen constantly adjusting the knobs on his guitar, using his whammy bar, bending strings, and plucking notes… but almost never the same way twice unless done intentionally.
Throughout his numerous musical endeavors—including the Yardbirds, Jeff Beck Group, and Beck, Bogert & Appice—Jeff Beck has won eight GRAMMY Awards and been inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame two times (once for the Yardbirds and again as a solo act). Jeff is a living legend, and continues to improve his guitar playing skills, even at age 78.
Jeff Beck Guitar Lesson:
So how can we understand his playing better so that we can improve our own skills? Let’s hear what JamPlay educator, Chris Liepe has to say!
Jeff Beck’s tone and style all start in the fingers. He almost never plays with a pick, and relies mostly on his fingers to pluck and strum notes. In this lesson, Chris Liepe shows you a Jeff Beck inspired lick that will have you practicing your right hand dynamics and bends to perfection. Then, Chris shows you how to dial in a guitar tone that’s reminiscent of Jeff Beck’s. Chis is using Positive Grid’s Bias FX software to emulate some specific guitar pedals. You can use either software or your own guitar pedals to follow along!
For more Chris Liepe guitar lessons and 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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Eagles Song Lesson Playlist
Everyone’s got their own favorite band they love, and there are plenty of rock bands that have won the hearts of many worldwide. Few, however, have or will have the impact that (The) Eagles did during their 36+ year career (we subtracted the years of hiatus). Formed in 1971, Eagles took to the skies early, as their self-titled debut album bore two top 20 singles. Eagles have released 7 studio albums in total. Their music has not only won hearts all over the world, it has also earned them an impressive number of awards and accolades. Notably, Eagles were the recipients of five AMAs and six GRAMMY Awards. These honors were well deserved, as Eagles boasted five chart-topping singles and six No. 1 albums.
Here at JamPlay, we’re all about celebrating the best songs. So, let’s learn some of the Eagles’ biggest hits on guitar!
“Already Gone” by Eagles – Song Lesson – JamPlay
Included on Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits album, “Already Gone” was the first single from the 1974 album, On The Border. Characterized by a recognizable solo lick performed by Don Felder on his Les Paul Special, high energy, and a wall of vocal harmonies, this song is known for getting the crowd going at Eagles concerts. Upon its release, “Already Gone” spent 3 weeks in the top 40 charts, and peaked at No. 32 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
In this JamPlay lesson from Lance Ruby, you’ll learn how to play all of the guitar parts for “Already Gone” note-for-note. For the breakdown of each part, check out the full lesson!
“Peaceful Easy Feeling” by Eagles – Song Lesson – JamPlay
Also included on Their Greatest Hits, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” is one of Eagles’ all-time most popular tracks. Sung by lead vocalist, Glenn Frey, this country rock hit is well known for its evocative lyrics, calming chord cadences, and stunning three-part vocal harmonies.
The song features two acoustic guitar parts, and a B-bender Telecaster part. For those who aren’t familiar with a B-bender guitar, it’s a guitar that’s been outfitted with a contraption that bends the B string up one whole step. This results in a glissando effect that mimics that of a lap steel guitar. In this lesson from Tyler Grant, he’ll show you how to play all of the guitar parts, including the lead part adapted for a regular electric guitar. Check out the full breakdown on JamPlay!
For more 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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Bad Company Song Lesson Playlist
In the world of music, every once in a while, previously acclaimed musicians get together to write and perform music. When they form a band, we call this a supergroup. One of the best examples of a supergroup in the 1970s was the English rock band, Bad Company. The band formed when Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke (formerly of the band, Free) converged with King Krimson’s bassist, Boz Burrell and former Mott the Hoople guitar player, Mick Ralphs. This juggernaut of a band achieved high levels of commercial success though the 1970s, with their first three studio albums breaching the top five in the US and UK. Though the lineup of members switched at various points over the band’s career, together they crafted some of rock’s most recognizable tunes.
Here at JamPlay, you can learn some of Bad Company’s biggest hits from real professional guitar players. Let’s take a look at some Bad Company guitar lessons!
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” by Bad Company – Song Lesson – JamPlay
Boasting a single release and a debut on Bad Company’s second studio album, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” was a smash hit from the start. This song peaked in the Top 20 in the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand. Plus it was successfully covered by other notable performers including Pauline Henry, Kid Rock, and South Park creator, Trey Parker.
In this guitar lesson, pro guitar player, Chris Buono shows you how to play all of the guitar parts for “Feel Like Makin’ Love” in its entirety. The song includes a couple acoustic gutiar parts, an electric guitar part, and a harmonized guitar solo. Get the breakdown of the song in Chris’ full lesson on JamPlay!
“Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy” by Bad Company – Song Lesson – JamPlay
“Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy” is Bad Company’s best-selling single ever, and has been certified Gold (500,000 sales by US standards). It peaked at No. 13 on the Us Billboard Hot 100, and remains a recognizable staple in classic rock radio formats.
The song features two electric guitar parts, some straight-ahead rock rhythms, some exciting trills, and other early-intermediate-level guitar techniques. For the breakdown of the whole song, check out pro guitarist, DJ Phillips’ full lesson on JamPlay!
For more 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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Elvis Presley Song Lesson Playlist
It would be tough to talk about popular music, notably rock ‘n’ roll, without mentioning one of the most important musical figures of the 20th century: Elvis Presley. Dubbed the “King of Rock ‘N’ Roll,” Elvis wrote, recorded, and covered popular music from 1953 to 1977. His stardom was a global phenomenon and was the target of both laud and ire. Despite any controversy Elvis was subject to, his musical achievements were astronomical; he is regarded as the best-selling (in terms of claimed sales) solo musical artist ever. Elvis won three GRAMMY Awards, holds the record for most albums that charted on Billboard’s Hot 200, and is an inductee into pretty much every hall of fame related to the music he made. There’s no denying Elvis made some great hits.
If you’re eager to learn some of Elvis’ best songs, you’ve come to the right place! With some of JamPlay’s top educators, you can learn songs by Elvis note-for-note at a pace that’s right for you. Let’s take a look at some Elvis Presley song lessons!
“That’s All Right Mama” by Elvis Presley – Song Lesson – JamPlay
The song, “That’s All Right” was originally written and performed by blues performer, Arther Crudup in 1949. But, as the story goes, Elvis recorded his version of it on a whim while paying for studio time at Memphis Recording Service in 1953. A few days after it was recorded, a popular Memphis DJ, Dewey Phillips spun Elvis’ version for the first time, which resulted in calls flooding into the radio station. “That’s All Right” became Elvis and his trio’s debut single.
In this lesson, John Auker shows you how to play “That’s All Right” on guitar. For the full breakdown with tab & notation, check out John’s lesson on JamPlay!
“Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley – Song Lesson – JamPlay
Elvis has started his recording career with Memphis-based label, Sun Records. But in order to gain recognition on a national level, he needed partners that had the means to get him there. He signed with RCA Victor in 1955, and released his first breakthrough single, “Heartbreak Hotel” in January of 1956. Upon its debut, this smash hit spent seven weeks at the top of Billboard’s US Hot 100. Over its lifetime, “Heartbreak Hotel” earned its place in the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, made its way into Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and has gone double platinum in the US.
In this guitar lesson, Chris Liepe shows you how to play “Heartbreak Hotel” in its entirety. For the full breakdown, check out his in-depth lesson on JamPlay!
For more 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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Blues Legend Keb’ Mo’ Announces His First-Ever Interactive Video Masterclass Series with TrueFire Studios
Blues Legend Keb’ Mo’ Announces His First-Ever Interactive Video Masterclass Series with TrueFire Studios
The Five-Time GRAMMY Award Winner Shares His Musical Perspectives, Songwriting Approaches, and Signature Guitar Techniques with the World of Online Music Education
PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW
NASHVILLE, NOVEMBER 30th, 2022 — Five-time GRAMMY Award-winner Keb’ Mo’ today announced the upcoming release of his first-ever Interactive Video Masterclass Series produced in partnership with TrueFire Studios.
The extensive and immersive masterclass examines all aspects of Keb’s innovative, genre-bending songwriting and guitar artistry. The series will be presented in various interactive formats, including streaming and downloads for all desktop and mobile devices.
Using his extensive discography as the framework for the masterclass, Keb’ will perform and then share insights about his creative songwriting approaches and his signature acoustic and electric guitar techniques.
“I am beyond excited to share the inner workings of my craft with other singer-songwriters and students of guitar. I perform and share insights about many of my fan’s favorite songs, from early recordings to my present-day albums. I share many of the performance and guitar techniques that I use all of the time, on stage and in the studio.
You’ll have TrueFire Studios’ interactive learning tools at your fingertips, so you can play and practice along with me. The tab and notation are synced to the video with looping and slo-mo controls so you can learn at your own pace.” said Keb’ Mo’.
The Keb’ Mo’ Masterclass series is scheduled for an early 2023 release and will be available only at KebMo.com and TrueFire Studios’ family of online music education brands, including ArtistWorks.com, TrueFire.com, and JamPlay.com.
Pre-orders are available now at: https://truefire.com/live/keb-mo
ABOUT KEB’ MO’
Legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist Keb’ Mo’ is an American blues musician and five-time Grammy Award, winner. He has been described as “a living link to the seminal Delta blues that traveled up the Mississippi River and across the expanse of America.” His post-modern blues style is influenced by many eras and genres, including folk, rock, jazz, pop, and country.
Keb’ has also appeared as himself in Martin Scorcese’s The Blues, Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing, and a wide variety of projects portraying Robert Johnson in the 1998 documentary Can’t You Hear The Wind Howl, Howlin’ Wolf on CMT’s Sun Records, and the ghostly bluesman, Possum in John Sayles’ 2007 film Honeydripper. Keb’ has also performed on Letterman, Leno, Conan, Colbert, and Austin City Limits, in addition to appearing on nationally televised broadcasts from The Kennedy Center, The Ryman Auditorium, and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival.
A passionate philanthropist and outspoken activist, Keb’ has devoted countless hours and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of social, environmental, and racial justice throughout his career.
For everything Keb’ Mo’, visit his website at https://kebmo.com/
Media Contact
Joe Sivick
ABOUT TRUEFIRE STUDIOS
Over 3 million music students, pro musicians, and fans from virtually every country in the world, “Practice smart and play hard” with TrueFire Studios’ massive library of interactive video music lessons, patented learning systems, and all-star faculty of artists and educators. TrueFire Studios’ family of brands, websites, and social networks include TrueFire, ArtistWorks, JamPlay, and FaderPro.
“TrueFire Studios is a masterpiece of user experience with a multinational online community of over 3 million guitarists and a social media footprint that is double that of its biggest competitor,“ says Adweek journalist Brad Brinegar in his “Most Interesting Disruptors We Must Keep Watching in 2021” article.
For more information, visit www.truefirestudios.com, www.truefire.com, www.artistworks.com, www.jamplay.com, and www.faderpro.com.
JamPlay has over 450 guitar courses from 120+ instructors, LIVE daily instruction, and online guitar lessons tailored to every skill level, music genre, and playing style. Click here to learn more.
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Different Types of Electric Guitar Pickups
Different Types of Electric Guitar Pickups
It’s fairly obvious that the key difference between acoustic guitars and electric guitars is in the name. Electric guitars rely on electromagnetic guitar pickups to produce sound, while acoustic guitars rely on physical acoustic projection to amplify their strings. But, how exactly do guitar pickups work? And why do different ones sound different?
For starters, let’s answer that first question. Put as simply as possible, guitar pickups are electromagnetic sensors that translate the vibrations from magnetic strings into a signal that can be amplified and played through a speaker. But when translating signals into sound, there are some undesirable artifacts that can emerge. The most notable of these artifacts are humming noises that come from electromagnetic interference. So, over the years, pickup makers invented some clever workarounds that resulted in some new tonal signatures (some of which we’re all quite fond)! So, let’s take a look at the different types of pickups and what they’re good for!
As with guitar tonewoods, it’s important to note that there is not one best type of guitar pickup. It’s all about preference and what tones you are trying to achieve. There are many different variations of guitar pickups. But today, we’ll be looking at the three most basic types.
1. Single Coil Pickups
Derived from the original “horseshoe” pickup first invented in the mid 1930s, the single-coil guitar pickup is the most basic of the standard guitar pickups. Its construction consists of permanent magnetic poles (one for each string) that are fixed between bobbin plates. The poles are then wound with copper wire, and is referred to as the “coil.” The magnetic poles generate a magnetic field. Then when a guitar’s strings vibrate, they disrupt the magnetic field. The coil then translates these magnetic disruptions into an electrical current, which travels through an instrument cable to an amplifier, which boosts the sound before it plays through a speaker.
Of the pickups we’re covering here, single coil pickups generally sound the brightest, and handle clean boosting quite well. Conversely, they tend to do a little less well with high levels of distortion. These pickups are famously included in most Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters, and are popularly associated with surf and country music. In fact, you can see a single coil pickup in a Stratocaster in the image at the top of this article (it’s the pickup at the top of the image). One of the big drawbacks of single coil pickups, however, is that they are VERY good at picking up ambient signals like radio waves, fields from household electrical appliances, and 60-cycle hum from your power source. This issue was largely solved by the inventor of the next pickup on our list. Let’s check it out!
2. Humbucker Pickups
In the 1950s, we saw the emergence of humbucking pickups in electric guitars. These ingenious additions essentially consist of two coils with opposite polarity that sit parallel to each other, and are wound in opposite directions. The result is that interference that causes hum is greatly reduced, and you have less noisy signal. But that’s not all. Humbuckers have a unique tone unto themselves.
Popularized by Gibson and their Les Paul model, humbuckers carry a lot more mid range than single coils. They also lack the high end that’s present in a single coil tone. So, these pickups handle high levels of distortion with ease, and are often preferred by guitarists playing rock and metal music. On the other hand, they can lean toward sounding muddy when played with a clean signal. One exception to this, however, is their use in jazz guitar music, where they are generally preferred for their fidelity and mellow tone.
3. P-90 Pickups
If you are wondering to yourself, “why isn’t there a pickup that perfectly strikes the balance between single coil and humbucking pickups?” then let us introduce the P-90 pickup! Though they are technically still a “single coil” pickup, the coils are wound onto a wider bobbin that keep the wire further from the magnetic poles. Thus, this pickup retains some of the brightness of a single coil, but also shares some warmth with humbuckers. P-90s can also withstand more distortion than single coils, but still sound great when running through a clean channel.
P-90s were developed by Gibson as an alternative to their Charlie Christian pickup (that was popularly associated with their ES-150). These pickups are not just for jazz, however. Because of their tonal balance, they are extremely versatile and are often used in rock, blues, and country amongst other styles.
Excited to look at some new pickups for your guitar? Find all kinds of great guitar gear deals over at Sweetwater.com.
JamPlay has over 450 guitar courses from 120+ instructors, LIVE daily instruction, and online guitar lessons tailored to every skill level, music genre, and playing style. Click here to learn more.
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The Runaways Song Lesson Playlist
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There’s no denying that the 1970s were all about rock ‘n’ roll. Though the genre was largely dominated by male musicians, there were a few brightly shining exceptions to the rule. The Runaways, an all-female band from Los Angeles, became a much-hyped rock group after their 1975 debut. Over the years, the band notably consisted of members, Joan Jett (rhythm guitar), Sandy West (drums), Cherie Currie (singer), Lita Ford (lead guitar) and Jackie Fox (bass). Though the band never quite amassed a fervent following in the U.S., they did find incredible success over seas. Japan, in particular, had a soft spot for The Runaways, and lent to the band’s only chart-topping hit.
Here to teach you how to play some of their biggest hits is The Runaways’ lead guitarist, herself, Lita Ford! Let’s start jamming!
“Cherry Bomb” by The Runaways – Song Lesson – JamPlay
We mentioned The Runaways had a No. 1 hit, right? According to Cherie Currie, “Cherry Bomb” was written hastily in order to audition her to be the singer of the group. Little did they know this would be their most notable hit as a band. Though it almost broke into Billboard’s U.S. Hot 100, the song peaked at the top of the charts in Japan in 1976.
In this lesson, former The Runaways’ guitarist, Lita Ford shows you how to play “Cherry Bomb” the way she played it on stages across the world. Check out the whole song’s breakdown here on JamPlay!
“Waitin’ For The Night” by The Runaways – Song Lesson – JamPlay
“Waitin’ For The Night” was the title track from The Runaways’ 1977 album, which featured the band as a quartet after the departure of singer, Cherie Currie. The song largely consists of an open chord riff and some perfect fifth rock rhythms. You may have to get your hybrid picking hand ready for this one!
In this lesson, Lita Ford shows you how she played this track with The Runaways during her time with the band. Check out the full breakdown on JamPlay!
For more 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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JamPlay's Holiday Guitar Gift Guide 2022
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Cool Guitar Gadgets & Guitar Stocking Stuffers
Gift Guide 2022 | JamPlay
It’s that time of year again… where we show the guitar players in our lives just how much they mean to us. But what kind of gifts do you get for a guitarist? We know, it can feel a little tricky. Luckily, JamPlay is here to help! We’ve put together a list of go-to gifts and gadgets that are perfect for your beloved axe-playing aficionado. Let’s check them out:
Amps… On The Go!
The way you amplify your electric guitar has a huge influence on your tone. Here are a few tiny ways to bring your favorite tones along with you!
Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amp
What do you do if you need to practice, can't make a ton of noise or carry lots of equipment, but still want some inspiring tones out of your guitar? Consider the Fender Mustang Micro Amp! This pager-sized headphone amp is a perfect tool for playing guitar on the go. Check it out on Sweetwater! »
Blackstar amPlug 2 FLY Headphone Bass Amp
Looking for the same compact practice companion for your bass guitar? Look no further than this headphone amp from Blackstar. Beyond being portable, the amPlug2 FLY comes with built in rhythm loops, and an array of tone settings to choose from. Check it out on Sweetwater! »
Marshall MS-2R 1-watt Battery-powered Micro Amp
As far as portable combo amps go, Marshall MS-2R is just about as tiny as it gets. But, don't knock it for its size. This micro amp packs a punch in the way of tone and power! Check it out on Sweetwater! »
Orange Crush Mini 3-watt Micro Amp
Speaking of tiny but mighty, The Orange Crush Mini arguably reigns supreme in the world of micro amps. Featuring an onboard tuner, this mini combo amp stays true to Orange tones and textures while remaining under 6 inches tall. It is undoubtedly an invaluable practice tool. Check it out on Sweetwater! »
Learning Tools. Start Playing Today!
No matter what stage of the guitar learning journey you are in there’s always room for improvement! Here’s what we think can take you to the next level:
JamPlay Gift Cards
Looking to give the best gift to a guitar playing family member or friend? A JamPlay gift card is perfect for you! With access to 7500+ guitar lessons from over 120 instructors, a massive library of in-depth song lessons complete with tab & notation, weekly Q&A sessions, and 1-on-1 consultations, JamPlay is the ideal haven for a guitar player who's looking to unlock their potential. Get the perfect guitar gift here! »
FaderPro Gift Card
For the aspiring music producer in your life, a FaderPro gift card is the perfect treat! Your gift will give them the opportunity to watch how more than 60 of the world’s top DJs and electronic music producers create music that has brought them global success. And with over 130 in-studio courses covering a multitude of genres, there’s bound to be one that’ll take their music to the next level. Learn More »
TrueFire E-Gift Certificates
Looking for guidance from some of the world's most esteemed guitarists? Consider TrueFire eGift Certificates - a present you know they’ll love. They’re as good as cash at TrueFire and thoughtful enough that you’ll come off as the best gift-giver they’ve ever known. With a TrueFire eGift Certificate, your guitar player can get access to 50,000+ interactive video guitar lessons including 1,000 guitar courses, 30,000+ tabs, 20,000+ jam tracks, plus a free download bonus, new releases every week, and much, much more! Give a guitar player a gift that truly keeps giving!
ArtistWorks: Online Lessons with Your Favorite Musicians!
ArtistWorks offers high-quality online lessons with some of the world’s most celebrated players and teachers. Get access to a guided path of lessons that spans all levels of playing, paired with tablature and play-along tracks. PLUS, exchange videos with Grammy Award winning artists and receive feedback tailored specific to your playing goals. Signup for the $10 Test Drive and get your first month for only $10! Use code TESTDRIVE at checkout and we’ll see you online!
Walrus Productions Mini Laminated Chart, Bass
If you play bass guitar, you've probably already discovered it's SUPER important to know chord shapes too. This is how you outline chords to create bass lines that will keep your listeners grooving without clashing with the song's harmony. Stay on top of your chord knowledge with this laminated chart! Check it out on Sweetwater!»
Walrus Productions Mini Laminated Guitar Progressions Chart
When learning guitar, it's important to always be honing your understanding of the fretboard. This mini chord progression chart from Walrus Productions makes it easy to keep the chords you need in your mind's eye. Check it out on Sweetwater!»
Vidami Blue
Hey now, get your playback on! Vidami allows you to tap directly into featured content and play it back/forward, slowed down/sped up to your heart’s content all in a traditional pedal format with footswitches and encasing just like your overdrive! From beginners to experts alike, the Vidami is a powerful learning tool and can help you master those obscure songs with only live footage available or play along with your favorite artist/instructor. Check it »
Elmore Pedal
Similar to the Vidami, the Elmore pedal allows you to keep your hands and eyes on your instrument and video guitar lessons at all times. This is said to help you form muscle memory (and reach your guitar playing goals) much faster! Check it »
The good stuff.
These gifts are no stocking stuffers. These are the real deal. We can speak for many (if not all) guitar players: the holy grail of gifts is a new instrument. So, if you’re looking for a big finale when giving gifts this year, consider one of these prizes!
Epiphone ES-335 Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar
An homage to Gibson's most legendary hollowbody, Epiphone's ES-335 is an authentic recreation of guitar history. Outfitted with humbucking pickups, this all-maple guitar delivers quality resonance and tone across the fingerboard. Check it out on Sweetwater! »
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazz Bass
Modeled after one of the most recorded bass guitars in modern music, Squier's Classic Vibe '60s J Bass is a versatile low end machine. Featuring single coil jazz bass pickups and the classic offset body, this bass can be an affordable addition to any bassist or guitarist's collection. Check it out on Sweetwater! »
Kala Teak Tri-Top Concert Acoustic-electric Ukulele
Guitar players are notorious for branching out and experimenting with new sounds. The Kala Teak Tri-Top Concert Acoustic-electric Ukulele is a perfect gift for a guitar player looking to switch things up, but stick to playing on a fretboard. Check it out on Sweetwater! »
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Guitar and recorded music go hand in hand. If your beloved guitar player has expressed interest in home recording, the Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface from Focusrite is an ideal place to start. These interfaces are easy to use, and help you make top quality recordings on a budget. Check it out on Sweetwater! »
Universal Audio Volt 476 USB-C Audio Interface
When it comes to home recording, or even high-end studio recording, Universal Audio usually has a metaphorical horse in the race. Introduced last year, their Volt series audio interfaces took the market by storm, offering entry level home studios recording power truly only found in recording studios. The Universal Audio Volt 476 is one of the best affordable interfaces on the market today! Check it out on Sweetwater! »
Accessories & Essentials.
Headphones, cables, slides, picks, tuners, capos, et al. All things we need and all things that are also constantly improving and becoming EVEN COOLER! Flat patch cables that are just as sturdy? Done. Guitar slides that are near indestructible and fit like a glove. We’ve got those too. Bags for any occasion and picks that roll off the thumb (not literally)? Also, consider it accomplished. The sky’s the limit for an always-better-working accessory.
AKG Open Ear Studio Headphones
Not looking to break the bank on a stellar pair of headphones for the studio, taking online classes, or just casual listening? Look no further! The AKG K240 headphones have impressive accuracy, musicians, producers and engineers rely on to clearly hear mixing details, which has made these headphones a standard in recording settings. In addition to great sound quality, the headphones are extremely durable and comfortable so you won’t be replacing these mainstays anytime soon. Check it out »
Sennheiser Studio Headphones
Looking for a more closed-ear environment? Well the Sennheiser HD 280s are designed to exceed the demands of the professional environment as well as offer a top notch casual listening experience, they boast extremely robust construction combined with the sound quality, modular design and aggressive noise isolation that is necessary in the field and beyond! Check it out on Sweetwater!»
Flat Patch Cables
Gone are the days of finding room for patch cables on the pedalboard. Along with a veritable arsenal of accessories and guitar playing gizmos, Ernie Ball’s flat patch cables are a mark above while offering the extra space you need to squeeze more effect-makers on the board! You won’t believe how much space you’ll save. Check it out on Sweetwater! »
The Rockslide Guitar Slides
Did you take Ariel Posen’s course on JamPlay? Well you might like to try out his signature slide! A fan of Nathaniel Murphy on instagram and beyond? He’s on board too. Celebrities aside, Rocklisde just makes some of the best slides out there—full stop. Get your groove on now with a Rockslide this holiday season. Check it out on Sweetwater!»
Don’t sweat the small stuff D’Addario has you covered.
From picks to cables and back again, D’Addario has a guitar gadget for every occasion, whether you’re an acoustic hobbyist or an electric professional player there are accessories for days. Tuners, picks, humidifiers, specially built bags, strings, just to name a few—take a look at what they have to offer today. Take a look! »
That’s All Folks!
From all of us at Jamplay, make sure above all to have a happy and safe holiday season. Get some practice in and we hope to see you taking advantage of some of the great gear and guitar learning opportunities out there. Jam on!
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Creedence Clearwater Revival Song Lesson Playlist
Creedence Clearwater Revival, or “CCR,” was a California-born rock band that found its peak success between 1969 and 1971. Because of their popularity, a handful of the band’s songs achieved high accolades, such as being inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, and landing in Rolling Stones’ list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Despite the band’s falling out in 1972, their biggest hits remain staples on Classic Rock Radio playlists to this day. John Fogerty, the band’s singer and primary songwriter, also continues to perform these hits as a solo act.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of CCR’s biggest hits that YOU can learn on guitar using JamPlay’s incredible song-learning system!
“Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival – Song Lesson – JamPlay
The leading single from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1969 album, Green River, “Bad Moon Rising” was the band’s second certified Gold song. It hovered at No. 1 on the UK’s Singles charts for three straight weeks, and was one of five CCR tracks to peak at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100. John Fogerty reportedly found inspiration to write the song after watching a scene in the movie, The Devil and Daniel Webster.
The instrumentation of “Bad Moon Rising” features an acoustic guitar part, and two electric guitars that are both tuned down a whole step. For the breakdown of this classic hit, check out Mark Brennan‘s full song lesson on JamPlay!
“Down On The Corner” by Creedence Clearwater Revival – Song Lesson – JamPlay
A B-Side of CCR’s other hit single “Fortunate Son,” the song, “Down On The Corner” became an international success upon its release in 1969. While peaking at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, it also peaked at No. 4, 5, and 2 in Canada, New Zealand, and Germany respectively.
This rock classic features a recognizable electric guitar riff that’s mirrored in the bass. Learn all the guitar parts with Mark Brennan in his full JamPlay song lesson!
“Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival – Song Lesson – JamPlay
The first of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s tunes to peak at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100, “Proud Mary” was another 1969 gold single. Two years later, in 1971, Ike & Tina Turner released a cover of the song that peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100, and won them a GRAMMY Award.
The song is comprised of two main electric guitar parts: one rhythm and one lead. There’s also a classic John Fogerty style solo. For a breakdown of all the parts, follow along with Mark Brennan in his full song lesson on JamPlay!
For more 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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