Hot Electric Guitar How-Tos

How To: Play "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson on electric guitar

Want to master "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its constituent riffs. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing MJ's "Smooth Criminal" on your own guitar, just take a look!

How To: Play "Rock n' Roll" by Led Zeppelin on electric guitar

In this tutorial, we learn how to play "Rock n' Roll" by Led Zeppelin on electric guitar. First, you will start out by learning the different chords of the song. These include: E, B, G, D, A, and E; although they will be played higher and lower throughout the song. As you continue to play, learn where the breaks of the song are at and where they change to higher and lower. Once you get through the first part of the song, continue to play until you reach the chorus and the last few verses of t...

How To: Play "Creep" by Radiohead on electric guitar

In this video, we learn how to play "Creep" by Radiohead on electric guitar. Start on a G chord, then play B, C, and Cm. These are the only chords you will play through the entire song while doing a simple strum through the song. You will need to slide from one chord to the other to create a unique sound, and go faster in some parts than in the others. After you have the sequence down, the entire song will be finished. This is a great song for beginners to learn, add in the lyrics if you pref...

How To: Play "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Nirvana) on guitar

In this electric guitar video lesson, brought to you by GuitarJamz, host Marty Schwarz, will teach you how to play "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, from the Nevermind album. As you follow along with him, he teaches you the progression of the chords used in the song, breaking down each part of the song, teaching you the chords and explaining the strum pattern and picking of the guitar riffs. This is a great video for beginners who are looking to learn power chords and songs to play with t...

How To: Play "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC on electric guitar

This is a great instructional video on how to play thunderstruck by AC/DC on electric guitar. Thunderstruck is played mainly on B string. It is the second string as you may be aware of. First you should start with 12th fret and hit that note. Then move to 10th fret and 9th fret. Then go back to 10fret and back to 9th fret. Then you have to go 7 and then again 9 and then 5. Now go to 7th fret and then to 4 and 5. Then to 4 and 5 and again 4 and 5 and finally to 4. You can write down on these n...

How To: Play "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2 on guitar

Want to master "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete (and we mean complete) breakdown of the song and its constituent parts. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "ISHFWILF" on your own guitar, watch this video g...

How To: Play Johnny Cash-style country rhythm guitar

Even if you're a metal head or a shredder, you can't deny how cool it is when a good ol' country picker gets up there and rips it up! Johnny Cash was one of the few modern Country singers who brought electrified country into the mainstream for his time. If you're looking to add a few country-fried licks to your arsenal and learn how to do some basic country guitar, check out this video lesson! You will learn how to alternate between the root and fifth of the chord to simulate the bass, as wel...

How To: String An Electric Guitar

A First Timer's Guide When some new guitarists break their first string they stash it in the closet and forget about it. Me, I put the sweaty axe back in its case and asked my parents to take me to the local music store. After a morning full of senseless racket emanating from my bedroom, my mom welcomed the drive.

How To: Adjust the spring tension on a Tremolo

In this video, we learn how to adjust the spring tension on a Tremolo. First, find the strings in the back that are parallel to the body of the guitar. Then, unlock the nut and set the fine tuners so you have maximum range of adjustment. Start to twist the tuners at the bottom of the guitar until the tension on the strings is enough for you to play correctly. Then, go to the back of the guitar and adjust the crimp screws that are along it. When finished with tightening your guitar, test it ou...

How To: Play "Flake" by Jack Johnson on electric guitar

In this video, we learn how to play "Flake" by Jack Johnson on electric guitar. If you are just starting out on the electric guitar, this is a great song to learn as a beginner. After you learn all the chords on the guitar, you will start out with the intro to the song. From here, you will move onto the different verses of the songs. Start to sing in the lyrics as you are playing throughout the song. Make sure you are stopping, pausing, going higher, and going lower as you continue to play. W...

How To: Play "Amazing Grace" on slide guitar in the key of E

Want to know how to play the "Amazing Grace" hymn on slide guitar? Learn how with this free video guitar lesson. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate players, rock guitarists of all skill levels can play along given a little sticktoitiveness. For more information, and to get started playing "Amazing Grace" on your own guitar, watch this how-to!

How To: Play "Sweet Home Alabama" on the electric guitar

This video is part 1 of the lessons of FamousRiffs that teach you how to play the basic, easy riffs of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" on electric guitar. The video starts with a clean demonstration of how to play the intro and bridge of the song. After that, the guitarist shows and explains the 3 chords of the song: D power chord, a modified C and a modified G (all of them are very easy, even for beginners). He then explicitly explains and demonstrates the picking pattern used with the...

How To: Change the actives pickups battery on a guitar

The guy in the video starts out explaining that, over time, his guitar has started to sound a little funny. He thought maybe it was a cord or wire shorting out, but it turned out to be the battery. He shows us how to change that battery. You are going to need a Philips head screwdriver and a new nine volt battery. Take off the tremolo plate on the back of the guitar. You'll be able to see the old battery in the body. Gently remove the old battery and replace it with the new. Slide the new bat...

How To: Adjust the neck on an electric guitar

Step by step tutorial video on adjusting the neck of your guitar. First you need to remove the truss rod cover to gain access to the truss rod. Make sure you have the correct Allen key when adjusting your truss rod. If your guitar came with it's own Allen key make sure you use that one. Put a capo on the first fret. To increase the tension on the truss rod turn the Allen key to the right. To decrease the tension turn it to the left. Always check the gap between the frets and the strings.

How To: Play "Throw Down the Sword" by Wishbone Ash on guitar

Playing your favorite songs on the guitar is not as difficult as it seems. With this tutorial you can learn how to play "Throw Down the Sword" by Wishbone Ash on the electric guitar. This lesson is geared towards intermediate guitarists because it assumes prior knowledge of guitar playing. Marty Schwartz covers the finger picking as well as the chord structure for "Throw Down the Sword." Watch this how to video and you will be able to sing and play "Throw Down the Sword" by Wishbone Ash.

How To: Play "TNT" by AC/DC on electric guitar

Playing popular songs on the guitar is not as difficult as it seems. With this tutorial you can learn how to play "TNT" by AC/DC on the electric guitar. This lesson is geared towards intermediate guitarists because it assumes prior knowledge of guitar playing. Marty Schwartz covers the finger picking as well as the chord structure for "TNT." Watch this how to video and you will be able to sing and play "TNT" by AC/DC.

How To: Play F melodic minor licks

In this lesson, we're going to experiment with the melodic minor scale. We will be jamming on a one chord, Bb7 vamp. If you are not familiar with the melodic minor scale, you should practice it because it is useful in so many more situations than just this video. Play F melodic minor licks.

How To: Create Awesome Sweep Picking Licks While Improving Your Guitar Technique

If you are having problems playing your sweep picking arpeggios fast and clean then you are not alone. Many guitarists have the same problem. I suffered from the same problem, years ago. In fact, playing sweep picking arpeggios with poor technique is one of the most common problems that I encounter with my guitar students. After helping them overcome these challenges I have discovered 2 different approaches to improving your sweep picking technique. The first will keep you frustrated with bad...

How To: Restring & Tune an Electric Guitar

Hello again, faithful readers. For today's lesson, we will be learning the correct way to restring and tune an electric guitar. I almost wasn't going to post this because it is so basic. But, as with many basic tasks, there are a lot of people who know how to do it, but can't really do it right. If you are a new guitarist, this is an essential piece of maintenance work, because guitar shops usually charge way too much for this task. Of course, I'm kinda cheap, so even 5 bucks is too much for ...

How To: Modify Your Guitar Pedals

Guitar pedals add character to your playing. However, musicians still say that certain pedals by themselves don’t live up to its promise of a perfect sound. Therefore, instead of replacing your guitar pedals with new and expensive ones, you can modify your pedals using different DIY kits available online and at local music stores.

How To: Play "Beautiful Day" by U2 on the electric guitar

Want to play a beautiful version of "Beautiful Day" by U2? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete (and we mean complete) breakdown of the song and its constituent parts. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Beautiful Day" on your own guitar, watch this video guit...

How To: Play "Until the End of the World" by U2 on electric guitar

Want to play "Until the End of the World" by U2? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete (and we mean complete) breakdown of the song and its constituent parts. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Until the End of the World" on your own guitar, watch this video g...

How To: Play "With or Without You" by U2 on guitar

Want to master "With or Without You" by U2? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete (and we mean complete) breakdown of the song and its constituent parts. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "With or Without You" on your own guitar, watch this video guitar tab!

How To: Play "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" by U2

Want to master "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" by U2? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete (and we mean complete) breakdown of the song and its constituent parts. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "IGCIIDGCT" on your own guitar, watch this video g...

How To: Play "Magnificent" by U2 on electric guitar

Want to do a magnificent job of playing "Magnificent" by U2? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete (and we mean complete) breakdown of the song and its constituent parts. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Magnificent" on your own guitar, just take a look!

How To: Play "New Year's Day" by U2 on electric guitar

Want to play "New Year's Day" by U2? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete (and we mean complete) breakdown of the song and its constituent parts. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "New Year's Day" on your own guitar, just take a look!

How To: Play "Bad" by U2 on the electric guitar (with and without delay)

Want to be good—even great—at playing "Bad" by U2? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete (and we mean complete) breakdown of the song and its constituent parts. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Bad" on your own guitar, just take a look!

How To: Play "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2 on electric guitar

Want to master "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete (and we mean complete) breakdown of the song and its constituent parts. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Where the Streets Have No Name" on your own guitar, just tak...

How To: Play "Tighten Up" by the Black Keys on electric guitar

Want to master "Tighten Up" by the Black Keys? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its constituent riffs. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Tighten Up" on your own guitar, just take a look!

How To: Play interesting lead parts with the A Minor blues scale

Alright, let's be honest, blues guitarists can get stuck in a riff rut and then everyone ends up singing the blues. In this video, Robert Renman shows you how to break out of the mold and bring some life into your licks. Using the A Minor blues scale, Robert shows you how to create interesting phrasing and ideas to let you put your own stamp on a long, long tradition.

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