Songs that started off as jokes

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Sometimes, songs that start off as inside jokes end up being gold for bands. Here are some hit songs that made it from “gag” to “gig”. 

 

“Song 2” – Blur 

With a distinctive “woo hoo” chorus, “Song 2” is one of British band Blur’s best-known tracks. However, according to Blur lead guitarist Graham Coxon, the track was written as a prank on their record company. Coxon intentionally created an “amateurish” guitar sound for the track. However, label executives loved the song, and it was the second single off of their fifth studio album. 


Sweet Child O’Mine – Guns ‘n Roses

The opening riff for “Sweet Child O’Mine” is one of the most recognizable guitar lines of all time, but G ‘n R lead guitarist Slash came up with the melody as a prank during a jam session. According to a 2005 interview, Slash described the riff as a “circus melody” and was playing it while making faces at drummer Steve Adler. However, his bandmates heard potential in the riff, and within an hour, it was on its way to being “Sweet Child O’ Mine”. 

 

“Loser”- Beck 

As a destitute singer/songwriter, Beck would resort to making up ridiculous songs at coffeehouses and clubs to attempt to keep audiences engaged. “Loser” was an extension of those nonsensical songs. He recorded an early version of “Loser” while visiting Rap-A-Lot Records producer Carl Stephenson’s house. He was attempting to imitate Chuck D on the verses, and thought “Man, I’m the worst rapper in the world, I’m a loser” when listening to it back – a sentiment that became the chorus. 


“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana

The title for Nirvana’s 1991 grunge anthem came from a graffiti scrawl that Kurt Cobain’s friend and Bikini Kill singer Kathleen Hanna put on his wall, “Kurt smells like Teen Spirit”. Hanna meant to make fun of Cobain for wearing his girlfriend’s Teen Spirit deodorant, but Cobain didn’t know what “Teen Spirit” meant and took it as a compliment. 


“Fight for Your Right to Party” – The Beastie Boys 

“Fight for Your Right” was intended as an ironic parody of “party” songs like Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock”. However, it took on a life of its own and the irony was lost on most listeners. The group eventually stopped playing the track live.

 

“Left Hand Free” – alt-J 

While the 2014 track is one of English band alt-J’s most popular songs, its Southern-rock influenced style diverges from the band’s sound. It was written in about 20 minutes and drummer Thom Green said he deliberately played “as cliche as possible” on the track. The band describes the song as “the least alt-J song possible”. 


“Stuck in the Middle with You” –  Stealers Wheel 

If you’ve ever associated this 1973 track with Bob Dylan, you’re not alone. Scottish band Stealers Wheel performed the track as a parody of Bob Dylan’s style, and it surprised them with its success – even being famously featured in Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 debut film Reservoir Dogs.

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Want to play guitar like Tom Misch?

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Want to play guitar like Tom Misch? Learn the singer/songwriter’s signature style with the Tom Misch Player Study course. 

This course will teach you Misch’s unique techniques, including jazz chords, unusual rhythms, and use of slides and vibrato. 

 

Background 
Misch was born in London in 1995. He began playing violin at age 4, and later learned to play guitar and piano. He studied music technology in secondary school and studied jazz guitar at London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire. He left after six months to focus on his own music. He had already been releasing music on SoundCloud for two years at this point, and in 2018 he released his debut album, Geography. 

Style

Misch’s jazz education is evident in his playing, which is characterized by playing “in the pocket”. His style welds together funk, neo-soul, and R&B, with an emphasis on timing and groove. He alternates between fingerpicking and using a pick as the piece calls for it, and favors jazzy chords like 9th degrees for his tones. He often plays a melody on a single string and slides.

 

House Music 

While Misch has made a name for himself as a guitarist, he has recently started exploring his other musical passion, house music. Misch has dropped some house music tracks under his alias, “Supershy”. 

Once you’ve locked down Tom Misch’s signature style, you can find tabs for several of his songs on the Fret Zealot app, including “It Runs Through” and “Movie”. 

Want to play guitar like Steve Lukather?

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Want to learn to play guitar like Steve Lukather of Toto? Make your vision a reality with the Steve Lukather Player Study. 

This course will teach you the guitar virtuoso’s techniques, including fast mixolydian runs, hybrid picking, alternate picking, and more.

Background

Steve Lukather, the son of a Paramount Studios assistant director and production manager, started playing musical instruments at an early age. He started with keyboards and drums and then taught himself to play guitar at age seven. Lukather got an acoustic guitar and a copy of The Beatles’ “Meet The Beatles” album for that birthday, the latter of which he credits for “changing his life”. During high school, he met the people who would become his future Toto bandmates. 

Lukather’s first professional musician job was as a session musician for Boz Scaggs. He helped form Toto in 1976 along with fellow session musicians David Paich, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, Bobby Kimball, and David Hungate. 

Lukather is the original lead guitarist for the band and has been the sole continuous member of the group since its inception. He also serves as composer, backing and lead vocalist. He has won five GRAMMY Awards, three for his work with Toto. 

As a session guitarist, Lukather has worked with prominent artists including Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, and Michael Jackson. He has also released eight solo albums. 

Style

Lukather’s playing style is described as “melodic and intense”. He utilizes his knowledge of music theory to follow chord charts and changes in a way that’s characteristic of jazz musicians. He counts blues-rock guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, and Jimmy Page among his influences, as well as Steely Dan. 

 

Gear 

Lukather used to utilize an elaborate set of effects pedals in his playing setup, but now plays mostly modification-free other than delay. He has collaborated with EMG on his own Lukather signature “SL20” pickup system, as well as DiMarzio on a set of signature pickups named “Transition”. He endorses Music Man guitars. 

 

Once you’ve mastered Lukather’s signature style, you can find tabs for dozens of Toto songs in the Fret Zealot app including “Rosanna”, “Africa”, and “Georgy Porgy”. 

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Songs you can play on one guitar string

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If you’re starting out on your guitar journey, a great way to build up your dexterity and technique is by playing songs on just one string. It’s a lot more fun than playing scales and will keep you motivated to learn.

Just because you’re sticking to one string doesn’t mean you have to be confined to playing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “Happy Birthday” – many riffs and melodies of popular songs can be played on one string!

Once you’re comfortable playing these songs on one string, most of them can be beefed up with chords or more advanced techniques!



Another One Bites the Dust – Queen

The iconic bass riff for this 1980 hit can also be played on one guitar string. 


Thunderstruck – AC/DC

Angus Young’s guitar riff for this 1990 classic is one of the most memorable guitar lines of all time, but it can be played on just one string!

 

My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion 

No pennywhistle needed. The theme song for 1997 blockbuster “Titanic” can be played on just the high “E” string.


Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple

Possibly one of the best-known one string songs of all time, you can learn this whole riff on the low E string and double it when you’re ready.

 

Running Down a Dream – Tom Petty 

The riff of this 1989 hit can be played on one string, making it perfect for beginners. The chords are also fairly simple.

 

Seven Nation Army – White Stripes 

The bass riff of “Seven Nation Army” is one of the best-known basslines of all time, but it can also be played on the “A” string.

 

Satisfaction – Rolling Stones 

This 1965 hit will be “satisfying” to learn – the riff can be played on one string and the rhythm part consists of three simple chords! 

 

Misirlou – Dick Dale 

This surf rock classic can be played on just one string, as long as you can pick fast enough! 

 

Sunshine of Your Love – Cream 

This memorable riff can be played on just the D string.

 

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Fret Zealot’s Spring Break Playlist

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There’s nothing like the first few days of spring! The Fret Zealot team made a playlist of songs that remind us of spring to get you ready.

Want to play guitar like Cory Wong?

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Do you want to learn to play like Cory Wong? The Cory Wong Player Study will take you on a deep dive of his funky signature style, including his innovative strum patterns and rhythmic single-note melodies.

Background 

Cory Wong was raised in Minneapolis, Minn.  His father exposed him to classic rock and jazz music at an early age, and he took piano lessons starting at age nine. Young Wong was inspired by bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Primus, and he decided to take up bass. Wong took both guitar and bass lessons, and started a punk rock band while still in high school. 

He decided to play music professionally at age 20 while studying at McNally Smith College of Music. Wong focused on jazz music in the early days of his career, performing in local jazz clubs and releasing two albums with jazz groups. He then started playing the Nashville circuit as a session player and guitarist, where he worked with a plethora of artists. In 2013, Wong met Ann Arbor band Vulfpeck and began touring and recording with the band in 2016. He’s also a member of The Fearless Flyers and has released solo albums. 

Style 

Wong is a modern funk legend, and is an expert at utilizing his right strumming hand to propel grooves into his music. In his playing, you can hear elements of Prince (natural for someone raised in Minneapolis, as well as some of the complex chords and scales he utilized while playing in jazz clubs. 

Variety show 

In 2021, Wong added another title to his resume – variety show host. “Cory and the Wongnotes” on YouTube is a musician’s dream – it features a full band, original music, comedy skits, and interviews with experts on topics like gear and music genres. 

 

Once you master Cory Wong’s signature style, you can find tabs for Wong and Vulfpeck in the Fret Zealot app!

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Five courses that will take your guitar playing to the next level

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You’ve memorized all of the chords, familiarized yourself with the scales, and built up a repertoire of songs. Now what?

These five advanced-level courses in the Fret Zealot app will help you level up, from good to Guitar God. 

Master Your Fingers – Guitar Gym

Hit the gym – for your guitar skills. This course will have your fingers breaking a sweat through arpeggios, octaves, and scales to get you in fighting shape. 

 

Pure Pentatonic Power: Rock and Blues Lead Guitar Course

Stuck in the pentatonic box? If you love playing rock and blues music but feel uninspired playing the same old licks, this course is for you. It will teach you all the pentatonic shapes, 18 licks, and the patterns, bends, and techniques of guitar greats like Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmour. 

 

Flamenco Guitar

If you’re ready for something completely different, try this flamenco guitar course! It will take you through the defining techniques of flamenco guitar, which you can incorporate into your own playing to create a unique sound. 


Triads for Guitar on Strings 1, 2, and 3

Spice up both rhythm and lead playing with this course, which will help you learn three different inversions of a triad as well as how to construct them. 


Making the Modes Easy! Pro Lead Guitar Course

What are modes? This course explains them all, as well as how to use them for playing rock music.

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Want to learn to play guitar like Joe Bonamassa?

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This Joe Bonamassa Player Study will fuel your “Drive” to be a better blues guitar player. This course will take you through the theory, scales and techniques Joe Bonamassa uses to create his distinctive fast runs and beautiful melodies!

Background 

Joe Bonamassa picked up the guitar at the tender age of four. His father was a big music fan and played him records of British blues players like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, which inspired the young Bonamassa. At 11, he was being mentored in guitar by “redneck jazz” pioneer Danny Gatton, and by 12 was gigging around Western New York and Pennsylvania on weekends with his band, Smokin’ Joe Bonamassa. Also that year, he opened for blues legend B.B. King for about 20 gigs. 

Bonamassa played in a band called Bloodline with the sons of Miles Davis, Robby Krieger and Berry Oakley before putting out his debut solo album in 2000.  He has released a total of 15 solo albums through his independent record label, 11 of which have reached No. 1 on the Billboard Blues chart. 

In 2020, Bonamassa created an independent record label called Keeping the Blues Alive Records, dedicated to promoting blues musicians. 

Style

Bonamassa has cited Eric Clapton, Jethro Tull, and Stevie Ray Vaughan as some of his biggest influences. He fuses rock and blues together in his playing, incorporating atypical groupings of notes in scale patterns. He also plays “outside of the box” by starting on second beats, utilizing string bends, and repeating rhythms. 

Gear 

Bonamassa has a huge guitar and gear collection. He got a head start on the collection since his parents own a music shop in Central New York.  In 2019, he told Guitar World that he has more than 400 guitars and 400 amplifiers. 

Bonamassa has said that his favorite guitar is his 1951 Fender Telecaster, nicknamed “The Bludgeon”.  He also collaborated with Epiphone in 2021 to release a replica of his 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom. 

 

Once you’ve mastered Bonamassa’s signature style with the player study course, you can find tabs for 44 of his songs, including “A New Day Yesterday”, “If Heartaches Were Nickels”, and “Sloe Gin”. 

Bass vs. guitar – which is right for you?

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If you’re starting out as a new musician, choosing the instrument that’s right for you is crucial! Bass and guitar are similar-looking instruments, and either will be a lot of fun to play – but which one is right for you?

The basics:

Bass guitars have four strings, while regular guitars (usually) have six. The strings on a bass guitar are thicker, allowing them to hit lower notes. On both instruments, you can play scales, chords, and apply the same music theory you’d use for other instruments. 

Guitar
Guitar players can choose between playing rhythm or lead – playing the chords of a song, or playing a solo above the main melody.  Because a guitar has a higher pitch than a bass, it often cuts through the sound better. 

If you’re a singer looking to accompany yourself with an instrument, guitar may be the better choice, since it’s closer in timbre to a human voice and easier to play chords that ring out clearly. 

Acoustic guitars are also a good, portable option for musicians who want to play outside or bring an instrument to parties, etc. Acoustic basses exist, but because they have a lower pitch, they can be harder to hear without amplification. 


Bass
Are you a rhythm enthusiast? Bass guitar works with drums or percussion to fill out the rhythm section of a band. Bassists help control the rhythm and pace of a song, building the sound’s foundation.

The bass adds a lower harmony that works with the guitar to give a song depth and intensity. It can also drive a song, like these songs with unforgettable bass lines. 

Which is easier to learn?

There’s no simple answer to which instrument is easier to learn. Both instruments involve the same notes and scales, so you can choose to learn bass after learning guitar and vice versa. 

Guitar involves slightly more memorization of chords than bass does, since it has six strings instead of four and relies more heavily on barre chords to get a variety of sounds. 

Since bass guitars are longer, heavier, and have thicker strings, they might be harder to physically get used to playing, although with some practice it should get easier. 

You can learn how to play both guitar and bass with Fret Zealot. Paired with the Fret Zealot app, the paper-thin LED strip lights up in coordination with lessons and tabs, making the learning process faster and easier. 

Check out guitars and bass guitars with Fret Zealot pre-installed here! 

Want to play guitar like Stevie Ray Vaughan?

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Your guitar skills will be your “Pride and Joy” with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Player study. This course will teach you Vaughan’s signature brand of Texas blues, including lead playing and rhythm and chord techniques. 

Background 

Vaughan was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and started playing guitar at age seven, on a toy guitar he received for his birthday. Young Vaugahn taught himself to play several songs by ear, following along to songs by Texas rock and roll band, The Nightcaps. He also drew inspiration from blues artists like Albert King and Muddy Waters, as well as Jimi Hendrix and Lonnie Mack. His brother Jimmie gave him his first electric guitar, a Gibson ES-125T that he previously owned, when he was around nine years old. 

Vaughan played professionally in bands at local bars and clubs while still in his early teens. He dropped out of high school at age 18 to move to Austin for the music scene, establishing the band “Double Trouble”. Vaughan got the name from the title of an Otis Rush song. 

David Bowie saw the group play at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival and contacted Vaughan for a studio gig. Vaughan ended up playing blues guitar on Bowie’s 1983 album “Let’s Dance”, which resulted in major label attention and a record deal for “Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble”. 

Vaughan put out four albums and was one of the world’s most in-demand blues guitarists. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he and four others were killed in a Wisconsin helicopter crash after performing at a mountain music venue in Aug. 27. He had several successful posthumous releases and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his Double Trouble bandmates in 2015. 


Style

Vaughan cited Albert King as one of his inspirations – he jammed with the blues legend onstage in 1977 – but his biggest influence was Jimi Hendrix. “I love Hendrix for so many reasons,” he told Guitar World in 1983.”He was so much more than just a blues guitarist—he played damn well any kind of guitar he wanted. In fact I’m not sure if he even played the guitar—he played music.”

Vaughan used unusually heavy strings and tuned a half-step below regular tuning. He heavily used the vibrato bar on his instruments. Vaughan utilized vintage amplifiers and effects in his playing, setting a trend for other guitarists in the 1980s. 

Legacy

Though his life and career were cut short, Vaughan helped lead a revival of blues rock and inspired players like John Mayer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Los Lonely Boys. In the months after his death, over 5.5 million of his albums were sold in the U.S., and SONY signed a deal with his family estate to gain control of Vaughan’s back catalog, allowing them to release his work, including “Family Style” which won the 1991 GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Blues Album. 

He was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2000. Rolling Stone named him number seven among the “100 Greatest Guitar Players of All Time” in 2003. In 2022, Guitar World Magazine ranked Vaughan as #1 on its list of greatest blues guitarists. 


Once you master Vaughan’s signature style, put it to work with these song lessons!

Life By The Drop 

Pride and Joy 

Cold Shot