Learn to play the guitar

Bright Side of the Road – Songs popular in Ireland

Written In 1979 by the one and only Van Morrison, this feel-good song is still as popular as ever. The song has 7 chords, all in the open/first position. We look at the strum pattern over 2 bars...

The Rocks of Bawn – Folksongs popular in Ireland

This popular old folksong dates back to the 18th century. it has been recorded by several folk groups/singers – Makem and Clancy, Paul Brady, Christy Moore to name a few. The song is in 3/4 time...

The Waxies’ Dargle – Folksongs popular in Ireland

This popular pub song dates back to 19th century Dublin and tells the story of two auld ones trying to get money to go on an excursion. There are a few manic versions of the song from the likes of The...

Little White Chapel – Folksongs popular in Ireland

Another Amble favourite! This song has 4 chords and easy to play chord progressions in a 4/4 strum pattern...

Shot in the Dark – Folksongs popular in Ireland

Kingfishr wrote this song after they agreed one day to give up their jobs and give the music a go. This shot in the dark proved to be a good call! The song is in the Key F, but by using the capo on...

Felize Navidad – Popular Christmas Songs

Written by Jose Feliciano in 1970, this is one of the great Christmas songs. It’s a happy, catchy, heart-felt song – easy to play and easy to learn. You will even learn a bit of Spanish!...

The Broad Black Brimmer – Popular Irish ballads and folksongs

Written by Art McMillen, this republican folk-song is a favourite at Wolfe Tones concerts. I’m playing it in the key of D major, with 4 chords and a simple strum pattern...

Summerfly – Folksongs popular in Ireland

Five easy chords in the open position are all you need to play this popular song which was written by Cheryl Wheeler, but is more associated in Ireland with Maura O’Connell, the great singer...

Anachie Gordon – Songs popular in Ireland

This popular old Scottish folksong was recorded by Mary Black and Sinéad O’Connor among others. We’re using a 4/4 picking pattern to accompany the song, which has some very nice chord...

Mary’s Pub – Songs popular in Ireland

A huge hit at Amble concerts with its great sing-along chorus! Just 3 simple chords and a simple finger-picking pattern for this song. Tabs for the melody are included in the Resources section...

Song for Marcella – Ballads and folksongs popular in Ireland

This emotioinal song is a tribute to Bobby Sands who died whilst on hunger strike in the Maze prison in 1981. We’re using a popular 4/4 strum pattern to accompany the song, and look at a couple...

Diamonds and Roses – Songs popular in Ireland

Another big hit fot Kingfishr! An audio file for the full song is included in the Resources section to aid your practice...