Just What I Needed Guitar Lesson (The Cars)
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- 👉Discover the 5 MUST-KNOW chords and scales to play in ANY style anywhere on the neck FREE PDF GUIDE→ www.jonmaclennan.com/fretboar...
True story:
The first time I ever heard this song was when one of my childhood best friend’s played it at a high school talent show.
I remember sitting in wooden fold-down chairs, in the school auditorium when they came on to perform. But something looked a little bit different with the rhythm section. The drummer (who played with my friend) managed to cover keys and drums at the same time. He moved away the floor tom and played the synthesizer part on a keyboard setup where the floor tom would be with his right hand. The rest of his body played the rock drum beat.
I was blown away. My childhood friend sang the lead, and the crowd loved it.
There’s just something about this rock anthem that is so satisfying to listen to and play.
So grab your guitar and let’s dive into this The Cars’ “Just What I Needed” guitar lesson!
Who wrote Just What I Needed?
"Just What I Needed" is a classic rock song by the American rock band The Cars. It was written by the band's lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Ric Ocasek. The song was released as a single from their self-titled debut album, "The Cars," in 1978.
The song is about a relationship where one person feels like they've found exactly what they needed in the other person. It's a catchy, upbeat track with memorable guitar riffs and Ocasek's distinctive vocals.
"Just What I Needed" was recorded at the AIR Studios in London, England, and produced by Roy Thomas Baker. The track was a commercial success, reaching No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also received significant airplay on rock radio stations.
The song has been praised for its tight songwriting, infectious melody, and catchy hooks. It has since become one of The Cars' most iconic songs, and a staple of classic rock radio. The album "The Cars" itself was a commercial success, (I had it on vinyl back in the day) it reached No. 18 on the Billboard 200 charts and eventually became certified six-times platinum in the United States.
"Just What I Needed" has been recognized as one of the standout tracks from the late 1970s rock era.
Just What I Needed Guitar Chords
To play “Just What I Needed” on guitar you only need to know 5 chords E, B, C#m, G# and A. I play the majority of them as power chords in the song. But let’s take a look at a way to play the full shapes.
E is played as a bar chord in the 7th position like this:
👉Follow along with the longer lesson here: www.jonmaclennan.com/blog/jus...
👉Discover the 5 MUST-KNOW chords and scales to play in ANY style anywhere on the neck FREE PDF GUIDE→ www.jonmaclennan.com/fretboardguide
Love the cars, No other band sounds like them.
You have the best song choices and variety on UA-cam. Keep it going!!!!!
The Cars rocked and their debut album was a rock 'n Roll force to be reckoned with. Love how this song builds up through the verses. Rick Ocasic's songs, but Elliott Easton crafted so many great leads and solos that always left you wanting more. Btw... your tele is so cool with the humbucker on the bridge position.
AWESOME Jon, please more Cars!
Great band!
Excellent!
Dude for some odd reason this is the only song I can sing and play at the same time. On acoustic on electric on my knees proposing lol
Can you make a Song from Jellyfish for this Power Pop sequel? Please ?
Great song ! Great video
I hope you don’t mind me commenting here, and wasting all your time. 😁
Yeah, this video is Just what I needed...
Thank you and you are welcome
A Must-Know Rock Anthem…. If you want to play for the nursing home circuit. Sorry. Good presentation, though.
Let's see your video where you teach us how to play a song.
Lame comment. This song took a band from the clubs to some of the biggest live concerts ever (US festival, Live Aid). Well crafted, with lots of foundational elements used in countless other songs = perfect educational material.