Good Times Roll - The Cars | Guitar Lesson

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Learn how to play Good Times Roll, as performed by The Cars released on their 1978 debut album. A great piece of guitar arrangements, very accessible to "early in career" guitar players of all ages.

The lesson covers the rhythm and lead guitar parts and pays special attention to the intro of the song where there is a "rhythmic illusion" that catches a lot of us off guard (myself included). I'll outline the timing of that intro and how you can now hear it differently.

00:00 Introduction / What to expect
02:20 The Rhythmic illusion during the intro
07:25 Tuning & tone
09:09 Lesson - Intro, Verse, Chorus (Ric Ocasek's parts)
11:22 Lesson - Rhythm guitar during solo (Ric Ocasek's parts)
12:02 Lesson - Rhythm guitar during outro (Ric Ocasek's parts)
13:08 Lesson - Rhythm guitar #2's parts
15:22 Lesson - Lead guitar parts (Elliot Easton)
20:28 Demo - guitar solo
20:52 Lesson - Lead guitar parts during outro
21:21 Final thoughts

Gear used in this video (if you purchase via these links I will earn a small commission):

1963 Fender Bassman

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[johnk]

Great choice for this weeks lesson.
You did a great job highlighting each part.

The Cars first album truly was groundbreaking and still sounds ahead of its time today.

Elliot Easton is one of my favorites and yes is STILL under appreciated.

[shakeyblues]

Well well, what a great tutorial 12 Ft I have always loved The Cars since the debut album in 1978. Top Shelf ♪♫♪♫♪♫

[Dreyno]

Elliot Easton is incredible. So melodic and catchy. Have learned the solos to “Best Friend’s Girl” and “Touch and Go” because they’re perfection.

[jwilder]

You always include the awesome little nuances that make all the difference

[kevincanter]

Started playing about 3 years ago. Been a drummer my whole life so I always "FELT" when the up pick comes in.... But that was awesome!! Thanks brother.. I only watch maybe 2 other guys, But i always check YOUR channel when a song pops in my head. You Rock! And i just assumed the last Good Times Roll was Em D then C???? I got it now though.. HA😆

[jbear]

What a first album for a group, Agree 100% about Elliot. Don't think of him with all the guitar gods of that time but his solos and work just fits so great and sound wonderful they add so much to the songs. you should cover All Mixed Up sometime. No one really has covered it good. Great work thanks

[guydouglas]

Loved The Cars! What a great band with the big 'devil-may-care' attitude! This is a good lesson on a simple song - but it's all about the 'all-important' groove and accents. The heavy guitar sound with 'light' keyboard flourishes was so good. Good stuff 12' Chain.

[DonTheGuitarGuy]

One of the greatest records in history. I wore it out many times since the day it came out. Great job. Thank you.

[fju]

Good stuff. I love playing Cars tunes for their simplicity in the rhythm but the melodic greatness of Mr. Easton's solos. Amazing how much you can do with the E major scale! If you haven't already, please do "Bye Bye Love" by them. The solo in that one is just a masterclass in playing the chord changes.

[MrDuojet]

Great tutorial. Have tripped over the downbeat on one countless times. Your explanation was most helpful.

[christopherguzzi]

Dude, maybe I missed it, but I don't recall you teaching the sweetest guitar part in this song!!! The unison bend lick.😁🤗🤔

[eddiejr]

I never ever could lock in on those high E and B chord stabs rhythmically…I always got outta time on those…well done👍

[MackAxyzz]

thanks man...i did pick up a few little nuances i hadn't noticed before; and elliot easton is indeed a master of tasteful playing/soloing...blessingszz to you always brother

[mvp]

Always fun, accessible lessons. Thanks.

[Spaceman-jomz]

One of my all time favorite Cars songs.

And Candio

[TheUlesifah]

Love your special treats!! Haha !! Another great video ! I hope one day I can have a man cave like yours, it looks amazing!!

[sterlingmcvay]

You Always do something I'm wanting to do!! Thanks!!! ❤

[JasonT-xpkh]

Awesome. The Cars need more love.
I'd also really like to see something from REO Speedwagon. Specifically from High Infidelity. What a great album with tones of awesome guitar work.
It's actually what inspired me to pick up the guitar in the first place.
I love this channel, keep on rocking!

[jimjohnson-pb]

love it brother ... thank you again... you made it simple for me, love elliot easton!!!

[lamgefyoutoob]

Best value Patreon for learning classic rock. Do it.