Learning To Fly Guitar Lesson

In this comprehensive guitar lesson, the late and legendary Michael Casswell guides you through Tom Petty's iconic song, "Learning to Fly." Known for his fluid and expressive teaching style, Michael breaks down the key elements of this classic rock track with precision and clarity, making it accessible to guitarists of all levels. The song's foundation is built around open chord shapes and a steady strumming pattern, reflecting the heartland rock feel that Petty is known for. Michael takes you step-by-step through the essential open chords, including the C, G, Am, and F shapes, and shows how to capture the song's dreamy, anthemic vibe through relaxed strumming and timing. He also demonstrates subtle nuances in dynamics that bring life to the progression, perfect for enhancing your rhythm playing skills. One of the highlights of this tutorial is Michael’s focus on the song’s melody and groove. He delves into the harmonic structure of the song, revealing how Petty's use of simple chord progressions creates a powerful emotional impact. Throughout the video, Michael offers tips on how to add your own personal touch, whether it's through alternate strumming patterns or slight variations on the chords, all while staying true to the original feel of the track. In addition to rhythm techniques, Michael explores lead fills that can complement the main progression. Whether you're learning this song for acoustic or electric guitar, his clear breakdowns will help you master both the rhythm and the finer details of the song’s arrangement. With years of performing and teaching experience, Michael Casswell delivers an insightful and engaging lesson, ensuring you'll not only learn to play "Learning to Fly" but also understand the song’s structure and feel in a way that enhances your overall musicianship.