We’re back with a new collection of old favorites that you can learn on a Seagull Merlin Guitar. I’d dare say, these oldies are ones that not only you’ll love and enjoy playing, but you’d love and enjoy sharing as well whether you're out by the dock, with that special someone, taking it easy, or riding in a helicopter. (wait… one of these things is not like the other? It’ll make sense later.) So here is a continuation of classic rock songs to play on the stick dulcimer. 

(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding 

This is a song co-written by soul-singer Otis Redding and guitarist Steve Cropper. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was surprisingly his first-ever #1 hit song. It was recorded in 1967 just three days before his death in a plane crash on December 10, 1967. That crash also took the lives of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. It became known as the day the music died, memorialized by Don McLean in the song “American Pie.” 

Although its popularity came out of tragedy, as you’ll see in the video, “Sittin’ on The Dock of The Bay” is a fun song to play and a great way to remember the late Otis Redding. 

Brown-Eyed Girl - Van Morrison

Next, is the ever-classic song "Brown-Eyed Girl".  This one was also written in 1967 so what a year for classic songs, right? Do you wonder if after Van Morrison wrote it, he sat back and thought, oh, I just wrote a song into the American songbook? I think it was probably thanks to the “sha-la-las.” 

The primary lead pattern for “Brown-Eyed Girl” is just a "D" guitar shape moved around on the neck. You’ll see that I play different chords in verse 1 than in verse 2, just for variety. You’re gonna have a good time with this one! 

Take It Easy - The Eagles

Made popular by The Eagles in 1972, "Take It Easy" was originally written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey. It's a crowd favorite to have in the back pocket for campfire singalongs. And, as the hook says, if you just take it easy I think you’ll be able to learn this one pretty quickly. 

This cover video features a Nashville session guitarist, Jesse Isley, who selected this song, as well as this Strumstick G model, and was recorded at one of East Nashville's finest recording studios, Forty-One Fifteen. Enjoy!

Fortunate Son - Credence Clearwater Revival 

This song was released in 1969 by Creedence Clearwater Revival aka CCR, and it quickly made the headlines when it became an anti-war movement anthem. This song has been featured extensively in pop culture depictions of the Vietnam War (such as Forest Gump. Cue a helicopter montage). Rolling Stone even listed this as number 99 on its ‘greatest songs of all time’ list. Take some time to learn “Fortunate Son” by CCR – you won’t regret it.  Use the "Fortunate Son" Dulcimer Guitar Chord Guide to assist you on your mission soldier. 

Oh, and if you’re hankering for some more Creedence Clearwater Revival–you can also check out the 1970s hit “Who'll Stop The Rain.” I’ve got two ways for you to play this one. First, you can learn the D tuned version of "Who'll Stop The Rain" to play in the tuning of DAD for all you D tuned instruments out there. Now, the song is originally recorded in G so you won’t be able to play along with the original version but with this tutorial, you will learn how to play this classic hit in the key of D. 

You can also learn "Who'll Stop The Rain" in the key of G. If you have G-tuned Strumstick, pickin' stick, or Seagull Merlin, you can play along without adjusting or tuning. First, learn the shapes and style, practice up, then play right along!

Alright, so now you have some fun favorites to get to learning. Again, if you missed our last compilation of classic rock songs, check those out as well.