Modern Songwriting by John Connearn – A Deep Dive into Contemporary Guitar Craft

Modern Songwriting by John Connearn on LickLibrary.com is an in-depth, note-for-note guitar course designed to help players understand how modern songs are constructed, arranged, and performed across a wide range of contemporary styles. This course goes beyond simple riffs and licks, guiding guitarists through complete tracks that demonstrate how rhythm, harmony, texture, and lead work combine to create professional, genre-authentic music. Each lesson focuses on practical guitar techniques used in real-world songwriting situations, giving players tools they can immediately apply to their own compositions and performances.

Whether you are a songwriter looking to expand your stylistic vocabulary or a guitarist wanting to develop versatility, Modern Songwriting delivers a structured and musical approach to modern guitar playing.

Funk Rhythm Track

The Funk Rhythm Track lesson focuses on tight, groove-based rhythm guitar playing, where precision and feel are everything. This lesson explores syncopated rhythms, clean chord voicings, and percussive muting techniques that are essential to modern funk and pop-influenced songwriting. John demonstrates how subtle variations in rhythm and articulation can dramatically change the energy of a track.

Learning these techniques helps players develop exceptional timing and control, making their rhythm playing more dynamic and professional. By mastering funk-style rhythm guitar, viewers gain the ability to lock in with a drummer and bassist, an essential skill for songwriting, studio sessions, and live performance in many modern genres.

80s Synthwave Rock Track

The 80s Synthwave Rock Track blends retro-inspired harmony with modern production aesthetics. In this lesson, guitar parts are designed to complement synth-driven arrangements, using sustained notes, arpeggiated patterns, and melodic hooks that evoke classic 1980s soundscapes. John breaks down how guitars can sit alongside synths without overpowering them, a crucial skill in modern songwriting.

The benefit of learning this approach lies in understanding space, tone, and arrangement. Guitarists will learn how to craft parts that enhance a song’s atmosphere while still remaining musically impactful. These techniques are invaluable for players working in pop, electronic rock, and cinematic styles.

Metal Style Track

The Metal Style Track lesson dives into the heavier side of modern songwriting, focusing on aggressive rhythm guitar and powerful lead techniques. This track showcases tight palm-muted riffs, driving rhythms, and expressive lead lines that define contemporary metal. John explains how precision, consistency, and articulation are critical when creating heavy guitar parts that sound polished and professional.

By studying these techniques, viewers improve their picking accuracy, rhythmic tightness, and tonal control. These skills are not only essential for metal but also translate well into modern rock, soundtrack work, and high-energy songwriting contexts.

Ambient Acoustic Soundscapes

The Ambient Acoustic Soundscapes lesson highlights the importance of texture and mood in songwriting. Using acoustic guitar techniques, this track focuses on layered parts, open voicings, and subtle melodic movement to create immersive soundscapes. John demonstrates how simple ideas can be transformed into emotionally rich compositions through thoughtful arrangement and dynamics.

Learning these techniques benefits players by expanding their creative palette. Guitarists gain insight into writing atmospheric music that supports vocals, film, or instrumental compositions, making this lesson especially valuable for songwriters and composers looking to add depth to their work.

About John Connearn and Musical Influences

John Connearn is a highly respected guitarist and educator, known for his versatility across rock, metal, funk, and ambient styles. His playing reflects influences from classic and modern guitarists alike, combining technical proficiency with strong musical sensibility. Throughout Modern Songwriting, John’s experience as a performer and teacher shines through, as he explains not just how to play the parts, but why they work within a song. His approach helps players think like songwriters, not just guitarists.

Guitar Techniques Used in Modern Songwriting

• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Finger Picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Vibrato
• Sustain
• Harmonics

Modern Songwriting by John Connearn is an essential course for any guitarist looking to understand how contemporary music is built from the ground up, combining technique, creativity, and musical awareness into one comprehensive learning experience.