David Todd's New Guitar Songbook Brings 70 Classic Songs to Life

Author and guitarist David Todd has released Songs That Stay With You: From the 50's, 60's & 70's, a songbook of 70 well-loved songs arranged for guitar. The book is available now on Amazon. Todd, who is based in Honiton, Devon, United Kingdom, assembled the collection over the years as his own working songbook—the songs he actually reaches for when he picks up a guitar, whether playing alone, with friends, or leading a group.

The selection focuses on songs that most people know a verse or two of and that are simple enough to carry a room. It spans classics from The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the Everly Brothers to Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Presley, along with pub and folk favorites like "Dirty Old Town" and "Wild Rover." Every song is written out with chords placed above the lyrics, right where the player would strum or pick them. Where a capo makes a song easier to play, Todd notes the fret position and key at the top of the entry. A handful of songs also include playing notes for fingerpicking patterns, strumming styles, and instrumental breaks. A reader praised the book, saying, "This book reads like it was built by someone who has led a lot of singalongs. Chords sit above the lyrics, capo positions and keys are noted at the top of each song, which makes it easy to open and start playing."

The book is meant to be used, not shelved. Todd designed it for solo players, small groups, and anyone leading a singalong, including at venues such as nursing homes and care homes, where familiar songs tend to bring people together. To place an order, visit Amazon.