By Alyssa Vincent

STEVE STEVENS, the legendary guitarist best known for jamming with BILLY IDOL, is now teaching fans how to play 'White Wedding', 'Flesh For Fantasy', 'Eyes Without A Face' and 'Rebel Yell' in a series of online guitar lessons. He has also recorded several lessons with tips on improvisation.

Stevens originally teamed up with Billy Idol in the early ‘80s, co-writing and composing the guitar parts for some of Idol’s biggest hits, combining Billy Idol’s punk flare with Stevens’ own hard rock edge. The guitarist collaborated with Billy Idol on the Billy Idol, Rebel Yell and Whiplash Smile albums before breaking off to pursue a solo career. The musicians reunited in 2002 for VH1 Storytellers and have been working together ever since.

“My favorite Billy Idol song to perform is probably 'Eyes Without A Face',” Stevens said. “Between Billy’s crooning voice, the great melody, my use of acoustic guitar, heavy riff guitar in the middle and a good use of sonic effects, it encapsulates everything a great Billy Idol song should have.”

Stevens was seven years old when he received his first guitar from his father. He started taking lessons a year later.

“I learned how to play the guitar through a combination of teaching myself and lessons,” said the guitarist.

But the internet makes it easier for people to learn the instrument, he said, adding that 30 years ago aspiring guitarists often had to figure it out on their own.

“I learned songs off of records," Stevens continues. "I have had many influences, but the early ‘70s English progressive rock bands made the biggest impact on me. Guitarists like Robert Fripp, Steve Howe and even keyboardist Keith Emerson.”

When first picking up the guitar, many of us fantasize about becoming rock stars; some even chase that dream. However, Stevens encourages fellow musicians to play first for fun and the love of the music.

“You have to have a natural love of the instrument," Stevens closes. "Never think you will get rich playing the guitar. Be open to all styles of music, and if you are in a band, make sure you listen to what the other players are doing and complement them."

Check out the Steve Stevens guitar lessons over at According to JamPlay.com.