uh…. just watch the video on this one 🙂
Try it… let me know how it goes below. Doesn’t have to be now you can always come back later…
uh…. just watch the video on this one 🙂
Try it… let me know how it goes below. Doesn’t have to be now you can always come back later…
207 replies to "How To Play Catch"
Thanks Griff! For me you reached grey matter! I’m going to play catch today and again on a lot of other days…
Great lesson….I use to play Beatles in 1977 and then had to go to work and had to play off and on….
Great lesson nice change to keep it fresh and motivating.
Thanks Griff,
JL
I used to look at the same books by the Beatles that you have in the video. I never heard the songs in the books maybe one or two song I had heard on the radio. They were expensive at that time and I passed on buying the books back in that day of time. I never found books of their biggest hit songs that appealed to me. I was like you I had no idea what the piano notes were saying in the books just the chords. So I never bought them and tried to learn the songs I had never heard the Beatles play. The songs had to be on records that were to make a album for the hit songs to be on just to sell the albums they made. What was the Beatles tuning if you ever figured that out was it standard C back then or what? I know Georges 12 string had to be tuned at a different level than standard C or with a piano for the tuning. I had a 12 string guitar and tuning to a piano always broke the G string or the small G string. So my 12 string was always an 11 string with the G string broke. But it sounded on with the 11 string sound as I played it constantly back then. But what tuning did the Beatles use to make the 12 not break the strings trying to match the standard C tuning or tuning to a piano? IT was at my playing beginning time so tuning to me as a hard time with out breaking strings. But in todays world with tuners I have no problem tuning and not breaking many strings when i do tune. IF the tuner is working right no string breaks but with the way the tuner keeps messing up I do break the first or secong string more than I need to. lol I never figures out the Beatles Tuning so did you ever figure it out as the the pitch they tuned up to play them hit songs using? if you figured it out will you please share that tuning with me and the other people who depend on you for learning music. Im Still Tommy Hodges in Huntsville, Alabama or my birth certificate says that is who I am today. I get asked that question constantly in drs offices on who I am and when was I born!!!!! lol
Griff, your lessons are NEVER a waste of time. I also play a little keyboard and get songs from Ultimate Guitar and Chordify, and yes, one has to know the song but I often use it to get chords to a song and then play the melody with my right hand while chording with left, or simply comp the keyboard chords while playing the song via CD or whatever means is available. Comping along with Steely Dan is eye-opening – they sure play some weird chords that I can only play on keyboard but would not have a clue how to form the chord on a guitar. I do not have enough fingers.
I HAVE ABOUT 5 BEATLES BOOKS, AND CLOSE TO 25 OTHER MUSIC BOOKS. WHEN YOU PLAY IN A COVER BAND, YOU NEED TO LEARN THE SONGS.
ONE THING, THAT I WILL HAND DOWN TO MY SON, IS THE PROGRAM BOOK FROM WHEN THE BEATLES PLAYED THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL. FORST TIME HER DOING A CONCERT. TOMY BOYCE, ONE OF THE MONKEYS SONG WRITERS TOOK ME AND MY FRIEND TO SEE THEM.
I GOT ALL THERE SIGNATUERS ON THE PROGRAM BOOK, VACCCUMED SEALED. IT STILL LOOKS NEW. TABS ARE GOOD ALSO, WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE A BOOK.
THANKS GRIFF. LOVE YOUR COBRA SHIRT. WHEN I WAS JUST 19, I HAD A SHELBY GT 500, WITH THE COBRA ENGINE. 450HP. GOT ALOT OF SPEEDING TICKETS.
Great lesson to help motivate new guitar players. I believe if you can play the guitar to the Beatles, you can play everything else. Listen to Blackbird for the acoustic guitar. The song you played “Run for your life” has an interesting lead and slide guitar playing off of each other…an awesome easy lesson for your students. Also early twin lead guitar by the Beatles is “And Your Bird Can Sing”. Of course “While My Guitar Gently Sleeps” is the great blues classic, however Harrison had Clapton sit in on the lead guitar. Thanks from your student.
BTW: You will NEVER be sued…
You are not profiting from a sale of the sheet music.
Material’s used in teaching are covered by “Fair Use”….and that includes any audio or video.
Plus…I offer a ‘work around’: uTube links (if available).
Grateful Fred
Good lessons never get old. This is another good lesson. Thank you Griff for all the time you put into helping us enjoy playing guitar.
As we work to improve we lose sight of the reason we play i.e. to have fun. Most of us will never shred on stage in front of 10000 people but we will for a small venue, church or just hangin’ with the family. For me playing from a book is just back to basics and is more often than not what people I play foe want to hear. Isn’t that the point to play what we and our audience want to hear.
Griff, I hope you find this comment being that there are so many as it is so important to me. You indicate that these books were basically written for piano even though they often say easy guitar etc. One thing that you do not talk about is a method of reading/playing the notes in combination with the chords which goes way beyond simple strumming. This is what I struggle with. Do you teach in your lessons how to actually read staff music? I would love to be able to know how when reading the notes on the chart where to insert the indicate the chords within the bar. Mixing the written notes with the simple chords in these books can really flesh out a song. An example of this I believe would be instrumental music such as played by the Ventures. Your videos are always the best and when you started this one I got really excited because you were addressing something I have always struggled with, but this was not mentioned. That again is mixing the actual written notes with the chords and the timing involved. This Would be extremely helpful for me and maybe someone else who has struggled with this question.
Hey Griff,
Great to see you and your Music Den, just like mine but you have better equipment. I made a comment already above so I have seen this. You are Good at this. I am always advancing and the wife asks me things while I am playing one of my inventions so I don’t even have to look at what I am doing as it comes naturally. So I can now walk around the house playing bits & pieces.
Just hope that the end result where ever that is that I can play Blues Guitar with feel and nothing will get in the way.
Cool.
Michael- St Andrews – Australia March 2016.
i just love the blues and have BGU,its going fairly well,and then this video comes just after i also started looking in songbooks so i could actually play some songs not just chords,scales whathaveyou.my love of music has always been a huge part of my life,and thru your guidance guitar playing is what i want to do all the time.i like to think i’m over the beginner stage and i would like to give you a lot of that credit. thank you griff,and keep sending those daily blogs, the’re great little pieces of inspiration.
That kind of book, back in the early 70’s was how I learned to play guitar. Learning from the chord diagrams. Cool.
I remember this video from a while ago and I forgot about it – and how important message it conveys. This is a fun experience learning to play guitar. While I struggle with the theory and arpeggios and scale patterns and putting them together, I always take time to just play something and enjoy making it sound cool. I love this stuff but mighty discouraged at times, so thanks for the reminder. Lastly, I truly appreciate the work you put not making these lessons and I watch and save them.
Thank you.
Thanks Griff. To quote you ” I know it’s not much of a lesson today ” but for me it was a very good lesson. It gave me the confidence to try what u out just showed even though I don’t know that tune. I thought I had to know all the songs perfectly first. Who knew? ????
No ! Not a waste of time. Actually , really good food for thought.
This is very useful and well worth your efforts.
Thx so much.
thanks griff that’s the greatest advice I,ve had for along time
I got into a rut of to much emphasis on scales so now I will do
more singing along with chords, keep up the great work cheers deno .
Great video Griff. It’s the best advise a guitar teacher / mentor could give someone. The best way to have fun playing too and not make it so hard to do.
hi griff thanks for the video loved-your real honesty,i am self taught just two years,i was giving a traveling guitar at the start,practiced on that for three months, after that all i want to do is learn learn learn,i have dabbled in scales a bit,fingers are just starting to move ,barre chords, few riffs here and there-the last few months,but this is the thing,i have wrote ten songs for local church,with music just from basic chords for my own songs to sing,and i thought i had came stuck,not knowing were to go next,trying to learn lead,one guitarist told me i need to learn scales,another telling me lead guitar and all over the neck, not sure ,was going to take online course,to progress,so would love your input just as you have just said, to help me without being all over the place,i am one of these late learners at 47 who wants to learn everything,also one last thing your riff you sent last week picked it up real well,cheers……….i have couple of acoustics now two amps, am on my way, cliffy…………………Belfast.
Thank you for the lesson today and I liked it very much ,in fact I got a music book for my birthday and I was going through it and I can see what you mean by learning all the chords cause the notes and the words to all the songs are there.
So when I signed up for your courses I didn’t realize you would be sending out emails with extra stuff on them , I love that about you , and yes I watch and save all of them , I am always getting asked by younger up and coming musicians how to do things and I love sharing knowledge with them , I don’t rate as a complete teacher but thanks to you and a few others I know quite a bit and I play pretty good Lol , you being my favorite teacher and one of my favorite players , I love the blues and sing along songs ,I am a professional sound engineer that always wanted to be a player lol now I am thank you , at the end of this video you said you hope you didn’t waste our time with this lesson , well Griff watching you teach is never a waste of time I always get something out of every lesson even when it is below my abilitys ,, thank you for becoming a teacher and a great player I’m very happy to learn all I can from you . Sincerely Jack
Thanks Griff! Ive been playing for about 14 years and I still found this insightful and relevant! Especially your last comments about powering through mistakes. I still struggle with that …and I am a (hobbyist) gigging musician! Thanks for all you do!
Great lesson. Being a person who does a lot of singing while playing, what you are saying is a must if you’re going to be able to focus on the vocals, harmonies and such. One thing I would add. That first G clef contains the basic melody, which is a great reference when working on the vocals. It answers things like “…where does the song go over there?…” or “…that chord change looks in the wrong place…” or “…I think we may need to stop a bit over there…” or “I can’t figure out what to use as a harmony here, I’ll see what melody note is and pick a 3rd or 5th or something”. I also have a Beatles Complete, and sometimes I say to myself, “how does that one go again?”. I play a few bars, and it comes back to me. I bet you know at least 2 of those Beatles songs.
Griff, you TOTALLY ROCK!!! I have these books too, and I’ve been doing this for years. What’s GREAT is applying what you teach when I go back and play this stuff. Much of what the Beatles did — maybe all of it — is blues based. Combining what you teach about little chords, filling with pentatonic licks, strumming patterns, hammer-ons and pull-offs etc. just makes playing through these books more fun. What you make interesting and fun is that when one gives himself “permission” to make mistakes, one makes progress. Sometimes I think its those “mistakes” that fuel song writing. And what the Beatles did is an example of that. You are an amazing teacher. Your technique is impeccable yet you have a kind of rock and roll, free-spirited teaching style that takes the “rigid school teacher” out of the music and puts in a little rebellious Jim Morison, Janis Joplin feel. It’s freeing. And awesome.
Thanks, that’s just what I needed to see and hear.I love to sing and strum along, that was the main reason to buy a guitar and you have made me feel it is worthwhile persisting with it. You can google just about any song with the chords above the words.
Hi Griff,
For claiming not to know “Don’t Pass Me By”, which is Ringo’s, you nailed it just right.
You make this look like so much fun, I can’t wait to try it out myself.
Thanks for another great lesson.
Great video. Sorry to hear you’re not a Beatles fan Griff.
As a twelve year old kid at school in England when the Beatles just started out, we used to go to the piano practice rooms at lunch and figure out the songs. None of us had any formal musical training. Rolling Stones, Kinks, Hollies, but also guys like Otis Redding. A few years later, we’d be playing the songs around campfires or in living rooms for friends. No aspirations, no goals, just personal satisfaction and a little showing off to get attention from girls!
I have a Beatles Complete book and will dig it out again. Thanks for the reminder!
I really enjoyed your vid. playing catch. I am just a raw beginner to your
beginning the blues course, and am coming to terms with the basics and enjoying it.
Before looking to guitar playing I learnt to play uke using cords to follow
along, playing some pretty songs that people could sing along too, and l really enjoyed doing so,and still do, also was taught some variations regards
strumming and put some of my own innovations to work.
For a break, ill get some multi song books as there are a trillion out there,
once again thanks. The Tassie kid ( thats off the bottom eastern corner of Australia)also ,come July I will hit the 80 mark but I am not dead yet, long live life.
Thanks Griff, the video was by no means a waste of your time. I learn so much from you and its great to see you having such a good time teaching.
Another helpful practice tool is to find a song on Youtube and play along with it. You get to “be in a band”! This will also force you to power through the hard parts and keep up. A good homework assignment is when an instructor will teach, lets say, a I-IV-V chord progression during the lesson – and show how it is played in different keys. Then hand the student a list of “I-IV-V” songs (titles only), and have them find it on youtube and play along with it. Preferably they are different keys. The main challenge will be to find the I chord, but then it’s off to the races. Try it, listen for the chord changes and have fun! Beach Boys… Little Duece scoop, barabara ann. Chuck Berry – Johnny be goode. Bill Haley – Rock around the clock. (and thousands of others).
Griff been doin that for years, have many many song books, always wondered about the rhythm part!! never really knew how to make the song sound right, but maybe as you say it don’t have to be perfect just needs to be played a few times. Your explanation of the few rhythms will help a lot.
Thanks…
Hi Griff, you give me so much inspiration to learn guitar, your lessons are awesome. I just love that strum pattern, (the easiest strum pattern in the world) after listening to your videos all I want to do is pick up my guitar and play. It’s really surprising how many songs you can play using that strum pattern. please keep these lessons coming. Cheers Griff.
Regards Saddler:
Griff
That was a fun lesson. Thanks.
Griff – you nailed it. You are so helpful. I purchased your “Hendrix Style” course, i.e., playing around the chords, that propelled me to push myself further. Now, when our amateur band plays for shows here in venues in Sonoma County, my band mates force me to play “Little Wing”, even though I feel it’s not good enough, but the audience seems to really like it. (My problem, I’m a perfectionist…:)). I learned all the campfire chords, etc, when I was in my teens. After I retired 3 years ago, your videos (and Blues course) motivated me to push myself to really master the minor and major scales (pentatonic), and now I am playing lead for a band of retirees, and other ask me to play with them. I thank you for that, it’s opened up a whole new life for me. It is very gratifying. Bless you Griff….
This was very encouraging and in my case very timely. It was 21:10 well spent.
Thanks!
Griff. You nailed that one good and proper! I felt for you trying get this one over, but Hey! this is exactly what we ALL did once we had learned a couple of chords, it’s the only way to get it into gear and start driving.
Yes! I remember hitting those daft C over D chords and thinking just like you, What the heck is that? So, I didn’t play them either or just did a little twiddly with one of the C or D chord notes as a Fill In.
Hey! and I actually sang along with you to “Run for Your Life” and “Hey! What your doing”. These were early Album (filler) songs of the Beatles and I suggest you try and find them on YOUTUBE, especially “Hey! What your Doing” Cos’ it’s actually a great little number.
Back in the early seventies when I was in the Royal Navy, (loads of time on yer hands when at sea) and still learning to pay my first guitar, I would look through these song books and find the tunes/songs that I knew, this makes it easier, otherwise your just chord strumming into mind numbing boredom with the only benefit being to learn how to change chords at the right time! It was those weird C over D’s in those books that taught me not to crucify myself trying to play someone else’s song note for note but to put my own twist on it. Hell Fire, I was never aiming to play in a orchestra! It worked for me and I get a great kick out of playing a tune that I like in a number of different tempo’s and styles.
Great lesson and a nice reminder of my beginning to play guitar. Thanks Griff.
Great lesson Griff,
This is what I have been doing thru most of my guitar playing years (ca. 60yrs). Just now that I am more into wanting to do blues soloing and integrate that with the rythym chord play. Many thanks for this down to earth reminder of what us amateur players are really all about in making music for ourselves and friends and family.
Loved it! This is what I do every night,just strum thru all the books I bought years ago. Improved my playing and my enjoyment tremendously. You hit this right on the nose. Great job,
Griff…this was like living my past all over again. This was actually the way I learned to play. I always pictured myself an entertainer and did (after a lotttt of practice) actually become an entertainer. My passion was always to try to make people feel like I did when I was in the song. I am no where in your league but I have made some people happy, sad, laugh, and cry through music. I admire you for your talent and passion to teach music. I will always continue to check out your emails in the hope that I can absorb a fraction of your talent. Just one of your many students
Doug
Great lesson from the heart, Griff. Thanks. It confirms a lot and brings back a lot of memories of sitting in the bedroom strumming away. I enjoyed it immensely! Thanks a million.
it IS a great lesson, Griff.
Been doing the book thing most of my life because singing was how I came into guitar so this lesson reinforces such things as … that chord doesn’t sound right so leave it out.
It’s only in the last five years or so that I’ve come into the playing of notes rather than chords…. it’s that ‘feel’ thing which cuts through and I can find it when I’m playing the chords as I sing the song AND in the playing of notes to backing tracks. In either case, it’s got more to do with being in the moment than technical ability or so it seems to me.
Getting to marry up singing, chord structures and passing notes is my general direction now and I thank you for your teaching.
Griff-
I want to say thanks for all your help with my playing. I got old working and now want to learn to play-never really had time with the kids-grandkids-kids friends kids-well I’m sure you get it.
Now I have time and some really cool guitars to work with ect. I purchased a couple of your courses and wanted to say thanks th is time. Hope you get this- Rich
I love all your videos and they are never a waste of time.i have learned more from you than I have from lessons costing big dollars in the past. I also love your positive and optimistic approach. Thanks heeps Griff
Thanks Griff, amazing how the smallest things can be so meaningful. For me, I used to spend entire days throwing a ball off the wall. So the analogy was an easy connection for me. However, more important tome was the reference to making a mistake and going back to the start. I have been making that mistake and getting so frustrated until now. In my mind I was expecting the mistake at a certain spot and sure enough I wasn’t disappointed. Now, in learning to play through it and just practicing on that particular part, improvement has literally been dramatic. I actually had my first ” aha-I did it or I get it ” moment. How cool. Just like with the ball from a different angle I keep trying until I get there and I stopped trying to be perfect every time.
Hi Griff,
Thank you. I suspect a lot of us got started that way and then attempted to move up with your courses. Keep them coming. Love your stuff.
Larry
Great lesson. I’ve been attempting some of this but have been trying to stick with songs I know. Now I know that I don’t have to. You also said something else that I found interesting. You said you grew up in White Rock, NM. I found that interesting since that is where I live and my wife grew up here and also went to Pinion schoo. It treally is a small world.
Griff, this has been a great use of 20 minutes! I’m a pro drummer in a blues band, among other bands, who last year took up UKULELE after not playing it since I was a kid. I got hooked on your videos because what you say in MANY of them is good for any stringed instrument. I do exactly what you suggest in this video, I have lots of material that I pick up and play on uke with chord symbols, melodies, and words, and thru that I am learning very quickly. Thanks for the lessons!
Great lesson Griff.
Great info. I usually say, I’m plodding on great stuff.
thanks for the lesson Griff I’ll give it a try looks interesting
You never wast my time. thank you. you just gave me permission to do what I do most. It drives my wife nuts when she talks to me and I don’t stop playing. even though I talk back. she cant understand how I can do that.
I wish u were around all those years I took lessons and got no where- I’ve been Workin with your video and cd stuff for a few tears and have learned more that in the past 10. Loved this lesson-
Thanks Griff for another good one.
I’ve only been learning for slightly over a year, but I use these songbooks all of the time. Ironically, the first song I learned was “Let it Be”.
However, I’d argue the point that the melody or accompaniment is not for guitar players. I try to learn and completely memorize 3-4 of these old songs per month (both chords & melody). Some times the chords don’t completely relay the song as we know it, (at least the way I’m doing it) but with playing the actual notes, it just can’t be mistaken for something else. Also, learning to play the actual notes helps me with reading music, practicing timing and beat (as written music is much more detailed than tabs)and getting the fingers used to moving around the frets also helps build better soloing skills.
But mostly, because it’s FUN and when I memorize one and get it down tight, it just flat out is a complete song.
Hopefully there are no pitfalls that I’m unaware of when learning the accompaniment? I can’t think of any.
Jim
Griff,
I’m 64 and have been teaching myself and buying your programs for the last 3 years. I save every email you put out and I think about them as well as practice them.
This was a subject that hit me like a sledge hammer. I have done these things and wondered if I was being an idiot, but I was having fun. I have 4 guitars, a mic, 3 stands and 3 amps, and
this video confirmed what I try to do every day – have fun and sound ok but not perfect but have fun and make music that gets you pumping.
I play nothing I do not like unless it is a required system, like the boxes.
You did a wonderful job here because it made so much sense.
Bob
have done this for years, and thought that i was evading the learning business. I will do it more often now.
usually I play through things and sometimes they are ok, like recognizable,
other times not, but they get better the more i do them.
i think everyone needs a few really simple songs too. so that when the going gets tough, you can go back to them and remind yourself that you are a guitar player, and having fun.
Thanks Griff. You’ve got a great teaching style. Appreciate your time.
Griff you have just sorted a 72 year olds nemesis, I have been doing exactly the same thing with the same material
for 30 years, you have made the penny drop or dime for me
I thought was rubbish at it, but now you have explained the chordage and the short falls of some chord changes have disturbed my trust in singing to some odd chords as you have pointed out this is basically piano music.
You have made old man realize he is not bad after all.
Many thanks Vic North Wales, UK.
I did not get the video – what format is it in? I have a laptop that runs Windows8.1
Fantastic as usual. Thanks a million.
Thanks Grif
Ya sometimes you just got to learn a song. It build confidence in your playing! When someone comes to your house and says, play me a song, you got some to play! Otherwise you might think your never going to get there as a Guitar player
Jeffrey
Hey griff
This video had a great number of mini lessons within the lesson. Thanks for sharing
Hi Griff,
That was just so cool. I am in our new house and I have a DEN & Music room with all my Guitars on a rack similar to yours and all my amps and guess what when I started watching this lesson, I simply copied all your chords…well most of them. I am like Lynn Brown where can we buy that book with all the songs and chords of the Beatles etc.As you said when my wife or friends ask me to play something and I play a rift or a lick doesn’t meant much but when I play the chords to Hey Jude or Yesterday or Can’t buy me love it always gets them humming or singing or even wanting to dance.
Great keep these up… you are simply a natural teacher…Rock On.
Michael -St Andrews NSW- Australia
Great lesson Griff, thanks.
I’ve been doing this for years, now I have a name for it. I’ll try it out with the kids I hang out with and see what happens
Thanks again Griff.
James.
I like the analogy. I too have a ton of books by famous singers and I don’t know the songs so I don’t try them. Maybe I will. Oh and I like the Cobra “T”. Wana sell it?
Not a Beatle fan fair enough griff I can’t believe how many
Beatle songs you played but didn’t know always done that
Griff but it’s no good unless you can strum in time what most guitarist do is strum the tune play the top line why they sing the top line and if you do it in time great if you don’t you get found out on stage run for Your dife was slow I new soon as you started but when you said it seem slow and sped it up perfect I always do this when I learn a tune anyway but it’s nice to know I do something right talk soon griff
Good one Griff, I,ve done this many times in the past without realising the learning curve I was on! I,ll be digging out those old books very soon. Love your teaching style. Many thanks. Robert
Hey Griff, I’ve been following you for some time and just had to respond to this, what I consider, “very-important-lesson”. You’ve always presented your lessons in a most considerate way, offering your personal experiences along with your technical and artistic information in such a real “human” way. You have special gifts which I’ve found, after a fair amount of consideration, to be quite profound. I think that this lesson was preluded by your asking viewers for feedback about what they wanted to achieve musically on the guitar. What you shared here is an “as-music-as-life” kind of philosophy where we as viewer-participants are again presented with the opportunity to take what we need from you in order to fulfill both our guitar playing goals and even broaden life perspectives. Just as with a chord in a Beatle’s songbook, if it doesn’t sound “right” or fit “you can change it and it really doesn’t matter”. I don’t play the guitar but am trying to learn to play the baritone ukulele and take from your generous offerings what I can for that and I really appreciate it – You’re Right on Man – Thanks…
Griff M8. its not a waste of time you NAILED it. i couldnt live with out my playn catch as you call it. top work FELLA.
Thanks for the chords to ‘Don’t Pass Me By’it was written by Ringo that’s why it’s country. He always did that. Georgia Satillites covered it and it’s very good Rock’n’roll.I have been trying to figure out those chords for sometime any way thanks again. Give it a listen on You/Tube “Nor”
Griff I enjoy your lesson and got the strumming and rhythm coruse. Like the person with back prombles, I too have been trying to learn to playon and off for 50years. It goes back when I got my guitar when I was sixteen, I learned a few chords with no idea what to do with them. I bought a Peter,Paul, and Mary song book and tried to play the songs. then I found girls. Some 15 years later my wife and I started camping with three other couples, they played and sang campfire songs. This went on for a few years till the elder of the group passed away. Which broke up the group. 30 years have passed and I found some new people to play against. In all this time when I sit and play my wife says what are you playing, it don’t sound like that, all the people I have played with that my wife has listen to play the same songs and it sounds like the song. May I also add that those that I have against have been ear player, they have had no formal trainning. So for me it seems to be a little harder, I’ve tried to study the art of playing to more then just my ear. I love to play and this last video has inspired me to try something new in my playing. Question; I have alot of books to look at, does the notes on the page also give you a idea as to how the rhythm could be played? Thank you for the lessons that you share on line. Sandy30
Many thanks for this lesson. I will now play through my flubbed cords, of which there are quite a few. My “F” chord is getting better though.
watching any of your videos is NEVER a waste of time. This is great and very encouraging. I have spent a lot of time 2nd guessing. I have recently been looking for a way to practice playing chords more accurately. When you are playing with a group everything is pretty loud and and sometimes you just can’t hear yourself. I have a lot of song books so now I can play catch and it will be fun.
thanks for a great idea
What you showed in this video is what I did when I only knew how to pick out a tune on a guitar, note by note. I also did it years later when I took guitar lessons in hopes of learning how to play chords and strum. My instructor was a very talented guitarist, a female who was younger than me (I was in my late 40s). She performed in shows and was also a session guitarist in Nashville where I live and, even though she was very nice and very patient, I was somewhat intimidated by how good she was and I always messed up (pluck the wrong string or fret the wrong string or my fingers would go in between the strings). Now, at home, all by my lonesome or in front of my wife (she never listened anyway), I could do fairly well playing individual notes or playing a few chords. But, the time the instructor had me pick out a song that one of my favorite singers had sung and learn to play the chords of that song was something else. I told her I wanted to play a John Denver song, so I learned the chords (I think it was “My Sweet Lady”) and I was really proud the way I played it at home and I played it well for the instructor, I thought. She said that I did well except for one thing —- I was playing the way I knew the song’s tune went, but I wasn’t playing to time. Well, I knew what 3/4 and 4/4 was, but no one ever taught me to play to time until your instruction.
That brings up something else that you asked in the previous email —- something about what we wanted to get from playing the guitar. I just always wanted to make music with an instrument. I had always wanted to play guitar and I’ve tried to learn how to play since 1965, off and on. I had to give it up either due to work schedules or health problems, but I would always come back to it and have to re-learn the little I knew before. When I found out about your instruction videos, I thought this would be a good time to try again. I was healing up from my third back surgery, I was retired, and I thought if I could learn to play Blues Guitar, I would be able to play almost anything. When I received the Beginning Blues Guitar course, I developed trigger finger in my left thumb (I’m right handed) and my right hand started to get numb (they think from a failed fusion in my neck). So, even though my thumb and hand are better now, I still have back issues that have prevented me from doing very much with these courses. I have purchased several courses from you when they were reduced in price in hopes that I will eventually be able to practice again. I also like to write songs and try to at least pick out the tune to them on the guitar, but right now I’m writing the songs with the tune in mind, but I haven’t tried them on the guitar yet.
Anyway, I just want to say what many others have said about you and your courses, you’re a great instructor —- you haven’t forgotten the difficulties of learning guitar and you’re easy to listen to. Your courses are well laid out and easy to follow. The only thing I had a problem with is that on some of the tab sheets the numbers don’t show up well for an old guy like me. What I found is that when the tab numbers are written on the line, they’re not as visible as when they actually break the line (a space on each side of the number).
Griff, you really know your audience. I’ve been “playing catch” since 1977, and have the same books. My first teacher, when asked if he could read music, would say “not well enough to hurt my playing”.
Now, thanks to your BGU course and wonderful email lessons, I am not only learning to play blues lead, I’m also picking up the music theory. Thanks for reminding us how much we still love to strum and sing, and how valuable that skill really is.
I’m a big fan of yours.
Jake
And one more thing… when you are onstage with a band and someone or you makes a mistake – don’t look at them – just keep on going – power thru – if you look, it just points out to the audience that someone screwed up – otherwise they’ll think it was meant to be that way. HaHaHa
What a great lesson! I wish I had seen something like this years ago. Thanks!!
ALmost didn’t listen …almost missed the message because it was sooo long getting to the point.
Im 57 knew chords, had no timing always threw the ball against the wall, but never caught it – but Ive taken a few lessons so Ill dig those books out & see what I can apply from my lessons. Yeah good message.
I’ve not read the previous posts, but the most valuable piece in the whole video is… “The process of fixing it is going to be of more value to you than learning to play the chord that sounds bad”. When you get to that point… You’re on to something. You’re learning “how” to play, not just what to play. I’ve been stuck in that rut for too many years.
GREAT LESSON Griff!!! Thank You!!!
Thanks Griff. Keep giving us those good examples and positive feedback. It’s helpful!
I’m a big Allman Bros. fan and I’ve been listening to their final concerts at the Beacon theater. I’m amazed at how unlike their records they sound sometimes. Sometimes they’re just not that good. I even heard Greg Allman miss a whole line of a song but on they go. They just keep throwing the ball. Think I’m going to start going back thru my song books all hand written taken from spinning vinyl over and over and over again..guessing at the words and the chords.
amazing brother, thanks….cant wait for the course…well done!
Hey Griff
This is how I learned to play the guitar. Like you that was the only way to lean back when I was growing up. I learned chords using the chord diagrams at the tops of the pages. I taught myself using song books. However I didn’t progress enough and lost interest for a long time. I pick up the guitar a few years ago and enjoy all your videos and expert instruction! Oh by the way Run for Your Life I call the OJ Simpson theme song….lol goggle it or utube but check it out you’ll see what I mean.
Bob
Thanks Griff! You’re the BEST!
Great blast from the Past Griff. The only guitar teacher in my small town growing up was the Nun that taught music at the local Catholic School. She did play (strum) the guitar and could somewhat follow the written music (she was a piano player and taught that too).
I still have my collection of books from back then – one being – 72 blockbuster hits of ’72!!
Fantastic reminder to have fun with this process. Thanks!
Thanks Teach, perfect timing on the lesson. Just what I needed! when I needed it! 🙂
I think Griff was drunk!!!
20 minutes of yammering on about playing chords out of a song book!
Actually, when I retired and couldn’t decide how to pursue guitar instruction, I bought “The Real Book.”
I do try to learn the songs, but I’m not confident enough in my playing to comp correctly or add the melody.
I need the kind of theory and basics that BGU is providing.
Griff! You nailed it on the head! The whole idea is having fun with the music. I’ve had many books over the years and used them extensively while learning songs to sing. I always tell everybody that I’ve been learning guitar for about 45 years now and will continue learning as long as I can pick it off the stand!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, it’s just awesome!
He wasn’t Drunk. He was just Drinkin’ ! ………….
Thanks Griff,
I’ll be taking that approach from now on, I always worry too much about the mistakes I make rather than the content of what I am trying to learn.
Another gem by Griff! – I don’t think most people realize how many times their favorite artist has played through a mistake and nobody caught it. If it’s live, you’ll usually see them chuckling to themselves about it. I’ve heard interviews where they talk about making mistakes and liking what they heard so much that they incorporated into the song or something else. The key is to keep time and keep going. Nothing points out a mistake like losing the ryhthm. Have some fun with the mistakes – in my case – there is lots of fun to be had! TW
Hey Griff, really glad I stopped by to view this lesson. I see I am doing it right. I have been playing for almost two years, and now, I see that I am doing well by you. I can strum and talk to my wife when she ask me something. I still struggle with the normal F cord, so I go to the bar!….thanks again..you are inspiring me to keep on strumming!
I do too but I kept getting drunk *?!
Hi Griff, that was great. Really useful idea and inspirational in a practical way. Perhaps, for me anyway as a struggling beginner, the best lesson ever! Keep it up with all that simple stuff to get us all better..
Stephen
I first picked up a guitar in my late teens. I remember having mastered the basics of changing smoothly between chords (all 3 of them !! ) I then set about writing out songs, mostly gospel from church, and fitting the appropriate chord. I then discovered I needed more than three chords, so learnt Am Dm then E etc. I think this proved to be good training.
I still need to grapple with diminshed augmented add9 etc 🙂
Having reawakened the interest in playing recently following retiremen I got together with a couple of guys from church and we played sixties stuff of an afternoon, I then ended up getting roped in to play on a Sunday at Church. Currently working on “Killer Blues Solos” and “52 Rhythm Fills” enjoying it, which is the main point, and I think my attempts at lead improvisation is getting better. As you say the most important thing is fun.
Lots of responses. Keeping it short. This was very welcome and good to see you in a human element being you.
Yes, Griff, I recognized all of those Beatle songs. Was able to just play along with you. I’ve be learning Four Strong Winds , the Neil Young version and have experienced just what you are talking about. I do fluff the chords and I appreciate your advice to “power through a mistake”. No more huffing and throwing my arm down. I struggle so much with playing the notes (or lead). Anyway, a great lesson.
Sandie
Hey man I m 59 I feel like I just had my first lesson I been monking around with my guitars since 16 I love it to death!!!just love it!!!
Hi Griff, you haven’t wasted my time yet. Always insightful thanks much.
Griff…excellent point of view…just happens to coincide with where I am at in my my guitar playing…thanks so much!
Hey Griff, thanks for the video. I don’t ever think I have wasted my time watching your lessons…been at it a long time, have a lot to learn… Each time I watch one of your videos I learn something, sometime simple sometime hard, think you are a great instructor, everyday I look forward to your post…I have your BGU, BGIB and 5 easy blues solos, all are great and I would recommend them for anyone.
Thanks again for the great lessons.
Dale
I am exactly hear and have several of your courses. I have picked up many cords since i began 4 years ago and I know some cool riffs but no songs. I get some ribbing from family and friends about”when you gonna play a song for us”. You just posted something that to me is super important to hear said. Thanks for all you do! Mark S.
You realise there’ll be a shortage of Beatles songbooks for sale everywhere in the coming days?!? LoL
Very good “quick” lesson!
The kind that very few teachers (mine also not included) do!
Dan
PS. I only have an Allman Brothers Band songbook Griff, will that do?
Dan
Nice shirt! Cobra driver? Me too! Great minds…. HA!
Cool lesson…But as always…it’s the truth and most of us started that out that way. Kinda’ a campfire sing along. No fuss, no muss…just fun!
Given the chance (and the money) I’d personally go for an AC-Cobra instead! LoL
But that’s a different subject altogether!
Compliments to Griff: Lesson was so good I didn’t notice the shirt until Carl here pointed us to it!
Dan
Great stuff, Griff!
My mother left me a ton of sheet music from the 1920’s to about the 50’s I used to do this on the piano. I should drag some of it out and try in on guitar. Thanks!
I need a bigger ball glove i cant catch nothing. LOL thanks Griff, i like it.
Hey Griff, Thanks this is by far the best video you’ve done I have your playing on the porch course. This video should be part of that course. The biggest thing that I got out of this was, I’m better than I thought I was with the guitar. Because I can throw the ball. again Thanks Dave M.
Good! 84 and just learning. Keep the shirt.
Griff, for me when I commented on what I would like to learn in your prior survey/email, I was not referring to wanting to memorize a song as much as being able to walk in on a jam and be able to know how to pick up the key and they the progression and any changes. Perhaps then I already do know how and just need to get into a comfort zone.
Hey Griff,
This was great and I laughed many times thru this video!
I have your strumming and rhythm DVDs and this made perfect sense of how I can incorporate that with some sheet music. Now I need to pull out some those old music books.
Thanks again!
Geez man, your the best, thanks Griff…really enjoyed this video…you are like a Guru for learning the guitar and keeping it real…
That’s how I’ve been learning songs for years, not being a proficient reader of music(playing “by ear”). Great input, makes me feel better to know someone else does this too! Your courses I have subscribed to are a big help when it comes to “filling in” what sounds good, and has definitely improved my playing. Thanks, Griff!
I tried to play by ear, but I found out that hands and fingers work much better:-)
Griff that was F-ing FUNNY keep playing & don’t stop makin MUSIC LEARNED THAT 40 years ago THANKS 4 the reminder 🙂
perfect timing, things have been so hectic this winter that I need some laid back fun and to be reminded where I can find it…right at my fingertips. Nice job as always
Very helpful and useful information. Thanks Griff!
Thanks I am a beginner and this helps. You never waist my time
Griff,this was a great lesson. I too, have a few song books that I have only looked at briefly. You have inspired me to go thru them and play as many as I can. Thanks again. Mike Z.
What a great idea, Griff. I actually have that Beatles song book and have just put it aside. Think I’ll break it out again and mess around with it. Sounds like fun and hey, I might even learn something.
Cool,
DaveyJoe
Yes I’m with the others Griff one of your best lessons for sure like the impromptu feel and yes sir I have books as well got an old Kiss easy guitar book from high school never thought of the talking and playing thing as a way into doing both awesome thanks so much for all you do for us !!!
Time-waster? Never. I TOO HAVE THAT BOOK! And considering you’d never heard the songs before, you pretty much nailed the feel of them, I was even singing along while you played them… and in the past I have done exactly what you did, which was open the book at rendom and play that tune. Even for the ones I wasn’t familiar with, there are often interesting chord sequences in there, like putting in a Dmin where you might expect to have seen an F chord.
Please keep the videos coming! You can see by the responses you’re getting just how much people enjoy them.
Hey Griff. What an impact this video had on me. It just hit me that this is supposed to be fun. I loved the part when you said to power thru your mistakes and try to keep going. I’ve heard (maybe from you), that if you keep your strumming hand going with the rhythm, your fretting hand will catch up (power thru). I’ve tried it and it works. Thanks for the great video as usual.
I primarily like the sound that is the blues in any shape or form. Interestingly enough at this side of the big pond Griff, the Beatles are as big as it gets. there are course many more giants out there; The Rolling Stones; The Who; The Kinks. They are all groups that I have followed throughout the years. The idea of picking up a book and managing to pick out tunes to play would be awesome. Tempo is critical and so far that is one of the areas of playing I have to get down with, believe it or not. I can see the chords, I see where the changes are etc, what is missing is the idea of what tempo to play, what for me might be obscure material. I would have to stick with groups and artist I already know..Can I put my own spin of such material, I wish. For the time being I shall stick with what I know and what you teach us – the blues. perhaps I should tap my foot more. Thinking about your previous post re metronomes.
A big “Thank You” to Griff.
I used to bounce the ball off the wall in our basement throwing at a mark I make for a target. You can’t get much loft, so you learn to throw harder the farther back you stand. Learned a lot. Played basketball and baseball. Proprioception is the ten-cent word for making adjustments to throw it in the bucket when you are constantly in different places. Humans are good at it. Robots aren’t.
I am 66. I identified with this blog completely. Heard the Beatles first played on my buddy’s car radio in 1964. Bought a Silvertone guitar at Sears. Learned chords. No money. No lessons. Learned from friends.
My voice (I sang in a choir) changed from a nice tenor to an in-between crap. I gave up singing and the chords were nice but didn’t do it for me. I went to lead guitar. The Ventures! Surf Music! I played through high school… I had to work full time to put myself through college. No time. Not enough studying on those books. Guitar gradually went away. Music was always a part of my life, but I was just listening by this point.
Recently, I crushed three fingers of my left hand. Worried that the surgeon could save the end of my middle finger. He did! Couldn’t make a closed fist for a year. Physical Therapy. Then, I got out the old Silvertone. I could still play a little. Fingers hurt. Great therapy. I loved it. I love the blues. I can not believe how the surf music and blues are very similar. It is a lot about feeling the mood.
Muted at times, kind of acoustic very often. It is the beat. Timing. Bought a strat.
Anyway. It is amazing how we all go through these passages in life. We think we are unique with our problems and situations. Then when we are lucky, we find we are all sharing common parts of life. Age helps to see the bigger picture, maybe?
Keith Richards sang in an award winning boys choir. They pitched him out after his voice changed. He went to guitar and eventually the blues, too. He did ok. LOL.
I dug through local teachers and online the last two years. Tried several.
Griff, you are the best.
You see “the big picture” of it, including guitar and the blues fitting into our life for some enjoyment. When you are free to use your time, you want something out of it. You understand the fun.
Thanks beyond words.
Tom S
southern Ohio
I study the guitar in all its forms. Classical, flamenco, jazz, blues, country, rock. But nothing beats impromptu playing of popular songs for a group of people/friends who just wanna sing after a few drinks. To do this all you need is a good quality steel strung acoustic guitar, a couple of sixties songbooks and the ability to play/strum the song chords well as shown in Griffs very informative video. Certainly saves on your drinks bill.
Great lesson, Griff…and well delivered…this is a great way to practice changing chords and to help learn what chord changes work together which is inturn helpful in developing your ear…not to mention song writing potential…
thanks RK
Wasted my time ? Griff you have never once wasted my time. Everything you teach is so helpful, as this was. Sometimes I get so caught up in learning licks, chords and patterns that I forget to just have fun and play. Thank you again.
Grif, most of what I’ve seen of your lessons is Blues related, and though Blues aren’t my primary interest, I continue to watch your videos because you are so good at what you do. I am a late 50’s retired beginner, and nearly every minute of this lesson spoke directly to where I’m at (especially at about the 20:15 mark where you talk about powering through a stinky F chord). As accomplished a player as you are, it’s amazing you can still be so effective in teaching beginners in a non-intimidating way.
A while back I bought a 3 Chord songbook that had over 90 great songs, but when I got it home I realized I didn’t know what to do with it. This lesson changed that. Thank you for this and all of your other great lessons!
Jim
Hi Griff,Thanks for the lesson,I know you can read music with your eyes closed ha,but I noticed you didn,t appear to mention reading the top line would show you how the song goes,reason.I record the top line and then play it back and practice it.p.s. I still can,t play much. Len.I would like to hear you play chet atkins style on a song.
good morning griff
I just love to , catch a teacher in a mistake !
all of those chords can be played with 2 fingers at the most , you jumped from those basic 2 note chords to chords that you and I play every day of our lives ,
not good for a teacher, and most definitely not up to your standards as one of the best teachers in north America—must have been some party the night before you made the recording.
jimmy peters
You are my “Guitar Guy” Griff ! This video is just one of the many reasons I purchase your CD’s :)Thanks.
Griff, you nailed it. I have been studying a hand full of leads that I am really comfortable with, but have yet discovered what songs I could play them with. I know I could speed them up, slow them down, what ever. The truth is I really don’t know a whole lot of songs. In the old days, I did just what you have you have emphasized in today’s lesson and would go to a party, beach it really doesn’t matter, I could usually say hey I know that song or would fake it and generally had fun playing guitar and was comfortable just doing that. Thanks for the regroup, I need to go play some catch.
Wings
Yes that was greatly encouraging. I have not yet become the musician that I see in my mind. For years I have been doing just what you have been speaking about. I usually would do these things when I was discouraged and think I should throw in the towel. But the other day I went to a jam with some new people. And I quickly realize that I was not only able to keep up, but was able to be helpful to others.
Thank you Griff.
This is great I just got some music books and was looking at them got kind of lost but every thing you just said was really great. I feel much better about what I am doing and where I am at I played in grade school on the violin and could read music but suffered a bad head injury and all of that was lost. I have never had great timing so I have to work much harder but what you just showed I was right in time with you. After all these years of thinking I could never learn I now know I can so Thanks very much.
Hi Griff, got a grin outta this one. As someone who was there in front of my telly the night the Beatles debuted on Ed Sullivan, I knew the Beatles stuff. Later on, I was a nut on Donovan, and had a real POS guitar, and a couple of Donovan song books. That, plus following along with the old LP’s, was my intro to guitar playing. Thanks for the memories!
For me it was Elton John and Todd Rundgren’s Something/Anything songbooks because they were the only ones that had piano parts that actually matched the instruments on the records instead of just playing a right-hand melody over a left hand rhythm and bass.
On Guitar Guy website I found “So What’s New” a song popularized by Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass with lyrics
by Peggy Lee. It is a moderate tempo tune in the key of G. I tried to follow along with all the chord changes, but I had no idea how complicated that song really is!:-[ Maybe I bit off more than I can chew. I suppose I could go with “Happy Birthday to You”
‘
I’m outta here. Off to the races, Looking for my ZZ Top book. Thanks Griff.
I have been impressed with the timing of videos and comments relative to where I am at in my progression.
Back in the 60s I was learning to race sailboats and was told by a mentor “If it is not fun you are not doing it right”‘
So thanks for reinforcing the fact that the only reason I am doing the guitar thing is for personal enjoyment.
Mahalo,
H Spruit
Thanks for this Griff…common sense restated for all of us.
Hi Griff,
When I younger and started to learn guitar back in the 70’s, I learned a lot of different chords by using music books (i.e., The Beatles & John Denver. I would open the book and follow along with the record (Yes, a vinyl record). It’s very important in your growth and knowledge in learning to play. Today, I use Ultimateguitar.com and chordae.com a lot. I use them for some direction and what key the song is playing. A lot of the times the chord charts they have, along with the lyrics are not right, but at least, it gives me a starting point and to where I need to make the correct chord changes and where the song changes are. Solos are great, but the music is where it’s at. Griff, thanks for the tips and lessons.
Gregory A Burrow
laughed myself silly through this because playing in the background on my ipod just happened to be The Beatles LOL I’d been spending so much time lately trying to figure out boxes and some blues stuff that I’ve forgotten to just play and have fun :~) and just the other day I found all my old music song books… so off I go to play again.
Possibly the most valuable bit of information you could give someone. Thanks
This is a great lesson for beginners, and one that those of us that have played for along time take for granted.
This is exactly how I learned to play.
I also love your comment about 18:20 in regarding being able to strum chords and have a conversation. I always tell people that want to sing and play that one of the two (and probably both) need to be on autopilot.
Griff, When I first read the “How to play catch” I hoped you going to do a call and respond video. I absolutelely agree with what you say in the video. I have a bunch of song books, older ones like Neil Young acoustic stuff. Would you please do a call and response video? Thanks, Gary
I have some cds of Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass that I try to play along with the rhythm guitar part. Kind of difficult but I try.
Griff, as always what you say makes so much sense! I use to toss a lacrosse ball against the wall for hours and hours. You are right, nobody taught me how to play catch!
I have been taking solos in my guitar class and each time feeling more comfortable. Last week my guitar teacher said to me, “great solo very bluesy” BUT you still have timing issues and knowing when to stop! I have to focus on the chord changes and paying attention to the sheet music. I tend to get lost in the moment when trying to groove.
My goal 3 years ago was to be able to fingerpick “Blackbird” I can now play the original version quite well….I broke the song down into small chunks 2-4 bars at a time and it really helped. Keep up the good work you inspire the musician in all of us!
That was a great trip down memory lane. I still have the lp’s that I wore out out on my turntable getting the words, chords, and fingerpicking down from Peter, Paul, and Mary, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot, et al, up in my attic somewhere. And all the sheets of paper with the words written down by hand with the chord names above the right words and all that. Oh, to have that kind of time again. But now I have you with a much better approach. Your guidance really ties things up in a nice bow and is the perfect finishing touch.
Oh yes, love that T-shirt! First On Race Day!!!
Great vid. Until I saw this I thought it was only me who learned how to play the guitar this way. Until someone points things out to you you don’t really realise sometimes what you are doing.
Hey Griff…Thanks so much for your little “throwing the ball” video. Wow…I found out “I got it”. I can now muddle through the flubbed chord, I can carry on a conversation and keep on playing and my timing is great. I turned on the metronome the other day and played through a song and it was right on. I have been seriously working on my playing for the past couple of years (after owning guitars in cases, for 35 years or more.) I am a happy player this morning.
Love your lessons and little special videos. You are very encouraging and your lessons are easy to follow.
thanks…love ya
76 year old Granny
Thank you so much for that lesson Griff. I loved it and used to do it years ago when I took lessons .I half to get back playing cause I love the guitar sound. I save all your video,s so when I am stuck I can always go back and see how it works. So thank you very much for all the music that you send out to us. Cheers for the day and have a good one.
Great lesson, Griff.. I often lose the fact that music should be (is) fun… I tend to get caught up in ‘technical’ stuff and lose sight of the big picture.. Back to basics, and then all of a sudden some of technical/ advanced stuff fits right in, which is the ultimate goal of all player levels, I would think.. I hope this makes sense, does to me anyway.. Maybe one of your best lessons yet!!
Griff, you really never heard those Beatle tunes…you’re making me feel old. Good concept.
Cliff
When I started playing at church, this is what I had to do. 6 -8 different songs every week. Along with that at practice the choir might not like the key, so transposing became critical.The only draw back is that you don’t memorize anything. You just follow along with the sheet music. Keep up the good work.
This was a really good hang out with a lot of unspoken about truth. It took me a long time as a beginner that music books are not written by the performers of the songs.
But written by transcribers and simplified for piano players. When I learnt that most guitar players could not write music down but this did not stop them playing or indeed performing. I was a lot easier on myself and playing became fun just as above.
Thanks Griff Your the best
Larry
Hey Griff, you are a great player and an awesome teacher. It’s obvious that you love music. However, what I like most about you is that you don’t use profanity in an attempt to drive home a point or seem cool or whatever. Also, I like the fact that you are not covered with tattoos. Sorry, I should not have said that. But dude, you are going to have to get rid of that Ford shirt. Just kidding.
Keep teaching and keep it clean
Mike
Awesome Griff,loved it.Thanks a lot and have a great day.
got up this a.m. watched a video, Les Paul playing Sleep Walk. Looked up the chords and have been playing the chords and trying to “fill” using arpeggios and just picking notes in the different chords to see what sounds good. Same idea I guess. Take something simple and make it your own
I’ve not heard many of the Beatles songs you selected at random. But when you played them, they were instantly recognisable as a Beatles song. I guess they have that Northern English vibe as often copied by Oasis et al.
I loved this video! I sometimes get so focused on lessons and scales and learning to solo that I forget that it’s all about playing music! Thanks for the reassurance that it’s OK to strum a few chords and sing. You’re a great coach, Grif!
no time wasted, Griff. I enjoy the music I do very much, i love it. I dated a lady a while back that was a true musician in every note, count and most instriments. Me on the other hand, tonedeaf, timing ok when I’m playin with friends. Anyway, she stayed on me so bad that it almost took the joy I have for music. We’re still friends but that’s all. I’m a Chaplain for bikerchurchusa.org and i play and sing, tonedeaf and all, but solo. (only way i get away with it) but that love of music and the joy I feel overcomes everything. Sometimes I forget words,(I’m a geezer) but I keep on and the folks keep askin me back to places. You’re right,Griff, enjoy it and have fun. I understand how spot on a payin gig has to be, that’s cool, but if I don’t bless but ome out of a bunch, that’s good, and i’m still have’n a blast doin it, and thanks Griff for what I’ve learned from you,,, God bless ya,,,
Very encouraging Griff! Thanks:) I’m a self-taught guitar player and I have learned just as you have described here. I got books of popular music and played the songs i knew.once i got comfortable with the chords, i added the singing.
My younger brother could play by ear and pick things up so much quicker than me almost as soon as he started, which was very discouraging to short, stubby-fingered me! But I persisted, ’cause i love music so much. I hadn’t seen my brother in many years and when we were re-united, we were jamming at his place and there were a bunch of other people listening. I felt so inadequate that i nust let him play lead, he can do all sorts of fancy stuff. Finally someone said “Let’s hear what you can do” I was so nervous that i forgot everything that i knew except one three-chord , slow song that i learned in church. I played that and everyone listened intently and cheered for me when i finished. My brother thought it sounded great too.
imagine my surprise when one of those listening said “Matt, ( my brother’s name) your brother’s a better guitar player than you, shut up and let him play. All you do is jerk off on your guitar, he can play actual songs!”
Powering through a mistake was one of the hardest things I had to learn when performing live. What I did find out later was 1) the audience probably won’t notice it it the first place unless you are playing for other musicians, in which case you are hosed already so just enjoy yourself! and 2) the audience will have a tendency to “fill in the blanks” and make your playing perfect in their head at the time. I’ve butchered solos (but kept going) and had people come up to me at the end of the gig and even weeks later congratulating me on how I “nailed” that piece!
So, just as you have said many times in the past, practice the piece until you can’t make a mistake, and you will on stage, just keep going as if you didn’!
Tom902
I remember doing this as a kid…amazing what one can do with just a few chords…still do it quite a bit with my acoustic…and it’s still just plain fun…later.
cowboy
Waste My Time ???? .. You’re funny Griff… I always pick up at least a little something from your videos… It’s always fun hanging with you on my screen… And the comparison of bouncing a ball around vs whacking away at a book of tunes makes perfect sense… Thanks
Powering through a mistake and not going back to the beginning. That’s a lesson for me!
That was awesome Griff, You never waste my time, And love the Beatles, I would love to get my hands on that book you have…Would you be willing to sell me yours, or tell me where I could buy them, Love your lessons too!
Thank you,
Lynn Brown
Hi Lynn
Try looking for the ISBN 0.86001-002.3, called “The Beatles Complete” Guitar edition. Having lived and worked in Liverpool, I had to be a fan! My copy was published by “Music Sales Ltd, 78 Newman St, London W1, England” – US info & website: http://www.musicsales.com/Companies/UnitedStates.aspx
Good luck and happy hunting!
Best regards
Al Heyes
You left me inspired. I’ve been so centered on lessons and trying to get a particular item under my belt that I forgot to just have fun and play. I needed to hear this. 50 years ago, this is what I did with The Animals and The Yardbirds and the Stones and that is why I loved to play. (There was a considerable break in the action between then and now). Thanks. GLS
Thanks for the lesson, I now have a new way to practice chord changes that are in real songs. Until now I would do the 1, 4, 5, and Minor 6 changes in different keys. this will make it more interesting.
Hi I have some of those old books from the early sixties, not all written music is in the same key as the vinyl 45 was pressed 🙁 when you realised that it took a little while to play along changing chords and keys and then pencil in the ones that sounded right as per the record,then unlearn the wrong ones then commit the right ones to memory. I have a friend up north( in u.k.) who plays rhytmn so well that you can hear the melody. his timing is masterful and I have to listen really closely for pauses and stresses when I play the lead carefully over the top. What made a lot of the Beatles records sound so good was the words, chords, and the harmonies blending.
Hi.Griff
Liked the video. Reminded me of the strumming songs I know. Interesting,NM huh. I was raised in Roswell,NM. Alienated from the rest of the world for sure.lol
That was fun. Great advice. Maybe your best
Oh! how I wish I could find a tutor like you where I am. Or I could afford to move across the pond to be near where you are. Thanks Griff you’re a star.
I believed that the bottom line was the bass line . i wont dispute what You say . pulled out a music book and looked at it . Okay so if I get a artist in mind and a tune they do and it is familiar to me i try to listen and figure out what cords are used . Most of the time i get close . Then go to youtube and watch the tune being played see how close i got then fine tune it . Yup the rests stops are important and thats where most get lost . I have seen cover artists on line that are completely wrong . Thats where tone is important that has to be there also . So all really have to do the homework and then maybe then perhaps You can write your own stuff. All the tools are here just figure out how to use them . OH not all cover artists are bad . I AM NOT GOING TO MENTION ANY NAMES, SEE YA
My brother and I cut our (guitar) teeth on these style tab books many, many moons ago. And we would throw in some elementary leads during breaks which created my desire to become a lead guitar player but this also developed my sense of rhythm. And never used a metronome in learning the guitar. I took piano earlier in life from a little nazi style piano instructor who was the sweet neighborhood grandmother until she shut the door to her classroom (her living room) and then Helga, The Horrible (her alter ego) would come out. the ever droning metronome and her ruler slapping your fingers for hitting the wrong keys for one hour of hell until the next torture session. But these tab style books allowed me to enjoy playing and develop a “great throwing arm” with this type of free-learning environment versus Helga’s Structured Style. BTW a great blog and thanks for the trip down memory lane1
Cheers!
Love your attitude throughout this video. Relaxed,friendly, informative and your personality comes through, which makes it fun to watch. I’m a 74 year young beginner and am going to share this with my 11 year old granddaughter.
Thanks
Its so easy to loose sight of this. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Griff, I did have all of those old guitar books as well. I had the Mel Bay guitar books and many books from the rock groups of the day, I even had sheet music. I had the Beatles, Monkees, Rolling Stones, and 50 Great Rock songs, that I learned how to strum with.
Point being, I could strum along with the record (33 1/3 vinyl) but that was about all. Then along came BGU and I have learned so much about playing and the theory behind the music. A four note solo salute to you Griff.
Thanks, Griff, good counsel, i tend to do that naturally, if i get stuck or frustrated, it reminds me why i started, just to be able to sit n play anything is brill. But i got caught up with need to do certain things and lose the fun and joy sometimes.
I have the strumming mastery course, and for those thinking about it, its a great course quite detailed. More than i expected which is a bonus of itself.
Thanks as always for your time and effort.
H
Griff, thanks for the video it was very timely. As I go through the DVD lessons for Bluesguitarunleash I always end up playing a song after the practice session and as you say it just feels good to play some music. You are always so right on with your videos and this one was really laid back and I enjoyed it. Keep em comin!
Hey Griff, one of your best yet 🙂 Thank you for that.
Just watched your video Griff. Really like this format, felt like you were right here, you had me laughing out loud. I’ve have two shelves of music books from classical, bluegrass, country, rock and roll, and more. I’ve never considered doing tunes from those books as guitar playing. The emphasis seemed more on singing and a singer I’m not. I learned from this video that maybe I should spend more time learning strumming patterns….I’m in a rut there. Thanks so much for doing these video blogs, they’re great.
At the end of the day Griff that is what it all about, playing songs is where the joy is. For those that have not done Griff’s Rhythm Mastery course it is a must and fits with the aim of playing tunes like these. Also shame on you Griff for not knowing those Beatle songs.
That is a great way to practice chords Griff!!
You described exactly where I am. I know a bunch of chords and almost have the boxes down. But I don’t play songs. AND I’m in a slump. This sounds like a great idea for me. It might even help with my right hand which sucks. Thanks
Thanks Griff, loved your encouragement…. and you had the songs right, as I know them. Cool lesson.
GREAT, GREAT Video! The idea of playing a simple chords out of a book for beginners is invaluable for developing your skills, but for me (stuck in the middle after playing for 40 years) it is a great way to recalibrate and remind myself why I love playing guitar. It’s about making music. Period! If I’m struggling with learning a solo or a new concept, all I have to do strum an old Jimmy Buffett tune in three quarter time and all is right with the world again. Thanks for the reassurance Griff!
I’ve had that book for 40 years. Now off to the attic to try and find it and give it a try. Thanks Griff.
Great lesson Griff!
I have been playing the guitar for over 10 years and I noticed I started improving my skill when I started to play catch with my brother. We play live regularly and we just have fun! This is something I think most musicians lose-the sense of enjoyment. Playing live and enjoying yourself and not worrying about mistakes has improved my guitar playing as I am willing to try anything on stage now. Great advice Griff!!! We should all learn to play catch as we become better at it.
My parents couldn’t afford to sent me to guitar lessons , so I took the playing catch against the wall and ordered a self taught guitar course I found in a magazine. The name of the book was Learn to play guitar in seven days, by Ed Sales I did not learn in seven days but I did learn in seven months and still learning
Playing catch approach makes sense .
Very cool Griff. Very easy way to practice strumming and chords.
Griff: I loved the video because you showed what I love to do. I have reams of chorded lyrics fom numerous sites, books, and other sources. I learn songs that way, particularly the lyrics because in 99% or so of the songs I want to “learn” I already know how they sound. I started singing a couple years ago (it was grim at first) but now I love performing for people! This is the greatest gift of music, guitar in particular, that pays back many-fold. Now I’m working hard on the other side of the guitar coin, the soloing and fills and rhythm stuff. But it was learning whole songs that drove me. Brilliant stuff Griff! Thank you!
In my reply I was remiss to point out that in most venues (living room, beach, front porch, open mike, etc) if you mess up, nobody knows 99% of the time if you just power through. I have developed that ability to remain in time despite tossing a sloppy or off chord. It’s irrelevant and in my view adds a bit of authenticity and real ness to your performance. One of the challenges I face is to adjust a capo on the neck to bring the pitch within my range. I don’t often try to transpose unless I want I get rid of barre chords, for example the B minor and F#7 in Eagles Hotel California. Just capo at 2 and transpose to all open chords. This, to me, is how one really learns to “make music”. Just my $0.02 worth,
Feel at home here!
This was very encouraging.
Thanks so much.
/ Borre
Great reminder of why I started playing in the first place. Thanks Griff!
Griff, that was great. Never had it explained that way before. With that info I now know I can put chords togeather and play some songs & have fun !!!! Thank you so much, Brother Lindsey
Your message came at the perfect time. The Universe lined up for us again. You seem to be speaking directly to me Griff.
Great presentation and probably my favorite video of yours due to the impromptu feel and time without feeling rushed or nervous or head cold laden.
I have a few Metallica, ac/DC and pantera far beyond driven song books. 15 – 20 years old now. I had decided to start with these really advanced metal books before learning, say, the blues or some standards other than star spangled banner.
Of course like many i put it down biting off more than I could chew. Finding a new passion for music, the blues, bebop jazz and other forms and finding your videos has been a message and now I’m geeking out on theory and while I learned to sight read on piano decades ago I forgot most of it.
Every good boy does fine and face, were all i recalled a month ago.
Keep it up please good sir, stay happy healthy and best wishes to the family too, you are a godsend.
As always, interesting, enjoyable and one more to go in that file labled “work on this”.
Excellent real world advice, well put across.
Super lesson, give us more!
Wow… Another great lesson for doing it on the fly. Like I’m sitting in the room with you. Great approach on message delivery. I’m doing this…
Interesting Griff,
JC