How to Play "Teach Your Children" on Guitar

By Graham Nash, who gives this lesson, the song was written when he was a member of the Hollies. It was first recorded on the album, Déjà Vu, by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released in 1970. Jerry Garcia plays pedal steel guitar. In return, Garcia asked CSNY to help the Grateful Dead improve their vocal harmony for their upcoming albums, Workingman's Dead and American Beauty.
Released as a single, "Teach..." peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts that year. In Canada, "Teach Your Children" reached number 8.
Nash, who is a photographer, said in an interview that the immediate inspiration for the song came from a famous photograph by Diane Arbus, "Child with Toy Hand Grenade in Central Park." The image depicts a child with an angry expression holding the toy weapon. This prompted Nash to reflect on the societal implications of messages given to children about war.

[@JohnMcKenna-gx4gy]

can't believe that I first heard this fantastic song in the 70s, and now I am in my 70s and teaching myself guitar online, with the help of the guy who played it originally. What a mind blowing emotional and satisfying journey. thank you lots.

[@Poco50guitar]

I enjoyed the teaching of the song very much, but that isn't what impressed me the most, its sharing from the heart the way you look at life.
I was actually quite pleasantly surprised. I'm a 69 yr. old, getting ready to teach my grandson how to play the guitar. I hope i'm able to show the calmness that you show in this lesson so he will have the desire to keep playing for life. Thank you very much Mr. Nash.

[@peterrocha9474]

Mr. Nash, thank you for teaching us one of my favorite CSNY songs.

[@tambalas7104]

we donot tire singing that lovely song we brothers and sisters back then until now! and with guitar we play!

[@faborwick5887]

Humans are gonna need this lesson in 50 years,,thank you Graham for putting it down for us all and for posterity

[@diffbreak2366]

Great song that defined a generation and stays relevant probably eternally! The best thing he is bringing himself to the level of an average Joe without any pretense of being a legend that he is.

[@scubarojo]

We have a local group of musicians (The BUS band) who do a CSN tribute a couple of times a year in our town, and we get to fall in love with all the beautiful tunes (and harmonies) from that era, and they usually toss in tunes from the Byrds, and Hollies to boot. Thanks for teaching us 3 chord pickers how to do it right.

[@TAYLORFAN50]

Genuine and humble! Thank you Mr. Nash. 👏👏👏👏

[@anilgonsalves]

Thanks for this great lesson, frim the Master himself. What a treat. Please don't stop guving out these superb lessons. God bless

[@najmu49]

Such humility, sir. We remain most grateful for your lesson and surprised to learn your amazing English background (I whisper, all this over 50 years thought CSN and CSNY were all born North American). God bless

[@seanhallahan14]

Thank you, Graham! Always lovely to hear your inspiring ways.

[@glenncerny8403]

I have always been a fan of the Hollies, the Byrds, and CSN with and without Y. Thanks for the great music Graham.

[@diffbreak2366]

The genius lies in the simplicity!

[@michaelgro3145]

Danke Graham, für Deine großartige Musik.

[@KKissinger72]

One of my favorite songs from one of my all time favorite bands. Some of my fondest memories seeing CSN live, CSN&Y live and Crosby & Nash live! Beyond your beautiful music, you're an inspiration and an amazing person!

[@tambalas7104]

i learn more from the guitar and song here! thanks mr nash!

[@Billsingsong]

Thank you for the nice slow and calm lesson. Can you also teach our house, Cathedral, and

[@2011vipe]

Es un lujo tener de profesor al compositor.

[@acneoh]

Very cool to see Graham explain this gem of a tune. Great how Steven showed him how to play the G with the drop D tuning. Then the little nuances and vocals of Steven, David and Graham make this song brilliant.

[@karenhancock542]

thank you.... very interesting learning some background from one of the members of one of my all time favorite musical groups!

[@mickt4552]

THANK YOU GRAHAM (FOR ALL YOUR MUSIC TOO) !!!

[@peggyqbkg9705]

time 10:35 on guitar. Talks about 'Teach your children'. 12:15 shows how to play it. 15.08 Note, from the writer: "the one they pick, is the one you'll know by', NOT as often sung and transcribed "pick's". Thanks for the music!

[@johnwestcott5606]

Just beautiful! Thank you, Graham!

[@tambalas7104]

awesome story mr nash!!

[@sets51]

Thank you Mr. Nash, for showing us how to play your beautiful song. God bless you, and Happy New Year!

[@mikevv]

What an abdolute MAESTRO, more songs pls BOSS...

[@tambalas7104]

lovely voice!

[@fairygodmomma2313]

@2:15 I ADORED that song & to this day I enjoy chewing gum before I go to bed, because of that song.

[@fairygodmomma2313]

Very very very special! A short brought me here initially,
condolences for David Crosby, RIP
and I'm seriously considering relearning, it's been years.

[@kknonngremnonngrem350]

Thanks so much for all your help

[@johnnybumpous9108]

I've always loved that somg ! Thanks for sharing..

[@yrulooknatme]

special stuff... hope he's well

[@williefrietsch6351]

Awesome 🎸☮️

[@Billsingsong]

Now I remember: Chicago, and the sleep song. Can you please teach them and are they in open D?

[@secretagent86]

Merchant seamen.. early internet lol