JAMES TAYLOR - What He Taught Me about Guitar and Singing - 4 lessons from a MASTER
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ธ.ค. 2022
- #guitarlesson #jamestaylor #gibsonj50
I probably learned more about guitar and vocals from James Taylor than any other musical artist, and he has important things to teach every guitarist - including YOU.
Discover the BIGGEST lesson I learned from him - the "one-man-band" guitar style. How to play 3 parts at the same time: bass, rhythm, and lead licks. You'll find out about James and his brother Livingston, and how their guitar styles differed from all the other folk-rock artists of the 70s.
I pull out my vintage '64 Gibson J-50 (a J-45 with natural wood finish), virtually identical to the guitar JT played on his first four LPs: James Taylor, Sweet Baby James, Mud Slide Slim, and One Man Dog. I play snippets from some of JT's most beloved songs featuring intricate guitar parts: Blossom, You Can Close Your Eyes, Something in the Way She Moves, Carolina in My Mind, Sweet Baby James, Sunny Skies, Long Ago and Far Away, One Man Parade, Chili Dog, Country Road and Music.
Ultimately, JT taught me FOUR major lessons, so watch to the end to discover what they are, then apply them to YOUR OWN playing and singing.
JT's influence spilled over into my own songwriting in the 70s and can be heard on my 1980 LP called "Over the Line." See Spotify and Apple Music links below to listen for free.
▶ BUY THE JAMES TAYLOR GREATEST HITS SONGBOOK WITH TABS◀
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This book has accurate transcriptions of JT's best-known songs. The tablature is correct, but you MUST have a capo (because JT often uses one). As one reviewer says, "For instance, on Fire and Rain, the capo is on the 3rd fret, and the first notes are 3 on the 5th string and 7 sliding to 9 on the 3rd string. Ignore where your capo is - since the first note is 3 on the 5th string, it's played open, since the capo is already on the 3rd fret. Easy peasy."
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Hi, my name is Robert Cassard. Thank you for watching, liking and subscribing.
I am a lifelong guitar player, singer-songwriter, producer, and music fanatic. I create Guitar and Recording Discoveries videos to share the pure joy of music - shortcuts to help you play guitar, sing, record and sound great doing it. I learn the hard way so you don’t have to!
Learn more about me, my music and my videos:
www.guitardiscoveries.com/
Check out my band Cosmic Spin’s website:
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Wonderful rendition of his style - and why it’s so poignant and satisfying. Haven’t seen anyone else do it better. Thank you!
Really appreciate your kind words. "Poignant and satisfying" are the perfect descriptors of JT's music and style. It's deceptively complex, but it always goes down easy!
Just discovered this and totally agree
@@dankenny9500 Thank you.
That Gibson has a wonderful sound
Thanks, David. I agree! It's a 1964 J-50, and it always sounded good, but now I think it sounds great! I I talked about and played this guitar in my very first Guitar Discoveries video, five years ago: th-cam.com/video/mx8EmutRQ3A/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RDSj4ePZHsPYrPFG I did a few things to make it sound better since buying it in 1978. The first and biggest change was an unintentional upgrade. I decided to add a natural sounding pickup system so I could plug in when playing live. To do that, the luthier had to replace the original bridge and adjustable (plastic) saddle. They replaced it with a fixed bone saddle. Those changes added noticeably more volume and projection. I made a couple more non-invasive upgrades much later, which I explained in this video: th-cam.com/video/H9pmT4uv2oA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=tv_CwkcCQYZUMxQi
Finally, I use Elixir coated 80/20 Bronze strings for a true vintage sound: This video explains why, including that phosphor bronze strings weren't invented until about 10 years after this guitar was built: th-cam.com/video/sfIkEKvF8P4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=E0QqyoiObE0UfbBV
The first time i heard James Taylor was in 1976 on Okinawa. I was in the middle of a divorce and i just bought his Gorilla record album, put it on cassestte tape and drive around the whole island listening to just this album... Sad as i was, i found it so soothing and at that time i felt that was a whole "greatest hits album" by itself., now i'm 74 years old and still listening to the whole album. "In the Pocket" is also another whole album i listen from end to end..
I loved those albums, too. I find a “reassuring” sadness and hope in JT’s songs…they lift me up in a real but gentle way.
Being Scottish am proud that JT is of Scottish provenance. Have seen him 7 times and my favourite gig was Edinburgh Castle in 2004 where I was st about 15ft away from him
Like you, I saw him many times, but all back in the 70s and early 80s. I met him once, by chance, at a small club in NYC. Unforgettable experience.
Wow!
You are a masterful artist. I’ve never heard anyone except JT do what you do. Bravo! Thank you for sharing this with me
Rob Wilkin
Thanks for the kudos, Rob. You might enjoy my new video about how to play JT songs exactly like he does: th-cam.com/video/mHAToVyGWzs/w-d-xo.html
I have other videos on my channel featuring JT songs like You Can Close Your Eyes and Secret o' Life...
Starting my JT journey seriously now. I’m 58 and I play semiprofessionally. I spent 12 hours practicing the intro and verse of Lo and Behold and it is so satisfying when you finally get it right. I totally relate to your comments about how fun his music is to play. Thank you for this video.
My pleasure, Farm Cat! Glad you’re getting into it and feeling the mastery.
Digging your name , are you taught yourself? I am have trouble with timing. Trying always
@@user-rh7uk9uv2hYes for the most part I took lessons from 12-15 and then self taught. Timing will come with practice and “feel”. Practice everyday a little. Walk away and come back to it.
I'm 64 and only played Carolina correctly in 2015!
And yes, it is very satisfying.
Yes! Do it! Explore other acoustic guitar influences!
Thanks for the encouragement, Photocon. In the past few weeks, I've been sharing lessons and tips from two incredible guitarists I studied with back in August: Chris Eldridge and Julian Lage. Here's my video about Chris' tips for speed and accuracy: th-cam.com/video/4sNPEiEHIPw/w-d-xo.html And here's my first big "lesson" from Julian Lage: th-cam.com/video/OW2knO0JD-E/w-d-xo.html. I hope to get back to the "What Artist-X Taught Me" series in the next month or so...
Thank you. I listened to those original JT songs when they came out. I always noticed the more fuller chords he used, more complex and beautiful. I called them jazz chords. It was that chord sound I really liked better than other guitar players. Thanks again. 😇💜🧡💚
My pleasure, Ron. Many of JT's transitional chords are commonly used in Jazz. But they were so rarely used and heard in "folky" pop songs that they really stood out.
I first heard JT in 1970, when "Fire and Rain" became a hit. I was 17 and had been playing guitar for about two years, mostly Simon & Garfunkel and CSN, so picking was not new to me. However, I wore out a few albums, lifting the needle and placing it back down...over and over. I learned almost every song off the "Sweet Baby James" album which was excellent for solidifying my right-hand independence. Song books were hard to come by or non-existent so it was all by ear. It was only much later that I began learning the names of chords. It was great training to learn that way but it would have been soooo much easier if the internet had been around then! Then I discovered Leo Kottke and my life changed completely, but that is another story. I will share this video with some of my young friends who are just learning to play. Nicely done!
Thanks for sharing your experience...very similar to my own! Two more videos for you. 1) JT teaching guitar lessons about how to play exactly like her does: th-cam.com/video/mHAToVyGWzs/w-d-xo.html
2) Top 50 Acoustic Guitarist Peppino D'Agostino. Like you, both he and I had a life-changing moment the first time we heard Leo Kottke (6 and 12-String Guitar LP on indie label Takoma Records): th-cam.com/video/oZqur7LHVlg/w-d-xo.html
Cheers!
@@RobertCassard Thanks for your reply! I first saw JT and LK (different concerts) at the Troubadour in Santa Monica. I got up the nerve to poke my head into Leo's dressing room and ask him about the tunings he used on a few songs. I was 17 and Leo was 24. He must have liked me because his manager, Denny Bruce, gave me a contact number (manager's), and every time Leo came to LA, I was allowed to hang out in his dressing room and take his guitars down to the stage. A few years later, I got a call from Denny asking if I'd like to go on the road with Leo! I ended up working with him for a bit over 3 years. Now, at 71, I look back at those days and realize how honored, fortunate, and lucky I was to be in the right place at the right time! And that's my other story! If you're ever in LA, let me know!
@@wchphoto So interesting, Bill. You must have made quite an impression to have become the designated guitar sherpa for the master! I lived in LA during the early 90s so I have quite a few friends there.
JT 's guitar playing is simple and complex at the same time
Most definitely, @jimmcfarlane5611! You might enjoy my cover of Secret o' Life: th-cam.com/video/hwe_wAdqBtU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eXOqN4oWgIvHEiih
Great post. Thanks. J.T. was also an early influence for ne, as Istarted playing in 1971.
Rock on, PD. You might enjoy these lessons from JT himself: th-cam.com/video/mHAToVyGWzs/w-d-xo.html
Me too! Been practicing for 50 plus years, always trying to replicate James’s nuances! Him and Stills. Look forward to learning from you as well . Peace
Hi Terry. I’m glad we’ve had a mutual teacher in JT! I hope you find lots of videos to enjoy and get inspired by on my channel. You might enjoy this cover I did a few years ago: th-cam.com/video/hwe_wAdqBtU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8w7fGjCrzzd0RNQV
Great guitar playing👍
Thanks a lot! You might also enjoy my new video about how to play guitar like James Taylor: th-cam.com/video/mHAToVyGWzs/w-d-xo.html
It seems I am always 6 months (at least) behind the most incredible, inspirational videos. This certainly qualifies. While my Travis picking (and variants) are not bad, what you (and James, LOL) have mastered is something else entirely. Glad I bumped into your channel sir! Looking forward to many more (and catching up on those I've missed). Many thanks!
Wow, thank you, LJ. One of the cool things about TH-cam is that you're never really "behind" because most of the content just stays there - like my JT video. Some TH-cam content reflects a moment in time and diminishes in value as it gets older, but quite a lot of it is "out of time," and that's where I put just about everything JT has ever done. I'm certainly glad you found me and my channel.
So true what you said about James Taylor, I think He's a genious. As about all genious He misses something, I am talking about lead guitar playing. You can take notice of that on a particular live video of him playing " Blossom", when it comes to the guitar solo part He says :" take it James!", admitting to the laughing crowd that He doesn't solo at all, continuing the accompaning arpeggios. Well, that doesn't take him away from being a great!
I love that story, Livio! JT knows what he's good at and is 100% committed to it.
Most professionally done! James Deagle
Thanks, James. Glad you enjoyed it. You might also appreciate the video I just released about what John Lennon Taught Me: th-cam.com/video/ElMk3GZHrMw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=dDOSTYxJmj6DMekd
These “what I learned” videos are utterly scrumptious!
Thanks so much for the kudos @magsterz123. Helps keep me going!
Love James Taylor's music . I have seen him in concert and he has been a great inspiration. Your tribute to him is a acknowledgement to his expertise and individual style 2nd to none! Can't imagine this world without his voice and style of playing.
Amen to every word you said, laidback!
Amazing and very detailed video on jt' style
You nailed it and i wish i could learn this
Glad you liked it, Thomas! If you want to learn to play like JT, check out THIS video: th-cam.com/video/mHAToVyGWzs/w-d-xo.html
Me and JT go way back to his first album on Apple.
Paul McCartney played bass on Carolina in My Mind. Wore that record out. Saw Peter Asher who produced James at one of his shows and talked to him about that album.
The original James Taylor LP is often ripped by critics, but like you, I loved it. Odd sounding, a bit Poppy in places, whacky-cool orchestral interludes… But all of JT’s brilliance was already on display! And the songs!
2 other artist that have taught me are Bruce Carroll and Bob Bennett Both of them are in the county folk Gospel genre but I still love their style.
Thanks for that, rfree.
35 James Taylor songs in your repertoire....Yikes!! Great accomplishment. I Enjoy your video with acoustic guitar emphasis. Thanks.
Thanks for listening, Bailey. On my guitardiscoveries.com website, I have all my acoustic videos in their own category. I hope you'll check 'em out!
Im only 32, but I was raised on great music (Cat, JT, Croce, etc)... The first song i ever learned was "The Wind" by Cat Stevens, so this fingerstyle is my bread and butter. It wasnt until a decade later around 22 years old i became proficient in flat picking. But when i started playing a more John Mayer percussive fingerstyle (with thumb slaps and bass notes) is when things got REALLY interesting. Mixing my roots (JT etc) with that Mayer style brought a whole new world for me. Great video
I’d love to hear you play, Robbie. I’m happy you found my channel and that you enjoyed diving into JT. FYI - I need to do a video about Cat Stevens! Huge influence on my playing and songwriting!
@@RobertCassard please do that would be awesome! Even though he had his lead player Cat was still very proficient. Happy New Year to ya
@@robbiecleighmarks3088 T hanks Robbie. It's the interplay between Cat and Alun Davies that adds such beauty to Cat's "golden era" LPs.
I was late starting to learn guitar at 21 and I'd already heard James at around twenty five thought I'm going to learn some of his songs. I soon gave up, I was in a reggae band mainly playing four chord songs and the transition to James Taylor style seemed to difficult when I saw the music sheet. I later learned that it was the poor arrangement that made it look difficult. Tried again about ten years later found that innovative style to be a lot easier than I'd originally envisaged. It took me a while to get near to it but It's getting better. Great video by the way and great playing.
Thanks, Jon. Yep...everything JT plays sounds easy but is deceptively difficult. That is, until you "get it," after which it feels just right. Glad to hear you're getting there. Once you nail it, it's pure fun!
Here's a cover of Secret o' Life you might enjoy:
th-cam.com/video/hwe_wAdqBtU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4r3-u0azQDlBD5pd
@@RobertCassard Thank you
This may sound weird but I love listening to James in the Autumn or The Fall as you call it in USA 🇺🇸
It makes sense to me. Late Fall, when the Berkshires seem dreamlike...
We must be pretty close to the same age because as I listened to you recount the story of listening to the radio when you were in bed waiting to go to sleep or trying to stay up and listen to all the cool music that was coming out back then, I was recalling having done that myself and probably about the same time. Although I've been a fan of JT for a long time and I recall hearing him long before I really became a fan but I do recall hearing Roberta Flack singing "Killing me Softy" and Steely Dan "Do it again" are two that come to mind 50 years hence. James did bring us a new and revolutionary style of playing but I think it was his voice or the different chord progressions that first captured my attention. Either way, he's a genuine American Treasure!
Good musical memories from that era, right? Thanks for watching and leaving a comment, Dave!
Gotta love the Gibson J-45!
Agreed. And the J-50, like mine, and the one JT played in his early years, is just a J-45 natural.
Great video. I’ve been a JT fan since 1970, and attempt to play songs from his first three albums. Also a big Jackson Browne fan since I saw him live in London 1972 as support act to Joni Mitchell. Jackson’s guitar style is also unique, and maybe worth covering in your TH-cam channel.
Cool idea, David. I love Jackson's songs and style, and I've played quite a few of his songs over the years. I've never thought much about his guitar (and piano) style, but his songs and melodies have certain trademark flourishes that are unmistakable. I need to do some close listening to see if I can decipher what makes his music unique. You're lucky to have seen him so early in his career!
Robert, try and explore John Denver, his Travis picking on those massive Guild guitars was wonderful. I met him twice, both times in LA. Very smart man with good writing talent. Like you mentioned before, most performers had a back up guitarist that just enhanced everything. Try Gordon Lightfoot as well, I feel he was one of the greatest writers of all time. Red Shea was so good.
Thanks for the encouragement to explore Denver and lightfoot, Rob. Funny, that I often test a new acoustic guitar by playing the intro to Poems Prayers and Promises. Here are two demo videos when I couldn't resist playing it: th-cam.com/video/j6E7MOC61e0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=QIkbzkRtiytuphhY (at 1:55), and th-cam.com/video/YXiaM-pGbyE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=er7PxHYKR1Aft_DI (11:45)
Thanks Robert
You might enjoy my cover of Secret o' Life, if you haven't heard it yet: th-cam.com/video/hwe_wAdqBtU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=UhnEHuZRe_7aLo_I
thank you. very useful video for me. i was born in 1977 so i don't know JT deeply but i like old english songs i think many english song made me stuying english better lol
I'm glad you enjoyed this. If you want to learn how to play guitar like James Taylor, watch this video:
th-cam.com/video/mHAToVyGWzs/w-d-xo.html
Best explanation of JT’s (rather complex) playing I’ve ever seen. Thanks.
Thanks, Kenneth! I just released a new video about how to learn JT songs the right way. Please check it out:
th-cam.com/video/mHAToVyGWzs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8F6L7LtaTcjen731
You’re wonderful! Thank you!
Thanks very much, Phil. If you're interested in what I learned from other guitarists, I've recently released episodes about:
John Lennon: th-cam.com/video/ElMk3GZHrMw/w-d-xo.html
and George Harrison: th-cam.com/video/XZ0Tpe5OCYY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8bnwan8P7V0Su33K
Great episode. Thanks.
Appreciate the praise, Wendell. Glad you liked it!
Great video! Your performance of Long Ago and Far Away is excellent, as are all the song examples. Really nice sounding guitar and vocals. Bravo!!
Thanks for listening, DOB. I appreciate the + feedback. 😎
Love JT. THANKS FOR YOUR INSIGHTS
My pleasure, Robert! You might enjoy my cover of JT's Secret o' Life: th-cam.com/video/hwe_wAdqBtU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HrMNxZGD_1k5LOYH
Thanks; excellent video. It provided reinforcement on some songs I’m playing right and inspiration to try a few JT songs that I haven’t played before.
You're very welcome Zivl . It was fun for me to revisit these songs and make my fingers do the walking! He's a great artist to emulate.
Thank you for your channel Robert.New here. What a joy to go through all of your back catalog!
Thanks for the sub, rikkousa. Thrilled that you’re digging around and finding good stuff… 4-1/2 years’ worth!
This is incredible . I just started learning some of James licks . thanks Subed. and liked
Thanks for the sub, David. I hope you find a bunch of value on my channel. Been doing it going on 4 years so there's a lot of content!
Great job love JT
Thank you, Jay! 🎼😍🌟
JT is also my biggest inspiration. I've not played many of these old tunes for awhile now and your video has inspired me to unpack them for playing once again.
Right on, Paul. There’s so much joy in bringing the songs back to life. Thanks for watching!
Great idea for further videos content.
Happy you think so. I’m in the middle of a series right now about what each member of The Beatles taught me. So far, I’ve done Lennon, Harrison and McCartney. Here’s John to get you started: th-cam.com/video/ElMk3GZHrMw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=PCTdiYI70-sbMR8G
This was great! I'd love to hear what you learned about singing from JT. He also has a unique vocal style.
Thanks, Sue. What I learned from JT vocally is the beauty of 3-part vocal harmony with the occasional surprise thron in to keep it interesting. As perfect example is the 3-part harmony version of John Lennon's song "Julia" that I recorded recently. I built the harmonies in a similar way to JT's Carolina in My Mind: th-cam.com/video/oc21zgCnnlQ/w-d-xo.html
I also made a video showing how I arranged and recorded it: th-cam.com/video/x-qIx-gmmTw/w-d-xo.html
As I got more experienced with the sound of the acoustic, I could hear that wonderful distinctive Gibson Woody sound. I'm assuming he used a Gibson on SBJ..
Yes he did, Jon. A J-50…similar vintage to the one I’m playing in this video.
My favorites are James Vincent, Glen Campbell, Doyle Dykes, and Chet Atkins.
You've got good taste!
Deep in electric headspace at the moment, you’ve inspired me to get the acoustic out, thanks👍
I go in phases, too, John. Around the holidays always seems a good time for acoustics. Tell me how it goes and if you find new inspiration!
great lesson thank you.
Glad you liked it, Peter! You might enjoy my cover of Secret o' Life: th-cam.com/video/hwe_wAdqBtU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=UhnEHuZRe_7aLo_I
You’ve captured the essence of JT’s musical style like nobody I’ve ever heard (besides JT and Liv)! It’s wonderful to watch you play! Lee Sklar said that when he first started playing with James, JT’s complex bass lines forced him into a new world of creativity to not just play the same as JT’s bass line. Listen to how Lee comes up with beautiful, complex bass masterpieces.
That’s high praise, Ken. I’ve been a Leland fan since 1970. I think you’re right that playing with JT turned him into a melody monster. One of the few bass players I can usually identify in a few bars!
JT is my all time favorite singer songwriter. I have all his albums including the Apple one. As a listener the guitar the melody and the singing are extraordinary, well above average. And each album was a discover of small great precious music. Thank you for showing it in this guitar lesson and of course thank you to James Taylor for brighten up my days.
Your description of “small great precious” is perfect. Most of JT’s music and playing is subtle and detailed. It’s filled with many “small” moments that are “precious,” and yet the overall effect is “great”!
Absolutely. The idea that comes to my mind after your comment is “knitted”.
@@portuline❤
Summer of '71, I was 16 and Mud Slide Slim was on the gramaphone all day. Still have the actual LP although tend towards digital versions whenever I listen to it now, which is often. Sing along and know every word, still struggle with some of the key changes though I practice over and over! Often have to resort to singing harmony.
Fond vinyl memories, right groovmistress? I knew JT's first few LPs inside out and backward. Something so relaxed and intimate about 'em, they were irresistible.
Your videos on Nashville tuning added a “tool” to my recording techniques. I think anything that adds tools to my songwriting and recording process are my favorite videos
That is awesome, Andrew. Very happy you're using that tool. I hope you find many more in my videos! 🌟
When I listen to Steamroller I couldn't believe it was only JT until I watched a video of him doing it solo. His musicianship is amazing. And so is yours.
I agree about JT’s musicianship, and appreciate the compliment, Thomas!
Nice video! Thanks.
Glad you liked it, George! Check out my brand new vide about how to play like JT: th-cam.com/video/mHAToVyGWzs/w-d-xo.html
This is so cool! I came across JT for the first time a couple days ago and I love the way he plays. Its awesome to hear a little bit about how it all works. I've been fingerpicking for a couple years now (very on and off though) and its exciting to be learning JT songs!!
Really happy you enjoyed this, Lorenzo. Wow - you "came across JT for the first time a couple days ago." That's hard for me to imagine because I've been listening to him for over 50 years!! Learning JT songs will take your finger-picking into new realms. Have fun!
Love your channel especially your “What i learned” series . I would love to see a video on Ron Wood during his time with Faces . He had a unique style and carried the band as the only guitarist . I know your more into acoustic players and so am i but Ron Wood was the electric guitarist i thought sounded the most original . Im not sure if it was his Zamatis guitar i read somewhere he wound his own pick ups . Since joining the Stones he lost his sound and style because Keith Richard is doing all the rhythm parts. Also i loved John Denvers finger picking style and David gates as well . I think your channel is about to explode sort of like Rick Beato.
Thanks for the kind words, javascript. My new John Lennon video seems to be "striking a chord," so I'll take your requests into account. As for Ron Wood, I think I've always loved that old Faces and Rod Stewart stuff, but haven't really known which parts he was playing. Something for me to study!
Thanks so much for this video!. I'm 57 years old and it happened the same to me when I first heard JT....I thought those chords were out of this world.
You're very welcome! I’m 5 years ahead of you, but I think JT has appeal across the generations…
Superb video! Love JT’s playing and this was a fascinating insight.
Would love to hear more of this kind of thing.
P.S. I recently discovered your channel after looking up Nashville tuning and man, you’ve got some excellent content.
Thank you SO much, small ships! Glad you've found me and my channel. I hope you find many more videos to spark inspiration.
Excellent stuff, Robert thank you very much. I've enjoyed James Taylor over the same period. How about looking into Don McLean and sketch out the meteoric rise of Paul Simon from a touring American in English folk clubs to the mega popstar that he later became.
Great suggestions, thank you. A few years ago, I did an episode about Paul Simon's songwriting that you might enjoy: th-cam.com/video/LNA5e6vW6Gk/w-d-xo.html
@@RobertCassard thanks for the link Robert.
@@JRLNeal My pleasure, John!
Your playing had me thinking about the time I learned my fingerstyle Guitar. Started first with America on guitar then fimgerstyle for James Taylor. Wow that was the key. I'm 68 and had a stroke and now I can't play anymore. Love your touch. I heard his brother in 1974. Wow. Take care
Thanks so much, Tom. Truly sorry to hear you're not able to play. I'm happy you can still enjoy watching and listening! ❤
The way you started the intro on Fire and Rain at the 2:34 mark actually brought tears to my eyes. So beautiful and a stark reminder that no one was doing guitar like that back in the day. Extremely distinctive.
Thanks for sharing that, Cat. I often have similar reactions to the opening notes of some songs. Deep flashbacks in time, and endless gratitude for the beauty of music and the people who create it! Fire and Rain was the first JT song I ever heard. Age 9, listening to the radio past my bedtime and the deejay announces a new artist named James Taylor. That song, JT’s guitar, and thunderous sound of Russ Kunkel’s drums changed the course of my life!
@@RobertCassard Absolutely! I asked my father a few years back what it was like in 1970 in the music world. He said it was a jackpot of a year. You got Simon and Garfunkel's The Boxer, Gordon Lightfoot's If You Could Read My Mind, James Taylor's Fire and Rain, Elton John's Your Song and Cat Stevens' Where Do The Children Play...you just couldn't keep up.
@@ConglomerationCat Exactly! For me, 1970 and the next couple of years proved pivotal because each of those artists continued releasing incredible albums right when I was learning guitar. I owe a particular debt to JT and Cat Stevens, but there were also solo releases from each of The Beatles, John Denver, Jim Croce, America, David Crosby, Joni Mitchell. Truly an incredible time for acoustic-oriented musicians.
Well one Robert! JT is an amazing singer/guitar player
Thanks, Rick. I agree, and playing all these songs again reminded how amazing he is!
@@RobertCassard YES Well Done Robert. And your singing and playing is excellent. Nice to know there are other musicians out there doing similar projects who share similar insights. It is inspiring. All the best!
@@ricklevine4520 Thank you! Glad you're enjoying my channel. BTW, your comment was stuck in my "potential spam" tab. Sorry about the delay in my response.
You’re an awesome guitarist in James’s style and I’m sure beyond.
Thanks for mentioning his vocal harmonies as those are unique and beautiful too! Not always your standard 3rds! Any chance you could do a tutorial of Steamroller Blues? That one is still a deep mystery for me 😂
Thanks for the compliment, VIP. If you want to learn Steamroller Blues, check these out: th-cam.com/video/B5JGb_3DCIo/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/0L7k5emq-Ao/w-d-xo.html And JT's classic live version from the BBC in 1970: th-cam.com/video/3NmO4HFSr1g/w-d-xo.html
I admire your craft and ability especially at such a young age. Music is such a wonderful journey. I really enjoyed your breakdown of the artists mentioned some of my favorites and found it very interesting. After struggling at the drums for years I have decided to dive into my acoustic playing once again. Hopefully to do some solo performing one day if only at small events. Definitely would love that video series or any tips. I can respect and greatly appreciate your hard work and success.
Thanks, Adrian. I am a largely self-taught guitarist. I occasionally picked up tips from kids I played with in early bands. But most of what I learned came from intent LISTENING. I didn't want to scratch up my vinyl LPs, so I invested in a reel-to-reel tape deck early on so I could play-rewind-play-rewind to figure out what exactly my favorite guitarists were doing. As for JT, I found a music book that (amazingly) had accurate tablature and capo positions for the songs on Sweet Baby James. Then I never looked back! While JT is all about finesse and subtlety, most of the other folkie artists back then were strummers. Just by learning all the basic first-position chords, and how to vary your strumming to make it rhythmic and percussive, you can put yourself on a fast track to learning MANY songs that people love to hear (John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, etc.). You'll be playing small events and coffee houses surprisingly soon!
Thanks for the inspiration. I hope so.....God Bless!
James Taylor has such an exceptional, instantly recognizable and gorgeous style of playing. Much like Lindsay Buckingham, another unique guitarist, I believe he is self taught. I'm not sure about that. But I am sure I love the music and appreciate your videos.
I’m sure you can tell that JT has been a major influence in my musical life. Awhile back I was testing a couple different mics and recorded this cover of Secret o’ Life: th-cam.com/video/hwe_wAdqBtU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=iolITBRo6P7cuN9-
Loved this! You really did master those songs. 10,000 hours?
Thanks, Rick. I never thought to count those hours, but I played 5 hours a night, 5 days a week at Holly’s By Golly in Ypsilanti during college. That’s 100 hours a month. 😂 And I already knew most of these songs!
James left Chapel Hill a few years before I got there for college. But his legend still loomed large, with occasional visits and fairly frequent concerts on campus at UNC. His playing technique is certainly unique. For a while he was doing guitar lessons on his website that included a view from inside the guitar. Sidebar: his dad was still med school dean during my first years at UNC. And his parents built a mid-century modern house in Chapel Hill that’s recently been totally renovated.
From what I hear, JT still considers Chapel Hill his hometown, despite many years since on Martha’s Vineyard. Thanks for all the interesting details about his looming presence!
This is great. Could you do some complete covers (of the whole songs)?
Thanks for the request, mattmobile. I don’t do a lot of straight covers, but I have a couple complete versions of JT songs on the channel already. You Can Close Your Eyes (in a tribute to my Mom after she passed away): th-cam.com/video/9LF81HopKE8/w-d-xo.html. Secret o’ Life: th-cam.com/video/hwe_wAdqBtU/w-d-xo.html
You have a beautiful sound and guitar. I saw James Taylor at Wembley Arena, London where I am from in front of 10,000 people, then moved to Wilmington NC where he played in from of maybe 200 in a park to bolster the Obama campaign. He's just timeless, everything is good in the world when James is playing, I feel the same way about Nick Drake too.
No doubt that JT and Nick Drake are two of the all-time greats. Are you in Wilmington now? My wife and I have a close California friend who moved there a few years ago. I made this video while visiting her:
th-cam.com/video/fU4qZ0K4DJQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=h_McRSN8a_4jJNUC
@@RobertCassardI'm back in London now Richard, I do miss the beach but not the humidity! That's a lovely version of Carolina, never tire of it! You have the sound down perfectly.
@@gorringeman So London, despite the rain, is significantly less humid than Wilmington? I had no idea...
Robert ,I will listen to your version of Secret of Life
Thanks, Jim. I recorded it to test two different microphones against each other, but I ended up liking the cover with one guitar strummed and the other fingerpicked JT style.
Currently learning Secret of Life with all those lovely Jazz Chords. If itv wasn't for JT and Paul Simon I wouldn't be playing acoustic guitar. By thr way have you heard of a Scottish guitarist from the 60s and 70s called Bert Jansch?
I know Bert Jansch's music well. Solo and Pentangle. He influenced Jimmy Page's folky stuff, too.
JT is my all time favorite #1 favorite performer. I’ve seen him over 17 times and once in the front row center at his concert. I’m a guitar player but never mastered his magic. Would love your recommendations on how and where to start picking up how to play his songs. Thanks, great video and playing!
I get it, Philip. As you can tell, I was pretty obsessed with JT and his subtle guitar work for many years. If you want to learn to play his songs the way he does, I suggest buying a music book with "authentic guitar tabs." This Greatest Hits book is an awesome place to start: amzn.to/42rY2eZ. On James' own website, he's posted some guitar lessons that show exactly what he's playing, including a view from INSIDE the guitar. But the book is an invaluable resource. Cheers!
Pretty amazing. My wife thought she was totally unmusical until my daughter left a ukulele with us and our son was more interested in the trumpet instead. So, she started learning simple 4 chord songs from TH-cam videos. I had always loved music and early in life I was headed toward becoming a professional trombone player. Many friends were a little angry with me for going into Information Technology instead, but as deeply as I loved music, I feared what it would do to family life if I became a musician. Still, I loved trombone, guitar, keyboards, etc., and I continued to play and lead choir in church. My sister thought I could play anything as I tended to love all instruments. While my cousins seemed to think only guitars and drums were cool, I felt all instruments had potential to transport you to anywhere in the world. I admired Rod Stewart's background music, and of course, I loved Carol King, James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, Paul Simon, and of course Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears whose every improvised lick on their album and background nuances still live inside my head in detail.
Yet my appreciation for the ukulele was only superficial. Sort of. When I heard Iz's simple rendition of Over the Rainbow, I had to guard myself from letting tears flow. And when it was shown on TH-cam depicting his funeral, that was too much, and my love for the ukulele took on a different life. But I still never learned to play the simple instrument.
Then I watched my wife start to pick it up and go through TH-cam tutorials. She would spend hours each day fumbling a bit through a simple four chord song. And then she started to pick it up. She started with "You Are My Sunshine", and then to another song, and eventually to the Beatles, "Something". Sometimes I would grab my guitar and play a little background to her playing, but I did not want to touch the ukulele except to tune it for her now and then. I wanted it to be her instrument. I thought about getting one--perhaps a baritone, but a baritone use is basically a guitar with the two most bass strings missing. And I kind of love my guitar. I'm spoiled rotten. It was an old Martin D-12-35 I picked up for $650 back in the 1970s. Several years ago a salesperson came to my door, saw it, and offered me $2,000 on the spot for it, and of course it would be like selling a loved one. No way. Same with my trombone. The trombone might only be worth $2,000, even though it is solid sterling silver. But the sound, the way it plays, the fact it went throughout Europe with me, and survived my ex beating it to death to get me out of the bathroom so she could fight me one day and I spent about $650 in repairs to bring it back to like-new condition shows I have a strong attachment to it.
Here I am being a colossal windbag telling a story of my life when I wanted to say your video was amazing, and the sound of your guitar is out of this world. I'm usually spoiled and tend to love the sound of Martin guitars. But your Gibson has one of the most lovely sounds I have ever heard in a guitar. Right now, I'm playing a guitar meant to be a 12 strong, but with only 6 strings on it. I also have a Swedish Goya that I really don't like nearly as much--mostly due to it's lack of good setup and bad playability and perhaps a flat, wide neck and some bellying near the bridge. I also have a partly built guitar I started decades ago but never finished--a nice spruce top, Indian rosewood back I already pretty much completed and sides I already bent and actually a solid rosewood neck I have partway formed that will likely not even need a rod because it is so hard and heavy, and it would likely have an insane amount of sustain if I were ever to finish building that guitar. In fact, I got the wood in the 1980s near my birthday in Oakland I think in 1980 actually about the day an earthquake happened. Then nine years later, I was in the big earthquake working at NASA Ames downstairs in my computer room. Here we are about 43 years later and my wood is still in a box at my house.
And my wife practices her use. I hope I can get my marriage related websites properly created with the help of AI or ChatGPT and the like and get a good workflow going so I can just manage them while getting back into music again. I have guitars, trombones, violins, keyboards, a piano, and a son learning trumpet. I haven't led choir since my close friend and prayer partner at church took his life in his struggle with depression in 2011, and another close friend died of cover in 2021 right after I lost my father. And my mother and another friend in 2014 and my little brother in 2008, and my first marriage in 2002. But it's time. It's time to get things done and get back to what I love--what my wife loves--photography and music. We both won awards in photography. I guess I did so in music, too, but many years ago and on trombone--not guitar or keyboard. But I almost don't care about that. I just love music.
And I deeply appreciate those like you who teach people to find that magic and do things they might not be able to do figuring it out on their own. Or on our own. Me too.
I'll need to spend some time working with this. I saw another person presenting James Taylor's style of playing, and it was pretty good, but not as clear and polished as yours.
Thank you so much for sharing this!!!
Hey, Daniel. Thanks for sharing your life-long love of music, and the circuitous route you’ve been taking to get back to it in earnest. As for me, I’ve had a number of non-musical day jobs throughout my adult life. I credit my wife Bara for the idea and impetus to get back to music. I had sidelined professional music for about 10 years.
For my 45th birthday, she suggested that we stage a reunion concert of all the musical artists we’d known and produced when we lived in LA in the early 90s. Stage, lights, sound engineer, the whole nine yards. We did it and called the concert “Under the Rock”. It was a major community event and made me determined never to let music be less than a focal point in my life.
More recently, as she and I were firing up our duo called Cosmic Spin, I had the harebrained idea to start a non-economically motivated TH-cam channel. My only purpose was to share 50 years of musical tricks, tips, inspirations and happy accidents.
While the channel grows (very) slowly, I have progressively more fun with it, largely because of people like you who seem to gain inspiration from my enthusiasm. And while still day-jobbing in the video business, I KEEP PLAYING GUITAR, WRITING, RECORDING AND RELEASING MUSIC. Hallelujah! Thanks for watching and sharing your positive feedback.
Love this video. Have you ever noticed that on D’s and A’s, he inverts his first and second fingers?
I sure have. He has long thin fingers that allow him to reconfigure those chords - one of the reasons he gets such clean hammer-ons and pull-offs. 😎
Yeah, I’m totally getting back into JT stuff. I’m going to check out more of your videos.
Nice...
Thank you! Cheers, Paul!
Enjoyed his music immensely. I looked into some lessons on James style. Seems i may not grasp finger picking. Age is an issue, Perhaps if I practiced it day in day out for several years maybe. Always wishing I would have picked the guitar up in my younger years. You really have his music style down. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, IB. In the description to the video, I put a link to a music book that includes complete transcriptions of the songs from Greatest Hits, in case you ever want to take it nice and slow. I definitely recommend learning the basic thumb-index-thumb-middle finger-picking pattern before attempting JT stuff. The basic picking pattern is what Paul Simon uses on The Boxer, FYI.
@@RobertCassard Thanks Robert. I appreciate your input.
@@ibmaxwell4192 as JT would say, “That’s why I’m here.” 😂
Robert Can you play the beautiful intro to "Like everything she knows ' from New Moon Shine?
That is a beautiful piece. I haven't taken the time to learn it, but Andrea Luciani posted a close-up of him playing the intro if you'd like to give it a go: th-cam.com/video/NxedUqEiapA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HYK5EhtTp2xmDg_M
Great job! I could play JT exclusively and be happy. Let me know if you proceed with your idea!
Thank you @kellygossman5930. Do you mean proceeding with the idea to share what I've learned from other guitarists? I just did a 5-part series on what each of the Beatles taught me. Here's the complete playlist:
th-cam.com/play/PLJUm5NcjSm4h46M-IlNy7xudjxDz8rCZT.html
Hi Robert, very nice sir. What inspires you to play a Gibson J-50, and do you have other acoustics. Great video, thanks
Hi Rob - Those are seminal questions, and you'll find a variety of answers if you scroll through my 200+ videos back catalogs. My very first Guitar Discoveries video was about this J-50. Directly inspired by my love of JT, and purchased in 1978.
Because I'm a songwriter and producer, I have quite a few different acoustics so I can get the exact textures I want for each production. You might enjoy this video: th-cam.com/video/XbQlTVU_QYo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ErxndcVOP39i7uTP Of course, it's a couple years old, and therefore 2-3 guitars short of what I have and use now.
My most recent Holy Grail acoustic is featured in this video: th-cam.com/video/YXiaM-pGbyE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=wlKzzHBQWUoP092o
Never knew Jimmy T had a bro!
Indeed he does. Livingston sounds and plays so much like James, it’s fun to explore his stuff. He’s got another brother, Alex, and sister Kate. Singers but not guitarists.
I think I’ve heard Joni Mitchell describe her guitar playing in it so much on the way… That she feels as if she has an entire orchestra under her fingers. Of course Joni also makes use of many do you need tunings. That’s a real funky move even though you can’t box Joni into the full category or any category really.
Thanks, JohnnyX. I LOVE Joni's comment about having a whole orchestra under her fingers. I'm kind of obsessed with the topic of Guitar Orchestration, or what I call "Guitorchestration." Here's one of the videos I've done about it. th-cam.com/video/2rHy3_tHNW8/w-d-xo.html I've also done quite a few videos about alternate tunings. My Open D video includes me singing Joni's song YouTurn Me On I'm a Radio: th-cam.com/video/hLdVruJGBj4/w-d-xo.html
thumb up from this subscriber
Glad you enjoyed this! JT often pops up when I want to play acoustic examples. In fact, he showed up in my VERY First Guitar Discoveries video almost 6 years ago - a video about the Gibson J-50. th-cam.com/video/mx8EmutRQ3A/w-d-xo.html
Like The music of JT too. My other Favorit is Jim Croce. Do you Play the Songs only with 3 Fingers of the right hand?
Good question, Matthias. I use the thumb, index and middle finger of the right hand almost all the time, but there are moments when I also add the ring finger. For example, quite often when I play the classic JT short riff Asus4-A-Asus2. Also on a song like Sunny Skies. The only way to play the 3 notes of the Amaj7 at the same time is using 4 fingers of the right hand.
Thanks. Wondering about what your "thumbpick" is?
Hi Friedrich. It'a a spring-loaded thumbpick from Black Mountain. I use Medium Gauge or Light Gauge depending on how bright I want the tone of my bass notes to be. Here's a link: amzn.to/47KymwN
Also, I did a video called The Great Thumbpick Challenge where I compared and commented on a bunch of different options. Back then, Black Mountain only made Heavy Gauge. Once they made a Medium, it instantly became my favorite thumbpick for most uses. Here's the video: th-cam.com/video/PcGbvUgCjV4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=scbMQ1MSLCTQnM6U
Robert, can you share the gear you’re using to get your sound and video quality? I’m assuming the mic is just out of view, but is there a second mic overhead. And are there any effects added in the DAW. I’m struggling to get good sound out of my Taylor and find a user-friendly DAW and video editor. Great work!!
Happy to share, Jim. Yes, the mic is just out of view, a simple x-y stereo mic built into an inexpensive Zoom H1n external recorder: amzn.to/3tq56Nt I mount it on a small boom stand like you’d use for a kick drum or guitar amp: amzn.to/3tos3AE You’ll also need a 5/8” to 1/4” adaptor to convert the (large) threaded end of the boom to a small camera mount: amzn.to/3ZJ06zC. My camera is a Sony a7III DSLR, so the audio needs to be synced to the footage. I don’t use a DAW for live audio like this. When I’m editing (in Premiere Pro), my goal is only to tame transients and make it sound like you’re in the room with me. I just apply some gentle 2:1 compression, limiting at -2dB, and some makeup gain. My studio/office is a pretty dead space, so sometimes I add I touch of small room reverb. All right in Premiere! No need fancy stuff in the DAW.
Wow, thank you so much. I’m trying to keep things as simple as possible. This DAW is stressing me out. I assume that the compression and reverb effects are included in Premiere Pro. I’m going to check it out Again, thank you.
@jimfreemon3151 yes, vital effects right there in Premiere. If ever I need them, my DAW effects are also available in Premiere
Yes Robert ,Page was influenced by Jansch. Both Legends.
Yes indeed, Jim!
Would love to meet him but would be totally starstruck and terrified 😂
No reason to be. He was super low key and friendly.
You mention the guitar and the pick but you don't mention what strings on on the guitar. Tks.
Sure, Wally.
Pick: Medium Gauge, Black Mountain Thumb Pick amzn.to/3SfQr08
Strings: Elixir - Acoustic 80/20 Bronze with NANOWEB Coating - Light (.012-.053) amzn.to/3SuAzIs
@@RobertCassard great, thanks. love your channel
@@wally6193 Thank you! I hope you find lots more to enjoy here...
Do you use the JT compensated tuning?
Great question, George. Not specifically. Tuning is an imperfect art, as JT points out. I use a regular digital tuner to “get close.” (I don’t have one that displays the cents so I can do exactly what James does.) Then I make small adjustments based on the key and primary hand positions of the song I’m going to play. I often play a hand position that’s all Fifths, because when the Fifths ring out perfectly, everything else tends to fall into place…. What about you? Have you used James’ tuning?
@@RobertCassard I left a long reply and it's disappeared.. It was there for a few minutes.. Now vanished. I've had this before with TH-cam. Later today I'll try to remember what I put and write it again.
Best wishes
George
Yes..
I have used JT tuning. Cerub make a clip on that has standard and compensated tuning.. There's also a pro tuner app t h at has cents marked on it - 50 +50 however thr ads take over on t h e free version... Mixed feelings about it. It's good on keys of A and D but not so great with G and C particularly C.. To be honest I now just tune to standard and be done with it..
I'm still getting used to the plate mate. There's much more volume and sustain but I hear some vibrato as open string sound decays. It's probably just a thing with the increased sustain.. I thought perhaps the platemate was springy but I don't think so it's the extra nuances that are apparent because of increased volume and sustain..
Best wishes
George
Great for keys of A and D because JT does most songs in those keys/hand positions (often with a capo). I think he developed his compensation specifically for his needs in those keys and also because he hits the strings quite hard. You have to tune down a few cents so the attack is in tune…
Regarding your PlateMate “vibrato,” that seems like something unique to your particular guitar. The PlateMate certainly transmits more energy to the top, back and sides, so if anything like a brace is loose, you’ll hear artifacts from that. (Make sure humidity level is close to 50%.) If everything is tight, it could just be a resonance of your guitar’s wood…
By the way...have you ever heard Mac Macanally? If you do, shay did you learn from him?
I don’t know Mac’s music well, but I know him as a long-term Coral Reefer. He wrote my favorite song from Jimmy Buffett’s Riddles in the Sand LP, “She’s Going Out of My Mind.” I guess what I learned from him (so far) is a love of sad-funny lyrics and a gorgeous melody to match!
@@RobertCassard Yes ,they were very good friends. I recomend you to check out this one.
He plays like James Taylor!
th-cam.com/video/w2a8TNG66Yo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=2P8UjHgExuohI-B-
You gotta pick with all 5 fingers on a James Taylor tune, that is what I learned from JT. Not just 3.
Show us, Donnie. I use 3 a lot of the time (as you can see), bringing in a 4th (ring finger) for the occasional riff. Works well enough to my ear, but I’d love to know if I’m missing something.
What year is that J-50?
1964. I’ve played it in many other videos. Look for my version of JT’s “Secret o’ Life.” I also featured it and talked about it in detail in my very first Guitar Discoveries video 5 years ago!
@@RobertCassard "Secret O' Life" was played as my bride walked down the aisle 30 years ago.
@UCrr-nGd%F0%9F%98%8D%F0%9F%98%8DVTO515-DP7cVT_lQ Wow! What a great choice... Congrats on 30 years of marriage. My wife and I just hit the 32-year mark.
I base all my fingerpicking from JT😂
He's the best person to emulate, right?
Sloppy
I don’t claim to be JT, just to love what he does and love what I learned from him.
@@RobertCassard You play and teach with such joy. A true celebration. I have much to learn from you.
@@johnnyxmusic I'm happy you found my channel, johnnyx!
Another example of NEVER trying to do a JT song, no one should do it, it ALWAYS falls flat, only James should do James stuff....just let James do that......all others suck at it, it is far too intricate, and no one has ever captured it except James, Livingston does not do it either....
I hear your critique loud and clear, onefoot, but you missed the point. I didn't make this video to compete with or compare myself to JT. I did it to help others discover what James does differently, and better than, other guitarists. To stop and put a microscope on the guitar parts, as opposed to the whole songs and arrangements people normally hear. It's a celebration of his genius. And there's never anything wrong with trying to learn the songs of a master, even if you won't ever play them as well. I subscribe to the philosophy that all guitar playing is about lifelong learning, not mastery. It's humbling that the true masters of the guitar, JT included, all say they're still learning every day.
That guitar does not sound good
What don’t you like about it?