David Gray - How to play "Babylon" on Guitar
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- Learn to play "Babylon" on guitar from David Gray's album 'White Ladder.'
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Learn how to play other songs from White Ladder: bit.ly/2uzrF3O
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#DavidGray #Babylon #GuitarTabs
It’s so nice to see when musicians actually share their music. Thank you Mr. Gray.
What a bloody legend - who does this?
David Gray, that’s who.
Lol. I replied to fishfood's 'challenge Americans' comment, then added 'who does this?' No more comments except can't wait to see him in Cleveland tomorrow night
John Mayer also does it…
@@soulofjimiyeah mate, and Robby Krieger from The Doors😊
Wait what? A lesson from the dude who actually wrote the song.... that’s freaking rad.
Thanks Mr G!
Yes, and some artists take down videos / block chords on some guitar sites.....here is David G actually sharing not only the song, but showing chords , wanting people to enjoy and play his work. Pretty cool
Literally wouldn't be surprised if his label DMCA's this at some point.
I was looking for a lesson for this and found David Gray teaching!!! Unbelievable. Thanks David.
I just did the same thing... Saw him last night at Wolf Trap in VA.... UNBELIEVABLE show! Oh and found out I have been playing it wrong for years! LOL.... I got the correct version now! Double thanks!
yea, wow. very generous.
Me too. Absolutely amazing.
Right? It's an extremely selfless artist that will take the time to be so giving. Also an excellent, patient teacher to go so nice and slow for us beginners. ☮️ & ❤
David Gray, you absolute legend for putting this online and giving transparency to us budding guitarists. What a top man, one of the best songs ever made. Legend
Man this song always hits hard. Didn’t realize the man himself has a lesson. What a time to be alive.
I've been covering this song live for years and never realised I was doing it all wrong. I've always played the same chords for the pre-chorus and the chorus, completely missing the part where it goes to A. Thanks David, not only for the lesson but for everything you've done for modern music 😎
#me2. Lol.
Yep! Me too
Nothing like watching the man play his own beautiful song. What a kind and generous act by a classy, exceptionally talented artist!
I just started to get back into this song after hearing it on Jango at work. I googled for the tabs and they are useless. I went on to TH-cam to search for lessons and BAM! A lesson by the man himself. I love this.
Dude I got to say… ur song Babylon imprinted on me in grade 6. U sharing this connects to me again at 37. Ur a real one. I got to cover this now thank u!!!!
Yes this is the one we have been waiting for , finally the man himself shows us the true and only way to arrange " Babylon"
ABSOLUTELY!
Haha, i was about to write the exact same thing, saved me the trouble! It's been great hearing 'the man himself' talk through all the other songs too though
@@ricfootball Yeah, I wish more musicians were as forthright as David with how they allow the public to access their music. Fair play to him. He's gone up a whole lot of notches in my book!
@@Kottesque Agreed - i remember back in the day when I was learning guitar Travis had all their songs and chord diagrams and lyrics on their website which really helped me learn
Jason Farrell me and all
4 years later, this (and your various other tutorials) are still a veritable gold mine for those of us who cherish these songs and wish to emulate them for the pleasure of others. Babylon has always struck me as the quintessential uplifting-yet-melancholic tune on an album that I have listened and „emotionalized“ to surely thousands of times over the years. Totally blown away by the simplicity of the actual chord structures and riffs, which evoke such profound feeling all the same - not least, of course, due to your beloved straight-from-the-soul manner of singing. Yes, I‘m gushing, and delighted to have stumbled upon your channel whilst seeing if anyone‘s tutorials might shorten my path to adding Babylon to my repertoire. Mission accomplished. :-))
Thanks for sharing this. I feel it demonstrates just how technically proficient & brilliant your guitar playing was when you crafted this song. I first heard Babylon in the summer of 2001, as a 30 year old Englishman living in the Red Light district of Copenhagen, a few months after separating from my first (Danish) wife. The walls of the apartment I was living in were painted a somber olive green, only adding to my low mood. I kindly offered to the landlady to re-paint the walls with white paint & she gave me her blessing. Previously very sociable with a very healthy & lively circle of friends, I retreated into my own space for 2-3 months & painted the apartment. One Saturday night I was listening on the radio to a live broadcast from the Roskilde Festival & they played Babylon as an interlude between live performances. Instantly I knew it was an evergreen, timeless classic. I felt chills run down my spine like I did the first time I heard Love’s Alone Again Or, some 10 years earlier. Hearing Babylon for the first time felt like it existed outside of space & time, completely new to my eardrums & yet accompanied by a peculiar sense of deja vu familiarity, like I’d always known this song & was greeting it like a good friend I hadn’t seen in a while. That summer Babylon & the other songs from White Ladder became my soul mates. The divorce really knocked me for six emotionally & accompanied me into a new era in my life, as I gradually came to terms, in the following 12-18 months, with the fact I was an alcoholic. Addiction treatment led me into a new life & with hindsight I recognised White Ladder had helped me in some way to be vulnerable & honest with myself in acknowledging where I was in my life at that time & preceded the liberation I felt a few years later, as I walked through the streets of Central London, my new home, as I commenced a new chapter in my life. I’ve remained clean & sober ever since & spent the last couple of decades as a drug & alcohol support worker, playing my part in enabling others to rebuild their lives. Babylon & White Ladder continue to hold a very special place in my heart & always will. Thank you.
Your a legend mate , thanks for sharing and giving back
Great comment. Thanks for sharing, all the best!
Thank you for unlocking your beautiful song, sends shivers
Thank you man. Lots of respect. Sounds beautiful when I play it too.
I was googling for a tutorial for the wonderful Babylon guitar riff and this is the best one I have found. This young man has really nailed it - many thanks!
I am assuming you are being Sarcastic! hahaha! This is the David Gray himself, giving the tutorial!
I love me some well placed sarcasm…cheers
@@aneyesky Not sarcasm - I was honestly bowled over to be taught by the man himself!
Absolutely brilliant, cant get any better than the man himself giving lessons of his wonderful songs ⭐️
Oh that just made my day! Was listening to Babylon before I woke up, and some interviews with David. Come on here to play through Babylon, and the man himself demos it. Perfect, thank you!
Am amazed that someone gave this a thumbs down. Babylon from the man himself. A great series of tutorials. David Gray, you’re a genuinely top man. Thank you for taking the time to do these
Some people are just arses. :)
Arses are just some people
Ha ... went on the TH-cams to get a tutorial on Babylon. Saw a few videos to choose from and then I saw David Gray offering a video. Pretty easy choice at that point! Thank you for the tutorial but even more important ... thank you for your music (which is poetry) and touching my heart when I needed it most.
I love the opening riff. Really inspired me as a young teenager, I get nostalgic remembering a music summer camp, innocent creative times. Clever stuff x
One of my favorite songs of the past few decades. Beautiful. Thank you Mr Gray for your gift to all your musician fans.
One of the greatest songs of the late '90s (and beyond). Thanks for taking the time to show us how to play such a wonderful song, David.
Your song was a saving grace to my outlook on life at 40.
The first time I heard it I remember where I was and how it made me feel.....thank you david
Wow, to learn from the master himself. This great, so glad you can share this, rather than us watching your live performances to get all the nuances of the song.
David Gray, was the reason I got back into Music , after a 10 year absence , great album , he is a fantastic song writer, Musician , I played a few songs from the Album on my Guitar way back then , cant believe its so long ago , thanks David. when I have finished with my band, I intend to go back to playing your songs , just for my own enjoyment.
Thanks for taking the time David
Hi David.. this came on my Spotify today and I hadn’t heard it for a few years. Thought I’m going to learn that tonight. Typed it in here and who better to learn it from?? 😁👌 thanks! What an absolute timeless classic 👏👏
Surely this legend deserves a knighthood for this!? Much gratitude David!! Thank you for your songs and for sharing them with us...
One of my favorite songs ever! You are very kind taking the time to show how it’s played. Most of the tabs have it wrong! So thank you for this! I have a song I have recently written that you should hear. I wrote it for you to record because every time I play it I hear your voice. So it’s yours if you want it! Thank you again, you are one of the best!
David Gray, Legend with his feet still on the floor, thanks mate, 👍
OMG, I remember exactly when and where I was when I heard this amazing album. Still one of my very favourites. Thank you Mr Gray.
Genius, a personal lesson from a 21st century Mozart. That song is perfection.
I'm a big fan and have been for about 20 years.. But even I would say (and guessing he might agree) he's not quite at the same level as Mozart.. Not yet anyway...
Lol, Mozart. Of frist position chords?
Mozart?..this must be a different Mozart one that works part time in Sainsbury’s or something
@@pk3693 I'm from fricking Argentina and i've been listening to this song like the past 20 years, who're you again? who listen your songs? your mom?
@@pk3693 - Haha that was brutal. Give David Gray a bit of credit though, he has a few good songs.
Fair play my gray never saw anyone teaching there own songs on here before. Legend
Thank you for blessing this world with your art David Gray.
How wonderful to have the gentleman who wrote and performed this beautiful song be the one in this video to actually show how it is played, thank you sir!
Thank you David....I had learned this song watching your fingers on seemingly endless numbers of videos, and this confirms that I got it right! Absolutely one of my favorite songs of all time. Love your work, God bless.
How lovely is it to see you teach this song. Thank you very much, David. very kind of you sir.
Wow, what a guy teaching us his work, awesome attitude, amazing artist, amazing bloke!!
What a lovely thing to do, other famous artists should take note. Thank you so very much David. 🌌💕🌠
This morning driving to work I heared you performing Babylon in the NPO2 Radio (Dutch) studio. It sounded so true and awesome. As I only just now with my 46 years of age decided to learn to play guitar, I hope I will someday manage to play it. Therefore herewith my gratitute that you, the artist himself, shares how to learn the song. Two thumbs up!!!
I am disabled, but I hope to make it to the Nashville gig! Thank you, David! I have listened to this song on repeat so many times over the years...
I have watched this video so many times. So simple, but somehow so complex. Brilliant song, brilliant bloke. Brings back so many memories, Thank you.
David Gray...a true class act...awesome music that transcends the spirit. Bravo!
This is such a wonderful gift. Thank you David. I'm loving these videos. It gives me guitar playing fun!
Thanks so much for sharing this, David. Brings back so many wonderful memories. Recently picked up the guitar and am now well on my way to getting to my Babylon.
What a selflessness thing to do. It speaks volumes about the man that is Mr. David Gray.
He doesn't want to "own" the music rather share it so everyone can enjoy playing it.
What a very kind and generous person you are. Really admirable.
This is so great - had this song all wrong worked out from just listening and has been in the big falling apart book of songs for a very long time. To have a private lesson and understand the ringing nuance of the correct chords is a real delight. Not that many artists would take the time. I’m really grateful.
This is so brilliant. Delivered with the same passion as if it were a live show. Thank you David for unlocking the magic of this great song for those of us who just want to play along. Two great quotes: "I love this chord" and "Simple as that"
These videos are so great. Just love em.
Love this, cheers David! Always wanted to learn this one 🤘🏻🎤🎸
Fantastic song by a fantastic musician great to be taught by the man himself
“Simple as that” he says at the end!!! Thank you David Gray!!
So awesome to see this little lesson from the man himself!
Grew up listening to your music thanks to my dad. Now learning it on guitar. From you. Totally awesome.
Awesome , thanks David ..... been teaching Babylon to my guitar students for years . So glad I got it correct !!! Great to see you do it , made my day .
I’ve been so close for years! I use to play this on stage and vividly remember by chance figuring out that little hammer on on the B string on the A in the chorus. Changed the entire song for me. Drove my buddy nuts for the next few weeks, I think I added it to the set list multiple times a night, on a few occasions. But people requested it! Thank you for that, David, you absolutely made my 20’s that much better. Keep up your amazing work. Cheers!
Thanks for making your music more accessible! It's a real treat and something I wish more artists would do.
Wow!!! How cool!! The TH-cam algorithm knows me better than I know myself for suggesting this! I think this guitar teacher has a chance at a decent career ahead of him! But...who are the people that gave this a thumbs down?!? Thank you David Gray, this was a total surprise to see this and made my month.
Thanks David! I love those chords too!!!
Thank you David! You’re brilliant. Cheers.
Genius, a personal lesson from a 21st century Mozart. That song is perfection.
David Gray, Legend with his feet still on the floor, thanks mate, 👍
thank you for doing making these videos. friend. I am 47 and have recently taken up learning guitar
Never give up. I started at 35 and 10 years later I play and sing in a band and gig solo too.
@@xxnonstopdancingxx thank you for the kind words!! cheers!!
It's so cool that he does this. He's a great teacher and fantastic musician. I'm a big fan
Thank you David. Wonderful to learn the song from the composer.
Wow, David Gray, you are beyond groovy! Thank you so much for this fabulously instructive video, and for your astounding talent. The world is a far better place because of you!
Loving these tutorials. Been a David Gray fan since 1998, the inspiration of learning guitar and also the music got me through some difficult times :)
David! Thanks for showing us first hand how to play your incredible song!
Thank you Sir David! See you soon here in The States. YOU are the reason I HAD to learn HOW to play the guitar AND sing again!❤❤
Bravo young man! David Gray himself would be proud
One of the greatest songs ever 👍
How wonderful to learn these songs from the artist
James Pitman - Yes, no one is more special to me as an artist, than David Gray. Showing his love! Roots.
David Gray is an absolute beauty! Class act!
So nice of you. So humble, a true artist.
One of the biggest and first in my generation to inspire all singer songwriters .
Your a legend , and even more so for sharing your songs in a way we can play them correctly thumbs up bro . Shout out to my uncle Dan for showing me you music
I just came across this song again recently. I'd heard it years ago but it's just really grabbed me this time. Great Great song ..
Shows who David is when he generously shares how to play his song. See him on the latest Winterwatch talking about his passion for nature. He's a lovely person.
Wow....So David Gray has just shown me how to play his own song! Freakin awesome!!
and it's one of the most beautiful written too imo... Thank you David, I've been playing it wrong for years 👍
Thanks for this David... one of my favourite songs ever... and my mum loves this too!!!! 😊
Wow I caught your gig in Ballina on RTE Other Voices t'other night, and decided to try and learn some sort of version of this song, and here you are improving my Corona lockdown no end. I remember hearing tracks from White Ladder played on a pirate station I suppose back when it was kicking off, and I was going through a hmmm testing time, and the songs really resonated for me. I was jogging or walking with a Walkman, and they'd always play a few tracks. I still listen to the album. And then, years later when trying to get a bit better at guitar, I search for a tutorial and you give me something again. If you read these comments, thank you David, Karl.
Thanks David. Been playing this recently. It’s nice to see the embellishments that give the song its proper voicing. Beautiful song….always loved it.
Thank you David Gray for taking the time to show us how to play this brilliant song properly so we can share it with the world
BEEN waiting for this one. Thank you David, you're a legend. I made my mum a mixed CD when I was a teen some 20 years ago (!) to take with her up Kilimanjaro and when she came back this was one of her firm favourites on there, and still is. She doesn't necessarily always play it but every now and then she asks me about a song she has stuck in her head and then we figure it out, and this is one of them. She near enough tears up with it, so do I. Thank you. From Cape Town, South Africa. :)
Also have to add! It's quite surreal in such a beautiful, quaint way to have you teach this song to us. I've been playing for almost that long and after all the years of coming back to sing it and re-learn it, thank you so much for doing this! It's always been a tricky one for me, I always found a way to play it but always felt I couldn't quite get it down as well as I'd like.
I think its amazing and goes to show that most artist dont really know the name of some chords they play and still produce hits.
Brilliant song mr.gray uplifted me countless times
Was listening to this song last night thinking I really want to learn it, and then this pops up! It’s just what I’ve always wanted!! So excited 💕
These videos have made me pick up the guitar again. Thanks.
Love these little lessons man, thanks for sharing. Straight from you, can't get more personal and genuine than that. Watched you in SLC a few months ago, was a pleasure!
These lessons are awesome, David. I’m loving them. I wish more artists did this.
I've heard this song for years. I recently "found" it, and It's my favorite song right now! love it.
David gray had a great musical mind this song is my favorite of his and this year's love getting lesson s off the man him self is amazing and white ladder was huge bk in 99 still is
What a gift! Thank you, David!
Thank you so much. My heart flys when I play this song
I cannot play guitar, but this was so cool to watch! I mean the man himself is showing us how it's done. I love David G!!!!
Thank you again, really cool that you do this!
Wow, Bravo, outstanding. Thank you so much for sharing such a powerful song.
Thanks David! This is pretty damn special to get a lesson from the artist.
Hope life is treating you well David, you’ve provided me with a lot of good memories, thanks.
Wow I really appreciate you sharing the way you play your song with us I'm going to learn it tonight what a beautiful song. 👌👍
david you are one of my favourite singers from when i was young be great see you play one day