How to play "Don't Think Twice" (Dylan) - Part 4/6

[chrismurphyshef]

Fantastic Jim - excellent, so well explained and performed with humility too (the absolute mark of a great tutor!)

[Lowdenjim]

@chrismurphyshef Thanks very much Chris; this song was my 1st attempt at teaching guitar and I look at it now with some embarrassment as I can see lots of room for improvement, but if it's working for you and lots of other folks then that's the main thing.

Very good luck with it; it's a great, great song to play.

[dwaincharlton]

you hit the nail on the head when you said these are'the things that makes the song so distinctive', this is the crux of the song, the essence, the nitty-gritty if you will, what makes it an absolute classic and undeniably dylan. Any chance of making another video that goes through putting these bits in with the chords a bit slower. As everyone has been saying your videos are spot on, this bit of this song it just a bit tricky for us novices. All the best Jimbo

[Lowdenjim]

@dwaincharlton Hi Dwain - There's a practice video up next (Part 5) and an Ultra Slow-mo version (for visual reference and study only due to the very slow speed) and I have put links now in the info/description section. Good luck with it - get back to me if you need further help.

[joshuadj89]

the first video i found for how to play this song should have been this video

[kwekneneng]

You are an inspiration to me, and four kids of mine who are so mesmerized with the folk singing of the 70s

[kwekneneng]

May god bless you Sir, for being so generous.

[tamklndf]

you are realy good to teach man:)

[ballzac314]

Thanks for these videos. Yours is the most accurate version I've heard. Also, these subtle bits are usually missing (or wrong) in tabs, and I don't think I'd have a hope of learning this without your videos.

Hopefully a bit of constructive criticism: With the subtle bits, it would be helpful if you not only showed how to do the bit itself, but also how it fits in with the rest of the picking pattern. I've almost got it, but still struggling a little with how the extra bits fit into the G chord.

[balacv02]

Hi Jim

One thing I forgot to mention. You have a beautiful soothing voice which is like a medicine. These days I have my drinks and listen to this great video turorial and my stress level is -273 deg. C. It becomes a bit difficult to get back to reality.

[balacv02]

Thanks Jim for this great lesson. I am nearly there, Can you please help me with that double hammer on bit on video 4. Can't figure out where exactly the hammer on has to be played. I would really appreciate if you could help. Thanks once again for this wonderful video

[Lowdenjim]

You are most welcome - glad to be of help; take a look at the slow mo video No 5 to see exactly how it's done, but if you still need help please get back to me. Good luck!

[balacv02]

@Lowdenjim

I watched video #5 atleast 20 times carefully. I think I am missing something. I can hum the rhythm, but can't put it on the strings. I am not getting that beautiful sound which you produce. Here is how I see it. Without the subtleties the count is 1 2& 3& 4 on the G Chord. With the hammer on how is the count. Which count do we play the three notes (or is it four)? (E hammer on to F then B hammer on to C). which other notes to play before you switch to C chord and F Chord? Thks

[Lowdenjim]

OK - I'll get back to you; I need to track down original video and analyse what my fingers are doing!

[Lowdenjim]

On analysing my slow mo video the strings picked are 5;4;3;6;2;4;3 in the 1st bar on a count of 1;2;&;3;&;4;& followed by string numbers 6;2;4;1;6;4;2 on a count of 1;&;2;&;3;4;&.....in the 2nd bar, so the hammer-on the E to F is on the off-beat count (the "&") on the 1st string - then up to the C on the second string at the end of the bar. I have posted part of the video again at half speed for you to have a look at and study closely. Good luck with it!

[balacv02]

@Lowdenjim

Thank you so much Jim. I Got it!. You are amazing teacher. Your patience is commendable. Thanks for taking so much of trouble. I am going to subscribe to your videos. Kudos and may god bless you.

[vra456]

@Lowdenjim

I really must say that you have done an absolutely outstanding job with this series of lessons. Your patience is amazing. Hats off to you!

I also wanted to mention that it appears that with respect to the double 'hammer on' bit at the start of this video, on the second count of 4 (with the G 7) you seem to be playing strings 6, 4, 5 and 4 and not 6, 4, 6 and 4. So the last two bass notes on count 3 and 4 are B and D and not G and D. This is just an observation, not criticism.

[steveinrus]

@Lowdenjim

Jim, I can't get this 2nd bar down despite numerous efforts and variations. What is the transition from the end of the 2nd bar after you hammer on C, back to the C chord, i.e., what is the finger sequence after the 6;2;4;1;6;4;2 referenced above? Appreciate your response.

[Lowdenjim]

@steveinrus On analysing my slow mo video the strings picked are 5;4;3;6;2;4;3 in the 1st bar on a count of 1;2;&;3;&;4;& followed by string numbers 6;2;4;1;6;4;2 on a count of 1;&;2;&;3;4;&.....in the 2nd bar, so the hammer-on the E to F is on the off-beat count (the "&") on the 1st string - then up to the C on the second string at the end of the bar. I have posted part of the video again at half speed for you to have a look at and study closely. Good luck with it!

[danieleshapiro]

Thanks Jim! You're a really great teacher. Cheers! As we say here in the Staes: you da man!!!

[Lowdenjim]

Thanks very much - good luck!

[danieleshapiro]

Thanks Jim! You're a really great teacher. Cheers!

[rumsas]

oh, forget what I just said, I just discovered video number 5! That's what I need.

Thank you !

[Lowdenjim]

You're welcome - good luck with it!

(Great playing on "Love Sick" by the way.....)

[rumsas]

Wunderful tutorial! I spent my Saturday learning this song!

One thing I can't figure out though is how exactly the subtle bits fit into the picking pattern, meaning how does the pattern changes?

[Lowdenjim]

Thank you for those very kind words! Good luck with this great song.

[baylenhawley]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the great lesson and hello from Seattle.

I was wondering if you could please help me with the timing of the hammer ons. I've watched lesson 4 & 5 but can't quite the timing right while playing the bass notes. Where is played in the count of 1 2&3&4? The first lick seems to be essential for the feel of the song.

Thanks again

[Lowdenjim]

The bass notes (6th, 5th & 4th strings) are played on the main count of 1, 2, 3, 4 using the thumb. The 3rd and 2nd strings are played on the off-beats (the "&" counts) using 1st and 2nd fingers.

[bitoworld]

Hi, your's is the most comprehensive tutorial of this song. i am not a guitar player but with your instruction all the mistery of the song is easy to undrstand and makes this song accessable. Thank you.

[Lowdenjim]

Thank you Marlon - good luck with the song

[Lowdenjim]

Humble apologies; I missed this question! It's a Norman ST68 from the same stable as Simon & Patrick and Seagull guitars (Robert Godin - La Patrie in Canada)

[AshAlmond]

Fantastic tutorial mate. Congratulations!

[Lowdenjim]

Thank you very much!

[Lowdenjim]

Thank you! - maybe I should re-record my version of it...

[guitimad]

I like better the way you sing this song at the end of this lesson, than in your cover.Maybe cause of the tempo. I agree your friends who told you that would be better playing it slower. Id say Joan Baez does it this way.

Been playing with your lessons several weeks, i really apreciate your vids. I think im getting a bit better with the picking. Although i still dont manage very well this fourth lesson tricks.... Thank you very much.

[Lowdenjim]

Thanks - I stayed as close as I could to the tempo of the original but I do vary the song when playing it in public performances.

[shoulderoforion]

Glad you spent so much time on this song. It was the first song that I started to learn when I got my first guitar. Many years later now I am finally learning it the right way. May I suggest you do a lesson on "The City of New Orleans" if it's a song you favor like I do. Thank you for the lesson!

[Lowdenjim]

I have posted up a version of this song on Youtube - the picking pattern is similar to "Don't Think Twice" and you may be able to get a pretty good impression of how it's played from studying the video. I'll add the song to my "To do" list but it's a long list!! Good luck with it...

[Lowdenjim]

I make some suggestions in my video "How to play "Don't Think Twice" (Part 6) - Other songs" but there are many others that can be played in this style. eg..

Colours; Blowing in the Wind"; Things", "Last Thing on my Mind", "Midnight Special", "Streets of London", "Plaisir D'Amour", "North to Alaska", "The Boxer", "Goodnight Irene", "Worried Man", "Pick a bale o' Cotton", "Cotton Fields", "Banks of the Ohio"....

Good luck; if you want some more - just let me know!

[Lowdenjim]

Thanks very much for the feedback - it's a real boost to know people are able to learn something from my videos. I hope playing this great song gives you as much pleasure as I've had with it down the years.

[ASFLKKK]

Out of all the guitar lessons on youtube this is seriously the best by far. You're patient, clear and you go straight to the point.

Thank you so much, this is an epic song I thought I'd never be able to play.

[Lowdenjim]

Thank you very much - your endorsement is much appreciated. Very good luck with the song and many years enjoyment in playing and singing it!

[slugmantooth]

itd be better if you explained it better like in the previous videos. how you did everything very slow. it's not slow enough in the practice video

[Lowdenjim]

Would it help you if I re-run the Practice video in slow motion?

[MrToop1]

kgytguyyg

[MrToop1]

cheers lowdenjim, do you know how to play any of donavans stuff and i don't meen jason. thanks a lot

[scrubbler23]

Jim I can't get the timing of the first subtlebits on the G7 chord! When do you play the open note on the 1st string for the hammeron? Do you play it simultaneously with the 3rd string? I'm so confused

[slugmantooth]

Thats what I'm wondering. i need the timing for the first hammer on and off. it seems like c is coming early but i cant tell.

[ubcintl]

You're a great guitar teacher Jim. This is the best video for Don't Think Twice, the only one I've been able to follow. Thanks!

[Lowdenjim]

Bless you for that kind endorsement - very good luck with this classic song.

[o0oslayero0o]

im try this song.. going to get my guitar XD

saw your cover, and if the lesson is even close to the cover, then I know its going to be amazing. thanks alot bro

-Austin

[Lowdenjim]

You're welcome Austin - good luck with it!

[MrPAULTEMP]

Thank so much for these lessons of a great song, ive been playing this song for years badly (bedroom player)but thanks to you Jim I might do it justice at long last Thanks again

[Lowdenjim]

That's great Paul - be sure to post a vid of you playing it!

[lallbc31]

i've got it! thank you for this easy to follow lesson of a timeless song.

[Lowdenjim]

You're welcome!

[MrToop1]

o ar silly me you shouldnt have changed your shirt and guitar!!!!

[lallbc31]

Hey Jim, im a little confused here. It seems like your hitting the second string after the 1 count on certain chords. In part 2 2 you had the count which was helpful which went 1 2 and 3 and 4. Is there an "and " where you play a string between 1and 2 or am i just seein things?

[Lowdenjim]

Not intentionally, but I do vary it sometimes. If you study Vid No 5 (Practice session) you'll see it slowed down so it's easier to follow. Good luck!

[CaptainKaneko]

Hi Lowdenjim, I've been busy practicing and have got the G7 hammer-on part fairly ok. I'm still having bother with the G rollon. Is it : 6th string 3rd fret, hammeron open to 2nd fret on 4th string, open 3rd string, 6 string 3rd fret, 4th string 3rd fret, open 3rd string, 6th string 3rd fret, pull off 2nd fret to open 4th string. I think it's close but still not right. - eg I'm not hitting the 2nd string atall (you do during this phase, I think??). Any comments/tips greatly appreciated. thanks

[Lowdenjim]

Just maintain the standard picking pattern on the 6th and 4th (alternating bass-line) and then move your 1st finger up one string from 5th to 4th (2nd fret), followed by your 3rd finger onto the 4th string (3rd fret). So on a count of 1, 2, 3, 4: 1, 2, 3, 4 the string numbers are 6, 4, 6, 4: 6, 4, 6, 4 and the fret numbers are 3, 0, 3, 2: 3, 3, 3, 2. If you watch Vid No 5 closely you will see how it works. Good luck but get back if you need any more help.

[CaptainKaneko]

Thanks, that has helped. I'll keep playing along with video 5. It's been a while since I've had sore fingertips!

[CaptainKaneko]

Thankyou for this series of lessons. I wonder could you help me in relation to the G7/C hammer-on's and the G roll-on. I notice you are carrying on a picking pattern with your right hand during these sections achieving a nice full sound but I'm having great difficulty figuring out what you are actually doing. I can get the hammer-ons in isolation but they seem a bit empty. Any chance you could elaborate on what your other picking fingers are doing during the hammer- ons and roll-on. Many thanks

[Lowdenjim]

Hiya Cap'n - the pick pattern doesn't change at all for the "G roll-on" but you can use a bit more emphasis on the 6th & 4th strings with your thumb. On the G7 I "double-up" on the 2nd finger by using it to pick the 1st string hammer-on then immediately back to picking the 2nd string. The 1st finger takes a rest for that one eighth note. You can see in slowmo what's happening in Vid No 5 (Practice). Hope this answers you - if not get back to me.

[CaptainKaneko]

Thankyou for your advice, I have just discovered lesson no.5 which I feel will be invaluable. Great stuff!

[Lowdenjim]

You're welcome - good luck!

[Peppermeister101]

Whats the order of the chords for the verses please i can't remember without them being written down great tutorial by the way might leave out the fancy bits and pick another way see if i can make the song my own or just do a simpler version of this thanks alot for the tutorial.

[Lowdenjim]

Intro.... C G7 C F C G7 C

Well it (C) ain't no use to (G7) sit and wonder (Am) why babe,

(Am/G) (F) If''n you dont know by (C) now (G7)

An' it (C) ain't no use to (G7) sit and wonder (Am) why babe,

(D7) It'll never do some(G7)how..

When your (C) rooster crows at the (C7) break o'dawn,

(F) Look out your window an' (D7) I'll be gone

(C) Youre the (G7) reason I'm (Am) a-travellin' (F) on

(C) But don't think (G7) twice, it's all (C) right

Hope that helps - good luck!

[mikmc]

Thanks a lot Lowdenjim , this has really helped me to get the subtle bits , a great help !!

[Lowdenjim]

You are very welcome - thanks for the "feedback"...

[ModGyo]

Thanks for teaching this great song, and for improving my fingerpicking style!

[Lowdenjim]

Thank you - very good luck with the song, and with developing your technique!

[Lowdenjim]

Sorry but I don't do tab, but you could try Vid No 5 (Practice) which should help you nail them. If you still have problems get back to me...

Good luck!

[scrumdilibum]

Great way of breaking it all down. Hopefully another song i can share with my friends.

From Brian

[Lowdenjim]

Thanks Brian - good luck with it!

[agivon]

you get to see soooo many guitar video lessons here and only when you come upon people like you , can one truly appreciate it. had the best time with these videos.

feel free to keep it up ; )

thanks.

[Lowdenjim]

"Agivon" - thank you so much for your kind comment; I'll certainly "keep it up" as long as I'm able!

[Lowdenjim]

Hey BlueApple! - you're too kind.... very good luck with playing this great Bob Dylan (my hero) song.

[ryanblackley1]

thanks for this lesson, i have been looking for a decent lesson for this song for months! definity the best i have found, 6 stars! i can play everything near perfect until video 4 and i cant get my head around it! i was wondering if you could post a video showing the 'subtle bits' a bit more clearly as i am completly lost with it all. or maybe post some tab some where? thanks any way and look forward to any other lessons you may post in the future!

[Lowdenjim]

Thank you - sorry the 4th video maybe lacks some more detailed explanation. If you watch Video No 5 (Practice) it should get you round the problem, but if not come back to me and I'll try something else.

[Lowdenjim]

Thank you - let me know the songs you want to learn; I'll help if I can.

[franscescoli]

Thank you very very much. I'm French and i worked in front of my computer with you lasting ten days to learn it!!

Thank you.

[Lowdenjim]

Your dedication is amazing.  Ten days of study with me - you deserve the "Legion d'honneur"!!!

[Lowdenjim]

I'm intrigued to know the meaning of "rouge Am"?

As for bathroom tiling - done to perfection, but in a timescale too embarrassing to mention here. I could paddle a canoe from the UK to Australia in half the time!

[jcrites24]

alright so when you do the "subtle bits" you strum the base note, and don't strum the 2nd nor 3rd string other than for "subtle bits", correct? if that makes sense? sorry haha

[Lowdenjim]

The bass string and treble string picking pattern is maintained throughout the song, but with the variations "inter-woven" into the pattern. I vary my style occasionally when playing in public, and try not to merely imitate the original. The 5th video ("Practice") should help to show you exactly what's going on at these points. Hope that helps/makes sense.

[bololandia]

Thank you so much. I wanted to play this song for so long and never understood the tabs. You are the best!

[Lowdenjim]

Well thank you too - I can't quite get my head around tab either!

[sakisakii]

you sir, are a hero! Thanks so much for this

[Lowdenjim]

My pleasure - thanks to you too..

[tubephobia]

You are a brilliant teacher.

And probably a very pleasing person.

What a pity that I didn`t see your helping clips 15 years ago.

[Lowdenjim]

Hey! - 15 years ago I needed them myself!!

Thanks so very much; comments like yours mean a great deal to me.

[MsBiff2000]

inspiring

[Lowdenjim]

Thanks - good luck with the song

[Lowdenjim]

Thanks - and glad it helps; keep working on the G7 - it'll come. Try using your 3rd finger rather than your 2nd. Good luck...

[fxgirard]

brilliant lesson! thank you so much!

[Lowdenjim]

..and thank you for your comment - good luck with the song

[ygera1]

Great lesson 5*

[Lowdenjim]

Thanks - hope it helps; it's a great song to play.

[austinrjm]

Cool thanks.

[Lowdenjim]

My pleasure

[maxdeath123]

In fact I was wondering why so few people have watched this video when I found it's just uploaded :)

It's like when i want to learn this song, u upload this video for me. What a coincidence.

[Lowdenjim]

Thanks very much - good luck with the song!

[maxdeath123]

omg.

I was just about to learning this song when i find you upload this. There are no other really good lesson for this wonderful song.

Thank you very much.

[Lowdenjim]

Wow - You're fast on the button! I've only just uploaded thisa few minutes ago. Thanks very much for your kind comment.

[yipmicha]

very interesting lesson thanks!