How I learn John Prine fingerpicking songs

[kdz101]

Thanks! Helps alot!

[welderMTL]

nice video

[Zsolto66]

Hey Ian, I keep returning to this video now and again to see where I started from. I cannot tell you how many times I have watched this video here and on my smartphone while struggling with my first fingerpicked chords. You were THE instructor who put me on the road and I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you for this and the other instruction videos you made. I am a happy customer -- I can work out my own covers now :)

Hope all is well, Merry Christmas to you, my YouTube friend.

Zsolt

[forbzee63]

Thank you for sharing this video my You Tube buddy Zsolt recomended your channel to me and I am glad he did I enjoy your videos

[Zsolto66]

@forbzee63 Look who's talking :) Hey Mark, long time no see -- I am glad to meet you here, this means you are working on some fingerstyle stuff :) This video is my Base Camp Zero -- this is where I myself started from.

Merry Christmas to you, pal!

Zsolt

[juanduque71]

Thanks for all the resources! I've been meaning to learn travis picking and this is a great help!! And you can always do your dishes later. Your guitarplaying should always be the priority! Greetings from down south (South America, that is! (Medellín, Colombia)..

[MrVander80]

Gibson J-200???

[TahoeLegend]

Really enjoyed your video.

I have not been able to find part II though.

Did you ever do part II that you mentioned you were going to do?

[sirvaughn16]

I am old and not a fast learner. This helps a lot. I will use this when I am at my home in the jungles of Thailand. Also I have John Prine eyes.

[mmartinez85]

Awesome video. Thanks. I've been sitting around today kinda at a stalemate... wondering what new guitar stuff I could learn. This is perfect.

[berniebrough]

Hi, if you could do another video at some time and really slow down the finger picking patterns that would be greatly appreciated.

[mrdave22]

i forgot to mention, my

friend told me to slow down

the travis picking, real slow

and then try to pick up speed,

that might help beginners like me.

[mrdave22]

Great job on this video.

VERY helpful, I hope I can

somewhat get this stufff, I LOVE

John Prine's music. Thank you.

[84samwilson]

thank you for the time and links!

[1incipitvitanova]

Very good-thanks for posting.

[reggiejayne]

Thank you! This is a GREAT Help!!!!

[MrMickey7]

nice. are you using finger picks on your fingers

[jordanthecat]

@MrMickey7 No. I had broken my ring fingernail that week and was wearing a fake nail on that finger.

[MSimp2k6]

Great job, thanks for the informative video.

[JustAintthatWay]

funny prine concert anecdote: he started into a song and immediately

someone started cheering

prine stopped and said, 'how do you know what song this is? i only use 4

diffrint chords for all of 'em'

[Trunedk]

oh my god, your nails!

[jordanthecat]

@Trunedk One of them was a fake nail. The rest of them are real, and come in quite handy during hand-to-hand combat.

[Trunedk]

@jordanthecat yea i see, it wasn't any mean meant as I see it could be right now. I wish I had those nails for my fingerpicking!

[noah1529]

thanks!!!

[DougM63]

great job, but dude, do your dishes......

[jordanthecat]

@DougM63 Yeah, you're right. Instead of (unsuccessfully) trying to shoot my video aroung the disaster in the background, I probably should have taken a few minutes and put the dish soap to good use beforehand.

[alaskaozzy]

@DougM63 I would rather play my guitar than practically anything else! Use paper plates!

[TheSpinWizard]

I love your approach. I am rediscovering the guitar after a 35 year heiatis and your approach eases away the fear of complexity factor.

[jordanthecat]

@TheSpinWizard We all need to take a break from playing now and then- after 35 years you should be well rested. But you'll probably need a new set of strings.

[scottay69]

thank you so much for doing this video, sounds great, love this style so much, it is time for me to start learning to do this.

[GumboRon]

I've been working on "Lake Marie". I think Prine originally did it in G-C-D but now does it in F. I've watch one of his YOUTUBES doing it in F (which I think sounds better) but it looks like he is still making G-C-D Chords... if so, do you know how? I this some sort of open C tuning trick or something. I am soooo confused! Thanks, Gumbo Ron

[motorwawt]

beautiful guitar, what is it?

[jordanthecat]

It's a Gibson J-100XT. It looks a bit large, being a jumbo, but it's incredibly lightweight and produces a richer sound than I or my videos can properly convey.

[GumboRon]

I've always used a pick and recently noticed that I can do a little finger pickin"... didn't even realize that it's called Travis picking. So I figured that if I'm gonna get into this habit I may as well try to do it some justice... so I started YouTubing... came up on this lesson. Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to post this because you are actually a very good teacher. The video is clear and sharp and you dont' take us too far... to fast. Hope to see you on some other post.

[jordanthecat]

I'm glad I could be of some help- thanks!

[charukmed]

Thanks bunches! I just picked up my guitar after lying it down for about 20 years. You really helped me to get back on the bike!!

[jordanthecat]

And thank you also- don't be afraid to change your strings- they are probably about due.

[cloudnify]

thanks great lesson do more please

[bobjanelra]

Maybe I'm crazy but at one minute into video isn't the F shape making a B flat (A#) rather than an A flat? Not to question the teach but sometime grasshoppa have interesting question.

[jordanthecat]

Geeze, you're absolutely right. Well spotted. Not only can't I play the chord properly, I got its name wrong.

[martinaxman]

I hate Bb. I found that it's much easier to use the first knuckle of the pinkie to barre the DGB strings and either mute the little E or press it really hard. Otherwise it's a three finger thing for me. Good lesson. Travis picking is wicked hard. You have to split your brain to get the two lines working. Your comments about relaxing and explanations help a lot. It's something that is almost as hard as Bb for me. Thanks.

[secndfret]

You're my hero! I've been struggling trying to figure out fingerpicking. You're a good teacher. Thanks! ... Excuse me, gotta get back to practicing Angel From Montgomery and Sam Stone

[StrabaneScott]

Anxious for Part 2!!

Thanks for all the wonderful music, Ian!

[seefan1]

Great video as all of those you've posted. Can hardly wait for #2 ...

Thanks so much for your efforts ...

[catguyone]

i would really like to learn the song souvenirs, i have watched his videos, but i still find them difficult, any ideas

thanks

[MainzMan]

Thank you for these videos, you may not think of them as lessons or yourself as a teacher but you're doing a great job.

John Prine has been one of my favourite artists for years and to be able to play some of his songs is fantastic.

Keep up the good work.

[murdoc995]

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[murdoc995]

shit

[utubadore]

In one of your videos you say you are "not much of a teacher". You are wonderfully misinformed.

Thanks for all your help.

[jordanthecat]

Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad you've found something helpful in my videos. I guess I just don't want to seem to portray myself as some kind of "expert." I'm just trying to share a couple of insights here and there, the way we do around the campfire.

[Rob1964b]

Ooh he's got such nice nails.

[jordanthecat]

Thanks. One of them was a fake, I must admit.

[MrRomain34]

Great video it's so hard to find good stuff to learn how to play john prine songs!

Could you please make an instructional video on "day is done", i'd give everything to pick this song. thank you

[jordanthecat]

Have a look at some of the links I've included in the text description of this video.

Learning these fingerpicking John Prine songs is really just all about learning "Travis Picking." Once you've learned that, you'll be surprised at how many John Prine songs you can suddenly play.

[Gingerjake2]

Oh!!! I now feel like I can do this! What great instruction...if you're not a teacher, then you've missed your calling - you should be. Thankyouthankyouthankyou so much.

If I haven't got this now, could you come & live at my house til I get it? LOL!

Seriously, you have helped immensely.

[jordanthecat]

How big is your house? I won't take up much room.

Let me know if I can be of further asistance. When I watch this video again, I only see all the things I wish I'd mentioned.

[mandyboland]

great player and great teacher. thanks for your generosity. you're an example of what makes youtube cool. also love your t-shirt!

[lovinmonterey]

Seeing John Prine tonight in Carmel, CA!!

Can you video yourself picking John Prine's "Day is Done" for me to learn?

You taught me on your 'How I fingerpick Hello In There by John Prine' and I play it all the time.

[icntblevethssht]

Thanks for the excellent lesson. I love John Prine. It will take some practice, but I'll get it.

[jordanthecat]

Yes you will. You'll come to realize that it's essentially a simple thing because it's just a repeatable pattern you are practicing.

[paraplanebelle]

outstanding video, just what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing your talent.

[jordanthecat]

I'm glad to hear that. The JustinSandercoe video is very helpful also because of the time he takes showing the pattern, as well as the supportive PDF files. Just take it slow at first, and be patient with the fact that your thumb will at first forget what it's doing once your fingers start plucking their part. But once you've got it, you've got it!

[ChenTui]

Great intro thanks. I 've got the basics. On Long Monday what trips me up is the change from Fmaj back to Bflatmaj (via Cmaj or something that looks like it). I can't quite work out what my left hand needs to do.

[jordanthecat]

John Prine is playing basic chords in "Long Monday" while using a capo.

Long Monday has a G, C and Dm chord with a capo on the third fret. I've sent you a message with further details.

John Prine chord books which include elaborate barre chords are not musically incorrect, but they are nevertheless WRONG.

[xanbex]

thanks for going to all this trouble friend...you inspire me ...well done!

[jordanthecat]

Thanks very much! Now pick up that guitar and play us a Prine song! YouTube always needs more Prine songs.

[nichmars]

Thanks!! I just saw Prine in concert two days ago. It was amazing! cheers for the insight into his sound!!

[jordanthecat]

John Prine always puts on a great show, doesn't he? And it's always a fun experience to be among a few thousand fans who know all the words!

[nichmars]

Yeah. I know the guy in front of me wasn't thrilled but I had to sing along. JP played Bottomless Lake after I yelled for it, I couldn't believe it. It's such an under appreciated song, maybe because it's on an under appreciated album. Cheers Again!!

[Jacko49]

Thanks for the great and pleasant way you show it how to,you are great.

[jordanthecat]

Thanks, Jacko! I hope that helped.

[UdaNation25]

i wanna learn how to play john prine but i have no clue how to learn cause no one teaches it!

[jordanthecat]

Just take a couple or three guitar lessons and ask the teacher to show you "Travis Picking." That's what John Prine does in his fingerpicking songs. Once you learn the technique, which might take a month or two to get comfortable with, you'll suddenly realize that you can figure out and learn all of Prine's fingerpicking songs pretty easily.

[Rideslow6977]

your nails look gay

[AmbulanceProductions]

lame...talking about Rideslow's comment.

[Rideslow6977]

do you like them big boy

[AmbulanceProductions]

...yeeess! OOOOHHH!

[Rideslow6977]

Do you dream of them being run down your belly as you bite a pillow?

[AmbulanceProductions]

That or my back...his or yours! Say, what are you doing later?

[jordanthecat]

Yes, my nails are indeed happy.

Long fingernails on the right hand, for right-handed fingerpickers, are a requirement.

[Rideslow6977]

deltabluestips doesnt have them and he plays right handed finger picking like ringing a bell

[jordanthecat]

Yes he does- you're quite right there.

Has it occurred to you that your comments would take on a different tone, and have greater credibility if you'd ever uploaded a video of your own?

[Rideslow6977]

Why No...... No it hasn't. I will ponder that remark and let you know my thoughts.

Credibility...hmmmm......I'm not really looking for any, but I will ponder the need for it on such a forum as Youtube....

[jordanthecat]

I look forward to hearing your thoughts. And should you ever upload your version of a Prine song I would certainly look forward to that also!

There can never be too many Prine songs on YouTube, and your contribution would be most welcome.

If you're watching deltabluestips videos, I know you can play!

Regards,

Jordan The Cat.

[slyconner]

Awesome! I'm a big time John Prine fan and it's nice to see someone else studying and learning Prine's technique. After learning many of his finger picking songs I noticed that most all of them all had similar styles as well.

Cheers.

[jordanthecat]

You're quite right, slyconner- Prine's fingerpicking songs all seem to share commonalities, almost to the point that if you can learn one, you can learn them all.

Nice job you did on "Souvenirs," by the way!!!

[liamfallon07]

you got fuckin werewolf nails. ^^ good shit tho

[jordanthecat]

Thanks- what you may be commenting on there is a fake nail I glued in place after busting the real one off at work. Fake nails work well, but they do look a little odd.

[Rideslow6977]

It sucks when you break a nail....ouchie

[randommara]

Your instructional videos are so great! Thanks for the links too. Personally, I think you play beautifully. Thanks again!

[seefan1]

I like this video. Very helpful. Thanks ...

[hurdmj]

Really helpful. I am a strummer that is trying to learn some basic picking for campfire type songs like Prine. Thanks very much.

[jordanthecat]

I've put a couple of helpful (I think) links in the text description to Travis Picking lessons. I forget how long it took me to first learn it to the point where it began to feel "easy" to do- it was a number of months I think, but you've got lots of time between now and next campfire season to get comfortable with the style!

All the best, and happy picking!

[dinger59]

I wrote Maybe Someday,did you like it?.Be honest with you I am having alot of trouble training my ears.I am along way from having the so called perfect pitch. Thanks again for your help

[jordanthecat]

"Maybe Someday" sounds like a quality song for sure! Post the lyrics in your text description to make them easier to appreciate!

Your pitch sounds just fine to me: screw "perfect" pitch- just "sing it like you mean it," as an old friend once advised me!

[dinger59]

Thanks for your great videos.What notes are bass runs

[jordanthecat]

Changing from G to C chord:

A string open, then 2nd, then 3rd fret.

Changing from D to G chord:

Low E string open, then 2nd (held down by left thumb,) then 3rd fret.

But I just heard you play "Maybe Someday" so I'm sure you already figured it out by ear for yourself!

[WayUpNorth1]

that was a great video and lots of useful tips :-) love john prine and im always playing along but with your way it works really well :D thx for posting and hope to see more

[THEREDNECKPEPI64]

sounds great my friend!

*****

Pepi

[airwave2oo8]

thank you for doing this

[jordanthecat]

Thank you for watching, AJ!

[bnlphan]

Ty sir,

great info. Just started playing again after a few years hiatus. After my chord fingers callous over I'm sure this will be very helpful. Big Prine fan here and wanted to compliment you on the covers as well. Keep em coming.

[dabiribd]

thank you

[Ottawarocket]

Great lesson Ian. I play a bastardized version of Travis Picking myself..sometimes true to the style and sometimes just doing my own thing ..It's fairly easy to learn with basic chords and of course it's great on so many songs..Not just John Prine songs..Listen to Jordan the cat folks! he knows what he is talking about : )

Rocket

[jordanthecat]

Thanks for the kind endorsement, Rob. And hey, I really like your "bastardized" finger picking songs!!!

[april51997]

I have been playing the same seven or eight cords and the same one or two strum patterns for 25 years. I was reintroduced to John Prine's 'Sam Stone' and wanted to play it exactly like him. I find myself relearning and trying to end bad habbits. Your finger picking lesson is great. I have a new energy and will eventually get this new sound to come out of my old guitar.

Thanks so much

Chris Silver NS canada

[jordanthecat]

You can accomplish a lot with just seven or eight chords though, can't you! This isn't really a proper fingerpicking lesson, though- check out the link in my text to Justin Sandercoe's lesson for something more thorough.

Be sure to upload your Sam Stone once you're happy with it, and let me know!

[identitytraveler]

you've got her down there Ian!

[jordanthecat]

Thanks for stopping by, Tom!

[Ugliest1uEVERsaw]

Man you have no idea how happy you have made me. I enjoy your videos so much and this has helped me simplify a lot.. viva los capo!

Donny

[jordanthecat]

Many thanks from one Capoed Crusader to another, Donny: I'm always very glad to know that someone has found one of these semi-instructional videos of mine to be helpful.

[jordanthecat]

Thanks- I'm just hoping that these pseudo-tutorials are actually helpful. Fellow YouTuber whorwood has also been asking me about "One Red Rose." I might just have to get around to trying it once my next video is done.

[diggerddawg]

I second the request for the "One red rose" lesson. In fact, I insist. Please post this lesson by the end of the day

[jordanthecat]

I'll try to have a report on your desk by Monday morning detailing why I missed this deadline, or at least an excuse for why that report was also delayed.

[diggerddawg]

excuses...humf!

BTW...you do great lessons. Grasshopper eager to learn. More Prine Prease!

[ingrownrecords]

great great tutorial.. His stuff is simple but very difficult to get jsut right. Could you do a video of "One Red Rose?" One of my faovurites.

[dannooozy]

thanks again or a great vid.that i will watch over and over.iam a huge prine fan and have always dreamed of fingerpicking his songs.i can keep the thumb going good until i add the fingers then i get lost.i cant seem to do the thumb and fingers at the same time.i cant get that syncopaition.can you help with this? thanks again.

[jordanthecat]

Try just throwing in an occasional finger pluck here or there at random at first while you keep your thumb going- you can't hit a musically "wrong" string if you've got a chord held down. Like I did in the "Sabu" bit in this video.

[fkidder]

SHOOOOOT! You gotta know what finger is plucking which string? I'm burning my gits tonight!

Ian, you're so cool! This is very nice of you!

[jordanthecat]

So many fingers, so little time...

[Kevindad123]

Good job. Keep up the good work my friend.

[cefdad]

Keep spreading the love. I do not think that there is anybody on "the tube" doing it better. Thanks.

[squarecut]

cool ! I think JP's bass runs would be great for your next vid. For example the C to D in "Speed ... " that you did in the end, I know you skipped the bass run but I would love to learn what he does. And thanks for this, I love JP !

[jordanthecat]

I'll pay some attention to John's bass runs in my next vid- thanks for the suggestion. So much ground to cover- this might drag out to more than just two videos.

[zoolieboolie]

Although I've been playing the guitar on and off for 35 years, I really enjoy your intructive videos. You have a great ability to teach in a manner that is both practical and encouraging. It makes me want to pick up my guitar and play again after being in a funk for quite a while now. Thank you so much. I really mean that. Keep on keeping on.

[jordanthecat]

I know what it's like to just lose interest for periods of time.  Pick up that guitar of yours, put on a new set of strings, and remind it of how your favorite songs go.

[kaburto1966]

Great editing! Your voice sounded great at the end when you started singing... I didn't want you to stop.

[jordanthecat]

Thanks, Karen- you're a sweetheart!