Mary Jane's Last Dance Lesson - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

[pedaphelps]

cool lesson thanks

[VGStratGuy]

@pedaphelps

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate that. Cheers

[Stringprodigy]

When you do the double stops at the beginning of the solo, it's much easier and sounds better if you pull the g and b strings down rather than pushing them up.

[VGStratGuy]

@Stringprodigy

I like that, thanks.

[petergrffn700]

I play it in 453 Hz tuning and it sounds just like the track, and this tuning is perfect for Free Fallin' as well!

[lostnsantarosa]

I swear it sounds better if instead of a G after the A minor you just play it open. I have been playing this song all night and G doesnt sound like the tommy petty recording

[dv1073]

@edithis1 he's got it right. The key is Am. Verses= Am,G,D,Am; chorus is Em,A,Em,A,G (that's how we play it)

[JDoubleOP]

Very clear thx m8

[cretin11]

This is correct, it's G not Am.

[eggy1965]

Was just curious...@ the 1:13 mark why does your pinky finger jet up towards the E-string on the third fret ? nervous reaction ?

[jimm66]

you said F -- I think you mean D

[rjchstoner]

Great lesson....Question: When I play this...its just not sounded right and its been suggested that one needs to tune up/down???...to get same quality as Pettys recording??....Your toughts??...thanks in advance....Ron

[VGStratGuy]

@rjchstoner Thanks, you're probably talking about the tone of the guitar. I'm using the humbucker setting on the VG Strat, and then I'm using a Fender Blues Jr., with the Master Volume (or preamp tubes) all the way up, which creates that dirty distortion sound. If your amp doesn't have a master volume, you can always use one of the classic distortion pedals. But the Strat is just so clean you need something to "dirty" up the sound. Thanks again.

[modernway91]

@rjchstoner Well I have been reading that the song is A 430, while my guitar is in standard tuning(a 440) so turn a bit down.

[tabbott1]

@absoluteabsence000 My comment regarding this was removed. I didn't think it was offensive. Thanks for backing me on that... That A-min ending chord on the chorus is simply incorrect.

[BunniePetrarch052]

Download the audio from this clip at speedyconversion doht cohm.

[jimmivelvet]

Very good lesson.

[brandop3]

Hey man..So everyone can play the bend riff...Can you do a video that show more of how you lead into it and then the solo after it..You dont even show any of that.Thanks

[VGStratGuy]

@brandop3

Thanks, but take a look down the list of comments, because you'll see that out of all the lessons I've posted, this solo is, by far, the most requested. I always thought it would be enough to demonstrate it, so I filmed it so you could pick out exactly where my fingers are going. If I included this I would have run out fo time on the 10 minutes I have for each video.

Thanks again for the request, if I get some time maybe some day I'll do it.

[angelomisterioso]

Great lesson. Very well shown and explained. Thanks!!!!

[VGStratGuy]

@angelomisterioso

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate that. Cheers.

[Berniewahlbrinck]

I think he plays E minor7 in the chorus - that's also what they sing, don't you think think?

[VGStratGuy]

@Berniewahlbrinck

Thanks, you may very well be right. I appreciate the comment. Keep practicin'.

[SuperCaptainG]

Alright, dude, this song is not about marijuana. Your beliefs are false

[snowyphil65]

@SuperCaptainG actually its about mary j and a lady

[cflynt45]

Thanks! was having trouble with some of the intricacies & have been winging it when we play out...played with this yesterday & jammed it on stage last night. Was awesome to do it right!

[kahticresponse]

Nice lesson. Could you give a solo lesson on this tune? A+

[VGStratGuy]

@kahticresponse

Thanks for the note, I appreciate that. You know out of all the lessons I've posted, this solo is, by far, the most requested (see comments, below). I always thought it would be enough to demonstrate it, so I filmed it so you could pick out exactly where my fingers are going. Mike Campbell is playing an A minor pentitonic scale, so if you know that scale you'll see exactly what he's doing.

Thanks again for the request, if I get some time maybe some day I'll do it.

[staceyas69]

The chorus is played in Em7 chord. Also the D is diminished in the verses.

[hotshotsugar94]

do you think that you could write up tabs for this and post them or a link to them? especially mikes solo. that would be really helpful. also what are you using to distort the sound. ive got a simi hollow gretsch syncromatic and a crate profile series model 5 practice amp and i cant figure it out

[VGStratGuy]

@hotshotsugar94

Sorry, I get a lot of requests for tabs, but I just don't do tabs. I'd much rather just show you how to play something. I use a VG Strat, and use the humbucker setting, then turn up the crunch on my Blues Jr as high as possible. You can get that dirty sound from distortion pedals or a POD too, but you're right, getting that tone is really important, isn't it?

Thanks for the note.

[kenbruschini]

thankss



[6STRINGBROKEN]

Nice lesson! Thanks

[snowyphil65]

tom wont say much about the meaning but its a double entendre

[VGStratGuy]

@snowyphil65

Yea, I think you're right. A pretty good double entendre, too.

[k94845]

well done



[tabbott1]

The chorus ends on a "G" chord not an "A-minor". Revisit the song, listen and try it with the "G". The A-minor is the first chord of the verse. Not meaning anything derrogatory but if you want to play it correctly you need to go to a "G" chord at the end of the chorus. The progression for the chorus is Em-AMaj-Em-AMaj-GMaj. Its very brief after the last word in the chorus "Again" Otherwise the chorus and verse would have no seperation. That ending "G" chord is very important. Otherwise, Nice!

[cretin11]

@tabbott1

This is correct, it's G not Am.

[Innaband]

Thanks bro!! helped a lot. I have to play this song this weekend and our other guitarist quit. Although I'm a 20 year vet of playing, you've helped me out a lot! Many kudos!!

[zakg3]

part 2 for the solo?

[VGStratGuy]

@zakg3

Thanks for the request, I get a lot of requests for this (see comments, below). I always thought it would be enough to demonstrate it for you. I filmed it so you can pick out exactly where my fingers are going during this part. Campbell is playing an A minor pentitonic scale, so if you know that scale you'll see exactly what he's doing.

Thanks again for the request, if I get some time maybe some day I'll demonstrate it note for note. Cheers.

[ta11438]

Great lesson, can you cover slowly the other run up the neck after the double stops, you play it in the intro and at the end, but don't show it slowed down.

[telecaster24]

Great lesson and great teaching I am doing off a 1960 les paul,SWEET thanks again...

[Innaband]

@telecaster24 an actual 60 or a Les Paul Classic reissue?? Funny! I have a 03 Classic 1960 in my hands right now! Heavy, but such a beauty!!!!!

[levit1010]

Good lesson but maybe explain the strumming pattern hard to see where you are palm muting

[Howardsend88]

this is a very good lesson

[halb42]

lol why did you say "F"? haha that was dumb. jk were all dumb sometimes

[DrGeophysics]

This was really excellent! Thanks!

[VGStratGuy]

@altair1017

But you need something like that, because the Strat sound is just so damn clean, you need something to dirty it up. Thanks for asking.

[GeneralKenobiSIYE]

@VGStratGuy I think the Fat 50's would do well. You can use anything I think. Most amps have setting to dirty the sounds. My friend said "YOU play the strat, never let the strat play you." Which means it can all be done, you just have to feel it.

[VGStratGuy]

@altair1017

Thanks, I'm using the humbucker setting on the VG Strat, so you won't be able to replicate that unless you have a VG, or your Strat has a humbucker in the bridge pickup. I'm using a Fender Blues Jr., with the Master Volume (or preamp tubes) all the way up, which creates that dirty distortion sound. If your amp doesn't have a master volume, you can always use one of the classic distortion pedals.

[VGStratGuy]

@altair1017

[MrMet2433]

Yeah the song is about marijuana. "Marijuana" is spanish for "Mary Jane", hense the name "Mary Jane's Last Dance"

[THESTEELEYPHIL1]

@MrMet2433 MARIJUANAS LAST DANCE I GET IT lololollolol makes sense!!!

[mackc6r]

nope, not piercing enough. Your run through was much better than what you had in the beginning. Just sayin man

[tonypmuzic]

good lesson. thanks. only neg is your guitar sounds like mud.

[guylafontaine]

whats hte strum pattern

[slingblade98]

you did a terrible job explaining the lead

[scrubsrules98]

agreed.

[BobMedley1]

Best cover, best lesson... You do well, dude...

[VGStratGuy]

Thanks, appreciate that. Cheers.

[dexidous]

What is your pinky up to when it fly's up to the lower e string?

[slingblade98]

it appears to be the 4th fret E string on the dchord

[VGStratGuy]

Just a habit, it started when I wanted to dampen one of the bass strings.

[z1001989]

good lesson but you should say what frets the lead is on. i had to guess.

[csx4]

thanks, good lesson

[SkunkBud101]

It's about his ex-wife.

[mattnorman07]

well yeah its about weed

[thebunk92]

how do you play the solo after the bends?

[VGStratGuy]

Thanks, yea, a few have asked me about the solo. I should do another video of the Mike Campbell solo, I just haven't had the time. If I do find the time it I'll let you know.

[thebunk92]

how did you play that last part

[j2thaj1]

its not about marijuina its about a women who dies watch the music video

[cash92104]

the woman dying in the video is symbolic. the song is very much about drug use, ie the line "hit my last number" is a reference to doing lsd

[tmv2233]

thanks broheem

[ragingmoonband]

Hey, Great lesson. Got everything down well except for the lead. Could you post another video showing just the lead AFTER the main lead phrase. Its the part the you did not show how to play in your video and probably the hardest part to figure out. You play that part very fast and its difficult to pick out.

thanks

[kammhron]

Cool lesson, thanks. Where can I get some long fingers like that?

[VGStratGuy]

Ask your mom and dad. :-)

Thanks for the comment, and keep on practicin.'

[head98765]

please pelase tune your guitar

[eliweed]

Good lesson, but I think the chorus resolves to a G major (not A minor) before going back into the verse. Somebody already called out the D chord being called as an F.

Thanks, your lesson was helpful in picking up some of the variations going on.

[altfest]

Great , keep up the good work

[aerosmith3500]

its about marijuina, mary jane is slang for marijuina

[sensai61]

right, i forgot about that

[grayson340910]

on that bend riff bend with the tips of your fingers. it will not only make it easier, but it will sound more fluid. also its just a good habit to get into

[buffbeck]

thanks dude, very helpful

[funset89]

no one is sure what this song is about but it also refers to LSD when Tom says "I Hit The Last Number And Walked To The Road" the Word Number is slang for LSD and in the 70s people taking LSD called it Hits

[VGStratGuy]

That's interesting, I did not know that. I was always puzzled by that line, coming as it does so near the end of the song, and now I know. Cool.

[funset89]

Yeah Tom is very creative like that, good lesson by the way

[hotshotsugar94]

@funset89 prehaps hes saying hes giving up things that drag him down all together, the drugs and the women. wasnt this around when him and his 1st wife's marriage started to fall apart?

[cybertron71289]

It's not about marijuana, it's about heroin, Tom wrote it about his fight with addiction to the drug

[Graham60543]

what are you talking about he never was addicted to heroin... that was the bass player howie

[ConnorShawMusic]

hey,this is awesome!!!thank you..5 stars

i love this song...if you have the tabs and/or lyrics could you please send them my way!!

thanks

[VGStratGuy]

Thanks. The lyrics are written under "(more info)" at the top right. And in response to many who have asked me for tabs, I just don't do tabs. I'd much rather just show you how to play these songs, and verbally explain what I'm doing, and why. Tabs can be found on the internet, but they're not always right, so I don't rely on them anymore.

Cheers.

[Ivannator138]

hey, nice work. can u give me the tabs or sheet music?!

[terrylouisville]

Thanks for that excellent lesson!!

[VGStratGuy]

You're welcome, I hoped it helped or created a little inspiration. That's why I post these lessons. Cheers.

[Lisihaldir]

Wow! It´s amazing

[VGStratGuy]

Thanks a lot for the comment.

[Lisihaldir]

You´re welcome, I don´t have enough time now but soon I´ll practice your excellent classes with my guitar. Thanks!

[davidikard]

Not sure why you think theres an F chord in this song? Its a D.

[mrblink09]

wow you suck.

Am, G F?

try Am, G DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[VGStratGuy]

You're right. I suck. You're obviously much smarter. And, I see by all of your video guitar lessons that you're a much better guitar player than I am, too. (Actually, you have none, but I'm assuming you're much more talented than I am). Thanks for the comment.

[RTB0889]

Five*****Stars! nice lesson, now I can play this song the correct way.

[VGStratGuy]

Thanks for the comment. It's a great song, isn't it?

[logicsurvivalist]

solo lesson request. your videos was real good but you only covered half the solo

[Graham60543]

Make a solo lesson please!!

[zubernick]

Thank you! - very thoughtful, very learn-able lesson - I have a new favorite. One question - when you're fretting the D, I sometimes see your little finger shoot for the low E string at G - what does that do - are you muting it?

Thanks again,

Z

[VGStratGuy]

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate that. When my little finger has nothin' to do, it's gotten into the habit of reaching up to mute the top string, especially during the D chord when you don't want that low E string to sound. Its kinda funny, because I never noticed this until I started videotaping my hands.

Cheers, and keep practicin'.

[StoneFree14]

To mute out the low E string you can also wrap your thumb around the top, that's how I do it. Although I sort of choke up on the neck with my whole hand when I play so it may not be comfortable for you. If you're feeling really fancy you can even use your thumb to fret some notes on the low E when playing complex chords that require more fingers. Try it, maybe you'll like it.

Great video and excellent tone. VG strat rocks!

[VGStratGuy]

Thanks. Its funny you should mention that, because I've been learning a few John Mayer songs, and he does that Jimmy-Hendrix-thumb-over-the-t­op thang a lot. Its a nice new technique for me to learn.

Cheers.

[mibizzyssm]

tabs would be nice..

[glycoat]

nice lesson and thanks for the help. something you could try is pulling the two strings down instead of pushing them up. Myself I seem to be able to stretch them the full pitch that way. nice job, and much thanks..

[oasis735]

ur not playing at the end

[ivy1908c]

be good if you could slow down the solo. others really really good playing!

[Vols7467]

when you said Am, to g, to f. Did yu mean d instead of F?

[VGStratGuy]

Yes. I knew somebody would call me on that one. :)

And just before you go back to the Am, take your second finger off the first string in your D chord, making it a Dsus2.

Thanks for catchin' that, Vols7467.

[XxTmanXx5]

i was thinking the same thing i look down at the comments ther it is

[WhatBoxx]

Thank you!