How I fingerpick Hello In There by John Prine

[freeman2545]

i knew the chords i got werent right...they werent right at all......these are the freakin chords......thanks dude....i aint got nothing commin out of me so i thought i wanted to do one of prines most beautiful tunes...that boy could sure write songs.....

[jonasjar]

you might not be a qualified teacher but nevertheless this is a very good instructional video. It reveals the picking very clearly. As you say somewhere, its not "high tech" in any way, with very simple chords, but all the same I've always liked his guitar playing, Its simple but very rhythmic and effective. I've always wanted to play like that, nice and smooth!

[jonasjar]

great! that's the way to do it! (money for nothing and your chicks for free :-)

[Labrabob]

Beautiful!



[tnekkc]

After the Hello in there cover videos of Baez, Midler, and Shusha, I thought Jordanthecat WAS John Prine. But I can see in the squeal, revisiting hello in there, the faces are different.

In the 1971-1972 school year, Hello in There was a great song, and it has had staying power.

[JillRocksTheCasbah]

This has helped so much! Thanks!

[hochbob]

John would be proud. Great lesson/cover. Thanks.

[conordaugher123]

could you do a video on how to play "daddys little pumpkin" by John Prine.

Thanks

[jordanthecat]

@conordaugher123 I used to play that song but kinda forgot about it- thanks for reminding me!

[conordaugher123]

u mean you are going to do a video??????

Thank you

[jordanthecat]

@conordaugher123 It sometimes takes me a while to get inspired to do these videos, and I must say that I'm hesitant to do another semi-instructional video because, as the philosopher Clint Eastwood once said, "a man's gotta know his limitations." I see too many YouTube "tutorials" by people who should be taking lessons rather than giving them. I don't want to be accused of being one of those people.

[conordaugher123]

@jordanthecat The only reason i asked you is because your not one of these wannabe teachers and you can actually play guitar. lol

[jordanthecat]

@conordaugher123 You're very kind. On the CD version of "Daddy's Little Pumpkin" John has a capo on the third fret and is playing C, F and G. During the "solo" bit, he follows the C with a C7 which is x3231O. I just listened to it a few times in a row and had the same problem I had years ago trying to duplicate his pattern, which is NOT necessary, BTW. His thumb seems to alt between A and G stings for F and C chords- between A and D stings when playing G.

[conordaugher123]

@jordanthecat

Thanks very much I am sorta gettin the hang of it now. I love it and you really helped me. Thanks again. : )

[charlesruby79]

Sounds like like you got it down. Really good.

[snookseaglin]

that was good!

[goknights77]

Great Job!

[westeightyone]

In appreciation of your efforts to school people like me on how to play this beautiful song ,

I'd like to recommend "Without Her" by Harry Nilsson ( not Without You - that's an entirely different song ).

I'm sure you'll appreciate the way Harry sings and plays "Without Her".

There are a few dubs of it available on Youtube.

The Beta version has the best sound quality.

I don't know if I'll ever get " Hello In There" right but I do appreciate the generosity you've shown wannabes like myself.

[jordanthecat]

Just listened to "Without Her" as per your recommendation- a pretty song I'd never heard before. It's a different picking pattern to the one Prine uses, but Prine's Travis Picking style could be used to play the song.

And BTW, I'm just a wannabe myself.

[sbutler51]

This is very good dude. thanks for posting it.

[jordanthecat]

You're welcome, and I'm glad you found it helpful, but I later did a "Revisiting How I Fingerpick Hello in There" version of this video, in which I try to spend a bit more time explaining the technique and chords.

[paraplanebelle]

Thank you for sharing your talent. I just picked back up my guitar last night after a year off and restringed it and lucked up and found this vid on u-tube. Look foward for more.

[jordanthecat]

Play us a Prine song once you've got it all sorted out, and let me know if I can be of further assistance.

I'm sure your guitar is happier than it has been in quite a while!

[Ermengarde11]

Doesn't matter which fingers you use really, I probably play it differently than you do ( I'd have to check), it just sounds good and that's what matters! Good idea posting it for others to learn. I jsut pick it without really thinkin' about it, that's how I do everything, after all it's your heart and soul (not theory) that matters! 4 stars.

[jordanthecat]

I agree with you- heart and soul beats theory. It's been shown to me though, that theory does open doors.

I wish I'd bothered to learn some, but in the meantime I take solace in knowing that Paul McCartney still hasn't gotten around to learning to read music. And neither has John Prine.

[Ermengarde11]

Now there's an excellent testimonial! And thanks for the subscription!

Like your singin' too! I too wish I knew more theory at times, I am so limited, but I try to make it work, and you do as a good job yourself. all the best to ya!

[jordanthecat]

"Theory" is just a theory- that's why they call it that. Try playing a slide rule (I'm dating myself there) around the campfire and see how well that goes...

[AcousticPhases]

I want to thank you for posting this vid Jordanthecat as it has brought great insight into learning how to play this great song by John Prine. Probably my favorite song of all by John Prine. As I promised I have been practising this song, and with my own style and technique added to the song I shall record it soon and upload it.

[jordanthecat]

I look forward to watching your video!

[Jennifer821]

after seeing John last nite at the palace theatre in louisville,ky your perfect for my scrambled head this morning!!!!!!! lol

[jordanthecat]

I'm sure that he put on a great show. Hope your head feels better!

[stdoc940]

good job

[scottgw2]

FANTASTIC contribution to the universe. THANK YOU! Now, I have something to work on this weekend!

[fuciledacaccia]

Great job...I am a beginner and with your instructions, have almost got it...many thanks

[jordanthecat]

Just change chords at the right time and keep your thumb going to the beat, even if your picking fingers momentarily forget what they are supposed to be doing. Prine's lyrics will take care of the rest.

[vegbiker]

I saw Prine this weekend at Red Rocks Colorado and started surfing and found your video. I'm blown away how you've decoded this song and in 2 days I've almost mastered it. I'm loving playing along with you. The hammer-on on the Am is achingly beautiful and makes the song for me. I doubt if I would have ever figured it out on my own. Please share any more gems with us. Despite your protests, you are a natural teacher. Thanks much!

[jordanthecat]

Thanks much to you also! I'm real glad to know that my video is helpful to someone else, and I look forward to hearing your version of this great song! The more versions we all have to enjoy on Youtube, the better!

[elderfan]

excellent job

[jordanthecat]

I don't know enough to even understand what you just said, but thanks!

[RedneckCasanova]

I don't want to get into the quibbles over basic approach, but you do an EXCELLENT job of this one. You KNOW how doing that 'double pull' with mid and ring finger in the midst of what would be merely a 3-finger roll-off/up arpeggio is what makes up that classic Singer/Songwriter sound!

It's not that HARD, but it's just not done that often!

But are re you SURE you want to give it away? That's cool...I would TOO! ;-)

GREAT VIDEO, man!

[fkidder]

very cool! very helpful!

Thanks Ian!

[jordanthecat]

Thanks Sue, but having heard you play, I don't think you need any help from me!

[chalie54]

how do you pick the part on D6?

[jordanthecat]

xx0432, thumb alternating between D and G strings. Fingers plucking B and high E strings- lift forefinger of fret hand off the high E on third beat for that lower note. I thumb pick the D string twice in a row before changing to C- a momentary deviation from the alternating bass pattern. That bit isn't essential- just keep alternating and it'll sound fine also.

[kumgangpoepsa]

Hi: thanks for your reply. However I don't agree with you in this "a beautiful instrument capable of so much more than I am able to do with it". I am a classical guitar player and I can tell you that you play really good. I can't even get the proper pattern of this song yet. The instrument is a true jewell but you play it perfectly, no doubt. And even more, you're humble and that's what matters after all. Thanks a lot. Waiting for more songs.

[kumgangpoepsa]

Really good and really generous from you. I love John Prine's music. Can you tell us what guitar is this? Nice sound. I also heard your version of Sam Stone: great job too. Keep posting. Best wishes from Argentina

[jordanthecat]

Thanks for the kind words. The guitar is a Gibson J-100 XT, a beautiful instrument capable of so much more than I am able to do with it. Though it may not really belong in the hands of campfire players like me, on the day I bought it for myself, I deserved it.

[jwiwood]

Very close to the way I played it. Lovely song, and kind-of breaks your heart.

[jordanthecat]

Please post your version- I look forward to hearing it!

[rjeroots]

I love this song and I really appreciate this particular video and text. I'm an old strummer who has tried finger picking a few times with little success. I like this song enough to try harder. Hopefully this old dog can learn a new trick or two. Thank you so much.

[jordanthecat]

Just try to keep that alternating thumb beat going no matter what, and consider the finger plucks to be of secondary concern. If I can do it, it can't be all that difficult.

[Noisypies]

I truly admire your "'pickin' and grinnin'"--also love your respect for John and for this beautiful song. Would be delighted--nay, thrilled- to do the vocals--perhaps a ethereal harmony?--with you.

Nicole

con't miss the

[jordanthecat]

I'd love to have a female harmony in this or any of my songs. Anything that helps drown out my voice would likely be a welcome addition.

[my383rdrnr]

This is just wonderful so helpful but alot of right hand work

[jordanthecat]

I don't really think I do a good job of showing how I play the song but I'm glad you found it helpful: the right hand is really just alternating thumb Travis Picking.

[pondmusk]

That was fantastic! I love Prine and your rendition is right on the mark. I see what chords you are using, but I sure would like to know you picking pattern. Some type of Alternating bass but I cannot tell which strings.

Thanks for posting.

[illegalsmilereturns]

impressive.

[jordanthecat]

You're too kind.  Really.

[jblakesteiner]

Great stuff. I've laid off my old Gibson (shamefully) for over 3 years now because I got too down on myself. This gets me motivated to dust it off again. One favor, JordantheCat, could you just list off the chord changes or direct me to where I can find? Thanks in advance, I'll check back in a week.

[jordanthecat]

Not to worry- Gibsons get better with age. But they don't appreciate dust, and put on a new set of strings as a sign of personal commitment.

*The chords are in the text for this video.*

Don't get down on yourself- it's all about having fun with songs we enjoy.

[coolanddark]

thanks for sharing.

im gonna try and learn this.thanks to you

[MrToadMaster]

Slowing it down a bit and giving us a closeup of your picking. . .just intimidates the hell out of me!  I thought I almost had it, but you're doing much more than I thought. I'm determined to get this Prine classic mastered with your excellent help.

[jordanthecat]

Please don't be intimidated- it's just a pattern: alternating thumb, and the occasional hammer-on. None of us have to play this song precisely the same by any means. Just keep that thumb beat going and get the chords right- ultimately, that's all I strive for. It fools most people around the campfire.

[CrazyMixx]

Thanks for sharin... I was workin on this a couple weeks ago based on your other video. This will be a great help.

Later

[kgorall]

Good job! That's one of my favorite John Prine songs. I love Joan Baez's cover of it.

[dabiribd]

Awesome

Thanks

[Ottawarocket]

I love this song! Your guitar sounds great here. Great singing job also...thanks for the tips Ian : )

Rob

[jordanthecat]

I've watched your videos enough to know that I need tips from you, rather than the other way 'round. But thanks for the kind words as always, Rob!

[Ottawarocket]

The great thing about guitar playing is that I think we can all learn tips off of other Guitar players..New tricks and licks lol

[Monkeyboy2224487]

Hey buddy!!! Thanks for this demo. I am hoping to learn to play the guitar better and this was helpful.

Plus, I'm a huge John Prine fan so I never get tired of his music.

You play this beautifully.

John

[jordanthecat]

As I look at this vid again, I'm not really sure how helpful it is at all. That's mainly because I'm not really a "guitarist," I can just play through a few songs on the guitar. But if you somehow learn to play this song in spite of my help, please upload it and alert me!

[BradCampbell63]

kinda neat.:)..they still play this on local radio, mind you its later in the evening. I enjoy the tune, and it was nice of you to post the chords

[THEREDNECKPEPI64]

john prine is a super songwriter,this cover is fantastic!

*****

pepi

[lindapinda]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to produce this - very much appreciated.

[thejakester1]

good playin you make it look eazy

but i know it`s not

[strat2caster]

good tutorial bro, trying it at home now , thanks *****

[canajian]

I love the sound of acoustic guitars!!!

Great job bro!!!

5* from me!

Cheers

Gerry

[patman2112]

Great 5 star playing! Nice shots of your finger plucking.