James Taylor guitar lesson (Never Die Young) -- by ThinkingDog

Lesson notes on James Taylor's unique guitar style, including examples of some of his most commonly used chords and embellishments plus detailed notes on "Never Die Young" -- one of JT's best songs (IMO) and a great example of his melodic fingerpicking technique.

When I was first getting into the acoustic guitar, JT inspired me to look beyond just strumming chords. He approaches the guitar like a piano player -- incorporating bass lines, melodies and harmonies simultaneously while making it all sound deceptively simple. I think he's generally under-appreciated as a guitar player -- in my view, he's one of the best acoustic players out there.

I feel the need to add a disclaimer here: Ive learned a number of JT songs over the years, but I dont always capture every note accurately and Ill never get the exact technique or feel that he brings to the guitar because Im not that good, and theres only one James Taylor. Obviously the best way to really learn JT's distinctive style of guitar playing is to spend as much time as possible listening and studying his recordings.

I'm playing a Taylor 810 with Elixir polyweb strings, light gauge (.012 - .053). I hope this video helps; remember not to get too hung up on nailing every note, instead concentrate on getting the feel and groove first -- that's what matters most to the player and listener. Enjoy, and keep playing!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• James
• Taylor
• guitar
• lesson
• Never
• Die
• Young
• Thinkingdog
• 810
• acoustic
• Fire
• and
• Rain
• Shower
• The
• People

[94fruitopia]

do u have pick up in that 810??

[ThinkingDog06]

@94fruitopia -- yes, not sure what brand but I got this guitar about 15 years ago so it's not one of the Taylor Expression systems (no controls, just a mic under the strings in the soundhole).

[ThinkingDog06]

Gon -- thanks for the kind comment, very much appreciated.

[TheDudeFrom0Z]

any tabs for this one mate?

[ThinkingDog06]

@TheDudeFrom0Z -- sorry, I've never written tabs. Haven't seen good tabs for this yet, but hopefully somebody will post if they have.

[TrappedInABikini]

great tone

[94fruitopia]

what kinda string do u use ?

[19990SAND]

YOU GOT A FRIEND FOR SURE :D

[94fruitopia]

@94fruitopia im kinda dissapointed how this model does n't have a ES system ,,, but would you recommend this guitar compared to 414ce or 814ce ?

[94fruitopia]

@94fruitopia im kinda dissapointed how this model does n't have a ES system ,,, but would you recomend this guitar compared to 414ce or 814ce ?

[andrewearthtube]

wow, so glad I came accross your video - love JT and messing around with those changes- thanks !

[murjr]

Very nice video. There should be more videos like this that explore the individual styles of great musicians. Thank you.