Lesson requests are coming in faster than I can respond to them individually so we’ve created a new lesson request form on the right hand side of the page. Please post any and all requests there. I’ll collect them up daily.
James Taylor – Mud Slide Slim
John Fahey – Sunflower River Blues
America – Tin Man
Joni Mitchell – Tin Angel
Ralph McTell – Nettle Wine
Love – Alone Again Or
Neil Young – Four Strong Winds
The Beatles – I Need You
Neil Young – Thrasher
Jackson Browne – My Opening Farewell
Don McLean – Birthday Song
Loudon Wainwright III – Motel Blues
Steve Earle – Goodbye
Donovan – The Tinker and the Crab
The Beatles – Lovely Rita (acoustic arrangement)
Greg Lake – I Believe In Father Christmas
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (acoustic arrangement)
John Lennon – Happy Xmas (War is Over)
Elvis Presley – Blue Christmas
The Christmas Song (‘Chestnuts roasting…’)
Eddie says
Hello Jerry
First time ever request :-)
See you’re doing Chistmas songs – will these be accompaniment types rather than fingerstyle?
Also can you add John Prine Christmas songs – particularly ‘Silent Night All Day Long’, ‘Silver Bells’ and maybe JIm Croces ‘It Doesn’t Have To Be That Way’??
Hope so :-)
Cheers
Eddie
Jerry says
Hi Eddie. I didn’t have those on the list. I’ll add them hopefully for next Christmas. These ones will be as-played on the original for songs like the Lennon, Elvis and Greg Lake, and accompaniments for the generic ones like White Christmas and Have Yourself. However, I’m planning to make one verse of each one an instrumental verse that contains the melody, so that verse at least will be a fingerstyle arrangement.
Eddie says
Thanks Jerry – excellent news, will be great to have a set of Christmas songs – always wanted some the way you propose doing them – brilliant!
Thanks also for all the others you’ve done – all the best
Eddie
danny says
jerry do you know which other glen campbell songs you will be doing.will you be doing By the Time I Get to Phoenix
Jerry says
That one hasn’t been requested up to now, but I’ll put it on the list. The ones on the list already are Wichita Lineman, Galveston, Country Boy and A Better Place.
Jonathan Perks says
Hi Jerry. Shawn Colvin’s disappeared from the top of coming up next. Is it on the way?
Jerry says
It’s finished and we’ll get it on the site very soon Jonathan
Jonathan Perks says
Fabulous. Thanks, Jerry.
Tom says
Jerry,
The lessons on Townes, Nick Drake, and Sandy Denny have all been excellent. I’ve seen several videos on ND’s Riverman and yours was the only one to include the hammer-ons (clearly audible on the record) in the instrumental section. Thanks so much for your attention to detail!
Would you consider adding some John Fahey or Bert Jansch to your site? My vote would be for “In Chirst there is No East or West” by Fahey and “Blackwaterside” by Jansch. Thanks again
Kevin C says
That would be awesome if Jerry added John Fahey to the list…
Jerry says
Will do
Kevin C says
Wow its on the list! So happy! I will definitely get all of the John Fahey songs.. his style is so unique and he is able to create such a vivid picture
Jerry says
If it’s popular I’ll do a serious collection of John Fahey. I quite like the idea :)
Charlie says
Hey Jerry!
Any possible chance you could get ‘See The Changes’ by CSN back on the list?
Jerry says
It’s time for me to give up on this style of Stills song Charlie. I had the same problem with Black Queen. He has a fingerpicking.strumming hybrid style that, try as I might, I can’t replicate. I can play a version of See the Changes that has the authentic chord shapes, but it doesn’t sound like Stills and I’m not comfortable with it.
Charlie says
That’s ok!
Steve says
Jerry,
Can’t thank you enough for your great lessons. I have become a much better guitarist over the past couple of years because of you.
I know you great a thousand requests a day so I won’t bother you with that but have you ever considered doing the entire acoustic part to The Who’s Tommy? I know it would be a tremendous undertaking. Just curious.
Peter Joslin says
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for all your excellent lessons, many of which I have purchased. However, it is frustrating to see songs like Clare to Here and Burbling climbing up the coming soon list and then disappearing. Is there a reason for this? Copyright issues perhaps?
Jerry says
From Clare to Here is done and will be on the site later today. Burbling is going to take a while unfortunately.
Kevin Daly says
I said a little “Yippee!” to myself when I got the email notification for Clare to Here – I was having so much fun with it this morning I nearly made myself late for work.
Tom says
Incredibly exciting to see “Alone again or”, on the list. I’ve wanted to learn that song since the first day I picked up a guitar, but save for a few notes back when I was entirely incapable have never managed to really begin with it. I will be looking forward to picking it up.
Thanks as always Jerry for the great work. It’s much appreciated.
MIGUEL says
Hello again Jerry.I was also very interested in the song see the changes by Crosby, Stills & Nash.
What happened?
MIGUEL says
Hello Jerry, I insist on this request: it be possible if you could do maybe ‘You Don’t Have To Cry’ by Crosby, Stills and Nash?
Steve says
Dear Jerry,
I was looking forward to crosby, stills & nash – see the changes but it disappeared from the list. Is it still in the running?
Tim says
Hi Jerry,
Please consider adding this to your ‘Coming Up Next’ list:
“Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
One of my favorite bands!
Thanks.
ben says
please do everyday by james taylor.pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez
Joshua Michaell says
Jerry, your lessons are awesome! Please consider Thirteen from Big Star. Such a great song from a criminally under-known band!
Charlie says
Hey Jerry
Really enjoying these great guitar lessons that you post and you do them so well on how to play them note-to-note etc.
Would it be possible if you could do maybe ‘You Don’t Have To Cry’ or ‘Lady of the Island’ by Crosby, Stills and Nash?
Many thanks
Charlie
Nils says
Hi Jerry
I just wanted to quickly compliment you on the high standard of your lessons.
You make what seems overwhelming to a beginner something that seems manageable.
I thought I would, while I’m at it, also add my ‘vote’ to that of Chuck (08/11/16) for Jim Croce’s I Got A Name.
Kind regards
Nils
Jerry says
Thanks Nils. I will get to I’ve Got a Name. It gave me some problems when I first looked at it a while back, but I can’t remember why now :)
Kevin C says
Hey Jerry,
I am about to purchase the rest of your Simon and Garfunkel Collection. I look forward to adding those songs to my repertoire. I have two requests for you. First, Red Rubber Ball as it is played here by S&G in 1967. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy0ja70jz8E
Second, is “Do you remember” by Jack Johnson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HEGXRqaod8
Jadrien says
Hi Jerry,
Would you consider adding “Song to Woody” by Bob Dylan to the list? It’s such a simple yet beautiful tune. Many thanks for the consideration!
-J
Ana says
Thank you so much for posting what you have and doing what you do. I’ve just started playing and was hoping to learn “leaving on a jet plane” before my gentleman moves across the sea so I could play and sing it. I hadn’t found anything that was near as comprehensive as yours. I’ve spent 3 hours tonight learning from you and nearly have it. I look forward to more of that style. Thank you!
danny says
this is a good song jerry now and forever richard marx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MVr6Y595qg
Max says
Hey Jerry,
How far along with See the Changes are you? I would love to hear that you have already mastered the song because I am eager to learn it too!
Hope to see it out soon!
Max
Bob says
Jerry,
Do you have any Lyle Lovett on the list? I would vote for ‘She’s not a lady, she’s my wife’ and ‘If I had a boat’ These are songs that makes everyone happy.
Thanks for all you do.
Jerry says
Added to the list Bob.
Tom Artic says
Jerry, you are doing a fantastic job with these songs. I remember your prior website when you focused on Dylan songs way back when. Keep up the great work. A small plug for Roger McGuinn’s Turn, turn, turn. Which are you more comfortable with, strumming or fingerstyle?
Jerry says
Hi Tom
Thanks for the kind words. Turn Turn Turn is on the to-do list. It’ll happen fairly soon. Actually most of the Dylan I’ve done is for this site which has a huge number of his songs. I’ll leave him to one side while I catch up with some of the less represented artists.
Bob says
Jerry, You have the best lessons on the Internet. Please consider doing the Water is Wide as the next James Taylor song.
Thanks.
Dean says
I was gonna ask if you might do “Hey Mister, That’s Me Up on the Jukebox” and then I saw this list of upcomings! Very excited, thank you.
Alan Thomas says
Hi Jerry
Really enjoying the growing number of Neil Diamond lessons – Thank you!
Are “Hello Again” & “Love On The Rocks” on your list?
Jonathan says
Hi Jerry,
Having just ‘discovered’ Aoife O’Donovan I wondered if you’d consider looking at her acoustic guitar style? Great songs on her cd In The Magic Hour include Magpies and In the Porch light. She plays around with the tuning a bit on some songs like Joni. Some great videos of her playing live out there.
Thanks again.
Jadrien says
Greetings Jerry,
I would like to request “The Highwayman” or “I Ain’t Marching Anymore” by Phil Ochs if you ever get the time. Thanks so much for essentially democratizing these guitar lessons for all of us that just wanna pick and sing! It means alot.
Indiana Bob says
Jerry,
Great lessons. Thanks for adding some David Wilcox to the ever growing list. He uses open tunings and is a great story teller. I would like to learn Rusty Old American Dream. Your followers should give him a listen.
Jerry says
Thanks for the heads up on David Wilcox Bob.
Anonymous says
Jerry, Greensboro Woman by Townes at some point please!
Isaac says
Have you considered doing anything by the Seekers?
Jerry says
I’m not well up on their material but if you let me know two or three that would be the most popular I can add them to the to-do list.
Isaac says
I’d imagine it would be “The Carnival is Over”, “Georgy Girl” and “I’ll Never Find Another You” in that order. Thanks.
marc says
Angeline is Always Friday is a superb song by Bruce Woodley of the Seekers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMblKf9-4Fc
Agnes says
Agree, love this one
Dennis says
Would you consider some Loudin Wainright lll?
Jerry says
Sure. What would be the most popular 3 or 4?
Dennis says
#1 Primrose Hill
also Old Friend, Motel blues,
Jerry says
I’ll put them on the to-do list.
geoff williams says
Yes… Primrose hill good choice Dennis..
George says
Jerry: Compliments on your new studio set up. The latest downloads, reflecting your new addiitions, are very good – both video and audio crystal clear. Very professional! Thank you sir!
Jerry says
Thanks George. It took a lot of fiddling. Nice to hear the results were worth it!
Paul Fitzgerald says
Hi Jerry,
Thank for the great lessons you produce.
Can you please consider some Roy Harper songs.
He has written some of the most beautiful music for guitar.
Cheers,
Paul.
Kevin Daly says
I’m giddy with excitement now one of my favourite Ralph McTell songs (“Gypsy”) is imminent but I don’t want to jinx the timetable and invite the intervention of capricious fate :)
Hey Jerry, assuming we lived in a world of infinite time etc. would the mostly acoustic version of Jace Everett’s “Bad Things” (a bit different from the way it’s played at the start of True Blood, and to my untrained ears possibly in a different key) be an interesting one for you?
Jerry says
That’s a new one on me but I’ll add it to the list. By the way folks – the “Great To-Do List” just hit 1,000 songs! I’m going to crack open a beer to celebrate :)
Patrick says
Keep em coming, Jerry! Great lessons! How about some Blaze Foley? Clay Pidgeons, If I could only Fly.
Thanks,
Patrick
Kenny M Felder says
I would love to play what James Taylor plays in his “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” duet with Carol King.
Paul Morris E Mathers says
Hi Jerry! I can see you’ve got a lot on your plate but could you consider Glen Campbell – Galveston?
Keep up the good work!
Jerry says
It’s on the to-do list Paul.
Paul Morris E Mathers says
Jerry, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. YOU DA MAAAAAAN!!
danny says
Jerry do you think you might do some Yusuf Islam songs since Cat Stevens has adopted the name Yusuf Islam he has bought out three good albums, under that name. in the end is really good song of his. and also Dont Be Shy is a really good Cat Stevens song.
marc says
Hey Danny
If you want the chords to Don’t Be Shy (all three of them :-)), check out this
video of Yusuf in concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOOPPO91t2Q
they are clearly visible at about 1.37
Speaking of Cat Stevens/Yusuf, thanks so much for Katmandu, Jerry. A real joy to be able to play that one!
Kevin Daly says
It is, isn’t it?
There’s something hypnotic about it, It makes it hard to stop playing it once you start.
Kevin Daly says
I’d add to the list of other great Yusuf/Cat Stevens songs “Trouble”… deceptively simple (at least I’m thinking “Hey, it sounded so simple before I tried playing it”) strumminess but so haunting.
Jerry says
That’s a favourite of mine and I’ll definitely be doing it.
Isaac says
Your lessons are amazing. They have taught me a lot of songs I never thought I’d be able to play.
Would there be a possibility of a Peter, Paul and Mary collection anytime soon?
Jerry says
More PPM will be coming – maybe enough for a collection at some point.
Fred says
Love your lessons Jerry,
For a request Marty Robbins….El Paso
Jerry says
It’s on the to-do list Fred
Steve says
I’m pretty sure you have enough requests to last you to the second coming but on the off chance you’d like to tackle a western theme song, check out Paul Young & Jamie Moses performing Blue Shadows On The Trail. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s on YouTube. Great song, I’d love to be able to play it.
Kevin C says
Yo Jerry, what kind of guitar is that black and gold one you’ve been playing on recent videos?
Jerry says
Hey Kevin. The black with shark fretboard markers is a Rainsong Black Ice. It’s carbon fibre which helps a lot when you’re constantly switching in and out of altered tunings.
Kevin C says
Very Pretty
Jon says
Hi Jerry, Great to see the Townes Van Zandt collection. Would love to see a breakdown of a talking blues. TVZ does a great one on the old quarter recording, obviously Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan as well. Would love to understand what’s going on with the walking bass stuff and get an idea to improvise myself. Cheers Jerry, all the best.
Kevin C says
Hey Jerry, you’re lessons have transformed my guitar practice so that it now consists mostly of learning different songs from your artist collections. What I’m afraid my practice sessions lack is time spent learning theoretical stuff (e.g. scales, arpeggios, chord progressions, rhythm). Is there a specific theory or chord book that you would recommend in addition to learning songs from you? I’d love to see you do a video on how we should spend an hour practicing guitar everyday. Thanks, Kevin C
Jerry says
JustinGuitar has a good theory course. I’m beginning to get into it myself with the latest Tips & Tricks video on YouTube (#5). That series will grow into a practical theory course for guitarists.
Terry Tvrdik says
Hi Jerry,
Just purchased “Ripple”…absolutely fabulous. Now…how about PP&M version of Don’t Think Twice…thought it was coming. Also would love to see versions of Let it Be and The Last Time. Many versions of the solos appear on the net and mostly different to some extent. If I see it from Jerry, then I know it is correct!
Thanks Jerry,
Terry (Your Massachusetts friend)
George says
Greetings Jerry! I very much appreciate my growing library of lessons, and also the You Tube instructional videos. May I suggest a topic for the instructional videos? The other night I decided to record some of the songs I was playing – and when I played them back I realized that the notes were correct, but the expression wasn’t there. I surely didn’t sound like Jerry! Would you consider a video on how you add that invisible something that transforms staccato notes into ….music.
Jerry says
That’s a very interesting question George. Let me give that some serious thought and see what I can come up with.
Danny says
Jerry i was wondering, are you going to do any other carpenter songs. or is Close To You, going to be the only one you do of theirs.
Jerry says
I hadn’t planned to do any more Danny but I can add anything to the requests list.
Elliot says
Always love your lessons Jerry,
I think it said somewhere on here that you might do James Taylor’s Up On The Roof, You have a lot of his Sweet Baby James album going at the minute which is awesome.
The Townes Van Zandt lessons are great too, I would love some more Joan Baez, but hey, I can see the sheer amount of comments here for other requests so I’m just one more voice haha. Peace man.
Jerry says
More TVZ, more Joan and Up On the Roof are all on the to-do list Elliot.
I’ve been wondering – maybe I should just publish the whole list (all 750 songs) so everyone can see what’s on it.
Melissa says
That’s a very good idea! :)
Steve says
Jerry I can’t even express how grateful I am for all the wonderful transcriptions you have provided me. My technique has improved a 1000% and I have increased repertoire substantially. I’m loving the Neil Diamond songs. How about Solitary Man? Never could figure out the intro to that song.
Jerry says
That one’s fairly high up the to-do list Steve.
Kevin Daly says
I find myself looking forward to the “On The Border” lesson like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning.
Sooooo close now :)
Jerry says
Hi Kevin
It’s causing me a problem actually. I can make a solo guitar / voice arrangement (which I’ve done) but there’s no way to incorporate the Spanish guitar parts into it, and I suspect that people want the Spanish guitar parts. Also they’re extremely difficult! :)
Kevin Daly says
I thought that might be proving tricky.
And those Spanish guitar parts are the soul of the tune…
Good luck :)
Jerry says
I’ll drop it down the list a touch while I continue working on it. I think what I’ll do is use his strummed acoustic guitar part as he plays it live today (so we keep the JGB ‘ethic’ of teaching it as played by the artist), and make a separate lesson on Peter White’s Spanish guitar part.
Ray Ringsell says
Hi Jerry,
Any chance you could do a definitive version of Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks. There are so many versions on the web with various degrees of accuracy. Would be nice to get a decent acoustic version.
Any more Springsteen on the way? Lots of his stuff is, or can be, acoustic.
And maybe some more modern artists – Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Jason Isbell, etc.
Cheers
Anonymous says
And maybe The Rolling Stones – Angie, Waiting on a friend, etc
Jerry says
Waterloo Sunset and Angie are on the to-do list.
Paul Dennee says
Good versions of Waterloo Sunset here (nearer the bottom)
http://kindakinks.net/discography/showsong.php?chord=432
Grant Macdonald says
Hi Jerry,
Great site. Finding it very informative and having a blast learning some of my favourite songs!
I do have a request though, I’d love to see some XTC, particulary Senses Working Overtime.
Cheers
Grant
Gene Selinger says
Hey Jerry,
Iam really enjoying your work, I just love your transcriptions and lessons. Heres a request. Red Velvet by Gordon Lightfoot (its an Ian Tyson song) its on LIghtfoots A Painter Passing Through cd. I would love to have that one.
Regards,
Gene
Hank says
Jerry, thanks for all the great lessons on some really great tunes. I have 2 requests to throw in the hopper:
1. Lindsay Buckingham’s live performance of Trouble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXTr3e0VPNc&index=25&list=PL95617B9C337C450A
2. Thorn Tree In The Garden.
Mark says
Hello, Jerry:
I’m aware it might take awhile, but since a Townes Van Zandt collection seems to be materializing, I’ll suggest “Quicksilver Dreams of Maria.”
A few others I wonder if anyone else might be interested in:
“Faro’s Rag” — John Renbourn
“Angi” — Davy Graham
“Can’t Find My Way Home” — Blind Faith
Thanks as always,
Mark (Brooklyn)
Jerry says
All on the to-do list Mark. The TVZ song is near the top.
Dan says
If we’re requesting TVZ songs, I’d love a “She Came and She Touched Me” break down!!
danny says
hi Jerry wildfire is great song micheal martin murphey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc3OnSQc48s
Anonymous says
Why don’t you just look up a tutorial on YouTube? This song is easy
Anonymous says
because I like the way Jerry works out the songs and teaches them, he does a far better job then any one, else around, plus a song does not have to be hard to ask someone else to show it to you. Danny
Jadrien Masecchia says
Hi Jerry,
Love your lessons. Thanks for being such a great teacher. I would just like to make a plug for “If I Needed You” by Townes Van Zandt. Thanks Again!
Doug in Maine, USA says
And another vote for “If I Needed You.” TVZ of course did it beautifully, as did Emmylou Harris. There’s also a pretty nice version by Lyle Lovett, with harmony vocals by Alison Krauss. I’m looking forward to Jerry’s lesson on it.
Happy New Year!
mj says
Third the vote for “If I Needed You” (which appears to be forthcoming, ) and so happy that “Our Mother the Mountain” followed so quickly after your break.”No Place to Fall” would be great, too, should you ever get through your list and endless requests. :)
Might I be so bold as to ask … Peter, Paul, and Mary’s version of “Don’t Think Twice” was on the coming soon list, but seems to have fallen off somewhere in the ethernet. Did I imagine it?
Love your lessons and thanks for all the tips and insights.
Jerry says
Hi MJ. I put Don’t Think Twice on the back burner because it turned out to be so similar to Dylan’s accompaniment which already has a lesson. But I’ll probably resurrect it as folks seem to want it.
Phil Mitchell says
Hi Jerry, trust you had a nice Christmas and enjoying the New Year Break.
Couple of songs I’d like done one day.
Tom Jones ” Delaih” from the Queens Diamond Jubilee concert in 2012 from memory
I Know this one is pretty easy but the into is tricky as normally done on Piano
Robbie Williams: Better Man”
Then again so is John Lennon’s Woman:
Happy 2017
Phil
Alan Thomas says
Enjoy your well earned break Jerry & everyone else involved with this website!!
Thanks for the brilliant lessons!
Scott says
Here’s an odd one, probably not in your repertoire, but it would be awesome if you could do it. It’s an old country number my Father used to listen to when I was a small child (it’s probably from the late 50s, early 60s era). It is called “The Ballad Of THe Alamo” by Marty Robbins. Awesome guitar runs, and I can’t even come close to figuring it out. Any possibility you could take a look at that one?
Steve Goss says
Woops, sorry, you must have been adding it as I was looking at the website! Thanks.
Steve Goss says
Nooooo! What happened to Don McLeans “Vincent”??? I’ve been waiting weeks, what happened?
Jerry says
It’s finished and should be on the site before end of day Steve.
Ben says
Great site Mate! Lovin ur Eric Clapton lessons..way 2 go…!!!! How about some Jimi Hendrix and gud ol Woody Guthrie???
Thx!!!!!!
Kyle Rainier says
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for all the work you do teaching us s9me classic songs for guitar.
I was wondering if you’d add to your long list of “to-do” the following two songs:
Queen – ’39
https://youtu.be/2y3PGJGejxA
Foy Vance – everybody knows your name
https://youtu.be/Wzyij-rsXhw
Kendra says
Great selection of lessons!!! I’ve really learned a lot from your material. May I please request that you make available songs from Woody Guthrie, Snow Patrol, and Prince? That would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks kindly,
Kendra.
Jerry says
Chasing Cars and a couple of Prince songs are on the to-do list Kendra.
Anonymous says
Jerry,
Do you plan on any more Townes Van Zandt songs??
Especially the all acoustic ones off the Townes Van Zandt (2007) album?
https://open.spotify.com/album/20D3qgX3pvs91Ctaqv8eFA
Jerry says
Yes many more TVZ songs, mostly from the Live at the Old Quarter album.
Brian says
Just discovered your lessons. I love them! You have a new fan.
Some more Mark Knopfler would be great to see. Maybe some of his more recent, post-Straights songs.
Julie Myers says
Hey Jerry,
Thank you for all your hard work; putting this great website up, teaching brilliant lessons and quickly answering any question. Do you have any plans to teach any Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams Sr, Josh White or Prince songs? For it nearly impossible to find any decent lessons anywhere on the net.
Thanks,
Julie
Jerry says
Hi Julie
Hank Williams Sr and Prince have a few songs on the to-do list.
danny says
Hi jerry do you think you might do 1 Sweet Surrender and 2 It Don’t Matter To Me by Bread one day danny
Jerry says
I’ll add them to the list Danny
Melissa Nielsen says
Hi Jerry! Thanks for your amazing lessons! I’ve been working as a singer for some time now, but hope to step on stage with my guitar soon. The songs I learn on your page will add to my set of original songs and they help me to get more confident!
How about Joni Mitchell “Sex kills”? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CESBHEDlPzA
or
Jeff Buckley “Lover, you should’ve come over” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXe1jpHPnUs ?
Thanks again!
Melissa
Leeland says
Hello, Jerry.
Do you have George Harrison’s ‘Here Comes The Sun,’ in the mix – acoustic version. I am sure you would do the song great justice, with your style of playing and teaching method.
I appreciate you cannot cater for everyone’s request, but I hope you give this some thought. I suspect it would be a popular choice and I certainly would be keen to own your version.
In anticipation
Leeland
Jerry says
That one will be done as part of the big Beatles collection. I’ll use the version from Concert for Bangla Desh as a template – it’s acoustic as you say.
John Stamm says
Hi Jerry,
Been enjoying your lessons! Really been getting a lot out of each.
An classic Billy Joel song that is his “guitar” song that I’ve always want to work out is “You’re My Home”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDH2E2wWjc0
Thanks if you get a chance to work on this as a lesson!
John
danny says
Hello Jerry,I have one last request, jerry you seem to have the knack,of putting just about every song I have wanted to learn on jerry’s guitar bar and what I like about your work is it sounds so close to what is on the cd.I think I will be sitting here for the next hundred years,learning all these great songs..I was wondering do you think you could look at trouble by lindsey buckingham.their is a live version of just him on acoustic guitar singing.. danny
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLboSyS4EnA
Jerry says
That one is on the to-do list Danny. Great version.
danny says
Hi Jerry Trouble is a really nice song it was a massive hit here in Australia and also in the US, He seem’s to makes that song work well with just the one guitar ., I always find the way that Lindsey plays very inspiring. I am glad you like it. Bye Danny
Anonymous says
Not enough Townes… just saying..
Ian Fisher says
Agreed..but still absolutely great to see some Townes…totally overlooked by everyone else…so I’m very happy..and brilliant to see John Prine stuff on here…….Would love to see some Guy Clark or Blaze Foley….Fantastic job.
Deewee carr says
I want to learn to play a change is going to play buy r kelly
Bob says
Jerry have you ever considered doing a Merle Haggard collection?
Jerry says
I have a couple of Merle’s on the to-do list. I’m not an expert on his music so I don’t know what the most popular 10 or so would be for a collection. If you (or anyone else) do, feel free to let me know.
Bob says
To mention a few :
Sing Me Back Home.
Mama Tried.
I’m a Lonesome fugitive.
Today I Started Loving You Again.
Big City.
Branded Man.
Ramblin Fever.
The Fighting Side Of Me.
Going Where The Lonely Go.
If We Make It Through December.
A Soldier’s Last Letter.
The Bottle Let Me Down.
I particularly like :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N7vLaAM8Ok
danny says
Do you think you might do the song leaving london by tom paxton and also any plans do any tom rush songs. .it was also good to see you have done the two donovan songs sand and foam and isle of islay, these two gems are donovan at his best. bye danny
Jerry says
Hi Danny
Leaving London is on the to-do list. I hadn’t considered Tom Rush but I can add a couple if you know what his popular songs would be,
George says
Hi Jerry and Danny. Tom Rush has been a top folk type singer in the Boston USA area for decades. Perhaps his biggest national hit in the states was his rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Urge for Goin'” which I think he recorded in the late 60’s. He does it in A but the fingerpicking is nice.
John Ryan says
east of eden is one of his best IMO
john
Anonymous says
Hey Jerry, your lessons are the best I’ve seen. Your teaching style is perfect. I was wondering if you had on your very long list “Never Die Young” by James Taylor. Thank you.
Jerry says
Not right now but when I get through the JT’s on the current list I can add more requests.
George says
Great news about Willie Nelson “You Were Always on My Mind” coming up. Thank you Jerry! I wondered why “Affair on 8th Avenue” didn’t make the Lightfoot collection – not the greatest message, but the guitar part is intriquing.
Jerry, I’ll ask a question here as I think your other regulars might be interested. We’re all well acquainted with the yellow thumb pick. Can you tell us how and why you use it – tips on getting used to one – and any preferences? Love the site, Jerry…..best wishes for the new studio.
Jerry says
Hi George.
Affair on 8th Ave is on the list for the future.
The thumb pick is a Fred Kelly Speed Pick. I’ve used a thumb pick for as long as I can remember – so long that I can’t actually remember much of the process of getting familiar with it. For me it gives more articulation to the bass notes which is so crucial in fingerstyle playing where you want to hear each note inthe context of the others.
That doesn’t make it a recommendation to use one. Classical players don’t use them and articulate beautifully, so it’s not essential.
If you want to try one I recommend giving it two weeks of using it every day. At first it will feel very strange. If after 2 weeks it still feels strange it’s probably not for you. But if you like it, two weeks will be enough to assimilate it into your style.
George says
Thank you Jerry for your valued guidance. I’m going to get one and give it a try – for no less than two weeks! Appreciate your work so much –
George
Dom says
Hi Jerry,
Lessons fantastic and really helped me progress. How about a bit of indie pop. I’d love to see some smiths tracks on here by the great johnny marr.
thanks
Dom
Scott says
Thanks again for the great songs Jerry! I am slowly adding to my collection. Sorry I can’t contribute faster, but as a working man, my funds and time are limited.
I know I asked before, but I want to keep it in your mind: If there is any way you could do “Walking Back To Georgia” by Croce, I would be eternally grateful (and put it first on my list of purchases). It has special meaning for my wife and I.
Thanks again for all the amazing lessons you are creating. I have improved 100x from your efforts alone.
chuck says
I second the request for Walking Back to Georgia, as well as, I Got A Name, by Jim Croce…Awesome site Jerry, keep up the fantastic work
Peter Edge says
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for the great detailed lessons you provide.
If there was one song that could be added, I would have to say ‘Your Bright Baby Blues’ in the Jackson Browne section.
Thanks again. Keep up the good work!
Peter
stevie frame says
The live version with the Eagles!
I agree
Stevie
David says
Hi Jerry
Great lessons –
Any chance of adding the Detectorists theme tune (I will be your treasure) by Johnny Flynn to your list please?
Paul Fitzgerald says
Hi Jerry,
Can you please add to your lesson list Glen Hansard’s “Let Me In” from his “A Season On The Line” EP.
A beautiful song and one i’m desperate to learn.
Cheers,
Paul.
Dave says
Been loading up on your lessons Jerry. They are clearly the very best out there. And anxiously waiting for Don McLean’s Empty Chairs and Vincent. Excited to finally see them on the list of Coming Up Next.
Thanks for this great service!!!!!
Jerry says
Empty chairs is already transcribed and tabbed and it will be out very quickly once my new studio is operational (should be very soon).
Dave says
Awesome. Thanks!
Tom says
Thanks for the great lessons Jerry. I’ve been looking around for reasonable instruction on “Like a Summer Thursday” for a while, and was wondering whether you have it on your Townes to do list. If not, would you consider adding it?
Jerry says
I didn’t have that one on the list Tom but I’ve just added it.
Tom says
Fantastic. I’ll be looking forward to it and enjoying learning plenty of the others in the mean time. Keep up the good work. It’s very much appreciated.
Jonathan says
Hi Jerry – The Last Time I Saw Richard has disappeared off the top of ‘coming next’. Appreciate that it might be off the menu on this occasion. Is there a problem with it or is it IT and studio issues. Thanks again for the lessons. Keep them coming. Jonathan.
Jerry says
I’m struggling with it Jonathan. Tried it as a straight transcription of the piano part and it’s almost unplayable. Tried it strummed in Joni style and it just sounds too generic. I’ve put it on the back burner for further thought.
Jonathan says
I kind of suspected it would be difficult. The other piano / guitar transcriptions are great but ultimately e.g. River, works better in the Sarah Maclachlan version ( sorry Joni!). Looking forward to Sweet Bird! Thanks for the response. Back to Big Yellow Taxi……..
Stephen McConnell says
Great instruction. I’ve been fingerpicking for about 50 years and have mostly tried to pick stuff off the record(s) and CD(s). Some of these are pretty close to what I do, but others show me A LOT of things I missed.
I’m a big Gordon Lightfoot fan. Can you have a lesson on Softly and then “The Way I Feel”. I’ve got Softly down (cause I watched him on stage), but “The Way I Feel” is in an alternate tuning that I can’t figure out.
Jerry says
Hi Stephen. Both of those are on the to-do list. I can’t promise when but I’ll get to them.
Dennis Levasseur says
I’m looking forward to Gordon Lightfoots, The Way I Feel. Great song and fun to sing. Dennis
Luis Asar says
Hopefully you can add Stealer’s Wheel “Star” and America’s “Lonely People” into your already great
library of fabulous song lessons. Thank you Jerry for the great work you do in making these songs accessable
and playable to all guitar lovers and music enthusiasts alike
Brad says
I’d love to learn Stairway to Heaven
Steve Goss says
Can hardly wait for your lesson on Vincent by Don McLean! It is one of the most touching compositions he ever composed.
Cees Oreel says
Hi Jerry,
I just want to thank you for all of your hard work.
And mention that I’m very excited that ‘Vincent’ by Don McLean is coming up!
Warm regards,
Cees
Randy says
Hey Jerry,
Do you have the tabs from your lesson We Are Going To Be Friends by The White Stripes?
Your doing a great job.
Thanks,
Randy
Jerry says
Hi Randy. I do have them. Email me and I’ll send them over (jerrysguitarbar AT gmail DOT com)
Anonymous says
So are you going to tell us why you didn’t do a lesson on Stephen Stills – Black Queen?
I didn’t see any mention of it in the newsletter.
Thanks,
Jerry says
I forgot to mention it. Long story short, I wasn’t happy that my playing was capturing Stephen’s style well enough. But I tabbed out the whole thing. Email me if you want the tab.
danny says
Hi Jerry do you think first song by ralph mctell will be coming soon,that is my favorite ralph mctell song,I have been really hanging out for that one.is their any badfinger songs on your list.sweet tuesday morning is a good one.
Jerry says
Hi Danny. No Badfinger songs on the list I’m afraid. First Song will be next after First and Last Man.
Matthew says
Hi Jerry,
Would love to see Ralph McTell’s ‘The Girl From The Hiring Fair’, Townes Van Zandt’s ‘Highway Kind’ and Richard Thomson’s ‘Beeswing’.
Thanks for all you do.
Jerry says
Girl From the Hiring Fair and Beeswing are coming. More Townes is coming too although I didn’t have that one on the list.
Dennis Levasseur says
Cant wait to learn Beeswing from your Awesome transcription’s/lessons.
Thanks Jerry
Dennis
Jerry Parker says
Waiting patiently for ‘Year Of The Cat’ so please hurry. ;)
Hudson says
Hey Jerry, your lessons are the best on the entire internet; I truly mean that. The Eric Clapton blues series has been amazing and I have finally finished it. I was wondering if their was anyway to get anymore Eric Clapton blues like: Hey Hey, Signe, Drifting, Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out, Love In Vain, Walkin’ Blues? I would pay a lot of money and be eternally grateful! Thank you so much Jerry
Randy says
I would also like Nobody Knows You When Your Down And out.
Townes Van Zandts Dead Flowers would be a good one too.
Bob R says
I’m also onboard with more Clapton. Definitely would be willing to pay for the entire collection. Would also like to see Layla come back.
Great job Jerry.
John a says
YES!!! Definitely more Clapton. Would love Driftin’.
Jonathan says
Why did you pull Black Queen? =\
Jerry says
I’ll explain in the next newsletter.
Anonymous says
How do we access your newsletter?
When will it come out?
Jerry says
You can subscribe at the bottom of the home page. It’s a monthly short email that lists the latest releases.
Jim Gooch says
hi Jerry
I know you get flooded with requests but I just want to show my surprise that you don’t have one song by Neil Diamond, given his popularity, I know some of his songs would be simple campfire songs but you do such a good lesson I am sure they would be very good, also he has some beautiful tunes such as “play me” or “you dont bring me flowers” etc.
Thats just my two bobs worth Jerry, I love your work and have for years now.
Thanks,
Jim
Jerry says
Hi Jim. I have a good number of Neil Diamond tunes on the to-do list. Maybe I can bump a couple up a bit.
Anonymous says
Thanks Jerry, love your work
Jonathan says
Another great Joni Mitchell transcription. Both Joni and Sarah Maclachlan version of River. Looking forward to so many of Joni’s songs – you must be working 25 hours per day!
Tom says
Soo… where di Black Queen – Stephen Stills go?
Ben says
Hi Jerry,
Just wondered if you had thoughts on adding some Bert Jansch or Martin Simpson? thanks!
Jerry says
Needle of Death is on the Horizon
Anonymous says
Any chance we could get some Ryan Adams? (acoustic)
Jon says
I think Elton John has covered some of his songs!!
Tim Georgison says
Here are three amazing songs from him: (people think hes a mix of neil young and bob Dylan)
Ryan Adams – Oh My Sweet Carolina (also covered by Elton John)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE4ISDUT4RM
Ryan Adams – If I am a Stranger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPRn3y5aUAg
Ryan Adams – Come Pick Me Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOSNQkxXKW4
Jon says
Thanks Tim! you’re missing “When the stars go blue”!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgrljNU_2w0
his “Live at Carnegie hall” album is all acoustic! and is simply amazing. It really gives you a chance to listen to the lyrics. its probably the most intimate ACOUSTIC performance I’ve ever listened too. Makes you think twice about life.
Jerry says
I’m not as familiar with him as I should be. What would be his most popular acoustic songs?
Daniel says
Hi Jerry,
Please add Dan Fogelberg’s Sometimes a Song on your long list. I will keep waiting no matter how long it takes.
Anonymous says
Yes. And Hard to Say! And Nexus!
Gerry O'Reilly says
Hi Jerry, I’m sure you get lots of requests but Good Time Charley’s Got the Blues/Danny O’Keefe is a lovely melody if you ever have time. Thanks.
Natedog says
Hi Jerry,
That’s for all the awesome tutorials you’ve made so far! I’ve been learning a LOT of your CSN, Jim Croce, Neil Young tutorials! I was wondering if you would consider making a tutorial for the following?
Johnny’s Garden – Steven Stills
Southern Cross – CSN
Radio – David Crosby
marc says
Dear Jerry,
First, congratulations on the new website. It looks awesome!
Second, it would be fantastic if you could jump ahead and give us a song or two off Donovan’s fingerpicking masterpiece HMS Donovan in the not too distant future.
Isa says
This is Jerry on Isa’s login :)
A lot of folks are waiting on the acoustic songs from Gift to a Flower so that has to come first Marc. Sorry.
marc says
Never mind, I’ll just have to be patient. Some of the songs on Gift to a Flower are really great, too! Especially side two. Look forward to seeing Epistle to Derroll and others. best wishes
Damon says
Hi Jerry, I’m wondering if you have considered a grab bag type of collection. Collectors choice so to speak. If a buyers selects a variety of songs equal to the average # of songs in the collection series then they would get a similar deal. Potentially a good sales tool for you and a opportunity for the student that wants to learn thru a variety of artists rather then the individual artist. Thanks, Damon
Jerry says
Hi Damon
Yes, I’d like to be able to do that. At the moment the only thing stopping me is how to code it in the website. When we figure it out I’ll be happy to do it.
Damon says
Thanks for replying Jerry, I’ll look forward to this possibility!
Kevin Daly says
One way to handle it would be to only load the last 10-20 comments (although it’s a little more fiddly than that suggests with replies)…that way you don’t have to do a manual cull all the time.
On the other hand I’ve got a really bad cold so what I just wrote might not be totally coherent.
Jerry says
We’d like to do that Kevin but so far it’s been beyond our (limited) programming skills :)
Jerry says
Just to let you know, we’ve deleted the comments on this page. There were so many that they were causing the page to load very slowly.
I’ve kept a record of every request so nothing has been lost.
Feel free to continue to add comments and requests. Just be aware we’ll periodically refresh the page to avoid the site speed problem, but we’ll always keep our own record of all the requests that you make.
All the best.
Jerry
Emma says
Hi Jerry,
I have recently come across your website/youtube channel and as I only recently started learning the guitar, I have found your tutorials very helpful – particularly your Joni Mitchell lessons. I was wondering if it would be at all possible for you to do a “Morning Morgantown” tutorial at some stage?
Thanks very much!
Emma