Donovan – Willy o’ Windsboro Guitar Lesson Info

Learn how to play Donovan – Willy o’ Windsboro not-for-note on guitar with our Donovan – Willy o’ Windsboro Guitar Lesson.
Difficulty level: Easy
Barre chords: No
Thumb over chords: No
Playing Style: Fingerpicked
Tuning: Standard
This lesson teaches Don’s guitar part from the Buried Treasures 1 album version.
The complete file contains a lesson video, a performance play thru video, full tabs, chords and lyrics. You’ll receive a link to download the lesson which will download as a zip file of 178 Mb containing all the lesson content.
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You’ll receive at least two videos per song, one lesson and one performance-standard play-through. You’ll receive the chords/lyrics and guitar tabs as PDF files.
The videos are mp4 format and should play on PC’s, Macs and most mobile devices.
They will download as Zip files. If you don’t have a Zip program on your PC you’ll need to install one to open the file.
If you want to download to an iPad or iPhone you’ll need an app to do so, please read here to know more about it.
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Robert Craig Weber says
“Love Is Only Feeling” was my source, too, Jerry.
BTW, speaking of Donovan’s virtues, have you seen the Youtube video in which he appears to be performing at an “after-his-performance” party in someone’s living room in America, probably in Los Angeles?
He comes across as very friendly and eager to please, and a human juke box to boot.
He deserved far better management during the lost “middle years.” He is far from being a “difficult” star.
Since he is no doubt wary of lawsuits, it will be up to the fans to collect and distribute the “lost” gems–like the living room recording.
Jerry says
I saw one from about 77 where he’s playing to a handful of party guests. I think he played something from Gift From a Flower.
Was that the one?
I agree that he comes over as friendly and self-effacing. (He’s lost a little of the latter quality these days.)
Robert Craig Weber says
Yes, that is the video to which I referred.
There was so much talent in Los Angeles in the sixtie and seventies that its superabundance “spilled over” into wealthy patrons’ living rooms!
One gets a good sense of this in the movie, “Model Shop,” including the music of an 18-year-old Randy California of the band, “Spirit.” Lots of ennui–set to a rockin’ soundtrack.
Back to Donovan–Can you imagine the lovely night when he performed in Anaheim? (The live Anaheim concert LP). Into the eighties, he was performing in, and around, Los Angeles. He would open his set with “Josie.” At this point, perhaps he was living in Joshua Tree.
Jerry, I have been playing “Islay” every day since I learned it from you. It–in particular–is a challenge for my arthritic fingers, but I can still pull off a serviceable rendition.
I agree with Donovan’s early self-effacement. When he was singing and playing for his friends at the beach in his vagabond days, one gets the sense that he was enjoying his gifts without any material reward; not long after, during the Maysles’ documentary, he would challenge Dylan!
Robert Craig Weber says
The maestro’s mellifluous voice is evidenced to full effect on “Willy.”
Another Donovan treasure from the ‘Net: “Half-Moon Bay.”
Captured in the same period?
If Donovan had (had) good management (after the Micky Most hit years), who knows how many more gems we might have today?
BTW, Movie soundtracks capture the rights to an artist’s songs, and they are held in legal limbo.
If you want to hear more of Donovan in his prime, (brilliant songs and voice), look for the original “Brother Sun … ” soundtrack on the ‘Net.
“Do few things but do them well
Heartfelt work grows purely”
(“The Little Church” from Brother Sun, Sister Moon)
Peace
Jerry says
I’ll get to Half Moon Bay.
I was planning to do the final Love is Only Feeling Version.
Maybe there’s a better one?
Robert Craig Weber says
“Love Is Only Feeling” was my source, too, Jerry.
BTW, speaking of Donovan’s virtues, have you seen the Youtube video in which he appears to be performing at an “after-his-performance” party in someone’s living room in America, probably in Los Angeles?
He comes across as very friendly and eager to please, and a human juke box to boot.
He deserved far better management during the lost “middle years.” He is far from being a “difficult” star.
Since he is no doubt wary of lawsuits, it will be up to the fans to collect and distribute the “lost” gems–like the living room recording.
Marc says
Thank you so much for this beautiful song, Jerry! Everything on Buried Treasures N°1 is great. Hope to be able to play Don’s take on John Riley one day.
Jerry says
I plan to do that one too Marc.
Marc says
Oh boy Jerry. You just made my day! Best wishes