10 INSANELY Fun Acoustic Riffs You Must Learn Now

[@steveavant9727]

I took private lessons for a while and my instructor said he’s seen many guitarists learn the intro to a song but never learn to play the song. He said we do ourselves a disservice by doing this and as a young guitarist he began to make real progress when he would learn the entire song and play along with the record, trying to sound as much like the original as he could. Makes sense to me.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Steve. That's great advice. I've actually made 3 or 4 videos about the importance of learning the entire song. It's a huge confidence builder and without sounding silly or overstating it, I really believe that it leads to more sustained and organized practice. I'm self taught and I remember being in my mid teens (I started playing at 12) and all I could play was the intro to Limelight or Crazy Train or bits to the solo of The Last in Line. I always work through the entire song with my students. If the song has a guitar solo that's especially challenging I'll give them a rhythm part to play. On the flip side of things, I have found that learning to perfect a classic riff each day for a week is a good rut buster. It's amazing how many of the riffs that we think we know have so many subtleties that we can still learn. Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment. I really appreciate your time and comment. I hope you have a great day. Mark

[@steveavant9727]

Hey Mark, that looks like a Georgia tag. Are you also in the great state of Georgia?

[@dacethejackofhearts7209]

I'm more of having the right progression and melody and rgen making it your own asap but each to their own. In music there should be absolute freedom

[@EternallyThankful-os6pz]

Lindsey Buckingham rarely gets the credit he deserves for his catchy yet intricate and difficult guitar work - his work is so very creative and different that learning to play his music is DIFFICULT at best - great guitar player !!

[@8MinuteAxe]

I think that's an excellent call. Everybody I know and most of the people I don't know always say "Jeff Beck is so underrated". I think the fact that nearly everybody considered him to be underrated made him rated exactly where he probably belongs on any kind of best rock guitarist list. Lindsay's work is subtle, he always plays the part that best fits the song and he has amazing chops. He's kinda like the 70s version of that guy George that was in that good 60s band. :) Thanks for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time. Have a great Sunday. Mark

[@dennisparker3786]

He was a self trained player .... there always tuff to fallow.

[@spyfawkes]

100%. The fact that he sings while playing “Big Love” still amazes me.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey guys. Yeah, Big Love is tough to play and singing it on top is very tough. Singing and playing the chorus to Never Going take a lot of coordination and that's not even on the same level as Big Love. When the comment about him being self trained came in, I thought Dennis was talking about me and I was thinking, how did he know that I'm self taught. LOL. Yes, a lot of players with no formal training can be difficult. A great example is Paul's half strum on Blackbird. He just lightly brushes his index finger. Take care. Mark

[@innis52carra]

Difficult guitar work ? LOL

[@ScallopHolden]

The little segments in the timeline show Dust in the wind but the video shows Norwegian Wood

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Holden. I play both in the video and they're back to back. I usually do my own timeline within the description. Thanks for letting me know. I hope you enjoyed the video. Did you know that there's a Nashville guitar in Dust in the Wind. I had never heard that before but I was doing research for a new video yesterday and it's definitely there. Now I understand why so many people think that there's a 12-string on that song. Have a great Sunday. Thanks. Mark

[@thebaldshredder]

Soul crushing riffs! 😄That's great.

[@8MinuteAxe]

for sure. lol

[@NewLifeWithGuitar]

Gonna save this for a watch! I only started learning guitar 7 weeks ago and I'm documenting my entire learning journey on here so as always, this will be super motivational!

[@8MinuteAxe]

I think that's awesome. If you're new to KZbin and you have any questions, I can at least tell you what not to do. My email is [e-mail]. take care and be well. Mark

[@timjones3423]

Love Alvin Lee “Ten Years After” back when like 1967 unbelievable musical world.

[@PeteFolksinger]

I perform some of these regularly! Have a totally different Norwegian Wood structure. I do Landslide and managed to lay in the Lindsay Buckingham lead over the picking pattern. Will send it to you sometime.

[@8MinuteAxe]

That would be great. I'm actually a traditional fingerstyle player in the, dare I say, Chet Aktins, Jerry Reed, Tommy Emmanuel, style. I do mostly boom chick (I use a thumb pick). I've been working with Brooks Robertson and doing more banjo rolls and some percussive stuff but fingerstyle is a beast. I picked it up just under 5 years ago and I've put a lot of time in and studied with some great players and it just comes down to the practice. I give it an hour or so a day so I'm a very intermediate player with gaps. I've mostly been working on bringing out the melody more. I'm thinking about working with Joe Robinson but it's a financial commitment so I'll have make sure I have the time first. Between youtube and Rok-Lok, I barely have any time to practice now which is really a bummer. Anyway, enough about me. I really appreciate you taking the time to check out the video. Please take care and be well. Mark

[@PeteFolksinger]

@@8MinuteAxe its funny, I struggle and have to work very hard to play a "lead" while 12 year olds in guitar center shred every song over written, but my fingerpicking has evolved from around 1968 when I figured out how to pick Sound of Silence. I dont come close to Chet. But I have been working parts of TE's classical gas. I follow Lawrence Juber a lot. I am good at getting a pattern in 4, 3/4 or 6/8 in the Gordon Lightfoot or John Denver style, Jim Croce too, but just hints of all the fancy licks. Though I do play banjo, never got the roll down. I have a tape of me doing the Boxer in HS, I was picking it but in a fast 8 arpeggio (and on a 12-string). It was a few years later before I got the alternating thumb bass that drives the song. Wedding Song was what got me to alternating thumb.

[@guncreep9905]

What is your guitar ? I'm searching a Taylor, but dont know wich I should take. Yours looks great, it's a dreadnought with a pan cut !? Thank you for this video and I hope you will have the time to answer me . Bonjour de France l'ami ✌😉👍🇫🇷

[@gemaf]

That is for sharing. I would agree with your choices

[@PaulBridges-v9t]

Lol Mark we do it for the chicks and we love playing guitar. I love the assortment of songs you chose, but I loved; I Love to Change the World, Pinball Wizard, Solsbury Hill and Never Going Back Again. Thank for great entertainment at my lunch hour.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks so much for supporting. I sincerely appreciate it and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Have a great weekend and take care. Mark

[@Lateralus504]

Not everybody does it for attention from he opposite sex, beta.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I would have to be counted among those whom you speak of. The last time that my guitar playing led to a hook up was 23 years ago. I've logged a lot of guitar playing since then. I also wouldn't refer to any of the women I know as "chicks". It was supposed to be funny in the sex, drugs, rock n roll spirit. Thanks for checking the video out. I appreciate your time. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and be safe. Mark

[@robertloggins8253]

In the Emmerson Lake and Palmer song you have an incorrect note where you play the F with a G on top is correct but when you slide the whole thing up to a G you are putting an A note on top when it should be 2 notes lower or a G on top

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Robert. You are 100% correct. I was originally going to rerecord all of the performances and in the interest of time I decided to wing it and do them all live. It does make a difference melodically and it's a good catch on your part. I appreciate it. Thanks so much for checking out the video. Please take care and have a great weekend. Mark

[@seanlewismusic]

Any chance you can time-mark that point of the video for us? :)

[@robertloggins8253]

@@seanlewismusic Around 4:30

[@ffggddss]

Thanks for the fun! Those certainly were. It might be interesting to ask guitar players out here what songs they might have on their own such list. Hey, in other news, I finally pulled the trigger and bought that Vangoa 12 on Amazon. It's a bit easier to play than my vintage 1970 Guild F512 (bought used in '71), and a whole lot lighter too. It's also better quality than my vintage 1968 Harmony 12, which was about the same price back then, and that would be much more in today's $$. So overall, I'm loving it so far. Haven't yet had the chance to plug it in yet; my housemate says I can borrow her portable amp to try it out, and I'm gonna take her up on that. (It's my first pluggable guitar, so I'm gonna have a whole new universe to learn now.) Stay double-coursed! (The 6 sounded fine on this list, though.) Fred

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Fred. I feel like we haven't talked in quite a while. I'm glad you're enjoying the Vangoa. The best part is that they stand by their product and genuinely care (if they don't they've perpetuated a Herculean ruse). Plugging in doesn't usually work out too well unless you have an Anthem or equivalent pickup that costs more than most guitars. Taylor went all in with their ES2 system. 1000 to 10000. doesn't matter. You get an ES2. Keep in touch. Mark

[@ffggddss]

​@@8MinuteAxe "I feel like we haven't talked in quite a while." Maybe that's because we haven't ;-) I've been away from YT for a spell; every once in a while, life latches onto my free time. Anyhow, as I mentioned, I've never been "plugged," so I'm pretty much ignorant of the lingo and the equipment. (ES2?) Are you saying that the Vangoa, with its female plug and the cable packed with it, care about what the other end of that cable is plugged into? Is there some issue with impedance matching? Do I have to install something else on the guitar or what? Why would they do that? "You get an ES2." - Is that an instruction or a statement? I won't ask you to take the time to answer all this or give me some grand tutorial (which I probably need); rather, is there some resource you could point me to for that? Any little hint or pointer will help. Thanks!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Fred. We are DEFINITELY kindred spirits. I would have taken that and ran with it in a very similar way. And as things usually are as Friar William of Occam says they are, ES2 is Taylor's proprietary pickup system. Expression System 2nd Generation. E. S. 2. :). The Vangoa pickup is just as good as any other one out there save the high end ones that usually use a piezo, a microphone, and a sound board vibration detector (that's not the proper name but that's the best way I can describe it). If you are ever looking to install a pickup, universally the LR Baggs Anthem is supposed to be the best. I've never owned one so my intel is as good as every else who owns a computer! :)

[@grievouserror]

I love this kind of stuff! I've been captivated by Alvin Lee's riff since I first heard it, along with pretty much every other one you covered. Thanks again, Mark, for another completely worthwhile video in your inimitable style.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I really appreciate the kind words and you always supporting. I was listening to Is thick as a brick This morning The algorithm decided that I needed to listen to deep cuts by ten tears after. I bought a space in time on cassette in 88. Mark

[@grievouserror]

@@8MinuteAxe I bought a couple of greatest hits CDs that same year; Jethro Tull 'Original Masters' and Ten Years After 'Classic Performances of'. I still have them (long since ripped to electronic storage though the discs remain in The Vault) and probably appreciate them more now.

[@100Aces]

And to think… I learned I’d love to change the world intro by ear!!! Great job Mark!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

That's good. I remember sitting in my grandparents family room in New Rochelle, NY with a small GE tape recorder and a cassette with one song on it that I was able to grab from the radio. Suite Madame Blue. It took me hours to get the intro down. I was 12, it was 83, no books, no video, no idea what a bm shape was. every note was separate. LOL

[@tomg8888]

Well done as always! Sols Hill is a difficulty of 7??? Maybe triple that for me...

[@8MinuteAxe]

I don't know what to compare it to. Compared to Never Going Back Again it's a 7. Never Going Back Again compared to something like Angelina is a 4. It's all relative.

[@ronniechilds2002]

Thanks. You did a great job of going from easiest to hardest, more or less, with these guitar parts everybody knows and would love to learn.

[@RobKandell]

Great choices, though I think “Dust in the Wind” is a better starting point for Travis-picking than “Landslide”. Maybe the pinch pattern makes it “next step”? Maybe some Gord I’d add, but still some damn good choices.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Rob. I do a lot 12-string on my channel and I've covered several Gordo tunes (most just snippets like this although I did go through a phase where I tried to interpret different classic covers and Wreck of the EF was on the table. I even got a pedal player. Unfortunately, it was just too repetitive in cover version. The original is one of my all time favorite songs. Has been for 40 years. Yeah, my order leaves a bit to be desired. I didn't think so many people would see it so quickly. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Mark

[@johnc4480]

Another great video. Some excellent choices. I forgot about some of them but will now add them to my songs. Thanks Mark

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thank you so much John. I sincerely appreciate your time and kind words. Take care and be well. mark

[@tago69mago671]

'Melissa' riff sounds like 'who knows where the time goes' by Fairport Covention!

[@8MinuteAxe]

That's a good catch. I said the same thing. Those first two Fairport albums are classics...as well as I Want to See the Bright Lights and Shoot out the Lights. It's also similar to Something in the Air by Thunderclap Newman. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time and comment. I hope you have a great weekend. Take care and be well. Mark

[@InAnyEventVideos]

I immediately thought the same thing. Richard Thompson! Fairport Convention with Sandy Denny. But I first thought of FP's cover of Dylan's, "I'll Keep It With Mine." They all share that mood. C. K.

[@anthonymcdibble9496]

Sounds like Debris by The Faces. (Written by the late Ronnie Lane.) Such a poignant song about Ronnie's father.

[@dennisssnider]

Mark, thank you for the continued inspiration. Every now and then I find myself going back to the old standbys. Sometimes I do not want to be challenged. Your video gave me the nudge I needed.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Dennis. A great "measured" challenge is trying to play the riffs you know well flawlessly. One of the hardest things to teach and to learn is how to be mindful while you're playing. For me that holds especially true with the 12 string. It's easy to miss the pair if I'm not focused on what I'm doing. Thanks for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time and support. Mark

[@ninteyninenightmares1564]

I like that fact you use iconic riffs! Because today music us missing the human element.

[@8MinuteAxe]

For sure! The thing that I really don't like about today's music is the way male vocalists sing. If I want to hear somebody sing like a female, I'd rather just listen to a female. It's the weirdest thing. Thanks so much for checking out the video. Have a great weekend and take care. Mark

[@michaelirby1747]

Great video. There are several that I will start working on to learn and several that I can now improve on. I really do appreciate your time and effort that you put into making your videos. Keep them coming.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey, Michael, I'm glad you enjoyed it. This one was a lot of fun to make. Take care and enjoy the rest of your week. Mark

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Okay, Landslide and Dust in the Wind convinced me I have to get serious about learning fingerpicking. I don't know how I can consider myself a folk singer without that skill. You have some serious fingerpicking chops. I loved every choice you picked and noticed some interesting transitions as well (since I am trying to get better at video editing for my channel).

[@PeteFolksinger]

Bob, 3 steps to picking prowess: start with simply arpeggios (Neil Diamond Play Me, Leonard Cohen Hallelujah), then some thumb 1 thumb 2 (Stookey's Wedding Song and almost any 4-4 songs). Traverse is just speeding up the 4-4 and dropping some of the notes out of the pattern. As you build dexterity you can take on more unique or complex patterns (Neil Diamond Morningside) and laying melodies in with the pattern.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Thanks for the tips. I need to add a little bit of fingerpicking to my practice sessions, and that's a great place to start.@@PeteFolksinger

[@PeteFolksinger]

@@bobshomewoodshop7996 Colour My World is another good arpeggio with some real finger twisting chords that can make your sound just like a piano.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Bob. I overused the transitions today but for a quick and easy transition you should have some templates in whatever editing software you're using. As far as fingerstyle goes, it depends on whether you want to arpeggiate chords for accompaniment or play a separate bass line with the thumb with a melody up top. I don't play any fingerstyle on the channel but I've been studying it for just shy of 5 years. I've had a couple of world renowned players as teachers but that hasn't expedited my playing ability. It just comes down to putting the practice in. It requires thousands of hours to really get it down. I've been working on a traditional fingerstyle songbook for almost 2 years and I'm on the 9th of 10 songs. It does make things like the 3 over 2 pattern in Never Going Back Again a lot easier. Paul Davids called that the toughest acoustic song to play. Maybe for Rock n Roll tunes but it wouldn't even register as an intermediate tune in the Jerry Reed, Doc Watson, Chet and Tommy world.

[@AmandaTimes2023]

Excellent choices, enjoyed your video very much. Thank you.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks so much Amanda. My better half is Amanda as well. :)

[@guitarDad100]

These are really ten great riffs. Some I know and some I don't. I'm going to take the time to learn them all. Thanks for this lesson.

[@howardklein9834]

Another great video Mark. I saw Alvin and 10 years After at the Fillmore East, I think in 1970. Hey it's been 23 years and I was "aware" of what was happening there, unlike the majority of the audience. 😉

[@8MinuteAxe]

thanks again.

[@carleubanks3386]

Another great video, Mark. Thanks. Probably tough to narrow it down to just 10, but perfect choices.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I don't know how I missed this. A belated thank you!

[@titichartay7216]

Great choice - from Ten Years After to ELP to classic Mac & your wry humour to boost everything. Alas if I lived in USA would enter guitar comp but my best wishes to whoever wins. Happy picking, happy strumming !

[@blakewilliams3702]

Man, your videos get better each time. These were fantastic choices!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Here Comes the Sun, intro to Crazy On You, Drive (Incubus) all got cut.

[@williamgallerizzo6070]

Wow, nice job. My band years ago. Gibraltar, covered most of those. I'm glad you didn't go into Stairway to Heaven. I once played a wedding where the bride wanted that for walking down the aisle. Luckily, I talked her into something else. Not that I couldn't play it. It was just not a good song for a wedding in a church. Agreed to do it at the reception. Nice to hear you cover Pete Townsend, Pinball Wizard. Bill Gallerizzo

[@garym5676]

Thanks again for another video that reminds us of all the great songs for acoustic! Did you leave a link to the 15% off code?

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Gary. I did only because you reminded me to!! Many thanks for that. I hope you're having a great weekend. Mark

[@learnfromthemastersmusicou7241]

Another engaging video, just right in length! As a couple further suggestions I’ve found that playing Billy McLaughlin’s fingerstyle pieces take me to another place when I play them. On the more accessible side, “Into the Light” has lifted my spirits countless times. “Helms Place” is more difficult but is like a combo of musical medicine and meditation. I’ve also found various Phil Keaggy pieces to give that “make my fingers feel good playing guitar” phenomenon you mentioned. Thanks for the inspiration to play that your videos evoke!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thank you for such kind words. Although I don't believe in 225 videos I've ever played any traditional fingerstyle, it's been my primary focus for the past 4 or 5 years. I initially took both of Tommy Emmanuel's classes on truefire and I worked with Brooks Robertson for a while and lately I've been taking online lessons with Joe Robinson but I'm always looking for new fingerstyle playing styles. I tend to gravitate more to boom chick pieces but I do like Phil Keaggy and I've played through a couple of his tunes (fairly recently actually, there's a complete PK course on Jamplay that just became available when Truefire and Jamplay merged). I really appreciate your time and comment. Take care and be well. Mark

[@davevail4138]

What a great list. All great songs. I need to look for some tab for them.

[@freesk8]

Great video, Mark! I play half of these! Gotta work on Norwegian Wood, I think! :)

[@8MinuteAxe]

Norwegian Wood is well worth the time. 30 years later and it hasn't gotten old yet. And it always kills at parties, with the family, etc.

[@robertborgeson1821]

Came for the video but the ad amazed me most. I have no problem modifying my guitars or using traditional strap locks but some people aren't comfortable with it and quite honestly sometimes it just isn't worth the effort. What an ingenious yet extremely simple solution!

[@malibusean9312]

Nice selection. And for the vanguard… all of them! You played all of them😊

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanos so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time and comment. It's amazing how much easier it is to perform on camera when I actually warm up a little and practice. Lol. Take care and be well. Mark

[@Hydra3724]

Check out road trippin by rhcp

[@8MinuteAxe]

Great one. I actually didn't know it and listened last week when your comment first came in. I really appreciate you checking out the video and for your recommendation. Take care and be well. Mark

[@davidirwin9804]

This has given me a useful idea, especially the first 8 riffs or so, and to take this idea forward with other "riffs" I know. Turns out, these riffs can be made into great flatpicking exercises for cross-picking, I play them not exactly as written, but with a focus on the applicable general idea, so the technique I isolate from the riff then is enhanced by the lovely musicality of these progressions. It'll make for a nice 10 minute warmup etude!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey David. Thanks so much for checking out the video. That is an excellent idea. The intro riffs to Life In the Fast Lane, Sweet Child O'Mine, and Dust in the Wind all started out as finger exercises. Nothing wrong with reversing the process. I appreciate your time and comment. Have a great week. Take care. Mark

[@goffdroid]

Apply new things to old things move them manipulate them more

[@roberthudson9942]

Enjoyed this video look forward to one with your new fiber travel guitar

[@8MinuteAxe]

This comment just showed up. YT always full of surprises.

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Man o man, your playing is SO damned CLEAN. 🤩 And that Taylor, wow, what a great sound. I have a Taylor 314 CE, about 18 years old, but it doesn’t sound quite as good as yours. What kind were you playing there?

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Carl. I'm using my Taylor 410. The first 4 numbers of the serial # are 2002 so I'm guessing thats the year but I thought I bought it in 2000. It has the old Fishman pickup system. It's not very good. I don't believe I've ever used it in a video (the pickup). Please take care and enjoy the rest of your week. Mark

[@Q-Legal_Civil3D]

Great stuff. Always wanted to learn Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury" Hill ;-)

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Bud. I did a complete cover of Solsbury Hill a couple of years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6Gol6Spl5idfbM&ab_channel=8MinuteAxe. There are lots of opinions on how to play it. I have a very accurate tab. Email me at [e-mail] and I"ll send you that and the rest of the tunes in the video. This lesson is as close to note for note as I've ever seen it played: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HcaY2YjtmArdU&ab_channel=Shutup%26Play-GuitarTutorials. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I sincerely appreciate your time and comment. Take care and stay safe. Mark

[@bdm50]

I've never been able to use a thumb pick. It's nice to see what you can do without one. Thank you!!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

I primarily use one for traditional fingeestyle bit I've been doing more percussive stuff lately and it gets in the way. The thumbpick has a learning curve for sure. Thanks so much for watching the video. I really appreciate your time. Have a great weekend. Mark

[@berkeleybernie]

Nice selection! What model Taylor is that? Sounds like a great background rhythm guitar for recording.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Bernie! It's a Taylor 410. I own a several Taylors. I'd rather be playing a smaller model but you just can't beat the sound of a dreadnought. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I appreciate your time and kind words. Take care and have a great weekend. Mark

[@TheAndyCorkill]

Quality selection of song well done 👍

[@friendofdavid1423]

The riff to "Ramble On" is excellent, as well! Great selection! Thanks!

[@Larschad1]

Very nice Mark, I’m saving this one. Have you played Big Love. Would like to learn the fingering pattern.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Big Love is tricky. I started learning it and honestly I don't like the song enough to really put the time into it. I'd rather work on a Tommy Emmanuel arrangement of something. Paul Davids has an excellent video on Big Love. Thanks so much for checking out the video and supporting. Have a great weekend. Mark

[@alecsnider3225]

0:38 No, you had it right the first time :)

[@freesk8]

Great job on Never Goin Back Again! Famously hard song! :)

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey brother. The 3 over 2 pattern definitely takes some work. :)

[@keiththurm3885]

I’m going through all your videos now, you got me hooked

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Keith. Thank you for supporting. I sincerely appreciate your time. Let me know if you need tabs or help with any of the tunes. My email is [e-mail]. I make a huge effort to return all emails within 72 hours max usually quicker. Have a great weekend and take care. Mark

[@charlesmanthy9697]

Fantastic stuff there Mark, nice to see a 6 string video!

[@8MinuteAxe]

My fingers like it better too Charles. Thanks!

[@eshep71]

I was working on 'I can't dance' by Genesis last night. It makes sense that there was Genesis related song on here haha

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Eric. I can't dance is a good one. That's an underrated tune. I passed on seeing them on this tour. Poor phil looks like Captain Ahab. Take care and be well. Mark

[@jimdoner3443]

Great video, im sure I will watch it several times. What model is the guitar you used ?

[@8MinuteAxe]

I don't know how I missed this comment. It's a 2000 Taylor 410. I'm the only owner. The guitar has a lot of miles on it. Thanks for checking out the video. I appreciate your time and comment. Take care and have a great weekend. Mark

[@keiththurm3885]

Good selection of songs, they are all above my skill level at the moment, but give me some time and I will get there

[@8MinuteAxe]

I love this attitude. Just try to move the needle forward a little bit everyday. Email me if you have any questions or need help with anything. Have a great weekend and take care. Mark

[@steveb501]

Great Love the format really good job, thank you.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Steve. Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave a nice comment. I sincerely appreciate your time. I hope you have a great weekend. Take care and be well. Mark

[@__-cr6fv]

Good collection of tunes! Thanks

[@8MinuteAxe]

Your time and kind words are very much appreciated. I hope you have an awesome weekend. Stay safe and take care. Mark

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

You play these with great ease ---nice to watch you playing !

[@8MinuteAxe]

The grass is always greener. LOL

[@egratson]

Great choices on all!!

[@jackgott4005]

Mark, Thank you. I am working on the 10 fun acoustic riffs. Great tunes to learn with.

[@seanperdue232]

The transition graphics between the songs was pretty cool too! 😊

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks Sean. My favorite is the one that takes the entire frame and turns it into 128 frames. These are templates in Davinci Resolve. Probably too much playing around. I'm glad you enjoyed that part. Thanks so much for your time and comment. Please take care and be well. Mark

[@JJMooray]

Nice selection Mark, thanks!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks so much JJ. I sincerely appreciate your time. Please take care. Mark

[@dh2970]

I could have listened to another 10, and another 10, and another 10.......Thanks!!!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

I get to listen to all of them and then make cuts. LOL.

[@Andrew-cu9lf]

Great list! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thank you Andrew. I really appreciate your time and I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Have a great weekend. Mark

[@robert-f2q9u]

Very nice Mark!

[@CharleySuede]

Though it’s not an acoustic riff, I really enjoy playing “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” mostly because it’s fun to mindlessly roll through, but it’s also how I get used to a new guitar or analyze the dynamics of a guitar’s tone.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Ethan. Reaper is such a good one. I love Burnin for You as well. I just saw Donald on Beato's channel I believe. We opened for them a couple of times. Believe me, this is not bragging. Those gigs sucked. Nobody was there for us other than our 30 friends, family, and fans. The first time was at Yale Field and opened is a loose term. We were the second of 12 bands. The other time was an odd show. BOC, Night Ranger, and Paradise Vendors (my band). We were a pop rock band. We did not belong. We drew well at the venue but EVERY person not there for us was there against us. LMAO. euoff. bad times indeed. Great riff and Don aka Buck, is a great guy. Fellow NYer. Please take care and thanks for bringing back some old memories of the late 90s. Be well. Mark

[@VintageGold]

Well, now I'm super curious to hear some of those soul crushing riffs. Great video thanks for the inspiration.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thank you for saying that. People don't realize how much it means when I'm told that a particular video inspires, motivates, or even gets somebody to pick up the guitar for the first time. It really is the best part of doing this. Sadly, so much of it has become a numbers game and how much money can such and such video make. It was great when millions of people made videos and posted them just because it was fun. Of course, there is a little hypocrisy in that statement as this is the one video of the last 50 that I've made that has actually earned enough money to buy dinner. :). Please take care and be well. Mark

[@billythekid5258]

THANX, Bro'/! All fantastic riffs/songs! I'm gonna make a playlist of all 10! Simply exquisite guitar songs!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Billy. Thanks so much. I really appreciate the kind words. One of the things that's inevitable with any success on YT is the haters. I don't understand why people get so angry about a video they choose to watch and at people they've never met. It blows my mind. Anyway, I sincerely appreciate the positivity. Take care and have a great weekend. Mark

[@scottverbeke359]

Hello mate, I just came across your channel and instantly liked & subs ! After 40 years of Bass register but with a passion for acoustic guitar I've slowly started to make progress (On a Joe Strummer Fender - Campfire thing) learning over the past year. I love the sound of that Taylor you play and although most of these riffs are beyond me I'm still inspired to keep going. My latest efforts, Nobody laugh here alright! , Is, Here comes the sun and simply time on the fretboard with you tube's assistance is slowly paying off. I'm going to delve into your channel now and much gratitude to you for the sparks of motivation. Cheers SV

[@RandallWhitted]

Hahaha loved your intro. And yeah, some riffs are just what your fingers want to do when you grab your axe. Easy to fall into the habit of playing them all the time though. I'm currently struggling with finding new riffs to break out of old ones. ALSO - what's your microphone setup? Sounds good!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Randall. This video has received quite a few comments and this is one of the best. I really appreciate it. As far as mics go, I don't know if you mean to capture the guitar or the talking head. The talking head is a Sennheiser MKE600 just out of frame but the new voice cancelling in Resolve 18.5 is spectacular. Believe it or not the guitar was captured with the X/Y mics on the zoom recorder. I have Universal Audio plug-ins of all the classic consoles and I usually use a 610, 1176, and or LA-2 but those mic on the zoom is excellent. Please take care and have a great week. Mark

[@AndyDion]

Great choice of riffs Mark! Wild World by Cat Stevens is a fun acoustic one to play for me! The verses are one of my favorite chord progressions and the chorus has some cool ascending and descending riffs.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Andy. I loved that song as a kid. I don't think I've ever performed that one. Good one for sure. Thanks brother. Mark

[@Cool-Lake]

Wonderful, thank you.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey thanks. I really appreciate the kind words and for your time. I hope you're having a great weekend. Please take care and be well. Mark

[@clemlabelle8740]

Love it. Fun video for sure. Fun to play...I guess that depends on how good one is....LOL.

[@8MinuteAxe]

you rock

[@EM-df6mo]

Excellent video sir.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey EM. Thanks so much for checking it out. I really appreciate your time and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Have a great evening and take care. Mark

[@stevegross9477]

Fantastic selection.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Steve. Thanks so much for checking the video out and the kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really appreciate your time. Have a great weekend and take care. Mark

[@stevegross9477]

I'm a bass player. I have a 4 string Fender Jazz Deluxe and a 5 string Guild Pilot.There are classic EMG active pickups in both of them.I recently bought an Epiphone J-45EC Studio Acoustic . The tighter finger patterns are hard to get after playing bass for 40 years. @@8MinuteAxe

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Steve. I'm sure. Swirching from an SG to a tele is a significant adjustment, let alone a 5 string bass to an acoustic.

[@jerrybarnes9538]

Juat randonly found this video, and i love that you're open to helping those who want to learn a specific song. And you are correct. I do use part of dust in the wind as a warm-up. Funnily enough, it's about all i can do anymore aince i haven't played in months

[@larrypower8659]

“I’d Love To Change The World” is the most well known radio hit for Ten Years After. But, they (and Alvin Lee) made their reputation on “Goin’ Home,” at Woodstock, and in the Woodstock film. “I’d Love To Change The World” is a great, iconic riff from 1970. Not many people can play “Goin’ Home” like Alvin so … Yeah, I’ll go with “I’d Love To Change The World,” too. All these songs are great. Nice vid.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Larry. For sure those are the big two. I remember the first time I saw Woodstock and the powerful way that Alvin is filmed at the opening of that song made me do a double take. I immediately went out and bought the only Ten Years After that I could find...which happened to be the A Space in Time cassette. Thanks so much for checking out the video. I really appreciate your time and kind words. Have a great Sunday. Mark

[@theobaldINsorrow]

I have just recently discovered “I’d Love To Change The World” and spent a few days trying to master it. I was happy to see it there, and it really belongs to this list

[@davidwilson7042]

Well done, Mark.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks David. I appreciate your time and kind words. Have a great week. Mark

[@CthulhuInc]

"to get chicks" man, i laughed so hard on that one, mark! and i am a fan of that 10 years after song, as i remember when it first came out [yes, i'm that old!] - such a great riff! excellent choices, mark - your videos always inspire me to get the led out and practice! thanks once again - i'm still [slowly] typing another email for you - Life keeps getting in the way! 😊

[@8MinuteAxe]

I know what you mean. I set aside at least an hour a day to return emails and get more and more in the hole everyday. I just counted and I returned 126 emails in the last 50 hours.

[@theobaldINsorrow]

you can laugh as much as you like, but it's the truth ) I came for chicks too, stayed because I got hooked. Guitar brings me joy

[@thecavestudio]

DUDE!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE ROK-LOK!!!!! Didnt know that it was yours. so cool! It is awesome, no more changing straps!!! Thank you!!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey man. Thank you! That's so great to hear. My partner and I worked countless hours to finally get it to market. 3 years ago I never intended to invent a strap lock but I couldn't believe that something like it didn't already exist. If you have time, send me a video of you using it to [e-mail]. Or even a pic would be great. We are trying to work happy customers into our ads as we want this to be about making life easier for real guitar players. I hope you have a great weekend. Please take care and be well. Many thanks. Mark

[@michaelmayhem1805]

Finally a list with some good songs that I haven't heard recommended a million times already. Thanks for this!

[@resomony]

Good stuff, but showing the tab on split screen would be even better.

[@peterpedersen1641]

Hi Mike, great job of this video my friend. I have played all these tunes since the 70s, or when they came out. You did a nice job running through them. I almost always play, "From the Beginning" in my sets. and "I'd Love To Change The World", so it was nice to hear you put them on your list. By the way, how's the Ovation working out for you? Looking to see a video utilizing it sometime soon. I knew I should of bought it myself.. LOL.. Hope all is well. I lost a good friend a couple weeks ago who was Jackson Brown's and Bonnie Raitt's stage crew manager for decades. We are having a memorial dinner for him here on Thursday. A bunch of friends showing up from around the country. Should be quite the jam here.... maybe we will record some of it.

[@toddscala2412]

His name is Mark. 😀

[@chrisbalsamo968]

All great songs. Dust in the wind has always been one of May favorite guitar songs.

[@randallnielson2011]

Beautiful guitar, today, Mark!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Back from the dead. You dropped out big time. Rok-Lok is doing well and getting a little bigger everyday. Email your address and I'll run some over tomorrow and put them in your mailbox.

[@jwebbw]

Yeah, you nailed it, I also play all of the tunes you played in this video, and you play them accurate and well.

[@Jbutler63]

Great songs and content,really love the classic rock songs from the 70's and 80's thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge 😅😅

[@NDFlyFisher]

Well, it is fun. Fun to get chicks 😂😂😂😂 Great selection of riffs. Norwegian Wood is my favorite. And I’d add Here Comes The Sun to the list.

[@8MinuteAxe]

When I did the video I played the intro to Crazy on You, Here Comes the Sun, and Drive by Incubus. I cut those three for three reasons #1 only one Beatles song although I ended doing 2 mac songs so DOH. #2 Drive is less known to my audience. #3 I thought that Crazy On You may be a bit challenging although it's probably easier to play than Never Going Back Again.

[@stevenkarnisky411]

Got to see Nancy Wilson playing the intro to "Crazy..." a few years ago when she opened for Bob Segar. It actually has a title, "Silver Wheels".

[@silverjaw138]

Great playing bro, Ty

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Ty. Thanks so much. I really appreciate your time. Have a great Sunday. Mark

[@rjjen1696]

great lesson thanks

[@8MinuteAxe]

If I knew this video was going to do so well I would have done some teaching instead of just playing. Of course, then the algorithm would probably have buried it by now. Thanks so much for checking it out. I really appreciate your time. Take care and have a great weekend. Mark

[@billwentz5014]

Great production! Fast, clean, easy to stay with, great presentation. specially about our motives.

[@Jason-ng2vf]

Those are definitely some of the best riffs ever created on acoustic guitar! Thanks for the video 🎶

[@hardrockersheritage7793]

Thx so much for sharing, great choice and very well done🎸👌🏻🧡🎼🤗

[@robertmilner5515]

Holy moly great selection!! Surprisingly great!!! Number 11 "oh well!" Fleetwood mac!

[@robertmac7833]

These are all very nice!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Robert. Thanks so much for taking the time to check it out and leave a comment. I sincerely appreciate it. I hope you enjoy your Sunday. Take care and be well. Mark

[@johnforde2230]

I just bought my foutrh and fifth ROK-LOKs today as Christmas gifts. The ROK-LOK is awesome!

[@ToddS.]

Really fun vdo to watch. Thanks 👍

[@8MinuteAxe]

Yes, I do vudu and voodoo

[@muleface1066]

@@8MinuteAxe Keep doing that voodoo that you do so well.

[@thebluesrockers]

I absolutely, loved your rendition of "Melissa" That sounded "spot on!"

[@RickDanner]

sounds great beautiful guitar

[@dandilion62]

great selection!!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Mark. I really appreciate you taking the time to check out the video and for your kind words. I hope you have a great weekend. Take care and be well. Mark

[@8MinuteAxe]

I apologize, Marc not Mark!

[@dandilion62]

no worries

[@danbromberg]

Nicely done! Wouldn't it be a win-win if you posted your tab so we could access it and you wouldn't be flooded with email? ...just a thought

[@besalon9931]

Awesome riffs!! ❤

[@8MinuteAxe]

Snippity doo dah

[@hc9987]

For us relatively new guitarists, it would be nice to have an explanation of the chords played so we could actually try it!