A Horse With No Name: 4 Levels (Beginner to Advanced)

[@michaelulbricht9438]

Mark, few people would have the fortitude to tackle this song that's been "beaten like a dead horse," publicly; let alone make it of interest. Your patience and acuity are astounding. A good teacher is just being a good conduit of information, and you understand that. You could likely even make "songs" from the first 3 John and Yoko albums of interest, but please use your energy in a more worthwhile manner. Again, good job and stay well!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Lmao. Yeah, I wont be covering two virgins side 1 or 2. I was doing a what if All Things Must Pass was a single album with another friend. Would it be the best solo Beatles album? Plastic Ono Band and Band On the Run are the top contenders. I really appreciate the compliment. It's not easy to make lesson videos when you've been teaching live for so long. Some repetition is useful but not too much. Pacing is the key. I'm getting better at it but it is tough to anticipate what's relevant to such a wide array of levels. Breaking down the levels helps. Have a great weekend and take care! Mark

[@execatty]

just saw them 3rd row last Friday.. never miss these guys live.. They're all charm and pure talent.. Great show don't miss them if they're in your city.. Great lesson gonna practice

[@michaelirby1747]

Mark - The way that try to present information to all your viewers regardless of their playing ability is truly amazing. I really respect you and what you are doing. You do make a difference in the lives of people. Thank you.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Michael. I really appreciate that. The channel has really taken a hit views wise over the past 45 days and I'm more grateful than ever for the support. It means a lot to know that the videos have value. I dont think I've ever put a video out haphazardly, for better or worse everything has been intentional, and rarely last minute. A light of heart and soul goes into each one. Have a great weekend. Mark

[@grievouserror]

Totally in focus and worth the wait! I love your song instruction, Mark, and am so glad you circled back to this one. The tiered approach is nice and makes it easier to judge where to jump in…. about 2.5, I think. 🙂

[@randyrowell8048]

Great video Mark. I really like how you did this, starting with easy and progressing to more difficult. Brilliant. Something for everyone. I really like this approach. Great work.

[@donchristianmusic9353]

been playing this song since the seventies. It really is a great song in its simplicity and complexity. Your is the best video I've seen

[@mikeschertzer941]

Thanks Mark. I'm trying to teach my daughter guitar. She started about 2 weeks ago. This is one of the first songs I'm teaching her because I like the easy chord progression. This video will help me show her that it's possible to spice up even a song she might think of as easy.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Mike. Thanks for that. And for sure this is a good one to build upon. I recieved several emails from people telling me they got through level 3 already. I'd like to know how many can actually execute the rhythm pattern without error to a metronome for the length of the song. If I had a dime for every guitarist that's told me they dont play lead but that they're a great rhythm player I'd be a rich man. Having great rhythm takes a lot of time and work. I think being great at it takes far more work than playing lead lines. I've been playing live for 30 years but playing the rhythm to Dance the Night Away and Fell on Black Days while singing the lead vocals still gives me trouble. I just started teaching my son. Great thing to pass on. It's an honor to even be a little part of it with you and your family. Have a great weekend. Mark

[@SimonMorelguitar]

Great idea for a video Mark. I love it.

[@cantodojason]

Hey, Mark! I'll do it in one word: Sensational!! Many thanks. Okay, more than one word... :-))

[@wogeyboy1]

Very nice, Mark! Such a cool idea to show different levels of play

[@jamesdixon9110]

Awesome video! I remember learning this song when I was a much younger man! I wish you would have been my teacher!! Thanks for doing what you do!!!

[@jhmonthetube6339]

Play it through first, this is the easiest way for those who play by ear. This is the group you are playing to.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I really enjoyed this video, and it showed off your excellent teaching skills. It's late and I watched this without a guitar handy, but I plan on watching this video again tomorrow with a guitar (or two). Believe it or not, this song is not in my repertoire so this lesson makes me want to learn it. Since I have both six and twelve string guitars this video challenges me to learn both parts. Your series on the 12 string has already motivated me to practice on it every day along with the 6 string.

[@jessehiatt9225]

Great video Mark!!!! Like how you broke it down for each level of player. Keep up the good work!!!

[@shaylee2b]

I enjoyed the video. It was amazing how easy the basic form of the song is to play. Although, the song always sounded complicated to me. Thanks for the lesson Mark.

[@derrickdubeau]

I've been playing it at level one for 40 years.lol Time to up my game on this song. Thanks for another great Video. You should have sung the song Mark!

[@dennisratliff4588]

Another great video, Mark. Thanks for the player level differentiation and patient focus on the strumming/rhythm techniques. Very informative and accessible for players at each level. I will add this to my song list for the week!

[@jimkelehan1366]

Hey Mark, although I wasn’t a big fan of this song back in the early 70’s, what you showed me today will be very fun with a looper. And I can sing this song!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Jim. That's a great idea. I'm always looking for tunes that are easy to loop (I only have the Ditto which allows one loop at a time so I need something that doesnt change). I've been thinking of getting the Boss Loop Station but I've always prided myself on the fact that my live shows are just my voice and my guitar for better or worse. That being said, being a good looper is an art. Take care and thanks again for the amazing support. Mark

[@lollipophead5539]

What a great idea and awesome video!!!

[@BrianBocineccomedy]

La la la la la la la la la la

[@sandrataylor51]

A very informative video Mark, thanks

[@stankruger6823]

LOVE this idea. Please do more of these. Well worth the wait! Great idea and great video!!

[@kevinshamey]

You lost me at hello haha I need to work on this again a great post 👍

[@kevinshamey]

I have most of the song down trying to get the strumming right😜

[@willyboy256]

Wow I am so glad that I have found your channel and subscribed. You take everything and break it down beautifully into understandable chunks that are easy to follow. Well done Mark it's a pleasure to watch and listen to you. Cheers!

[@topkat48]

Another great lesson, Mark. Thanks!

[@briannelms158]

Very informative video Mark! Thanks brother!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks so much Brian. I really appreciate the support. This one was two years in the making. Have a great weekend. Mark

[@JohnstownJohnny]

Thank you for keeping great music like this alive! JJ

[@guitargod4206]

What a song great choice 👌

[@The..Butterfly..Effect]

You're not a bad teacher... : )

[@tomhickey1266]

Mark some of the lesson is quite complicated but really well explained. Well done sir

[@randycompton5230]

I like the arrangements.

[@seabass3373]

Thank you so much for doing this! Did not know how rich really the song was, with so many things that complete the song's feel

[@colemowry8681]

Great Stuff!!!

[@CameronCox]

Dedgbd, the weirdest tuning on earth?

[@KurtGAndersen]

Sonic Youth enters the chat…😂😂😂

[@dbc5048]

One of my favourites!

[@FilmFlam]

Excellent detailed lesson. You must have a great ear. And a lot of patience.

[@nsphonetag]

Nice clear explanation

[@YankeePinstriper]

Great vid, Mark! Goes to show that a song might be simple, but that doesn't mean it's easy!! Good job!! Could you make a "four levels" video on Fire and Rain by James Taylor or While My Guitar Gently Weeps? The latter gives you a ton of guitar parts to work on, so that should be fun!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey man. those are both good ideas. I'm definitely going to do more of these. I was just talking to another viewer about a simplified version of Fire and Rain 5 minutes ago. how funny. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@emiliolopez8796]

Very nice video and I love how you're involved with your KZbin community. As a new member I think I've found a new great channel. Btw what doesn't sound better on a 12 string hhaha

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Emilio. We are so glad you have you. No egos here. A great bunch of people sharing ideas and enjoying classic music. -Mark

[@Aquade]

For the guitar duet, would using a pair of 6 strings suffice in generating a similare effect? I understand that the 12 string is more full bodied, but I dont know many people that own one. Your video is really great and informative, by the way. I fell in love with this song recently and it prompted me to wipe the dust off my gibson.

[@8MinuteAxe]

For sure, 2 six strings is fine. Just start slowly until you lock on. Then it gets fun. Good luck!

[@jesterflint9404]

This is good, but would be better if you sang once at the end.

[@rrip1]

I've been waiting for you to do this one.

[@seandunoon]

Have a great day Mark

[@kisukeurahara7589]

Excellent video Mark! Finally, I got to master this song thanks to you! 😁

[@josephmattina18]

This is the best tutorial for this song. Thank you.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Joseph. I really appreciate the kind words. I'm glad you got something out of the video. Have a great holiday and take care. Mark

[@GaminJonesy]

I really like how you float the chord on the screen when you’re explaining the chords. This is the first video of yours I’ve watched and I can tell if you do more advanced songs I’m going to love them if they are like this.

[@magg93]

This is brilliant Mark. I've not seen anyone on youtube give such an in-depth and accurate lesson of this classic. I'm having so much fun playing it on the 12-string now. Thanks!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

That's great. I really appreciate you letting me know. It's funny, I used to call you Huell and each time I thought to myself, I know that name. DOH. I'm a big fan of both BB and Better Call Saul too. I guess I was a little slow to the punch this time. Thanks. Mark

[@magg93]

@@8MinuteAxe That's funny, I kinda just went with it. I couldn't think of a better youtube alias - huge fan myself.

[@mikenighbor4524]

Love the different level breakdowns!!! I would say I'm an intermediate guitar player who never plays full songs. Because i don't sing, and im 45 alone at home. But it's still helpful doing the first step to jam the chord progression in my brain. Frees up my mind for the strumming and fills

[@sterlingmcvay2469]

Thanks!! I Listen to America's Greatest Hits every morning when starting my Shift at a 7-11, they let me because I control it and turn it down when waiting on customers, but I just Love the Hypnotic Rythm of HORSE WITH NO NAME, and I want to play it All, Correctly. Eventually going to get a Boss RC-600 Looper and be able to do Multiple Parts. How about the Lead?

[@JohnR242]

Mark; really appreciate you doing this video. Very helpful and informative. Now I know what that second guitar was playing. Thank you so much for doing all these great video's. Your channel has quickly become a favorite for me. Cheers!! John Russell (76 year young Rocker now in a rocker ;) in the U.S.A.

[@GaminJonesy]

Love your Taylor’s btw! That’s all I play lol. One day I hope to do them as much justice as you can 😊

[@mattsyoutube3185]

Please please do a tutorial on Donkey Jaw from America! I have not been able to find any tabs or videos anywhere and I’m dying to play my favorite song. Cheers and keep rocking on!

[@kingrobert1st]

I always called that F#min open B The "AMERICA CHORD" It's in just about every song I know!

[@darrencollins2169]

How about the lyrics, I think someone has been across the desert on a hoarse with no name 😂

[@8MinuteAxe]

LOL. That's good and across...

[@dufusbug]

without a doubt....I certainly have learned something different about this classic tune, is there a name for that particular chord @ 10:34? (I'm taking notes) Thanks for posting this one Mark :)

[@przemyslawr1743]

nice someone done this right

[@MUTTRILEY]

Thank you for explaining the strum pattern and Ruth’s I was fighting long the turn so badly

[@dennisssnider]

Mark, I have been toying with Horse with no name for some time. You provided a few tips and strumming pattern with the slap. That was just what I needed to finish it off and make sound more professional. BTW double drop D tuning another good tip.

[@bobhughes9982]

Mark, i never knew so much went into that song. i always played the EASY way withn a couple of cords. its always great to a song played like the original and all i can say is that you nailed it.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Version 2 can be a bit tricky for newbies. It's a good intro to rhythm playing.

[@bigtruckbrad]

Thank you for the awesome lesson and break down of this classic. I’m going to work on 2 and 3 this weekend with my new 12 string.

[@antoniotungpalan2849]

I hope you gonna play some folk songs on your next video. Your videos helps a lot specially for those beginners like me. Mabuhay 😊❤

[@chriscalabrese6620]

Nice! Great lesson that even a hack like me can handle. Now I just need a guitar lol. Really good job on an online lesson here, Mark. I'd start at level 2 for sure.

[@MoviesNStuff]

This is a great song, but Sister Golden Hair is my favorite America song

[@AdamBurseMusic]

Great tutorial Mark, that was awesome man 😀🤘🎵🔥🔥🔥

[@KaptainCanuck]

Note, too, this is on 12-string originally.

[@8MinuteAxe]

You bet. I do mostly 12-string stuff on the channel. I just bought my 14th. Yes, I have a rare form of the disease. LOL. Thanks so much for checking it out. I really appreciate your time. Have a great week. Mark

[@emilynorton5453]

This is so stupid for people trying to learn the song like how do u expect beginners to learn I could literally explain it better and I know nothing

[@mattnotthecarpet_1484]

when you slap to mute the strings how did you get that nice *clack* noise. My guitar doesn’t make that kind of noise any way i try.

[@rocl420]

Best explanation of what's going on in this song that I've seen/heard. This was one of the first songs I ever learned, but as I became a better player I ended up tweaking what the "official" tab is (2 chords, go!). My ear isn't that great but it never sounded quite right and I'd end up ad-libbing a bit to match the recording. You playing the funky tuned 2nd guitar connected the dots, it's much appreciated, especially the clip of the combined parts. Kudos! This 4-Levels format is great, I'll be sending this to a friend who is just starting to learn to play for encouragement. Thanks Mark

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks so much Roci. I really appreciate the feedback and the support. FYI, I'm doing my first live stream Saturday evening at 7pm EDT It's going to be a discussion about the best campfire songs and I'm hoping for a lot of audience participation. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXGon2DjZJ3ick. Either way, enjoy the rest of your week and take care. -Mark

[@keiththurm3885]

Are you still doing the 12 string giveaway?

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Keith. You bet. I've given one away every month for the past 28 months. Vangoa has also donated guitars to various causes when Ive asked them to (ALS, rehabilitation centers, and wounded vets). I'm in the process of updating my descriptions so that every video contains the most current contest's instructions on how to enter. For now, you can find it in the description of my latest video. I have already entered you in the current month's contest. I also have plenty of free tabs and lessons available and I'm happy to answer any guitar questions you have (to the best of my ability). Feel free to email me at [e-mail] if there's anything I can do for you. I appreciate you taking the time to check out the video. Take care and be well. Mark

[@keiththurm3885]

@@8MinuteAxe thank you, by the way, I loved the lesson on A Horse With No Name. Most lessons just include the two chords with a d du udu pattern , which may be right but without an accompanying player doesn’t sound like the song

[@toddhammond8305]

That was awesome Mark. Thanks.

[@8MinuteAxe]

hey Todd, I'm really glad you enjoyed it. It's funny yesterday I found the old footage from that first video. I tried to shoot. It was literally the first video I ever did but it was so poorly shot. I couldn't upload it. I'm glad I got back around to i. Anyway I sincerely appreciate your time. Take care and enjoy the rest of your week. Mark.

[@tuna22lm]

What a bummer I missed out by a year, I have never had the internet until now and I'm years old trying to learn guitar when I came across your site I absolutely love the way that you go about teaching, from beginner up to professional or advanced, keep up the good works and I'll keep on learning from watching on KZbin. Thank you again.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Leslie. I give away a 12 string every month. How to enter each month is always in the current video. I've given away 26 to date. Thanks so much for checking out this video. I appreciate your time and comment. I hope you have a great weekend. Take care and be well. Mark

[@robertdavies4295]

Great breakdown of the strumming! it helped me a lot!

[@dennishartwell1201]

Are you still doing the 12 string give away? I don't see where to enter.

[@larrypower8659]

The 1st chorus chord is an E minor 9: Em9. 2nd chord is an A add 4: Aadd4

[@markroberts2084]

Great teaching! How about a link to the lead parts?

[@glowaves]

Dewey and Gerry say they used an alternate tuning which is the only way to get it to sound right.

[@plavitigar]

Mark you're great I'm trying to learn this to get it to pro level. 😁

[@YankeePinstriper]

It's really cool that you show beginners how to play the chords! Most youtubers assume that people already know their chords, and although some guitar channels are for more experienced guitarists, it never hurts to show the new guys the chords! After all, every guitarist, no matter who it is, has been a newbie!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Music should be for everyone and not just the listening part. The majority of my students are adults 12/15. Although I enjoy teaching kids, there's nothing like the moment when an older adult (I mean anyone over the age of 40) makes than transition from listener to player. It's the best.

[@yellowcat1310]

this is the first or second song i learned way back in the 70s #9

[@robertsibal672]

Excellent! how about the chords for the solo part?

[@freesk8]

Thanks! Lots of careful analysis! :)

[@alastairmurray9539]

If you have a Guitar in your house, just go grab it!! Love it!!! Just Grab my 814ce - one around here somewhere.... Just kidding, mine is in my hands, thankyou for sharing, you are a brilliant teacher!!

[@davegreeley]

I can not believe I have never tried to play this before. Like #152

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Dave. Great to hear from you. I hope you're well. Even the rhythm can be a bit tricky until you digest it. A lot of my students stumble on the second half of the first chord where you hit the low E and then do an up stroke. For drummers it's natural to want to go down again. You guys are having a hot summer upthere, huh? This summer has been very average for us which means hot but mostly low 90s. We havent gotten any of those 105 with the humidity. Anyway, enjoy your Sunday. Take care. -Mark

[@davegreeley]

Great to hear from you, I was unemployed for a bit and now I am employed therefore hopes of life getting better.

[@Charles53412]

Love America ! Great lesson Mark !

[@philippinestroppoholic7996]

It's just the two chords throughout the entire song. Those two extra chords aren't in it at all.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I don't know what to say except that you are not correct. There are three distinct guitars in the song. You can watch live versions of America play it, you can watch a video of Dewey Bunnell talking about using the open tuning, etc. It's not like there aren't a million resources. You can watch Guitar hero to zero or you can watch America play it kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4TIimxveNmMhrc. You've learned the easy guitar version and that's fine. That will get you through the entire song. It has a strong pedal.

[@julesdiakogiannis]

Nice Video sir.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks again Jules.

[@TheBluesman56]

Another great video Mark - great job! This was one of my earliest songs when I started playing at Open Mic nights. I have never progressed beyond the basement level (didn’t know that there was so much more!). Could you perhaps do a follow-on video to demonstrate the “solo” piece and how it might be played by just one person? That would be the absolute cherry on the top of an already awesome cake!

[@IsakWolf]

This was EXACTLY the video I was looking for, thank you Mark!

[@lamontprospect9974]

Mark, thank you for this beautiful lesson. It's really nice to see the charts up there while you're presenting the progressions. May God love and bless our guitar instructors always. 🙏🕊️❤️

[@jaimelimzanrebutazo3774]

Give me a guitar for my tuturial thank

[@kimwilliford6303]

Thanks for the chords and the tips. Really cool song. I just love the song. America is one of my favorite bands.

[@gortagnan]

Superb ! I always thought there was more to it than two chords...those extra levels bring an old favourite back to life for me..

[@NDFlyFisher]

Hi Mark, Another great video. I really like the beginner to advanced concept. Would like to see more of that type if possible.

[@jaimelimzanrebutazo3774]

Brother Mark thank you for your talent have shared with us

[@robertlaurence8210]

Very interesting, thanku

[@BurntOrangeHorn78]

I definitely appreciate the technical breakdown of this simple song.

[@craigrehfuss4689]

I like how you explain this song. Most people just teach the two chords which is fine but your way is more interesting.

[@cmarkcole]

Thank you! I really appreciate the options. A place to start and a way to progress. Awesome!!

[@ceooflonelinessinc.267]

Super lesson for a guitar greenhorn like me! THNX!

[@patrickholland8172]

Hey Mark! I am trying this song now, thanks for the instruction and patience to show newbies like me how to do it.

[@marthakadas2130]

This is great, Mark - love the inclusive options - thank you!!