Analyzing The Incredible Harmonies Of Crosby, Stills & Nash

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[@delilahjones5561]

Stills tuned his guitar to E-E-E-E-B-E for this tune. I nearly went insane trying to replicate this song until someone shared the secret with me. I grew up on CSN and am sad but the music lives on.

[@michaelheller8841]

All the acoustic on Zep III was all inspired by what Stills have already done.

[@ostrichman]

as taught to him by the buffalo springfield bassist Bruce Palmer and used on 4+20 and Carry On also

[@bryanbick1016]

9:17 spot on analysis brother…one of my fave tunes!

[@ColKurtz-xr9ie]

Remember, the harmonies are not traditional TTB. At any given time in "Suite" CSY will switch harmony and lead vocals. Never have heard any group duplicate the vocals on "Suite"

[@Berkland1000]

Stills in in standard tuning.

[@thefumexxl]

Fun fact about Crosby-- Back in their heyday they taught the Dead how to do vocal harmonies in exchange for Jerry playing on their record. Jerry was under contract with WB Records at the time and couldn't legally record and be credited so he played uncredited and the CSNY guys taught Bob, Jerry and Phil how to harmonize.

[@deangoritz9625]

The one thing that blows me away about Crosby is most of the songs by these guys he handles that middle harmony, which is sometimes the most hardest harmony to hit

[@aarongelanmanalo1032]

Yes.. nash said something about it, his note choices. Truly talented

[@channingchills]

Rest in Peace Croz. How do you quantify his contribution to music. One of the most enigmatic musicians ever. A real legend. Keep letting that freak flag fly.

[@SouthernArtist77]

A once in several generations icon yet timeless.

[@bsbrooks455]

That's why they were called a supergroup. Three absolutely superb vocalists. Great musicians also.

[@HuardSmith]

That and the fact that they came from three monster groups - The Byrds, The Hollies, and Buffalo Springfield - to form CSN.

[@colleenkeneipp7093]

Such beautiful harmonies, I loved loved their sound 60s,Woodstock was so spiritual as were the gifts of the music,words that mention depth we were living in,messaging to the masses-Love🌎world wide,Peace ✌️to all,Hope to achieve enlightenment 😊

[@jonogray2378]

Michael - I've been a fan of your channel for a while now. Thanks for this - not just for the tribute to Croz, but for the "lightbulb moment" around the modulated triads. I have a sort-of-semi-decent ear for harmonies (mileage varies :) but I've always had a hard time nailing down CSN vocals, Crosby in particular. He was like a human clarinet. Well done, sir!

[@williamcottone814]

Michael, I have been watching your videos for some time. You have a great way of explaining what’s going on with a song and why. You show a great passion and your playing is impeccable. I would love to hear you play from your soul. You too could be a legend

[@DianeLee999]

Michael has talked about choosing not to tour so that he can focus on his relationships and participate in his children’s lives. That IS legendary!

[@leehjones]

I regret that there was never a studio album of them singing along solely with Stephen's D-45. There was nothing quite as magical as that, and this Woodstock clip gives us a taste. I saw them 6-8 times over the years, sadly Crosby was too strung out, and the forces that tore at them always strained the music. But there was one show, mid-80's. Maybe David had just the right dosage... they did a "wooden" set. When they played You Don't Have to Cry, three voices, one guitar, I sensed some of the magic that must have happened at Cass Elliot's house all those years ago. Rest in beauty David - generations will pass before you are forgotten.

[@mitchvalentine9988]

Judy Blues Eyes is my favorite song of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Understanding a bit more of what makes the song so beautiful makes it that much more special. Thank you.

[@douglove2412]

Don’t respond to those “message me on telegram” posts. Hoax. Fraud.

[@richarddodson560]

I used to have a church organist (she’s unfortunately dead now) that was so proficient she walked up to a piano and a key was not working; she was able to shift the entire song into a new key and play it without error and without anyone knowing.

[@SGI999]

My big sister introduced me to these artists at a young age. You show the music such respect. ❤

[@theubercaste]

So cool. Was it on vinyl?

[@SGI999]

@@theubercaste Yes. She had the record player.

[@chach1er516]

As a percussionist with a focus in rudimental drumming for the past 25 plus years, I am in complete awe at how you break down this song and at a complete loss for the same reason. I do wish to learn guitar but don’t really have time to do so. Thanks for the great vids @MichaelPalmisano

[@HalfFastForward]

Even small ventures into other instruments helps me with my percussion/drumming. Plus, guitar is fun.

[@danpszeniczny9664]

It does not take much time to start learning guitar. Just a few minutes a day is all that is required to start learning. The time sink exists when you begin to get good and then can’t put down the guitar because it’s so enjoyable to play and continue learning. I started with just 5 minutes a day. Now, I could play for hours.

[@chach1er516]

@@danpszeniczny9664 I appreciate the reply.

[@allanellis5827]

An incredibly talented group. Their harmonizing was second to none.

[@adriaandorresteijn1694]

Great analysis, Michael. The made such an impression at the time and they still do.

[@thomasgagnon5986]

There is something mathematically precise about the harmonies on CSN. I’m not a musician, but comparing the CSN Wooden Ships to Jefferson Airplane’s wilder harmonies you can tell CSN were masters of this type of singing in a way few could touch.

[@jonnuanez7183]

I've been looking for a CSN vocal analysis for ages, so thank you for this. I was always wondering what their intervals were. Turns out it's "just" 😅😂 triads. Thank you!!!

[@petedavis7970]

I've always loved them. Saw them at Live Aid in '85 and I remember a lot of us being disappointed in their performance, which is funny, because I listen to it now and they were fine. They weren't at their peak, obviously, but they still played and sang well. But I remember people talking about being disappointed by the performance, at the time.

[@kdavis63]

I bet Stephan was playing dropped D tuning! Mahalo for the great info. And to make it more crazy, it was their first or second time they played together and in front of 500,000 people.

[@teelurizzo8542]

Yep, all those suspensions and resolutions that Stephen Stills inserted int hose guitar chords and vocal harmonies, literally propelled the song forwards, tension and resolution are the back bone of music

[@jeffloewi5632]

I listened, I understood little if anything about the music but your love and passion for their artistry held me to the end.

[@supasoulproductions]

Especially impressive knowing it was only their second gig!!!

[@tommathews3964]

I clearly remember when that first album came out and thinking that I'd never heard anything quite like that. Still haven't! I feel so lucky to have grown up in the 60s/70s! Every day, week, month, was a new discovery and so much of it has really stood the test of time. That's why these deaths are hitting so hard, and there will be more. There were just so damn many great musicians at the time! Michael, if you haven't listened to any of the PERRO sessions (Planet Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra) you really must! Search them out on YT. Okie Deadhead has a lot on his channel. Recorded at Wally Heider's when Croz was doing "If I Could Only Remember My Name" and features most of The Dead, Airplane, Graham Nash, and a few others. I know you love "Loser" and you can hear part of the birth of the song here. Garcia has the melody and a verse or so of lyrics, but that's it.

[@BigSteph63]

Beautiful, Michael, thank you!

[@redmosq4197]

I always loved that song

[@olsonlr]

Always loved their unique harmonies. Hard to believe that this is a simple triad!

[@Dan-dg9pi]

Thank you for a very informative video full of soul. DC was one of a kind.

[@curtiswadestafford7532]

A GREAT CLIP TO HEAR AND TELL YOUR STORY THE WAY ONLY YOU CAN TELL THANK YOU

[@peterivan22]

Sad to hear he has passed! CORRECT me if I am wrong, but David also played a lot of songs in open chord tuning which just adds another layer! Great group, sounds so good!✌️

[@HuardSmith]

Stephen Stills used Bruce Palmer Modal Tuning (no thirds) for Suite Judy Blue Eyes and on a lot of subsequent tunes (e.g., Carry On). This is EEEEBE where the A is detuned all the way down to E, the D is tuned up to E and the G is detuned down to E and the top two strings stay the same. For the concerts, it seems like they drop this 1 whole step - probably to make it easier on the vocalists. Crosby would often play the 12 string tuned standard. On Guinevere, he used a 6-string tuned to EBDGAD plucking the low E and high D together, then descending open strings, (with a hammer on here and there). This open tuning was also used on Deja Vu among others.

[@SUSANBAR31]

THANK YOU MICHAEL! YOU ARE DEFINITELY A "NERD GENIUS!" ... Do you agree with my husband who just now told me that CSN actually learned much of this amazing natural "technique" from the great "Joni Mitchell"? ROCK ON! And thanks again for unlocking these harmony secrets finally for me!

[@EightPieceBox]

You can really go down a rabbit hole watching David Crosby videos on KZbin. In December I watched a Jefferson Airplane TV appearance and he was there singing backup. No big deal, just David Crosby. I might even be wrong, it may have been the Mamas & the Papas. I was too distracted seeing him there unannounced.

[@leehjones]

Crosby was kind of an honorary member of the Airplane, and recently some videos have come out of him singing with them, e.g. on Dick Cavett. It was magical.

[@RedRaven326]

Brilliant analysis

[@kitcarson9047]

Musically and professionally and theoretically he is right, no question. That being said, bluegrassers have been doing this for 200 years. it's one of the things that the Eagles made their fame with is three part sometimes four part harmonies. Seven Bridges road comes to mind. Everybody singing has a scale to the lead, there should be a third and a fifth sometimes the 7th ..... the first time one rings a cord truly rings the cord and it leaves a little wet spot in the shorts.....it's like throwing a knife and it sticks for the first time.... you are truly hooked from then on. I was raised predominantly Church Christ. they didn't believe in musical instruments, but them folks can sing and been singing since thay was babies and people know every part. alto tenor soprano base....just wonderful music.

[@samsewall8341]

For sure Graham Nash at least would have known exactly what they were doing- guy was a seasoned pro by this point. There's just nothing like the CSN and CSNY albums, they stand totally apart in terms of mastery of the craft.

[@LA610]

thanks for doing this topic...always wanted to know their secrets for harmonies....

[@billphipps453]

rest in peace and strength croz.

[@mattfraser3452]

Two words , Winchester Cathedral . Give that a listen 😳✌️❤️🇦🇺

[@anthonytesta344]

My favorites was the lee shore

[@theubercaste]

0:37 YES!! Every new reaction channel I come across I recommend SJBE bc it is such a tour de force on all levels. I call SJBE the Bohemian Rhapsody of CSN. MICHAEL ( and everyone): go back and listen in stereo to mins 4:09-4:11. How many times have I listened but not heard this Easter egg?

[@TheAquaponic1]

Looks to me that Stills is in open tuning... full open strumming @ 6:15. It's all crazy beautiful, but IMO at least 1 guitar is open tuned and D would probably be easier to sing live. Love the content bud, keep up the great work. Edit: Looking through the comments I see the other open tuning mentions, great work out there people.

[@michaelheller8841]

CSN and CSNY were one of the best if not the best when it come to harmonizing. The Beach Boys were great at it too as well as the Hollies. CSN and CSNY was my favorite in all the harmonizing bands. Listen to Wooden Ships, if that doesn't give you goosebumps and feel great? I don't know what to say lol. Another great harmonizing band was Little Feat, they had it all with Lowell George and every member could sing and harmonize. David was an American Icon and will be deeply missed. We can all thank him for putting together some of the best harmonies our ears ever heard.

[@gsmeeuwsen]

Love all of your videos, Sir! Thank you!

[@randytrashcan]

I was going to send an email recommending Crosby and Nash's BBC performance. Lee Shore has always been one of my favorites. It's delicate and haunting. Traction in the Rain is great as well. Crosby didn't get as much recognition as Young or Stills, unfortunately.

[@Fingertipsable]

Michael.....did you know that After their set in Fillmore East.....69 I think....Hendrix came out and jammed a bit with Stephen Stills

[@chrhe894]

The Hollies-sound is there in this. :) And just thanks!

[@milliechalk8398]

The harmonies of CSN make me believe in divine resonance ❤

[@uremawifenowdave]

RIP David Crosby. My thoughts are with his family.

[@REXBROWNOFFICIAL]

Micheal… I love your show!! And yes it is the real RB!! I’ll get in touch via Benante

[@joshb23]

Yeah, brother... these cats were heavy. Just beautiful beyond belief.

[@chrispestana1738]

Michael, LOVE your videos and breakdowns: Please, can you turn us on to anyone else in modern music that approaches this level of musicianship? Does it exist anymore? Has auto tune truly F’d us all or what?? There are incredible new guitar players. Where are the vocalists??

[@LA610]

have a request "You don't have to cry" Stills and Crosby were singing thirds I assume when Nash wanted to hear it again ....So I assume he went another third....not sure ...maybe a video on that would be interesting....guessing his part

[@jirikrajnak9047]

The first thing that came to mind was the KZbin potential.

[@MrKrispatrick]

Thanks Michael for breaking down how the harmony works here, I always knew they were amazing but never understood why this song sounds so great. After watching I had to find a version with the vocals isolated. For anyone else interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHWmpY2uoZiMhqs

[@normanshoulda4749]

We lose legends more often because legends could exist alongside us for the first time post WW2 - WW2 shocked the world into a temporary peace, and ordinary man gained a lot. Aka boomers/hippies/yuppies etc. Now those past legends are doing the thing you do if you make it to the age that Boomers are, which is dying 😨 Part of the dang ol' cycle of time's flat circle, Hank. What feels "timeless" is relevant to this thing that lived and died over the last 70 years, of which younger folx are the seed and destroyer of. Now we build something new. But the legend in the post-Internet era is 2006's Person of the Year, rather than just the brightest tiles in life's chaotic mosaic.

[@Brandon-th4xx]

Perfect harmonies.... who should the 4th member be.... um Neil young....umm what??.. ok he is in... works out just fine somehow

[@ficknoti]

E e e e b e tuning

[@jerrydaman]

Hi Ren

[@kentaylor8004]

You need to learn this in the alternate tuning Michael! Croz’s signature.

[@EatPsychedelics]

I saw an interview where they said that they were out of tune because it was so cold outside, and they couldn't keep their acoustic guitars in tune.

[@hollylewis5302]

If you are a harmony singer, switching keys is no big deal. Just sayin'. It's just a simple adjustment using your ears. Thanks for the tribute to one of the greats!

[@edtamboni4752]

Man, do a vid on Beach Boys vocals - God Only Knows would be nice.

[@SouthernArtist77]

I bought my granddaughter a cheap guitar (she’s 4) and I learned how to tune it but it won’t stay in tune for even 5 minutes, what am I doing wrong and do I need to get her a better guitar? I’m thinking this thing is a toy and she needs a real guitar. My oldest daughter played the violin using the Suzuki method and she was quite good, her violin was real and recommended to us by the teachers.

[@vito336]

HOWis your amp set to get those nearly-pedal-steel tones? Sounds great.

[@terrybrown1836]

What about Stanley Jordan? Stairway to heaven

[@jaymurray6051]

Not really my music or era I did check them out and then their Solo careers as a group I like the Marakesh Express cos it soundz kinda like a Beatles style song I think I prefer their Solo careers David Crosby’s Cowboy Movie is his best song, Graham’s Nash’s I used to be a king is phenomenal, Stephen Stills I think is the superior of this trio I luv his live the one your with, Sing’n’ Call, And I think isn’t it about time is the best out put by any of them - I think I just like the groove Stills has and I prefer his voice so I’d like to hear you cover a stills song

[@To.Si.Ma.]

Just listen to it again and again. Good music is like good wine.

[@johnjobin7694]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@catpocalypsenow8090]

Safe and effective

[@dmac-uq3qq]

Another great video man, you’re killing it!! Next id love to see some more Jason Isbell!! Maybe “Elephant” or “The songs that she sang in the shower”. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ3YmICegseliMk

[@toyotozan]

Stills plays many songs in different tunings 😅

[@ryangregohara]

Never heard of CSNY? You’re welcome.

[@jopberlin]

Hmmmm. Es don’t you tune you’re guitar ?

[@darkstar92772]

There is nothing in the world that sounds like CSN. Nothing.

[@danieltyger8977]

Michael having ads interrupt your vids is a major turn off.

[@bornofstardust5910]

When I heard Suite Judy Blue Eyes as a kid from my parents, I always thought it was 3 different songs. That song has so much to offer.

[@darrenschiminski7060]

Their intonation was freakish

[@Berkland1000]

Your B string is out of tune.

[@robertdavis9986]

Gotta ask yourself how many musicians took the Jab to tour...or Pro athletes...then you can answer why they are dying en mass.