Blue Sky Guitar Lesson (Part 2) - Duane Allman's Solo

[@johnmcelhaney8490]

This whole Blue Sky series is absolutely the best video's I have ever seen done. This is incredible work! I just can't thank you enough for this!

[@desmorider1057]

This is BY FAR the best tutorial for the Allman Brothers “Blue Sky”. Craig captures the nuances of both guitarists and teaches in such a way that even a scrub like me can learn it. I love that Craig included the tabs and breaks down each section of the song. Thanks Craig!

[@jeffbur]

I just wanted to say that this has always been my favorite guitar solo of all time, and about 3-4 weeks ago I decided randomly to try and learn it. I wouldn't have guessed in my wildest dreams that there would be such a perfect lesson out there, with transcription and everything. Just perfect. I have listened to this over 100 times, usually attempting to play over the slow version, but more recently trying different speeds against the full speed version. Best I can get to is maybe 80% and then my brain / fingers can't keep up. I'm definitely in over my head, knowing only a few of the fundamentals of pentatonic improv, so much of the skills I need to play this I am learning on the fly, such as the really intricate bends. I love how Duane uses several different bends on the same string to construct different phrases, all around the same basic note pattern. Things i have struggled with - Pull-offs: At first, on the bend/pull-offs, I opted not to do the pull-offs because they were new to me. I learned a "normal" pull-off ages ago, but a full bend with 3 fingers, then pull-off was new, so I figured I'd just pick it. But now that I am trying to play a bit faster, I'm wishing I'd learned the pull-off from the beginning, so now I'm going back to the slower speed and trying to learn it the "right" way, with pull-offs. - When to barre for convenience: I'm noticing a lot of areas where it's more convenient for me to barre 2-3 strings in anticipation of a scale run, but I notice that you rarely use this, with exception of a few designed pull-offs. I'm kind of guessing that over-use of barring is cheating in a way, since when truly doing improv, the notes you play will have less forethought, so you need to learn to pick individual strings without barring. But I have trouble picking everything since at a certain speed (although I'm getting better quickly at alternate picking), I lack the ability to keep up with the individual note picking. I figure this will come with time, practice, and technique - Playing at faster speeds, sometimes I can "hit the notes", but it just sounds hacked together, like I'm playing fast just to keep up. I lose a lot of the nuance of the bends that I can achieve much better at slower speeds. At 75%, I can add a bit of vibrato in places, but that goes out the window at a certain speed. - I am practicing almost exclusively unplugged, and I'm missing some of the sustain that i guess you get when plugged in, so your individual finger picking, when amp'ed, will have better sustain and sound less staccato So that's my random thoughts. I'll keep after it and probably listen / play another 100+ times before I move on. I just wanted to say kudos for such an amazing lesson.

[@ianandkimmaness4465]

Duanes ability to take a major scale like that and make an amazing melody is just beyond me. I know all those scale notes and still sound like a moron when I’m on my own. This video is awesome thank you.

[@PrinceRock9]

Yes, maj & minor pentatonic on Blue Sky. Duane did use both maj & minor pentatonic in a lot of Allman Brothers songs, such as Mountain Jam !

[@rgwak]

I remember learning this solo when I was in high school. Some of the sections I can still play 20 years later. Thanks for letting me play along!

[@150JER]

I agree! You should create a patron account. I would contribute to patron for you to keep making these. This is the best quality lesson on youtube. Thank you so much.

[@brettzimmerman4566]

This is awesome, thanks for posting all of these great songs, please know we all love them and keep them coming, you rock dude!!

[@jamesnussey8799]

Great playing! Great teaching! Thanks Craig

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

You're welcome!!

[@chrishintz1077]

Lovely. Lilting. I didn’t realize there was a guitar crossover in this song until I read your blog. Thanks.

[@justinmau8119]

I've been playing for a couple years now and have always struggled trying to keep it up with this solo. I never realized how useful it would be to watch a slowed down tutorial rather than trying it at full speed (and always getting lost). Thank you so much for these tutorials, they're so in-depth, it's very useful!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

That realization will take you a long way! Always practice and play it slow and clean, and the speed will come with time. Once you do get it to speed, it will still be clean, instead of fast and sloppy.

[@mdag4046]

Outstanding quality. I’ve watched hundreds of KZbin lessons-this is the best. Thanks for your hard work and keep it up. Your subscriptions and views are going to explode.

[@miked1754]

Thank you for all the lessons on this amazing song!

[@tribhuvanjoshi7675]

Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing lesson. I learnt to play this by just watching your video and have tried to cover it.

[@bluezzpower]

Thanks...you have a great approach to your lessons

[@arthurcarlson6463]

One of best instructional videos out there. Great job and thanks for sharing!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Thanks, Arthur!

[@kylesponaugle4097]

Absolutely fantastic. I've spent months scouring the internet trying to find a decent tab/lesson. No other example even remotely compares--an absolutely excellent lesson. I hope that you continue to post content like this in the future.

[@jasonparmelee1142]

Amazing!! One my favorite songs of all time! Such a great and detailed lesson. Thank you!!

[@067_sulthanakbarbilad7]

Wow, one of the best guitar tutorial video i've ever seen.. thank you mr!

[@bptsullivan]

another tremendous video, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! youre one of the best out there in youtube land, hope you keep producing content!

[@scottfreemanmusic]

Thank you, Craig. This is my favorite Duane Allman solo and I never imagined being able to play it. But you very skillfully broke it down and now . . . wow, I can play it note for note. I wish I'd had this knowledge before I wrote my book. This series of lessons was an amazing resource for any guitarist wanting to study this song. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Wow! Thank you so much for commenting, Scott. It truly is an honor. I've got your book sitting right next to me. I bought it back in 1998 (or around that time) and learned the majority of what I know about the ABB from your book. I've been using it as a reference ever since. In fact, I referenced it for the background info in Part 1 of this lesson. What I really love about your writing is the way you describe the music. Thank you for a great book!

[@scottfreemanmusic]

And thank you for reading my book, Craig! That means a lot; I tried very hard to give a sense of at least some of what makes that music so special. I went a few years without playing, then started again last year and decided to re-invent myself and truly study Duane. Plus, I got my first Les Paul. It's been incredibly fun and enlightening to dig into that music as a musician. As I said, your series of videos on "Blue Sky" really gave me a true roadmap on how to play that song, and insight into Duane's playing style. My only complaint is that you haven't done any other ABB/Duane videos! I want to learn the live version of "Elizabeth Reed" next, or the second "Mountain Jam" solo or "You Don't Love Me." And those are all tall orders! Thanks again!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

@@scottfreemanmusic All valid complaints! LOL. Expect to see more Allman Brothers videos in the future. Again, thanks for watching and taking the time to say hi.

[@camdonking1919]

Could you recommend some other great G Allman solos?

[@Jferraro24]

@@camdonking1919 jessica

[@gtsteele6219]

I am having the best time learning this. Thank you sir.

[@tearsofjoy5416]

Thanks for this! Probably one of my favorite solos ever

[@theroadking547]

Thanks. One of my favorite songs.

[@0roboros]

I cant like this video enough! One of my major guitar goals right now is to get this solo down at full tempo. The instruction in this video is flawless and helping me get there fast!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Once you get it down, post a vid!

[@BigWILLAE]

Great lesson as always man, you should do a little bit of mountain jam!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Love Mountain Jam!

[@phatbackbeat6553]

This is very well done and very informative.., Thank you ..!

[@PhilFeedback]

Great lesson video, thanks for posting this video! 👍

[@thomascaruso2793]

You’re my favorite KZbin lesson teacher and a great player. What gear are you using besides the beautiful prs. Also what pups in the prs. Thanks again for the great lessons

[@patriciascholtz5414]

I am so stoked to find this. I’ve wanted a detailed lesson on anything Allman brother for a while. This is perfect.

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

I'm stoked you found this too. I will definitely being doing more ABB in the future.

[@Rosecain27]

This amazing quality. Thank you

[@teegee8817]

Beautiful!

[@jacksonmorris3491]

Fantastic video man, i never thought i’d be able to learn this solo, but your slowed down version and instruction made it possible👍🏻👍🏻

[@markbaggs3405]

I don't know of any way you could have done a better job. best instructional video I've ever seen for learning a lead. This is awesome squared! Thank you so much. Where do I get the tabs?

[@PsyJaye]

I always liked Dickie Betts version better until I watched you unpack this great piece of work... thorough & accessible - nicely done & thanks ~

[@fauhx195]

I love how you give background and information on the songs. You make things easy to learn. Keep up the hard work man!!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Thanks!!

[@Platewarp]

Great job!

[@kevinreilly8132]

Great job Craig!!

[@pankoman]

Thanks mate - beautiful song, beautifully played.

[@j.p.fitting9226]

Thank you for your wicked lessons dude so clear and concise really really appreciate it there's not a whole bunch of beating around the bush and blowing your own horn! Cheers do you do lessons online?

[@jasperpearson4624]

Best guitar lessons on youtube :)

[@sig124]

Thank you! I like the approach you took to teach this solo. You never disappoint!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Thanks, Mark. I'm always trying to improve these lessons, so feel free to give any suggestions if/when they arise.

[@cameodoneron]

I’ve been playing this all weekend. I got blisters on my fingers now, but I’ve almost got it memorized! Thank you so much! This is one of my alltime faves! And now I can kinda play it. Part three next week. And maybe by the end of this month, I will be able to play it all! You got a backing track on here?

[@jeffbur]

I've been practicing this (and the Betts solo) for about 8 months now no joke. Probably about 10 mins per day (3 full play-throughs at ~3m each) on average. I know this isn't a lot, but I quickly became tired of practicing the same thing at length every day and branched out. Believe it or not, I'm still getting better, at only a few mins each day. Maybe one day soon I'll be comfortable enough to record it.

[@TheWhoQuad]

This is Great! Thank you brother.

[@marooh1344]

I love your channel man. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Thanks, Mar ooh. 🙂

[@colokor]

Excellent

[@gavinfoster9118]

Craig Have you ever played this live on stage? You have done such a great job!

[@mms6135]

You are the man!!

[@jerrysmiddlefinger930]

Damn dude!!! Blew me away! Really fantastic man. Just curious as to what Your amp settings are on this and are you using any effects? Thanks for the lesson. Again I’m just blown away as this solo is one of my all time favorites.

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Thanks, Steven! I've always loved this solo too. As far as my amp settings on this one go, I had the mid at 12 o'clock and the bass and treble at 11 o'clock. As for effects, I was using an overdrive pedal with just a little bit of drive and tone, compression, reverb, and then a little bit of delay for ambience. Way more effects then either Duane or Dickey were probably using at the time! Many, many years ago Derek Trucks was playing a small club with his band here in my town. After the show I was talking with him and asked him what pedals he used. I was blown away when he told me none, that he just went straight into the amp and that's it. Proof you don't need a ton of gear to sound good, but I do enjoy playing around with gear.

[@Digdarshann]

Which guitar is that? Btw thank you so much for the lesson. 🙏

[@TheGunsguns]

PRS DGT i think.

[@carltonhinote2247]

Sorry I’m kinda new to using KZbin for my guitar lessons . First fantastic video can’t say that enough . I subscribed and am following . Can anyone help me with finding the tabs you share during the video, and if I could print them out . Thanks everyone

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

weepingwillowguitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ABB_Blue_Sky.pdf

[@jimdiskin3760]

hi! i need to learn the dickey betts solo for a performance coming up june 9th. that’s a blink of an eye from now. when are you posting part 3? great lessons, thank you!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Just posted it. Good luck!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Hey Jim, how did the performance go on Saturday?

[@jimdiskin3760]

Weeping Willow Guitar Lessons craig, thanks for asking! your tabs and lessons are fantastic, but i was not able to master the solo to performance level in time for the show :( i would say another 2 to 3 weeks and i would have had it. but i have vowed to play this song at next year’s show, so don’t give up on me :) my fellow guitarist, our teacher, and myself were all aided greatly by your vids and tabs on this great song. thank you craig, and i’ll be sure to let you know once i master the solo.

[@VixCrush]

When I get to heaven someday Duane better be playing this with Gregg on keyboard. I am sure he will be. Otherwise, they called heaven by the wrong name cause it just doesn't get any better than this.

[@Fulgrim_The_Phoenician]

What's the amp setting? :)

[@jperryfan]

Since you do a lot of Dead and Allman stuff do you ever get to use the whammy bar /

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Thanks for the question. Yes, I use the whammy bar quite a bit in my own playing (when I'm not trying to emulate a specific player). I really dig that Jeff Beck/Scott Henderson, faux slide style.

[@donaldpizzutello3269]

ah ha!! great job...

[@fred3893]

Wow.

[@MilkywayBlues]

Just woke up, gonna spend my day learning this, thank you brother Craig, you the man! Do you have a patron account?

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Awesome! It's a fun one to learn, and will definitely strengthen up your bending hand. A Patreon account is definitely on my list of things to create. Thanks for asking. FYI - I will upload the tabs to my blog later today.

[@MilkywayBlues]

Weeping Willow Guitar Lessons any chance for Dickey’s solo?

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Definitely. I've got it transcribed and ready to go, all I have to do is record it. I plan on doing it this weekend, so you should see it early next week. Do you have Duane's solo down?

[@MilkywayBlues]

Weeping Willow Guitar Lessons About Half Way Through! And awesome I’m super excited for it, gonna hopefully finish Duane’s Today after I get back from an interview, your teaching and transcribing is top notch! Keep up the amazing work man

[@MilkywayBlues]

Weeping Willow Guitar Lessons All finished up until Dickey’s solo! Lookin forward to getting it down!

[@grantmills4184]

1:32 1:38 1:43 1:48 1:53 1:58 2:04 2:09

[@spencerludman3915]

I think the fact that it’s like 5 notes makes it harder to remember the order. I’ve been at it for 3 weeks and I’m struggling

[@arion316]

I swear this song sounds like it was recorded a little off standard tuning , It always sounds a little off pitch when playing along and my guitar is tuned perfectly.

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Arion316 - Yes, the recording is about 22 cents sharp. The demo for these lessons as well as the backing track on my channel are all in 440, so it should sound great to play along with if you are in tune.

[@arion316]

@@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons Thanks for that!

[@acousticgreg1]

2:25 is cool

[@acousticgreg1]

5:15

[@acousticgreg1]

22:33

[@Digdarshann]

14:05

[@MrJoeyBoombotz]

I thought Dickie Betts played that solo.

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Dickey's solo is actually the second guitar solo which begins at 2:37.

[@PrinceRock9]

Dicky wrote this after Duane was killed while swerving to avoid a peach truck but made contact resulting on his bike landing on him. There is no Duane solo, Dickey overlayed the second guitar. I 1st learned this song on a 33 & 1/3 record player in the 70's. The Eat a Peach album was dedicated to his passing, thus the title "Eat a Peach" Album.

[@miked1754]

His solo had been recorded previously for the album (which was released after his death). He did not hit a peach truck. He swerved to avoid a lumber flatbed and was thrown from his bike. The "eat a peach" is a reference to him telling an interviewer "and every time I’m in Georgia, I eat a peach for peace."

[@PrinceRock9]

@@miked1754 Did not know that, thanks.

[@larryogintz]

Totally wrong.

[@larryogintz]

Miked174 is right

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Craig.....your lessons are super....but you need to try and blink once and a while.....your scaring me staring at the camera like that.....

[@cduffin7348]

Sharks don’t blink 🤣

[@AP-ui7oi]

Here’s my lesson. Play in E major

[@broadcastjournalism1761]

Great job!