How To Play 2-4-6-8 Motorway

[@mattthorn5405]

What a lovely fella and a cracking song.

[@martspar9075]

When I 24 I had a half decent Triumph Spitfire and would drive to work in the traffic in Birmingham blasting this on the radio in the morning thinking I was king of the road in the morning sun..... it could have been written for me back then.....I am now this old geezer trying to learn to play it on a bass guitar trying to relive that feeling..... thanks Tom

[@raypitcher9767]

Let's hear it for Tom, spot on lesson and facts, truly brilliant breakdown of a classic tune, an inspiration all round, we salute you .

[@capitanvonchickenpants8492]

This song was a game changer for me the sound of the electric guitar On this track was inspirational to me becoming a guitarist, my band still play this now

[@tony999Melb]

Great to hear the background story to one of my favourite songs. Thanks Tom.

[@dogfromblackburn2]

When you're driving & you're half way down France & haven't slept for 30 plus hours, this is one hell of a billiant song to come on the radio. A masterpiece, Thanks Tom!

[@McRonson]

Straight from the horse's mouth! Superb. Danny Kustow's wailing guitar solo on the original of this blew my 14 year old mind back in 1978! Punk Rock had some kick ass guitarists lurking in the background!

[@norfolkenchance4385]

ibanez tube screamer at its best

[@trygveknudsen3809]

One of my all time favourite solos.

[@petehambry3565]

True Rock legend. A Warm and friendly on stage persona really connects with audience. He stands up for what's right in society. Please tour TRB2 2019 Tom. P&D brilliant live Oct 2018

[@JohnJohnson-xm2mu]

The brilliant Tom Robinson,listening to his music takes me right back to my younger days ,the best Years 70,s 80s

[@jimdanby9694]

Bloody brilliant!! I remember growing up with this song in the 70's, all of us singing along to it on the school bus. Watching Tom not only play it here acoustically but also explain how he wrote it has put SUCH a smile on my face.

[@cak8132]

Great song. Brings me right back to the time I lived in London in 1977 and I’d listen to Roger Scott’s show on Capital Radio everyday to hear where it was in the charts. I have several of Tom’s LPs and I have songs of his on my iPod, too. I got to see the TRB perform once here in NYC. Great to see Tom in this video. Be well, Tom!!

[@numberten1060]

Best acoustic cover on KZbin by far, timing spot on not up and down like a fiddlers elbow.

[@Rushscored4]

Love TRB still and always. I was lucky enough to meet Danny Kustow in may 1987. As he was a friend of Ali McMordie's bassist from Stiff Little Fingers , who at that time was helping out on bass in a band i played for. Danny came to rehearsals at John Henrys in Camden. Ali told him how much of an influence he was to me on guitar. We sat together goin over some TRB tracks , he showed me the D chord i could never find in Up Against The Wall , and hittin C note on the E chord in Too Good To Be True. Ill never forget as long as i live. Thank you Danny. And thank you Tom for your great songs passion and honesty. Much love mate

[@Kidderman3]

Great to see how one of my favourite songs of all time originated. It confirms that any great song will sound good on an acoustic guitar.

[@Moss235]

how amazing that a tutorial is actually posted by the man who actually wrote and made the song famous, very modest fella

[@kurthandrews6206]

My dad brought back too many memories .. this was one. I was only 6 in 1986. Passing all these unforgettable songs to my 6yr old boy. Means the world to me as I remember my dad in these songs.

[@aj45045]

I can't believe to read this as the first comment here because my father passed away year and a half ago. He was a musician too during the Croatian new wave (1982.-1985.) and he loved this song and he passed that love on to me. I hope I'll have a kid of my own soon to pass the appreciation for all the great songs that were made during the golden years of rock 'n' roll!

[@GaelDT]

This song embodies everything 70's rock was about. I had never heard of the Tom Robinson Band but then 2-4-6-8 Motorway came on and it sounded like all my favorite songs turned into one. And props to the guitarist for turning this simple blues riff into the catchy chord progression it became!

[@accessallareasdisco2588]

What a fabulous tutorial from the master himself. Thanks for sharing this Tom. Awesome. After 30 minutes I think I've nearly got it. Wonderful

[@musikerman52]

As everyone - for me this was the gateway to his more meaningful songs. Power in the Darkness and TRB2 were eye-openers for me and one step to be a professional musician for whole my life. Thank You, Tom Robinson!

[@artful_dodger59]

So great! Very interesting. As a guitar player who grew up and lived that era, this is a real gem! Thank you Tom!!!

[@Stricknyne1]

Recently discovered Tom Robinson. I was just knocked out by, "War Baby", one of the greatest songs I have ever heard. He should be a household name. Watching is early documentary you get a sense of what a genuine individual he is. Thanks Mr. Robinson, I just ordered a cd and lp of your's.

[@Scorby1965]

What a guy! Thanks Tom.. one of the many tunes embedded in my psyche from my youth!

[@antonfloor344]

“ a 2 wheel stallion” always makes me laugh, it’s brilliant.

[@jamesstafford6082]

Great video! And now realise as well I've spent my whole life singing "little white line" instead of "double white line" in the chorus.

[@bartoni79]

Same here!!

[@jamesroseby3823]

I’ve always thought a Fairlane Cruiser was a Ford Fairlane cruising the highway. Made perfect sense to me. This was the song that reminds me of my first big road trip with my old school mates as it was on often the radio while we were driving. Great memories and and great driving song. What a great bloke Tom is to explain the songs’ construction.

[@matrich1983]

jesus how many rock legends do you get giving tutorials on here? awesome!!! :)

[@gsf67]

I saw Ray Dorset of Mungo Jerry do "In the Summertime".

[@deragon59]

Great song Tom ,I first heard it in 1978 on WNEW FM here in NYC, I believe Scott Muni played it.I was 14

[@unknown_norie]

Easy to follow and nicely done. An honor to hear you explain and perform. Top shelf work ⚘

[@miguelgonzal]

Tom, over here in the US we had a Ford Fairlane, so that meaningless lyric had an unintended connotation. Of course, at the time I had to ask around to find out what the heck a Ford Cortina was. Well, in any case, 15-year-old me heard Power In The Darkness on college radio in Philadelphia, and here we are -- a fan of yours for life!

[@henrycastle1]

Dear Tom this is so great, thank you through the air. I listened to your lecture on ideas to make it. I look forward to meeting you one day, Many thanks, Henry

[@danasteve524]

This is fantastic - I was born in 1969, and probably heard this back in 1978-ish, but it wasn't until I bought Living in Oblivion Vol 1 back in ~1993. Loved it, and still throw this on 80's cds I make, although I probably never played this during my teens - Thank you, Tom!

[@mark240862]

There I was expecting someone sitting on the end of their bed showing me their own version.....and here we have Tom himself showing us all how it's done.... Fantastic!

[@aevoguitars2576]

I was making guitars for gordy guitars in 83 to 86 this was on the radio all the time.. loved it.. memory lane today👍

[@GW-kg3dc]

Watched Tom's band at Glastonbury, wow you realise what a contribution to some of my favourite music he has made ,listen to the radio, who oo oo oo,,and what a great frontman aswell ! Gotta love TRB !!

[@davidshields8401]

I put this riff into my zoom looper, and now I can't stop soloing.! This three chord trick is sheer genius. Tom Robinson, the Paul Daniels of the three chord trick harhar!

[@michaelworse6034]

Haha 😂, habe to try this ! Great 👍

[@juanpablojones]

Great song, great man. Met him doing a Hub session on BBC6 in 2008 with my band at the time. A curteous gentleman indeed.

[@stevepowell3847]

Absolutely brilliant explanation of song I have always loved but have been mystified how to play.Thanks a million Tom, no one seems to be able to teach this on KZbin. I've finally cracked it

[@TomRobinsonMusic]

Haha - glad you found it helpful Steve. I've asked Danny Kustow to make a vid showing the exact way he played the Les Paul part on the record at some point this year. If he does I'll link to it from here - watch this space !

[@stevepowell3847]

Tom Robinson very humbling to get a reply from the great man himself.

[@davidshields8401]

Tom Robinson, the Tommy Cooper of the three chord trick! Genius.

[@frankd2030]

I bought this album early 1977. thanks for this tutorial

[@jg-xl3zw]

awesome tom

[@markkelly940]

I met Tom once when I worked in a menswear store in Inverness back in the day. He bought a rather fashionable as it was at the time pink leather tie. I think he wore it that same night when his band played at the Keppoch Inn as it was known then , close to the Culloden battlefield just outside Inverness. Brilliant concert that night and Tom R was a real friendly guy! Respect T R...

[@amazingict1]

Love the story of this... made my day. I went to see you twice at Malvern Winter Gardens..... great fun it was.

[@ericariley1696]

Excellent tutorial video. Happy New Year to you!

[@edseif]

Tremendous! Simultaneously demystifies the song while make it more impressive. Thanks, Tom! Power In The Darkness was a great album!

[@MrGastech]

Been a fan for a lot of years. Saw TRB in Narberth years ago, and he was great. Our guitarist has just found this tutorial Tom....thank you. We have wanted to do this song for ages but seem to over complicate it when we try it and it gets too busy. Rehearsals next Thursday and with this tutorial easily explaining things I think we can nail it. Thank you Tom. Please find time to come back to West Wales for a gig.

[@nelsonericrobert]

Thanks for explaining that descending bass line, I was so bored playing just the roots. Can't wait for next rehearsal so I can lay down this much more interesting bass line. FYI for anyone playing along, Tom's guitar is tuned down 1/2 step in this video.

[@markpaul1154]

It had great meaning to it really. Sometimes you find peace by driving away from the things that make you sad. Just you, the road, the white lines and the other lonely souls, all going somewhere. Some want to be home, others want to be away.

[@jcs7642]

Fantastically explained. Tom always has been one of my favourites since I began loving hand crafted music

[@roberthayes9842]

My god Tom was it really 46 years ago, where does the time go, an oldie but a goodie, happy days

[@anthonybye6998]

Great song. Excellent lesson. Tom, Legend.

[@twelve-t4c]

great insight tom cheers. he has a great voice ,

[@semitonetone]

What an absolute pleasure to watch & listen to, fantastic thank you!

[@norfolkenchance4385]

Mr T, you are the best, this is my all time fave. rock on my son.

[@CarlKennedyMusic]

Hands down the most enjoyable such video of its kind. And...I watch waaay too many instructional videos. Thank you Tom!

[@jasonnyc4016]

You are a musical genius ... TRB, Sector 27, & everything else!

[@raymurray9843]

I only discovered this band about 5years ago along with be bob deluxe and it bites so much uk music that never made it here really thankful for this music

[@joepage3065]

Delivered with humility and skill. Lovely :-)

[@robfun5942]

Absolutely great 👍 Just a quick note for guitarists, Tom's guitar is tuned down about one and a half tones from concert pitch

[@jonshaw9472]

Wow!.. how good is this, what a brilliant man and still has that powerful soulful voice, if this doesn't inspire you to pick up your guitar you might as well sell it!

[@petermeleg8826]

I heard this in a movie, I believe it was during the credits of Fishermans Friends, then saw it by accident in the Belfast ukulele song book. I've just got to do this on uke and U Bass. Thanks for the tutorial superbly done! Thanks.

[@chrsrans1]

Great song, nice to see how it’s played, 👍

[@davidpiper6749]

Great song great video you made it look so easy, so much talent 😀

[@nononame113]

Underrated artist

[@outtathyme5679]

One of my favorites. Thanks for the lesson Tom

[@andyzosso3986]

Hey kids, that's a lesson in how to write a hit pop song! Loved it when it came out (I was 14), still love it. Brilliant! Thanks, Tom!

[@gerrz]

Love it man, caught your act in Dublin on Tuesday , most excelent. 🎸😎

[@ianhoyle8459]

Absolutely rocking song Tom 😊

[@LOFIGSD]

Heard this on the Radio today, and thought it would be a good set filler for a Gig we might be doing next week, great to hear it was made up on the spot, as we will kind of be playing it like that

[@johnlamond4463]

Nice one. Always loved this song.

[@Colsoloact-po9wv]

Thanks Tom, classic song and yes the best songs tend to have the fewest chords!

[@glennrodrigues8846]

Great lesson Tom thankyou remember seeing that great rhythm on top otp

[@bobfletcher8196]

Brilliant song, thanks Tom.

[@wigzme2717]

such a beautiful use of inversions in this song!

[@wigzme2717]

I hear Danny Kustow returning to the C shape barre chord E or does he go back to that same inverted E? not sure which sounds best, i like both!

[@wigzme2717]

isnt that a c#7 and a B7, im seeing them as A7th shape barre chords

[@wigzme2717]

ok so its an inverted E i see now your not playing the A string

[@wigzme2717]

Such a clever song this!! on the face of it, it looks so simple but so well thought out! Clever dude Mr Robinson!

[@brucevair-turnbull8082]

Bless you Tom. This was balm to my soul.💗

[@annahunter3025]

Thank you Tom means everything to me.

[@klistarf]

Such a talented guy! What an amazingly catchy song. Always thought that ever since i first heard it as a kid, at the time of release. Tom is such a nice bloke too! Nice work right here... \m/ (;o)

[@TheBcoolGuy]

I'm gonna play this song at a gig here in Sweden in May. I've just been playing it with open chords, and I don't know if it's worth it to rehearse the proper inversions as you played here, because it's so soon and there's already so much energy the way I play it, but I really appreciate the tip on using the fourth fret on the D string when playing the A in the intro. Sounds a lot better than going from full A to full D and back.

[@heisenberg69]

Darned! Lovely and delightful! Thanks Tom!

[@philchisnall8357]

Thanks for sharing Tom, great to see a tutorial doe by the original artist

[@sportjunk70]

Have a great tour, not going to make it but will be there in spirit...........

[@Brockstar5150]

This is great and I remember this when I was a kid but the solo is epic too.

[@TheHongKongHermit]

TR: Only three chords, nice and simple Me: Nice, this is my level Also TR: makes three chords sound like 20 with lots of little tricks Me: burns guitar, sobs

[@wigzme2717]

LMAO! Same, ive always played this with 3 barre chords, when he said 3 chords i was like "cool i got it right" then he pops all the inversions!

[@chrisb1953]

Near where I live, a great cycleway runs parallel for many kilometres next to a well signposted motorway. No award for guessing what song I sing while I'm riding (when there's no one nearby!).

[@Nemoticon]

What was initially a very simple pop song is turned into a beautiful little bluesy tune. I've loved this song ever since I was a kid and it just been given a new lease of life for me at 36. Thank you xD

[@elgonm289]

Love it Tom, ..love it now and loved it then and thanks for showing us how to play it mate

[@gerrysupp4492]

Thanks and greetings from Germany

[@duanerobinson8549]

Love this video, so simple and great advice! Toms a dude!

[@Andyc18]

Great stuff, Tom. I first discovered this song in the Only Fools and Horses episode to Margate 😁

[@jrobbo1985]

Awesome.! My dad bought me my first guitar 2 years ago and wanted me to learn this tune. Jus came across this so gona give it a whirl now I can string a chord or 2

[@gherkamum]

Love this track Tom, this was a cracking song...🎸🎧🎤🎼😉

[@lesnoy1452]

Great mega song !!! In this song great guitar sound !!!

[@555pontifex]

Saw you at the Edinburgh fringe festival club in the uni students' union in... 1988 I think.

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Tom excellent video very entertaining 👍

[@ThomGeigenschrey]

I love Tom since the end of the 70s when i bought the 1st and 2nd album and danced at home to all the hits and in The Musichall Berlin where the DJ played some of them like this or Power in ten Darkness - real lifelong magic . and thanx being such a wonderful political lifesafer Person - all your life.. inspired my whole mentality and spirit thanx mind/namebrother !!

[@hearlevideoproduction2565]

So good …. Simple but not easy …. Respect goes out ❤

[@jasoncdebussy]

Brilliant. I have this on one of my spinning playlists to this day (sandwiched between Union City Blue and Anarchy In The UK 😁).

[@petermaccabe8921]

Back in the day, I disliked both Tom Robinsons pro-gay stance and in particular his extreme left politics. 40 yrs later I’ve changed somewhat, I can see beyond all that and can respect Tom as a bloody wonderful human being and a very humble one at that. Still not sure of the message back then but he is also a bloody hell of a musician as well. And finally he’s aged incredibly well. Respect....

[@henrycastle1]

Peter MacCabe I agree Peter,what a splendid individual. I was lucky enough to meet Tom at Thame Music Festival Song Workshop. Thank you God, for Tom and Peter.

[@TheBcoolGuy]

Funny how there is both a leftist Tom Robinson and a right-wing Tommy Robinson.

[@stephent9677]

@@TheBcoolGuy yeah, but "tommy robinson" is really stephen yately lennon. Obviously got something to hide.

[@derin111]

Great! Thank you!Also, I think it helps to know that I think the guitar is tuned about 1/2 a tone down in this video....?Sounds right if I do that.

[@sbbinahee]

great song and thanks for tutorial Tom...

[@medwayhospitalprotest]

You seem like all the A's, Tom - Affable, avuncular, A+++... love this song.

[@saskatuner]

For some reason this wonderful song never became a hit in North America . I discovered it while listening to Absolute classic Rock on the internet.