Chordplay - The Chords Of Joe Walsh

Here's the next episode of Chordplay with The Chords Of Joe Walsh.
I have to admit that Joe Walsh is one of my favorite players, as his gritty blues-rock phrasing with a dash of funk mixed-in is infectious and delivers a very human touch and tone. I'm a huge fan of players in this category.
This lesson features plenty of Joe's signature chord-based moves and ideas from his solo albums, and while it was tempting to dive into his ideas from James Gang and Eagles, I decided to mainly stick with his solo material before we get too carried away. He has a lot of music under his belt, so we had to start somewhere, besides, there's plenty of great music within Joe's other projects (especially the James Gang), so there will probably be more chord-based from Mr. Walsh on the horizon.
The ideas and material shared here include classic songs such as 'Life's Been Good' and 'Mother Says,' 'All Night Long,' along with deep-cut fan favorites such as 'The Confessor,' 'Wolf,' and more!
If you're searching for some new chord moves and slick ideas from a complete blues-rock guitar legend, look no further than this episode. There's plenty to explore and tackle, including a few open tunings to spice things up, unusual chord progressions, funky voicings, and more.
If you're already a fan and/or eager to learn more about this classic rock guitar master - this lesson is totally for you! Give this episode a view, leave some comments/feedback, and please subscribe to Late Night Lessons - THANK YOU!

[@ricardocastillo5485]

Life's not fair. Joe's getting older, but like so many others, he deserves another 100 years in this world, just playing guitar.

[@jcrane721]

I knew exactly what you meant when you said that Joe Walsh "sounds like a human being playing the guitar".

[@bgob1456]

He's an analog man.

[@StealthParrot]

42 years later and Life's Been Good still sounds fantastic to me!

[@EarthAltar]

Walk Away is one of my all time favorites. Joe always has some cool trick up his sleeve that makes you go, "Damn, why didn't I think of that?"

[@briandavis9921]

I'm so glad someone finally gave Joe Walsh the right kind of recognition he deserves he is way more complex then he's usually given credit for, Cheers! David

[@coldroses5337]

Amen

[@mikeymurder2174]

Your totally right about Joe Walsh awesome song writer and awesome tone too

[@orionfixr7713]

More Joe please ! Most under appreciated talents of our times .

[@alexmayhew8989]

Thank you SO much for this insight into Joe Walsh’s playing. Ever since i was child his playing has spoke to me in ways few others have. The statement of id rather hear Joe playing something gritty than anyone shredding away has basically come out of mouth more times than i could tell you. A great tribute to an absolute living legend. ❤️

[@stevenparker7946]

There was an interview where Joe was being asked about Eddie VH when he first broke through “… can YOU play that fast?” Joe, in his midwest drawl “…yeah, but why would I want to?” 😜🤣🤣

[@jamiefischer7494]

Great video.I love Joe Walsh. If you ever do a Part 2, I would suggest "At the Station" and "Rivers of Hidden Funk". Also, I would love to see a .38 Special episode the featured "You got the Deal" "First Time Around" "So caught up in you" and "What if I'd been the One". I would also suggest an Alan Parsons Project vid with "Voyager" and "Breakdown", Keep up the great work, and thanks. You always inspire me to play.

[@bradhilton9113]

Joe Walsh is one of the greats! Look at what he brought to the Eagles! His slide work is also bar-none!

[@geraldwest3428]

Thanks man, you are awesome! We grew up on Joe Walsh and he pretty much formed our rock lives to this very day. Without being in danger of sounding cliche it still amazes me how timeless Joe's music is along with many artist from this time. Thanks for what you do as it is clearly invaluable.

[@uncleremus5046]

Love Joe’s solo work. It’s my summer music @ my cabin especially Barnstorm. Idk it just takes me somewhere nice. A mad genius. Joe is also a humble great normal guy who does tons of good for our veterans! Rock on 🍺ski!🤘

[@johnc.mitchelljr.2716]

first saw Joe in the James Gang with the Who in 1969 - WOW !

[@Blue_3rd]

Woohoo! I love Joe Walsh, one of my all time favourite musicians. Thanks again, David! If you haven’t seen it already, check out Joe’s appearance on ‘Live at Daryl’s house’, it’s a great show. 😃🎸✌️

[@ravennaslim]

Hi. I took guitar lessons from Joe when I first stared playing. He had that Jimmy Page Les Paul in his Living room on a guitar stand. He also had an Orange Gretsch that I think ended up in Pete Townsends hands. This was around 1967. I only took a few lessons but I'd go see him play every chance I could and I learned a ton of stuff from him.

[@stevenparker7946]

It was probably a bit later than ‘67. He’s claimed that LP came from the music store across from The World Theater, at Lane & High, Columbus. The store was in the High Street “basement “ of the apartments just north of the Arby’s & Burger King (in that era). I lived just blocks away and stopped by often, though I can’t recall the name of the store. (Oops!🤷🏽‍♂😜) & I think the show at the World where he stopped by the store was maybe late ‘69, early ‘70. The internet probably has a list somewhere… As I recall the LP - being all free form handmade at the time - had an unusually skinny neck. $500 was a LOT back then, my Kent/ Teisco ran $50-60 at a pawn shop on Long St., my later Strat was $125… cool story, great days! Did you live in Kent back then?

[@ravennaslim]

@@stevenparker7946 I lived in Ravenna about 6 miles away. I married the girl who sang Midnight Man. We are no longer together but we are still friends. She is Mary Sterpka Delaney.

[@stevenparker7946]

@@ravennaslim I remember her, wasn’t she with The Measels? Fantastic singer! I read somewhere she’d recently retired from performing…

[@ravennaslim]

@@stevenparker7946 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6GQdJKfZsl0mNU

[@ravennaslim]

@@stevenparker7946 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oquYpJ-Eba-poa8

[@John-the-Bass]

An eye opener on Joe Walsh, who I have loved for many years but have been unable to work out what he was doing. Thanks a lot

[@ChannelingJohnBonham]

Guitar players today don't seem to understand subtlety, it's all bash and speed. Joe was and is a master of giving you so much and you don't even realize it. Even though I'm a drummer, Walsh has never disappointed. I'd rather listen to Joe bend one note compared to all the shredders in the world. Well done in an explaining some of the creativeness from Joe Walsh.

[@wulfenii64]

Best live show ever!

[@richardlynch5632]

Joe's sense if humor just comes out in his playing like no other as well as his playfulness 👍😎 James Gang Rides Again is in my playlist every week. Awesome album! Really diggin' the PRS Thanks. Great vid!👍😎 👍😎❤🖖 Love brother

[@crisprtalk6963]

I'll never forget staring at the artwork and listening for hours at the album Smoker you drink Player You get.

[@RobJuneau]

Always loved Joe Walsh. Thanks, Dave!

[@voronOsphere]

Never clicked so fast, David!!!! Thanks!!!! EDIT: Just finished watching, David!!!! I loved this Lesson!!!! Thanks, again!!!!

[@anthonyjames9711]

Good lesson. I love Joe Walsh, beautiful chords and very expressive guitar player.

[@JohnEvatt-gw4pl]

Thank you for showing country fair. So What is one of the greatest albums of all time. Came out the year I was born, and fortunately for me my dad is a huge Joe Walsh fan. I’ve been listening to it my whole life. My dad is 68 and still sometimes when I swing his house he is blasting super loud on the same vinyl he bought 50 years ago.

[@derekclacton]

Joe Walsh slide guitar gets me every time!

[@alfonsoalicea2781]

Dear lord never stop with the Joe Walsh tutorial. You unlocked so much for this hopeless individual.

[@garyh.238]

Excellent video! Joe's phrasing is so melodic - his solos tell a story. Great player.

[@GlobalMiles]

It always feels so good to hear you...connect with the music, the players, the expression. So much love in your work. Thank you.

[@ColinJarrett]

Love Joe. Such a relaxed player. Thanks for this. Gold as always

[@KyOte13]

I went looking for a Joe Walsh style guitar lesson and when I saw it was you , I was like “ of course it is, this guy knows REAL music”. Thank you so much. It’s fantastic to see that people have finally come around to what an incredible talent he is .

[@jamessator5564]

Very cool love Joe’s funky playing !! The chord play of Gary Richrath 🤟🏼

[@bertgetner9397]

Ive been hooked on "The Best Of Joe Walsh" album for the last month. Joe is the master of the dream chord. Leslie West did it on side 2 of "Climbing" Killer sound. Thanks Dave!

[@joewalsh6633]

Hi I just wanted to thank you again for being so supportive and following me on my journey. I love inspiring and encouraging others. People like you help me to keep showing up! Hope you are having an amazing day!

[@Fresh-tw7ev]

Joe Walsh has a brilliant mind for chords and you have nailed his work!

[@michaelmattson3515]

The Confessor love it.

[@islander4986]

Fascinating, always liked Joe. His playing covers some broad ground from danceable rock to ethereal mystery music (and he calls himself an ordinary average guy). Very impressive that you can suss out those tunings and name the exotic chords with all of their various extensions. I wonder if he found them after tuning for slide and later putting the glass down and noodling a bit with his fingers. Thanks David.

[@deanmccaskill5495]

You hit the sweet spot there man. Thank you!!

[@joewalsh6633]

Hi I just wanted to thank you again for being so supportive and following me on my journey. I love inspiring and encouraging others. People like you help me to keep showing up! Hope you are having an amazing day!

[@johnfesta8249]

Great lesson! Joe is one of those guys who makes it look so easy. So do you Dave!

[@pauldeitz8202]

Thanks for the video, you are so right, you can shred all day, can’t remember anything about the solo, but Joe’s solo you will never forget!

[@5150JAM]

loved The Confessor when it first came out.....had that album & James Gang Rides Again.....Joe has so many great songs....

[@ragnadrabinowitz7629]

thank you for going over “the confessor”.

[@rydermike33]

Many thanks David. I've been a fan of Joe's since the James Gang years. Wonderful musician. You have a new subscriber.

[@ThrashRoC]

The BEST Lessons are the LATE NiGHT LESSONS ! SO Inspiring Man !!!

[@andthebeatgoeson69]

Joe's style is just super tasty.

[@Scottocaster6668]

I definitely sound more human, than a robot. Throw technique out the window at my end, lol. George Benson's way of holding a pick, yep, that's me. Great lesson once again B🐓!!

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

Love Joe and his playing ,hearing these chords ,just piques my interest and ,and shows how inventive and special his playing is ,this turned out to be one of my favourite chordplays,thank you.

[@leechild4655]

I think Joe has a particular kind of personality. I dont know how to put it but, its like he goes about his business like no one is watching, or he just does what he does kind of matter-of-factly. Hes a funny bird and everyone loves him. In the 70s you hear everyone playing funk 49 in guitar shops everywhere. ;-)

[@leechild4655]

to add: recently saw Joe tell of the life in the fast lane riff. he said he used to play it as a warmup riff before going onstage. someone asked what song was that and they should do it, so they wrote a song around his warmup riff.

[@stringbender11672]

Superb. Thank you.😎👍👍👍

[@bobbyh.3911]

There is something very special about Joe's guitar playing that draws you in and is hard to describe... My uncle 'Pete' had it and is the reason why I learned to play guitar. I hadn't heard that from any other guitarist until I heard Joe in the late 60's and of course, I have been hooked ever since. Yes, there are guitar players technically more proficient and amazing innovators, and I don't mean to take anything away from them... but Joe Walsh has a rare quality in his guitar playing that is unique.

[@fretworkband3204]

Great lesson. Joe Walsh is my favorite guitarist hands down. I especially like the Barnstorm albums with Joe Vitale. I believe its some of his best work. But hey, it’s Joe, it’s all good!

[@greggaedeke2386]

Totally cracked up about the $500 Les Paul comment to Joe Walsh...LMAO...Good stuff bud!! Keep it up man..I'm learning alot of great stuff!!Loving it!!

[@stephenlandry9343]

In grade school my older brother is the one who got me into guitar through the smoker you drink album. I have memorized it both sides. It really takes me back. Thanks David!

[@roderickhager8154]

Hey Brewski Joe is the master of double stop bends (I think that's what it's called) just listen to midnight man and if you listen to the chorus on in my garden you hear more than a feeling by Boston. Love the fact you are a minimalist and still kick ass! Your wise beyond your years young man and have found your nitch. Your opinions and info is spot on. Thanks for making the world a better place.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@SuperStrik9]

Joe Walsh is awesome. Easily one of my favorite guitar players of all time. The James Gang, Barnstorm, The Eagles or Joe solo, I love it all.

[@shock2me983]

Described JW style playing perfectly . I remember learning and playing just that intro to confessor over and over again. Lifes been good, all night long, walk away just so much fun to play a whole hour can pass like it was just a few minutes.

[@barryhaynes103]

Another great episode of story telling and guitar playing ... Joe Walsh is a guitar hero from an era gone by ... if you haven’t watch his performance with the Strat Pack, do so as it is awesome ... Pino Paladino is playing bass with the house band ... so good ...

[@joewalsh6633]

Hi I just wanted to thank you again for being so supportive and following me on my journey. I love inspiring and encouraging others. People like you help me to keep showing up! Hope you are having an amazing day!

[@jerryc3240]

The Chord play of Joe Walsh. Life is Good, so far

[@marcjordan29]

Yeessssssssss! Thank you!

[@johnnyd63]

Love that you picked the rare ones that are hidden on his albums.I could list a dozen more,but I know you had a hard time choosing these.Big fan of yours David.A blues rocker who knows what he's doing.

[@susiewheeler8197]

We were in Mansfield in a basement building speakers. Bill left to answer a phone call. He came back and said everybody into the car.He wouldn't say where we were going. We were invited to a secret James gang practice! That was the most special place ever!

[@joewalsh6633]

Hi I just wanted to thank you again for being so supportive and following me on my journey. I love inspiring and encouraging others. People like you help me to keep showing up! Hope you are having an amazing day!

[@RF944]

I remember Joe Walsh on late night tv in 80's and He was funny as hell, could have had a second gig is a comedian.

[@pfzt]

Love Joe! Thx for this.

[@fxdbmgtow]

Joe Walsh Rules! So does Brewster! Thanks David.

[@arunviswanathan5555]

Nice one David! Love Joe and Funk 49 and Walk Away too!! In addition to Pagey’s number 1, Joe Walsh also sold or gave Pete Townshend the Gretsch used on Who’s Next! What a legend!! 🎸🤩

[@haraldliesk9410]

I love Joe!!! He is one (if not the best) of the best guitar players out there. Very inspiring.....

[@jasonyount6036]

Dude you’re rig sounds so great! Cool content! 👍💪

[@newrosesartworx4662]

wasnt a fan of that prs....but the more i see it ,the more i want it(in my dreams)...keep up the great work...best guitar channel on the tube!!

[@JD-vj4go]

The most amazing thing Ive ever seen was Joe Walsh intonate a Les Paul by ear.

[@TeiscoCurlee]

Joe is THE king!

[@denismguitar1552]

Nice! Thanks

[@ganazby]

Great lesson. Joe’s a wonderful player. Thanks, man.

[@srwaite7]

Joe’s tritone lick is cool 😎

[@steveyoerger7989]

Right on! Glad I found ya, Joes’ one of the best

[@detlevpomp]

Geil.....locker flockig vom Hocker Die Gibson und dein Style klingen Sahne 👍👍👍

[@ThrashRoC]

Joe Walsh i am a BIG Fan Too !!

[@gergemall]

Love your channel

[@zipcheckcheck]

Great chords to explore I love that PRS.

[@MazRixx]

Excellent

[@moto238]

You are the only teach could find online for Wolf...Thank You. Great song choices btw. I'm in the camp too.

[@MRod1079]

Those different tunings were very cool! Vey melodic..

[@michaelmattson3515]

Ever watched how he sets up a Les Paul? It’s classic old school Joe & it works.I remember reading he likes manual window cranks in his cars & a drive up burger joint where they have the window tray.

[@rjlong89]

Joe Walsh is the best.

[@Scottocaster6668]

WOLF!!! Off my favorite MUST HAVE album. Alright B🐓. (sorry)

[@SecondMarsh]

Mojo. The man plays with mojo.

[@bigplopa1]

Definitely some great tunes you covered there. I've been a Joe Walsh fan ever since I can remember but it is his Barnstorm records that set the hook. The music in those records is magical. And, the first Barnstorm paved the way for the Caribou Ranch recording studio's success. What a great book of music that came out of Colorado! It would be cool to see you cover some more of acoustic guitar pieces off of Barnstorm. Thanks for sharing!

[@russellmorris5343]

Joe and Billy Gibbons are masters of partial chords mixed with open pedal tone. Gives it depth as well as a higher level of difficulty.

[@StevesAutoNtrucks]

Joe Walsh definitely has the mojo , great sense of humor too

[@ThrashRoC]

Imagine Joe Walsh with "Fanned Frets" or "true temperament" Frets ..Omg ! Give him a 59 Les Paul (or similar ) and a 7ender amp ..the REAL DEAL He´s the Analog Man ..living in a digital world ... And He´s SUCH a SYMPATHIC Human Being !! DON´t forget his Part in the Eagles ... This Man is nothing more than just one of the ALL Time Greatest Guitarist !!!

[@jakeminor1967]

More! Joe W

[@kraid80]

Waiting for part 2 with River of the hidden funk! 🤘

[@beckblowbyblow]

I dig the Barnstorm Lp in the corner.

[@joewalsh6633]

Hi I just wanted to thank you again for being so supportive and following me on my journey. I love inspiring and encouraging others. People like you help me to keep showing up! Hope you are having an amazing day!

[@robertatkinson2914]

Great

[@chrischarles1468]

First off great lesson Dave. Please don’t let it go to your head. Second some of those other tunes and artists Joe has worked with that you or your followers may or may not be aware of: Dan Fogelberg “As The Raven Flies”, America “Hat Trick”, Jay Ferguson “Thunder Island”. All great tunes with great guitars or because of Joe’s guitar. Lastly I believe Joe also sold or gave Peter Frampton the talk box which essentially gave Pete his career. Thanks again. Love you man.

[@perrymann6807]

Mother Says, Em to A all 4, 5, 6 string chording played through preamp overdriven signal then Leslie cabinet. May have also used a wah set midway for tone. Joe was a tone freak. For more classic Joe Leslie combined with slide listen to Rosewood Bitters on Michael Stanley’s debut album.

[@t.sewell1513]

$500 to priceless! Gotta wonder if Joe may regret that sale. Either way......if Joe kept it, it’s still priceless I imagine.

[@freddiescat2]

Great to see someone who knows what they are talking about for a change. Good work. I've been struggling with that picking bit in County Fair. I hear people ask - "Is it a 12 string?" I think it sounds like one because he doubles up the G note and plays it like this: 7/4, open G, 8/2, 8/1. Again an Am7 (but with no 5th) And thanks for the heads up on the tuning for Wolf. Much appreciated. I have subscribed btw.

[@dell982]

Joe's the best

[@eldiablo3794]

One of Joe's techniques he turned me onto that he does is where he bends the string up and plays the string while he drops the bend down.. almost like a reverse bend. Like he'll bend the string to the next note, plucks the string, and drops the string back down while the notes ringing. Instead of how most people play the string and then bend it up to a half note or full note bend, he does the opposite by bending the string first and then plays and drops the string back to its original note. I don't know what else to call it but If you watch enough of Joe's playing you will definitely see what I'm talking about. He does that a lot and now I do it all the time out of habit lol.

[@tedbarber7663]

Hi, I would really appreciate a chordplay episode on The Lemon Twigs Thanks for making all of these great videos

[@mountain_girl]

man...there are so many amazing episodes here that I gotta catch up on. I think, being newer to the channel that I may have seen this episode title and thought I had seen it already (guessing that must have been the three for all, or maybe even a James Gang specific episode?). For some reason Joe Walsh, The James Gang, and early Albert Lee Head Hands and Feet are all stored in the same musical memory area of my brain so when I get on a rabbit hole woodshed kinda trip with one, I also need to explore the other. Anway, really dig these episodes, every one has some deep insight and just really usuable inspiration for days. I grabbed Shape Shifting and Guitar Harmony from amazon after finding LNL during the pandemic and would highly recommend those books to anyone else that digs these lessons. (hope buying via amazon works well for the author as well? not sure how that works.) Thanks again.

[@michaeld2716]

James Gang " Live at Carnegie Hall" 1976 defined metal at that time, and the drums are amazing. Question: " How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" Answer below. Practice, practice, practice.