Chordplay - The Chords of Steely Dan

Here's the next episode of Chordplay with The Chords of Steely Dan.
Steely Dan's a legendary band that hit their stride creating/releasing their own brand of jazz-influenced pop/rock music in the early 1970s. Eventually, the group racked up a steady stream of radio/chart hits and many of those songs are still well-received and widely played on classic rock radio to this day.
This lesson features a number of interesting and useful chord-based ideas coming from the late-great Steely Dan founder/guitarist Walter Becker, which includes Steely Dan's signature "Mu" chords along with a number of famous progressions, riffs, and songs from a number of their classic hits and albums. The examples include material from songs such as 'Josie,' 'Green Earrings,' and 'Peg' - to name a few.
Give this lesson a view, leave some comments and feedback, and please subscribe to Late Night Lessons - THANK YOU!

[@JerryT21]

You're a great teacher and communicator not to mention a great guitarist

[@chrisbarlow2131]

The Dan were in a league of one.

[@GrizrazRex]

Only Level 42 came close, but from a different direction.

[@uncleremus5046]

Seriously now my favorite all time band. Steely Dan was so badass they truly separated the men from the boys. From legendary musicians Carlton, Grayson, Gadd, Perdie, Baxter etc a powerhouse. Finally the most creative & stylistic changes in rock. Just friggin perfect. RIP Walter Becker! As always 🍺’ski you rule!🤘

[@petekinne2702]

...Porcaro...

[@peterevans8598]

Actually it's Graydon...Not Grayson (Jay Graydon to be precise). Hey did the solo on Peg.

[@madlove1581]

An incredibly intelligent musician - skilled at discussion, too

[@InGratitudeIam]

Steely Dan, the intersection of heart, intelligence, brilliance and soul. Great lesson. Thanks!

[@timothybladon9958]

Thanks so much for posting this. I have been a SD fan for a long time but always found their music very difficult to play. This really unlocks a lot about their techniques and sound.

[@michaelyork4554]

In 1973 I was 11 years old, I heard Reelin In The Years on AM radio, the guitar tone, arrangement, musicianship, and production quality dropped my jaw and in 1975 I was 13 my older brother had gotten a Les Paul and an Orange Amp, I have been playing guitar ever since. Yes, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan have always been my top four.

[@jackbotsford8688]

Very commendable top 4 bands choices 👏

[@Foxtrot1967]

The Dan! One of the best rock bands of all time

[@P3t3rPizzarelli]

Had no idea how crazy Steely Dan's guitar playing was until recently when I heard Frank Gambale mention them in an interview. Green Earrings is sick

[@crimfan]

Walter Becker came up with some really interesting parts all throughout but they hired some of the best: Skunk Baxter and Denny Dias were the original guitarists, along with Elliott Randall. Later on when they became mostly a studio band they hired guitarists like Larry Carlton, Jay Graydon, and Dean Parks, just to name a few.

[@richardsearlemusic]

Check out the backing-track-only version of Green Earrings... I never appreciated what a kicking arrangement it was before I heard that.

[@mykmmc]

had the pleasure of getting a lesson from Larry Carlton, and your are playing the right phrasing of the chords.......you are the first one I have seen on youtube

[@philt4346]

Those fingerings fall out when you follow the piano chart in the published songbook, 'Steely Dan Complete'.

[@neilgitman]

Nicely done. Just the right amount of "distortion". Excellent lesson.

[@em-dashman4404]

So many different ways of playing the same thing! I learned that Peg opening a totally different way! Awesome insight into all those sumptuous chords. Thanks!

[@Scottocaster6668]

My god Man, is there anything you can't play? This lesson is for us big boys. 😉 That has to be the coolest arrangement of chords. I'm obviously familiar with steely Dan, but watching Josie being played, much more respect I have for these guys. You don't hear this stuff now a days. Good stuff D B🐓👍👍

[@ericwise1849]

MIND BLOWN

[@ericmelton7557]

Love your Aja album picture over you computer. Awesome guitar playing too.

[@peternewman1179]

Probably the biggest influence I ever had in my musical education, not just technical , but style and music appreciation in the realms of blues and jazz. Steely Dan's catalogue is essential for all aspiring musicians!

[@strat0871]

Always very nice sounding chords in Steely Dan's music, I'm a 4 decades fan, definitely.

[@4n6design]

Amazing! To hear those chords slowed down you appreciate those chords and sounds even more. Wow!

[@wooddragon55]

I just wanted to say thanks...a life time of listening to something Steely I thought was impossible to grasp, you made incredibly approachable.... Thank you so very much! LJM

[@stevebrighttheblackguitar653]

Wow, I love steely and have been fascinated by there sound. Steely Dan is like pizza! You can never have to much! Thank you for a demo of music I will never be able to play! Great presentation, YOU Are A MAJOR DUDE!

[@Rjhs001]

I've been a Dan Fan for over 40 years now and although I doubt I'll ever master the complexity of their music (I'm a simple, 3 chord on an acoustic kind of guy), I have so enjoyed hearing you discuss how these fabulous songs were constructed...thank you so much.

[@richunclejoey2249]

As a lifelong guitar player, engineer and arranger, I love your channel. Maybe I'm biased as I really enjoy your taste in voicings and music in general. Stoked I disco-ed this content..keep rocking 💪🤘🥓

[@adonaimorales3560]

Found a new channel to binge. These channels that dissect music are great. Watching someone stumble over tabs is exhausting.

[@tomhurst5363]

Thank you for the excellent lesson. You have a wonderfully approachable presentation style. Very conversational and familiar yet highly informed. (Heck of a player as well.) As a fellow educator I just wanted to send my sincere respect. Will definitely be visiting more of your offerings. 😊🎶👍

[@kenstrong1470]

Wow!! I learnt more about their chord structures from watching this than I have from constantly listening to them since 1972. Great video, well done and thank you.

[@st.fiacre6685]

Im having an acid flash back from the 70s.Your guitar is arching and the wall is expanding from the center.Far out mann...

[@stephenspano7885]

,,,,and a few twitches

[@SimoNaapuri]

Thank you!!! Greetings from nearby the Arctic Circle/Finland.

[@TruthSeeker13]

Well that just reinforces my notion and personal taste that Steely Dan is the classiest band in rock. Just candy to my ears. Thank you for breaking it down for us... ROCK ON BROTHER !!!🤘😎

[@micah7064]

You are one of the coolest guitar teachers I've ever watched and I've watched hundreds. Great job man!! Keep up the very cool way of teaching.

[@ballestertrio]

Hey, your video is really nice! And with a smile it's so cool. I discovered Steely Dan music in 1975 while baby sitting the already tall son of an american basket player in my hometown in France. I had to order the records as they were only imports from USA. I never quit listening to this fantastic band. And today, some chords are coming in my tunes.

[@Mr1vision1]

Thank you for taking the time to make this Video. I would love to hear the future Steely Dan Videos with a little less distortion. Best of life to you. Thanks again!

[@image30p]

Amazing! I'm knocked out by how well you can hear all those crazy chords. I love Steely Dan and it was good to see those examples up close and slowed down!

[@kevmet84]

Aside from simply enjoying their music, it seems that almost any time I've ever studied something from Steely Dan's music on guitar, it takes me out of my box/comfort zone in various and good ways. 😎

[@GIBKEL]

How many great channels are lurking out there. I watch about.....99.9% guitar content and this is the first time you’ve popped up. Steely who?...just kidding. 3 chords=rock n roll, 3+ and it’s jazz. Just what I needed. 🙏

[@matcoffidis1135]

When I first started playing, it took time to develop that muscle memory to switch between chords. Then learning jazz chords was a WHOLE new ball game...lol.

[@bodeghost]

Really stoked that this showed up in my "suggestions"... Sir, your channel is magnificent & I immediately subscribed. It's been used but man, you're the, "Bob Ross" of technical explanations. Thoroughly enjoy your methodology & subtle way of coveying your experiences. I've learned quite a bit this fine morning here in 'unusually' rainy, but welcomed, Dana Point, CA! Wonderful channel indeed! I'm hooked! 😉 💜 🍀 🎶 💜 Love & Light to you all out in there in KZbin Land & bEyOnD!

[@kennethbransford820]

This is so fun. Thank you David Brewster.

[@chriswenger5797]

Your diverse musical knowledge is inspiring! Didn’t see this one coming, and you knocked it out of the park. Thank you for your amazing content. I’ve been obsessed with Steely Dan’s chord work for years. I really appreciate your knowledge of those advanced voicings.

[@lonnystarr]

dude, you're great. a placid reprieve in a world of distress... thanks!

[@andrestipanovic7407]

thanks for sharing this! it makes me appreciate Steely Dan even more

[@ignaciodanni6823]

excellent stuff my friend. thanks for this.

[@J24777]

Awesome David!!!! Definitely Nice to see this!!!!

[@skatee99]

Not a huge Steely Dan fan, but as a metal guitar player with a degree in music theory, I TOTALLY respect their writing. And, your effort in presenting the fact of what they accomplished, is to be commended.

[@VixCrush]

Came across this while working on Dr. Wu. today. I'm a long time subscriber and fan....

[@finaljesus]

i’vw been a steely dan fan for many years i love the Walter backer plays he’s still awesome to me i want to learn their music i’m such a big fan

[@LucasVale]

Bro! You got one of the best guitar channel on yt. A raw and true content. Gold! Im your fan!

[@mikasaarela6217]

Good stuff. Thanks for posting.

[@keithgreenwade2398]

Great radio voice!

[@gonzogourmet]

As a lifelong Dan fan and guitarist since my teens, I have to say I loved this. Gave me new insight into their chords and revived my interest in their tunes, after all these years. I'm back into it, guitar-wise too. Thanks again. Subscribed.

[@han36solo]

Love Steely Dan! Thanks Brew, I finally learned Josie after meaning to for years!

[@saleasylum]

Very good video. I know a lot and learned a lot. Thanks!

[@edruiz1202]

Thank you sir. Now a I can play along a few steely Dan songs.

[@marksc1929]

..nice breakdown.. really good stuff 👍

[@gautamasakyamuni6688]

"Pick up what's left by daylight When Josie comes home..." Donald Fagen is a "Genius" always been.

[@patrickmckay6621]

What a Great lesson,thank you,David.

[@michaelwilliams4768]

The Dan - one of my all time best bands-Fagen and Becker -fabulously talented and intelligent!

[@quinetastic]

Yes! I agree...

[@dannymccormack2871]

Wow this is really helpful for me to begin to understand the Steely Dan Jazzy chord structures. Really good, thank you.

[@timsmith190]

Very well done , thanks

[@cognoscenticycles4351]

Great lesson.

[@hotwireman49]

Oh my god~!!!! Are you kidding me? Let's see. I married my daughter's daddy in 1977 and we were jamming to AJA in the living room of our apartment. I was 19 (no reference to Hey 19). I had been playing guitar eight years by then. I'm 62 now and I NEVER KNEW it could be possible for me to play a Steely Dan song. THANK YOU MAN! I waited my whole life for this! lol. Ok, well.. let's say I soo appreciate this lesson! Thanks man!

[@1jimmy534]

Just a joy watching and listening to how they constructed those classics. Wonderful. Thank you

[@JeffFaulknerCD]

Thank you! Gonna have w this tonight...

[@greysnout]

Thankyou. Interesting and beautifully presented. Will get that pinky switching fast as lightning. More please.

[@alexanderyaroslavich2703]

The awesome thing about Fagan and Becker is that they knew Jazz-style harmony really well; close-voiced chords, leading-tones, and how to arrange things. I'm a bassist mostly that has dabbled on guitar for years, but the key thing is that they were really into keyboard and horn-chart style harmonies which can be really hard to play on guitar. I've tried it and it can be real finger-torture, especially with the speed and fluidity. It's hard to capture that flavor, but you do a damn fine job, kudos!

[@flash001USA]

I'm a bass player and I love to play along with Steely Dan songs because of the funky grooves along with the movement in the songs but I've never sat down and tried my hand at the guitar arrangements.... Until this video. Thanks!

[@AntwhaleNearfar]

I love this guy’s personality and style of teaching. He’s like the Mr. Rogers of guitar instruction.

[@AntwhaleNearfar]

I think that second chord in the “Peg” verse might function as a Gmajadd9 with the third (B on the A string) functioning as the root, as the bass goes from C to G...same applies for the F to C and G to D.

[@tilitila88]

Brilliant! Excelent delivery. Thank you!

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

I have great gear, play poorly but this episode is like the best thing I've seen in a long time. Like a play with multiple acts, all easily digestible. Thanks so much!

[@timwestcott361]

Funky , smart , iconic - brilliant work. Chords that I've played individually just fooling around but didn't have the knowledge to fit into a progression. The Hendrix chord is what got me into guitar. I had to have that. At volume. Rush to the guitar with relish ..

[@mr.yellowstrat3352]

I said to myself "Please don't do Josie" but I still kept watching. Lol keep going man you've got a good thing going

[@chubbydickschopshop]

Haven’t dropped in for awhile but holy cow. What a lesson to check in with. Thanks for making my head explode on this one and as usual I could listen to you noodle all night.

[@GMHG777]

I’d argue man for man Steely had the best guitarists in the world playing on their records ! The list of killer players in really unmatched ! Skunk, Dias, Bullock, Coryell, McCracken, Knopfler and of course Becker himself hits crazy how many top flight guitarists put their mark on their tunes !!

[@toby1kenobe]

you missed Carlton!!

[@srwaite7]

Toby Hodkinson let’s not forget the great Jay Graydon and Rick Derringer 🕶

[@johnmaer]

You also left off Lee Ritenour. Not sure about Coryell...what did he play on? You also left off Dean Parks and of course their current lead player, John Herington. Knopfler was credited for Time Out of Mind on Gaucho, but it sure doesn't sound like him....and rumor I heard was that your icon Becker basically altered and stripped Knopfler's solo contribution down to about zero. Becker was an interesting guitar player but he played in the same tempo, format, musical scale box time after time. He was very unimaginative, but Dan-Fans continue to treat him like some kind of god. He wasn't.

[@GMHG777]

I was just naming a few that came to mind wasn’t meant to be an all inclusive list. May have been wrong on Coryell though you are right. As for Becker where did I say he was a God ? Not sure what your point on that was ... that said was a pretty fine writer and engineer and along with Fagen crated “the sound” s kinda hard to leave him out.

[@stephanleo]

@@toby1kenobe And Khan

[@steventaillefer]

Great overview of Steely Dan. They've been my favourite band since the 1st time I heard them back in the early 70s. The arrangements, the lyrics, the monster session guys they brought in... everything.

[@josephhaley7576]

Tackling what I'd consider the essence of SD's mystique is an admirable feat. Sending appreciation for revealing a portion of their elusive magic that became much less complicated to grasp in the relationships of chords you've presented.

[@carlsmith7557]

HELLO I'M CARL AND LOVE STEELY AND YOUR TAKE.. YOUR DEMEANOR HELPED RECEPTION OF MATERIAL EASY, COMFORTABLE THX

[@guitarsword1]

Outstanding lesson. Tnx so much for these voicings.

[@robertdowler8105]

Thanks for the Crash Course,I'm a drummer,but it sure was a good day at My Old. School.

[@edwardmolinary4890]

Love your variety of video/artist subjects , keep up the great work !!!

[@davidburch4165]

Many thanks for your calm, clear narrative on the chords used by the several guitarists who worked with SD. You are quite correct -- that music will live on among people with an ear for complex and sophisticated music.

[@voronOsphere]

YEEEAAAAHHHH!!!! Thanks, David!!!!! Whewwww!

[@glasgowguitarist3636]

Quite possibly your best video yet. Great work sir!

[@mattgrant6910]

Just getting into Dan now and realising how incredible they are .

[@whadyno6665]

Great presentation , and feel ; let's not forget Denny Dias, who is so versatile and played So many tremendous solos '72-77 +

[@tonydiggs5494]

Steely Dan was amazing! The tonality was spot on! The innovation was outstanding!

[@jonswift4742]

Dooood! So insightful! Thank you!

[@rockinrob2004]

Hey man, thanks for this! SD is the greatest band EVER! Walter was/is great on all the recordings, and of course Donald is brilliant in his own right, being the keyboardist and heavy handed on writing. Great find, I subscribed, hope to see more sooner than later! Cheers!

[@cliffmentzer7406]

Wow that was packed with a whole lot of chord ideas-had to just watch and listen first...will rewatch now with guitar and do my best!! I always felt Steely Dan’s recordings still really hold up as well. Like they sound really good still. Great lesson and thanks for making your lesson so diverse to include a band like Steely Dan!!

[@mcbswolf]

What a great lesson, David. And I really like your style and the way you communicate. So glad I came across your channel. Very helpful and informative. Thanks for what you do!

[@bradleyamor8854]

thank you for this post i love the Dan and have a lot of their albums ,all of them,except 11 tracks of whack because out of print for years. Anyway,you explain this stuff so well,please and thank youfor all and any more you do.

[@5tw8se74]

Great stuff. One of the bands I am fortunate enough to be in plays several Steely Dan songs. Josie, Pretzel logic, Green Earrings, Peg, Kid Charlemagne I'm still catching up on some of it. Not only great cord work, but the solos are fantastic. Without a doubt my all time favorite band.

[@roberthavard4219]

Really nice! how could anyone thumbs down? what a ton of great information.

[@MikeS29]

Steely Dan turned me on to the 13 chords. Great lesson, thanks!

[@tguers]

Simply wow! What a great lesson that helps to decipher Steely Dan’s chords progression. My hat’s off to you, you are amazing. Bravo. You have a new fan :)

[@ronaldpapa8182]

I feel like I’m adding up an Einstein equation...love your channel, always something great. Thanks!!

[@buddycushman2851]

Fabulously wonderful video. Thank you.

[@crimfan]

Taking harmony from fusion and modal jazz was definitely a thing then. Joni Mitchell was in her jazz phase and, even before both she and The Dan, Laura Nyro explored a lot of these sounds. Love it!

[@spindriftdrinker]

Interestingly, both Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan acknowledge Laura Nyro as an influence - although in Joni Mitchell's case the influence is much more obvious. Laura Nyro clearly changed Joni's style from straight-ahead folk to a more free-flowing improvisational style. Steely Dan's music sounds nothing like Laura Nyro - they were more more just fans.

[@crimfan]

@@spindriftdrinker I think Laura Nyro's use of all those slash chords and suspended tonalities was influential for the development of their ears, but clearly Steely Dan went even further into jazz territory.

[@Gonzo2707]

Youreally did it...😄 Awesome stuff, thanks a bunch!

[@NealKlein]

Your lesson has flow without promising too much. It's a door opener. Inviting. Very, very well done. Thank you.

[@dougfa3515]

Steely Dan! Great stuff!

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Please, more Steely! 👊🏻✌🏻🙌🏻▶️🎶🔈