Chordplay - ZZ Top (Blues Secrets From Texas)

Here's the next episode of Chordplay with ZZ Top (Blues Secrets From Texas). As I mentioned in this video, the most popular lesson on the LNL channel is the ZZ Top Chordplay episode from last year, so after posting the Blues Guitar Chords episode a few days ago, I decided to follow that lesson by taking another look at Billy Gibbons and diving a little deeper into his Texas blues-rock mastery.
The chord-based ideas and song examples in this lesson were pulled from ZZ Top's early material and features bluesy numbers such as 'Blue Jean Blues,' 'Hot Blue And Righteous,' 'Avalon Highway,' 'Certified Blues,' 'Just Got Back From Baby's' and more!
There's no question that Billy Gibbons and ZZ Top are essential blues-rock masters from the 1970s and beyond, as they've reached their 52nd year making music, and with a new studio album and another solo album from Gibbons, it's obvious they're not slowing down anytime soon!
Give this episode a view, leave some comments/feedback, and please subscribe to Late Night Lessons - THANK YOU!

[@cravertom]

I Gotsta Get Paid.......nuff said.

[@brianphelps1183]

So glad you did another ZZTOP. This was awesome.

[@timbaker1320]

I'm 63 years old and Avalon Hidaway is absolutely one my favorites since it came out. I really boogies.

[@potwms99]

I met Billy G. in 1979 when I worked at Gibson Nashville. He watched me build a Les Paul Custom. He is one of the nicest guys I've ever met.

[@gl123tester]

Zz top is my favorite band. Thanks so much for reviving my love for these classic tunes that I've thought would be so cool to play. Explaining the chords to these deep cuts is glorious.

[@stringbender11672]

"Pan-Am Highway Blues" off of Tejas is my jam. Very overlooked song and album. Great vid!!!🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@zeus-bx9xw]

il check that out..

[@pastureexpectationsfarm6412]

ZZ Top was what we played in the tape deck when we cruisedv the boulevards in my buddy's 1952 Chev hardtop.

[@alexcastro7339]

One thing about ZZTop that people don't mention a lot. Their riffs are basically simple but they serve as a perfect vehicle for Billy's and Dusty's OUTSTANDING soulful and bluesy vocals. The vocals play a significant part of their appeal.. along with Billy's great lead lines, of course... 😎

[@hrstrat57]

Calling out notes vs fret numbers really separates you from other KZbin stars. Well done!

[@buddylobos5277]

Glad to hear you notice the Dropped D possibility. Saves my hands from having to use CBD oil for the pain at nite!

[@strivingx67]

Sometimes it takes me a minute to get what you are playing on these riffs. But with that said, I appreciate you are not going over it note by note in excruciating detail that takes 5 minutes for the explanation of the riff. lol. Good stuff here Dave!

[@ericcross7863]

Billy is the best......his tone on "enjoy and get it on" from Tejas is killer!

[@edgarfoerster9831]

Love that record too man. Last doozie before the long beards!👌

[@sergebasque8460]

Great licks from the mighty Billy Gibbons thanks. I’am the same blue&Rock also get me busing.✌️👌👍

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

Never get tired of the reverend Billy

[@maxwellhavins8078]

Thank you for this gem Brewster-man. You're stellar!!!

[@jasonroberts3353]

"sure got cold"..........beautiful !.

[@ryanstaggs5956]

Thank You! I love early ZZ Top. I love ZZ Top regardless. I love that Texas swagger and that sass that Billy had in the 70's. I would sell my soul to be able to play like he did on the their first two albums. That fist lick in the solo of Brown Sugar, The tone and the riff in Whisky N Mama. Stops me dead in my tracks every time. That diabolical lead fill in first 30 seconds of Down Brownie, When the band comes in on Just Got Paid and just takes off. The lead on the remastered version of Chevrolet. Some of the tastiest guitar playing I've ever heard. Jaws on the floor every time I hear it. David Its awesome to see a player and teacher like yourself break these down and play them like they should to be played. Unfortunately ZZ Top's stuff gets butchered by a lot of KZbin guitar players. I can see why guys are flocking to your ZZ Top content. Like the rest of your content..... its quality. Please keep em coming and continued success.

[@markbaird2657]

Thank you thank you thank you! 70’s ZZ and the current Billy F Gibbons stuff is the greatest music ever made!

[@grahamsampson769]

I admire how accurately and authentically you play all these riffs. Plus, you can't hide your passion for the guitar.

[@mlfonseca7033]

You have an elegant taste of music, just like me. ZZ-Top, Van Halen and all that sort of sounds from the 70’s. Congratulations dude! I’m from São Paulo, Brazil.

[@bobhill102]

Love all the rockin blues , next do some Skynyrd , the way you do , unlike alot of the hack lessons 👍

[@glowingturtle9673]

Big Billy fan! Thank you for this video!

[@derekclacton]

Another top ZZ Top lesson! 😎😎😎

[@tat2dlukydevl]

Another great lesson!!! ZZ Top is tops for me.. Thanks for sharing..peAce

[@rs4425]

Certified Blues, of course!

[@b500l8]

Their documentary by Banger films was excellent

[@TheSixfinger1]

Heard Tres Hombres! Nothing was the same after that! The Rev is it! Forget the rest!

[@mjb20224]

I love these lessons! So good!

[@filotest3093]

Great to see another ZZ Top lesson. Thank you!

[@kalania14]

Mr Brewster you have by far the best guitar channel. Your intelligence, skill level and tasty chops are excellent for all level players. Love Billy Gibbons. Mahalo for all you do.

[@dmc549]

This channel is a gem. Thank you so much David. Keep them coming !

[@jbravo3l3]

Thank you! Amazing insights you give to the works! This is awesome.

[@frankiedonofrio5438]

Your Lessons have been on a Roll!!!!

[@rupervo9047]

I just stumbled upon this and I am really impressed! You sir are a BADASS!

[@h0tsex0r]

Awwwwe yeaaaaa

[@1dswylde]

As always another great lesson! 😎🎸

[@donaldkelly2976]

Great playing and teaching! Thanks. Keep pumping out ZZ Top videos

[@s4tchowns]

Nice one Dave! Thanks for all you do!

[@morrisonmcqueen1364]

Appreciate the second ZZtop lesson. Love it!

[@carrielittlecplaster1620]

love what you do dood!! Billy is a monster guitarist and you are up there too man!!

[@innocentbystander2673]

New subscriber, love your work. Thank you for the awesome no BS content. Go you. :)

[@johnhoward2687]

Another cool lesson. Love Billy and ZZ Top. Those are some deep cuts too. Thanks Dave.

[@ransbarger]

Thanks for your hard work David.

[@hakankillberg6043]

This is awesome. Great playing, thanks

[@ollid.5590]

Another great lesson!

[@reinerstevie289]

billy is great, i saw him, dusty, and frank on many, many tours

[@TheCream14]

Awesome lessons! You're a great player and nice guy! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@briankierans2926]

Great stuff. Brilliant breakdown of some of ZZtops bluesy songs. Thanks for sharing.

[@rcolang1]

outstanding lesson!!! Thanks

[@brucehelppie6119]

way cool breakdowns. you nailed the notes and tone.

[@kurtisr2339]

Also: I wanted to click "like" for at least three dozen different moments throughout. Time for KZbin to update the feature.

[@adamthirdbourne324]

So good. Thank you. Yep, ZZ TOP rocks.

[@gobodega5226]

Many thanks David. Another fine lesson with filigree bends and vibratos and a smoking tone 🙂👍👍

[@tomleaney4780]

Man, you play those rifs nicely. Great vid, thanks dude.

[@BB2446]

One Foot in The Blues is a GREAT CD!! Thank you for making this lesson

[@jonnybeck6723]

Thanx mang... I really dig all your artwork AND... luv the test pattern screen at the close. Billy Gibbons is a recurring reference to all guitar plunkers...I appreciate your vid. So thanx again and Cheers

[@markmckeever7483]

Billy Gibbons is one of my favorite guitar players , so thanks for the episode!

[@zeus-bx9xw]

Dave ...cool Hendrix shirt.... i wait in anticipation for your videos... THE BEST..

[@voronOsphere]

Blues Secrets from ZZ Top via Late Night Lesson!!! Thanks, David!!!!

[@voronOsphere]

"Blue Jean Blues" is absolutely beautiful!

[@bradleyamor8854]

Jimi shirt is awesome,love your stuff

[@dirktucker77]

ZZ Top love it brother!!

[@VonBluesman]

Congratulations for layin down some righteous Billy Gibbons licks, you definitely have paid your dues. Play on Jimi !!! 🎸👍👏✌️😎

[@sidneysnottley6414]

Totally enjoyed - Big Thankks

[@frederickthompson8686]

Dave, I really dig your understated approach. You're massively talented and have great insights into how students learn. I really look forward to "Late Night..." Many thanks.

[@Craig_Fussell]

LOVE 70s ZZ Top!! Thanks so much for this man. Billy Gibbons is not only a hook master, he’s is a fantastic rhythm player. Love how he’s able to arrange ways to play their multi tracked records live on stage and still have that huge sound too! ✌🏻🎸🎶

[@loveguitars]

Hey David, Awesome!! Time for some ZZ Top Blue Jeans Blues Riffs Lesson!!😎👍

[@bradyoung1052]

I just scored some really good tickets for zz top, and I'm super excited. Great lesson, your a excellent teacher.

[@danpearson2471]

Great! Wonderful!

[@jasonroberts3353]

lovin this, love BFG, i picked up the guitar coz of him !.

[@greg77hot]

Love it !!!

[@rickcontreras4943]

Great stuff wow you make it look so easy

[@berryoaks3061]

As always awesome lessons, and I love the shirt :-)

[@pablodebiddlybo3771]

The Reverend has all the spice and more! His phrasing and bending is incredible. Such an underrated player. Great lesson once again !

[@RodsGuitar]

Great lesson Dave. Just can't do enough Zz Top or Van Halen breakdowns like this. Your such a chilled out teacher but the content of your lessons is right on the money. If I'm working on a song I always check your channel to see if you've done a lesson on the band first to put it in context. I don't play in a band, probably like most of your viewers so really love these rhythm type lessons where you fill out the part with scratches, fills open strings and the bassline moving along. Helps me get a better groove going and makes a single electric guitar sound much better. 🇮🇪🤘🇮🇪

[@uncleremus5046]

🍺’ski your right there’s nothing like Early Raw ZZ Top. It has a special feel that just gets ya!Another great one. 🤘

[@zeus-bx9xw]

Frank Zappa licks... oooooh yeah

[@ganderstein3426]

Dusty, Frank and Willy G. are awesome! Good video. Thanks for paying them the respect they deserve. They just had a Billy Gibbons Tribute Concert.

[@kurtisr2339]

Sheer brilliance. Huge fan of your work, and hopeful you'll one day cover The Stray Cats and/or Brian Setzer. Cheers!

[@rickleblanc6502]

Dave you are the best I love ZZ Tops first couple of albums I like there other stuff to but First Album, Rio Grande Mud, Tres Hombres are the best ones in my opinion I have seen them live 3 or 4 times in the 70's Keep up the good work on your channel You are inspiring me to play again

[@rowleycreations]

So good Love your insight! It'd be great to see you do a Billy gibbons slide techniques video. Thanks so much for your hard work and abilities to create these great videos!!!

[@StealthParrot]

Gotta love early Billy Gibbons. Not quite as obscure perhaps since it came a bit later, but Tube Snake Boogie from El Loco has that early raw vibe too. Great video, thanks!

[@Paul_at_9]

BFG is the man. I really came late into ZZTop, but my god! I have been enjoying myself immensely going through their cattledog.

[@thepiperofsimms9974]

There was something unusual about "Tejas". Loved it. I'm playing around with the "Theremin" for "Cheap Sunglasses." The way it is written gives you the chance to go back and forth on both instruments. Now boogie children. Thank you Late Night. Yuma, AZ.

[@Buddy969]

Great lesson! I absolutely love the songs that you chose as examples. I would have bet you were going to use the LP on this one. The strat sounded great. Keep up the great work! 🔥

[@mbreinin]

Good, good stuff. Love BFG, he is the man. Sounds simple, but it is not! One of a kind.

[@MrBillRizer]

I worked at a musical instrument store 10 years ago and a pedal came in that Billy signed, it was a contest prize. I touched it and was so excited to think that the great man Billy Gibbons had also. Legend. Tres Hombres is my favourite album of theirs. We love you Dusty rest in rock 'n roll sir.

[@leechild4655]

Awesome Top lesson Dave. We could use a few more of these how it was done from that little ol` band from Texas. Also, Billy could slide the slide like crazy when the song called for it. Not sure if you want to get into that element, slide, and open tunings, but maybe for a future video. Cheers

[@guitar9310]

Man avalon highway sounds like one way out by allman brothers. That's dope!!!

[@mesmogruvinski]

Your technique is su pa fiiiiine!

[@JAYJAYTOKYO]

excellent lesson

[@jim-stacy]

You got me- I'm subscribed

[@michaelheaton6901]

excellent insight.

[@thomasjurd172]

Hi David, love your channel and taste. Loved the lesson on the cult .. I stopped playing at 24 and picked up my led Paul I bought after my wife passed 2 years ago and find I have 5 hours a day for another 18 months and want to get better so bad.. Getting there but I find it hard to find a good teacher.. I think if I had some lessons I could progress much faster.

[@nickbrown8892]

Another fascinating and addictive lesson - thank you. By the way another great deal for those without the early ZZ Top is the 10 CD set of the Studio Albums 1970-1990. A new set cost me just under £27 via a well know auction site

[@easyriderm1314]

Hey David, I tell you, I really dig you post. I’m 57, am I started playing in the 70’s. I have a lot of influences, being self taught, but Hendrix, Farner, and Gibbons are probably my two actual greatest influences. My favorite ZZ Top are the 1st 4 albums. I started listening to Top when Tejas was released. Let me thank you for your post. Man, you are informative., and a great way to check And cross check yourself when playing. Thank you brother!

[@baynesstreetblues]

Thanks Dave. An interesting preamble, for folks unfamiliar with ZZ Top’s first 5 albums, but the tutorial really kicks off at 3:14 My favourite slow picking style is ‘Hot Blue & Righteous’ (what a title for a blues song) from 10:04

[@mark89v]

1 of my favorite riffs of all time is "Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings." And how 'bout "Precious and Grace," the guitar solo in "Beer Drinkers.." "Just Got Back From Baby's," Enjoy and Get It On," the tempo change at the end of "I'm Bad I'm.." etc etc.. Billy seemed to always play the right note at the right time at the right pace. Some great quirky productions to boot. Awesome.

[@mark89v]

Oh yeah.. thanks for the vids man!

[@MikeCindyWhite]

Awesome bro! perfect timing... I was just listing to Billy jam this morning on my way to work, Cranked! As always thanks for the great lesson my friend 🎸🎸👍

[@mnegline1971]

thats exactly what i was going to write! I actually thought this was an old video suggested to me by my iphone spying on my ZZ Top activity in the past few weeks

[@kurtisr2339]

@@mnegline1971 Ditto! I've been listening to Billy--and, weirdly, One Foot in the Blues--on repeat, so when this popped it felt like Big (Apple) Brother watching. Ha! Mr. Brewster has his finger on the pulse.

[@whovanstaveren3198]

Hi, First time I heard 'Blue Jean Blues', I was blown away completely. How the H*ll does he do this? Well, he is one of a kind, that is! 🤓🎸

[@feralgeek7605]

Awesome video of one of my favorites and I love their early albums. Those songs are not obscure to me!! Do you do a video on the soloing on Blue Jean Blues? Love your playing and your instruction is dead on! Thanks!