Darrel Higham - Rockabilly Guitar

Hi and welcome to my channel here on KZbin. Please check out my Patreon page at / darrelhighammusic and my website for albums and gig news - www.darrelhigham.com
This was supposed to be a follow-up to the Rollin' & Tumblin' solo, but I sort of rambled on and ended up playing loads of my favourite rockin' solo's!! Its terrible editing and I talk a load of nonsense but I feel its a broad look at Rockabilly playing in general and have decided to upload it here to see if it helps any of you out that have stumbled upon this with a new interest in the music. Or even if you know the music well but get stuck on a few things every now and then.
This video might help out, or it might not. But I haven't done much of this sort of thing before and so I'm making it up as I go along!
The songs played - in no particular order, in keeping with the general vibe of the video - are as follows;
SWEET LOVE ON MY MIND - A brief look at Grady Martin from his work with the great Johnny Burnette & The Rock 'n' Roll Trio.
GOOFIN' AROUND - Frannie Beecher's magnificent playing with Bill Haley on this wonderful instrumental.
BIG SANDY - By Bobby Roberts. I've no idea who played lead guitar on this, but I'd love to shake his hand if he's still around.
TEENAGE BOOGIE - The Webb Pierce track, much loved by all who've heard it. A sort of absent-minded version here, but you'll get the jist of it...
ROCKIN' & FLYIN' - A little bit of the solo Eddie Cochran plays in an out-take that hasn't been released yet but I've got on a CD that has all the known takes of it.
BLUE JEAN BOP - A token effort at some Cliff Gallup.
HOT DOG - A great solo from Shakin' Stevens first big hit from 1979. I know not who played this, either, but he's brilliant.
So there you go. Hope its of some help.
Cheers,
Darrel Higham

[@BonFathead]

this guy is a hero , completely underrated!

[@marknicklen]

HAVING SEEN DARREL LIVE A FEW TIMES I AM IN AWE OF THIS GUYS TALENT!

[@beatroot09]

This is the type of guitar teaching I like - "Just thump it a bit and it will sound fine...". And it does!

[@gelatosamurai]

As a beginner i always love finding a player that i can musically relate to.. AND understand. Thanks so much for the great lesson..

[@Barnekkid]

Rock and roll summed up in four words: a noise that works. Genius.

[@BaronsDuju]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. You're a great teacher!

[@MrUsurer]

Thank you, Darrel - it is really a cool thing to watch. It looks like you've found a good balance between the explanation of an idea and showing a number of tricks to try.

[@ediepetrachi4552]

Go Man GO! This is great, such a great vibe and sounds.

[@RobinHood5045]

I'm a big fan of your playing Darrel! This is a good video showing the different styles of great players.

[@Stephen-uk2in]

Just found this video, it's amazingly cool of you to post this!

[@speakertreatz]

just pure ..magic, hearing Mystery Train played so perfectly with the exact sound, rips straight through you. Looking forward to your new album Darrel

[@noopster100]

Hi Darrel , thanks , this helps me a lot with whats a pretty new style in playing for me and with your message post above for finding stuff ive not known much . ive heard and seen a lot of your music over the last while , great stuff fella , id like to shake you by the hand ! Cheers and thanks again for the vid .

[@magodelarosa]

Het Darrell... since I discovered his music in my soul there is a new spirit of harmony, thank you and Imelma for your! Hey Darrell congrats for the both. this is going to be one spoilt bairn with many aunts and uncles she will have. I LOVE THEM BOTH!. GREETINGS FROM COLOMBIA!!!!

[@davemacleod]

Superb work Darrel. That's 13 minutes and 42 seconds of pure gold-dust. It'll take me weeks to absorb even a fraction of it - but it is great to have a goal to aim for. Thanks.

[@patriotj5426]

Mr Higham, Thanks for your work and the lesson.

[@stevemmx]

This is my first introduction to rockabilly and I'm hooked!!!!!!!!!

[@wallytjr256]

Simply awesome! Thanks for the tips!

[@awatson1968]

Thank you. I'm 34, been playing since 13, playing rockabilly since 16, had a couple bands but I've never been that great, I've always enjoyed it. This video and you others are extremely helpful giving me new things to try that I haven't figured out on my own. Thanks again.

[@gc210759]

Hi Darrel, you've totally blown me away. Great playing. I thought I was reasonable, but you're different class. Keep the tutorials coming - please!

[@bobkat1959]

Darrel this is wonderful! Thanks so much!

[@ziggerzag101]

Darrel - you're a busy guy so much kudos for posting this excellent video. You've given me about a years worth of material to practice on - I'm a late comer to Rockabilly and wish I had "discovered" it earlier but the web is proving a great resource. Really pleased to see you and Imelda getting the recognition and media attention your massive talents richly deserve. Hope all goes well and look forward to hearing lots more from both of you. Keep on Rocking!

[@paulyberry]

Nice lesson! I had to pause it every now and then to keep up with what you were playing, but you give a very solid outlook on the sort of things that players of this genre run into. Thanks! - Paul

[@classican]

Really excellent video, good to see a well known player taking time out to make video such as this. Hat's off to you.

[@JNITLOST]

Brilliant laid back teaching!

[@JustChiminin]

Rockabilly master . . Thank you Darrel for sharing some of your insights. Recently purchased your Live at the Thunderbird CD. This is how it's done folks!

[@Syncroschannel]

Absolutely fantastic grab bag of guitar riffs and concepts...this video is a Tardis of music! Great job :-) Dave

[@rramnagar]

Super.. Thanks for the lesson.. Please post more.. Love it...

[@raphaelrousso7124]

just discovered your playing and appriciating it a lot, like said before i should be able to play that all because of you sharing your skills, thanks a lot and long live rock n roll

[@440chally]

thank you darrel its great your doing these videos. not easy finding good sources to rockabilly guitar playing!

[@steviesilver4192]

Great stuff Darrel...thanks much.

[@bobmac4282]

excellent - sharing some great stuff here - thanks so much!!

[@steerpike50]

Great vid darrel , great info for us newbies, keep em coming

[@rockabillylaker]

Darrel, you're truly a talented player. You have so much versatility in your playing. To me, you're up there with Setzer and Jim Heath.

[@country1940]

Awesome playing, Darrel. I first came across you on the demo CD with Guitarist mag. of the Eddie Cochran tribute guitar then saw you on the Jeff Beck R & R Party DVD. Great to see guys like you keeping Rockabilly alive. It's been my favourite branch of R & R since it began. I fell in love with Gretsch guitars when I first saw Eddie play his in The Girl Can't Help It way back in 1957 and never could afford one until they brought out the 5120. I now have an Orange one and love it. Keep on rockin'.

[@gavinsmith9016]

Could listen to you play guitar all day. Some nice tips thrown in. Thanks

[@64Ludwigs]

Cheers Darrell. there are a lot of great players around but teaching is a skill all of it's own. You nail them both

[@MrDxbrown]

You're a Boss! Great stuff!!

[@Northernspotter101]

Learned so much from this thank you Darrel.

[@halweston]

@TheMG63 Thanks very much, Mick - good to hear from you. Loved your videos as well. Nice to see someone passionate about our great country for a change!

[@SuperOlds88]

Man, what a great and helpful vid. Thank you.

[@adamherring6693]

fantasic, i also love the les paul tribute show too, now the train kept a rolling is in the set list, along with my baby left me. cheers Darrel, great lesson.

[@nman48]

I love this form of music. I started playing in 1961 but mainly rythym guitar. I borrow some of your stuff but never had the speed you show. You make it look simple, but I know better.

[@thealloyd4292]

I never tire of watching this lesson ,DH is a natural teacher a brilliant exponent of rockabilly. Even tempted me to get a zip up cardigan ! Arf

[@zelpho3]

What a great lesson! Many thanks.

[@moriscengic]

Amazing Darrel, thanks you 're the king!

[@MacReviewzOnline]

EXCELLENT PLAYING , feel and sound !

[@Gonzoidzz]

amazing playing. I'm blues rock but these styles ... love them.

[@IneedRockTherapy]

A master class! Thanks.

[@collyboy1]

excellent lesson Darrel - thanks a lot! Also, good to see the cardy making a come back.

[@Lookup2Wakeup]

Nice approach to your teaching. I learned new stuff to solo with the D chord shape in the E position.

[@waynewhite366]

excellent teacher thanx darrel

[@JuanCarlosArenasSalcedo]

Great stuff, a lot of material to slowly go into. Many thanks!

[@silvermanewesleyjohn5486]

love your discussion of chord shapes

[@surfstomp]

Thanks for the tips. That is one funky amp you are playing through but you make it work out.

[@TheTomplum]

Ha Ha " its just a noise realy, but it works"! classic, enjoyed your lesson thanks :)

[@Bru65]

Thank so much Darrel! This video might help out, or it might not ... ? This is a a great service. Wonderfull! I hope to se you live in Milan Italy.

[@bilrux]

Very cool licks! Thanks for sharing.

[@moriscengic]

Thanks Darrel, you 're the KING!!!

[@MyCrazyDogs32]

This is good stuff!! Thank you for the lesson and explaining it the way you did - not too simple and slow.

[@CedricSatterfield]

You're right, its more of a noodling video, but still, I love the playing and the little snippets. Im getting into playing some older 50's and 60s country, rock and surf type stuff, and this was a great listening intro to some variations of the broad genre. Its an interesting era as guitars became electrified how you'd find beautiful full acoustic arch bodies playing directly against newly electrified versions, and how the genres all cross into each other. Love it all, though. Great post.

[@Sp-lv5jx]

you're one of the best man

[@juiceterry67]

I took up Classical guitar at 40, 45 now ,and on grade 6 so far. Never too late.

[@123gretsch321]

Love this playing, i hope to se you live some day.. and i also hope you do more of this videos!!!!

[@SuperCrackerjacks]

Thanxs a lot Darrel. So cool stuff. I´m been thinking that I should learn Teenage Boogie from the record but you showed it to me. Great. Keep on rockin`!

[@waynewhite366]

Thanx for the help mate.

[@BrianKaplanUCNBG]

You are a very Humble Man..thanks for giving your talent and knowledge Away!! 1 I am inspired to try and learn now what I was learning when I was 13...now mind you I am 62...it is never to late? Right? Brian thank you Darrel!

[@winnishave]

Best lesson and demo ever ! - greetings from germany winni

[@rydes68]

Santa's bringing me my very own second hand, left handed 6120, no more copies. Your playing is something to aspire to..cheers..

[@blondegretsch]

Merci Darrel de partager se grand moment de rock'n'roll.Tu es un fantastique guitariste.

[@Internetpolice666]

Damn, you're too good. :-) I thought I could pick up some tips but you're simply too gifted. But a great insight into these styles and songs. Thanks for that.

[@coupe662]

Thank you very much for doing this! it helps out alot. I really like Eddie Cochran, always have.. and bumped into your music some time ago, saw a clip of you speaking about Eddie.. it was intresting and quite emotinal to watch! such a talent! I must say, I really like your stuff too man! Keep up the good work Darell! you should make a DVD lession

[@collyboy1]

most helpful - please upload some more!

[@MrArtist1971]

Great teaching...."More of a noise really - but it works." lol! But seriously you have it all here. Just figure out the progressions using these chord forms and you're there. Awesome.

[@billbates6887]

Excellent lesson

[@necrodogs]

Great stuff man. Thanks for the insights on the details :-)

[@halweston]

Thanks, Graeme is a great guy and superb bass player. I enjoyed your videos as well - great pickin'!

[@StopStaringcom]

Learning a ton, thanks!

[@sul1961]

Darrel...Thanks for posting, Ive been playing for years now, but have real problems with playing lead so always stuck with rhythm and singing! Always enjoyed your playing and think these lessons are great, explained really clearly... I think its really good that you can take time out and put these lessons on, shows youve got great passion for the guitar and the music..... it might release that lead player in me one day!..Cheers and good luck to you and Imelda on the forthcoming arrival !!! Sul

[@noekpat]

Hey Darell Thanks for all inspiration and keep on the good work with Emelda. Greetings Patrick(Wild May West).

[@clydec12yde]

Good stuff. pleased to meet you..

[@KostasMil]

Hello Darrel!I'm a huge fan of your guitar playing! You show me the existence of the hybrid picking, you made me love that way of playin and Merle and Chet tough me how to take it a step further! I thing that the element that makes your playin unique is the trills though, you use between the musical phrases of your solos and sound extremely smooth. Anyway i just wanted to tell you that I need more of your vids, they are really helpful!Wish you all the best!

[@TedGreenBeachFishing]

I first heard you on Geoff Barkers Rock n Roll Party a few years ago, the song was you playing/singing Elvis's ' Way Down ' the solo gave me goose bumps, loved it. Because of that I bought a Gretsch and took up playing the guitar, I have always been into Rockabilly and rock n Roll and really enjoy listening to your guitar playing/singing, These lesson's are really going to help me get better, Thank you.

[@rafaelmarchanteangulo4582]

awesome sound!!

[@danallured5806]

why aren't those notes on MY guitar!lol,awesome playing AND married to imelda may! some guys have all the luck! love this guy.

[@465marko]

This was great, thanks a lot! I like your cardigan too. Maybe I will get one like it for Christmas. Thanks again!

[@steviesilver4192]

Hey Darrel, I just came across your video. Thanks very much. Looks like you've got quite the record collection. :)

[@richardjohnson7426]

Very nice I should be able to learn this

[@RobinHood5045]

There's some really good interesting stuff here Darrel.

[@kirbonite]

I've seen lots of these.. I thought you expplained that very well.. better than most I've seen.. I mostly play banjo now but Rockabilly is my true love. K.

[@baffoepizzo]

great job, i'm gonna learnig a lot with your video

[@its4paul]

Some interesting insights there Darrel - thanks for sharing. I've been listening to Scotty Moore, Cliff Gallup, Eddie Cochran, Franny Beecher, Setzer, Mickey Gee etc for 30+ years and of course yourself (maybe not quite 30 years ha ha) but a lot of how stuff they played has been a mystery to me so this video has given me quite a few pointers. Thanks for doing this! :)

[@AugustinSabicas]

You are a great player, awesome style and technique

[@Thumbshifter]

Now THAT is a fantastic cardigan! The playing, the guitar, the tone is all good of course, but there's a man who's happy in a cool cardi!

[@thechetpicker]

Hi Darrel. Thanks for uploading this. Its given me a few top tips for sure. I think you know the slap bass player in my rock and roll band (The Sonny Ray Band) called Graeme Grant. He used to be in 'Demented are go' and he said you were a top bloke. Anyway, all the best and keep the videos coming please. Thanks James

[@TommyHarkenriderguitar]

Very Cool! Don't change a thing. I worked through the Barnes mehtod book and I think the chord structure approach to building melodies is where its at for roots oriented music. Nice to see that you are doin the same thing. It validates a teacher with far less facilty, meaning me. thanks man!

[@halweston]

Thanks Billy - I checked out your videos and they were great. Thanks for the comments. All the best.

[@humilitybeforehonor]

Thanks for sharing your licks.

[@texas77581]

Brilliant, many thanks

[@Martin1968Boats]

Hi Darrel you are great. I just got to know you and Imelda today through Ellain from Ontario. Im a big fan of Brian Setzer you and Imelda are now in my list. Welcome to play in Oman

[@WestbouneDave]

Fantastic gig at The Sage Gateshead last night, thanks for a great Monday night! I really liked the live rendition of Knock 123 and I'd love to see your tips & tricks on that. Nice guitar last night, too.