Dropped E Tuning - Last Train to Clarksville

[@tjd58]

One of the best online tutorials I've come across in a long, long time. Thank you Mike!!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Tim!

[@uspsdaveable]

Mike I’m so glad I found you, as a Vet I want to thank you, as a guitar player I want to thank you.. love your lessons and your approach.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks for your service and for the kind words, Dave!

[@gregspencer8472]

That's brilliant...never thought of that. Saves putting your guitar out of whack.

[@AdaptivePhenix]

Meh, no need when you have a Variax 😁👍

[@connormurphy7684]

Steve Earle does that with the Capo as well!

[@steveb9325]

Thank you Mike and to all the veterans: "welcome home "!!! Hugs, love and respect.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Steve!

[@pjm329]

I use that tuning for several songs. I love the way is sounds.

[@beefmelt]

What a wonderful tone on that guitar... thank you

[@scottwest9443]

Clever tuning and a great little lesson! Beauty of a little guitar too btw. First vid I’ve seen by you and you’ve earned another subscriber! Keep it up!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thank you Scott! I’ve got about a dozen altered tuning lessons you may enjoy, including Double Dropped D, Man of Constant Sorrow which has been popular. Appreciate the kind words.

[@garynewton9809]

Brilliant, I've tried the "monkees " way on my 12 string, but now I can hammer it out on my 6 string, I'm also a vet from the British army. Well done, carry on.( and Yes, I've subscribed).

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Gary, and thank you for your service!

[@peterford9369]

Thanks for your service as well. But I m an American vet. But we all did our share and proud to have. But I'll tell you, with government members being what they are today,,,makes u wonder if putting yourself on the line was a plus.

[@iccus62]

great tutorial. Its always nice learning the old hits.

[@michaeledmonson4169]

Very cool. I was right there with you on Saturdays. Have not heard that song ima few years. You inspire me to pick up my guitar.

[@jefftech8497]

Dammit, Mike! I had plans to work on a different song, but the drop E caught my eye. I’ll just watch it real quick... Let me just grab the guitar and check it out for minute...By the end of my practice time I was still playing the freakin’ Monkees! Thanks for the great lesson!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Jeff! I hate it when that happens! 😀

[@joemartin906]

Mike thanks for putting that tune together !!!!!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

My pleasure Joe! This was one of my earliest videos and I’m considering doing a new and improved version soon. Thanks!

[@paulhoughton5164]

I love getting these tutorials Mike . You pick so many songs I want to learn - must be on the same wavelength I guess- and you make it so easy to learn them. Many thanks from the uk. Creep em coming and happy Xmas

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Paul!

[@davidturner1860]

Thanks Mike. Really enjoying your channel. Have a great day and keep up the good work. All the best from Vietnam.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks David! All the best to you way over yonder in Vietnam!

[@davidturner1860]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Cheers mate.

[@mcmac1272]

I discovered Drop E awhile back and use it all the time!

[@petethefeet5281]

Great video as usual Mike thanks - Ive been using this trick for some time now but never thought of it as dropped e - I copied it from Steve Earle to play Tennessee blues.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Pete! When I first started teaching it, I tried a couple of different terms to describe it. Now I just call it the “capo hack”.

[@atticusfinch4687]

What an excellent clear and concise lesson all around! Fantastic!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Atticus!

[@melroberts7987]

Wow So very cool! I use a capo plenty of times but this a first! Great lesson! And great vocals I must say.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks so much Mel!

[@9921moo]

good video buddy...it`s important to sing the song as part of instruction which you did...some people don`t...good job !!!

[@stagelifelv9324]

Just what I was looking for! Thank you so much!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

That’s great! Thanks SL.

[@KeiththeLongshoreman]

I now have a new source to aid on my journey to become a better player! Thnx for the inspiration and the drop d hack is genius. Liked and subscribed.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Keith!

[@brianharbut4054]

That was a great version and a fabulous & unusual guitar! Thanks also for the link on that! 👍

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Brian!

[@warren52nz]

I use that capo trick on Norwegian Wood too. It's a great technique. Last Train to Clarksville is in G though originally which makes the lead bit at the beginning really easy. A bit harder to sing the high notes though.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

I can’t hit those vocals in G anymore. Thx for the comment NZ.

[@warren52nz]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons I can't either. Based on suggestions from the Internet I've tuned my Martin 12 string down to D so I could probably do it in "G" on that. If I want to play something in concert pitch I just put a capo on 2. Latest revelation on that is if I put a capo on 2 on my 12 string but only the bottom 4 strings and play an "Fadded9" (shape) with a stab it sounds amazingly like the first chord in Hard Days Night. Try it.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

@@warren52nz I researched the opening chord to A Hard Day’s Night and did a recording using 2 guitars and piano. It might be the most iconic guitar strum of all time!

[@warren52nz]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons I think so. Everything is likely to be a compromise unless you have all the instruments and performers on stage to pull it off. Randy Bachman (Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive) got into the Apple studio and discovered what that chord actually is. It's on KZbin if you're interested. The one I described is a practical, convincing alternative if you only have one guitar.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

@@warren52nz I’ll upload my recording to SoundCloud and send you the link tomorrow. Can’t remember which KZbin I watched to get it right but it was very thorough. Cheers mate!

[@earthlingification]

Sweet. Thanks

[@johncaravello7513]

Thank you, Mike. You have inspired me to keep playing and learning to become a better guitarist.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks John! That makes my heart happy!

[@moose6676]

Once again a great tune explained perfectly thanks, love the Taylor by the way 👍🏻

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Round!

[@arieswaters]

Brilliant work my brother thank you if I ever see you I will buy you a beer

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thank you Aries! And I will buy the second round. Cheers!

[@chucklambert7283]

that is a cool guitar

[@flouisbailey]

As always I love your off-wall chords when you change tuning and simply say string 5 or string 4 they are not really A or D any more in my crowded head. Thanks my friend.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Lino!

[@DDawg-wj3um]

Thanks so much. I've been looking for an easy way for me to play this song for a while. Every time I gave up because it was to hard for me. Big thumbs up!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks David! Your comment is music to my ears... you capture the essence of what I am trying to achieve in sharing my lesson videos. 👍

[@ralfe.6604]

Great adaption! Thanks for posting !

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Ralf!

[@paulbalogh4582]

Great lesson!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Paul!

[@hansbeeksma1841]

Thank you Mike. Another great lesson. Gotta buy a Chubb right away!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Hans!

[@Bradnick930]

Thanks Mike. That's a good one for me to work on. This tuning hack also works great on The Eagles, "Already Gone" in D.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Bradlee! It is a very useful hack.

[@pmrparts]

I have used Drop E for years on Long Haired Country Boy. Band members always looked at me funny when I said I played in Drop E. I use the capo the same way you do in this video.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks for the comment Paul. We are kindred capo hackers!

[@dennisk5082]

Well done again Mike. I wait all week for your new gem!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Dennis!

[@skipmiller60]

Thanks Mike. Keep them Coming please. I like the drop e timing also.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Skip! Will do.

[@marksc1929]

..bravo 👏....Micky Dolenz was / is great ....thx 👍

[@57Jimmy]

A dropped E....Sounds like my high school report card!🤣👴🏻

[@mick947]

Great lesson but could you move the camera angle around to the front so that we can see your finger positions.

[@little8940]

I learned that trick from watching Steve Earle.

[@arieswaters]

Mike Kelly great listen cool stuff. Still love the monkeys in October 2021. Doodoo doodoo doodoo doodoo

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Aries!

[@eddiemcmullan1817]

Great job , Mickey would be proud.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Eddie!

[@JenandJohn]

It's OK Mike I've got it

[@MikeS29]

I use that same Drop E technique to play the theme song from The Detectorists BBC show... Thanks for the earworm now :-)

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

I play that one, too, Michael. I recorded it with an old British crooner singing the melody. Great song and show!

[@MikeS29]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons - yes it is a great show, would love to hear your version of theme song.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

@@MikeS29 here is a link to my version with an 85 year old British lead singer. soundcloud.com/mike-kelly-4/detectorists-theme

[@MikeS29]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons - nice! I really like your picking. Thanks for sharing, Mike!

[@jamesmcallister5494]

Tell us about that gorgeous guitar,,who built it,,nice easy lesson too,,helped me alot.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks James! Here is a link to the skinny on the guitar. danvillemusic.com/products/taylor-custom-ga-12-fret-sinker-redwood-queen-s-walnut-shaded-edge-burst-0027

[@bmelvin1234]

That sounds great

[@pastorbuckhall]

Hey great video. My only question, however, is regarding your Taylor. What woods are used? I'm looking to get a custom built GA 12 fret with Florentine cut, just like yours, but still debating on the wood to use. Thanks.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Pastor! This one is sinker redwood over walnut. I am convinced the top contributes 85% of the tone, as when I bought this one they had a nearly identical guitar with the only difference being it had an Adirondack spruce top. The redwood top made the tone such much fatter and the response immediate on the redwood versus the spruce. Here is a link to the details on my model, which my local store keeps ordering. They currently have 2 on order. danvillemusic.com/products/taylor-custom-ga-12-fret-sinker-redwood-queen-s-walnut-shaded-edge-burst-0027

[@DocRockBaby]

Brilliant, one of my favorite songs by the Monkeys, I do a version of it in DADGAD tuning, but I like your groove with the capo on 5 strings, sounds great, and just out of curiosity what guitar are you using? Its absolutely gorgeous....

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Doc! It’s a Taylor custom GA. Here is a link to the details. danvillemusic.com/collections/taylor-acoustics/products/taylor-custom-ga-12-fret-sinker-redwood-queen-s-walnut-shaded-edge-burst-0027

[@DocRockBaby]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Thanks for the link Mike you`re a gent.

[@rickykennedy]

Brilliant Mice love this some singer fa your Clans Man Ricky

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Aye... thanks Ricky. Hope you and your bonny lass sing this one together!

[@robertmalech820]

Great video, great song! Thanks for this!!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Robert!

[@danielr.schafer9504]

Great show!

[@chriscboland]

I shall have to get one of those capos. Nicely done, Sir!

[@GBPaddling]

Great stuff, did you all know it's a Vietnam protest song?

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks GB. Did not know that! But I can see it now... soldier wants to see his girl before deployed.

[@CharlieTWilbury]

Great job, thank you, Mike!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thank you Charlie!

[@MakeAllThingsBeautiful]

so pleased to find this, i love the song and the ideas but also the guitar!! i love that guitar ... where can i get one, i couldn't see the make but love everything about it, the design, finish, electric option, love your singing as well, well done, please tell me about the 'axe' hahaha

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks! Here is a link to the skinny on the guitar, Robert. They are sold out now, but have 2 more being built by Taylor. They have sold 5 since designing the model last year. danvillemusic.com/products/taylor-custom-ga-12-fret-sinker-redwood-queen-s-walnut-shaded-edge-burst-0027

[@MakeAllThingsBeautiful]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons it's an absolute beauty, in fact most guitars i have liked have been Taylor's, i must have very expensive taste, but they have got your guitar spot on, those inlays on the fretboard, the finish, and it probably is the best name in acoustic guitars, though my guitar playing is very much at the 'satelite' fender copy stage ... anybody remember them! Can i ask ... how much ... seems they are very limited edition .. which does sort of add to the appeal

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

They list at about $8500, but one can obtain them for about $6600 plus tax. Very expensive, but the best I’ve ever played.

[@Jleed989]

Good singing too

[@ronaldwhite5887]

Very nice, thank you it’s easy to forget the tunes we grew up with.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Ronald!

[@bennythejet4064]

Tip top fella! Good work 👍🏻

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Benny!

[@neiljones2264]

Awesome, subscribed after this,thanks so much.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Neil. Just getting ready to record and post this week’s song.

[@lestorhaslam7635]

Great tutorial, but is the guitar a Taylor? The slotted head seems to be rare, please let us know the exact model. Thanks.

[@batman48195]

Looks to be this one www.zzounds.com/item--TAY522CEV12F?siid=257119&gclid=Cj0KCQjwna2FBhDPARIsACAEc_XBy5JHHl4s1KDuvrdBtuiuygu-WoBK-0AHPayiRd0B_kcyW9aD-UAaAh4ZEALw_wcB

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks lestor! Here is the model. It is a custom build for a dealer near me. They are out now, but two are on the way. danvillemusic.com/collections/taylor-acoustics/products/taylor-custom-ga-12-fret-sinker-redwood-queen-s-walnut-shaded-edge-burst-0027

[@Redstagwsmnp]

Great lesson

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Red!

[@kevinlentz7604]

Great job love it

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Kevin!

[@suegates5]

🚩Hi Mike.. Not sure How u showed up in my notifications? But Saw ur Doing For Vets⭐.. U tugged my Heart. Just a thought, Saw all a various Chords ur throwing out there( odd ones, but good) Maybe, post a single page of the Chords, that are in the song. Plus the "Drop" Tunning? Great of you to be doin. Go Strong👍

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks for the kind words Sue! I am not sure how to post chord charts in the comments field. If you are on FaceBook, you can join our G4V Guitar Lessons group and download the song sheet, which does contain charts for nonstandard chords. The only nonstandard chord in this song is the C add D, which is middle finger on string 5 fret 3, ring finger string 2 fret 3, and pinky string 1 fret 3.

[@suegates5]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Thanks for the Link. Hey, If I can Help in Anyway..IM IN. Was just thinking,since your All hooked up on KZbin,and You sure have the Right Motive. Maybe,add a little more. Like All about Capos. Haven't watched all ur videos. I'm just spit balling,Ideas,to maybe take it a tad further. . No matter..What your doing is Fantastic 👍

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

@@suegates5 I love your enthusiasm! I do like to keep every video focused on a song, then build learning concepts around the song. Please feel free to chime in as often as you want! Thanks.

[@suegates5]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Hey,If I can Help in Anyway. Im On It! Nice Meeting you!

[@suegates5]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Sorry for coming back. Was thinking, If you focus around a Song, maybe just Write the Chords in order and day the Strumming Pattern EX: C for 4 D UDUx2/D chord-DUDU) Something like that. Just a thought. ?

[@barackmycat9448]

That was excellent.....

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Barack!

[@berniesnodgrass2349]

Steve Earle does this with the capo alot

[@anthonyciriglo3677]

Great lesson, thanks

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Anthony!

[@renevanleersum]

Thanx for the lesson I think it 's great and so is the guitar. Where can I get mine ? Greetz

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Rene. Here is a link to the store where I got it. Currently out, but more on the way! danvillemusic.com/products/taylor-custom-ga-12-fret-sinker-redwood-queen-s-walnut-shaded-edge-burst-0027

[@earlspearl2933]

It's nice to hear a guitar that's in tune .

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Earl. That’s a low bar, but I’ll take it!

[@earlspearl2933]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons I saw you got so many other compliments I thought you were maybe ready for the guitar to have a complement . it's beautiful and sounds good . currently I am entangled with a guitar that's hard to temper . the b string is a stubborn bish . thanx for your great vids . ur inspiration is priceless . I hope you're gonna have a great Holiday . Love to all Veterans of which I am one !

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

@@earlspearl2933 thanks very much Earl! No worries... this guitar, too, was a bit persnickety until I found the perfect strings for it. They are Martin Authentic 12.5s. Between light and medium, and perfect for the short scale.

[@earlspearl2933]

Hey brother Mike ! You did it ! I took your method and put different kind of strings on and my Alvarez and it tunes up and tempers in almost perfect . I picked up various strings and the first I tried was GHS acoustic in 80/20 . wow . sounds good and tempers almost instantly . thank you .

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

@@earlspearl2933 fantastic!

[@tedrowland7800]

Very nice! T.Y.

[@vega1925]

Ahh yes the old guy clark trick nice

[@disturbedcarrot]

Clever!

[@benporterguitar]

Love it mate

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Ben!

[@navaho5430]

I took my guitar down the vets and they kicked me out, got to practice more cheers.

[@MrAhor18]

Cheers mate

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

I just wanna know more about the guitar... Very unique looking

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

danvillemusic.com/products/taylor-custom-ga-12-fret-sinker-redwood-queen-s-walnut-shaded-edge-burst-0027

[@hybridmusclegarage4590]

Awesome lessons. What guitar is this? Thanks

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Hyb. Here is a link to the details on the guitar. danvillemusic.com/products/taylor-custom-ga-12-fret-sinker-redwood-queen-s-walnut-shaded-edge-burst-0027

[@hybridmusclegarage4590]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Holy cow LOL. $$$ its beautiful.

[@JamesAnderberg]

Liking it more and more!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks James!

[@JamesThomas-zl9er]

I thought you were going to break out into queen of califorinia for a moment :)

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

That’s a great tune, James!

[@francismaloney8775]

Well done 👏👏👍

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Francis!

[@francismaloney8775]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Thank you.... Enjoyed that, subscribed too

[@itchyego]

Great video…. To make the lesson even better… turn the camera or yourself in front of one another… that way one finger won’t block other fingers. As they kinda do now. -Ken in Hawaii.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks for the kind, gentle nudge, Ken! I am working on improving the angle, and will hopefully get to a point where I can satisfy the finger watchers. The good news is that I keep my songs simple and easy, and explain and/or show the chord shapes before launching the song. Given this, a clear view of each digit for the entire video should not be all that important in the grand scheme. Mahalo!

[@gregnuttall3637]

Like your style Bud.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Greg!

[@Rael0505]

Smart!

[@joemonroe1106]

I gotta say that there is a damn nice lookin Taylor.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Joe... means even more coming from a Martin (which I love, too) man!

[@rogerfoster8520]

Great lessons, SGM Foster (Retired)

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thank you, sir, and thanks for your service!

[@fokker313]

Nice, thanks!

[@sailingsvzara]

Love the guitar. What kind is it?

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks SSVZ! It is a custom Taylor GA. Here is a link to the details for your reading pleasure. danvillemusic.com/products/taylor-custom-ga-12-fret-sinker-redwood-queen-s-walnut-shaded-edge-burst-0027

[@paulbalogh4582]

Ooooooo…. Lovely……

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Paul!

[@congerscott6064]

I don't know if my eyes are playing tricks on me but it looks like that guitar body is made out of copper, i like it 👍🏆.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Redwood top and Walnut back/sides CS. It does look like copper!

[@lornedey4040]

It's sounds better in the original key of G incorporating cross picking. It also allows you to play up the neck on the break and be faithful to the original that Louie Shelton played in the studio.

[@flgator311]

Just found you, will be back my local G4V has not started back at my Vet Center because of the dang China Virus!!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Gator. Hopefully the chapters will slowly start to reopen. I restarted face to face lessons in early March, so maybe yours is not far behind.

[@koshersalaami]

That use of the capo is really cool, though i wouldn’t use it for Last Train to Clarksville because the the fast Mike Nesmith part is surprisingly easy in standard tuning. And I don’t understand why you’re changing the rhythm of the descending line. The original syncopation sounds better than squaring it off for no reason.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks kosh! It’s just my interpretation of the song through the lens of making it playable for my veteran students. I understand that it is hard for some to accept, as I get a few comments similar to yours every time I don’t do an exact replica. That’s cool. If you ever listen to a Beatles reissue box set, like White Album or Abbey Road, you can hear three or four versions of the same song. While My Guitar Gently Weeps is a good example. Two very different takes on the same song by the same composer. What reason did George Harrison have for changing it?

[@powerpopaholic876]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Improvement.

[@karlkotex77]

So how do I set up a Guitars for Vets here in San Diego? Chkd their site but it was no help and they didn't respond to my mail.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Charlie. Let’s talk. You can email me at [e-mail].

[@RUSTERFERIAN]

💜💜🔥🔥💜💜

[@normjones6916]

Whats the capo make ? ,great lesson :)

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks N J. Here is a link to the capo. shubb.com/product/partial-capo-c8b/

[@florianschnellinger8258]

Been doing that one all my life 😅

[@johnfair62]

Wonderful. What brand of guitar is that?

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks John. Taylor GA.

[@riclehman7490]

Can you move your camera angle to show your cord hand more straight on? Other than that great job!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thx Ric. Message received and working on optimizing the one cam view between strumming and fretting hands. My subsequent video (Plastic Jesus) shows my latest approach.

[@riclehman7490]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons thanks Mike! I’m glad I found your site!

[@JenandJohn]

What's the chord shapes mike

[@bruceklein1865]

Yeh, that and the banana split show! Good stuff, thx

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

One banana, two banana, three banana, four...😀

[@propatriabellum]

I’m a disabled vet and guitar player. How do I get involved?

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

If you are on FaceBook, you can join our G4V Guitar Lessons group for starters, Christopher. Thanks for your service.

[@mervspence4601]

Hi, great sound, what is that guitar?

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Merv. Taylor custom GA, redwood over walnut.

[@mervspence4601]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Cheers!