Franklin's Tower Guitar Solo GUITAR MASTER CLASS It's not JUST a Mixolydian!

[@gfunkproductions2402]

Went to college for music and this lesson is spot on. Its a combo of a major/minor modes what my guitar teacher called "rhythm and blues scale". And yes, the country players used the minor 3rd, but in my experience they almost always hammer-on to the major 3rd from the minor 3rd. Pull off, hammer on, or whatever it really doesn't matter cuz when it comes to this lesson. THIS LESSON IS MOST EXCELLENT! That was a tough concept to explain, but you explained it wonderfully. Thank you, dude.

[@ScottS986]

You sir, are a wizard. Actually scratch that. You are a Wizard Decoder. And a damn good guitar teacher. You have found your calling!

[@sambroderick6313]

agreed

[@andrew6226]

ABSOLUTELY. He teaches at a perfect balance between novice and master - anyone could learn something from this.

[@NolalanD]

Yes he is a Wizard Decoder....the cat is a Wizard (So was Jerry). When you throw the minor in like that it gets so chromatic it almost sounds like bepop scales.

[@mooperman1560]

Thank you good sir

[@guitarslinger213]

Your explanation of modes makes more sense than anything I've heard in 26 years. Outstanding.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Thanks man! So glad you are enjoying the vids

[@sjohnson4985]

Just brilliant. Mixolydian and Dorian simultaneously. I've never been able to put it all together until watching this tonight. The 14th fret detailed explanation is where it all clicked for me. I can't thank you enough. I know you posted this video years ago, but man I'm glad you did. Thank you!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@beezyflippins]

​@@StichMethodGuitar wow, yeah great stuff

[@captainkangaroo4301]

I just love the enthusiasm you have for Jerry's style and for the Garcia/Hunter songs as they are timeless.

[@hw8140]

Dude playing guitar: It sound fine. Me: That's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.

[@gavinb144]

Just got into the Dead and Garcia. This video explained everything SO WELL. WHERE IS PART 2?!

[@Roccospindoc]

Heya Ian - any word on part 2 of this video mate? This was so great

[@josephgraham1075]

Please lmk when you figure it out. Aloha

[@claystone420]

I'm a super beginner guitar player so this video was way over my head, but I still watched the whole thing and came away with a much greater appreciation of both the Grateful Dead and this song in particular. Such soul! Thanks!

[@maxduncan7090]

great album as well

[@seanenglish3002]

Undoubtedly, my favorite guitar lesson on KZbin. PLEEEZE make part two. Whenever I get frustrated with my guitar playing I watch one of your videos. You are the best.

[@ejtonefan]

If you understand "A" Mixolydian and chord tones you won't need part 2.

[@samnewlin9423]

3 years later and this is still one of the most helpful videos in terms of understanding scales and modes.

[@pageluvva]

I discovered you yesterday and my whole weekend is now shot! The wife is yelling at me to do what I promised to do and I just wanna sit here and learn with you :-) I have watched lessons on youtube for years and I swear that yours are by far the best. You teach us WHY the players play what they do. Any player who has been playing for long enough gets bored by playing things note for note and the blues scales gets soooooooo overplayed and repetitious. I still go back to it all the time cause it's what I know and for sure, it's fun as hell. But I want more and that's what you give us. Many many Thanks my friend. So much respect for you. Cheers from Montreal.

[@benlgordon]

Sometimes I watch without my guitar because your voice calms me and I try to just absorb as much knowledge as I can.

[@charizarddragon2071]

This is literally the best teacher I have come across. So in depth and knowledgeable. I knew it was technically in the key of D major with an A Mixolydian mode, but I didn’t know about the Mixodorian or his reasoning to add the chromatic riffs in. This channel is fantastic. You are teaching millions with the correct info. Thank you for your work. Bravo!

[@andrewptob]

I'm confused; I'll just listen to the music play...

[@andrewptob]

StichMethod Guitar I'm great! Thanks for asking. Hope all is well with you, too! I've been watching, just haven't commented as often I guess. Helpful lesson as usual! I have to get better at incorporating chord tones, so this is perfect for me, especially since I tend to get stuck in major/minor scales. So thanks again! 🤘🙂🤘

[@nelsonw2096]

AOB well played! 👍🏽

[@1bluesmanj]

In my own primitive way, I would be playing in the A major pentatonic scale, instinctively I guess, and adding the leading and passing tones to suit the song.

[@neilclappguitar]

@@1bluesmanj I would guess that’s exactly what Jerry is thinking as well here.

[@sttarch5150]

Thanks!

[@JONMagicman1]

Was recently in Cincinnati, watching the dead and co from the crowd... a friend of mine looked over at me while John mayer was shredding through this song and he said "what the hell is he playing???" where I replied "essentially a mixolydian scale"... little did I know this video existed to prove me wrong 🙃 great theory and lesson sir! many blessings!!

[@elholt7095]

I play by ear and half attempted to understand scales and modes etc then I rediscovered Jerry Garcia. I always remembered a guy name Henry telling me for the most part you can play anything and sure some would sound wrong but then if played differently that same note would sound right. I just recently started to think about a way to play the notes specific to the chord being played and seeing your video opened up that thought process. Gotta tell you I really appreciate your videos. What cute cat and an awesome and beautiful wife. Love her smile. Thanks for helping me learn more than I did yesterday. Gonna watch this again and again and maybe it will sink in naturally. Aloha!

[@lisica8458]

Really interesting. I am not a guitarist; and I never understood why I could frequently recognize Garcia playing on a segment of a song when I hadn't known beforehand the song or guitarist. Your comments and demonstration of Garcia's "trick" taken from bluegrass enlightened me to Jerry's distinctive style that I have long been unconsciously familiar with.

[@kevincaldwell9625]

You are a master teacher. Difficult concepts are made easy by your basic explanations, and now practice has real purpose. I’m playing lead! Watching and learning from you is like eating watermelon in the summertime....so refreshing, AND satisfying. Thank You!

[@CameronComeau15]

Dude... found your channel rather recently and I'm absolutely loving your stuff, especially related to the Dead. Thank you SO so much for your content. I have a really hard time with rigid intermediate lessons as I (like many of us) get bogged down in theory, but you make this so easy to understand and fun to follow. AND your genuine excitement in teaching these skills draws me in even further. Looking forward to powering through your videos! Just wanted to say thanks!

[@MichaelRoxalot]

Man I hope that part 2 is coming SOON!

[@kenm315]

Wow, this was NOT just a BS lesson. It was clear and logical and pretty easy to follow. But had information I had not heard elsewhere. Good job.

[@bluestudio67]

I figured this out on my own JUST tonight! It was like a foggy window opened and I saw the light! Changed everything for me, man. So i started hunting on KZbin for the theory behind it, because it sounds like it shouldnt work. You just can't stay on those "bluegrass notes" very long and its all good. Theyre stepping stones, really.

[@allanvodicka8352]

Most Guitar theory videos are a lot of fluff but I have to say this one held my attention for the full 22 minutes and I understand it and I can make use of the approach. Thank you very much.

[@michaelpuglisi5108]

7 years later ... any update on part 2? :)

[@AaronLS.]

I bought the charts to support you. First time I've ever bought something online guitar related. Thanks for putting such great quality content. I hope you keep it up!

[@AaronLS.]

I just got the charts. So helpful and clear. Well worth the money. Thanks again.

[@koosfender6793]

Scales,scales and so on!Neverthe less,fantastic!Practice everyday!Cheers from Amsterdam

[@christaq3528]

I love the way you explain things.

[@sethbrown8912]

I have been studying a bit of music theory for a couple of years so this is easier for me to understand than was when I didn't have that basic knowledge. You explained this perfectly. Years ago my guitar teacher explained to me how to get a Carlos Santana-style sound by mixing the Blues scale with the Dorian mode scale and I never forgot that concept. I just found your channel a couple of weeks ago and I wish I found it sooner. Great work!

[@q45ij54q]

This is one of the most helpful lessons you've put out, and that's saying something given the quality of your content. The way you break down the tiers of how to play this style is perfect (focus on A Mix, add chord tones, add minor third) for us who are just learning to solo. Thanks for everything you do, Ian!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

My pleasure Aaron

[@haywoodparsons]

your deep appreciation and analysis is,as a so thoughtful and fantastic,you have helped enlighten me, thank you for thiis labor of love

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

My favorite Dead tune. I'm too much of a beginner to even think of soloing. But I started playing the rhythm on my piano and my baritone ukulele. Merci beaucoup.

[@petermaine]

Ian, this is genius teaching. I have no hope of ever being able to play like this, but as a Deadhead who always wondered how Jerry got the tones he did in his jams, I really appreciate your insights and explanation into the theory. Hi to Jenny!

[@kokomal2686]

Nice lesson and nice concepts.. learned a bunch from this breakdown.. thx!!

[@Shivalan]

What happened to the Part Two you promised please? Part One is excellent, thank you.

[@GiantSFaithfuL]

I second this!

[@wharfrat7773]

I fourth this!!!!

[@jonathanfeit5896]

I just found out this video existed.....

[@seangood8686]

Wheres part two??? 😭

[@joaoarthurbandeira]

I Mixolydian this!

[@josemolina959]

Thanks! After fifty eight years of playing professionally, this is the first time ever that I will learn a Jerry Garcia riff/lick scale. Cool! 👍👍👍

[@ToroneroInk]

I've been working on the Idea of start a Grateful Dead Cover, and it explained A LOT for me. I've been studying a lot, for doing this, even because I'm a Brazilian, and never heard about a GD cover over here. Thank you a lot for this video

[@alexkatsanos8475]

Man does Dickie’s “Blue Sky” sound like “Franklin’s Tower” love to hear them jam together. Wish I coulda seen it live.

[@gazicj]

super helpful. your instruction has helped me much through the years--thank you so much.

[@cclose07]

UPDATE: I did get it and you are a genius!!! Thank you so much!

[@zbqb84a]

Great lesson. The minor 3rds are gold. GOLD!

[@przybyla420]

Fabulous breakdown, you really sound like him. I call a lot of this call and response. Don’t know if that’s right or not. It makes the body want to move and sounds fresh and inspiring, versus just playing the scale over the chords which gets exhausting quick and doesn’t have nearly the same grooviness.

[@przybyla420]

I don’t think one needs the theory to play like this though, just a lot of practice. The theory will probably help you get there faster but might limit you after a certain point of improvement because of the mental hang ups associated with knowing too much and it making you get too analytical.

[@andyjohnson9205]

Great video thank you. My biggest take away is the method of targeting the A and D notes. I found that C is a great alternate note to target on the A chord too.

[@dantet04e]

Only time i add minor thirds is if i mess up going thru the mixolydian scale. Its tough but he teaches it very well. If only my brain can keep from sticking to just the A mixo scale. Very well done sir!

[@justinmitchell9681]

I like the way major pentatonic sounds on this over the G...i tend to go there after playing through some mixo runs. Can start to blend major and minor pen some to create some bluesy stuff that fits.

[@adamoconnor8142]

Your videos and way of teaching is stellar. Thank you.

[@MikeFreundMusic]

great lesson, your a happy guy and it makes for a fun lesson! Thanks friend!

[@paulbressie8239]

Dude! that's awesome. Just discovered this today. Been wondering about this forever! Nailed it!

[@pokerstar2004]

Just discovered this. Wow. Thanks so much!

[@dawnkane5206]

This stich. Is hands down the best teacher 4 a d h d players.

[@electromotorman]

I learned so much from this episode. Thanks Stitch .I missed you at Northlands this year but I'll blame it on the rain .Maybe next year.

[@DJDirtyElbows]

I bought the charts and they are so easy to understand! I cant thank you enough for everything you do. My playing has gone up 100% and im so excited to play. I could play and solo but i always wanted to know what Jerry, Trey, etc were thinking and doing during solos.Thanks so much!

[@123pwop]

I`m enjoying this, believe me !! Philip.

[@jakelbies]

Just downloaded your charts - SO AMAZING! Thank you.

[@nativeazboy]

I'm excited because your excited !!!! Great great lessons !

[@magicdaveable]

Learn Bluegrass ala Tony Rice/Clarence White. Playing the chord tones. "Chase" the 3rds throughout the progression. There's more but this is the "Stitch Method" not the "MagicDave Method." I began analyzing Jerry's genius around 1970 and geeze here it is 50 years later and I am still at it.

[@prof_jelly]

Picking up guitar this week. I am 27 now. saving this in my bookmarks. Hopefully in 5 - 10 years I can shred a sick franklins tower into slipknot

[@margaretthomas2415]

Love the cat! Where is Part II?

[@lairdherron8202]

Only thing I'd add is that Jerry has nice pausesssssss. Love you brother stitch hope you're having a wonderful Christmas

[@matthewlebish]

Dude you have awesome theory videos I love coming home from school getting my coffee and watching you, then I'm inspired to play for the rest of the night!

[@dougwilson215]

I will never hear the song "Franklin's Tower" again, without seeing the dancing cat 😺😹😻 Thank you. ✌️💜

[@Jowls2024]

FatCat! :)

[@magicdaveable]

Way back when I studied the bluegrass style of Clarence White but.... I have been playing Dead covers since the "Captain Trips" album. Incorporating bluegrass into my "rock'n'roll" really helped my understanding of Jerry's improvisational approach. Oh yeah listening to the Flying Burrito Brothers helped too. In the early '70's Tony Rice came along and really expanded my bluegrass playing which expanded my r'n'r playing too. Doing Garcia style solos got me a heavy dose of "wow you have a really unique style." I never explained using bluegrass styling while stringing endless triplets together. That was best kept to myself. From time to time Dead Heads recognized that much of my playing resembled Jerry's style.

[@malcolmmontgomery8666]

I read an interview of Jerry, where he explained his bluegrass comes from his earlier banjo playing days.

[@Frankenstein-sc8rc]

Lets see the second video! Beeen curious on what you have to say about the G, thanks for all the work and time you do stitch!

[@jopkins]

I found this video while working on a transcription of that EXACT solo! Thanks so much for the analysis. I will finish the transcription on my own, but it's so much better knowing *why* the solo is soo good.

[@mzmudy]

I never get tired of this video. Love the discussion and all the points. Can you help me find Parts 2 and 3? Cheers!

[@kevinniehoff9796]

One of the best guitar teachers on KZbin! Love your videos.

[@marooh1344]

This lesson is brilliant! I've always been missing something when trying to jam this. I finally understand it. Thanks so much Stich!

[@spatrick898]

Gold mine! Thank you Sir!

[@sainmatyas]

Great great lesson, thank you! Brought some light on the mystery of my favourite guitar player.

[@mattdillon8077]

I was watching this thinking ' why have I never listened to the Grateful Dead ', although as a pot head in 1980> I was listing to everything else from that era onwards ( hendrix, CSNY ..) So I drifted off from your lesson and found 'fire on the mountain', and I admit I have smoked a pipe of weed 20mins ago and quite frankly, your lesson can wait. I'm mindblown, what incredible music.

[@mattdillon8077]

Mr.Stitch, At 50yrs old and a business to run, getting too lost isn't likely ;-).. but one has to 'step out', every now and again, you know?! .. Yes, I'll keep watching - you make more sense to me now, I can see how much you've been influenced by the Dead - and that's no bad thing! And I like your guitar playing. Hey, suns out, Van is loaded, I'm going to sod off to the mountains for a week, play guitar and listen to Jerry around the fire at night.

[@adamkorner1651]

So excited for the new video Stich! Keep them coming, and I'll keep rewatching them!

[@zplapplap]

Fantastic lesson. So clear in its presentation.

[@jimsurfs1]

i really appreciate the depth and nuance of your lessons!

[@ryansnyderstudio]

I have watched this about 3-5 times over the course of it’s existence and I always find another useful nugget. This thanks Ian! Also great meeting you last year at Lockn!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Colt! What’s up. I can’t remember, but did we discuss soloing over Loser as well? Had that convo with someone there.

[@ryansnyderstudio]

StichMethod Guitar we sure did along with a guy from Atlanta whose name is escaping me. Love the jam lessons sir - thank you!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

The opening passage had a very 'Allman Brothers' ring to it, probably the Mixolydian flavor!

[@lorenvguitar614]

A great lesson, I believe Jerry also went to the 3rd and the 5th of the chords in the tune, as well as his chromatic approaches. Minor 3rd and Major 3rds. Thank you for a great video.

[@jimmoulton9878]

excellent guitar playing!!

[@brianhester8918]

Love your videos brother they are a huge help. Cheers

[@tomwalsh4592]

Was there ever a part 2?

[@FunkMonkey33]

So if you want to follow a pentatonic pattern, I assume you need to change from the A major pentatonic scale to the D major pentatonic scale with each chord change. That's what I've been playing around with. Both scales fall within A mixolydian so it still works.

[@GilletteDBG]

Very cool lesson! Keep this series of lessons together.

[@indigopaintingservices5504]

THIS IS THE VIDEO I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!! Thank you sir, this is absolutely perfect and none of it was too much or too fast (folks there's a pause AND rewind button!)! Thanks again, I got a LOT out of this! GO SKYFOOT!

[@gcolby11]

Yep, you have the flow and know the harmonic reasons for this stuff. Thanks Stitch for sharing so clearly! Your channel is becoming my go-to when I want to learn more.

[@erictred4529]

Awesome dude keep up the great work!

[@finlayfatknees]

Awesome man! Great lesson. I've never put the "D" into the "A" so to speak...😮😂..but i can tell you my cat loves to sit by my amp and listen to tasty licks, especially in the upper register. That's why we placed her scratchpad there. Keep rocking, dude. You're a great teacher and player. 🎉❤

[@thomasneily8267]

Thanx your breaking it down to where my simple brain gets it thank you my freind

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Very welcome

[@AsphaltRising]

Brilliant analysis . Jerry brings out some real sorcery to this chord progression! And know we know a bit more...

[@ArtimusFreeman]

I am so glad I found you. Thank you so much!

[@dustylense]

Good stuff. More dead. Dead teaches, dead expands....

[@sammyboy7163]

StichMethod Guitar more dead is always the answer

[@jessemontano762]

Definitely expands with the recipe

[@jordandelacruz1866]

Hi! I've been playing 38 years( started at 12) and just started getting into The Dead 2 weeks ago! Crazy right? And I was born at the birthplace of The Gathering Of The Vibes, Bridgeport, Ct!! I'm adding some of these tunes to my bands setlist! Thanks for great lessons and the genorosity of your time! Cheers!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Bruce Wayne awesome, volunteered at the vibes twice. Great times! Thanks for enjoying!

[@KhalDrogo76]

another way of looking at it, which is how i look at it, is just the dom7 instead of the maj7 of the key/D. I peel it back and ignore the mixolydian and just play in D7 and not Dmaj7. Good stuff/good vid!

[@costellotwogirls]

Wonderful explanation! I love your earnestness. Great playing.

[@matiasponsxx]

this is the best mixolydian lesson explain. this is de hooly grial. AWESOME. thanks, and you ´ve a new subs

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Let me know what you think of this as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goG4qKSvlsSEe8k

[@blackfishgaming7145]

This video helped me grasp modes a little more. Thanks!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Glad to hear. Check out my Althea video too

[@blackfishgaming7145]

@@StichMethodGuitar Will do. I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and have been really enjoying going through your archive. I've been playing for over 20 years and find your content to be very accessible. I've never been a jam band guy but the songs you break down really cover a lot of theoretical ground. It's great. Keep up the great content.

[@groovinhooves]

Yet more evidence of a prediction I made aeons ago coming true: at the end of time, when all other music and musicians - however renowned and millions-sold - are forgotten (even the Beatles, even Jimi and Wolfgang, Ludwig and you name them - the Dead will still be discussed, alternately dissed or missed. Just taking guitarists, I already see Jerry getting more attention just on KZbin than Roy Clark, Joe Pass or Segovia (to select but three icons from other genres) combined. Keep it up! Keep on truckin'

[@neilsouza9076]

Hey Ian, for me this takes me back to the peter/carlos vid ( whole different deal but) showing the chords within the scale and explaining the key as you do with gilmour etc. it's alot but i'm able to get it, thank you!

[@coastercook]

What a great lesson. I can't believe that I missed this one before. You should do this subject again in a new video.

[@squingyy]

Awesome video. Can't wait for part 2....and 3...and 4 and 5

[@olsenxiii]

Hey Ian another great lesson your all I watch on KZbin these days you have defo inspired me to get better on guitar thanks keep em coming 🤘🏻

[@malcolmmontgomery8666]

Loved the Irish jig phrases in the intro playing. As you mention apparently banjo bluegrass influence from his early days. I read about this from an interview with guitar magazine. Keep it going. If I ever get near to the skill level I will buy those charts. Well done. Thanks again for your generous teaching! Just got it Irish jig violin!

[@frankberardi]

All of Ian’s lessons are awesome, but this one in particular truly seems to be the Rosetta Stone for unlocking the style of play I’ve always been entranced with. Did additional parts to this lesson (here or on Patreon) ever get made?

[@StichMethodGuitar]

No not yet…. The title was a play on “History Of The World part 1.” But hey… you never know