DEEP DIVE: How Garcia And Mayer Solo Over "Althea" | Grateful Dead Guitar Improvisation Lesson

[@rickyvaughn2868]

Can you guys give this dude some more likes when you watch the video? I don't even know the dude - but he gives great dead break downs. He plays Paul Reed Smith - so I'm partial to his axe selection in addition to his musical tastes. But he breaks down the dead tunes - including very complicated solos like Deal - and that takes a fuck ton of time. This fella deserves some more likes

[@pontificous]

Yeah - as a long time bass player who is hungry for a bit of melody in my life, I decided to give the guitar a spin so I bought a PRS and man this vid is amazing - learned more about using harmony to inform melody from 20 minutes of this vid than I have in a while. So clear and easy to follow, loving this.

[@orkneyrd]

Bingo!

[@davidryan7386]

Hear here!❤

[@jamesbuchanan9937]

Yep…100%, he kept me from selling my guitar after watching a 10 year old play SRV. ❤️🤣🤣🤣

[@erikhendrickson59]

Jerry Garcia is easily one of the most underrated guitarists of his generation.

[@shawnstarks1743]

Agreed, because his image and look didn’t say “Guitar God” whatever the Fk that means. (Pff)

[@Alcookeverybody]

I dont know about under rated man people literally looked at him as a deity

[@zachkiker6008]

Generation? More like all time. Also he’s only underrated by idiots

[@markmm1066]

@@Alcookeverybody Not outside the dead fans, tho. I got my hard rock buddy to listen, and he really was taken aback.

[@thatchickenman8140]

Not true at all , he set the bar high amongst his peers

[@walkingtal4157]

I told Michael Palmisano I was feelin' lost, lacking in some direction. Mikey told me, cool down boy, settle back, start hunting me some thirds.......

[@seymourbutts6816]

This is gold. Michael needs to see this as much as I need to Seymour Butts.

[@walkingtal4157]

@@seymourbutts6816 Seymour!, my man! I know you! I went to high school with your cousin Lance Boyle!

[@seymourbutts6816]

@@walkingtal4157 I'll let him know you said howdy.

[@walkingtal4157]

@@seymourbutts6816 Leave it man. We've bottomed out since then. He used to needle me alot. No lie, it got under my skin.

[@briano.5746]

Nice! 💀👍

[@austinglazer]

I don't even play guitar but i am fascinated by not only this song but the contrasts between every version of Althea in every rendition. Thus I am sitting here just watching (wishing i played guitar).

[@orkneyrd]

As I noted in a prior comment, it sez a lot about Michael that like us, non guitar players get pulled into it and enjoy what he does. That's an authentic, gifted pro with hopefully a great future ahead, as he sure deserves it.

[@gdawgs101]

Never too late to start!

[@sorenwolff4954]

Johns melodic sense has evolved over the years that he has been playing with the Dead. Listen to older shows and you can see how the band as well as his apparent time listening to Jerry, have encouraged and influenced his tone/melodic sensibilities. I have always enjoyed his playing. It speaks to his humility as a artist/musician to let new ideas take him new places.

[@kevinborchers3522]

I agree but some of those early Dead And Co shows are crackling with energy

[@jcallahan]

Thanks!

[@tompoynton]

Love Brent’s response to Jerry’s lick at 37:49

[@NotMissingLink]

YeeeeAaaaahhh

[@HyzersGR]

I’m not even good enough to solo but I’m excited to watch this

[@Guitargate]

Gave you a shout in the vid :)

[@HyzersGR]

@@Guitargate noticed that right after I wrote that ❤️

[@rikard.h]

I've never held a guitar and don't know squat about any of the musical terms he uses, but I'm really excited to watch this.

[@builderphill1361]

No harm in trying!

[@malbinson]

dead, disc golf and smoke? my man.

[@seanbarry5096]

I've watched a lot of your videos, and I just don't understand the nine people giving this a thumbs down. I'm eight minutes in, and I've played guitar for 20 years and I'm loving all of this as usual. Please keep these going. Thanks.

[@mle1ravens1]

9 anonymous, and jealous obviously, fellow content creators...I'm sure.

[@flatoutrich258]

This is the best video ive seen in a minute. Really enjoyed listening to this disection while finishing up a Jerry acrylic painting.

[@JonNewquist]

In minute 31: "The A-ness of it" we all heard it, and your eye roll was classic. LOL

[@sean_k7470]

Beavis and Butthead: "he said anus, huh huh"

[@chriswatts9227]

Looking for this comment. He said it and knew it

[@seymourbutts6816]

YES!!! Michael you are THE MAN! Today is the day. Althea opened my eyes to The Dead universe. Thanks for this!!!

[@NotMissingLink]

Enjoy 🌹⚡️💀⚡️🌹

[@jslavinslavin4467]

" nothing soars like it when they all find the middle together " Amen

[@wilfredoreyes1984]

the reason you are such a good teacher is you are having as much or more fun than your audience, and its palpable infectious and grabs us... much like i realized about my bass teacher when i was invited to sit in front of him while he played a special nighttime show for his extended family at the 50th annual oregon country faire,

[@guybrushthreepwood8174]

Jerry plays the same note in so many diff ways that my ear actually thinks its a bunch of diff notes haha. so good.

[@GiantSFaithfuL]

I'm 13 mins in and let me tell you, I'm going through the Jerry Garcia primer currently. The triads and triads into diads I've been practicing came to life here. Between listening and you breaking it down it is quite apparent how crucial those elements are to understanding Jerry's approach.

[@BennyVibes]

"always learn the melody" is one of the best pieces of advice. When I finally started doing this after 20 years of playing, my ability to colour the song was 1 million times better as I understood what the melody was doing and where it was going to so I could compliment it. Before I would just think "oh its in E major Ill just solo in E major". You are a great teacher and you do the music industry proud

[@TheNaturalust]

Jerry comped those leads from the best parts of 4 or 5 takes. That's why the studio version is SO damn good. Guitarists as good as this teacher can put it together almost in real time. But Jerry knew how to use the studio to great effect....taking the best parts of several takes. Even Jerry was mortal that way. 🤗 I was lucky enough to know him.

[@orkneyrd]

There is something quite special about Michael that is So Baltimore and despite our city's deeply tarnished reputation , I mean that as a high compliment. I stumbled on a video of his a few years ago and not knowing a thing about who he is, I got it. He reminds me so much of some very cool fellows I grew up with. And it turns out his extended family, the Palmisanos ran restaurant businesses in our region that became the stuff of legend. So rock on Michael Palmisano and thank you for what you do and who you are. I'm a percussionist with no aspiration s at all to play guitar, yet you're so good at what you do, I watch it all and just love it. ;-)

[@gordoncooke4527]

Spending some time digging into the Dead and came across this. It is perfect. "hunting the middle" makes perfect sense to describe their sound. Riffs explained in terms of scale degrees so we can apply it elsewhere. And that moment (47:19) "That is some slick shit right there". I feel like you are the kind of guy who tries not to curse in a video but the excitement of the discovery got the best of you. Liking and Subscribing. Looks like a busy weekend ahead of me.

[@gordoncooke4527]

Uh-Oh. Just bought your course.

[@orkneyrd]

Oh yeah, Bingo!

[@NotMissingLink]

This is so awesome man. I have loved the Dead for a long time but have never tried tackling any of Jerry’s licks. This is incredibly helpful! It’s like I’m actually sitting in the room having a lesson with you. Thank you.

[@dougtaphouse1031]

I don't even play guitar but find this analysis to be fascinating.

[@andrewptob]

This is exceptional analysis. Thank you, Michael!

[@kjguitarman]

Another gem of a breakdown, Michael. Chords, progressions, soloing over the melody, this is your sweet spot for teaching songs. You break it down so well - “We’re looking for broad strokes, people” ✌🏻😀

[@p1nkfl0yd1an]

You've answered a decade old question for me. Shortly after I started trying to gig around on sax, I spent a summer in a local Dead cover band. Never listened to it much, but the opportunity to have a lot of improvisations and solos sucked me in. I could never really place why I loved playing with that group so much until just now watching him say, "Nothing soars like it when they all find the middle."

[@felipeh5078]

YESSSSSS! That’s exactly what I was looking for! A mindset exploration rather than a note for note breakdown. Thank you!

[@trappedindc8678]

A live version of Althea on Pandora is what caused John Mayer’s deep dive in to Grateful Dead. Believe one of his statements was paraphrased “guitarists like to listen to others and play along and I just couldn’t figure out what Garcia was doing”. He devoted a lot of time trying to figure it out before he met Weir and Hart one day and the Magic was set in motion.

[@andrewblack7852]

I’m really happy about John boi. He’s really good. I liked him before the threw the ghost on him. But he isn’t anywhere near as enjoyable as garcia playing dead tunes. I don’t fault him, I’m not complaining, it’s just the truth. He doesn’t have the depth of experience garcia had. So his lyric carries no sorrow, no pain, no wisdom. His playing is still somehow his ego coming through. Yea I worked for the dead in the 80s. And I play. And I love John boi. But return to the source if you want cool cool water

[@trappedindc8678]

@@andrewblack7852 I’ll drink whatever’s available now. Would you rather they just hung it up? And I disagree about his ego coming through the music. I see a changed man from when he first hooked cup with Weir et al. Yes you can catch Garcia on recordings. I love live music and I have a fine time at D&Co shows. Not the same as a Dead show but compared to the bad Grateful Dead shows I’ve been to (and the boys were the first to admit there were shows that weren’t good) I’ve yet to be to. D&Co show (9) that disappointed. Life moves on, the music is going to live forever. Be grateful that John Mayer and many others recognize the magic, are captured by it and are deadicated to keeping it alive.

[@trappedindc8678]

Changed..not hanged

[@kevinborchers3522]

@@andrewblack7852 completely disagree. I actually prefer Mayer when it comes to certain aspects of his playing. I love that we have hours of both to choose from

[@TheLiquidCanvas]

At 31:00 That look into the camera that says "I've also been known to tag that as well." 🤘Awesome.

[@jeremydill9354]

5/16/1980. The outro solo between Bobby and Jerry is other worldly. I know nothing about playing a guitar, but I watch every video the Guru puts up. Only reason I get on KZbin. Can’t wait for the Cornell morning dew. Thank you and Stay Grateful.

[@groovelife415]

I come back to this video every so often and every time I do I pick up something new. This is one of my favorite videos on KZbin.

[@ph2il]

Can you do a dive on After Midnight Jerry Garcia Band at Kean College 2/28/1980

[@HyzersGR]

Check out the version 10 days later 3-8-80 at the Stone in SF... Some of Jerrys most smoking guitarwork ever imo

[@conorh5697]

One of my absolute favorites out of everything and anything!! Some dead fans still don't know

[@uglytuco3829]

This album has been good for my soul for YEARS!!! That Sugaree is incomparable!

[@DVTO]

Another vote for this. My favorite song on one of my favorite albums.

[@tylermann650]

Michael, best video to date - Huge JM fan, but diving into the dead a lot thanks to your channel - And this was just a perfect blend of it all

[@seamanjive]

This is magic....the last thing I thought lockdown in London could do would for me to get tired of playing guitar. This vid has sparked me up, the music mojo is back! Falling down a radio list rabbithole called Althea on Spotify has introduced me to a whole bunch of new stuff, jambands included! Thx Micheal

[@RichardJackson-wl5jv]

This is a brilliant video! Thanks Michael. I've had this song stuck in my mind for ages and now it's definitely trapped!!

[@glennrutland9418]

Thanks! I appreciate this beautiful song as much as it deserves. You’re so right: no one has the groove like the Grateful.

[@benkeim7685]

I was at two of the three versions. Didn’t catch the original studio, but was at The Cap Center and MetLife.

[@ryanmoore2779]

I’m Jellly

[@jacksanchez1858]

I could have watched another hour of this easily. Soooooooo interesting. MORE PLEASE!!!

[@demeoanthony1810]

That was such a fun watch!!!! You definitely just put into words everything Jerry said through strings!!! Your facial expressions say it ALL!!! Were you lucky enough to see Garcia play live? If not that just proves how transcendental every note he played live is…. Jerry guitar is a love language…. I gratefully was lucky enough to be present in front of some of his notes live. I attest to all of this (your) 1 hour KZbin experience that you created!! I play guitar as well and fortunately it brought me to this glorious moment of you putting into words everything Jerry’s guitar makes us Deadheads feel. Thank you for a real good time.

[@andergilbert]

Love watching the smile on your face while you transcribe Jerry!

[@fvb08]

YES! So great to see this video appearing on my feed, watching it right away!

[@KawiMark]

This is such a fantastic breakdown! Can't believe how fast an hour flew by!

[@davidbrockington1220]

This is an absolute gem of a deep dive. Do it up!

[@brettzimmerman4566]

I'm working on learning this song and solo, this could be a years worth of study, it's like a masters degree in soloing. Thanks Mike for covering this material!!!

[@josephgraham1075]

I don't know how I've never seen your videos, but I so glad I found it. Nice Paul Reed Smith! Love them guitar's and da Greatful Dead Mahalo brotha from Maui, Hi.

[@kingofhain7336]

I know I’m late to the lesson but THANK YOU! -Jerry drives me crazy like no other - thanks for breaking it down like this

[@horizontalhourglass8320]

My favorite dead song. Best song In the world. Thanks for breaking it down. Incredible video

[@coledimeglio4887]

Dude... your videos are so good!! I learn more about the guitar just from watching you play and break things down than any other guitar instructional videos on YT. Keep the Dead flowin!

[@Frewster]

Hey Michael, I'd just like to take a moment to thank you for your approach to teaching/learning. Grasping the broad strokes is several orders of magnitude more important and useful than shredding through scales and not knowing why

[@Guitargate]

Thank you!!

[@Frewster]

@@Guitargate you're so welcome! Your theory insight has been really valuable in understanding why I like the noises I do lol. Thanks again for putting in the time to help all the strangers that have found your channel! And while I've your attention, have a great day! c:

[@Ynherag]

Julie Nolke & Michael Palmisano: greatest discovery of 2020!

[@reishinchey7292]

absolutely

[@jdguitar1040]

This is awesome!!! I've just started trying to learn this tune yesterday, and i've already got a decent hold on the basic form, harmony, and some melody. And just a few minutes ago i was going over it again to see how I'd retained what got through yesterday, and after about 15 minutes of going through it I started to think to myself, " Huh... How am I gonna come at improvising over this one?" Then I put the guitar down, sat down to relax and watch whatever on the tubes, and I hadn't even started to search for anything to watch (I was probably gonna search some news or boring shit like that) and this video was right there, smack dab in the middle of the opening home KZbin page! Just watched the first couple minutes and can't wait to check the rest :)

[@Owensibley5]

this video deserves so much more attention. awesome stuff!

[@jimburnham7282]

Michael - this is so well done: the small smart screen with Garcia or Mayer, and your own following of their playing, with your own playing along (I'm impressed!), and your identification of all the notes and musical descriptions (I can only assume are correct, but if not, it would be also a great educational experience). I will share, and also spend some time to learn what I can. At this stage!

[@ericalmgren2859]

Thanks for this, been playing this song forever.....appreciate......this is also a funky rhythm song - I can only dream and try to imagine Prince covering Althea!

[@ryanmoore2779]

Best video yet in my opinion! Long Live Garcia

[@markspindler9477]

At 31:22 where Michael says "What is that!" and a bit earlier where Jerry repeats a note on top of itself like in this chromatic walkdown, the effect in Madison Square Garden was to create an echo that circled the room and came back around on top of itself. I never heard anything like it and I was at Cornell '77. Not many people have had as much experience as Jerry playing in large arenas, but it occurs to me that Jerry had learned to also play the arena like an instrument with his embellishments Imagine that.

[@feiznouri7139]

thank you for your dead and company and greatful dead videos you are the best , i couldn't find anyone else teach how they play , specilally JM solos !

[@sorenwolff4954]

One of my all time favorite Dead tunes! When describing Jerrys melodic sense I always tell people to sing the lyrics over his solo and it will sound like the guitar is singing with you. A few months ago you mentioned "Hunting 3rd's" very valuable concept. if you could address that concept again maybe over a "Sugaree" in the next few months, would really appreciate it. If you feel applicable.

[@tompoynton]

Hartford ‘77 Sugaree imo

[@sorenwolff4954]

I was going to post the exact same show yesterday. May 28 77 Hartford CT. If you really want to really get lost go to minute 14:20 or so.

[@brianesposito5912]

I’m not sure if you saw my comment on the last video but check out the video on KZbin from 3-28-81 for closeups of the solo and how he uses different chord variations in the solo. Best version ever.

[@rcbc1986]

Finally got the time to dig into this deep dive and man, what a dive. Fun fact, Mayer is playing The Wolf, Jerry's guitar, which gives him a lot of extra mojo. By the way, only the middle pickup was functional, according to John. He was offered to play it a couple of years prior and wasn't confident enough to play and do justice to Jerry's legacy.

[@JDAfrica]

I wonder if he’s playing a recreation - I had read Garcias original wolf was sold at auction for $1.9mil to Brian Halligan back in 2017. He may have lent it out to Mayer though (Halligan had made an offer that Garcias band can borrow it)

[@JDAfrica]

Aaaah - Mayer is playing a prototype signature by Bill Asher. He has played the original once in 2019 - but says the signature is an exact replica

[@KarklinPumpkin]

My man. I just found your videos and this is the stuff for me. I was about to give up on KZbinrs Thank you.

[@gnawbabygnaw]

Thanks for taking the time to go deep into this new tune to me. I know. Late. Thanks a bunch 🤙🤙

[@veroneliot277]

really happy to see you grow a cool community and succeed on youtube, you deserved it for a while mike always a good hear

[@nelsonw2096]

😂 The a-ness of it 😂 This is a great lesson Michael. Thank you

[@mitchweiner]

I relented,for years,getting into Grateful Dead. But,because I enjoy your channel so much I decided to give it a chance. I’m now binging your Dead videos! 😃 I’ve said for years Dave Matthews and John are underrated guitarists!

[@deaconjr5473]

Fun to watch your brain grow as you play along! Best thing about growing old! 🤘

[@Hwy101CR]

probably one of your best lessons.

[@TheAlonsofelipe]

jerry guitar playing is this track is a peace of heaven on earth. thank u for the lesson

[@jeffporemski1657]

When bending up to the high E on the B string try starting your bend from the 16th fret (major 7) instead of the 15th (flat 7). It’s the Jerry effect!

[@laketomsloan]

I was going to request this one! So glad you did this!

[@Oldysrv]

Great video man ! u make me wanna play my guitar again.Ur enthusiasm is contagious ! :)

[@jamierichardcom]

Great video! Explanation of connections is really good…thanks! Looking forward to more…

[@brandon.4451]

This videos even better the 3rd time watching it 🔥

[@dpall38]

I can’t play the guitar. In all honesty i have trouble playing the radio, but I enjoy the breakdown very much. It helps demystify it all. If i can understand i am sure players are loving it.

[@malbinson]

keyboard player here - super into the music theory and of course the whole vibe. nice work.

[@Ten2More]

Wish every aspiring solo guitarist could hear your message. Explanation of how to find how to play a style, more important than note for note.

[@Dotphat]

Hey. I really liked your dive on the Prince weeps performance. I also follow Mayer (he lives nearby, but followed him long before). In our region, I was fortunate to see Big Head Todd & The Monsters in tiny venues back in the day. I still consider the Midnight Radio album a fantastic and unique piece of rock art. Might be a good one dive into! Thanks, my friend.

[@marcosluna7792]

So glad to finally have this 🙌

[@Retrodustbin-blog]

Love the deep dive. I'm trying to learn I'm Done Cryin' by Robert Cray and these concepts are really going to carry over! Learning so much with Guitar Gate!

[@jakekimmel9176]

Great video Michael!!

[@Guitargate]

Thanks Jake!

[@bwkc1979]

Can’t thank you enough for your videos! I am so pumped to get started learning how to play! I sent you an email about what I need to do to start my journey. I am so intimidated because you play everything so easy and I don’t quite have the vernacular down yet. You remind me of my grandfather that had no education at all, but he could hear a song once and be able to play it at church on the organ. Hope to hear from you soon sir!

[@chriswatts9227]

Interesting how even from the first part, the studio album version, I'm hearing things I very much recognise from Mayer's playing, even outside of his stuff with Dead & Co

[@foolsnkings]

I can see why he at first calls it ii-I-V, since the B chord is minor and the A and E chords are major. However, it really sounds to me like it wants to resolve on E, which would make it more of a slightly modified I-IV-V (or V-IV-I, with the V being minor). Soloing in Mixolydian fits this perfectly...which the Dead used a lot. This is similar to "Eyes of the World", which is nominally Emaj7-Bm, thus giving us the sound of a major root chord-minor V chord, but in that case the D# serving as a nice leading tone when soloing between Bm and Emaj7. Nice video...along with the other Althea video. Awesome! :-)

[@joelbertcornibus1]

I also heard E Mixo when I jammed that progression a few weeks ago, even though the same sounds can be evoked from the minor 2 5 1. Mixo 1 4 5 does seem closer to Jerry's mind

[@shweenerdog]

The song in A Major resolving on the 5, effectively making it E mixolydian

[@amyanderson6904]

I'm living for the math 🙌🏼

[@davidryan7386]

I saw mayer destroy this on a late night show assuming he could play it. To his credit and our delight he went to the woodshed like no prior deadhead. ❤❤

[@bajul2255]

I would love if you did a deep dive of Knocking on Heavens Door by Dead and co at the Lakewood Amphiteatre 2017

[@JonNewquist]

This was such a cool breakdown!

[@uglytuco3829]

Dude, THANK YOU!! I've been having so much fun with Althea. Check out the version with JRAD and Mayer live, INSANE groove.

[@ikeyshuster9801]

Great tone

[@hendrixdeadboy]

Just think. Without lockdown we wouldn't have had your amazing posts. Many thanks!

[@robertrawson9528]

Awesome analysis. Some day check out the Stella Blue from Rochester 11/7/85. It will knock your socks off.

[@brpo1]

It's better one take - you see the thought process - the mucical wheels turning. Well done!

[@WithCarePlz]

Dude you and Stitch Method are the fkn goats… you changed my life (i mean I’m still broke but now I can improv solo for an hour and sound like whoever at least🤷‍♂️ ) But Holy Bob “The Rock” Weir! I was like 54 mins in and I’m like woah dude who gave Ahnuld a D’angelico?!

[@Brucaleeffo]

Please keep digging in Garcia style. There are a plethora of guitar students out there trying to get MILDLY NEAR his style but not a lot of sources out there. Yes, there's a shitload of contents out there for licks, riffs and whatnot but to learn his style those things matter to a degree. The blues approach to "learn the language" is still super useful but Garcia must be approached chord by chord analysis, what he highlights what he leaves out and so on

[@rogersroad]

I rarely comment (especially if I've only watched 30 seconds of a video), but I'm compelled for two reasons: Althea has always been one of my favorite Dead tunes, and I respect the philosophy behind and the methodology you employ in the deep dive. I can't wait!

[@SuperSparrowcat]

John is playing Jerry's guitar "Wolf"

[@phishphan5732]

Yes, and his PRS Super Eagle sounds far better.

[@yankeesforever121]

@@phishphan5732 Phish would not exist without Jerry Garcia

[@reedbunnell8154]

I didn't know Bradley Cooper was so good at guitar! All jokes aside, this is a great vid and I learned a lot from it. Thanks Michael!

[@JAZ-wr2fx]

Love the channel Michael,,,I listen to it for 2 hours everynight before bed and then all night whilst my non playin thick as a brick headed asss sleeps!

[@HyzersGR]

Thanks for the shoutout!

[@Aquateenmitch]

Hyzers?! Haha! Small world! I'm in kzoo, I've bought a couple of discs from your shop while golfin up in GR. Great shop you've got there. Now back to the music.

[@HyzersGR]

@@Aquateenmitch Thanks for the support

[@aprilwest8066]

I love your breakdowns of dead songs

[@JohnnyMacTahoe]

Damn... Ima have to sleep on this lesson, let it simmer in my mind... but you f'n nailed it my friend. God bless - and play on!