The greatest blues chord progression of all time (Stormy Monday)

[@tumbleweedtumbleweed]

Stormy Monday is the Stairway to Heaven of the blues 😊

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Yeah I'd say so

[@hoisin75]

The single best guitar tutorial on KZbin. Everything so clearly explained. LOVE the hand drawn tab you've generously included

[@amanikarume3900]

I like the way this guy teaches blues guitar techniques, he’s too methodical to be understood by even the beginners.

[@eohippusone]

I'm an old guy. About 1960, when I was new to guitar, a professional guitarist taught me this progression. Way back then. That guitarist was Angel South, who went on to some notoriety.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Very cool! Thank you for sharing :)

[@ThomasHope73]

This guy is a great teacher! 👍👍

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you Thomas!

[@bobnicholas4043]

Clear and concise and engaging. What a joy .

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Bob!

[@edcrutchfield3447]

Thank you 🎸. Very detailed. Slow and easily understood. Really appreciate your time and patience.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@charliehowe9221]

Really Great lesson!! Explained so perfectly.! Thank yoy SO much!!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad you liked it thank you!

[@warrenbartlett6405]

Thank you so much for this explanation of such a great song and excellent explanation of the music theory behind it. I wondered what 9th chords were about, now I know. I’ll give a solo ago too. 😀

[@scoobydoo4087]

Another great lesson. I have to watch your lessons a few times over months till it sinks in.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks! Nothing wrong with that. Repetition is key to help things sink in and to try out the ideas.

[@cleanshaven4465]

You have really made a super video, wonderful explanations and demonstrations. Thank you and the best of luck to you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! Lots more guitar lessons onbthe channel.

[@patrickblay7684]

Very well explained. You are a real teacher as you are really didactic. Thank you so much

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you Patrick!

[@picknngrinn]

Great format for a great lesson! Totally engaging and inviting us to your insights! Thank you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@etiennevanonselen7949]

Perhaps the most succinct instruction and analysis I have ever come accross, thank you, respect and Love, we all have our gifts, Namaste'

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you Etienne!

[@bltjonesthejonestones3697]

Excellent. I have fooled with this many times, but I swear I'm gonna get it this time. I love your succinct way of explaining things without a lot of extraneous bs. And I love your chord charts and the fact that you touch on the time signature. Well done!!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobgreen8142]

Many years ago, Mezz Mezzrow came up with a 32-bar blues progression which he thought would supercede the 12-bar format. It didn't, but it's a wonderful progression.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Interesting. I'll check it out, though will be harder to memorize at 32 bars 😄

[@ted9876]

I agree this is an incredible progression, but one I’ve really struggled with, doubtless because there are so many interpretations. I’ve heard so many versions and attempted to follow so many different lessons I am no longer sure I even correctly remember this song. I appreciate the clarity of this lesson and the explanation of the chords. Thank you so much for breaking it down. You are a wonderful guitar teacher. Wish I lived closer so I could take advantage of in person lessons.

[@marcus19629]

Hi Great lesson! The explanation of the chords was so easy to follow. Thank you 👍

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching!

[@davec4276]

Just BRILLIANT!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Dave!

[@Alejdrew14]

High quality lesson give a clear understanding of both the chords to play and the music theory

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! Lots more on the channel

[@woozyjoe4703]

You make it so easy. Great lesson. I love that D+! Thank you

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! New lesson out tomorrow 🎸

[@Tom-r1r]

i am a bass player and have been playing this for years. now i finally know what i have been doing. haha. thank you, sir.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Haha nice 👍 thanks for commenting

[@johnrobinson7036]

Blue! Thank goodness for algorithms. Been working on this song with KZbin tutorial help. This is by far the best lesson. Many thanks.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool thanks! 😀

[@brianlaprade-mp5iy]

This was great! Excellent explanation!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Brian!!

[@gabrielmorcote4264]

This was an awesome lesson, great job and love this progression!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mguest3309]

you are a very good teacher

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! Lots more coming

[@willynilly4651]

Great job on breaking it down. Glad your content from a year ago made it to my plate this stormy CA Tuesday - after the really stormy Monday Thank You

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Willy Nilly!

[@dennisk5082]

Stumbled onto this one Blue. Truly love it! Thanks

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great thanks Dennis!

[@arthurmee]

Helpful tutorial . . .thanks.

[@lees2708]

Very well done. Thank you!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Lee!

[@rodmenmx]

This is awesome, thank you for the explanation!!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you!!

[@peterbridge7940]

I've just left a very positive comment about Stormy Monday and now I'm going to look on your site because they're two songs that I'm Very keen on getting to grips with and they are jazzy blues ish in my opinion. One is St. James infirmary and the other is Work Song. I understand these are Def not 12 bars or blues but they are great songs and fit quite well within this style of music. I've clicked like on your video and Italy latest stage I might become a patron but at the moment I have two little time to benefit so I just look at things when I can. But thank you again very much

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool, yeah those are great songs too. Timeless really. Maybe I'll do some videos on those one day too. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@JRobson1955]

I used to have that same Emperor Regent. I took the pick-up off and strung it with acoustic D'Addario 10s

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Yeah I've had it for ages! I still like it. It's huge though.

[@rpmblues7018]

Wow Brother, what a great job that you did on this. Thank you,subed.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for subscribing! New lesson videos almost every Saturday 🎸👍

[@humbertovalenzuela925]

Amezing lesson excelent I learn so Much🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you Humberto!

[@MacawAviculture]

You are a gifted teacher and player, thanks for sharing your skills with us!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@peterbridge7940]

I am inspired to say how this was so useful , so well presented and so interesting. Please let me expand. I played bass and in covers bands for most 5 years in the late sixes and then for various reasons didn't play for 51 years and only started playing again just before covid broke out and then I stopped and then I stopped after cool food to move to France. I first heard this song by Chris Farlow and I automatically thought it was a brilliant song. One of my many problems is that I never had a good musical and as I've got older my hearing has suffered so I really struggle even to recognise songs are 12 bars sometimes. Playing notes is generally not a problem, as I know the fretboard well. I don't know much about music theory.but i canmove from one note to another quite well, but it's knowing the chord structure on which to base the bass. I have played it a couple of times recently in blues jams in Bordeaux and they play the basic 12 bar version because it's a jam session and people wouldn't necessarily know this version and to be honest it sounds quite brilliant even as a basic 12 bar. I've struggled to find out the chords sequences to this version and I would rather like the challenge of playing the Sllman Brothers version Belief me it will be a challenge for me to remember the sequences and I don't like playing using a music stand This video and the company chord sheet will be a GREAT help but now I have to find people who know how to I want to play this more complex version 🤣🤣🤣

[@markgoddard1826]

Brilliant.. thanks man.. 👏👏 Benjiboy from Newport South Wales the UK.😊

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you!!

[@78tag]

Looked at playing this classic many times and never really followed thru - I guess I have no excuse now for passing on this song - thanks.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks 78tag, you can do it!!

[@78tag]

@@GuitarLessonsVancouver I am enjoying your style of communication. The early days of instruction thru the either were "play these scales and learn these chords" that came with mind numbing practice sessions. A lot of progress has been made in that area.We are really seeing some great guitar info come out of the interwebs these days and you have come to the front with a small handful. Thanks again.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

@@78tag That's great to hear thank you!

[@chadharland6410]

I always wanted to learn this song for the past 5 years Umbro that is the best breakdown you made it so easy like I I know how to play this song and I had to subscribe cuz I'm a blues guy and I want to see what else you got going thanks man

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Great to hear, thanks Chad! Lots more to come on this channel.

[@NoMeWithoutYou1]

Another great lesson. Thank you!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks 🎸 😊

[@stevehalper510]

Good lesson. Great tune. Here’s a crazy thought….maybe have your tabs written out before you hit record.

[@richardvale214]

I like it the way it is. Watching you draw the chords is so much better for memory than you just putting them on the screen. Players who know these chords already, can still benefit from this video, they just need a little patience. I’ve watched 4 different teachers teach this song and this was the best video by far.

[@jamesofalo6247]

Someday After Awhile you'll be sorry is my favorite blues arrangement by FREDDIE KING and covered by many including EC.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool I'll check it out

[@renefrancois2]

Thanks a lot it's so clear

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad it helped

[@Jack-zc1qp]

Great lesson! I really enjoy your channel.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you!! Lots more coming 🎸

[@tomstulc9143]

Great lesson and I'm not even a jazzy bluesy player. sometimes throw some of it in the mix just for the fun of it

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Yeah these chords can work in lots of songs. Funk too 😀

[@AlexLuke79-t8q]

Grazie.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for the support!

[@johndaugherty4127]

Great job! Great channel! Sweet Epi.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks John!!!

[@johnwhitmore4395]

Nice job, I used video as a bass lesson and progression sounds really warm and round, thank you

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool great idea!

[@marchallaert7372]

Another great lesson. I’ve been wanting a jazzy sounding 1-4-5 and there we have it. Thank you!🎉

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Marc! I love that chord progression, so cool.

[@jesusamaya8943]

Sounds a little like guitar slim... things that I used to do 🎸🎼🎶🎵

[@harrisfrankou2368]

Yes. My Guitar teacher at MI taught me this.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool!

[@tammywalla7259]

Very nice lesson!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Tammy!

[@viliamkiss7675]

Ďakujeme.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool, thanks for the extra support!

[@viliamkiss7675]

@@GuitarLessonsVancouver this lessons are excellent !!!

[@davidemaria9791]

That's just what I've always thought since I heard the Allman Bros version 50 years ago. Why can't blues be harmonically rich like this masterpiece?

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

It can but you're right it's not common. I agree I like these more creative chord progressions

[@Smokeslikelightningband]

google what a bird blues is (charlie parker). You have only gotten started

[@christopherlawson2262]

It can be. Some would call it Jazz music. 🙂

[@briancoyne6700]

I'm playing Jazz chords!! Thank you!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

They are jazz chords! Nice work!

[@antcramp]

Great way to teach chords, cheers 🤙🎸

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@frankcln]

great video thanks

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching 🎸

[@michaelduby7244]

Thank You !!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@kithill1423]

Awesome!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@tonyvalle794]

Now this is a kool video.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you very much! Lots more guitar lessons on the channel!

[@petetynan3943]

Thank you.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Pete!

[@timothypeters3949]

Very helpful indeed - thank you!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@edcrutchfield3447]

Appreciate your complete teachings!🎸👍. You didn’t draw the Bm7 orBbm7.

[@dannytetreault]

Awesome! Dan T. Sidney, BC.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Dan!

[@stevehowell231]

Great lesson! I can hear Doug Sahm on his T Bone style songs.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Steve!!

[@curtzblues]

Really clear how and importantly, WHY, for these chords and this progression. CONFESSION: I play G9 as x23232x, I don't use the G note root, but the B note 3rd...not correct but easier to play and slide for now. I guess any accompaniment would play the G for me. I am working toward the correct way to play G9, it's just taking more time than I thought. I did subscribe.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thank you! These shapes do take a bit of time to master

[@curtpratt2203]

That G9 shape I cheat with is x2323x ...

[@bobparsonsartist564]

I like the written charts. George Benson in Come Back Baby, has more chords in a blues than any other I know of!

[@gphilipvirgil355]

Really enjoyed this and learned so much! Wowser- one of my fave songs, too. Esp Bobby Blue Bland

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@StratsRUs]

T Bone's 'T Bone Blues' album is my fave.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Nice! I'll check out that album. Thanks for watching :)

[@romantrix]

Great lesson, thanks! I believe the Cm7 is a D# instead

[@speedspeed121]

The D# is a cool sub for the D7 chord. Having said that, the cm7 is just wrong.

[@ecojot]

very nice - I plan to do this in a blues jam tomorrow. The Cmin7 is a weird one though - min 4 instead of diatonic maj4

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Yeah a lot of debate about that chord. It seems odd I agree but it also seems to work to my ears. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ecojot]

@@GuitarLessonsVancouver I tried Cmin7/flat 5 for the last 2 beats of that bar - you get G-F#-F and its a gentler path to the G9. thanks again!

[@patmaloney8258]

awesome.....

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks Pat!

[@timothypeters3949]

I love this lesson as I say below but can you explain in music terms why there is no D chord (the 5 of the 1/4/5) in the song? Does the Cm7 substitute for that?

[@biophilist]

This is marvelous! What are some of your eight-bar blues favorites?

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Hmmmm Trouble in Mind I think is 8 bars. Keys to the Highway I think is too.

[@biophilist]

@@GuitarLessonsVancouver Yes to both. First heard "Trouble in Mind" performed by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee. "How Long Blues" also a wonderful example.

[@johnegan4762]

I nominate "Drown in My Own Tears".

[@smokinblue151]

Originally recorded and written by T Bone as a 12 bar not with these extra chords which were added later and commonly used

[@onefleetingglimpse]

Hey Blue, what are your thoughts on the Nashville number system for simplifying chord memorization and transposition? Do you recommend learning it, or is it preferable to focus on memorizing chord sequences when learning the rhythm parts of a song?

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

All my students learn the basics of numbering chords. At the very least I IV and V. Then VIm. I definitely think in terms of numbers as it's easier to memorize songs and change keys when needed.

[@onefleetingglimpse]

@@GuitarLessonsVancouver Thank you Blue for your feedback, I truly appreciate it! Your videos are incredibly helpful, and your ability to simplify complex concepts is a gift. I’d love to see a video on this topic!

[@SteveEngland-kg4iz]

What model is your Epiphone, it is a beautiful instrument !!!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks it's an Emperor.

[@vangelis1385]

Hello your lessons are great and very easy to understand, but i have a question about the 9 chords. Would it be safe to say that for example the G9 is actually an inverted Dminor chord with an added 4th on top ? and if so could i play the D minor Pentatonic as well or other scales too ?? Thank you

[@timothypeters3949]

That is, aside from the D aug which is not in the usual 1/4/5 position

[@silkee59]

T bone played a different voicing on the 1 and sharp 1 you can also hear him hit the high E string as well as he move through the 1 and sharp 1. Changes are more Allman version which was based on Bobby Blue Blands version, not trying to be mean as this is all good info just point out the difference.

[@andrewraisbeck1105]

you da man im a lefty but i got it...

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool thanks Andrew

[@frankswildyear]

I love cream’s version

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cool, I'll have a listen

[@rainfieldmusic]

Cool beans 😎

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Thanks for watching and commenting 🙂

[@larrypower8659]

This is The Allman Brothers Band arrangement, not T-Bone’s. The original recording (1947) by T-Bone Walker is a straight and simply constructed 12 bar blues, in G. He played and recorded several different arrangements. He did use the G9 (often G7)-Am7-Bm7-Bbm7 turnaround on occasion but would end with a D9(or7) to a D#9(7) and back to D9(7). Here’s his turnaround when using that climb: G9 Am7 / Bm7 Bbm7 / D9 - - - / D#9 D9 / G9 C9 / G9 Daug //. T-Bone did not use a Cm7. Most of the the time he played it as a regular 12 bar. I love the ABB version; it’s the arrangement most of us relate to. I’ve played many different arrangements of this great song, and I’m only saying this is not T-Bone’s, but the ABB’s arrangement. It’s a fabulous chord progression.

[@davidf9278]

The Allman Brothers version is based upon the version Bobby Bland successfully released in 1961. The chord arrangement was by his (jazz) guitarist, Wayne Bennet. It may be that the chord progression leading back from the Am to the G and turnaround contains Ebmaj7, which gives a chromatic bass descent. I am imagining Wayne doing a 2-5-1 progression with a tritone inversion of the D7 to Eb7 and then altering it to the maj7, and the resultant chord is the same as Cm/Eb, hence the confusion. Anyway, try it and see what you think.

[@larrypower8659]

@@davidf9278 Duane does introduce it as “a Bobby Blue Bland song,” which hints at their arrangement. I like T-Bone’s original, with the V-#V-V turnaround, but that’s just me. We know what opinions are like, and everybody has one!

[@davidf9278]

@@larrypower8659 I totally agree with you and I hope my observations were never imagined as a criticisms. I like both versions, and it is not common for a re-working of a great song to be able to stand up

[@larrypower8659]

@@davidf9278 No worries, mon ami!

[@randallhaney7909]

Not guitar, (Hammond B3) But if you really like this song Stormy Monday? You should treat yourself and Listen to, "Lee Michaels' " Cover. Live just 2 playing Lee & Frosty the drummer. Lee plays the B3, Pedals the bass parts; and sings, A lot of music for 2 people .. and it's recorded live

[@jimlabos]

I believe T Bone didn’t p,ay it like that. This the ABB version. Which is my favorite but Stormy Monday can be played as you like. Make it your own.

[@guyinpajamapants6892]

That body looks like an upright bass! It’s huge lol!

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

It is a rather big guitar. Emperor Regent.

[@grenouilleboule]

Good stuff but your G9 looks like a G7sus2 to me.

[@conartist267]

Good video but gee your guitar sound is so tinny and metallic. If it were me I’d definitely be rolling off the tone knob.

[@Sherman1862]

Hi Blue!!! Nice T- Bone Lesson!!! Was wondering what Model of Epiphone that is?? Thank You! : )

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Epiphone Emperor Regent, from early 2000s, I think :)

[@Sherman1862]

@@GuitarLessonsVancouver Thanks Blue.. Nice Guitar, looks kinds like modeled after an old Gibson .. EL 300 or "something" off the top of my head.. lol.. Anyway, tomorrow i get your Soloing Book from Amazon.. I bought my first Ukulele today from a store in Texas, Journey Music.. All Mahogany Tenor, has a PUP so can plug into amplifier.. I almost bought one last time on Maui.. Bu they were over priced and i could not communicate well enough with the Japanese sales guy, so I walked.. lol... This one was 50% off so only $99.. There's this guy, Sean Daniels on KZbin that has started a Uke Channel.. So will learn how to play it.. He has Guitar Channe too.. You and he I think are some of the best, most consistent Guitar Teachers on The Tube.. Excellent Content too.. Anyway, thanks for the info!!! Please take care for now Blue!!! : )

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

@@Sherman1862 Cool, thanks Sherman! Let me know if you have any questions about the book when you receive it :)

[@colindayo]

Like Bob Ross was teaching guitar ❤

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

A happy little song.

[@j.p.7708]

This chord progression is almost as good as SUNDOWN by Wes Montgomery🎸

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Yeah love Wes Montgomery!!!

[@j.p.7708]

BTW, you have an excellent channel, I recommended you to my band mates and friends. You should do a breakdown of the Sundown chords progression, it’s tons of fun. Cheers 🍻

[@bluemorris]

@@j.p.7708 cool thanks J.P.!!!

[@catirerubio]

Looks so easy. So hard to make it sound good.

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

True it's not easy, but you can do it in time!

[@daviddwyer6824]

Am I going crazy or does T-Bone only ever play this as a 12 bar and everyone else just takes the Allman Brothers version as the standard!?!? I feel like I'm the idiot but I can't hear these changes in any T-Bone version of the song.

[@C00LTRANE]

Most imitate the Bobby Bland version

[@GodsUnrulyFriends]

How about this? G9 C9 G9 G#7b5 G913 C#9 C9 C#dim G9 Am 7 Bm7 Bb7b5 Am7 C9 G9 Bb9 Ebmaj7 G#7b5

[@Tupelo_Honey77]

🌹❤🌹

[@veteranaffiliate]

Cool chords but..no licks?

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Not in this video, but lots of licks in my other videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGjGmJZ5aMaAfc0

[@axeist92126]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4bcgHiMeqijpLc I did a quickie on it. It is a fun one to play. Performed it with the house band at Janos’ Blues Bar in Cairns AU. Have to admit the solo is much easier on the Tele

[@axeist92126]

1993

[@GuitarLessonsVancouver]

Cook, I like those turnaround options you showed. Thanks for posting

[@axeist92126]

@@GuitarLessonsVancouver most welcome. Take the two turnarounds together you have “Sitting on Top of the World”.

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Thanks 👍 ur hitting the strings too hard , but I love u

[@LCMSM]

That D note is a little flat!