How I Play "Blue Sky" by the Allman Brothers (Acoustic Tutorial)

An overview on the chord shapes I use to play "Blue Sky" on solo acoustic guitar. This lesson is in reference to a video I did in Arizona in 2011. To view it for reference, click here: • Blue Sky - Acoustic Al...

[@rongarcia1710]

I’ve been playing over 50 years and your acoustic approach and style is really something to be admired.

[@rlrix1]

Also my favorite Allman Bros tune, and I’ve watched your old acoustic version numerous times. Thanks for the lesson!

[@TheGravygun]

I am digging that wood paneling back there. Good lesson

[@darrensenn5922]

Nick, allow me to chime in and say, as a solo performer, this is gold! It opens up so many jammy possibilities. The jangly tones achieved through muted and open strings are totally bitchin'. I've studied and practiced your technique for a few weeks and I busted out Blue Sky two days ago at a gig for the first time. It went over really well. Thank you for passing on this life-changing information!

[@GuitarSwan]

Glad to hear that, Darren! I'm thinking of maybe doing some kind of extended course or lesson on these concepts. It's cool to jam over a looper too but there's something about doing it all with one guitar.

[@darrensenn5922]

@@GuitarSwan I think that is a great idea to do a deep dive tutorial on this technique! It is so liberating. You would get tons of engagement, no doubt. (I did just order a stomp box today, but firmly believe in first being able to rock the house with just the acoustic).

[@GuitarSwan]

@@darrensenn5922 For sure, man. Gotta use all the available tools to keep it interesting!

[@JohnK.11]

I probably watch that blue sky video like 4 times a year man haha watched it this morning and just realized you posted a tutorial video on it. Thanks so much bro!

[@ortizbrett]

Amazing, thank you. Going to be working on this specifically and also try to add it to my other playing.

[@seankearney5469]

Sounds so good! Love the allmans!! Keep jamming and keep posting

[@GuitarSwan]

Thanks dude!

[@jeremyb251]

Man, I’ve been hoping for this for a long time. Thank you, thank you!

[@GuitarSwan]

Awesome glad you enjoyed it man!

[@CakewalkHootenanny]

Geez I have been playing guitar for years but I just came away with a ton watching this video. Keep posting and thanks!

[@jerryernst832]

That's one seriously amazing lesson! Thanks a ton!

[@kevinyates9917]

Thanks for opening my eyes. This will be a huge help!

[@arthurcarlson6463]

Thank you for sharing your creative interpretation of Blue Skies, great song, and I'm sure the Allman Brothers approve of your cover of their song!

[@321novrain]

Thanks for taking up your time to teach us your style on these great videos !!! Enjoy your little stories too!!!! Thank you brother !! Truly love these new videos man !!!

[@GuitarSwan]

Thanks dude! It's been fun to revisit them as well!

[@stevet4564]

Damn..,. You should have a hundred thousand views man.. great video. I'm a guy in recovery that got into playing to fill my dangerous down time... You hit some long flat spots..this video gave me a much needed kick in the ass.. I love the version..thanks for working it thru. Peace

[@GuitarSwan]

Appreciate that, Steve.

[@michaelgeorge1119]

This is a phenomenal lesson bro thank you

[@Yostopactinjive]

Dude I can dig that . Thanks man.

[@margaretharris4995]

Arizona, Blue Skies, & Guitar Swan playin'!! Oh yeah!

[@seandomaille1281]

Good work!

[@markpoppel7597]

Wicked cool

[@jameschancey251]

The old Buck Owens model Harmony guitar.

[@arthurcarlson6463]

Still have figured out what you are doing at 11:30 of your track when you are jamming though! This is good stuff~

[@EdKervian-vo7jl]

Love the way you play is that a buck Owens guitar?

[@jasperpearson4624]

Thank you!

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you

[@ActuallySettle]

Very cool approach - so this style of playing lends itself to a major and a minor since you can get the I IV V progression in each using the EAD strings?

[@GuitarSwan]

Yeah you can take it anywhere essentially as long as you change the chord voicings and scales.

[@davenorman6717]

Here's to Blue Skies , Walks Along the River and Good 'Ol Sunday mornings , Dickey Betts 🏞

[@pignoser1972]

cool

[@GuitarSwan]

Guitar level is a bit hot on this one, but I think it's ok. It's acoustic electric! Lol.

[@hudsonball9018]

Where are your fingers at on that b cord in the beginning of the strumming

[@GuitarSwan]

In the verse it's just a standard B chord. First finger is 2nd fret A string and the pinky bars the D, G and B strings on the 4th fret. Both E strings muted.

[@hudsonball9018]

@@GuitarSwan awesome love the content keep it up

[@patrickmckiernan8706]

All you got was a t-shirt?!?