Help On The Way - Jerry Garcia (Rhythm Guitar Lesson)

In this lesson, we look at Jerry Garcia's rhythm guitar parts on "Help On The Way". "Help On The Way" was first performed on June 17, 1975 during the band's hiatus (but this version was instrumental).
The song was never regular in the repertoire, and went through three eras: The first era was between 1975 and 1977. The second era was 1983-1985. It returned again in 1989 and was then performed every year through June 1995. In total, "Help" was performed just over 100 times. On all of these occasions Help On The Way was followed by the instrumental "Slipknot!" . "Franklin's Tower" usually (but not always) followed "Slipknot!".
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[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

I'll be posting a lesson of the solo as its own video. Any guesses on which show the solo comes from?

[@erik4683]

One From the Vault would be a safe choice, or maybe 5/9/77? Either would be amazing, I will probably want to quit my job and spend the next year trying to learn it!

[@erik4683]

Sorry, just heard the solo. That's 5/9/77, right?

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

It is not. Hint: Wrong decade.

[@erik4683]

@@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons Damn! Worth a shot...Can't wait for the lesson. Thank you for all of this fine material.

[@Illumignostic]

You should do Wiers part as well. sounds like mid 70's 75 or 76

[@JM-zq9em]

Garcia was so underated. His creativity was unbelievable.

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

I would have to agree with you!!

[@bsmitty3976]

The best note by note, chord by chord, with the correct rhythm I have seen for this song. You can truly play this and your right in sync with what Jerry is doing. Nice job.

[@shaftymaze]

your hand is so smooth during the solo. effortless. this takes so much practice people. play 4 hours or more a day if you can. give up social media. give up your gf/bf. give up news. give up everything except trying to play like this and you might get there. Craig thank you for this. Killer version.

[@bptsullivan]

@Greased Lightning youve gotta draw the line somewhere

[@hertegovinul7564]

@@bptsullivan well said

[@bptsullivan]

This is absolutely outstanding content. The fact that you *only* have 7.75k subs is criminal. Keep up the awesome work man - so many of us appreciate the effort

[@JM-zq9em]

Extremely accurate presentation.

[@Jbhyers123]

This one is a great exercise for minor triads, up and down em he goes. Jerry's use of relevant notes is simply amazing. The whole song is just triads everywhere! I started working on this and forgot about it but need to learn this, it will really help guitar players visualize shapes, which how Jerry composed music. Even if a solo seemed completely improvised he was always cognizant of target notes, great job Craig and thanks.

[@LIZZIE-lizzie]

@ Justin Hyers I'm an accomplished classical pianist and when I see JERRY GARCIAS' compositions, I stare at them. They remind me of CHOPIN. The key signature, neutralized flats to sharps and back to flats in a key signature offive sharps - he's crazy. If you listen to JERRY GARCIA "noodling", he's always doing scales. PLAYBOY voted JERRY GARCIA the fastest guitar player in the world and the BEST guitar player in the world. Also, GARCIA was voted the best pedal steel player in the world but GARCIA said he stopped playing pedal steel because it became a competition. "I play it because I love the instrument. I can push all my emotions through the pedal steel. I can make it laugh, cry... I don't play my guitar for competition. To love and play the guitar is my gift from God.". RIP JERRY GARCIA 👏👏👏❣ I'm sure you've seen what remains of the band, now. I can't even watch them. Check out, JOE RUSSO'S ALMOST DEAD. STELLAR band that rocks out GRATEFUL DEAD tunes. BEST, EYES OF THE WORLD - Roosevelt Stadium 1972, 3 hrs. So happy to say I was there. It was my first GRATEFUL DEAD attendance. They came out at 3 AM and played all night. Their opening act was a guy and his death defying chimpanzee 🤣🤣🤣

[@Jbhyers123]

@@LIZZIE-lizzie That's a very good analogy, he was an accomplished composer. When you study his playing you learn so much, especially how a lead line is built into a key signature. Terrapin Station comes to mind with the things he came up with in F lydian, all of the melodic composition. In the end it's just C major all over the neck but sounds so good. You learn to follow the chords and play a scale over the chord that is being played, he was a master. He was the best I have ever seen and if he would have played through a 100 Watt Mesa Boogie triple rectifier amp with a stage full of 4x12 cabs maxed for distortion he would have been the best metal player, lol. I agree the band today I can't watch, I do like Oteil's playing however. I saw many shows in late 89 and 90's and I've never heard anything close to that kind of sound and understanding of music. Just remarkable. Today I enjoy just trying to play a few tunes and see what he was doing all those years ago. Craig's channel is great!

[@ejtonefan]

@@LIZZIE-lizzie Have you heard Holly Bowling's album of her playing solo piano of Jerry Garcia songs, including "Eyes Of The World"?

[@bross63]

This is the best guitar lesson/break down of Help that I’ve seen yet and is extremely well done. I’ve searched and watched all the others I have found, but this is the clearest presentation and seems to be the most accurate as well. Thanks for the work that went into putting this together.

[@landontaylor2113]

I've been watching every video for a couple years now. You are a great player. I love how you contently changing the video formula for the better. I like how you broke down the chord section alot

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Thank you! My goal is to try and make every video better than the last, or at least find the best way to teach/demonstrate a song. Thanks for your feedback - I rely on everyone's feedback to make these videos better!!

[@brettlazor8219]

Knocked it out of the park again. Craig coming with consistency! Thank you

[@gratefulgee3123]

Just Fantastic Buddy. Thank you.

[@dimitrisarver5492]

outstanding, tremendous, i can’t begin to thank you for this video.❤

[@thejamnasium6447]

what a lesson man!

[@captainKnife1]

Thank you for the lesson!

[@brianb8985]

Excellent job. Great tone and awesome playing man.

[@Bibby1971]

This is an amazing version of Help On The Way.

[@andrewedris2800]

Fantastic tablature arrangement. Besides the perfect accuracy, you interspersed the rythym parts smoothly with accessable solo parts. Perfect for intermediates without a natural musical ear.

[@izboli]

You are my hero! Thanks

[@tim.casey.11]

Thank you! Your playing is spot-on (wow) and your videos could not possibly make it any easier to learn, imo. I've been working on the solo for this from the video and PDF you did a while back, and I truly appreciate all the work it took to put this particular one together. I have my work cut out for me now, lol. Thanks again.

[@andrewptob]

This is fantastic! Thank you so much! I knew a good bit of this, but thanks for filling in the blanks!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

It's such a great song. I still remember the first time hearing this on "One From The Vault" - I was hooked. And that introduction is so iconic...

[@andrewptob]

Weeping Willow Guitar Lessons That’s a great version! When Jerry was on top of this one, he was usually just on it that night. I’ve been enjoying the one from 4-23-77 of late. I recommend if you haven’t heard! 🙂✌️

[@Kilaisawesome]

Same situation I’m in. Been playing this song for a while solely by ear and probably having 90% of it down. This is the video I’ve been waiting for to fill the gaps.

[@sagegoodwin1]

What a great guitar part, it’s got a nice signature sound and cool chords. And love every Help-Slip-Franklins I’ve ever heard. Kudos to you and your ears for sleuthing this one out, it’s very much appreciated:)

[@jaymac243]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@WheatonBrad]

I am stoked to learn this now. It always seemed unobtainable.

[@boomerdell]

Amazing!

[@johnhenfrey5936]

Excellent as ever Craig, thanks very much.

[@chinacat3978]

Really nice job. Puts it all together in a way I can follow:) Nicely presented lesson too.

[@marinkfloyd2900]

You've already made me so happy. Thank you so so much. You're incredible.

[@josephsacher1048]

Thank you for this. Outstanding lesson and transcription!

[@jacobdesersa6765]

Another one Craig! Thank you 🔥🔥

[@janetdrums8647]

Another great lesson 👍 thank you for sharing your work.

[@Nikthetrip]

thanks for the amazing work, outstanding as usual

[@johnbrown1851]

Such a cool rhythm part! Thanks for sharing

[@Boots667]

So kick ass love it !! Picked it up quickly thank you!!!!

[@wgutherie]

Thanks for the lesson. It is awesome! Ill be keeping an eye on your channel because its one of the best. GD forever!

[@Gatorlandtraditional]

Thank you so much for all of your videos. You do an amazing job with the breakdown, and you continue to help me grow as Jerry player. Ive been working with the cage system for a while, and finally getting my toes wet with improving, but learning a version of a tune note for note is a great start to learning to jam a song. Been putting off Help >Slip for a while now, but I can’t wait to dig into this video, and finally delve into one of my all time favorites.

[@kylecybrowski1198]

You're a great teacher, keep it up man!

[@jaredwolfsen]

Well, I now know what I'll be doing for the next week! Learning this!! Thank you, one of my all-time faves and while a knew a little, this will fill in all the blanks. Thank you so SO much for this lesson!!

[@lesstoddart5969]

Thanks again Craig, great job!

[@transtremm]

Congratulations! You have just posted the greatest video on KZbin. Absolutely amazing!

[@MaartenVrijman]

Great job on a great song! Thank you so much👍

[@prophetestimate]

Not an easy tune. Great video.

[@LIZZIE-lizzie]

Great to see the sheet music. Thank you for the upload.

[@mattriley3550]

Fantastic. Thanks.

[@jacobstephen8487]

Love your videos dude.

[@ayushgvrg]

Too good! Gonna try it out soon. Thanks!

[@brookeperry92]

Thanks man, I've been obsessed with practicing this song trying to nail every part. I've got down the rhythm so far now I need to learn the lead part :P

[@farmdogmusic2365]

Intense bro incredible

[@bobbybaumann9531]

Bless your soul

[@seanenglish3002]

Great Job! Can't wait to dig into this. I have always wanted to know how to play this. Your confidence in presentation has grown immensely. I love this lesson. Please make tab available. If on Patreon or paid account I will gladly join.

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Thanks, I'm glad it shows. I think most people are uncomfortable on camera at first (it's not the same as sitting across from a live person).

[@seanenglish3002]

@@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons You have definitely got it wired now. This is a perfect guitar lesson and a joy to watch. I hope, if possible, you take this into the Franklins from this show. Jerry's solos, especially the opening solo, are all time.

[@MikeMurdochMusic]

Wow, what a fantastic tutorial ! You must have spent so many hours putting this together. Thanks very much ! Subscribed for sure ! Did you ever get the lesson for the solo up ? Cheers from BC Canada !

[@jaywood7672]

like how you have the sheet music going as you play :)

[@oliverchapman51177]

🎸 has improved because of your efforts. The whole package is excellent. You will grow, subscriber wise. This is easily 100k content. You have grown, I’ve watched it, I subscribed when you had 1.8k subscribers. I see you doing this context full time in the future. I would consider this to be an late intermediate/advanced channel. There are so many new guitar players out there now, when they get their fingers comfy with the fretboard, you will gain more. Well done.

[@ejtonefan]

To do it full time, Chris needs more Patreon contributors than penniless subscribers.

[@rdesutter76]

strong work.

[@mauriciocastro9704]

GREAT LESSON! please do duane Allman solo at stonybrook, you are very good

[@ryankapp8012]

Yes. That blue sky is something special

[@mauriciocastro9704]

Ryan Kapp Yes, That is what i want, it is incredible

[@SlipperySlug-ty6mm]

hey Craig thanks so much for this! you are amazing and help so much with my progession. Do you think youll post a video on the transition into slipnot from HOTW?

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

You're welcome, and yes, I will be posting a video for Bob's parts on Slipknot!. I already did Jerry's part along time ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHiVn5KHequqntE

[@fubarsnafu4994]

what kind of guitar is that? is that a Travis Bean? PSR? Looks like a dream to play and love the look. Thanks for the lesson.. Best videos on youtube!

[@phukgewgle8181]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@oliverchapman51177]

3:55 to 4:03 is the tricky part for me. It’s fast and needs to be clean. Once I nail this section, I’m ready to perform it

[@mattgraumans7800]

is there a downloadable pdf of the music/tab for this? I would really like to have a copy of your version

[@drewdecaro3171]

great video! when you get to slipknot solo part, would you say that's a key change to Am? It kinda feels that way

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Yep! An A Dorian jam.

[@Jbhyers123]

Craig on this demonstration it looks like you've added in the beginning of slipknot to the end of the video correct? You didn't cover that last part of the video in the walkthrough I assume because that was slipknot and instruction on that is on another video on the channel.

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

That is correct!

[@hertegovinul7564]

hello, quick question, what amp did you use in this video, thanks in advance

[@johnbort2]

Can you help me identify which modes/scales used in the solo please? Trying to understand theory more. Great video!!

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Honestly, Jerry was more about playing around chord shapes and the melody than using a single scale to play through this progression. However, if you use F Dorian and a healthy dose of chromaticism, you'll get really close.

[@brandonmiles8174]

I'd be happy to buy this tab, or if you set up like a patreon or something.

[@gillw97]

Any chance you could do slipknot? This was killer

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

I already did Slipknot! a few years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHiVn5KHequqntE

[@Jbhyers123]

Besides getting these triad picking shapes down pat, takes practice, I also find I have trouble hitting the right strings, stuff ringing out I don't want. I guess that comes with practice it's so fast you can mute everything or maybe I am wrong.

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

You're absolutely right. You'll need to take it slowly. It's not just muting, but also releasing pressure from the string you just played when moving to another string. If you let everything ring out, it won't sound right. Slow it all down, and work on precision. 👍

[@patrickcrabtree3162]

Learning the basics few tests back from a friend who knew the song. Broke my pinky finger. Can't get full dexterity out of it anymore. Soo frustrating

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

I'm sorry to hear that. That would be very frustrating!

[@ryandelci370]

Can you throw the key in the description on these? Unless I'm missing it somewhere

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

It's in F minor.

[@ryandelci370]

Thanks dude!

[@judeconig9324]

Why is the tab upside-down?

[@89vish]

would be pretty cool if you played it how its played in the song yknow

[@WeepingWillowGuitarLessons]

Not sure what you mean. Everything is taken right off various live versions, including the solo - played just how it's played in the song.

[@LIZZIE-lizzie]

You gotta be an accomplished musician to play GARCIAs' shit. Wanna see something benignly simple made maddening? I compare JERRY GARCIAs' compositions to FREDERICK CHOPIN. Five sharps neutralized and flattened in a key signature of five sharps --