How to Play Blackbird on Guitar

Song Parts Sheet: bit.ly/BlackbirdTabs
Song Structure Sheet: bit.ly/BlackbirdTabs
Here's Part 2: • Blackbird Guitar Lesso...
The classic Beatles song Blackbird in all its finger-picked guitar glory. We're going to learn the main part of the song here using only 2 shapes and 1 finger-picking pattern. Everything can pretty much be slid around on that A string.
Do your best to try and memorize it because it's an excellent song to learn structure at any level of guitar skill.
#blackbird

[@boola1914]

I am 90% done with this song in just 4 video views. Mind blown. I never thought I could play this song. The fret (shape) graphic looked complicated but when I gave it a chance it helped me learn it way faster. Then I was like oh I get it for the 3rd part. Got it in less than 10mins! Great instruction. I don’t subscribe to anything. This is my first subscription. Amazing. I still can’t believe I’m playing it. Now I can try to sing and play this song. But now I believe it’s possible.

[@seandaniel23]

So great to hear! Congrats and welcome to the party!!

[@boola1914]

Sean Daniel Thanks for replying Sean. Don’t want to get too sentimental but this song always reminds me of my mom who passed away in 2015. I always wished I could play it. Your video made that possible. Wish I could play like you bro. You make it look so effortless.

[@seandaniel23]

So cool to hear that it was helpful! Just stick with and you'll be just as good in no time!

[@kaylynmesser]

As a beginner I've been looking for something to learn that makes me really excited and proud of my progress. This is it. I've been playing along with this video and your structure sheet this month and can play Part 1 by memory (slowly). It feels amazing to finally have the start of a song on guitar. Thank you! Your teaching process is a lot easier for me to understand then trying to follow along note by note with other lessons online. Cheers!

[@turbobuffalo454]

Sean Daniel, you sir are the man! A few months back, I had dabbled with this song and said NOPE, my hands aren't made to bend that way....I found your video on Friday and have it fully memorized and playing like those really good players at guitar center thanks to you :D Thanks man!

[@Coryclemmings]

i literally just got my guitar and started playing, and three or more hours in n I'm playing this. You're amazing!!

[@SuperEbba123]

OMG thanks for finally making me understand how to play this song!!!🤩

[@seandaniel23]

No prob! It’s a fun one to play! Rock on!

[@PearlJamR]

Sean! You actually said "before you Beatles Purists get your Ringos in a bunch..." Man that is Shakespeare genius, man! I Love Your Style!

[@Andrew-vj7gw]

Sean, I love your approach to song structure with this tune. So simple but so creatively distills the the important moves. I haven't seen that approach anywhere else yet. Nice job.

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks so much David!

[@DaPoopIsInDaPudding]

Great song for acoustic guitar. It's on my must know list too. I look forward to all you videos, lessons, etc.

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks so much! I'll keep em coming!

[@jondoyle44]

Great teaching Bud. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Time stamps. Full run thru slow n fast 11:52 Pattern 1:28 Pattern B 4:22

[@redwalrustmnc5256]

Tried learning this from Guitar World years ago and gave up. I learnt your way in three video run thrus no problem...thx!

[@prs283]

your welcome

[@seandaniel23]

So great to hear it!

[@beatsbybastian7581]

But its not the proper way do, now you have learned this, learn the real version

[@sandigrimm8399]

Where the heck were you in 1968 when all I had was a record player and no KZbin. Thank you Sean, I can now take "Learn Blackbird" off my bucket list !

[@seandaniel23]

Congrats on learning it!

[@martinberger629]

Great job! Thanks so much. I really appreciate all the work you put into this.

[@jamesmowenby]

After playing this song "sorta" right for 30 years I watched this and now have it more right. The 1,2and3and4 took me a bit to dial in but I have it now. Another great lesson.

[@familiaramirez8306]

The fret and the shape method is very clever and it is so much easier, thank you so much

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help!

[@mrs.hollerbredkennels-jana7891]

I HAVE SOOOO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS VIDEO...BUT 1st U R A FRICKIN' AMAZING TEACHER & #2...I dont miss a video & Ive noticed that ppl say that u talk fast but it's so obvious why lolol. You r so smart & talented & that to me, is amazing. I admire that. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for taking ur time to do everything that u do. And for teaching us this song. U done great & was able to make learning what can be a confusing song a lot easier. GREAT JOB!

[@rockamaroque8189]

Have just used this vid to learn Blackbird. Knocked it out very quickly thanks to your very innovative approach Sean. Love your work, and really appreciate the song sheets links. Look forward to all your posts.

[@seandaniel23]

+Rock Amaroque Thanks for reaching out man. happy to help!

[@kylie7389]

The only video that got me to actually play this with ease and fluidity. Thank you

[@seandaniel23]

Glad it was helpful!

[@szoradbese8473]

Great lesson Sean, thanks! Looking forward to the next part!

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching!

[@richwiz2]

Thanks, Sean; You have helped me immensely; I’m so grateful to you.

[@JaiDarshanand]

Thanks Sean! Your lesson was well constructed and simplified.

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help!

[@panchibilin]

love how you play and teach this man, cheers

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for reaching out!

[@shashankg3705]

Hell yeah! Thank you soo much. This was really easy to follow!

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@GaryBook]

I learned it years ago but hadn’t play it in years and forgot it. Giving forms and patterns make it easier to follow.

[@seandaniel23]

Definitely a great song to learn!

[@quentinrasco6229]

Great way to break it down. Looking forward to trying it. Thanks

[@seandaniel23]

Great to hear Quentin and good luck!

[@ThierryEzraYTGaming]

Never thought I would be able to play this. Thank you!

[@marjoleinvansloten4029]

Thank you!!! No more struggling thanks to your lesson! and frame shape style. Feels so good to play Black bird finally!!

[@seandaniel23]

Congratulations! Happy to help :)

[@protacioarchitects9737]

I cant believe i actually playing this song now..thanks so much bro

[@eddiet2]

Very nicely done. Yes, this does make it a bit easier.

[@somefishinghappening4735]

Great Job, you made this easy, thank you

[@mrs.hollerbredkennels-jana7891]

Sean I have watched this b4 right...I was more of a beginner then. Well I have to tell u that of all the lessons I've watched on this song...YOU BY FAR MAKE IT SO MUCH EASIER. Cuz this is a confusing song really. I wanna thank u for that.

[@Noneya388]

Bud, I don't care what anyone says, this is master level insight.

[@joerye6271]

Geez, you made a previously "out of reach" song playable. Thanks for taking the time to break it down into edible chunks. Much easier this way. Thanks!!!

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help!

[@stefano.b65stef77]

Learning it on my name-day! I came back after trying other songs, great decision to tackle this song, it seemed more difficult just listening to it, maybe it's your way of teaching that made it easier to learn it

[@buzzstankos8532]

Excellent lesson plan! a novel approach that makes sense!

[@winston9505]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help!

[@itzzwezMtb]

Hi i am Wes and i am 11 years old i am not good at guitar but this has made me feel like I am good at guitar because of how easy it was thanks so much. You also explained it very well thanks if i want to learn any other guitar songs i will come to you thanks again Wes

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help Wes!!!! Keep rocking it!

[@richardfromcornwall5492]

Amazing, Sean. I always thought this song was way out of my reach because a) I'm not really in to finger style and b) I thought it was too hard. However, broken down like this, whilst still difficult, is more accessible to me. Guess what I'm doing tomorrow in my guitar practice?

[@raquelnguema8889]

Thank you so much!!! It was so easy to follow 👌👌💙

[@raquelnguema8889]

I know its weird to comment on a video of like almost 4 years ago but

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help!

[@Colin4bz]

Great lesson!

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching Colin!

[@meteor1237]

Thx it works!,

[@WysteriaGuitar]

YES! - more song lessons

[@seandaniel23]

Alright I'll try and step it up :)

[@gtr1952]

Thanks for a great lesson! 67 and I finally got it! LOL Trying to follow Paul on his Eppie Texan, left handed, upside down and backwards, is near impossible! For me anyway! 8) Again, Thanks! Gary

[@daithiod]

You’re an excellent teacher. Fair play to you and continued success.

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks so much!

[@daithiod]

Sean Daniel I played the whole tune after watching your advice/lesson. I felt like a guitarist, so credit to you.

[@PearlJamR]

Still my favourite song lesson!

[@seandaniel23]

+PearlJamR A classic for sure!

[@Sameiiiiii]

This song is hard to play! But it’s really easy to understand because of u and I got it after about 2 hours 😂 but it was worth it! Thank you

[@alaninkarachi]

Brilliant. I've been struggling for ages to 'move forward' with the guitar. Have been getting very fed up and frustrated with my slow and limited advancement. This really helps. This is a great tutorial. Thanks. Can you do a few more perhaps "imagine"....... Please :-)

[@bruhbruh-my6it]

I know you posted this two years ago, and I totally feel like a freak for haunting your channel, but this was a great tutorial with an interesting technique to memorize finger placement. Learned it in half an hour.

[@seandaniel23]

Happy you liked the vid! Rock on man!

[@abhishekrajput8763]

sir ! it was seriously helpfull video !😊 ..

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks so much!

[@odettepross2435]

i ended up putting number stickers on the top so i didnt have to stop and count frets LOL ... thanks for this vid..its awesome

[@BeautyFromAshesMusic]

Sean, you do a nice job teaching guitar. I used to play Blackbird the way that you are teaching it, however, I learned that it was an approximate and not the way that McCartney performed it. McCartney features chromatic walks in the bass on "Take these broken wings and learn to fly" and "All your life." To get those the chord form changes on the even beats to one that uses the 1st and 5th strings rather than 2nd and 5th. This small tweak would make your lesson more true to the original. Otherwise, great video. Keep em coming!

[@dreamlovefix]

I'm planning on travelling and hope to get find some open mics to play this at, along with other treasures. i had to relearn this song and it was easier the second time with your video lol. going to Sigur Ros in London in September, gonna go to London, italy and paris...with this sweet little song and sing:) Thanks! I'm subscribed to your channel now by the way! :D

[@seandaniel23]

So jealous! Sounds like an awesome trip! I'm sure Sigur Ros will be incredible. Thanks for subscribing!

[@dreamlovefix]

i've never travelled overseas. thanks. it's about time. just got a classical guitar given to me, it had to be taped on the edge of the body somewhere but it has a very deep bass sound. newfie friend gave it to me. i'm now travelling to newfoundland also in 12 days. do you travel for music ever? it's about time for me!

[@LiamStackLiamStackLiamStack]

Thanks!

[@seandaniel23]

Happy to help Liam!

[@kennethochoa7550]

just kinda watched ur sims video i recently bought a fender mustang lt 25 but have't taken it on the road trip as of yet... i just wanta jump into the love fest for doing this song who doesn't love black bird and it looks like now i have no reason in the world not to learn it with all of your help thank next is fire and rain peace out

[@itzzwezMtb]

Nice

[@sdmatso]

I was learning the song along similar lines but you have mapped it out so much easier. I could never remember the order of all the parts even when I could play each one individually. The "structure" and the "parts" make a LOT of sense. I found it helpful how pattern one is minor and pattern 2 is major. That was great as well. Now I see that when I think of the 5th string minor and major bar chord shapes. My QUESTION is: Why is there a D# in 6(2) and 3(1)? That note, I think, is outside the key. Thanks for the insight to that question and the great video.

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching! Going outside of a key temporarily is quite common in a lot of Beatles songs. In that instance, it's turning a C major chord into a C minor chord to create a descending line.

[@daddybosstrebc.c9418]

I have been trying to learned the mid verse going to end .I"ve seen so many tutorial but i stil don"t get it maybe i"m just really slow i"ts really confused me .Dude! your finger picking pattern is so easy to follow by far this Blackbird tutorial is the best among other tutorial 😎

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks!

[@keithwoods7724]

I play the open G string with my thumb, and just use my thumb and 2nd finger. It feels more natural to me. But then, it would, since that's how I've always done it. Also, you could play the Db and G that you're stretching so much to reach by playing it on the 1st (oh, sorry, 6th! wink) string. Likewise with the Eb and A.

[@jack1234356]

Cool bananas mate....Got it

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching Rob!

[@jack1234356]

No thank you, got both parts down pat. Cheers

[@brucekeswick9684]

Sean, thanks for the lesson. Always wanted to learn this song. I have a question on strings, how often do you thinks strings should be changed. I have one guitar that I have had for about ten years and don't think I have ever changed the strings because they did not break. However, just got a Martin that I play everyday and am becoming more aware of sound.

[@seandaniel23]

Great question, depends on a lot factors. Personally I use coated strings (Elixir phosphor bronze) and I replace them maybe every 7 or 8 weeks.

[@andyguitarman6923]

Great video again man! Thanks. Can you please do a tutorial for Weathered by Jack Garratt!

[@seandaniel23]

Great suggestion! I'll put it on the list!

[@davidortiz4065]

nice

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching David!

[@Adam-mg8eg]

When did pewdiepie start learning out guitar

[@allanryan4210]

ive never seen such an easy song explained so badly

[@rotemtoledano6437]

Hi Sean, great lesson, thanks! Is it possible that originally the F#dim [9(1)] is played the same way the Em, as you said, is originally played? Meaning, you play the third of the chord with its sharpened sixth as an alternative bass. So, for the F#dim you'll have an A (2nd string 10th fret) and a D# (5th string 6th fret). You have the same problematic stretch there, but you can actually pluck the 1st string 5th fret (The note A) instead of the 2nd string, 10th fret. That way on the second part [ 3(2), 7(1), 5(2), 9(1)] the bass line moves up one semitone at a time, C to C# to D then D#. For me it sounds better, but maybe it's just because that's how I'm used to playing it.

[@seandaniel23]

Yup you're exactly right! In fact that's how they play it on the album. So for sure keep it that way, I only changed it because that can be a stretch for some people so it makes it a little easier while still sound kind of like the original :)

[@Sky-lm2no]

Hey sean! I was wondering if you could hit me up with a good brand of guitar strings, and what you like to use. that would be really helpful! thanks!

[@seandaniel23]

For sure! I LOVE the Elixir phosphor bronze .12s, my favorite for acoustics.

[@jefflane6047]

Love you using a classic to teach a broader lesson about structure. This being Thanksgiving, this morning I listened to Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant" which would be a great example to teach a ragtime finger-pick style. Would you consider doing it? (PLEASE?) Thanks!

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for reaching out! I'll put it on the list!

[@robm9460]

Sean Daniel

[@ThePyrosteve]

I just happened to find you on the SGC channel doing the Fender Jaguar video, as well. Is there anything you don't do?! Do you own a Jag? How do you feel about it? Any lasting impressions?

[@seandaniel23]

Good ol SGC. You know I liked the Jag a lot but not enough to actually buy one. I already have a tele and a strat and I didn't think it did anything so different enough to add it to the collection. But I did really like it.

[@lflee]

Hey Sean, what is the fastest song you can play?

[@Digiphex]

McCartney does a thumb +finger, finger strum, thumb, finger strum. It is quite unorthodox so I see why you teach it this way. Your version is much cleaner but he came up with the money hooks all the time so he is the man.

[@inescapablestud]

Bam first view, first comment. Keeping my tally up

[@seandaniel23]

You're separating yourself from the pack!

[@williamjver]

How do you submit a tutorial video where it starts off with only one hand in view ?

[@JeremyKroeker]

Yeah, I watched this lesson and went, "Oh, (expletive deleted). I need to learn this song now." I haven't been outside all day. And I'm still not on to the next part. (Screams like William Shatner) SEAAAAAN!

[@seandaniel23]

haha, come on Jeremy! Of COURSE I know the reference!

[@verandi3882]

I was willing that someday I will be able to play it by ear , but I still can't find it however how do you find songs y ear accurately ? and great lesson

[@seandaniel23]

Great question Omar, I'm definitely planning on doing a video that focuses more on playing by ear so stay tuned!

[@verandi3882]

Sean Daniel you're the man , I use some primitive techniques like finding the basslines for a progression then trying to harmonize the chords , but I get stuck when it comes to melodies especially fast melodies , ascending and descending notes method as well

[@rabrown22000]

I'm trying to count this getting confused. Does part one that you're playing come in on 3? If I try starting from 1 the patterns start on 3. Maybe I'm over thinking it and just need to start counting at the first pattern. I imagine it would make sense to me if I saw it written down lol

[@rabrown22000]

Ok, nevermind lol. Just looked it up and it changes time signatures all over. Not going to worry about it unless I try to put it into my audio software and want to have a click track with it.

[@relisys]

This is a cool tutorial and an easy way to play the song but unfortunately it's not right. If you listen to Paul play the song it's pretty obvious that you have the notes wrong for the 2nd shape on the 10th fret. Check out the official tab on Ultimate Guitar, that's the correct way to play it. You're finishing the picking pattern on the A string when it should finish on the G string. It's played AB, G, B, A, B, G. You are playing AB, A, G, A, B, A.

[@MultiAlerocks]

Ever plan doing one of these tutorial on a metal song Example - laid to rest ( I'm so edgy ) Or maybe you should do one for dubstep though I'm not sure how that would work lol

[@seandaniel23]

Haha, I'll have to put some dubstep on the list :)

[@kiacidic6638]

when does it start

[@Yo-rw6nw]

What do you mean by two patterns

[@arnabmondal5124]

92 percent accurate 😂

[@Noneya388]

But 100% right

[@michaelamenta5254]

if you have addressed this already my apologies but, i was Intersted in a lesson on playing and singing at the same time. although I do both terribly I find it most difficult to do both wrong together . any help would be greatly appreciated

[@connorcorn7309]

Michael Amenta I used to have the same problem, learning some basic finger picking with a consistent bass line(not even while singing) really helped. I think our natural instinct is to only strum on the beats, but practicing a picking bass line with picked chords underneath helps break the habit. Also, songs with fast beats are good to practice (Found A Job by Talking Heads is great for just getting rythym down)

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for reaching out Michael, I'm definitely going to address this soon!

[@tres913]

But how do you make that slide so smooooth?

[@seandaniel23]

just reps my man! If that's the part you're getting hung up on, just keep doing only that part over and over.

[@TheKommercial]

Great vid, helped alot! But i wish I could see your picking fingers well instead of just mainly a fist and you calling out what you are doing.

[@EthanHuette]

I’m so confused, shape 1 and 2 look the same to me what am I missing

[@josefinigo7100]

A song harmonized in 10ths...G scale chords,and in a part F 10ths...Majors and minors accordingly...

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks for watching!

[@Fakman87]

Hi, is the guitar tuned to E here?

[@yasaraziz5843]

Yes

[@NeptuneOfTheSeas]

Brah, what model is that Taylor?

[@seandaniel23]

GA3, love that guitar!

[@odettepross2435]

damn i can’t get that picking right 😭

[@classicrock8763]

Paul’s actual picking pattern is a lot easier then what you’re playing

[@Silent_Onis]

its actually harder. in original recording hes strumming the g and the b strings with the first finger. so its a picking & strumming pattern at the same time.

[@orsong3519]

I have thwarted Luc Verhoeven. Bwahaha.

[@seandaniel23]

Kick him down the list!

last! (I'm not very good at this)

[@seandaniel23]

Well if you're not first you're last.

[@gmaildad2087]

Ps I don't want to make you mad but take a good electronic tuner and see what I mean of course there are many different ways to play it

[@seandaniel23]

Not mad at all my man!

[@caitlinhiggins3380]

you look like brandon flowers

[@Eduardo-oh4uy]

You look like a mix of Antonio banderas a Neil Patrick Harris

[@fibrofrecuencia]

see my lesson

[@jesusoctavioramirezvargas1505]

chris webby

[@MorningVegas]

I was hoping this was the Alter Bridge song. A far better song imo

[@seandaniel23]

Maybe next time ;)

[@MorningVegas]

Sean Daniel *throws hint my way*

[@esmeraldaurquiza2460]

He looks like pewdiepie

[@seandaniel23]

I get that a lot

[@guillermoagutierrez]

Neil Patrick Harris

[@seandaniel23]

I get that a lot.

[@4AM_TM]

right hand fingers are wrong

[@flanza56]

The bass line is wrong