How to Play Classical Gas (Mason Williams) - lesson for Main Theme

This is a fingerstyle guitar/ classical guitar tutorial on how to play the main theme from Mason William's Classical Gas. I have skipped the intro, and will do the horn section and the solo section another time.
I have tried to break it down as far as possible without the music falling apart, by playing each bar very slowly. When learning guitar pieces you really must go as slow as possible. Probably even slower than I do it on this video. Remember to use the same fingers each time you practise. From reading books like the Talent Code by Daniel Coyle I discovered that myelin forms more strongly around the nerve fibres that are used regularly when learning a skill. If you're using different fingers each time, whether they be on the left or the right hand, you've already put obstacles in the path of efficient learning.
Please forgive the edit as I move into the chorus section. The new edit works much better.
Originally titled "Classical Gasoline" - it was changed to Classical Gas by a music copyist, it topped the charts in 1968.
Recorded on NIKON d3300
Tascam DR-05
Audio processed in Reaper
Video edited in Lightworks.
Like, subscribe, comment on what other #GuitarLesssons you'd like.
#ClassicalGas #ClassicalGuitar
social media
/ fowlerguitar
/ fowlerguitar
Other music
www.mikefowler....
/ mikefowlerguitar

[@WillyBluefield]

Lo those many decades ago, had I had this good man as my guitar teacher, I might have been somebody. Funny how life works. Mr. Fowler exudes a Zen master-like calm and steadiness, and no trace of ego.

[@MikeFowlerguitars]

I really like that. Thanks very much. I used to teach back in the 90s, may go back to it someday. I'm tempted to pin your comment, but then that might be seen as showing a bit of ego 😉. All the very best to you

[@WillyBluefield]

@@MikeFowlerguitars You are welcome. I've worked on CG off and on for many years, and I can play most of it, but the fine points have eluded me; however, I saved your video and I'm going back to work on it. You should teach because you have the gift. Onward!

[@MikeFowlerguitars]

@user-lh3iw7tg7q Will, you're a star. Any tips, any advice, give me a shout.

[@WillyBluefield]

@@MikeFowlerguitars Mike old sport, Davey Graham's "Anji" is one I can play pretty well. I copped Paul Simon's arrangement to some extent and then freewheeled my own version. Do you play it?

[@MikeFowlerguitars]

It's here Will. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6Dbc5iHrp2gntksi=h_RGl4kMQNUW6hWe Just listened to it for the first time in ages. I remember when I recorded it trying to get the timing right. Had to keep listening to the Davy Graham version, I think some of the timing was peculiar from the beginning. Have you recorded your version?

[@frankpatellaro3163]

Very nice. A beautiful narration that I can actually follow.

[@MikeFowlerguitars]

Thanks Frank, your words mean more than you know. 🙏

[@markbrown7103]

Hey am I cool song one of my favorites I’ll learn this one from you too thanks again for the video it’s great I won’t have to worry about trying to play anything by ear as long as you’re around hey keep up the good work I really enjoy your teaching you’re a great teacher and a damn good guitar player thanks so much 🎸👍👍☮️❤️

[@MikeFowlerguitars]

That's brilliant, Mark. Thanks a lot for your comments.

[@jcpmac1]

Many thanks for this lesson, Mike. It was a great help.

[@MikeFowlerguitars]

You've just made my day Jeremy. That's what it's all about. You've made it worthwhile 👍👍👍

[@Papa-hs6yg]

Subscribed. Been looking for this because pausing doesn't cover up the tablature, it being up in the left corner. Also your performance and repetition and speed variation are perfect. If I then explore your channel and find other great S and G, etc. music from the Age of Aquarius, all the better!

[@MikeFowlerguitars]

That's brilliant, I don't know what to say. Thanks very much. I think the tab is about right. You've only got to watch for the bar which changes time signature to 5/4. Apart from that, it's just getting the whole thing up to speed. A very merry Christmas to you. 👍

[@LizzyHaughton]

Hello yes, I find that I have just added a comment to the other fellow's lesson which I didn't even look at. Never mind. Anyway it's all good and helpful, and despite being semi-old, and generally buggered up, I am making progress with this piece. Can you do Anji? No rush obviously as I shall still be learning Classical Gas round about Christmas, but something to think about. Thank you. I am not Lizzy Haughton, but her father and it's another mystery to me why she is on my computer but there we are. Now back to the twanging.

[@MikeFowlerguitars]

@@LizzyHaughton hahaha. Love that comment. Yes, Anji is here, though I'm not doing a tutorial. I should actually shouldn't I ? Thanks for that. 👍

[@LizzyHaughton]

@@MikeFowlerguitars Well I'm still struggling with those last bars, but I shall prevail, with this and with my very excellent guitar teacher whois Barbara, and writes beautiful songs that you can hear on her albums. Also, I have lots of books about all sorts of things if you wanted to widen your reading a bit. I can play Greensleeves a bit, so that's something. Anyway thank you. I think you maybe live in Cumbria or somewhere up that way.