How to play 'Don't Fear The Reaper' by Blue Oyster Cult

An amazing classic! We'll look at the iconic main riff as well as the strumming in the chorus sections - this song is very good for your right hand and will help to clean some things up in your left hand....and it's a ton of fun too. We'll do a slow playalong after we've gone slowly through the sections together - and then it's a full speed playalong toward the end.
Songsheets are always available at / guitaratwork
And.....we'll be playing along with the fabulous BEATBUDDY drum machine pedal and we'll be using the amazing AEROS Loop Studio GOLD EDITION pedal from Singular Sound. Play along with me!
Grab yours today at the links below and be sure to use promo code GAW10 to get 10% off at checkout and support this channel!
Grab your own BEATBUDDY drum machine pedal here:
bit.ly/3PjU2Yr
Use the promo code GAW10 at checkout to get 10% off and help support this channel!
Grab your own Aeros Looper here:
bit.ly/3PjU2Yr
Use the promo code GAW10 at checkout to get 10% off and help support this channel!
Check out the Singular Sound 'Song Matching Tool' to know what patterns to use with your own BEATBUDDY for the songs you love:
songmatcher.singularsound.com?aff=37
And...here is a link to the Premium Content - sounds and songs you can add to your BeatBuddy:
www.singularsound.com/pages/p...
Use the promo code GAW10 at checkout to get 10% off and help support this channel!
Songsheets are always available at / guitaratwork

[@realitywave]

Needs more cow bell!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! I agree fully - thanks for that. Hope you have fun with it, Shane

[@LMacNeill]

Dammit! I was gonna make a cowbell joke, but you beat me to it! 😂

[@jx14aby]

I came looking for this comment. Had to be here.

[@mermaid10x]

Kilgore trout! Ha ha I haven’t heard that name for years awesome

[@WildBill1120]

Man… that song brings back memories of my youth! Gonna work on this one with my Beat Buddy. Thanks Shane!

[@leefigg4395]

Your guitar tutorials are amongst the best on KZbin. The way you break down the music into the individual notes or chords is always clearly demonstrated, making it easier to learn and play along to a song.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Lee - greatly appreciated. My best to you, cheers, Shane

[@JimmyV007]

Shane!! Hey man , you have to be the most articulate teacher on the tube. You really explain every detail , and in a way where it can be universally understood. Mix that with light humor, and great song picks , making you my go to for every lesson. Thanks for investing all the time you do for the people who appreciate it . Thanks buddy

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Jimmy - really makes my day to read a comment like yours. Very glad you’re enjoying - my best to you! Shane

[@wmcmps]

In Memoriam: Gene Frenkle: 1950-2000

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that - Cheers, Shane

[@sdriza]

RIP

[@stevenmartin7159]

One of the best three chord drones in the business

[@GuitarAtWork]

Absolutely - I agree Steven. Cheers, Shane

[@salimel4835]

Effective riff ! Classic song !

[@brianzelinsky-ri6nd]

Thank you Shane! A fantastic lesson, I have always loved this song!

[@phlegmbeck9224]

1st time seeing one of your videos. I’m not a bad player but this one has always given me fits whenever I’ve entertained the idea of learning it. This is one of those songs that you (or maybe just me) needs some instruction on what to do physically. Your breakdown of the song simplified things and made it much more approachable. Thank you very much!

[@davidwalker41]

I've always loved this song, and I love all the great tips you sprinkle in with the lesson.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you David - I really appreciate that. I always have fun making these videos and it's really fun to hear from people who are enjoying them. My best to you, Shane

[@frankaq3951]

What a great teacher you are, Shane. Man, keeping it simple and accurate.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Frank - glad you enjoyed. Cheers, Shane

[@russellfox8278]

Absolutely brilliant. I’ve just found you whilst searching about strumming fundamentals. Love the enthusiasm

[@jamill703]

Great instructor. You are very practical and positive. Love hearing the music theory and notes behind the chords/tab. I enjoyed and will be looking for more.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that Jamill - happy to have you here with us - Cheers! Shane

[@caniwim12]

'stop tape' makes these lessons even more classic, thanks!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! Thanks Steve, Shane

[@t9620]

Awesome lesson for a classic song! Always so much fun. Thanks so much! 🙏🎸

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that - happy you enjoyed. Cheers, Shane

[@jeremybarnes9927]

Thank you Shane. Your lessons are awesome and much appreciated.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Jeremy - glad you enjoy. My best to you, Shane

[@WIZ-IN-PA]

Glad to see you back Shane! This is a nice classic. I didn't know this one before, but I do now! Thanks and have a jammin' weekend!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that - glad to have you here with us and I hope you have a ton of fun with this one, Cheers, Shane

[@dharmaofdog7676]

LOVE this Tune & seems Jack likes it, too! Thanks so much for this Lesson. It really sounds great & fantastic practice tune.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! Thank you and glad you enjoyed. Jack is a great audience indeed. Best to you, Shane

[@Cisco176]

Very nice. I love watching you in these lessons. Very talented!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that - always fun to do! Shane

[@bryannacaldwellsoccer]

Thank you for the video, that was a very tidy lesson!

[@woodytfc]

The first 30 seconds is pure gold ... thanks Shane

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Woody - glad you enjoyed! Shane

[@geofflamb3575]

Excellent! Thank you Shane! Great pace and detail.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Geoff - glad you enjoyed! Shane

[@LMacNeill]

Yet another awesome lesson -- I've just started learning flat-picking, and this looks like a great thing to help with that. Thanks!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Fabulous - this is the perfect song to get that right hand going and getting some accuracy. All the best with it. Cheers, Shane

[@thomasd9237]

👍👍 it's a fantastic song. Timeless classic

[@GuitarAtWork]

For sure Thomas - thanks, Shane

[@markdavich5829]

I have this one loaded and looped in my phrase trainer and it's a great tune for timing and picking drills. My only critique is when you get to the part where you're playing power chords over "seasons don't fear the reaper nor do the wind the summer the rain", the riff actually starts on the F after the last G power chord. So, you actually play the riff back up to the Am starting from the F. It really doesn't matter if you're just having some fun but it will jump out at you like it did with me if you're working with loops of the original recording in a phrase trainer. To kick that section off, you play the riff normally from the Am, the G, the F, the G and then immediately back to the F as a power chord for "seasons don't fear etc etc. and give each of those chords the beats as taught - F G, A... F Em A G and then start the riff on the F on your way back to the Am where you continue the riff/tune as if nothing ever happened. I must have tripped over that section 15 or 20 times trying to nail it until I tricked myself into believing that even though I was starting the riff on the F, I had actually played through the riff normally to get where I was so I was just on-my-way-home to get to the Am and... BOOM.

[@philf4086]

Wow, this one came out of the blue! Great lesson, one that I've always struggled with because it was too fast for me to pick out and follow along. Can't wait to play this one AT SPEED! I liked your comment about "assembling the chord as needed". Perfect description for the placement of the left hand.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Phil - very happy to hear that it has helped you - have fun with it and thanks for being here with us! Shane

[@richardlynch5632]

Can't think of this tune without also remembering "The Stand" by Stephen King 😎👍 Missed ya bro.😎 Great lesson Shane😎👍 😎✌👍❤🖖

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Richard - I remember devouring that book as a kid - scared the crap out of me. Always enjoy hearing from you - Cheers, Shane

[@jeromekovacik1198]

Excellent Instruction Shane, Thank You.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Jerome - hope you’re having fun with it. Shane

[@PCenterNC]

Thanks!

[@blendi3825]

Fantastic song for acoustic guitar, thank you for explaining it

[@GuitarAtWork]

My best to you, Shane

[@johnyork5138]

Love the song

[@GuitarAtWork]

Me too Johnny - hope you have fun with it, Shane

[@markdouglas8073]

Another great BÖC song is “I’m Burnin’ for You.”

[@GuitarAtWork]

Excellent song - thanks Mark. Shane

[@toddmaclauchlin296]

I LOVE that Taylor! Sounds fantastic. Great video.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Todd. I really like it. It’s a 2019 Taylor 814CE. Lovely. Cheers, Shane

[@alexishohman2036]

As always Shane another great lesson

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Alexis - glad you enjoyed. Best to you! Shane

[@akshayladdha9389]

Love the song,loved the lesson.thanks!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed! Shane

[@maxitomix]

favorite teacher. Love that you added an intro demo to know what we are getting into.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Leyenda - my best to you. Shane

[@dr123hall]

Always wanted to learn Blue Oyster Don’t Fear that! How perfectly clear and well explained…timing is everything:-) Don’t fear life and keep her/never want to be like they are/Baby I’m not much of a man/If I ask you to take my hand - and be like they are!!!😅

[@tomlindsey5479]

Great job 👍👌

[@kneufeld1992]

Love this song! Thx

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Ken - I hope you and Cheryl dig into this one - jam it out . Cheers, Shane

[@dirtworshiper2800]

Great lessons. Inspirational.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that. Cheers, Shane

[@randallhaney7909]

Thanks, Boss, Cool Cool lesson, You are appreciated

[@GuitarAtWork]

Glad you liked it Randall. Cheers, Shane

[@ald7688]

So good well done. Much thanks 👍

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Al - very glad you enjoyed - let's have some fun with it, Shane

[@deborahporter2767]

Brilliant and timely as usual, thanks Shane, going to rewind to spot Jack😊

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! Thanks Deborah - I hope you have fun with this one. Jack made an appearance and I have no idea how he got through the baby gate to get in the studio. Always fun with him. Best to you, Shane

[@eddeleeuw155]

Fantastic, Shane

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Ed - always good to hear from you. Hope all is well and that you have a bit of fun with this one. Cheers, Shane

[@neilmartin99]

Between learning this riff and the intro to Long Cool Woman, I am def getting laid on my next camping trip. Thank you, sir.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! All the best with that. Cheers, Shane

[@p71josh]

Great song and great lesson Shane!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks! Best to you - hope you have fun with it. Shane

[@glyncooper1491]

Love ur lessons u make guitar look so easy

[@GuitarAtWork]

A big thank you - I always have fun with it. My best to you, Shane

[@MrKenny777]

This is a great song and a fabulous riff, played beautifully. The famous SNL comedy sketch was pretty good too!

[@johndesteno6461]

That Taylor is beautiful

[@mcgseafrass77]

Oh thanks for this my man , saved to my watch later...many many thanks 👍

[@GuitarAtWork]

Fabulous - I really hope you have fun with this one. Such a great tune! Cheers, Shane

[@mcgseafrass77]

@@GuitarAtWork I totally agree brilliant tune...Thanks again man 👍 really appreciate your channel 👍

[@barbararustici574]

Grande maestro mi piace la proverò senz'altro grande ritmo👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🌹

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Barbara - my best to you, Shane

[@danstune]

This is a helpful lesson. Thank you!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Very glad it helped you - have fun with it! Shane

[@MrTimdriver]

Nice lesson sir, thank you.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Tim! Shane

[@tmac3975]

Thank you for the excellent tutorial, this song is my phone ring tone so was really happy being able to play it on guitar.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Fabulous. Enjoy! Shane

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you 😊

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that - glad to have you here with us. Cheers, Shane

[@Suzanne2909]

Thank you!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Suzanne - I hope you like this song and that you'll give it a go. Cheers, Shane

[@phantom7crossrose148]

Most of my friends have asked me at one time or another to teach them how to play guitar. One thing I have learned is that just because you can play doesn't mean you can teach but this guy is good although you wannabes may think seeing someone show how to play in a video doesn't mean you can play it. You can find a how to video on any song and I have learned many but I'm already a guitarist. 😇

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks - enjoy, Shane

[@Sw-sx7nw]

Nice ❤

[@kenwhite1053]

wonderful

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Ken - such a great song. Have fun with it. Shane

[@hatred4humanity]

Great job, man. I just gave you, your 1,000th LIKE 👍🏻 Keep on jammin' 🎸

[@GuitarAtWork]

Much appreciated. My best to you! Shane

[@johna5087]

Great lesson!!!! Thank you!!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you John! Shane

[@user-iamRobinV68]

Yes your right Shane! Not my favorite song but the technique is a great practice. I found House of the Rising Sun also helps with picking practice. 😊😊😊

[@GuitarAtWork]

Absolutely Robin - thanks for that. Both are great songs for right hand technique. Hope you have fun with this one. Cheers, Shane

[@nps2512]

It’s prob my favourite song

[@johnvancedar5354]

You’re looking good Shane. Nice picking.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Johnny - all good here and hope same for you and K - summer is upon us and it's going to be great. Cheers, Shane

[@DavidMains-pf6zo]

I'm a beginner but great job really liked the instruction.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks David - glad you enjoyed. Cheers! Shane

[@barbararustici574]

Non me li ricodavo proprio grazie di avermeli fatti riscoprire hanno le sonorità del periodo più bello della musica tutto quello che è accaduto dopo è solo pescato da quel periodo.❤

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Barbara - this was the very first concert I ever went to. I was 16 years old! Great band. Cheers, Shane

[@kaatlev]

great lesson! Packed with information. I couldn't reach F with my ring finger cause my hand is too small but I just used the pinky instead and worked great. I have bookmarked several other videos of yours to try.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Great - thanks for taking the time to write - have fun with it! Shane

[@jimncheryl]

I love your videos, they’re a good pace for me. Some people’s are too slow. Keep it up!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Jim! Shane

[@67buzzo]

That song has the weirdest bridge ever!

[@GuitarAtWork]

For sure Mefe - there’s a radio version that has no instrumental section. That’s the version I’m working from. Cheers, Shane

[@wallymurray620]

This will be fun to try. Easing back into playing, lots of stretching and so far hand is holding up. Hope your summer is going well.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Hey Wally - glad to hear of progress in your hand. Awful stuff - take it slow. Best summer to you and glad to have you here - Shane

[@rep3e4]

Thanks

[@GuitarAtWork]

My best to you, Shane

[@ShayneKeefer]

Always enjoy your lessons man. If I may request a song, please consider a lesson on El Camino by the amazing Amos Lee. It would be a cool fingerpicking lesson!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Shayne - glad you’re enjoying. Great song request. Cheers! Shane

[@sandyreece3004]

Oh yeah

[@GuitarAtWork]

Hope you enjoyed Sandy - Cheers, Shane

[@danfoley4989]

Shane, just wanted to let you know that I bought a Beat Buddy on your recommendation. It’s the Mini 2 and I really like it. So much more fun than a regular metronome. Thanks!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Fantastic Dan - very happy to hear that. So fun! My best to you and thanks for being here with us. Cheers, Shane

[@michaelworse6034]

Same here . Sweet little thing .

[@gnawbabygnaw]

Nice! I don’t know which 14 model Taylor that is. Maybe 814 or something fancy but I have a buddy with a 414 that sounds a lot like it. He fills local bars with it and only it. Really cuts through even a bar full of yapping chuggers. Sounds great 🤙🤙 LOVE my Beat Buddy btw🤙

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that. It’s an 814CE (2019). I really love it. Cheers, Shane

[@shoppe99]

Who else was waiting for him to bash his nice Taylor into the desK! He must have just missed it about 20 times. I wonder if he actually did hit it and edited it out. Anyway, great old song. Thanks for the lesson!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Never banged it but I know it looks close. Cheers, Shane

[@lucp252]

Thanks Shane. Great lesson. I tried the pick and was a bit off. Using thumb is better but burning through a few layers of skin at that 142 beat.

[@GuitarAtWork]

For sure Luc - pick would be better. Cheers, Shane

[@rsully]

Great instruction, as always! I am thinking of getting a BeatBuddy . . what else will I need for an output device, an amp or speakers? Do I need anything else? What about basic recording, for example if I wanted to add a bass track to the BeatBuddy and record over the top, what would I need? I guess I am wondering if you could do a basic in-home studio recording episode with the BeatBuddy?

[@rossnrice]

That's beautiful man. you do that one real good. What model Taylor is that?

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Ross - it’s a Taylor 814CE (2019). I really love it. Cheers, Shane

[@flylippfantom8425]

Thanks Some quick chord changes

[@T0PSTER63]

Another brilliant lesson 👏👏 what model Taylor is that it sounds awesome 👌😁

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Laurie - very glad you enjoyed. It’s a Taylor 814CE (2019). I really love it. Cheers, Shane

[@mmfox65]

Morning Shane. Brilliant channel and loving all the vids. How about Summer the First Time by Bobby Goldsborough. I've been looking for a lesson video but nothing seems to work for me. Any chance you can work your magic please. All the best sir. Martin from Nottingham in the UK. A late starter lol. Take care

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Martin - very glad you’re enjoying. Thanks for the song request. I’ll have a listen. Cheers, Shane

[@roger10coutinho]

Your lack of cow bell is disturbing. I know what you did there! Great lesson. I can’t put the guitar down.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! Fabulous. Thanks Roger, Shane

[@michaelrobertson6615]

Love your lessons! Could you please do " Lets get the show on the Road" by Michael Stanley Band? Beautiful acoustic part and I haven't found anyone who has broken it down yet

[@GuitarAtWork]

Great suggestion - thanks Mike. Shane

[@davelyons8092]

Hey Shane love your videos. Is your Taylor plugged in ?

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Dave - glad you are enjoying. Yes, my Taylor 814CE is plugged straight into the mixer/recorder. You're hearing a bit of reverb and compression added at mixdown. Best to you, Shane

[@Rogerkesler]

Another great lesson! Which Taylor guitar and what strings do you use? Thanks!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Roger - glad you enjoyed. I’m using a Taylor 814CE (2019) with Elixir HD Light strings. Cheers, Shane

[@PhilFeedback]

Great lesson video, could have used just a little bit more Cow Bell 🔔

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! Love it / cheers Phil, Shane

[@henkdam5467]

Hello Shane, thank you for your amazing lessons. I want to buy a new guitar, can you tell me what type Taylor 6:04 you’re playing on? Hank from Holland

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Hank - glad you’re enjoying. I’m using a Taylor 814CE love it. Cheers, Shane

[@pauldillingham6316]

Where's the cowbell?

[@rblaclewell]

I got a fever and cure is more cowbell!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! Thanks for that. Shane

[@oddshot60]

Any chance I could get you to do more James Taylor pickin'? How about O Susanna, Sweet Baby James and/or Carolina in my mind?

[@GuitarAtWork]

Great suggestions - thank you. Love James Taylor. Cheers, Shane

[@syrsknight]

Should do long cool woman in a black dress by the hollies. If u havent already.

[@GuitarAtWork]

How to play 'Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress' by The Hollies kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYnMd4CGfd2cnpI

[@syrsknight]

@@GuitarAtWork thank you

[@PentagramDave]

easy as pie but it took me many years before I got fluid with it

[@GuitarAtWork]

That’s the trick for sure - fluid. Cheers, Shane

[@joeblough261]

Hey Shane! Assuming you're a fan of the song, check out the acoustic version by Gus that was featured on the Scream soundtrack in 1996. I honestly feel like it's one of the most amazing covers I've ever heard..Would love to hear what you think.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Great tip - thanks Joe. Have never heard it. Cheers, Shane

[@joeblough261]

@@GuitarAtWork You bet. You'd make my day if you give me your thumbs up or down on it :)

[@sparkymcplug3765]

More cowbell!

[@drSwan77]

I have a fever and the only prescription is… more cowbell.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! Enjoy

[@brazilgriller6073]

Where have you been????

[@GuitarAtWork]

I’ve been here! Cheers, Shane

[@timtaylorguitarnut]

I have the cow bell buddy, it almost blew up on this one😅

[@GuitarAtWork]

Fabulous! Thanks Tim

[@davidnope8653]

Look at them fingers...

[@GuitarAtWork]

Long fingers for sure.....I'm lucky! Shane

[@thelastcrusader4593]

More cowbell

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Could have used more cowbell...

[@GuitarAtWork]

Agreeeeeeeed!!! Cheers, Shane