How to play 'Four Strong Winds' (Neil Young version)

This is an absolute classic song written by Ian Tyson and covered by some of the biggest names in music history. Join me to learn Neil Young's super popular version - we'll break down the chords and strumming patterns as well as the super cool intro and embellishments on the recording. Everyone should know this song! We do a full speed playalong at the end as well as a slower playalong to get you going. Cheers! Shane
Songsheets are always available at / guitaratwork
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Songsheets are always available at / guitaratwork

[@billiecooper677]

I've been playing a little over a year...these old fingers and brain get frustrated but you make learning so enjoyable! Thank you for being awesome and for doing these video lessons.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Billie - very glad you’re enjoying. Thanks for the encouragement. Cheers! Shane.

[@johnholmes4960]

I like this guy. He moves things right along giving information to ME. I am not just listening to him hear himself talk. He is teaching me. He is a very good teacher for us old guys that still think we are rock stars from the sixties. Or, wanna be newbies who are too lazy to take a real music lesson.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you John - I really appreciate the comment. Glad to have you here with us. Shane

[@santacruzman]

Seems _real_ to me.

[@thetransformationalbabyboomer]

You can say that again John.

[@johnvancedar5354]

Boy you’re looking good and this is a great camp fire song. Thanks for all your hard work producing all these great videos.

[@GuitarAtWork]

A big thank you Johnny - always great to hear from you. I miss our Wednesdays! Shane

[@guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

Being 12yrs old for most of 1964 when i think this got USA radio airplay, its one of my earliest popular music memories along with the Stones Satisfaction!

[@johnburt8535]

Big thank you Shane! Great tune! Don't doubt yourself about the play-along, that was so much fun! Thanks again!

[@GuitarAtWork]

So much appreciate that John - thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts - really does help me. My best to you, Shane

[@sigogglin]

This is a song I didn’t appreciate when I was young, now I love it at 51!!

[@clydehuling708]

Good teacher! Thank you, you make it look like fun ! A big Yes!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Clyde - very glad you’re enjoying. My best to you! Shane

[@RP-zr9rw]

Omg..finally. Neil Young method song is soooo simple looking but darn tricky version.

[@GuitarAtWork]

You'll nail it - enjoy. Shane

[@melchorhortilano7694]

Yes I am believe that this the proper teaching of guitar lesson! I am proud of you Mr.Shane Simpson! You are really guitar wizard!👍yes I am your follower & subscribers

[@Rocky_the_cat_sitter]

woohoo congrats on almost 100,000 subscribers.. a testament to your positivity, enthusiasm and incredible lessons that are broken down so well and easy to understand. you are definitely right up there in my books, thanks for everything !

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Rocky - it's super exciting for me. I really appreciate all of your encouragement along the way and thank you for all of your feedback. Best to you and yours, Shane

[@Bagpipes74]

Hi Shane . Just came across this song a couple of days ago having never heard it before. I am a beginner of 18 months and try to play every day but don’t always manage. Anyhow I decided to have a go at Four Strong Winds and within an hour I was confidently playing it at 90bpm thanks to your method of teaching. Even the wee fiddle bits i picked up no probs. Thank you for your teaching method Shane.

[@peterabe9245]

This is one of Neil’s favorites from early early on. So happy you got around to doing a tutorial on this song. Can’t wait to jump in and clean up what I know I could be doing better. Keep the videos coming. Thx Shane.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Pete - very glad to hear it's a favourite - have fun with it. Shane

[@gertvanwyk8989]

Beautiful song, I will attempt it, thank you for the time and effort you put in the lessons.

[@Folkboat11]

Thank you Shane. You are such a great help to my playing. 8 months in and able to follow you at full speed after an hour practice :). you are the best and so fun to learn from.

[@johnwestcott5606]

Excellent lesson, Shane! Love your style and approach to teaching.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you John - glad to have you here. Cheers, Shane

[@davidradley8837]

Thanks for this one Shane ! I was hoping you would teach it . Your right, a classic for sure ! Great stuff from you as usual.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks David! Happy to have you here - have fun with it. Shane

[@kennygore4055]

You're one of the best !!! LUV everything you do !! You're truly GOD'S gift to music ! KEN , Ocala Fla .

[@pjmsimmons]

Another great one Shane. Keep them coming!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Paul! Hope all is well in Ireland! Shane

[@John-mh1wz]

Hi from Ireland, Shane. Found you a couple of weeks ago. I've looked at other tutorial videos before, but you are far and away the best. Mil6es ahead of anyone tbh. Your easy going nature and style, plus your patience in making sure that novices like me don't get left behind are what stand out to me. I'm now a huge fan and subscriber.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you John - greatly appreciated and I’m happy to have you here with us. Cheers! Shane

[@neila484]

Fabuless! Thanks Shane!

[@sylvialarade7883]

What an awesome job Shane and btw, I love your voice too. Thank you so much.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Sylvia! Shane

[@barryemerson3526]

Thanks for this lesson. Love the play alongs that you do.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Barry - that's great feedback and I really appreciate it. Cheers, Shane

[@sylvialarade7883]

I love the play alongs that you do. Thank you so much. 🤗

[@GuitarAtWork]

@@sylvialarade7883 glad to have you here Sylvia. Shane

[@sylvialarade7883]

@@GuitarAtWork , thank you Shane. Like I said yesterday, I've been watching your videos for a couple of years!

[@GuitarAtWork]

@@sylvialarade7883 thank you Sylvia - so fun!

[@sallymysko5826]

Excellent

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Sally - very glad you enjoyed! Shane

[@keithfoley-chell1645]

A beautiful, poignant song. I'm enjoying learning it from your video. Many thanks!

[@tylerburton2989]

Thanks for the lesson. Your a great teacher. Very well put together video as well. Clearly explained and played.

[@GuitarAtWork]

A big thank you Tyler. Glad you’re here. Cheers, Shane

[@Northyorkspaul]

Fantastic lesson..Great riff,I have Neil Young's heart of gold DVD...Great version on that, thanks!

[@NDFlyFisher]

Great lesson. I’ve been working to learn this song and this video is really helpful.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Glad to hear it Rick - have fun with it. Cheers, Shane

[@KS-bg3zd]

same to everytime ,nice .thanks

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you KS - hope you have fun with it. My best to you. Shane

[@fongyinlee4312]

Very clear explanation and easy to follow

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Fong! Shane

[@johndavic7468]

The song that pushed me into playing

[@GuitarAtWork]

Fabulous - have fun with it John! Shane

[@ditchgator1]

So much fun to be able to learn and play with your instructions...👍 Getting the feel of a tune can be hard to grasp...but your technique opens that door easily.😎👍 Thanks😎👍 😎👍❤🖖 Love Brother

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Richard - greatly appreciated. Really lifts me up to get a comment like that. Cheers, Shane

[@adrianharper8869]

Brilliantly demonstrated again shane Great song Would be nice to master this Great work shane as usual

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Adrian, always great to hear from you. Glad you enjoyed, Cheers. Shane

[@adaltroczguitar]

I feel like I have to start playing right now! Very inspiring lesson!!

[@aspenx1304]

This is AWESOME!!!

[@GuitarAtWork]

So glad to hear you are enjoying - always glad to hear from people. Best to you, Shane

[@junej4100]

Lovely lesson. Thanks a ton. Thank God for u tube...

[@havehenk]

Thank you Shane, Great lesson.

[@roxyc4438]

Enjoyed this very much, Shane! Thanks for all you do for us. :)

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Roxy - always great to hear from you. I appreciate your encouragement. I always have fun making these videos and it's really great to connect with people who might be enjoying and benefitting from them. Best to you, Shane

[@MrDjkdave]

Love it ! Great lesson. I wish i could sing on key like that.

[@brendanconway7317]

Top lad Shane, great lesson again. Hope you're well dude. Wow, nearly on the 100 grand 🎶👏👏

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Brendan - always appreciate your feedback and I hope you're doing well over there. Best to you! Shane

[@hillers54]

Fabulous lesson 😍😍👌👌

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Keith, cheers - Shane

[@jimkendall934]

You're very good at what you do. Thought I heard Neil singing in the background.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Jim! Shane

[@marclatreillelatteille6348]

While Shane you were absolutely right I'm having a hard time with my G cord going from the forefinger and three finger down to the last three fingers I use my first three fingers and to switch it over is really hard if you're going to pick thank you again I've been playing guitar for a long time and I'm finding out these little things right now where was the internet 50 years ago thank you so much

[@cathyalvarez8143]

Thank you so much .I learn a lot .God bless.

[@teodorristic1732]

So close to 100K subs keep up the great vids man!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Teo! I miss you man - hope you're doing well! Shane

[@rolandomarucut7083]

Thanks for posting this tutorial.

[@robynanglin1369]

Awesome ❤ lesson ty shane

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Robyn - best to you! Shane

[@MalouGatus-c3p]

Thank you shane..❤

[@GuitarAtWork]

Glad you enjoyed. Cheers, Shane

[@elhassanmakil7773]

Super Lesson!!! Grazie

[@benjaminchacko3582]

Very nice 👍

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Ben - hope you have fun with it. Cheers, Shane

[@baboxe]

hey guy, could you stop drinking cofee !! :) Good lesson, thank you !

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed. Cheers, Shane

[@vanessaombajen5537]

very good ,more power!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Vanessa - Cheers! Shane

[@windrider65]

Love Neil Young. Thanks Shane for sharing this.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Windrider - always happy to hear from you. Hope you have fun with it. Cheers, Shane

[@francismaloney8775]

This is brilliant Shane... The "meat and potatoes" version version, would do me just fine Thank you Sir, you are a great teacher...

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Francis - I am very glad to hear it - my best to you and have fun with it. Shane

[@sergsabbess5448]

Thanks for sharing 😘🥰👍

[@sapelesteve]

Terrific lesson Shane! I was not familiar with that song at all. Anyway, hope that you are doing well & staying safe! 👍👍🎸🎸😉😉👏👏👏👏

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Steve - all is well and hope same for you and yours. Cheers, Shane

[@rockycrupi7749]

Hey Shane just an old student saying hi. And yes I’m still playing

[@GuitarAtWork]

Hey Rocky - Glad to hear it! Hope you're doing well. It's been a long time. Cheers, Shane

[@SingleMalt77005]

Muchas Gracias!!!

[@GuitarAtWork]

My pleasure - hope you enjoyed. Shane

[@looking4crossroads135]

Nice one

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you - hope you have fun and glad to have you here with us. Shane

[@thetransformationalbabyboomer]

Thanks Shane! I am new fan of yours. Loved this lesson. Great song. Will take me some time to get my fingers working and co ordination too. An oldy's challenge! Thanks again! Btw what brand guitar is that? Just acoustic? without any amplier?

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that. Glad to have you here with us. It’s a Taylor 814CE. Cheers, Shane

[@aka4146]

so shane i have a big fav to ask. I just picked up the Beatbudy and the Aeros looper.Now i know that there are a lot of people doing demos on this stuff but i can't seem to find one that takes you through an entire song an how to lay down the verse and chorus intro and outro.so im asking if you might consider doing a video on that.I know you already have a ton to do but i have a feeling if you do one it will make sense . besides i picked up these units from watching your videos. I promise i will remember you with much love.

[@aspenx1304]

I'm a new patreon follower too.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Glad to have you with us Aspenx! Shane

[@John-jk4ev]

What make of Drum Machine do you use? Love the sound and your instruction. Thanks so much!

[@John-jk4ev]

Amazing. You just answered my question. Beat Buddy.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks John - it's a BeatBuddy. Not a mini - the full version. Shane

[@RP-zr9rw]

What is the Taylor model you are using? Im looking to add another Taylor :)

[@GuitarAtWork]

I use an 814CE - I really like it. Cheers Shane

[@ditchgator1]

Hey Shane... David Gilmour performed his rendition of Richard Thompson' "The Dimming of the Day" that's really a great piece.. Think you could teach us that one? 😎👍❤🖖 Love Brother

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Richard - great suggestion. I'll have a listen. Cheers, Shane

[@ditchgator1]

@@GuitarAtWork 😎👍 You can find D.G.'s performance on his David Gilmour In Concert at Royal Festival Hall Concert DVD. Have fun with it😎👍 😎👍❤🖖 Love Brother

[@GuitarAtWork]

@@ditchgator1 thanks Richard

[@John-jk4ev]

Are you running your Beat Buddy through you guitar amp? Newbie.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks John - a very good question and not newbie at all - others will have same question. I am not running the BeatBuddy through my guitar amp - It goes directly into a mixer (in stereo) and then is outputted to my computer to be recorded. Sounds like a lot but it's really not. You can get a little four channel mixer and a couple of speakers pretty cheaply these days. Best to you! Shane

[@John-jk4ev]

@@GuitarAtWork Thank so much for the response. Will look into this setup. Absolutely enjoy your instruction technique and have learned so much in just a 1 year. 62, retired, and still learning. Have a blessed day!

[@willburton1874]

Can’t get info sheets please explain how .

[@GuitarAtWork]

Hi Will - you can get the sheets for this song and MANY others at patreon.com/guitaratwork Cheers, Shane

[@mickthompson9426]

Great lesson thanks Shane, unfortunately, I’ll have to do it without the sheets, too many costly bad experiences using Patreon.

[@fritzruttimann1517]

Good song, good lesson Shane, but not yet used to see cool Mr. Mustache, 😂.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Fritz - hope you enjoy! Shane

[@antipodesman]

Tried to support on patreon but it would not accept my payment.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Sorry for any trouble - not sure what might be going on there. Others have signed up today no problems. Hope you figure it out! Shane

[@antipodesman]

@@GuitarAtWork ya . . . Probably a problem with my patreon account.

[@RP-zr9rw]

This is by far..the most difficult song to play and Ive looked at dozen of interpretations for the NY version…a mental block I guess. Two years in…ugh!

[@GuitarAtWork]

You’ll nail it. Cheers, Shane

[@JPhilipCoombs]

Try transposing from C to the key of G. Chords are G Am D and C, which suits my voice better. See if that helps!

[@bobrodachy9759]

What happened? Song sheets used to be free.

[@Northyorkspaul]

Can you not pay for individual songs instead of signing up for monthly ..

[@mikegoldston9324]

Well done😂

[@RP-zr9rw]

Intro Bar 7 G …Can’t see the very last pinky strum is it on E or B string ..grrr!

[@aspenx1304]

There is no sound. Is it just me???

[@RoasterRoaster]

I can hear it fine 🙂.

[@KS-bg3zd]

if u cant hear it ..please reopen youtube

[@KS-bg3zd]

reopen youtube

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for helping guys - sound is good here. Cheers, Shane

[@aspenx1304]

Got it, I reopened you tube.

[@susangriffin781]

that is not c

[@GuitarAtWork]

What is not C? Cheers, Shane

[@GuitarAtWork]

If you're referring to the key with the capo on? When guitar players use a capo they usually refer to the key as if there was no capo. it only complicates things if you're in a room with piano players or bass players who do not use capos. But amongst guitar players it's the way we do it for sure. Cheers, Shane

[@johnke996]

Useless. Why can't you just make it simple,?

[@santacruzman]

You can make it as simple as you like (chords and simple strum). Leave out the things that seem complex. Then you can add them back in as you get comfortable.

[@giannicapraro3982]

Grazie ,mi hai aiutato molto .Ti seguo dall'italia.