How To Play Joni Mitchell Songs

[@JaschaHoffman]

This may be the most useful video on the internet.

[@petemavus2948]

I can't even play an instrument but can tell you are right...and after all it's source is Joni and this wonderful book and man teaching us her art.

[@MrCretemaniam]

Jascha...not if you're trying to learn how to lay tile . Just kidding...I love it too .

[@newuehlein5825]

1400 likes and 50 gold stars for this comment.

[@popodopulus3826]

The guy went from Open E to open G to the go to open E again. Pretty annoying if you're tuning your guitar along with the video.

[@newuehlein5825]

@@popodopulus3826 true

[@markanthonypetra]

I have been listening to Joni for 50 years.....she is just not from this planet......utter genius.

[@thinkerly1]

The more I study Joni's music, the more impressed I am by her genius.

[@reggiekenner1527]

Holy Cow!!! Where has this book been all my life. I have to be 72 years old to learn how to actually play those Joni songs I've been stumbling through for so many years? Must have indeed.

[@joethebar1]

The amount of suspended chords in her songs is staggering. She is the best

[@marciorubens4617]

I have lost track of how many times I have seen this. Beats any TV show out there. Who needs Netflix when you can watch this?

[@ljtuggle5067]

Have you ever tried acrylic nails

[@Rickscrux]

I just found it and my journey begins! I an hooked.

[@petemavus2948]

@@ljtuggle5067 only when I need to pick my nose ;)

[@susannekeane4684]

I decided on a music lesson on you tube rather than Netflix as I needed calming - I am enthralled with this video as it opens my eyes/ ears to a variety of previous uncharted avenues- thank you so so much !!! Love it how you sound out the different tunings - brilliant contribution Bastiaan

[@musicinflames]

00:06 Intro 01:50 I had a king 04:03 Nathan La Franeer 05:40 Chelsea morning 06:52 Both sides now 08:58 Big yellow taxi 10:06 The circle game 12:39 Little green 14:42 Cold blue steel & sweet fire 16:50 Electricity 19:15 You turn me on I'm a radio 21:10 Woman of heart & mind 22:47 In France they kiss on mainstreet 25:32 Don't interrupt the sorrow 27:01 Amelia 28:40 Hejira 31:31 Song for Sharon ❤️

[@TheMonolake]

Thank you so much...wouldnt this be a great cd.

[@petemavus2948]

Even though Joni is always worth the wait... Thank you for listing! Stay Well !

[@jovesheerwater]

This is a great help. TY

[@marcyorendorffmusic3615]

Thank you so.much for this!

[@davearmstrong1332]

Thanks man

[@windowsgeek2256]

This is a wonderful video Bastiaan. I'm a 70 year old (young at heart) amateur guitarist. It's no exaggeration to say that the release of "Song To A Seagull" changed my life forever. I bought my first Martin guitar because Joni played one. It cost my parents £400 at the time (how things have changed). For years I struggled to learn Joni's songs by ear, first trying to figure out her tunings by listening for open strings then piecing the rest together, a very slow but rewarding process. I gave up on many of Joni's songs which seemed too complex for me to figure out. Then along came your wonderful video and to say that it has changed my life once again is no exaggeration. On another note (no pun intended) I recently purchased a tuner fairly new to the market called the Roadie 2 (I have absolutely no affiliation) and it is wonderful in it's ability to store alternate tunings like Joni's and automatically and quickly tune the guitar from one to the other. It even takes capo placement into consideration.

[@357CLOUDY]

Yeah I was forced into playng lead guitar because I didn't know about her alternative tuning or tuning at all to play chords. The book blew my mind. Forever.

[@billderinbaja3883]

Gordon, great tip on the Roadie tuner. I'm 66, just a young lad, similar to your story... Joni is the most amazing songwriter of our time (60s-70s)... I can't get enough.

[@ColganBryan]

Hi Bastiaan, I am glad you credited the Joni Mitchel Complete book. It was a project which took 4 years, started at Warner Brothers Music by Aaron Stang as the project manager. Joel Bernstein was our contact for Joni Mitchel for consultation and approval. I believe Joel was also our contact for other artist including CSNY. The tireless job of transcribing it was from Dan Libertino. Aaron and I shared the task of editing the manuscripts and proofs which were then sent to Joel. Transcribing is a very skilled and difficult job by some great players and great guys and credit for their hard work means a lot, especially 4 years for the same artist. I can relate so I just want to set the record straight. Sometimes credits got mixed up through the change from Warner Bros to Alfred and sometimes there are other reasons but it's unintentional.

[@philhayhoe1]

Amazing work, to understand and transcribe these incredibly inspired songs and unravel the tunings and fingerings of these wonderful songs. And how she wrote these lyrics and then sang the crazy difficult vocal lines at the same time just confirms what we all know - Joni really is a genius. And a great painter!

[@air9music]

That book is a thing of beauty. I'm not surprised that enormous effort went into bringing it into existence. Thank you very much!

[@petemavus2948]

Thank you for this added dimension and insight.. Stay Well !!!

[@bigpeople80099]

Thank you for your work and a brief history of the book. Joni Mitchell is my favorite musician. I want to learn guitar and play her songs to impress my friends and soothe my soul

[@podbay]

Bastiaan: Ths video you have created with so many of Joni's tunes is beyond brilliant. Thank you SO much for making it and uploading it to KZbin for those of us rabid Joni fans who are also guitarists. It showed me how "wrong" I've been playing so many of Joni's tunes for decades, and introduced me to many songs of hers that I have always wanted to learn. In the early 1970s, I had a small group that featured me on guitar and two beautiful women on vocals. We called the group, "Conversation," after Joni's song, and I played it in regular tuning. Imagine my joy learning what the actual tuning is for the song! Again, thanks.

[@cyprescrow]

I've always loved the great Joni Mitchell's music and her magic guitar colours. She once said that she tunes her guitar in accordance to how she feels. If she's in a certain mood, if the weather is rainy or sunny, if there's a scent of earth in the air, etc etc... She then tunes her guitar to that. A lot of her guitar tunings are so much "Joni" that it is impossible for someone else to use them .....without sounding totally "Joni Mitchell", Hahaha....How much doesn't that tell you about her genius?

[@charlieleonardo]

I call them custom made chords!

[@janmenzinga]

And did you know that she tuned because she had polio as a child and therefore made herself less hard te make the chords? She's a genius!

[@carlospardo3484]

Even without Joni´s voice, the guitar is amazing!!! Great great Job Baastian!

[@BillSeely]

Thank you. This is so great. When I was a kid, I learned many different tunings trying to copy Joni and Stephen Stills, and each new one was like getting a brand new guitar from a different planet. I could spend weeks time wandering around in the new space they created.

[@alantracy6757]

Same here

[@maryvallettakeith6146]

Absolutely, well put. Makes you want to create your own tunings, but where to begin?

[@eliasravn5951]

Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire sounds out of this world. Magical, mesmerizing chords.

[@TheMonolake]

Yes it is truly amazing what genius like some kind of greek myth

[@lenmaniace7638]

Fascinating! Joni Mitchell's guitar playing is so distinctive. This is a big part of why. I got a while new appreciation for her wonderful and sometimes moody melodies, not to mention unusual rhythms. Always thought Cold Blue Steel was an under rated song melodically. Great to hear it stripped down to the basics. I could listen to a whole night of this without a vocal. Just wonderful.

[@mountain_girl]

I discovered Joni Mitchell as a teen and since then my life's soundtrack, especially my coming of age, is marked by Joni Mitchell albums. Trying to figure out her songs as a 16 year old with no internet (and no useful tabs at the time) was just....the hours, the years. I of course have the "Complete...so far" book as well as everything else published about her. There is a famous photo in this book and many others of Joni, CSNY and a young Clapton hanging outside...the photo shows Joni playing and Claptopn staring at her with a look that says it all.

[@SirGeorgeButtox]

3mountaingirl absolutely love that photograph. Eric looks mesmerised, David just chillin’ and Joni looking beautiful. I would have loved to have been in the Canyon that afternoon🙂

[@grntchstrmdws]

You can see, feel, and hear his reverence for Joni’s music. So generous. So kind.

[@Andrewausfa]

When you started The Circle Game, just fantastic. On one BBC studio video she plays BYT and Both Sides Now same tuning and doesn't adjust the capo. Joni is one of the best guitarists ever in my opinion, you did her proud.

[@richardbest6588]

Bastiaaaan!!! Thanks a million 😁 What a wonderful musician that lady is!! 🥰

[@tumalo710]

Mr. Moulder Just want to say thank you. Watched this many times over the years and keep coming back when I need my alternate tuning fix. Love C G D G B D. Best example of Joni’s tunings period.

[@yjloiselle]

Much respect to you for maintaining integrity and giving credit where it’s due. Other viewers commenting on how useful this video is, is an understatement. Thanks, Bastiaan.

[@leapsplashafrog]

You really need a few guitars to enjoy learning this amazing music

[@MJones-pn3ol]

Don't stop--keep moving through her catalog! Thanks for the wonderful video.

[@bastiaanmulder793]

Thank you! I will! :-)

[@nickloughrey9841]

Thank you and greetings from Ireland !I just received my copy of this book today after watching your video .first heard the Gallery playing in a store in Glasgow in early 1970,s and bought the LP . Ivehad 6 copies of it and other joni albums ....Blue , Ladies of the Canyon etc. Magical .

[@StormyTunes]

Wow, this will keep me busy for about the rest of my life.

[@laurasmith7421]

What a wonderful service you provide us! Doors opening, thanks to you. And ❤️

[@wdbernal]

What a great demonstration by Bastiaan. I know this took a lot of time to put together and I/everyone appreciates the effort. Hope to see more.

[@flyinghorseknuckles]

Thank you Bastiaan. I really appreciate your no-nonsense, quick approach. Your guitar tone and playing are superb! Joni's music really hit me hard as a developing musician. Her haunting, jazzy chordal structures opened new worlds to me.

[@alanhowell3646]

That guitar sounds beautiful

[@alantracy6757]

Is it an OM Martin ? D18?

[@blakelycreative3171]

Joni's music is such a special gift to this world.Thank you for sharing these tunings. I really appreciate the way you demonstrate each song.

[@thisNewFoundLand]

...Joni is a genius. This is the first time seeing an in depth analysis of her tunings. Thank you very much for this video -- inspiring and humbling all at once. Turbulent Indigo is one of my favourite recordings. Love, love, love Joni -- greatest songwriter of the modern age. And a poet worthy of any age.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

in a way she is a genius because after suffering polio as a child limiting a lot of her ability.. she didn't let that be a hindrance she learn to basically tune the guitar to her ability. which is why a lot of people often wonder why does it seem like her tunings are so out there..she basically when she wrote songs she tune to where it was easier to Strava a lot of open chords and not have to fret as hard..

[@thisNewFoundLand]

@@truckerkevthepaidtourist ...i bought the complete Joni Songbook, which details all of her tunings (over 50). One of the great joys for me recently is to play some of her tunes, but moreso just get lost in her chord voicings. There is nobody that composed like Joni, and as Elton John said recently (her 75th birthday tribute concert) -- she is "Number 1" -- the greatest ever. The musicians that worked with her are the cream of the crop: Metheny, Jaco, Brian Blade, Herbie Hancock, Mingus, Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter...the names go on and on. Her having polio as a child impacted her creative path; her genius is evident in her paintings, her poetry, her compositions, and her voice. I listen to her daily. She is a towering creative force. She is also one of the greatest guitarists ever. Long live Joni Mitchell. The most complete artist of the past 250 years.

[@ianson3]

"...inspiring and humbling all at once." Agree, though instead of humbling, I'd use "intimidating."

[@HektorBandimar]

I didn't know that there were so many different tunings!

[@alanhowell3646]

The sound of that Martin is spectacular.

[@rubo8925]

As someone that's desperately trying to expand their knowledge when it comes to open tunings (without having to trawl through over explanatory dragged out videos) I'm devastated you don't have more of these on the channel! ha This is sublime though, perfect for intermediates that want to learn these styles through shapes that you can implement into your own playing. More paint to paint with! Cheers:D

[@SueTierney]

Great job Bastiaan!! I've shared this with many of my friends on the Joni Mitchell groups I'm on. Very very good.

[@bastiaanmulder793]

Thank you Sue! And thank you for sharing!

[@MrHugeheffner]

Súper grateful for this gem of guitar understanding of some of the best of Joni’s masterpieces

[@Pickhandle]

Ohhhhhh - the amazing beauty of Joni's mind in creating these small masterpieces. Wonderful playing - I feel inspired to go back and start all over again! Thanks for a fantastic share.

[@jgmiles4016]

Wow! Your video has inspired me to play guitar again after so many years. I can hear Joni's vocals in every on of your examples.

[@Boddissatva]

Amazing how she tunes. and it sounds so beautiful

[@chrismartenable]

This is a revelation for me, I have always been a Joni fan but now i am learning to play the guitar I can see the technical brilliance of Joel Bernstein helping with setting up the instrument to suit her song writing style. Its sound magical

[@ThoseWhoDare]

Amazing. I need to quit my job to have time enough to learn how to play these wonderful harmonies. Standard tuning will never be the same from now. Thanks a lot for sharing this.

[@johnnieguitar5724]

Great job! Nice touch, well-played. How many of us could switch tunings in between songs while talking to the audience and get the tuning right every time---- amazing! Joni is unique, I doubt if there will ever be anyone to equal her unique style, poetry and creativity, not to mention sweet voice.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

You are so right - these are critical to Joni's music, this makes a big change from those piano sheet music books, accurate and useful, thank you.

[@capekid7]

Wonderful video! I would suggest to guitarists that they use open D tuning and put the capo on the second fret instead of using the open E tuning and risk breaking that 4th string.....

[@bastiaanmulder793]

Thank you! That's a good idea! But be aware that the guitar sounds different with different string tensions.

[@rennzzos788]

LOL--so, so true. I broke a few 4th strings when I first started playing with Joni Mitchell tunings. I don't even pay attention now to what the actual open note is. I just tune down and use a capo to accommodate my vocal range. Alternatively, I leave the 4th string on standard open and tune down around it. Bastiaan is right, though--you do tend to lose that beautiful broad feel of Joni Mitchell's chords as you go up the fretboard. Great job, Bastiaan!!

[@alanroll4272]

I first saw this video about five years ago and I’ve gone back to it today. It’s as fresh as ever and is the best demonstration in the condensed format that I’ve ever seen of Joni’s songs and open tunings

[@johnsigvaldason1270]

Thank you for the wonderful video. Your production of it is fantastic. Thanks too for endorsing "Joni Mitchell Complete So Far" and respecting the intellectual property of the authors and publishers.

[@Kirkunik1]

I used to play all her songs...especially from Blue. Her open tunings gave her tunes a lushness...along with her signature strumming style. She was an excellent guitar player. She was a huge inspiration for me. Her songs mesmerized and touched you like nothing else.

[@royharris1017]

you are such talented musician.i just keep watching.respect sir.

[@philmorrisshawca]

I don't know anything about guitars but I know Joni, her distinctive sound rarely if not at all captured by other singers. You play so beautifully, this video is incredible !~

[@markmartel1738]

What an fantastically clear, concise, and logical lesson. This guy has a really sharp mind. Very refreshing.

[@huandru]

Thanks for this. Clear. Useful. Something to shoot for!

[@jean-lucjanot9839]

Dank U wel, Bastiaan! Great job, and you did not forget « Song for Sharon », my favourite Joni’s song. ;-)

[@tommy124100]

Mine as well. Bastiaan saved the best for last.

[@petemavus2948]

" I went to Staten Island Sharon...to buy myself a maaaaaaaaan da Lin.....and I saw the long white dress of loooove on a storefront maaaaanequin.... ONLY JONI !!!

[@eamonncoady9823]

You have given back to me my love of music. I restrung an 89 takamine en10 which i had not played for 20 years and using your tuition and the love of Joni's music , the connection between head and fingers is slowly being repaired. I thank you from the bottom of my heart Bastiaan.

[@mdboucher]

This is the best video I've seen in years! Thank you

[@conifergreen2]

What a genius Joni Mitchell is. Incredible creativity. Music and painting. This is a great video describing her genius.

[@wynnemcc]

This is so great!!! Thank so much for this! Was recently reminded that Don't Interrupt the Sorrow is one of my FAVORITE Joni songs!!

[@nogelserv]

Imagine coming up with this in the first place - remarkable!

[@billderinbaja3883]

Bastian, thanks so much for this video showing how to play a nice selection of Joni's songs, and for referencing the book. I will buy a book to support all the artists involved, and I will leave it in my will to my most musical niece or nephew.

[@lauriezaccarini-feasey691]

That was beautiful. You absolutely nailed it. Joni herself would have been proud of that performance.

[@kbstabs5982]

Just found this. Only 7 years late. Really great, Bastiaan

[@anabelopoljac6027]

I cried today, when I saw your video, like I cried 40 years ago, in Amsterdam, where I bought my Bozo guitar.... I have that book, I play and love Joni Mitchel for whole my life. Woman of heart and mind.... I prefere play it on piano. Thank you for this love ❤️

[@petemavus2948]

Speaking of Piano...I love " Ludwig's Theme "

[@ljtuggle5067]

Awesome! I’ve tried to figure out JONI’s songs for years I of course play in open E at times but she tweaks her chords thank you!!

[@sgallox]

What a gift to finally see how the genial notes of Song for Sharon come out! Thank you Bastiaan. Joni will be remembered also for her pioneeristic and unsurpassed work on guitar chords and harmony.

[@pjamesvee2869]

This is so very well done and played and described, etc. He gets right to the point, no unnecessary rambling like so many instruction videos. And he's so calm and makes it look so easy. Joni is an absolute genius.

[@Raymond-rr5iv]

I've been looking for your video for years !! Joni Mitchell open tunings are fascinating. I got some figured out... but that book would really be golden. Amazing and Thank you 😎👍 !!!

[@cansusarac8908]

Gorgeous compositions, playing and guitar sound. Sounds like heaven:)

[@belindaintexas8789]

No wonder I could never figure out Joni's songs ... You Turn Me On I'm A Radio was about the only one I could even come close to. Thank you so much for this video. I don't feel so dumb now. Joni will always be in number one in my heart.

[@SLCoffeecake]

Thank you for this wonderful video-and for crediting Joel B. He began "decoding" Joni's songs at age 14 and shocked her by bringing to one of her small coffeehouse gigs a list of songs he had figured out how to play. By 16 he was her official photographer, and his images appear on covers for Joni, CSN, Petty, Dylan, Young, Browne, Fogelberg and Springsteen, among others.

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

This is so great!! I am performing Coyote with a wonderful singer for The Last Waltz show we are doing at Lobo Theatre in Albuquerque . This is so wonderful and will keep me busy all day on this snowy cold high desert day

[@trackie1957]

Love this Bastiaan! It is good to remember that not only did she have the creativity to come up with all these tunings, she used them to compose wonderful, complex songs that she played masterfully. Oh, yeah - she played masterfully, often live on stage, while SINGING in a way few other women can even imitate. A true genius.

[@unusunusduotres3721]

Gran bel video didattico!!!! Finalmente conosciamo i segreti di Joni, molte grazie!

[@nannettenerenberg9267]

Thank you so very much, you can't imagine what this means to so many of us. I was taught a few of her songs when I was learning guitar. This was over four decades ago. I refused to learn how to read music because at that age you are in a hurry. I'm an excellent picker and can incorporate strumming with picking. I've watched you for an hour and am wondering why I never learned what an "open cord"is. Pluses I'm tone deaf and thank g-d the app is great. If at my age I can learn one song it will be a miracle. If I can afford the book it will be a miracle. I still have my kapo, although looking at yours, it's slightly different! I know you have gone as far as you can and again, I've been looking for this. Recently being a registered fan, I was very inquisitive as far as books, sheet music. I have a music store now local to me and he printed out one J.M. song and it's similiar to forty-five years ago. Wish me luck, all the very best, Nannette L Nerenberg

[@cristinafoglia3847]

Dear Bastiaan, you and a few others are real perls in the web. You have made it possible to “sound right” when playing Joni’s tunes. It’ a source of pure joy. Thanks for your clarity and precision. A real good teacher. And a lovely touch on the strings! Cristina

[@maiale]

Thaaaaaaaank you, man! I'm an old Joni's fan and amateur guitar player, and appreciate your gift. Luv The Lady!

[@winesap2]

It's great how you picked all the best songs to play on the guitar. I know and play a bunch of these, just slightly differently for most. Electricity, Chelsea Morning, Circle Game, Little Green, You turn me on, Woman of Heart and Mind, Hejira (Joni's all time best song). Such amazing songs. And I learned a few new ones. Thanks!

[@jesmarluk6635]

She’s always been my favorite musical artist genius for 50 years now. Thank you for this. I sang along with every song! Please consider doing an instrumental album of her songs.

[@HeatherRoseMusician]

Thank you!!! I've been trying to learn Chelsea Morning for years!!!

[@MsCatM]

Thanks for the really, really nice post. I could very easily listen to the guitar only on these, especially some of the chords in "Woman of heart and mind."In fact, I'm pretty sure I could just listen to the chord at 21:55 all day.

[@bastiaanmulder793]

Thank you Catherine! It's funny that you mention that chord. I had the same experience since that song was the first one I tried from the book. I was blown away by the voicings of that chord and the one on 21:49. I had never heard anything like it coming from a guitar!

[@daniellacroix-t9h]

So helpful ! Love Joni's songs and her guitar playing. Thanks man ;)

[@nessuno0]

Perfect explanation!!!. Clear technic+SOUND. Thanks Bastiaan!!

[@andrewmaloney9201]

Hi Bastiaan, great to find your tutorials. Excellent stuff! There is nothing better than in making Joni's songs more accessible and much more playable as they were intended. Thank you for sharing this super resource!💚💚

[@juliangiulio3147]

Excellent. I did not know such a book existed! I like the way you don't hold our hand too much and have to do a bit of independent work to interpret what you are doing! It is a good balance, without the unnecessary repetitions of verses/chorus. An intelligent presentation...

[@paolotoschi676]

Wow...what a surprise!!! It's a great pleasure for me to meet you Bastiaan! It's really a beautiful gift for those who love Joni's songs as much as I do. Thank you for your excellent work and the great inspiration for all of us! Grazie e ciao

[@jsamc]

Thanks for demystifying her technique. You should do a CD of her stuff. It's so relaxing.

[@Mr05Chuck]

Check out when she was Joni Anderson on a folk show called “Let’s all sing out”. Her rendition of “Urge for going” is amazing and she is sooooo beautiful. 1964-5. Already genius. Beautiful tone on your guitar man!

[@petemavus2948]

I have seen that and felt truly privileged.

[@esperansaloughran693]

Wow! Joni mitchell will always be known for her beautiful chords, I would like to know how you became so knowledgeable, you play joni so well, you are also amazing! Thank you so much. I wish I had shared these with my Dad, he played the guitar, now I am doubly sad.

[@Tobygold1]

Thankyou Bastiaan. You solved so many puzzles here!

[@ggermont]

Thanks so much for sharing this video. Open tunings are such an important part of Joni Mitchell's unique sound and your video provides a wonderful insight into how she used them. Now I need to buy a book! Awesome job - many thanks!

[@jlmr7667]

Not only a great video to help play Joni M songs but a terrific open tuning lesson. Arguably, one of the best on You Tube. Thank young great job.

[@eamonncoady9823]

Thank you for all the work you put into this production.

[@paulgoulet8343]

Thank you for posting this great resource for those interested in learning this unique catalog of Joni Mitchell songs. There is nothing else like this on the web. I found it extremely helpful.

[@hejira09]

GREAT Bastiaan! Real nice video. Greets, Betty

[@bastiaanmulder793]

Dank je Betty!!! :-)

[@JackT13]

Little Green really is a stunning progression

[@mauroboros8566]

Dude THANK YOU!!! I'm just picking my guitar back up after wasted years of not doing much with it and I'm gonna start learning some Joni stuff to get back in the groove

[@Rickscrux]

Hats off from Texas! You made me pick up my guitar and find music again!

[@theresadomingues9294]

Thank you so much. I saw Joni e times at different intervals of her transformation. i ruined all my records learning songs. This is so much easier! Your playing is beautiful.

[@NicolaBoschetti]

Hello Bastiaan, you did a really great job... thank you! :-)

[@martynfidler9055]

Fascinating to see the tunings Jodi used for her great songs. Thanks.

[@Hwy20W]

Love Joni Mitchell & I play guitar but can't sing a lick. Still, thanks fo a wonderful video. Makes me appreciate Joni even more. Happy to hear someone else is singing her songs too.

[@SuperJayfive]

Thanks so much for the very helpful video. You play the tunes perfectly. Joni's tunes are unique to say the least!