How to Play "St James Infirmary blues"

[@tonycarey9731]

As an 'Old-fart' guitar player who has only been playing about 50 years, I found this style of lesson one of the best. Many thanks for bringing another dimension to my playing. Should have been playing these chord forms back in the 60's, I might have made more money! Many thanks for the hard work in posting this lesson video.

[@FrankGreggmusic]

Wow! Do I ever relate to this. I'm in a similar position, having over 50 years. This is what I've been trying to play all those years. Now, very simply, I can do it! Sorry for the very late addition to the party, but I just discovered it. Will Fly, a hearty Thank You!

[@e3zer0]

Perfect instruction. Not too fast not too slow. Great for novice players. I appreciate your time. Thanks, Sean

[@ghr8184]

This is one of the best instructional videos for the guitar that I've seen. The walkthrough, the animated chord diagrams, and the patient explanation of everything you're doing is wonderful.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Thanks for those kind words - makes it all worth while! :-)

[@richardcorysghost]

Thank you so much for this. I'm the organiser and guitarist in acoustic outfit, the East Side Blues, from Belfast. We have a singer from New Orleans. Both he and the rest of the band were impressed by this version of the tune, after I learnt it. The cherry on top is the Blues Harp player's Dm Harp. Its just great. Will post a video here soon as we get one together. Thanks again Colin Devine East Side Blues, from Belfast

[@WillFlyGuitar]

+richardcorysghost Thanks Richard - glad to have been of help! :-)

[@Berekberek]

It's by far the best tutorial Ive seen in my entire life. Good job

[@WillFlyGuitar]

I'll let you into a secret... The door on the left of the screen contains my extensive collection of fine wines, and the door on the right open up into a humidor containing the finest Havana cigars... ... I wish! :-)

[@terrymurray9818]

Excellent tutorial thank you so much

[@codycrossman]

Thank you so much for running through this song with such detail. I've loved this son since I was little and my grandpa used to listen to it and always wanted to learn it, but never could find a version I liked. Thank you again! :)

[@vvgmhod4]

Without question one of the best presentations of a guitar lesson that I have seen on KZbin. Thank you!

[@FrumpyCornwall]

just found this video and will surely watch a ton more. I just want to say THANK YOU. I first heard this song in my early twenties when I happened on a Josh White LP. I listened to a lot of blues and stuff then but his album blew my mind. (later albums I acquired were less impressive, as was his son.) I've started learning guitar past the basic rock/blues chords and this video is FANTASTIC. thank you SO MUCH!

[@peterfoster8004]

This has only just appeared in my Utube feed this week and already I can play a blues tune (very slowly) that I can regognise and it's good to play at the 'dusty end' of the neck for a change. Thank you Will

[@WillFlyGuitar]

My pleasure! :-)

[@taxisteve929]

Love your videos...first I've seen, and you do everything the way I would request, with a play through, then the chords in sequence sets (you're the first person I've ever seen place the chord diagrams after playing each chord, which is great for me having first taught myself how to play using chord diagrams long ago!!) Keep up the great work! You're showing many people, and reminding many of us, that we can change chord voicings within the song to make it sound better. Thanks!!

[@fedwells138]

Great way to teach Will! Amazing instruction.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Glad you liked it! 🙂

[@christophersharp8235]

Magic is in the picking hand - much harder to get than the freing hand :) Good job

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Control of the picking hand is everything - the simplest chords and slowest tunes are brought to life by the picking the strings. Fair comment. :-)

[@TheUketoo]

Thanks very much for this..it was very clear and great to play.I came to this eventually via"Deadwood" the American TV show where Ian McShane sings "The unfortunate rake" at the end of one episode.....then to Snooks eaglin fantastic version..then to you.thanks again.Derek

[@752brickie]

Thank you so so so much for the wonderful video Will !!! I have always tried it in Am but I think your Dm lesson beats all of them !!! Great playing and a wonderful sounding 12 Fret guitar !! Your showing the fret board is great even players that have played a long time still need help once in a while. Especially when you are in your 70's like me and the old brain hand coordination is no longer as great as it once was !!!

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Cheers Thom - glad you found it useful. 🙂

[@752brickie]

I will hopefully try it later today. Have a Blessed New Year !@@WillFlyGuitar

[@geoffmaynard7957]

Perhaps the best instruction I've seen online. Thanks.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Thanks Geoff - appreciated! Cheers - Will

[@rs4031]

A most delightfuly comprehensive instructional. The chord charts are what really help me as well as the close ups. I'm trying to observe the thumb picking but am not too good at that part. To master that would really complete this song.

[@sashabairrfhionn1295]

Oh sir! You win the Internet! You are AWESOME!!!!

[@melturn]

Thank you so much Will for taking the time to help us.It is really appreciated.

[@muras]

Damn it, Will, you really are one of the best tutors on the 'net. Loved this song since falling in love with Betty Boop and Cab Colloway's cartoon. Champion! Neil

[@barbaraallen512]

Good to jam to. Thank you. Keep on rocking!

[@richardcorysghost]

Thanks so very much for this, from the East Side Blues. Our New Orleans singer will be able to get his teeth into the song now, that I've had the benefit of your video, Mr Fly. Thanks! Appreciate it

[@raybert999]

Well done, direct and clear. Basic but not simplistic, well thought out. You have a fan, thank you.

[@1BLUESMEN]

Thank you so much for taking the time. I love this tune. Never realized its meaning. Had a request to play it and didn't know it. Im rolling with it now and forever!

[@ryanisme1989]

I don't know why, but after about a minute I just trust this guy completely.

[@jamessupple3942]

great to see the chord variations. Excellent teaching style. Thank you!

[@jacobturner7531]

Just an absolutely fantastic tutorial. I have gotten back into guitar for the first time in five or six years and am going over the basics.. Teaching myself chords and whatnot. Not only was the breakdown thorough, the process was logical and well done. Keep up the great work man. I'll definitely be subscribing and checking your other tutorials.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

+Jacob Turner Many thanks, Jacob - and keep up the good work! :-)

[@justinwilliams8373]

best guitar lesson video and the song was way easier to play than i thought

[@thyrasater2827]

Outstanding, Made an old woman's day. Thank You.Thyra

[@longjaw1]

Excellent! Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge - thanks very much.

[@randalgodfrey9549]

Good simple lesson...thanks.... I play it on my 1962 Gibson B25 12 string...Snooks Eaglin fan...

[@OlegKamenev]

Thank you! Never seen before lesson like that! Now the deaf could be playing...

[@Dave4291]

This is great, like the authentic turnaround lick with a nod to the hey nonny nonny

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Thanks! 🙂

[@jimbo9580]

Hi Will, thanks fro posting this . I really enjoyed it.

[@Bmxboylikesktlz]

What a thorough tutorial. Thank you for all the work and time that you put into this video.

[@gogamamoulasvili]

very nice explained lesson..Very helpful and simple explained

[@MarcusVinicius-ft9ll]

Absolutely amazing. Thanks for your patience and effort to make such an educational video!

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Thank you sir! :-)

[@gamblinman9]

Well ... I don't normally post... but I have to say Will, I very much appreciated your detailed breakdown of this blues classic... I will be searching out more videos from you... well done! ... regards Brian

[@martynspooner5822]

Lovely sounding guitar and good lesson thanks

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Thankyou Martyn - appreciated. :-)

[@benaaronmusic]

Very nice video. Thank you for sharing! Have a good day.

[@martinaxman2033]

Nice arrangement. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@tryingtoplay90]

Really enjoyed that lesson. Thank you for taking the time to share it.

[@aredamzd1]

i can't wait until the video ends to thank you. Very enjoyable. You are very thorough in your exlplanation. Thank you for sharing your talent and passion.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Glad to have been of service. :-)

[@louismarucci9056]

Not only an excellent video on playing St. James Infermary but can be used as a tutorial for practicing alternate chord shapes!

[@maxwatkins5166]

Beautiful rendition - initially I thought the breakdown of right hand fingering was a little sparse, but it made me use my ears more, and thus learn more, and add my own very slight style to it. so for playing, sharing, and teaching me to both play improvise somewhat.Thank you.

[@matthewdean2724]

Thanks for such a clear tutorial.... excellent, makes me want to play!!

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Matthew Dean Many thanks, Matthew - now, off you go and play it! I shall expect a progress report in the near future... :-)

[@matthewdean2724]

I am still learning Walk on Boy thanks to you Will, I have checked out your site as well - Fantastic, so much work you have put into giving, Well Done!

[@julieb7635]

I just stumbled onto your site for the first time today! Wow! Your lessons and demos are amazing! Thank you for posting these and will make sure to donate! What a wonderfully explained tune! Thank you!

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Glad to be of service - and thanks for the kind words. :-)

[@eduardoqf]

Hi Will. Realy nice. I played here to my sun. Very inspiring. Thanks a lot! Cheers from Brazil.

[@nps2512]

Excellent way of teaching many thanks

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Thanks! :-)

[@maldonautasblog]

thxs 4 sharing man! cheers from Uruguay!

[@Zg146]

First I thought I could learn it to play, which is very simple, thank you for that. Then I realised it's much better to sing the song while you play it. Oh, I'm glad I've found you ! :) Greetings

[@garyrocco8995]

Beautiful sound.....

[@TonyTheDriver100]

Whew! I'm learning a lot while I watch this. I may not be able to play it as well as you, but I do have the same T-shirt! - Joined Up Whiting! Just LOVE the sound of the chords you're playing.

[@mwkdavidson]

Hi Will. Thanks very much for posting this really clear explanation, and what a nice voicing you've chosen too. I have loved this song for many years, but never played it. Will be noodling on this for a long time to come. Thanks again :D

[@goodrich777]

Thanks for the lesson. You have a great style of teaching and you diagrams really help. i got it in one. I will make a point of checking out for more of your posts. Cheers.

[@landonfinnerty2391]

Thank you Will, I have been obsessed with this song since Eric Burden did it. My current version has been A E and F, and I have a version using a D min version, too, but this is the most comprehensive instruction I have seen yet, and love your style. Thank you.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Thank you, Landon - appreciated, and glad you found it useful. 🙂

[@Bisbonian]

Very enjoyable. Great instruction, but very pleasant to watch and just listen to, as well.

[@Mytholgylove]

You have a very pleasant speaking voice, and your video is very easy to understand and play. Thank you. :)

[@rontalley2]

I play this one and have for a long time however you've taught me some new technique and "tricks" as it were. Thank you so much for this. I'm an old dog but you've taught this old dog new tricks. :-) I subbed. Ron

[@ChristienGagnier]

A great version of the song and a great video lesson as well. Thank you Will.

[@Epifon311]

nothing beats - Good wine, flyfishing, and blues music.

[@cxamixx]

Hello from Switzerland! Thanks so much for this tutorial it was really useful!

[@MrSaxoi]

your lesson is really helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@lounote1]

Great lesson and breakdown. Thanks

[@BeaHindebars]

How i wish i could make such beautiful sounds ❤

[@WillFlyGuitar]

It's not too hard Bea! 🙂

[@snuzebuster]

Lovely finger style version. Makes me wish I had developed my finger picking. Thanks you so much for sharing.

[@AirMike61]

Great lesson- as always, very good way of teaching- unfortunatley too difficult to play for me by now.....Lot's of work to do-but when winter time comes, there will be enought time to practise..

[@chrisgifford3888]

Hi Will. What a great version. I've learnt a few versions and although this is the easiest it really sounds the best. Thank you for a great lesson.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

My pleasure - glad you found it useful. :-)

[@peterhbyrne]

thanks for this! you play it beautifully

[@ztk8418]

Thanks, was a great lesson!! Cheers from Argentina!

[@ovation132]

Thank you very much. enjoyed to play

[@sharksdelight]

Excellent all around.

[@seppmaier5163]

for me and my guitar abilities this is the one.... i wouldn't say he was the best out there but he's Definitely in the top one...

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Cheers! :-)

[@HarposGhost]

Tremendous lesson - thanks

[@Johntheresonator]

Love it Will, nice version in Dm. and what a hoot to see the 'joined up Whiting' we have it on a T towel (and thought it was exclusive). Best wishes.

[@satijournal]

Nice! I'm going to learn it tomorrow.

[@kernowsteve]

Superb. Thanks a million for posting this.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Hi Daniel - no, this is a custom-built 00 model guitar by Ian Chisholm - commissioned from him by me. :-)

[@ScerLMF]

Thank you very much from Paris, sir ! ;)

[@babs4TLove]

Hi Will! Your lessons are always so well explained and very playable! I loved this one! This is a great song to learn! Thank you so much! All the best! Babs

[@protvscar]

Thanks a lot!! It sounds beautiful but turns out pretty simple to repeat! Great song indeed.

[@taxisteve929]

Sounds and looks beautiful. 00 is about the perfect sized guitar for finger style. (in my opinion anyway)

[@jcpmac1]

Thank you so much for all your videos; they're absolutely terrific. The rest is up to me now of course, but I couldn't wish to have a better start.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Thanks for the kind words. :-)

[@Gitaaroverlast]

Much thanks, sir! Great lesson! Very clear!

[@apocalypsefilms]

Thank you. Great lesson.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Cheers - thanks! :-)

[@kitonqd]

So great !!

[@WillFlyGuitar]

My pleasure - glad you found it useful. :-)

[@MrGitbob]

Thank You !!! IT easy and friendly.

[@gordonwride_music]

Thanks Will, i've subscribed to your videos

[@timparetti1944]

Excellent lesson.

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Thanks Tim - you're very welcome! :-)

[@wicko999]

Thanks lovely lesson

[@yuriykalegin6544]

Very nice lesson, sir!

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Cheers! :-)

[@sharpy53]

Thats a very good video thanks a lot

[@allandunn1431]

Fantastic tutorial. Your guitar sounds lovely too! Many thanks ;)

[@seanolson8246]

Very nice, WIll. Thanks for this.

[@thedarrindavisband]

Awesome video, Will! Love your version. Here's my take on the tune. St. James Infirmary, by Darrin Davis and The Clones I'm playing guitar, singing, playing tenor sax and an Am harp. Plus dancing. Yup, that's me and my dog dancing. ;)

[@jerryse81]

this is a really good lesson . thanks so much. great fun

[@GiuseppeBertini]

Excellent, easy-to-follow tutorial! If I am not mistaken, you never use the 6th string, so it would be trivial to drop it down to D and use it as an alternate bass line

[@WillFlyGuitar]

Thanks Giuseppe - yes indeed, the E could be dropped down a tone for extra emphasis.

[@O3177O]

It actually from from the bard of Armagh An Irish song and follows an Irish progression brought to new orleans

[@talos50]

Excellent lesson, thank you.