How to play 'Ventura Highway' by America

News! December 9th 2021 - I am now an affiliate for the Beatbuddy drum machine that I am ALWAYS using - you get 10% off if you enter promo code GAW10 via this link:
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By request - a classic for sure! Learn the chords and strumming patterns for this essential song - very funky strumming patterns and jazzy sounding chords!
Once you've learned this song be sure to head to the Playalong video where I will play through it with you at a Medium tempo and then at full speed while calling out the chord changes - Fun! This link will take you there:
• Playalong Video for 'V...

[@rodterrell304]

Hearing the lick at the beginning just brings back memories of a great time in my life.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Glad to hear that Rod. Cheers! Shane

[@mrileeks]

6:16 - strum pattern 9:00 - lead/intro 0:00 onwards - pure, unadulterated, awesome teaching

[@stuartdickson6251]

much thanks for being here, well done, direct, no BS, the straight goods, with options. i'll be back

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you, Stewart. I really appreciate that and I’m glad that you’re enjoying. My best cheers Shane.

[@127Foxtrot]

Shane, thank you for deconstructing this beautiful strumming pattern and making this lesson for us. I didn’t think I could handle it, but your teaching has really put me on the path to mastering it. It’s great to have such a variety of guitar masters on KZbin publish their versions of these classic songs, we can pick and choose bits and pieces that suit our individual styles and what level we may be at.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that - very encouraging. My best to you! Shane

[@cindipossidento5688]

My favorite song from AMERICA !!!! 70’s totally awesome !!!!

[@thomastucker5686]

All my guitar work is mostly original, which is why I watch these vids when there's a song I am interested in. I can pick up these songs in about two minutes, however, I stuck around because your teaching style is so informative and I wanted to hear all you had to offer. I normally skip through in two minutes. You are a great instructor, thank you for sharing!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Thomas - very encouraging. My best to you. Cheers! Shane

[@lisabyrnek.c.805]

I started playing guitar January 25, 2018. While taking the 4 "lessons" that came with my guitar, I discovered Shane Simpson and haven't looked back. Shane is a gifted teacher with the ability to break complex patterns down into manageable pieces so you can actually learn them properly. He even gives you a "campfire version" to help you play the song so you won't give up on it and get frustrated while you are learning the difficult bits. Thanks to Shane I can play the guitar pretty well in a very short time. Can't thank you enough. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Lisa Byrne - a big thank you Lisa. It really makes my day to read a comment like that. You’ve done SO well with guitar - my very best to you! Shane

[@WesleyWattley-xy4fg]

Excellent 🇬🇧

[@russhowe1092]

Great song, great band, great teacher....another strum pattern to learn. Thank you Shane

[@GuitarAtWork]

A big thank you Russ - much appreciated - this is a fun one for sure! Shane

[@glennfleming]

Beautiful. Having watched this, I'm now giving up my guitar and going back to listen to the records!!!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! Thank you Glenn. Hope you have fun with it. Cheers, Shane

[@fabianpatrizio2865]

can't believe those guys wrote this song when they were 19, 20.... amazing

[@GuitarAtWork]

Truly amazing indeed Fabian. Great writers for sure. Cheers, Shane

[@fabianpatrizio2865]

@@GuitarAtWork and great lesson by the way Shane, cheers from Australia

[@The73275]

You are the most thorough, yet easiest to understand teacher on YT, thank you

[@GuitarAtWork]

A big thank you for that - greatly appreciated and happy to have you with us! Shane

[@Gratefulman1965]

Great teacher great lesson, I grew up on Americas music as a kid of the 70’s although I’ve always been a singer I never truly focused on guitar until high school but intermittently at best. I played in a rock band as a singer and bassist. And after that just writing singing and acoustic. I have to say as a picker the strum pattern is a challenge for me due to not playing that pattern often but I’m coming around somewhat quickly. I love the way you break It down and make it digestible. As a 57 year old acoustic guy this is an awesome learning format. Thank you sir!🎶

[@GuitarAtWork]

Fabulous. Thanks for that. Cheers, Shane

[@Fronz05]

Shane, I've been playing a version of this song my own way since 1978...it's been all wrong! I can hear the difference right from the start! I can adapt to most of yours and a couple pieces of mine and voila, much improved! Improvement is the name of the game! Thanks again!

[@jameshanson5970]

I could not feel more connected to a song if I tried. My ex and I would play this in the car on our way up to the summer home in the Sierra Nevada mountains. (Pine Mountain Lake) with our babies. A very spiritual connection here. What a special Song/Memory! Thank you for sharing this lesson never learned it. Played it right along with the lesson and a great lesson it is. Rock on my brother.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you James - great to hear that. Hope you have fun with it! Shane

[@availablelight999]

One of the best songs ever

[@MeisterHoora]

Amazing! America knows how chords with open strings sound deep and beautiful. Thanks.

[@aka4146]

Ya want to know what I really love about your lessons. you just get right to it without all the talking and the history who wrote what and who played what. Unless it is something we need to get the tune down.So thank you for not only posting great songs but for getting right to it with no bull.very cool

[@GuitarAtWork]

A big thank you AKA. My best you you and glad to have you here. Cheers, Shane

[@jrh11254]

“Down down chick-a down down:” reminds me of a pick-up line from the 70s.

[@chuckmarble2365]

Or just add a wah wah and you've got the soundtrack to a 70's Mitchell Brothers production!

[@suminshizzles6951]

Ok. Finally the strumming pattern i can get my head around. It is the way you broke it up for us. Thanks. All others have failed for some reason even though i am sure the pattern is the same.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Sumin - glad it worked for you. All the best with it, Shane

[@roberttraphagan3572]

I really like the way you teach both beginners and those slightly more advanced! Just great.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Rob - much appreciated. Best to you, Shane

[@andrewoconnor4205]

Love the way you break it down and take it slow for the beginners like me! Thank you very much for all the effort that you put in! :)

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Andrew! Shane

[@johndyamparo5605]

yes Sir nice my favorite song

[@GuitarAtWork]

Fabulous. Enjoy, Shane

[@MdvGau]

I really admire your strumming on this song...really good and really sets this song apart.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Mdv Gau - much appreciated and very glad to have you with us here. Cheers! Shane

[@aneyesky]

Experienced player here. Your teaching style is excellent !

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you aneyesky - much appreciated! Shane

[@patricksmith4424]

You can't go wrong with major 7th and 6th chords, they're gorgeous!

[@jmasfamily]

Shane I have been checking out a lot of your posts lately (old and new). Great stuff. Love your teaching style!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that - my best to you! Shane

[@WesleyWattley-xy4fg]

Brilliant 🇬🇧 🎸 🇺🇸 🌎!

[@3fjn3t]

Outstanding lesson. I was struggling with the strum but this gave me the breakthrough I needed. Thank you.

[@evandrofschulz]

Good job teacher!! Cool!!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Evandro - happy to have you here with us and hope you are having fun with it. Cheers, Shane

[@KaptainCanuck]

The album version is on a 12-string, also. The album version uses the E/G/A/D/B chords shapes at the 8th fret.

[@randallbarnes207]

y'all is good for me, Here in Tennessee. Thanks

[@GuitarAtWork]

Glad to hear it Randall - Cheers, Shane

[@scrapjunky3887]

I want whatever he’s on.....

[@GuitarAtWork]

Just caffeine Slouchy - ha! Happy New Year! Shane

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Yes - he speaks Super Fast. Great lesson though.

[@godbyone]

Holy crap wtf

[@patricksmith4424]

He's on a Taylor.

[@kevino6670]

What it sounds like when you’re getting it done.

[@Martyballin]

This makes me happy

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Marty - glad to have you with us! Shane

[@steveperry1344]

this is a great lesson for a hack that's almost an intermediate player, thnx so much. hard to believe this tune is almost 50 yrs old.

[@mrileeks]

STEVE PERRY HIMSELF IS HERE?!.?!?

[@steveperry1344]

@@mrileeks almost live and in person.

[@cameronblue3749]

Superbly done Shane. Thanks for really explaining strumming pattern . Really encouraging tutorial.

[@rodger2499]

You do such a wonderful job in breaking down every song you do. Thank you so very much.

[@rick423]

Wow ... there’s a month of practice for some of us. Love the song. Well done.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Rick - have fun with it! Shane

[@troytaylor9228]

you know what my whole life I've lived off my own wits my own natural ability I've never found a teacher that was worth a s*** but you're pretty damn good and I can actually play the song and every part you showed just because of what you did in this video. That means you're pretty good f****** teacher. It also means I owe you thanks for another cover song thank you very much

[@davidfarnum3718]

With this song you just posted my 3 favorite from the band America. I have been working on all three. Thank you so much for the lessons I find them to be the best on the internet.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you David - so great to hear that! Keep at it and super enjoy it. Glad to have you with us! Shane

[@jimeckels4015]

Thanks. Very helpful. I love the tips on the "gotchas" and how to remain engaged with the challenges on the song.

[@beemanrunning977]

Superb instruction as always and so encouraging! Thanks Shane.

[@rubbabubba6489]

Very nice, thank you

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Rubba - such a great song. Shane

[@jeromebuckley9296]

Yes! The song i’ve been hoping you teach. If and when i get this down, i am going to finally tell friends and family: “indeed! I play the guitar!” As always, thanks Shane.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Jerome - I'm glad it's a favourite of yours - cheers! Shane

[@watermelonman3110]

Superb!! Beautifully conveyed lesson!! Direct and to the point!! Thank you!!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Watermelon - always great to hear from you - I hope you have fun with this one! Shane

[@alfonsogutierrez1392]

Awesome, thank you 🎸👍😀

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Alfonso. Cheers, Shane

[@alfonsogutierrez1392]

@@GuitarAtWork I have been struggling with the guitar all my life, always quit cos it was too hard. But little by little I have been gaining a little bit of skill here and there. After I watched your video, I tried doing the strum and chords, it was kinda happening, sort of😂🎸👍😀. Maybe, some day...

[@rodterrell304]

Great song, love learning it.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Fabulous song for sure Rod - have fun with it! Shane

[@victorgojocco1716]

Taylor guitars really sound awesome!!!

[@tommybuick2209]

Great job man!! I tried to learn this song by ear and only managed to catch the Dm7 by ear, made so much easier. Thanks a bunch, keep it up.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Artie - great to hear that and happy to have you with us! Shane

[@PolyphonicRiffer]

Thanks for great technique ❤

[@royspeakman1157]

Brilliant !

[@jeffreyfields9857]

Well played sir.

[@rickgibson4641]

Before I started learning guitar I always imagined the strumming part to be a no brainer but reality deceived me! Lol

[@GuitarAtWork]

Ha! Gotcha Rick. Most people think the skill lies in the left hand but it’s quite the opposite for sure. Cheers, Shane

[@douglasjackson9058]

Great teacher,second song I've watched And learned

[@darrylt1031]

I've been playing this song for a while, but just couldn't quite get the strumming pattern right....your "down-down-chick-a-down-down-chick" did it ...bravo

[@GuitarAtWork]

Glad to hear it Darryl - a big thank you for commenting! Shane

[@MikeCaseyMusic72]

Mute the 6th string on the G6. He plays it x55400. The em7 is an add 9 or em9, 2nd fret on 1st string. Granted there are three guitars playing in these parts, but look at live videos from early in the song’s life. You can see it clearly. The two lead parts are clear too, from guitars 2 & 3. Guitar 1 is straight rhythm.

[@showtimecharlie6734]

Very impressed. I'm a professional performing musician, but it saves me a heck of a lot of time learning some songs when a real pro like you presents it in such an easy manner. Where have you been hiding ? Lol. You are outstanding !

[@randyman9167]

Nicely done! Thanks for the lesson and sheets from your website! 👏

[@traviswalker5687]

Great video and thanks for your teaching and effort.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Travis! Shane

[@barrygaynor1025]

Well done! Thank you.

[@davidgabrielsen2139]

I've been playing guitar on and off for 40 years. When I hear a song that I like/remember I often go to KZbin of figure out the song. Usually it's a few seconds, get the chords and strumming patterns and I'm off. This is, I believe, the first lesson I have ever listened to all the way through. Several comments: 1. Your Taylor sounds great! What strings do you use? 2. Wonderfully clear, entertaining, informative lesson! 3. So many teachers teach note for note at 1/10 speed. It's impossible to listen to Great job, thanks so much!

[@phazeshift75]

Nice job! I love your teaching style! Thanks!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Jim - very glad to have you here with us. Cheers! Shane

[@AndersonSouza-tb5qk]

I have no words to describe it just thanks what an amazing class

[@GuitarAtWork]

Anderson Souza Thank you Anderson. Such a great comment to receive - makes my day. My best to you! Shane

[@mathieubaker1548]

Lovely 814ce. I have the same one.

[@rleong6013]

Thank you, Shane. Very clear. Loved it that you taught the lower key lead intro riff as well (left channel).

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that - really appreciate your comment - Happy New Year! Shane

[@stevelawrence3094]

just would like to put it out there, have been taking on-line lessons with Shane, moving on two years now, couldn't ask for a better instructor- and he's a pretty cool dude! Cheers Shane!

[@GuitarAtWork]

A big thank you Steve - it's been fun working with you and you are doing great! Cheers Shane

[@ahmedallie2102]

Well done

[@rodhoover9158]

Outstanding teaching!! Thank you!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Rod - all the best! Shane

[@allanmachado878]

wonderful work! Thanks sir!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Allan. Have fun with it! Shane

[@grjoeb6189]

Nice job. Thanks.

[@MyZxcvb12]

I love this song thanks for showing it to us.😊

[@andyblanche89]

Dude you are the perfect guitar teacher, keep them videos coming!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Andreas - I really appreciate that. Glad to have you with us here and lots more videos coming! Shane

[@timb.8230]

Great lesson as always from Shane and not to take away from it but for a beginner an easier version is version 3 on guitar tabs. Capo 2 then F maj 7 and C maj 7 along with Dm7 and Em. Shane's lesson still largely applies. Apologies if someone else already noted this and thanks again to Shane!

[@chuckmarble2365]

Very nice Mr. Simpson! I thought this might be moderately difficult, but you taught me everything I wanted to know about playing this song in 12 minutes! Very nice indeed.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Chuck - my best to you. Glad you're here with us. Cheers! Shane

[@rstevenhanson]

Love your style of teachiing!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Steve - all the best to you! Shane

[@Goulart54]

Great lesson. I'm subscribe

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks Gilson - my best to you and glad to have you with us. Shane

[@sapelesteve]

Great lesson Shane! America is one of my favorite bands. What gets me is that they have not been elected to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame yet. Go figure? I actually sent off a letter to the R&RHOF casting my vote & wanting to know why they have not been inducted? That was six months ago & never heard back from them. Anyway, keep up the great lessons Shane....... 👍👍😉😉

[@stagweberVMad]

I like the no-nonsense approach, and the quality of guitar playing is superb. Keep up the good work and thanks.

[@jeanallard7764]

Another winner Shane, you are rapidly becoming my fav teacher. Thanks.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Jean - I really appreciate it - have fun with it! Shane

[@2GoldensTosa]

Nice lesson! Needed to learn this one quickly - thanks!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Glad it worked for you 2Goldens - thanks for commenting and glad to have you with us! Shane

[@johnwestcott5606]

Great lesson, Shane!

[@obett777]

Great tutorial! You've got a new subscriber here! and will recommend to friends. keep up the good work!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you obett777 - greatly appreciated and I am happy to have you with us! Shane

[@artv3232]

Awesome! TY

[@roxyc4438]

Great tutorial, Shane! Merry Christmas to you and yours! :)

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Roxy - Merry Christmas to you and yours as well - best of the season to you! Shane

[@eliasfabianfarias6772]

Sos un genio

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Elias - my very best to you. Glad to have you here. Shane

[@mamanunsamani3608]

Great teacher,thank you very much!

[@gregglockhart9551]

Thanks

[@GuitarAtWork]

Hope you're having fun with it Gregg. Shane

[@davebarrios4846]

Thanks. Best guitar instructional video i've seen.

[@GuitarAtWork]

A big thank you Dave - greatly appreciated - happy to have you here with us! Shane

[@leticiam8804]

gracias again

[@kevinlacoursiere779]

Fantastic ! Thank you for these great lessons.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Kevin - glad to have you with us! Shane

[@cb-cj2ke]

Another excellent lesson that clicks pdq. Thank you.

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Chris - glad to have you with us! Shane

[@cb-cj2ke]

@@GuitarAtWork Glad I found you!

[@hanshansel4212]

Hi there! Thank you so much for your great work!

[@qwertyzxcv123]

Thank you so much for this lesson!

[@timc7720]

Great lesson. I see you have some R/C Helicopters on the shelf. Nice. I used to fly them too, switched to guitar (costs less and guitars don't crash)

[@fireside007]

YOU ~ ROCK ! !

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks for that - hope you enjoy! Shane

[@mariahmadueno7964]

Thanks Shane! :)

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Mariah - hope you're doing well and always good to hear from you. Shane

[@jeffreywallace1428]

I'll strum like that one day, promise I will.

[@GuitarAtWork]

You're darn right you will Jeffrey - best to you and have fun with it! Shane

[@nedrow5915]

Nice vibrato

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thanks! Best to you. Shane

[@daviddotson5695]

Really good teacher. Very pleasant!

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you David - much appreciated - hope you have fun with it. Glad to have you here with us! Shane

[@JoseMartinez-zd1bs]

love you

[@josemeneses9457]

Excelente Tienes mucha facilidad para enseñar Gracias

[@GuitarAtWork]

Thank you Jose - all the best to you happy to have you here with us! Shane

[@FlugHerr]

Perfecto