How To Play Waiting For The Bus and Jesus Just Left Chicago By ZZ Top - Plus Guitar Soloing Tips!

In this video I demonstrate how to play the songs Waiting For The Bus and Jesus Just Left Chicago by ZZ Top. These are the opening tracks off the Album Tres Hobre and showcase some of ZZ Top's and Billy Gibbons best playing. Bluesy, soulful and full of passion. We take a close look at the structure and chord progressions as well as some of the tasty licks. At the end of the video I cover some tips on how to solo over the blues and give some pointers on how to sound similar to Billy Gibbons and other players in that style of music. I hope you enjoy the video! Please subscribe!!
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[@kbroomall]

I noticed when Billy does this live he really rides that open A to beef the main riff up! Just saw them at Hershey Park in Hershey Pennsylvania on Sept. 9, 2023! Still killin it!

[@JerryAtricMr]

Holy sh*t!!!! This video's last five minutes suddenly expanded the guitar after several months stuck. Thank you Marty for helping the guitar make sense. Not the hero we deserved, but the hero we needed

[@Jerry-Falwells-Poolboy]

"Not the hero we deserved, but the hero we needed" Made me legit LOL!

[@user-lk9ip2kl4k]

this comment had skip to the end, and yes! totally agree. Awesome video.

[@markcarleton6647]

JJLC is probably my favorite ZZ Top Song. I like the way you break things down and explain how to play it. You’re a great teacher!

[@gergemall]

You’re a wonderful instructor. Love the way you presented the tabs handwritten. Very creative.

[@Mangoshake2021]

Really look forward to your videos, you are a great teacher

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks so much man! I am glad to help! 😎

[@mikedtubey]

Love the Lesson!!! Your not just VH!😅

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks Mike! Nah, the VH is totally awesome but I love all kinds of stuff!

[@markgreene3842]

This was great for me, I picked up some good tips that I need to apply. I like the way you go slow enough for my to implant it in my mind. I’ve had too many teachers who didn’t do that.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks man!

[@brianlegg6009]

I've watched many KZbin videos trying to get a handle on where to start learning how to play some of this stuff. This is BY FAR the most useful and UNDERSTANDABLE. So many guys on here seem like they are just trying to show off without really doing any meaningful instruction. Thanks a million!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're most welcome man! Thanks 🙏

[@guitartim2128]

Thanx for the awesome lesson For ZZ Top's Waitin For the Bus and Jesus Just Left Chicago. Two of my favorites from the man that influenced me which is Billy G. His tone timing ,feel and chops are unequalled .👍🎸

[@hykeeba-9254]

Dawg, this is an awesome video. Love the handwritten tab overlays

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Glad you like it! Thanks for the support man 🤟🏻😁

[@kmajor44]

Great lesson! The Reverend said for the recoding he tuned his A string down to G on Jesus. Love the tune but usually play it in standard because I also love playing the Bus with a hard cut to Jesus…like the album. Makes the 2 inseparable…and both classic ZZ. note: the open A (and E on the 7th) is absolutely necessary for nailing Bus.

[@RuairiDeFaoite]

I've always played it Open G tuning, like what you are saying but E strings down to D. Makes the chord fingering much easier than shown here in the video

[@DannyGatton94]

In my book ZZ Top always will be the coolest thing ever

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Yeh. They are at the top of my list too. And man... what a car collection too!

[@douglaschristine8387]

I just noticed you got the Peavey with dashboard and all in the camera. Now I know why you really wanted it, aesthetics, cool.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Yeh man! Did you see my unboxing video of it? I do quite an in-depth review and tone test. I love it!!

[@baynesstreetblues]

Brilliant explanation Marty, highlighting the feel that underpins Billy’s repeated groove. Many thanks 🙏

[@JamieDuran-hr3bp]

You're a very good teacher you keep it simple and lots of extra tips that others would never teacher without charging you for their knowledge. Thank you

[@sixstringer3783]

Billy's playing just breathes cool nice lesson 👍

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

It sure does. He's just awesome. 😎

[@markgreene3842]

This was great for me, I picked up some good tips that I need to apply.

[@coralspringsneckbackpainrelief]

Great lesson… love the details and chord boxes to accompany the lesson

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Glad you liked it 😎 Thanks for the nice comment man!

[@geoffreylowery9730]

Thanks Marty! Them p90s sound great! I've ordered a shirt and will be sportin it with pride around town. Keep Rockin!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Cool! Thanks so much man! You rock!!! 😎🤟🏻 I tell ya, the P90's are so versatile. They can really get chimey and sweet! 🎵

[@qua7771]

Man, them P-90's. What a tone for this.

[@hank4434]

Great Player, Great Style, Very Good Teacher Thanx!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thank you kindly. I appreciate it man.

[@jeffwagner2707]

Thanks Marty you and Jay Pamar are my go to teachers I love Lynch as well& Schenker

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks so much man. I appreciate the nice comment. Thanks for watching 😎🙏

[@GeneBussler]

Glad I stumbled onto your video. Appreciate the instruction that makes some sense. Great video.

[@GeneBussler]

I do have a small question regarding tone. Are you plugged straight into the amp or using some effects? I hear reverb and break up. Just curious.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@greggheslin2724]

Your Tone is Fantastic!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thank you kindly!

[@MrAnthony000004]

great lesson and tabs

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks for watching man 😎🤟🏻

[@papablue3015]

Blues, my favorite! Thanks Marty!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're welcome! I'm love the blues! 🥂

[@robblackmoreofficial]

Very Cool,I Find Myself Just Moving Around Like This,Just Limbering Up Those Fingers All The Time. Great Fun! 😁 Thank You Marty,Love All Your Videos.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're most welcome man! So happy to help and share. Thanks so much.

[@douglaschristine8387]

How are you Marty? That one guy your not just VH, lol. I love how you make the whole song a lesson with licks and nuances, makes you stand out from the rest. Peace.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks Douglas! I am glad that my teaching style works well. I'm never sure if it resonates or not! But it's always nice to hear when it does. I really appreciate it dude.

[@REM1956]

Great lesson. Your Lead advice was very helpful in copping some of Gibbon's phrasing. So many people just blow a thousand notes over these songs, and it just doesn't gel with the gutbucket feel of ZZ Top. Thanks

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Glad it helped man! Thanks for watching 😎🍺

[@telefrk49]

Killer lesson and explanation...thank you!!

[@lovehategoddie]

Great early 70s tone, whole album. Can you teach precious and grace, I want to learn the finer points of the song. First heard album in Feb. ‘79, I picked up the guitar a few years later and used this album and early Priest, and many others to learn. It’s about feel and tone. I have never tired of tres hombres.

[@garyh.238]

Excellent lesson. Thank you!

[@user-wp2ej5mn4c]

Sounds good. My favorite tunes.

[@rolfhauf4266]

Your simple way of explaining the blues scale, was an eye opener to me… thank you🎸

[@kevinlarson4762]

Cool lesson thank you

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching man!

[@theaxe5150]

Thanks Marty. 12:18 I see the light!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're very welcome. 😎🥂

[@genelewis2962]

Marty you nailed this, excellent, my two favorite Biily G jams. Thank you for sharing!

[@kibscott6096]

Marty I want to thank you for throwing a lick and a bend out to my favorite band from Texas (with an exception to STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN), bro you rock, my heart bleeds EVH, I was going on 18 when their first album was released, ok probably got a few years on you, but hey you ROCK!!!!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're very welcome!! Love SRV too. Saw him on the couldn't stand the weather tour. I really appreciate the support man!

[@dotkennedy7443]

Love that gold top! Those are P90s, right? Sweet! Quite a collection you have. That song brings back a lot of fun memories.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks, this is one of my top 5 favorite guitars. It plays so nice and I think it sounds and looks gorgeous! ❤️

[@Wolf4u2]

Descending run into the G on The Bus is so good, I'd refer to it as the Jesus run. Thxs Marty! That C chord is a tough one.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks man! I love that run too! It's the hook! Dude, that C is brutal. I always wondered about it and one day saw him finger that chord in AXS Tv during a Sammy Hagar segment and was like damn that's it!! 😎🎵🎵🎵☮️

[@rvk5150]

Hell yeah...I want a LP with P90s badly....on my list!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

This was a bucket list guitar for me too. I just got it about 2 months ago. It's a dream come true. 😎☮️

[@ratmadness4858]

ZZ Top is coming to town this month. The cheapest ticket is more than I paid to see them four times.

[@letsgo2then]

TAB on 3x5 cards did it for me. Hell yea

[@guitarthink]

One of my Favorite new channels that I stumbled on. Good stuff! Thank you!!!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for the kind words and for watching. 😎🤟🏻

[@sandrocavali9810]

Great lesson! Let's not forget the tone. Crank that thing

[@TaxPayingContributor]

Totally fills in the gaps on one of my favorites. Great teaching

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Glad to hear man! Awesome. Thank you for the kind words. 😎☮️

[@5150show]

Epic lessons

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks so much man!! ☮️

[@mtantiques9384]

That was fun. Don't see too many "how to" videos that are fun and informative. I love the slow blues and ZZ Top just adds such a groove to it. Thanks and just subscribed

[@gergemall]

Nailed it

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks 🙏

[@keithelmo]

Great video and teaching style! Thanks!

[@BBF3]

Many thanks for this video. I highly appreciate it

[@Callmenobody174]

Really enjoying your videos, man! Keep up the good work! 🤘

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks for watching man! I really appreciate it. 😁🎵

[@sleggarri]

Great lesson. Love your blues playing.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thank you kindly. I appreciate you watching and happy you enjoyed the video man! 😁🥂

[@edmcglinn9027]

great lesson - thanks Marty!!!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're very welcome. Thanks!

[@hofmannhermann]

Great ... learnd a lot ... Thanx !!!

[@southerncomfort6279]

Thanks a million Love zztop

[@scottharvey7195]

Thanks! Great tone and great tips to help me break out of position 1!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're welcome! So glad to help man!!

[@jrezvb3789]

GREAT JOB! THANK YOU

[@jeremywilson7198]

Very good advice I am at the point where everything you said makes perfect sense and I will work on it, thank you

[@jamesreilly872]

great lesson - brilliant!

[@FMorgigno1]

Excellent lesson!

[@kennykamensky993]

Good lesson Marty thanks for the tips

[@alainkempa2139]

Thanks for this cool lesson and all the technical remarks about notes choice(m3rd bend) and the explanation on modulations being used.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

My pleasure man. Glad to help people out and see it making an impact. Thanks for watching man!

[@tonbuur5650]

great lesson!!❤...thanks..

[@davemullner7170]

Great lesson Marty! Plus I love the little Marshall stack and the desktop one too🤘😊

[@oscarerlanson1377]

Thanks bro. That was great!

[@tokk3n-hj4xg]

Man I've been wanting to learn Jesus Just Left Chicago for the longest. Thanks for taking the time to making this video. I just subscribed. Looking forward to more videos.

[@stevenpotter-en2me]

Merry Christmas Marty! Thank you for the excellent video

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@jamespotts2469]

Fantastic job. I've been a little off on this for forty years--and you've nailed it and made it clear. I just subscribed.

[@bpy4073]

Great tone and instruction have suscribed

[@fronthorse]

Great lesson and helpful to get to know the board better. Great sound too. LP with p90s are tasty.

[@jondavis3582]

this is what i needed today...

[@richardcranium8500]

I love that guitar man,I'm glad I bought one too. I love the 50's neck not to crazy fat just perfect. Great tune to learn also. Thanks

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I love the guitar too. It really has a great tone and the neck is amazing. Glad you like yours as well! 🎵🎵🎵Thanks for watching man!

[@rogergregg6026]

Sweet, really nice impro here , have to say i picked up a lot of really good tips and how to expand my playing in the pent scale. Thanks so much and hope i can see many more of your videos

[@MegaGuitarpicker]

Great lesson.! I have been tuning my A down to G and it seems to be much easier for me to hang on that (G) note when playing alone. I like your way of explaining things. Subscribed!

[@dspguitarrebuild5281]

Very cool lesson. Thanks

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks so much man!

[@danielcoleman4807]

Great video. I taught this stuff for many years and agree with you on all you said and did. I like your LP gold top with P 90s. ...I need a guitar with P 90s in my collection.

[@southerncomfort6279]

Thanks!

[@loupearl706]

You're a great teacher. Thanks. Nice to see you expanding your band library🙄

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks for the kind words man! I appreciate it and so glad to hear I help people out. 😎🥂

[@chrisbrown4051]

Very nice man.

[@hansfreekit]

Cool. Like it.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Wow, a 1956 gold top! I've had a 57 VOS for about 12 years now and it's a great guitar. But I wish I would have gotten the 56 instead.

[@jeffjohnson7381]

Love this kind of blues rock can you continue some great rock styles in this genre..first lesson with you love your style of teaching 👍🎸🎶

[@jasonhall947]

Good lesson. Thanks. Subbed!

[@daveslusher3556]

Thank you!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're welcome!

[@Bigsbeee]

Subbed - No question - Thank You Marty.

[@timemerson2691]

That was awesome 😎

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks Tim! Glad you liked it dude. 🎵😎

[@stevelankford7087]

Thanks for the classic ZZTop lesson, it sounds even better when you break it down. Thought I’d give you a sub while I’m here, great job!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks for the sub and for watching! 😎🤟🏻

[@andyspinks9996]

Your an excellent teacher man. Keep up the good work. You could even be a doctor of guitar with handwriting like that.

[@rolandjgutierrez7737]

Nice flow you where in sync explain and play and demonstrate I enjoyed it its not like oh by the way one time in guitar land then this oh by the way my dog...RocknRollFlat5

[@3top5]

Thank you. ❤❤

[@gnawbabygnaw]

Thank You! 🤙🤙

[@stan657]

Really nice lesson! Please do more Gibbons lessons!!🙏

[@yourenigma3803]

Great lesson brother! 🎉

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks man! Glad you liked it 🎵😎

[@Shax14]

This is the way things should be explained.

[@mattskey58]

Nice lesson bud, good job 😎👍

[@seanbirkett4951]

I like to drop my 5th into G its so much easier you can chug along and lay them riffs down at the same time. But! You can't play both songs consecutively like on the album.

[@alraymond1618]

How about a rig rundown next?!!! All guitars, please!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I've been working my way through the herd. Haha. 🤟🏻

[@scottjerard1293]

Itd be hard to pick the best 3 piece band in the world between ZZtop and Rush ; )

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Yeh man. 😎

[@ryanenlow2687]

Don't forget both of Hendrix's trios and perhaps, on a b list.. Triumph?

[@luvmuppets]

Have you ever seen Van Halen’s concert version of Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers? It’s great.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Yeh man! Eddie was a Billy Gibbons guy I am sure!

[@anth495]

Nice lesson and playing, at around 13:40 I believe Billy slides to and from Bb on the low E after the blues run down.