Isaiah Sharkey teaches Spanky Alford chords

[@lindsey8964]

timestamps to learn later -- 2:28 - CMaj r&b progression 2:54 - playing it Spanky Alford style 4:01 - Spanky's ii V I lick (up to speed: 4:29) 5:38 - Sharkey's iii vi ii 6:21 - "maximizing" the concept (over C progression) 7:56 - Spanky's intro on DAngelo's "Lady" (Chris Rock Show) 8:08 - Spanky's guitar part in the performance ("bring it on home")

[@lindsey8964]

Yo I figured if I was spending a couple hours to learn the lick in this video, I might as well just pay $6 for the damn lesson. For a whole lotta Sharkey time, that's pretty good! Recommend it.

[@Jonpoo1]

Thanks m8

[@dispow93]

[@skullzmonterrey]

The chords? LOL

[@Zaysearth]

@@skullzmonterrey there's a lot here but the basic is c major 7- E min 7 - A min 7 - Dmin9 - Gdom13 - back to cmaj

[@jungle-wav1322]

He quite possibly has the most soothing voice I’ve ever heard

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

"Little stuff like that..." Easy for you to say Maestro. 😏 Man...Spanky was truly amazing, and you Sir are carrying on his legacy and stylings in a great way. Your musicianship is incredible and I shamelessly steal licks from you and Spanky every chance I get. 😉

[@theashleft]

Oldskool Funk maann... I laughed at that part haha

[@neocollective]

LOL...!!! I was going to make the exact same comment ! Little stuff most of us will never get to play :)

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

@@theashleft Bro, I got a chuckle out of that also... These guys are such gifted and exceptional musicians and for them..."little things like that" that blow us away, are things they can unconsciously do in thier sleep. Of course, gifted is a good way to describe them, but think of the countless hours of practicing, gigging, and studying they did over the years to get to this point.

[@beenmicrophone5817]

@@OriginalOldSkoolFunk mind blowingly good. wow.

[@thort9ac]

Is that not the quote of the year. "Little stuff like that...." lol

[@dabj9546]

I love how he's always like "and then he said:" and "I said:" and then he just plays something on his guitar. It's truly his language.

[@plee1906]

Brother Sharkey...I'm almost in tears. You've rekindled soooo many wonderful memories of our dear Spanky Alford. Here in Huntsville, we musicians STILL share memories and stories of how Spanky affected us and our playing. Thank you for sharing this video. Dude, I thought Norris Jones was the only cat who had Spanky's licks down to a science. Now I realize there's another. Keep doing your thang Brother. Hope to see you here in the Tennessee Valley sometime soon. Take care and God Bless.

[@DenzelNFX]

Went to see John Mayer live earlier this year because I knew Isaiah would be playing, when it was his time to do his thing he absolutely killed it 💯🔥🔥🔥 me and my brother’s jaw dropped because we never heard the type of chords he was playing.....and he played them with feel while staying in the pocket. Too Good 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@DayTreaper]

Witch live was that?

[@lolus8974]

I saw him in London two months ago and he was unreal. John Mayer was doing things that amazed me, Sharkey was doing things that I couldn’t even understand.

[@nicholaspalacio9672]

@@lolus8974 oh man that’s a great way to describe it!

[@billbailey6779]

Light bulbs are turning on. Thanks for the lesson.

[@jeffgomez88]

At 2:26, Isaiah shows us all how to take a basic progression and add so many different chordal licks & tasty phrases. Wow! Absolutely the best!

[@shoutrite91]

Spanky was a LEGEND. I had the pleasure of listening to him for the last several years of his life, he played for the church I attended at the time (St. Luke Christian Church). We loved him dearly. RIH to the greatest to do it. Much love to his dear wife Shirley. 🙏🏾 #256

[@BrianElliot]

When I studied at University of Miami, my teacher Chris Whiteman, who subsequently played with D'angelo and Spanky, used to teach this style whenever he could fit it in, in between "required curriculum". Now I'm thinking it's time to go back to this style of playing. Requires a real finesse to time it right. Isaiah you are incredible man.

[@derekbeddow3753]

Isaiah is such a nice guy. Brings a smile. , thanks man for your gentle kindness..and wonderful technique

[@iluvjazz7]

Sharkey, I love the term "styling" you use for passing and neighbor tones. Now that you mention it, I can hear Joe Pass and West Montgomery in Spanky's playing now. I'm wondering if he listened to Ted Greene too. Ted had a chord chemistry & progression book that demonstrated that kind of embellishment in the 70s and 80s. He even taught harmonic tones. But I just want to say this.....you are an excellent teacher and demonstrator as well as your playing.

[@speed_will]

Ted greene was amazing just found out about him couple months ago and would u know anyone else like him I like eric walls and jarius monzee

[@KimchiSpringRoll]

I can feel the aura of this man through my screen, the personality, the technique and the style I think he's got it all.

[@simondale7678]

This is golden that there's videos like this from great like sharkey on youtube for people to learn from. honestly this is gold dust

[@tactlacker]

Wtf bro I can’t count how many next levels you surpass. Much gratitude.

[@Quicknessband]

Awesome! Big love for this cat and all his genius on Black Messiah👍🏽

[@OnceInAGoogolplex]

We need a full course from this guy on Pickup Music!

[@Pickupjazz]

Check out our 'Advanced Gospel Guitar' masterclass with him if you haven't already!

[@gschrock313]

As awesome as you are - yet equally humble, paying tribute and enlightening us to check out one of the masters. Thank you.

[@drummerschild6487]

GREAT example of learning a new concept and applying it in a new context... this is exactly what we must all do in order to internalize a language and simultaneously push it forward ❤️

[@jamessmith-zk4co]

Not just a superb musician but a super nice guy.

[@joelgoodwin8805]

Spanky influenced so many people!!!! Spanky and I did a lot of church and jazz gigs in the late 90’s-early 2000s. Epic times for sure.

[@MikeSTUDIO-fg8wj]

I love this guy. I always pick up everything he’s putting down.

[@LFC__Dan]

This is the best kind of guitar playing out there.

[@jazzerblue]

Love this lesson. Another way to explain “where to put the G7alt lick in other places” towards the end of the video: that lick is a dominant lick (built on the V7 chord in C major). Study what secondary dominants are first if you don’t know what they are. This lick can be thrown in right before any chord, just put it a fourth below that chord, Because dominant chords/licks resolve up a fourth. examples. Play it on A right before Dm (V/ii) play it on B right before Em (V/iii) Play in on C right before F(V/IV) etc. He probably explains this in another lesson. Hope this helps some to follow the end.

[@nigelvonshredman]

Nice work. Love how Isaiah is more relaxed in front of the camera now. Such a cool cat.

[@robertomighty4562]

Beautiful work, a humble, respectful remembrance of Spanky, and clear teaching. Thank you and you've got it going on. Keep up the good work!

[@harrysearia1784]

Last saw Spanky in STL with another legend Jonathan Dubose Jr and a host of other great guitarists. We drove up from KC. I about lost my mind. Spanky played from his soul.

[@morrisman]

what year was this?

[@quickstep2408]

the anointed dubose was there too?!? lucky

[@RipVDub]

Outstanding! I lifted a few of these but coming back for more. “Because he knew the neck”...we all should follow this example. Appreciated.

[@Michael_Dominic]

the way his eye light up at 8:05 are just inspiring, indicative of his love for spanky and music in general.

[@DelayedLaunch]

I like how he says “He said,” and then plays something on the guitar. That’s how I want to see my playing... like I’m saying something

[@sebby4457]

man what a great human being we have here

[@_Information_]

Mate that Chris Rock D’Angelo show is one of my favourite musical moments. That intro riff is amazing.

[@Guitarwizza1]

J Sam Cooke. #classic

[@RyMuEntertainment]

@8:26 I was just singing that version in the shower yesterday! :) That's one of my all time favorite of D'Angelo's live performances. It pays homage to the classic bringing some respectable light to that era of music, in a day when they are all too often forgotten! Great Stuff Sharkey!

[@drlohertz8233]

I met Spankey Alford in the airport in Atlanta back in the 90s. Nicest guy, we exchanged numbers and kept in touch for a while. I remember his outgoing message on his answering machine was him taking over himself playing the guitar.

[@ItsPhilH]

Nah that’s cool bro just start casually flexing from 2:55 - honestly, inspiring stuff. Excited to bite into this masterclass 😍❤️😍

[@bjdee1437]

Incredible musician and teacher.

[@squawk3120]

My wife probably wouldn't mind my guitar playing if I could play like this.

[@quickstep2408]

next time you say you're going to go play your guitar, just put this on in the background with the door closed. when you step out of the room to her atonished face, youll be like "what? oh that? just something i was working on."

[@drenalintherapy]

quickstep or just say “that was just little stuff” 😂

[@drumjjj777]

You can

[@cutittaierau3128]

Soo true

[@zach9809]

I thought I’d never be able to play stuff like that either but the true is there’s no “quick” easy shortcuts just like anything else in life, if you woodshed the hell out of your time you have you’d be surprised how good you can play. I think the key is you have to have fun while playing/practicing or you’ll loose interest. Good luck 👍! Also playing as many gigs or opens mics or even busking, really really helps.

[@gdavis2018]

Cool Isaiah, thanks. I have known about Spanky for a long time, but never got to meet him as I was one of the guys getting called when he couldn't make it. It was a poor substitute. He was absolutely fantastic as a musician. We miss him. Your playing is great, keep it up.

[@johnhendricks8140]

Spanky Alford was no joke he had a great groove I became aware of him when playing with D'angelo.

[@willbass82]

One of my closest friends✊🏾Its always great to see him dropping valuable jewels!

[@groovesyndicate9513]

willbass82 pretty sure pick up music might be your best bet to find this entire lesson. You’ll have to pay for it. Worth it!

[@BIGpony777]

i learned so much from this about how to be a student and really know what i know. ive never really considered myself just a guitar player but really just reinforcing the same simple concept of "things have different voicings play the same thing in different registers" and then playing chords that work in my random jam sessions and knowing the neck as you put it over the years has really helped me be able to use it as an instrument to write very tasteful stuff.

[@andydavid9]

Isaiah teaches in such a calm manner. Great lesson!

[@mysterybat35]

the 6 dislikes are from the 6 guitar strings. because Isaiah killed them!

[@mihak12347]

mysterybat35 😂😂 that would be true yo

[@miles7025]

It's twelve now. I think he changed strings.

[@mysterybat35]

@@miles7025 sounds about right smh lol

[@philipmalan8114]

We need a new dislike theory cos they just grew to 23

[@mysterybat35]

@@philipmalan8114 Justin Bieber fans?? I🤔🤔🤣🤣

[@josephromano7303]

so glad I came across this gem. I'm a rock/blues guitarist who wants to expand his cultural ears and learn from the greats. never even heard of spanky alfred (sorry!) but sure glad I did now! just subbed to your channel... great stuff!

[@hearpalhere]

Absolutely beautiful playing! I'm really glad I came across this video, now I need to see more by Isaiah and naturally, look up Spanky Alford too. Thanks!

[@baxleyjohn]

Spanky used to make me jam with him when he came into Railroad Bazaar. That would stress 16 year old me out like crazy.

[@georgeeldridge7954]

Arrggjtb ahahahaha

[@marvindias1377]

BRO THIS IS FREAKIN GOLD holy sheeeeeeeeet

[@RichardJansen-j6q]

Very smoothe fingerstyle. Beautiful chord combinations, thanks for sharing.

[@anthonygoines1466]

You sir are a blessing

[@kingbey3480]

Love you Spanky! Music from heaven! God bless you continually!

[@Pickupjazz]

Isaiah's playing is amazing!

[@ben-si3dk]

I now know what my wife feels like when I’m trying to explain something to her on the guitar and she has no clue what I’m talking about.

[@Utube-s8m]

😂unless they play guitar it turns out they’re all pretending to listen. And they just shake their heads and say oh yea? Oh that’s interesting. We talk a different language as guitarists. They don’t understand. My wife pretends to care. As a kid I’d tell my mom and dad and my dad would say to my mom, do you understand what he’s saying? She’d say no but it’s easier to just agree. It turns out she was listening. She picked up some stuff. I was surprised tbh. May my great, loving, kind parents who I miss dearly every day rip. ❤️

[@stupid28273]

Very piano-eque. Beautiful.

[@jonasc1221]

"little stuff like that" cmon bruh

[@pabloelguera1161]

nice chilli peppers lick at 3:21

[@SuperBass1964]

I just saw u 10/30/21 with Robert Glasper, Jr. at the Blue Note in NYC. Great show!

[@speed_will]

This is so daym good to the ears heaven

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

Great stuff. Nice to see what Spanky did.

[@Pickupjazz]

Indeed!

[@Zigarius1123]

First time I've came across you, but man loving this! Keep it up man and don't stop! Beautiful playing

[@faithbassed49]

Sir you are a gifted and inspirational musicians! Thank you for this incredible presentation

[@johnnycoleman2309]

Hey lil bro..I saw that Cris Rock special..they had Quest Love on the drums..you're right Spanky was amazing..I play that clip over and over!!

[@professorhamamoto]

So sweet. Thank you kindly for your insights.

[@4theluvofyou]

i could listen to Isaiah playing for hours

[@SummitGuitarSchool]

this is awesome! I just saw this guy with John Mayer last week and he tore it up!

[@Cleveland_Chris]

Dude is phenomenal

[@MarkRhodesSongs]

Lovely playing. Moving chords like that is so satisfying to hear. I wish I was as good at it as you are!

[@Pickupjazz]

Yeah Isaiah is a master of this technique! Check out his masterclass on our site if you want to learn more

[@sheilasimpson7092]

Wow. No words. The 5:43ish mark is great teaching.

[@spliffffen]

Was playing at a guitar center, in Hsv where he's from, and got told by an guy that I sound like him a little bit and that's probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me lol

[@dispow93]

love your smile when you talk about spanky! greets from berlin, ger

[@wmsg10]

wow ABC's of chord moving. I know those chords but never thought about that type of move. You made it so smooth . thank you sir

[@gabrielcordeiroestrela3456]

Fantastic tribute to a great, charismatic and creative musician!

[@Bahimo3154]

One of my favourite guitarist isaiah

[@michaeltiztisdale9422]

Loved it MAN!!!!! Appreciate Your Sharing Your Skills And knowledge As Well As Hipping Me To Spanky. I Tend To Play With My Hands Like Wes,Yet I'm Learning A Lot Watching You. You're My Favorite Guitarist And It's An Honor To Learn From A Humble Teacher.

[@cAnthonyL]

What an incredible clip! Thank you for sharing this, wow absolutely tremendous.

[@katryanaorange2092]

His smile is so freakin' pure and peaceful!

[@ianmcculloch9455]

You are a wonderful player and teacher. Thank you.

[@reddhampton740]

Beautiful playing!

[@Pickupjazz]

Thanks for listening!

[@malcolmbartlett3169]

Oh boy, I'm overwhelmed

[@jmathukja]

I too understood what Spanky "said"...#4:28...he was pretty agitated Appreciate your talent, knowledge, your eloquence, your composure, your reverence to the old time greats and your dad! Respect.

[@elementsofphysicalreality]

The last thing you did when you were stylizing it was sick dude.

[@AllMusicXcessAMX]

31 dislikes... really??? This is GOLD and educational.

[@alexfvcruz]

that harmonic at 3:25 was too crazy

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

First time I'm hearing this guy. Glad I watched Maurice Fitzgerald talking about him, led me to this video. 👌🏿

[@Jeff-S]

Love your stuff Isaiah!

[@Pickupjazz]

Thanks for watching!

[@Doramus726]

Geez!! 🔥🔥🔥 Yeah I’ll come back to this at a later date. This is way more advanced for my skill level. If I was playing like this, I’d be getting paid regularly for it!

[@superstarvonhouston1]

Sharky what's up got to get at me bro I remember when we used to hang out at the Velvet Lounge in Chicago old times proud of you brother

[@Achase4u]

Gorgeous playing. Thanks for sharing this insight you are so obviously inspired by and know so well.

[@yragnellaable]

Wow.... All phenomenal but the licks at 3:30 are stunning !

[@theethnicist5678]

Excellent playing and lesson Isaiah 👏🏾 I wish you would've put chording charts for those of us slow on numbers theory concepts... Would be easier to grab concepts. Your fluidity and smooth transitions are hard to follow. Although you're giving great accurate verbal transcription; I'm slow on theory number's concept. I'm getting there!! Just a little slower on following. - Excellent, please keep them coming!!

[@Pickupjazz]

Great suggestion! Thanks for watching!

[@HeROsiNhEaVeN]

Thank you Sir for introducing me to Spanky.....been watching a whole bunch of videos on KZbin....he was a true master and he had no problem with sharing his secrets....🙏🏻

[@luvis9481]

What is this song 1:47

[@lollofunky]

very beautiful line/movement !!

[@chillbro2275]

That was dope! I'm looking for music styles to guide my learning, and Spanky Alford's music seems really fun!!!

[@jacobevansmith5251]

wow John Mayer must be honored to have this guy

[@RichardKelleyMD]

Very nice, man! Thank you for this!

[@antoniogardnerjr.1297]

Best video I've seen in a long time. I love Spanky and I love Sharkey. Both great and guitarists.

[@alexfvcruz]

you know when the guitar tone makes you cry? yeah this did it for me

[@deon5329]

Just giving this stuff away. Thanks man. 👍🏾

[@Dazzer1234567]

Stankface worthy video........... check out the lick Spanky did in his solo at 2:22 on Al Greens "You've Got The Love I Need", one of my favorite all time guitar licks!

[@Iamgavrilo]

Isaiah is the man

[@BubbaBellin]

At 4:30 Isaiah, "He said..." That's the difference. Most guitar players play, but they have nothing to say. Good players tell you something worth listening to when the pickup the guitar.

[@tadimc]

Now that's a lesson worth buying!!