JJ Cale - Part 1 - Guitar tutorial - by Joe Murphy

In this lesson we are looking at the guitar style of JJ Cale - I will cover 3 of his songs in the first instalment - The songs include "Crazy Mama - Call me the breeze - Don't wait"
I should mention that "Call me the breeze is actually in F# on the record, meaning the chords would be F# - B - C# my guess is that he would capo guitar on the first and play in E. To simplify things I have played in A, as F# is horrible key for beginners..
I do these lessons to help the community, whilst I don't ask for donations, many people have expressed a desire to buy me a pint, should you wish to you can do so here: www.paypal.com...
Thanks

[@Rabster1964]

Joe's the man. I know a few JJ Cale songs on guitar thanks to this man, cheers, Joe.

[@Denzil-CS]

Joe, Your explanations of what is going on the the guitar on these JJ Cale songs was as clear as glass. Thanks so much. This is the first and only of your offerings I've listened to. I look forward to more. Denzil Custis Showers. WI US JJ Cale fan Since 1972.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Denzil thanks for taking the time to comment. Glad your finding the lessons helpful. All the best

[@raytheprinter]

Very easy to follow lessons,thank you! I was introduced to JJ Cale at a young age 14,and have loved his music since,Im 58 now ! He is unique,not one to waste notes.He has written some great tunes and influenced so many people whether they know it or not,,,,

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+raytheprinter good old JJ, as you say he influenced many people myself included

[@als1023]

Simple, straight forward, well presented and played; couldn't ask for better, Thanks !! I needed help with those subtle strumming riffs.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+Al S Hey Al s, Thanks for taking the time to comment, glad that the videos have helped..

[@bobankr]

Love your approach to JJ, you make his grooves accessible. Keep singing too.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Thanks very much Bob glad it helps

[@ohhansel]

Thanks so much for these tutorials Joe. Longtime JJ Cale fan,fairly new guitar player. It's great to see someone else who appreciates the legend. Must have met these are a bit challenging for me but I'll get them.

[@oceanroamer2011]

Very happy to find your JJ Cale videos, Joe! He has been one of my favorites since the 70's. Keep them coming please. Other great JJ tunes include City Girls, Downtown LA, Drifters Wife. So many cool tunes.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Thank you Bill

[@chrischugevans]

Nice one Joe, I've been waiting for a decent jj lesson on here for ages..then I get three!! Cheers.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Chris Evans Nice one Chris, glad it helped. That's actually a three part series, so you have 9 there ! Have fun ;) Thanks for the feedback..

[@chrischugevans]

Joseph Murphy yeah that's what I meant...cheers again!

[@samkitty5894]

Well done. Some of JJ's stuff is simple and easy to learn, and some is quite involved. But it all sounds amazing.

[@johnellis3906]

Hi from Brisbane down under. 72 and just discovered JJ Cale. Loved your lessons Many thanks. Keep up them coming.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Thanks John, glad you found vids helpful

[@dallasjurgens4112]

Great teacher. Liked and subbed

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Thanks 🙏

[@cookandchill2209]

You got great energy for teaching. Thank you 👍🏻

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

🙏

[@BigTeste]

Exactly what I was looking for! I'm really trying to improve my playing of a country/blues style like JJ's and get more swing and basic notes in my rhythm playing. You explain everything very well in this video, thanks for the lesson!

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+BigTeste Your welcome, you might like to check out my website, if you haven't already. It's much easier to navigate through my videos. I have done a few on country blues as well.

[@jacordt]

Thanks Joe,great tutorial,I definetly enjoy your videos

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Hi Keiran, for some reason it wouldn't let me reply to your post. Anyways, i'm glad you found the video helpful. I will sort out "After midnight" for you when I get a chance..

[@freelancer4790]

+JoesGuitar lessons Hey Joe, thanks a lot for the lesson PS you have a nice guitar!

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Your welcome freelancer

[@careyw3161]

Great lesson, just what I needed. Thanks.

[@mandilkarki4802]

thank you, love jj cale's songs liked subscribed

[@aetherflow]

Great info! Thank you

[@anthonynorbury8173]

Love ya lessons keep it up Joe 😊

[@gattart]

Thanks, always loved listening to his songs but never thought to play them, somehow now that he's gone it seems important to do it!

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

RSG gattart I agree.

[@awjfagan]

Hi Joe, enjoyed your tutorial easy to follow and easy going style too, best regards. Thanks a lot.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+Andrew Fagan thanks for taking the time to comment Andrew. Glad you found the lesson helpful

[@ronbrotherdougsandefur396]

Very good Joe. The scales you played really helped me with that style of blues.

[@uglycustard9162]

Awesome wee videos, been watching and learning from your videos for a while and now quite fluent with JJ Cale chords, i've been into Cale since 1988 and you showed me the way to go with my wee cheap cash generators acoustic Joe...haha! You're one cool guy man!

[@tedparker2164]

Brilliant!

[@elvinlategan9857]

Lovely man . Well done

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+Elvin Lategan Thank you

[@tgers1]

thanks for posting Joe, very helpful, from a beginner and JJ novice...tom

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+tom scott your welcome Tom

[@adamhead.9823]

Thanks Joe!

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Your welcome Adam

[@tonydowning3875]

Thanks a bunch! Nicely tutored and easy to follow.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Your welcome Tony, thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@keithskelton5596]

Thanks Joe

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+Keith Skelton your welcome

[@johncaser2073]

Brilliant video dude, thanks for sharing.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Your welcome John

[@geraldwest3428]

Thank you very much for your time, talent and effort putting this video together! Subscribed and excited to view more of your very comprehensive videos! Salute!

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Thank you Gerald, for subscribing and taking the time to comment. All the very best to you.

[@tarantula4425]

, can you please do the arrangement for JJ Cales Anywhere the wind blows

[@dandavidsonpoker]

thank you for the lessons

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Your welcome Dan, glad they helped

[@johnryan8595]

Terrific Joe, thank you !!!! Any chance you could do a lesson on jj Cale "LOW RIDER" . Thanks again Joe.

[@shonuDhamey]

Call me the breeze I keep blowing down the road Well now, they call me the breeze I keep blowing down the road I ain't got me nobody I don't carry me no load … Ain't no change in the weather Ain't no changes in me Well, there ain't no change in the weather Ain't no changes in me And I ain't hiding from nobody Nobody's hiding from me Oh, that's the way it's supposed to be … Well, I got that green light, baby I got to keep moving on Well, I got that green light, baby I got to keep moving on Well, I might go out to California Might go down to Georgia, I don't know … Well, I dig you Georgia peaches Makes me feel right at home Well, now I dig you Georgia peaches Makes me feel right at home But I don't love me no one woman So I can't stay in Georgia long … Well, now they call me the breeze I keep blowing down the road Well, now they call me the breeze I keep blowing down the road I ain't got me nobody I don't carry me no load … Ooh-ooh, Mr. Breeze

[@Robgrgr]

Thanks Joe, this helps a great .. really appreciated

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Your welcome rob

[@keiranhartzenberg5116]

I really appreciated that tutorial, as a beginner it helped a lot. I have been deeply interested in jj cale over the past fue weeks and wondered weather you would be able to share a version of after midnight? Thank you

[@kay834]

LEGEND

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+kay834 Thanks Kay, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Teach2TeachMusic]

Fantastic channel

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

***** Thanks so much

[@cbessen]

thanks great tutorial

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+Arnaud Van Tilburgh Glad it helped Arnaud

[@paulhatfield9121]

Completely agree with AI, thanks Joe trying to learn at 75 yrs slow very slow progress.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Slowly but surely is good Paul, as long as you can enjoy when you play, you will improve every time you play 👍

[@Azz97aro]

My left hand hurts so that’s good thanks

[@user-StevenLyleStyle]

Mahalo

[@przemodzemo]

Album version of call me the breeze is in F# and ive seen him play it live in E( the one with Clapton) but never in A. I guess it does not matter that much as it is the same old blues progression but still i felt i should mention that! Cheers

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

przemodzemo you are correct przemodzemo, generally in F#, however it is easier for beginners to play in A or E. Like you say it's the progression that's important, as key ,may change depending on who is singing

[@mairenared]

I always prefer to play this in the original key (F#). If you want to simplify it you can put a capo on the second fret and play it in E, A and B shapes.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+Joe Cooper Just depends on where it is comfortable to sing it sometimes, for me personally it’s not just about to get off at how I can sing it comfortably, also agree that some of the songs, sound best on guitar in original keys

[@keithskelton2287]

JoeBrilliantThanks

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+Keith Skelton Your welcome Keith, thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@colinellison762]

I find it so frustrating that i cannot get the spread on my fingers, to do even the simplest of riff lessons, Been playing for abut three years and in all that time ive never been able to move my little finger across sideways enough (first lesson) to another fret to make it sound good no matter how much i practice, perhaps you could do another "easy" lesson for those of us (or is it just me?) that cannot escape the clawed hand!

[@supertroutjams]

great lesson thanks! it seems like jj plays some kind of finger pickin on some of his tunes can you show us how to get that started with some pickin styles?

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+John Swan Hi John, Thanks for getting in touch. I've done quite a bit on JJ I don't know if you have seen them all, you can check if you have by going to my website JJ Cale page here : joesguitarlessons.weebly.com/jjcale.html If you have got that lot sorted, then its just a question of experimenting with your picking. The JJ songwriting series I did (also at the same address) has some backing over E - A -B progression, perfect for practising your picking ;)

[@kgpaint]

I really like your personae and your sound. Could you do Call the Doctor? (if you haven't yet) thanks for putting all this out there.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+outside runner your welcome

[@garrybraithwaite953]

On the album Naturally, Cale plays this in Gb and the chords are Gb, E and B. Well that's what I hear if I put the record on and listen. If you play in the key of E the chords would be E D and A. I think the Bm you play is not correct.

[@MrFrampo56]

Garry Braithwaite Correct. Actually it’s F# and no it’s not the same key as Gb.

[@adamwhitlatch4371]

What about the right hand? I am a new guitar player and need help with strumming patterns. How to count them out and some instruction on the rhythm. And thanks for the video it is very helpful.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Adam, thanks for getting in touch. I don't do all that U D D U D D business on the right hand. Apart from anything the songs in this video are very simple to follow, very easy, to see what I'm doing, nothing complicated happening. You need to play what "you" feel, I cant stress the importance of this enough. This is far better than someone telling you what it should be. Learning the guitar is now easier than ever before and some people go to extraordinary lengths to show every little detail. I think this approach does very little to develop musicians. If you are looking to develop your strumming there will be many videos showing you different techniques, maybe spend some time doing that and then return here, or just try to play something simple but in time, that's all that matters from there you can develop it. This way, you will think for yourself.

[@cberge72]

This is great! Thanks, Joe Murphy. I love finding teachers that play the way I would like to be able to. Say, what kind of Martin are you playing?

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

+Christopher Berge Hi Christopher, thanks for your message, always good to hear how people are getting on with the lessons. I get quite a few people asking me about the guitar, its a Martin 00028 EC. Eric Clapton made the 00028 very popular when he played the unplugged gig. Because unplugged was so popular, Martin made the 00028 EC signature model.

[@cberge72]

+JoesGuitar lessons I'm playing a 00018 myself and would love to step up to the Clapton's 28. Anyways, I've been focusing on the riff in "Call Me The Breeze" and am having a hard time with catching the D or G strings on the up strum that you seem to be doing to give the riff detail. Would you have any further pointers on that riff alone. Maybe I'm not approaching it properly. I've been slaving away at it for a while now.

[@cberge72]

+Christopher Berge Never mind...Think I'm getting the hang of it now. You make it look so easy, my friend.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Yeh Christopher, it's just practice really, I sometimes catch those strings too ! Just keep an eye on your right hand when practicing. Sorry I can't say more

[@cberge72]

Now I'm 'breezing'. Thanks again. This lesson really helped me with my strumming technique.

[@glenjamin62]

put the record on,right on man awsome vids

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Glad they help Glen.

[@johnellis3906]

HI JOE REQUEST FOR MORE JJ CALE PLEASE - WOULD LIKE CITY GIRLS. LOVE THE SITE. J.

[@mickhope4401]

thanks for the great lesson. love the accent

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Cheers Mick, thanks to comment mate. 👍

[@labraxrooster2137]

Hi Joes thanks for yours lessons. Maybe you can help me : I’d like to know that it effect pedal is used by JJ Cale for the song Crazy Mama Merci beaucoup

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

I’m not too sure what effect he used. I tend to play on acoustic so effect isn’t important to me. I don’t think it’s anything that obvious. Maybe a little distortion?

[@MrFrampo56]

It’s a wah wah pedal

[@alangriff1]

I think it should go to D instead of Bm (for Crazy Mama)

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Yeh a lot of people play it that way, I have always used the Bm. I have amended video so people have the choice.

[@endoalley680]

Good video. "Traveling Light" would also make a good tutorial. "Same Old Blues" would be good too. Keep up the good work. You have a good knack for it.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Thanks endo

[@Rowen170]

In Emaj, I thought the B would be Maj. not minor. Can someone explain please?

[@MrFrampo56]

Rowen170 It’s wrong. It should be D major , then A major then back to E. It’s actually in F# but you can just capo at 2nd fret. There are no minor chords in the song. The Bm is the relative minor to D major but it’s still wrong.

[@rocvkabilly66]

I want the tutorial from THIRTEEN DAYS JJ CALE, can YOU help me.

[@bjzapped]

Hello - certainly hard to contact you, no links on your website etc, Anyway think your stuff is very good, keep it simple is the key.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Bruce contact details now on website.

[@crazyduck1254]

i cant always see where tye fingers are playing, i wonder why your not showing the chords up there? make it so more easier

[@gibby6904]

Is that a 00028?

[@dadio917]

yup, and EC0028. I have one as well. Had a chance to play it next to a 1937 00028. couldn't tell the difference.

[@leogibson3450]

Rating: EASY

[@quantumhealth827]

It would be SO much better if we could actually see what your fingers are doing, the CAMERA Angle is off

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

This is one of my early lessons, things have moved on since then. This is a done deal mate can’t change it. Although I’m sure I give a full explanation. Check out some of my new stuff

[@starcloud4959]

Need close ups, i cant see what you're doing.