John Sebastian Teaches You Didn't Have To Be So Nice

A sample from "John Sebastian Teaches Eight Lovin' Spoonful Hits" available as an instant download here: leapingbrain.com/modshop/chec...
Learn to play some of the most enduring hits in the history of rock and roll! John Sebastian guides you through nine of his classic songs, teaching the chord progressions, bass lines, strums and fingerpicking techniques that will enable you to play these good-time tunes with relative ease.With his affable good humor and impeccable musicianship, John points out the small nuances that will help you simulate the instruments and sounds you heard on the original recordings. He adds insights into the music and some delightful tidbits of rock history based on four decades of experience in the music business.Most of the arrangements on this lesson are in the basic C chord position, giving you a musical education in how to get a lot out of a few simple chords and some subtle ideas. You'll have lots of fun adding great songs to your repertoire.Songs:Do You Believe in Magic, Daydream, Summer in the City, Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind, Nashville Cats, You Didn't Have to Be So Nice, Welcome Back, Younger Girl, Darling Be Home Soon.
You can get the full DVD version of "John Sebastian Teaches Eight Lovin' Spoonful Hits" at Homespun Tapes:
bit.ly/yoEY8s

[@ramonperez352]

No better person to show you how to play a song is the person who wrote it. Not to many famous guitar players show you this on you tube. Thank you John

[@mikew8486]

Steven Boone actually wrote the song.

[@Mandrake591]

@@mikew8486 With John Sebastian

[@1978garfield]

I would have loved for Zal Yanovsky to have shown what he played on the record. There is footage of them doing this live on youtube. If you are a better guitar player than I am you might be able to figure out what Zal was doing by watching. John is showing a great arrangement for one picker on acoustic guitar. I would love to see hoe the lead licks were played on the albums. I'm not trying to taking anything away from John, I'm just a HUGE fan of Zal Yanovsky.

[@lduranceau8046]

john was a genius ahead of his time, and gave us some truly unforgettable songs. Thanks, John, we'll always be grateful.

[@jimiray1969.]

He was not ahead of his time. He fit right in with his time and era. This phrase is used way too much about average musicians. There were 4 men truly ahead of their time in rock and pop music. Robert Johnson, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. His standard chord progressions, catchy melodies and teeny pop lyrics were NOT ahead of anything.

[@therockerfoo2339]

Thank you John! The spoonful have become one of my favorites and this is coming from a 33 year old

[@haroldclark1787]

Such an aura of goodness and creative genius that emanates from this wonderful musician. He's truly a priceless gift to the world.

[@madeleinehague648]

'Saw John (solo) at a little venue in Toronto called "Hugh's Room" a few years ago. 'Wonderful, wonderful night. He had such a good time, he broke his rule of never playing the "Welcome Back Kotter" theme, and played it for us! We had a chance to meet and chat after. He is such a cool man.

[@at90percent]

These tutorials by the stars themselves are simply amazing. What a great idea.

[@textpilot]

Superb!!! Thanks for this lesson, which delights me, but my sheer joy at having it be from you is threatening to overwhelm what I'm learning. I'm in my early sixties now and The Lovin' Spoonful was a huge and formative part of my youth.

[@paulwatson2961]

Great artist, who else would talk you through his songs.

[@jbfonfrias9133]

Thanks John. I always loved your singing style that had a talking groove to it- that F & G chord blend sure helps clear that 5 for me. This particular tune had that extraordinary bluesy overlap harmony that still knocks me out every time.

[@starfishsystems]

That's an F extended by an added 9 in the root. I suppose it would be written F/9 or it might even show up as F/2. It's not quite as wistful as a maj9 and the inversion firms it up even further.

[@MrRichulan]

John was and is the Master of songwriting. Just his guitar, and you hear the song with the vocals in your mind. One of the very best!

[@Fabsurf101]

Thank you for sharing your song's secret from such a living legend

[@ShakiFanMX]

No enseña bien

[@axeofgod72]

i don't even play the guitar, but still found this interesting.

[@twiggystick]

I don't know of any other musical legend who does this. John Sebastian - brilliant and unsurpassed. Thanks for post from someone who can't play a note but does appreciate great music.

[@robichard]

I saw John perform at Woodstock in 69 and at my college in 1970. What wonderful memories. I always loved his music.

[@juan58102]

Well... tears are coming from my eyes.... where are my younger years!!!! How much we enjoyed with these guys!!! In Chile .. in the beach.... my friends playing soccer!!

[@Katy-ye1zr]

John Sebastian- paying it forward for years. Solo, he did more beatuiful songs standing the test of time. I can't start summer without blasting Summer in the City, or playing She's Funny when I reminiisce. Great jug band music and last I knew he was still showing off playing harmonica. Seems effortless to him. Plus he seems like such a great unselfish gent/ There are a lot from this generation paying it forward, musicains doing this- look them up. Betthey'd like to know they are still well regarded for helping a budding musician

[@coolmamac]

John, I saw you live in Chicago years ago. It was my first rock concert. And it was fun.

[@casst346]

John, your a legend! Great Music! Always loved it!

[@MyDrugHell]

Such a brilliant and under-rated songwriter.

[@rhythmantic]

Such skillful guitar playing.

[@jonnybottle]

A 1960s hero. He looks great!

[@liliturtle4740]

what a great inspiration to a whole generation.. GOD BLESS YOU..YOU ARE A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING.. one of the best times of my life to be there in the 60s thank you again..

[@Robaurium]

Beautiful song. I SO identify with the lyrics. I need to learn it. Thankyou John.

[@peterlynch2193]

Great video! Tutorial from John Sebastian. I have always loved this song.

[@MrSuzuki1187]

I grew up with his music and still just love to listen to it. What an awesome song writer instrumentalist and singer.

[@smc1942]

So very cool to teach others to play this wonderful song! A true Artist. Thanks for such great music! I grew up listening to this, & still love it.

[@jazz185]

great tune, so sixties. perhaps the best time and music ever... IMHO.

[@hardlines4]

Beautiful song!!!!

[@crazysingingchick]

Holy crap!!! Did I really just get taught guitar by John Sebastian himself? SWEET!!! He's one of the true greats. :)

[@eightinches6094]

One of the better songwriters to come out of America, an American treasure for sure.

[@Tunz909]

They had many hits but this was always my favorite! thanks John

[@NapkinEdStern]

very cool of him to make this video. a true gentleman.

[@bluegrassreb]

you are a genius sir...THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SONGS...THEY ARE GIFTS

[@patgaff2536]

Great music. One of my favorite groups at the time. Thank you.

[@jimrogeberg7336]

Incredibly great teacher!

[@scottiecook5947]

John is amazing!

[@at90percent]

Incidently, that song was played so much in the 80's and fit the song style of the 80's that I actually thought it was new in the 80's. A timeless song.

[@svenlundergard1]

Wow what find on KZbin! John you're such a pioneer and I have enjoyed your talent since I was a young child. My older brother had your albums so I got to hear them from a very early age. You and Lovin' Spoonful are among my all time favorites! Thanks for your artistry and great instruction as well!!

[@jimmir39]

Outstanding !

[@Syruscleat]

Johnny. You're a true musical genius!

[@dougclark110]

I got John's DVD as part of a "Baby Boomer's" package deal from Homespun, along with DVDs of Tom Rush teaching (some of) his favorite songs, and the late Pete Huttlinger teaching Jim Croce songs. Good stuff. "To give the impression of the autoharp, which, _schwunggg_ . . . " Yup, that's what it sounded like, John; loved it. (Ha; I wonder if "schwung" is the past tense of "schwing.")

[@johnalucard7860]

What a great guy.what a unique talent.

[@daniellaforme9868]

One of the greatest songwriters of all time!

[@lduranceau8046]

The guy is a living genius.

[@billhilton389]

Thank you for the lesson. I remember when you opened for the Beach Boys in Miami many moons ago. Always enjoyed your style and performance ever since. Thanks for some very memorable tunes.

[@worschtee1]

Was that in '88/89?

[@jsunami]

I love you John Sebastian!!

[@markcollins9903]

Thanks Mr sabatian

[@johnwilkerson2195]

Thanks John very helpful always loved your music 🎵🎵

[@RichardsCW]

Way to keep on rocking!

[@19trebor53]

Wonderful song.

[@samspade8612]

There's magic in them there strings. John makes it look so easy.

[@ARIZJOE]

Interesting didactic video, I am sure it is great for young musicians. It also shows you how they made those hit records. John Sebastian - one of the all time greats of American pop music, a great craftsman, yet somewhat under-appreciated by the general public.

[@oldboy2508]

this guy is just GREAT

[@markd.bogart2166]

What a great player!! Cool chord structure.

[@breezycovergirl]

I live in Park City Utah and going to see you tomarrow . Fun!

[@freewoodencrosses]

He is legend

[@pipkingdom]

Fine work ❤

[@tosinkingfisheroparinde6590]

John Really good guitar. Nice explaining of the guitar

[@thepuffers8711]

John this is Bob Hoffer back in the seventies you came to the great American music festival in Syracuse New York and I was playing in the holiday and lounge where you were staying and you asked me if that was a guild Guitar that I was playing and I handed it to you didn't have the chance to say how much I loved your music bless you john

[@thepuffers8711]

bob puffer

[@williamsullivan4994]

John is an extremely talented musician.

[@jsilence418]

Really nice to see J. Sebastian explaining his great tunes! Homespun has some great stuff I once got the " Guitar of Richard Thompson" and in addition to the valuable tips, it just made for great listening !

[@carlosrobertonogueira9543]

just terrific.....merry chtmas....

[@billthestinker]

Wow thanks so much very nice

[@JimGlover1]

Nice!

[@2011littlejohn1]

I think John Sebastian is graciously assuming you already know how to play the guitar and is just teaching you the song in a very diplomatic equal sort of stance. The video shows you exactly what he's doing and the one time he strayed from a straightforward chord he told you how to do it. Great to see his irrepressible humour is still around.

[@Pimp-Master]

Wow, very helpful video. I can learn this, then start passing the hat.

[@ciarraibuzz]

The Lovin' Spoonful was huge in the 60s and "Summer in the City" can only get more popular with the heat we have now.

[@catswithfirecrackers734]

Cool! So, that's what I was doing, while looking for a beginner's guitar. The back beat. Trying the find the guitar I liked the feel and the sound, plus fit my fingers. Think short and stubbie and left handed.

[@ras977]

Absolutely !!

[@markcollins9903]

Thanks Mr sabastian. I'm luring spoonful song

[@homespuntapes]

Thanks for checking out this sample. It's a really great video. He teaches acoustic arrangements of his songs and shows some very cool songwriting tricks along the way. I'm a pretty seasoned player and gleaned some interesting things from the lesson.

[@thomaspick4123]

Such a nice man. Great songwriter. Though many wonderful periods in his career, I love the early stuff best because of the interaction of Zal’s lead playing. For your enjoyment, check out: “Loving You” and “Darling Companion”.

[@MsPreciousParrot]

Thanks for making me laugh, allegradrums.. love your comment "Music pre Bullshit" ~ how very true!!!!! I've always loved the Lovin' Spoonful ... beautiful, pleasant and fun music to listen to!

[@musicmatty67]

From the Master himself..very nice ! Just as much of a Genius like Brian Wilson in my opinion.

[@vincentedwards6749]

A GOOD BLOKE LOVE JOHN. j Vincent Edwards stay young forever x love and peace

[@GoCamp22]

God this dude is so cool!

[@SuperSandman27]

Genious, genious, genious...

[@andreaskettel]

Jetzt kann ich endlich anfangen zu üben!

[@at90percent]

Nice to get a guitar lesson from the man himself on his famous song.

[@burpo]

I've purchased a bunch of stuff from Homespun. Some of it's way over my head, but still richly enjoyable viewing. (I watch the Donald Fagen one over and over.) It's great to know that you can get this "cut above" stuff somewhere and not just the "intro" stuff.

[@stevenzunich]

Very cool. Thank you! Would LOVE a lesson on how you play "Respoken" from What's Up Tiger Lily? Loved that soundtrack to the very silly Woody Allen film...

[@jeffkahl]

what a sneaky chord that F/G is! I always thought it was just a straight G!

[@KevinShaughnessy-lf3vs]

John Benson Sabastian March 17, 1944 Age 79 Inducted into the Rock Roll Hall Of Fame 2000 Lovi"n Spoonful Member of The 1969 Woodstock Festival

[@randallgrathwohls8607]

magic

[@MrSirMrSirMr]

Take care of yourselves. And each other.

[@SleepingJoe.]

cool !

[@alienhuman]

This is not only instructional, but also historical... kinda like a video history book.

[@homespuntapes]

I believe it's a Collings sunburst with Gibson-style body. Collings makes beautiful instruments. If you ever have the chance to try one out, you should.

[@garybrownbeat]

@benoit4reel Do it! The wonderful thing about guitar is that a simple chord or an easy single note line can sound beautiful and be satisfying. Yes, guitar playing can get very complicated and advanced, but, you can also find peace and healing in strumming some simple chords!

[@claudemcwhorter]

like C, Em, F, G !

[@moveonupcb]

best music is always the simplest

[@Thejbirdy]

Wow...Johnny, did you write that song in heaven? LOL. Beauty.

[@madisonavenueJONESSR]

I believe Steve Boone, the bass player of the group actually wrote it- but you can check-

[@R3TR0R4V3]

That's awesome it's the original guy playing it, but it's in the wrong key! :( I know things get transposed sometimes, but it's in the key of A on the original recording, so I'll probably just use a capo on the 2nd fret, which will be what he's playing, but in the original key. 😎

[@MrMoe158]

Going to Bethel tomorrow to check out the field and museum .

[@monoped8437]

john, i need to know how to play '4 eyes'....thanks, blind in reno

[@gogi682]

Is this a "sample" of the lessons? For what seems like quite an easy song, I couldn't make out all the chords, and the picking was a bit fast. I'm sure the lessons for sale are alot better. Anyway, I've seen a couple of famous singer/songwriters on You tube, and I think its so cool of them to teach their own songs, like this great one. Thanks, John! Always loved your songs, going way back to the 60's!

[@usrphil77]

Yes, I know its easy...that's nit why he transposed it but its still great to see him making music

[@pepxxx]

What are the chords?

[@ellonysman]

John looks like papa on that show. Uh, John boy 👦 ya that one!🤷🏻‍♂️🤔🤗

[@DPMAce]

Please sing too!

[@afropuffjake]

As much as I enjoyed John's instructional on how to play this song on your own, I would LOVE to find a video that shows how to play the triplet run going on in the background of the original song... My band has two guitarists and I can play guitar as well so I think covering this song could be loads of fun if we could get more parts figured out than just the chords and main riff... This song still owns nonetheless though haha :D!!

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

Hello. What triplet run? The C#m arpeggio in the background of the chorus?