5 Levels of "Hurt" by Johnny Cash

[@McKenna.1230]

That sliding shot intro was magical

[@mikga45]

Crazy how you have so few subscribers. I feel you are one of the best guitar channels for beginners.

[@2024TD]

This was fantastic. Please consider doing more videos like this. You broke the song down so well and blended in the theory so seamlessly. Such a unique lesson!!

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks!

[@toasty2324]

this has to be one of the best guitar song tutorials out there. I've been trying to find the finer details from this song that's missing in so many other videos. They way you understand exactly what to say to beginners so we can progress is a serious skill. Its hard to remember whats its like to be a beginner when your good. thanks

[@Blind-Anatomist]

As a blind person, I appreciate the level of description that you provide. I really like your style 😎 thank you.

[@kevinnickens]

I appreciate that!

[@dNorsh]

@@kevinnickensdude you’re genuinely hella underrated I just randomly found you. You’re literally teaching what I want to know very well. I can use you and then implement that skill you bring into other skills others teach and I just love that

[@MorganHanson-e4u]

Now that was a brilliant break down and actual journey in learning a song! Really the best way to teach

[@rakzo7133]

more i watch your video more i learn/understand guitar "feeling" thing

[@bobstraw3010]

just found this tutorial today, As a 67 year old beginner I thought I had this song mastered...until today! Thanks so much for giving me something to do!! LOL Seriously you did a great job on this video

[@julietruffing1359]

I’m a newbie guitar student, watching your videos with my morning coffee, which I nearly spit across the room laughing! “she’s not coming back!” Thanks for education AND fun. You are the Sesame Street of guitar channels😉

[@MerakiPLyhne]

Man, I love your humor! You are now my guitar mom, helping me go from noob to...more. Thank you for making these awesome videos, and I greatly appreciate that you've started adding the visual of finger placement on chords, which was missing (to my great annoyance) in earlier videos. You're really good at explaining everything. I have enough music theory knowledge to not be totally lost. And I'll totally have your back in a zombie apocalypse - mainly because I see bonfires and music in downtime.

[@gregalderson128]

Kevin, you are a God send when it comes to helping to understand and learn things that no one else touches on like you do concerning guitar. You continue to help me improve in my guitar journey! Thank you so much!

[@TheAcousticEngineer]

Such a nice and entertaining way to absorb info. The breakdown of the different levels and what to take away for each really helped 🙌

[@royston5987]

I love the fact that you bigged up Marty. Your both brilliant 🙌

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks! Marty is a legend

[@TravelingAnvil]

You are clear, candid, and funny in a way that is extremely refreshing. Following along since starting guitar in July Ive already gotten so much further than I did when I tried to learn and high school.

[@Pelarys]

Awesome stuff for a beginner like me! My teacher actually always stressed the importance of counting rythm even as a beginner and I'm always surprised how often it is overlooked in youtube tutorials. The music theory part sounds exactly like the kind of stuff my songwriting friend tries to explain to me about his songs, hope I get there someday. Please keep this kind of videos coming, this channel deserves to be much bigger!

[@chill_fugu]

Comenting for the algorithm and to let you know that this video is very valuable! Please make more!

[@spooder_]

im calling it, this dudes getting 1 mil in a couple year(s) depending on when the algorithm catches up to his glory

[@o0Vissers0o]

Really enjoyed this video, hurt was one of the first songs I learned becouse of your recomendation. Hope to see some more videos like this one !

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks!

[@msellar001]

Amazing! As a beginner I still find every video full of nuggets. Thought ‘level 5’ might be ‘emotion’ and was glad to hear it was (kind of). I suspect the relationship between chords is beyond interesting. Thanks for the inspiration 😎

[@foghornlh7592]

Kevin, just found your channel. Funny thing I’m learning Hurt for my first song as a 62 year old beginner. Not sure if the album covers are your dad’s, but looks like we share many similar tastes. Thanks again for putting a different spin on things. I’m using your practice tips. Thank you good sir.

[@aveeasley9811]

Wow…. Oh my goodness. This is gold!! Thanks Kevin.

[@thierryszpiro7020]

Hi from France. As a beginner of 9 months, i just begin do get this song right and I am able to sing along. Great song and great video. Thanks

[@robbaldwin2402]

My new year's resolution was to learn three songs all the way through (Highway to Hell's solo is definitely slowing me down as a beginner, but I'm too far gone to admit defeat now), and this video has helped me learn one in basically a day. Thanks!

[@Mendelevius]

Probably one of the best guitar lessons on youtube and I have watched hundreds.

[@kirstenloyd1457]

I am thankful I just discovered you. Thank you for your videos. Marty Schwartz is great but I guess I am an as you called it"extremist" haha. I learn best by understanding the why behind the action. Thank you Kevin!!!

[@magmar9119]

kevin our beloved, please give us full video about rythm and how to practice it

[@Tomy_Yon]

After ten years of guitar lessons, I still love the basic skills. Great video. 👍

[@TunefullyOG]

You should do this for special songs like this. Loved every bit of it. Kinda like samuraiguitarist's breakdown of smells like teen spirit.

[@maxime1776]

I just told Marty on his live stream that you made him a shoutout and he appreciated it

[@kevinnickens]

That's so cool! I watched the recording of his stream and it was so cool to see that. Thanks!

[@bambirapinbogin]

Coming from a music theory background being a choral singer for years I was super comfortable with the technique stuff. I was super comfortable with the music theory stuff. I’m at the point where I have every scale memorized and I can play them quickly. I know every cord and I can switch between them quickly, but I can play exactly 0 things all the way through and I do not remember one string songs like Iron Manor smoke on the water I need to go back and relearn those because trying to play them right now I can’t do it

[@bambirapinbogin]

But for example, I can’t play a single song, but if you wanted me to write out the chords and the notes from a piece of quarterstaff sheet music from a song, I’ve never seen before I could do it, even if it was in the wildest signature you could possibly think of in the bass clef instead of the treble clef

[@RenatoRamonda]

I don't know how you kept your face straight with that sidenote about Reznor, but I tip my hat in your general direction, well done 😀

[@kelly2105]

Your sarcasm level is on point, as the kids say. Or as the kids used to say. Whatever, carry on.

[@DavidKerner-en1ww]

Well done sir... Filling in the musical gaps for us.

[@dale333]

Glad I found you. Great content and you're funny as hell!

[@eosnieruht]

Love the random humor-super inspiring.

[@thejournalsofawakening]

🤣🤣she aint coming back

[@GODDAMIZJoseph]

I love this guy's humor. Big up chap

[@solidus2916]

I can count projectile motions in my head and move objects using my mind. However, I am still level 1. How is that even possible?! Thank you for the video, man. Your commentary is very entertaining, I don't think I even need to he interested in guitar to subscribe. Thanks again!

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks! That’s a really nice complement, I try to make the videos really watchable outside of being good lessons

[@Calisthenics_Mastery]

​@@kevinnickensYou do a great job! Keep it up man! You are the number 1 guitar teacher for me.

[@NicolasSchaII]

Hey I started playing not to make her come back but because hurt being one of the most emotional songs ever 🥲😆 great video!

[@BlameLucy]

Keep it up man your awesome I just started playing guitar and your the only one I like to watch ✨

[@JosephineGreensmith]

I'm going to come back to this video when I'm more advanced to see what else I can learn, thanks man! #bigthingscoming

[@the_chemist8144]

Dude I needed this lesson. Thank you.

[@andriirad]

Mate, it's mind-blowing! This is exactly where I am now, in my guitar journey! I started to learn how to play the guitar about 3 weeks ago and chosen you chanel as my primary guide. As for now I've learned all basic 7 chords, you've recommended and kinda mastered to practice the spider web exercise with 80 bpm. Moving further, about a week ago (more like 10 days) I started to learn how to play my first song and chose "Hurt", as it was your recommendation + I found it great for me, as that time I was struggling with C chord and this song helped me a lot of mastering it. However, at this point I'm starting to lose the motivation as no matter how hard I try - I can't switch the chords in this song, as the timing requires. In particular from C to D. And this is only 3 cords of the first part of the song. Then moving to G makes it even worse, as it takes even more time then from C to D( I'm doing your switching cord exercise with metronome everyday, but still can't switch between the chords in this song, as it should be. Is there anything I can do - to improve that? Or it's really taking so much time - to build this skill?

[@KevinsdadNorb]

Hi, Kevin’s dad here and I am right with you - I can switch between the D and C chords with the metronome on 80 like a champ, but when I try to change while playing a song (Wagon Wheel) I rarely hit them cleanly. I’m just bearing down on it in practice - it’s getting better but I’m still not happy with it. Kevin is posting our second lesson today or tomorrow and we talk about there. (If that makes the cut).

[@andriirad]

@@KevinsdadNorb , hi, Kevin's dad! Really glad to read your reply to my post! When I saw the first video with you and Kevin, my initial thoughts were the same, like: it seems like I started to learn to play the guitar about the same time as you, so it will be interesting to watch your progress and compare it to mine - to realize how efficient my practice is. Since I've written this post, I actually made a slight progress in switching between C and D and kinda playing the Verse part of the "Hurt", the way I almost can tolerate it ;-) So I guess the only way to improve it further - is to keep practicing. Really waiting to see the second video with you and Kevin. Don't give up and keep practicing, as your personal progress will be a clear motivation for me ;-) p.s: btw, I'm 38 years old, so also in a "late learners boat"

[@mixen24]

A shot like that out of nowhere my dude...

[@SebbGuy]

When is the next lesson with Your dad? I don't know what to do next :)

[@secondtonone4773]

Yea it's been two weeks ????

[@KevinsdadNorb]

Might be next up - but definitely soon.

[@shahparkhashami7873]

I hope his dad didn't quit bcuz if that's the case I might just quit too

[@shannonnickens]

Kevin’s mom here- Kevin’s dad has NOT quit- so everyone keep practicing! Kevin’s dad does everyday!

[@shahparkhashami7873]

Looking forward to seeing his next appearance soon Mrs Nickens

[@Casey250]

That sliding opening shot 🧐

[@brycecollins1695]

Currently on level two and i would just like to say bar chords can suck it. Love the videos though, these have seriously helped my progression over the last couple weeks.

[@kevinnickens]

Cool! Congrats on progressing, and I agree that bar chords can suck it

[@SKOVDEPETE]

Great lesson. This was a first visit for Me at your adress Kevin Nickens. I liked it. I´ll be coming back frequenty 🙂

[@Fitz557]

That is quite an awesome video, thank you very much ! There is just one thing I noticed (I guess it's a level 5 thing, although I'm still a strong level 2/3 who should focus on rythm :p ), it's that the very first time he plays the riff in the intro, he doesn't really play a D chord. The last string / most high pitched one (sorry for my english, I don't know the word for it) is played, but he doesn't pinch the string, so he plays an E, and not an F#. After the first time, he plays it with the F#, but the very first time not. I've always loved that detail, because it makes the song sound slightly wrong, like a hint that indicates that something is broken. Could also be a reminder of NIN's version too.

[@s--b]

actually laughed out loud at 1:15 thank you

[@s--b]

and again at 3:40 this is great

[@flatcat47]

Nice lesson.

[@keithhorgan178]

This is so good. I'm in my space watching this and my wife is looking over my shoulder (guess it's really not my space). She is trying to learn piano and wants to know when you start those lessons. She thinks you are really good and pretty.

[@danperry5375]

I need that part about why I picked hurt and her not coming back as a short 😂

[@nakishadap2436]

I was finding my sensei for a long time but glad I found him🎸

[@southernexposure123]

I like your teaching method. I dislike the song "Hurt" because it sounds negative and defeated. Part of what I gained from the lesson is how to portray a negative goodbye.

[@williamquintana5674]

Nice upgrade. Love Martin 000’s

[@kevinnickens]

Me too man, its magic

[@raimondspadaro8211]

Love, the tough love attitude. Dish it out

[@grave8590]

Another fellow Brandon d'eon viewer I see🤌

[@kevinnickens]

of course, Brandon's willingness to shout at us is essential

[@grave8590]

@@kevinnickens indeed it is!

[@Mimsg.44]

Your videos are far too professional for the hype they get. The text, the lightning, the editing, and that camera work… man forget the guitar get into business with producers

[@vyri714]

Thanks kev

[@erikbarragan159]

Damn I love your videos.

[@vviewerv915]

Great stuff 👏

[@stevenchristensen2394]

1:16 I've never been so called out in my life

[@razzrack6682]

This video was exellent

[@DrFireGotEm]

Great video!!!!

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks!

[@elijahgarrett7267]

Why is the c chord so impossible for me lol. Had this guitar for 10 months now and i still dont know basic chords. My hands just dont stretch that far

[@spacedasher5237]

I fucking love you, man.

[@gnjprice]

This is great! Thank you. Great song that will challenge me while I go through your lessons. Week 2 has been practicing week 1 along with learning my new song. I think I will switch my song to Hurt, really love how it sounds… Can you cover setting up a new guitar. I feel like my guitar needs fine tuned just a bit. I notice a vibration on the 6th string, E. Maybe there is something you do when you get a new guitar based on your experience?

[@kevinnickens]

Unfortunately, I don’t know a lot about setups. I would probably take it to a pro. Thanks for watching!

[@sriharshavinnakota2131]

Any tips to overcome finger pain?? 😩

[@kevinnickens]

Sorry my friend, no tips

[@kellyburgessart]

@kevinnickens Hey Kevin - randomly picking a video to make a comment, just to you in general, not specifically about the song, altho I've watched this video and have been working on L1 of this song. I'm a beginner and watch your videos (working my way thru the beginner vids while also practicing amap, which is a fair amount!). I really REALLY want to thank you for a) making these great videos and roadmap and b) encouraging us to use a metronome. I've been learning Gentle on my Mind because I like the chord changes (I can manage them quickly), I like the melody for accompaniment, but my progress felt stagnant JUST LIKE YOU SAID IT WOULD - not dynamic - and then I DID what you recommended and used the metronome and BAM game changer!! Oh, and I also played louder, like my life depended on it a wee bit.... THANK YOU. Hi to your dad. Love having another beginner along the journey.

[@kevinnickens]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you’re improving!

[@CaptainBrash]

This is probably the song i can play and sing the best. That chorus chord progression is super satisfying. Though I do the open F. Maybe I'll learn it with the bar. Edit: given me some stuff to think about, thanks!

[@terrytaillard4588]

Outstanding video Kevin. I have just discovered you and subscribed. This 5 Levels concept is different from other YT teachers so I think you've got something big here. BTW, is that an OM-28 you're playing? Very nice tone.

[@kevinnickens]

Thank you! And you’re close on the guitar, it’s a OOO 28 and it’s awesome!

[@mine_all_the_time0793]

I like it

[@AmishFan]

Try pressing your pinky down during the "What have I become" a-minor, instead of using it to mute the A string, to unlock Level 6.

[@ba2tripleO]

Make one with a cheerful song now

[@kevinnickens]

Good idea lol

[@Sr.Seabass57]

Hey, just because I like this song and am a beginner doesn’t mean anything, but I’ll be damned if that didn’t sting somewhere I didn’t need it to right now

[@clancy386]

you are indeed prettier than her.

[@Paul-mn8ql]

Johnny Cash? I think the authorship of the song is… not Johnny. Lead singer of Nine Inch Nails…. Trent Reznor. There, I fixed it!

[@kevinnickens]

Yep! Mentioned in the video. The guitar parts are different and I broke down the Cash version here 👍

[@yestfmf]

Reznor was surprised and honored that someone of Cash’s stature would want to cover his song. Upon hearing it he said that JC had transformed it and gave it a whole new level of meaning. he felt like it was no longer his own. In short, he liked it.

[@JaigEyes1207]

I feel a bit singled out because Hurt is my first song 😅

[@perroudjames3051]

It's Nine Inch Nails song

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Dick Rivers, French singer does a good version of this.

[@gianluigichitarravoce6405]

the strum on the chords is not down but up.....

[@dwaynegonzales1154]

Hey bro can you make a guitar daily exercise for intermediate players?

[@frazzle657]

I can't play an f chord.

[@grovr7543]

Join the club💀

[@piercehawthorne8124]

lissan algaib!

[@MrAST834]

you look bald but at the same time you don't it's so confusing, maybe it's the lighting

[@fabtone1]

hum soory no D maj in this song , D sus 2 or i m wrong , its clear when i listen, the third kill the pain .....

[@MorganJill-r9b]

Taylor Linda Young Joseph Martin Steven

[@yankeetango]

Pro tip for learning good guitar rhythm....be a drummer!

[@HoShIfox19]

Its a Nine Inch Nails song

[@AseanNomad]

Wow.. its so amazing how you show no respect to johnny cash for what he gave the world. you do not respect legends, not once...not once did you give reference to him

[@mikenighbor4524]

Sorry, slow Reader

[@YS-yh6mu]

man you should talk less and play more

[@don__hector7845]

too much talking

[@firststrandtypename1866]

you didnt have to drop the bomb on me on 1:17 but thanks anyway. Playing numbs the pain for a while