Monkey Man - Rolling Stones | Guitar Lesson

#guitarlessons
Learn how to play Monkey Man on guitar as performed by The Rolling Stones. For me this is one of the signature songs that was signaling their shift to the classic stones sound from '69-'74. Interesting intro arrangement, great rock riff, and awesome vibe wrapped up in a great rock song. This one is in standard tuning, Keith didn't use open G or open E for this one. Throw a capo on 2nd fret and you are good to go. Hope you enjoy.
Anything you'd like to request me to do a video on? Drop me a note at [e-mail]
00:00 Intro & 21 Jump Street story
03:00 Lesson - Song Intro section
06:10 Lesson - Main Guitar Riff
09:00 Lesson - Verse sections
12:04 Lesson - Interlude section & slide 12 string? guitar
16:51 Final Thoughts
Also...
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[@ASPEDBUSDRIVER1]

Instant subscribe after watching this covered in full and accurately. He even broke out a 12 string. Even told you the volume knob finesse for the intro.

[@12footchain]

Welcome!

[@reddottx]

I also wanted to note the dedication to his work by tuning a 12 string to open E. LOL!!

[@Viajealduende]

Let it Bleed with Gimme Shelter, Midnight Rambler and Monkey Man show some of Keith’s greatest playing, it was there beforehand with JJ Flash and Sympathy but this is the pinnacle record. No Brian nor Mick Taylor. It’s all Keith on guitars and Jagger’s best harp playing as well as vocals.

[@Weshopwizard]

I thought it was the last Jones album.

[@fennis26]

@@Weshopwizard it was but Brian only played autoharp on You Got the Silver (Wikipedia says he played congas on Midnight Rambler.) Keith, in an interview, described Brian’s meager participation as “…one last flare from the shipwreck.”

[@robertshirley3422]

Agree!! Bought it the day it came out in Nov '69 and it's been my favorite Stones album ever since. As the record jacket says: PLAY THIS RECORD LOUD!!!!!

[@StevieMcC]

Keith did all the heavy lifting on Let it Bleed. A masterclass in rock guitar

[@reddove108]

Man, I got the chills with those Keef riffs.

[@GreggSugerman]

First time I heard monkey man was on jump street too! Same reaction. Blew me away and I’ve been obsessed with the Stones since

[@patricksullivan7140]

I've been playing this for years without a capo. Gonna try this.

[@camronbay1]

The way they blend everything together is is amazing.

[@marcymoran6481]

That’s all Keith - just like writing each piece for an orchestra.

[@shantydoctor]

Good unpacking of a Keith classic, good on you dude

[@TheMrBennito]

I am a lousy guitar player, yet the pace of your tutorial is so relaxed and comforting that I'll give it a go anyways. Thanks, mate for encouraging to play this crazy, fantastic song.

[@davidmarakovits7003]

What's there to say ? Nothing short of perfection

[@12footchain]

Thank you!

[@keithdonohue4631]

I love this era of the Stones, and I love the idea that you can play some of Keef’s classic riffs while still staying in open tuning.

[@gregmartin1757]

Yeah this is definitely a classic stones track . Probably 1 of my favorite. Arguably Keith's best guitar work . I started playing guitar in the 70's because after seeing keith play he made it look like the coolest thing ever and it was !

[@seanwoods122]

DUDE!!! Your story about being introduced to this song is EXACTLY how I fell in love with this track!!! AND I was not even a 21 Jump St fan, but when I saw that episode with the pretty boy drug dealer who loves to ball, play this in that rehearsal I lost my mind. One of the best Stones tracks ever! thank you for this!

[@Weshopwizard]

That’s hilarious. Don’t remember that from the show but I’m sure it’s on KZbin.

[@robertshirley3422]

Monkey Man and Gimme Shelter my favorite Stones songs!!

[@domesticengineerlifecoach6938]

One of the greatest 🎸🎸🎹intros ever!!👍

[@elderberry-hamster]

Never was a big Stones fan, but their work from late 1960s to mid 1970s was just fantastic. No matter what they did before or after, that era was just top rock and blues heaven.

[@12footchain]

Totally agree

[@walterrizotto8668]

Indeed.

[@DDEENY]

The Stones period that you're referring to is arguably the zenith of The Stones' career with Mick Taylor as Brian Jones' replacement ( _Let It Bleed_ through _Exile On Main Street_ ). Brian Jones loyalists will always disagree but in fairness to them, it's unwise to compare the merits of the various Stones eras as they're all uniquely their own. _Let It Bleed_ was the album that found Keith take more responsibility for the band's guitar sound as Brian had become incapacitated and before Mick Taylor was just becoming introduced to the band, and he was a godsend in Brian's wake as the band was poised to turn a major corner with their music. That was also the last time that saw Keith play slide guitar at all before the more capable Mick Taylor and then Ronnie Wood took it over. For my part I love most all of The Stones' work from all eras. Once The Stones got over their _Between The Buttons_ / _Their Satanic Majesties Request_ Beatles/avant garde identity crisis and returned to their roots with "Jumpin' Jack Flash", they were well on their way. Great band.

[@elderberry-hamster]

@@DDEENY Perfectly said. They certainly get the credit of staying power. Not many bands in history even came close to their longevity!

[@lloydclaussen3925]

Because of Mick Taylor, theirs greatest music was made when he was playing lead.

[@1rwjwith]

Great job! One of Keith's best in standard tuning (capoed) of that era for sure.

[@12footchain]

thank you! Yes agree - love that song

[@jimijames63]

Used to play this in a band at parties. Late 70's. Love the riff to this day. Thanks for the details. Great job.

[@12footchain]

Awesome, you're welcome!

[@Whitesp44]

Wow man, I've been cheating all these years I guess. This version sounds incredible. Great thing about playing guitar is no one guitarist has done it all. Or done learning. Cheers and thanks .

[@solomonwaigani4512]

Another terrific lesson. Many thanks! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@desmay8882]

Great lesson. Thank you Sir.

[@rudymikula7129]

Great lesson. I've played this for years, but I learned a few things from you. I also like your touch, this, to me, is a finesse song and your playing was in alignment with Keith. Lol. Thanks.

[@user-mn5wk7hw9n]

great job.... Goodfellas brought me in ... love the Stones .... thanks man

[@AllDylanAllTheTime]

Great job! Love it.

[@wimsele]

Just discovered this Keith gem, thank you for this great tutorial! Really fantastic man 👍

[@12footchain]

Thank you, much appreciated

[@CC-ug3ld]

Midnight Rambler and Monkey Man are my two favorites from the Stones

[@Bryankimsey]

Really nice analysis and discussion prior to the lesson. Puts it into perspective.

[@markdesod561]

Awesome Tutorial on Keef's playing. I remember listening to this when I was in RVN!!! Thanx Doug!!

[@briancoyne6700]

Great riff. Thanks!

[@USMC0332]

Cool lesson for a great song!

[@nw8488]

i just went and found that scene form 21 jump st. haha it was pretty awesome. good call on that one.

[@Darkwell0071]

great transcription once again shows Keith as the riff master

[@mikebonham4530]

One of their best albums!

[@marcymoran6481]

You make this look easier than it is, for me. But the more I practice piece by piece, I’m sure I’ll get there! Thank you, from a huge KEEF fan!

[@12footchain]

That's what ot takes, just keep practicing. And after that, take a day or two away from it, then come back to it and you'll be amazed at how much better you are

[@secondhandlyon2603]

I really dig your teaching style. It's perfect for my skill level.

[@icantdecideanything1]

So accurate. Great work. 🫡

[@SullenMorbius]

awesome lesson

[@12footchain]

Thank you!

[@gagepope9778]

Appreciate the lesson. This is still a great song.

[@KGNAHDEE-a.k.a.PeanutsnCorn]

TOOK ME A LITTLE WHILE AND YOUR TUTORIAL IS X-LENT BRO. I LOVE IT. GONNA PLAY IT FOR ALL IT'S WORTH BRO!!!

[@patrickrobinson317]

Great History Lesson on how this song was a MAJOR part Keef's guitar evolution into Open G !!! 😀 Brilliant observation and excellent commentary !!! Thanks for making this one. 😀

[@robwarren4425]

Nice one!

[@georgeknightley8828]

Really beautiful lesson, Man, thanks for posting! Just subscribed.

[@12footchain]

Welcome!

[@rrrayrrray]

Missed it on Jump Street, but Goodfellas featured it it in a couple of scenes! Dunnno how I missed it’s original release! Thanks for this!

[@garybacica5709]

I saw that episode when it first aired! First time I heard monkey man. The narcs went undercover at a highschool for the arts and the highschool band class was working on monkey man.

[@mutterslog785]

My favorite stones song, thank you. I've always tried to play around with this riff, not realizing that there's a capo 🤦‍♂️ that makes a difference.

[@daviddowdall6000]

Such a groove. The E tuned slide hits hard on the record. I haven’t seen a lesson that demonstrates how to play it. Super cool

[@jeffreyhall76]

Thanks you for this

[@towada1066]

The big riff rocks my world !

[@francovani393]

Great stuff now the mystery behind Keef's round rude raspy riff revealed!

[@jaysahdavidson7668]

Just found your site. The way you do the diagram in the corner really is the best I have seen. I literally watch how to guitar videos several hours a day. You doing that will keep me pegged on your site.

[@12footchain]

Thanks man, great feedback. tell your guitar friends!

[@jaysahdavidson7668]

I will for sure. I noticed you have several Yamaha guitars. I am thinking about up grading to a used Taylor 414 ce acoustic. I am 55 and just started playing again after 40 years. It’s really hard with all the information out there. What do you think about Taylor? I have my alerts set up to ring when you post another video. I look forward to it. Thanks and see you soon.

[@12footchain]

@@jaysahdavidson7668 Taylor is good stuff, go with whatever feels good under your fingers.

[@josephdimalante7023]

Thank You!

[@adamschronk3620]

Ohh, I remember 21 Jump Street! Guess I’m old, but at least I don’t act like it! As long as I play guitar, I’ll be cool 😎

[@marcokitt.2328]

Another great lesson man! Really cool. I was right to sign up! & Keef is fucking great, fucking brilliant & super cool … I totally ♥️ him!

[@johnnasta]

5:15 It's called a Vibraphone. Like a xylophone but with metal keys.

[@12footchain]

thank you!

[@graciemurphy1]

Awesome tune and lesson.

[@JenkinsBoatWorks]

subscribed Brother. good stuff

[@chubbyoo7]

Thanks

[@my1after909]

Man, This is just so wonderful. I worked on this song so much... well not exactly, just (pardon the pun) monkeyed around with it. Seems so humbling to recall that I was using simple bar cords.

[@wonkylommiter6364]

With you on instantly having a crush on this song on first hearing!

[@jeffscott7266]

I know everyone has their own opinion about The Rolling Stones and that’s cool and respected. I started listening to The Rolling Stones in 1969 at the age of 9 years old. I also started play guitar that year as well, I got my first real 6 string in the summer of 69 kinda like Bryan Adams LOL. Here’s what starts my tractor with The Rolling Stones’ Music. Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile On Main-street, Goat’s Head Soup, and the last truly great song of that era of The Rolling Stones, “It’s Only Rock-n-Roll But I like It, like it, Yes I Do!” 1968-1974 are definitely the Hay Day of The Rolling Stones to me were their absolute best musically. Sure there were some really great songs before that period like Play With Fire, Under My Thumb, Satisfaction, Ruby Tuesday, Paint It Black, Get off of My Cloud, Mother’s Little Helper, to name a few. I just absolutely loved the underrated and often overlooked album “Their Satanic Majesty’s Request”. 2000 Light Years From Home, She’s A Rainbow, Citadel, In Another Land, to me were awesome songs that album marked a big change in their musical style that I absolutely loved!!! The 1978 Album Some Girls was pretty damn good too. I mean, Far Away Eyes, Shattered, Miss You, Respectable and Some Girls were some great songs. That Album pulled them out of the graveyard career killer of an Album, “Black and Blue” which was a complete dumpster fire that made everyone think OH KNOW THAT’S IT, THEY’VE RAN OUT OF GAS. Their music was never the same like their music from their Hay Day. They did have had a few songs later on like “She’s So Cold”. I sadly m just started losing interest in the band in 1980’s after Emotional Rescue. I still LOVE their music from the 60’s and 70’s and enjoy playing their music, especially stuff like “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking”, Jumpin Jack Flash, Monkey Man and many others. They are still one of my most favorite bands of all time. I did go see them in 2015 when they were playing their old songs from the Day. Like “Moonlight Mile” off Sticky Fingers. Now there’s a song to feature here on 12 Foot Chain.

[@12footchain]

thanks for the note - I think a lot of people feel similarly. They are great, had a spectacular run up through mid 70's, then some fits and starts since then, but omg they have such a catalog of epic songs and deserve their success and recognition.

[@jeffscott7266]

@@12footchain absolutely, well said!!! I remembered something recently I hadn’t thought about in a while. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Mick Taylor, Nicky Hopkins. Bobby Keys made some the most amazing music I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. I grew up just a couple of blocks away from a university. There was this feeling of hopefulness, revolution and change in the air I felt living in the 1960’s that has always lived inside of me ever since. I saw the news of JFK’s, MLK’s and RFK’s murders broadcast and their dreams of a better future for our country turned to cynicism. I’ve listened to the Rolling Stones music more than any other band. Their music has those feelings experienced in the 60’s in their music. I feel that energy like they did and it is probably why I love their music so much. Gimme Shelter for example embodies that spirit in the air like so many of the songs then do. With Charlie Watts passing and Jeff Beck’s recent passing (one of the most amazing guitarists I ever listened to) the day is coming closer that all of the musicians I grew up listening to and influenced me and my music will no longer be here, what a sad day that will be. The Rolling Stones and many other band’s music will live on as all good music transcends onward. 200 years later like Beethoven, The Rolling Stones music and the other greats will still be listened to and cherished for the beautiful art it is.

[@freeelectron8261]

Great riff analytics man! Got me some sticky fingers itching to try it out ;-)

[@12footchain]

Do it!

[@stevetrivago]

I feel the same about this song… Good aura here . thank you 2:15 in … great to know….

[@davidmarakovits7003]

From tragic to triumph and every emotion inbetween

[@floydmorrison2025]

Dude!!! You're an absolute madman for tuning that 12-string up to open E!!! I would've broken the octave G string after 2 minutes!! 🤣 I would've chickened out and tuned open D and capoed at the 2nd fret LOL. I'm a fairly new subscriber and I LOVE your videos!!! Your attention to detail is unsurpassed on youtube.. Besides the accurate chords, riffs & notes, etc...I really love how you go into the minutiae and talk about which guitar, pickups, amps, etc, the player was using. It comes through just what a FAN you are of the songs that you teach!!! The mini history lessons about the songs/players are also rad as fuck!!! Thank you so much for what you're doing!!! I appreciate you so very much!!!! 🙏🙌😀

[@12footchain]

Thanks man, welcome!

[@votephillips2564]

Thanks for the lesson and I just liked you to 1000.

[@12footchain]

Thank you!

[@jaysahdavidson7668]

Yeah the way your teaching with the graphics in the corner really is the best I’ve seen. Don’t get me wrong there are some great instructors on KZbin. Angela petrilli is incredible. But a lot of the time there moving fast and it’s really hard to se what frets and strings there finger position is. I do screen shots of yours watch the entire video and then go back and right the chords out reference the pictures and Bobs your uncle. Keep it up and they will come. I will pass it along. Thank you

[@fennis26]

LIB was one of the Stones high water mark albums. Keith learned A LOT from Ry Cooder but once he did he really dug in.

[@zacharypayne4080]

Good fellas

[@roncarter2188]

The years with Mick Taylor are my favorite. From 1969 to 1974 are golden.

[@RebelTheUncanny1]

Ernest Tubb and The Texas troubadors was the first live concert I ever saw. I was probably 10.

[@geofflee6295]

Good to see you on a Broadcaster.

[@badadam12]

I play it very similar to you but I'm using my Tele as a five string tuned to open G without a capo. I even removed the sixth saddle!

[@jenniironside6970]

Fantastic lessons!!! Others do them without visual tab and it’s very hard to follow.

[@FantomWireBrian]

Kieth on this and many other songs is amazing , but many think Taylor played the guitar on"Monkey man " on the LP. This song is pure genius and Taylor had the best guitar teacher in Rock n roll . The first time I heard this I got the chills and I think Keith knew it would .😎

[@adrianhallich6101]

i am a huge MT fan, but i highly doubt that many thought that MT played this part on guitar. BJ played a small on the album, MT played a small on the album, KR played most of the album, including this. I think most are aware of that.

[@FantomWireBrian]

@@adrianhallich6101 Most really don't know how much Kieth played lead. Taylor's greatest guitar are Keith Richards covers of songs he laid down the original guitar tracks and wrote. Taylor is a great cover guitarist, and so good that I still sometimes can't tell who's playing. One song Taylor took the lead on was " Sway" on Sticky fingers.. Great guitar work and one of my favorites but the best guitar is by Keith on " Can't you hear me knocking" but Taylor constantly gets the credit for the opening riff and most of the guitar. The jam session at the end of the song really shows the connection between Richards and Taylor,but I wish it was a separate song . 😎

[@dennishayes9596]

Wrong... keith riff

[@FantomWireBrian]

@@dennishayes9596 If Keith is wrong on this riff, he don't want to be right 😎❗

[@user-yj7ez8hn8y]

Exactly when I heard it too.

[@adylp7818]

Great lesson (as always) and fantastic song but what about your awesome guitar tone!

[@ukguitaryogi2888]

but great rolling stones lessons. many thanks

[@stevedahl]

I first heard this as a 10 year old watching Jump street

[@ggzbe007]

Only Keith could have developed this song. Those “dissonant” notes sound so bad but only Keith could make it sound great. I think the acoustic guitar is Nashville tuning.

[@user-tr4jj9pt7x]

Great video. I don't think they've played Monkey Man live in a while, but when they do Keith doesn't play that fat riff (4:12) to kick off the song, anymore.

[@chucktupa9393]

I was also playing this WITHOUT A CAPO. Dropped D for lower bar chords in verses. Good lesson though

[@pololekino]

Très bonne vidéo ! Pourriez vous faire une vidéo sur l'extraordinaire morceau : " Stray cat blues " des Rolling stones ? Cordialement !

[@ibroketheserver]

I loved that episode of 21 Jump Street but was sad to find they took all the licenced music off the episodes when they released them on DVD. Without all the great music, the show falls flat.

[@MrSmiley1964]

I've seen pictures of Keef at this time in his career playing McCawber in the Studio thru a Silver Face Fender Champ. He has plenty of Ampeg amps around him as well, but the cable is going into the Champ and that is the one with the lit pilot light, so that is probably how he is getting that break-up you are talking about. IDK if it's the Tele or the Les Paul but either one will get the tone.

[@12footchain]

Nice! It's pretty amazing the big rock soundcthatva fender champ can get you

[@shawnatv4355]

IT WAS 21 JUMP STREET. And Yes that was the first time i heard that song too. Yes they were playing basketball.

[@darrylfowler]

Amazing lesson. Can you share your amp / pedal settings?

[@12footchain]

On that vid I think I was using software called "guitar rig" that let's you dial in a million choices, and it sounds passable. Since then I switched to recording off my amps and I think get better results. For this, what I would do is run through pretty much any Fender blackface style amp that has a 12 inch speaker. Like deluxe or a bassman w 2 x 12,. You want light overdrive, not a ton , but enough that you notice it, and you sort of want it on the dark side tonecwise overall, not bright or trebly. But difficult to explain, you just have to start tinkering until you find it. Check put my Brown Sugar videos, it's a similar tone and I show my amp and pedal settings

[@merseybeat1963]

Late 80's damn..this is late 1969-1970..Lenny Dawson was quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs.. I mention him cause around that time I was throwing a football in front of our apartment building in Jamaica Queens (New York) on Hillside Avenue and a guy in an overcoat with bow legs ran over to us and asked if we knew the score of the Detroit game I think it was,.I thought to my self that guy looks like Lenny Dawson. I was like 12 years old and I got my mother to buy me the single Let it Be..then I got her to buy me an album..I said get me the one by The Rolling Stones..the one with the Cake on it. In her very old age she would mention going and getting me that album with the cake on it. 1969-70 a good time..Mets ..Jets..Beatles..Stones at they're best being young and strong and a good mom.

[@NoirL.A.]

i'd definitely bet this was not recorded on a tele. KEITH didn't really start playing teles on any regular basis until 1971 or so by the 72' tour he was using them quite regularly but until then not much.

[@davidlambert4831]

Great video, had to pull out my tele and give it a go! Question for you, when you slide into the riff looks like your using your index finger on the 5th (A) string. Is that right?

[@12footchain]

Yes I am

[@Officialshayne]

“Add your Keith”😂

[@12footchain]

Add my Keith? Don't understand. Is that something I said in the vid? Sounds like something I'd say. :-)

[@jerrywalaszek2473]

THANKS! I TRIED TO SEND TIP BUT MY CODE WON'T BE ACCEPTED? I WILL STRAIGHTEN IT OUT.YOUR MY NEW TEACHER.EXCELLENT TEACHING.THANK YOU.

[@12footchain]

All good man, welcome!

[@jimhenderson2308]

I was waiting for the d shape chord to see if you did it right. Almost . You need to hammer down on both the g and e strings and not just the e string. Think aqua lung by jethro Tull. Otherwise you nailed it. Like you said this open g type stuff. Jimmy page also does the double hammer on with the d chord on over the hills and far away but it’s real prominent on jethro Tull and aqua lung. For some reason people fail to pick up but it makes a noticeable difference for sure

[@ukguitaryogi2888]

hi can you talk about amp your amp selection more please and tone controls on the guitar thanks

[@RobertM949]

You talk about how the Stones changed into what we recognize as their signature sound in this album. But I suggest you go back and listen to Stray Cat Blues off of their album Beggars Banquet. That, in my humble opinion, is the inflection point for the Rolling Stones to this new deeper, darker, richer rock sound. Which makes me think of a question I always had: What is the first song Keith Richards did in open G tuning?

[@matthewholbrook9153]

That next Era is muscle Sholes studious influence.

[@kennethbarber438]

how could you not have heard this until the 80s? You must be younger than you look...

[@12footchain]

Was probably 18-19? When I heard it in late 80s. Younger than I look? Ouch

[@jimmysanjana]

Gives me some hope ! Is this with kapo in standard tuning or open G ?

[@12footchain]

this one is actually standard tuning

[@robertshirley3422]

12 Foot: The song is in key of B!!! Tape speed consideration. Hey, also check out, if you haven't already James James tutorial and Shut Up and Play.

[@davidmays229]

would placing the capo on the second fret the same as tuning the guitar to open G, thanks in advance.

[@12footchain]

I'm not sure that gets the same effect. The D shaped E chord when the lyrics come in for me is a key part for me and not sure I could duplicate in an open g tuning, capo'd or not

[@pmkrak]

I always think of Goodfellas when I hear this song.

[@DaneRates]

Request how to play Jeff Beck The Pump.