OPEN E TUNING (Bob Dylan/Stones/Joe Walsh) - Alternate Guitar Tunings - Guitar Discoveries #53

#OpenEtuning #guitartuning #guitardiscoveries
Robert Cassard demonstrates how to get inspired by tuning your guitar to Open E. This tuning has inspired countless artists and bands to some of their best songwriting and greatest performances.
Discover what Cassard's Get This album, Rocky Mountain Way by Joe Walsh, and Gimme Shelter by Keith Richards and the Rolling Stones all have in common.
Bob Dylan also wrote many songs in Open E, including the entire Blood on the Tracks LP. Robert plays and sings a hybrid version of Tangled Up in Blue, using elements of the publicly released version (in A) and the original songwriting version (in Open E).
Robert Cassard shares guitars, gear and tips to make you a better musician.
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Hi, my name is Robert Cassard. I'm a lifelong guitar player, singer-songwriter, producer, and music fanatic. I create Guitar and Recording Discoveries videos with a simple goal: to make YOU a better, happier, more confident musician!
In 2018, after more than 40 years as a pro musician, I started sharing my experiences through easy-to-understand KZbin videos - giving you shortcuts to de-mystify playing, singing and recording.
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[@johnkelly4237]

Hi Robert, listened to this again tonight. I'm still blown away with your voice and phrasing. Really great. I'm looking up all of your recordings first chance I get!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks again, John. I did an album of singer-songwriter originals in 1980 called “Over the Line” (I was 18 years old at the time.) I released a Rock album in the mid-90s called “Get This” that was remastered and expanded not long ago. And my wife and I have a duo called Cosmic Spin that released an EP in 2019. Hopefully, you’ll find some tunes and performances to like! Of course, I have lots of other more acoustic stuff sitting on analog tapes and aging hard drives... I’ve been meaning to release some of those tracks, at least to my Patreon subscribers. Thanks for the praise, and cheers!

[@mortwally3510]

Thank you that just opened up a whole new world for me 67 years old started playing guitar two years ago taking lessons getting pretty good the wife told me I was tolerable I played the songs in Open E and she was downright impressed thanks again👍😎🎼🎸🍺🇺🇸🇱🇹

[@RobertCassard]

Wow, Mort. That’s fantastic. YOU are exactly why I share these discoveries!!

[@Stringman1950]

I’m a BIG Dylan nut. You did him proud. Nice acoustic finger style.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Stringman. Dylan's songs have a way of always sounding good, no matter who's playing and how they're being sung!

[@valdo345jr]

@@RobertCassard the really cool thing about dylan songs is, you cant possibly sound worse singing them than he did. he is NOT a singer. poet, troubador, grossly under rated instrumentalist. but not a singer.

[@RobertCassard]

@@valdo345jr Heckuva point, Johnny. I've never heard it put quite that way!

[@DeltaJazzUK]

Well I've got to say that rendition of Tangled Up in Blue was just beautiful.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, DeltaJazz! I hope you find many things to enjoy on my channel.

[@chrisjaybecker]

Consider doing a video about Open G Tuning. It's not only THE Delta Blues tuning, used by Robert Johnson, Son House, and Muddy Waters, all on slide, but it solidified Keith Richards sound (he learned it from Ry Cooder) and Keef used it on Brown Sugar, Can't You Hear Me Knocking, Honky Tonk Women, Start Me Up, Sympathy For The Devil, Tumbling Dice, and dozens more. Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes used it on all their early stuff like Twice As Hard, no doubt trying to get that Stones sound.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for the suggestion and the great examples. I did an Open G video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epy7qWOJmM13rc0 and I followed it up the next week with the full version of Everybody’s talking played on my 58 Stella (cheapie) parlor guitar. Hope you like it!

[@Hillstruck]

Fantastic choices as examples. Tangled was beautiful. And until now, I didn't know my favorite Stones song was in E tuning. Those open hammer-ons are the ticket.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Andy! Glad these tunes were the right choices.

[@leoahearn7382]

I just found you - a hidden gem. Made my evening.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Leo! I hope you find a lot more to enjoy on my channel. Over 200 videos and counting…

[@dilligaf8349]

Bought a resinator guitar and trying out open turnings and slide for a first time and stumbled across this video. Brilliant work my friend. And look forward to learning some more stones, and joe Walsh oh and Dylan. Just watched a movie starring bob called anonymous and something or other here on KZbin a few nights back. Thanks again for the upload.

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you enjoyed this, Dilli. Thanks for watching and saying hello. What kind of resonator did you buy? My adult kids recently gave me an inexpensive electric resonator for my birthday. I absolutely love it. It’s one of the guitars I feature in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYGokK2apb6lp7csi=e1ARtjZYEavW5Mhz

[@sirbanjorochambeaux]

been studying open / altered tuning and chords... this is the bestest most helpful and enjoyable vidya ive come across... get this... i will. thamk.

[@RobertCassard]

Glad it helped, Sir Banjo! I appreciate the positive feedback.

[@GaryBook]

Excellent job! She talks to Angels, Salt of the Earth, Jumpin Jack Flash, so many Joni Mitchell songs, Duane Allman, Stay With Me from Faces in Open E. I tune to Open D and capo on second fret.

[@RobertCassard]

Right on Gary. Open E with no extra stress on your neck...

[@robertjohnson3855]

Thanks Robert. Great post. You know I feel like a fool. When I bought an acoustic it was due to the influence of Dan Fogelberg's music. I adored it, but I learned by ear and I had no idea about tuning guitar to anything but standard tuning. I loved many songs that I had no idea they were in other tunings and it's pretty tough if not impossible to learn by ear. I'm 66 now and it was only about 2 years ago that I began to hear of different tunings and not surprisingly it opened up an entirely new world to me. Open tunings makes so many songs easier to play. The first song I learned was Joe Walsh's "help me through the night" in 'G' tuning. Such a beautiful song. I see I'm going to have to learn a ton of new songs in open 'E' tuning after seeing your post. Thanks again for the lesson. I remember seeing Stephen Stills several times. He must have had 15 guitars on stage. Now I know why these guys pack around so many. Take care and God Bless.😇🥸

[@RobertCassard]

Hey Robert. You're never too old to "figure it out"! I got to know Dan Fogelberg back in the day, and he played quite a few songs in open tunings. Good example is "Once Upon a Time" from NetherLands. Just doesn't sound right in standard tuning. He had a major influence on my original music back in high school. At age 17, I wrote a song honoring my home state called "Michigan," which appeared on my first album in 1980. (It was a direct response to Dan's song "Illinois"). You can hear it on any streaming service, and also on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baa7kKylncx4iJo

[@electron7373]

I knew Keith used open E, but had no idea Bob used it too. Really sweet cover of Bob's great song. Thanks Robert!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for watching, Electron!

[@johnparker2636]

Yep - didn't know about dylan using it on BOTT. Good to know

[@coreyjones2694]

I heard somewhere, during the Blood on the Tracks era, Dylan was heavily into Joni's Blue album. You might say, Tangled Up In Blue. Joni used a lot of open tunings and may have been an influence.

[@RobertCassard]

I hadn’t heard that, Corey. If it’s true, yes…Tangled Up in Blue has a whole new meaning. Big Joni fan here. Did you know her own website has a page devoted to her open tuning system? It gives you the inside scoop on her incredibly diverse tunings. Such an innovator! jonimitchell.com/music/tuningpatterns.cfm

[@robertshirley3422]

Joni was an open tunings expert to everyone. She is probably the ultimate expert; literally utilized hundreds of open tunings. Huge influence on Page ( Going To California), Donovan, Dylan, Stills, James Taylor, and of course Bra h am Nash.

[@ericsteindel4574]

Robert. I sincerely enjoyed this video. Very enlightening. I’ve always known that Rocky Mountain Way and Gimme Shelter were Open E but you blew my mind with Tangled Up In Blue and Shelter From The Storm. More Blood More Tracks The Bootleg Series Vol. 14 is my all time favorite record. This lesson was so inspiring. Thank you sir!

[@RobertCassard]

So glad this whole video resonated for you, Eric. I’d never heard that bootleg album until I started prepping this video...obviously, you know it well. Thanks for watching and commenting. It means a lot!

[@RobertCassard]

@Tim Thanks. Glad you found my channel!

[@StephenChadwick-rr5pm]

What a fascinating insight,like a music lesson brilliant Steve Manchester UK 👍

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks so much, Steve. I hope you find more on my channel. I also have videos about Open D, Drop D, Open G, Nashville Tuning ,etc.

[@GradyElla]

My goodness.......I've been playing Tangled up in Blue for decades Robert! I try to emulate or copy Dylan and I always begrudgingly played this tune, kinda' hoping it would be done soon. A lot like when I get a request for American Pie! Anyway, you just stopped me dead in my tracks. That was gorgeous Robert! Have to finish my chores now but guess where the little Taylor Mini Koa is going in about an hour? Very pretty man. All I ever use open E for is bottleneck blues. You just opened a new door. Thank You!!

[@RobertCassard]

Wow, thanks so much, Robert. I know that begrudging feeling about playing certain oldies when you’re emulating the original. Since only Dylan can really do Dylan (as you can tell from my lame impersonation on “Shelter from the Storm” LOL), it’s much better to just do what feels good to you. Eager to know how Open E is treating you after you tune up your Taylor and jam a bit!

[@bsharporbflat8378]

Thanks...another open E gem is She talks to Angels.Just a thought, I have many guitars all in different tunings and for my open "E" i use an old 70's dreadnaught Fender (killer sound)tuned to open "D" with a capo on the second fret. So I always have an open "E" and an open "D" handy.

[@RobertCassard]

Nice! I didn't talk about using a 2nd fret capo to transpose Open D into Open E, but it works well and sounds great on many guitars. Stay sharp!

[@mikeprokop8947]

been playing that song for years this is fantastic

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks so much, Mike. Glad you dug it!

[@Shellback41]

Really enjoyed watching this video. Thank you for posting it 👏👏 . Blood on the Tracks is an album I've listened to for years and is a big favourite. Takes me to different places each time I listen. I love open E tuning. If I'm playing in a pub or bar, I sometimes do an old blues, something like Little Red Rooster etc at the end of a set. I always find open E the quickest to tune to, then tune back in the interval. 👍👍

[@RobertCassard]

Right on, shellback. And with that tune-right-back approach, you’ll never leave too much stress on your neck…

[@bradh6185]

I love this version of Tangled Up In Blue. It makes me want to find a classic song and put a new twist on it. Great video!

[@RobertCassard]

Go for it, Brad! Dylan songs are a pleasure to cover in your own unique way.

[@Picklemedia]

Awesome! I'm just learning Fiddler's Green and had no idea open E was so rad. You had a lot of good ideas there, thanks.

[@RobertCassard]

You’re so welcome, Dan. Glad you’re having fun with it!

[@TheCream14]

Wow, what a great video! You have a great voice to match your wonderful guitar style!

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, TheCream14! Glad you found my channel…hopefully you’ll find plenty more to love here.

[@HL09128]

Cheers on your vocal for Shelter From The Storm. :-) (I decided today that I want to work up an interesting version of "Gimme" so was looking over what others have done and re-ran across your great video.)

[@RobertCassard]

Always happy when my videos find you, Steve. I’d love to hear what you do with Gimme. I’ve never covered it, other than this little snippet...

[@David-jv7ot]

your rendition of tangled up in blue was beautiful Bravo

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks so much, David. It was just off-the-cuff, but I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@David-jv7ot]

@@RobertCassard Thanks Robert, well it was beautifully done

[@RobertCassard]

@@David-jv7ot Gracias!

[@jckelley4198]

Love that J50. Got mine new in 71 and took it back to Hawaii and replaced the spark plugs to play with Hawaiian open tunings. Try open E in a Nashville Tuning combo. Great background high tuning. Great vid and info, thx

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Jeff. You may have seen from my other videos that I'm a major fan of Nashville tuning... I love the idea of Open E + Nashville. Gotta try it!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6iTin-Xi8t0rbc

[@LaurenOliviArt]

You’re a fun teacher 😊

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Lauren! 😃

[@BlackFoxProduc]

Totally enjoyed! Thanks. Always liked open E myself. Havent used it in years, plan to revisit it.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, BlackFox! I hope your revisiting is fruitful!

[@ronaldwietecha]

Thanks Robert, great video!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for checking out my videos, RJ.

[@rockers2rockers616]

'That's all there is to it', after demonstrating the three chord wonder of Bob Dylan' 'Shelter From the Storm' @ 12:02 Great video Subscribed

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you Rockers2Rockers!

[@chadallen6975]

Excellent

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Chad!

[@CharlesB-fb2pv]

Dude that was beautiful

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you think so, Charles! I have a thing for doing Bob Dylan updates. Here's another one, where I'm messing around in a hotel room and spontaneously figured out Blowin' in the Wind in DADGAD tuning. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWfGmK2PfLFnl8k

[@robertnewell5057]

Nice version of TUIB - given the provenance of the E tuning version (New York sessions) I could have done with more of a nod to that version of the lyrics (3rd person start), but that's a quibble, and it's also good to hear it played without a single open (unfretted) E chord. Bob never plays that, but most people do!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for listening, Robert!

[@samanthaandrews3221]

Wow one of my favorite

[@RobertCassard]

Mine too. You must be "tangled up," Samantha!

[@carlisle3469]

Glad to have stumbled onto your site.

[@RobertCassard]

Very happy you found it, too, Norman!

[@jessicaembers924]

I knew someone who played Billy Thorp (children of the sun) tuned like that. Cool man!!!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for watching, Jessica. Glad you like the sound!

[@raulmanzoratte8065]

Thank you Robert! Just subscribed!!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks Raul! I hope you get lots of value from all my other videos!

[@mojotabledancers3777]

Awesome video, love open tunings!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Mojo. I’ve done quite a few open tuning videos, but I have many more to explore!

[@roberta.k4213]

Great rendition of Dylan, very nice

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks so much, Robert K. I hope you find plenty of inspiration in this and my other videos.

[@stratplayer10]

some great playing here and very informative. Wow that Gibson sounds wonderful too.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you kindly, Raymond. That's truly what the Gibson sounds like "in the room" with no enhancement. Recorded with a simple Zoom H1n with a built-in stereo X-Y mic pair.

[@peterheroux8239]

Awesome dude! Learned so much in just this video! I’ll be back! Rock on! One tip that was given to me a few years back as my voice is not what it used to be. Tune down a half step. Now I can some 90% of the songs I used to sing and just capo for those I can still decently without sounding like a cat in a bathtub.

[@RobertCassard]

Hey Peter. Glad you liked this and I hope you find much more to love on my channel. Tuning down a half-step works great for lots of situations…hey, if it’s good enough for Hendrix, right?!

[@themightystoneface1]

Luv the Dylan song! Your version was incredible

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Ernie. Really appreciate you watching and leaving positive feedback!

[@joemonroe1106]

Great tone on that acoustic brother.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks so much, Joe!

[@stonz82]

the Dylan was is great, I need to add that to my Open E list, thanks for posting

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, stonz82. Have fun with it. You can pretty much do the whole Blood on the Tracks LP!

[@christopherbenetatos5123]

Great stuff

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Christopher. Much appreciated.

[@davidakins3160]

That's a great rendition of "Tangled up in blue", but you're teasing us with "Rocky mountain way"! Thanks!

[@RobertCassard]

;-) You're welcome, David. Thanks for checking out my videos.

[@johnlennon2055]

Great stuff!

[@RobertCassard]

If John Lennon says so, I'm truly flattered! Speaking of John, here's a video about What John Taught Me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e52wnGZ9j62lg9k

[@leelossi1257]

You have an incredible voice. You make it look easy.....a real pro

[@RobertCassard]

Wow, thank you, Lee. I guess that’s what happens when you’ve been singing as long as I have!

[@JayFullerton2U]

Great job Robert

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Jay!

[@eliseomosqueda916]

Man you sing beautiful. I like the way you play tangled up in blue.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Eliseo. I’m glad you like this version!

[@JohnPW22]

Amazing revelation to me. How have I missed this idea? Love your voice too. Subbed for as much more as you've got!

[@RobertCassard]

Right on, John! There’s a whole lot more here. Since you like Open E, Open D is it’s deeper sister tuning. And make sure to check out some of my Nashville Tuning videos, too. Glad to have you on board.

[@andyandamandashow9990]

Sounding great there... !

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you Andy and Amanda!

[@maxstephenson1968]

Man that's great

[@RobertCassard]

Right on, Max. thank you!

[@valdo345jr]

another open tuning to play with! thank you for that introduction. opened a **** load of doors!

[@RobertCassard]

You're very welcome, Johnny. Have fun...and fun...and fun...

[@gergemall]

Love the video

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks so much, Jon! Please check out my other alternate tuning videos. They're a passion of mine! 🎼

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

Hey Robert, great video! Thanks man, picked up some nice chords....this goes well with the lap steel!

[@RobertCassard]

Indeed! Open E is one of the classic slide guitar and lap steel tunings.

[@georgemavimbela]

so good

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, George!

[@lindavandergiessen5741]

I loved this! Thank you. :)

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for watching, Linda. I hope you check out some of my other videos and get lots of value from ‘em. Cheers!

[@monoblues]

Excellent singing,very enjoyable to hear your cover

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for listening Raymond. I hope you enjoy my other videos, too!

[@monoblues]

@@RobertCassardYou're welcome Robert, Its very nice to hear you singing and I'll go and check them later.

[@pedalingsuzie]

Tangled up and down too, nice 😊

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Suzie. Love your comments.

[@simonsbuddy1806]

Great version of TUIB...I've just discovered your channel via the demo of rubber bridges. Now I'm a regular. Nice work!

[@RobertCassard]

I really appreciate the positive feedback and glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@montydaniels1054]

I just happen to be watching Joe Walsh play that song & thinking to myself, I'm doing something wrong. I also went to #9 strings to help keep the pressure off the neck on two of my Martins that I do alternate tuning on, like Stephen Stills does a lot. Thanks for posting the video, funny how we tend to forget about open tuning, at least I do lol......

[@RobertCassard]

Happy to be your open tuning reminder, Monty!

[@awalk56]

Well done.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Anthony.

[@Beatles123ful]

Love this very informative

[@RobertCassard]

Glad it was helpful - I hope you get lots of value from my videos.

[@richardgallo3155]

Superb! I love your version of Bob's tune. You need to record it fully and post it please… 🤙

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Richard. I appreciate your encouragement! I hope you enjoy my channel.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

She Talks to Angels by Black Crowes works too, & you can also use Open D if you can't sing high enough. Love Shack by the B52s works too but they drop that tuning down a half step to Open Eb.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Oscar

[@tjcolatrella943]

Arlen Roth will tell you his favorite tuning for slide guitar is open E!

[@RobertCassard]

Good enough for Arlen, then good enough for me! Thanks for watching, TJ.

[@tjcolatrella943]

@@RobertCassard It was a great demo Rob, I too have always been hesitant to tune up for E! I worked in music stores and so hate changing or replacing my own strings after having changed so many! LOL!

[@tjcolatrella943]

@@RobertCassard Wow! You get it then...

[@uriah0011]

Thank you, that was fantastic especially Bob Dylan segment.

[@RobertCassard]

I appreciate the positive feedback, Uriah.

[@marksc1929]

.. great channel ... subscribed 💯....cheers

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Mark. welcome!

[@mainsblanches8793]

Tuning the D string to E is tricky and also the G to G sharp!!...be prepared to brake strings!!...put a bit smaller tension stings on the 3rd and 4th strings!!...my two cents!!...and yes, it will add tension to the top of your guitar!!...

[@Boris_Chang]

Thanks!

[@RobertCassard]

You’re very welcome. Thank YOU, @CozmikAnt!

[@lnhislmage]

Don’t know how I got here but I like 👍 and subbed of course. Excellent material! !

[@RobertCassard]

So glad you found me and my channel! Thanks.

[@STRUMMERBOY1975]

Yeahhh.... you know what you`re talking about... and most importantly, you know how to say it. Good Stuff on guitar & vocals 4 sure also ! :)

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for the compliments, RichardBe. I really appreciate you checking out my videos. I just hit 100 episodes of Guitar Discoveries last week!

[@greensombrero3641]

beautiful guitar man!

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Green Sombrero. This Gibson J-50 was the subject of the very first Guitar Discoveries video I recorded, well over 100 episodes ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6mbdqCrqbeEaaM

[@area49g12]

Came for the lesson, stayed for the music ;-)

[@RobertCassard]

So glad you did, area49g!

[@peterslade1146]

Hi Robert. Further to earlier comments I’ve managed to sort out “Travis Picking” Thought I’d pass the utube link on so anyone who’s struggling with this can do it easy. Learn Travis picking in 15 minutes. Does what it says on the tin. Well nearly ‼️ Dennis Adionis I think his names is a great Travis Picking tutor. I’ll have another try at Tangled up in blue. Cheers Petet

[@RobertCassard]

Right on, Peter!

[@paulcooke1]

Nice...

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Paul. View and comment greatly appreciated.

[@thesillytoys]

Your version of "Tangled up in blue" is very beautiful.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you thank you, Silly Toys!

[@5150show]

Awesome , just subbed

[@RobertCassard]

Awesome thank you.

[@aleistercrowley7594]

Congratulation Great video saludos desde Peru

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you. I never expected to receive a comment from beyond the grave by THE Aleister Crowley...but today is All Souls’ Day! LOL

[@doctrot]

Just wanted to say I think your rendition of tangled up in blue is awesome......... it sounded a bit like Dylan to me without you trying to sound like him. I guess you are not necessarily performing or giving lessons... but you do sound very good. Would like to hear you play that live ...somewhere... I have been toying with guitar my whole life but not a pro , it is obvious that you are. You have a nice easy to listen to style in your playing and talking. It is nice to see someone with some class around here.. I wish you luck with this channel. thank you

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, doctrot. I don’t give lessons but I do record and perform. You can find my solo music under the name Robert Cassard and my band is Cosmic Spin. I hope you’ll check it out!

[@ibberman]

I'm an open G guy, I'll have to try this, can't wait. Thank you, great video.

[@RobertCassard]

You're so welcome. Glad you found this video. Come back and tell me how you like it, 'cuz Open G is great, too!

[@ibberman]

@@RobertCassard 👍

[@GeoffreyUrch]

Thanks

[@RobertCassard]

You’re welcome, Geoffrey.

[@myfreakdoll]

I am in love !!! lol

[@RobertCassard]

Glad you like it!

[@johnkelly4237]

Beautiful lesson brother. Love your version of Tangled up in Blue...gorgeous. You should record this version with light orchestration and release it.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks so much, John. It’s funny that when I record songs off-the-cuff for this video series, I rarely think about doing a “real” recording and formal release of them. My recordings and public releases on streaming services recently have been with my duo Cosmic Spin. Check us out...I’d love to know what you think.

[@johnkelly4237]

@@RobertCassard My pleasure, Robert. Your site is fantastic...because you are just such a fine, soulful teacher. I really mean it about recording Tangled Up In Blue. Your version is just beautiful, both the rhythm guitar, which is absolutely wonderful, and your vocal interpretation, which is fantastic. Every time I watch it I'm more impressed. Imagine light strings and/or pedal steel coming in as the song develops in depth and thoughtfulness and combine that with a bass part and really creative percussion as well as other understated instruments in all the right places behind and woven around your voice. I, for one, would love to own that recording! I'm sure you recall the beautifully orchestrated versions Ritchie Havens did of Dylan material like "Just Like A Woman" and "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall." People in my age group...I'm a child of the 60s...NEVER get tired of acoustic singer-songwriters who interpret the classics from that era. You would certainly do some of those tunes justice, I'm sure. When the epidemic is over I'm going to make it a mission to come see your live show. Just discovered you yesterday, but I'm a fan now.

[@RobertCassard]

@@johnkelly4237 Thank you for the ideas, the comments and the kudos. Happy you found my stuff and like what I’m doing. Among the Guitar Discoveries videos are a version I recently did of Nilsson’s Everybody’s Talkin’ and Alicia Keys’ Holy War. Based on what you’d aid about Tangled, I’m guessing they’d appeal to you. As another child of the 60s, you might also enjoy my world music interpretation of Across the Universe.

[@applemanuk]

For Open E best tune to open D and use a capo on second fret so less stress on the guitar neck.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks Jonathan. Great tip. That technique works great for a 14-fret acoustic. Trickier with a 12-fret model.

[@j.jester7821]

For years (before the internet) I had no clue about alternate tunings. Tried to learn some Leo Kottke songs in standard tuning, cant be done.

[@RobertCassard]

Yeah…Kottke in standard tuning would be an extraordinary feat!

[@jksongman8849]

Hi Robert, I live near Ventura, Ca, in Santa Paula. I have a very small production company with friends and we do a lot of writing including film scripts and songs. At some point I would be really interested in working with you to produce an album that I'm currently putting together. Your voice has a really distinctive sound to it, with a really nice edge that makes it easy to listen to. And you're phrasing is really excellent. Would love to hear a solo effort of yours, not that I don't appreciate Cosmic Spin. It's excellent too. John

[@RobertCassard]

Wow, thanks so much John. I answered your question about solo stuff when you asked me under the name John Kelly. Check that answer cuz you can find some solo stuff on the streaming services under my name, Robert Cassard. Lots more unreleased stuff, but I just haven’t had time to whip it into shape!

[@mdc53]

I like your Jay Turser LP. Had one at one time. Decent guitar, especially if you want to keep a guitar in an alternate tuning.

[@RobertCassard]

I really like it too, Michael. I'm always surprised how often I reach for it, especially considering the numerous (much) more expensive guitars I own.

[@mdc53]

@@RobertCassard Yeah, I found that too. I used to have a Jay Turser ES-135 style jazz box, a JT twelve-string electric and a JT Hofner-style Beatle Bass. All decent guitars. I also had a couple of Keith Urban electrics, one LP style and one kind-of Telecaster style, that were surprisingly decent considering they were Home Shopping Network guitars. I bought them used through Craigslist. Had to sell most of my collection when I moved from Massachusetts to California last year. Otherwise, I'd have kept them.

[@RobertCassard]

@@mdc53 you have more experience with JTs than I do. I bought a JT200 LP for my son and was so impressed that I bought the JT-220. In any case, welcome to California!

[@LambChop-st8ut]

Hey! Love the tangled up in blue version, can i get a tab for it anywhere - i have most of it down but can't make out some of the note's you're playing.

[@RobertCassard]

I'm glad you like this version, Lamb Chop. Sorry, but I never have time to create tabs. I play in Open E by "feel," I and by testing chord shapes randomly. I emulate Joni Mitchell, too. She was the first person I heard playing modified chords in Open D and E. The following page has a transcription of "You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio": jonimitchell.com/music/transcription.cfm?id=152 (I played this song in my Open D video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn3Hh6Wrf6x1oJY) I used most of the same chord shapes in Open E for my version of "Tangled Up in Blue." I hope this helps!

[@KensWorldRestorations]

I see some people are afraid to tune "up" to open E, but here's a tip - especially for 12 stringers...tune down 1/2 step first (E to D#). It's a heck of a lot easier on the neck, your strings and fingers. You can still use a capo on the first fret to get back to standard open E without the strain. Another great tune on open E (for us old farts) is We Just Disagree by Dave Mason (kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXmzh4mreL51d9U). Cheers.

[@RobertCassard]

That’s a perfect solution to neck and hand strain. A variation is tuning to Open D with a capo on the 2nd fret. As long as your guitar neck connects to the body at the 14th fret, you won’t lose the ability to hit the high harmonic easily. I loves me some Dave Mason, by the way. Alone Together is a classic album...also with some open tuning magic.

[@KensWorldRestorations]

@@RobertCassard Cool! Thanks for the video...love it when people share their variations - that's what learning and making music is all about. Every guitar is unique too and for some strange reason, my Martin 12 string loves to be tuned down 1/2 a step in every tuning I've tried, including standard tuning. It just sounds better and is so much easier to play. Cheers!

[@RobertCassard]

@@KensWorldRestorations You've intuitively discovered a 12-string secret. Some luthiers will tell you that a 12 should always be tuned at least a half-step, if not a whole step, the capo'ed. The lower string tension makes the hand pressure required to play barre chords much more similar to a 6-string. I chanced upon this technique with an old Epiphone 12 that had fairly high action. Always kept it tuned down a whole step. Cheers!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@RobertCassard That tuning down a half step makes it easier to sing the high notes w/o hurting yourself, & Choir peeps who play Guitar love that tuning.

[@DirkDillingerBlues]

Only You Know What I Know is another.

[@rdpurdom]

Hey I loved it! Liked your Dylan! A little to clean for Bob but good!

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, rd. It’s always interesting to hear a Dylan song sung “clean,” eh?

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

how can I not subscribe? Sinister sound, I'm in!!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Windmill. Glad to have you on board!

[@andyandamandashow9990]

Nicely done! ... Open D works as well...

[@RobertCassard]

Yes it does, andyandamanda! I have an Open D episode, in fact, featuring a great Joni Mitchell song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn3Hh6Wrf6x1oJYsi=gXh2Iq1EBoZOB7rp

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Robert Cassard If you put a capo on the 3rd Fret, now you have Open G tuning w/ a High G string. It adds a bit more sparkle plus the capo opens up the possibility of transposing the song to a Key that's comfortable to sing in

[@RobertCassard]

I love capos for almost any use, and this is a great one!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@RobertCassard I got that idea from Lenny Breau who used a High A on his 7 String Guitar as it's actually a 22.75 in scale 7 String Tenor Guitar.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@RobertCassard A guy on KZbin did it this way:kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHbJdoF_bKx9atU he decided to add a High G string so that he has 5 higher notes.

[@RobertCassard]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 That's a great video and killer idea for expanding Open G and making it identical to play as Open E, D and F. I love that you find these obscure KZbinrs!

[@RobertCassard]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 Lenny Breau's guitar makes for a very interesting sound. His melodies when playing jazz always played in a higher register than most jazz players. You just explained why, thanks!

[@bellarose1442]

you're my idol💕

[@RobertCassard]

Thx Bella Rose...don't think I deserve that, but you're sweet.

[@eoinmurphy210]

ye nice,mans got talent.

[@RobertCassard]

thank you, Mr. Murphy!

[@glenntrivett645]

Hey? I got it! The low E is a D. The A string goes to A. The D string goes to D. G string goes to G and the D&E is A and D! So yeah I got it tuned to Open E👍 Now to learn how to play it? It's working like Open G. I can make Brown Sugar sound like Brown Sugar but I'm the top string playing it. Anyway you responsible for putting me I'm Open E and I Thank You for it too.

[@RobertCassard]

Hey Glenn. If you are tuned D A D G A D, that's Dsus4 Tuning, not quite Open D. It should be D A D F# A D. That's Open D. Then, if you put a Capo at the 2nd fret, you're instantly in Open E. If you want to be in Open E without the Capo, It's E B E G# B E

[@glenntrivett645]

@@RobertCassard Thank You very much for your help.

[@glenntrivett645]

@@RobertCassard So the G string changes to F# when in Drop D? I've been wondering that. I just drop that E string down to D and play. But I've seen here lately that the G string changes too?

[@RobertCassard]

@@glenntrivett645 Yes. True "Open D" plays a full D chord (D A D F# A D). "Drop D" is standard EADGBE tuning, but with the E dropped to D, so D A D G B E.

[@RobertCassard]

@@glenntrivett645 My pleasure. I love sharing the awesomeness of Alternate Tunings

[@IffyEdem]

Damn the years before the 21st seem awesome

[@RobertCassard]

Before the 21st Century? Agreed!

[@IffyEdem]

@@RobertCassard wish I could’ve been born in the 70s😿

[@RobertCassard]

@@IffyEdem Or the 60s, like me! LOL

[@davidgarver6326]

Robert I get the concept of open tuning but after that I get lost - specifically what chord shapes does one play over the open tuning? Just 'barreing' over the open tuning on any fret is great but w/o the chord shapes it's limited.. to major chords - how to form sevenths, minors, etc. Help clear up my confusion.. Thanks.

[@RobertCassard]

Check out guitar-chord.org. They have good articles and chord diagrams for the common alternate tunings. www.guitar-chord.org/articles/open-e-tuning.html

[@brianmedway9444]

I love your approach to sharing your knowledge. Much respect. Btw your voice is golden and your musicianship is stellar.

[@RobertCassard]

Much appreciated, Brian. Glad you found my channel!