Why Learning "HEY JOE" Is The Secret To FASTER Chord Changes

This is from a live stream in my Facebook group with very little editing. Don't moan about it...
The chords are C G D A E
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[@rickysguitar]

I’m thinking about running a virtual workshop on how to change chords faster. It will be a paid workshop. Are you in? Comment below!

[@waynemorrison5792]

Interested! Would love more on establishing the recommended anchors for the primary movable chords and Triads, so I don't develop bads habits that are hard to break, but ultimately hold me back.

[@tiswas]

Yeah definitely in for something like that! 👍

[@MusicDoc]

Let me know! Thanks!

[@michaelroberts2674]

Count me in!!

[@Mabel90666]

Please!!

[@joepalooka2145]

Five star guitar lesson that every beginner should watch and learn from, and also intermediate/advanced players too. Your communication skills and your in-depth study of technique are outstanding.

[@wbek001]

It was Billy Roberts, not Jim Groce, who wrote Hey Joe.

[@alexcisotto3007]

That's definitely the best way I've heard chord change technique explained on KZbin. Thanks Ricky, your guitar lessons are always the best

[@erichartwell6792]

My experience in fast cord changing is just pick 2 cords and play back and forth between them till you can do it blindfolded then pick 2 more switch them up start with same and use different cords to switch to and this takes time good luck have 🤩 it may be boring but is worth doing

[@douglasfuhrer38]

Thanks Ricky! Your explanation of finger placement and general way you explain everything is outstanding! This is the lesson I needed! Thank you for sharing this knowledge of simple things that have a huge impact! I’ll be going back to your channel time and again and look forward to getting your lesson book! -Douglas, Hendersonville NC

[@chrisrogalski9721]

The first version of Hey Joe I heard was by Love, a San Franciscan rock/flower power group. They also played Alone Again Or which is the best song I have ever heard. Great playing and production back in the 60's.

[@philipparker352]

It is criminal how obscure this bands music has become. One of the best ever.

[@toddladner866]

This lesson is important and incredibly well thought out. Using hand physiology and logical analysis of the mechanisms of forming chords in time is a fantastic perspective. There are a few base actions that are foundational to playing well and proper placement of the fingers is the most basic. Therefore it is the most important. It doesn’t matter what you play if you can’t play accurately with authority, good time and good tone.

[@bryangraham7926]

thank you Ricky you got me playing after 55 years

[@JTMP12]

Roy Buchanan did one of the best versions of Hey Joe, rivals Jimi Hendrix’ version but with a Telecaster.

[@cyrilmoussoki3193]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful guitar lesson

[@mrp410]

Very good class. I think I learned more in the last 10 minutes than the last 10 years. Thank you Ricky. I'd be interested in the virtual course.

[@soundssimple1]

Wish you had been around 50 years ago when I had my first Eko Ranger and Bert Weeden book. All makes sense when someone talks you thru the steps. Essential viewing even now. Cheers.

[@rickysguitar]

I was around 50 years ago...I was 3 years old and couldn't play a note on guitar lol. Those Eko rangers were the go to guitar. I still have a Bert book somewhere with his custom pick!

[@michaelroberts2674]

That was very helpful! Thanks for the lesson.

[@imeldacastaneda7268]

Thank you so much for this tutorial,, I was doing exactly what you said at the beginning,,,,, I just started with acustic guitar and yes ready to practice!!!

[@shadownet_nft]

Brilliant teacher, I was playing G major without the D on the B string, adding that helps me anchor the D.

[@GodsStoryteller]

Thanks so much, Ricky. Been drilling myself to get into finger smartness on strings, so i love the "scouts, plant, lift etc". Grea-t video. As always, you are a grea-t teacher. One important thing; It was the cover image on this video, showing ligaments, that got me clicking. I appreciate the thought you came up with, to put the image here. I hope to do a video on simple knuckle flexibility someday, for guitarists, but for now, ...? Im content, just learning from the feet of great teachers like you. Thanks.

[@An_Idiot_in_the_Wild]

Brilliant lesson, super-helpful, ty.

[@seneca8147]

Brilliant Ricky, Well Done Again & Thanks. Love your video's Dude.

[@michaelknight1251]

Hi Rickey, Great lesson today, i am a seventy something new guitar student learning online, i had no idea on how to change chord's effectively now i do thanks. By the way just received your book and the lesson fitted in just right, keep up the good work mate.

[@rickysguitar]

Eyup Michael, thanks for your support and glad to have helped. Ricky

[@Suzanne2909]

I watched this video yesterday and I started to change my chords your way, wow what a difference! Game chancer for me! I used to make all these moves from one chord to another but this is so smooth! I hope there will be more of these chord changes to come!

[@rustymohican8280]

Some more gold! Thank you!

[@richardjicha1147]

WOW! Ricky! Great Lesson! I love the way you break things down into easily understandable bites in this video. You certainly have a gift for teaching. Your varied way of teaching things keeps it interesting and attainable for different learning styles. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing this. I wish you continued success. God Bless!

[@Blues-man.]

This is a very interesting and useful lesson. Thank you 🙏

[@eastbaystreet1242]

Thanks for permission to look!! Completely agree.

[@bobpusnik1590]

what a great lesson i have been doing this ass about face all this time your the first person that has explained this cheers rick

[@jensbomholt4529]

Very clear and makes much sense!

[@danvers917]

Awesome explanation and tips for better and faster chord changes 😊

[@aslamahmed2564]

Hey Ricky, another great lesson to memorize without any difficulty learning the five fret chords. You are just fantastic. I enjoy every minute watching your work shop. Many thanks.

[@lewistessier3638]

Awesome tutorial, Ricky

[@chrisclark9737]

Your a great teacher 🙏

[@tarawilliams9146]

It's pronounced Crow See. Jim Croce. OPERATOR Is one of my all time fav tunes he also done I gotta name and Bad Bad Leroy Brown.. You are probably the most Intelligent teacher I've encountered on KZbin . Thank you for sharing your lessons.

[@Douglas_I]

This would've been extremely helpful when i was learning to play! No one covers this! This is so good for newer players or even those who struggle to play the chords clean!

[@ThePissedConsumer]

Damn, you teach very well! Thanks a million. New sub here.

[@Charlie-ij2ee]

Great lesson. I wish I'd had it 45 years ago. lol

[@thunderace4588]

Thank you Ricky.

[@johnmorris560]

Fantastic!

[@JB-se2ef]

Great lesson Ricky wish somebody would have shown me this years ago, also have found it your book, and can go back to it, If I forget anything. Love your lessons have learned so much from you over the years BIG THANKS 🤟🎸 Off to try this straight away. Keep on rocking Ricky. 🤟🎸

[@rickysguitar]

Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it. Ricky

[@albertarguelles3262]

Rick, your concept Make Sense! Especially if you are a Beginner. I like the Anchor Concept to help the beginning student getting familiar with chord transitioning.

[@assmaster420]

wish i could have watched this two years ago..great stuff

[@phile.1381]

Very nice lesson Ricky! For the cowboy A chord, I've always used the smaller fingers: 2,3,4. That fits much better and frees up my first finger if I want a bass note going up the fretboard. If I want to quickly go from A to D just using triads, then I'll do the A chord with a first finger barre.

[@anip1259]

Great lesson that old friend.

[@pburtonartcom1224]

Great lesson for chord transitions .. Hey Joe .. follows the Circle of Fifths, which is awesome C - G - D - A - E … love the power chords sound you played .. with the acoustic guitar Hendrix was many things HE also was a Master of Music Theory: Hey Joe - circle of fifths Purple Haze - E minor Pentatonic Wind cries Mary - C# chord inversions from root being the third to root being fifth and look at the C# Scale 7#’s which changes the (7th leading note C to B# ) & (F to an E#) .. think about it !

[@FPerini]

I’m in Ricky, you’re a marvellous teacher! Only issue would be my work and shifts. Cheers Mate!

[@kwamelee1539]

Love both songs!

[@simontemplar3359]

As always, this is excellent. The tiger analogy made me go all D&D in my head. When you get to the double doors, roll vs INT. I'm kidding. This is a solid principle. I've heard folks suggest playing through all the chords in every key and every voicing just to get it under your fingers and into the subconscious. Anyway, thanks as always and enjoy your holiday!

[@markmeyer2222]

Outstanding - thank you, I have only been playing a couple years this was by far the best instructional video I have seen regarding cord changes. I like your "A" shape positioning it makes total sense to me. Your "anchor" / "scout" was valuable and dig your sense of humor. Are you considering doing similar instruction with open tunings?

[@leewright9417]

I enjoyed this video, very new to guitar and at 50+ my hands feel like they're learning a new language 😂 . I'm glad that you didn't go all over the fret board as do many people who are supposed to be teaching you. Like yeah try this and their hand goes into a hypersonic blur leaving you scratching your forehead with an unused pik. I'll watch more of your content and see if I can follow. Thanks

[@markasbell3250]

Thanks Ricky you da man! Broke my wrist so takin a break ha😂 get it

[@zdravkosim]

awesome video

[@franknisi1998]

Thank you.

[@wideyxyz2271]

Cool lesson. Im stuck with the traditional open A shape (Playing it for years) just because that's the way i learned it.

[@rickysguitar]

Shhh! I sometimes use my index finger on it's own to hold down an A chord....don't tell anyone...

[@mvdeehan]

I use the Three fingers for G: middle, ring and pinkie to allow an easier switch to G7. That took a while to get used to. FYI looking forward to receiving your ring binder edition.

[@andrewhutchinson156]

Hey Ricky. Love your channel. I don’t have facebook. Could you put an email link for this lesson’s pdf please?

[@toploadtele]

5-Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I noticed that Tom Bukovac flexes his little finger flat to catch both the high E and B strings together close to the fret. It takes a bit of practice but makes perfect sense if you can make that move with your pinky!

[@rickysguitar]

Uncle Larry should be compulsory viewing for all guitar players!

[@Taylor-vz4ot]

I'm for a tshirt that just says "Yeah?" lol

[@sludgegulper]

Hi Ricky loved the tips. Your nemonic for the notes reminded me of the time I was living with a girl from Pocklington (not a million miles from you) she taught me the nemonic Bacon Eggs And Dried Grapes Cause Flatulence or Farts if you prefer. Keep up the good work. 😊

[@123MJP123]

You. Are. The. Best.

[@brad-scottgirod9324]

Thanks!

[@rickysguitar]

Thanks Brad, super appreciate this. Ricky

[@user-xx3rv7bv5f]

Great!

[@jimdep6542]

My thoughts as I am listening to this video......and thank you for this lesson. 1. Generally speaking.......tigers like me........and I like them. 2. If I get out of sync with my backing track......the backing track screwed up. 3. I need coffee.........I will return with updates. 4. When playing an open G chord, it's easier for me to use my pinky to play the G on the high E string ( 3rd fret) , ring finger plays the low G on the low E string (3rd fret), Middle finger plays the B on the A string (2nd fret) and the rest of the strings are open. It's easier for me to transition to the open C chord......and then using the same position to play an F chord. I'll try it this way on the video and see how that goes. 5. I play the open A chord the same as the video. Makes transitioning to an open D much easier. The index finger doesn't have to move. 6. Open A transitioning to an open C, D, and E all works great as shown. 7. Power chord lesson works well here. Now a good idea to go back and listen to Hendrix play this, thinking CAGED system for these chords plus the pentatonic scales working in relation to the chord progression. Thanks ! Great lesson.

[@Grumpyoldman60]

the song Hey Joe was first recorded in 1962 by a group called The Leaves and is credited to Billy Roberts as the author.

[@lennybobbio35]

The band Love also did, “Hey Joe.”

[@user-gm9br1xn6c]

Hey i learning a lot im from trinidad can i play these chords with bar chords i like bar

[@tomwalsh2244]

Irish name, definitely a northerner and in Cornwall. Covering a lot of celticness! Lol. Hey from Dublin man. Very very new starter.

[@rickysguitar]

Yes! It is an Irish name! Comascaigh is the original spelling! My dad is from Dublin! I keep meaning to visit! Keep playing, it’s the best!

[@kimby1826]

Love You Ricky!- helped me a lot this year. However, it's Jim Croceee (pronunciation). I hear some NLP language in your teaching. Keep it coming.

[@dharmendrathacker165]

Hello sir, You are so nice a Tutor. Sir where are you from and nowadays where are you dwelling ?!!

[@Suzanne2909]

Funny enough Im learning Hey Joe at the moment, I will definitely implement this. Great timing!

[@pcpisano4673]

yes

[@nmad1568]

Really appreciate all the work you put out here! Love your content, thanks man, but the ads are just ridiculous. Every passing minute or two a new ad starts playing ahaha, sorry for the rant, free the youtube! :D

[@rickysguitar]

It’s the nature of KZbin I’m afraid, which is why I have premium. I debated it with my self and got it and I’ve never looked back. Much better experience! I use KZbin music too which is better than Spotify, (that rips off the musicians on its platform imho).

[@timjones3423]

What an great teacher you are Rickey.

[@user-tu7uh3xj3r]

Спасибо!

[@campparsonssundayschool7844]

Пожалуйста

[@stringman509]

Hi i hav trouble playing beginning of while my guitar gently weeps with my little finger what can i do to help this problem please

[@rickysguitar]

Pinky on the 3rd fret, thick E string (G note). I'm assuming you have stumpy sausage fingers like me... The angle of your a minor shaped fingers affect the reach of your pinky. Experiment with the angle by pivoting the chord shape. If you can get your thumb on that note try that. It might feel awkward at first but with perseverance you should get it.

[@stringman509]

@rickysguitar thanks I'll give it a go best wishes Colin UK 🇬🇧

[@DaVinc-hi7hd]

do you play any RTS like StarCraft 2 by any chance?

[@petercullati39]

Very helpful! Thank you! and my stumpy sausages thank you too!

[@dharmaofdog7676]

Jim Croce - (CROW-chee). A great Talent whose Life ended WAY too soon.

[@noodlesiis]

One of the best lessons i’ve seen in my two years of learning this beautiful but frustrating instrument… Now, Any chance of re-recording it though wiv a Cockney voiceover so i can understand what’s being said?…. NOODLES..

[@ProfessorJM1]

And Jesus said, "I am the door; the only way to The Father is through me" (to not die, but have everlasting life)...which, has now, permeated it's way into my guitar playing. Haha...joking, but kinda not. Seriously, though, Rick, truly appreciate how comprehensive you are, and willing to address, properly respect the multitude of mitigating factors involved. Very thoughtful, and necessary. Being an athlete (former), have to spend the majority of your time and effort, consciously acknowledging, those things that you desire to become the most automatic. Great stuff. Thank You. God Bless You All In Jesus Name.

[@PDDistVideo]

Billy Roberts wrote "Hey Joe"

[@flouisbailey]

I just woke up Angkor What, Scouts with pointy hats, Move over let Jimmy Take Over.

[@crapmalls]

My chords are right twice a day

[@markmorley7938]

I think I have the unconscious frame of mind?

[@paddy6295]

where is Cornwall?

[@rickysguitar]

Beautiful county in South West England. maps.app.goo.gl/Sej7kTkiLrtGGuNZA?g_st=ic

[@biffcorbot8839]

Usually I agree with you, but, on this one I have to say I don't agree. As a singer/guitarist I often am playing arpeggios to back up my vocals when playing solo or duet. It's therefore more important to put the root note down as a priority, which is more often than not the lowest note. So, I would finger a C chord, for example in CEG or 3rd finger, second finger then first finger

[@rickysguitar]

I get your logic. That’s how you’ve habitualised it. I’ve taught this method for 30 years and seen this work with consistent results. This video is by no means the full definition of what I call “clockwork chords”. When chords are blended and synchronised landing the root note first isn’t a consideration. I’d argue relying on landing the root first is going to limit your picking hand textures. That said, managing singing and playing at the same time is testing so whatever works to get the job done is the important thing.

[@aardvark77]

Jim Croce (pronounced Cro-chee) did not write Hey Joe. There is a long dispute about who the true author is (there are KZbin videos about this). Several covers of Hey Joe had been released prior to the Hendrix version; the most popular one in the USA was done by The Leaves. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3zSeWtrmLiJqNk

[@rickysguitar]

I’m an ignoramus when it comes to who wrote what. As long as the song is served and I like it it’s all gravy!

[@aardvark77]

Ricky, I really enjoy your videos and I’ve enjoyed your book, as well.

[@rickysguitar]

Thanks for buying my book, glad you're enjoying it. :) Ricky

[@EricCallagher]

Crow chee = Croche

[@jz295491]

CORNWALL.. UK ??

[@Kevin-the-Just]

Yes, Cornwall is the county that makes up the South-Western tip of mainland England.

[@ZopcsakFeri]

@@Kevin-the-Just I wish I could visit Cornwall! From the map - considering the coastline - it looks like the most charming area there can be in the UK. People online might be asking whether it's in the UK because there are not any fewer than eight Cornwalls in the US alone! All fake Cornwalls though, because the real Cornwall is in Cornwall. :D Even in Canada they have 2 of those fake Cornwalls, but the Canadians also have a Fake London as well, of which the US has fifteen! Blimey! XD

[@DharminderSingh-cb4cd]

Hii dear

[@williamrossi5111]

A fox and a rabbit 🐇 were talking at a watering hole...the fox was boasting how slick and fast and tricky he was....he said... if a wolf comes at me I can hide in a bush or in a log or on a log or I can backtrack around I have many ways to escape! Then he asked the rabbit what can you do? The rabbit 🐇 replied...I just run like a rabbit !

[@lukebrooks5345]

Jim “Crow-shee”

[@jassinger8886]

There's 3 of you in the comments all saying a different pronunciation, LOL

[@lukebrooks5345]

@@jassinger8886 I’m gonna go yell at those people because they’re wrong

[@billw8648]

Crow chee...

[@redmed10]

His guitar seems to have a very low action. Not much if any movement of strings when he presses on the strings and not much strength needed to hold strings down. I think the action on my strings is too high so will get it checked out.

[@rickysguitar]

A lowered action will always make playing guitar easier and well worth the investment. It will save you time by not having to fight the strings. Save time and frustration. Get it done!

[@anthonyz.4560]

If you are mechanically inclined, check out the set up videos on the music nomad channel. It's not that hard to do a full set up yourself and check that everything is properly adjusted. I just started with guitar myself and I was able to get it all set up after watching the video a couple of times.

[@normhogan]

Hi Ricky .. You were quite offbase with the claim Hey Joe was written by Jim Croce.. In fact Billy Roberts wrote it in the early 60's.. none the less great video as always cheers

[@rickysguitar]

Eyup Norm! Yeah I always sing the lyrics of songs wrong too. I figure the only names I need to remember are my wife, kids, and friends. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@adriancoppin977]

It’s pronounced Jim Crow shay.

[@JN-wg1nl]

Americans say “Cro-chee”. Crow-shay (Crochet) is what you do with needles and yarn😊

[@bobgriffinsplanet]

It's Croce Not Croce!

[@Keepmelevel]

I don't like farty notes😂 💨

[@rickysguitar]

😂😂😂

[@tomasverner5354]

Jim Croce? Wtf.

[@UmVtCg]

Please dear sir, if there is any playing in a guitar lesson. Start with it in an introduction before japping off for 15 minutes. Too many guitar video's are talking heads.

[@rickysguitar]

Did you read the video description?

[@Jazman342]

@@rickysguitar Brilliant lesson mate. Been playing guitar for nearly 60 years and I just wish I'd had a lesson like this 60 years ago.

[@Citizen_JQP]

Cro-chee. Jim croce

[@oldrrocr]

Ricky! Thanks so much for this... love your lessons! but it saddens me so much that Jim died so long ago that some don't know how to pronounce his name. (Gone too tragically and way too soon) Hope his great music won't ever be forgotten.

[@richardhenderson8698]

Thanks!

[@rickysguitar]

Thank you Richard, super appreciate this. Ricky