how to play "Ventura Highway" on guitar by America | acoustic guitar lesson tutorial | LESSON

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An acoustic guitar lesson on how to play "Ventura Highway" by America from their 1972 album Homecoming.
🎸Website: www.shutupandplay.ca/
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Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@mikereynolds3294]

you’re so correct there were some great musicians putting out fabulous music in the 70s .....I think it was the best music era ever.

[@fabianpatrizio2865]

definitely the high water mark for rock n roll....actual songs with meaning, good musicians etc etc....now it mostly sounds the same, awful repetitive trash, most cant read music...or care....as long as it sells millions and they can dance around on stage more than half naked

[@RaptorV1USA]

yeah pretty much ... prob the last era of real talent & analog performances and performers that couldn't hide behind pro-tools and assorted digital autotune fuckery....

[@mrlarrybobjr]

Agree

[@TonySSohal]

Eh... the 60s were pretty fun too....

[@drmoore4011]

Tony T., Really all the foundation for music like this. The B’s, Beatles, Byrds, Beach Boys and Buffalo Springfield.

[@TheDylan6908]

Im just mystified by people who can sing beautifully but I'm equally blown away by people who have such command over playing a guitar like you have. Just great. And what a great song to showcase. Im 72, was 19 when this song was released and its still in my top 5.

[@pangeaproxima3681]

ok, ok....

My son FINALLY got himself an acoustic guitar. Now we can finally learn this one.

[@pereraddison932]

... hey-Jo, yo-!!! Gonna get my son onto this 1, too, ae-!

[@magnusfox777]

This song is so optimistic it makes you wanna cry tears of Joy. Never understood that as a kid but I do now.

[@dennistedder3384]

Oh fuck get a room

[@mapleshaft]

Its those minor 9 and minor 11 chords, you get the sadness of a minor with the higher upbeat notes of the octave above. Its like a bitter sweet sound. I love it.

[@StormyDay]

I have immense love for songs from the 1970s.

[@sunroy1]

I graduated from high school in 1973. I remember when my friends and I first heard America, we thought it was Neil Young (huge fan of Neil Young) but then figured out this was not Young, but a brand new group. This was such a great time to grow up! You kinda had to be there to understand!!!

[@wubzofspooony]

I went to a friend’s funeral for his dad, and he played this song alone with the harmony. It wasn’t perfect, but pretty close. Takes some skill to do that. Thank you for another beautiful tutorial!!

[@pdive01]

Dude, thanks a million for the lesson showing ALL the guitar parts including the lead harmonizations...I've loved this song since I was a kid in the 70's...Thanks again!

[@dragonjo8]

"The trick is in the strumming...it's easy to do badly" Ain't that the truth!!! I laughed for a good minute on that one. Bro...as everyone has said many times before, your tutorials are the best on KZbin. You're thorough, succinct, and funny as hell (although I'm not sure you intend to be). I also love the histories of the recording/writing of the songs. I've watched a lot of "KZbin" guitarists. The guys that are, shall we say, "accomplished" tend to be quite arrogant and have sort of a condescending tone as they attempt to "teach" a song. Your easy going attitude (not to mention the fact you play the songs CORRECTLY) makes learning from you a true joy. Thank you!!!! Oh...and BRAVO on this one. Been playing it for years and missed the fact it was a G6 and not a G (I just always played the 'E' string muted). Made the same mistake (for a number of years) on The Beatles' "I'll Be Back". Always played F and G instead of Fmaj7 and G6

[@ralex3697]

Agree wholeheartedly

[@atulcanhandle]

I have been learning guitar for more than a year now and every song that I have learned so far is from you, Andy. I got terminated from my work the other day so it’s a rough time for me. I have many responsibilities on my shoulders but everything just fades away when I play my guitar with your video on my phone. Thank you, Andy. You are a wonderful human being. I promise I will donate once I get another job.

[@pistolp01]

Hey, my friend, just read your comment and your sincerity really jumped out... brought a tear to my eyes, not kidding. You're right about one thing and it's the same with me. When things seem to be going from bad to worse, all I have to do is grab my guitar and even though the problem is still there, I at least get a moment to re-collect my thoughts, a life-saver, at times. I'm pumping some good thoughts your way as I'm sure others are, too. Hang on to your positive attitude because life is just like the stock market.......up and down, and you can't keep a good person down forever. My crystal ball says there's some good things coming around the bend for you, so all you/we have to do is weather the storm. Oooops.... I think I was looking into my snow globe, but its never been wrong either. LOL Good luck to you, my brother. We're all in this together. Take care.

[@TheMindscaper]

Hope you’re doing ok buddy.

[@chricky119]

Your story resonated with me you’re an inspiration to all. I hope times get easier for you. Everything that’s worth it has never been easy Edit: I felt my comment was too short for how much I appreciate you sharing this comment with us. You’re a beautiful person and you deserve everything you’ve ever wanted

[@petuniaazulflor7289]

This song has one of the BEST guitar riffs. It's so FUNKY man! This song brings back such beautiful memories 😊

[@jimdefazio2802]

FIRST song I ever heard thru headphones, in 1972, blew me away with those twin acoustic leads, one in each ear! As others have noted, awesome tutorial, breaking this down. One thing though, as a (mostly) bass player, you're right, Osborne's lines really drive it. That said, if you're playing this solo, IMO you should play the low open E on that Em7, and then a thumb over F# on that next chord, making it an F#m of course. (Or a barre F#m.) That's what Joe plays in the bass so it defines those chords as Em7 and F#m. But overall, again an awesome breakdown of this iconic acoustic guitar tune.

[@DanielBerthiaume]

It's really a good feeling to see a guitar teacher who teach the RIGHT THING.

[@bradprather6749]

gentlemen, this man does it right. it costs a lot for good production, equipment, and time..... pay up. have a great day guitar slingers.

[@robertjohnson3855]

Andy is by far the best "teacher" as well as one of the best musicians/teachers on the web. He is meticulous to make sure he gets the parts of each song he teaches correct. He breaks each part down and the best thing is, he plays the song first before he begins the instruction phase so students can see how the song should be played. If you need/want to learn a song correctly he is your man. If it's not in his repertoire, ask him about it. You can tell he loves his craft. He can instruct the beginner to the professional. His equipment is top notch and,sounds great. He always has includes some anecdotal information about each artist to make the songs he teaches interesting.

[@MrThresher7]

The Best Guitar Tutor on KZbin Hands Down. P-E-R-I-O-D !

[@OverlandOne]

"There is a reason these songs last..." Yes sir. You are so right. These were real musicians writing and playing real songs using real music. I was lucky enough to be in college 4 years after this was released and it was still being played daily on local radio stations. Thanks for the lesson.

[@teejerman]

I'm not sure you realize how much your tutorials are appreciated here on KZbin. Most of us are here searching for insight on how to play our favorite songs and, while there are many 'tutorials' to choose from, so many are poor renditions and not worth the time it takes to view them. Your lessons are not only insightful, but reflect the strumming, tonal, and detailed attention that results in a virtual duplicate of the musical creativity that the original artist(s) put into their work. Very few others put such focus into tutoring the accurate recreation of popular songs, and it's incredibly motivating to those of us that are grateful for your efforts. Thank you and please don't stop; you have a very large following of loyal (amateur thru advanced) guitar players that strive to be better. You teach us things that sharpen our skills and enable us to apply those skills to our overall playing abilities. Just thought that you should know...!

[@nicholasgonzalez2662]

I have never heard someone more passionate and genuinely excited to learn and teach a song! I love it so much. Thank you 😊

[@anitasmith4559]

Your dissection of the song really brings forth the mechanics of its emotion. You're making my heart ache with this lesson. That is why, after all of these years, this song is still so loved. It is immortal beloved.

[@foesfly3047]

You describe the chords and explain their fingerings more clearly than any online instructor I've seen.

[@ralex3697]

It’s all about the rhythm, that is what unlocks your ability to play guitar

[@timothydaniels504]

One of my favourite experiences was/ is driving from LA to Santa Barbara on Hwy 101: when you get past Ventura the view of the Pacific Ocean opens up in all it’s glory. That’s the Ventura Highway experience and you can’t get that song out of your head.

[@ethmadjam]

This is one of the best tutorials I have ever seen. Knowledge is king.

[@soupiedog23]

i’m so glad this video exists

[@GreggyMcfly]

I was a senior in high school back in 2008, taking guitar lessons. At one point, I played with the chords I learned and ended up playing a version of that. I just figured that these chords were from Ventura Highway! Not to mention that I heard this song for the first time days ago! It's my new favorite. Road Trip, here I come!

[@rodterrell304]

Love this song! Reminds me of Cali in the 70's.

[@borinightmare]

My music teacher has an America 1975 poster in her studio. She was telling us that trick the same way you did it. We were wrong at the time. I learned only the rhythm part of the song and I asked my band director if we could perform it at a talent show. I had Ozem do the harmonic lead and I did the rhythm part on my electric guitar. It absolutely worked.

[@TheMeJustMe75]

I loved this song as a kid. When I learned how to play guitar I dedicated my life to hard rock and Metal and played in a metal band. When I sat with my acoustic, I would play stuff like that. Now that I am in my 40's I write and play stuff that I like. This song just kicks ass.

[@kocnn]

You are very good, thank you for showing us these magical songs, The tuning made my guitar an instrument not just a guitar. Thank you so much, I’m 52 and just play by myself in the garage and my wife came out and said wow that sounds really good, its all in the tuning.

[@nobodylol111]

I put “easy” in the search bar. I hope I won’t be disappointed.

[@joetahoe777]

Wow! Finally a great lesson on one of the greatest songs ever. Your extreme detail is greatly appreciated! I wish this video was available 40 years ago when all I had was a brand new guitar and an America song book. I got so frustrated trying to play this song I had to quit. But here we are, and because of people like you I can play it just like Dewey himself. You can't imagine the joy. Thank you so much!

[@stevenspikes5474]

I didn't have KZbin to tutor me how to play songs when I was a kid. But, I would LOVE TO HAVE!!! Some of the young players today that listen to you are really going to progress rapidly. I hope you get to listen to them when they get good. 😊

[@goingbonzo5923]

One of my favorites as well. Thanks man you really brung in together for me. Just like to say this song totally gives me flashbacks of cruising the beach back when I was young and life was swell. Not that its not now.

[@katadantesux]

This guy is frekkin good, man.

[@JessVergara]

You have the best tutorials I have seen on youtube that's why I suscribed! Thank you so much!

[@ianbartle6575]

Well played and well taught. Clearly this cat has really really good ears. I learned stuff I hadn't known too THX from EVERYONE!

[@susansykes9110]

I’ve fallen in love with this song all over again. Thank you for making it possible for me to learn it!

[@John-yi1mk]

By far the best and most comprehensive guitar tuition on here. Huge respect and thanks guy.

[@michaelgallagher3640]

Saw America with Three Dog Night 3 times back in the 80s....WOW!

[@tommacdonald7838]

I just wanted to say “thank you” for doing so much helping to teach me a better way to play guitar. In 2020, I set to actually learn more than 50 songs which I had for years, learned from college and beyond, incorrectly, as well as try to learn more about scales, classical guitar, flamenco, strumming patterns, and better movement to bar chords and even a few jazz chords. I’ve spent 100s of hours with your lessons and others. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and all the very best in 2021! Sincerely, TOMA of WhistleStop, Midlothian, VA on Reverbnation.

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thanks Tom. I put a huge amount of time and effort into making these videos. I like to keep them free for those that can't afford it, but if you can, please support what I do. Cheers, Andy www.shutupandplay.ca/donate.html

[@lauraharmon6508]

KZbin needs a heart button because I love all of your tutorials.

[@FrisellFan01]

Once again.... you hit the mark....raised the bar.....and remain the best teacher......I seen on the internet.......thanks so much......for all these great songs.....your the best!

[@tomsmyth4836]

I love you whet everyone’s appetite when you start every tutorial.......brilliant!!!

[@ciaranglennon4292]

Great lesson man, really easy to follow with the rhythm and lead laid out really well. Cheers 👍🏻🎸🇮🇪

[@strivingx67]

One of my favorite songs and bands of all time. I am just starting back on guitar after a 20 year break and this strum pattern is KILLING ME LOL. But I love the things I have already learned and gleaned off this lesson. Bravo man. Thanks a bunch!

[@Gratefulman1965]

Thanks for this Sir! Been a fan of America’s music since I was six years old in 1971. I actually self taught on guitar with this band the Eagles and the show Hee-Haw as a kid of the 70’s. Saw America in concert back in 89’ with three dog night, it was a magical evening for sure!🎶

[@melrussell8542]

I've not long got a guitar after 45 years of playing drums. This song was one of the reasons I want to play acoustic. Thank you for your easy to follow tutorial. I might even get t o play and sing this one day to my satisfaction. A life long dream

[@greghudson6861]

Not only is he the master of the two-chord song, he's also the master of the major 7th.

[@availablelight999]

Incredibly beautiful song. Everyone has their own ventura highway. You just have to be brave enough to drive it.

[@afultez5007]

You are absolutely THE best teacher. Your lessons and your playing is just soo good. Thank you for sharing your expertise and always choosing great songs!

[@drakonwulfkozeidon8907]

Thank you for the upload. I enjoy the stories info behind the songs.

[@TMoody]

The best guitar teacher/music educator on all of KZbin.

[@blairmulhall9259]

yep he sure is, so glad I found him, donate, he deserves it. his christmas compilation is $7 I think.

[@Gregor9043]

Every song America wrote was a clinic on layering guitar parts beautifully.

[@Stephen-zq5zv]

I have about 30 hours into guitar - this strumming was pretty tough, thank you so much for this tutorial!

[@jimbrown3511]

Every time I listen to this lesson I hear some of muskrat love arrangement. Realizing they covered that song. Quirious if anyone else did. Love this channel. And the guitar is a beauty. Thanks

[@toddebert704]

What a great lesson on this song. Thanks for doing this / all of these. The care and attention to detail is impeccable. Great work. As always.

[@nadinebermudez626]

Thank you! With your help, I think I got it. Loved it! I also love your enthusiasm and appreciation for the guitar. It’s nice to see.

[@guidopilo1]

fantastic, complete, clear, comprehensive .. with her dear teacher also learns what was impossible before .. Thanks to his passion and his talent.. Guido Falcone

[@tomatocan2502]

Thanks , you can really hear you have an ear and passion for music.

[@SpiritusBythos]

Your love of the music is obvious and that is what I am lookin for. Thank you

[@Earlvis]

This is one of the best instructional videos on KZbin.

[@onegenooneappleonetilly9234]

This is my go to song I listen to every friday to get me pumped through that last day of the work week. Love this song.

[@__-zh5xb]

I love your demos and tutorials. It's the best. Thanks BIG fan

[@tefenstrat]

I just have to say that you did the best job out of anyone trying to make a tutorial of this song on U-Tube. The main reason is you have the strumming down to a tee and the other people do not.....even though I enjoy one other guys attempt- he still does not have the strumming down correctly....so you are so right when you said its easy to do badly ! Nice nice job !

[@alpinistick5702]

What a great lesson! Thanks so much for doing this one. Yours is by far the most thorough. Great details.

[@danrao3707]

Fantastic lesson. Best on youtube as far as I'm concerned. I really appreciate the details of each part.

[@dannyandrada8508]

The best tutorial lessons for any songs it’s different. Thank you much!

[@ckallaher]

So glad you hit that extra guitar part in the chorus. Truly the secret sauce. And yes, very much like a banjo. For a while I thought it might be a banjo part but no; just clever guitar arrangement. Well done all around!

[@evilclown1429]

Just love how patiently effective tutor this guy is.. Keep up the good work dude! 😄

[@MRod1079]

I already knew the basic chords but you helped introduce G6 and F#m11 which colored the song. Also enjoyed the harmony licks. Great job here- Thanks!

[@chrisgdyer]

Your demos & lessons are awesome...thank you so much.

[@paulleograndis224]

There is a reason why most instructors won't attempt to teach this classic, its tough! You make it look easy! Thanks for all you do for us. I've been playing this solo for almost 30 years. I can honestly say I will change certain things that I do. You are right when you say that to play it solo is silly, since there are three guitars in the original. But with practice and patience you can get the rhythm right and include the catchy riff. Thank you again, this was a real eye opener. Take care and rock on!

[@davelletate5512]

Best tutorial yet...brilliantly done and thank you

[@jmm1817]

Thanks for posting such an excellent early 70's acoustic Song. It's so simple but you're right it's all in the strumming that makes the difference

[@tedpeterson1156]

Simple is not the same as easy

[@nicklyde4361]

Excellent lesson, love your personal enthusiasm for the songs/techniques. Glad I've found your stuff...A UK fan..

[@aaronasmus284]

Nice. Great song. I really like your teaching style, and it sounds completely legit. Thanks for that.

[@darrenwissen2687]

Sounds great , this guy loves these tunes .

[@jamieross5887]

Man,you are such a great player and teacher.I can finally learn all the songs I love thanks to your expertise.You are highly appreciated, thanks for all you do.

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thank you Jamie. If you're getting something from my videos, you can support what I do here: www.shutupandplay.ca/donate.html Cheers, Andy

[@ralex3697]

Agree, he is so amazing Rhythm patterns are perfect

[@MedalionDS9]

This is the kind of attention to detail I love in guitar tutorials, keep it up!

[@keysersoze9040]

Loved the lesson, love your energy. Everithing is awesome, peace and love

[@MGRodriguez1]

Great Lesson - I haven't picked up a guitar in years....Your instruction and video, transitions, strum pattern, excellent!

[@MrTazacolumbia]

I used to put my cassette and tune my very cheap **s guitar and try to pick the chords from hearing. It just amazing to learn to play some good song without all the media now. It used to be no KZbin or books to get from. Just stoped by was listening to music. Great video!! Thank you very much

[@susanaespolong1518]

Love your tutorial, which I really need most to learn. Thank you so much.

[@royalblue5758]

Great tutorial and very detailed. One of my all time favourite songs and bands. Thanks for posting and the enthusiasm for the song. Well done.

[@rkede1879]

And what a CLASSIC song typical of the 70's ! So much in this song.

[@JohnBruininks]

you are a wonderful instructor - once again, thank you!

[@AltairIV]

What an incredible lesson -your demeanor and narration nail it...

[@aninditagray6516]

I'm a 13 year old trying to learn this I love old songs thanks dad :)

[@fabianpatrizio2865]

There aren't many magical timeless songs out there...this is one of them :) PS- cant believe those guys wrote this when they were only 19, 20.... amazing

[@dkblive]

just wanted to say THANKS!! I ripped this on stage this week, thanks to your lesson! PRE-SHATE-YOU

[@flylippfantom8425]

I seen America in live concert at a theater in Pittsburgh about 1977. Great show and you are a wonderful instructor thank you ✌️❤️😎

[@omargerardo5457]

Thanks man one of my all time favorite songs

[@johnlukasik8045]

I love you IN A GOOD WAY ! Thank you for your teaching skills ! You give me confidence !

[@tedstan9734]

What a great tune. And an even better lesson. Respect.

[@VaroonPAnand]

I love how much this guy loves the music he is playing, the time period and all the songwriters. Really makes me want to learn!

[@vaughnmaurt5013]

Way too much talking, he loves to hear himself talk

[@ralex3697]

@@vaughnmaurt5013 Absolutely not, describes the tune and its evolvement. Welcomed info

[@philoumars3168]

Thank you. You explain very well. This band America was so good. Especially the record "Horse with no name" and a few other songs after it.

[@bettertvreceptionwithfoilf7100]

Dewey always had those nice, lively Latin rhythm styles. His writing was my favorite of the 3 original members, although all have had their moments of genius. America was the reason, THE reason i wanted to play guitar. I just picked up a 214 ce deluxe, and have been really enjoying the process of getting to know this guitar. Nice lesson.

[@LichaelMewis]

The bass on this song AND Tin Man (both by Joe Osborne) is amazing.

[@azsparky86]

Sir, thank you so much for sharing your talent, I enjoy how you teach!!!

[@ohm8961]

love hearing you talk about music i can feel your passion, love that. Nothing like a good song, Cheers