how to play "A Horse With No Name" by America on guitar | guitar lesson tutorial

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🎵 For more information on this lesson and the TAB: www.shutupandplay.ca/a-horse-...
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An acoustic guitar lesson on how to play "A Horse With No Name" by America from their 1972 debut album.
🎸Website: www.shutupandplay.ca/
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Thanks for watching. Cheers
00:00 Demo
01:22 Introduction
01:54 2 chord song that has 9 chords!
02:36 Dewey Bunnell's part - tuning, verse/chorus chords
04:00 Strumming patterns
06:54 Chords under the solo
09:46 Gerry Beckley's part - standard tuning
12:31 How many chords?
13:31 Pick discussion
14:32 Main guitar solo
16:11 Cascading harmonies
18:47 Wrap

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

🎵 For more information on this lesson and the TAB: www.shutupandplay.ca/a-horse-with-no-name--acoustic.html

[@rishabharya77]

Lesson for shine on your crazy diamond acoustic please 🙏

[@timothycharlesellis5940]

Such an incredible blessing to have you back, Andy! Thank you for ironing this out once and for all!

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thanks for your kind words Timothy, I really appreciate it!

[@nd2798]

Ahhhh….. thank you so much for showing us how this is REALLY played. I was hoping you’d get to this one! All other tutorials I’ve searched over the years never get it right! I have been watching videos of America live in concert to try and figure out both guitar parts myself and it’s been a struggle… until now. You’re the best!

[@champ10ns08]

America was the band responsible for the 'Pub Band' scene in the very early '70s in the UK, which still persists to this day. What an amazing legacy. Thank you, America and thanks, Andy 🤘

[@gltglt8624]

Nothing short of a genius whoever made up this song

[@user-el8zv9hx6r]

I wonder if I'm the only guy that (in addition to learning from them) listens to these songs just to enjoy listening to them?! Thanks for making them!

[@stratfanstl]

This is God's work level content. The reverse engineering, instruction, formatting, recording and actual playing are phenomenal.

[@jamespitman3357]

amen he is the best

[@Joe-mz6dc]

The guitar teacher to end all guitar teachers.

[@denisea3465]

This video (all of your videos) deserves so many more views, just phenomenal. I have listened to this over and over, you play so incredibly beautifully! Amazing to watch and hear!

[@craigwomack8172]

I first heard this song in 72. It drew me in. I spent hours trying to figure it out to no avail. The voicing, the alternate tuning. That was way over my level of playing. Through the magic of youtube I finally picked up my guitar again. And my quest for learning is fired up again. Thank you Andy for dissecting this beautiful song. Your style of teaching is truly awesome. Keep up the great work.

[@hpelisr]

I have tried playing this song like everyone says to, but after makin some noise. I quickly realize it doesn't sound just right. I believe you have this right, there is much more to the song than what it appears to be. Well done, I like.

[@JohnnyGuitar15]

It's always humbling when you think you've figured out how to play a song the correct way, and then a video like this just breaks down all the subtle but beautiful intricacies you would never figured out in a million years. Great job, love learning the chord voicings. Side note, that F# with the open bottom strings is the same chord they use on Three Roses. They seem to really like that one.

[@johnd.hollandivd.c.4449]

We've missed you ANDY!! The 2 cord (3 actually)guitar rhythm has sort of a horse like "gitty up" melodic signature . I always imagine a horse trotting through a hot, desolate desert while that part plays. Awesome song, great tutorial. Thank you!

[@tamasvarga9862]

this is one of those songs where 99% of the tutorials are incorrect about but yours is the actual good version. And it's really not as easy as it sounds. I learned the 2 chord version years ago and it's time to learn the correct one:)

[@adam.nelson3345]

Your mastery of the instrument and the gift to teach! Well done Andy we all missed you my man

[@trafyknits9222]

Always great instruction. I've played this song for 40 years and never bothered to listen closely enough to hear these subtle voicings. Will put this to the test at my next gig.

[@frankiecampos8909]

Watching your videos, I always get this crazy nostalgic feeling from when I was in high school and every night as we grew closer to the holidays I would watch your different finger style Christmas tunes and try to learn them for myself so I could play them for my family. Man please don’t stop putting out these videos, they really helped me stay focused on something positive during a really rough point of my life!

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thanks for your message Frankie. I've got a new Christmas song that I'm working on. I should have it ready to go in the next couple of weeks. Cheers, Andy.

[@diadora9292]

I love the stories and history behind the songs too. Fantastic channel

[@ddavies7141]

Bang on.. exactly!

[@kaizenben7901]

Hey Frankie, I’m trying to learn some of those too this year as we approach the holidays. Do you have any favorites you recommend from this channel?

[@frankiecampos8909]

@@kaizenben7901 the two that I learned were we three kings and silent night, but I think my favorite one is the first Noel, I’m going to try to learn that one this year.

[@vanillaslice3016]

Watches this great Canadian man play sans pick for years and then... suddenly picks! So glad to see another masterpiece of a lesson! Thank you!

[@user-gm1pn4pm2u]

Thank you. Loaded with info that, as a beginner player for 20 years, I can understand. Never bothered to learn a song in all those years because I heard more stuff in "chord" songs and it never sounded right and instead looked to fingering scales based off of the simple chords I was shown and wondered why strumming 2 or 3 chord songs just didn't sound right. Thank you, I can actually see what you are doing by how you film and speak. Who woulda thought a simple black background and black attire would be such a game changer to visual learning. I bow to you.

[@432b86ed]

I always enjoy your accurately played demos and instructional style. Just wanted to say "thank you".

[@ConglomerationCat]

Wow, someone who finally plays it in the opening tuning that it was recorded! Bravo!!

[@myguitardetective5961]

Back in 2000, Mike Bunn along w/ my wife and I, worked out Dewey's correct chords in a chat thread on the "America Fans" website. The confirmed tuning came to us from another member named Andy who received it directly from Gerry Beckley after a gig at B.B. King's in New York City. That was the 1st time anyone, anywhere, was able to see the correct way to play this oft-maligned "2-chord" song. If you ever see anyone playing this song on the internet CORRECTLY, it can be traced back to the efforts of that group back in 2000. That was the first time that the correct tuning and chords were revealed. Great job, as always, on this presentation!

[@DavidMains-pf6zo]

Thank you Howard exactly how the song is played really loved the solo part always wondered how they played the part

[@mikegray1706]

Just want to thank you for this lesson.(and so many others) For years, I've been unsatisfied with what I thought I knew about this song. As with so many of your videos, the details are what make a tune ring true. So much fun to finally play some of my favorite tunes correctly!

[@book3100]

Man, thanks for curing me of that itch in the back of my brain. I've always loved this song. I'm a bass player that dabbles in guitar, and this one has always been one i wanted to okay in a band. I just went in a different direction with the hard rock stuff. But this one has sort of haunted me for a long time. So yes, thanks for this. It's like a magician revealing the trick to the audience. I'm off to practice !

[@montewalsh5038]

Your tutorials are always so well done, capturing the original arrangements, licks, tunings, and voicings. Hands down one the best two or three tutorial sites available. I played in popular college town bands in the 1970s and 1980s, and now I can see we didn't get all the parts exactly right in quite a few songs that you have broken down, this being one of them. Back in the days before KZbin made access to people like you possible. I can't imagine playing in a band these days. Now I just play for fun, and really enjoy your channel. Thanks for making a difference in people's lives!!

[@teleplayer7081]

Excellent work!!!! I don't mean just on this tutorial. All your material is masterful!!! You are very detailed with your work. Thank you for all you have taught. Very appreciated!!!

[@judyhurst9206]

Thank you for this tutorial! This is by far the most complete. Most show only the most remedial version. While they are fun, we all know it's much more than that! So excited!

[@BossNotes]

Wow , nice , I requested this lesson a few weeks back with Andy it’s very hard to get the proper lesson for this song , glad he’s done it PROPERLY ! Keep up the great work Andy !

[@BossNotes]

DEDGBD Tuning

[@raulmendoza4361]

Good to have you back Andy! Thank you for all you do! 🙏🏼

[@IncendiaDivinus]

One of the first songs that I could play from beginning to end as a teen in 1976 ! The same goes for the cowbell part in BOC 'Don't Fear the Reaper' 🤣🤣🤣 !!! Bed room player ! never graduated 🤣🤣!! I absolutely love your guitar lessons ! You are a phenomenal guitar player and teacher - I have tons and tons of envy in a good way !! Please don't stop doing what you do !! Stay safe ! Thank you !!

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate it!

[@jaquesaulait]

Really excellent, thanks so much for posting this, so good to see such a solidly good tutorial of this great, classic song. A valuable document.

[@fabianjoseph4631]

Excellent tutorial!! Best one yet! Thank you so much,Andy for your hard work on this! Cheers!

[@robmoss7580]

Nobody online applies your level of detail and accuracy. In awe

[@richardjack295]

What a brilliant lesson. Bravo sir.

[@philbouasse8749]

Quite fascinating to see what it takes to make things sound so simple. Maybe the key to the magic of that classic song: there is more than meets the ears. Bravo Andy, you nailed another one in all its beauty and nuances.

[@tseongjay7574]

Amazing how you can pick out the different guitar parts. I'll definitely work on this one. Thank you for sharing!

[@PhilFeedback]

Wow, that was fast and Easy! 👍

[@DRYFLY0]

Another great one. Thank you for this!

[@samsschool3639]

Finally somebody does it right!! I'm disappointed with Marty, Justin and all other famous guitar coaches on youtube, your ears are gold sir!

[@toonerfische6237]

I like Justin's channel, but to me, Marty is a hack. But that's my opinion. Shut Up and Play is the real deal, as is James James.

[@Stringbean421]

@@toonerfische6237 yeah, I agree about Marty, I went to his video first for this song but it wasn't right at all.

[@paulkramer9666]

Thank you for this. Good work. Very complete and precise. 👍 It definitely captures the feel.

[@zaphodelektra960]

Hey Andy! Greeting from New Zealand. As always, this is a great tutorial; you really took me back! I saw America live at The Coliseum in Johannesburg a few decades back; great band, great memories. Thanks.

[@mwet77]

I’ve been trying to play this song for years and could never seem to get it quite right until now! Thank you so much, you nailed it!! You may be the best KZbin guitar teacher ever!! May I ask you to take a look at another America song, Old Man Took. You may not find it worthy of a video lesson, but any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Not sure if there is an alternate tuning, chart shows 3 chords, watching Dewey Bunnell, there is more going on. Very nice song, another America obscure classic.

[@glowaves]

Glad somebody gets that there was an alternate tuning involved.

[@clipsmasterproductions7479]

Such a great tutorial for the quintessential nine chord song. :) Thank you so much!

[@PhilFeedback]

Very nice and relaxing! Pretty cool lesson video 😎

[@Hughvet]

Agree...what a great song. Thank you for the insight on the alternate picking by a third guitar on the E while the two guitars run down the neck. Always wondered if I was hearing something different..

[@davidengedal9566]

Excellent tutorial, Andy!

[@AnthoBalto-pj9vl]

Thanks for a great lesson your attention to detail is amazing Andy it’s what makes the song

[@jamescassidy3995]

Excellent! Thanks from England 🎸✨

[@romanmalaluan8746]

Another fantastic tutorial. 👍

[@robhead22]

I love your lessons! Thank you!

[@gillesgenete9598]

yes, what a fantastic song, and what a great kesson, thank you. I learned before the 2 chords on standard tuning 200200 et 022000. Your lesson is more complete and accurate

[@AngelRiveroMusic]

What an AMAZING! tutorial, i'm playing this song in a few days in this really helped a lot! Thank you sir!

[@hungfao]

Now I have something to learn today. Thanks!!

[@allbeit582]

Awesome as usual. Thank you.

[@savageberny]

You play and teach all these songs from the Best of Musicians out there, but I don't think you realize yourself just how good a Musician you are yourself. That said your Tutorials are not only the best on YT but the most Genuine as you're not trying to draw attention to yourself but to try and actually make it easier for the average person to learn. My hat's off to you Sir. OH Canada

[@jguitar23]

Love your 'no bullpucky' approach! Perfect!

[@crossroads900]

Another great tutorial, thanks so much!

[@djtaz1960]

Absolutely, 100%, Perfect Tutorial. I've Work To Do. Thank You Sir Andy For Your Immaculate Attention To Detail. I'm So Glad That You Post These Tutorials. That You Care Enough To Do So Even. I Applaud Your "Customer Friendly" Demeanor. 🎶🎸👍😎

[@matambale]

Love the detail you provide and the presentation works with every level of skill. One thing about this tune though, I can't help but think of Dave Foley singing it into a tape recorder.

[@jamesfe5]

thnx a million for this tuition. your one of a kind. Their album " America" was the first i ever owned in the 70s. it was in cassette form back then and i still have that cassette. every song on that album is an accoustic masterpiece and it is still my favorite today. their solos on Riverside and three roses are compeling .But especialy on their song called "Here" . i think jerry does those too.. thnx again mate from australia

[@Pholhis]

Sick, love this. You're the best.

[@dbs555]

Very nice. This America album was one of the first two LPs I ever purchased. This, and Black Sabbath Vol IV.

[@edgardobustillo5966]

What a great lesson! Muchas gracias.

[@ianbooth2062]

Absolutely lovely - thank you!

[@asuncionbenig7614]

Great tutorial. Thanks!

[@edgardobustillo5966]

Amazing job,great help for my plying. Muchas gracias.

[@duaneclark3539]

Nailed it again as usual!!!!!!!

[@BB-cf9gx]

Love the Bunnell man. A song often played poorly, excellent when played well. Thanks so much.

[@themadman450]

Yesterday i went on youtube and looked for a cover of this song and there was nothing, and today he publishes it 🤔🤯 Great video. Fav youtube tutorials.

[@stevescontriano860]

Thank you so much for your time and effort

[@rahim7570]

This was my first song ever on acoustic! Great man

[@chrisfrazer1830]

Fantastic tutorial. I now see why it never sounded quite right the way I played it. The pacing and demonstrations were excellent. Thank you for your work.

[@joeschwartz9761]

Ain’t no one for to teach a good lick like Andy!

[@timfisher5925]

Hi Andy great to see you back, blessingS to you

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thanks Tim!

[@markgross9582]

Another great tutorial! I originally found your tutorials when I was searching how to play bron y aur stomp, and I continue to be amazed by the level of detail you include in these videos. I know you said that you don’t take requests, but I would love if you made a series on playing technique. I suppose there’s already of resources online about how to play well, but I would love to learn how to play as clean as you! Sometimes I come back to watch the demos of your tutorials cause I think it sounds better than the original.

[@kenji-san1899]

This is an awesome lesson Andy! Love to see you do more America songs! The details on strumming patterns and the solo parts are incredible... thank you! Have loved all your content... I think we can count on your attention to details for a truly authentic reproduction on how the original songs were played... again thank you! I have a personal request from the great Lindsey Buckingham collection - Go Insane. It's another beautiful piece where he uses his unique claw-hammer finger picking technique that really provides punch to the melody. I'm trying to learn the version he played on "Soundstage" video. Have found a few covers and lessons online but they don't come close to the authentic reproduction that your lessons provide. I would love to learn Go Insane so that I can play it after I have mastered your "Big Love" lesson. Bravo Andy! Keep up the awesome work!

[@guitartec]

KUDOS!! FINALLY... S&P is showing how to play this song properly, unlike the countless other YT vids that show it being done in a MUCH more basic form and calling it a day. I've been trying to show people that it's not "just" a simple 2-chord song for years. It's got many layers. After you get done adding the rest of the band, psychedelic words with mesmerizing harmonies and bongos (not congas as shown live) with heavy reverb, and what you got is an eerily wonderful hit tune with some serious staying power. Again, thanks for posting what I couldn't. PS. Not sure if you mentioned it, but Beckley's part is done on a 12 string, filling the song out even more.

[@davelouis4004]

Don’t know why you were gone , but welcome back , your tutorials are excellent , one band I play in does covers , when I’ve had to learn something quickly , Ive tuned into your channel , piece of cake ! thank you 👍

[@ryankelly3605]

Awesome as usual

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thanks Ryan!

[@eilzed]

Not sure if I have commented before but I just had to say. Wow what a great video. Love my guitar. It's always been there for me when I needed a friend. I'm not too technical, kinda choppy rhythm with vocals to carry me. So nice to see such good instructions and a genuine kind soul. Much love to you and yours. You have made my day. ❣🦋❣ Irie sunshine from the sunshine clan. ❣🦋❣🦋❣

[@UriahHeep100]

Have my Taylor 814ce for sale at the moment along with a dozen other classic guitars and Amps but desperately in need of funds to save our home. All left is the 1979 Ovation I bout new and the Strat Plus I bought in Munich in 1994. Heartbreaking...... This is a great tutorial Andy, have been playing this for decades and yes, so wrong all these years. Thankyou from Queensland, Australia!

[@TheOldCowboy1952]

Your a great teacher. Thanks😊❤

[@terrielburrell5545]

Wow! Glad I ran into this video. I've been watching everyone just doing Em and D 6/9. Nice to have some more color to play!

[@pangeaproxima3681]

ok, ok...

[@josephdato2606]

Great tutorial thanks 😊

[@lawrencet.mcguilicutty7447]

What a song, what a song!

[@cymro6537]

Croeso nôl a diolch 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Welcome back ,and thanks 😊👍🏻

[@wedonotforgivewedonotforge3031]

My god dude your good your actually super good every other teacher just "make do with the two simple chords didn't realise was like this ...fantastic ...all the best ..from Scotland uk

[@dgrey_oni8436]

Great work. Sound n Tone 🤘

[@Cmensailing]

Great tutorial thank you from Australia

[@maso126]

Thanks for sharing one of my most preferred songs of America ❤👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@sebolddaniel]

Thanks for showing those runs

[@DavidMains-pf6zo]

Very awesome love the lead also.

[@martynfidler9055]

I've always wanted to play all the parts properly, rather than the basic 2 chord version. Thanks you

[@colinmcway7619]

Best song tutorials on earth

[@Kirk1914]

Best tutorial for this on KZbin :)

[@alansimpson8962]

I love that solo on horsey with no name

[@MORUGY]

Great guy great tutorial no ego super skilled

[@clementtardif750]

Very great again

[@paolosantovito2598]

YOU ARE THE BEST!

[@Adderbolt]

Wonderful mate 👌