SIMPLE but GREAT Guitar - What Robbie Robertson Taught Me -

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Listen to the original "King Harvest (has surely come)" by The Band
• King Harvest (Has Sure...
#robbierobertson #theband #rootsrock #levonhelm #richardmanuel #riprobbie #easyguitarlesson #guitarlesson #classicrockguitar

[@paulsworld2]

One of my favorites written by Robbie "It Makes No Difference". So much emotion in that piece. Just amazing. RIP Robbie Robertson

[@MarkZabel]

That's a great one, on that same album. So many of them.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Wonderful lyrics sound with so much feeling and soul by Rick Danko.

[@MrChopsticktech]

@@hannejeppesen1809 I play bass, and I always think 'What would Rick play here?'

[@jorgleidecker8845]

I think it is dritten by danke ?

[@hannejeppesen1809]

@@jorgleidecker8845 No it was written by Robbie. However, he did write it with Rick in mind for the vocals. He felt Rick could do it justice without it coming off as self pity, he was right.

[@georgerodrigues4638]

You nailed Robbie's nervy vibrato Mark, spot on. That and his clipped staccato like hybrid picking are the hallmarks of his style.

[@robertnewell5057]

There will never be a band like the Band. And a great analysis of why the solo is so appropriate to the spirit of the song.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks and yes, they were one of a kind.

[@tallpaul1020]

Robbie Robertson RIP. The Band was absolutely amazing. Huge influence on me. It's still hard to believe there's only one member left. Thanks Mark great lesson and tribute. Keep up the great work 🎸

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Paul. Yes, only Garth is left now.

[@subhayumazumder6205]

Such a nice video... Great job on the solo, too! RR is one of my absolute all-time favourite guitar players, a perfect example of doing whatever it took to serve the song

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks a ton! Love the avatar you've got!

[@dennisbishop3016]

Robbie Robertson was a master of understatement. Without slamming himself to the front of the music, he mellowed back and added a softer touch that was the best thing for the song. The thing he does best is also what leaves me longing for more of it. When I listen to The Band, I often focus on Robbie's parts, although I'm not taking anything away from the other players. Robbie was a master with his Telecasater. The Band was unique and one of my favotites. RIP Robbie.

[@MarkZabel]

Understatement, yes. But I think he was often a punchy player. He played sparse parts, but they were almost never block chords, taking up a bunch of space in the mix. He always left room for others to do what they needed to do. At the same time, his parts are memorable and interesting, as you point out astutely. Always about the overall music.

[@danjestic9199]

You put that so well! My thought exactly… he was so good at riffs that made the song live.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Bob Dylan said of Robbie once, listen to his guitar playing, that will tell you everything about him.

[@mondoseguendo6113]

Yes yes yes - “King Harvest…” absolutely 💯 great song!!!

[@AlBowly]

Broken arrow and Somewhere down the crazy river was my all time favourites. A lesson in mood making with music.

[@stevegurgon]

Great breakdown of an awesome song Mark.. and your right, the way Robbie chopped it up and used fragmented chords MADE that song.. The Band has always been top 5 and Robbie is one of the best -thanks Mark

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@rustysguitar1]

I love this video, Mark! That raw tone is awesome. RIP Robbie.🙏

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks a ton Rusty!

[@nemounkown6522]

Thanks for covering such an amazing song that nobody today really knows about. One of my Favorites!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks man! That video of them in the studio doing this song is why I used the B&G instead of a Tele or Strat. I love that video, and you can tell at the end how happy Richard is with the outcome!

[@NorthWriter]

Yeah, this is one of my favourite Band tracks, too. For me, as primarily a bassist, I'm in love with how Rick lays down that foundation with Levon's kick. Those guys were so locked in, and to your point, Robbie's guitar in this song is really just as much of the rhythm section as any of the other guys (except maybe Garth). Everyone in the band plays to the service of the song, and it's one of those things I love about them.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, exactly. I didn't want to get into it too much, (The way that the choruses are the low points rather than high points, for example) but Rick and Levon's "swooshing" bottomed out sound I think really makes the groove. It's a little thing that's noticeable only when it's pointed out and then you never miss it.

[@krisstieghorst7415]

Incredible musician 🌹🕯🌹 Thanks for the tribute to him. Well played!! 🖤🦋🖤

[@MarkZabel]

So glad you enjoyed it

[@meeno_the_man]

Thank you so much for breaking this one down. It really is a winner. And you are so right about the importance being in the expressiveness and being able to get at the heart of the song through the solo. I’ve just finished his great memoir, Testimony. What a life in art he led! Starting on the road with the Hawks at 15! When they finally had their Last Waltz he was all of 30. Brilliant musician, and that brilliance was recognized by so many other musicians. That’s why so many of the greats were drawn to him to collaborate and not just musicians, filmmakers and poets. He was a great mind and will be sorely missed.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much!

[@elforfor65]

I love the Rock of Ages version the best. Robbie goes nuts at the end, and the horns really add to the whole album.

[@mikem668]

Very nice. Thanks. Robertson and Clapton "dueling" on Further On Up The Road in The Last Waltz is a glimpse of guitar heaven. Robbie is on top of the world, but it's the different styles that I love. Robertson is fighting the guitar for each and every note. Something you've illustrated here. Clapton seems above the fray, and yet it's not a cutting contest. It's each of them pushing the other to greater heights. I was fortunate to see him live when the Band went on tour with Dylan in the mid-70s - the Before the Flood live album. They were all at the top of their game. But seeing them tour England in the 60s? Oh my.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Mike. Yes, I can only imagine how cool that would've been.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

I love that clip, have always been a huge fan of The Band and Robbie, always liked Clapton, but am getting more interested in him of late. It is so great to see the 2 of them dueling in all good fun, obviously they both were 1000 percent into the music.

[@mikem668]

@@hannejeppesen1809 Lots of great Clapton out there. He could always turn in on when he was inspired. If you haven't heard it, search for Double Trouble from the second live collection. Pretty sure it's on KZbin.

[@supermike6519]

Awesome! Thank you for taking the time to share and teach us Robbie’s unique style! RIP Robbie

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure! Thanks for listening.

[@jamesnelson1443]

Masterful guitar work for sure!!! Saying a lot with a little very difficult

[@JohnScime]

Mark, thanks for focusing on one of my heroes AND one of my favourite songs. I believe KHHSC is amongst his best songs and IMO, was a precursor to the astoundingly tasteful work he produced on Northern Light, Southern Cross. You nailed it when talking about the sparcity of the inversions he used here. And your playing is a wonderful tribute. Thanks again. Js

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much John. The Band were at their best in songs like these. I agree Northern Lights - Southern Cross is superb. I don't think I've ever listened to Acadian Driftwood without my eyes welling up.

[@jkvcrdr7245]

Great to see you are using Band In A Box!

[@MarkZabel]

Pretty much every day. Great tool!

[@urbangorilla33]

Good work, Mark. I like your style man!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much!

[@dmbar1953]

Wow. Thank you for that truly accurate and thorough analysis of Robbie’s work on that wonderful song.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@StudioVanier]

Thanks Mark! That was excellent a great tribute to Robbie! The "brown" album still my favorite.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ashleyspeake3168]

The most tasteful guitar player ever!

[@humanbeing5300]

Great band and great guitarist. It definitely is all about the song

[@chrissavage1534]

His playing on the Dylan stuff 65-66, especially live, would be great to take a look at.

[@MarkZabel]

No doubt.

[@AlBowly]

I had the album Stagefright, superb

[@MarkZabel]

Great stuff.

[@buddhamus]

Thank you for this video. Robbie Robertson was an early influence on my playing. The Band's 2nd album was one of the first albums I bought with my own money (along with the 1st album by Crosby, Stills and Nash). King Harvest was my favorite song on the "Brown" album. My first good electric was a Fender Telecaster with a black finish and Maple neck, just like the one Robbie is playing in the photos from the same album. I hope you'll do a full lesson covering Robbie's playing.

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. There's a full lesson on my member site. I wish songcraft along with playing, and thus Robbie Robertson as well as others, were appreciated more.

[@buddhamus]

@@MarkZabel Thanks for the info. I'll be sure to check it out.

[@rlawrence9838]

When I made a mix tape of the best 60s rock with the best solos when a teenager "King Harvest" was the only band song on it (I had their album to listen to anyway so it wasn't because they weren't worthy it was just a different type of mix tape) so I'm glad you brought it up.

[@kevinmurtagh4996]

I dig the alternate take of King Harvest that I believe is on the re-issue of the self titled album. Robbie’s solo is so killer in that take, maybe even better than the normal take.

[@humanbeing5300]

Rocking Chair is a beautiful tune

[@trioguitar]

A worthy tribute to RR, well done.

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you!

[@michaelpugh6]

Nailed it Mark. This is my all time favourite guitar solo, I didn't think it featured on anyone else's radar until today!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Michael. It's a great track and a solo that definitely enhances the song.

[@RobHollanderMusic]

Live version on Rock of Ages outstanding as well.

[@djrutoob2379]

Incredible video, and thank you! You nailed King Harvest! One of my favorite songs. Have you seen the live version from the house? It's got everything you talk about!!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Yes, that's why I used the guitar I did (semi-hollow). I love that version. So fun to see them into it.

[@jeffcowan603]

Great stuff, man! I remember seeing the Last Waltz in the theatre with my brother and falling in love with the Band's music. And Robbie seemed like the coolest guy around. RIP

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dougfm415]

1:08 is actually a photograph of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and not the Black Crowes. But yes, the Band highly influenced so many!

[@MarkZabel]

Cool, thanks.

[@donhancock7992]

Al Kooper called Robbie a mathmatical guitarist, this confirms.

[@simdawg7230]

Sensational Mark ,fitting tribute to a master of his craft.☮

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@texastoneamps]

Great work! Well done.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@markpell8979]

Robbie very much 'sang' and spoke with his guitar. We could all benefit from doing a little more of that. It changes the way you hear and play, for the listeners in general instead of just performing for other guitar players.

[@mixaliskokkinos1496]

Recently i have started to listen them(Cheast Fever the sing that intrigued me) Always had the feeling that the rhythm and the arrangement for their songs have something "mystical" dare to say!!King Harvest it's my answer. 💯💜🎸🔥 Greetings from Greece 🇬🇷❤

[@MarkZabel]

Greetings from NY, USA!

[@zuperdee]

That’s amazing that you have a real Little Sister! Firefly now has a super cheap clone called the FFLS.

[@jimdep6542]

Thanks.......I'll have to check that out and see if they have a lefty model ......something I might be able to afford : )

[@zuperdee]

@@jimdep6542 Unfortunately, they don’t make any lefties, as far as I know. I suppose you could reverse the strings and play it Hendrix-style, but the cutaway would still be on the wrong side. 🙁

[@jimdep6542]

@@zuperdee Ok.....thanks for letting know. It's such a cool guitar that I had to ask, but I haven't had luck in the past for trying to convert right handed guitars......and the cutaway is usually the biggest problem.

[@zuperdee]

@@jimdep6542 I hear you! So many small details, like cutaways, pickup slants, control placements, tuning peg placements, and string tension at the headstock, can be affected by a change from right to left handed! Some lefties like Hendrix just changed the nut, restrung and played upside down, some like McCartney chose symmetrically shaped guitars, and some like Kiko Loureiro of Megadeath simply learned to play right handed. Some right-handed people like Arty Saraaf of The Beatles tribute band The Fab Four learned to play left handed too, just to impersonate Paul McCartney more authentically.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, it's a B&G Little Sister. Honestly, the best guitar I have. B&G were nice enough to give it to me. They were smart, because they knew I'd love it. It's my go-to blues guitar now. I'll check out the Firefly version!

[@billgauthier9765]

The video of that song is amazing

[@MarkZabel]

Agree.

[@ambroseharper8316]

That was tremendous, thanks 😊

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ianrichardson3968]

We lose another..All I'll say is...Robbie's guitar and the Harps....Heaven man. Many haven't come across this, but there's a series of music videos on YT called Playing for change. There are some amazing videos in this series and some really good musicians from around the world. One video they made took, If I recall two years to complete. The song this video covered is The Weight, and Robbie in which Robbie plays guitar for some of it. They also did one featuring Ripple. If anyone hasn't seen these videos check them out..along with many others they made.

[@andrewmair7371]

Nicely presented 🤗 Can’t believe you bought The Band in a 2nd hand record store…☝️😆🤣 I bought it in Australia on the day it was released after being mesmerized by Big Pink some short time prior… Masterpieces both ~ 🙌 🤩 🎸💐

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Yeah, I would've been a precocious 3 year old if I bought it when it was released!

[@andrewmair7371]

@@MarkZabel Albeit with great taste!☝️😆🤣

[@johnwillard6198]

Great stuff , could you please try to teach you can’t always get what you want Ronnie Wood solo from. Love you live.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks and thanks for the suggestion.

[@andyaverso378]

Thank you for another great demonstration! What is that beautiful guitar you’re playing?

[@MarkZabel]

You bet! It's one of my favorites - The B&G Little Sister.

[@johncopeland3826]

I believe the late Bill Graham ,the famous concert promoter described Robbie Robertson as the finest guitarist in Rock and Roll who plays in unison with a lead singer when performing! Quite a compliment ,as Mr Graham knew the time of day ...music wise ? For my money Robbie Robertson was the coolest guy ever in music ! He was one of the finest songwriter's of his generation and an exceptionally world wise musician of the highest grade possible . He was also my all time musical hero ...RIP.

[@MrAnthony000004]

great lessons mark ,tony uk

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@ellisvener5337]

I remember reading Robertson saying that at that point n his musical life he wanted to get away from flashy solos and play lines that were more like what Curtis Mayfield was doing.

[@MarkZabel]

He definitely did that. His playing on the brown album was very influential to me.

[@jimdep6542]

That's a very insightful interpretation of his phrasing in context with the song. I've always thought of that kind of playing .....the wild / frantic vibrato's etc....as a sort of mid to late 60's San Francisco "psychedelic" sound that I used to hear from SF players like Barry Melton from Country Joe & the Fish, Jorma from the Airplane, Carlos Santana before his 1st album, and a few other's not as famous. Personally, I love it......but it physically hurts ! ......unless maybe you're on the same drugs they were taking.....J/k.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks ... and LOL! Love it!

[@alanoffer]

I don’t know if you’ve seen the film on You tube of the band in Robbie’s studio in Woodstock , playing King Harvest and Up on cripple creek , Robbie is playing an Epiphone Sheraton . Great job playing the solo by the way ´

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, great piece of film. It's why I chose the semi-hollow I use in the video instead of a Strat or Tele. p.s. I can't tell whether it's an Epiphone Riviera or Sheraton, as they both have mini humbuckers and that same tailpiece. I've only seen the Riviera in that "Royal Tan" finish he uses. Cool guitars!

[@ffemto4]

Robbie is kinda like Ringo’s drumming….. it’s not that it’s flashy, but as you said, perfect for the song. It’s just enough and supports the song, but you’d miss so much without it.

[@MarkZabel]

I think that's right.

[@ffemto4]

@@MarkZabel thanks for the great lessons! I love your approach to guitar. Thanks again! Tim

[@MarkZabel]

@@ffemto4 Thanks!

[@jimdep6542]

Hi Mark, Thanks for the video.....well done, my friend ! Is it possible for you to share the name of the BIAB style you are using ? I'll punch in the same chord progression, just looking for the right groove. Thanks .........

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks. Sure, let me check ... "Ice Lake Gliding Country Folk".

[@jimdep6542]

@@MarkZabel Much appreciated !

[@cowboygypsey]

He had a great solo album about 15 or so years ago?

[@thomasfritsch3536]

My mom would go crazy for it when it came on everything stopped before us kids she was a club singer the weight house of the rising sun and dolly on Jolene

[@MarkZabel]

Cool!

[@bigl6322]

Been digging into some band tunes. Ophelia, Atlantic City (fuck Bruce, they owned that song) etc.. been avoiding the weight just because I don’t want to feel cliched, but I really feel like you captured Robbie’s gestalt as a player in general. Nice job. I’m not familiar with that tune but I do like those bits in context gonna hafta dig into that for a hot minute. Thanks

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@SmelOdies]

Yes, there are guitarists like me out there who were WAY more influenced by this solo than by Freebird or Eruption.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Yeah it's a shame after we lost Robbie all that we have left is Garth Hudson. Just like the other day yesterday we lost dickey Betts and now the only original member of The Allman Brothers still surviving is percussionist Jamaio

[@michiganjack]

Robbie's licks are like punctuation marks to a work of prose.

[@MarkZabel]

I think that's right.

[@jamesculley845]

❤️🙏🏻🕊🌿🌻🕯️🪶🎸🎼

[@RyanTeti-t2y]

I think big pink is better but brown album is good too I think big pink changed music in a way that a lot of people don’t understand

[@vayabroder729]

He was better when he played the Telecaster in the early years with The Hawks.

[@jamesnelson1443]

Sparse??? That was complicated chord work!!!

[@MarkZabel]

Definitely sparse - thinly dispersed. Leaves lots of space in the mix.

[@hunzilla3122]

Great analysis

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@deathmaybeyoursantaclaus]

Thank you for putting into words what has always inspired me about Robbie's playing

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure! Glad you liked the video.