The GREATEST Blues progression of all time

Today we're looking at the greatest Blues chord progression of all time: Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out. We're analyzing why it sounds so great!
▶Guitar tutorial: • Blues Standard - When ... ◀
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1943 Martin D-28
Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on KZbin.
If you want to know more about me, check out PaulDavidsGuitar.com or check out my guitar courses at: learnpracticeplay.com and nextlevelplaying.com
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Paul
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[@CotalCosta]

This song, the version of Scrapper Blackwell, is what make me start plaing the guitar seriously. I love this song so much

[@explosiveboi6692]

That version is so beautiful in a rustic sorta way

[@hendon222]

Seeing his three videos on blues fingerstyle where he plays this on a travel guitar, it quickly became my fave bit of acoustic blues too. Paul, you are consistently awesome, thanks for inspiring me

[@keiththompson5193]

Travel guitar? It looks like a d28.

[@hendon222]

@@keiththompson5193 I meant on the fingerstyle vids, where the song first featured... although I'm not that clued up with guitar makes/models so I'm probably wrong. If you haven't checked these out, do so, they're so good. 👍👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJWpg6uFgcqUaLs

[@keiththompson5193]

@@hendon222 OK. Makes sense. Thanks

[@digitalxsca]

I play for 35 years, mostly classical, and David got me hooked on his videos. You really have it in you. Thank you brother.

[@martin-1965]

@@digitalxsca Yup 46 years playing, from classical beginnings through metal teens into indie rock and whatever else in later years and all the theory was washed out my head through the vices of rock and roll as I toured the world, so it is wonderful to take the time to re-learn - or in many cases learn for the first time - the theory behind the noises I made for so many years without consciously thinking about that theory. Paul's relaxed style is perfect so it's no wonder he has 2.5 millions subscribers. Happy to be one of them now while I can still play and enjoy the guitar :)

[@mattcorregan4760]

When Eric Clapton played this song on MTV Unplugged, I immediately went out to the local music store, bought the DVD and the tab, took it home and learned every song in about a week. This is still one of my favorite blues songs, now I love it even more after hearing this bit of music theory on it!

[@rlews1531]

Me too, excepting the week thing. I'm nearly through with it now though. Let's see, how many years would that be...?

[@caithomas1311]

My ears keep hearing 'you've got a friend in me', whenever Paul plays his arrangement; I imagine some inspiration was taken from this song for that Disney classic.

[@andrewleach1667]

They've both got their DNA in the ragtime changes. All of Randy Newman's music sounds like that. Love that sound 😊

[@kutsbothways]

A very dear old friend taught me this song in '73 when I first started playing. I understood absolutely nothing as to the theory behind it. She is long gone now, but I think of her every time I play this tune. Thank you for the lesson.

[@smileyfog]

Man, you don't even need to ask for a like, the way you explain things in such an understandable way, I love your videos and lessons /tips. Fantastic!!

[@lavenderchants6014]

When I first saw this video last year, it opened my eyes to the whole secondary dominant concept that I had sort of noticed in a lot of songs but did not understand why those chords were being used, even though I could obviously tell that they sounded great. At that time, I did not feel capable of playing this tune the way that you do, though I completely understood your explanation of the 7th chords. Since then, I have been experimenting with spicing up my own songs by inserting secondary dominants into my progressions, and I love it! Now, I have come back to this video again, and I find that now I can follow the changes and even do the walking bass lines, and it is awesome to be able to play this song! Thanks for giving me such a wonderful gift that keeps on giving! Rock on!

[@SuperCakeFTW]

Yess, so glad I learned this one. Glad it's getting the recognition it deserves. That chord progression sticks with you.

[@oalsecnev1]

Finest quality lesson. Excellent from all points of view: camera and light setup, graphics (with chords and lead sheet), explanation and execution. It was just flawless.

[@stephanelacaze6825]

No one told me before just how simple, clear and logical that chord progression is !! And finally how great it is... Learn this tune just playing along with you on the second view. Thanks !

[@MrFrenchHarp]

You are an EXCELLENT teacher. Every word carefully spoken, no fluff or stutter and so precise. It’s easy on the mind and the knowledge is transferred in an elegant effective way. I’ve played 5 instruments for 30 years and I’ve never taken a lesson from anyone face to face.. but if I could ever do so it would be with you sir. Respect.

[@tschimms6138]

I’ve learned this song from another of your great videos some months ago. Can’t stop playing it ever since. Thank you so much for all your work !

[@michaelsacksteder7952]

This is one of your best videos. Your enthusiasm for the topic really comes through. Can't wait to start learning this.

[@Guitarfish64]

Great timing! This has always been on my 'should learn' list, and only yesterday I worked my way through your awesome 'secondary dominants' lesson, so this really pulls it together. And as ever, the explanation is elegant and understandable.

[@ferrport]

Simply outstanding, in every way. Stellar musicianship and performance to start, but outstanding teaching style: easy to follow, animated, enthusiastic, and relatable, all tightly edited into less than 12 minutes. We are lucky to have you, Paul. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us.

[@stefangroh1415]

The way you present this (and other) music with every little adorable bit feels like an introduction of a new found love to a best friend. Happy to find somebody kindred in spirit.

[@jackmacdonald5882]

Greatest blues progression by most probably the greatest guitar teacher. Love you vids dude, you're so enthusiastic and great at explaining concepts.

[@peytoncarbagalguitar1447]

I love claptons unplugged version of this song, it flows so well, his vocals are great and the solo fits the song so well. This was a great video as per usual, thanks Paul

[@KawaiiFriedChicken]

Totally agree

[@INXS7144]

Remember when MTV had shows like unplugged? Now all they show is pure trash!

[@DavidMFChapman]

I love this song for the chord progression and learned Clapton’s version kzbin.info/www/bejne/raOmcoubnZyUns0

[@TheKhanhhoa]

you have got what it takes to be natural teacher.....your calm enthusiasm, thorough, clear, and concise instruction, all with absolutely zero EGO , you do not overcomplicate your instruction in order to impress( which is quite rare on youtube videos ) as a matter of fact, you do just the opposite in a very straightforward easily understood manner. Very impressive.

[@benjaminpatterson7096]

The way you explained this musically highlighted to me the genius of this song when you consider the correlation of the story of the lyrics and the circular progression of the music. Thanks Paul, for exploring and explaining it in this way

[@markmcclain3348]

I worked this song out in college. This would have been ever so helpful then! Love your content, Paul. Thanks!

[@catzdollz9810]

The Paul David's version is beautiful and melodic!!

[@leem1914]

Best guitar lesson I’ve ever seen. Simplicity and the all important clarity for a complex progression. Too many tubers talk and tell - you SHOW - simply and clearly. I can understand what is happening.

[@whitec59]

So glad that in our time we have such good teachers here on KZbin! Thanks Paul

[@adri7352]

Paul, buddy. When you play the blues, it's just good. Everything you play is good, but the blues, man. That's where it's at.

[@DMSProduktions]

The DUTCH know HOW to play de bluesh!

[@Mysha__]

Agree. The guitar sweats feelings.

[@cathalwhelehan]

absolutely loved this. First heard of "secondary dominant" chords about six months or so ago and have been semi-obsessed with them ever since. Will definitely add this tune into the learning pot.

[@InventorZahran]

Same here - I can't resist throwing in secondary dominants wherever they fit, even if the song didn't originally have them. I-IV transition? Add a I7 in the middle. I-vi? Add a III7. IV-ii? Add a VI7 in between!

[@edcrutchfield3447]

Paul, you teach so well . The diagrams , the verbal explanation, and the playing .🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸. Thank you 😊

[@TeddyLovesBacon]

Every time I hear this progression it reminds me of the first cassette I ever purchased when I was 11 , Eric Clapton Unplugged. Beautiful and classic. Thanks for the lesson!🔥🔥🔥

[@soundssimple1]

Claptons' version of this in his Unplugged DVD is excellent, thanks Paul for the lesson and the Clapton reminder.

[@matthewscheiper6973]

I have been looking for this song for a while. Thank you so much Paul for explaining the chordal relationships along with the song! Awesome job as always!

[@craigspicer4296]

Paul this is the first time i have watched and learn a song being broken down in this way. Its like bring all the puzzle pieces together. Thank you and done so well like always.

[@abehartshorne6028]

I thought this was one of the better tutorials out there! Explained the concepts very well whilst showing just enough to follow along and leaving enough to figure out by ear, etc. Great that there's a separate step-by-step tutorial also, I think this style is ace, really enjoyed it! Thank you Paul!

[@daveshepard9154]

Just lovely. Thank you for always - ever - making these tutorials wonderful. I love seeing someone who's as nuts about music and the guitar as am I.

[@AmitDunsky]

Such an intelligent and inspiring teacher. Thank you!

[@drleinad]

I've watched A LOT of your videos since COVID started. I decided I'd finally learn to improvise. And thanks to you, I can finally say I did it! And I learned to play the blues because of you too! I guess you have no idea how many people around the world are impacted by your videos. Thank you so much, Paul! Cheers from Brazil!

[@jjiacobucci]

One of the best instructional videos on practical guitar music theory I’ve ever seen - and it’s about Blues ! Totally Awesome !

[@mickeyx6746]

Thank you Paul, for sharing your hard won knowledge with us all. I love the fingerpicking style but never took time to learn it. I do enjoy it!

[@wjb5150]

This might be the best lesson you’ve done. This was fantastic. Thank you ! Wish I could like twice.

[@kellyleewright97]

Sometimes great players aren't great teachers. You sir are one of the greats who can do both equally well. Thanks much!!

[@bennopaglia7294]

Dear Paul, I play Guitar since many years. And now, You opened me a new big window, how to play better, with more dynamic, different and exploring. Thank you very much for your inspirations!

[@charleslaboissiere2614]

Serioulsy, u combine information, divertissement and actual song/chord progression. I can watch ur video while eating a steak and enjoy it, i can learn about music theorie and writting notes and i can learn a new song with my guitar and all that in a simple video, ur content is awsome and well balanced for everybody. Thanks a lot Paul !

[@jakeamoroso3188]

Great Video, glad to see you made an in depth video on this song. Keep up the great work!

[@naylor2006]

Thanks Paul for this video, I am a typical guitarist who is too busy learning unique things half the time. During your Learn Practice Play course I have realised that there is so much I’m missing even if I have been playing for years. So this little gem of a progression was a great watch, I love playing the chromatic run up and down! Thanks so much. I hope you are enjoying new parenthood, I have a 6 month old now and just finished your course before she was born. Thanks for all the quality content.

[@maxfracture2185]

It such a melancholic natural sounding yet complex piece. Great to solo over as well.

[@BETOASICS]

Paul, simplesmente fantástico, logo de cara quando escutei a primeira passagem eu já entendi a harmonia! Obrigado por essa excelente aula! Vc foi brilhante!

[@melwynalmeida50]

I simply love the way you teach Paul, it just comes out of your soul. You were meant to teach. Thank you for what you pour out for us in your videos. Live from Mumbai, India. Hope to meet you someday.

[@ChrisJones-zu8uc]

Thank you for this. I haven't stop playing it. It's so much fun to play I keep finding new phrasing and runs.

[@alekborunda]

Watching you play this song in your last video made me search all over KZbin for a tutorial but I couldn’t find anyone who played it like you do. This video was just what I needed!

[@KBryanWhite]

I freaking love this chord progression. Thanks for walking through it. So fun to play! I may bug my family practicing this for a while. 😂🎸

[@aptudo]

The influence of ragtime on this chord progression is unmistakable.

[@joeshablotnik6790]

Please, do elaborate.

[@aptudo]

@@joeshablotnik6790 See if you can hear similarities by listening to what is played at the very beginning of the current video and compare it this short section of Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" on acoustic guitar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHSqeHpvpc50fbs

[@markapwilliams]

I learned the chords to this thirty five years ago, but I never knew it was a blues standard, never even knew the title or the words. Always loved that diminished chord. Thanks for this short video, it reminded me of a lifetime of playing!

[@Xgfith]

The first Blues/Ragtime I learned to play. I've always been blown away by the chromatic runs. Great version Paul!

[@davidpepper442]

Paul, I will be learning this song with you over on your second channel. How 77 people could give this enlightening and free lesson a thumbs down is beyond me. You are an amazing teacher and musician. Thank you so much for inspiring and shaping my guitar journey!

[@oginaz]

How do you know how many people have a thumbs down? They eliminated that so people wouldn’t see how many people thumbs downed Biden videos

[@stokesdylanw]

A hater’s gonna hate

[@EfthimiaAthan]

You introduced me to this song in some other video of yours in the past. I gotta admit that it's one of my favourite blues standards now, especially the Eric Clapton's version. Cheers!

[@jenniferhawkins1601]

You should listen to Leslie odom Jr's version, so beautiful ❤️

[@EfthimiaAthan]

@@jenniferhawkins1601 it's great! thanks for the recommendation!

[@donmac5918]

@@jenniferhawkins1601 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z57Gq5d8Zcujpqs. 🎸❣️

[@groendahll]

Excited and happy!!! Thanx a lot for showing these kind of masterpieces!!!

[@paulmcadams2012]

Thank you for in-depth explanation of the Chord progression, I have a greater appreciation of this beautiful song.

[@lukaszmikula123]

Paul, that’s awesome . Just love that progression.

[@nickshields1011]

Always loved this tune since I first heard it from EC. A masterpiece of chord progression, the most bluesy unblusey song ever.

[@timcotterill3952]

Dear Paul, love the video. I’ve never enjoyed learning other peoples music, I love the ideas, the thought and feeling that go into other peoples music, but when I comes to imitating their song or music, it leaves me cold, and I most often fail. However, I love the knowledge I get from your discussions, & teachings. Much like your “ here comes the sun video” I’ll take the progression & either use it as is, or rework it, then devise my own melodies. I love these videos, because they give me the tools and ideas to play with, without forcing me into a particular song. Sometimes, fiddling with a progression and my own composition long enough, leads me to learn learn the original song. Thanks man. Love your work Feeding my creativity

[@mgordon3026]

you have done a great job explaining the intent of the chord changes adding a great dimension for us 1-4-5 addicts.

[@mattcartwright1638]

This song is also performed by The Allman Brothers Band but in one of their first 'forms'. Its on the album "Duane & Gregg" by Duane and Gregg Allman before they were the ABB. Gregg Allman sounds like Ray Charles across the whole album, it;s INSANE. This album also features an early motown r'n'b version of their famous track, Melissa.

[@arthomer6535]

This is a great rundown of my favorite blues progression. For me, this is a great song to break out of the 1,4,5 and related progressions, into more complex progressions. What is here described as “secondary dominant, I’ve heard described as “borrowed fifths”-(also played as dominant 7 chords). It’s an excellent way of bridging the gap between blues and, say, jazz without getting into weird modes and those “augminished and demented” chords.

[@rtk90083]

"Augminished and demented"... that's great! I laughed to myself while reading that 😄.

[@David-ig8of]

That's arguemented and demolished chord to me...lmbo!

[@scotthamilton1054]

Why can I only hit the “like” button once. Paul, you are an amazing professor of guitar for you explain things in context in a conceptual way,, how notes and tones create feeling in mood,, how the sum of the parts matter.

[@scottbutterly8997]

WOW,wow,wow. Another brilliantly explained video.Thank you

[@briankeegan8089]

This has been a personal favorite of mine since I went mad for Derek and the Dominos years and years back. If you love blues, but over time have started to feel stuck in 12 bars, this is a song that will really open things up for you. It's a joy to learn to play a solo over changes like these. There are a number of great songs in this style, sometimes referred to generally as 8 bar blues. A few worthwhile other worthwhile songs I consider to be in this style are Drown in My Own Tears, Need Your Love So Bad, and Aint Nobody's Business.

[@jaykay1053]

Brian Keegan - Thanks so much for the info. 8-bar blues -that’s a new idea for me to check out. Cheers.

[@davedavem]

I feel that, not only did this give me new insight into a song I love, but also new understanding of chord progressions and terms to describe them that I will use in future, and it's unlocked it in such a way that I really want to go and learn to play it now. Thanks, Paul! (Also, GAS for a Martin)

[@paulstabin6233]

One of your best, will put this to immediate use! Thank you.

[@mattelder9147]

Thank you David. This has long been a favorite since Eric Clapton’s Unplugged album. Now I can both play and understand the flow of the song. How fun.

[@Espresso139]

So I've been singing this song to myself for 10 years and just recently revisited it on the guitar last weekend. A beautiful coincidence. I must say though, the tone of that Martin is absolutely distracting from the content. No joke, one of your E7 chords zoned me right out and I did not hear what you said. That guitar is a masterpiece.

[@karimnajjari9355]

the E7 is drawn in a wrong way down the video right? it starts on the D string

[@JustAnotherBlader]

The version on the Dominos Live At Fillmore is my favorite rendition of that song. Very haunting and melancholy compared to the studio cut, sung at a time when Clapton really meant it.

[@Saladzingers]

Love this Paul - this kind of content please! A fantastic overview of why what works, works. Really helps me to feel like I know what I’m doing on guitar.

[@ishaantiwari8969]

Everytime I hear the clapton unplugged version, it makes me cry. Great video!

[@derekpolano3654]

This is ridiculous! For most of my life I thought this was the most difficult blues song I had ever heard and in just over 10 minutes I can already do a half decent job of it! Paul you are an absolute wizard.

[@MaurizioFirmani]

I never understood why this wonderful piece of blues sounded so different from the classic 12-bar-blues and yet more bluesy than other. Great explaination...

[@fredericfournier5662]

Digging deep the music without being boring. Thank you so much.

[@amberpaigejames9054]

Beautiful Martin! And I really enjoyed listening to you talk about one of my all-time favorite songs!

[@shaynebergwever6268]

Gotta say, I often just listen to Pauls playing and forget it's a lesson😆

[@pads-zr9ln]

I'm list in the first minute so just enjoy and hope something sinks in

[@thegoodman-nl]

For me the ultimate blues progression is drown in my own tears. The Johnny Winter version is epic. Nobody knows me is way to restless for me, it keeps needing to resolve... hence no rest

[@michaeldonaghey]

Lula Reed's Waste No More Tears was the original from 1951. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIiWqKiAdpaKl9U Love Johnny's version too.

[@thegoodman-nl]

@@michaeldonaghey Thank you for this!, did not know this is where it came from. The drown in my own tears lyrics have more power and cohesion.

[@bensklar3891]

Paul, just came across your beautiful lesson of this greatest blues tune. I've been playing it ever since I heard Clapton play it. You've presented a great lessons on the chord resolutions and note runs beautifully. Loved your presentation.

[@ckorz7291]

You add a lot of Greatness to the world Paul. Thanks for all your input man.

[@lesteban22]

Amazing break down, lesson and overall production! Will be using it to play it on the acoustic. BTW, may be wrong but I think the unplugged version from Eric Clapton is from 1992 instead of 1977

[@mattcorregan4760]

Yes, Unplugged was in 1992.

[@dadtimejamtime]

Hey Paul! In my opinion, this type of content is exactly why I follow you! So packed full of information, explained so simply, and beautiful to listen to - beautiful enough in fact my wife doesn’t even mind watching with me! Can’t say that for any other KZbin guitar videos or channels! Thanks for being awesome and thinking about the intermediate guitar course for my birthday tomorrow! ( ◠‿◠ )

[@theeardrafter]

Weekend warriors are helped alot by this kind of generosity. Thank you Paul. Peace all

[@euridulay334]

Immediately had to get my guitar after listening to that sweet chord progression, Paul. Thank you! 😊😊😊

[@marianovico4933]

I wouldn't call it a "blues" it's more a typical song of the roaring twenties, similar to All of Me,Georgia on my mind and a myriad more, very well explained though. Greetings from Havana.

[@jessiej1746]

I keep waiting for the 4. It is the blues after all Edit: Took a while but it got there

[@aldeayeah]

Yup, many 2s (V/V) in this one.

[@gratefuldev23]

One of my favorite songs to play. Thanks Paul for the great insights into it!

[@vyger6336]

I loved this song when i first heard it from Clapton. Now from your explanation of this melody , I know why. Thanks so much for going into such detail and showing us what makes this song so great. You are a most excellent teacher as well as guitar player.

[@andyt5833]

I appreciate the inclusion of those who recorded this song before Clapton. It's important to remember those American folk artists who created and popularized this music in the first place.

[@merlijn1722]

*casually records a youtube tutorial on a borrowed $50,000 guitar*

[@fatkitty4207]

Lmao

[@titusjohnson4863]

I'm pretty sure that's his' D-42

[@CarloSikkink]

@@titusjohnson4863 its a D28 from 1943

[@neo968]

@@titusjohnson4863 bruh, no its a D-28 from the 1943. You can easily see how old it is.

[@joeb3590]

I mean...... really.....name one of us who wouldn't 😂

[@michaelgouker8623]

your enthusiasm is so contagious. Thanks for sharing!

[@Whirlwind-tf4mh]

Thanks so much for taking the time to show this beautiful simplicity which sound so complicated and impressive!

[@e.s3708]

Instead of "Paul Davids 2", you should name the second channel "Pauly D" XD

[@josephackermann2072]

this guy is the bob ross of guitar.

[@cfuenza4106]

Extremely cool to understand this. Secondary dominants are one of the latest concepts of harmony i've been learning and it just blows my mind how beautiful music works

[@JohnNoirSmith]

I love this song so much, and have been thinking of covering it for YEARS now, but I had NO IDEA it was this intricate!

[@stuartliddle7228]

Thankyou for presenting this. I am an experienced player and love these chords. Its really all you need to know, for a really great campfire/ pick up a guitar level. So relaxing.

[@nolangirouard5045]

Hands down. Best teacher of all things guitar on the internet.THANK YYOU

[@tonyjacob396]

I am very grateful for this lesson. Learning how, why and where each chord kinda leads is very useful. Thank you very much.

[@jorgeparada1019]

Have been playing this song for years and only now I understand why it sounds so good. Thanks Paul! You have a gift to make music theory fun. Regards from Chile.