Ventura Highway Guitar Lesson -How To Play It At Your Solo Acoustic Gigs

[@bigdogpete43]

Thanks!

[@FrankPersico]

Dude! Thanks so much

[@travismiles5885]

My dad is a huge America fan. I grew up listening to him and his buddy play this song in the basement when they would get together to jam. I have an old sheet music songbook of America tunes that belonged to my dad. Maybe I'll go dig it out of the box now. Cool lesson. Brought back some memories.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing.

[@odelljl]

Thanks so much for this lesson. I'm 66, and I gig once or twice a month. I've played this tune in various forms since high school and still picked up some ideas and tips. Your lesson motivated me to work on looping this song. I loop occasionally-maybe once or twice a set-usually to interject some lead. I listened to your lesson while walking the dog, came back, and worked out the looping over a couple of days. It got reasonably smooth-I already knew the lead parts from playing in duos and with friends. I looped it at the gig on Friday, and it came off well. Even my intently observant guitar-picking friends commented on how smooth it was. They don't like anything. ;> I returned tonight and listened to the looping part of your lesson again. Surprisingly, I realized I picked the OTHER chord - the G/D - to start on! It may not matter too much as long as you know where you are. It does allow me to play the initial lick coming out of the chorus - the one you pointed out you were missing. I start the looper on the second "...in the air..." I'm not suggesting either of us learn it the other way-once it is in your head, it is better left alone! At some point, if I have any cojones, I'll also learn to loop the lead part and play the harmony lead part above it. That presents a good challenge for me. Thanks for the lesson and the push to get looping - I am enjoying your channel.

[@FrankPersico]

That’s great. I’m glad the video was able to help. As long as you are clicking in at the right point it should be fine. Though I find it interesting that you are clicking the loop in coming out of the chorus with it starting on the G … hmmm 🤔 but if you found a way that works for you that’s all that matters. Lol we drive ourselves nuts with this stuff!! All the best to u. lol your guitar playing friends… the best critics we could have

[@elc1109]

I really appreciate this lesson! I've played this song on and off over the years with varying degrees of frustration! The loop pedal makes total sense to get the main riff integrated.

[@FrankPersico]

Enjoy. Let me know how how you make out with the looping

[@Holycrap204]

You're the man!! Great video!!!!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much :)! Cheers

[@bernhardfellhauer3748]

Absolutely fascinating... So far I haven't dared to approach that wonderful song, but now I will...

[@FrankPersico]

Go for it!!! Let us know how it goes

[@peterditchfield5935]

This is a great tutorial for a wonderful song. I saw this band in a small pub outside Glasgow in the very early seventies, where I was living at the time; it was a brilliant gig in a very intimate venue. I’ve been trying to sound reasonably accurate playing this for decades, without great success! This tutorial has been a lightbulb moment for me. Thanks so much and I will now be a subscriber to your channel.

[@FrankPersico]

Oh wow that must have been awesome. Thanks for the sub and for sharing w us! Cheers

[@kerryfromaj9032]

I just got a used acoustic guitar and last night lowered the action, installed new nut, strings, bridge and locking tuners. It’s an Ibanez and it’s sure a lot more difficult for me to play than an electric guitar. I was trying to figure out a couple acoustic songs to learn. Knockin’ On Heavens Door, Wish You Were Here are “roughed in” and coming along well. Ventura Highway is a great idea 👍🏻 I’ll try it today. Thanks Frank !

[@FrankPersico]

Heavens door is a great one to start getting the fingers used to the steel string acoustic. In no time you will develop the strength

[@bigdogpete43]

Love it. Been trying to figure out that F in the chorus for literally YEARS and it never sounded right! So simple. Thanks.

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure.

[@ghijkmnop]

Starting on the Dmaj7 for the looper just made it click for me. Thanks, Frank!

[@FrankPersico]

That’s great. Deff the part that got me as well

[@nutube06]

From the mid 60s through mid 70s, best music ever across the board.

[@FrankPersico]

I totally agree

[@CapoTripps]

Ok man, so I'm in a spot where I can dedicate some time to this one. I love this song. America was a phenomenal band that people often dismiss because it sounds easy. I always put it to them that usually, a well crafted song is deceptively simple. Such is the case with ventura highway. It is possible to play this in real-time without a looper, even including the riffs in proper sequence, but the riffs don't hold the A major (9?) 1st inversion shape (right?). They drop to a D major root (4th string) position (yeah?) shape on the ascending notes for the second and third riffs in order to catch the G6 on the hit. Challenging, but right now I'm doing it on an ibanez pn1. It's doable, for sure. Just not easy. Love your stuff. Hopefully this makes sense to someone (might be handy if you're stuck in a fleabag motel learning covers on a cheap acoustic without a looper). Thanks for this tutorial! [Nota bene: edited many, many times to ensure clarity]

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha I love this post!! Thanks so much for sharing. And glad you are a part of the community surrounding this channel!

[@callanturner4749]

One of my biggest challenges has been how to keep the younger audience members happy. I struggle to connect with a lot of the newer music and I dont feel it suits me. I have found that twisting 80’s classics works but I would be grateful to hear what songs you have chosen in your mix. Cheers

[@FrankPersico]

It is a challenge indeed. Mainly because the younger kids just flat out aren’t into music as much. There are artists like Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes that you could cover and it usually goes over well with the younger kids. And the 90s and early 2000s grunge type stuff is also pretty widely known but younger kids.

[@callanturner4749]

@@FrankPersico I’ve noticed in Australia there is a growing love for modern country with the younger ones too. That style suits me better. Thanks for the reply Frank.

[@MrBuc128]

@@FrankPersicotoday’s “music “ is awful 😞

[@peterbernice7629]

An Amazing tuition of one of my favourit America's songs, a big thankyou Dude 👌👌👌

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure! Enjoy

[@scottpull12]

Great lesson. Just started really using my looper. Already knew the chords and strumming for the song. Practicing my basic improvised solos by ear over the 2 chords from the song. Really opens up another area in my playing. Thanks!

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure .. keep us posted as to your progress

[@scottpull12]

@@FrankPersico So far so good. The only thing I have a hard time with is double-clicking the looper to stop it.

[@dvanolya]

Great lesson, Frank...keep coming up with more "how to play" tunes that appeal to most audiences!

[@FrankPersico]

More to come!

[@randall7362]

Looper, beat buddy is what I need, I would have lots of fun with family gathers. Thanks for the video awesome guitar song.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much. I tell you the more I hear about beat buddy the more I realize it’s an inevitable part of my future lol

[@kens2114]

Gonna have to get a looper pedal, always played around with this song could never get it right. Your explanation is really helpful, thanks Frank

[@FrankPersico]

Glad I could help! Let me know if you have any questions

[@frankm2588]

I saw them 10 yrs ago or so. I was surprised to hear them say how heavy their tour schedule has been over the years. They put on a great show.

[@FrankPersico]

That’s awesome! Would have loved to see them

[@derekhandley3270]

A great tutorial . Just love America . 🎼🎸

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much. Likewise

[@jeffharvey6288]

Brilliant Frank, just love this song..

[@FrankPersico]

Hi! Thanks so much. I love the song too. So happy I finally learned it :):)

[@callanturner4749]

Good one Frank. I’ve been wanting to do this song for ages and the way I have been playing without a looper is OK but this is way better. Thanks.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much. Let me know how you do with it.

[@brad6420]

Great lesson bro! Im enjoying the heck out of your song choices as well as your explanations/walk-throughs! Killer stuff dude and awesome skill on that looper!

[@FrankPersico]

Very much appreciated !!

[@cbailey089]

a great great song. i still remember the first time i heard it.

[@FrankPersico]

It is such a great song. I could t believe it had slipped through my repertoire for so long

[@dougsmith8430]

Came across This lesson as I Going through some other Guitar lessons… love this beautiful Song, love the Band America! I’m 63 and I kind of grew up with them, definitely going to learn this song, I play Sister Golden hair, lonely people, and horse with no name… This will be a great addition! Just subscribed!

[@FrankPersico]

Awesome. Welcome to the channel and thanks so much

[@richardsthilaire548]

Great song and an equally great lesson. Thank you for showing it to us.

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure

[@FASFatherandSon]

I thought I did not know the song at all but then when I heard the chorus I was like yeah I've heard this before. Great lesson.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much!

[@jeffreybonto4173]

Very informative!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much

[@dukeofearl4117]

You’re right. Strumming is intuitive. I listen to the song about 100 times before I play it. Those videos with the UDUD etc just confuse me. I grew up in a small Wyoming town. The only guitar lessons available were slide country, which I wasn’t interested in. So I muscled through with a Mel Bay book and lifting the phonograph needle back to the start. After all that work I ended up playing bass in a band. I’m still playing guitar now.

[@FrankPersico]

Totally: I get better strumming practice just using my thumb on my jeans then when I actually have the guitar in my hand. The right hand is just like a hand percussion instrument and if you can get it to capture the feel as if it were a shaker or something then you can strum. I want to do a video on strumming but it’s so hard to translate it.

[@christopherbanham3386]

thanks Frank for sharing so passionately. great song, your version i like the most, regards Chris

[@FrankPersico]

Many thanks

[@JohnnieO32]

Excellent lesson as usual! Thanks Frankie!

[@FrankPersico]

Much appreciated

[@skintslots]

Love this song and have been trying to nail it as a mostly acoustic bedroom enthusiast for quite a while. This is extremely helpful.

[@FrankPersico]

Makes me happy to hear. Have fun learning :)

[@barryread3672]

Great lesson Frank. I’ve always loved that song and America. I worked hard on my acoustic skills for over a decade then the COVID lockdown hit and I lost my way. It should’ve been a great opportunity but my heart wasn’t into it. Have barely picked up my guitar since. Your teaching style is motivating me to pick up my guitar again. Thank you! Keep them coming.

[@FrankPersico]

I hope you do play your guitar again. Thanks for the kind words

[@stringmantony]

Really, really great lesson Frank. Especially the looping! Thank you so much.

[@FrankPersico]

You're very welcome!

[@mikeholper5992]

Excellent video with very helpful little hints. Great song to cover!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks 🙏

[@davidbrandt6925]

Gorgeous song Frank thank you! Note to self: drive the Ventura highway. Side note everyone - Sheryl Crow says to "lighten up."

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaah thanks for the comment. All the best to u

[@kocherpm]

Super cool lesson. Nobody targets lessons towards working musicians/modern day troubadours like you do Frank. I think you have a sweet niche channel.

[@FrankPersico]

I appreciate that!

[@Kendo276]

Always good tips and powerful experience laid out in these lessons. Thank you Joe! This is a classic for sure, love the bit on strumming and being intuitive in some respects. 90% I get the feel from the song recording but then there are some (Wild Horses by Stones) is a good example where you need to get some tips.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much. Name is Frank but the middle name is Joe Hahaah! Have a great one and thanks for the kind words

[@lindapeterson2892]

Did someone say Wild Horses? 😮 Frank BravO! Your Channel Is Growing Fast! ✌🏻😎

[@FrankPersico]

@@lindapeterson2892 thanks so much...lol

[@Kendo276]

@@FrankPersico sorry about that… = )

[@sgraham49]

This is great! I’ve always thought this would be a good looper song but wasn’t quite sure how to do it - thanks, Frank! 👍🏻

[@FrankPersico]

Happy to help! Let me know how you do

[@chrisminer5884]

Well structured and presented tutorial

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much

[@guitarbluz62]

Thanks, Frank... great lesson!

[@FrankPersico]

You’re welcome 👍

[@SuperExadidas]

Thank you....Frank...really easy to follow

[@FrankPersico]

You are very welcome

[@alphaomega6497]

great lesson!!! great teacher, great voice!! thanks man

[@FrankPersico]

Thank you, thank you, thank you and you’re welcome :) cheers

[@fendermcmarshall]

Fantastic teaching sir...this is a great instructional video

[@FrankPersico]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TravelinBoneSC]

Been playing this one in various forms since it was released. With you putting the pieces and parts together so carefully the way you perform it, this will help me simplify it some. The F#m11(?) is of course also used within Sweet Melissa as you know and other great tunes. New follower. I will search for other similar instructional vids you might have especially incorporating a looper (never used one, yet). Thanks, music brother! 👍🏻

[@FrankPersico]

Welcome and thanks for commenting. Yea it’s the sweet melissa chord lol! I thought the same thing when I was learning it. Feel free to reach out at any time :)

[@IamUncledeuce]

Thanks Frank!

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure

[@wayneking3870]

Awesome job man. I wouldn’t begin to know how to play that song if I just downloaded the chords/tab, you’re great!! 😎

[@FrankPersico]

That’s great to hear thanks for letting me know! Good luck with the song. Let us know how you make out. Cheers

[@gerardkoot]

Hey Frank……great instruction video. Coincidence…..I did a looper video of this great song 3 months ago on my YT-channel. I used the same ‘trick’ by starting the first loop with the Dmaj7……😂……works great that way. Love your channel…!!

[@FrankPersico]

Awesome!!! I will check it out!

[@timpickett3241]

Thanks frank. Great lesson

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure!

[@wesanderson6442]

This was a very impressive insight into your skill set. When are you going to put up videos of your gigs or something of you doing a cover as if you are on stage? As a beginner guitar learner, I can’t even say I’m a beginner guitarist yet; but as a beginner, I am impressed at your virtuosity on the acoustic guitar. Thanks for the seminar.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much. There are some cover tubes if you look back a bit into my channel. I’m hesitant to do any more cover tubes because of copyright. Best of luck with your playing ..

[@nickworley1000]

I recently added " feel like making love " great acoustic song great channel Frank

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much. And that is a great song to add! Appreciate u sharing

[@stevestrang480]

Great video. I like the loop.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks! Cheers to u!

[@rabburns1382]

I saw them at the Marquee Club...Wardour St......early 1970s before they became well known.. .❤

[@FrankPersico]

Oh wow … sweet!

[@bowuschola9031]

Thanks for the great Lesson. Greetings from Germany

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure!

[@krggallagher8200]

Hey Frank..I really appreciate your lessons..You remind me of my Guitar Teacher "Ralphie Boy" .. Who I took lessons from in Ozone Park in the 70s....I finally have the strumming down on Ventura Highway.. Properly...I really dig it...Thanks

[@FrankPersico]

Cool, thanks! Wow ozone park. Thats where I’m from!!

[@krggallagher8200]

Cool...Yeah.. went John Adams HS.. Again.. your channel is great..hope you have much success...

[@davidallen7404]

I'm gonna try to learn this, i'm a beginner and old so we will see how it goes.

[@FrankPersico]

You can do it: take ur time

[@ManduRugas-oe4kv]

MY FAVORITE AMERICA SONG😊

[@FrankPersico]

👍👍mine as well

[@RVF219219]

Great sound!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much.

[@stvhop]

Great tutorial!!

[@FrankPersico]

I appreciate it .

[@mdhamilton]

Rock on!!🤘🏻

[@FrankPersico]

Right back at ya!

[@larellgraver8828]

You’ve inspired me mate

[@FrankPersico]

That’s great to hear

[@anthonykelly5]

great stuff take me a while to get that one.

[@FrankPersico]

Little by little. U got this!

[@PM-sx9vb]

Great tutorial.

[@FrankPersico]

Thank you!

[@joesegretto6689]

As I was playing this and thank you very much for this by the way I started layering my fingers off of the G6 to go to the d major 7 and I'm hearing a note that belongs there also and I may be wrong by not putting your fingers on the G6 all at once I'm hearing something that's on the album thanks

[@FrankPersico]

D minor? Should be a D major 7..

[@joesegretto6689]

@@FrankPersico just a little dyslexic lol

[@FrankPersico]

@@joesegretto6689 eh join the club lol

[@joesegretto6689]

@@FrankPersico I'm working on the rif that starts at the 12th fret

[@joesegretto6689]

@@FrankPersico I just watched a video where Dan peek is playing with a capo on the second fret on Ventura highway

[@larryschmid3834]

U are a good guitar picker, very good.

[@FrankPersico]

Thank you very much!

[@josephobrien991]

Well, I think I’ll find someone to play the lead part😂. Glad to find your site ,though.

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha all the best to you. Thanks for watching

[@guitarplayingman]

NICE!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks!

[@richardfromcornwall5492]

Really enjoy this tutorial and most of your videos. However, I’m having difficulty singing alongside the rhythm of the guitar? I’ve tried slowing the video down and still can’t get it! Do you have any hints which might help? In anticipation, many thanks.

[@FrankPersico]

Ahhh yes it’s definitely a tricky one. It’s gonna take practice but more than likely you may not have that right hand rhythm to the point where it’s second nature. I would practice that rhythm while you’re just sitting on the couch… talking on the phone… walking around the room etc. yo the point where it’s just ingrained. When you can hold down that rhythm and still have a casual conversation w someone without it feeling awkward you will be on your way… but it is a tough song … u got this!!

[@richardfromcornwall5492]

@@FrankPersico thanks for the speedy reply Frank. Your advice is much appreciated and I’ll do exactly as you suggest. Cheers for now.

[@DerekHart-g3t]

Thanks Frank thats great. Do you have "Say it isn't so Joe" by Murray Head in your song book?

[@FrankPersico]

Hi there and thanks. As of now no but I will look into it

[@wfqsfg]

"Play along with the record". You're showing your age. LOL!! Great lesson and a good acoustic song. This was very popular when I was in college and was up there with Stairway to Heaven in terms of acoustic songs guys would try to learn to play.

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha you can say that again!! 👍😂

[@noeltejada5259]

Nice

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks

[@larryschmid3834]

It's hard to solo this song without a harmony machine. America's harmonies are ingrained into our heads.

[@FrankPersico]

It’s true. Such amazing music.

[@rainchaser5389]

Love this tune. Thank you for posting. 🌱🙏🏻

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure!

[@JohnMiller-jj9kx]

Maybe some wallflowers, gin blossoms, and 4 non blonde hits- Aldo seether

[@FrankPersico]

Noted:) thank for suggestions I will try my best to include some in future vids

[@robdavinroy1761]

Great lesson. I want to recommend that you check out a video by a young guy named Luke Walstead on KZbin. He does an amazing solo that sounds like the three guitars playing at once. No loop pedal used.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks 🙏… I will check it out!

[@t-bone3657]

Dude! You put a sticker on a new expensive Gibson? Wow

[@FrankPersico]

Yeah I’m a A-hole: lol it’s funny because since that video I have actually taken it off!!

[@kenbash2951]

The first chord is even simpler than it sounds. The B and E strings are left open. He is only fretting the lower 4 strings.

[@FrankPersico]

Oh nice/. I will have to try it that was as well. Thanks for the input

[@Kliffy123]

Excellent. Great detail. Id love it if you had a lesson on how you learn a cover song. Ear? Chords? Etc.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks I appreciate that . I will try to come up with a video on this

[@stuckinlodi100]

How many mins in before a guitar makes a sound?

[@FrankPersico]

I don’t know why don’t you use the chapters ?

[@Guitarplayer724]

@@FrankPersicosome people need to have their hand held for everything. 😂

[@tao265]

You little? Or guit way big? 😂

[@FrankPersico]

About average

[@Shiellalyn-t7n]

Its bad.. more on talking... very poor presentation.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the input. I’ve found that the explanations are what the vast majority of my subscribers like and find value in.

[@kerryfromaj9032]

I just got a used acoustic guitar and last night lowered the action, installed new nut, strings, bridge and locking tuners. It’s an Ibanez and it’s sure a lot more difficult for me to play than an electric guitar. I was trying to figure out a couple acoustic songs to learn. Knockin’ On Heavens Door, Wish You Were Here are “roughed in” and coming along well. Ventura Highway is a great idea 👍🏻 I’ll try it today. Thanks Frank !

[@FrankPersico]

Awesome let me know how you do. I answer this comment earlier and I don’t think it went through so excuse me if this is the second comment you are seeing lol

[@Dr.Pepperdave]

It's ready to sell now...

[@tonypalamara770]

Great lesson Frank, Grazie!

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure