You've Got A Friend by James Taylor | Guitar Lesson

[@MrNikibilly]

Why all the down thumbs this man takes his time out to teach everyone and you give him a down thumb so sad you should thank him he plays so beautiful and sings so great and is the best teacher Thank you Justin for everything you do for all of us May god bless you and your family You got a friend in me :):)

[@stinamanni]

+alice SMITH god haha

[@pixelatedparcel]

alice SMITH Everybody love's Justin's vibe and there is no denying his teaching is world-class. I doubt the thumbs-down have anything to do with either his beautiful playing or his outstanding tutorial. I dig this guy and would never give him a thumbs down but have to make a really conscious effort to get over his vocals on many, many of his lessons. People are just expressing themselves in the simplest manner possible...Cheers.

[@toyvng]

They probably can't learn it and got pissed off lol

[@edsch1483]

alice SMITH just bitter people give thumbs down.

[@jiffyware]

No rubber underwear for this song ladies and gentlemen. This song requires real balls.

[@matthewkeeley4479]

I was a JT fanatic fifty years ago. There were no teachers around { at least not for a fifteen-year ole long hair kid...} that could teach the intricacies of this song. I could play Beatles and Kottke but not the few JT songs I wanted to learn. This is intermediate work done exceptionally well. Maybe the dislikes are from beginners frustrated with not being able to coordinate yet, but Justin nails this better than any online teachers or live folks I've heard play it. So, after many years we'll just do this!

[@AnhNguyen-hz1rw]

Justin is the most caring teacher on the KZbin. He clearly has a passion for what he is doing as he wants his students to be succeed. Thank you so so much.

[@Piratetude]

Whenever I find a song that I want to Iearn, and I find that Justin has a video on it, I do my happy dance. Justin, I know you won't actually read this, but I'll say it anyway...you are the best guitar teacher on the internet. I'm 69 years old, retired cop, crappy voice, but you've made this so fun for me. I'm looking forward to the challenge of this song. A song I grew up with, and always warmed my heart. Thank you for sharing your talent with us mear mortals.

[@SibeDad]

Thanks Justin. I am working on this as tribute to my best friend, who has been recently diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. I want to be able to play it for him before he leaves this earthly world.

[@davidfavre8296]

You are a spécial friend...❤

[@robertkovar2814]

Hi Justin, i am a 68 Year old Guy from Salzburg/Austria who loves to sing and play the favorit songs that were influtial parts of my life. Now since a few days i spent my days to sit with you to learn one of my favorits, You`ve got a friend. i want thank you so much for your exellent lessons. You are really a great instructor. So many guitar instructors are not also good singers. so after a few days i´m quite through with the song and there is still some fine details to work on.

[@JohnsMusicClasses]

"Just close your eyes and B7 me..." That's a good friend.

[@sasiadam8328]

John Daniel fabulous

[@eddiet2]

If my wife ever B7s me, I'll die and go to heaven.

[@marjoleinvansloten4029]

🤣😂🎶💫👏🏼. I ll never listen to the song the same, but it s ok the song is too soft anyway haha but a beautifull classic and thank so much for the perfect lesson!

[@TheBdylan23]

"Only know you F her when you let her go " passenger.

[@NayanSthanakiya]

If you dig that check out justin's lesson for 'Let her go.' I wont spoil it but look for the F chord.

[@jurgenmuller7534]

As a guitarist who grew up with the music of James Taylor, Carol King, Joni Mitchel....I can only tell you: absolutely well done, no, let me say perfectly done ! It doesn't matter at all if all your cover versions are 100 or 99,9999....% close to the original - Thank you so much for presenting your professional competence combined with such an enchanting modesty. I take the liberty to tell all those who gave a "thumb down": Please, work incessantly hard to learn how to hold your guitar the right way up and try to get rid off your two left hands - if this doesn't work I would recommend to try to learn another instrument ( for example child's rattle as gripping and holding something with one's fist does not mean such a challenge as well for the cerebrum as the cerebellum ) and / or to consult a psychotherapist in order to learn how to avoid self-imposed frustrations.

[@joelnilespeterson]

Justin is a real blessing to guitar players who have not reached his level of advanced playing. Added to this I think he's just a really good guy. As with most players, I love to sing but have less than a stellar set of cords. Singing is fun and makes us feel good, so why would we get all balled up over not being professional quality? I like the way Justin puts it all out there, no excuses or apologies. It makes me more comfortable singing along with him, and singing around others. Where did we get this crass idea that one has to be a high quality singer to just belt one out? Thanks Justin. And thanks for this great lesson and taking your own time to help us out. The world needs more people like you.

[@Shalini_Jay_Music]

Absolutely well said :)

[@johnhunter3344]

been playing since I was 8. Now aged 61. Haven't picked up a guitar in 15 years. One hour playing this tune as taught here brought all the old playing styles and muscle memory back. Now I just need to work on timing and practice. My first guitar teacher in 1966 said - I can teach you how, then you need to practice to do it right. Great teaching here, I now need to learn again. Thanks.

[@JM-sf2rl]

Justin - thank you for taking the time to go over this song in detail. Your patience and repetition of the cord progressions is a great teaching method. I don't understand how anyone can give your teaching method a thumbs down. Perhaps some of the beginner players should take some time to go through the basics and develop some additional skill before attempting to learn JT songs. This is not in my estimation a song for beginners! There are lots of versions of this song with simple strumming patterns that may be more suitable for novice players. I would offer some advice to those just staring out - please play to your skill level and progress to the more advanced levels when you are ready to do so. I think this is why so many people get discouraged and quit playing, you can't pick up a guitar for the first time and reasonably expect to play James Taylor songs. Enjoy the way you play at what ever skill level you are at - then come back in a couple of months and let Jason show you how to advance your skill. Thank you again Jason for your thoughtful teaching approach! Keep up the good work!

[@jobolnick]

Thanks!

[@JustinGuitarSongs]

Many thanks for the super thanks and supporting the channel. It means a lot. Cheers 😊 | Richard_close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Approved Teacher www.justinguitar.com

[@eriknorberg6154]

My sister always sang this song when she was in her teenage and it has been running in my head for a while whenever I heard it on the radio since then. But it't not anoying, but rather the opposite, very refreshing... yes, I love the melody and the text as well! You are an excellent teacher Justin! Thanks!

[@green323turbo]

Great Lesson, especially the way you sing the cords. But HOW COME THERE ARE NO BEAUTIFUL SONGS LIKE THIS written anymore !!

[@troe8788]

Can't understand the thumbs down either. I'm always learning from you, often times going back for a review. Right from the beginning it sounded like the record. Thanks for all I continue to learn from you (and I've been playing for 50 yrs).

[@antoniomanzoni4023]

FINALLY someone who plays the entire song at full speed at the beginning. Songs like this are not for beginners, so most of those who want to learn it just need to see it played at full speed. Thanks Justin

[@Bobstew68]

I'm pretty much a beginner with guitar and only know a few chords.. I have a hard time playing bar chords and have never practiced scales or really any finger play. I can barely strum through "Hallelujah". I *really* want to learn this one, though, and this tutorial is crispy clear.. I'm making this my project for the next couple of months, wish me luck.

[@und9r]

Practice it everyday, just a little bit at a time, and remember to be patient with yourself. It's going to take time but every day you play it makes the the next day easier.

[@Bobstew68]

ifeelitbro Thank you for the support. =) I'm almost done learning the tune, only have to practice hitting a few chords on time as well as learn the "Ain't it good to know.." part.

[@und9r]

Bobstew68 Don't get too stressed out about having to play every single note right. Every song has a studio version that you'd call "the original" but artists (especially from that time) never play the same song twice the same when they play live. Get the big picture, get the timing right and when you get confident just play the song as you feel it !

[@Bobstew68]

Triggerfisk Just letting whoever might read this know it was a success story! This is the second thing I ever learn on the guitar, and it can be done with a bit of persistance. Spent 2-3 months (sometimes going a few days without practicing, sometimes playing until my fingers were aching) and am feeling happy about the tune now, licks and everything. Thanks, Justin!

[@und9r]

Triggerfisk really happy to ear that ! good luck for the rest :)

[@stephenlerog1770]

Thank so much sir for patience and for not being selfish!

[@richardnewman3954]

What a gem! You give just enough, but give lots of freedom for figuring things out. Thanks for devoting the time for this. I'm getting it!

[@OrbisonTributeArtist]

Thanks Justin! Great lesson. This is one I have wanted to learn for years, but was a bit lazy. As for some of the comments, I think this is just a slightly more advanced song for many, especially considering the finger-picking style. Don't let their comments hurt you. I have learned through my years that comments usually reflect how a person is feeling and not the reality of the situation. Cheers!

[@MichaelHarrisIreland]

Thanks for all the effort. It seems this must have taken ages. We're lucky to have such as you. Now to try and learn it since you've done the running.

[@robertsturgeon1420]

I really like Justin's style of teaching! Very easy pace and easy to understand and follow. Not to mention I like his accent and just a pleasant personality. I honestly don't understand who would have a problem with him or his style or ability. I guess you can't please everyone.

[@juana1483]

Thinking of The 70s with all those: Sweet baby James, and Carol King songs....love these heartfelt chords..really touches the heart ❤

[@buddytew9029]

I think it is great for someone to take their time to show us how to play this song. I myself would not have a clue to where to start to play this but with your help, I about got it all down. If the only thing you can do is complain you need to try another sight. Justin, I think you are making it possible for people to play songs they love and you are doing a great JOB at it. Thanks my man!!!! Keep the good work up....

[@JoeKrol]

Great Job learned this song back in 1980, 81. Cut my teeth on JT and Dan Fogelberg so this was also a trip down memory lane. Haven't played it in years but may need it for Church so I was looking for a refresher!

[@Escape99100]

thanx Justin...now is the moment to show us "something in the way she moves", a great way to exercise in fingerstyle

[@EzyoMusic]

That would be really cool!

[@harisharya100]

Escape99100 o l.

[@TheSonnylily]

Justin deserves all the thumbs up not the down one, wake up negative people, if you can't figure out how to play or follow his lessons then find another easier lesson like i do sometimes.Cheers!!!

[@JuanDelaCruz-qt5ok]

Wow! No wonder why this channel earned a million of subs. Very details and yet simple to follow. Thanks.

[@JustinGuitarSongs]

Thank you Juan. Cheers 😊 | close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide [ www.justinguitar.com/ ] & Moderator on JustinGuitar Forum

[@Louis-we6lh]

you deserve a donation thank you for all your lessons, time sacrifice.

[@leoswoyer8348]

Justin - I have to say you have a razor sharp ear. I've heard other's on KZbin get close to transcribing tunes but you nail them spot on - all the subtlety included. You also have a very effective teaching style. I greatly appreciate your musical efforts! Thank you!

[@dillharris1953]

Thanks, Justin, for taking the time to break this one down. You have a nice way of teaching without being condescending. I check in for the easy stuff; I check in for the hard stuff, too.

[@Tubedog8]

Thank you again Justin! You are a great teacher. Can't believe some people complain about a free lesson!??

[@annalights5788]

I like how you play "You've Got a Friend" --- have learned much from your video to improve greatly my version; plus you're easy to follow; Thank You!🤗 A tip for some viewers, is to tap the 3 settings dots & slow down playback of the video to .75 or .50 It gives you more time to position for the next chord. It's useful for other things too; like making notes, writing lyrics, etc. If you forget to, you can change it by choosing "normal" during playback of any video♩

[@tadhg3]

Phenomenal teaching and great lesson. Much much appreciated !!

[@heatherreed6013]

EXCELLENT INSTRUCTION And so thoughtfully, taught, that gives confidence and motivation. You have been a favorite. I am SO Very grateful that I found you on line, and I'm not struggling along DIY anymore!!! Thanks, Justin.

[@GWPerry]

Justin , I want to thank you for the great amount of consideration that you give to being so complete in every part of teaching all the smallest but most important " tricky bits " of every song that you teach. You have a very upbeat attitude and personality that makes it easy for me to learn from your lessons, The technical aspect of your teaching skills are impressive and just completely blow me away, you are a good soul my friend.

[@larryhaynes3875]

Well done, my friend .

[@najmu49]

Thank you Justin for this excellent tutorial. By the way, your singing is great too. God bless

[@michaelluczak3019]

This cat is one of the best on line guitar teachers. Great lessons!

[@tonymartino7892]

Justin I keep coming back to this. Love this song and love the way you play and teach it. Been after it a while and getting there. Enjoying the process. Thank you so much. Wishing you the very best always.

[@hitmanhatton]

Been following you for a long time and somehow hadn't seen this. What a brilliant explanation of a gorgeous song with a beautiful sentiment. I grew up listening to the Carol King Version but James Taylor plays this like it was written for guitar. Which is no easy task. I absolutely love this song. It'll melt the heart of any woman you play it for. Probably any man as well

[@jamescochrane9931]

How is it that people could possibly thumbs down this amazing lesson? This guy is amazing. If you want to learn how to play guitar listen and look at this video. Seriously, this guys the real deal!!!!

[@dmaninla]

Great lesson!

[@javigara2459]

Wonderful player, great singer, amazing teacher!!!!!! Thank you very much for everything. Your books are fantastic!!!!

[@lemayelaine]

You rock, Justin. Another fabulous lesson in your usual cheerful demeanor!

[@BOCHO8901]

Hi my friend I write from El Salvador and i'm older guitar player and didn't Know how to play this beautiful's James Taylor song and you taught me how to do that...thank so lot ... sincerely.....

[@dennispaul4356]

Justin, your teaching is detailed and simply brilliant! I truly appreciate you taking the time. Thank You!

[@coopwannabee8675]

Excellent. Thanks, Justin.

[@gregggglove]

ALWAYS GREAT ..A BIG THANKS MY FRIEND.I used to play this 20 years ago, make that 35 years ago in Newport Rhode Island in 1983 .. but hey I never got it down spot on like you ... a big thanks from an Old Chap ...good KARMA to you.

[@EdsonOliveira63]

Hi Justin, I'm Brazilian, I do not understand anything you say. But I confess that this was the best guitar lesson I've ever seen. I learned to play this song with you.

[@sonsieface1]

Excellent - wish everyone was as clear as this when teaching tunes

[@haroldfloyd5518]

There are 2 choices for me for tutorials: Justin or Jamesjames. Most times I’ve figured out a lot of the song before I pick up the guitar, so the choice is James because he explains little (or nothing) but he shows you every note you need to play. If it’s a complex song like this one, I always turn to Justin for the opposite reason: he covers every detail of the song from the ground up (okay, maybe I don’t need the rhythm patterns...) and I can play along with the lesson. Invaluable.

[@guitarsncarsnart]

Great lesson. You describe things well without dwelling on stuff. You play it so well. And your James Taylor inflection is freaking great!! I can follow this!. Thanks for taking the time.

[@jeanlau4988]

Justin, you,re the Man on instructing, so easy to follow your lesson, and fun, too. And I like your lyrics changes, for copyrights respects ..... haha. Keep it up,for us , you put joy on top of teaching us, Thanks a million. John, Montreal

[@lovesallweneed]

Thank you again Justin. You are an amazing teacher and this sing is not easy to play, especially if you have short fingers like me. You need twice the speed to change chords. Memory is rusting a little to but grateful ofr your free tutorials. Magic.

[@johnnybumpous9108]

Justin, I really appreciate you taking time to teach this one . I've always loved the song ,but could never get it right. again , thanks so much !!

[@ladyofthelake3382]

I have loved this song since I was 4. Tried to learn it a few times but you are the only guitar teacher that explains things so I can understand them so thank you so much! Can't wait to bust out some james taylor on my taylor :-)

[@robertodamiani1490]

Il migliore tra tutti quelli che danno lezioni on line.bravo continua così.

[@keithmockridge3329]

Justin is the main man without a doubt. Fantastic guitarist and very good teacher.🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎶🎵🎼

[@tommyjcoogan]

Brilliant as usual Justin.You are an inspiration to me, I'm gonna learn this thanks to you.I would never have attempted something so difficult (for me) before I started to watch your lessons.Thank you from Dublin

[@jimdevivo9241]

Brilliant job mate!....You're the best teacher hands down.....I have learned so many of my favorite tunes from you...You've greatly enhanced my guitar playing ability and I will be forever grateful.....

[@richardstones6445]

"Close your eyes and B7th me" This should be the clarion call of JT fans the world over!

[@mr.vonruby.2195]

Dear Justin. I simply love how you sing and puts in the chords in the lyrichs. Funny ..........! 14:25 - 15 : 16

[@Relicsun]

Justin we are really lucky and thankful that you are taking the time to teach not only this song and the other ones as well, you helped me and other guitar players around the world, thank you very much!

[@DDuna-kj9bf]

Fantastic sir! I have been trying to do this song for awhile now, and with your tutorial, was able to work through it and play it reasonably close after a few tries. THANK YOU for explaining the song in a way that makes sense to us Sunday morning guitarists!

[@essahsaeidi5543]

thank you so much! I've gotten more into my guitar because of you and these videos helping me play the songs I love, so thanks again, Cheers!

[@spanny88]

Holy cow I forgot I had the tutorial on while tuning. I thought this was the actual song playing on pandora! You rock Justin! Thank you

[@batangSM]

At first I thought this song was a difficult one to play, but the way you show how to play it well makes me feel that I wanted to learn it now. Thanks Justin Taylor ☺

[@josephstephen7290]

Wonderful. This is the best way to teach chords for songs. Very good job Justin.

[@vr2connect273]

Awesome Justin, I love your Guitar lessons. Many tanks from The Netherlands :-)

[@andrestorres-ut5fc]

J,, U R A GREAT TEACHER SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE BUT GOOD!!! THANKS..

[@luprit1]

excellent instruction. thanks for identifying all chords with closeup shots and verbal descriptions. never would've been able to play this so quickly without this video. thank you thank you!!

[@jeroenhuizinga5020]

Great tutorial Justin you got the right way of teaching! Very helpfull! Thanks!

[@tomaszszczegola]

Justin, thank you so much for another spot-on lesson! I would never have thought I could play this beautifully intricate song myself. Of course, my rendition is far from perfect, but it's good enough to accompany my wife singing the song, making both of us so happy and bringing us together. What else do you need, man? :-)

[@dbdens3161]

Thank you Justin! You are a great teacher, musician and an excellent singer!

[@jordimai1]

It's always great to check out your vidéos and hear "Hi it's Justin here". ..Thanks mate FOR EVERYTHING!

[@TheGuitar47c]

I think you are a great teacher and player and I love your column in Guitar Techniques. Please carry on the great work.

[@Mi-cha-el-Edward-Lee]

You are a very good instructor. I'm a little slow and may have to simplify even more to play this song...you really capture the full effects of this beautiful song

[@jamesgray539]

This is a fantastic tutorial. I've learned the song in little under an hour. It's a little tricky getting the intro if you're not really used to finger style playing. Thanks alot for the video, it realy has been a great help.

[@TerryVanner]

Well Justin I have your books, which are all excellent, but your videos make it so much easier to get the right sound. Thanks for producing both. Love them both.

[@anniebaliang8353]

Thank you Justin for your detail and patience ,I am old learner I can follow your instructions so well❤️❤️❤️👍

[@Silverburstnelson]

Thank you very much for this. You are super easy to learn from and I've got to learn this song by tomorrow. You are a life saver. :D

[@1038RAMS]

I gotta say it. Dude you are the best teacher that has come along. I mean it. Whatever 'teaching style' you've adopted absolutely works for me (as I'm sure, countless others). Just wanted to say a big thanks for all you do and never thought I'd ever reach the level of learning how to play something like this proficiently. You make things like that happen. P.S. I will definitely be buying your songbook!!

[@jmdelvallepero6067]

Verdaderamente el mejor tutorialmpara YOU GOT A FRIEND de James Taylor, entendí le de manera sencilla y amena, Congratulations!

[@alunosanalises2029]

I am a brazilian. You are great. Thank very much. Muito obrigado. God bless you.

[@andresreyes8255]

Thank you justin . you are so good i do watching your video always while im practising ..

[@mcbigswig1569]

Thank you Justin, for taking is through this somewhat tough song in a user-friendly way.

[@elliottrandolph7618]

Big respect...love this song and thanks for your instruction

[@todadude9539]

Thank you so Much Justin you made me so happy to learn this beautiful song. Thank you

[@gillozada5090]

Thanks so much Justin! been playing and singing it for years, right capo, different key starting at A, simplified chords. but now, the real thing and very nice fills. beautiful!

[@1974xaviers]

Thanks Justin .. you have taken so effort to do this video... excellent 👌.,...thanks a ton

[@4uthefunnyfarm]

Best lesson ive come across on this. Well done Justin. Beautifully done.

[@danphipps615]

Wonderful song - excellent tutorial. You really are an amazing musician and we are so lucky you share your talent with us. Big thanks...

[@Larrymh07]

Smashing lesson! Ya me got started on this honey of a tune!

[@Gramrye]

Hi Justin, love the way james Taylors has the 2 perspectives on his song lessons, thanks for the link.

[@jnott3841]

Thanks for the lengthy explanation on the picking pattern throughout the entire song

[@dmike03]

That was awesome Justin! I don't know how a person goes about covering a song, but I really think you should do a cover of this for your next album!

[@RobertLailvaux]

Brilliant Justin. Ignore the thumbs down, you nailed this song.

[@chubbyluna4467]

I love your fret markers! The suits of a playing card. Brilliant!

[@susanfoster2400]

Saw James play this in Leeds last week Thank you for helping have good memories twice over.

[@ronsansone6032]

My question is.. have you written any of your own material? You know you should try if you haven't. You're darned good and 750,000 people agree. You might want to use this as a BIG springboard into sharing the ideas in YOUR soul with the world. Thanks for remembering Carol King, the writer. Also, you are the man Justin for freely sharing all that talent, work and knowledge with ALL of us.