Tutorial #4 - Acoustic Guitar 1950s Rock and Roll/Rockabilly - Jez Quayle

In this video I teach how to play 12-bar blues-based rock and roll/rockabilly in the key of G - another great rockin' key! *
Here's a contents list (with times) so you can jump to topics if you wish to:
'Johnny B Goode' in G (excerpt): 00:11
Why play rock 'n' roll in the key of G? : 00:57
'Blue Suede Shoes' in G (excerpt): 01:54
12 Bar Blues in G: 02:43
The 'turn around': 03.23
A rockin' strumming Pattern ('train rhythm'): 03:46
Rock 'n' Roll Riff #1 - G Chord Riff: 04:44
Rock 'n' Roll Riff #2 - C Chord Riff: 07:14
Rock 'n' Roll Riff #3 - D Chord Riff: 09:08
Puttin' It All Together: 10:13
12 Bar Blues in G play-along - 'straight' rhythm: 10:24
12 Bar Blues in G play-along - 'swing' rhythm: 12:10
'Slippin' and Slidin' in G (play-along excerpt)13:08
I've recently published a chord songbook called '50 from the Fifties' ...containing 50 classic rock 'n' roll songs from the 1950s. All of the songs can be played with just 4, easy open chords! It's ideal for both beginners and experienced guitarists who want to use the techniques I teach in my tutorials on some great rockin' tunes. It contains classic hits by the likes of Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Fats Domino, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and many more. If you'd like to buy a copy then search for 'Jez Quayle Rock and Roll Songbook' on the Amazon or Lulu.com websites.
Here are a few of the many great rock 'n' roll recordings (mostly '12-bar blues' based) made in the key of G:
Good Golly Miss Molly - Little Richard
Johnny B Goode - Jerry Lee Lewis
Little Queenie - Jerry Lee Lewis
Lotta Lovin' - Gene Vincent
Lucille - Everly Brothers
Mean Woman Blues - Jerry Lee Lewis
No Particular Place To Go - Chuck Berry
Rave On - Buddy Holly
Reelin' and Rockin' - Chuck Berry
Rock 'n' Roll Ruby - Jerry Lee Lewis
Schooldays - Chuck Berry
Twenty Flight Rock - Eddie Cochran (2nd studio version)
Ubangi Stomp - Jerry Lee Lewis
Song sheets, containing the lyrics and chords (arranged in G) for 'Johnny B Goode' and 'Slippin' and Slidin' (both featured in this video) can be viewed or downloaded from my songbook blog:
Johnny B Goode: jezquaylesongb...
Slippin' and Slidin': jezquaylesongb...

[@MegaJanza]

These videos really are excellent. I like the fact that there’s no extra chit chat, that’s important because students need to watch videos several times and too much non essential talk slows the learning process which can be quite frustrating really.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@johnrice4048]

Fantastic Lesson. Very nice to see someone showing players how to play 50's style on acoustic. Keep them coming.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much John! I glad you found it useful.

[@stoneglad]

Fantastic 50’s style Rock / Rockabilly lesson! There’s truly not enough of this style taught on RUclips!
Not to mention you’re definitely one of the best instructors on RUclips! It’s actually easy to learn and follow along with your lessons. Please keep them coming!!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Allen! Glad you found this useful.

[@twomindz79]

I don't usually comment on guitar videos but you are so concise and thorough.
Learning a bunch .

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much! That's very nice of you to say. I'm glad your finding my videos useful.

[@colinsykes6883]

Watched all four of your tutorials and they are all excellent. Considerably enhanced my understanding of rock and roll rhythm playing.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Colin! That's really good to know.

[@johnryan8595]

Thanks Jez. You have given me great pleasure playing with your lessons.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

That's great to know Ryan. Thanks!

[@johnesillegems529]

Thank you. My God never knew i'd be able play that at my age. Just playing(practicing) for about 4 years now. And i'm 54 now. 👍👌🙆😉

[@RocknRollSongbook]

It's never too late to start rockin'!

[@felixelipe4741]

Salut Jez !! Tout tes tutos me fonts vraiment progresser dans le Rock cette musique m à toujours passionné je suis né en 1950 et j ai commencé la guitare il y a 6 ans !!! Merci de ton aide !!!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Salut Félix! Je suis vraiment ravi que vous trouviez mes vidéos utiles. Il n'est jamais trop tard pour apprendre à jouer de la guitare. Meilleurs voeux d'Angleterre. Happy pickin'! - Jez

[@hiranwimalasekara3858]

There is no words to say, awesome. Go go go. God bless you

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Hiran!

[@MrJosehermoza]

I'm so glad I stumble into your channel, thank you for your unselfishness in sharing your songs and for been a great teacher , a big hug from Vancouver, cheers

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Jose! I'm glad you're enjoying my videos. Hello Vancouver! ...best wishes from England.

[@paultsworld]

Brilliant lesson - really helping me enjoy my guitar playing, particularly as I can play along with you.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Paul! That's great to know. Let's see a video of you playing to the plants in your garden now (I checked out your channel).

[@paultsworld]

If I had an eighth of your talent I certainly would! Thanks for checking out my channel Jez, I've been enjoying binge watching all your great song playing and tutorials.

[@wadedeeds1738]

I love your teaching ♥. Excellent!! Thanks!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@manau6503]

Thank you, Sir🙏😆🎸

[@ericbisono5710]

Thank you for your teach , lessons , arrangements and patients

[@RocknRollSongbook]

👍

[@fabioaraujo6962]

Thanks you good tips. See you soon from Brazil

[@逍遥风-l5e]

you are wonderful as a guitar player

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@sappermac582]

Brilliant, hopefully Santa will deliver the your Rock n Roll songbook at Christmas

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much William! I'll have a word with Santa and see what I can do. 🎅

[@drjackdaw6627]

another great song executed beautifully by your good self, I really appreciate your videos.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@ВикторТюкин-ы4е]

Very useful. Even for beginners. Many thanks from Russia

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much! I'm glad you found it useful. Best wishes from England.

[@maqsimillion]

Love your lessons. Kudos and thanks from Pakistan.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Mohammad!

[@phineus8397]

great lesson. very excited to discover your channel.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much! Phineus.

[@gordonchristie6024]

Brilliant teacher Jez, I’m gonna practice like mad to get as good as you…..hopefully

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Gordon! Yes, do it!!

[@joellecmoi]

You are fantastic Thank you very much it's a real gift

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Wow, thanks very much Joelle! Glad you like it.

[@MysticMover]

Pure gold. Thank you so much

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Micky!

[@andrewmoore193]

Amazing I can play guitar 🎸 now thankyou chum 👍👏🎶

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Keep on strummin'!

[@SuperRobTaylor]

Brilliant and very inspirational. Thank you Jez - much appreciated.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Rob!

[@vdiazmx]

Vidisa
Greetings from Mexico. Extraordinay lesson. I am a beginner and helped me a lot in understanding how to play R&R. You are a great teacher. Thanks.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Vicente! I'm glad you found my video useful.

[@gentx2160]

Gabba Gabba Hey Hey. Rock Rock n Roll high-school! Awesome!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@TheBigmatt3485]

just bought your fab rocking 100 so you got me hooked !

[@RocknRollSongbook]

That’s great to hear. 👍 Thanks for the songbook purchase!

[@karlpugh5169]

Every time watch guitar vids allways end up watching you the best what guitar do you use and do strings make a difference to play this music

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Wow, that's great to know Karl! Recently I've been playing a Gibson J45 and a Taylor GS Mini in my videos. I use Martin strings (.012 - .054 gauge). Yes, strings make a difference -- from my experience, the gauge makes more of difference than the make. People make the mistake of using very light gauge strings (e.g., .010s or .011s) on their acoustic guitars, cause they're easier on the fingers. But you lose tone. People often set the action too low as well.

[@TheJohnclive021]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you for posting.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much John!

[@daverogge8052]

Großartig! Vielen Dank für dieses klasse Tutorial. Mein Englisch ist nicht so gut, aber ich konnte durchweg folgen. Vielen Dank!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Vielen Dank Dave! Ich freue mich, dass du mir folgen konntest.

[@bochamdq]

Increible!!!..no sé nada de ingles..y entiendo todo a la vez!!!..Usted es una gran Maestro!!!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

¡Muchas gracias! Es bueno saber que pudiste entenderme. ¡Saludos desde Inglaterra!

[@igor_nokiaman]

Спасибо огромное 👏👏👏👍👍👍 Обожаю рок-н-ролл 😍🤩

[@kevinmccormick354]

Just discovered you!
Thanks so much! Great sound and excellent instructions!!
All the best!
Looking forward to following you and practicing with you!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Hi Kevin. Thanks very much! Glad you like these videos.

[@hogmire9]

Greatly appreciate the Rockabilly acoustic instructions. I mostly sing slow ballads when playing. My voice is better than my geetar playing. Keep them coming.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks David! I'm glad you found this useful. I watched your acoustic rockabilly medley (you and a couple of mates) - loved it!

[@contractorwolf]

Jez, I know you hear this all the time, but I had to add to the chorus: I have immensely enjoyed your tutorials while trying to learn the guitar (during covid) . Keep up the great work, love your passion and teaching style.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much James! I'm really glad you've been enjoying my tutorials. How are the sore fingers getting along?

[@contractorwolf]

@@RocknRollSongbook there was a time where I felt like I was doing unrecoverable damage to my fingers, but I googled it and found that it was normal, so I pushed through. Now I am just to the point that it doesn't really hurt so much anymore, so i guess thats good.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

@@contractorwolf That's great! ...you should see my finger tips.

[@contractorwolf]

@@RocknRollSongbook if you ever decide to cross the pond and tour the southeast ill make sure to come and see you play :)

[@RocknRollSongbook]

@@contractorwolf That would be fun!

[@mstargate12]

Cant wait te get started the morra. Cheers mate.

[@leterriblix]

Just Brilliant!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@lebendigsein1967]

ich habe in den 15 minuten mehr gelernt als in den letzten 3 monaten. sagenhaft. ich bin super froh

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Das ist gut zu wissen. Ich bin froh, dass du mein Video so nützlich fandest.

[@javiersanchezribas7985]

Hail hail rock and roll. Thank you buddy

[@renepascalvanpoorten5669]

Thank you for your guitarlesson. It's so easy how you explain it. Thank you very much! You're great.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Rene Pascal! I'm glad you found this useful.

[@charlesklein9169]

Enjoy the lessons. Very informative and helpful. Thanks ! Please keep teaching..😎

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Charles!

[@jimcipponeri1769]

Jim C; Excellent; Very good, and you make playing music easy!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Jim!

[@aprylrittenhouse4562]

It is a brilliant lesson. Its looks like i can add carl perkins to my list. Although i dont just learn sjhapes i like to know what im playing. But thats for me personally ive always used a when playing them and after i injured my fretting hand its very painfull. Thank ypu so much for your lesson your a God send .

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Apryl! Glad you found it useful.

[@bloodonthestrings]

God great lesson. Thank you!!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Laurent!

[@wesmorris5750]

Super lesson, I’m off to practice right now!!’nn

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@subcultural1758]

Best lesson guy on RUclips. Thanks again sir

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Wow, thanks!

[@fredbarjavel5083]

merci monsieurQUAYLE pour vos vidéos sur le rockabilly j'ai beaucoup apris avec vous vous este un grand !!respect a vous!!! et a bientot!!! fre barjavel orange vaucluse france!!!!!!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Merci beaucoup Fred! Je suis ravi que vous trouviez mes vidéos utiles -- Jez

[@frankschoening9066]

Dear Jez,
your videos make my day.😘
Keep on posting vids, please! 🙏

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Hi Frank. That's great to know! I plan to keep posting.

[@marinolorrai855]

great lesson,thank you!!!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks Marino!

[@takethestagelv202]

Just great!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@patgaff2536]

I'm sure glad I found you. What fun. Thank you.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

I'm glad you found my video useful. 😎

[@pedropaiva5297]

Um GÊNIO!👏👏👏

[@UKPete]

Brilliant thanks!. great singing as well!.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Peter!

[@matthewgrimwood6431]

Good set

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Matthew!

[@Learnamericanenglishonline]

Thanks for this series of videos. Going back to the basics really helps me understand what I'm doing when I play more modern rock. Hey, how did you insert those graphics in the corners? I'd like to try that in my own videos. Thanks again!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

I create the little graphics panels using the simple picture editor the comes with Windows (called Paint), then I insert them when I edit the video together using some free video editing software (called Shotcut).

[@ДмитрийСаввин-н1у]

This lessons its fire!!! The best!!! From russia this love !😊

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Dmitriy! Greetings from England.

[@mickaelelind8831]

super it s one time i see one tuto Very Clear for this music i love to much learn and listen this muisic thanck you so much mister rock n roll and continue

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Mickael! I'm glad you found my video useful. Greetings from England!

[@finneire2081]

A god send
Im gonna have a go at this come morning .
Thank you so much 👍

[@georget7028]

Bravo!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks George!

[@MegaBaz12]

Really enjoying ur very educational videos man some great knowledge thanks man really loving them

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Barry! I’m pleased you’re finding my videos useful.

[@juliebreja98]

Really enjoyed meeting you today at the Buddy Holly crash site!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

It was lovely meeting you and Bob! Thanks for stopping by my RUclips channel. When I get back to England I’ll be uploading the videos from my US travels. So stay ‘tuned’ 👍😃 Best wishes, Jez

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Did you get along to the Surf Ballroom?

[@juliebreja98]

@@RocknRollSongbook no since we had already stopped and took pictures outside we headed home. We were telling our 39 year old daughter about our stop today…she had no idea what we were talking about! Guess we didn’t educate her enough about our old music we still love! Safe travels tomorrow!

[@franciscoleon7961]

Wonderful lesson
Tank you

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Francisco!

[@astroboy4711]

Excellent as per usual!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Mike!

[@curtpratt2203]

Thanks for such a good lesson, as always.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Curt!

[@derrygerry2569]

Thank you 👍

[@RocknRollSongbook]

👍

[@MustafaBaabad]

Thanks for clear explanation Chief!
Would be better if you also show the turn around too. However, these fingers manipulation will keep me busy at least for another week. Cheers from Indonesia.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Mustafa! Enjoy!

[@2508wolfman]

Love your stuff, Jez!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Roy!

[@rayh72]

Great stuff Jez, had to go back and look at the previous ones again after this (particularly like #3!). Great explanations and the viewers who compliment you on your teaching skills are spot on.
Right... off to have a go at the Carl Perkins riffs now!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Ray! These tutorial videos seem to have really taken off.
If I recall correctly, you attended the very first lecture I gave back in 1995 ...cognitive psychology/visual perception/pattern recognition, I think.

[@rayh72]

@@RocknRollSongbook 1997 Jez, but yes, that experience influenced my comment here. You have a knack of engaging with the listener, explaining in a simple/ clear manner plus you are passionate and knowledgeable about your subject.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Ah, my first lectures were in 1995, so I'd had a couple of years practice by the time you appeared on the scene. But thank you so much for those positive words! You were a great student.

[@austincharlessmith4367]

Great teacher 👍👍.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Austin!

[@celticsession1]

Brilliant teacher!!!!!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Wow, thanks very much!

[@pedrodebarros4949]

Excellent love it,,

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Pedro!

[@davulcu64st]

Very nice tutorrial thanks

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@christians483]

Your Voice is King

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Wow, thanks very much Christian!

[@sergiovazquez170]

Muy bonito muy bonito muy bonito...gracias

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Muchas gracias Sergio!

[@psychedelicwriter5051]

You have a great channel! Great lessons!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Denis!

[@robertoochagavia6935]

Great

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks Roberto!

[@ВиталийДомогацкий-д8ф]

Good channel. I wish you a silver button as a minimum👍

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much! I'm glad you like it.

[@carlosmanuelperezrodriguez1623]

You are the best man !!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Wow, thanks very much Carlos!

[@rajanvijayudu1337]

Very interesting teacher 👍

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Rajan!

[@retrobilly1719]

Wow,
Lots to learn but Great,I’m doing good with Lessons 1&3,2 I find hard( Hands. Get tired) lotsa repetition to achieve ,
Long Tall Sally’s coming along

[@RocknRollSongbook]

That's good to know! I'm glad you're getting on so well. Yes, lots of repetition is the key. Keep on rockin'!

[@clintmcclintock7636]

Excellent

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Clint!

[@didiertoffolini2689]

Thanks, very helpful

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Didier!

[@jeanluc7405]

bonjour l'ami :) bien que je comprend pas l'Aglais, tes explications sont très claires. comme quoi que la musique est universelle et n'a pas de Frontière. Merci

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Salut l'ami. Je suis content que vous ayez trouvé ma vidéo utile, même sans comprendre l'anglais. Salutations d'Angleterre! - Jez

[@matthewgrimwood6431]

Thank s 🙏

[@RocknRollSongbook]

👍

[@hifly1929]

How I enjoy you`re vid`s every time they show up in my feed. Just now I found out you only have 10K followers! You deserve plenty more. And many more deserve to see you`re videos. Keep Rock n roll and rockabilly alive!!!! I Also watch Steve T because he`s a nerd, not afraid to show himself, talented and inspiring. You are 2, in a different manner tho :p. Anyways thank you my man!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Harald! I'm very pleased that I've made it to 10K subscribers, but that's very nice of you to say -- about a month ago I had less than 3K. My tutorial videos seem to have really taken off. I'm pleased you like my videos. Thanks for the encouragement - Jez

[@hifly1929]

​@@RocknRollSongbook Anytime!

[@perkin524]

Terrific!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@RabbitW1zard]

Very cool! BOP!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@bluestough]

Cool, go, Jez, go

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Hehehe ....thanks very much Boyd!

[@bluestough]

@@RocknRollSongbook You´re the BEST, Jez;)

[@tonyv.dasilva5597]

Great job 🎸🎼🎤💯🤗

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Tony!

[@ChristianRouLund]

Nice🙏😉

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks Christian.

[@frankholehouse1393]

Your very good

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks Frank!

[@MyPunker02]

Hi Jez, I’m in Florida, USA.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks. I ask for reasons of timing. I've taught people in eastern Australia (10 hours ahead of the UK) and the west coast of the US (8 hours behind the UK).

[@humbertodasilva674]

Cara muito bom. ....

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Muito obrigado!

[@alejandroesquivel1174]

great class!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Alejandro!

[@moritoyo]

最高ですね！
かっこいい
It,s Cool

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!

[@karlbishop9670]

Great videos!!

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much Karl!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you.

[@RocknRollSongbook]

You're welcome!

[@rueda82nd]

Awesome thanks so much for sharing :)

[@RocknRollSongbook]

Thanks very much!