Guitar Lesson 4: "FIRE & RAIN" - Official James Taylor Guitar Tutorial
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- Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
- Learn to play James Taylor's iconic "Fire & Rain" directly from the man himself!
See the rest of the Official James Taylor FREE Guitar Lessons here: • Free Guitar Lessons
Finally, the intricate secrets to one of the most iconic guitar styles of the last 40 years, directly from the source. To be notified via email when the next guitar lesson is released, sign up for the James Taylor mailing list at bit.ly/JC0dV5.
Every aspect of this classic guitar piece is demonstrated in a gorgeous, moving instrumental performance by Taylor that is a joy to watch even if you are not a guitar player.
With innovative camera angles and slow motion demonstrations, students at all levels can clearly see every move and hear every individual note that goes into creating Taylor's iconic songs.
I can't believe I found a RUclips channel on guitar instructions by James Taylor!! I was born in 1955 and your music has been at the top of my list for most of my life. Thank you so much... can't wait to get started!!!
Same 1955 boy, Fire and Rain from a London basement touched many in Kampala Uganda 🇺🇬 back then. Now still learning this timeless song. God bless you and your loved ones Sir. Greetings from a 1972 refugee, who was blessed with sunny skies, from England 🇬🇧
@@najmu49The power of music to unite us is a wonderful thing! I just learned this after so many years of listening. What a gift to have JT himself showing us how to play this beautiful song. Greetings to you!
This find is pure GOLD. The one and only...thank you so much James Taylor. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
That intro has to be one of the most beautiful pieces of acoustic guitar ever.
It's Carolina In My Mind
Yes! Fire and rain it's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard!
Gotta say it’s my #1
He put his camera inside the guitar, how thoughtful.❤
Dear James, I am so grateful for your taking the time to give me my first guitar lessons. I am 62 and have wanted to play since I was a little girl and I first heard "Something in the way she moves". It gave me confidence as a challenged teenager. You are the only live concert I have ever been to. As an iron miner's grandaughter, Thank you for the love in your music; for Millworker. I am honored to finally be able to start playing. Who would have ever thought I could afford you as my teacher. Chorus: THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
Beyond excellent. A+
Me too. Many "lessons" out there, but I just found this one. Who better to learn from than he man himself. My favorite acoustic song for 53 years
These cords and fingerings are your family jewels. I can't imagine a more generous gift.
What generosity. Really.
Not too many living legends would take the time to put something like this together. hey...we all know about the talent of James Taylor. This kind of effort demonstrates the character of the man behind all of that talent. Thank you, Mr. Taylor. I have admired your music for years. Thank you giving back to guys like me who will never be able to come close to replicating your guitar style...but it's sure fun to try!
i have followed your music back to the origial flying machine .and kate and livingston too.played your music in coffee houses and for friends and clubs and enlighted many mind .but your music.your life and mine run through the hills and hollers.of the south.
Thank you so much for taking time to share…
James, in 1970, that was one of the most beautiful songs I had ever heard. It still is in 2020. I'm 63 now and never get tired of hearing you play that. Thank you so much for sharing the ins and outs of it.
Yes, an absolute gift! I used to play JT songs acceptably well, impressed my friends and such. I got ot of finger picking in favor being in a rock cover band. Then 2 years ago a spine surgery went bad, and I became a paraplegic. I just picked up my guitar after 4 years, as much for hand therapy as just enjoying playing again if I can get my dexterity back. Thank you JT! I’ve seen you in Dayton, OH, live at the Fraze Pavilion and such.
Just consider the enormous grit and inspiration required to sit down and write these songs from nothingness. The unique approach to fretting combined with advanced finger picking and understanding of theory. Then wrap in the lyrics and beautiful arrangement. All from thin air. As a young kid too.
James taylor wont be around forever. These 10 videos are an incredible gift to the world. This is an example of the beautiful side of the internet.
Case in point. A legacy for all those guitarists to come.
JT: "It's a simple tune."
I spent several hours smattered over a 3 week period to "learn" this song. Even going to the trouble of re-training my muscle memory to grip the A and D chords like Mr. Taylor. Years later, I have finally got it down so well that if you close your eyes and listen to me play it, you would swear you weren't listening to James Taylor. Really sweet song and thanks a million for all these great lessons.
I like the way you slid "you would swear you weren't listening to James Taylor" in there.
This made my guitarist hubby so happy. He loves playing this song, but needed to know some chord details. Thank you so much for making an old picker happy.
3:33 ""I've seen fire, and I've seen rain. Not recently. But once." A great message of hope, right there..
The 1970 BBC performance is beyond it man. Much respect for that -you could write a book about that show and I’d buy it.
I learned to play Fire and Rain in about 1976. Of course I've been playing it wrong. I didn't know it had an Em7 in there, and the walk-down from D I've done wrong. Now to re-learn this...
Thank you so much James
Wow taught by the man himself after i been through all those other videos I run into the real thing. Now those are some perfect fingernails. 👍👍🎶🎶✌✌
I've been saying thank you to James Taylor for well over 40 years, and I'll say it again now...
Thank you.
His concerts will blow you away. Guy is a musical genius and an absolute God-send to the people who love his music.
The way he plays his A chords is most unusual, but i see it enables the finger to "move about" in ways that are more dexterous to the baseline technique that jt is famous for...if i had seen this 45 years ago, i would have had the 'aha moment " i just now had! I knew he was doing something funky with that finger,just needed a peek at the hand! Thanx jt!
What a champion human being to go to all this trouble for us mere mortals. Happy to share his Widom, magic and secrets. Power and blessings to you James Taylor
I find this soothing to listen to before I go to sleep. Thank you...you give me suchbpeacexwhen I listen to you. I have seem Firexand Rain too. That is one.k. we can handle it. Faith. Thank you James....Carolyn
What an incredible legacy this man is leaving.. it's not enough that he's written some of the most beautiful music the world had known, but here he is laying it bare. I'm just beside myself. My only question is, wth when I search for a James Taylor song guitar lesson does this not show up first?!?!?!
Not only a wonderful composer, singer but also a great teacher. Thank you for your beautiful work.
One of the most under rated guitar players in the country.He plays what he plays so clearly and cleanly. Which is what everybody should do. Just beautiful playing James!
Vinnie Zummo, former Joe Jackson band guitarist
It’s truly a blessing not only to hear this song and to be able to play it for others to hear. Thank you Mr. Taylor for this gem.
James, there is only you. Nobody even bothers to emullate you as it would be beyond obvious that's what they were trying to do. It seems every other guitarist out there steals licks and techniques or are stolen from. And then there is You! I have been thankful all my life to have lived when you were here and see you live many times. Without you and your unique style, there would be a huge hole in the music world. Them's big shoes to fill and you do it easily in your sleep. Thank you my friend!
I`ve been a fan since I first heard this beautiful song. Now, at 60 years old, I can finally try to play it. Thank you Mr Taylor.
Hey James! I have been a fan of yours for many years. As a fingerstyle guitarist
myself, I play your songs at a monthly coffeehouse, or Banquets. Believe me,
your songs are HITS, even with the Younger crowd. Thanks for sharing this with
your fans who want to get all of your songs down pat ! *****Good Luck with any music you are currently doing! Sincerely---ACHPKP (Ibanez Pickups).
James Thanks for the Guitar Lessons Project. I can't tell how much your music has meant to me, but you are a treasure! Thank You Many Times Over!
I bought your album Sweet Baby James while in the Army and stationed overseas. It made me think of home. I’ll always treasure those memories
I truly like James Taylor's music, when I hear fire and rain I can identify with the music and the lyrics. James Taylor is a precious man, not just to me but to thousands and possibly millions of fans. Thank you James for all you do, Shaun Thomas
I am 61 now, but I had a JT song and chord book wayback in 1980, when I was 20, and was able to imitate these songs close to 80-90%.
The lyrics were meaningful, the melody hauntingly Beautiful.
I am struck by the fact that this presentation was not necessarily really very easy to set up. It's not like somebody said "Hey JT, can you play us "Fire and Rain" and we'll put a camera on you so the rest of us mortals can try to pick up how you make that signature sound". Nope, James went all the way. He's like "well...if we are going to go to the trouble, let's mount multiple cameras, including one actually INSIDE the guitar looking out through the soundhole, as well as a "point of view" camera mounted directly above the fretboard and looking down at it, just like you would see it if you were playing it. Then add his insightful commentary. We are talking about James Friggin Taylor here...not some random guitar teacher. And I have a ton of respect for guitar teachers who spread their talent and craft through lessons and experience. But I have never met one of them who is also a legend and multi-million unit sales recording artist. So...lets set all of this up and then just post it up for free on You Tube for anyone who is interested to see it and study it for free. Then let's turn around and do it again with other songs. These videos say more about the man than his music even does...and the music says a ton about the man. Is there anybody more generous in the music business than James Taylor? Until you show me someone else making this kind of effort to educate his fans on their secrets and techniques, I would have to say no...nobody had ever taken the time and the effort or has ever been this cool. Thank you, James. I would love to be able to play like you. People that don't know guitar listen to me play and think I am good. I know enough to know that, in reality, I suck. But I try to get better and you have no idea what it means to guys like me to know that someone like you took the time to film these videos.
+A1Adaydreaming so well put. no motivation here other than to inform and educate. total respect for the man and the artist!
+A1Adaydreaming ou are so so right. I echo everything you just said. This is an incredibly thoughtful and generous star.
Thank you, JT, my inspiration to play the guitar, then and now.
i wholeheartedly agree, check out Shawn Phillips channel he too so generously shares some lessons.
Yup
I've said before it's like JT doesn't necessarily follow the formal rules of music theory or even "guitar technique", but rather somehow discovers and brings out the most beautiful combination of notes the guitar is capable of producing in his tunes .. An amazing talent to have ..
Wow... This is so awesome. Thank you, James, for doing this. I've played guitar for 40 years but never leaned to finger pick... and when I get requests to play your songs I always decline saying that I could not do them justice. I gave in last week and said I would learn Fire and Rain... I looked the chords and started strumming but I couldn't get the feel I wanted. Then I found this video. I am committed to learning this the right way which will allow me to play the song and also expand my guitar playing to a whole new dimension!
1968 I was 6 years old...living in LA. Then moved to Oklahoma. Got my first guitar at age 15. Nylon Guild. Great guitar. Nobody ever taught me and I was too busy with other things to learn. But I did have a John Denver songbook. Gave that guitar to my Son and his Mother ran down to Pawn Shop. Sold it.
James you represent both the inspiration and the perspiration necessary to achieve greatness. Thank you so much for being our friend by sharing these insights into your incredible skill. We will try ... but there is only one YOU.
i have seen so many good music players but james you blow my mind with such beauty when you make your music. if there was anybody in the hole world i would want lession from i would pick you, the way you live your life with such great picking and playing, wow what a dream to see you play to help us you enjoy your music abilty, thanks for such a great time playing with a man from heaven to give us small time a chance to play with to me the greatest ever
thanks James for the great lessons. I have been following your music for 40 years now and it was just last thursday that i finally got to see you in concert at the montreal jazz festival. Absolutely awesome show. I and my girlfriend will NEVER forget it. Rock on and never stop James. Cheers
Spotify recently suggested I check out James Taylor, and I now realised what I have been missing. Beautiful guitar sound, and I love the insights in this series of lessons. Thank you James.
Welcome to the beautiful music of JT!
This modern age of something like this is amazing beyond words. Never thought way back that i’d be getting personal lessons from the great Mr. James Taylor himself. 😁👏👏👏
What an incredible legacy this man is leaving.. it's not enough that he's written some of the most beautiful music the world had known, but here he is laying it bare. I'm just beside myself. My only question is, wth when I search for a James Taylor song guitar lesson does this not show up first?!?!?!
James - not only a great fingerpicker, singer and songwriter but a real gentleman and a wonderful teacher. No shortcuts here. Thank you so much.
Cheers James...I clearly remember Mum and I listening to Fire and Rain on Reel-Reel...back in 1980...Love so many of your great tunes...x
Thank you so much. What a gift to those who have listened to your music with full heart for over 40 years, such as I. Thank you so very much for giving in such a way to your unknown, silent but present friends.
James is AWESOME. A very favorite artist. I still have vinyls of James Taylor.
Are you kidding me i can't believe i just spent an hour getting a guitar lesson from my idol. Thanks James you're the best. The lessons were very helpful and i loved your concert with Carole King. But nothing better with just you and the guitar.
I’m so glad you’re still here. Every day a gift. Thanks for all you have given.
Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Not to be "that guy" but to help out others trying to learn the song, that's a G major 7, not a G major 9. We all misspeak sometimes, even the greats.
James Taylor’s music is my ‘calm’ in the storm! I thank God for people like him! Makes this thing called life worth living!🙂
What an incredible pleasure to learn from the man himself.
WOW ! THANKS...I just bought your BEST OF JAMES TAYLOR....I have a Martin D-28. Thanks James. This song had always ...made me cry..when you hit the line " let me know you were gone ".
A great privilege to watch these videos. The view of the right hand is really great. It's great for all of us frustrated guitar players to see a master from this vantage point. Please make more and more. I wish James would make full DVDs of his lessons with music or TAB music included, similar to Pete Huttlinger's. Thank you so much for the videos and all the years of great music and nights at your concerts.
Thank you so much James. I saw you in '72 in Hawaii. I was living in a tee pee in Wiamea Valley. I met your guitarist Danny on Wiamea Beach a day or two after the show. He was very
surprised that I knew his name.
You've made this world a better place with your music. God Bless.
James your generous spirit is what's right with the world. Thank you for being you. I'm a doc during Covid-19 and am picking up the guitar again after 20 years..just looking for an outlet. Thanks for making one of my favorite songs so easy to learn. It soothes my soul.
Songs like that will put LOVE in your Heart. Thanks James.
It doesn't get any better than a lesson from the master, many thanks James.
These guitar lessons are fantastic!
Thank you James Taylor! Your use of GoPro cams really makes the difference in seeing your finger positions. Split screen is great! I've loved your music all my life, now it is possible, one day, I'll be able to play it.
Visit the official site for the best experience...
O..M..G.. Why am I only now finding this!! God bless you Mr.Taylor for taking time to make and share. No one can make it sound the way you do!
Thank you for allowing us the privilege of getting these lessons.
Wow, just wow! I can’t believe I found this channel. I have wanted to learn this song forever. James, thank you from the bottom of my heart for teaching how to play it correctly. There are no words!!
If you only knew the impact you, your songs, your playing have had on me. Spiritually, personally, musically. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Wow this is fascinating to hear the actual musician play some awesome songs that you grew up with and I could listen all day!!! Just beautiful guitar music,I love it .................
About once a year I go through these lessons.... Every time I pick up just a tiny nuance of his playing and it feels like I've just touched something pure and almost holy. What an amazing genius this man is!! Now where is that southern jumbo.....
Wow, great instructional video. Never seen the picking hand from the inside of the guitar. Great idea. It helps a bunch!
What a wonderful gift , thankyou so so much for sharing this , I have listened to and have been inspired by your music for many years. The tunes are wrote have been sung through my life. A Welshman living in New Zealand.
Thank you Mr Taylor for sharing your legacy.
Once again, thanks for the lesson!! I love learning your songs. I have to learn them numerous times over & over until I finally get them right, which usually takes a long time. Learning your songs (without the lessons) are like solving a riddle often times. They propel me to continue improving on the guitar-something a lot of artist, especially these days, don't seem to do at all. You're the greatest one man band.
what an honor to be taught by you. You are the best!👍👍👍👏👏👏
Many thanks for sharing your magic Mr James Taylor.
God bless you and thank you !!!
I love your songs and they represent moments of precious communion with my Lord, Jesus Christ.
Your teaching and patience - and giving heart - is beautiful.
One of my all time favorites. Both, James and Fire and Rain. Ever since I was little, this is the very reason I wanted to learn to play guitar. Such a treat, this is!
THANKS JAMES VERY MUCH FOR THIS EXCELLENT LESSON. I'M ALREADY PLAYING IT AND THIS HAS BEEN MY DREAM OVER MANY YEARS. I NEVER THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BE ABLE TO MAKE IT. THANKS TO YOU. GOD BLESS YOU.
Many, many thanks for helping your fans to play, note for note, the music we love.
If JT is a 10-level guitarist, I’m about a 2, but still am so grateful for his inspiration in my own playing all these years. Thnx good sir!!!!
what an amazing piece of learning, what a great idea, the angles are just perfect for teaching.
James - I'd just like to say thanks to you for staying committed to your gift of music. The journey's been a good one for me too. We are about 6 months difference in age. I fell in love with music at about 13-14 years old same as you. I didn't stay professionally engaged in the music after 1966. Viet Nam changed a lot of folk's lives. Your music is great!! It's touched my life multiple times. God's Very Best to You & Yours. JP
I am a fans of you since my childhood. Listening to my oldest brother's records. It's very nice of you giving this generous lessons....I wish i could meet you in person. Thank you for beautiful and amazing songs :)
Thank you so much for sharing your great playing skill!!!
I am ALWAYS, comforted by James' music, so soothing, just the damn guitar alone
Thanks very much . Have been looking forward for this lesson for quite some time . May God Bless you
Even when James doesn't sing, the music from his guitar just breaks my heart when I hear this song and the first cord....
Thankyou for this - it was a really generous thing of you to do - sharing such beauty and the sheer skills of your work and art to us all.
Thanks to you, James, and all involved in making this! Your music and your style have been a huge part of the soundtrack of my life.
With this lesson I can try to feel and play a version of that soundtrack myself.
Thank You!
what a beautiful quote. thank you.
Love you James! This is such a gift to your fans - not just this wonderful composition, but all of these videos. I just discovered them and I am overwhelmed with emotion and appreciation. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Your songs touch my heart and inspire my song writing, I discovered your music about 2 weeks ago and have listened to your songs every day since then. Carolina, you've got a friend, and fire and rain make me cry almost every time I listen to them, because they give me faith in humanity but make me so sad about the current state of the world. Your songs confirm for me that music can change the world. Thank you James
I thank you for allowing us to see your wonderful guitar style this way
JAMES TAYLOR!!!! the MAN!!!! Thanks for posting.... Love JT, Love Fire and Rain.... been working on it for years, never will make it sound like James. (BUT THEN.... NOBODY CAN!)
thank you James for sharing us the gift GOD gave to you!!! GOD bless always and more power!!!!
Man, that chord position for both D and A, leaving the index finger for the hammer-ons and wander-abouts. Who knew? Most illuminating. I have a new hobby.
Thank You MR Taylor for your music that I have grown up with through out the years. Your music is truly insperational to all generations, I have recently taken up Guitar and to see you teach one of my favourites is truly amazing. I have learnt so much from watching you The Master I thank again.
How did I miss this!! Getting it right from James is unexpected and totally awesome. What a time-saver. Thanks so much!
thankyou James for this song, your continued input into the songwriting community, thankyou for your vunerability in a world that doesn't always value it enough. it IS hard often to be honest, and dig into ideas & choices that we make, harder still to examine ourselves when we aren't feeling good. thankyou for helping me understand that not feeling 100% sometimes isn't the end of the world and helping me balance my ups and downs. the world is a better place because of your contributions
PW
For a songwriter, like me, who is not wonderful, I can not explain how valuable this set of videos are. James Taylor is one of my inspiration for my writing. Probably the most influential.
Free guitar lessons from James Taylor 😃 Awesome!
One of the greatest songs ever written. I'm taking up guitar again at age 60 only to learn some of your songs. They are beautiful!!!!