Old Man Guitar Lesson (Neil Young)

👉Discover the 5 MUST-KNOW chords and scales to play in ANY style anywhere on the neck FREE PDF GUIDE→ www.jonmaclennan.com/fretboar...
Neil Young was once asked about his perspective on his musical career, and his response was…
"It's all one song."
I thought that was an interesting way to look at it…
Now sure he’s had continuous themes and emotions in his vast discography.
But there are a handful of his tunes that have REALLY resonated with audiences more than others. Ones they’ve latched on to for decades.
And today I want to share one of those with you.
In this lesson, you’ll discover how to combine syncopated rhythms with quick chord changes. How to play folk-style chord embellishments, and even how to add walk-ups and licks in the middle of your rhythm playing.
Plus if you are a singer yourself, or you want to accompany others, this song is a great example of how to do that with just one guitar.
So tune up, and let’s dive into this “Old Man” guitar lesson.
Who Wrote Old Man?
"Old Man" is a classic song by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young. Neil Young wrote and recorded the song, and it was released on his 1972 album Harvest. The album was recorded at various locations, including Quadrafonic Sound Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and Barking Town Hall in London, England.
"Old Man" received critical acclaim and has become one of Neil Young's most beloved songs. It is a folk-rock ballad that reflects on the passage of time, the complexities of life, and the relationship between the young and the old.
The song features Neil Young's signature acoustic guitar work and distinctive vocals.
"Old Man" performed well on the music charts, reaching No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. “Old Man” earned Neil Young a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1973.
"Old Man" continues to resonate with audiences to this day for its timeless theme and Young's heartfelt performance. It remains a standout track in his extensive discography and a classic in the folk-rock genre.
What key is Old Man in?
“Old Man” is in the key of D major. However, the main riff dances between a Dm sound and a D major sound, in the guitar part. But when the song ends it finally concludes to the D major chord.
Old Man Guitar Chords
To play “Old Man” on guitar you are going to need to know 7 chords. Those chords are Dm9, D, F/C, C, G, Am7, and Em7.
Let’s take a look at these shapes on the fretboard next.
👉Follow along with the FULL lesson here: www.jonmaclennan.com/blog/old...
👉Discover the 5 MUST-KNOW chords and scales to play in ANY style anywhere on the neck FREE PDF GUIDE → www.jonmaclennan.com/fretboar...

[@jonmaclennan]

👉Discover the 5 MUST-KNOW chords and scales to play in ANY style anywhere on the neck FREE PDF GUIDE → www.jonmaclennan.com/fretboardguide

[@guitargrandpa282]

Thanks so much Jon. Great lesson. I was 19 years old when I first heard this song and I am 70 today and I still find this one of the most poignant songs in the career of maybe the greatest singer songwriter of the past 50 years. I still love to play it and hear it. These days I sometimes modify the lyrics to say "young man look at me now, I 'm a lot like you are." Thanks again. Love your channel and many of your courses.

[@diadora9292]

Jon needs more sub. One of the best.

[@cameraz99]

Excellent lesson! Thanks.

[@drewdietz2115]

always liked this song, thanks for this tutorial

[@mcross681]

Phenomenal playing and instruction 👍🏻.. Thank you!

[@keanul.5216]

I finally found this well taught breakdown of this classic Neil Young song! I've been struggling with the D9 intro after watching many other Old Man guitar lesson videos. It makes more sense now after Jon explains about "palm muting the bass strings & let the treble strings ring-out". Thanks Jon!

[@jackkunkel4773]

Jon you are the best, as I visit numerous other teach lessons, don't get me wrong they are all good but I always try to play like the original recording. . In spite of the fact that all musicians seem to play differently all the time their songs. Neil especially . But I like the way they originally made the song and every one else has heard it so. I just play old songs and am glad to know how to play them so. Thank You and I hope to get involved with your blues lessons.

[@harrygigas2854]

This is the first time I've seen the intro broken down into individual strumming motions and beats. Well done!!

[@danielblake1537]

Thats my moms favorite artist and we got to see him live in D.C. with C.S. & N. it was awesome and i was only in like middle school at the time! This song is one of my favorites by him...but i love the album version the best though because of that steel guitar in the background..also love The Needle And The Damage Done.

[@michaelpadula2943]

best and easiest explantion on YT. thank you

[@lespetitesbullesmusicales]

Thanks so much for this lesson, I love Neil Young !

[@paulpulati9613]

Another great breakdown of a great song, Jon. You really do a very good job of teaching all the intricacies of songs. Sorry I missed the 'Freedom Palette' video lesson. Got laid up with a cold last week. But always good lesson material from you. Keep up the good work and thanks for all your efforts.

[@DavidYarber]

Another Maton? I have the same one but cutaway. Love the Artist, though. Great lesson. I was a teenager when this came out. Shaped my appreciation for all music.

[@FinstaDaMinsta]

Most excellent lesson.

[@BillLumbergh4you]

Thanks for the lesson and guide

[@parneypots]

Wow amazing sound

[@blaydebalzer3207]

Awesome thanks so much

[@73glenno]

Maton! 👌

[@2024TD]

Could you please do Highwayman? The Glen Campbell version or The Highwaymen one!!

[@markmartin3221]

Hi John, is that an OM-28 your playing

[@BillLumbergh4you]

Hey