James Taylor on playing and technique: exclusive video for Guitarist magazine
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Featured in Guitarist issue 396
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Wonderful after watching this my guitar is now a coffee table...
Naah.... just have some coffee and play it again... don't abandon that little baby. I have lots of guitars and I love All my babies for different reasons and I'm always looking for THAT Perfect guitar, but while I do, my babies keep me company.
James wouldnt want that...
🤣😂
Man just play what you can play and get better in your way
This man is amazing on acoustic .
I was born in 1948. Perfect timing in my opinion. The soundtrack that was provided for my life was just stunning. James has been a vital part of it.
My sister was born the same year as you, in October. I came 11 years later. She was in love with JT & his music & she turned me on to him when I was 9 or 10. Ditto that for The Beatles. I'll be forever grateful to her, that I caught all that great music, listening vicariously as a child, through her. 🙂
amen
Me in ‘52 but still in the right period to have had JT as a lifetime influence. I first saw him with Carly Simon in 1969. I’ll never forget it.
For the spirited generation who can appreciate and remember, this seems right for you
ruclips.net/video/VuME51GjWzk/видео.html
Heck, I was born in 1984 and he’s done the same for me.
Geez, I was right 44 years ago. He's not a stuck up person. They hated me at school because I preferred him over SANTANA. I liked his music and his "Two Lane Blacktop" movie with Dennis Wilson and Warren Oates. Even stole the paperback book from juvenile hall in Oakland Ca. (falsely put in there...I earned that book!). So here I am, 60 now, watching this and his "NAILS" video trying to improve my fingerpicking because I watched this awesome Gabriella Quevedo play on You Tube. I need to live longer. But, if James is still learning, so can I!
Ian and sylvia
You win a noddy badge.
Don't hate on Santana now;-)
Steven Littlej0hn Gabriella Quevedo is a talented young lady! Beautiful finger picking skills. She cannot release videos fast enough.
You'll live forever!!
James Taylor''s picking and strumming style is just so natural and appealing to me. Thank You for this excellent video :)
I love the way he play the notes.
James is so modest.
a force of nature.
What he plays from 2:40 to 3:24 -- I could listen to hours and hours of that.
LOVE James...nothing more to say
Beautiful guitar perfectly played
Really cool acoustic player, beautiful melody, not particularly flashy but so nice to listen to. This is great musicality by an outstanding artist.
Fantastic guitarist..!
Fascinating
Is that Mick from Anderton's interviewing him?
Anyone wondering about the tune he plays at about 2:40, it's the guitar intro to a tune called "Like Everyone She Knows" and it's from the New Moon Shine album. I knew that I had heard it before so I went to Allmusic.com and went through his discography in order, and played each sound snippet. When I got to that tune...BAM!
ruclips.net/video/ABBDn-Sk6z8/видео.html
I could watch/listen to him just play chords and chord changes all day - just magical.
me too. :-)
Ron
I don't have that kind of boomer attention span, but 15-30 seconds is nice
"Clean side of buzzy" is good for me. Thankyou Mr Taylor.
Interesting that his guitar has a slightly wider than standard neck,, because narrow necks are a problem for me too.
@@VCVTV Sausage fingers can be a curse. I just picked up a Seagull S6. It has a wider 1.805" nut and I love it. So much easier to play without the unwanted muting of strings.
I say this whenever I test out and play guitars in shops. Haha.
Thats a great definition for me too.
@@mrbungle42023 playing JT songs I've found a lot of use in fretting two strings with one finger. One of the benefits of wide fingers perhaps.
I learned to play fingerstyle as a teenager in the 1970s listening to Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Don McLean, James, Taylor, Dan Fogelberg, John Denver, Harry Chapin, and Paul Simon. Eventually I could pretty much replicate what all of them did except for James Taylor. He always had a unique approach to timing that threw me off. Great to see this close up analysis of his playing.
It’s like he has extra fingers! I play guitar and am bamboozled and his seamless finger movement on the neck. He’s always had it. Genius.
Samesies
@@6thornberry Xtra fingers come from his economic chord construction. He allows the extra finger to cover the next chord. That's why his chords always cover each other. Not difficult but he has refined it to fine art. YCCYEs/Mex are perfect examples. A true virtuoso!
I’ve always said that James Taylor is one of the best Guitar players of all time. He gets overlooked in that discussion mainly cause he’s an acoustic player. But I don’t know of many players who can play such full and natural sounding melodys.
How did you learn that back then?
Reassuring to know that in his late 60s James Taylor was "still working on" improving his technique :)
Yea me to but I'm no James Taylor.
Greg Koch's Koch signature makes me chuckle.
The most amazing declaration that James made that he'd like to sing like other guys. ALL other guys want to sing like James.
Rikk303 lol
Well, much as I admire Mr Taylor's writing and guitar playing, I would not actually like to sing like him; as he implies himself, it's perhaps not his strongest point.
Isn't that the truth! His voice is just beautiful. Nothing better than James si ging "Sweet Baby James" or "Fire and Rain"
He is still trying to learn how to accomplish something on his guitar that is the sign of true genius. Self depricating and almost unaware of his impact; truly an American treasure.
What's even more remarkable than his career, song writing, playing and musicianship is that he is completely self taught and can't read a note. Very unique playing style that has evolved over the years and is really identifiable. One of the all time great musicians.
That's not remarkable, it's very common not to read music
I sorta use sheet music as a guide but I like to experiment and watch others play the same song.i usually look at the chord progression and timing and go from there.its good that you can come up with your own style.thats what makes music fun.
Give it a rest Taylor
One of the Greats….endless respect to James Taylor...
very humble of him to share how he wishes he had a higher range voice, especially given how amazing his baritone voice sounds.
Then he'd be Cee Lo.
I like the response given to that.
It's true I think, every great musician also has their weaknesses and sometimes it is those weaknesses that cause you to get better.
I know right? Honestly I think his limitations in his vocal range did him a service in the end. He had to work with what he had and that bred creativity.
I'm not sure he was denigrating his voice so much as wishing there were more distance between it and the guitar.
doesn't get much better than James Taylor-what a voice and those classic songs
+vibrato6 .....agree with you here!
Larry David plays some great guitar
After seeing 7:06, 7 guitar companies and 23 luthiers called JT and said "We can make exactly what you want"
I would kill to hear James Taylor play a Baritone guitar ^-^
Yeah. Companies already make those guitars. Wonder if James is familiar with Charlie Hunter.
This young man shows promise. Keep an eye on him... one day he may be successful!
Nah. Derivative. Sounds like that "Fire and Rain" guy.
+parkjammer Hahaha! You're right man !
Is James still on drugs or what?
When someone starts talking in the 3rd person you better look out.
Reggae Fan + He got "clean" more than 30 years ago, and has been off them ever since. No drugs and doesn't drink (alcohol) either.
Hello Mr Taylor!it was lovely meeting you in London ,next day after your Hyde Park gig...what a lovely person you are.We talked about guitars.And you were on your way to Italy the next day.I am a London cabbie ,and lucky to have the opportunity to meet not only artists but great persons like you!
Hmmm... shame to hear someone with such a golden smooth and warm voice lamenting that he doesn't have a higher range. Billy Joel is another example. He hates his own voice. What a shame. -- I've also heard many soprano range female vocalists lamenting their lack of mezzo or contralto qualities. IMO the most important thing is to have character within whatever range you have, and be able to accurately hit the notes with control and clarity. If you need to fill out the vocal range you can always get a backup singer or two to complement your range and add some high harmony while you're at it.
John Lennon, & also Neil Young also did (do) not think much of their vocal quality. Yes, it doesn't matter if you are Steve Marriott, or Bob Dylan..lyrical depth and character are what matters. Vocal acrobatics, put on for the sake of display makes me want to puke.
Exactly. At the end of the day, it is not about the technique or range. While I love the likes of Steve Perry, Luciano Pavarotti, and Whitney Houston, James Taylor, although not one of them, has such a lovely way of expressing himself, and his voice is so smooth and warm that even with some slight technical inaccuracies, I can listen to him all day and night without fail. The man is a true singing legend, and he understands what singing is about - to express.... :)
Beautifully put.
I hated JT's young man's voice (Clapton too.) For me, as they grew older and more seasoned their voices became richer, more dynamic and expressive.
I like Billy's version of "Hey Girl." But he ain't playing piano and it ain't his song! The band and arrangement are top notch and it's one of the great classic songs. Freddie Scott's original version still unbeatable tho.
BJ's version with Felix Cavaliere on keyboards, man, he threw him a bone here. Cavaliere's vocal instrument and musicality since the mid 60's are worlds beyond Billy Joel's brutish forced-on-you, "I'm a Star, Bitch" attitude and ability.
And try telling Stevie Wonder or Bruno Mars or Christina Aguilera to get some backup singers to add fluff. WTF?
Remember too that Jimi Hendrix hated his voice on the early albums but history shows it was perfect for that moment and forever.
Yeah youre right. James has Arnold McCuller.
Funny how many truly talented people are genuinely are down to earth and have time for the rest of us, Gary Moore seems to have been the same way with people.
TheBachian Moore was one of my all time favourite guitarists.
+TheBachian yes, also Mark Knopfler
+TheBachian .............I notice a lot of popular music stars are very humble.....
trying to lern this-play thebgod song
Stephen Fiore m
Have you considered a baritone guitar?
james taylor should have a signature taylor acoustic, called the Taylor, Taylor.........
Taylor Swift already does.
well obviously that should be called the Taylor, Swift....
Mox_au It probably would swiftly be a failure
Maybe they should call it the Tay Tay Taylor
Mox_au lol
I´m a baritone which is not great. Hold on, James, your voice is made of GOLD!
+Oldboy Youngman yea... if HIS baritone is not the definition of great, I guess my ears haven't been working properly for about 30 years... oh well...
+Alvaro Arana WHy not Tenor?
Alvaro Arana
Lennon was not really a tenor, he sang the lower part in the beatles vocal duet MACLEN
+Alvaro Arana In fact, the baritone range is lower than tenor. Tenors typically have a more dynamic range than a baritone voice
+Alvaro Arana "Baritone doesn't mean a lower voice" Baritone means exactly that. Bass, baritone, tenor, alto, soprano are specific registers in the sonic range, applying not just to voice but to anything capable of producing musical pitch. Whatever you think of the quality of the baritone vs. tenor voicings, to say that baritone does not mean a lower voice than tenor is factually incorrect.
He’s truly one of the greatest guitarists. His playing makes you feel the emotion he wants you to feel. Absolutely incredible.
James does not need a band. His guitar is the band.
Also....male tenors are a...."dime-a-dozen". James Taylor's voice and his guitar style....are one of the most beautiful sounds in recorded musical history. IMHO.
and he is in the hall of fame . he's on d top of my list of famous folk singers , artist, composer, a musical genius
check João Gilberto as well.
And every time I play his songs on my guitar I imitate his style of singing.. That's how I love the man.
MrGandharva108
IMHO you are exactly right!
If I could play like this I would do nothing else.
If you did nothing else you could play like this.
Ross Gardiner True.
Was that a Haiku?
K Joseph Do you know what a haiku is?
Sorry just kidding because you know Wayne's World and all.
Here's a Haiku to help you remember what a Haiku is:
I am first with five
Then seven in the middle --
Five again to end.
5:25 James goes all self-deprecation about his voice... this to me is mind blowing... JAMES your voice is one of the most haunting and beautiful voices in music history....
I agree..he has a distinctive voice...The reason why,as he said being a baritone, he has lasted so long in the music, is that he made the best out of his limitations from his voice, and used it as musicaly as he could. Wich of course was where the magic was to be found...out of that 'limited' voice range.
Great musician...
love your comment... that "range" in tunes like Terra Nova, Walking Man, and Only a Dream in Rio highlight what you wrote here... JT forever!!
many greats hated the sound of their own voice...Jimi Hendrix...Nat King Cole. it's pretty common.
Did'nt know about Jimi..
Distinctive- and genuine two qualities that really really help you connect with people as a singer. I'd always thought James was more of a tenor but much of his singing IS in a low comfortable range and he has an almost conversational style - which is where much of his warmth and appeal cones from. He could do a good blues vocal early in his career to, for variety and had a pretty string falsetto. He doesn't use it so much on record now though. Either he's lost it due to age, or he's decided it doesn't suit how he wants to connect with people now Going for the high notes is really more of a younger man's energy voice. James has reached the reflective part of his life and so it's figures he'd want to sing to match. He sure sounds good to me.
Completely feel exactly what James is saying about being a baritone. Much of the best music are sung within tenor range. You do what you can, but it really does limit what you’re able to do vocally. All you can do is work with what you have and through that is an art that can be shown through persistence and acknowledgement. No wonder James is a great songwriter and guitar player.
He makes it look so effortless. Love this interview and watching him play!
I know he prefers keys A, D,and E but I think his playing in G is magnificent. Listen to "You've Got a Friend".
Yeah, but I like how he said he doesn't like playing in C. I've always felt the same way. Glad to know I'm in good company.
If I had a choice of a guitar teacher, this would be the guy.
"just on the clean side of buzzy"
I love how he keeps tryna play and almost forgets he's being interviewed
It's like guitar is his first language - he plays so fluently.
"...Well this right here is a very James Taylor chord..." LMAO
That Olson.....
I wish oh I wish I could play guitar like James Taylor. But at least I can listen to him. Absolutely wonderful.
I am working very hard to get back to learning from the Great Ones !!!! Thanks so very múch !!!!!
+Michael Sleight ,Practise is the key and endure. Do not despair and work through times when you think you are not improving.
+Tony Robinson Tony I try daily, but oh I wish it sounded like James!!
Haha! Me too. Keep at it, and slowly. It will come. Good luck and I look forward to seeing a video from you in the future.
+Michael Sleight
Consider where you started from and where you're at now. That should be proof that you're progressing toward JT quality. Best wishes on great playing and always ... enjoy.
His guitar that he played on Howard Stern sounded so crisp - it was perfect !
I'd love to see HOURS of this!
Are the sides rosewood ? Looks like mahogoni to me.
"Such a great guy, have been,a fan since I was 17 years old. Now, at 65 years young! Still a fan also, bought my 1st Guitar today, hopefully, shall be able to play (A Few Chords? ) this time........Next Year!!!!!!!!!"
You will be able to do more than that lol
So how's it going
Eduard Walhout I was just wondering the same...
How is the guitar going now, I bet you've mastered a few songs
How is the playing coming along
I wish him the long long life. I admire his music so much.
One of the musicians who’s voice I really envy. So smoooooooooooooth
_whose_ , even
His voice is a calming sound all in its own. What a gift to the galaxy.
Too many (self: included) 'rock' guitarists dismiss too fast- for too long, the storehouse of sublime genius harboured within this unassuming man.
“I much prefer the D” - James Taylor
Nice
Awesome video. Gotta love his comment about having a "not so great" baritone voice. Rock on JT! Adding this one to our favorite music playlist on our channel.
+PaulOrientedotcom Actually he wasn't commenting on the quality of his voice but that his voice doesn't land in such a favorable location with respect to the guitar. He thinks voices that have other ranges are "great" ie have more game to play with. Thanks.
2:41 I love that solo for Before This World / Jolly Springtime! Absolutely genius on the guitar
learned a couple of nice chords and licks from that
thank you James
So many great singers disparage their own voices and wish they sounded different. That has always interested me. James Taylor has one of the most recognizable voices in music. And one of the best, I think.
Very true! Jimi Hendrix didn’t like his own singing voice either
Truly a genuine human being, amazing performer and comedian to boot! Love watching him live!!
Mr Taylor is the reason that I play the guitar..His music is perfect for when i'm sad ,, or happy..
Thank you sir, for filling my life with inspiration.
He is so smooth that it relaxes me thanks mr Taylor
Same here my friend. James Taylor and Led Zeppelin. :)
That's a beautiful sounding guitar......
In the hands of an acknowledged maestro if it, yes indeed it is!
If you like this guy's playing and you've not heard of these others - have a listen to Bruce Cockburn and David Wilcox. Both similar in some ways, but distinctively different in others. All 3 are renowned for being very good at what they do and so are also very influential among other aspiring players of all standards. Enjoy.
Andrew Butcher too bad it's $15,000
Hah hah hah! XD
I'll stick to my $350 yamaha
Sure is. I was struck by the twang of the actual strings, though. That sound can be achieved without such an expensive guitar
I love the fact he is self aware enough to know that the rest of us talk about "James Taylor" chords.
What James plays at 2:40 is awe inspiring.
It was good
This is a great sounding guitar (cedar) that just echos and compliments JT's style. It's what we guitarists are always on the lookout for, that must have instrument that takes us to where we haven't been.
A video that's worth returning to again and again, so thank you all incl JT himself.
James Taylor's voice sounds perfect with his guitar!
A lot of musicians today are claiming as singer/songwriter but for me before they claim it, have at least half the level of songwriting skills as James Taylor!
I wish I’d learned to play like him instead of trying to play metal
I love his singing, song writing, and guitar work. Wouldnt it be interesting for him to make a series of instrumental only songs of just him and this lovely sounding guitar? What a treat that would be. His style coupled with the sound of that guitar are just so incredibly pleasing.
I get through the day "clean side of buzzy."
Every time James plays guitar some magic happens. That's how powerful he is!
"just on the clean side of buzzy" lol
Love his music!!
James is our national treasure! I have listened to his music my whole life.
Inspirational! I just reached 65 and this keeps me wanting to learn more!
Fabulous insight to his technique on the guitar.
What a legend! He create some of the most beautiful music to come out of the US in the 60's and 70's. He is so quiet and gentle. Respect James.
What a lovely chap.
Such a gifted man - love that unmistakable voice & guitar technique
Sweet baby James! What a lovely man. Another memorable interview. Just wonderful!
3:10-3:30 - wow. I mean, wow. So expressive, and the guitar sounds unbelievably musical and rangy. I think James Taylor is one of my favorite guitarists, and this is the first time I’ve ever said that. And I’m in my mid-sixties. Reminds me of Jorma, and Leo Kottke, the way he does the bass, rhythm, and guitar lines simultaneously. Just fookin’ wow, man. Bravo!
That guitar looks as if it plays like butter and sex.
5:24 Ah, the baritone curse, we all say I wish I could sing higher.
Wonderful! I only wish there'd been more. I could sit for hours listening to/watching stuff like this. One of the most underrated guitar players out there :)
The best thing to be is a baritone if your name is James Taylor. He's a humble master musician.
"Jimmy Nails"? As in Oz/Spender???
Anyhoo, thanks for this. I'm a 'loud guitars' man myself, but IMHO James Taylor is one of the most underrated musician/songwriters around - if he were from the UK, he'd be 'Sir' James Taylor by now.
***** I was wondering the same. Seems like such an odd reference, I know he had a few hits in the past, but James Taylor using him as an example of someone with a 'good range' is bordering on the surreal, especially when he's an American. Wonder if he's a big 'Auf Wierdersehen' fan as well and owns the entire series on DVD?
***** Agree...one of the best for sure!
STing and 'Nails' have been writing a play together. Maybe, JT has had some musical input along the way?
***** everyone loves james taylor,how in gods name is he underrated?
trillriff-axegrinder Underrated as a guitarist, which is ridiculous because the first the thing that struck us when we heard the Apple album was that guitar playing!
thats a beautiful guitar
a master musician speaks about guitar playing and you understand, excellent
I still get emotional hearing your guitar. It hits me in an earthly place ! Damn your good ! Good enough to forgive your being a damn Trump hater. . .I won't spend money on your stuff ever again. !
That Olson does sound sweet....
Taylor uses the best made guitar money can buy “Olson”.
In his guitar playing, I love the combination of his warm tone with the slightly percussive, "chomping" style he uses. He's unique that way.
I found that a cool way that my favorite artists incorporate layered beats is through their finger picking... many of my friends don't give stuff like James Taylor a chance cuz they assume a soft sort of lack of head bobbing aspect in this type of music. They're so absolutely wrong. If u listen carefully enough to how some artists like Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Simon, tons of awesome bluegrass artists use their guitar picking, u will begin to get thrilled with their layered badass beats.
Home hello serves arcs serve arcade arse
If you're learning I wouldn't copy these sitting or hand positions. Ok if you're only playing in the lower or first position, but you need to elevate the neck so your left elbow isn't up against your body. Right hand forearm shouldn't be resting on the top of the guitar, nor should the right wrist be bent backward.
The great jazz guitarist Pat Metheny dedicated a song to James. It's called "James" strangely enough. One of the great voices I think too. Apparently he can harmonize anything vocally and can hear and sing the most difficult intervals. But what a beautiful soul and poetic too.
JT is an Amazing and Awesome human. Met him in Ann Arbor in 2010 if I'm right on the year.
He played a very intimate concert for about 40 or 50 of us upstairs in Borders Book Store in Liberty street.
I was front row with my GF at the time & he did a meet and greet afterwards. When he signed our CD's he shook my GF's hand & she started crying...too much for her. We're both big fans but ya know women. He was very humble, kind and had tons of stories that he enjoyed talking about.
Very cool dude👍
Love James Taylor's playing and song writing
Oh that tone! That gorgeous tone!
I wonder how he did the recording, it seems a stereo mic was used
My god that guitar sounds incredible.
its the artist not the guitar. give the same guitar to a nobody won't sound like that.....give JT and shitty guitar and you'll be amazed...lol
He is the greatest
Artist and I like his mentality
So blessed you are James. ❤thank you for the best music ever you’re in my car and house . In these days you’re a warrior of song . And teaching and singing about soul our souls. Take care of yourself bless you and yours. You’re awsome no change. You’re perfect bocals
James Taylor is our families hero may God bless him for all the years he blessed us with his music!