I had a similar breakthrough way way back when I realised that guitar players weren't going out of their way to make things any more complicated or difficult than they needed to be, and that much of the stuff that sounded amazing was literally just messing around, around the chords. Suddenly a whole lot of things got a whole lot easier to work out and understand. Sadly in the age of TAB, most young players do not develop those listening skills from learning by listening over and over and over again. Great video!! Subscribed :)

This was just what I needed, thank you! I was trying to figure out what Jack Johnson was improvising during live versions of a few songs, and naturally something like that wasn’t in a tab or song lesson. Hendrix is a huge influence of his, and it’s amazing how everything begins to make sense now. PS I love the way you start these videos, haha.

Absolutely spot on. I had the same thing happen with hendrix stuff. His rhythm playing was crazy good. When you come to realise it's basically playing the relative pentatonic of the chord below with double stops is a fine moment indeed! 👍

Great video encouraging the leap from tabs to learning chords and note locations. Also, a shout out for shouting out Neko Case, caught her live a few years back, voice of an angel!

I totally agree, this was the best lesson I've ever had. You made me playing Little Wing. Thank you sooo much!!

Any video i have seen Sean put out is always super informative and easy to digest and retain. He is still the only one that has ever explained the Circle of Fifths where I was able to understand it right away. Keep going Sean. Thanks Bob.

After years of just strumming simple chords, I decided to start learning scales and theory. Just recently getting to the point of putting all these pieces together! Your videos have been a huge help in my development. Very grateful that I found your channel. Thank you Sean! Although it's becoming clear in my head, it's still going to take a Lot of practice. Luckily people like you and Stich continue to inspire me!

Amazing lesson on little wing Sean, I have to say its the best video you have likely ever done on the channel and thats saying a lot because you have a lot of incredible content.The biggest beakthrough for me was when I started following my ear and melody in my mind. its great to follow scales and they are really important, but there is something just so liberating you get so much freedom letting your ear lead the way then using a scale and chords to help build a foundation around what you come up with and let music theory help you make it fit together.

To be honest I'll never forget sitting on my couch at like 2 am in the dark in my first apartment and I had my first actual theory breakthrough and and everything just absolutely clicked finally and after watching so many videos trying to describe it, it was your video on scales and modes that blew everything open and I was ecstatic and I cannot thank you enough for that contribution to my playing and ability to start learning to express myself through an instrument. I owe you a lot and you are doing an amazing thing and I hope you dont stop. Thank you

My level of ability accelerated so rapidly after learning little wing and bold as love. The way he used minor and major pentatonic to embellish the chords totally changed the way i saw the fretboard. And has helped me so much with improvisation and knowing which notes will sound good

Man. Little wing was a game changer for me too, along with the rest of Henrix's songs. went through every little detail and slowly started to pull back the mystical vale. Jimi is the all time greatest.

Little Wing is defo one of the greatest songs of all time.

Definitely the best teacher .. Iv been stuck so many times and you point me in the right direction.. It’s so much easier with your style of tuition. Cheers mate keep up the good work 👍

Having this moment right now, this week (different songs) totally mind blowing! Ive played years of piano, sax and never had it "click" until now!

I'm glad to hear that, that's what I've been doing for the last 50 years and it's served me well!! Great way to put it!! 8) --gary

Sean, love your videos. You have a great style of teaching that is well explained and easy to follow. Finger placement and progressions are great the way you show them. The use and sound of chords moving up and down the fretboard along with variations have been a huge help in my progress playing. Thank you and keep it going. Subscribed and loving it.

Under the bridge from the RHCP is also a good one to learn this (and a bit easier to start with). That's where I made this breakthrough. Also huge tip for any guitar player that wants to learn songs at a comfortable pace: download tux guitar (free open source guitar pro equivalent) and download free guitar pro tracks from the internet. There's a practice mode with which you can start at x% and build up to 100% (or lower) speed, with adjustable increments, while also hearing what's being played by the guitarist and the rest of the band. Helped me tremendously, cheers.

Dude that’s the first song I’ve been trying to learn this song for weeks. It was the first song I wanted to play on my new fender!! As you said...Sets the tone for the guitar!!

Great vid! Thanks so much. Those epiphany moments are beautiful.

This is fantastic Sean, thanks for another great insight into using chord shapes!

Great channel, I picked up the guitar again in 2004 after getting back from Iraq. Played when I was younger, broke 3 fingers on my left hand playing baseball. One of my friends has been teaching for about 15 years but she used the Mel Bay book and there was not a lot of strumming in the first part of the book. When it came time to try and teach them actual songs that they wanted to play she noticed that most of them had a hard time changing chords and keeping in time. So she started teaching them one finger chords, and then they would work on playing a song. They'd work on keeping in time, and changing time and stuff like that as they were learning, she would have them drop a simple c for regular c, then drop a simple g for a g and so on until they were able to play it right. The song she taught them was "Rock Around the Clock" but using major chords.

I thought about this some more last night, and this song is insidiously genius. If you know some small bits of theory it unlocks the whole song: 1. Major chords, minor chords, relative major/minor, and 2. Pentatonic forms other than the basic box 1. 1.So the basic progression on this song is Em, G, Am, Em, Bm, Am, G, F, C, D and then a return to Em to start it all over again. Seems so complex, and it is, but it's a bit of a façade. Take all of the minor chords and turn them into their relative major chords and you get G, G, C, G, D, C, G, F, C, D. This song is a G major blues/church progression with implied Mixolydian (the F major chord). The way that it breaks from a normal blues is how the progression returns to tonic. In the middle of the progression it's a IV-1 resolution (Am, Em) (an "amen" resolution, alluding to his affinity for church chord progressions), and then a 7b-1 at the end with the D to Em, but this is the biggest façade because that D is the V chord over G major, only he sends it to Em. This makes the return to the beginning of the chord progression sound like a return to i, and the same time giving the sensation of of that i really being an vi in the key of G (the way it rolls up to G in the second form of the progression feels like a small resolution before pulling away again with the Am). 2. This means you only need to map out how whatever pentatonic boxes, runs, whatever you know at four major tonal centers: G, F, C and D. G covers itself and Em, C covers itself and Am, D covers itself and Bm, F covers itself. That's it. Pick a spot on the neck and just stay there and see if you can match pentatonic shapes to all of these chords without moving. It only takes 5 frets of space to do it, and it will force you to learn other "boxes" to allow you to not move your hand from that spot. If you force yourself to do this you'll start seeing how many notes can be used across more than one chord, see how you can use that to repeat phrasing, sequence phrasing (repetition legitimizes). I ramble. Hopefully someone finds it useful.

I had a very similar breakthrough only two months ago and I amazed myself. I am moving smoother on the fret board each time I pick up the guitar. Your girlfriends have good style too. The duets are enjoyable. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Sean, Fantastic words of encouragement. Just watching your video I learned some things. Disregard what others think. "Illegitimi non carborundum."

glad to see your having fun with ur new axe I WANT TO GO TO THERE!!!

Dude! This video came at the absolute perfect time for me!!! Amazing!

Well,that was a SERIOUSLY cool way of thinking about not just Little Wing,but as u said,music & YOUR OWN guitar playing abilities!!! Nice job in my opinion!!😎🎸🎼🎸👍👍✌

I love your teaching experience. You are a star. Thank you so much, you made my day. May God bless you.

Dude. Well done. This articulated the idea so well. 🙏

This video had a lot of meat for me. It’s perfect for where I’m at in my guitar playing. I had a few ohhhh moments here. Unfortunately, I watched this video at work and didn’t have my guitar near to pick it up to try it but as soon as I get home I’ll give it a shot. Thanks.

I can't play Hendrix but I'm stoked playing pentatonic, relative major minor, all over the fret board. I love it and never believed I'd get that far!

Jeeze!! I’ve taken up the guitar as part of my lockdown ‘cliche’ - I’m doing OK but banging out scales seemed routine and dull (but a necessary evil!) ... then I came across this ... I’ve just done some ‘double stopping’ (which I’d never heard of!) on pentatonic scales and my daughter stuck her head around the door and said “was that you? ... it sounded so cool!!” - Chapeau Mr D! (Subscribed!!)

I finally get it! This may be my breakthrough I’ll never forget! Just bought your Fretboard course. Thanks!

That Fender truly is a beauty my man. Cheers for this one

Little Wing was my single most important guitar endeavour. Aside from all that you said, it unlocked in me the CONFIDENCE that I can actually play guitar. Haven’t put the guitar down ever since I picked the song up.

Just working on Little Wing now....this is gold!! thx Sean!

You are a gifted teacher! Great stuff

Awesome lesson and thanks for sharing your tips.

You are incredible teacher!! Thank you so much

Yes, break on through to the other side (The Doors). 8th grade pop song for me. Light bulb experience is near. Love that black and gold Fender guitar look. Chord structure is key.

Great video! I just subscribed. You are a great player and teacher!

I am looking forward to _my_ breakthrough moment. Maybe it will be your tut on Little Wing, but only after I've learned enough to understand what you're teaching in _this_ video.

This is one of your best videos! Thank you!

Thank you for this Sean! It's like you've opened my eyes :)

Man I've been playing guitar for about 12 years. It's embarrassing how bad I am at guitar considering how long I've played. But recently feel my level finally breaking through to the other side. A couple of your videos played a part in that so thank you for the knowledge.

Thanks for this lesson it really made sense to me !!

I tried your lesson on using triads in d key of A. Loved the result.

Thanks need all the knowledge on guitar that I can get only started during the covid lockdown and at an older age.

thank you Sean, will be looking and learning

So, all of the time I have been spending lately on learning the scales is NOT a waste. That is very good to know. I have been playing a long time (about 45 years) but I am self taught and 99% of the time I stick to chords. Just developed an interest in learning lead and your videos have been very helpful. I like the way you tie this crap...opps...I mean the rudimentary and basic things we need to learn to the real world of actually playing. Thanks.

Great video, Sean. This stuff is going in, slloowwllyy. Cheers 🍻

Wow, I had this same eptiffany.. no wait, that was Friday night. Last night I had the epiphany. I've been re-learning pentatonic scales and saw someone playing and had that same thought. I could see so clearly. Back growing up, it was so hard to learn because KZfaq didn't exist. Anyways, then I started drooling on myself, fell asleep, and now I'm back to square one. Guess I gotta go dig up my web history and try and recreate the moment. New sub by the way. Love the vids....

Love that black and gold strat.

Omg I have always loved Little Wing, but so many people just look at me like, huh never heard of it! Love it 😍

Hey Boss, just grabbed the master class. Looks perfect for me. Thanks for the discount. 👍

Hi Sean love all of your output & look forward to receiving it your an excellent teacher , perhaps some of the people putting negative comment on should start doing their own stuff ? keep it coming thank you

The little wing breakthrough is universal. It's when you finally feel like a guitar legend

I'm a very advanced player. I wish I had someone explain guitar to me like this 25 years ago. Well done

Mel Bay’s guitar book held me back years. KZfaq changed all that forever. Once you realise all songs can be played in different keys the world is your oyster.

Outstanding lesson Sean. Thank you

Thank you ! Very Enlightening !

Great lesson. Thank you !!

That scales could be superimposed over chords was an epiphany for me too years ago. Suddenly, a lot of songs that seemed impossible became possible. I guess I was kind of evolving or transitioning from the fact that my guitar instructor at that time would just give me the basic chord changes. I was hung up on how to “play it for real”. Lol On Susanna Hoffs, check out Green Day’s channel. Billie Joe recently did a cover of “Manic Monday” and Susanna is in the video.

You had me laughing at your explanation when you looked at Hendrix tabs the first time. FLASHBACKS

Thanks Sean your so reliable.

The Ultra Series Strat. That Texas Tee looks very good Sean!

The guitars ability to reveal those epiphanies is simultaneously the most frustrating and satisfying aspect of learning to play. The more you play, the more it reveals. Don’t give up, there’s always more on the horizon.

These are great tips.... I have been playing on and off (badly) for many years. I always have a hard time when someone who really doesn’t play an instrument compliments my playing, because I know that I don’t really know as much as I think I should, on the instrument. While their comment is from the heart, the truth is, in my mind...it is all relative. You think I play well because you don’t play at all; I’m really not very good and “woodshedded” (as you say), a bunch of cool tricks together, or looked at tab.... Your topic really opens up some ideas about connecting things that have been right in front of me for a long time... Going to put these ideas to work... Great video, Thanks

Thank you Sean!

I learn a lot just in this bit. 👌🏾💯

That Texas Tea looks amazing

Thanks man, you’re the best

Love the ultra

Sean.... good stuff. Thank you.

This was so eye opening. Thanks

Hi buddy your doing an excellent job love your vids please don't take any notice of the sad detractors keep em coming !!!!

Me trying to fully comprehend what you're explaining then realizing I'm very hungry and its effecting my learning abilities......Ahhh that's the reason I'll have to try again later.

Nice Job, I wood shedded little wing as well however I never put together your thought on the theory. Cheers,

Dude, nice video AND that strat is a beauty!

Nice lesson man 😎

Made this breakthrough about 13 years ago trying to learn Simple Man by Skynyrd, and I’m like, “How does this make sense to bounce your fingers all over the first 3 frets on all of the strings?!?!?!?” Then I found out its based on a C chord and your first finger never moves like 2 years later. I’m no prodigy, but I’m slowly learning more and more about the fretboard. Check out my self made album, the band is Ten Inch Stick on KZfaq

Great lesson,cheers.

Suzanna hoffs IS STUNNING! 😍

You’re right - this is a big deal! Since I’ve really worked a lot on full bar chords and minor pentatonic scales (and top string triads) I get this. Suddenly I can easily play Hendricks licks up and down the fret board and understand why they work - because you pointed it out in a way I get. I love it when a plan comes together! Thanks!!

Thinking in cords and cord shapes, and the "apps" that come with each shape

Excellent!

When I'm not having nightmares about my years in the Tab woodshed I'm getting intimate with my fretboard shapes. Good stuff Sean!

Interesting. I had such kind of epiphany too, whlie training the boring Hannon method on the piano. I was learning the G major scale, going up and down. I missed a note and the tempo just a bit while going down, and out of nowhere I was playing "der vogelfänger bin ich ja" (Mozart's melody from Papageno's first aria from the opera "The magic flute")!! Instantly I understood how music is created. Everything made so much more sense since that moment...

sean thats one beautiful guitar,

I guess I've had those moments.. I'm gonna sub ya....but you know what my dad used to say .....a little knowledge is a dangerous thing...lol cheers bro.. and thanks.....guthrie Trapp brought me here

Great video, awesome Strat!!! Thx!

Great job....thanks.

Thank you very much!

Super helpful thanks

Awesome!

Just found your channel... I'm definitely a beginner, but maybe I'll take the plunge on your masterclass.

What's cool, too, is that when you hammer on that G chord b string you're playing an inverted Em without even trying. And then move that same shape down one set of strings and you've got a D7. That's a I-vi-V song by barely moving your fingers.

Literally just made me jealous of ur knowledge, which is motivation to achieve it soon

Thanks Sean!

I'm a guitar teacher myself and this man just made thing much easier for me.....You never know it all 🤣🤣🤣