I really like the way you explain and teach at the right pace. No boring, annoying , crap. It's much easier and enjoyable to learn especially for people who can already play and i think newbs can grasp it if they just watch a few times. Excellent thank you

you're the best teacher I've ever had the pleasure of learning from.

Long long long before Reservoir Dogs, I was on a road trip with my parents in Canada and this song kept coming on the radio. Over and over. And we’d all sing it. It’s one of the happiest memories I have. So approaching Edmunston new brunswick I stood up between the bench seat of that Buick (cause wtf were seatbelts) and started singing it with them. And then just started puking all over them. My dad pulled over into the nearest motel and all I remember (besides watching Planet of the Apes in black and white in that room in my pyjamas) was that moment of listening to, and singing, Gerry Rafferty and Stealer’s Wheel, singing this song with me and my Mom and Dad. My Dad is gone now. He had dementia. But I KNOW if I played this song for him now he’d remember it perfectly’ because that’s how he was at the end. So anyway thanks for this. You have great taste in music, even if you might not always know why the songs affect people the way they do. I’m just a few years older than you btw. Great ear James. Great lessons. Thanks bud.

You listen so well! What's more, you're teaching me how. I've played that song for twenty plus years and never caught that down-tune. I've learned so much from you. thanks again!

Thank you profusely James. I have learned so much from you in just a few minutes. Various tunes that have enthralled (and baffled) me for decades are now revealed. Your explanation of this Rafferty song is a particularly fascinating and illuminating one.

Always fun to hear you interpret what was originally done on a song. Amazing ear.

Thank you J.J. for bringing this song to life for me. You were born to teach. Appreciated from Nova Scotia!!!!!!!

Fantastic, loved all the info on 12 string tension.

It's great to hear the guitar tuned down to match the jangling sound of the strings on the original. Probably softer on the fingers tuned down too. 🎸🎶🎸 Love the channel. Dean 🇬🇧

JJ, the Man With the Golden Ears, hits another one out of the park.

Standard tuning is naturally to high for Jerry`s voice so they tuned it down.. And you are exactly correct on the sound and chords great ear for this,,, thanks for sharing....

"If you wanna bump up from the campfire to being someone who people go, 'Oh, he GETS it!'" That would be this whole amazing channel summed up in a single sentence. What an ear and what fantastic feel and musicality. The best.

Spot on!! Sounds EXACTLY RIGHT to me, too. And I Love the VIBE of this Song. Thank You!!

Also, I have a friend who thinks this song was the inspiration for Sheryl Crow's "All I Want To Do Is Have Some Fun." Sounds reasonable to me.

You have a really good ear JJ and that's why I only learn new songs that you play & teach this is a perfect example thanks JJ

Great observation on how playing it in (lowered) E makes the part drive more, as it sorta encourages upstroking. In fact, John Fogerty (as you no doubt know) used full drop a lot, and the chug-in-lowered-E voicing can be heard to very similar effect on "Proud Mary"! Tempo similar to "Stuck in Middle," not identical, but it has the "chug." And once again, the latter song sounds almost-but-not-quite-right played in (standard) D.

Gerry Rafferty singing like Dylan. It sounds like a Dylan song. He was good at writing put down songs like this. If only you could be me and see what a drag it is too see you! That’s a pretty good put down. You started out with nothing and you’re proud you’re a self made man. I always thought that was a put down line. Like you still got nothing. Maybe I’m wrong on that but that’s my impression. Thanks! 🎸😎👏🏻

JJ, another musical mystery decoded! Along with your Magic Bus exposé, this is fascinating stuff. You have a discerning ear. Thanks.

Hey JJ you are correct. Jerry Raferty plays it exactly like you said

"That's the money chord on the whole tune right there." Ha! I laughed out loud. Beautifully put.

Brilliant! Thanks! This song has driven me nuts for years and this finally explains it.

The 12 string tuned down a full-step is 100% dorrect in almost all cases of them being used in the 1970`s. Bridges would get pulled out from their mount on 12 strings, and the 6 extra strings made standard tuning a freakin guarantee to destroying a beautiful acoustic.The 70`s were a decade of the classic singer/songwriter era. And Many, many songs had 12 string guitars in them. I started playing in 1979-80, and we had no tab or you tube at all to learn songs. James is the exact same age as me. We learned by trial and error. You had an incredible album coming out every 6 months in the 1980`s. You name it...and we looked forward to buying the next Van Halen, Priest, Maiden, Scorpions, Megadeth, Anthrax, Metallica, Overkill, Aerosmith, and got ready to learn a new set of songs as they came out. We hit Play, listened, figured out the tuning and key,rewind, play , rewind play, rewindplay...5000 times to get a riff down , bit by bit, the song would come together. That is how we developed our ears. Sorry for the typo on "correct". Look at all the guitarists that were around , that were legends...and this was our time to get serious. Ya had , EVH, SRV, Brian May, Malmsteen(first album...then never a new riff) Di Martini, George Lynch, Vai, Zappa, John Sykes, Randy Rhoads, Blackmoore, Steve Morse, Rik Emmett, Vivian Campbell, Adrian Vandenberg, Phil Collin, Dave Mustaine, to name a few. That is a pretty high standard to live up to. JJ is an amazing teacher, and I don`t think he would ever make a video unless he was 100% sure it was right on the money. He is by far a better teacher than I am.

Even though my dad plays the drums watching these videos sort of reminds me of playing with him. He can pick apart so many song's drum tracks and come up with how "they really played it." Even your talking sort of reminds me of him with that certain banter we also have while playing.

I love the fact that you don’t go over strum patters to intensely cause for me that’s just pure instinct and a sense on rhythm, thank you JJ Jimmy

Though I have written similar comments on your other videos, I must once again remind you that you are indeed the best guitar teacher on youtube. (By far the best I've found.) I really love you, Man. After I listened to your wonderful and correct explanation, I then decided to look for someone else who agreed. Ten videos later I had found no one. They drop D the string on both ends. Sometimes just the top. Sometimes just the bottom. They all present themselves as confident experts. None play along with the record, and none get the bottom of the opening segment. You are right about that money chord. I love you, Man. I love you. One more time. I LOVE YOU MAN!!!!

Excellent. Here's to bumping up from the campfire.

Another great tutorial. Thank you so much. I also like your videos because you sound EXACTLY like a good friend I don't get to see much any more.

You are absolutely right. Unfortunately many stores never bother explaining this little important tidbit when you are buying a new instrument. When I was younger, much younger, I purchased a beautiful GUILD JF-55 12 string. I had the guitar for many years but eventually when I sold it the purchaser noted that the bridge was separating from the guitar due to string tension, I had to have a Luthier make me a brand new bridge and re-glue and clamp it to the guitar. It turned out great, but could have eventually cracked the top. I didn't find out until too late that 12 strings really should be kept tuned down permanently if you don't want to experience the same problem. I think Guild still makes the finest and best sounding 12 String guitars. No matter the brand, it's still makes for great advice to tune it down several steps and keep a capo. Thanks for your spot on advice as well as your lessons. I wish I would have had You Tube and your advice during my young and stupid years, no that I am old and still stupid it may be too late for an old geezer like me. Rob Johnson, north Salt Lake, Utah

Brilliant delivery. Thank you for sharing this.

There's an actual music video ( very old ) of Steeler's Wheel performing this song, and the singer is indeed playing an acoustic 12 string guitar tuned down so that an E chord is in the key of D, just as you've demonstrated here. That old music video can be found right here on youtube.

I realy learn a lot from your videos. I also learn songs by ear and getting better at it since recently discovering your videos. But you my friend have a great gifted ear. Thanks for teaching us who really need you.

Good lesson! You can see where Sheryl Crow borrowed the music for her hit “All I Wanna Do.” 😝

I just stumbled on your final PrivatT video, and it was totally interesting to hear an insider's take on the evolution of KZfaq, and the experiences of a producer of such a channel. Very thoughtful upfront and honest sort of fireside chat, of the type that doesn't happen much any more among people. Our society is getting so jive and image based, everything has to be a frik'n act these days. I make it a point to seek out the true and the soulful amongst all the manufactured drek out there. That's why I seek out real people playing real music. As for your postings, your style is refreshing and fun. Your spontaneous approach to learning songs and the insightful explanations are absolutely valuable to a striving intermediate player like me. I hope you continue to produce lots more videos.

You are right , I watched a performance of stealers wheel and the 12 string guitar player was making E chord fingerings the rest of the band was playing in D ....so you are correct my friend !!!

John Fogarty does the tune down and play an E chord thing too. Nice job picking that out. Nice Dylan poster.

One of my favorite songs, used to irritate my older bro but I couldn't resist. Omg u sound so so nice!! thnx!

Thank you very much ,to me you are very accurate ,you are one of my go to people when I cannot figure a song out I can go to you and get it right,thanks so much ur full of knowledge,please never stop,love ur work

Days of Yore....... :) You entertain, my man!!!

You've a great ear. I am digging that D tuning.. Sounds deep and full. Nice work

Awesome Job once again James! Thanks for all your effort. Congratulations on the Washington Capitols, winning the Stanley Cup! Great insightful videos! take care my friend.

Greetings from sleepy little Oundle, Northamptonshire, England! This really the most excellent video. Thanks for your help.

wow ...awesome lesson...that J-200 is awesome...you do it a lot of justice!...Peace from Rochester!

James, you just cleared the muddy water up with the down tuning!!!! Thanks, Sam Henry

Thanks so much James, some great information on this lesson. Love all your lessons. Best wishes to you from Northern Ireland. 🌌💕🌠☘️

Ah that is exactly how I played this song ,thanks JJ I'll be tuning down for this from now on.

I have learned so much from you over the years, thank you!

Wow ! Thanks 🤟😇 King are you !

Awesome lesson & Song & Your T-shirt & Video!

Yessss 👏👏👏. Now I know why it never sounded right when I tried to play it. I might actually give it a go live now. Cheers mate 😊

i love this song

Man, this really put a big smile on my face. Also subliminal is having a Bob Dylan lithograph in the background while the original vocalist in Stealers Wheel twangs away á la ....Dylan ! Go figgure🤪

Very helpful. Great instruction! Thanks very much!

True rock & roller ✊🏽 always breaking it down

I think you’re correct...very smart of you James!

Every time I hear this song I think of that scene in reservoir dogs in the garage when Mr whatever color cuts the cops ears off.....well done.... definitely tuned down and in the key of E👍🤞💪👏👌💰😎🇺🇸🤓🦫🤙🎶

I’ve been trying to figure out the guitar on Gerry Rafferty’s Island for a few weeks. It’s in E but when I play it it never sounds right. I tried capoing up in two different positions but still didn’t sound right. Then I remembered THIS video from a few years ago. I realized if Gerry did it in SW I bet he did the same in Island. Sure enough. I think I finally got it. Your ear lessons really help.

thanks for making all your videos man!!!!!!!!!!!! i appreciate you man

Thanks James James, I was playing that in standard E; It sounds so full now tuned low. You have an awesome ear. I added a version on my site. Also, Thank you for the assistance on re-recording Goin to California for me.

I have a 12 string and you nailed it JJ. The way you play it sounds right. And yes I do keep it tuned down. I happened to lose the last one I played just because I kept it in standard tuning. It took 27 years for it to need a neck replacement. And the luthier destroyed the sound when I got it done. So, now I have a new one.

Thats really cool... I can definitely hear the difference. I always played in standard tuning. you are the best. Thanks J.J

I always loved this tune so much! Thx a lot man for sharing so many great tunes & lessons. I wish I had the to time learn a lot of the songs you post here. I am still working towards sharing some RUSH stuff. I have worked so hard & I just wish I had an ear like you buddy. I wish there was someone out there like you that was so into Alex Lifeson that would actually take the time to do what you do here. It would make my life so much easier. haha :) I have a 12 string Ovation Custom Balladeer, I purchased around 1994 & I am probably gonna have to learn this tune from your video once I get a chance.

Learned this years ago, but was never happy that it sounded right, this is what I missed!

That seems to be the way Joe Egan is playing it in the video, he's miming Jerry Rafferty's lyrics but playing the right chords on a 12 string if it was tuned down. I once tried to learn it off that video but couldn't figure it out, now it makes sense, thanks.

Great lesson. Thank you!

Hey JJ (Privettricker's) Wow i used to check you out all the time and was so bummed you left. Then my bud told me what happened and that you started a new channel under a new name!!! Its great to see you back on here because you give me inspiration to keep on playing. Keep on rockin man i appreciate what you did..and what you do.

You remind me of the neighbor from the tv show "Home Improvement" with Tim Allen. We never see your face. It's a form of art really. Every single person that watches your channel has a different face they're imagining on your shoulders. Fucking badass if you ask me

Great lesson! I am a beginner, but I still learned a lot from your video. Gorgeous guitars, too. Are they a Gibson Dove and SJ-200? I’m a big fan of Gibson guitars.

Thanks for sharing JJ.... man oh man! *hangs head in shame* I've been playing it the wrong way for years..... no longer. Cheers sir :)

Every other lesson that I've found is playing this in regular tuning, D. You are exactly right, not that you need me to tell you. I found an old Steelers Wheel video, Rafferty is playing the 12 string, and he's playing E shape opening chord, just as you are teaching in this video. It never sounded right to me in D, but I couldn't figure it out. Thanks again for an amazing lesson.

Definitely sounds better de-tuned. More jangle to the sound. Great video thanks. Dean 🇬🇧

I appreciate all of your lessons

Looks like Stealer's Wheel actually plays it both ways in the song. What tipped me off was the intro played in standard D is the correct intro, but the intro played with the tuned down/E-A chord shapes doesn't sound right. I saw a video where one guitarist was doing what James James shows, and Rafferty is playing it in standard tuning. So, looks like he played the intro and then just vamped the rest of the song. Love your videos James! Always super helpful.

Master guitar deduction. Amazing skills, sir.

hahahah you are a genius and i only just found this channel, you are amazing dude

Thanks for posting, excellent lesson.

Glad I stopped by I found a new fav guitar sub way to go j j nice job look forward to your next vids cheers bro

I miss you James James!

That is the way it's supposed to be played but if I played everything I play and you the correct tuning I would need 6 guitars on stage , that's not gunna happen so you have to make do , but it's nice that your showing people the correct voicing. Cheers from Canada and stay away from the Corona !!!!

Thanks for doing this, lots of fun to play this one.

Echoing what the other fellows are stating: good ear. And something that gets me about your clips is, you have some great guitars. There was a black 335 somewhere that blew me away. These two acoustics here too.

Spot on. Nice work. I primarily perform with a 12 string and I keep it tuned down a 1/2 step. In fact I keep all of my guitars tuned down 1/2 step. More vocal options while being able to use as many open chords as possible

this song has been stuck in my head for weeks. Time now to figure out how to play it

Thanks for this lesson. It got me thinking that I could just use Double Drop D and keep the chord positions as if standard tuning is still in use. It gives you the D note on the 1st & 6th strings, and I can tune and retune quickly if this song is in my set list. I like the sound of it and at the end of the day I don’t need to play it exactly like they recorded it

Well done young man I just found this so the comments rather late but you have a good ear that is exactly how it's played. In fact I saw Gerry Rafferty playing a J200 in "E" shape 👍🏼

Amazing. Absolutely spot on.

Awesome lesson!

Mate I’m going to give you a thumbs up 👍

You are right without a doubt man...besides knowing right off from the sound...I looked at a few videos and yep...no doubt about it...you are correct! Thanks for sharing =) I never really tried much to play this tune but when I did...never sounded right haha now I know why =)

Great ear. Loved the info on 12-strings in the years of yore.

best explanation of this song ive ever heard.

Spot on! well done, Nice axe too!

Awesome! I always thought that playing the D shape didnt sound right. Down tuning and E sounds perfect. Confirmed with some of the limited GR videos I watched

You are exactly right about the down tuning on 12 strings in the 'old' days. I goy my first 12 string in 1964 and if I tuned it to 440 standard, the strings were almost an inch off the neck (fretboard). I didn't use a capo back then (almost nobody did with 12 string guitars, because the fretboard was so WIDE, it was hard to find capos that covered all the strings), so we just transposed and down tuned. However, there's a video of the Stealers Wheel playing their song about 11 years ago, and he now plays a 6 string (vintage Gretsch) and plays in *D* chord and config. They still do a great job of it! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y7p3i65ekqi9koU.html

Great analysis and great lesson. Thanks.

James - can I congratulate you on your excellent teaching! It's a shame that you will not be posting more new videos as I have just discovered you.

I play the slide in open d and the other guitarist is in standard. I will share this with him, as he has a 12 string and see how that goes. Always greet that you should play it like it WAS played. Nice job!. Thanks. Took me to long to find this.

Fascinating to hear about the 12 string and the down tuning :))

Great song great teaching

Works well and sounds ok in double drop D tuning too , as a quick re tune instead of dropping all strings , nice work , good ear

Hi JJ just watched a youtube clip of this song UK 73 and he plays it differrent again some sort of suspended D and hammer off/ on the G note on the top e string and thats why you dont hear the high E string as he covers it with the suspended D making the high E a G