He's 76 years old. Most 26 year olds wish they had his voice and his hair. This dude aged so well. Still sounds great. Has been a music star since his teens. What a life!
Just another one of those tenacious and talented Englishmen, but Steve W. is unique in so many ways. I've been following him for 50 years, and never tire of his music.
I'm an old guitar guy at 72. I saw Stevie perform this live with Blind Faith here in L.A. back in either '69 or '70. It was at the Forum in Inglewood and we had seats on the floor just a short number of rows back from the stage. Needless to say, it was a most memorable night!! 🙂🙃🙂
Another old guy here. Saw Steve with Traffic in '70 at Cincinnati Summer Pop Festival. Having played in several garage bands during the sixties, SDG's "I'm a man " was always on the set list. Thanks for the walk through and breakdown of this wonderful song.
Steve Winwood has been like an elder brother. I'm also 72, and have followed him from when he started his music career. I've got numerous sweet memories that involve him and his great early songs. I been a gigging guitarist since age 15. First club gig was in Madrid Spain where I played some blues tunes and a Winwood song (Keep on Running) in 1967.
I have been listening to him sing this song for all of those 55 years, but this video of his has been absolutely mesmerizing to me since he did it. Your video is so exciting for this here guitar player! Thanks Tony😉
I was privileged enough to see Steve play with Clapton in Las Vegas about 9 or 10 years ago. Truly amazing show. They were both magnificent guitar players.
Love playing this song. First memory of it is my dad playing this for my sisters and I on his Ovation as part of our "bedtime stories", which was essentially an hour long concert of 60s/70s acoustic friendly classics. Every night. Thanks Dad ❤
I've seen this fireplace version so many times. My all time favorite youtube video. I've been tring to play it myself and it satisfies me so much. This song has a soul of its own.
I first heard this song the day it came out, ....sitting with my hippie buddies, all of us doing peyote. We played the Blind Faith album all night - until the sun came up.
This song was a magnet for me. I imagine there are many people with that feeling of being lost and not knowing where home is any more. The live version with Clapton harmonising the vocal on the chorus is outstanding too. I agree there is something special about the structure of this song. The effect is to evoke a strong emotional response somehow.
It is such a pleasure to see your passion as you work on this song. And it's also good to see that you (like us) also play these things over and over to see what's happening (even for you it's not hear it, see it, play it, in one go! Though it's nearly one go!). So glad, to now have the time to come back to TAC, and get playing every day with you again.
I found this Steve Winwood video many years ago and I've always wanted to play it. Thanks Tony, for giving us a few pointers on this tune. Like you, I also think this is a brilliant version, his voice is great, his playing is great, the quality of the sound is great, and the whole scene (a barn or farm building) just adds to the whole thing. The sounds just make me feel so relaxed.
I’m so glad I have seen Winwood in concert so many times, as a teenager and in 1999. My two best friends and I were too early for a Traffic concert, in fall 1974, we were in Long Beach by the pier, Nance said you know what they do here with a huge smile, knew exactly what she meant, the three of us went & found a tattoo parlor, and we got wrist tattoos. Sitting in the Arena, listening to Bob Marley for the first time in our 19 year old lives, it was popular for bands to play their favorite new albums for the audience. So there we sat, happily listening to Marley and staring at my left wrist, kind of shocked I had committed to having ink, fortunately I have had my wristlet completely redone in 2016 & it looks awesome. When we saw Winwood in Seattle in 1999, my friend Nancy and I stood right under Stevie while he played Can’t Find My Way Home, singing along with tears running down our cheeks. She has way more tattoos than me, but we both remember getting our first ink together at 19.
When you were tuning down I was yelling “D” at my computer about six times, as if you could hear me. Audible sound of relief when you got there! Yes, this song is epic, still one of my favorites. I bought the album when it was originally released and still have it. Thanks for sharing.
This is a tremendous walk through a song I really don't know that well. I've been through a strange period and haven't taken my guitar out of the box for months. This has inspired me to play again and to learn the song. Thankyou!
Winwood's a true wonder, guitar, keyboards, vocals and song-writing, he's got it all ..... he was on the first 45 single I ever bought for myself, Traffic's "Hole in my shoe", back in 1967.
This was truly amazing!! Sooo good, i play bass. I'm learning, just beginning for a year or so. 42 years old, it's was time to pick up the bass. I have been through hell, 20 years on opiates. Now on Methadone since 8 years. Have a normal life, family and a massive insight in myself. Sometimes it has to be that road, it was the journey to find meaning in life. I have always had a job, but all money went to buy opiates. You have to feel that feeling of absolute rock bottom. You can go deeper, or rise up. I choose life
I've been a bassist since age 15 in 1967. If you compare a song to a large ship: the bass would be the hull. The drums are the motor, and everything else takes place on the decks.
Steve Winwood has been like an elder brother. He's 4 yrs my elder. I've followed him from when he started his music career. I've got numerous sweet memories that involve him and his great early songs. I love the guy, and am full tilt hetero. Been a gigging guitarist since age 15. First club gig was in Madrid Spain where I played some blues tunes and a Winwood song (Keep on Running) in 1967.
Thanks for calling my attention to this as a guitar piece I need to know how to play. so much great music from those days, it's easy to just overlook something lovely.
Thanks for covering this about Winwood. Saw him in Omaha years ago. That unique voice, great talent. Tony, you help me to more understand the science of the guitar.
When you reveal things such as this, the urge to study guitar is almost irresistable...so many basics you need to pound out before this highly skilled piece!
Saw WINWOOD in concert in Northern Michigan some years back. Transcendental, he played with just two other musicians for over two hours. Plus he’s just an elegant man. WINWOOD, JARRETT and KNOPFLER, all changed my life and appreciation of music forever.
Steve Winwood was a musical genius or supremely talented. Multi instrumentalist and creative on so many levels. So the tuning is dropped a whole step? Most change the key to a more comfortable range to sing.
This version of Steve by the fireplace is my most favorite acoustic song of all time. I’m not a good player but ever since I found that video I have been trying to learn it. I appreciate your video as hopefully I can try to learn from you as I have been unsuccessful so far. Thank you for your video.
A really great song, beautiful guitar and vocals. I have seen Steve Winwood live several times, and Traffic, and I saw him perform with his talented daughter. I cover this classic song with my acoustic trio.
We just watched him open for the Doobie Brothers and he was, and still is, amazing. Expert multi-instrumentalist with incredible humility. Such a special night. 😊
You ALWAYS have to go through every string on an acoustic guitar at least twice if not 3 times anytime you perform a dramatic tuning change, because THE NECK MOVES. Example: the very first string you choose to tune WAY DOWN, whichever string that may be, and you tune it perfectly, as you then continue tuning the other strings down, that first string will no longer be in tune........again: BECAUSE THE NECK FLEXES. This is to be expected, and is elementary acoustic guitar basics. It even happens with more modern acoustics equipped with dual carbon fiber stiffening rods that ride on both sides of the adjustable truss rod. The only exceptions may be an acoustic guitar that has a ball bat for a neck ( a very thick neck......really thick necks are harder to move ) Simple rule of thumb: when you tune strings way down below standard 440 pitch, you can expect your neck to straighten more ( or even back-bow if the neck was too straight to begin with, and may cause fret buzz )...........and conversely, if you tune way UP in pitch, you can expect the neck to gain more bow, due to increased string tension. Lastly: in most cases, an electric guitar is not prone to so much flexing of the neck when doing dramatic tuning changes, because usually, lighter strings are used. Lighter strings don't pull on the neck as much.........therefore the neck tends to remain more stable during tuning changes. Not so with an acoustic guitar where the builder recommends 12 through 53 string gauges. Most electric guitarists use 9's. That's quite a difference in string tension.
Yes. This is the reason the low string went sharp after tuning the others down, not because it “gravitates” toward to the old note. You’ve slacked off the tension on the neck and it pulls back on all the strings, pulling them sharp, especially the first one you tuned down while all the others were still pulling the neck forward. Also, if you are going to tune down that much, it is best for intonation to use at least medium strings-at least on the wound bass strings.
This album is just filled with eerie sounds that have stayed with me for a long time. The violin on Sea of Joy, is another one of those songs that just stops me in my tracks whenever I hear it.
It was around 1969 when the Blind Faith album first came to a music store in my MD town. Me and my hippie buddies got a call from the store owner, "it's here." We drove down together, walked in the store together to buy it. The 4 of us walked out of the store, each with a hand on a corner of the album cover. Before listening, we all did peyote buttons, and then waited about 50 minutes for the drug to take effect. We started playing the album late afternoon, and kept it going non-stop 'til an hour after sun-up.
Hi Tony. Great post! Love Steve Winwood. So I now tune most of my acoustic guitars down one whole step (getting old) Makes singing easier. Check out Steve Miller “The Joker” and Paul McCartney “Bluebird” Cheers mate 👋🇦🇺
The tuning fits his aging voice. He's a virtuoso, a master. A magician. He changed the song's tuning from the album so his singing was still mesmerizing. The non-, musician public just listens. We analyze and critique ..,.. even the masters. Nice work Tony.
When you tune down the 6th string first, by the time you've tuned all the others down, then it will be sharp because the other strings are no longer supporting your neck as much as they were before. Anytime you tune down one string, you are adding more tension to all the other strings. This is more noticeable if you have a floating tremolo, but it still applies to a solid bridge. The variable is the bow of the neck.
Stevie started by trying to sing like Ray Charles. He met Ray, years later, and felt a bit snubbed by him. Winwood had been a lovely part of my life in many ways, ...since the mid-60's, when I was mid-teens.
A close second is C-G-C-F-A-C... a tuning Neil Young used for Don't let It Bring You Down and others. I keep a guitar tuned that way and play some other CSNY tunes on it; The Loner, Daylight Again, Find The Cost of Freedom, Love the One You're With. Throw a capo on 2nd fret and you're in drop D. You do have to stay on top of the tuning because the strings are pretty loose but its fun to play with. This is a great lesson; thanks!
When he started singing it hit me thats Steve Winwood! Anyway, its totally a beautiful acoustic diddy he put together. Its going to always sound good no matter what. genius.
Appreciated watching you analyze the tone and adjust in real time. True musicianship is always a pleasure to witness. But above that (or below it xD) that lower warm tone is magical! Thanks for sharing.
Not a bad keyboard player either..... When he was 14 years old & missing school to play with Spencer Davis, his teacher told him to forget music & concentrate on his school work, as a music career would never amount to anything.
That's a cute story. I didn't know that, but believable. I've been a fan of Stevie since the start of his career, mid-60's, when I was in my early teens. I've been a gigging musician ever since, and have played Winwood's early material since forever.
Still one of my Top 200 All-Time hits! I sat in the 2nd row center, when Blind Faith played the Forum, in 1969. Similar chording to Needle and the Damage Done, or at least the way I played it. I always wondered if Neil had been inspired by Can't Find My Way Home. I got into open tuning in the Spring of 1969, after I picked up an album by Mississippi Fred McDowell. That was a pretty hard Summer, as I've stated elsewhere. Everyone was on speed, and Tricky shut the border down, in late June, so you couldn't buy a joint, anywhere in LA, by late July. Blind Faith came along, nailed the prevailing ennui, faded like a half-remembered dream, before Fall, when the Stones released what is arguably their best album, Let It Bleed. Six months later, the Beatles issued Let It Be, and the dream was over.
Man, Am I glad you showed this. I've been playing acoustic guitar since 1973. I have a good ear and I have noticed that the newer acoustics lack in the ability to sound as good or play as good as they used to. Is it the strings? I don't know, but the new stuff certainly leaves much to be desired. I miss the old stuff in that the sound was much , much better. Thanks for posting.
I had the music book for the Blind Faith album, but couldn’t quite figure out how to play this remarkable song. I asked my friend’s Mom, a traditional piano teacher if she could play part of it, hoping I might learn if the sheet music for “Can’t Find My Way Home” was in any sense accurate. I could read the notes, but the fingering and the counting were tough for me - I was 16 years old and been playing about 4 years. She said she’d try. At first, she struggled. I wasn’t expecting much, but within a minute or two, she essentially had it. She played flawlessly for many, many bars, and I was frankly astonished. She asked, “Is that how it’s supposed to sound?” I replied “That’s perfect! That’s exactly how it sounds!”. Mrs. Endsley suddenly commanded my great respect. The counting was complex. She had never heard any of the song, but she nailed it. She seemed to like it. I realized in the moment that sometimes the sheet music, when accurately written, can communicate beautiful, intense musical expressions across cultural separations. To hear a person from the previous generation grasp this song gave me new respect for the musical system that I was somewhat unsure about - a confidence that has never left me. Thank you, Mrs. Endsley, for your skillful command of this notation system, and of the piano as well. Whoever transcribed this lovely Steve Winwood performance was also very good at their craft. This songbook also had a good representation of the breakout guitar solo for “Presence of the Lord”, which allowed me to imitate Clapton a bit, a popular song for our band, called “Local Bacon” to cover back circa 1972. We also managed “Badge” and Here Comes the Sun” - both with delightful and related bridges written by George Harrison, my favorite songwriter in the Beatles and a great solo artist. It’s interesting that a less secure Clapton needed help from Harrison when he was asked to develop the bridge for Cream’s “Badge”, and that Harrison was not always appreciated for his wonderful songs until later in Beatle history, with this song becoming a popular jewel on “Abbey Road”.
Tony, that acoustic guitar that Steve is playing is a Martin 000-42MEC, a Madagascar Signature Clapton model with a Torch Headstock. The series was signed by Clapton (not signature stamped like the 28's) and he gave a few to friends, including Steve Winwood, from memory I think the top is Carpathian Spruce. The guitar came out as a limited edition in 2008, at the 175th Anniversary of CFMartin&Co (1833‐2008). It's a cannon for a 000‐42, with forward-shifted, Scalloped Braces.
Just come across SW through a random song on Spotify, which got me curious. Little bit of a deep dive and realised I new most of his songs (but didn’t know they were by him) what a catalogue of music. Great singer! What a legacy.
I would have to put the opening descent from These Days ahead of this. It’s a lot less involved but like many people I was instantly captivated by Nico’s version from THAT Royal Tennenbaums scene.
The song is great on its own of course but combined with the input from another sense (vision, but also meaning) is synergy. That is, if you first heard the song in that movie (I believe I did) then it's like trying to explain what you thought of cocaine/2cb/insert_favorite_sexdrug when it was the first time you tried it but while under the influence, at that very moment, you also had sex for the first time. It's difficult then to dissociate, to identify and attribute specific emotions to the corresponding stimulus. Don't use cocaine by the way. Not just when it comes to sex but when it comes to life in general. And of course I have to say that you shouldn't use drugs no matter what it is. I shouldn't be saying things like oh when you want to have sex and you want to try something that can increase the pleasure then I would suggest 2cb or 5-meo-mipt (both in the lower range of dosage).
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Pure gold from Steve Winwood. The voice, the guitar part, the melody, the history.
There is a recent(ish) video of him playing Now the Green Blade Rises, really nice!
I love the drop tuning against the high vocals. Pure magic.
He's 76 years old. Most 26 year olds wish they had his voice and his hair. This dude aged so well. Still sounds great. Has been a music star since his teens. What a life!
He started in the Spencer Davis Group at “15” yrs old. He’s been doing this a long time and still is relevant.
Just another one of those tenacious and talented Englishmen, but Steve W. is unique in so many ways. I've been following him for 50 years, and never tire of his music.
I met & talked with him in 1989. He didn't then look older than 22 or 23
Shoot. I wish I had 10% of his talent. He's a friggin genius.
Clapton the original guitarist on my way home
I'm an old guitar guy at 72. I saw Stevie perform this live with Blind Faith here in L.A. back in either '69 or '70. It was at the Forum in Inglewood and we had seats on the floor just a short number of rows back from the stage. Needless to say, it was a most memorable night!! 🙂🙃🙂
Another old guy here. Saw Steve with Traffic in '70 at Cincinnati Summer Pop Festival. Having played in several garage bands during the sixties, SDG's "I'm a man " was always on the set list. Thanks for the walk through and breakdown of this wonderful song.
With Delaney and Bonnie opening? Historic!
Saw Traffic at university in Albuquerque in 1973. Gosh, we've had great music throughout the decades.
@@DavidNelsonO For sure!
Steve Winwood has been like an elder brother. I'm also 72, and have followed him from when he started his music career. I've got numerous sweet memories that involve him and his great early songs. I been a gigging guitarist since age 15. First club gig was in Madrid Spain where I played some blues tunes and a Winwood song (Keep on Running) in 1967.
I have been listening to him sing this song for all of those 55 years, but this video of his has been absolutely mesmerizing to me since he did it. Your video is so exciting for this here guitar player! Thanks Tony😉
All these years later, that song still brings up emotions. Great job, Tony!
Steve still has it , a beautiful voice and genius song writer.
One of my all time favorites. Incredible performance by Mr. Winwood!
I was privileged enough to see Steve play with Clapton in Las Vegas about 9 or 10 years ago. Truly amazing show. They were both magnificent guitar players.
They really bring out the best in each other.
Correction, they both ARE genius level players
I'm generally an electric player but I've always tuned my acoustics to C ( or C#) Standard. This song sounds so good tuned down.
Steve Winwood is a treasure. I think just about every group he was in had at least one big hit that became classic rock tunes.
Love playing this song. First memory of it is my dad playing this for my sisters and I on his Ovation as part of our "bedtime stories", which was essentially an hour long concert of 60s/70s acoustic friendly classics. Every night. Thanks Dad ❤
Steve Winwood is a musical genius…
Whose that? I have to say I never even knew Gene Hackman played music
I've seen this fireplace version so many times. My all time favorite youtube video. I've been tring to play it myself and it satisfies me so much. This song has a soul of its own.
I first heard this song the day it came out, ....sitting with my hippie buddies, all of us doing peyote. We played the Blind Faith album all night - until the sun came up.
This song was a magnet for me. I imagine there are many people with that feeling of being lost and not knowing where home is any more.
The live version with Clapton harmonising the vocal on the chorus is outstanding too.
I agree there is something special about the structure of this song. The effect is to evoke a strong emotional response somehow.
It is such a pleasure to see your passion as you work on this song. And it's also good to see that you (like us) also play these things over and over to see what's happening (even for you it's not hear it, see it, play it, in one go! Though it's nearly one go!). So glad, to now have the time to come back to TAC, and get playing every day with you again.
One of my all time favorite melodies. Steve has such a great voice too.
akin to the another song on that Blind Faith album: Sea of Joy.
I found this Steve Winwood video many years ago and I've always wanted to play it. Thanks Tony, for giving us a few pointers on this tune. Like you, I also think this is a brilliant version, his voice is great, his playing is great, the quality of the sound is great, and the whole scene (a barn or farm building) just adds to the whole thing. The sounds just make me feel so relaxed.
I’m so glad I have seen Winwood in concert so many times, as a teenager and in 1999. My two best friends and I were too early for a Traffic concert, in fall 1974, we were in Long Beach by the pier, Nance said you know what they do here with a huge smile, knew exactly what she meant, the three of us went & found a tattoo parlor, and we got wrist tattoos. Sitting in the Arena, listening to Bob Marley for the first time in our 19 year old lives, it was popular for bands to play their favorite new albums for the audience. So there we sat, happily listening to Marley and staring at my left wrist, kind of shocked I had committed to having ink, fortunately I have had my wristlet completely redone in 2016 & it looks awesome. When we saw Winwood in Seattle in 1999, my friend Nancy and I stood right under Stevie while he played Can’t Find My Way Home, singing along with tears running down our cheeks. She has way more tattoos than me, but we both remember getting our first ink together at 19.
This song has stuck with me ever since I 1st heard it at 6 yrs old in 82
When you were tuning down I was yelling “D” at my computer about six times, as if you could hear me. Audible sound of relief when you got there!
Yes, this song is epic, still one of my favorites. I bought the album when it was originally released and still have it.
Thanks for sharing.
This is a tremendous walk through a song I really don't know that well. I've been through a strange period and haven't taken my guitar out of the box for months. This has inspired me to play again and to learn the song. Thankyou!
The great thing about guitar is how much wonderful music you get during the learning!
Never really crazy about that song but when he hits the pre chorus live, wow what a voice.
Totally changed me on this tune
You're right. A hauntingly beautiful song.
Stevie Winwood is an under-rated national hero. So talented a musician and with a soulful voice as well.
Why a "national hero"? Are people outside of the UK not also appreciative?
Gald to see you back in the saddle. I like the new direction Tony!
One of my favorite songs ever. A true masterpiece.
Winwood's a true wonder, guitar, keyboards, vocals and song-writing, he's got it all ..... he was on the first 45 single I ever bought for myself, Traffic's "Hole in my shoe", back in 1967.
I saw the dude live in Switzerland a few years back, He was still kicking strong, God bless him
I've ALWAYS loved this song,and i play it for many moods and on many occasions.i only wish that it was longer
Didn’t Steve play every instrument on Arc of a Diver? Musical genius.
Not sure now, but thanks for the reminder. Have to dig it out!
This was truly amazing!! Sooo good, i play bass.
I'm learning, just beginning for a year or so. 42 years old, it's was time to pick up the bass. I have been through hell, 20 years on opiates. Now on Methadone since 8 years. Have a normal life, family and a massive insight in myself.
Sometimes it has to be that road, it was the journey to find meaning in life.
I have always had a job, but all money went to buy opiates. You have to feel that feeling of absolute rock bottom. You can go deeper, or rise up. I choose life
I've been a bassist since age 15 in 1967. If you compare a song to a large ship: the bass would be the hull. The drums are the motor, and everything else takes place on the decks.
@@brahmburgers Great explaining 🙂 I agree
Good work, keep the faith
Best version of this song. Thanks for choosing and walking through. excellent choice and video lesson. Thanks
One of the best, most iconic songs ever written.
Tony, it's way more fun watching you teach than you producing commercials. Much more mellow and friendly. Nice work!
Steve Winwood has been like an elder brother. He's 4 yrs my elder. I've followed him from when he started his music career. I've got numerous sweet memories that involve him and his great early songs. I love the guy, and am full tilt hetero. Been a gigging guitarist since age 15. First club gig was in Madrid Spain where I played some blues tunes and a Winwood song (Keep on Running) in 1967.
Winwood has one of the most iconic voices of all time. Fantastic.
That will always be one of my favorite songs of all time. It brings back memories of good times, and it's beautiful.
Just beautiful, ãlways stirs the emotions... Steve Winwood has certainly aged well.. Love the timing of that fire crackling~ Thanks Tony💫
So good to have you back, missed you.
Thanks for calling my attention to this as a guitar piece I need to know how to play. so much great music from those days, it's easy to just overlook something lovely.
Such a cool tune...absolutely amazing...I've loved it and played it since it since I first heard it in 1969.
It doesn't sound like an old song. More like timeless.
Steve Winwood leader of the band Traffic was a genius. So many great albums.
It's a beautiful song that can't be duplicated.the old music has and will always be the best forever.
Thanks for covering this about Winwood. Saw him in Omaha years ago. That unique voice, great talent. Tony, you help me to more understand the science of the guitar.
When you reveal things such as this, the urge to study guitar is almost irresistable...so many basics you need to pound out before this highly skilled piece!
Truly one of the best. I've been listening a lot of years. Still at 68.
He’s amazing.
Saw him twice in Vegas!
Great musical and nostalgic memories ❤
Thanks.
(I play guitar and I can’t do this)
Most underrated musician of that generation.
It’s so simple but he’s on point with his tone and defection it’s a beautiful thing to see
I couldn't agree more Tony!!
This is truly one of a handful songs that gave me the incentive to learn to play guitar!!
you heard the Bonnie Raitt cover of this? It's breath taing. One of my favorite songs.
Saw WINWOOD in concert in Northern Michigan some years back.
Transcendental, he played with just two other musicians for over two hours.
Plus he’s just an elegant man.
WINWOOD, JARRETT and KNOPFLER, all changed my life and appreciation of music forever.
Sounds good on the piano, too (when the melody is carried by the right hand)...
So glad I was around when he started and still here to enjoy him, amazing talent!
Steve Winwood was a musical genius or supremely talented. Multi instrumentalist and creative on so many levels.
So the tuning is dropped a whole step? Most change the key to a more comfortable range to sing.
Iconic song writer. I grew up playing (or trying to play) his songs. We as musicians are lucky his parents met.
Steve Winwood. You don’t need to say any more. Such an awesome video. Thank you for breaking this down!
This version of Steve by the fireplace is my most favorite acoustic song of all time. I’m not a good player but ever since I found that video I have been trying to learn it. I appreciate your video as hopefully I can try to learn from you as I have been unsuccessful so far. Thank you for your video.
A really great song, beautiful guitar and vocals. I have seen Steve Winwood live several times, and Traffic, and I saw him perform with his talented daughter. I cover this classic song with my acoustic trio.
This song is the reason I wanted to learn to play!!!! Amazing!!!😮😮😮
We just watched him open for the Doobie Brothers and he was, and still is, amazing. Expert multi-instrumentalist with incredible humility. Such a special night. 😊
Hey Tony, great to see you back. Great video.
You ALWAYS have to go through every string on an acoustic guitar at least twice if not 3 times anytime you perform a dramatic tuning change, because THE NECK MOVES. Example: the very first string you choose to tune WAY DOWN, whichever string that may be, and you tune it perfectly, as you then continue tuning the other strings down, that first string will no longer be in tune........again: BECAUSE THE NECK FLEXES. This is to be expected, and is elementary acoustic guitar basics. It even happens with more modern acoustics equipped with dual carbon fiber stiffening rods that ride on both sides of the adjustable truss rod. The only exceptions may be an acoustic guitar that has a ball bat for a neck ( a very thick neck......really thick necks are harder to move ) Simple rule of thumb: when you tune strings way down below standard 440 pitch, you can expect your neck to straighten more ( or even back-bow if the neck was too straight to begin with, and may cause fret buzz )...........and conversely, if you tune way UP in pitch, you can expect the neck to gain more bow, due to increased string tension. Lastly: in most cases, an electric guitar is not prone to so much flexing of the neck when doing dramatic tuning changes, because usually, lighter strings are used. Lighter strings don't pull on the neck as much.........therefore the neck tends to remain more stable during tuning changes. Not so with an acoustic guitar where the builder recommends 12 through 53 string gauges. Most electric guitarists use 9's. That's quite a difference in string tension.
Yes. This is the reason the low string went sharp after tuning the others down, not because it “gravitates” toward to the old note. You’ve slacked off the tension on the neck and it pulls back on all the strings, pulling them sharp, especially the first one you tuned down while all the others were still pulling the neck forward. Also, if you are going to tune down that much, it is best for intonation to use at least medium strings-at least on the wound bass strings.
Both you people have a firm understanding of the physics of the guitar. I'm proud of you...
Can't find my way home. It still gives me the shivers all these years later.
I'd like to hear Richard Gordon Emmett from Triumph play and sing this!!!
This album is just filled with eerie sounds that have stayed with me for a long time. The violin on Sea of Joy, is another one of those songs that just stops me in my tracks whenever I hear it.
It was around 1969 when the Blind Faith album first came to a music store in my MD town. Me and my hippie buddies got a call from the store owner, "it's here." We drove down together, walked in the store together to buy it. The 4 of us walked out of the store, each with a hand on a corner of the album cover. Before listening, we all did peyote buttons, and then waited about 50 minutes for the drug to take effect. We started playing the album late afternoon, and kept it going non-stop 'til an hour after sun-up.
Hi Tony. Great post! Love Steve Winwood. So I now tune most of my acoustic guitars down one whole step (getting old) Makes singing easier. Check out Steve Miller “The Joker” and Paul McCartney “Bluebird” Cheers mate 👋🇦🇺
I just got my second acoustic guitar at 67. This is definitely an awesome tune. 😊
The tuning fits his aging voice. He's a virtuoso, a master. A magician. He changed the song's tuning from the album so his singing was still mesmerizing. The non-, musician public just listens. We analyze and critique ..,.. even the masters. Nice work Tony.
When you tune down the 6th string first, by the time you've tuned all the others down, then it will be sharp because the other strings are no longer supporting your neck as much as they were before. Anytime you tune down one string, you are adding more tension to all the other strings. This is more noticeable if you have a floating tremolo, but it still applies to a solid bridge. The variable is the bow of the neck.
True. I always go back and double check the strings a second time in the case of down tuning to fix that issue.
Myself, by the time I tune 3 strings, I go back and start over. Then I tune to the 5th string, check them all again, then all 6 strings.
@@MashaT22
I triple-check.
Then verify.
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. And one of my favs to play in my set! I always did it in drop D...
I love your ability to analyze the music like that. Thanks for the great video.
What a voice he has....you can copy everything else but not that...
Stevie started by trying to sing like Ray Charles. He met Ray, years later, and felt a bit snubbed by him. Winwood had been a lovely part of my life in many ways, ...since the mid-60's, when I was mid-teens.
No kidding. Spencer must have smiled all the way to the bank when he signed him up!
Thx for recalling this to memory, great song of its time & still relevant today
A close second is C-G-C-F-A-C... a tuning Neil Young used for Don't let It Bring You Down and others. I keep a guitar tuned that way and play some other CSNY tunes on it; The Loner, Daylight Again, Find The Cost of Freedom, Love the One You're With. Throw a capo on 2nd fret and you're in drop D. You do have to stay on top of the tuning because the strings are pretty loose but its fun to play with. This is a great lesson; thanks!
When he started singing it hit me thats Steve Winwood! Anyway, its totally a beautiful acoustic diddy he put together. Its going to always sound good no matter what. genius.
Steve is an absolute gentleman and a terrific musician.
Appreciated watching you analyze the tone and adjust in real time. True musicianship is always a pleasure to witness. But above that (or below it xD) that lower warm tone is magical! Thanks for sharing.
Steve Winwood is amazing! I probably have watched that video a thousand times.
you are right Tony...it is the best. nothing comes close.
Saw Steve and Clapton together at the Hollywood Bowl. Incredible show!
Not a bad keyboard player either..... When he was 14 years old & missing school to play with Spencer Davis, his teacher told him to forget music & concentrate on his school work, as a music career would never amount to anything.
And the teacher was right 99% of the time!
True talent and ambition will find a way!
His English Language teacher was Spencer Davis...
@@saturn722More like 99.999%
That's a cute story. I didn't know that, but believable. I've been a fan of Stevie since the start of his career, mid-60's, when I was in my early teens. I've been a gigging musician ever since, and have played Winwood's early material since forever.
Ha! Guess he showed him otherwise. 😂
Heck, I've been listening to Winwood since he was "Stevie" with the Spencer Davis group! And still has a great voice!
Still one of my Top 200 All-Time hits! I sat in the 2nd row center, when Blind Faith played the Forum, in 1969. Similar chording to Needle and the Damage Done, or at least the way I played it. I always wondered if Neil had been inspired by Can't Find My Way Home. I got into open tuning in the Spring of 1969, after I picked up an album by Mississippi Fred McDowell. That was a pretty hard Summer, as I've stated elsewhere. Everyone was on speed, and Tricky shut the border down, in late June, so you couldn't buy a joint, anywhere in LA, by late July. Blind Faith came along, nailed the prevailing ennui, faded like a half-remembered dream, before Fall, when the Stones released what is arguably their best album, Let It Bleed. Six months later, the Beatles issued Let It Be, and the dream was over.
great song. have not heard it in years. love your channel. thanks man
Man, Am I glad you showed this. I've been playing acoustic guitar since 1973. I have a good ear and I have noticed that the newer acoustics lack in the ability to sound as good or play as good as they used to. Is it the strings? I don't know, but the new stuff certainly leaves much to be desired. I miss the old stuff in that the sound was much , much better. Thanks for posting.
I had the music book for the Blind Faith album, but couldn’t quite figure out how to play this remarkable song. I asked my friend’s Mom, a traditional piano teacher if she could play part of it, hoping I might learn if the sheet music for “Can’t Find My Way Home” was in any sense accurate. I could read the notes, but the fingering and the counting were tough for me - I was 16 years old and been playing about 4 years. She said she’d try. At first, she struggled. I wasn’t expecting much, but within a minute or two, she essentially had it. She played flawlessly for many, many bars, and I was frankly astonished. She asked, “Is that how it’s supposed to sound?” I replied “That’s perfect! That’s exactly how it sounds!”. Mrs. Endsley suddenly commanded my great respect. The counting was complex. She had never heard any of the song, but she nailed it. She seemed to like it. I realized in the moment that sometimes the sheet music, when accurately written, can communicate beautiful, intense musical expressions across cultural separations. To hear a person from the previous generation grasp this song gave me new respect for the musical system that I was somewhat unsure about - a confidence that has never left me. Thank you, Mrs. Endsley, for your skillful command of this notation system, and of the piano as well. Whoever transcribed this lovely Steve Winwood performance was also very good at their craft.
This songbook also had a good representation of the breakout guitar solo for “Presence of the Lord”, which allowed me to imitate Clapton a bit, a popular song for our band, called “Local Bacon” to cover back circa 1972. We also managed “Badge” and Here Comes the Sun” - both with delightful and related bridges written by George Harrison, my favorite songwriter in the Beatles and a great solo artist. It’s interesting that a less secure Clapton needed help from Harrison when he was asked to develop the bridge for Cream’s “Badge”, and that Harrison was not always appreciated for his wonderful songs until later in Beatle history, with this song becoming a popular jewel on “Abbey Road”.
Love Steve's music, and Traffic too.
I particularly love his solo version of 'John Barleycorn Must Die'.
It is one of the most beautiful melodies, I never get tired of hearing it.
great tune, thanks for sharing it, had only heard the radio version and that was many years back
03:29
Impressive bass strum.
Nicely balances the highs.
Love his high voice hovering way above his low tuning… just a great classic beautifully rendered… :)
Cool watching you fight through to get what Winwood is doing...very authentic and helpful!
Even the fire was respectful enough of his talent to crackle in time.
I love this. This is like when I’m figuring out a song on the fly and my wife looks up at me and says, “who are you talking to?” 😂
From u.k.
Join the club!
Music! REAL music!
With same woman for over 40 yrs!
And her taste certainly is not mine!😢
Tony, that acoustic guitar that Steve is playing is a Martin 000-42MEC, a Madagascar Signature Clapton model with a Torch Headstock. The series was signed by Clapton (not signature stamped like the 28's) and he gave a few to friends, including Steve Winwood, from memory I think the top is Carpathian Spruce. The guitar came out as a limited edition in 2008, at the 175th Anniversary of CFMartin&Co (1833‐2008).
It's a cannon for a 000‐42, with forward-shifted, Scalloped Braces.
Just come across SW through a random song on Spotify, which got me curious. Little bit of a deep dive and realised I new most of his songs (but didn’t know they were by him) what a catalogue of music. Great singer! What a legacy.
I would have to put the opening descent from These Days ahead of this. It’s a lot less involved but like many people I was instantly captivated by Nico’s version from THAT Royal Tennenbaums scene.
Jackson browne is great
The song is great on its own of course but combined with the input from another sense (vision, but also meaning) is synergy. That is, if you first heard the song in that movie (I believe I did) then it's like trying to explain what you thought of cocaine/2cb/insert_favorite_sexdrug when it was the first time you tried it but while under the influence, at that very moment, you also had sex for the first time. It's difficult then to dissociate, to identify and attribute specific emotions to the corresponding stimulus.
Don't use cocaine by the way. Not just when it comes to sex but when it comes to life in general. And of course I have to say that you shouldn't use drugs no matter what it is. I shouldn't be saying things like oh when you want to have sex and you want to try something that can increase the pleasure then I would suggest 2cb or 5-meo-mipt (both in the lower range of dosage).
I think you are right, drop D. My singer couldn't do it, so we went to G (G, D, F, A, C, D, A...) in standard tuning.