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thats why we dont listen to Most people . Bobbie ,like the rest of the Grateful Dead , is the only person that does what he Does . saint of circumstance
Saw the Dead over 100 times. People always focused on Jerry, but Bob was a genius who layered a foundation for Jerry to build on. And don't get me started on how important Phil's bass playing was. Jerry was the icing on the cake, but Bob and Phil were the cake!
Indeed! Saw fewer shows than you -- probably 25 or so -- but I do remember realizing that the Dead is a textbook case of "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". Each member was an accomplished, skilled, and incredible musician, especially in group improvisation which is extraordinarily difficult to do well, but when they were all in sync, wow, what an incredible balance of textures, sounds, and colors. I will never cease in my amazement at how none of them ever tried to be the dominant one. Matches up perfectly with their entire ethos.
I saw them over a 100 times, too, (first show was the Festival Express) and completely agree. Weir always fascinated me just as much as Garcia and Lesh. The sound from his guitar was heavenly, especially when they were peaking around '70-'71. Nobody else played like that.
"When we were playing it got to the point where I knew where Jerry was going and I would try to get there first and leave a surprise for him." Bob Weir
I played rhythm in my first real band. We were all 49er fans from Chico. We went to a niner game one time. After the game the guys wanted to go to Fisherman's Wharf. I said drop me of at the Fillmore. I was just learning those second position(caged) chords. It was my first time at the Fillmore. I walked in and the Dead were jamming hard. Bobby was using those chords. I thought "those damned things really work". It was a real inspirational moment that changed everything.
I love Bob and this is great overview. But in many ways his playing is not going to translate very well to other players. There’s a show that circulates that is just Bob isolated and sometimes it’s almost impossible to even know what song is being played. He was a kid who was in a two guitar band that ALSO had keys and Phil as bass player. The best compliment I can pay Bob is that he not only found a way to fit in without being overbearing , but it’s noticeably worse when he’s absent. I think Bob also had a great sense of frequency. In such a crowded band, he never stepped on toes.
He is too often down in the mix so you think you can't hear him. But if you took him out, he would be very much missed! It's kind of a genius sonic illusion compared to overbearing power chorders. My only complaint in more recent years, especially Dead & Co. is the shrill tone he prefers.
Bob played my $100 beginner acoustic in the hall of a hotel when we were stalking them down. We couldn't get to see the show so we had crazy idea of finding what hotel they were at so we could me them. We were around D.C. and knew where the venue was so we looked up the closest nice hotel. We go in to lobby and I tell them that we are supposed to meet up with the Grateful Dead. LOL To my surprise and they said you have to call up first. I said how do I do that? He said go to that phone on the wall and dial this number. I went over and called. Guess who answered the phone? Bob Weir!! OMG! It's his voice! I said we are musicians and loved them so much can we come meet you. He tells me okay and what floor!! We go up and elevator opens to a hallway and he's standing there with a few adjoining suite doors open. We talked awhile and I had my guitar. He asked if he could play it!! It was surreal of course. After about 15 minutes Phil Lesh comes out and say's "okay, the party is over" LOL We left but Bob was so humble and awesome to meet. Didn't see Jerry at all but that's for another story
“Dogged persistence” I’ve been playing since 1982. The reason people think I’m a good player is mostly because I’ve been hacking away at it a long time. Just keep playing just keep playing just keep playing Btw…one strategy strongly encouraged on this channel is to learn how to play the melody line. I concur; This is something I’ve been doing for a long long time. I recommend taking the time to learn some vocal lines for every little nuance and phrasing. It will change your playing.
@@7425park jesus, man, don’t be a prick. I just tried to reinforce a positive message to players that might get discouraged. And I never said I was great…I said that some people tell me I’m good…and I know it’s only a result of “dogged persistence”, not exceptional talent. What did you do? Invent a catering cart? You’re great; you should write a book.
I think I kNow what you mean when you say to learn the melody line but maybe not - Can you explain more - do you mean learning the vocal line different ways?
@@pergolafish I mean be able to play the vocal melody on the guitar. It helps with soloing. The basic melody, or go so far as to try to imitate every inflection and phrasing with bends, slides, etc. I do it all the time as an exercise. For example, I just worked out how to play Stevie Nicks vocal to Dreams as a “lead guitar” part. It helps make your guitar lines more expressive, less rote, more melodic, etc. Yesterday I stumbled on a RJ Ronquillio pedal demo where he opened with an instrumental version of “Pony”, the 90s R&B hit by Ginuwine, and he was playing the vocal part. So I just grabbed that one too. It’s a good exercise, and you wind up assimilating melodies. Playing the vocal melody can be the starting basis of a guitar “solo” as well. Jerry Garcia (for example), did it all the time And yes…you can also practice being able to play it in different ways, positions, etc AND it develops your ear
Bob Weir is not really underrated. He played in a very famous band and was actually a focal point of the band, ie he was the best looking member of the band and the best singer. If Pete Townsend and Keith Richards are better known as great rhythm players, that doesn't make Bob Weir underrated but rather, he is among the greatest rock rhythm players. Maybe just not the loudest ;-)
In Phil’s book he talks about how at some point in the early 70s, Bob really started to study music and the guitar including jazz theory. He brought it back to the band and started playing in a really disciplined considered way that had a much bigger influence on their sound than people realise.
Im an old timer watched Bob develop over the years . He didnt start out a super talent but NEVER stopped learning and improving , a lifelong journey hes still on. Great cłip Thanks for the years of enjoyment Bob
I've listened to isolated tracks of Bobby and noticed that a lot of the licks that I thought were Jerry were actually Bobby. Jerry would sit back and let Bobby's rythym take over the lead.
The Dead are one of the biggest, most influential bands that manages to be altogether so underrated by much of the music world. Their catalog should be required listening for all serious musicians and all the players are worthy of appreciation.
@@jebusgod the Dead are one of those bands whose influence goes beyond their own fame. Kinda like Pixies, MC5, Stone Roses and Velvet Underground. They may not be household names world over, but they've influenced 3 generations of bands and songwriters everyone knows, and wouldn't be there if not for the Dead's inspiration.
@@j.d.thompson3505 umm... That was totally tongue in cheek lol. Like how would one literally pass such a law and enforce it?? Doesn't seem very plausible, so i thought it's clear i was just exaggerating the idea. What i really mean is that for any musician who wants to be thorough in studying the masters and their works, there are certain artists everyone kinda owes it to themselves to at least give a chance. Like Myles Davis, the Beatles, and Nirvana... But ultimately, of course it's not about actually forcibly compelling someone to listen to certain music. It's more like just being able to say confidently "Here's some tunes that, if you give it a fair chance with an open mind and heart, you'll almost definitely dig it, and you'll absolutely grow as a songwriter and musician."
@@fiztaqt2343 OK, that's more like it. And by the way, laws like that have been inforced In places like North Korea, Syria and Iraq. So please, if you must require anything, require that people listen or study respectfully on their own terms. Not yours.
He's been one of my favorite guitarists since the 60's. He's so unique. If I hear him for a second, I know it's him. He's as identifiable as Jerry Garcia.
This is brilliant, especially for songwriters who are getting into a little deeper waters like myself. Thank you for sharing what youve learned with everyone...you are making the world a better place. And with such enthusiasm. I subscribed-
Great video, Jeff! This is exactly how I learned to expand my guitar playing and I credit Bob for giving me the building blocks. Another thing I'd add is that when a chord progressions is short and repetitive (like "Franklin's Tower" or "Fire on the Mountain") you can keep track of how many times your playing it by using one set of chord shapes 2x or 4x and then switching to another set (of shapes and/or inversions) so that you know how long another player in the band is soloing or where you are in the overall form of the song performance.
One of my favorite things on 'Wharf Rat' is the way Bob slides into the chords during the verses. This was great, thanks! So much good info in very little space. Deserves a ton of views.
thanks jeff, you do such a good and enthusiastic job of breaking this stuff down. i like how you give the concepts more so than mechanically instruction. it's all a state of mind and feeling.
@@CadillacL a lot of the songs Bob wrote were full of big jazzy chords and the way he bounces off Jerry worth those chords reminds me of old jazz pianists
If you are playing rhythm, you create the wave for the vocalist or lead instrument to surf, they are the ones that truly appreciate what you give them, Lake Michigan or Maui? Believe me, even the greatest can't cut up Lake Placid.
Love this video format. Packed full of info and no beating around the bush! One of my favorite Bobby licks is in the breakdown between China Cat Sunflower and I Know You Rider. Always catches my ear.
So glad I stumbled on this. Your way of teaching and genuine passion for music is infectious brother. Got me pumped to work on some inversions and triads in the "strangest of places." Bookmarked this one for sure!
Off topic, he's athletic. He's known to run hill sprints before shows, and having the crew leave the forklift tines in the high position so he can do pull ups from them. His jockish polo shirts are kind of a tell.
Jeff, this is so great. This is exactly what Weir was about in the GD. They led me to Trane, Miles, and of course, McCoy...and 1,000,000 others. I'm sending this to my friend who I've been saying this stuff to for a long time. Now he doesn't have to hear my whiney voice saying it! AND, doing it tastefully and in the midst of listening to the other players is truly what it takes to make this stuff come alive. THANK YOU for sharing this priceless info. Great vid, and funny, too!
Man!! You opened my eyes up a whole lot!! I learned a lot from like two videos.. I plateaued for a long time and I was real boxy.. I can shred now Soo much love man!
Real good info for people learning to play with others and jam/improvise. Also you have a skill for explaining concepts that are typically difficult to put into words.
That was a cool video. I especially liked that picture you showed of Bobby with the orange Parker fly. I had never seen him with a fly before. Mickbeth music is real good at everything Bob. Some favorite Bob voicings: 0 7 6 9 0 0 for E (think Jack straw) or x 7 9 9 7 7 (E sus2 think Let it grow) or x 9 9 11 12 to x 11 9 10 12 x to x 11 9 9 12 x to x 9 9 7>8 7 7 (B5 Bdim E5 B from Bucket). It an be fun applying Bob chords to non Dead songs with non Deadhead musicians. People are like: "is that another Bob chord? I don't really consider Bob a rhythm player because he is playing different parts than you think on most songs. A lot of times it is call and response thing with him and jerry. Is it Batman and Robin, Michael and Scottie? lol..
A lot of Jimi in Bob’s playing, with a different syncopation. Jimi was a little more swing time with his comping, but they have the similar voicings and approach to harmony.
Great video and important takeaways. You really describe the essence of his contributions. Your teaching style is succinct and entertaining. I like to think of Weir not only as a rhythm guitarist but as a "harmony guitarist". I've learned so much from him. Interesting that I've had the most fun (and difficulty) learning and figuring out stuff from the 2 best (and unsung) rhythm players in rock: Lennon and Weir!
I love this! I almost always use "harmony guitar" too when I describe what Bobby and similar guitarists played. Bobby adds way too much expression, color, and texture to his playing for it to be described accurately as a "rhythm guitar" role. And besides, in a way, everyone -- even the vocalists -- is a "rhythm" performer in that if they aren't lock step in time, it doesn't matter how good they sound otherwise. It's going to make everything sound off-kilter.
Another important thing about rhythm accompaniments and chord inversions is to stay out of the bass territory and any other guitar part which might be playing at the same time.
You're REALLY good at this Jeff! I've watched thousands of Guitar videos on UA-cam and I got more about Bob Weir's rhythm guitar genius from this presentation than any 10 other videos combined. SUBSCRIBED Brother! Really glad I found your channel today.
I really appreciate this; and I love that guitar you're using! I would suggest, though, that what really sets Weir's playing apart from other "rhythm" players is not just his chord shaping but, well, his actual rhythmic approach. Listen to any Dead recording or - better yet - watch a video of their playing, and you'll notice Bobby Weir searching for those spaces to color or, even more importantly, searching to CREATE spaces in the music and opportunities for others to fill them. He's not just keeping the rhythm; like a good jazz player, he's commenting on it. Watch his head movements, the pauses in his right hand, and his obvious ear-turning to his band mates. He's weaving a rhythmic texture and accenting on it, not just chunking chords in time with the drummer. Thanks for this, and again, I really dig that axe! Wish I knew what it was. So warm and crisp at the same time!
Agreed. Bob Weir was a big influence on my early playing. In particular, on the Europe 72 album, his use of chord voicing and improvisational rhythm is very distinctive. No other player at the time played the way he did.
I just found your channel, I love the videos so far. I've never been a big fan of the Grateful Dead but I've always thought they were a very interesting band and these videos have a lot of good info in them.
Great work. I followed it all and remember when I would not learn this lesson and that. It costs me now not to do triads and do a caged practice regime into my daily workout
I've known the CAGED system for a few years now - especially with scales. This last month or so I realized I only really knew every interval (1-2-3, etc.) in the E shape, aka the starter shape. The last few weeks I've been practicing in each shape going from I to ii to v to vi to iv to I, like in the C shape, then just up the neck in each position, getting all 7 chords on every string in the scale.. It's a "bit" of a grind but instantly becoming useful and I'm finding I prefer a lot of those grips/positions over the "big barre's" that I'm used to with the E shape.
I saw a jam session at the Monterrey pop festival in a instrument display tent. I don't remember everyone playing but I remember Al Kooper, Paul Simon, Bob Weir, Mike Bloomfield, and a few others. This was early in Weir's career but I remember that he was definitely playing but in a sense indistinguishable from the whole sound. I suspect he was already into some of the technique you're offering here.
I learned how to strum a guitar from watching Bob Weir in concert. But I kind of have a mental block as most of those up the neck voicings lose me. Also I am on acoustic only which makes some of those forms harder.
@@J0hnC0ltrane Thanks. It was the first and only guitar I've bought online knowing nothing about it. Just saw an ad and went for it. Sometimes targeted ads are a good thing!
The easier way is to do what Bob did not as Bob does. That is study jazz and know your inversions very well and watch McCoy turn his left hand or any jazz piano players left hand that’s where he learned the jabbing from.
I don't even know where to start, where would be the best place to get a good grounding? Learn all the chord shapes and in every place on the fretboard?
I would start learning Major and Minor chords using the CAGED shapes. I have a cheat sheet here: 👉 www.jeffwilliamsguitar.com/cagedcheatsheet Then practice songs using the shapes and really make sure you can smoothly switch between them. Just pick two and make go back and forth till you can do it without thinking or looking.
Yeah, he is still going, but he is playing with different musicians now, and that changes his approach. Kinda a less " group mind" and more formal approach.
Bob Weir has been recorded more times by more people than anyone in the history of the guitar, in the history of music, indeed even in the history of the technology of recording. He has no equal, and his record will likely never be exceeded or even matched.
There were so many songs the Dead played that weren't Dead tunes. Some nights they were closer to a cover dance band, than an original band. Loved 'em either way.
When I first saw your guitar's headstock I assumed it was a classical--but it didn't sound like one, so I was confused. Then I saw your pickups and looked closer at the strings (metal, not nylon). So it's not a classical. But the tuners look like one. And I'm still confused. But this is still a great video. Subscribed.
Hey thanks. Yeah, I was mystified the first time I saw the guitar too. It was a UA-cam ad and the first time I ever bought an instrument without playing it first. It's a B&G little sister crossroads.
@@JeffWilliamsGuitar Very cool. I bought a Carvin once, but I cheated... On a trip to LA I visited a showroom and played a few, which allayed my trepidation to purchase a guitar sight-unseen. Until recent mods to my Tele bender (by Gene Parsons himself); TV Jones, Hot Rails, Vintage Stack; 2nd jack to divert neck pickup; coil tap / phase switch ... my Carvin was my favorite guitar for a long time until recently being ousted by the SuperBender.
@@zedmelon I totally forgot that I had a Carvin too! A bass I ordered when I was 15 and my teacher convinced me to go for it. Had the green burst. I loved that bass, played 100's of gigs on it.
Ironic, in the early days of Dead, Bob was threaten with getting fired to play too damn mellow (according to Rock Scully). But Bob learned to rock and stuck with it!
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What ANY GUITARIST Can Learn From...
⏩ Billy Strings: ua-cam.com/video/EPxGZD2V1hk/v-deo.html
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thats why we dont listen to Most people . Bobbie ,like the rest of the Grateful Dead , is the only person that does what he Does . saint of circumstance
Okay, so as Rick Fox was too the Shaq and Kobe LA Lakers, Bob Weir was to The Grateful Dead
Saw the Dead over 100 times. People always focused on Jerry, but Bob was a genius who layered a foundation for Jerry to build on. And don't get me started on how important Phil's bass playing was. Jerry was the icing on the cake, but Bob and Phil were the cake!
Indeed! Saw fewer shows than you -- probably 25 or so -- but I do remember realizing that the Dead is a textbook case of "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". Each member was an accomplished, skilled, and incredible musician, especially in group improvisation which is extraordinarily difficult to do well, but when they were all in sync, wow, what an incredible balance of textures, sounds, and colors. I will never cease in my amazement at how none of them ever tried to be the dominant one. Matches up perfectly with their entire ethos.
I saw them over a 100 times, too, (first show was the Festival Express) and completely agree. Weir always fascinated me just as much as Garcia and Lesh. The sound from his guitar was heavenly, especially when they were peaking around '70-'71. Nobody else played like that.
"When we were playing it
got to the point where I knew where Jerry was going and I would try to get there first and leave a surprise for him."
Bob Weir
Totally agree 🙏
@@boomerdell well spoken my friend
I played rhythm in my first real band. We were all 49er fans from Chico. We went to a niner game one time. After the game the guys wanted to go to Fisherman's Wharf. I said drop me of at the Fillmore. I was just learning those second position(caged) chords. It was my first time at the Fillmore. I walked in and the Dead were jamming hard. Bobby was using those chords. I thought "those damned things really work". It was a real inspirational moment that changed everything.
I love Bob and this is great overview. But in many ways his playing is not going to translate very well to other players. There’s a show that circulates that is just Bob isolated and sometimes it’s almost impossible to even know what song is being played. He was a kid who was in a two guitar band that ALSO had keys and Phil as bass player. The best compliment I can pay Bob is that he not only found a way to fit in without being overbearing , but it’s noticeably worse when he’s absent. I think Bob also had a great sense of frequency. In such a crowded band, he never stepped on toes.
Totally agree, that’s a great insight.
Well said Jim!
He is too often down in the mix so you think you can't hear him. But if you took him out, he would be very much missed! It's kind of a genius sonic illusion compared to overbearing power chorders.
My only complaint in more recent years, especially Dead & Co. is the shrill tone he prefers.
Bob played my $100 beginner acoustic in the hall of a hotel when we were stalking them down. We couldn't get to see the show so we had crazy idea of finding what hotel they were at so we could me them. We were around D.C. and knew where the venue was so we looked up the closest nice hotel. We go in to lobby and I tell them that we are supposed to meet up with the Grateful Dead. LOL To my surprise and they said you have to call up first. I said how do I do that? He said go to that phone on the wall and dial this number. I went over and called. Guess who answered the phone? Bob Weir!! OMG! It's his voice! I said we are musicians and loved them so much can we come meet you. He tells me okay and what floor!! We go up and elevator opens to a hallway and he's standing there with a few adjoining suite doors open. We talked awhile and I had my guitar. He asked if he could play it!! It was surreal of course. After about 15 minutes Phil Lesh comes out and say's "okay, the party is over" LOL We left but Bob was so humble and awesome to meet. Didn't see Jerry at all but that's for another story
Even if you’re not a Grateful Dead fan, this is a fantastic rhythm lesson. These techniques are what all the greats do.
“Dogged persistence”
I’ve been playing since 1982. The reason people think I’m a good player is mostly because I’ve been hacking away at it a long time.
Just keep playing just keep playing just keep playing
Btw…one strategy strongly encouraged on this channel is to learn how to play the melody line. I concur; This is something I’ve been doing for a long long time. I recommend taking the time to learn some vocal lines for every little nuance and phrasing. It will change your playing.
Yes, you are great.please write a book
@@7425park jesus, man, don’t be a prick. I just tried to reinforce a positive message to players that might get discouraged. And I never said I was great…I said that some people tell me I’m good…and I know it’s only a result of “dogged persistence”, not exceptional talent.
What did you do? Invent a catering cart? You’re great; you should write a book.
I think I kNow what you mean when you say to learn the melody line but maybe not - Can you explain more - do you mean learning the vocal line different ways?
@@pergolafish I mean be able to play the vocal melody on the guitar. It helps with soloing. The basic melody, or go so far as to try to imitate every inflection and phrasing with bends, slides, etc. I do it all the time as an exercise. For example, I just worked out how to play Stevie Nicks vocal to Dreams as a “lead guitar” part. It helps make your guitar lines more expressive, less rote, more melodic, etc.
Yesterday I stumbled on a RJ Ronquillio pedal demo where he opened with an instrumental version of “Pony”, the 90s R&B hit by Ginuwine, and he was playing the vocal part. So I just grabbed that one too. It’s a good exercise, and you wind up assimilating melodies. Playing the vocal melody can be the starting basis of a guitar “solo” as well. Jerry Garcia (for example), did it all the time
And yes…you can also practice being able to play it in different ways, positions, etc
AND it develops your ear
@@marcsullivan7987 Thanks! I thought you meant something like that but I appreciate the details. Page and Plant did that here and there.
Bobby is one of the most underrated rhythm players out there! Thanks for the video!
No prob!
It's not that he's underrated. It's just that his style is so unique that you can't really put him in the same category as other rhythm players.
Bobby is the reason I started playing guitar.
Nah. Maybe THE most underrated.
Bob Weir is not really underrated. He played in a very famous band and was actually a focal point of the band, ie he was the best looking member of the band and the best singer. If Pete Townsend and Keith Richards are better known as great rhythm players, that doesn't make Bob Weir underrated but rather, he is among the greatest rock rhythm players. Maybe just not the loudest ;-)
20+ Years playing... Just learned what the CAGED system means. It's gonna be a good week.
Thank you Sensei
When listen to and see Bob …I think of Weather Report….” We always solo and we never solo” … phenomenal
Always found it interesting to listen to guitarists try to explain what something sounds like.
I was always just as fascinated by Weir's tickling of the strings as Garcia's picking. He is truly a unique genius.
In Phil’s book he talks about how at some point in the early 70s, Bob really started to study music and the guitar including jazz theory. He brought it back to the band and started playing in a really disciplined considered way that had a much bigger influence on their sound than people realise.
Thanks for the insight into Bob's playing. So much can be missed if your not paying attention to what he is playing.
Im an old timer watched Bob develop over the years . He didnt start out a super talent but NEVER stopped learning and improving , a lifelong journey hes still on. Great cłip Thanks for the years of enjoyment Bob
I've listened to isolated tracks of Bobby and noticed that a lot of the licks that I thought were Jerry were actually Bobby. Jerry would sit back and let Bobby's rythym take over the lead.
You're a very positive and informative teacher. This and the Jerry video are great. Like all your videos, good stuff!
The Dead are one of the biggest, most influential bands that manages to be altogether so underrated by much of the music world. Their catalog should be required listening for all serious musicians and all the players are worthy of appreciation.
they're very very americana, not a big influence out side of the states
@@jebusgod the Dead are one of those bands whose influence goes beyond their own fame. Kinda like Pixies, MC5, Stone Roses and Velvet Underground. They may not be household names world over, but they've influenced 3 generations of bands and songwriters everyone knows, and wouldn't be there if not for the Dead's inspiration.
It's illegal to require anyone to listen to GD. No way the Dead would go for that.
@@j.d.thompson3505 umm... That was totally tongue in cheek lol. Like how would one literally pass such a law and enforce it?? Doesn't seem very plausible, so i thought it's clear i was just exaggerating the idea.
What i really mean is that for any musician who wants to be thorough in studying the masters and their works, there are certain artists everyone kinda owes it to themselves to at least give a chance.
Like Myles Davis, the Beatles, and Nirvana...
But ultimately, of course it's not about actually forcibly compelling someone to listen to certain music. It's more like just being able to say confidently "Here's some tunes that, if you give it a fair chance with an open mind and heart, you'll almost definitely dig it, and you'll absolutely grow as a songwriter and musician."
@@fiztaqt2343 OK, that's more like it. And by the way, laws like that have been inforced In places like North Korea, Syria and Iraq. So please, if you must require anything, require that people listen or study respectfully on their own terms. Not yours.
He's been one of my favorite guitarists since the 60's. He's so unique. If I hear him for a second, I know it's him. He's as identifiable as Jerry Garcia.
This is brilliant, especially for songwriters who are getting into a little deeper waters like myself.
Thank you for sharing what youve learned with everyone...you are making the world a better place.
And with such enthusiasm.
I subscribed-
Great video, Jeff! This is exactly how I learned to expand my guitar playing and I credit Bob for giving me the building blocks. Another thing I'd add is that when a chord progressions is short and repetitive (like "Franklin's Tower" or "Fire on the Mountain") you can keep track of how many times your playing it by using one set of chord shapes 2x or 4x and then switching to another set (of shapes and/or inversions) so that you know how long another player in the band is soloing or where you are in the overall form of the song performance.
Excellent teaching style dude. Been playing 30 yrs but still learning!
One of my favorite things on 'Wharf Rat' is the way Bob slides into the chords during the verses. This was great, thanks! So much good info in very little space. Deserves a ton of views.
Thanks glad it was helpful.
Wow, mind blown! Thanks Jeff, you are spreading the Deads message of musical unity!
thanks jeff, you do such a good and enthusiastic job of breaking this stuff down. i like how you give the concepts more so than mechanically instruction. it's all a state of mind and feeling.
Beautiful video. To understand Bob's contribution to the space and the mix takes some appreciation for the entire piece. A lot like jazz
I’ve always felt there was a jazz feel.
@@CadillacL a lot of the songs Bob wrote were full of big jazzy chords and the way he bounces off Jerry worth those chords reminds me of old jazz pianists
@@KarklinPumpkin very well put.
Using your ears first is the best way to get there. Listen to the whole piece. Adapting as you go.
I have seen elsewhere that Bob Weir was influenced by McCoy Tyner, so there is a jazz undercurrent in his playing.
If you are playing rhythm, you create the wave for the vocalist or lead instrument to surf, they are the ones that truly appreciate what you give them, Lake Michigan or Maui? Believe me, even the greatest can't cut up Lake Placid.
Love this video format. Packed full of info and no beating around the bush!
One of my favorite Bobby licks is in the breakdown between China Cat Sunflower and I Know You Rider. Always catches my ear.
Thats the best CAGED explanation I ever heard.
So glad I stumbled on this. Your way of teaching and genuine passion for music is infectious brother. Got me pumped to work on some inversions and triads in the "strangest of places." Bookmarked this one for sure!
Off topic, he's athletic. He's known to run hill sprints before shows, and having the crew leave the forklift tines in the high position so he can do pull ups from them. His jockish polo shirts are kind of a tell.
Bob connected Phil and Jerry on stage. He was the intermediary. A monumental accomplishment
Jeff, this is so great. This is exactly what Weir was about in the GD. They led me to Trane, Miles, and of course, McCoy...and 1,000,000 others. I'm sending this to my friend who I've been saying this stuff to for a long time. Now he doesn't have to hear my whiney voice saying it! AND, doing it tastefully and in the midst of listening to the other players is truly what it takes to make this stuff come alive. THANK YOU for sharing this priceless info. Great vid, and funny, too!
Man!! You opened my eyes up a whole lot!! I learned a lot from like two videos.. I plateaued for a long time and I was real boxy.. I can shred now Soo much love man!
Awesome! Glad to hear they've been helpful :)
Those are all things I am working on. A lot to digest. Bob is great.
This was a really great video. I was looking for a good breakdown. Looking forward to watching your other videos
Real good info for people learning to play with others and jam/improvise. Also you have a skill for explaining concepts that are typically difficult to put into words.
That was a cool video. I especially liked that picture you showed of Bobby with the orange Parker fly. I had never seen him with a fly before. Mickbeth music is real good at everything Bob. Some favorite Bob voicings: 0 7 6 9 0 0 for E (think Jack straw) or x 7 9 9 7 7 (E sus2 think Let it grow) or x 9 9 11 12 to x 11 9 10 12 x to x 11 9 9 12 x to x 9 9 7>8 7 7 (B5 Bdim E5 B from Bucket). It an be fun applying Bob chords to non Dead songs with non Deadhead musicians. People are like: "is that another Bob chord? I don't really consider Bob a rhythm player because he is playing different parts than you think on most songs. A lot of times it is call and response thing with him and jerry. Is it Batman and Robin, Michael and Scottie? lol..
Yeah Mickbeth is great! He's helped me so much
Wow, what a excellent lesson! To me Bob Weir was merely an afterthought, your efforts here were stand alone fantastic. Thank you!
A lot of Jimi in Bob’s playing, with a different syncopation. Jimi was a little more swing time with his comping, but they have the similar voicings and approach to harmony.
Thanks for making this man, gotta love Bobby
Great video and important takeaways. You really describe the essence of his contributions. Your teaching style is succinct and entertaining.
I like to think of Weir not only as a rhythm guitarist but as a "harmony guitarist". I've learned so much from him. Interesting that I've had the most fun (and difficulty) learning and figuring out stuff from the 2 best (and unsung) rhythm players in rock:
Lennon and Weir!
Hi I’m sorry my Mo in vmj bc bc
I love this! I almost always use "harmony guitar" too when I describe what Bobby and similar guitarists played. Bobby adds way too much expression, color, and texture to his playing for it to be described accurately as a "rhythm guitar" role. And besides, in a way, everyone -- even the vocalists -- is a "rhythm" performer in that if they aren't lock step in time, it doesn't matter how good they sound otherwise. It's going to make everything sound off-kilter.
Another important thing about rhythm accompaniments and chord inversions is to stay out of the bass territory and any other guitar part which might be playing at the same time.
This is great. Thank you for giving structure to the mysterious underbelly Bobby creates in this magnificent music!
Best 2nd fiddle there ever was or is.
For sure.
You're REALLY good at this Jeff! I've watched thousands of Guitar videos on UA-cam and I got more about Bob Weir's rhythm guitar genius from this presentation than any 10 other videos combined. SUBSCRIBED Brother! Really glad I found your channel today.
You are a very good teacher easy to understand at all levels thanks
thx a lot! extremely helpful and inspiring on the way to master guitar.
Whoa... there is a lot to absorb here in this video!!! wow
I really appreciate this; and I love that guitar you're using! I would suggest, though, that what really sets Weir's playing apart from other "rhythm" players is not just his chord shaping but, well, his actual rhythmic approach. Listen to any Dead recording or - better yet - watch a video of their playing, and you'll notice Bobby Weir searching for those spaces to color or, even more importantly, searching to CREATE spaces in the music and opportunities for others to fill them. He's not just keeping the rhythm; like a good jazz player, he's commenting on it. Watch his head movements, the pauses in his right hand, and his obvious ear-turning to his band mates. He's weaving a rhythmic texture and accenting on it, not just chunking chords in time with the drummer. Thanks for this, and again, I really dig that axe! Wish I knew what it was. So warm and crisp at the same time!
Spot on! Oh and the guitar is a B&G little sister crossroads.
Agreed. Bob Weir was a big influence on my early playing. In particular, on the Europe 72 album, his use of chord voicing and improvisational rhythm is very distinctive. No other player at the time played the way he did.
@@JeffWilliamsGuitar Thanks, man! Gonna look into that.
I just found your channel, I love the videos so far. I've never been a big fan of the Grateful Dead but I've always thought they were a very interesting band and these videos have a lot of good info in them.
Great work. I followed it all and remember when I would not learn this lesson and that. It costs me now not to do triads and do a caged practice regime into my daily workout
I've known the CAGED system for a few years now - especially with scales. This last month or so I realized I only really knew every interval (1-2-3, etc.) in the E shape, aka the starter shape. The last few weeks I've been practicing in each shape going from I to ii to v to vi to iv to I, like in the C shape, then just up the neck in each position, getting all 7 chords on every string in the scale.. It's a "bit" of a grind but instantly becoming useful and I'm finding I prefer a lot of those grips/positions over the "big barre's" that I'm used to with the E shape.
Yeah, the C shape is an awkward one at first, but now it's probably my favorite.
@@JeffWilliamsGuitarDefinitely!
Great stuff, dig your vibe and your grasp of feeling it, listening, and practicing.... Thank you
I enjoyed your insights on this great band.
No wonder I learned so much from listening to this era of music.
I saw a jam session at the Monterrey pop festival in a instrument display tent. I don't remember everyone playing but I remember Al Kooper, Paul Simon, Bob Weir, Mike Bloomfield, and a few others. This was early in Weir's career but I remember that he was definitely playing but in a sense indistinguishable from the whole sound. I suspect he was already into some of the technique you're offering here.
What's crazy is Phil and Jerry fired him a year later
Truly informative and inspirational lesson, thanks very much
Thanks and no prob.
I learned how to strum a guitar from watching Bob Weir in concert. But I kind of have a mental block as most of those up the neck voicings lose me. Also I am on acoustic only which makes some of those forms harder.
I figured out CAGED as a teenager didn't think to give it a name and tell everyone about it. Thought other people did that too, and I play keyboard
Great overview of triads and colorings using one of our favs... Bobby. Thanks Jeff Really Great Lesson!
Thanks Jess and no prob!
Amazing video man. Appreciate ur hard work fr
Always loved Bob
Beautiful looking guitar. I have never seen an electric guitar before with a slotted head stock.
Thanks, it’s a B&G Little Sister Crossroads: bit.ly/jwcrossroads
@@JeffWilliamsGuitar Nice a really beautiful tone and great video too of Bob Weir.
@@J0hnC0ltrane Thanks. It was the first and only guitar I've bought online knowing nothing about it. Just saw an ad and went for it. Sometimes targeted ads are a good thing!
Awesome exclamation, thank you so much. I subscribed
Ii remembrer the front page of a rock magazine, the best rythme guitarist of the world : Bob Weir
Actually it is a Dead tune. You can find it on the Europe 72 album.
Bob Weir has forgotten More about playing the guitar than most guitarists will ever Know.
Great lesson excellent message!!!
Thanks David!
Hey Jeff, What's that guitar YOU'RE playing ? That thing is cool !
Bob very underated
Great content buddy keep teaching us!!
This is great councelling Jeff! Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
Another gold nugget. Thanks Jeff!
Thanks and no prob!
The easier way is to do what Bob did not as Bob does. That is study jazz and know your inversions very well and watch McCoy turn his left hand or any jazz piano players left hand that’s where he learned the jabbing from.
Love that B&J guitar
I mean B&G
I don't even know where to start, where would be the best place to get a good grounding? Learn all the chord shapes and in every place on the fretboard?
I would start learning Major and Minor chords using the CAGED shapes. I have a cheat sheet here: 👉
www.jeffwilliamsguitar.com/cagedcheatsheet
Then practice songs using the shapes and really make sure you can smoothly switch between them. Just pick two and make go back and forth till you can do it without thinking or looking.
Why do you refer to how Bobby plays in the past tense? He's still going strong!
Meaning in the GD classic 70s era, is how I took it.
Yeah, he is still going, but he is playing with different musicians now, and that changes his approach. Kinda a less " group mind" and more formal approach.
Bob Weir has been recorded more times by more people than anyone in the history of the guitar, in the history of music, indeed even in the history of the technology of recording.
He has no equal, and his record will likely never be exceeded or even matched.
There were so many songs the Dead played that weren't Dead tunes. Some nights they were closer to a cover dance band, than an original band. Loved 'em either way.
Sneaky secret. Jerry is still snickering
Thank you for the CAGED explanation!
Any time!
When I first saw your guitar's headstock I assumed it was a classical--but it didn't sound like one, so I was confused.
Then I saw your pickups and looked closer at the strings (metal, not nylon). So it's not a classical. But the tuners look like one.
And I'm still confused.
But this is still a great video. Subscribed.
Hey thanks. Yeah, I was mystified the first time I saw the guitar too. It was a UA-cam ad and the first time I ever bought an instrument without playing it first. It's a B&G little sister crossroads.
@@JeffWilliamsGuitar Very cool. I bought a Carvin once, but I cheated...
On a trip to LA I visited a showroom and played a few, which allayed my trepidation to purchase a guitar sight-unseen.
Until recent mods to my Tele
bender (by Gene Parsons himself);
TV Jones, Hot Rails, Vintage Stack;
2nd jack to divert neck pickup;
coil tap / phase switch
... my Carvin was my favorite guitar for a long time until recently being ousted by the SuperBender.
@@zedmelon I totally forgot that I had a Carvin too! A bass I ordered when I was 15 and my teacher convinced me to go for it. Had the green burst. I loved that bass, played 100's of gigs on it.
great video! what guitar is that you're playing? sounds terrific
Thanks. It's a B&G little sister crossroads.
I used to see the Dead all the time and always thought Bob was just playing air-guitar!
def agree, often he was turned down in the mix lol. sometimes the atonal chords would sound misplaced and sometimes it works.
Fantastic video! Thank you!!
Thanks and no prob.
I heard an interview and Phil said he doesnt play the root on bass.
What's your hair routine?
Wake up and add water. And actually wash it once or twice a week.
What about bob??
Ironic, in the early days of Dead, Bob was threaten with getting fired to play too damn mellow (according to Rock Scully). But Bob learned to rock and stuck with it!
Bobby is the most inventive guitarist this side of Hendrix. That Dew on Europe 72 is all Bobby.
i think i have the same lamp... amazon?
Fingers of the hand called grateful
Content Approval 10/10
Nice. But you talk about Bob and Phil in the past tense. They are still alive and playing well
I've always been curious but never asked - what kind of guitar is that you got there my man?
B&G little sister crossroads
Great video!
Thanks!
Excellent!!!!!!
Thanks!
I like your guitar what manufacturer brand is it?
B&G little sister crossroads
It's weird seeing Frank Zappa teach a grateful dead lesson.
Talk about that guitar
B&G Little Sister, looks like
Yup