Western Swing Soloing Hacks - Ask Zac 161
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- čas přidán 29. 04. 2023
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One of my Patreon supporters started playing with a new group, and they wanted to add some Western Swing numbers and he wanted some pointers for playing in that style. I thought this would be the perfect topic for a video. Here, I share some do's and don'ts along with harmonic & tonal concepts for sounding legit when performing Western Swing.
Junior Barnard playlist
open.spotify.com/playlist/11b...
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and Aging on the Body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis. Pickguard design by Jay & Kristi Smith of Juicebox Designs.
danocaster.com/
www.ronellispickups.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
amzn.to/41rnl0V
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Effects: Jrocket Archer Ikon with NOS diods from Chad C.
amzn.to/3L6m7Bv
#askzac #zacchilds #westernswing
Bob Wills is still the King! Thanks Zac
The six and nine chords were so much part of early 20th century music. From Benny Goodman to Django through Western swing and right through Rockabilly. That sound defined an era. Each era seems to have its own thing like the add9 chords defined 1980s FM pop & rock.
Everytime i watch Zac videos i feel a irresistible need to grab my tele and play it nonstop
Zac, this is so useful for anyone playing country, jazzy or bluesy shuffles, rockabilly or what have you. I feel like it's going to be very useful. I'm not the greatest guitar player, but if I was singing and playing, some of these licks would be perfect in between vocal lines. As you say, you just move them around depending on the key. You give people things they can use and that sound good. It is very much appreciated, all the way over here in Australia !
Fantastic lesson zak! I got more usable stuff outa that 25 minutes than anything in a long time - thank you very much!
2 years ago I was septic and now have both septic arthritis and osteoarthritis and neuropathy. After playing ripping metal and shred bass for the past 36 years I can no longer play like that. This is exactly what I've been looking for, my hands can handle this.
Me too...damn near died 7/22. Four days in a coma. Getting better...love Bob Wills...thanks Zac
Man, this is so good Zac. Nice to have all these riffs and ideas back to back. Western Swing is Such cool music that played a a huge part in the development of the electric guitar. There’s a reason Leo gave one of the first Strats to Eldon Shamblin!
This lesson is pure gold! I learned a lot of cool things from it. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
As I’m listening, I’m thinking that learning western swing is kindof a prerequisite for learning to be a great country player. I mean if you can make your way around all those licks, your solos will never get boring!
Speaking of boring, I’m running out of your videos. If you have a few recommendations for youtube channels that cover gear, and music history etc. the way you do, I’d be much appreciative. Peace.
Thanks I would like to get on your show some time I wrote the songs Sweet Thang and Asphalt Cowboy
As someone finally getting into jazz, this is the best, I'll learn a lick or two and apply them for a month and then come back to pick up another lick.
Another huge idea, is playing the D major pentatonic scale with the country scale chromatic notes thrown in now and then in the key of G, it gives you very jazzy tones, but only in tasteful amounts
Anyone playing with a Jimmy Bryant/Speedy West record in the background, (and cites John Jorgenson) can’t be bad ! Top lesson, Sir. I’m so enthusiastic by what you bring to us, for free... That’s the sound i always have in mind on stage, when I cover Wylie Gustafson’s songs. Cheers from France
Charlie Christian was a big influence on western swing all the cats dug him..and that single note run you do really has a C.C meets Barney Kessel feel-Which is not easy to do!
It used to be Country Western Music. Asleep at the Wheel at the has been doing Texas Swing for a long time.
Zac, great info BUT how to make a great video is to include the chord charts. I would really like to learn to play Texas Swing, luv it!!
I love these videos. I’m going through a big metal phase right now too so this will be a nice head turner when I get this going.
Always a pleasure Zac! Stay healthy!
Just off the phone with my buddy Stevie Preston, he's on his way to the Bay Area to play with a western swing outfit named "Three on the Tree". I'm jealous. Sounds like fun!
15:57 to see one example check out whistle stop by speedy west and jimmy bryant
Very cool! Thanks
Love that Tele tone!
Thanks!
THANK YOU!!
My mom use to work at a restaurant in Oklahoma back in the day before she married my father I don’t remember the name of the restaurant but i believe she said Burger King not the chain and Bob Wills and the band use to drop by after their concerts and eat…my mom would be 103 years old ❤ she passed at 93 ❤ this lesson is golden Zac
Great story, Dale!
Zac, that was fantastic. And the turnaround is reminiscent of the old country yodeling turnarounds. Thank you!
Thanks for all the free knowledge, brother. I am a Fender man, myself. Momma loves Shortnin' bread.
More soloing hack lessons!
Zac, what a great lesson. Thanks and be well!
Dear Zac, I need your help with this issue: I am a bassist and I don’t play country music, but I do find myself watching all of your video’s. Do I need a shrink? 😆
I play blues, R&B, rock, soul and pop for a living. Just played a four set gig this afternoon and evening (4x 1,5 hours), just got home and find myself watching this video to relax and learn some at the same time..., 🤣.
Thank you for all of it, though. Hey, and stay healthy! 🙏
I’m gonna be ok here, and learn some from your video’s and those of your friends and colleagues..., 😉.
Thank you so much!
Kind regards,
🖖
I listen to tons of music I don't play. That brings in much needed outside inspiration. And I try to tell good stories. Thank you so much, and live long and prosper.
Thanks Zac for the tip about the Leo Fender history book. Its Great!!! I didnt realize Bill Carson had so much to do with the development of the Strat ,my fave gitar. I used to work in NV music stores and remember Bill C. taking orders for Fender products from music store owners. I might have asked him some questions had I known how important his input was to Mr. Fender.
These are great. How about more videos like these? I play a different style of music but think i can adapt these things - and these remind me of jimmy bryant one of the few tele players in my rotation (bryant, gatton, buchanan)
That old Larry Carlton live album you have there shows impeccable taste!
Thanks
Just discovered you last night and starting to go through your stuff, damn, how did I miss you? fantastic stuff. Thank you!
This is a great video with a great summary at the end!
Thanks so much for this episode!
Excellent! Thanks!! I knew most of this, but some of the phrasing and melodic concepts were really helpful. Thievery in progress! Glad your gigs went well.
Great lesson, Zac!!! Thank you so much.
So very informative and helpful. New tricks coming my way.
That pick guard is so Badass! Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for this lesson. A couple of years ago I learned this trick to where I can stash my pick and go back and forth between fingerpicking and a pick. (Never got the hang of hybrid picking). These are still great because they inspire riffs for songs.
PS keep working the opposing muscles that trigger the handouchies. Thanks so much!
Much appreciated! That was a fine Western Swing primer. It got me excited enough to think maybe I can pick this up over time.
What a awesome video have a wonderful day
A proverbial boatload of useful licks right here!!
You know what would make a good video.... Every time I watch, I am transfixed by your library. Maybe one day you can pull out some of those books and just give us 2 quick takeaways you got from ones you found interesting. Also the Larry Carlton record you have sitting out... I like that one too! You just have so much cool stuff in the background! Maybe another video talking about favorite records but perhaps you have already made that one. I have so little time but you are one of the guys where when I look at your list I click on multiple videos. Thanks!
Cool! I'll take any jazz shortcuts!
Great sound from that neck pickup! A lot of sixth chords in Western Swing. Lovely sound.
Hey Zac. Sorry to hear about the Arthritis. I will listen to that one next chance I get. As usual only made it half way through this one. This stuff is GOLD. Thanks for the lesson!!!
Zac, you're the man, I really appreciate your channel brother, thank you! 🙏♥️✌️
My pleasure!!
Hi, dont know the date of this but i have arthritis in both hands one thing that can help is tumeric tea withe black pepper its not a cure but can ease some of the pain. Love what your doing! KM
I love fiddle competitions great swing playing.
Thank you for teaching this. I love country and no one teaches it. It's like the secret no one wants to teach in plain English English
bro you're my favorite guitar youtuber. sucks about the arthritis, you can always convert to slide if your fingers get crippled.
Thanks for coming to T-Town! Tulsa has deep western swing roots. Love the video!
Loved meeting you at the shop!
Thanks Zac. Great video. Gave me so much to think about and woodshed. I know one shape of the 6’s and 9’s and the guys in circle can hear how they fit western swing, swing, jump blues, etc better than 7’s.
I also learned that putting a little “hair” on my tone sounds way better than a little “snot”, left over from Rock and Roll days.
Thanks again.
Good stuff!
The Pandemic gave me time to really study Western Swing! It’s added dimension to my lead and rhythm too!
That tone reminds me a good bit of Charlie Christian's - or maybe that's just what a pre-war jazz tone sounds like. Either way, sounded killer
Zac, it took me a while to comprehend, that Your nice phrase (7’) is supposed to start on the one. First I felt an upbeat with the 3rd note to be the ONE.
Hi Zac, I'm big fan of your show, i recorded Milkcow Blues on my 8 track Tascam home studio, i played all the instruments Emmons D 10, Fender Telecaster Martin D42 and a Cort Bass
Send it to me
@Ask Zac what would be the link to send it to you
Hi Zac I tried sending Milk Cow Blues to your website, did you receive it? My name is David Kellner
Arthur’s Itis alert- play lightly! goddammit! I’m not a doctor! But it works! If you don’t believe me, move up a string gauge- l did! I REALLY play lightly now!
Hello Zac! I wish you read this.
I´ve been a pro guitar player for more than 40 years. I watch lots of CZcams videos, not only music or guitar videos (science, philosophy, drawing, diy...). I love the styles that you cover, but I´m not exactly a country guy, I don´t even have a decent Tele ( well, I really like my Harley Benton copy). And this is what I want to say: yours is the best of all CZcams chanels to me, and I know them all ( yours and Early Music Sources, Renaissance and Barroque music). I don´t miss any episode. I wish all youtubers would learn from you: a guy who knows what he´s talking about and does it in a simple, clear, amusing and unpretentious way. Every episode is well prepared and with very good examples. You can be proud. I always feel bad for not being a patreon, so I´m gonna try to do it( not easy for me).
So congratulations, you are my favorite. Keep doing it
I really appreciate that, Anton. You made my day.
@@AskZac I forgot to say thanks
Zac, did you see the Steve Cropper interview with Joe Chambers about his guitars? He said his first guitar was an Esquire that he ended up painting with a rattle can and the color started out red and turned purple ! Then it got stolen and he never saw it again? Are you thinking what i'm thinking?
That would be so cool if it were the case. I couldn’t think of a better person to take care of it.
Wow! That would be incredible!
That would be incredible!!!
Zac you probably know this but best advice I got for improv was from carol Kaye, jazz player is play the chordal notes. Question have you ever interviewed Al Perkins?
Yes, for the Truetone Lounge
Glucosamine and CBD are good.
In relation to the jazzier side of country music, when are we going to get an episode on Leon Rhodes?
The pressure builds.... Soon
so the major 6 triad is the same as the relative minor triad? i play with a blue guy who plays the 6 chords all the time.
Zac- you’re cool as shit. That’s all!
If you love Western swing go listen to wayne the train Hancock. I’ve met him a few times and hung out with one of his guitar players once. He only hires the best musicians to play with him.
chromaticism baboo! I think those WSC (western swing cats) probably were exposed to Barney, Tal, Johnny, etc.
Barney Kessel was from Oklahoma. He probably started out playing western swing.
gold! thank you :)
Thanks Zac. A lot of fascinating stuff there.