Teach Your Children

by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

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About This Lesson

Graham Nash's gentle country-rock anthem from 1970 is one of the most beautiful rhythm-guitar tunes ever written. The chord changes flow effortlessly and the arpeggiated picking pattern is a wonderful study in steady right-hand technique.

Neil walks you through the song section by section, focusing on the chord shapes, the picking pattern and the small details that bring the arrangement to life.

What You'll Learn

  • The verse progression with smooth open-position changes
  • Fingerpicking pattern for the gentle, rolling feel
  • How to add the connecting bass runs between chords
  • Right-hand dynamics that mimic a pedal-steel feel
  • Tips for keeping a clean, even pulse while you sing

Skill Level

Beginner to intermediate. Comfortable with open chords? You're ready to tackle this one.

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