Legendary Tips and Guitar Tricks with Don McLean

Is it me or is this man the most underated song writer of all time. I listen to my Grandads Don Mclean records and I'm blown away by how relevant his music is even now. Emotionally engaging , Relevant, beautiful. Tapestry is incredible. Don't get me wrong, he's famous but I barely ever here the plaudits that some other artists get. One of a kind.

Don McLean is an American treasure and a legend. His songs are poems set to music, and his guitar playing has always been phenomenal. He's been a huge influence on musicians throughout the world. It's one of my great regrets that I've never been able to see him live in concert, but I have everything he has ever recorded in my collection. Salute.

It’s so cool that he just casually does things like this, it’s like he’s just a normal person teaching you things, how neat

Hey Don. You were the first person I ever saw in concert. My mum and Dad took me to see you at Newcastle City Hall, in England, when I was in my early teens. I remember it clearly. How you had everyone holding their breath as you walked them through your words and song with silent pauses in those sacred moments.. How I could hear my own heart beat and swear I could hear everyone else's heartbeats. The air was electric and the whole room was as one. I remember crying and not wanting it to end. I will ever hold you dear to me, you are an inspiration and still when I listen to "Empty Chairs" it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have brought to the world. x

"What you want is a 1950s Martin" Yeah, Don. I know.

Don’s lyrics are genius. He paints a clear picture for us to live in for a few minutes. Just read some of his lyrics. Beautiful.

I found this by chance .. What a joy to see the man who brought us Vincent and American Pie.. and hear gold coming from that voice and guitar. Magic.

My mom bought American Pie when I was barely eleven years old. My family wore out the entire record from the title track to Vincent to Everybody Loves Me, Baby to Babylon. Thank you for all of your music.

Hello,don. My name is A. J. I am a blind guitar player.I wanted to write to you. To tell you that you are my favorite singer song writer. And influences on my guitar playing. When I first heard your version of Roy orbison’s crying. Which is one of my all time. Favorite songs you sing. I became interested in playing guitar. Also as a vocalist,you have been an influence on me as a singer as well. Mister MacLaine I wanted to just thank you sir. For your music, and for posting this guitar video.

Great to see a popular musician with a proper respect and understanding of a dreadnought flat top. Of course Don plays a Cadillac

"American Pie" came out in May 1971 and later that year an 11 year old kid begged his Mom for a guitar that Christmas. After I got my guitar and went for lessons my teacher asked me what songs I wanted to learn and I told her "American Pie". She felt that it might be too much for a beginner but I would learn it one line at a time and build up the strumming technique and by the end of the school year it became the first song I ever learned to play well. When my daughter was born it was her Lullabye and to this day is still my favorite to play for myself family and friends. To find a video here, with Don McLean, himself giving guitar playing and singing tips is simply the greatest thing I have ever seen on YouTube. If you ever look at these comments Mr McLean, I want you to know that your talent is a gift you have given to us all and may you be repaid tenfold for the happiness that has brought the world.

0:00 Pre-amble 1:04 The guitar itself 1:50 Projecting your music 2:50 Grief and Hope 3:26 Using a flat pick 4:08 Strumming hand position and tone 6:32 Old Martin guitars (and how Mr Maclean's price range may differ from yours...) 7:33 Vibrato of a D-45 8:12 Singing with a guitar 8:31 American Pie 9:30 Dynamics 10:38 Dual role of the guitar 11:27 Fretbuzz central 11:40 Dumping on cutaways 12:30 Fingerpicks 14:09 Empty Chairs 16:18 Plucking loud 18:35 There's More Pretty Girls Than One 19:32 The Midnight Special (finally) 20:13 Damping 21:17 Picking patterns 22:10 Rock About My Sara Jane 23:00 Mo' Midnight Special 24:05 Accented stab 25:00 That's All Right Mama 26:04 And I Love You So 27:40 Hugh McCracken ending, almost 28:09 Take it out! 28:31 Goin' Down Slow

I Still consider Vincent as the best song ever written and it brings a tear everytime...

I am 75 years old , Don , could you sing for me once again : and I love you so ? I regularly go back to your old recordings , but I would love to see you singing it ,now....an old fan from way back who never strayed away!

I just LOVE it when a true master takes time to show us how he does his (or her craft) Thank you so much Don!!!

I just saw Don McLean in concert at Wildhorse Pass casino in Arizona. Great concert. Wish I’d had the chance to thank him for these informative videos I’ve enjoyed. Great guy.

Don McLeans voice never fails to take me back to my late teens learning his songs on my guitar and wishing I could sing like that. there is a sliding double stop that will always be Don McLeans. Thanks for all the happy memories and the pleasure of playing your songs on my guitar

I'm 23 years old and currently studying in university. I discovered a lot more of your songs this year and I simply love it! Castles in the air was my #1 most listened song this year:) I started learning guitar by myself 2 years ago and I love learning and playing your songs. Your music touches all ages and audience and I hope it will be that way for a long time. Cheers!

So nice to see and hear the same sweet guy who let me use his water hose by the Clearwater at Newport '69. Thank you and Ramblin' Jack for making my weekend special!!

Don is so generous with his talent and his technique this is wonderful I’ve been listening for 50 years now and your still on fire!