We receive thousands of positive messages and comments from
around the world via
YouTube and email about our music videos and lessons. Thanks
to everyone who sent one. Here are a few of our favorites.
We received this wonderful photo and story from Ken via
YouTube.
"Mark, I was listening to you singing and
playing Homeward Bound and I remember back in October
1969 I was in Vietnam and preparing to come home after
serving my tour of duty. I was out of the field and on
the big base in Chu Lai, which was the Americal Division
headquarters. I was with a few of my buddies that I
served with and we had a transistor radio listening to
an Armed Forces station, which happened to be playing
Homeward Bound. Well, we went down to the beach and I
had my friend take my picture looking down at me. I
sent this picture home to my mom and she had it in a
frame, on the living room table. I thought I would share
this picture with you. Every time I hear this song I
think back to coming home from Vietnam and this picture.
I hope you like it. I like the song!
~Ken~"
Hi Ken, I love this story and
photo, thanks for sending it. Click to see the
Homeward Bound video Ken is talking about.
April 25th, 2010,
via YouTube.
Well, you don't
get a message like this every day. I was very humbled to
receive this message from Belinda:
Hello Mr. Goldhat,
I wanted to tell you a story. About 2 years ago I was 48
years old and diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. I was
told I would be going through surgeries and treatments and
would be out of commission for several months.
I had no idea how I could get through being laid up for any
length of time because I've always been a pretty animated
person. I thought about buying a guitar because I've always
loved the sound of the instrument and I love to sing.
I purchased an $80.00 guitar and Googled "guitar lesson" and
came across a Youtube video of you doing Landslide by
Fleetwood Mac. MY FIRST song learned on the guitar! Since
that time I now have 5 guitars and have began performing
with others as a guitarist and singer.
I am now considered "in remission" and am working on my next
performance set. I've been told I will be doing "Crazy" and
"Route 66". It's great. My 26 year old twin sons get to take
girls out on dates to watch their mother perform at clubs
and bistros. My other son takes my two grandchildren to
every show I have. It has given them totally confidence in
getting in front of an audience and performing their little
school programs. They think it's totally normal to get up in
front of others and sing songs.
I honestly believe the guitar saved my life and kept me from
suffering with depression during the many months I fought
cancer. It was your calm and simply way of showing how to
play wonderful songs that kept me excited every I picked up
my guitar.
I wanted to share this story with you because I felt it was
important to let you know how much influence you have had on
my life and the life of my family and friends.
I have only one video on youtube to show you, and it's not
the best but it's partly because of you I was able to
perform that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RHT0QITxPE
Thank You,
Belinda S
Denair, CA
Hi Belinda, your
story is incredible, and I believe that music can help heal
your soul and your body. So glad it all worked out for you
and your family.
Here's a very
nice comment I received from 65strummer in the U.K. via
YouTube:
"Mark, just a few words of thanks for your videos on
YouTube. There are some good players here, but in our
opinion your skills and talents are simply "exceptional". We
have been listening to S & G, Neil Young etc for over 30
yrs, and your versions are probably the best we have heard.
Your lessons are "inspirational" to all guitar players, no
matter what level they are at in their playing. Please keep
them flowing, as I for one will be "having fun" with all
your videos. All the best from the UK. - 65strummer"
Cheers to you and
yours mate! Comments like yours make it all worthwhile.
We got this
message from the very talented Logan Murrell. She needed a
song to play on a TV show appearance.
"Thanks so much for this lesson. I took it and put it with
what I know and came up with what you see in the video
response. Thanks a million. I had to do it on TV and had no
idea where to start. Have a Great 2008.
Logan Murrell"
Here is Logan's
beautiful video of
"I'll Be Home For Christmas".
Here's a nice message we received
from Dennis via YouTube.
"Hello Sir,
I just wanted to write to you and thank you for your contributions to
YouTube. I am a beginner on guitar and I enjoy playing very much. Because of
your contributions, I can play Christmas songs for my friends tonight at our
office Christmas party. I am playing the guitar as if I were doing it for a
very long time and I am so excited about it. I wanted to write and let you
know that you are greatly appreciated and I want to wish you and your family
a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. You are very easy to
listen to and make learning a joy. Thanks a million and God bless.
Dennis"
Hi Dennis, thanks for your kind words, and Merry Christmas
to you and yours.
Here's a message we received from Mike about
making videos for YouTube:
"I love all your stuff on the you
tube. You have been a great help to me. Your lessons are some of the
best--you seem to get the most out of the space you use, therefore, I do,as
well. It helps that your hands are in time with the music, and the video is
clear and bright. The sound is very good. I think you are the kind of guy
who likes gadgets--I see you have a nice arsenal of good guitars and you
also have been experimenting with stereo recording. if my observations are
correct, maybe you can help me in my learning process of how to make a
decent recording/video. I have a nice Martin acoustic with no pickup. There
are so many options available out there, it's confusing. I live in a rural
area of Pa. with no music stores within 100 miles. I have been looking in
mail order catalogs and on the internet. If you don't want to plug
brandnames, don't. I would just like to know what kind of equipment would
give me a decent sound for vocals and acoustic guitar that I could record
and post on you tube. I know it's a lot to ask of a stranger, but if you
could help me out, it would be greatly appreciated. thanks for considering
this, MIKE."
Hi Mike, a lot of people have been asking about
my gear, so I will post a video soon about how I make videos. But in the
meantime, here are some tips. Get a decent webcam, I use a Logitec that
records 640x480 wmv files as the native format, and has very good automatic
lighting and focus controls. It was about $100. I use free windows movie
maker to edit these videos.
I recently upgraded my sound system, because the
sound quality on the logitec webcam is not very good. Now I use a headset
with a microphone for the vocals, and I plug that and my guitars directly
into a small mixer, behringer UB1204FX, and the mixer into my soundcard. I
use free Audacity software to record the audio while I am recording the
video with the webcam. Then I combine the audio file and video file in
windows movie maker to create the final video file. In your case, a decent
microphone going thru the mixer should pick up your vocals and guitar and
give you a good sound. The key is to get a good recording of both the audio
and video and then combine them.
Mark,
I'm 53, and been picking
for most of my life, but never serious enough. In the last few years I have
tried to give more time to my passion, and have been rewarded with better
playing. I just recently discovered U-Tube, and your laid back lessons. You
look like you love YOUR passion as much as me, and I just have to say that
it's pretty great you give your time to help strangers play the old great
songs we all grew up with. Thanks Mark, and I would be happy to forward a
small donation to help you continue.
PS.
The first song I ever played,(very poorly) in my school commons was "Here
comes the Sun" I was so embaressed by how poorly I played it I think I put
the guitar down for years. I swore someday I would learn it. Thanks to
watching you play it, and several times I might add, I have got it. Thanks
again.
Jeff
Hi Jeff, thanks for your kind words, I
hear a lot of nice stories like yours from those who started playing way
back when and have started up again after seeing my lessons on youtube. I
have a place on my goldhat.net website where you can make a donation or buy
a CD with paypal. I can relate to your story about Here Comes The Sun, I had
a similar experience in summer camp, but I stuck with it and I am glad I
did. This is the best hobby for us old geezer club members.
Have fun with that one!
Hi Mark
Just wanted to thank you and say how for years I just
struggled to play anything, and tried to play Beatles song
especially ,but after a few months of plugging away I have
been able to play reasonable songs with your guidance, so
much so I have just bought a Gibson Epiphone Twelve string
which I am having great fun with. Once again thank you so
much .
Steve H.
England ,Bournemouth,Dorset
Hi Steve, always
glad to have another student in England. I hope to come over
and stop by Liverpool one of these days.
Hiya Goldhat,
For anyone who plays guitar, is learning to play, or wants
to play, you are truly one of the unsung heroes in music,
and I'm sure this sentiment is echoed by hundreds of
thousands of guitarists around the world. Not only do you
play brilliantly, but you teach brilliantly, and wait for it
- you do it for free! Anyone who offers to teach and share
their knowledge of music is a gifted and special
individual. My guitar playing has improved tenfold because
you have unknowingly inspired me. I know you have given
much time and effort, and people like me have benefited in a
fraction of that time, and that is why i wanted to truly
thank you for being who you are and doing what you have
done. I so much want to meet and play alongside you one day,
it would be like the apprentice meeting the master! Maybe
I'll just post a video on you-tube for you instead, but for
now, thanks Goldhat, you are a legend!
Jamz
Hiya Jamz,
'Legend' Hmmm.... I like the sound of that! You have spoken
for many, and said it well. I appreciate it, and I hope you
will continue to be inspired playing the guitar.
WOW!
I
guess that the subject line here should be 'thanks', rather
than 'wow' but they both certainly work.
I just discovered you on here and, you know, I must confess
that you're lessons are likely the easiest to follow. I've
been strumming, so to speak, for years but think I needed
someone just like you and your style of playing/teaching to
help me get to the next proverbial level.
So...thanks! Love your choice of songs, your sound and
techniques. You somehow have the ability to make easy what
others can't and I've only watched 2 or 3 of your lessons so
far!
Side note, if I may, I have forever been looking for a
lesson for Even in the Quietest Moments by Supertramp. Any
chance that you might offer a lesson on that one (or even
know where I can find tab or a lesson beyond the intro?).
Regardless, thanks for all you do on here...a true
inspiration.
Cheers!
Foreverlearningmore
Cheers
Foreverlearningmore, glad you like the lessons, learning
songs is the best way to learn for some of us. I don't know
that Supertramp song you mentioned, but I used to like to
listen to "Bloody Well Right" at full volume on a couple of
15" cabs, not like the wimpy stuff they have now-a-days ;-)
goldhat3
d7a501 commented on the original song
"Wasn't Meant To Be" sung my Danielle and Mark Jr, and
written and produced by goldhat3:
Very warm and close to home! Great performances by all
players! I especially Loved Danielle because of her true
strength, in portraying true emotions! Beautifull strong
voice! Angel Amazing! I played this song and cried more than
twice. Mark you did a great filler spot. I understand,
you're young yet, you'll know true music when you know true
heartbreaking pain! but you'll get there.Guitar sang a song
that was just as beautiful to the soul as a real emotion
could sound! Thanks Goldhat!
Hiya d7a5o1, glad
you like it. The song kind of grows on you. You are right
about the guitar part, that is where the song came from,
almost like magic.
goldhat3
Dan writes about
buying a new guitar:
Hello again from the Great White North.
Well my new guitar has finally arrived. In the end I didn't
go with the Dean EVO XM. Nearly 90% of the owner reviews on
this guitar rated it as a piece of Chinese-made junk using
cheap, substandard hardware. I was considering the Epiphone
Les Paul Special II until I struck up a conversation with a
professional guitarist in the music store. His suggestion
was to go with the ESP LTD EC-100QM. It was twice the money
but she sure is a beauty. I played it in the store and she
sounds great. I was surprised by the amount of sustain
despite the bolt-on neck. The store sales staff are all
accomplished musicians and the salesman I was dealing with
spent the time to explain everything to me....he even
changed the strings with a new set of Ernie Ball Slinky's
and set the action to my liking and I played it again...wow!
she really sings now. What a difference a set of strings
make. Pictures don't do justice to the beauty of the dark
cherry quilted maple body. Instead of getting an amp I'm
thinking of going with the StealthPlug and using my computer
instead. You had asked me to send a photo when I got my new
guitar so here it is. I consider it an honor that you would
include me in your student's gallery. Thank You!
Hi Dan:
Hi Dan, wow, that
is one sweeeeet guitar. Actually, I think the way you went
about it is the best way to buy a guitar. It's good to ask
around and check the reviews, but the best thing is to play
lots of guitars. Sooner or later, one of them will really
feel and sound good to you, and that is the one to get.
Sounds like that's what happened to you. Sometimes that one
special feel guitar is one of the cheapest ones in the
store, but they just happened to make a good one that day in
the factory and you find it. I like my $200 Little Martin
and Sigma guitars just as well as my Taylor and Guild, and
my Dean Rosewood is a magnificent piece of work, made in
Korea.
You are so right
about the strings too. You have to find the strings that
feel right to you, and sound good on the guitar. Even a
guitar that you already love can always be made better with
the right set of strings. It takes some experimenting as you
change strings every month or two, but it is worth the
effort.
I know you will
have a blast with that new guitar, let me know if you post a
youtube vid of you playing it. Thanks for the picture.
goldhat3
We have had a couple of very nice
comments lately about our original song
"Wasn't Meant to Be"
d7a5o1 comments:
Very warm and
close to home! Great performances by all players! I
especially Loved Danielle because of her true strength, in
portraying true emotions! Beautiful strong voice! Angel
Amazing! I played this song and cried more than twice. Mark
you did a great filler spot. I understand, you're young yet,
you'll know true music when you know true heartbreaking
pain! but you'll get there. Guitar sang a song that was just
as beautiful to the soul as a real emotion could sound!
Thanks Goldhat!
Hi ya d7a5o1, glad you like it.
The song kind of grows on you. You are right about the
guitar part, that is where the song came from, almost like
magic.
witchesbru
writes:
Hi Mark, This is
Roger. I was looking for a tutorial for While My Guitar
Gently Weeps and found yours. My guitarist and I were having
disagreements with the chords to this song, and you ironed
it out for us. It was great.
However, what I'm
really writing to say is that I came across your YouTube
page and found the song "Wasn't Meant To Be" and was
absolutely blown away!!!
Great music,
great sound, great guitar playing, great video...in a nut
shell it was GREAT!!!
I must have
listened to it 10 times in one hour and kept getting the
chills!
The words and
video really captures the essence of high school first
loves.
I went on to view
some of your other videos and again was just blown away.
Great guitar pickin' and great voice.
Thanks for
sharing everything!
Peace.
Roger
Hi Roger, thanks for your
comments on "Wasn't Meant to Be". I particularly like that
song and video because my son and Danielle did such a great
job with it. So I am always glad to hear when somebody
appreciates it too.
Hi Mark,
I
came upon one of your videos on you tube by accident and I
really enjoyed it, so in the past 2 weeks, I've learned
about every song that you have done on there ! I just
wanted to say thanks for the lessons ! I've been playing
about 40 years now and after a 3 year absence due to
depression I've finally gotten my love for playing guitar
back ! I went out a couple weeks ago and purchased a new 12
string and I thought I would learn some new songs as not to
bore my wife with all the same numbers I have always played.
You certainly have made it quick and easy for me and now my
wife is enjoying my playing once again (although she never
admitted she didn't). Thanks again buddy, I'll certainly
keep watching, hope you make more !
Sincerely,
Paul ( From Easton, Pennsylvania )
Hey Paul, nice to
hear from you. I did the same thing, I layed off playing for
about 15 years, then started back up again back in 2000. It
is a great hobby for us old geezers, I enjoy it more every
day. Keep on strummin' and have fun with that one!
One of my student
subscribers recently made his public acoustic guitar debut:
Mark, Saturday night my band was playing for a wedding
reception and the coordinator told us to leave to dress and
not come back to play until 8:30. The bride had asked us to
start playing at 7:45. Anyway, I was there with only the
lead guitarist at 7:45 and the guests came in and were
milling around. I picked up an acoustic electric Martin 6
string and fingerpicked the Wedding Song . (much easier on 6
string) Sounded good enough the lead guitarist turned up the
volume so I played background music for the guests for about
10 minutes of just that instrumental .I play Latin
percussion in the band so I surprised our guitarists and
drummer. It was really fun. Thanks to you. April Come She
Will will be a great addition to my repertoire.
You are awesome.
Chris
Hi Chris, great
story, it is great that you are adding acoustic guitar to
your musical arsenal. Glad to have you on board as a student
and subscriber.
Mirko from Italy
writes:
Good evening, Mr. Easley.
My name's Mirko and I write from italy.
I don't speak a very good english, so it's very difficult to
tell you what i feel when i listen for your music on youtube.
You are great, and i love your voice and your music style.
I like very much country music and oviously, john denver is
one of my favorite singer.
Anyway... i listen for your song, "lift you if you fall" and
i cry.
I'm married, but i haven't a child, anyway this song catch
my heart, and i love it!
And "without you" is a very nice song, too...
All your song give me a particular sensation, they're very
simple and, at the same time, so rich...
Maybe my english can't tell all my emotion, but i can say
only same world.
I'm happy to find a very nice person like you!
The email address is the same that i use for msn messenger.
If you want you can add me, so we can talk about country
music, sometimes.
And obviously... if you'll be in italy, in the future, we're
happy to guest you in our house.
I have a final question...
How much it cost the expedition to italy, of your cd?
Cause i would like to buy it...
Thanks a lot for everything and sorry for my english!!!!!!!!!!
Mirko
Hello
Mirko, thanks for writing, I think your English is very
good! Glad you like the songs and lessons. Thanks for your
invitation, I hope I can visit Italy again some day, and
stop by to see you.
You can
order my CD called "Lift You If You Fall" on my website
using paypal here:
http://www.goldhat.net/goldhat_music_store.htm
I will
be happy to mail it to you in Italy, please let me know your
address over there. Ciao!!!
jessiesuomalainen writes
Hello.
I
live in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. I am 49 years young. I
have tinkered with guitars and destroyed many songs for over
30 years. This year, I made a promise to myself that I will
spend more time playing my guitars (which I love doing) and
even get some professional tuitoring. I began the lessons
early on in the year and to supplement these lessons, I
surfed the web and that's when I came across your site.
To cut a long story short, I have given up the lessons and
tuned into your youtube lessons. I don't say this lighty -
you are the best, most calming tuitor I have even seen and
had the pleasure of been taught by. Your song list is
uncannily right out of my life music and CD collection.
I
have now a repertoire of many Beatles and S&G songs that I
can play to my wife, family and friends. I'm even passing on
what I've learnt to fellow guitars hacker friends! The only
negative comment that I have had from my wife is - 'you're
spending too much time on the computer!' That's OK
though...this morning I showed her the unvieling of your S&G
guitar. She loved it.
Thank you once again and God bless you.
What can I say?
G'day mate, and have fun with those tunes!
Hi - Mark right? I just think of you as Goldhat lol. I
subscribe to your "site" on youtube and I have thoroughly
enjoyed learning some new songs from you. Given this and
your obvious guitar knowledge I thought it would make
logical sense to ask you a question I have. I'm fairly new
to the guitar but not a complete beginner. The bottom line
is this: I want to practice smart and effectively. I want to
be a better player as fast as possible. I will put aside the
time to practice but I need to know how to practice. I don't
want to waste my time doing chromatic runs if there are
quicker ways to get better. I can't afford guitar lessons at
this time so I need to know specific techniques for chord
changing more precisely and quickly, learning how to
fingerpick, and learning how to play leads, etc... Where do
I get this knowledge? Is there a book or internet site that
you know of that offers this information?
Thanks for hearing me out!
Regards, Patrick.
Hello Patrick,
those are great questions, it is important to get the best
quality practice time so you can improve. Everybody is
different, but I always recommend learning new songs as the
best way to practice. The reason is that you will always
feel you are accomplishing something very enjoyable as you
learn each new song. And for each new song, you will always
have to learn some new technique, like some new chord
changes, a little lead part, or some finger style pattern.
Over time you will be able to have all these little tools in
your guitar toolbox and it will become easier and easier to
play almost anything.
I have a couple
of practice technique videos on my channel, I called
'relaxed' style, which show you easy and non-tiring ways to
practice. Just search for 'goldhat3 relaxed' and you will
find them.
I think if you
practice about 1 hour per day is about right for many
people, first playing and practicing a few songs you know
for about 30 minutes, then start learning a new song for
another 30 minutes (this is where YouTube is a big help),
and it is fun too. But don't limit yourself by the clock. If
you are working at getting a new chord change or finger
pattern, keep at it until you can do it slowly. Then for the
next few days practice it more while speeding up. This is
how you train your fingers to play it properly and up to
tempo. And always remember that keeping a slow tempo going
is better than slowing down or starting and stopping to get
a perfect sound from each note or chord. That will come
along as you practice more.
There are some
very good technique teachers out there too, my favorite is
Justin Sandercoe. You can mix in some of his technique
lessons with the song lessons from me and others, and next
thing you know, you will be a YouTube star! Have fun with
that one!
goldhat3
John D writes:
GoldHat;
I would like to
express my gratitude for your lessons online at YouTube, I
have learnt several new songs on a guitar that sat for 2
years doing nothing.
I have recently
lost a daughter and needed an outlet to express myself, it
has been a hard road and filled with many twists, turns, and
hurt.
I found you on
YouTube by accident and loved the way you taught, after,
watching your first video I found, I knew a way to express
myself in music.
I hope you and
yours keep up the message, and it is a message, of teaching
those to express themselves in music.
P.S. My wife is
actually happy as well, with the loss, she has found an
outlet as well, she enjoys trying to sing with the songs I
have been learning.
We did donate, not
much, but we do hope it gives you inspiration to keep
teaching, this world needs more folks like you, thank you
very much.
Sincerely
John D.
Hi John,
thanks for writing, I received your donation, thanks. I know
it must be a difficult time for you and your wife, so I am
glad that music can help you get through it. Music sometimes
has almost a magical power to bring out some of our deepest
emotions, which helps in the healing process.
Stories like
yours of you strummin' that guitar with your wife singing
along are very inspirational for me, and are the reason I
put the lessons up there. Thanks for watching.
goldhat3
From Bill F. in
Illinois:
You didn't do it
all. I tried too. But you taught me how to play the guitar
starting about two years ago. And now I play better than I
ever thought I would. And I'm not afraid to sing because you
taught me not to be. Three months ago, I started taking face
to face guitar lessons. At my last lesson, when I entered
the room, I laid my guitar down on the floor, and never
played a lick. Because of your inspiration, I had a feeling
music had a place for me in my retirement that golf didn't.
It's true my parents never swung a club but then tinkled the
ivories quite a bit; my father paying his way through
college at the piano.
At my last
lesson, we didn't work on my guitar technique which still
has a long long way to do.
Where is this
going? Because you made me think music might have a place
for me, I walked though the door. I'm writing songs. I don't
know if they're that great, but my guitar teacher seemed
amazed and I feel like a fountain that pours out melodies
almost as fast as I can write them down. Which is
invigorating.
The reason I
walked through this musical door was you. It's a wonderful
world being a part of even if my little piece of it amounts
to just a spec. Thanks.
Bill F.
Charleston, Illinois
Thank you for being you.
Dear Bill;
Thank you!
It is messages like yours that make it all worth while. And
get all those songs out and into the world, we need them!
goldhat3
My April 24th
2010 Wedding - AND YOUR GUITAR
I wrote a note to
you about two months ago letting you know that I planned to
make your "Wedding Song - There is Love" my bridal march for
my April 24 wedding. Well, with great anticipation and
resulting joy and bliss, this was accomplished. Mine was an
outdoor wedding alongside a marsh behind my home. I can't
even begin to describe to you how much those angelic chords
from your 12-string guitar hit me straight to the heart, as
well as all of my family and guests. Your song, and
specifically, the way you played it and sung it, was the
capitulation to my wedding day. It actually sounded like
echoing bells in the open air. Heavenly and enchanting are
the best words to describe it. I can't thank you enough for
bringing that piece of paradise to our day. God is Love and
he and his angels were smiling down on our ceremony. God
Bless You, Mark.
Celeste
Hi Celeste,
thanks so much for your kind words, and wonderful letter.
Glad I could help out, I love to play at weddings! God Bless
you and your new marriage.
Mark
Sent:
Saturday, May 01, 2010 2:40 PM
Subject: HEY IT'S THE MARINE FROM ANGOLA!!!!
Hey Mark,
I just got the
DVD that you made me, and it’s awesome! I left Angola in
December so they had to forward the DVD that you made to
where I now am, Santiago, Chile, so I just recently got it.
But many thanks
from a Marine overseas. I’m really getting to a point with
playing that I’m learning much quicker and your videos are
helping me build my library. I went and made a donation of
$25 on you website for putting this together for me.
Thanks again
Mark and I’ll make sure to tell everyone I know about your
website.
Semper Fi,
Justin O’Connor
Sgt USMC
Hey Sarge,
glad to hear you got the DVD, that Marine mail works pretty
good. Hope you are enjoying Chile and getting some time to
play some tunes. I appreciate your donation, if it's all
right with you I will send it on to the Wounded Warrior
Project, my favorite charity.
Keep it safe
and keep on strummin'!!
Mark
June 6th 2010
from Alessandro in Italy
Dear Mr. Goldhat,
maybe you
remember me. I'm Alessandro, the italian guy who ask you for
some guitar advice two years ago. I really hope you remember
me. I'm writing to say thank you. You taught me a lot
through your wonderful lessons. It's thanks to you if now I
can enjoy playing and recordings my favourite songs. I think
of you as one of my teachers, maybe the most important
'cause you are maybe the only one that shares the same
passion for S&G as me. I trained as hard as my student life
allows me and now...well i'd like to say i can play but it's
better if I'll let you say this to you :).
I'm writing also
to tell you that I'm going to post some videos on youtube of
me playing. You're not going to see me playing, just some
pics of S&G and my recordings on them. I used Garage Band to
overwrite three different tracks: one for guitar, one for
vocals and one for harmonies. I used the integrated mic of
my mac so the sound is not as good as your recordings but it
sounds nice to me 'cause it seems an old and rare bootleg
:).
I really would
like you to have a look to these videos of mine and give me
your opinion. My youtube nick is
alebar84. I just subscribed to your channel so you'll
find me easily.
Thank you so much
mr. goldhat. Keep helping young music fans like me. You're
really doing a great job!
Alessandro=
Ciao
Alessandro! I just listened to your "Leaves that are Green"
recording. GREAT!! Good guitar, singing, harmony, and sound
quality. You really did the job very well on that one. I
will listen to the others now, you almost have enough to
make your own CD!
I am very
happy that you were able to learn the songs so well and glad
I could be helpful to you. I am your subscriber now because
I love the S&G covers like yours. Ciao!
P.S. Thanks
for the dedication on
The Boxer.
John H.
writes, July 16, 2010:
Dear Mark:
I am 58 and play guitar just for my own enjoyment and
challenges. I've reviewed several internet based guitar
lessons. I my opinion, your lessons are the best. Your
simple straight forward presentation is easy to follow. Your
teaching style is at the learner's level. You give me an "I
can do that" energy instead of; "I'll never be able to do
that" frustration. I'm a college professor and know quite a
bit about teaching. Keep up the good work. Your lessons are
very helpful and spot on.
I am looking
forward to listening to your music. Many times I play music
in my classroom. I'm sure your cd is one my students will
enjoy listen, too.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
John H.
Hi John, I
appreciate your comments, and coming from an experienced
teacher and professor that means a lot. I know everyone
learns in different ways, so I was wondering what it was
that people like about my lessons. Now I think I understand,
thanks for enlightening me.
On December
2nd, 2010 Mark F. wrote:
Hi Mark, I hope
everything is okay with you. My condolences to you. I saw
your Mother passed away, I'm so sorry.
I have really
enjoyed your online lessons. We must be around the same age
(I'm 56) because I love all of the songs you chose... my
era!
I am a struggling
guitarist, I just enjoy it for my own satisfaction. I live
on a sailboat right now and we are in Manzanillo Mexico
currently. The guitar is a great way to keep yourself
entertained in the evenings without using a lot of
electricity. It can be your best friend... as John Denver
says in his song "This Old Guitar."
I have really
learned a lot from you and really missed your posts. So I
was just wondering if you were doing alright.
Missing you, Mark
PS- my wife and I
keep a website of our travels if you would like to look at
it. We have been traveling in a 5th wheel trailer before
sailing, so, there is a lot of good photos and info.
www.roadslesstraveled.us
Mark F.
Hi Mark,
thanks for checking in. As a matter of fact, I have been out
of commission for a while as I had heart surgery 6 weeks
ago. But everything has worked out fine and I am getting
stronger every day. Just last night I was working on a
couple of new songs, so you should see some more videos
coming very soon. When I get emails like yours it really
cheers me up and gets me motivated.
Your website
is great! My wife and I love to travel too, although we are
more the airplane, hotel, or cruise ship style, but like you
I bring my guitar everywhere I go. Maybe you can stop by
Wilmington NC or Myrtle Beach one of these days and gives us
a ride on your boat and we could do some jamming together.
Say hello to
Jimmy Buffett for me and have fun with that one!
Best
regards,
Mark Easley
Sr.
dannyt92548
sent me this message on youtube on 10-Dec-2010:
Just like
gandelf1967 I've also been playing off and on (mostly off)
for about 35 or so years and never got any good at it, but
about 2-1/2 years ago, open heart surgery put an end to my
engineering career and a lot of medical people said that
playing guitar would be good for the healing process.
However, you and what you do, (showing and teaching people
like me), how to play songs, especially acoustic tunes of
the 70s, which I love, has helped the healing process even
more. By everything you've done here on you tube shows me
that you are selfless and kind. So with that in mind, I
would just like to say "THANK YOU" so much, not only for
teaching great songs of the past, but also for sharing your
talents with everyone who comes across your site. God Bless
you and keep on playing/teaching. You are a wonderful
person.
DannyT
Hey Danny, I
was very happy and surprised to read your message on my
channel, thanks for sending it. I just had open heart
surgery myself and I know that both playing guitar and
listening to others on youtube is a big part of my healing
process too. Glad I could be some help to you along the way
in your recovery.
Mark
Stephanie P.
emailed on 1-16-2011:
To Mr. Mark
Easley
i just want to
share with you .. how AMAZING your rendition of the Beatles
Dear Prudence was . It really touched my heart ! You did
such a wonderful job with that . The sound on your acoustic
is outta this world .. It is like a Stradivarius Violin .. I
have NEVER heard such a beautiful sound coming from a guitar
before.
I also would like
to recommend Making a Facebook Page ! Yes i know ,i know ..
BUT you would get alot more views to your videos on yourtube
as well as your website if you were to join the Facebook
world . And i would love to be your friend .. I am nobody
special i just have a deep joy in my heart that cannot be
described when i hear people like you make music .It truly
is such an AMAZING gift to be able to make music !! Any way
this is my facebook page if and when you do make a facebook
page ... i sure hope you do .. cuz i will pass your videos
to all my friends in a heart beat !!!
thanks,
Stephanie
Hi
Stephanie, thanks for the kind words, I am glad you like the
guitar on Dear Prudence, I was surprised how well that came
out when I recorded it too. I do have a facebook page, I
just sent you a friend request. I don't use facebook much
because youtube takes a lot of time, maybe I should spend
more time over there. I post all my videos on youtube
because that is where all my subscribers are waiting for
some new videos and lessons. Looking forward to being your
friend on facebook and youtube.
Mark
Here is the
Dear Prudence video Stephanie is talking about:
http://www.youtube.com/goldhat3#p/search/0/85ZE0veb7CM
Joe S. emailed on
5/27/2011
Hi Mark, I was
just thinking about you! I'm glad to see your newsletter,
because it means (I hope) your health is improved and you're
feeling pretty good. You know, the internet is a funny
thing; in our generation, some say that it breaks down
communication and isolates people. I feel it could go either
way. If I can care about someone and send along a note of
greeting to them (if I have access to an email address)
maybe it brings folks together and makes the world a little
smaller and less foreboding. I like to think so, anyway.
So thank you for
your dedication to making these wonderful lessons, and to
keeping up your web site. More than that, thank you for
sharing yourself, and giving us, your audience, a chance to
see how adding music to your life can bring such joy and a
sense of fulfillment.
Do take care of
yourself, and I look forward to the next lesson-
Sincerely, Joe S.
Hi Joe,
thanks for the kind words, I always appreciate hearing from
my fellow guitarists and students. I agree it makes the
world smaller, because I hear from people all over the world
that share one thing in common, they love to play the guitar
and make music for themselves and others. Joy to the world.
I am feeling
much better, thanks for asking. Have a good weekend and have
fun with that one!
Mark
Roger
D. emailed on 7/21/2012
First, let me say thanks for some great lessons!
I have been looking at you on YouTube since I
started back playing the guitar after about a 30
yr lapse. Like many, I played in a rock band in
the 60s when I was in high school. Well, Uncle
Sam had some ideas for me, then I got married,
then we had kids (who are now grown with kids of
their own) and now I’ve picked up the guitar
again. Proud to say I can still play lots of the
60s music I enjoyed way back when and now
picking up jazz, standards and some oldies I
missed along the way. Which brings me to you.
I’ve read other comments about how people come
back to your lessons because you have a way of
really making it easy.... and I have to agree. I
look at other lessons but then always check you
out. Example... The Boxer and America. Two great
classics that I’m sure my great, great grand
children will be be playing and you have made it
so easy for me (and others, I am sure) to play
the music.
Thanks for your great teaching style!
Roger D.
(my Paypal donation is on the way)
Hi Roger,
thanks for writing and the donation. I love to hear that
people are picking up their guitar again after 30 years and
that I can help a little on their musical journey. It's
about the best hobby there is for guys like us.
Mark
August 2, 2012
Dear Sir,
Many years ago I used to play in a rock band (back in
England) and had the time of my life. Since then I have
been ordained (Church of England and then a move to
Florida to become rector at an Episcopal Church). The
demands of the work meant that I had less time to play
guitar, which I didn't really mind, but the onset of
Rheumatoid Arthritis meant that it actually became
impossible to play.
This upset me greatly, as I realized - for the first
time - that I was losing part of who I am. Roll on a few
years, and a new form of treatment (nothing 'high tech'
- just good old antibiotics, believe it or not!) and I
got to the point that I could pick up a guitar again
without wincing for the first time in years. This was
all good - except that my fingers refused to do what I
knew they were supposed to do.
To say that I was getting frustrated was an
understatement - I then decided that perhaps the best
way forward was to 'start from scratch'. Being a bit of
a geek I decided to look on the internet. Well … there
is a LOT out there! But it is all very patchy, and most
of the songs they were teaching didn't interest me. And
then there are people who cannot play trying to teach,
and then there are excellent players who cannot teach!
Last week I was idly 'googling' and decided to check out
a friend of mine who is in a band called 'Medicine Hat'
- he used to be a drummer in a band we were in way back
in the 70s. I never did find out how he is because,
somehow, I came across your website.
And so to the main point of my email: you, sir, are a
natural-born teacher. I am still struggling with bar
chords and getting my fingers working for picking but,
slowly and with the help of your excellent lessons, I am
beginning to make headway - and it has made me realize
just how much I have missed playing, and how important
music is to me.
Your skill in coaching is subtle; you gently lead the
viewer and before they know it - BAM - they've just
learned a song! You will never know just how happy you
have made me!
I'm currently trying to learn Homeward Bound - one of my
all-time favorite songs. I've never been able to play it
properly but, although I am struggling with the finger
picking, I fully intend to master it. And it will all be
thanks to you.
I read that you've recently undergone surgery. I hope it
was successful and that you are well on the way to
making a full recovery - if you have not already done
so.
Please accept my deep appreciation for all the time and
effort you put in to making your lessons. I will be
making a donation soon.
Regards,
Andrew Heyes
Rector, St. Clement's Episcopal Church, Tampa, FL
Hi Andrew, I really appreciate receiving your note, and
I am glad to hear you are able to strum the guitar
again. I often hear from students that have picked up
the guitar again after many years, but not often after
recovering from a disability like you. I am sure the
Lord had a hand in your recovery so you could begin
making music again. I play in church every Sunday, and
hopefully as you get more practice you will be able to
play some tunes in church too.
There are a couple of Christmas lessons I have up there
that might work for you this year. How about Silent
Night? It was originally performed on the guitar in that
German church long ago after Franz Gruber wrote the
melody and guitar parts to go with the lyrics by Father
Joseph Mohr. Interesting story about it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Night
Best
regards,
Mark
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