Learn to play 'Old Man' Acoustic by Neil Young

Angela Petrilli breaks down the Neil Young song "Old Man" for players of all levels!

You may have seen Angela as part of Jennifer Batten's Guitar Symposiums or caught one of her videos at Norman's Rare Guitars. On this takeover, she'll run through some of her favorite riffs!

Instagram @angelapetrillimusic
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[rodmcdonough]

You are definitely the most patient, enthusiastic, intuitive and BEST guitar teacher on You Tube. When I think I have seen your best video, your next one is even better. Greetings from S F. CA

[Grndcrckr]

You have changed my life with my guitar. Thank you so very much Angela.❤

[chucks]

Really nice to see someone so young who is smart enough to recognize how great these timeless tunes were and still are. You do a great job breaking it down to digestible parts and set the framework such that individuals can then sneak in their own little adds. thanks much

[dan-]

Great Lesson Angela…about the song:

Young wrote this about the caretaker of the ranch he bought in 1970. The song compares a young man's life to an old man's and shows that the old man was once like this young man.

The caretaker of the that cattle ranch? His name was Louis Avila. The ranch was the Broken Arrow Ranch, purchased for $350, 000 in 1970 (just think about those real estate prices compared to now!). Reportedly, Avila was giving Young a tour of the place and asked him how a young man like him could afford a place like this. Young, aged 25, replied "Just lucky, Louie, just real lucky." Avila was quite bemused.

[eaglerider]

I really like how you go through the lessons slowly because it helps to hear the notes ring out and establish technique while also memorizing the song instead of relying on a tab to play it. Some instructors teach it so quickly there is no chance to pick up all the nuances. Thank you so much!

[chrismac]

What a great lesson. I have just stumbled upon this fantastic post while looking for new songs to learn in the future. I have just had surgery on my left thumb which needed to be fused after blocking something which was thrown at my head. I have been in a pretty negative place as I received no compensation, had to pay for the operation myself and was forced to resign from my work due to not being fit enough to carry out my work duties. My hand is in a brace at the moment to stop movement of the thumb during the rehab period. The positive is that I have time to browse the net looking for material for future use and this lesson is number one on my list. Thank you Angela.

[rzh]

Why would two people NOT like this? She is providing a free, detailed lesson, well thought out and delivered . I knew how to play some of these songs, but still pick up useful tips from her lessons.

[davidkelly]

Love the way you teach. Good loud, clear instructions and lots of repetition of each bar.

[curtiseggemeyer]

You do such a good job with this song, I am 65 years old and play daily, for enjoyment. Love your lessons and your pace of explaining things. Thankyou, Dang that Martin sounds good.

[andysfishingandflytyingcha]

So glad l found you Angela. I was a pro freelance guitarist in London England working many West End musicals, tours and l had my fair share of sessions and TV work a car accident and a very serious illness my great career was cut short by first the accident and then my ability to play at all ended with the illness (Guillian Barre Syndrome) which completely parslysed me overnight and nearly killed me. After a month in icu and six months in rehab l walked out on a stick back in Sept. 2020 after being told l'd never walk again, but my hands were (are still) crippled with pain, weakness and numbness. I just had to try and play again so l picked up an acoustic, put some lighter strings on to give my weak fingers a chance and gave it a go as l felt that things had got a little better. I set myself a target of being able to play Jimmy Pages Rain Song, and if l managed it l'd get myself a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top, it took four months but l'm looking at that beautiful guitar now! It lines up so well with my other Gibsons and fenders. Playing is very painful, and things that were so easy for me are very hard, it's so frustrating. Just a plain old bar chord now presents me with a lot of difficulty and pain. Aghhhh! I've being watching you a lot, l had to retire on medical grounds so have a lot of time on my hands and your channel has been so helpful and inspirational for me. Yesterday l got Wild Horses under my fingers and today l'm learning Old Man one of my favorite Neil Young songs. God he was a great guitar player. It's a tough part to play cleanly but it's so beautiful. I'm writing this while giving my hands a rest, and then l'm going back in to "Old Man".
Thanks again Angela for helping me on my long road back.
I hope you're still checking comments on this as it's 2 years old.
Thanks again. X

[stillfierce]

You are the best teacher on youtube, I can play proper intro to Angie totally out of my league, until your youtube video.Bravo.Old man is hard Neil Young is another Hurdle.I'm 64 been playing 6 yrs.I know this is old just wanted to say thanks from Aust.

[williamprice]

I love the way you break down every section and give us the chance to grasp it. You are a very good teacher.

[davidbriandawkins]

Finally found an instructor who I can follow! Thank you for taking the time to slowly show us the notes and techniques!
I was born in England but moved to USA when I was eighteen.

[SusanBloodgood-os]

Best teacher on U Tube, step by step, no shortcuts, thank you soo much 🎼🎼🎼

[bornpush]

Very masterfully done! Patient teacher! Love it ❤

[chazlevine]

Angela- After getting back into guitar again, I took a second view of your lesson(s)… and was SO INSPIRED! Your patience, focus, explanation, methodology, personality and style has been pivotal in improving my playing from how you approach teaching. Your kindness, humility and connection to your community is heartfelt, genuine and of course “live, ” which brings it on home to everyone, I think. Wishing you more growth, new chapters and continued inspiration on your journey—As it so obvious from the comments of the people who are learning and improving from your work. I am sure that Fishman appreciates having you as a partner. Thank you for what you are doing. Music changes lives…

[arc]

Great job Angela! Always a pleasure to follow your lessons!

[Skinned_Knees]

I am in my 50’s and it’s fantastic that you play all these songs I grew up listening to! Awesome job!

[petermciver]

G'day from Australia. I have always loved this song - brings back memories from a foregone era. My friends and I used to play it, but now you have shown how to play it properly. Cheers.

[randymcintosh]

You're awesome...love playing along yo your "lessons". Song choices are right on!