First Steps in Learning "Fire and Rain"

Lesson #428 • Apr 13, 2022

Add to My Favorites

Adding to my favorites…

Added (View All Favorites | Remove)

Added (removing…)

Video lesson

Instructional PDF 2 pages

Editor’s Notes

Hey there, friends! I’m two days into learning FIRE AND RAIN by James Taylor, and wanted to share this video with some helpful tips – in case you too are just getting started with the song. Instead of diving immediately into the intricacies of James Taylor’s exact arrangement, I want to start off giving you an overview of the chord shapes & finger positions used in the intro and verse sections. I’ll explain things big-picture, shining light on the broad strokes that are initially helpful to get a handle on. I’ll also walk through a few sample exercises you can play (which I’ve also been practicing!) that help you develop fluency with these chord shapes. From there, you’ll be ready to rock when you’re ready to continue with a full lesson.

Be sure to check out my 2-page PDF to accompany this lesson, which acts as a practice guide for you to follow along with when learning these chord shapes. The PDF also includes the sample exercises I show in my video, written out in tab form, which help you develop fluency with these chord shapes and transitions. Let’s do it!

One quick note about capo usage

James Taylor plays this with capo 3, but I’m using no capo in this video. Why? Because when you’re first learning these chord shapes, I find it helpful to do so without a capo – as it’s one less variable when initially getting comfortable with jumps to the 5th and 6th frets for the A-major. Once you’ve got these chord shapes under your belt, by all means, throw that capo on and run with it!
If you want, you could surely add a capo to the 3rd fret from the outset - and follow along with what I teach in this video. This is up to you - but I don’t see it as an absolute requirement when first starting out.

My full video lesson for Fire and Rain

View my lesson notes & get the song sheet »

James Taylor’s Album Version

Remember, he’s using capo 3rd fret with the chord shapes I show in my video lesson above.

James Taylor explaining the song

Technically he calls this a “lesson” – but he doesn’t explain the details, step by step. But still - this is still a cool video to watch!

Other teachers explaining this song

While you’re waiting for my lesson, here’s some of my other YouTube favorites explaining how to play things.

Justin Sandercoe

Shut Up & Play

Guitar at Work

Browse Related Lessons

Click any tag below to view other lessons I've made in that category:

Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!

Most of the lessons on my website are 100% free. If you have the means, please show your support with a tip jar contribution. I put many hours into every lesson — but it only takes you a minute to make a donation. You have my thanks!

Donate

Looking for More Song Lessons?

Recently Added

Featured Courses

Travis Picking Essentials

An overview of all techniques needed to get started with Travis-style fingerpicking! Alternating Bass notes, filler notes, melody, the "pinch", and more.

13 lessons

View

Practical Music Theory

A general overview of must-know theory concepts. The goal here is practical, easy-to-understand explanations — all of which provide clarity to your everyday guitar playing.

14 lessons

View

Guitar for Beginners

A guide to getting started with guitar! Everything you need to know to begin your journey. Choosing a guitar, other gear you'll need, fretting notes & chords, learning your first songs, and more.

14 lessons

View

Beginner Chord Guide

A guide to the must-know chords you'll need when getting started with guitar! The quickest way to learn major chords, minor chords, the chords in each key, and more.

22 lessons

View

Blues Starter Kit

A guide to must-know elements of beginner blues guitar! I'll walk you through the essential topics, showing you fun things to play along the way.

18 lessons

View

Reading Music for Guitarists

Learn to read tabs, chord charts, fretboard diagrams, strumming patterns, and more! This course explains how to understand all of these must-know notation styles.

6 lessons

Walk Ups & Walk Downs

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!

Recent Lessons

November 6, 2026

Q&A: 8 Fun Songs for Two Guitars

Got a guitar buddy but need a few songs to jam on? Here are 8 of my favorites, with ideas for how one of you can strum while the other plays riffs or fills.
October 30, 2026

Chords Up the Neck — First Steps

In reply to several different member questions asking about this topic, learn how to play any chord shape up the neck. I show you the three must-know shapes for getting started with this technique.
October 23, 2026

[NEW] Metronome & Tempo Timer Tool!

I'm excited to unveil a brand new tool to help you with your rhythm! Metronome, tap tempo, drum machine, and beat visualizer all rolled into one easy-to-use tool.
October 12, 2026

"Love Me Two Times" by The Doors

Learn to play this bluesy classic from 1967! This tune features ~4 guitar riffs, each of which is tricky to learn... but I'll walk you through it all, step by step, as per usual.
September 30, 2026

Shuffle vs. Straight Rhythm... Hear the Difference!

Learn to identify the rhytmic feel of a song, just by listening! In this lesson I break down the straight vs. shuffle rhythm, using 5 different riffs... each of which is played both ways.
September 25, 2026

Red River Valley - Travis Picking Deep-Dive!

Behond! 10 new videos from my Travis Picking Essentials course, focusing on the classic tune Red River Valley. Includes print-friendly tabs for everything taught in each of the videos.
September 16, 2026

"Sweet Jane" by Velvet Underground

Let's dive into the 1970 classic by the Velvet Underground! This one mostly uses a two-measure progression from start to finish, but there's a ton of strumming & rhythm nuance you'll need to capture the sound. I teach it all, including several different ways to play the chords needed.
September 14, 2026

Practical Music Theory: 1-4-5 Chords & Why They're Important

An explanation of the three most commonly used chords in each musical key, and why they're important. Say hello to the one, four, and five chords!
September 9, 2026

Q&A: Understanding Secondary Dominants (ft. Sierra Ferrell)

I answer a member question about chords that seem to fall outside the key, using secondary dominants to explain what’s happening. Featuring the catchy opening riff to Sierra Ferrell's Bells of Every Chapel.

Browse All Recent Lessons →

← back to homepage

First Steps in Learning "Fire and Rain"

Video lesson

Instructional PDF 2 pages

Editor’s Notes

My full video lesson for Fire and Rain

James Taylor’s Album Version

James Taylor explaining the song