You Can Close Your Eyes - James Taylor

James Taylor's "You Can Close Your Eyes" is a beautifully crafted acoustic ballad that showcases his signature fingerpicking technique, delicate phrasing, and evocative chord voicings. This LickLibrary guitar lesson provides an in-depth breakdown of the song, guiding players through each essential aspect of Taylor’s playing style. Whether you’re an aspiring singer-songwriter or an acoustic guitarist looking to refine your technique, learning this song will greatly enhance your musicality. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist - James Taylor’s Influence

James Taylor is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time, renowned for his soothing voice, intricate guitar work, and deeply emotive songwriting. His unique blend of folk, pop, and blues has influenced countless musicians, including John Mayer, Paul Simon, and Bonnie Raitt. Taylor’s fingerpicking technique, often played with his thumb and fingers instead of a pick, has become a staple in folk and acoustic music. His ability to create complex yet accessible chord progressions sets him apart, making his music a joy to learn and perform.

Key Guitar Techniques in "You Can Close Your Eyes"

Fingerpicking

Taylor’s distinctive fingerpicking technique is central to this song. He uses a combination of thumb and fingers to create fluid, arpeggiated patterns that give his playing a warm, flowing feel. Learning this technique helps improve dexterity, timing, and independence between the thumb and fingers, making it an essential skill for acoustic guitarists.

Chord Progressions

The song features elegant chord progressions that move smoothly between open and barre chord shapes. Taylor often incorporates subtle embellishments within his chords, adding richness and harmonic depth. Mastering these progressions enhances a player’s ability to navigate chord transitions smoothly while improving overall fretboard knowledge.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Throughout the song, Taylor uses hammer-ons and pull-offs to add fluidity and expression to his phrases. These techniques involve hammering onto or pulling off from a fretted note without re-picking, creating a legato sound that enhances the song’s melodic flow.

Slides

Sliding between notes is another technique that appears in Taylor’s playing, adding expressiveness and a vocal-like quality to the melody. Slides help in developing finger strength and coordination, making transitions between notes smoother and more natural.

Travis Picking

A fundamental element of Taylor’s style is Travis picking, a fingerpicking pattern where the thumb alternates between bass notes while the fingers play the melody and harmony. This technique provides rhythmic drive and a fuller sound without needing additional instrumentation. Practicing Travis picking improves finger independence and is a crucial skill for folk and acoustic guitarists.

Use of Capo

James Taylor frequently uses a capo to adjust the key of his songs while maintaining open chord voicings. In "You Can Close Your Eyes," a capo is employed to create a brighter tonal quality and make certain chord shapes more accessible. Learning to use a capo expands a guitarist’s range and enables them to experiment with different voicings and keys easily.

Benefits of Learning This Song

1. Develops Finger-style Technique – The intricate fingerpicking patterns enhance precision, control, and independence between the fingers.
2. Improves Chord Transitions – The seamless movement between open and barre chords strengthens fretboard knowledge.
3. Enhances Expressiveness – Techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and Travis picking add depth and emotion to playing.
4. Expands Repertoire – Mastering Taylor’s style opens the door to learning other folk and acoustic classics.
5. Encourages Musical Creativity – Understanding his approach to songwriting and arrangement can inspire original compositions.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Fingerpicking
• Chord Progressions
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Travis Picking
• Capo

By mastering "You Can Close Your Eyes," guitarists will gain a deeper appreciation of James Taylor’s artistry and develop essential skills that translate into various playing styles. Dive into this lesson and bring Taylor’s timeless melodies to life on your guitar!