Learn to Play "My Old School" by Steely Dan

Steely Dan’s My Old School is a classic track from their 1973 album Countdown to Ecstasy, featuring rich chord progressions, intricate guitar work, and signature Steely Dan sophistication. This LickLibrary lesson breaks down the song note-for-note, focusing on key guitar techniques that define its sound. Whether you’re looking to expand your harmonic vocabulary, improve your phrasing, or enhance your rhythmic precision, this lesson will equip you with essential skills to elevate your playing. Tom Quayle breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

My Old School features the incredible guitar work of Jeff Baxter and Denny Dias, two of the most influential guitarists in Steely Dan’s early years. Baxter’s expressive phrasing, blues-infused licks, and masterful use of double-stop bends brought a dynamic energy to the band’s sound. Denny Dias, known for his jazz-inflected lines and smooth execution, contributed sophisticated lead guitar passages that added depth and complexity to the song’s arrangement. Their combined styles created a unique fusion of rock, jazz, and blues, making My Old School an essential study for guitarists looking to refine their melodic and harmonic approach.

Key Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

Chord Progressions

The song’s backbone lies in its sophisticated chord progressions, which blend jazz harmony with a rock sensibility. Learning these progressions will help you develop a deeper understanding of chord substitutions, voice leading, and how to create movement within a song structure.

Double Stops

Jeff Baxter’s use of double stops is essential to the song’s lead lines, adding a fuller, more dynamic sound to the guitar parts. Mastering double stops improves finger independence and strengthens your ability to harmonise lead melodies.

Slides

Smooth slides between notes add a vocal-like quality to the guitar lines in My Old School. Practicing slides will help you achieve fluid transitions between notes and enhance the expressiveness of your solos.

Legato (Hammer-ons & Pull-offs)

The song contains fluid legato phrasing, utilising hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth melodic runs. These techniques help in developing speed, articulation, and a more natural-sounding flow in your playing.

String Bending & Bluesy Bends

Baxter’s expressive lead playing incorporates controlled string bending and subtle bluesy bends, giving the solos a soulful, vocal-like quality. Developing these techniques will improve your intonation and allow you to add more emotion to your solos.

Syncopated Rhythms

Steely Dan’s music often features sophisticated rhythmic elements, and My Old School is no exception. The song makes use of syncopated rhythms to create groove and drive. Learning these rhythms will enhance your timing and ability to lock in with a band.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Throughout the song, we hear beautifully executed arpeggiated chord progressions that add texture to the guitar arrangement. Practicing this technique will improve your finger dexterity and help you create more dynamic chordal parts in your own playing.

Alternate Picking

Some of the lead runs and rhythm parts in the song require precise alternate picking. Developing this technique is crucial for maintaining speed and accuracy in both rhythm and lead guitar playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Chord Progressions
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Legato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Alternate Picking

This My Old School lesson from LickLibrary will not only teach you how to play the song but also help you master techniques that can be applied across a wide range of styles. Whether you’re a Steely Dan fan or looking to expand your guitar skills, this lesson provides an excellent foundation in phrasing, rhythm, and melodic expression.