Leaving on a Jet Plane

Leavin’ On A Jet Plane, written by the late John Denver, has become a standard in the music industry; everybody plays it, and enjoys it. Learning to play Leavin’ On A jet Plane is easy to do because it has a simple chord structure in the key of G. We will learn Leavin’ On A Jet plane in the way John Denver wrote it, but we will add a few neat additions to make it sound even better. The right hand picking pattern, which includes unique strumming, makes the chords sound full and exciting. Leavin’ On A Jet Plane is fun and easy to learn.

2 Responses to "Leaving on a Jet Plane"

Anthony says:

April 8, 2014 at 12:32 am

I love to learn your style of playing the bar chords. Tried several ways to get the proper finger placement on the fretboard. Can you please send me the exact finger placement chart indicating the exact frets, strings and fingers to use, specially for common chords you skillfully make use of. Appreciate very much. Thanks – Anthony
Doc Marshall says:

April 8, 2014 at 9:57 am

Thanks for your comments Anthony. Here are two of my lessons on Barre chords that might help you. I will be making further lessons on how to finger Barre chords in the next couple weeks. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help clarify playing Barre chords.
1) Assuming the root of the chord is played on the lowest string ( “G” in the bass on a “G” chord, for example) you can use the low string (low “E” string) to find where to play the chord.
2) To play major chords with the root on the low “E” string, use the pinky, ring finger, and middle finger to form an “E” chord in the first position. This is the fret position all the way down the neck. Middle finger on the “G” string, first fret. Ring finger on the “A” string, second fret, and pinky on the “D” string, second fret. Strum all six strings; this is an “E” chord. You can think of this chord as a “barre” chord if you use the nut as the “barre”. To make other barre chords, simply slide your hand up the neck, leaving your fingers in the same positions, but, now you must use your index finger to take the place of the nut. The index finger covers all six strings and this finger is located on the name of the fret you want. For example, moving the index finger up to the third position will result in a “G” chord.
3) For minor chords, with the root in the bass, we can use the “Am” in the first position. Middle finger on the “B” string, first fret, ring finger on the “D” string, second fret, and pinky on the “G” string, second fret. Think of the nut as the “barre”. To play other minor chords, simply slide your hand up the neck to the desired position, using your index finger to form the “Barre”. So, to play a “Cm’ chord, for example, slide your hand up to the third position (index finger – the barre – on the third fret). Strum all six strings – or, more properly – play only the inside four strings.
Practice these two finger positions, the “E”, and the “Am” on every fret as you move up the neck. The major chords will be named on the low “E” string in each fret; the minor chords will be named on the “A” string. These two positions will get you started in the two most basic chord patterns. We must start at the beginning, slowly, simply, with lots of practice until your fingers automatically assume these positions when your brain dictates what chord to play. Stay in touch so I can guide you further.
Best regards,
Doc
Intro to Barre Chords: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXxgRYr0tCY
More Barre Chords: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jntB4KfhTk

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