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Still Ill by The Smiths (Patreon)

Published:
2021-08-27 19:39:02
Imported:
2026-06
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Hello all. I'm now back in London after my summer break. It's feeling a bit like the start of a new school term as I get back to work. This week I'm bringing you another Smiths classic. As I say in the video, I wasn't really intending to look at more Smiths quite so soon after the fairly recent Girl Afraid video, but this lesson just kind of happened...Here's the link:

https://youtu.be/CtiI449BHMY

No backing for this one I'm afraid (partly because the amazing bass line is very complex and learning it would have been a huge project on its own!)

It's all tabbed out below. Hope you enjoy learning it.

Speak next week,

Adrian

Comments

Zachary Green

Beautifully played! Thanks for this. Please consider putting together a backing track for this fan favourite.

Henry Gascon

Very well done Adrian, as usual!

Piotr J

not gonna lie, this is the song I was waiting for you to make lesson for the most! thanks Adrian!

Gary Ainsworth

I’m excited about this one, thanks.

Scott Rees

same thought as Piotr, love it

Scott Rees

Yes JFM his little known middle name Fred.

Mik Shawyer

Thanks for this one Adrian I remember seeing this on the telly on the Tube, way back when, was never much of fan of the Smiths at the time but this one changed that… Is there a reason why you’re using a capo, is it just to avoid tuning up your guitar, I haven’t tried this yet but looking at the video I was talking about I see no capo and to my ear it sounds correct. Excuse the dumb question, I’m still a relative newb to this guitar lark even though I used to play all those years ago 👍 https://youtu.be/n4eYmtPFyvM

Bubblez

My understanding is that the capo on the 2nd fret was utilised not only to suit Morrissey's vocals, but also because it allowed Marr to develop those unique chord voicings (which might otherwise be overlooked) and thereby produce a different tonality generally. Capo placement is quite common throughout Smiths songs, and certainly is one aspect of understanding how Marr achieved a sound and feel entirely distinct from his contemporaries. I assume that in a live setting, removing the capo helped Morrissey consistently deliver his vocals (and Moz was, indeed, always very consistent live).

anyonecanplayguitar

Thanks Zachary! Yes, I might still do that. I just ran out of time this week and it would be a very complex backing to put together. The bass line is incredible.

anyonecanplayguitar

Thanks Mik! Yes, I've discussed the whole tuning up versus using a capo thing in one of my other Smiths vids and I didn't go into it again in this one. It seems on a lot of Smiths stuff JM would tune all the strings up a whole step - lots of debate about exactly why he did this, but it's a big part of the sound. Using a capo gets you basically the same sound without the hassle of retuning. Depending on string gauge it can put quite a bit of strain on the neck, so I went for the easiest option. I think on my old This Charming Man video I did actually tune my guitar up.

anyonecanplayguitar

Thanks Bubblez! Interesting comment. Yes, I agree it's such an important part of the JM sound. I've read lots of stuff about why he used a capo/ tuned the guitar up, and it's hard to get any definite answers. But ultimately I think he just did it because it sounds good!

Mik Shawyer

See, everydays a school day, thanks for the reply 👍

Jorge Ouvina

Thanks Adrian!. This was one of my requests.

Christophe

Hi Adrian ! Thanks for this amazing lesson. I'll never be tired of JFM songs, so how about That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore ? Great chords and acoustic part !

BILL ROBINS

marr's playing reminds me a lot of peter buck!

anyonecanplayguitar

Thanks Christophe! Yes, That Joke Isn't Funny is a fantastic song. I'm sure I will get around to it at some point!

anyonecanplayguitar

Yes, I can hear that too. I wonder wether it's just coincidence or whether there was any mutual influence going on. I'm sure REM were Smiths fans, and quite probably Marr was aware of Peter Buck.

David Lopez

Has anyone had the chance to play the fender JM Jaguar…?

Scott Rees

Have had one for few years, outstanding tone!! (however cheaply made - my opinion). Used with a GT1000 as well and able to dial in many great sounds. Neck smaller than the regular C neck on most teles or strats which bugs me. All tolled it's still a versatile unique guitar.

jesús Garrido

Just when I had finished learning to play This Charming Man and starting with Girl Afraid (JM´s highest peak in terms of guitarring according to Adrian), another Smiths song to learn !! So little time to learn so much. Anyway, your lessons are indredibly well explained (compared to so many videos out there with people showing off how good they are at doing Smiths songs). Learning any Smiths songs make you feel you are better guitarrist after the effort, JM´s style being so unique and different. Thanks a lot again for the effort you put in the Smiths videos, highly appreciated from my side !

anyonecanplayguitar

I played one a couple years back, really liked it. Versatile, easy to play. If I ever a Jag this would certainly be one I'd seriously consider.

Henry Gascon

David, yes, it's my primary guitar and it plays wonderfully. I really like the balance of the guitar, its range among the bare-knuckle pickups and it rarely goes out of tune, even after playing it several days. I especially like the design of the "slide switches" and the tremolo arm which is very stable. Johnny and his team put a lot of work into it and it shows.