first - try to find a stable enough job, you can stomach to then get yourself some $$ for when you're not working it ain't your 9-5 that can define you, but your 5-12midnight 🤘
My brother once bought a bass, but he decided to drop the idea of learning to play after a couple of months. I found it some years later in a gig bag, and I thought ''hell, why not play around a bit to kill my boredom?''. After two days of trying to play easy songs, and barely even knowing how to handle it, I felt it. I felt hooked. I remember the exact moment it happened, and I thought to myself ''I'm not stopping now, I'll start playing little by little''. I started recording myself playing from the first days, and I have plenty of videos, showing the whole process of me getting comfortable with the instrument and learning to play trickier stuff. Two years after touching a bass for the first time, I bought my pride and joy, a Mexican P-Bass. There are barely any days that I don't play music, and even though I don't know music theory (except for very basic things), I just enjoy playing so much. I can't even think of a day that I'll want to stop playing. Last week, I played my first ever live gig, and it was a blast! This is my story. Thanks for your videos Chris, they inspire us to keep moving forward. Keep playing people!
Sounds like you got bit hard by the music bug! That’s amazing :). I appreciate you sharing your story here, it’s a great illustration of the love of music.
I think one of the most important things to do is record your journey and even maybe post it. A book which shows how far you've come. Even tough my musical journey started only a year ago I always come back to the videos when I first started playing drums or guitar and maybe laugh but also recognize the achievements and how proud I felt. I love the short videos of bands playing some sick music but also sometimes miss seeing the struggle everyone has. Mistakes make us human after all... Just stand up again and play 🕺
Yes! I definitely considered that as one of the tips. Recording yourself can be so useful when it comes to keeping track of your progress :). Thanks for making sure to include it here
Thank you, I needed to hear this. I tend to be very self critical in general, but especially when it comes to music because it is something so personal and vulnerable. I often compare myself to others a lot in an unhealthy way and I forget to celebrate MY little successes in this amazing journey
I know it can feel like a unique experience when your inner critic is in your head, but the good news is you’re definitely not alone. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t deal with self criticism, especially creatively. And hopefully knowing that we’re all in the same boat can help take the sting out of it a little bit :). Keep growing, keep celebrating your small successes :)
Needed to hear all this. Even though I may have heard similar ideas in the past, the inner-critic is quick to bury them time and time again. Appreciate the time and effort to share your journey and thoughts about the experience. Thank you! May all our insecurities wince at its own shadow, perseverance.
Embrace the suck! l love it. Once in a while I play a song at a gig that I still haven't learned completely, just for the fun of seeing how I pull through or not and get away with it. Making mistakes eventually becomes natural and you're less concerned. Love your life lessons.
Your two sucking videos are an excellent start. I'm also quite practiced at playing music and making musical things yet totally suck at talking to camera and making videos. Your videos have gotten me closer to the jump door.
True story: in the early 90's I was stood on stage with Steve Morse, Larry Carlton, Albert Lee and Sterling Ball (Ernie Ball) holding my brand new Music Man Silhouette. I had my chance to play alongside them and I absolutely panicked and couldnt play a note. I was in a band , playing local gigs and writing my own songs. I could never play along and just jam like that, it was always crafting songs by ear and slowly in my own time. I didnt have the musical education to speak their language That experience gave all the power to my inner critic voice, never ever going to play like them, give it up. Dont let the critic win, stack days of practice , dont let perfection be the enemy of good I am in my 50s , I pick up an acoustic guitar and friends are always "holy shit man, thats amazing" I shrug and contemplate what could have been
I bet you there are so many musicians that can relate to what you shared. We’ve all had those battles with our inner critic in some form or another. sometimes it wins, and sometimes it doesn’t. Thank you for sharing :)
@@ChrisHayzelmusic it is what it is and for sure there are plenty who have stood at the crossroads. The way I look at it now is the opportunity arrived and I hadnt done the work to earn it. Its for the youngsters, keep at it because you never know when that moment might be waiting for you
Shoutout to you for seeing your comments as individual peoples instead of a line of text! Your replies and responses to many of them are lovely. The internet is trippy, it's difficult to gauge whether a like on the video is someone who simply enjoyed the content or someone who was profoundly/positively impacted by the things you said. In either case, it's a great thing! Thanks for taking the time to write and edit these vids & hope u doing well
Thanks for noticing! I think if people were commenting “cool vid” or “nice!” It’d be a bit different. But so many people have been really taking the time to be thoughtful and share their experiences, and that kind of consideration deserves consideration in kind. I appreciate you taking the time to write this, it’s nice to know that it’s making an impact, no matter the size.
Second video in and I gotta say i really really like what you are doing here. You've got such a calming vibe I feel less anxious just hearing you explain things. Editing its top notch too, you really pay attention to the details, even if it lasts a fraction of a second it adds value. And I'm laughing! Really liked the final tip too. Never heard someone say to ignore them if their tips get in the way but it is true and very validating that you pointed that out. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with your channel.
Thank you so much :). It’s always nice when people notice those little things. And as for the last tip, I honestly don’t know anything. I’m as much a student as anyone, so it would be pretty ridiculous of me to think I could tell anyone what to do :P. I just know I’ve found things that work for me, and they might work for others too :). I’m really glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for following along and sharing your wonderful thoughts
I love the comparing lesson. All my life I’ve loved, lived and breathed music - but I’ve never been musical. My love has been for the music others create. I’m now 36yrs old and I was inspired to *finally* buy a guitar because of Tim Henson from Polyphia and a bass because of Paul Turner from Jamiroquai (my two fav musicians). It’s a double-edged sword though because while they each inspire me they make me want to give up as i know I’ll never be as good as them. So for me the challenge to progress is remembering that I don’t have to be like them, but just be happy with my own special noises 😊
Two amazing musicians to draw inspiration from. Congratulations on taking the leap. And yes! That’s 100% the right mentality to have. Just be you with it :)
idk if you went and got a PhD in communications or something but man you have such a way with words and editing together to where the way you get the message across feels unlike most people in the best way possible. you have a gift, not only for storytelling but for making people feel at ease with their music or life journeys. thanks dude
Haha thank you. I don’t know if the college of life is giving out doctorates, but I should call and find out! Jokes aside, though, thank you for this very kind comment. Honestly, I just like telling stories that people can relate to and get value from. It’s helpful when the subject is something I’ve spent so long having a relationship with. I genuinely want people to feel inspired and feel empowered to get around whatever is blocking them from engaging with the things they love :)
Hey, I think you`re doing something special here; some of these concepts you touched I've heard before but it comes through a wisdom that's evident has been weel manured with frustration and persistency. I love your choice of words and your naturallity; I know I don't speak very clearly because this is not my native language, although by now it could as well be for most I learn I do it in english; getting sidetracked. Your way of looking at progress in general is inspiring and I'm grateful I found your channel. Just wanted to give you something more than "amaizing" because I think you`re sensible enough to appreciate it. I guess that the advice of taking it slow is a great one and I`d also encourage anyone to keep playing the five songs you already know as long as you keep knowing them actively; finding new things in them and that. Thank you for these and congratulations on your editing and scripting skills you can tell you've got practice at getting good at things.
Wow, thank you for such a thoughtful and kind comment. It’s always nice to hear when someone can appreciate your work so deeply and clearly. I’m glad it struck a chord with you in the way that it did. Do you play music as well? :)
Tip 5 is so true. Just before you said it, I was thinking "I like how we often post videos, giving advice to people that we hardly follow ourselves". I always say "be yourself" in a lot of my videos as some advice but I don't even know who TF I am and I'm not really getting out of my comfort zone to grow and discover myself. Great video!
Thanks brother! Yeah, it can definitely be easy to give advice and not take it ourselves. I think we’re probably all guilty of that at one point or another.
These videos are super cool and motivating! Gonna get a little more personal than I probably should on RUclips, but here it goes. I started learning guitar about 7 years ago, it became what I lived for, I absolutely loved it. In only four years from when I picked the instrument up, I was writing and releasing a song every week, and feeling constant improvement... Then the pandemic hit. My depression took a nosedive and for two years I could barely get out of bed, let alone touch my guitar. Well, long story short, over the past few months I've been digging myself out of that hole, rebuilding my life, and rediscovering my passions. so I figured it's time to whipe the dust off of my guitar case and get back into it. Queue the despair. It feels like I'm starting over again, I can barely play basic open chords cleanly! Oh well. I've come to accept that I suck right now, probably always will, but that's ok. All that matters is that I'm improving, and having a good time. Glad to have found this series, and I hope you keep putting out videos like this. Great stuff. Thanks!
A song a week is pretty damn impressive! I can definitely relate to what you shared. I’ve found myself in depressive holes numerous times, and it can be difficult to get out of them. And the pandemic… well… we all know what that was like. But I’m glad you’ve decided to pick it back up again. I bet it’ll come back to you faster than you realize. Your body never really forgets the feeling, it just gets a little rusty is all.
Hey, Chris! I'm the lead singer of a cover band and a solo artist, and I've been trying to go from my perception of an "average" singer to one who is advanced, iconic, and easily recognizable. HOWEVER, I hit ruts all the time. My recent attempts at improving are based in learning new songs, trying them out, and recording them to get that instant feedback, but I think it's always important to have perspective. Becoming exceptional at something can take a long time, and developing any skill can feel like you're staring at that giant mountain you referenced. I really appreciate all the tips and wisdom, my guy. Thank you so much!
Instant feedback and dynamic practice are a great way to improve, I think. Like a lot of the time, if you just keep rerecording yourself singing the same song and it improves by miniscule amounts, you don't learn anything after a point. Whereas if you learn new songs constantly, record them a few times, listen back to see where you can improve and then move on to a new song with that in mind, you learn a lot. Because repetition on a single thing until you master it doesn't actually make you better overall, just at that one thing. The learning and improvement process is a different process to rehearsing or practicing for a performance. Moving through a large range of songs that draw on different techniques and skills and improving incrementally at many skills as a result make you a better and more flexible musician.
I’m glad you found the video helpful :). Vocals can be tough. It’s generally one of if not the most recognizable aspects of a band, and it can be really easy for influences to become emulations. This might sound counter intuitive, but I think the best way to be iconic and easily recognizable as a vocalist is to not try to be iconic and easily recognizable. The most iconic and recognizable vocalists, at least in the genres I love, were such because they were incredibly uniquely them. Thom Yorke, Anthony Kiedis, Daryl Palumbo, Robert Plant, Fiona Apple, and so on, were always just being themselves. Chris Cornell’s voice was the way that it was because of a combination of anatomy and circumstances, but at the end of the day he was simply expressing with what he had. I guess what I’m saying is… try not to think about developing a tone that you think you should have. Try to discover your own tone, get to know it well, and learn how to utilize it to convey your message. I hope that makes sense. I’d love to check out some of your music :).
I might add, never pass up opportunities to jam with other people. I’ve played in a few bands and side gigs and I by know means am a pro at guitar or bass but, I grow and learn so much just by hanging out and playing with other musicians.
I found your video 2 days ago "the art of sucking at music" and the title caught my attention because I am 42 years old and picked up the guitar again after a 26 year break and well I feel like I've been doing just that sucking at music although I'm having fun at it sometimes I lack motivation. I've watched the 2 videos that followed and I love this, such a brilliant idea for a video series, this is exactly what I've needed, I can relate to everything! I am looking forward to the future video's, thanks for making them.
I’m super glad you’ve found them inspiring :). If you’re having fun then you’re doing something right. Just stick with that feeling, enjoy the challenge, and sink into the learning process. A year from now you’ll look back and see how much progress you’ve made!
These videos are great! I love the editing, the tips and the honesty. It has just the right amount of humor to make to funny and relatable while still being serious and light to digest.
"Lean into the joy" was the big takeaway for me. I struggle with hearing loss and pain in my hands. My negative inner voice feeds off that stuff. But as long as music gives me joy!
So glad I found your channel. I actually think tip number five is the best. And the days of ubiquitous information, it’s easy to get attracted to the “how to’s” because we think that it’s just what we need. As if just what we needed was just another thing to just get in our way and just make us stop doing what we just want to do
I hear you, I definitely get sucked into the “how tos” and the “do these 10 things” type of videos. And they can be helpful at times if you’re looking for a little inspiration. But the biggest thing I’ve always felt was missing from those things was encouragement to listen to your gut. At the end of the day we’re all just exploring these things, and listening to your gut will get you somewhere unique to you :)
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Absolutely. I don’t have that gut response that most people do, but listening to your intuition is the same to me. Connecting with ourselves. Listening to the body, not to the mind. The information age wants us to digest information. That’s only helpful to a point, and mostly creates more fear. It disconnects us from ourselves. And the only way we can connect with other people is connecting with ourselves. When people see the authenticity in us, we can see them fully. Then the world changes, Isn’t it amazing!
Thank you for this video. Very helpful! I absolutely LOVE your humor and approach to these videos. I also find your voice very soothing. I could listen to you speak all day ❤
Hey Chris, this is an excellent video that has really struck a chord with me. I have spent a pretty big chunk of my life being plagued by a lot of self doubt in my own talents and abilities. It's only over the last few years I started to care less about what others think and tried to stop comparing myself to musicians who have made it big in the music world. Now I am working on music that sounds like what I hear in my head instead of trying to emulate others. This adopted mindset takes way less of a toll on my mental health and my confidence has been boosted ❤
That’s a huge step, and one that most artists have to take at some point. You learn based on your influences and then at a certain point you start to mix them into your own unique cocktail. Congrats on making the leap, I look forward to hearing what you make :)
You draw me into seeing my own sucking as a virtue that some day others will see and admire my courage to make such miserable music in public.... thanks.
Again a great video! While actually knowing all of your tips for a while now, it‘s helpful to hear them concisely once in a while to keep myself on track ;) And they‘re so valuable for young musicians! If I had heard them when I started playing music decades ago - where might I be today…? Still - most important are your final statements - never lose the joy, that‘s finally what we‘re all after :)
The most crucial thing about learning IS… to make sure you feel ACCOMPLISHED (dopamine) at the end of practicing. After 3-4 hours of practicing every night, I’m not left feeling like I didn’t learn anything; I feel like I made a step forward and the road still has no traffic. Just like driving, learning can be filled with so many little factors that discourage people from continuing. Love you guys❤
Great ideas and well presented, Chris. The use of S.M.A.R.T. goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound, in particular can be immensely powerful. e.g. "By the end of this week I'll be better able to play the C major scale in (2) positions using 8th notes in time at 80BPM". Subsequent goals can build on and expand this, and of course should apply to specific musical contexts which allow you to enjoy playing. Exercises like this are useful but are much more so when you're clear why you're doing them.
Wow! This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I am an old retired guy who is really having fun with my music, but feel like I can never be very good. You helped me realize that it is not about that. It is about "sucking" less today than I did yesterday. Thanks.
Really enjoying this series. I'm an 18 year old musician, I've been playing since I was 10 but I never felt like I've lived up to my potential, but this new perspective this series has offered me has been amazing. If you're ever up to share I'd like to hear how you manage your time, especially since you seem to play quite a few instruments. I'm personally going to be going to College soon and I'm worried about not having the time to really improve on my various musical crafts. Keep up the good work btw, have a great day❤️
I’m super glad you’ve found this series helpful and inspiring :). As far as time management goes, I think I’ve mostly just followed my gut on it. I know that’s probably not super helpful, but there are times where I’ve been more active musically and times where I’ve been less. Obviously when it was my sole career I was much more active, but as I grew and changed my relationship with it did too. These days it’s become less of a career and more of a personal relationship. I still write and record, and release things every so often, but I’m a little less relentless about it. I guess you kind of just flow with what you’re feeling, choose your engagement with it. Whatever feels best for you.
P.s. I’m happy to answer any more questions you might have about it. And if you’re interested, you can join my discord server. I’m in there at least once a day and a few of my closest friends who are also incredibly skilled and experienced musicians are in there as well to answer questions just like this one.
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Thanks for the tips. About your Discord, I am interested in joining but the link in your description is invalid. I checked the one in your channel description and it was the same thing.
Howdy new best friend... I feel like we're already at this level in our journey together and only after 3 videos so there's that out of the way! Now on to the business end of things. Thanks for what you're doing Chris. Honestly, I look forward to these super inspirational yet very authentic and real words of advise you've decided to share from your awesome brain. I've been in a pit of self hatred and had more than given up hope after 20+ years in multiple bands/solo projects with journal upon journal filled with songs that i had more so deemed dead. You have inspired me again and i appreciate it more than you know!
Glad to have you along for the ride! And I’m super glad that these videos have inspired you. I’ve definitely been where you’re at multiple times. I know how tough it can be. But I’m glad you’ve found your way back to it. Just stick with it, friend! Do it because you love it and the rest will follow :)
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Thanks for the reply homie. I just realized you are a metal fan as well so even more reason to like you lol. Where do ya'll call home? I'm outta KC MO but have called Austin home for 10 years
Hey Brother-Man… This vid was very inspiring for me. It’s been one of those Martial Arts of the Spirit kinda days where the inner-critic has been winning… Feeling particularly inspired by many things you’ve said here (paraphrasing): “amplify the small successes over time and don’t miss them”. “Challenging but achievable” (Goldie Locks Zone) “What role is my Inner-Critic playing”? (brilliant! ;^) “Choose your own Adventure”! …All of this landed in me like Heart Floss! …cleaning out the ooze I was stuck in! Thanks!
Man, I LOVE your channel. I was in a band. I signed a record deal to a major label back in 2014 and it ended badly So I am recovering from that hurt still, but I do so by writing snd producing music in my home studio. Trying to take what I deem as my biggest failures and turn them into new dreams and new art Subbed bro. Great content.
I can definitely relate. Experiencing disappointment in music can definitely leave you feeling jaded for a while. I’ve had my battles with it. I’m glad you’ve found a good outlet to express that through though.
I have always set my musical goals in a simple way. Even though I loved Eddie Van Halen when he first hit the radio, and he is what made me want to play as a teen in 1978, I never set my goals that high. However, I did set goals, and power chords with pentatonic scale were good enough at the time. Then I set the goal to be in a band, write simple rock tunes, and rock out. I succeeded. I never really wanted to be a rock star, but it felt like it at times when we rocked out a couple hundred people at a party. Then life got in the way, and being in a band was no longer my interest. at that point, I set a goal to be able to understand the fretboard, chords, scales, modes, etc. The ultimate goals for me at that point finally came clear, and it was very similar to yours. I wanted to be able to improvise, with both chords and scales/modes. and rock out all over the neck. So, that let me to set new goals of how to make it sound musical while I noodle all over the neck. And that is where I am at after playing guitar for 43 years. My only other goal, other than continuing to jam with other good musicians, is to stay motivated to keep playing for as long as I am able, and keep the joy of music in me.
Great video, man! I've heard most of these tips before, but some things really need to be heard a few times for some people, sometimes we need to hear them differently to really understand. Now I'm 27, I've been in music almost my whole life and for the last year I finally discovered art of sucking thanks to some people including you. And I love it :) And ironically when I allow myself to suck it's like I let go of the fears that blocked my creativity and manage to make something cool and not to suck really even though I don't get Grammy for what I do :D One of the most important things for me is not to compare myself to great artists which I did a loooot before in my life. But I found even more interesting solution. Some artists don't make their first albums greatest in their career like Linkin Park for exapmle. Some are like Rival Consoles or Red Hot Chili Peppers. We may love what they do now but do not like their first albums. And we see that some famous musicians also became better in years, they didn't start as those great artist whom we really love, they've been just some weird guys who were trying to find their own style. And this is what inspires me the most these days.
Awesome video! My tip would be play in front of someone. Whether it's from day 1 starting or day 1000. Whether it's every day, week, month or year. They will help validate your own progression, put a mirror in front of you and say "I remember when you couldn't play that A minor scale" or "I remember when you couldn't play Slow Dancing in.....
Any advice for serious performance anxiety? Stick me in a studio (ok in front of GarageBand or similar) and I can mail things that sound great. Put me in front of people and I fall apart. Any advice at all?
My only advice would be force yourself to do it. The fear of falling flat on your face in front of an audience is terrifying, so much so that even to this day I still have a massive amount of anxiety before a show. I get super quiet, tuck myself away in a corner, and fight with my brain as it’s trying to find any excuse to back out. But I always end up getting up on stage and playing, and usually about one or two songs in, the anxiety leaves, I get lost in the moment, and the experience is amazing. Tune in to the audience, give them your energy and feed off of theirs. And if you fall on your face, laugh it off and keep going. Some of the best live moments I’ve had were because of massive fuck ups. If the audience is with you they’re with you. And failing in front of an audience is a right of passage for any musician wanting to play live. You’re going to fail. It’s inevitable, no matter how well practiced, skilled, or kick ass you are, it’s part of it. But the more you put yourself in those scenarios the more you’ll learn how to deal with mistakes when they happen and make them part of the show. You’ve got this, you can do it :)
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Been playing for 18 years and recently decided to learn “stop this train” bc it’s one of his songs I never got a chance to learn… I’ll be at this for a while lmao
Yeah, all John Mayer jokes aside, he’s a ridiculous player and songwriter. That whole album Continuum is just a solid piece of work and probably in my opinion one of the best mixed records ever.
Thank you. I'm a 46 y/o musician who's never really challenged himself to get better because the self-doubt demons were/are always running amuck in my head. I've never played anywhere other than my bedroom or churches. While they are supportive and (can be) fun, those environments don't have a lot of outside drive to get better at the craft save for what you can muster yourself. Thank you for this video. It gave me a shot of inspiration and (I say this in love and fun) I couldn't wait for it to end so I could pick up my guitar and fire up my DAW. 😂 I look forward to more videos my friend!
@Chris Hayzel It went well. Discovered a few little flairs to a solo I've been working on and figured out (completely by accident) a chord progression I've been dissecting for a while. Lol
I'm glad that you make a new vidéo about that topic and give some advice ! For the little story; i just couldn't wait t'ill i buy a new guitar, so i've get my old electric guitar from my 14 years out of the "coffin" and re-started again, with a method that was created buy the youtuber that i've told you the last time; and that method is clearly suited for me and my philosophy of learning ! So every day, i pick up my guitar, even though i don't have a amp anymore, just the guitar left; but, it's all i need in reality ^^, and play at random time during the day, and have fun re-discovering that amazing instrument; and making music everyday by practicing whatever i'm practicing at the moment ! And i totally agree with you, wiht the last tip; just the pleasure to play and listen to the note, and sound you are making by having FUN; is the MOST important thing about that journey; because let's be real here; if you're not having fun playing for exemple a specific song, scale, chord or even just a specific method of learning; you're not gonna making any progress ! The fun AND pleasure, is what motivate you to pick up the instrument and play whatever you what to play ! And to my experience, the frustration, and the lack of fun, because to focus on the technique, the perfection, etc; is most of the time what did makes me quite ! And now i have ONE rule; NEVER let the frustration take control of my journey EVER again, and focus on the music AND the fun/pleasure to play !
ive been making and releasing music for a couple years now. just the other day i decided i was going to start again after spending some time trying to get better. this video came out at the perfect time.
Find your own sound. Write original music, find the range of your own voice. Write about what you know, wither that be your own life or your imagination. Put your fingers in weird places on your instrument and see what noise it makes. Steal from other artists, borrow lines and change key and tempo. Strum muted while you watch the TV to develop your rhythm. Practice the scales you like, don't go learn major if you want to play minor blues. Be comfortable being alone, especially if you're a writer. Choose your battles, don't be trying to lose weight, stop smoking, stop drinking, cut down caffeine, write an album, work 60 hours. Streamline you life and choose the things that are important to you. Even if you are sitting with an entry level acoustic guitar and a dream, do not let the dream die. if it's a dream it will always haunt you. Even if you can't sing or play but there's something that calls your name before you go to bed, you MUST pursue it. Don't be the person who wonders what if.
Specifically for guitarists and bassists. As a luthier (repair and build) dont buy online. Play and decide what is the best for yourself. Also there is alot of marketing that is straight false. There are some pretty big websites, magazines, and lesson plans that are straight bs. "Brand new guitar/bass technology" usually means this was produced 20 years ago and didnt take in the market for our company. So we are doing it again... dont look at another company who has been doing it for the last 10 years. Even the most expensive guitars will have slight build mistakes. We look at instruments as a tools to make music, Relax after a hard day, find some joy thats out of the norm. Please for dear god get a setup or learn to do it on your own. There are alot of books and videos. Most of the time your guitar is not broken it just needs some TLC. Most people focus so much lessons online and guitar marketing that they forget to play.
There's a book about writing called "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott that really brought Tip #4 into focus for me. The key takeaway for me personally is the idea that my inner critic can't write, they can only edit. When it's time to write, the critic needs to fuck off for a bit -- they aren't welcome in the room until there are some little green bars across my DAW. Once I've given myself the time and space to have bad ideas and miss notes and noodle the nokia ringtone a couple times on the way to getting a coherent musical idea together, that's when the critic can be invited back into the room with the express instruction that it's only allowed to give specific feedback on how the piece could be better. I try to talk to my critic like "Yeah, it's a first draft, I already know it's bad. That's how first drafts work, it's intentional. I need you to tell me what you'd change though -- I know you're only here because you want me to be better, so let's get to work."
What a great addition to tip #4. I love the idea of your inner critic only being allowed to edit. It’s so important when writing to allow yourself to explore freely. I personally sometimes have a hard time not editing while writing. But it’s healthy to be able to compartmentalization the two.
My best tip as a musician: when you got stuck and reeeeeally being frustrated... take a break! Not minutes, not hours. Days up to a week! It's a deep reset. When you're afraid of losing muscle only play things you enjoy playing in this time. For me its a good reset to start fresh Sometimes magic happend and i can play it better as before I got frustrated.
I found a great way to compare my progress against myself, I try to regularly post a song playthrough to RUclips, and I compare against previous videos, that way I can rewind to see where I was 6 months, a year, two years ago, and with my own eyes see my own progress. I am far from a good guitarist, but I have grown much since I started posting my videos.
Recording yourself as a means to be able to see your progress is so valuable! I have albums and recordings from years past and if I’m ever feeling down on myself I’ll listen back to some of it and think… “we’ll hey, at least I’m not that guy!”
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Watching the early videos I'm like "damn that guy is out of rhythm" and "heh he messed up that riff". It can really be an aid for my confidence. Besides I have also upped production level over time, its almost imbarresing to see the quality of the older videos....
It’s a Telefunken CU29. They don’t make them anymore, but they have an updated version called the TF39. It’s my absolute favorite mic of all time. If you want to check it out, you can visit my Amazon storefront through the link in the description. It’s in the Recording Gear section.
Thanks as a 22 year old musician it's really hard to stay motivated looking at all the insane people my age and th3n having next no money lol
Man me 35 and same shit but plus two kids😂
26 and feel the same way. 1% better every day my g
We’ve all been there :). You’re in good company. Stick with it. Do it because you love it and for no other reason.
first - try to find a stable enough job, you can stomach
to then get yourself some $$ for when you're not working
it ain't your 9-5 that can define you, but your 5-12midnight 🤘
Man I could not have said it better myself but I’m starting to realize if we stay on this path we can do anything
My brother once bought a bass, but he decided to drop the idea of learning to play after a couple of months. I found it some years later in a gig bag, and I thought ''hell, why not play around a bit to kill my boredom?''. After two days of trying to play easy songs, and barely even knowing how to handle it, I felt it. I felt hooked. I remember the exact moment it happened, and I thought to myself ''I'm not stopping now, I'll start playing little by little''. I started recording myself playing from the first days, and I have plenty of videos, showing the whole process of me getting comfortable with the instrument and learning to play trickier stuff.
Two years after touching a bass for the first time, I bought my pride and joy, a Mexican P-Bass. There are barely any days that I don't play music, and even though I don't know music theory (except for very basic things), I just enjoy playing so much. I can't even think of a day that I'll want to stop playing. Last week, I played my first ever live gig, and it was a blast!
This is my story. Thanks for your videos Chris, they inspire us to keep moving forward. Keep playing people!
Sounds like you got bit hard by the music bug! That’s amazing :). I appreciate you sharing your story here, it’s a great illustration of the love of music.
You quickly became one of my favourite musicians on the platform! Love your content ❤
I’m honored!
I think one of the most important things to do is record your journey and even maybe post it. A book which shows how far you've come. Even tough my musical journey started only a year ago I always come back to the videos when I first started playing drums or guitar and maybe laugh but also recognize the achievements and how proud I felt. I love the short videos of bands playing some sick music but also sometimes miss seeing the struggle everyone has. Mistakes make us human after all...
Just stand up again and play 🕺
Yes! I definitely considered that as one of the tips. Recording yourself can be so useful when it comes to keeping track of your progress :). Thanks for making sure to include it here
This guy has experienced some shit. So much patience and compassion. Thank you, Chris!✌️😌🎸
as a retired 40 year old veteran, who put away music
❤#embracthesuck
love your channel and what you're doing 🤘
🙌 Thank you :).
Totally agree with what you said about elephants.
Thank goodness! :)
Thank you, I needed to hear this. I tend to be very self critical in general, but especially when it comes to music because it is something so personal and vulnerable. I often compare myself to others a lot in an unhealthy way and I forget to celebrate MY little successes in this amazing journey
I know it can feel like a unique experience when your inner critic is in your head, but the good news is you’re definitely not alone. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t deal with self criticism, especially creatively. And hopefully knowing that we’re all in the same boat can help take the sting out of it a little bit :). Keep growing, keep celebrating your small successes :)
I can so relate to that 👍🏼
Needed to hear all this. Even though I may have heard similar ideas in the past, the inner-critic is quick to bury them time and time again. Appreciate the time and effort to share your journey and thoughts about the experience. Thank you!
May all our insecurities wince at its own shadow, perseverance.
That inner critic can be a real asshole sometimes. I’m glad you found this video helpful :)
Dude I seriously love your editing
Haha thank you :). I have a lot of fun with it
I'm loving this series. And yes, everyone has their own step to progress, but this kind of suggestion certainly is helpful. Thank you
🙌 I’m glad you found it helpful
Embrace the suck! l love it.
Once in a while I play a song at a gig that I still haven't learned completely, just for the fun of seeing how I pull through or not and get away with it. Making mistakes eventually becomes natural and you're less concerned.
Love your life lessons.
You can't spell success without SUCC
Thanks for the video man ^-^
🙌 damn straight! :P
Your two sucking videos are an excellent start. I'm also quite practiced at playing music and making musical things yet totally suck at talking to camera and making videos. Your videos have gotten me closer to the jump door.
What would it take to push you through the door? :)
True story: in the early 90's I was stood on stage with Steve Morse, Larry Carlton, Albert Lee and Sterling Ball (Ernie Ball) holding my brand new Music Man Silhouette. I had my chance to play alongside them and I absolutely panicked and couldnt play a note. I was in a band , playing local gigs and writing my own songs. I could never play along and just jam like that, it was always crafting songs by ear and slowly in my own time. I didnt have the musical education to speak their language
That experience gave all the power to my inner critic voice, never ever going to play like them, give it up.
Dont let the critic win, stack days of practice , dont let perfection be the enemy of good
I am in my 50s , I pick up an acoustic guitar and friends are always "holy shit man, thats amazing" I shrug and contemplate what could have been
I bet you there are so many musicians that can relate to what you shared. We’ve all had those battles with our inner critic in some form or another. sometimes it wins, and sometimes it doesn’t. Thank you for sharing :)
@@ChrisHayzelmusic it is what it is and for sure there are plenty who have stood at the crossroads. The way I look at it now is the opportunity arrived and I hadnt done the work to earn it. Its for the youngsters, keep at it because you never know when that moment might be waiting for you
Your voice is very calming.
Shoutout to you for seeing your comments as individual peoples instead of a line of text! Your replies and responses to many of them are lovely. The internet is trippy, it's difficult to gauge whether a like on the video is someone who simply enjoyed the content or someone who was profoundly/positively impacted by the things you said. In either case, it's a great thing! Thanks for taking the time to write and edit these vids & hope u doing well
Thanks for noticing! I think if people were commenting “cool vid” or “nice!” It’d be a bit different. But so many people have been really taking the time to be thoughtful and share their experiences, and that kind of consideration deserves consideration in kind. I appreciate you taking the time to write this, it’s nice to know that it’s making an impact, no matter the size.
Can’t say I love the series enough!
Thank you!
Second video in and I gotta say i really really like what you are doing here. You've got such a calming vibe I feel less anxious just hearing you explain things. Editing its top notch too, you really pay attention to the details, even if it lasts a fraction of a second it adds value. And I'm laughing! Really liked the final tip too. Never heard someone say to ignore them if their tips get in the way but it is true and very validating that you pointed that out. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with your channel.
Thank you so much :). It’s always nice when people notice those little things. And as for the last tip, I honestly don’t know anything. I’m as much a student as anyone, so it would be pretty ridiculous of me to think I could tell anyone what to do :P. I just know I’ve found things that work for me, and they might work for others too :).
I’m really glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for following along and sharing your wonderful thoughts
I love the comparing lesson.
All my life I’ve loved, lived and breathed music - but I’ve never been musical. My love has been for the music others create.
I’m now 36yrs old and I was inspired to *finally* buy a guitar because of Tim Henson from Polyphia and a bass because of Paul Turner from Jamiroquai (my two fav musicians).
It’s a double-edged sword though because while they each inspire me they make me want to give up as i know I’ll never be as good as them.
So for me the challenge to progress is remembering that I don’t have to be like them, but just be happy with my own special noises 😊
Two amazing musicians to draw inspiration from. Congratulations on taking the leap. And yes! That’s 100% the right mentality to have. Just be you with it :)
Another great video man! Also, I appreciate the Protest The Hero lick in a massive way 🤘
Great ear! One of my favorite albums for sure.
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Mine too dude!
idk if you went and got a PhD in communications or something but man you have such a way with words and editing together to where the way you get the message across feels unlike most people in the best way possible. you have a gift, not only for storytelling but for making people feel at ease with their music or life journeys. thanks dude
Haha thank you. I don’t know if the college of life is giving out doctorates, but I should call and find out!
Jokes aside, though, thank you for this very kind comment. Honestly, I just like telling stories that people can relate to and get value from. It’s helpful when the subject is something I’ve spent so long having a relationship with. I genuinely want people to feel inspired and feel empowered to get around whatever is blocking them from engaging with the things they love :)
Your videos are always so GOOD! Also…those sunglasses.
Thanks Emma 🙌
Hey, I think you`re doing something special here; some of these concepts you touched I've heard before but it comes through a wisdom that's evident has been weel manured with frustration and persistency. I love your choice of words and your naturallity; I know I don't speak very clearly because this is not my native language, although by now it could as well be for most I learn I do it in english; getting sidetracked. Your way of looking at progress in general is inspiring and I'm grateful I found your channel. Just wanted to give you something more than "amaizing" because I think you`re sensible enough to appreciate it. I guess that the advice of taking it slow is a great one and I`d also encourage anyone to keep playing the five songs you already know as long as you keep knowing them actively; finding new things in them and that. Thank you for these and congratulations on your editing and scripting skills you can tell you've got practice at getting good at things.
Wow, thank you for such a thoughtful and kind comment. It’s always nice to hear when someone can appreciate your work so deeply and clearly. I’m glad it struck a chord with you in the way that it did. Do you play music as well? :)
@@ChrisHayzelmusic I play guitar and I sing but I'm what you'd call a work in progress. Embrace the suck!
Yes! We’re all a work in progress, even those of us who seem like we’re not :)
This is the music therapy i needed! :D Awesome editing btw!
Thank you! It’s pretty fun
Tip 5 is so true. Just before you said it, I was thinking "I like how we often post videos, giving advice to people that we hardly follow ourselves". I always say "be yourself" in a lot of my videos as some advice but I don't even know who TF I am and I'm not really getting out of my comfort zone to grow and discover myself. Great video!
Thanks brother! Yeah, it can definitely be easy to give advice and not take it ourselves. I think we’re probably all guilty of that at one point or another.
These videos are super cool and motivating!
Gonna get a little more personal than I probably should on RUclips, but here it goes. I started learning guitar about 7 years ago, it became what I lived for, I absolutely loved it. In only four years from when I picked the instrument up, I was writing and releasing a song every week, and feeling constant improvement... Then the pandemic hit. My depression took a nosedive and for two years I could barely get out of bed, let alone touch my guitar. Well, long story short, over the past few months I've been digging myself out of that hole, rebuilding my life, and rediscovering my passions. so I figured it's time to whipe the dust off of my guitar case and get back into it. Queue the despair. It feels like I'm starting over again, I can barely play basic open chords cleanly! Oh well. I've come to accept that I suck right now, probably always will, but that's ok. All that matters is that I'm improving, and having a good time.
Glad to have found this series, and I hope you keep putting out videos like this. Great stuff. Thanks!
A song a week is pretty damn impressive!
I can definitely relate to what you shared. I’ve found myself in depressive holes numerous times, and it can be difficult to get out of them. And the pandemic… well… we all know what that was like. But I’m glad you’ve decided to pick it back up again. I bet it’ll come back to you faster than you realize. Your body never really forgets the feeling, it just gets a little rusty is all.
Hey, Chris! I'm the lead singer of a cover band and a solo artist, and I've been trying to go from my perception of an "average" singer to one who is advanced, iconic, and easily recognizable. HOWEVER, I hit ruts all the time. My recent attempts at improving are based in learning new songs, trying them out, and recording them to get that instant feedback, but I think it's always important to have perspective. Becoming exceptional at something can take a long time, and developing any skill can feel like you're staring at that giant mountain you referenced. I really appreciate all the tips and wisdom, my guy. Thank you so much!
Instant feedback and dynamic practice are a great way to improve, I think. Like a lot of the time, if you just keep rerecording yourself singing the same song and it improves by miniscule amounts, you don't learn anything after a point. Whereas if you learn new songs constantly, record them a few times, listen back to see where you can improve and then move on to a new song with that in mind, you learn a lot. Because repetition on a single thing until you master it doesn't actually make you better overall, just at that one thing. The learning and improvement process is a different process to rehearsing or practicing for a performance. Moving through a large range of songs that draw on different techniques and skills and improving incrementally at many skills as a result make you a better and more flexible musician.
I’m glad you found the video helpful :). Vocals can be tough. It’s generally one of if not the most recognizable aspects of a band, and it can be really easy for influences to become emulations. This might sound counter intuitive, but I think the best way to be iconic and easily recognizable as a vocalist is to not try to be iconic and easily recognizable. The most iconic and recognizable vocalists, at least in the genres I love, were such because they were incredibly uniquely them. Thom Yorke, Anthony Kiedis, Daryl Palumbo, Robert Plant, Fiona Apple, and so on, were always just being themselves. Chris Cornell’s voice was the way that it was because of a combination of anatomy and circumstances, but at the end of the day he was simply expressing with what he had. I guess what I’m saying is… try not to think about developing a tone that you think you should have. Try to discover your own tone, get to know it well, and learn how to utilize it to convey your message. I hope that makes sense. I’d love to check out some of your music :).
I might add, never pass up opportunities to jam with other people. I’ve played in a few bands and side gigs and I by know means am a pro at guitar or bass but, I grow and learn so much just by hanging out and playing with other musicians.
Yes! Playing with other musicians is a crucial experience in growing as a musician :)
I found your video 2 days ago "the art of sucking at music" and the title caught my attention because I am 42 years old and picked up the guitar again after a 26 year break and well I feel like I've been doing just that sucking at music although I'm having fun at it sometimes I lack motivation. I've watched the 2 videos that followed and I love this, such a brilliant idea for a video series, this is exactly what I've needed, I can relate to everything! I am looking forward to the future video's, thanks for making them.
I’m super glad you’ve found them inspiring :). If you’re having fun then you’re doing something right. Just stick with that feeling, enjoy the challenge, and sink into the learning process. A year from now you’ll look back and see how much progress you’ve made!
These videos are great! I love the editing, the tips and the honesty. It has just the right amount of humor to make to funny and relatable while still being serious and light to digest.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying them :). Thank you for your kind words
"Lean into the joy" was the big takeaway for me. I struggle with hearing loss and pain in my hands. My negative inner voice feeds off that stuff. But as long as music gives me joy!
I can only imagine. Keep it up though! The joy is all that matters :)
Another awesome video man 🤘
Thanks brother!
So glad I found your channel. I actually think tip number five is the best. And the days of ubiquitous information, it’s easy to get attracted to the “how to’s” because we think that it’s just what we need. As if just what we needed was just another thing to just get in our way and just make us stop doing what we just want to do
I hear you, I definitely get sucked into the “how tos” and the “do these 10 things” type of videos. And they can be helpful at times if you’re looking for a little inspiration. But the biggest thing I’ve always felt was missing from those things was encouragement to listen to your gut. At the end of the day we’re all just exploring these things, and listening to your gut will get you somewhere unique to you :)
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Absolutely. I don’t have that gut response that most people do, but listening to your intuition is the same to me. Connecting with ourselves. Listening to the body, not to the mind.
The information age wants us to digest information. That’s only helpful to a point, and mostly creates more fear. It disconnects us from ourselves.
And the only way we can connect with other people is connecting with ourselves. When people see the authenticity in us, we can see them fully. Then the world changes, Isn’t it amazing!
Thank you for this video. Very helpful! I absolutely LOVE your humor and approach to these videos. I also find your voice very soothing. I could listen to you speak all day ❤
Wow! Thank you :). Maybe I should do a podcast or some ASMR too :P.
Dude I resonate with this so much. Thanks.
Hey Chris, this is an excellent video that has really struck a chord with me. I have spent a pretty big chunk of my life being plagued by a lot of self doubt in my own talents and abilities. It's only over the last few years I started to care less about what others think and tried to stop comparing myself to musicians who have made it big in the music world. Now I am working on music that sounds like what I hear in my head instead of trying to emulate others. This adopted mindset takes way less of a toll on my mental health and my confidence has been boosted ❤
That’s a huge step, and one that most artists have to take at some point. You learn based on your influences and then at a certain point you start to mix them into your own unique cocktail. Congrats on making the leap, I look forward to hearing what you make :)
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Thanks Chris 👍
You draw me into seeing my own sucking as a virtue that some day others will see and admire my courage to make such miserable music in public.... thanks.
🙌
Again a great video! While actually knowing all of your tips for a while now, it‘s helpful to hear them concisely once in a while to keep myself on track ;) And they‘re so valuable for young musicians! If I had heard them when I started playing music decades ago - where might I be today…? Still - most important are your final statements - never lose the joy, that‘s finally what we‘re all after :)
🙌 so glad it struck a chord with you :). Thank you for watching
The editing n acting is so entertaining...I'm hooked
The most crucial thing about learning IS… to make sure you feel ACCOMPLISHED (dopamine) at the end of practicing. After 3-4 hours of practicing every night, I’m not left feeling like I didn’t learn anything; I feel like I made a step forward and the road still has no traffic. Just like driving, learning can be filled with so many little factors that discourage people from continuing. Love you guys❤
Amazing advice :)
Very good advice for me, a 70+ senior citizen at the beginning of his musical journey.
I’ve been delaying my first album for over a year now because of self doubt but I’ve been trying to get back into it recently, so thank you
This video is absolutely beautifully created man. This helped me so much just in the short time you presented it, nothing but love man!!
This is very encouraging, on all points, and timely for me!
Great ideas and well presented, Chris. The use of S.M.A.R.T. goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound, in particular can be immensely powerful. e.g. "By the end of this week I'll be better able to play the C major scale in (2) positions using 8th notes in time at 80BPM". Subsequent goals can build on and expand this, and of course should apply to specific musical contexts which allow you to enjoy playing. Exercises like this are useful but are much more so when you're clear why you're doing them.
Ah yes, the old S.M.A.R.T. Goals 🙌. We use those a lot in my work. Great advice, my friend
your channel is gonna blow up man
Man I'm really enjoying these videos. Just a great simple reminder that its ok to Suck. embrace the suck!
Hell yeah! 💯
I've played drums for 13 years now & starting on the guitar😅 thx for the video!
SUCH GOOD ADVICE! Immediately loving your content! Keep it up.
Thank you!
I like the way you talk: very calm.
5:28 is that Everything In It's Right Place by Radiohead?
Good ear!
Wow! This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I am an old retired guy who is really having fun with my music, but feel like I can never be very good. You helped me realize that it is not about that. It is about "sucking" less today than I did yesterday. Thanks.
Sounds like you’ve got it down, my friend :)
Really enjoying this series. I'm an 18 year old musician, I've been playing since I was 10 but I never felt like I've lived up to my potential, but this new perspective this series has offered me has been amazing.
If you're ever up to share I'd like to hear how you manage your time, especially since you seem to play quite a few instruments. I'm personally going to be going to College soon and I'm worried about not having the time to really improve on my various musical crafts.
Keep up the good work btw, have a great day❤️
I’m super glad you’ve found this series helpful and inspiring :).
As far as time management goes, I think I’ve mostly just followed my gut on it. I know that’s probably not super helpful, but there are times where I’ve been more active musically and times where I’ve been less. Obviously when it was my sole career I was much more active, but as I grew and changed my relationship with it did too. These days it’s become less of a career and more of a personal relationship. I still write and record, and release things every so often, but I’m a little less relentless about it. I guess you kind of just flow with what you’re feeling, choose your engagement with it. Whatever feels best for you.
P.s. I’m happy to answer any more questions you might have about it. And if you’re interested, you can join my discord server. I’m in there at least once a day and a few of my closest friends who are also incredibly skilled and experienced musicians are in there as well to answer questions just like this one.
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Thanks for the tips. About your Discord, I am interested in joining but the link in your description is invalid. I checked the one in your channel description and it was the same thing.
I just got notified of that this morning. I’ve changed the link in the description, it should work now. If you’re still having trouble let me know :)
Howdy new best friend... I feel like we're already at this level in our journey together and only after 3 videos so there's that out of the way! Now on to the business end of things. Thanks for what you're doing Chris. Honestly, I look forward to these super inspirational yet very authentic and real words of advise you've decided to share from your awesome brain. I've been in a pit of self hatred and had more than given up hope after 20+ years in multiple bands/solo projects with journal upon journal filled with songs that i had more so deemed dead. You have inspired me again and i appreciate it more than you know!
Glad to have you along for the ride! And I’m super glad that these videos have inspired you. I’ve definitely been where you’re at multiple times. I know how tough it can be. But I’m glad you’ve found your way back to it. Just stick with it, friend! Do it because you love it and the rest will follow :)
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Thanks for the reply homie. I just realized you are a metal fan as well so even more reason to like you lol. Where do ya'll call home? I'm outta KC MO but have called Austin home for 10 years
Haha yup. Nice, Austin is pretty cool. I’m out in vegas
🤘Honest and humble - a breathe of fresh air ! I wish you all the best, you are literally the first person ive ever subscribed to on RUclips.
Wow! I’m honored to be your first ever subscription :). Thanks for coming along for the ride. I’m glad you’re enjoying the message
I Love this !! Thank you for these very awesome tips!! It reminds me of my favorite quote ~ Comparison is the thief of joy. Thank you!
What a great quote :)
Hey Brother-Man…
This vid was very inspiring for me.
It’s been one of those Martial Arts of the Spirit kinda days where the inner-critic has been winning…
Feeling particularly inspired by many things you’ve said here (paraphrasing):
“amplify the small successes over time and don’t miss them”.
“Challenging but achievable” (Goldie Locks Zone)
“What role is my Inner-Critic playing”? (brilliant! ;^)
“Choose your own Adventure”!
…All of this landed in me like Heart Floss!
…cleaning out the ooze I was stuck in!
Thanks!
Haha I know those kinds of days. I still deal with them regularly. I’m glad you found these tips helpful and inspiring! Stick with it :)
8:14 reminds me of “hi Ren”.
I love “hi ren”
@@ChrisHayzelmusic me too!
Man, I LOVE your channel. I was in a band. I signed a record deal to a major label back in 2014 and it ended badly
So I am recovering from that hurt still, but I do so by writing snd producing music in my home studio. Trying to take what I deem as my biggest failures and turn them into new dreams and new art
Subbed bro. Great content.
I can definitely relate. Experiencing disappointment in music can definitely leave you feeling jaded for a while. I’ve had my battles with it. I’m glad you’ve found a good outlet to express that through though.
Very new to your channel Chris! Your presentations, observations, honestly and
humility are inspiring. Subscribed!!!
You are amazing and such an inspiration. Just listening to you makes me want to immediately pick up my guitar and keep going! Thank you so much.
I’m so glad to hear that! I hope you did pick that guitar up :)
Loving the vibe here. Cheers, man.
Thank you :)
I have always set my musical goals in a simple way. Even though I loved Eddie Van Halen when he first hit the radio, and he is what made me want to play as a teen in 1978, I never set my goals that high. However, I did set goals, and power chords with pentatonic scale were good enough at the time. Then I set the goal to be in a band, write simple rock tunes, and rock out. I succeeded. I never really wanted to be a rock star, but it felt like it at times when we rocked out a couple hundred people at a party.
Then life got in the way, and being in a band was no longer my interest. at that point, I set a goal to be able to understand the fretboard, chords, scales, modes, etc. The ultimate goals for me at that point finally came clear, and it was very similar to yours. I wanted to be able to improvise, with both chords and scales/modes. and rock out all over the neck.
So, that let me to set new goals of how to make it sound musical while I noodle all over the neck. And that is where I am at after playing guitar for 43 years. My only other goal, other than continuing to jam with other good musicians, is to stay motivated to keep playing for as long as I am able, and keep the joy of music in me.
REALLY enjoying these new videos!
Love it! Thanks ❤
Great video, man! I've heard most of these tips before, but some things really need to be heard a few times for some people, sometimes we need to hear them differently to really understand. Now I'm 27, I've been in music almost my whole life and for the last year I finally discovered art of sucking thanks to some people including you. And I love it :) And ironically when I allow myself to suck it's like I let go of the fears that blocked my creativity and manage to make something cool and not to suck really even though I don't get Grammy for what I do :D One of the most important things for me is not to compare myself to great artists which I did a loooot before in my life. But I found even more interesting solution. Some artists don't make their first albums greatest in their career like Linkin Park for exapmle. Some are like Rival Consoles or Red Hot Chili Peppers. We may love what they do now but do not like their first albums. And we see that some famous musicians also became better in years, they didn't start as those great artist whom we really love, they've been just some weird guys who were trying to find their own style. And this is what inspires me the most these days.
Beautifully stated :)
Awesome video! My tip would be play in front of someone. Whether it's from day 1 starting or day 1000. Whether it's every day, week, month or year. They will help validate your own progression, put a mirror in front of you and say "I remember when you couldn't play that A minor scale" or "I remember when you couldn't play Slow Dancing in.....
That's a great piece of advice :). Playing in front of people and with other musicians is such a valuable way to grow
Any advice for serious performance anxiety? Stick me in a studio (ok in front of GarageBand or similar) and I can mail things that sound great. Put me in front of people and I fall apart. Any advice at all?
My only advice would be force yourself to do it. The fear of falling flat on your face in front of an audience is terrifying, so much so that even to this day I still have a massive amount of anxiety before a show. I get super quiet, tuck myself away in a corner, and fight with my brain as it’s trying to find any excuse to back out. But I always end up getting up on stage and playing, and usually about one or two songs in, the anxiety leaves, I get lost in the moment, and the experience is amazing. Tune in to the audience, give them your energy and feed off of theirs. And if you fall on your face, laugh it off and keep going. Some of the best live moments I’ve had were because of massive fuck ups. If the audience is with you they’re with you. And failing in front of an audience is a right of passage for any musician wanting to play live. You’re going to fail. It’s inevitable, no matter how well practiced, skilled, or kick ass you are, it’s part of it. But the more you put yourself in those scenarios the more you’ll learn how to deal with mistakes when they happen and make them part of the show. You’ve got this, you can do it :)
Good stuff, thanks for sharing.
Soooo good Bro 👍 ❤n the musical therapy 🎉😂
dude i love your videos, you do such a great job in every aspect
Thank you :)
@@ChrisHayzelmusic you’re very welcome!👍
did not expect to find subliminal avey tare in here! great vid
Great video and great tips, thanks man
Hahahah the little “John Mayer” flashbacks made this extremely relatable
Hahaha you’re the only person to comment on that so far :). I was hoping someone would get a kick out of it.
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Been playing for 18 years and recently decided to learn “stop this train” bc it’s one of his songs I never got a chance to learn… I’ll be at this for a while lmao
Yeah, all John Mayer jokes aside, he’s a ridiculous player and songwriter. That whole album Continuum is just a solid piece of work and probably in my opinion one of the best mixed records ever.
Hi Chris, Another great vid! Thank you.
Thank you!
hilarious and very useful tips. TY bro.
Another great vid. Thanks man!
Thank you. I'm a 46 y/o musician who's never really challenged himself to get better because the self-doubt demons were/are always running amuck in my head. I've never played anywhere other than my bedroom or churches. While they are supportive and (can be) fun, those environments don't have a lot of outside drive to get better at the craft save for what you can muster yourself. Thank you for this video. It gave me a shot of inspiration and (I say this in love and fun) I couldn't wait for it to end so I could pick up my guitar and fire up my DAW. 😂 I look forward to more videos my friend!
Nice!! How did your session go?
@Chris Hayzel It went well. Discovered a few little flairs to a solo I've been working on and figured out (completely by accident) a chord progression I've been dissecting for a while. Lol
Hell yeah!
Yo. Great video, man. Just a heads up: one of the chapters has the timing wrong at the description. Cheers!
Thanks for the heads up! I think I’ve fixed it now :)
I'm glad that you make a new vidéo about that topic and give some advice !
For the little story; i just couldn't wait t'ill i buy a new guitar, so i've get my old electric guitar from my 14 years out of the "coffin" and re-started again, with a method that was created buy the youtuber that i've told you the last time; and that method is clearly suited for me and my philosophy of learning !
So every day, i pick up my guitar, even though i don't have a amp anymore, just the guitar left; but, it's all i need in reality ^^, and play at random time during the day, and have fun re-discovering that amazing instrument; and making music everyday by practicing whatever i'm practicing at the moment !
And i totally agree with you, wiht the last tip; just the pleasure to play and listen to the note, and sound you are making by having FUN; is the MOST important thing about that journey; because let's be real here; if you're not having fun playing for exemple a specific song, scale, chord or even just a specific method of learning; you're not gonna making any progress ! The fun AND pleasure, is what motivate you to pick up the instrument and play whatever you what to play ! And to my experience, the frustration, and the lack of fun, because to focus on the technique, the perfection, etc; is most of the time what did makes me quite ! And now i have ONE rule; NEVER let the frustration take control of my journey EVER again, and focus on the music AND the fun/pleasure to play !
So glad you’ve gotten that guitar back out and you’re excited! I’m stoked to hear about your progress. Keep it up :)
More of these, please!!!!
More to come!
Thanks for this content!
Very nice video, thank you!
I love this series. The choose your own adventure. Yes. My inner critic is a b*tch lol. I need to embrace the suck
Inner critics are the absolute worst!
Good video, keep it up. TCB⚡️
🙏 thank you
@@ChrisHayzelmusic yes sir 👍🏻⚡️
ive been making and releasing music for a couple years now. just the other day i decided i was going to start again after spending some time trying to get better. this video came out at the perfect time.
🙌
great presentation
Find your own sound. Write original music, find the range of your own voice. Write about what you know, wither that be your own life or your imagination. Put your fingers in weird places on your instrument and see what noise it makes.
Steal from other artists, borrow lines and change key and tempo. Strum muted while you watch the TV to develop your rhythm. Practice the scales you like, don't go learn major if you want to play minor blues.
Be comfortable being alone, especially if you're a writer. Choose your battles, don't be trying to lose weight, stop smoking, stop drinking, cut down caffeine, write an album, work 60 hours. Streamline you life and choose the things that are important to you. Even if you are sitting with an entry level acoustic guitar and a dream, do not let the dream die. if it's a dream it will always haunt you. Even if you can't sing or play but there's something that calls your name before you go to bed, you MUST pursue it.
Don't be the person who wonders what if.
Great advice!
Great videos man!
Thank you!
Specifically for guitarists and bassists. As a luthier (repair and build) dont buy online. Play and decide what is the best for yourself. Also there is alot of marketing that is straight false. There are some pretty big websites, magazines, and lesson plans that are straight bs. "Brand new guitar/bass technology" usually means this was produced 20 years ago and didnt take in the market for our company. So we are doing it again... dont look at another company who has been doing it for the last 10 years. Even the most expensive guitars will have slight build mistakes. We look at instruments as a tools to make music, Relax after a hard day, find some joy thats out of the norm. Please for dear god get a setup or learn to do it on your own. There are alot of books and videos. Most of the time your guitar is not broken it just needs some TLC. Most people focus so much lessons online and guitar marketing that they forget to play.
Amazing advice.
Wise words.
Just the words of someone who’s been through the creative wringer 😂
There's a book about writing called "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott that really brought Tip #4 into focus for me. The key takeaway for me personally is the idea that my inner critic can't write, they can only edit. When it's time to write, the critic needs to fuck off for a bit -- they aren't welcome in the room until there are some little green bars across my DAW.
Once I've given myself the time and space to have bad ideas and miss notes and noodle the nokia ringtone a couple times on the way to getting a coherent musical idea together, that's when the critic can be invited back into the room with the express instruction that it's only allowed to give specific feedback on how the piece could be better. I try to talk to my critic like "Yeah, it's a first draft, I already know it's bad. That's how first drafts work, it's intentional. I need you to tell me what you'd change though -- I know you're only here because you want me to be better, so let's get to work."
What a great addition to tip #4. I love the idea of your inner critic only being allowed to edit. It’s so important when writing to allow yourself to explore freely. I personally sometimes have a hard time not editing while writing. But it’s healthy to be able to compartmentalization the two.
My best tip as a musician: when you got stuck and reeeeeally being frustrated... take a break! Not minutes, not hours. Days up to a week! It's a deep reset. When you're afraid of losing muscle only play things you enjoy playing in this time. For me its a good reset to start fresh Sometimes magic happend and i can play it better as before I got frustrated.
so good. thank you again.
Of course :). Thank you for checking it out
Thanks mate 🤟
Any time 🙌
I found a great way to compare my progress against myself, I try to regularly post a song playthrough to RUclips, and I compare against previous videos, that way I can rewind to see where I was 6 months, a year, two years ago, and with my own eyes see my own progress. I am far from a good guitarist, but I have grown much since I started posting my videos.
Recording yourself as a means to be able to see your progress is so valuable! I have albums and recordings from years past and if I’m ever feeling down on myself I’ll listen back to some of it and think… “we’ll hey, at least I’m not that guy!”
@@ChrisHayzelmusic Watching the early videos I'm like "damn that guy is out of rhythm" and "heh he messed up that riff". It can really be an aid for my confidence. Besides I have also upped production level over time, its almost imbarresing to see the quality of the older videos....
Great video, but I was distracted by that mic of yours.... what is that? Really like the look of that mic and would love to look into it!
It’s a Telefunken CU29. They don’t make them anymore, but they have an updated version called the TF39. It’s my absolute favorite mic of all time. If you want to check it out, you can visit my Amazon storefront through the link in the description. It’s in the Recording Gear section.
Top tips 😎👍🔥
Like.Sub.Bell for just making this series. Very cool to see something like this.
Thanks for coming along for the ride :)