Hi Richard, new subscriber from Canada here. I started teaching myself to play guitar at 51. I'm now 61 and still playing and enjoying every moment. I think that is also the key...enjoying the learning experience...and also being patient and not being hard on yourself.
Hia! Fantastic! I totally agree and also cultivating an enthusiasm for the learning experience which I think happens naturally over time anyway but certainly in the earlier stages its more difficult (or can be for some). If someone can just enjoy the process even when it may appear progress isn't being made (because it is being made - we just cannot calculate it - a bit like trying to measure how much your hair grew since yesterday!!) then pleasure is taken simply from the process of sharing time with the guitar. I have a cold so I am too tired to re-write that rambing reply!!! I am in the process of putting together my new RUclips studio and new camera arriving tomorrow - so watch this space! Currently learning some basic video editing software so hope to bring more consistent higher quality videos soon!
Thats fantastic to hear! Wonderful. You got it! Enjoy the moment - enjoy the experience and everything else follows from there. Thanks for letting me know.
I saw an interview once with bb king and he said he felt stupid when other musicians talked about chords etc that he didn't understand,he didn't know much theory, this was when he was in his 70s and had influenced every player on the planet, he still thought he was crap.i play guitar for a living and if someone asked me for a 9th chord I wouldn't know what the hell to do
I just noticed I gave this a 👍 2 years ago but didn't comment ! Anxiety can be crippling factor in life ,I know. I always lacked confidence as a kid - got diagnosed with anxiety & depression in my 40's and got some great meds & cognitive behaviour therapy. Looking back on old school reports ,I ditched lessons at my options that I thought I was bad at, but the reports from Art, Technical Drawing, Woodwork & Cookery all say "lacks confidence" and give A's ! Everything you said about your school sports sounds so familiar too. Watching this video again was like getting a pat on the back from an old friend. 😉👍
Thankyou Sir, I recommend this video to all gùitar students, its completely changed my outlook on the way I look at my development, the best lesson I've seen and didn't even pick up a guitar. David.
I start play guitar over 20 years ago and after 2-4 years stopped. Try back 10 years ago but stopped for several excuses. On this pandemia been over 100 days lay off from work and back again. In 1 months I dramatically improved everything. I start with idea plan is play blues solo in another 5 years but I able to improvisation after 1 months :) I bought looper which one I wish to have over 20 years ago including you tube guitar lessons and theory on this time. But remember one mathematic or statistic teacher said : if you stroggle with something figerout let go wait and next day after sleep you getting just relief pressure :) You said right thing Richard. I try play everyday but time is not matter just played for pleasure one day can be 10 minutes another 1 hour just enjoy no pressure and this is point.
A great logical talk for every day life, but this was aimed at beginner guitarists and it is so helpful. Every beginner hits brick walls, every guitarist should keep this at hand
Doubt is something we all live with. It causes only two things, paralysis or determination to overcome the paralysis caused by the unknown. I'm more of the latter than former, since I'm a big believer that the phrase, "I don't know," is the beginning of knowledge and not the end. Also the axiom, "Practice makes perfect," is true in any endeavor. Great video!
Great to see someone with the right ethos! I'm always surprised at the attitudes of some music/guitar shop owners have towards the customers. I've had some really awful experiences. I really think they fail in a lot of areas. If it was me owning a store, I would sit down with the customer, and discuss what they want or what they wish to learn. Even demonstrate to them the different guitars, make them hold it, make them understand what the fundamental differences are. Provide them with your knowledge, and teach them what they need to know. Heighten their interest and incourage them, this will increase their enthusiasm and more likely to buy from you. Its important to teach them the fundamentals (body types, pickups, controls, tones, strings, plectrums etc) otherwise they will make some costly mistakes that could have been absolutely avoided. Make them feel welcome, make them feel like they can come to you with any questions, and create a relationship, so they will become a long lasting customer.
I can't believe it, I've literally just been talking to a friend about how I gave up guitar at the age of 19 because of low self esteem and a boyfriend who I thought was better than me and now I've taken it up again 13 years later! Everything you said is so true probably for a whole lot more of us than we realise. It warms my heart to think you have given confidence to people in your shop who have felt insecure, that is a wonderful thing. I've just bought my first electro acoustic from your website and I'm glad to have bought from someone who is quite obviously a nice person without any of that bravado or arrogance that is so offputting to those of us with insecurities. Thankyou for being so encouraging! I will now denounce my crap factor and ignore the voice saying I am not worthy of such a nice guitar! I can't wait to receive it!
Excellent advice and something that can slip the mind; some time ago I had a habit of not letting people who were negative near me, I would not push them away but let them know i wasn't interested in much they said or did when they got negative. That was because negative attitudes can spread like a flu virus in our modern lives where the world and most things in it were negative. Music to me was my oasis - my place of tranquility, sanctuary and so I protected that with vehemence sometimes. I still pretty much do this today, but I might even try to encourage the positive in people now, get them to think positively. I am always positive with learners who want to learn the instrument, guitar, bass, drums - but took a similar attitude you have here, don't be aware of the time as you study, or play, structure your time to serve you. I would ask how many hours they spent watching tv, "Okay fine" i say "whilst your watching tv pick up your Strat' don't plug it in just let your fingers and the muscles there get used to finding the G minor pentatonic scale, learn it first then learn to play it with your fingers and not your mind". your body can move way before you engage your brain to do things. After the commercials try the A Major scale etc.
Hi Richard, I like your videos....going to visit your shop when we're allowed. I'm a Design and Technology teacher in a UK secondary school and I get this all the time, from students. There is a saying ''If you believe you can or can't do something...you're probably right'' Which means a positive mental attitude is essential for progress in anything. Better to say ''I can't do it.......yet''. For me personally the fact that playing the guitar is difficult and not everyone can do it straight away makes the skill more valuable.
Well said, Richard. I read a story a long time ago about Eddie Van Halen and how he got to be as good as he is. The story goes that he was sitting as the edge of his bed, noodling and practicing his guitar (as a teenager) and his brother Alex popped in and asked him if he was going to come party with him. Eddie declined. Fast forward 7 or 8 hours and Alex returns from the party, probably drunk, and finds Eddie still sitting in the same position on the edge of the bed practicing. Now, most people can't spend 6 hours a day practicing anything but the key to improvement is repetition and consistent practice. Great advice, mate.
great topic and video totally, my grandad said to me once"best thing you can give a man is encouragement" the guy couldnt read or write but was a great mechanic, had me down his pit as soon as i could walk..i ended my career working on harrier jump jets.Whereas it was hard being a lefty in the 70s i was given a "kay" righty sg and a copy of Burt Weedons book so yes i have the crap factor.....but now im trying....still
Glad I listened to this, you could have been talking about me, been trying to learn the guitar for years and kept giving up because thought I was crap, have picked it up again and practicing 3 times a day it’s working getting better slowly. Thanks keep up the videos.
I have it!! It took me years to get over stage fright that I didn't have to suffer from. Eventually practice and hard work made me more confident and walking on stage knowing you've done your homework and are ready, really made the difference between wishing that the gig was over or giving a good enjoyable performance that the audience really enjoyed, also the buzz afterwards that lasts for hours is priceless.
Thanks Richard, great video. I think fear of failure is a powerful thing and something not only beginners feel. Although it's not being in the moment, when I get frustrated by lack of progress with my guitar playing I always look back, say, 12 months. It reminds me how far I've come, because it's easy to lose sight of that. This in turn motivates me to do some more. Keep up the good work!
To be honest I would say that is a mindful concept. Consider it a moment of reflection. You step back, review things and think "wow - look how great I have done" - then use that feeling it gives you to continue - cool!!! (and - remember that feeling at times you are feeling frustrated again!)
Thank you for this video Richard. I am that guy! 40 years old, recently beginning my guitar journey, and pessimistic in the extreme. This video came along on my RUclips feed at just the right time. Onward and upward!
Richard I have been trying to learn guitar on and off for many years wish I had seen this video before it would have given me the confidence to continue. I'm now starting again, and have subscribed to your channels as your video's are really informative and your enthusiasm for guitar is infectious. Keep up the good work Gareth
Yes! Love your thought process! At 51 I picked a guitar up nearly 2 years ago..not to gig, just for my own pleasure. I'm a beginner and I enjoy being a beginner, cause I feel like an inquisitive child 'just having fun'. My dad use to perform and my brother is a professional jazz saxophonist, so I was initially a little intimidated to share my new fun, but the fun I get out of having a guitar in my hand far outweighs any insecurity, and they don't just love seeing me enthusiastic and happy but they almost have a sense of pride that I'm playing ..even if it's simple chords .. and although I'm enjoying the process of learning and shout "I'm a beginner and I'm having fun!" from the hill tops..I secretly know that I am better today than I was 2 years ago..a week ago..and maybe even yesterday 😊 There's magic in music. ... and subbed. 👍
Oh thanks so much for sharing that with me! That is really fantastic to hear and yes I have no doubt they are incredibly proud of you! Thanks so much for subscribing. You are doing the right thing in just enjoying the process and everything else will just fall in place over time. Thanks again!
It’s true, I use to shoot hockey pucks for about an hour or two a day as a child. I went on to play professional hockey, I was always known for my shot. The only thing that separated me from most other players was the hours spent practicing. Great video, inspirational, listen up youngsters, this is how life works.
Excellent Richard , no mystery here proper practice = proper results keep at it & learn songs it's not hard just a bit slow sometimes , love Vintage guitars amazing value
The 5 dislikes obviously came from people that are not achievers as yet. This advice is spot on and it took me decades to really grasp this concept. Repetition for brain/muscle memory. To be good at anything, it needs to become instinct and natural reaction. No time for 'thinking'! 🤨
Thanks so much Simon. You will be amazed. I have people who have subscribed JUST so they can down like my videos when they load. I kid you not. Takes all sorts but hey - I do waffle and waffle.... and waffle... and its not everyones cup of tea shall we say!!!
Waffling is good. You can't explain any concept in detail without a bit of waffling. Really good channel by the way. I only discovered you last week and subbed of course. I'm a bit of a Fender and Gibson man, as are a lot of people, but now I'm definitely thinking alternative brand for my next purchase. I'm always up for supporting the UK market when we can produce something that is actually good (even if it is assembled in China)!
Once more I find myself thinking what a great piece of advice this is. I saw myself fitting remarkably close to the initial profile that you mentioned, being just over 50 and having always had a wish to play the guitar, but the time was never right. I love the sound of acoustic guitar, I can't walk past a busker, and always contribute. The short story is that I decided to learn, and as I find it easier face to face with someone, rather than from videos or books I pay for a tutor and have a one hour lesson a week and really enjoy it. My only intention is to be able to play a few tunes for myself, I'm happy heading for that, at least for now and really enjoying the journey. As people say, when I grumble about how difficult it is sometimes, they say that if it was easy, everyone would be enjoying it, and of course they're not. To put it into context , this hour of professional one to one tuition costs me less than the cost of 10 cigarettes a day, it's difficult not to justify that (especially as I don't smoke anyway😀) so my intention is just to improve and keep going. Thanks for the advice, I'm sure many will appreciate it .
HI Lee, Me too. Just under 4 years ago, at the age of 47 I decided to start guitar to get me through a difficult part of my life. I bought a cheap electric and (being a geek) a copy of Rocksmith. I really enjoyed playing, but the game didn't really do enough for me so I found a local teacher and have been going to him ever since. I am still playing, and have far exceeded what I thought I would achieve when I started. I play with a few like minded people in a little band, mostly at a local open mic, something I never thought I'd be doing! I have now started playing acoustic too, the reason I'm watching this video is that I've just ordered a beautiful looking Faith guitar from Richard, and am looking forward to pushing myself even further. Without a doubt professional tuition, with a teacher who you get on well with, is a brilliant way forward, you'll never regret the cost. Coincidentally my teacher worked with Shaun Baxter, mentioned in this video as Richard's tutor, small world! Good luck with your playing, without doubt you will exceed your expectations, if you really want to, and are willing to put the effort in :)
Tim Cooper , thanks very much for taking the time to respond to that. I find that it's a great way off taking your mind off things as I have to concentrate so hard on what I'm doing, but on the occasions when you get it right, the small improvements are so rewarding 👍 I hope you continue to really enjoy it, and I'm sure Richard has plenty of upgrades for you . Have a great New Year
Spot on with what you're saying Rich - I apply exactly the same when the boys say they'll never be as good as me at drawing.. I tell them that if they put in the time and have the belief then there's no reason what-so-ever they can't be as good if not better than I am.. and that's something I reiterate with everything they do... practice and belief in yourself goes a long long way.. :)
Just boring old wiring and repetition. If they know they cannot "not" improve - there is only one other conceivable possibility - and thats an exciting reality!
at 32 i picked up the guitar . always wanted to have a try. my nephews 10yrs and 14yrs also picked up the guitar about same time. in two months they were playing heh joe on accoustic very very well. plus power chords. i wanted to give up right there lol lol ...
This is one of the best descriptions of what it takes to achieve goals in all aspects of life. Really good stuff. Thomas Edison said "Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration". We can all do the 99% or something towards it.
Love the video Rich I was like you as a kid but as I've got older I believe in myself more love playing love learning guitar I'm 46 now been playing 3 years couldn't imagine myself not playing plus your tuition videos make me look forward too playing more and learning more take take mate 👍👍👍
I like you Richard...you're totally down to Earth:) So right about that crap factor...some years back I sustained a terrible injury to the ring finger of my left hand, which left the first knuckle above the fingernail mostly frozen in place. For years I just stopped playing because of the crap factor telling me it would be impossible to accomplish anything with that finger like that. Then I witnessed a gentleman without arms playing guitar with his feet:) Now I'm learning to play in new ways to accommodate the limited range of my ring finger and it's working for me. So you're totally spot on with your advice Richard!
Excellent advice!!!! I remember Sean Baxter from Guitar Techniques magazine. Great guitarist. Also there was a good documentary on BBC a few years ago. They looked at individuals who excelled and asked the question was is Nature or Nurture.
Great post,again,Richard! I heard a quote a while ago :-"If you do something often enough, you get good at it, right??" Also ,I saw an interview with a champion skateboader on how he reached his level. His response :- "It's just time spent on your board,man"... ;)
I understand now. Thanks Richard. You know I've met you once at your shop and I've watched several of your vlogs and I think you're a great guy. Very honest. Sometimes quite humorous too. You call a spade a spade. And as a matter of fact it probably was a little Korean girl who was playing Piano. It just never occurred to me that she was a little Mozart for the same Mozart was a little Mozart and yes it's extremely cruel. You only have to think of Michael Jackson to see where it can sometimes lead.
LOL thank you. Although I may "seem" serious in a lot of my videos (I suppose a result of my passion for the subject especially if its depressing me at the time) I would love to believe I am good humored and love nothing more than to laugh. Also happy to laugh at myself - thankfully!!! As for the video I was talking about - check this out - incredible but quite sad at the same time ruclips.net/video/DeGdJgWXJ6Q/видео.html
Wonderful Richard. When it comes to adding value to what you offer your clients, that's probably the most valuable thing anyone could ever do because it's not just about playing the guitar is it?
Hi Richard, I hope you're still reading comments on old posts. I agree with your comments about practice but the one thing I'm not sure you cover is the context aspect. When I was in my teens I used to practice (rugby) conversion kicking a bit like Beckham shooting for goal, but in both cases, we knew what the context was: hitting a ball with your foot so that it went in a specific spot, and also (like Beckham, it wasn't just penalties) trying it from different locations (on the pitch) to get the same end result. At the same time, I was taking guitar lessons which basically took me through sight reading music to go through tunes of increasing speed / complexity. No context was given. So, unlike your recent posts, I wasn't taught about intervals, wasn't taught about how to play arpeggios and also wasn't taught about pentatonic and other scales. Needless to say, I soon hit a brick wall with technique (as far as taught) and speed being adequate but feeling / tone being sadly lacking and my guitar teacher told me that Id' gone as far as I could.... SInce then and after trying again to jump-start my playing about 4 months ago, I've read a number of "how to play guitar" manuals and have found them to be similar in approach. Conversely, I've found your approach on your videos to be really illuminating as they are explaining the "how" of constructing music rather than just the mechanics of playing a piece. I wish I'd had a teacher like you when I was a teenager. I'm now (nearly 62) technically adequate but musically inept. I'm trying to correct and am seeing / hearing progress but what a lot of wasted years. Keep up with the online lessons. I live in the country (North Yorkshire Moors) so the chance of getting such good quality teaching is almost impossible, so using enlightened self-interest, I need you to continue providing the "goods". Best regards
Oh my goodness... we share similar interests! In my previous life (pre children) I got to 12 handicap at golf! Only last year my son Luke started showing an interest in golf so he now has lessons and we go to the driving range etc. I had the most amazing inspiring teacher who happened to be my father in law. He took me to the driving range and said " Stand here and watch these guys". Hitting the same 100 balls week in week out - making the same mistakes week after week - month after month. His advice is pretty much echoed to this day in all my thoughts. Spend 5 minutes a day doing something you cannot do - rather than an hour of something you can do easily. Be mindful of every moment. Consider every shot - every move. Think about what was good and bad about what you did. BE compassionate to yourself - reflect but never berate! If you practice - and focus - you cannot NOT improve. Thanks so much for your kind words - if mine helped that is wonderful.
Richards Guitars every word od advice has really found the sweet spot (sorry; dodgey golfing analogy)...but Totally in line with my own efforts of continual self improvement! My Faith guitar deserves more focused practice. Great to have the videos back; please keep up the good work....off on a tangent is great too!! 😉
This is so true Richard, I’m pretty bad at playing and I find it very intimidating going into a guitar shop. It’s almost as if I’m apologising for being in there. But I love learning the guitar and I’m so annoyed at myself for not learning years ago.
Hi Justin. I used to have all the exact same feelings so dont worry! If you ever visit my shop I have partitioned the shop off so we have a private room for this purpose - being in comfortable in your own space. Everyone here is so relaxed I promise you would soon feel very comfortable I assure you. Its a lovely team - everyone is just enjoying their day - definitely NOTHING like the experiences I remember growing up.
A friend of mine from years ago, Rick Graham, took some lessons from Sean Baxter. I got him to get me a signed copy of Jazz metal. Imagine my surprise when I got my copy and Sean had written "thanks Daz for teaching me all I know"! Ha ha! Rick always used to cite his amazing playing on natural talent plus practise. Listen to him on you tube and find out why he won guitarist of the year. He went many years playing 6 hours a day. Maybe his natural talent was more a natural desire to play! He was definitely the most focussed person I have ever met! Interesting concept about improvisation. Desire plus practise is definitely the key in my humble opinion.
No question at all. Without the desire to do something you simply drift - like being in a sea without a paddle. Its like people who are considered "lucky". Luck comes to those that notice opportunities. Talent comes to those that make the effort to better themselves (and don't allow their inner insecurities to get the better of them IE the crap factor!) Many people walk around with their eyes closed and then wonder why nothing positive ever happens to them or their lives go down a path they wished it hadn't. They have to take control - make action - make change - positive things will follow.
I absolutely agree. Rather than focussing on all those guitarists who are better than me I try to focus on how well I am improving but also the sheer enjoyment I get from my playing. When i truly get lost in the moment and jamming to backing tracks really helps to develop my playing. Being mindful and being thankful also take a bit of practise but positive mental attitude pays dividends. Well worth the discussion Richard, thank you.
The way I look at it is it's a bit like the gunfighters in the old West, you might think you are fast but there is always someone that's faster. I never aspired to be a great guitarist, I used the guitar to back up my singing and songwriting, a guitar is easier to carry round than a piano. I have done thousands of shows where in the Band that was backing me their guitarist was a much better guitarist than I would ever be, but I knew roughly what he would be getting for the Gig and how much more I would be getting, and when I looked at it like that it did not rankle me regarding my lack of guitar playing skill. The main thing is to enjoy what you do, regardless if you are a three chord wonder or another Richard Smith, enjoy your guitar.
This resonates so true, I started late with guitar ( after I had retired ) as it has always been an ambition of mine to play, I will never play Wembley but if I can achieve my goal of hearing a tune and identifying the key and chords and play along then that will be great. I’ve been going for about 6 months now and it’s rough but I’m beginning to get there, the main thing is I enjoy what I can do and as Richard says this can only get better with practice
Dear Richard, An interesting read is the "Inner Game of Golf" by Tim Gallwey forget about golf in the title - read the book - it will change EVERYTHING about how you think about what you do - Look forward to getting my SB59 Today !!!!
The first 7 years of your life you being programmed and have not learn the concept of self doubt - that skill is learnt! You soak up everything around you - without question - hence why murderers and baddies often come from poor childhood backgrounds etc. They are being programmed from birth. So... IF you demand a 2 year old to practice every day regrettably however inhumane I may feel it is its not unremarkable that childhood proteges exist. They have no fear. In fact they are taught from the earliest age that this IS life - nothing else exists. Check out some of the North Korean classical players at 5 years old etc. Remarkable but very very sad..... but also very understandable how they get so good so quick - at such an early age.
I saw Joe Bonamassa say that he had an issue playing an acoustic guitar but the dots on the edge of the neck were black and not all the dots were evident .... I was shocked .... Joe B for God's sake ... so if he can be a little on edge I guess I can have some doubt in my life ....
I've read several interesting articles on our ability to accurately assess how able we are. The general thread of the articles was that the less able you are, the more likely you are to over estimate your abilities: sort of too thick to know you're thick. To quote Bertrand Russel, "The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt." In essence, feeling you're a bit crap is a good thing.
Hi Richard, great video again. Just curious about the green (seafoam-ish) telecaster on the wall. Can you tell me any more about it, and how much it would be please? Thanks, Adam
The more we learn the less we know. As your ability increases your understanding of what is possible increases. A complete beginner might believe that once they have learned seven chords they will be able to play anything that they want to. Once they have learned the seven chords they realize that there is a lot more to learn, so they then go on to experience a bit of music theory and realize that there is even more to learn. Eventually they will realize that they will never learn everything, this is the point at which you either specialize or give up. Don't give up, just get more guitars, more books, more practice, and learn to laugh at yourself for being so ridiculously obsessed with a chunk of wood and a few bits of metal.
That was like The Stepford Wives. How long would it take, even at so young an age to get that good? Those children, unless they truly enjoyed getting that good are being tortured.
My mate has the Crap Factor. He's a great player, especially on acoustic guitar. His problem comes when writing original songs. He needs someone in the room with him to say, "no, no don't stop playing that riff, it's really good!" He must have come up with hundreds of ideas that nobody will ever hear. He edits himself down to near paralysis ffs
I can't read music .. can't even get my head round it .. too me it's brain damage . Don't get me wrong I've always liked music . I remember i got 20/20 in first year in high school doing a music test . When i was at school . we never got much chances with electric guitar's . In the early days there was little in the way of distractions unlike nowaday's ... where there is endless distractions and kids who do play for amature teams at weekends are now more attracted to the game of the wages that players now get . I know that from first hand experience . as my dad ran a amature youth team until his passing . One of boy's who played for him all through young days ..went on to win the European Cup . ITV Cut to advert blanking the winners getting presented with the Medals . That upset my Dad . So one day he came by the house for a blether n show him the medal . And i held it .. It's half inch thick of Solid Gold . He's had numerous kIds who went and became successful in the game . sadly there was one .. who had his heart set on playing for a certain club he supported all his days . That Club said no to him .. it hurt bigtime .. he ended up taking his own life .. due a drug overdose . Sad reality with some kids who sign S forms with named Clubs .. they think they have made it .. reality they kept on until they are viewed as surplus to requirement's .. I've still got guitar tab books .. .i still can't make head nor tail of it . I improvise adapt and over come .. when it comes to ... I was chuffed when i played bass segement of ROTAM [ Rime of the Ancient Mariner ] when i has a semi acoustic .. Aria Pro II . And it's taking me an age to get my current guitar to get fixed . as being a Vinyl Collector most of my money goes on Vinyl and i also like to create my own mixes . that i upload . As i've got my own turntables etc .. n Cd players .. One thing that still annoys me is that when my Grandad passed away some years ago now . My mother let the local antique dealer have a free pick and he took the Acoustic Guitar and other stuff unimpressed . Apologies for rambling on ...
Now that's something you don't hear everyday............a positive plain truth without being obnoxious or rude, excellent suff
Thanks Gary. Thats very kind. So glad you appreciated it.
Hi Richard, new subscriber from Canada here. I started teaching myself to play guitar at 51. I'm now 61 and still playing and enjoying every moment. I think that is also the key...enjoying the learning experience...and also being patient and not being hard on yourself.
Hia! Fantastic! I totally agree and also cultivating an enthusiasm for the learning experience which I think happens naturally over time anyway but certainly in the earlier stages its more difficult (or can be for some). If someone can just enjoy the process even when it may appear progress isn't being made (because it is being made - we just cannot calculate it - a bit like trying to measure how much your hair grew since yesterday!!) then pleasure is taken simply from the process of sharing time with the guitar. I have a cold so I am too tired to re-write that rambing reply!!! I am in the process of putting together my new RUclips studio and new camera arriving tomorrow - so watch this space! Currently learning some basic video editing software so hope to bring more consistent higher quality videos soon!
Thats fantastic to hear! Wonderful. You got it! Enjoy the moment - enjoy the experience and everything else follows from there. Thanks for letting me know.
I saw an interview once with bb king and he said he felt stupid when other musicians talked about chords etc that he didn't understand,he didn't know much theory, this was when he was in his 70s and had influenced every player on the planet, he still thought he was crap.i play guitar for a living and if someone asked me for a 9th chord I wouldn't know what the hell to do
I just noticed I gave this a 👍 2 years ago but didn't comment ! Anxiety can be crippling factor in life ,I know. I always lacked confidence as a kid - got diagnosed with anxiety & depression in my 40's and got some great meds & cognitive behaviour therapy. Looking back on old school reports ,I ditched lessons at my options that I thought I was bad at, but the reports from Art, Technical Drawing, Woodwork & Cookery all say "lacks confidence" and give A's ! Everything you said about your school sports sounds so familiar too. Watching this video again was like getting a pat on the back from an old friend. 😉👍
Thankyou Sir, I recommend this video to all gùitar students, its completely changed my outlook on the way I look at my development, the best lesson I've seen and didn't even pick up a guitar. David.
Kudos for being able to chat for 23 minutes and not making me bored.
YEEEEHAAA!!!! Result! Lets try 30 minutes next time! ha ha
I start play guitar over 20 years ago and after 2-4 years stopped. Try back 10 years ago but stopped for several excuses. On this pandemia been over 100 days lay off from work and back again. In 1 months I dramatically improved everything. I start with idea plan is play blues solo in another 5 years but I able to improvisation after 1 months :) I bought looper which one I wish to have over 20 years ago including you tube guitar lessons and theory on this time. But remember one mathematic or statistic teacher said : if you stroggle with something figerout let go wait and next day after sleep you getting just relief pressure :) You said right thing Richard. I try play everyday but time is not matter just played for pleasure one day can be 10 minutes another 1 hour just enjoy no pressure and this is point.
A great logical talk for every day life, but this was aimed at beginner guitarists and it is so helpful. Every beginner hits brick walls, every guitarist should keep this at hand
Doubt is something we all live with. It causes only two things, paralysis or determination to overcome the paralysis caused by the unknown.
I'm more of the latter than former, since I'm a big believer that the phrase, "I don't know," is the beginning of knowledge and not the end. Also the axiom, "Practice makes perfect," is true in any endeavor. Great video!
Great to see someone with the right ethos! I'm always surprised at the attitudes of some music/guitar shop owners have towards the customers. I've had some really awful experiences. I really think they fail in a lot of areas. If it was me owning a store, I would sit down with the customer, and discuss what they want or what they wish to learn. Even demonstrate to them the different guitars, make them hold it, make them understand what the fundamental differences are. Provide them with your knowledge, and teach them what they need to know. Heighten their interest and incourage them, this will increase their enthusiasm and more likely to buy from you. Its important to teach them the fundamentals (body types, pickups, controls, tones, strings, plectrums etc) otherwise they will make some costly mistakes that could have been absolutely avoided. Make them feel welcome, make them feel like they can come to you with any questions, and create a relationship, so they will become a long lasting customer.
I can't believe it, I've literally just been talking to a friend about how I gave up guitar at the age of 19 because of low self esteem and a boyfriend who I thought was better than me and now I've taken it up again 13 years later! Everything you said is so true probably for a whole lot more of us than we realise. It warms my heart to think you have given confidence to people in your shop who have felt insecure, that is a wonderful thing. I've just bought my first electro acoustic from your website and I'm glad to have bought from someone who is quite obviously a nice person without any of that bravado or arrogance that is so offputting to those of us with insecurities. Thankyou for being so encouraging! I will now denounce my crap factor and ignore the voice saying I am not worthy of such a nice guitar! I can't wait to receive it!
Excellent advice and something that can slip the mind; some time ago I had a habit of not letting people who were negative near me, I would not push them away but let them know i wasn't interested in much they said or did when they got negative. That was because negative attitudes can spread like a flu virus in our modern lives where the world and most things in it were negative. Music to me was my oasis - my place of tranquility, sanctuary and so I protected that with vehemence sometimes. I still pretty much do this today, but I might even try to encourage the positive in people now, get them to think positively. I am always positive with learners who want to learn the instrument, guitar, bass, drums - but took a similar attitude you have here, don't be aware of the time as you study, or play, structure your time to serve you. I would ask how many hours they spent watching tv, "Okay fine" i say "whilst your watching tv pick up your Strat' don't plug it in just let your fingers and the muscles there get used to finding the G minor pentatonic scale, learn it first then learn to play it with your fingers and not your mind". your body can move way before you engage your brain to do things. After the commercials try the A Major scale etc.
This guy is so cool and so honest. I wish my past self had heard this 40 years ago.
Hi Richard, I like your videos....going to visit your shop when we're allowed. I'm a Design and Technology teacher in a UK secondary school and I get this all the time, from students. There is a saying ''If you believe you can or can't do something...you're probably right'' Which means a positive mental attitude is essential for progress in anything. Better to say ''I can't do it.......yet''. For me personally the fact that playing the guitar is difficult and not everyone can do it straight away makes the skill more valuable.
Good going Richard.
A realistic goal, regular practice and positive guidance.
Sweet
Well said, Richard. I read a story a long time ago about Eddie Van Halen and how he got to be as good as he is. The story goes that he was sitting as the edge of his bed, noodling and practicing his guitar (as a teenager) and his brother Alex popped in and asked him if he was going to come party with him. Eddie declined. Fast forward 7 or 8 hours and Alex returns from the party, probably drunk, and finds Eddie still sitting in the same position on the edge of the bed practicing. Now, most people can't spend 6 hours a day practicing anything but the key to improvement is repetition and consistent practice. Great advice, mate.
Andrew Galloway apparently all of the greats had this approach.
great topic and video totally, my grandad said to me once"best thing you can give a man is encouragement" the guy couldnt read or write but was a great mechanic, had me down his pit as soon as i could walk..i ended my career working on harrier jump jets.Whereas it was hard being a lefty in the 70s i was given a "kay" righty sg and a copy of Burt Weedons book so yes i have the crap factor.....but now im trying....still
Glad I listened to this, you could have been talking about me, been trying to learn the guitar for years and kept giving up because thought I was crap, have picked it up again and practicing 3 times a day it’s working getting better slowly. Thanks keep up the videos.
Anyone wanting to start playing guitar should watch this video. The best lesson you will ever have. Superb information Richard.
I have it!! It took me years to get over stage fright that I didn't have to suffer from. Eventually practice and hard work made me more confident and walking on stage knowing you've done your homework and are ready, really made the difference between wishing that the gig was over or giving a good enjoyable performance that the audience really enjoyed, also the buzz afterwards that lasts for hours is priceless.
Just found your channel and subbed. As a 42 year old beginner I found this video so motivational. Thanks 👍
Thanks Richard, great video. I think fear of failure is a powerful thing and something not only beginners feel. Although it's not being in the moment, when I get frustrated by lack of progress with my guitar playing I always look back, say, 12 months. It reminds me how far I've come, because it's easy to lose sight of that. This in turn motivates me to do some more. Keep up the good work!
Too right. Failure and fear of not achieving puts a lot off from really trying.
To be honest I would say that is a mindful concept. Consider it a moment of reflection. You step back, review things and think "wow - look how great I have done" - then use that feeling it gives you to continue - cool!!! (and - remember that feeling at times you are feeling frustrated again!)
Thank you for this video Richard. I am that guy! 40 years old, recently beginning my guitar journey, and pessimistic in the extreme. This video came along on my RUclips feed at just the right time. Onward and upward!
Good man! Remember - failure only exists when you stop trying.
It's a bit like the 10,000 hours concept. It dispels the myth of "natural talent". Good shout, Rich.
jaredyjaredy yes 10000 hours of trying to get better. The example used is in the book is of musicians at Vienna Music Academy.
'Natural talent' is the 1% at the top. The 99% is hard work, obsession & self-belief.
Richard I have been trying to learn guitar on and off for many years wish I had seen this video before it would have given me the confidence to continue. I'm now starting again, and have subscribed to your channels as your video's are really informative and your enthusiasm for guitar is infectious.
Keep up the good work
Gareth
Yes! Love your thought process! At 51 I picked a guitar up nearly 2 years ago..not to gig, just for my own pleasure. I'm a beginner and I enjoy being a beginner, cause I feel like an inquisitive child 'just having fun'. My dad use to perform and my brother is a professional jazz saxophonist, so I was initially a little intimidated to share my new fun, but the fun I get out of having a guitar in my hand far outweighs any insecurity, and they don't just love seeing me enthusiastic and happy but they almost have a sense of pride that I'm playing ..even if it's simple chords .. and although I'm enjoying the process of learning and shout "I'm a beginner and I'm having fun!" from the hill tops..I secretly know that I am better today than I was 2 years ago..a week ago..and maybe even yesterday 😊 There's magic in music. ... and subbed. 👍
Oh thanks so much for sharing that with me! That is really fantastic to hear and yes I have no doubt they are incredibly proud of you! Thanks so much for subscribing. You are doing the right thing in just enjoying the process and everything else will just fall in place over time. Thanks again!
Richards Guitars Thank YOU
By far your best post I've seen to date. Thank you and keep on keeping on.
It’s true, I use to shoot hockey pucks for about an hour or two a day as a child. I went on to play professional hockey, I was always known for my shot. The only thing that separated me from most other players was the hours spent practicing. Great video, inspirational, listen up youngsters, this is how life works.
Excellent Richard , no mystery here proper practice = proper results keep at it & learn songs it's not hard just a bit slow sometimes , love Vintage guitars amazing value
The 5 dislikes obviously came from people that are not achievers as yet. This advice is spot on and it took me decades to really grasp this concept. Repetition for brain/muscle memory. To be good at anything, it needs to become instinct and natural reaction. No time for 'thinking'! 🤨
Thanks so much Simon. You will be amazed. I have people who have subscribed JUST so they can down like my videos when they load. I kid you not. Takes all sorts but hey - I do waffle and waffle.... and waffle... and its not everyones cup of tea shall we say!!!
Waffling is good. You can't explain any concept in detail without a bit of waffling. Really good channel by the way. I only discovered you last week and subbed of course. I'm a bit of a Fender and Gibson man, as are a lot of people, but now I'm definitely thinking alternative brand for my next purchase. I'm always up for supporting the UK market when we can produce something that is actually good (even if it is assembled in China)!
I would like to double like this video, please! Thank you, Richard.
Once more I find myself thinking what a great piece of advice this is. I saw myself fitting remarkably close to the initial profile that you mentioned, being just over 50 and having always had a wish to play the guitar, but the time was never right. I love the sound of acoustic guitar, I can't walk past a busker, and always contribute. The short story is that I decided to learn, and as I find it easier face to face with someone, rather than from videos or books I pay for a tutor and have a one hour lesson a week and really enjoy it. My only intention is to be able to play a few tunes for myself, I'm happy heading for that, at least for now and really enjoying the journey. As people say, when I grumble about how difficult it is sometimes, they say that if it was easy, everyone would be enjoying it, and of course they're not. To put it into context , this hour of professional one to one tuition costs me less than the cost of 10 cigarettes a day, it's difficult not to justify that (especially as I don't smoke anyway😀) so my intention is just to improve and keep going. Thanks for the advice, I'm sure many will appreciate it .
Thanks so much for sharing that Lee. Thats the key - enjoying the journey is definitely the key! Aim for the stars and hit the moon as they say!!
HI Lee,
Me too. Just under 4 years ago, at the age of 47 I decided to start guitar to get me through a difficult part of my life. I bought a cheap electric and (being a geek) a copy of Rocksmith. I really enjoyed playing, but the game didn't really do enough for me so I found a local teacher and have been going to him ever since. I am still playing, and have far exceeded what I thought I would achieve when I started. I play with a few like minded people in a little band, mostly at a local open mic, something I never thought I'd be doing! I have now started playing acoustic too, the reason I'm watching this video is that I've just ordered a beautiful looking Faith guitar from Richard, and am looking forward to pushing myself even further.
Without a doubt professional tuition, with a teacher who you get on well with, is a brilliant way forward, you'll never regret the cost. Coincidentally my teacher worked with Shaun Baxter, mentioned in this video as Richard's tutor, small world!
Good luck with your playing, without doubt you will exceed your expectations, if you really want to, and are willing to put the effort in :)
Tim Cooper , thanks very much for taking the time to respond to that. I find that it's a great way off taking your mind off things as I have to concentrate so hard on what I'm doing, but on the occasions when you get it right, the small improvements are so rewarding 👍 I hope you continue to really enjoy it, and I'm sure Richard has plenty of upgrades for you . Have a great New Year
Spot on with what you're saying Rich - I apply exactly the same when the boys say they'll never be as good as me at drawing.. I tell them that if they put in the time and have the belief then there's no reason what-so-ever they can't be as good if not better than I am.. and that's something I reiterate with everything they do... practice and belief in yourself goes a long long way.. :)
Just boring old wiring and repetition. If they know they cannot "not" improve - there is only one other conceivable possibility - and thats an exciting reality!
at 32 i picked up the guitar . always wanted to have a try. my nephews 10yrs and 14yrs also picked up the guitar about same time. in two months they were playing heh joe on accoustic very very well. plus power chords. i wanted to give up right there lol lol ...
This is one of the best descriptions of what it takes to achieve goals in all aspects of life. Really good stuff.
Thomas Edison said "Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration". We can all do the 99% or something towards it.
Love the video Rich I was like you as a kid but as I've got older I believe in myself more love playing love learning guitar I'm 46 now been playing 3 years couldn't imagine myself not playing plus your tuition videos make me look forward too playing more and learning more take take mate 👍👍👍
I like you Richard...you're totally down to Earth:) So right about that crap factor...some years back I sustained a terrible injury to the ring finger of my left hand, which left the first knuckle above the fingernail mostly frozen in place. For years I just stopped playing because of the crap factor telling me it would be impossible to accomplish anything with that finger like that. Then I witnessed a gentleman without arms playing guitar with his feet:) Now I'm learning to play in new ways to accommodate the limited range of my ring finger and it's working for me. So you're totally spot on with your advice Richard!
Thats a fantastic story - thanks so much for sharing it with me.
Excellent advice!!!!
I remember Sean Baxter from Guitar Techniques magazine. Great guitarist. Also there was a good documentary on BBC a few years ago. They looked at individuals who excelled and asked the question was is Nature or Nurture.
Thank you for taking your time to share your thoughts!!
Great post,again,Richard! I heard a quote a while ago :-"If you do something often enough, you get good at it, right??" Also ,I saw an interview with a champion skateboader on how he reached his level. His response :- "It's just time spent on your board,man"... ;)
I understand now. Thanks Richard. You know I've met you once at your shop and I've watched several of your vlogs and I think you're a great guy. Very honest. Sometimes quite humorous too. You call a spade a spade. And as a matter of fact it probably was a little Korean girl who was playing Piano. It just never occurred to me that she was a little Mozart for the same Mozart was a little Mozart and yes it's extremely cruel. You only have to think of Michael Jackson to see where it can sometimes lead.
LOL thank you. Although I may "seem" serious in a lot of my videos (I suppose a result of my passion for the subject especially if its depressing me at the time) I would love to believe I am good humored and love nothing more than to laugh. Also happy to laugh at myself - thankfully!!! As for the video I was talking about - check this out - incredible but quite sad at the same time ruclips.net/video/DeGdJgWXJ6Q/видео.html
uplifting and understanding...thank you
Wonderful Richard. When it comes to adding value to what you offer your clients, that's probably the most valuable thing anyone could ever do because it's not just about playing the guitar is it?
Thank you Richard your words inspire me brother. Cheers from Canada.
Oh... other people think the same way? Thanks very much, Richard.
So true. Many wise words there..
Great advice Richard - thanks for the video.
Bless you.For saying this.
Hi Richard,
I hope you're still reading comments on old posts.
I agree with your comments about practice but the one thing I'm not sure you cover is the context aspect.
When I was in my teens I used to practice (rugby) conversion kicking a bit like Beckham shooting for goal, but in both cases, we knew what the context was: hitting a ball with your foot so that it went in a specific spot, and also (like Beckham, it wasn't just penalties) trying it from different locations (on the pitch) to get the same end result.
At the same time, I was taking guitar lessons which basically took me through sight reading music to go through tunes of increasing speed / complexity. No context was given.
So, unlike your recent posts, I wasn't taught about intervals, wasn't taught about how to play arpeggios and also wasn't taught about pentatonic and other scales. Needless to say, I soon hit a brick wall with technique (as far as taught) and speed being adequate but feeling / tone being sadly lacking and my guitar teacher told me that Id' gone as far as I could....
SInce then and after trying again to jump-start my playing about 4 months ago, I've read a number of "how to play guitar" manuals and have found them to be similar in approach. Conversely, I've found your approach on your videos to be really illuminating as they are explaining the "how" of constructing music rather than just the mechanics of playing a piece.
I wish I'd had a teacher like you when I was a teenager. I'm now (nearly 62) technically adequate but musically inept. I'm trying to correct and am seeing / hearing progress but what a lot of wasted years.
Keep up with the online lessons. I live in the country (North Yorkshire Moors) so the chance of getting such good quality teaching is almost impossible, so using enlightened self-interest, I need you to continue providing the "goods".
Best regards
Appreciate these words friend.
Excellent video
Thanks for sharing that Richard: I play golf, I lift and am learning/developing as a guitarist.....#I'm feeling inspired now!! Priceless.
Oh my goodness... we share similar interests! In my previous life (pre children) I got to 12 handicap at golf! Only last year my son Luke started showing an interest in golf so he now has lessons and we go to the driving range etc. I had the most amazing inspiring teacher who happened to be my father in law. He took me to the driving range and said " Stand here and watch these guys". Hitting the same 100 balls week in week out - making the same mistakes week after week - month after month. His advice is pretty much echoed to this day in all my thoughts. Spend 5 minutes a day doing something you cannot do - rather than an hour of something you can do easily. Be mindful of every moment. Consider every shot - every move. Think about what was good and bad about what you did. BE compassionate to yourself - reflect but never berate! If you practice - and focus - you cannot NOT improve. Thanks so much for your kind words - if mine helped that is wonderful.
Richards Guitars every word od advice has really found the sweet spot (sorry; dodgey golfing analogy)...but Totally in line with my own efforts of continual self improvement! My Faith guitar deserves more focused practice. Great to have the videos back; please keep up the good work....off on a tangent is great too!! 😉
Thank you so much.
Love this Richard . Thank you 🙏🏼😊
Great life lessons!! Excellent advice
This is so true Richard, I’m pretty bad at playing and I find it very intimidating going into a guitar shop. It’s almost as if I’m apologising for being in there.
But I love learning the guitar and I’m so annoyed at myself for not learning years ago.
Hi Justin. I used to have all the exact same feelings so dont worry! If you ever visit my shop I have partitioned the shop off so we have a private room for this purpose - being in comfortable in your own space.
Everyone here is so relaxed I promise you would soon feel very comfortable I assure you. Its a lovely team - everyone is just enjoying their day - definitely NOTHING like the experiences I remember growing up.
I will soon find out as I’m looking to bring my acoustic in for a setup, be gentle with me.
Richard you're a legend
Oh bless you sir! Thank you.
A friend of mine from years ago, Rick Graham, took some lessons from Sean Baxter. I got him to get me a signed copy of Jazz metal. Imagine my surprise when I got my copy and Sean had written "thanks Daz for teaching me all I know"! Ha ha! Rick always used to cite his amazing playing on natural talent plus practise. Listen to him on you tube and find out why he won guitarist of the year. He went many years playing 6 hours a day. Maybe his natural talent was more a natural desire to play! He was definitely the most focussed person I have ever met! Interesting concept about improvisation. Desire plus practise is definitely the key in my humble opinion.
No question at all. Without the desire to do something you simply drift - like being in a sea without a paddle. Its like people who are considered "lucky". Luck comes to those that notice opportunities. Talent comes to those that make the effort to better themselves (and don't allow their inner insecurities to get the better of them IE the crap factor!) Many people walk around with their eyes closed and then wonder why nothing positive ever happens to them or their lives go down a path they wished it hadn't. They have to take control - make action - make change - positive things will follow.
I absolutely agree. Rather than focussing on all those guitarists who are better than me I try to focus on how well I am improving but also the sheer enjoyment I get from my playing. When i truly get lost in the moment and jamming to backing tracks really helps to develop my playing. Being mindful and being thankful also take a bit of practise but positive mental attitude pays dividends. Well worth the discussion Richard, thank you.
You hit the nail on the head there Richard
The way I look at it is it's a bit like the gunfighters in the old West, you might think you are fast but there is always someone that's faster. I never aspired to be a great guitarist, I used the guitar to back up my singing and songwriting, a guitar is easier to carry round than a piano. I have done thousands of shows where in the Band that was backing me their guitarist was a much better guitarist than I would ever be, but I knew roughly what he would be getting for the Gig and how much more I would be getting, and when I looked at it like that it did not rankle me regarding my lack of guitar playing skill. The main thing is to enjoy what you do, regardless if you are a three chord wonder or another Richard Smith, enjoy your guitar.
Thanks! I got a lot from this video
I recommend making a list of all the things you assume that you will never do. Then do them all.
This resonates so true, I started late with guitar ( after I had retired ) as it has always been an ambition of mine to play, I will never play Wembley but if I can achieve my goal of hearing a tune and identifying the key and chords and play along then that will be great. I’ve been going for about 6 months now and it’s rough but I’m beginning to get there, the main thing is I enjoy what I can do and as Richard says this can only get better with practice
Great words 🎶🎸🍺
Dear Richard, An interesting read is the "Inner Game of Golf" by Tim Gallwey forget about golf in the title - read the book - it will change EVERYTHING about how you think about what you do - Look forward to getting my SB59 Today !!!!
Well said very True word's
Good advice .thank you for the motivation..
I agree almost 100% Richard but what about 3 year old Protégés?
The first 7 years of your life you being programmed and have not learn the concept of self doubt - that skill is learnt! You soak up everything around you - without question - hence why murderers and baddies often come from poor childhood backgrounds etc. They are being programmed from birth. So... IF you demand a 2 year old to practice every day regrettably however inhumane I may feel it is its not unremarkable that childhood proteges exist. They have no fear. In fact they are taught from the earliest age that this IS life - nothing else exists. Check out some of the North Korean classical players at 5 years old etc. Remarkable but very very sad..... but also very understandable how they get so good so quick - at such an early age.
Ur awesome Richard!! God I have this dream of getting an Eastman 822ce FF but I live in India . Sob
Absolutely spot on. 👍✔️
Great video Richard 👍
I saw Joe Bonamassa say that he had an issue playing an acoustic guitar but the dots on the edge of the neck were black and not all the dots were evident .... I was shocked .... Joe B for God's sake ... so if he can be a little on edge I guess I can have some doubt in my life ....
Great video!
Thank you!
I love this video, I have the Crap Factor in spades. Going to buy a new guitar as a psycho Boost.
I've read several interesting articles on our ability to accurately assess how able we are. The general thread of the articles was that the less able you are, the more likely you are to over estimate your abilities: sort of too thick to know you're thick. To quote Bertrand Russel, "The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt." In essence, feeling you're a bit crap is a good thing.
Hi Richard, great video again. Just curious about the green (seafoam-ish) telecaster on the wall. Can you tell me any more about it, and how much it would be please? Thanks, Adam
Sure! Its a Maybach Telemann. Lovely hand made electric guitar. This one is used but stunning and you could have it for £950
The more we learn the less we know. As your ability increases your understanding of what is possible increases. A complete beginner might believe that once they have learned seven chords they will be able to play anything that they want to. Once they have learned the seven chords they realize that there is a lot more to learn, so they then go on to experience a bit of music theory and realize that there is even more to learn. Eventually they will realize that they will never learn everything, this is the point at which you either specialize or give up. Don't give up, just get more guitars, more books, more practice, and learn to laugh at yourself for being so ridiculously obsessed with a chunk of wood and a few bits of metal.
That was like The Stepford Wives. How long would it take, even at so young an age to get that good? Those children, unless they truly enjoyed getting that good are being tortured.
Ace video
Thank you for your kind words. Appreciated.
My mate has the Crap Factor. He's a great player, especially on acoustic guitar. His problem comes when writing original songs. He needs someone in the room with him to say, "no, no don't stop playing that riff, it's really good!" He must have come up with hundreds of ideas that nobody will ever hear. He edits himself down to near paralysis ffs
Pressing 38kg on each arm?!?! Sod the guitars, I want to see a video of that!
now there's an idea for a new channel!
Guitar Fit with Ripped Richard?
Given that weight Richard , you should have a grip like a gorilla, great for the fretboard.
Nahh just tennis elbow!!
Hello
Hi babby. WATCH THE VIDEO!!! xxx
I can't read music .. can't even get my head round it .. too me it's brain damage .
Don't get me wrong I've always liked music . I remember i got 20/20 in first year in high school doing a music test . When i was at school . we never got much chances with electric guitar's .
In the early days there was little in the way of distractions unlike nowaday's ... where there is endless distractions and kids who do play for amature teams at weekends are now more attracted to the game of the wages that players now get . I know that from first hand experience . as my dad ran a amature youth team until his passing . One of boy's who played for him all through young days ..went on to win the European Cup . ITV Cut to advert blanking the winners getting presented with the Medals . That upset my Dad . So one day he came by the house for a blether n show him the medal . And i held it .. It's half inch thick of Solid Gold .
He's had numerous kIds who went and became successful in the game . sadly there was one .. who had his heart set on playing for a certain club he supported all his days . That Club said no to him .. it hurt bigtime .. he ended up taking his own life .. due a drug overdose . Sad reality with some kids who sign S forms with named Clubs .. they think they have made it .. reality they kept on until they are viewed as surplus to requirement's ..
I've still got guitar tab books .. .i still can't make head nor tail of it . I improvise adapt and over come .. when it comes to ... I was chuffed when i played bass segement of ROTAM [ Rime of the Ancient Mariner ] when i has a semi acoustic .. Aria Pro II .
And it's taking me an age to get my current guitar to get fixed . as being a Vinyl Collector most of my money goes on Vinyl and i also like to create my own mixes . that i upload . As i've got my own turntables etc .. n Cd players .. One thing that still annoys me is that when my Grandad passed away some years ago now . My mother let the local antique dealer have a free pick and he took the Acoustic Guitar and other stuff unimpressed .
Apologies for rambling on ...
38 kilos! I can barely do 20!!!
Trust me... nor could I when I started