It's NOT a controversial topic! It's impossible to play without using scales just as it's impossible to paint without paint! All arpeggios, Chords, melodic shapes and melodies are made from scales! It's only controversial to idiots.
@@trevortimoko7512 I’m saying he’s making a false distinction for the sake of attracting attention to his site. He has fairly consistent partial knowledge but he’s by no means the last word on the subject.
If I had met you 25 years ago and taken this solid straightforward advice to heart, I’d be a much better musician today. The goal is to be authentic and original. It’s obvious stuff but somehow slips out of the forefront of my mind. Thanks for your candid demeanor and wisdom man! Much appreciated ❤
Spot on Tim! When Miles said about music theory, "Forget that s**t and just play!" He did NOT mean don't learn theory, or how to read, he meant exactly what you spent 17 minutes explaining so beautifully. It's got to come out of you on the gig, so you have to know it so well that you don't think about it.
Actually, there is video of Miles explaining how disdain for certain journalists who asked him if his ability to play the blues comes from the fact that black people or his forebears were enslaved. Miles responded (I'm paraphrasing), I grew up rich, I play like this because I studied. Then you gave Dizzy taking about Miles asking him, "in this chord, where does this note come from?' talent yes, but learning also.
I think of knowing scales like the alphebet. if you dont know the letters youll never read. if you dont know the order you cant find what your looking for in the library.
Thank you all for your great support and kind comments. Please share this video with your friends and with your social media crowd. Visit www.timlerch.com for recordings, lessons and TrueFire courses.
I've been playing over 50 years, have done thousands of gigs and have a degree in guitar performance and I've never heard this topic addressed any better than in this video. Incredibly well done. Anyone who thinks this is controversial doesn't understand the first thing about making music. It's fundamental. Kudos to you on a beautifully crafted lesson in musical realty. BTW, speaking of tools, Are you using any fingernail with your right hand, or is it all skin? Also, am I right in observing that your right hand attack seems extremely light thus creating a bigger rounder tone? Thanks for all you do to cut through the crap in a low key and encouraging way. It's a rarity.
@@TimLerchGuitar Of course! I went to a workshop you taught almost 15 years ago. It was hosted in Bellevue, I think by the Seattle jazz guitar society. I still have the handout you provided from that class! I've been a fan and a student of yours ever since. In gratitude -Jared
Not just a master guitar player but a master teacher and human being, love your channel and courses Tim. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and inspire us!
This is great advice. The longer I play, the more I realize that finding the balance between technique/knowledge and "feeling" is one of the hardest thing to get right. Spending too much time on scales, patterns, etc will result in boring and robotic playing. But "going for the feeling" is not an excuse not to invest the time to build a solid foundation. Few get this right, actually.
10:20 this concept completely changed how I approach guitar. The pattern, scale, fingering method "does not" teach you music. the "sound" is where it's at!
Wisest lesson I've had in ages. Music is sound and feel and not fingerings. We practice to learn the sounds. Then we learn to speak with the sounds. "We want to hear a real person, playing real music that they hear in their mind and that they feel in their hearts." Singing along with your playing. "Close your eyes and look away."
“Live in the world of sound” - great advice. I’m still trying to get there, but it’s a great journey. Thanks Tim for your brilliant insight and generous heart in sharing your experience and knowledge.
Very helpful advice. The experience of a novice facing a silent space and an attentive ear can be daunting. I hope I can find my sound and communicate a sense of shared humanity.
Makes a lot of sense. I was already doing this but not confident that I was on the right path of conceptualising it. It takes a teacher like yoda to give you the wisdom to point you in the right path, and someone who isnt leading you down the garden path of shred.
I should add that I dig Tim's music a lot more than Ted's. But Tim plays tunes that I know and love in such inventive ways. Ted played a lot of things that are a bit too 20th century for me, if that makes any sense. I can only compare it to bird and Coltrane: I think bird was actually better than trane, but trane talks to my soul and my intellect, bird talks to my intellect or lack thereof.
Awesome food for non-Melodic brains. I tend to go back and forth. It’s when I think about being melodic as I’m playing is when it happens. Being in the zone it whet its all about! Tim, your an inspiration! Thanks so much!
I love the way you explained this! Teaching week-lone Swing & Blues Guitar workshops at a music camp (so not much time and needed/expected results), I try to explain and teach not only "Swing chords", but a bit of how to solo, and try to explain what you said here. Your video gave me much more ways of explaining this! Thanks!! Kevin in Port Townsend (met you last year when you played the Vintage on Water Street, the day before our show there) You probably forgot, but we talked about my fully hollow Turbocaster guitars (Turbocaster Electric Guitars on Facebook).
Great video. To chime in on your assessment of practice vs performance, I am reminded of something an instructor once told me: " When you practice, play only things you don't know how to do. When you perform, Play only the things you do know how to do."
Please SUBSCRIBE and if you can share this video with your musical friends,I can use a little boost to my YT channel. Thanks for all of your support and encouragement. .
I was skeptical when I saw the title of this video, but after watching it I'm convinced this is the best video and the last word on scales and modes. First time watching Tim Lerch and now a subscriber.
I’ve had the honor of being around several good music teachers in my life. When I listen to you, I hear them, but I also hear me… thoughts and feelings that have been simmering, trying to materialize and then WHAM, you say them out loud! Thanks for that, it really helps me go where I want to go.
As a basic starting guitarist pretty old you have just given me then style of music I will try and learn to play. It sounds beautiful so thank you for inspiring me
t, you and paul stafford cook are my twin north stars. my approach is very similar to youse two and we seem to play more with our fingers as we age due to the fact we only use our picks when we need to emphasize a particular line or note and rhe sound of fingers on strings is so damned sweet and satisfying. what i didn't realize when starting out is that there is SO much to learn. it is a life long journey and those of us who keep it up actually love the instrument. there are so many axes and styles to try that it is never boring. someone once said that if you're bored, it's not the instrument ...it's you. so, thanks so much for your wisdom and your gift..god bless. frank
In my experience, you are 100% correct. I would only add that the whole point of improvised music, particularly American jazz music is to be present in the moment when improvising. I often surprise myself while soloing with a melodic or rhythmic idea that then takes on an energy and forward motion that propels me into the next idea...it's fresh to me and the audience shares that sense of spontaneous creation. Of course I need the tools (scales, modes, arpeggios, and let's not forget knowing the actual melody of the tune) to draw on...and one other thing...none of this happens in a vacuum. You're playing with other musicians that are also bringing their rhythmic and melodic ideas to the table...I can't tell you how many times while listening to other soloists I've been inspired by my fellow bandmates! In fact...always! Oh, and another thing...how about comping and responding by supporting other soloists? It's one of the great joys of being a guitar player.
Thank you Tim! I am tired of people blaming the scales and not the poor usage of them. The same thing can happen with triads,arpeggios and everything... it's the way you use everything.... keep being inspiring . Thank you
BRAVO TIM . REALLY FANTASTIC ADVICE . NOW I have Jens Larson, & you, TIM. THANK YOU. What you have said kinda ‘blew me away!!!! " Born as an embryo listening to CLASSICAL, & WEST COAST ( was the best coast 😆, & Thanks to ‘HOLLYWOOD opening up ‘, East meets WES . ( Met Emily Remler. We talked , & started to set up a jam😍 But she passed away in Sydney. She was a sweetie, & tiny like me!). My DAD💔, took me to my first gig at 3 yrs old; l heard & saw DAVE BRUBECK. !! Eugene was my godfather! I lost my precious DAD 💔 in 2020, Eugene , same year. I never think when l play, it sounds like a jazz player who is over theorised. Up to bloomin George Russell. ( more theory fodder to try to confuse you; but l kinda got it, 🙄, kinda . HOW RIGHT YOU ARE. YOU HAVE FREED ME!!!! ‘Sing a Dorian mode.’ HA! 🥊 You saved me. Sweating over a guitar & piano. All this theory, all this work. I’ve got mountains of theory. But l don’t wanna go 3rd stream - Not into Roland Kirk etc. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I SO NEEDED THIS. Sometimes l think that you have to be brought up or eventually learn about jazz to understand it. AND SOMEONE WHO SWITCHES A HUGE 💡 WENT OFF IN MY BEANO! THANK YOU AGAIN. 😃👏👏🎸🎹👊🏾
You're fired up on this one. Alright! And your point is good. I've noticed that however skillful the player, the strongest solo is one that is built from melodies.
Excellent discussion from a master player. Love the little improv moments between comments! "When you're practicing, you're doing one activity. When you're playing, you're doing another activity." Needed to hear that.
I think this is the most accurate description on what music is. Music is an art, that means the pursue on the beauty of the sound. Math approach is not neccesarily a beautiful approach. The simplest way for me is the difference between music theory, instrument technique and music itself. Music itself is what All Composers and players played all along the history, and each style has its own language to reach that beauty ideal. Theory to understand, technique to be able, listen and transcribe to learn the deepest things on each style
Well Said...! We have reached a point culturally where the "possession of information" has been weaponized and not just in music. We need to change this. Thanks for putting up your thoughts They are very important... B-)
Nothing but great teaching here in my opinion. I don't think sharing information on the process of creating melodies (improv) shoild be controversial in any way. I'm sure that is not the intent here. This is a great lesson! I'm a steel player working on my own teaching method and at the core, or foundation, for lack of better words, my method includes scales, chords, intervals, harmony, modes, arpegios and patterns which are just fundamentals that need to be studied and absorbed (owned) as a prerequisite to create original melodies (music) on the fly - from the players heart and soul. I really appreciate your playing, effort and the sharing of your thought process Tim. Thank you!!
I loved the wisdom of this lesson. It reminded of the music philosophy of the bassist, Victor Wootton, another musician who focuses on the creative and expressive (versus the technical) aspects of music. I stumbled upon Timothy while l looking for a guitar lesson on “Killer Joe”. His chord melody / walking bass / and solo on that piece is one the best solo guitar pieces I’ve seen on RUclips. I’m looking forward to learning more from this musician.
Yes although totally unhelpful for a beginner to hear. These kinds of platitudes serve as inspiration fuel but literally do nothing to help beginners in their process from transforming from imitation into language fluency. Even worse, people think they are educating others when they say this kind of thing, but ultimately they are not… it’s just another form of “gatekeeping”
I find the magic in crafting the improv feel within the partnership of scales, the melody shaped by the chords and then the "information" around those chords and variations to lift the melody to something very satisfying. I build the song and craft with what I feel works best. The process is very fun and Tim's influence has been great in expanding this creative freedom.
I don’t like watching other’s videos and you explained exactly why I was feeling that. Tim, thanks for the great lessons over the years. In my opinion, world need people like you. If you would not mind, please do videos like this sometimes. Thanks, from Japan.
The best guitar RUclips yet. I’m retired, a singer using all this time to push beyond the guitar accompaniment I’ve played all my life. I’ve been learning some great tools that have opened up the fretboard for me and helped me find the notes I’m looking for, but I get quickly distracted from all of them, as soon as I start hearing melody in them, I start writing songs. I thought I was being undisciplined. You just set me free. Scales, triads, arpeggios, CAGED…you said these were just learning tools. I get that. I think I’ll get them all to teach me new songs!
This is the most beautiful thing I've heard all week. It's about musicality, which can be amplified & freed by technique but is not inspired by technique. Musicality is inspired by *listening*. I am totally fascinated by music theory and the amazing relationships it describes - and I'd love to have much better technique. But neither of these wonderful things can create the excitement & joy that really hearing music (outside & inside my head) brings me.
When I practice scales I get distracted because I stumble upon so many melodies, whether it is something from Brahms or jazz, or 60's pop music. Nice advice. It boils down to whether you can squeeze some music out of the instrument or not.
With great interest I watched this video, the philosophy is great and true, it boils down to what Miles once said: learn your theory and then just play. Live in the world of sound and bring out your own individuality , that's what it's all about, a very good video I can relate to, Greetings Vic.
Love your playing, and your manner of teaching Tim! Couldn’t agree more with your take on this. I don’t know who said it first, but we’ve all heard the “learn it all so you can forget it” refrain about theory. There is one thing I wished a teacher had showed me earlier on about modal sounds. Why not teach it as the sound of one scale played against the harmonic backdrop of another? For instance: the IV chord scale played against the I chord gives you the flat seven, and therefore the mixolydian sound. Or start showing with major/minor. Drone an open E string, and play a D major scale, or melody over it. You get the Dorian sound (minor 3rd, major 6). Modes are all contextual really. That displaced scale, beginning on the second degree explanation never got me anywhere. It wasn’t till I heard, and understood the relationships between the harmony and the mode that I started to get it. That said, there is no time to even think about that when it’s time to make music! 😁
Thank you for the video....You sound excellent and it the vein of Ted Greene!! BTW - Nice Tele with two Charlie Christian pickups. I remember the first time I saw those those was back in the 70's when I saw Danny Gatton play.
The last word... and I think you made the point. Music first, which can be harder if you don't know scales/modes, but it is the music first. Maybe the raw materials are still a mystery, or maybe they are holding you back... it is up to the musician.
I’ve been playing for 3 months. Almost at the beginning I started practicing several scales in Aminor. A few weeks in, I saw a RUclips video about practicing scales and Legado’s with a backing track in said key. I typed in ‘Backing Track for Guitar in A minor’ on You Tube, and accompanied that track. Immediately I was playing beautiful sounds. Weeks later, I taught my left handed friend. Now we ‘jam’ together. Of course I’m learning more about the different keys and positions to add to this. Yesterday I took my portable Amp (cube) and guitar to the park so I could play full blast. A few people came to watch and later complimented me on my playing. I mean, I can barely transition from a Gm chord to a C, yet this scale thing is magical! I make beautiful sounds with my guitar! I believe I’m able to do this because at 61, I’ve kicked my inner-critic to the curb when it comes to the guitar. I’m grateful when anything I play sounds decent. Please, listen to Tim, what he’s teaching in this video is life changing! Thank you T.L. You play so beautifully. You inspire me to want this so badly and to love more what little I have.
Actual music. Man that's well put. I've been trying to express this to my old colleagues whom I used to make countless hip hop tracks with. They're like 'why dont you make beats anymore?' (I went back to guitar playing, and studying music) And listening to this video I now realise I'm in the pursuit of Actual Music. Thankyou Tim I appreciate your music and words it's always beneficial to hear what you say (in words and on the guitar!)
Hip hop tracks are also actual music in my opinion. I don't think people should be so hung up about guitars and "real instruments". there's just too much good music made electronically to just ignore. That being said, I still wouldn't want to miss playing a physical instrument that you have a direct connection with.
@@bluefoxfox1459 yeah true that. But usually 1 or 2 loops of actual music is ample for a hip hop track. Some of my favourite tracks in that genre are the shortest loops in terms of measure. I enjoy the creative aspect of making the loops and endeavour in my new pursuits to make tracks that although may have the same progression, are not looped. That way I can be up to my neck in the creative process of music writing from start to finish. A lot of what I used to do was cutting breaks, processing samples, mixing down, mastering. All of which are valid in terms of production of music but the actual music to me is found on the neck of a guitar or on the keys of a piano. Having said all that hip hop is actual music you are right. I wasnt discrediting hip hop at all.
The world needs more of these videos. Inject this into my veins. I can play chords over the entire neck, the major and pentatonic scales that pass each chord shape. But I haven't had that click yet where I just just blend it into music :(
Wow, Tim. Spot on. You probably can't imagine the impact your message here might have on guitarists of all stripes - but I promise you THIS guitarist will be doing much soul-searching over what you've said here. I have the utmost respect for you, brother. You are a treasure. Keep up the fantastic work. Maybe we'll run into each other again sometime...I'm hanging out at Jay's shop these days...please come visit when all is back to normal. We'd love to see you!!
Wow that's the best advice I was ever given about the guitar (well any instrument really). I guess that's the difference between a genuine MUSIC teacher vs a theory teacher. You're connected to the bigger picture. In retrospect I think I might have dropped out of music school for the lack of the first... so thank you for your guidance, and your mature view on the matter. It's precious cause you can tell you're talking from a place of experience, teaching the way to musicality instead of theory. at the end scales and modes etc. are only tools for something way more important. anyway you've put me back on the right path, and I already know this video will stick with me for the long run. very special. thank you! hoping to hear more of your thoughts about approaching music!
News!! All of the playing on this video has now been transcribed in Notation and Tab at timsguitarworkshop.com
Great discussion on a controversial topic, Tim. Really like your thoughtful approach to this topic
Thanks Jens, love your work.
I thought so too .
It's NOT a controversial topic! It's impossible to play without using scales just as it's impossible to paint without paint! All arpeggios, Chords, melodic shapes and melodies are made from scales! It's only controversial to idiots.
@@chadrew6 so r u saying Jens Larsen doesn't know what he's talking about?
@@trevortimoko7512 I’m saying he’s making a false distinction for the sake of attracting attention to his site. He has fairly consistent partial knowledge but he’s by no means the last word on the subject.
I love Jimmy Bruno's definition of scales. He calls them "pitch collections". That definition alone will change your concept and approach to scales.
If I had met you 25 years ago and taken this solid straightforward advice to heart, I’d be a much better musician today. The goal is to be authentic and original. It’s obvious stuff but somehow slips out of the forefront of my mind. Thanks for your candid demeanor and wisdom man! Much appreciated ❤
“Live in the world of sound”
Now that is some priceless advice. Thank you Tim
Spot on Tim! When Miles said about music theory, "Forget that s**t and just play!" He did NOT mean don't learn theory, or how to read, he meant exactly what you spent 17 minutes explaining so beautifully. It's got to come out of you on the gig, so you have to know it so well that you don't think about it.
Actually, there is video of Miles explaining how disdain for certain journalists who asked him if his ability to play the blues comes from the fact that black people or his forebears were enslaved. Miles responded (I'm paraphrasing), I grew up rich, I play like this because I studied. Then you gave Dizzy taking about Miles asking him, "in this chord, where does this note come from?' talent yes, but learning also.
Nicely put them as far as I'm concerned you're preaching to the choir here. Thanks so much for your insights.
I think of knowing scales like the alphebet. if you dont know the letters youll never read. if you dont know the order you cant find what your looking for in the library.
@@rillloudmother it wasn't a journalist, it was his teacher at Juliards.
Every music theory community should have this pinned to the top of their feed.
How you make a tele sound like a fat bodied jazz box is mind blowing... God bless you Tim.
Thank you all for your great support and kind comments. Please share this video with your friends and with your social media crowd. Visit www.timlerch.com for recordings, lessons and TrueFire courses.
“Modes aren’t fingerings.” There’s a lot of wisdom there.
I keep coming back to this after 2 years. It’s all the right notes and all the right words.
I've been playing over 50 years, have done thousands of gigs and have a degree in guitar performance and I've never heard this topic addressed any better than in this video. Incredibly well done. Anyone who thinks this is controversial doesn't understand the first thing about making music. It's fundamental. Kudos to you on a beautifully crafted lesson in musical realty. BTW, speaking of tools, Are you using any fingernail with your right hand, or is it all skin? Also, am I right in observing that your right hand attack seems extremely light thus creating a bigger rounder tone? Thanks for all you do to cut through the crap in a low key and encouraging way. It's a rarity.
thank you
@@TimLerchGuitar lmao
Lol wut
keep listening.
Wonderful Tim, thanks for the great discussion. Really enjoyed this video.
Fantastic, Tim! I'm a big fan. Thanks for your wisdom and beautiful playing.
Thanks for listening
@@TimLerchGuitar Of course! I went to a workshop you taught almost 15 years ago. It was hosted in Bellevue, I think by the Seattle jazz guitar society. I still have the handout you provided from that class! I've been a fan and a student of yours ever since.
In gratitude
-Jared
Not just a master guitar player but a master teacher and human being, love your channel and courses Tim. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and inspire us!
"Live in the world of sound". This is great!
Tim Lerch is one of the world’s finest musicians.
Long may he prosper!
fantastic!! this is the only video you need to watch in your life about this subject.... period ;-) greetz from austria
This is great advice. The longer I play, the more I realize that finding the balance between technique/knowledge and "feeling" is one of the hardest thing to get right. Spending too much time on scales, patterns, etc will result in boring and robotic playing. But "going for the feeling" is not an excuse not to invest the time to build a solid foundation. Few get this right, actually.
10:20 this concept completely changed how I approach guitar. The pattern, scale, fingering method "does not" teach you music. the "sound" is where it's at!
Wisest lesson I've had in ages. Music is sound and feel and not fingerings. We practice to learn the sounds. Then we learn to speak with the sounds. "We want to hear a real person, playing real music that they hear in their mind and that they feel in their hearts." Singing along with your playing. "Close your eyes and look away."
More fantastic-ness! Thanks Tim for the reminder of what's important. Love what you do - please keep up the good work!
I discovered you when searching for pickups, you were doing a demo, just a 4-5 second riff was enough to know you were a great guitar player.
Sound. Thanks for reminding all of us Mr. Lerch. It's about SOUND. And what we can do with those aural frequncies. The language of the heart.
A displaced major scale. Best description I have heard yet.
I love everything about this...especially the "you aint Wes Montgomery" part!! Thank you Tim, you're the greatest!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Omg, such a great line. You’re on the internet looking for help improvising...
"...and you can tell somebody on the Internet what scale to play over what chord..." Classic.
“Live in the world of sound” - great advice. I’m still trying to get there, but it’s a great journey. Thanks Tim for your brilliant insight and generous heart in sharing your experience and knowledge.
Very helpful advice. The experience of a novice facing a silent space and an attentive ear can be daunting. I hope I can find my sound and communicate a sense of shared humanity.
Makes a lot of sense. I was already doing this but not confident that I was on the right path of conceptualising it. It takes a teacher like yoda to give you the wisdom to point you in the right path, and someone who isnt leading you down the garden path of shred.
I'm the transcription guy...this hit home for me. Fantastic video! And what a beautiful tele
I don’t mean to embarrass Tim but, for me, he is the modern day Ted Greene. What a wonderful video!
i was thinking this the other day.
I should add that I dig Tim's music a lot more than Ted's. But Tim plays tunes that I know and love in such inventive ways. Ted played a lot of things that are a bit too 20th century for me, if that makes any sense. I can only compare it to bird and Coltrane: I think bird was actually better than trane, but trane talks to my soul and my intellect, bird talks to my intellect or lack thereof.
@@rillloudmother well put, I feel similarly!
I think that Ted taught him
I was just typing it!
Seriously, when this stupid pandemic is over, I’m going to go to Seattle and hear Tim play a gig. Greetings from St. Paul and thanks for all you do.
pandemic so called has been over for me 10 months ago
I ll go too I think
The internet needs way more of this! Keep posting.
Right on! I tell my students that scales are just bags full of notes. You articulate it so well!
"Live in the world of sound." I'm taking that with me. Thanks.
Live in the world of sound. Good advice, thanks. More videos like this, please.
Spot on Tim. Jimmy Bruno’s approach is spot on too. All makes so much more sense. I just love using my ears🎵👌
Practicing versus playing. Brilliant! Thank YOU. I keep losing sight of that.
Awesome food for non-Melodic brains. I tend to go back and forth. It’s when I think about being melodic as I’m playing is when it happens. Being in the zone it whet its all about! Tim, your an inspiration! Thanks so much!
I love the way you explained this!
Teaching week-lone Swing & Blues Guitar workshops at a music camp (so not much time and needed/expected results), I try to explain and teach not only "Swing chords", but a bit of how to solo, and try to explain what you said here. Your video gave me much more ways of explaining this!
Thanks!!
Kevin in Port Townsend (met you last year when you played the Vintage on Water Street, the day before our show there)
You probably forgot, but we talked about my fully hollow Turbocaster guitars (Turbocaster Electric Guitars on Facebook).
Wise words, you are in the top 5 of my favourite guitarists
Great video.
To chime in on your assessment of practice vs performance, I am reminded of something an instructor once told me:
" When you practice, play only things you don't know how to do.
When you perform, Play only the things you do know how to do."
Please SUBSCRIBE and if you can share this video with your musical friends,I can use a little boost to my YT channel. Thanks for all of your support and encouragement. .
This is a brilliant and inspirational video - much appreciated.
I was skeptical when I saw the title of this video, but after watching it I'm convinced this is the best video and the last word on scales and modes. First time watching Tim Lerch and now a subscriber.
I’ve had the honor of being around several good music teachers in my life. When I listen to you, I hear them, but I also hear me… thoughts and feelings that have been simmering, trying to materialize and then WHAM, you say them out loud! Thanks for that, it really helps me go where I want to go.
fingers dancing so fast, so smooth, so magical, with amazing harmonies, on the guitar freds, it's amazing, i really appreciate you 🙏🙏
As a basic starting guitarist pretty old you have just given me then style of music I will try and learn to play. It sounds beautiful so thank you for inspiring me
t, you and paul stafford cook are my twin north stars. my approach is very similar to youse two and we seem to play more with our fingers as we age due to the fact we only use our picks when we need to emphasize a particular line or note and rhe sound of fingers on strings is so damned sweet and satisfying. what i didn't realize when starting out is that there is SO much to learn. it is a life long journey and those of us who keep it up actually love the instrument. there are so many axes and styles to try that it is never boring. someone once said that if you're bored, it's not the instrument ...it's you. so, thanks so much for your wisdom and your gift..god bless. frank
In my experience, you are 100% correct. I would only add that the whole point of improvised music, particularly American jazz music is to be present in the moment when improvising. I often surprise myself while soloing with a melodic or rhythmic idea that then takes on an energy and forward motion that propels me into the next idea...it's fresh to me and the audience shares that sense of spontaneous creation. Of course I need the tools (scales, modes, arpeggios, and let's not forget knowing the actual melody of the tune) to draw on...and one other thing...none of this happens in a vacuum. You're playing with other musicians that are also bringing their rhythmic and melodic ideas to the table...I can't tell you how many times while listening to other soloists I've been inspired by my fellow bandmates! In fact...always! Oh, and another thing...how about comping and responding by supporting other soloists? It's one of the great joys of being a guitar player.
Extremely simple explanation of important subjects !! Easy to understand, motivating, charizmatic mode of speech!! Bravo MAESTRO !!! 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏
Thank you Tim! I am tired of people blaming the scales and not the poor usage of them. The same thing can happen with triads,arpeggios and everything... it's the way you use everything.... keep being inspiring .
Thank you
Absolutely!
BRAVO TIM . REALLY FANTASTIC ADVICE . NOW I have Jens Larson, & you, TIM. THANK YOU. What you have said kinda ‘blew me away!!!! " Born as an embryo listening to CLASSICAL, & WEST COAST ( was the best coast 😆, & Thanks to ‘HOLLYWOOD opening up ‘, East meets WES . ( Met Emily Remler. We talked , & started to set up a jam😍 But she passed away in Sydney. She was a sweetie, & tiny like me!). My DAD💔, took me to my first gig at 3 yrs old; l heard & saw DAVE BRUBECK. !! Eugene was my godfather! I lost my precious DAD 💔 in 2020, Eugene , same year. I never think when l play, it sounds like a jazz player who is over theorised. Up to bloomin George Russell. ( more theory fodder to try to confuse you; but l kinda got it, 🙄, kinda . HOW RIGHT YOU ARE. YOU HAVE FREED ME!!!! ‘Sing a Dorian mode.’ HA! 🥊 You saved me. Sweating over a guitar & piano. All this theory, all this work. I’ve got mountains of theory. But l don’t wanna go 3rd stream - Not into Roland Kirk etc. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I SO NEEDED THIS. Sometimes l think that you have to be brought up or eventually learn about jazz to understand it. AND SOMEONE WHO SWITCHES A HUGE 💡 WENT OFF IN MY BEANO! THANK YOU AGAIN. 😃👏👏🎸🎹👊🏾
You're fired up on this one. Alright! And your point is good. I've noticed that however skillful the player, the strongest solo is one that is built from melodies.
Thanks... I needed that tim...good to hear your wisdom and common sense insight...nice.
Awesome, Tim! You are as articulate with words as you are with tones. You mentioned at least a dozen things all musicians must consider.
What a smart man !! I will start singing everything I like , all the scales and phrases. Should not play by eye
Excellent discussion from a master player. Love the little improv moments between comments! "When you're practicing, you're doing one activity. When you're playing, you're doing another activity." Needed to hear that.
I think this is the most accurate description on what music is. Music is an art, that means the pursue on the beauty of the sound. Math approach is not neccesarily a beautiful approach.
The simplest way for me is the difference between music theory, instrument technique and music itself. Music itself is what All Composers and players played all along the history, and each style has its own language to reach that beauty ideal.
Theory to understand, technique to be able, listen and transcribe to learn the deepest things on each style
“Live in the world of sound, that’s what I recommend”... Master! Best piece of advice I heard in a long time. Thanks!
Well Said...! We have reached a point culturally where the "possession of information" has been weaponized and not just in music. We need to change this. Thanks for putting up your thoughts They are very important... B-)
Absolutely
Beautiful put, Don
Thank you. I love the idea of living in the world of sound. Very helpful and important ideas and thoughts. Again thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Nothing but great teaching here in my opinion. I don't think sharing information on the process of creating melodies (improv) shoild be controversial in any way. I'm sure that is not the intent here. This is a great lesson! I'm a steel player working on my own teaching method and at the core, or foundation, for lack of better words, my method includes scales, chords, intervals, harmony, modes, arpegios and patterns which are just fundamentals that need to be studied and absorbed (owned) as a prerequisite to create original melodies (music) on the fly - from the players heart and soul. I really appreciate your playing, effort and the sharing of your thought process Tim. Thank you!!
Hello Tim, I love this people-first approach. Thank you.
in your heart . in your mind. love you man.
I believe this words should be put in the introduction section on every music books, thankyou so much, it help me a lot
I loved the wisdom of this lesson. It reminded of the music philosophy of the bassist, Victor Wootton, another musician who focuses on the creative and expressive (versus the technical) aspects of music. I stumbled upon Timothy while l looking for a guitar lesson on “Killer Joe”. His chord melody / walking bass / and solo on that piece is one the best solo guitar pieces I’ve seen on RUclips. I’m looking forward to learning more from this musician.
Thanks Meldon for this very kind comment.
A very wise musician. Thanks that has given me plenty of things to think about and to work on.
Charlie Parker said, "At some point, you have to forget about the scales, modes, and arpeggios and just play music. Great lesson Tim. Thank you.
Yes although totally unhelpful for a beginner to hear. These kinds of platitudes serve as inspiration fuel but literally do nothing to help beginners in their process from transforming from imitation into language fluency. Even worse, people think they are educating others when they say this kind of thing, but ultimately they are not… it’s just another form of “gatekeeping”
@@zaqintosh Yes, and your platitudes serve as inspiration fuel for budding pseudo-intellectuals.
just stumbled upon this and appreciated the message, it's the needed slight shift in my perspective to go after what it's really all about.
I find the magic in crafting the improv feel within the partnership of scales, the melody shaped by the chords and then the "information" around those chords and variations to lift the melody to something very satisfying. I build the song and craft with what I feel works best. The process is very fun and Tim's influence has been great in expanding this creative freedom.
Dude thanks. Humbleness went a long way to making me stay and listen to what you had to say.
I don’t like watching other’s videos and you explained exactly why I was feeling that.
Tim, thanks for the great lessons over the years.
In my opinion, world need people like you. If you would not mind, please do videos like this sometimes.
Thanks, from Japan.
Tim I needed to hear this:
PLAY WHAT YOU OWN.
Thank you I love you.!
Thank you for clarifying this topic Timothy
Awesome lesson! Thanks! Especially the "can you hum the mode" triggered an aha effect.
The best guitar RUclips yet. I’m retired, a singer using all this time to push beyond the guitar accompaniment I’ve played all my life. I’ve been learning some great tools that have opened up the fretboard for me and helped me find the notes I’m looking for, but I get quickly distracted from all of them, as soon as I start hearing melody in them, I start writing songs. I thought I was being undisciplined. You just set me free. Scales, triads, arpeggios, CAGED…you said these were just learning tools. I get that. I think I’ll get them all to teach me new songs!
This is the most beautiful thing I've heard all week. It's about musicality, which can be amplified & freed by technique but is not inspired by technique. Musicality is inspired by *listening*.
I am totally fascinated by music theory and the amazing relationships it describes - and I'd love to have much better technique. But neither of these wonderful things can create the excitement & joy that really hearing music (outside & inside my head) brings me.
When I practice scales I get distracted because I stumble upon so many melodies, whether it is something from Brahms or jazz, or 60's pop music. Nice advice. It boils down to whether you can squeeze some music out of the instrument or not.
With great interest I watched this video, the philosophy is great and true, it boils down to what Miles once said: learn your theory and then just play. Live in the world of sound and bring out your own individuality , that's what it's all about, a very good video I can relate to, Greetings Vic.
Joe Diorio should be proud of you Tim. You honestly get it , and that makes you a blessing to the world.
This is great Tim! I've been sharing it with students!
Been watching your videos for years, and just wanted to say thanks. Great points made in this video.
I appreciate that!
Thank you Mr. Lerch. I did enjoyed your words of wisdom. Common sense with a solid foundation. God bless.
Probably the best advice I have heard.
Love your playing, and your manner of teaching Tim! Couldn’t agree more with your take on this. I don’t know who said it first, but we’ve all heard the “learn it all so you can forget it” refrain about theory. There is one thing I wished a teacher had showed me earlier on about modal sounds. Why not teach it as the sound of one scale played against the harmonic backdrop of another? For instance: the IV chord scale played against the I chord gives you the flat seven, and therefore the mixolydian sound. Or start showing with major/minor. Drone an open E string, and play a D major scale, or melody over it. You get the Dorian sound (minor 3rd, major 6). Modes are all contextual really. That displaced scale, beginning on the second degree explanation never got me anywhere. It wasn’t till I heard, and understood the relationships between the harmony and the mode that I started to get it. That said, there is no time to even think about that when it’s time to make music! 😁
brilliant lesson full of stuff that will save a lot of people a lot of time. thank you.
Thank you for the video....You sound excellent and it the vein of Ted Greene!! BTW - Nice Tele with two Charlie Christian pickups. I remember the first time I saw those those was back in the 70's when I saw Danny Gatton play.
Fascinating Tim. Great to hear your approach.
The last word... and I think you made the point. Music first, which can be harder if you don't know scales/modes, but it is the music first. Maybe the raw materials are still a mystery, or maybe they are holding you back... it is up to the musician.
Well presented and to the point. Thank you :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve been playing for 3 months. Almost at the beginning I started practicing several scales in Aminor. A few weeks in, I saw a RUclips video about practicing scales and Legado’s with a backing track in said key.
I typed in ‘Backing Track for Guitar in A minor’ on You Tube, and accompanied that track. Immediately I was playing beautiful sounds.
Weeks later, I taught my left handed friend. Now we ‘jam’ together. Of course I’m learning more about the different keys and positions to add to this.
Yesterday I took my portable Amp (cube) and guitar to the park so I could play full blast. A few people came to watch and later complimented me on my playing.
I mean, I can barely transition from a Gm chord to a C, yet this scale thing is magical! I make beautiful sounds with my guitar!
I believe I’m able to do this because at 61, I’ve kicked my inner-critic to the curb when it comes to the guitar. I’m grateful when anything I play sounds decent.
Please, listen to Tim, what he’s teaching in this video is life changing!
Thank you T.L. You play so beautifully. You inspire me to want this so badly and to love more what little I have.
Actual music. Man that's well put. I've been trying to express this to my old colleagues whom I used to make countless hip hop tracks with. They're like 'why dont you make beats anymore?' (I went back to guitar playing, and studying music) And listening to this video I now realise I'm in the pursuit of Actual Music. Thankyou Tim I appreciate your music and words it's always beneficial to hear what you say (in words and on the guitar!)
Hip hop tracks are also actual music in my opinion. I don't think people should be so hung up about guitars and "real instruments". there's just too much good music made electronically to just ignore. That being said, I still wouldn't want to miss playing a physical instrument that you have a direct connection with.
@@bluefoxfox1459 yeah true that. But usually 1 or 2 loops of actual music is ample for a hip hop track. Some of my favourite tracks in that genre are the shortest loops in terms of measure. I enjoy the creative aspect of making the loops and endeavour in my new pursuits to make tracks that although may have the same progression, are not looped. That way I can be up to my neck in the creative process of music writing from start to finish. A lot of what I used to do was cutting breaks, processing samples, mixing down, mastering. All of which are valid in terms of production of music but the actual music to me is found on the neck of a guitar or on the keys of a piano. Having said all that hip hop is actual music you are right. I wasnt discrediting hip hop at all.
The world needs more of these videos. Inject this into my veins.
I can play chords over the entire neck, the major and pentatonic scales that pass each chord shape.
But I haven't had that click yet where I just just blend it into music :(
Wow, Tim. Spot on. You probably can't imagine the impact your message here might have on guitarists of all stripes - but I promise you THIS guitarist will be doing much soul-searching over what you've said here. I have the utmost respect for you, brother. You are a treasure. Keep up the fantastic work. Maybe we'll run into each other again sometime...I'm hanging out at Jay's shop these days...please come visit when all is back to normal. We'd love to see you!!
Thank you for supporting creativity and exploration. That's what music is about.
Great video! I like the magic words Be Creative! Or CREATE. That is what the fretboard is about.
.so great inspiring video.. beautiful music indeed..
Best advice on navigating the journey of musical expression I’ve heard on the internet!
Wow that's the best advice I was ever given about the guitar (well any instrument really). I guess that's the difference between a genuine MUSIC teacher vs a theory teacher. You're connected to the bigger picture. In retrospect I think I might have dropped out of music school for the lack of the first... so thank you for your guidance, and your mature view on the matter. It's precious cause you can tell you're talking from a place of experience, teaching the way to musicality instead of theory. at the end scales and modes etc. are only tools for something way more important. anyway you've put me back on the right path, and I already know this video will stick with me for the long run. very special. thank you!
hoping to hear more of your thoughts about approaching music!
Thanks for the perspective. It has really directed what I need to focus on.