What's something you think every guitar player should know? Edit: This comment section may be the most valuable list of guitar tips on the internet. You guys are awesome
Music theory doesn't ruin creativity. And learning something as simple as the notes of all major scales opens a whole new world ,for example you can contruct any chord you want as it's the just a combination of notes in the major scale flattened or sharp. Many other scales are just modified major scales
I think number 5 should be anytime you're sitting around the house doing nothing in particular, have a guitar sitting within reach. It's like having your best friend next to you. Seeing it there will encourage you to pick it and just play with it. Unstructured practice time like that leads to the pure joy of just enjoying the instrument, which in turn will free your creative mind and improve you flow.
Exactly right! This is why my main 3 are on wall hangers in the front room with my Spark 40 right there on a little table at the end of the couch. Anytime I get inspiration or even just boredom I can grab one & plug in. Next thing I know it's been an hour & I'm late getting dinner started lol.
Being a "boomer", and being a teen in the 60's, with no money, and all this great rock and roll was happening, it was difficult to get any kind of instrument. The cheap guitars where almost impossible to play. Even harder was finding someone that knew how to play and could show you something that was right. Now we have access to the world. Cheap guitars that are decent and playable, men and women like you that have useful content and hundreds of youtubers that can teach you just about anything you can think of. I just wish it had happened 50 years ago. I am grateful for it anyway.
Find the right pick. If you’re using a pick that sounds bad or falls out of your hand or doesn’t feel right its a lot harder to just pick up and play. I’ve only been playing for about 9 months but I’ve already realized that. I recently went to Atlanta Vintage Guitars and just bought like 10 completely different pick to find which one I liked best and for me the .96mm Stadium pick was just perfect.
Big Stubbys babyyyy. I always thought of them as "the bass pick" but i finally tried them for some more shreddy stuff and never went back. Takes barely any effort to hold it and the super hard tip was perfect for me. Finding the right pick is definitely crucial
I've gotten into a habit of thoroughly washing my hands before picking up my guitar. This helps me play more accurate and have a better feel for the strings, and it helps avoid gunking up the strings with oils and sweat which can degrade the strings much quicker.
One of the most important things a guitar player needs to remember, especially when playing with other musicians is to listen. This helps everyone from stepping all over each other. Know when to play and when to back off.
Several ideas: 1. Don’t despise the process. You will always suck at some aspect of playing; keep at it. Our culture is filled with instant gratification, but patience brings maturity. 2. Listen to great music in as many different genres as possible. Most of the great songwriters of the rock era have been influenced by their parents’ music. Whether it’s McCartney’s love of British music hall, Jimmy Page’s obsession with Mississippi Delta blues, or ELP’s homages to classical music, they learned technique and improved their taste and style by listening to huge amounts of great music. 3. Don’t overdo it. We’ve all heard the legends about the rock gods practicing for hours a day until their fingers bled. Most of us don’t have that luxury; we have jobs, classes, families, etc. 45 minutes of specific, planned, intentional, focused practice a day, every day, will do more than hours of noodling. I’ve practiced for hours and found that fatigue made me sloppier, and in the end, it did more harm than good. Also, there are going to be occasional times when everything is off: you can’t play, you’re forgetting things, or you can’t even get the blasted thing in tune. It’s OK to put it down and come back the next day. 4. Listen to great guitarists to copy and learn their techniques, but to appreciate, not copy, their style. The same way artists copy museum masterpieces, it’s fine to learn the songs the way they were originally recorded. But at some point you’ll want to put your own spin on those songs, and then write your own. 5. Stop comparing yourself to legendary guitarists. Learn from them, but realize that your audiences don’t expect you to be Mark Knopfler or Jeff Beck. Instead, compare yourself to yourself last year, and work toward who you want to be next year.
Comparing yourself to yourself last year is a great thing to do! I’ve practiced for hours and hours dedicating almost all the hours I can in the day to writing and ear training and practicing, etc . Even if logically I maybe know I’ve made progress I’d never really feel like it. That is until I hear myself playing the same song in the past. And comparing my playing to what it once was has given me some of the biggest boosts of motivation that I could imagine. Definitely be proud of your work! I still don’t believe in trying to be better than the next person, unless that person is yourself
My piece of advice is this: In order to get good, you have to allow yourself to suck for months or even years. A lot of my students really want to KNOW but at the same time they don't want to LEARN. Make the learning experience fun for yourself. I heard Steve Vai say in some interiew, can't remember which one, that his "juice" has always been not being able to do something and then working on it until he could do it. The progress feels great, just know it might take a _long_ time and be patient.
Great insights, Greg! Learning to actually play guitar (not just a couple of your favorite riffs or songs) takes years of hard work. Stay with it. It's definitely worth it!
Yeah, I realise that I suck and it's fine I even bought a guitar that is I consider I'm not worthy, I gonna proof myself wrong and become worthy even if it takes 5 years!
True. I sucked for 3 years until I decided to stick with it and put in a practice routine. Now I’m not great at guitar but I don’t suck either which I’m happy about
as a total noob(bought my first guitar 6wk ago) this is great to read. I am fine with not being good for a long time, but I'm gonna put in the hours either way.
Steve Vai might be learning polyphia stuff. Steve Vai 'was' the guitarist who could play any new technique when 'flexable' released. Steve Vai said he cant do what polyphia does on guitar..Steve also said he absolutely loves what polyphia is doing, bringing life to the instrument. Future modern guitar. Today Slash is intermediate level. Class C
Advice 5 : to my fellow guitar players who wants to improve their playing but don't find the motivation to learn or practice new things, just pick your guitars and start trying to learn new things the motivation part will come later. We often think that we have to be motivated first then start learning second, but sometimes the motivation part comes second after you start playing and find enjoyment in the fact that you started to learn new things.
All good advice in these comments above. I'll just add: Playing standing up. Most of us pick up the guitar and noodle around senslessly laying down. When you're sitting , you have resistance from parts of your body on the chair or sofa, and you feel lazy, relaxed and inducing your body to go to sleep. When you go out for a brisk speedwalk ,you get energized, pumped up and feel like doing something. So induce that "Feel like doing something" into your playing by standing up, strutting and dancing around. Your are free of any movement without any resistance and it adds energy and creativity into your playing. Besides, if you're gonna get up and stand, you won't be standing there doing nothing. You're gonna motivate yourself into playing something worth standing for.
This is probably the best example of what “#5” should be ha. I have inadvertently trained myself to only play sitting down and now I feel like I am learning all over again to play the same things standing up 😂great advice and I’d tell any person picking the guitar up for the first time.
Thing 5: discipline yourself, noodling is fun but learning things and applying them to your playing is the real way to grow your knowledge in the guitar
Basic setup I think is quite important. Knowing when to change the neck angle, when to adjust to the bridge or saddle height, HOW to adjust the bridge/saddle height, how to relax a neck, etc. Lots of great videos on it, which is good because it's a good thing to know how to do yourself
Number 5: when you hear a really cool note that’s kind of unexpected, figure out what it is and try to understand it in the context of the key it’s in. Lets you apply it to other songs in other keys, or just at other places on the fretboard.
"Never think bad thoughts about your own playing". Best advice I ever got. Doesnt mean to acknowledge you always can and should improve but belittleing your playing will only frustrate you and keep you from going on
Realize that there's a difference between "Bedroom tone" and something that will actually sound good in a mix. Most importantly: back off that bass when you're playing in a musical context. It's fine to go for that sweet, sweet thick tone when you're practicing at home, but when you're recording or playing with others, that tone is going to mean you won't be heard, and your guitar parts won't have a punch. Experiment with tailoring your tone over a song or backing track so that when the time comes to share your playing with others, you'll sound the way you want to be heard.
@@stevet.4974 I personally learned this one the hard way when starting to record... Especially as someone who loves Mesa Boogie amps... boy did I have to curb my bass
@@Bacontruffle I played Boogies too bro. My drummer would always criticize my muddy sound but to me it sounded dark and powerful... like in the bedroom. It wan't until later that I realized a needed a lot more cut in my sound- and that he was right. It probably worked out for the better because back then my timing was all over the place so it was probably better to hide all the screwups. Now my timing, after a lot of years, is way better, so I use just a little gain and make sure to use pedals more creatively. I used to play with a chorus on all the time because I liked the way it made the notes sound, but that created mud too.
And this, people, is why people like Gilmour and Clapton's music is highly loved even though they don't show immense shredding all the time. This is why I like Marty Friedman's newer music (like 'miracle', 'for a friend' and 'whiteworm'). Even though there's highly technical speedy stuff in there, he chooses the right time to do it and goes for overall feel.
Glad someone mentioned Marty Friedman in the same breath as Gilmour. Sure Marty can “shred” (which i do like) but his articulation is what makes him great in my opinion. Same applies to John Petrucci
Thing number 5 - Always FEEL and enjoy what you’re playing. I would argue that creating a feeling or emotion through your playing is more important than your rhythm and even your notes. Music at it’s core is about people sharing and enjoying something together. It’s not about perfection. (There’s nothing wrong with chasing perfection though, just don’t lose sight of the importance of feel)
Tyler can be so crazy and energised while playing his solos and I love it. Many guitarist have good music but they have no literal emotion while playing
Here are my 5 things: 1. Listen and find your inspiration. I mean what kind of guitar player does not listen to guitar music? 2. Know your share of theory. Yawn! It's boring but it will help you. 3. Write your own music with whatever knowledge or skills or gear you have. 4. If you can afford practice with your band or other guitar players. If you are like me and can't make friends practice with metronome, that helps too. You know what? You need to practice with metronome regardless of you have band or not. 5. Go off grid, don't play by rule, do your experiment. Play blues licks in you metal solo, play metal arpeggios in your blues jam. Do something different. That's how you find your tune.
My opinion as originally a trumpet player: Guitar is one of the easiest instruments to just pick up and practice in a few spare minutes, so keep one around where you're going to be and visible. If it's off where you never go, you'll never practice. Instead, keep one by where you watch TV, or work, or whatever, you'll be much more likely to pick it up and play.
I’m preferring it nowadays cause I don’t have to have a certain amount of back pressure to create a sound at any point in the day, just light strumming. Also my fingers recover quickly compared to my embouchure after a long practice
I was always concerned that I could only play "easy songs" when anyone asked me to play "something". I figured I should be playing more complicated stuff as it would get me down that I wasn't as accomplished as other people... and guess what... nobody cares. That's all in your head. So what, I can't play "Neon" around a campfire with friends... but I play a mean "Wish You Were Here" and sing at the same time. And everyone loves it. So don't worry about getting hung up on "I'm not as good as that guy"... it doesn't matter... you play guitar. That's impressive in itself!
The 5th thing, IMO, is that you are probably better than you think you are. To a non-guitar player you are probably going to be impressive. You are literally taking a piece of wood and some strings and creating music, and that’s incredible!!
In 2004 I worked at National Guitar Workshop, Victor Was doing a bass summit. He said to all of us, “play what you feel, emotional content is so important.” I took this took heart. This didn’t mean play whatever, it meant make each note your own no matter whose music you’re playing.
In one of my first guitar lessons my teacher taught me a simple 12-bar blues progression in A. Uses open position and a really simple turnaround. His comment to me was, "You master that then there ain't a guitar player in the world who wouldn't want to jam with you." He was right.
Number five: If anyone ever criticise your guitar playing without, at the same time, being kind and constructive, tell them to f*** off and keep doing your thing.
2 года назад+6
With all my knowledge, there is exactly one thing that comes first to mind every time; keep your instuments close to you, so that anytime you are bored, able or what ever, you can just grab that guitar and fiddle. Make it a habit, even fiddling anything that comes to mind or even not being able to play anything gets you more and more comfortable with the feel of the instrument. It’s the same if you consider a football player bouncing the ball in his hands - no it doesn’t make you kick better or stronger but it makes you more and more intuitively aware of the workings of the instrument; in footballer’s case how the ball reacts to force, in guitarists case how the strings react to force. To an instrument of any kind the fun starts when you don’t have to think too much how to play but what to play and the more you are in a contact with the tools the more they become sort of an extension of you to express yourself.
One thing em every guitar player should know is: “ no matter what skill level, they have the ability to bring happiness to themselves(at the very least) and to others. Because of of the amazing power our chosen instrument brings.
Learn every genre and listen to all genre. The more you know the more you know. This will help with technique, style and makes you feel more satisfied when you play because you feel like you’ve discovered something completely new.
Number 5. Relax and let your guitar speak for itself through your creativity. This has allowed me to still be on track during jam sessions, but still letting myself fully express myself and enjoy the music outside this world.... I hope you can also shred to such a sense of relaxation 😌
Never confuse activity with achievement. You can play loads of stuff that you already know, go over scales you know, plays licks you already know, but what have you achieved by dong that?
I think this is very important.. learn things slowly with maximum efficiency....only if you can play something accurately 10 times at set speed without error should you try accelerating. While doing this take the time to focus and connect with every note...observe things you can do to make it better..dynamics, fingering, touch or other
This goes with anything in life. But don’t compare the timeline of your progress to anyone else’s. Whether that means “I’m 25 and I can’t play what that 14 year old is playing!” Or “I’ve been playing for five years and I can’t play what they’re playing, and they’ve only been playing for two years!” We are all on our own timelines, and if you enjoy what you do, then roll with it. Doesn’t matter what someone else is doing
I feel like this is a very basic one, but play rhythm. My instructor said all the best lead guitarists or soloists are also great rhythm guitarists. So focus on keepin' rhythm and then shred. Cheers lot! P.S Tyler ya content has improved so much, it's funny, entertainin', and informative. Keep up the good work mate!
Tyler... to improve literally ANY guitar's intonation in the "cowboy chord" register, take your gtr to your tech. Have him put a clip on tuner on the headstock. file each each nut slot slightly lower until you get a perfect half step between open string and first fret with normal finger pressure for each string. This is my personal intonation hack i am sharing. Most people set nut height with feeler guages to a specified height, but that does not address the physical issue of the string being bent as result of too high nut slots. This effectively and useably sets up your intonation at the nut end, like a TOM bridge would. Optimizes action and improves intonation. Once you try it, you will never go back. Try it on a wallhanger pos...you will be amazed.
one thing to keep in mind is when playing, always hit it with full confidence. no matter what comes out, as long as you act like you know what you’re doing, people will buy it.
It doesn't have to be perfect every time. In an interview, David Gilmour said he almost always mucks up the 4 note hook in Shine On You Crazy Diamond when he's on stage. No one notices or cares because it's David Gilmour!
That rhythm at 2:20 is just pure thunder clap!! And the solo is exactly what a solo should be, executed to perfection imo. Most players (including my useless self) I've seen and heard know these things but never implement them because they get so caught up in the hamster wheel of constant embellishment, always trying to over egg the pudding. A whole load of people can play a guitar, but not many actually understand how to implement it to such a degree. That's what makes this awesome. Every musician needs to hear this. This is pure guitar fire my man, keep up the good work!!!
Thing Number 5: ENJOY playing. I started playing the guitar because my parents wanted me to learn an instrument. And I don't say that learning an instrument or musical education is a bad thing, but for me playing always was like making homework. However, in the last 2 years, when I finally enjoyed playing guitar, I learned and improved my technique more than in the last 8 years. So make sure you enjoy what you do. If not, that is totally okay. Maybe pick up another instrument or stop making music at all. We don't need to force ourselves to something we don't want to do to enjoy music.
I love what you demonstrated here with the breathing. You see so many guitarists on social media who can rip crazy fast solos with sweep picking and all that...but they are just like everyone else that does that. After watching how you played the SG, it made me think about how Zakk Wylde constructs his solos. He definitely gives breathing room.
The major thing to learn as an beginner guitarist is : Practicing every day is NOT a pain. It is a very good time you allow yourself to be a better human. And the good thing is : you have fun while doing it. .. We gotta remember : We play the same way as we practice If you want to have fun playing Arrange yourself to have fun practicing
I know this is coming out of nowhere, but I just wanna thank music is win for getting me back to guitar I stopped playing for a while my parents kept saying "play the guitar or we'll sell it" but ever since I came back to his channel it made me wanna go back to playing and now I know how to play eruption through the fire and flames and others so thanks alot.
One thing great guitar player should know is "Just enjoy playing and don't compare yourself to others"....Even if you think your Good enough or you think your a Noob, its fine. There's always room for improvement and there's always someone better than you. So play to "express" and not to "impress" (you can impress a bit slightly though😉)
My 5 is probably gonna sound cliche, but I feel like it’s very important: never. Stop. PLAYING. I know we keep hearing that over and over again, but it can’t be stressed enough. A time or two, I’d go a little while without playing, sometimes even a few days. Let me say from experience that it effects you more than you think. However, you can overcome that easily when you make it something you love to do. It’s one of my most favorite distractions ever. Even 5-10 minutes on the guitar is just as fulfilling as 45 minutes. On a side note, can I just say that I just love your playing, Tyler? You’re one of my most favorite guitarists on RUclips. I absolutely love it when I hear you play! Thank you for being so inspiring.
Allow yourself to suck. At least when you're first learning. I've been playing for 20 years, and I still have a hard time doing this. We all suck at first when we try something new and challenging, so don't let that turn you off. Suck it up (pun intended, sorry), practice, and most importantly have fun!
A thing worth thinking about is that if you hit a note that is out of scale or sounds bad, you are just a half step (one fret) away of the “right” note. My guitar teacher’s brother came up with that saying and it is kind of interesting.
By far the best thing for me that has really improved my guitar playing and improvisation is always practicing with a looper. I have a Boss RC3. I choose a bpm, lay down a chord progression then jam away. This really helps especially with your timing. At the end of the day, timing trumps everything else.
There are so many tipps, I think everyone is really helpful. For me the most important thing is that you always need to remember why you are where you are, no matter for what reason you started to learn guitar (or anything else), keep remembering because that should always be your source of power if you feel stuck. I'm 42 years and started to learn just 3 years ago, I always wanted to learn guitar but never did it for so many reasons. I still don't have much time and it is hard for me, young people can learn stuff much faster and have much more time to play but whenever I feel overwhelmed by a new song, technique or whatever I step back, remember that I wanted to learn this for so long and I would not give up on it now, it may take me 1 month or 2 to learn something but I will succeed if I continue. And every step, every little achivement proves that I'm doing it right. My teacher always tries to encourage and challange me to practice more but I though I know I should and it would help, I always keep my speed because I feel comfortable and otherwise I would just get frustrated.
Ok so I’ve listened to about 10-15 of your videos. I must say I’m impressed. Impressed enough to buy an inexpensive guitar after 45 years since I owned the last one. I was 19 or so then and I’m a lefty so that first guitar and I never really came together. I have no training or even any idea what to do with it when it gets here. But I have every intention of enrolling in training you offer. I’d really like to play along with music I listen to. In my mind many songs leave “a lot on the table” or unplayed so to speak. Oh an your Sitar is wonderful! We need much more of you on Spotify! Thanks again for inspiring an old man.
I keep coming back and adding new idea's but this one impacted my playing in a positive and huge way - Begin writing songs with a vocalist very early in your musical journey (like the first month). This will teach you so much about collaborating with other musicians, creating idea's as well as being able to write original material - I wrote 20 songs with a vocalist before ever learning a copy tune (true story)... Some good and some not so good but we put together a band and began playing out with a fair amount of success. It's so important to learn to write and most guitarist you run into can play other bands material but can't write even 1 lame song.
@@michaelsparks8632 Your welcome Michael - Early on I would search for new chords that inspired a new rhythm and then sit down with my writing partner to put something together - Years later now I'm always the guy in a band setting that can work with the guys and write songs - Just start simple and keep it fun, as you gain experience the quality will improve.
This may be hard sometimes but having someone to jam with is just amazing. I was so lucky in this department for a while, my best friend is a professional sax player. One day he said he wanted to learn to play guitar, teaching him the basics of the guitar, while learning how a pro approcahes musical challenges from him was a great way to make progress. But my favourite part was when we jammed, it was when all the effort we put in became tangible, all the process and progress became visible. Sadly he moved abroad, I fucking miss our sessions in his studio.
5: Use the volume knob to control your distortion. I think it sounds so much better compared to stomping on a footswitch, and you feel your guitar a bit better when you know you can completely change your sound with just tweaking the volume knob. Zoltan in 5FDP does this a lot 👍
I heard that some of the clean sounds back in the day were with a fuzz pedal on but the knob rolled back. There’s definitely something to that but it’s not for every style
the most important thing has to know has to be how to flow with your instrument. Yeah, you play fast, clean or whatever, but you need to create emotions, you should not get stuck in theory and scales, search for your own sound and you will be a far better player. Do you think EVH learnt to tap by memorising scales? dont you see that hendrix was and is the best player for most people and he was no theory freak, he let loose, he played with his teeth, with the guitar upside down, he even lit it on fire haha. Discover new things, dont copy and paste, express your emotions in the art of the guitar. (sorry for english mistakes, im from spain) BTW, Tyler, you should sing more in videos, you really do it awesomely
Every guitarist should know at least one band inside and out. Every album, every member, their instruments, their sound. Learn their songs, and style. You'd be surprised how many people don't have a band that inspires them.
#5: Everybody plateaus...pulling yourself out of it is the most important thing by trying a new song, learning a new scale, something...anything to get off the plateau
To quote David Lee Roth, "If it sounds good, it is good". As far as learning goes, watch every guitar player. Even the bad ones. You may learn what not to do. And that bad guitar player may do something so different and unique that you can steal it. Ethical no, does it happen every day, absolutely.
I would have to say that my number five and what improved me the most would be to play things that you enjoy and that are within your wheelhouse with a few challenges involved. It makes you want to play more and you also improve.
The guitar in your hand is the BEST one in the world. Forget about brand names, players, ads.... they are not with you, they are not in control of your hands. It is your job to make the guitar in your hand sound the best you can at any and all skill levels while still learning something and as always having fun. Doesn't matter what you play as long as its your best effort, you are having fun, and possibly learned a new or improved way of playing what ever it was you were playing.
I've got one! As a teacher, i always encourage students to learn a new genre. You like metal? try to play some blues. You like reggae and funk? Try playing some punk rock music! It is honestly the most valuable thing you can do, as a guitarist. Then you can incorporate the new knowledge into your own playing! Throw a blues lick into your metal solo!
I love your channel Tyler, for sure. The thing that has stuck with me everyday is what Ben Franklin, no not that Ben Franklin, told Ben Eller when he was just a young shredder.. Ben Eller told me and showed me "Every Note is Everywhere". It's just like the Ben's said... simple, yet not so simple. Every note is everywhere. Put your four fingers across four frets in a row. Every note is there. Pretty much. Guitar Villains is awesome !!!
Use the volume control on the guitar. If you find it is making your tone muddy when you turn the volume down, consider adding a variable treble bleed device to your volume pot. They are cheap and readily available and are easy to install. And you can change how much treble gets through to suit your taste.
"Relax". You'll get to that warmed up and ready to dig-in-and-shred feeling faster if you just relax. This has to be one of your funnest videos yet. The editing, special effects, multiple Tyler characters, too funny.
I started 6 months ago and the most important discovery was muting techniques for me. It makes a lot of difference in a solo when you mute properly and all the annoying noise disappears.
I've learnt when to put the guitar down. Meaning, when I'm trying to learn something specific and it takes a while, I've learnt to put the guitar down, take 5 and pick it back up to save myself getting stressed and thinking I can't do what I'm trying to. So knowing when to take a break and put the guitar down. Which may not be a popular one.
+1. Taking breaks is also important to protect your body. Sometimes we take it too far and injure ourselves (I did). Listen to your body. The first sign of pain is your body giving you a warning "hey! stop now, or get hurt!".
The thing about repeating your mistakes is perfect lol. I've definitely picked up in this over time, it's weird but it works. Like, "you heard me, I said what I said."
Vibrato, for those interested in lead guitar playing. Good vibrato, combined with leaving spaces in a solo, makes a much more memorable, and emotional solo than mindless shredding.
A trick i use to sing and play songs that are difficult to do both, find the places where the voice and the guitar playing match up, and work from there. Try and take a small bit of it and just figure out where the notes are suppose to land relative to the voice. Also to improvise better and to hit the right notes, think in your head what the next note will be. Think about what it would sound like if you where to go one fret up from the note your playing. If it wouldnt sound right in your head, then try the next note. Eventually you get better at it, and you can think about it quickly.
HANDS-DOWN...the most valuable thing I've EVER LEARNED regarding playing guitar--or really ANYTHING, for that matter--came from Mick Goodrick's book "The Advancing Guitarist" (and I'm paraphrasing, here): IN THE END...all things considered (including all the "tech" we've learned...all the gear we've acquired...all the theory we've been able to digest, etc.)...we are going to SOUND like the kind of PERSON we ACTUALLY ARE!! Therefore: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT is the MOST IMPORTANT ingredient in our "playing". Thanks for listening!
Okay but that track at 2:18 is just so stupidly catchy, I love it so much. I don't think "hard rock with dance cymbals" is something I hear often at all, and now I feel like I need to hear more of it.
This man has never been in a big band, never been famous for playing in front of thousands of adoring fans, and isn’t a millionaire because of his success and yet he remains one of the most impactful new generation guitarists. We’re about the same age, been playing about to the same amount of time and I still get inspired when he jams. Tyler, I hope to just sit down and play with you one day.
#5, listen to your playing style. Think about how you can improve and think about how good you want to be. Visualize yourself being the best you can at guitar, and pursue it. I’ve learned that you really have to dedicate some serious time into things, and it will seem like a burden at first, but not many good things come from not putting in the work. I myself am struggling with a band mate that isn’t practicing, although I have encouraged him many times. He wants to be good, but you can’t be good if you never play. You can do it!!!
5 for me is that every guitar player should always be trying new things, moving out of their comfort zones. For me, that recently included chord extensions which were pretty hard at first, but then I got a hand on it, and now I'm moving forward again.
Perhaps another thing a guitarist should know is how to make small successes build on each other, and be able to look back at all the things you did to get to where you are
Playing even when you not able to play with, on your mind, but not like a fantasies playes, but just like a real personification of the guitar in self, scales, patterns, songs, covers etc, IT IS A HUGE STEP UP, TRUST ME!
I think as a guitar player, I'd say it's important to listen to every genre of music, you'll be amazed how many different styles of playing you can pick up, from fingerstyle, flamenco, rock, metal, jazz and so on.
Failing to play something exactly right is many times a blessing in disguise! You just found a new way to go about it and many times those listening to you at that moment will be intrigued more than put off. Just remember to breathe and roll with it
I think every guitarist should know that there’s no good or bad playing as long as you are enjoying your own musical journey and to not get upset that you aren’t improving super fast because it takes a lot of time to improve and hone your skills to play like some of the greats
How you hold the guitar is definitely a huge part I’ve come to find out, I don’t use a strap too often, mostly sitting. And there’s definitely different ways to hold your guitar while sitting
Every player should know that guitar is a never ending learning process with vast possibilities. Oh,and I`m now learing to do full guitar builds. That too.
I really enjoy RUclips vids that teach a single impactful riff or technique that can be added to your growing skillset - I try to find something daily that I can add to my bag of tricks.
I think the advice about space was wonderful! As someone who's spent a good deal of time also playing bass, I think every guitar player should know: Unless the guitar player has very deep pockets and wishes to HIRE a band, other musicians do not exist to provide a guitar player with a vehicle for their "brilliance"
I agree, every guitarist should learn 'Something' by the Beatles. If you're a beginner rhythm guitarist, you can learn the chords from the verse, which mostly circulate around the basic open C chord. C, cmaj7, C7. It's good to learn these variations early. You can play in different keys to learn those chords as well. Also there are a couple of barre chords in the bridge to practice. For beginner lead guitarists, the main two riffs are great for establishing in-tune bends, and the solo is great for establishing feel and rhythm, and is relatively easy. If you're already good at guitar, it's a great song to play in front of people who like varying genres due to its neutral sound.
Something I wish I had known when I started- there's a huge difference between learning to play songs and learning to play guitar- they're not the same thing. Yes- one can led to the other- and it works both ways- if you learn to play guitar, you'll also learn to play certain songs- but if you learn enough songs- you can learn to play guitar. That's what I did, I'm self-taught- but it took me about 3 times longer than someone who did things properly. And I developed numerous bad habits along the way. When I tell ppl the first song I learned to play was Stairway to Heaven- I'm not lying or kidding- that was the very first song I learned. But- it took me about 3 years to learn it. Now I could've spent those 3 years learning theory and technical application- and I would've been much, much better. Instead, I spent it learning one song- which I didn't even play very well. I think along the way I learned the riff to "Bad to the Bone"- so at least I had something to bang on between trying to learn stairway. LOL- I remember, once I learned Stairway pretty decently my mom wanted me to play for the family who were down for xmas- so I sit down and play Stairway, best I could- and they're like "O.k.- now play x or y" and I'm like- "Come back in another 3 years." I am finally learning theory and the more technical aspects of playing off RUclips- finally a resource I have access to and can afford. Kids have no idea how lucky they are to have this shit nowadays- and yes, I know I sound old- I am old. Get the hell off my lawn ya damn whipper snappers. I'm practicing my boomer bends.
What's something you think every guitar player should know?
Edit: This comment section may be the most valuable list of guitar tips on the internet. You guys are awesome
Use the tone knobs!
Guitarists don't need 1000000000000000 guitars
Music theory doesn't ruin creativity. And learning something as simple as the notes of all major scales opens a whole new world ,for example you can contruct any chord you want as it's the just a combination of notes in the major scale flattened or sharp. Many other scales are just modified major scales
That the tone from that Danelectro on example one is quite possibly the very worst guitar tone known to man.
Music theory!! (or at least some training) All the gear in the world won't help you if you can't play!!
I think number 5 should be anytime you're sitting around the house doing nothing in particular, have a guitar sitting within reach. It's like having your best friend next to you. Seeing it there will encourage you to pick it and just play with it. Unstructured practice time like that leads to the pure joy of just enjoying the instrument, which in turn will free your creative mind and improve you flow.
VERY true!!!
@@rayquazaroom4327 no, he's right
Exactly right! This is why my main 3 are on wall hangers in the front room with my Spark 40 right there on a little table at the end of the couch. Anytime I get inspiration or even just boredom I can grab one & plug in. Next thing I know it's been an hour & I'm late getting dinner started lol.
i’m sitting in an empty house with 3 guitars spread in different chairs, we’re watching a movie ☺️
Totally agree with this @Eldred Bird
Being a "boomer", and being a teen in the 60's, with no money, and all this great rock and roll was happening, it was difficult to get any kind of instrument. The cheap guitars where almost impossible to play. Even harder was finding someone that knew how to play and could show you something that was right. Now we have access to the world. Cheap guitars that are decent and playable, men and women like you that have useful content and hundreds of youtubers that can teach you just about anything you can think of. I just wish it had happened 50 years ago. I am grateful for it anyway.
Amen Brother I'm 60 years and I wish the same thing...I put it down for over 30 years, But Ive picked it back again.
Find the right pick. If you’re using a pick that sounds bad or falls out of your hand or doesn’t feel right its a lot harder to just pick up and play. I’ve only been playing for about 9 months but I’ve already realized that. I recently went to Atlanta Vintage Guitars and just bought like 10 completely different pick to find which one I liked best and for me the .96mm Stadium pick was just perfect.
Big Stubbys babyyyy. I always thought of them as "the bass pick" but i finally tried them for some more shreddy stuff and never went back. Takes barely any effort to hold it and the super hard tip was perfect for me. Finding the right pick is definitely crucial
If you’ve chosen a .96 pick, you’re not a player that can determine that already.
Gorilla snot helps.
I like Dunlop jazz 3
They make pinch harmonics and faster play super comfortable for me
The hetfield black fang, I’ve tried hundreds of picks. It’s the only one that doesn’t slip in my sweaty little fingers
I've gotten into a habit of thoroughly washing my hands before picking up my guitar. This helps me play more accurate and have a better feel for the strings, and it helps avoid gunking up the strings with oils and sweat which can degrade the strings much quicker.
I hate when I pick up a guitar to find the last guy who played it had greasy fingers.
Actually a great tip.
Won't it softness the calluses tho?
I do the same thing
I have ocd so I agree😅
One of the most important things a guitar player needs to remember, especially when playing with other musicians is to listen. This helps everyone from stepping all over each other. Know when to play and when to back off.
This ^^^^^
100% agree. Makes for a much better jam session.
Several ideas:
1. Don’t despise the process. You will always suck at some aspect of playing; keep at it. Our culture is filled with instant gratification, but patience brings maturity.
2. Listen to great music in as many different genres as possible. Most of the great songwriters of the rock era have been influenced by their parents’ music. Whether it’s McCartney’s love of British music hall, Jimmy Page’s obsession with Mississippi Delta blues, or ELP’s homages to classical music, they learned technique and improved their taste and style by listening to huge amounts of great music.
3. Don’t overdo it. We’ve all heard the legends about the rock gods practicing for hours a day until their fingers bled. Most of us don’t have that luxury; we have jobs, classes, families, etc. 45 minutes of specific, planned, intentional, focused practice a day, every day, will do more than hours of noodling. I’ve practiced for hours and found that fatigue made me sloppier, and in the end, it did more harm than good. Also, there are going to be occasional times when everything is off: you can’t play, you’re forgetting things, or you can’t even get the blasted thing in tune. It’s OK to put it down and come back the next day.
4. Listen to great guitarists to copy and learn their techniques, but to appreciate, not copy, their style. The same way artists copy museum masterpieces, it’s fine to learn the songs the way they were originally recorded. But at some point you’ll want to put your own spin on those songs, and then write your own.
5. Stop comparing yourself to legendary guitarists. Learn from them, but realize that your audiences don’t expect you to be Mark Knopfler or Jeff Beck. Instead, compare yourself to yourself last year, and work toward who you want to be next year.
good advice
on number 3, I can sit for hours and play it and I don't get tired at all. and when. I am, it doesn't affect my playing.
Comparing yourself to yourself last year is a great thing to do! I’ve practiced for hours and hours dedicating almost all the hours I can in the day to writing and ear training and practicing, etc . Even if logically I maybe know I’ve made progress I’d never really feel like it. That is until I hear myself playing the same song in the past. And comparing my playing to what it once was has given me some of the biggest boosts of motivation that I could imagine. Definitely be proud of your work! I still don’t believe in trying to be better than the next person, unless that person is yourself
@@catsarecool9331 That’s really great! Hopefully that leads to more rapid progress.
Agreed
There is nothing that a guitarist can't learn and gain no matter the skill of experience. Always appreciate the advice over the years man.
Damn right
That's why I love guitar. There is so many ways to do things on it that you could learn infinitely
@@daggercatz7297 exactly!
@@gnr4381 Cheers!
My piece of advice is this: In order to get good, you have to allow yourself to suck for months or even years. A lot of my students really want to KNOW but at the same time they don't want to LEARN. Make the learning experience fun for yourself. I heard Steve Vai say in some interiew, can't remember which one, that his "juice" has always been not being able to do something and then working on it until he could do it. The progress feels great, just know it might take a _long_ time and be patient.
Great insights, Greg! Learning to actually play guitar (not just a couple of your favorite riffs or songs) takes years of hard work. Stay with it. It's definitely worth it!
Yeah, I realise that I suck and it's fine I even bought a guitar that is I consider I'm not worthy, I gonna proof myself wrong and become worthy even if it takes 5 years!
True. I sucked for 3 years until I decided to stick with it and put in a practice routine. Now I’m not great at guitar but I don’t suck either which I’m happy about
as a total noob(bought my first guitar 6wk ago) this is great to read. I am fine with not being good for a long time, but I'm gonna put in the hours either way.
Steve Vai might be learning polyphia stuff. Steve Vai 'was' the guitarist who could play any new technique when 'flexable' released. Steve Vai said he cant do what polyphia does on guitar..Steve also said he absolutely loves what polyphia is doing, bringing life to the instrument. Future modern guitar. Today Slash is intermediate level. Class C
Advice 5 : to my fellow guitar players who wants to improve their playing but don't find the motivation to learn or practice new things, just pick your guitars and start trying to learn new things the motivation part will come later.
We often think that we have to be motivated first then start learning second, but sometimes the motivation part comes second after you start playing and find enjoyment in the fact that you started to learn new things.
ive been definitely trying to remind myself of this one alot lol
that sounds really true and wise 🙏
All good advice in these comments above.
I'll just add:
Playing standing up.
Most of us pick up the guitar and noodle around senslessly laying down. When you're sitting , you have resistance from parts of your body on the chair or sofa, and you feel lazy, relaxed and inducing your body to go to sleep.
When you go out for a brisk speedwalk ,you get energized, pumped up and feel like doing something. So induce that "Feel like doing something" into your playing by standing up, strutting and dancing around. Your are free of any movement without any resistance and it adds energy and creativity into your playing.
Besides, if you're gonna get up and stand, you won't be standing there doing nothing. You're gonna motivate yourself into playing something worth standing for.
So true I work at a standing desk and the extra energy is real
just make sure u have a long cable and a good strap before u dance around and break something
You can't go to war sitting down!
----Dime Bag Darrell
ive only ever played standing up. i do have my strap at beatles-level purely because i find its more comfortable (also it looks cool)
This is probably the best example of what “#5” should be ha. I have inadvertently trained myself to only play sitting down and now I feel like I am learning all over again to play the same things standing up 😂great advice and I’d tell any person picking the guitar up for the first time.
Thing 5: discipline yourself, noodling is fun but learning things and applying them to your playing is the real way to grow your knowledge in the guitar
discipline is for more serious players though, you don't need it when you just want to nail that campfire
@Giovanni Martinez yee I’m just saying some people don’t mind being amateurs just having fun
Basic setup I think is quite important. Knowing when to change the neck angle, when to adjust to the bridge or saddle height, HOW to adjust the bridge/saddle height, how to relax a neck, etc. Lots of great videos on it, which is good because it's a good thing to know how to do yourself
Here's my DIY Setup video: ruclips.net/video/SxmgZBzny1w/видео.html
Having a great set up guitar will radically change how you play and feel
I personally prefer to have professional handle that these days because I rarely have the time to do it, I'm also only home like 4 days a month
@@justinharshbarger4761 Nothing wrong with that, still good to know how to do it though
@@lucistired yep, you should at least understand WHY and how the instrument is set up properly, even if you don't want to do it yourself.
Number 5: when you hear a really cool note that’s kind of unexpected, figure out what it is and try to understand it in the context of the key it’s in. Lets you apply it to other songs in other keys, or just at other places on the fretboard.
Couldn't agree more and this also speaks to the importance of learning all the notes on the neck - Critical.
I don't know keys
Dorian and mixolydian moment
"Never think bad thoughts about your own playing". Best advice I ever got. Doesnt mean to acknowledge you always can and should improve but belittleing your playing will only frustrate you and keep you from going on
Realize that there's a difference between "Bedroom tone" and something that will actually sound good in a mix. Most importantly: back off that bass when you're playing in a musical context. It's fine to go for that sweet, sweet thick tone when you're practicing at home, but when you're recording or playing with others, that tone is going to mean you won't be heard, and your guitar parts won't have a punch. Experiment with tailoring your tone over a song or backing track so that when the time comes to share your playing with others, you'll sound the way you want to be heard.
Great one, I fell victim to this myself.
@@stevet.4974 I personally learned this one the hard way when starting to record... Especially as someone who loves Mesa Boogie amps... boy did I have to curb my bass
Rare advice 👍
@@Bacontruffle I played Boogies too bro. My drummer would always criticize my muddy sound but to me it sounded dark and powerful... like in the bedroom. It wan't until later that I realized a needed a lot more cut in my sound- and that he was right. It probably worked out for the better because back then my timing was all over the place so it was probably better to hide all the screwups. Now my timing, after a lot of years, is way better, so I use just a little gain and make sure to use pedals more creatively. I used to play with a chorus on all the time because I liked the way it made the notes sound, but that created mud too.
5: Don't let inspiration turn into imitation. Seek your own style and voice, don't copy someone else.
And this, people, is why people like Gilmour and Clapton's music is highly loved even though they don't show immense shredding all the time.
This is why I like Marty Friedman's newer music (like 'miracle', 'for a friend' and 'whiteworm'). Even though there's highly technical speedy stuff in there, he chooses the right time to do it and goes for overall feel.
Glad someone mentioned Marty Friedman in the same breath as Gilmour. Sure Marty can “shred” (which i do like) but his articulation is what makes him great in my opinion. Same applies to John Petrucci
@@ShineshRamballi you could listen to the first few seconds and instantly know its him playing.
Same thing with Brian May.
Thing number 5 - Always FEEL and enjoy what you’re playing. I would argue that creating a feeling or emotion through your playing is more important than your rhythm and even your notes. Music at it’s core is about people sharing and enjoying something together. It’s not about perfection. (There’s nothing wrong with chasing perfection though, just don’t lose sight of the importance of feel)
Hmmm.... solid words
Tyler can be so crazy and energised while playing his solos and I love it. Many guitarist have good music but they have no literal emotion while playing
Here are my 5 things:
1. Listen and find your inspiration. I mean what kind of guitar player does not listen to guitar music?
2. Know your share of theory. Yawn! It's boring but it will help you.
3. Write your own music with whatever knowledge or skills or gear you have.
4. If you can afford practice with your band or other guitar players. If you are like me and can't make friends practice with metronome, that helps too. You know what? You need to practice with metronome regardless of you have band or not.
5. Go off grid, don't play by rule, do your experiment. Play blues licks in you metal solo, play metal arpeggios in your blues jam. Do something different. That's how you find your tune.
My opinion as originally a trumpet player: Guitar is one of the easiest instruments to just pick up and practice in a few spare minutes, so keep one around where you're going to be and visible. If it's off where you never go, you'll never practice. Instead, keep one by where you watch TV, or work, or whatever, you'll be much more likely to pick it up and play.
I’m preferring it nowadays cause I don’t have to have a certain amount of back pressure to create a sound at any point in the day, just light strumming. Also my fingers recover quickly compared to my embouchure after a long practice
I was always concerned that I could only play "easy songs" when anyone asked me to play "something". I figured I should be playing more complicated stuff as it would get me down that I wasn't as accomplished as other people... and guess what... nobody cares. That's all in your head. So what, I can't play "Neon" around a campfire with friends... but I play a mean "Wish You Were Here" and sing at the same time. And everyone loves it. So don't worry about getting hung up on "I'm not as good as that guy"... it doesn't matter... you play guitar. That's impressive in itself!
The 5th thing, IMO, is that you are probably better than you think you are. To a non-guitar player you are probably going to be impressive. You are literally taking a piece of wood and some strings and creating music, and that’s incredible!!
Tyler's showing much more personality in this, genuinely more entertaining! Didn't watch his stuff in a while.
that's what I thought too. Actually a little more funny
Woocker Socket the hell are you doing here? btw make a pantera meme
I thought I was the only one who noticed, it's gotta be the new hairstyle.
Master of puppet.
In 2004 I worked at National Guitar Workshop, Victor Was doing a bass summit. He said to all of us, “play what you feel, emotional content is so important.” I took this took heart. This didn’t mean play whatever, it meant make each note your own no matter whose music you’re playing.
In one of my first guitar lessons my teacher taught me a simple 12-bar blues progression in A. Uses open position and a really simple turnaround. His comment to me was, "You master that then there ain't a guitar player in the world who wouldn't want to jam with you." He was right.
Number five: If anyone ever criticise your guitar playing without, at the same time, being kind and constructive, tell them to f*** off and keep doing your thing.
With all my knowledge, there is exactly one thing that comes first to mind every time; keep your instuments close to you, so that anytime you are bored, able or what ever, you can just grab that guitar and fiddle. Make it a habit, even fiddling anything that comes to mind or even not being able to play anything gets you more and more comfortable with the feel of the instrument. It’s the same if you consider a football player bouncing the ball in his hands - no it doesn’t make you kick better or stronger but it makes you more and more intuitively aware of the workings of the instrument; in footballer’s case how the ball reacts to force, in guitarists case how the strings react to force. To an instrument of any kind the fun starts when you don’t have to think too much how to play but what to play and the more you are in a contact with the tools the more they become sort of an extension of you to express yourself.
One thing em every guitar player should know is: “ no matter what skill level, they have the ability to bring happiness to themselves(at the very least) and to others. Because of of the amazing power our chosen instrument brings.
Learn every genre and listen to all genre. The more you know the more you know. This will help with technique, style and makes you feel more satisfied when you play because you feel like you’ve discovered something completely new.
Number 5. Relax and let your guitar speak for itself through your creativity. This has allowed me to still be on track during jam sessions, but still letting myself fully express myself and enjoy the music outside this world.... I hope you can also shred to such a sense of relaxation 😌
Play with other people and create a musical society that moves you and helps you get better. Great video Tyler
Never confuse activity with achievement. You can play loads of stuff that you already know, go over scales you know, plays licks you already know, but what have you achieved by dong that?
I think this is very important.. learn things slowly with maximum efficiency....only if you can play something accurately 10 times at set speed without error should you try accelerating. While doing this take the time to focus and connect with every note...observe things you can do to make it better..dynamics, fingering, touch or other
This goes with anything in life. But don’t compare the timeline of your progress to anyone else’s. Whether that means “I’m 25 and I can’t play what that 14 year old is playing!” Or “I’ve been playing for five years and I can’t play what they’re playing, and they’ve only been playing for two years!” We are all on our own timelines, and if you enjoy what you do, then roll with it. Doesn’t matter what someone else is doing
I feel like this is a very basic one, but play rhythm. My instructor said all the best lead guitarists or soloists are also great rhythm guitarists. So focus on keepin' rhythm and then shred. Cheers lot!
P.S Tyler ya content has improved so much, it's funny, entertainin', and informative. Keep up the good work mate!
Tyler... to improve literally ANY guitar's intonation in the "cowboy chord" register, take your gtr to your tech. Have him put a clip on tuner on the headstock.
file each each nut slot slightly lower until you get a perfect half step between open string and first fret with normal finger pressure for each string.
This is my personal intonation hack i am sharing. Most people set nut height with feeler guages to a specified height, but that does not address the physical issue of the string being bent as result of too high nut slots.
This effectively and useably sets up your intonation at the nut end, like a TOM bridge would.
Optimizes action and improves intonation. Once you try it, you will never go back. Try it on a wallhanger pos...you will be amazed.
one thing to keep in mind is when playing, always hit it with full confidence. no matter what comes out, as long as you act like you know what you’re doing, people will buy it.
It doesn't have to be perfect every time.
In an interview, David Gilmour said he almost always mucks up the 4 note hook in Shine On You Crazy Diamond when he's on stage. No one notices or cares because it's David Gilmour!
That rhythm at 2:20 is just pure thunder clap!! And the solo is exactly what a solo should be, executed to perfection imo. Most players (including my useless self) I've seen and heard know these things but never implement them because they get so caught up in the hamster wheel of constant embellishment, always trying to over egg the pudding. A whole load of people can play a guitar, but not many actually understand how to implement it to such a degree. That's what makes this awesome. Every musician needs to hear this. This is pure guitar fire my man, keep up the good work!!!
Thing Number 5: ENJOY playing. I started playing the guitar because my parents wanted me to learn an instrument. And I don't say that learning an instrument or musical education is a bad thing, but for me playing always was like making homework. However, in the last 2 years, when I finally enjoyed playing guitar, I learned and improved my technique more than in the last 8 years. So make sure you enjoy what you do. If not, that is totally okay. Maybe pick up another instrument or stop making music at all. We don't need to force ourselves to something we don't want to do to enjoy music.
I love what you demonstrated here with the breathing. You see so many guitarists on social media who can rip crazy fast solos with sweep picking and all that...but they are just like everyone else that does that. After watching how you played the SG, it made me think about how Zakk Wylde constructs his solos. He definitely gives breathing room.
The major thing to learn as an beginner guitarist is : Practicing every day is NOT a pain. It is a very good time you allow yourself to be a better human. And the good thing is : you have fun while doing it.
..
We gotta remember :
We play the same way as we practice
If you want to have fun playing
Arrange yourself to have fun practicing
I know this is coming out of nowhere, but I just wanna thank music is win for getting me back to guitar I stopped playing for a while my parents kept saying "play the guitar or we'll sell it" but ever since I came back to his channel it made me wanna go back to playing and now I know how to play eruption through the fire and flames and others so thanks alot.
One thing great guitar player should know is "Just enjoy playing and don't compare yourself to others"....Even if you think your Good enough or you think your a Noob, its fine. There's always room for improvement and there's always someone better than you. So play to "express" and not to "impress" (you can impress a bit slightly though😉)
My 5 is probably gonna sound cliche, but I feel like it’s very important: never. Stop. PLAYING. I know we keep hearing that over and over again, but it can’t be stressed enough. A time or two, I’d go a little while without playing, sometimes even a few days. Let me say from experience that it effects you more than you think. However, you can overcome that easily when you make it something you love to do. It’s one of my most favorite distractions ever. Even 5-10 minutes on the guitar is just as fulfilling as 45 minutes.
On a side note, can I just say that I just love your playing, Tyler? You’re one of my most favorite guitarists on RUclips. I absolutely love it when I hear you play! Thank you for being so inspiring.
Number 5, for me, would be listen to music in a different genre than you normally do. You never know what you might find.
Yes and jam along to music you normally don't listen to.
Your "breathing" solo was honestly wicked. Those are the kind of grooves I strive for!
Allow yourself to suck. At least when you're first learning. I've been playing for 20 years, and I still have a hard time doing this. We all suck at first when we try something new and challenging, so don't let that turn you off. Suck it up (pun intended, sorry), practice, and most importantly have fun!
A thing worth thinking about is that if you hit a note that is out of scale or sounds bad, you are just a half step (one fret) away of the “right” note. My guitar teacher’s brother came up with that saying and it is kind of interesting.
Thing 5: If you’re still in the infancy/toddler stage of your guitar journey, don’t worry that much about gear (guitars, pedals, amps). PRACTICE.
By far the best thing for me that has really improved my guitar playing and improvisation is always practicing with a looper. I have a Boss RC3. I choose a bpm, lay down a chord progression then jam away. This really helps especially with your timing. At the end of the day, timing trumps everything else.
There are so many tipps, I think everyone is really helpful.
For me the most important thing is that you always need to remember why you are where you are, no matter for what reason you started to learn guitar (or anything else), keep remembering because that should always be your source of power if you feel stuck. I'm 42 years and started to learn just 3 years ago, I always wanted to learn guitar but never did it for so many reasons. I still don't have much time and it is hard for me, young people can learn stuff much faster and have much more time to play but whenever I feel overwhelmed by a new song, technique or whatever I step back, remember that I wanted to learn this for so long and I would not give up on it now, it may take me 1 month or 2 to learn something but I will succeed if I continue. And every step, every little achivement proves that I'm doing it right. My teacher always tries to encourage and challange me to practice more but I though I know I should and it would help, I always keep my speed because I feel comfortable and otherwise I would just get frustrated.
Ok so I’ve listened to about 10-15 of your videos. I must say I’m impressed. Impressed enough to buy an inexpensive guitar after 45 years since I owned the last one. I was 19 or so then and I’m a lefty so that first guitar and I never really came together. I have no training or even any idea what to do with it when it gets here. But I have every intention of enrolling in training you offer. I’d really like to play along with music I listen to. In my mind many songs leave “a lot on the table” or unplayed so to speak. Oh an your Sitar is wonderful! We need much more of you on Spotify! Thanks again for inspiring an old man.
For number 5, that example in number 1 made me realize that the most important musician you have to worry about outplaying is yourself
I keep coming back and adding new idea's but this one impacted my playing in a positive and huge way - Begin writing songs with a vocalist very early in your musical journey (like the first month).
This will teach you so much about collaborating with other musicians, creating idea's as well as being able to write original material - I wrote 20 songs with a vocalist before ever learning a copy tune (true story)... Some good and some not so good but we put together a band and began playing out with a fair amount of success. It's so important to learn to write and most guitarist you run into can play other bands material but can't write even 1 lame song.
Thanks Kevin, that is definitely something I need to do.
@@michaelsparks8632 Your welcome Michael - Early on I would search for new chords that inspired a new rhythm and then sit down with my writing partner to put something together - Years later now I'm always the guy in a band setting that can work with the guys and write songs - Just start simple and keep it fun, as you gain experience the quality will improve.
This may be hard sometimes but having someone to jam with is just amazing. I was so lucky in this department for a while, my best friend is a professional sax player. One day he said he wanted to learn to play guitar, teaching him the basics of the guitar, while learning how a pro approcahes musical challenges from him was a great way to make progress. But my favourite part was when we jammed, it was when all the effort we put in became tangible, all the process and progress became visible. Sadly he moved abroad, I fucking miss our sessions in his studio.
5: Use the volume knob to control your distortion. I think it sounds so much better compared to stomping on a footswitch, and you feel your guitar a bit better when you know you can completely change your sound with just tweaking the volume knob. Zoltan in 5FDP does this a lot 👍
I heard that some of the clean sounds back in the day were with a fuzz pedal on but the knob rolled back. There’s definitely something to that but it’s not for every style
the most important thing has to know has to be how to flow with your instrument. Yeah, you play fast, clean or whatever, but you need to create emotions, you should not get stuck in theory and scales, search for your own sound and you will be a far better player. Do you think EVH learnt to tap by memorising scales? dont you see that hendrix was and is the best player for most people and he was no theory freak, he let loose, he played with his teeth, with the guitar upside down, he even lit it on fire haha. Discover new things, dont copy and paste, express your emotions in the art of the guitar. (sorry for english mistakes, im from spain)
BTW, Tyler, you should sing more in videos, you really do it awesomely
Every guitarist should know at least one band inside and out. Every album, every member, their instruments, their sound. Learn their songs, and style. You'd be surprised how many people don't have a band that inspires them.
Oh, I think I have too many bands I know inside and out haha. Unless that's a good thing...
For sure man, Turnpike Troubadours are the best lol
#5: Everybody plateaus...pulling yourself out of it is the most important thing by trying a new song, learning a new scale, something...anything to get off the plateau
To quote David Lee Roth, "If it sounds good, it is good".
As far as learning goes, watch every guitar player. Even the bad ones. You may learn what not to do. And that bad guitar player may do something so different and unique that you can steal it. Ethical no, does it happen every day, absolutely.
I would have to say that my number five and what improved me the most would be to play things that you enjoy and that are within your wheelhouse with a few challenges involved. It makes you want to play more and you also improve.
The guitar in your hand is the BEST one in the world. Forget about brand names, players, ads.... they are not with you, they are not in control of your hands. It is your job to make the guitar in your hand sound the best you can at any and all skill levels while still learning something and as always having fun. Doesn't matter what you play as long as its your best effort, you are having fun, and possibly learned a new or improved way of playing what ever it was you were playing.
I've got one! As a teacher, i always encourage students to learn a new genre. You like metal? try to play some blues. You like reggae and funk? Try playing some punk rock music!
It is honestly the most valuable thing you can do, as a guitarist. Then you can incorporate the new knowledge into your own playing! Throw a blues lick into your metal solo!
I love your channel Tyler, for sure. The thing that has stuck with me everyday is what Ben Franklin, no not that Ben Franklin, told Ben Eller when he was just a young shredder.. Ben Eller told me and showed me "Every Note is Everywhere". It's just like the Ben's said... simple, yet not so simple. Every note is everywhere. Put your four fingers across four frets in a row. Every note is there. Pretty much.
Guitar Villains is awesome !!!
Use the volume control on the guitar.
If you find it is making your tone muddy when you turn the volume down, consider adding a variable treble bleed device to your volume pot.
They are cheap and readily available and are easy to install. And you can change how much treble gets through to suit your taste.
I saw that "Something" joke coming from a mile away, yet, I still kicked my feet and giggled like a kindergartener when you said it
This is one of the best videos you've made in terms of presentation and format
"Relax". You'll get to that warmed up and ready to dig-in-and-shred feeling faster if you just relax. This has to be one of your funnest videos yet. The editing, special effects, multiple Tyler characters, too funny.
every guitar player should have an idol to look up too, to have someone inspire you, means that their material impacts how and what you play
When playing with a group, being able to really listen to others as much as yourself will make you better
I started 6 months ago and the most important discovery was muting techniques for me. It makes a lot of difference in a solo when you mute properly and all the annoying noise disappears.
I've learnt when to put the guitar down. Meaning, when I'm trying to learn something specific and it takes a while, I've learnt to put the guitar down, take 5 and pick it back up to save myself getting stressed and thinking I can't do what I'm trying to. So knowing when to take a break and put the guitar down. Which may not be a popular one.
+1. Taking breaks is also important to protect your body. Sometimes we take it too far and injure ourselves (I did). Listen to your body. The first sign of pain is your body giving you a warning "hey! stop now, or get hurt!".
The thing about repeating your mistakes is perfect lol. I've definitely picked up in this over time, it's weird but it works. Like, "you heard me, I said what I said."
Vibrato, for those interested in lead guitar playing. Good vibrato, combined with leaving spaces in a solo, makes a much more memorable, and emotional solo than mindless shredding.
A trick i use to sing and play songs that are difficult to do both, find the places where the voice and the guitar playing match up, and work from there. Try and take a small bit of it and just figure out where the notes are suppose to land relative to the voice. Also to improvise better and to hit the right notes, think in your head what the next note will be. Think about what it would sound like if you where to go one fret up from the note your playing. If it wouldnt sound right in your head, then try the next note. Eventually you get better at it, and you can think about it quickly.
HANDS-DOWN...the most valuable thing I've EVER LEARNED regarding playing guitar--or really ANYTHING, for that matter--came from Mick Goodrick's book "The Advancing Guitarist" (and I'm paraphrasing, here): IN THE END...all things considered (including all the "tech" we've learned...all the gear we've acquired...all the theory we've been able to digest, etc.)...we are going to SOUND like the kind of PERSON we ACTUALLY ARE!! Therefore: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT is the MOST IMPORTANT ingredient in our "playing". Thanks for listening!
changing the strings, although we all hate to. its a must
Hmmm, I have to change strings more often than I do.
"Repeat your mistakes. They become purposeful."
ABSOLUTELY!!!
And GREAT advice!
Okay but that track at 2:18 is just so stupidly catchy, I love it so much. I don't think "hard rock with dance cymbals" is something I hear often at all, and now I feel like I need to hear more of it.
This man has never been in a big band, never been famous for playing in front of thousands of adoring fans, and isn’t a millionaire because of his success and yet he remains one of the most impactful new generation guitarists. We’re about the same age, been playing about to the same amount of time and I still get inspired when he jams. Tyler, I hope to just sit down and play with you one day.
He actually does make a lot of money from all this.
#5, listen to your playing style. Think about how you can improve and think about how good you want to be. Visualize yourself being the best you can at guitar, and pursue it. I’ve learned that you really have to dedicate some serious time into things, and it will seem like a burden at first, but not many good things come from not putting in the work. I myself am struggling with a band mate that isn’t practicing, although I have encouraged him many times. He wants to be good, but you can’t be good if you never play. You can do it!!!
Something I heard along the way was "you don't need to succeed or be great to have fun" and that has stuck with me
6:34 I’m never going to be able to go to sleep peacefully ever again
5 for me is that every guitar player should always be trying new things, moving out of their comfort zones. For me, that recently included chord extensions which were pretty hard at first, but then I got a hand on it, and now I'm moving forward again.
Perhaps another thing a guitarist should know is how to make small successes build on each other, and be able to look back at all the things you did to get to where you are
Playing even when you not able to play with, on your mind, but not like a fantasies playes, but just like a real personification of the guitar in self, scales, patterns, songs, covers etc, IT IS A HUGE STEP UP, TRUST ME!
I think as a guitar player, I'd say it's important to listen to every genre of music, you'll be amazed how many different styles of playing you can pick up, from fingerstyle, flamenco, rock, metal, jazz and so on.
Failing to play something exactly right is many times a blessing in disguise! You just found a new way to go about it and many times those listening to you at that moment will be intrigued more than put off. Just remember to breathe and roll with it
Every guitarist should watch the full video of you and Victor Wooten. Dude is like a guitar sage.
I think every guitarist should know that there’s no good or bad playing as long as you are enjoying your own musical journey and to not get upset that you aren’t improving super fast because it takes a lot of time to improve and hone your skills to play like some of the greats
How you hold the guitar is definitely a huge part I’ve come to find out, I don’t use a strap too often, mostly sitting. And there’s definitely different ways to hold your guitar while sitting
Every player should know that guitar is a never ending learning process with vast possibilities. Oh,and I`m now learing to do full guitar builds. That too.
I really enjoy RUclips vids that teach a single impactful riff or technique that can be added to your growing skillset - I try to find something daily that I can add to my bag of tricks.
I think the advice about space was wonderful!
As someone who's spent a good deal of time also playing bass, I think every guitar player should know: Unless the guitar player has very deep pockets and wishes to HIRE a band, other musicians do not exist to provide a guitar player with a vehicle for their "brilliance"
The melodies that you make up to practice dexterity and skill will become your inner musical voice and perhaps the hit songs that move humanity.
First two songs I learned: Wish You Were Here & Something
Another great one to learn is, While My Guitar Gently Weeps
I agree, every guitarist should learn 'Something' by the Beatles. If you're a beginner rhythm guitarist, you can learn the chords from the verse, which mostly circulate around the basic open C chord. C, cmaj7, C7. It's good to learn these variations early. You can play in different keys to learn those chords as well. Also there are a couple of barre chords in the bridge to practice. For beginner lead guitarists, the main two riffs are great for establishing in-tune bends, and the solo is great for establishing feel and rhythm, and is relatively easy. If you're already good at guitar, it's a great song to play in front of people who like varying genres due to its neutral sound.
Something I wish I had known when I started- there's a huge difference between learning to play songs and learning to play guitar- they're not the same thing. Yes- one can led to the other- and it works both ways- if you learn to play guitar, you'll also learn to play certain songs- but if you learn enough songs- you can learn to play guitar. That's what I did, I'm self-taught- but it took me about 3 times longer than someone who did things properly. And I developed numerous bad habits along the way. When I tell ppl the first song I learned to play was Stairway to Heaven- I'm not lying or kidding- that was the very first song I learned. But- it took me about 3 years to learn it. Now I could've spent those 3 years learning theory and technical application- and I would've been much, much better. Instead, I spent it learning one song- which I didn't even play very well. I think along the way I learned the riff to "Bad to the Bone"- so at least I had something to bang on between trying to learn stairway. LOL- I remember, once I learned Stairway pretty decently my mom wanted me to play for the family who were down for xmas- so I sit down and play Stairway, best I could- and they're like "O.k.- now play x or y" and I'm like- "Come back in another 3 years."
I am finally learning theory and the more technical aspects of playing off RUclips- finally a resource I have access to and can afford. Kids have no idea how lucky they are to have this shit nowadays- and yes, I know I sound old- I am old. Get the hell off my lawn ya damn whipper snappers. I'm practicing my boomer bends.