very solid and practical lesson. funny how many negative comments say something like "get to the point already" which is exactly the same level of expectations or immediate gratification that he's illustrating as a common problem among guitarists. this is useful info for those willing to listen.
Thank you so much Ryan! Yes, I don't bother with negative comments or people that don't listen. However, for the people that do listen I want to offer them hope and guidance on the guitar. Thank you for the kind words and your great attitude. They are infectious!
@@yourguitarsage ive been playing for 43 yrs. Through the yrs ive learned what you just taught the hard way. I still go through hitting brick walls. Always trying to learn different techniques. But i could never put my finger on it. You are so awsome how you explain things. Thank you for doing what you do. Youve cleared up alot of what ive been feeling for yrs but couldnt put my finger on it. Thank you again. Got to go practice, thanks!!!!
The #1 variable that will make or break you as a Guitar Player is: Shut down your computer, stop procrastinating on videos and play the guitar instead. There you have it. For free.
There's no secret to 'making it' in music, in fact the answer is well known. Practice and master your craft, go out, busk, soundcloud+twitter+facebook and write great tunes.
Don Felder formerly of The Eagles was asked how to get good on guitar. He said, "you have to love it, immerse yourself in it and practice, practice, practice. Otherwise be content as a listener and not a player."
Hello , this is great , even with what I call limited time (meaning I am 62) I get this . I am new to guitar and don't want to learn just to play but wish to learn to play well . I have listened to many of your youtube teachings and I believe you can help me with the playing well part . I am not afraid of practice or stumbles along the way , I am determined to play well and will do what must be done to get me there.
You continue to astound me. This is the best advice I have ever heard. I have been playing since 1968, and can testify that you are absolutely correct. When I am learning a new song or solo, I first of all slow it down, then take it one piece at a time. When I started out that meant lifting the needle off the record and putting it back on. Now there is software out there that allows you to slow the music down without changing the pitch. If I had that when I was 16 I would be a much better player than I am now. Thank you once again my friend for giving timely advice.
Damn! This is such good info for life in general. Today's world glorifies the naturals and prodigies, as well as the myth of the "overnight success," but deemphasizes or even ridicules hard work and the grind that almost everyone must endure to achieve anything worth achieving. Rome wasn't built in a day and grit is the single most important quality for anything. Sorry to the "life hack" culture, but there's no bypass to reap the benefits yielded by thousands of reps.
You are right on target 🎯 !!! We all get to that point at one time or another, that brick wall, but there is always more beyond that wall. The key to the other side, is never give up !! Learning has no end, it's the never ending journey !!
Great video, and yes I'm one of those people trying to run before learning to crawl. It's so frustrating but I constantly watch your videos and remind myself to slow it down and learn correctly.
Eric, great f^%$# message. I've been playing about 9 months and absolutely love this instrument and can't get over how much fun it is getting better. Love your style of teaching, thanks so much for all your help-
Sure it may be somewhat of a ramble but this is an extremely valuable and important lesson. I've been songwriting on guitar and performing for over 20 years yet still often find myself saying, "I wish I could play guitar…". Granted guitar was not my first or main axe but it has become and I still go through it so THANK YOU for the great encouragement! I will say that, for me, I never think of it so much as "practice" as it's just playing, spending time on the strings giving joy through the wood, even when I'm totally frustrated, it's always a privilege and a blessing…Sage
I agree, mostly, as a beginner/intermediate player. "Slow it down, break it down" is good advice; but, if a piece of music is too difficult, I find it beneficial to give up on it for awhile, and find something easier to learn. Power chord songs are the easiest, for me personally. Nothing is more fulfilling to me as a guitar player, than to learn an entire song (or my own version of that song) or to improvise my own song. I find it much easier to play the stuff I could not, when I come back to it, weeks or months later. For any beginners out there, I highly recommend Nirvana! The songs are simple and they are awesome! You can easily sing along with some persistent practice. If you can't play it exactly like Cobain, who cares? Do your own thing. I find it extremely satisfying to play and sing these songs. It is also very inspiring, when you are finally able to write your own songs. You don't need to be excellent technically to make music; you just need to want to do it. Songs I recommend for beginners who just want to play and sing: Nirvana - Something in the Way, Polly, Lithium, Pennyroyal Tea, Drain You. Misfits - Hybrid Moments, Last Carress, Astro Zombies, Attitude. Green Day - Burnout, Good Riddance. These are some of the first songs I learned on guitar. They might be challenging at first, but keep practicing and you will get them (just omit solos until you are more technically efficient). Push yourself, but not too hard. Rock n' roll!
just wanted you to know that my 'guitar' playlist consists mostly of your lessons. I go to school for music and you've helped me get a lot better than I was, even just over the last month. thanks man.
"You always get what you focus on" I coined this 35 years ago (after reading many self help books) it boiled down to these 7 words--I'm now 76 yrs old and 2 months new to Guitar and have viewed most u-tube Guitar players and after review believe you teach the way I learn--keep up your excellent instructions!
Many thanks for the inspiration, Erich, as I am trying to get myself ready for an audition in four months time for Music School at the age of 51. Best wishes from myself and my black and white rescue cat in England. :-)
Hey Erich I love your tutorials, have always watched em. Iv been playing on a crappy 80$ AUD guitar for years because Iv never been able to afford a proper guitar but Iv stuck with guitar and kept playing for the past 2 years learning from you
Good video. Can confirm, the statements he is talking about will/can make you fall off the wagon. Ive picked up guitar and put it down on and off for over 10 years and its that frustration that got me every time. Im back on it and doing better than ever. One of the things that helped me the most was instead of saying "i will practice an hour a day" saying "i will practice a minimum of 15 minutes a day and i will start at the same time every day" put it in your schedule. I now often practice an hour or more a day but its that minimum of 15 minutes scheduled in at the same time every day that really gets you going and keeps you on track. Also set weekly goals. For example "this week i will learn all of the A minor pentatonic scales down the neck" and then do it.
Excellent video. Not all learning comes from playing, but understanding the how's and why's of what works and what doesn't. I've played a very long time and just in the past year played with a seasoned band leader. I've learned more now than I have in 40 years and it's mostly because of the conversation on why the patterns I've used for years work which I never knew the theory behind. The learning to read analogy suits perfectly. Thanks.
Just watched your video. You are exactly correct Erich. Have been learning how to play Wicked Games. Taken about 4 days to be able to play, and understand the structure of the song. Haven't got it mastered, but working on that.
I watched this video 8 months ago when I first picked up the guitar, and I wish I heeded this information the way I do now. I'm very intelligent and had that same mindset mentioned, that I'm just gonna throw myself into the hardest things and work on that. However, there is one aspect of that thinking that did push me forward: I picked a solo way beyond my skill level at the time (I got a name by Jim Croce) and I worked and worked on it until I could sound those notes better and better. As an intermediate player now (I do learn very fast and practice a lot!) I still have issues playing that solo perfectly every time. But Erich is so right, I can pick up things much faster now that I know those basics. Sometimes it only takes me a few minutes to learn a song or phrase that would've taken me months not so long ago. And what he means about 'everyone wants to jump into songs is that the practice required to play those songs correctly is not musical whatsoever.
Knowledge! You get it my friend. The whiners here will flounder in their hopes for instant gratification. Does not exist in the real world. Thank you for sharing!
In the words or Roland from "Dark Tower" series, "You say true." You are so honest and humble. I am retired after a 37 year career as a symphony trombonist. When I retired I sold my trombone and am starting the adventure over on guitar. It is a chance to start the journey again with the wisdom of an education and a career in music behind me. Step by grueling step. Endless growth spurts and plateaus. Constant obstacles to confront, emotionally and technically. But it is all worth it. The journey is the reward. If it were easy and quick it wouldn't be worth having. Thank you for your teaching. Your students are blessed by your dedication to them.
thanks for this mehn....sometimes its not just about playing the guitar , the guitar is just an instrument...the real music comes from you, thanks for this
Lot of people criticizing the long-winded-ness, and I myself thought it took a long time to get to the point. Nonetheless, I think it's an important message that should be watched and listened to. Baby steps. Little baby steps. Don't get ahead of yourself and be realistic and practice all the time. Someone once said: "if you want to be a mediocre player, then practice a little bit. If you wanna be pretty good, then practice a pretty good amount. If you wanna rock, then practice a lot!" I forget who said that... ;)
I kind of came to this realisation just before I started lessons about 2 months ago. There is so much stuff to learn it's really bewildering. Thanks for your videos as always. Good stuff Erich. Keep them coming :)
Wow lots of negative comments. There’s tons of other teachers out there. I guess it’s easy to be mean to someone you will never see in person. Thanks Erich for your invaluable teaching. As a student who got through 65% of your class, this advice is spot on for me. I bit off more than I could chew and now I’m back to practicing my beginner techniques so that I can actually learn to play well. Haters abound, let it BE let it BE, Erich knows how to brush off the insults by now I’m sure, his subscriber numbers speak for how well he teaches.
Thanks Erich, as an intermediate play that sometimes has those thoughts. Its nice to know that everyone goes through that. But I love playing so much that I pretty much do what you suggested, I just keep trying and practicing until I get it!!!
Thanks for that. You are amazing! I wish I'd had you for a teacher when I started playing. Again I'm inspired by your words of wisdom. I think this is why musicians get kinda crazy/nutty/frustrated after a while. Practice practice is the key. I remember watching a lesson (I had no clue what was being said), and a year later and having an epiffiny..."I get it!" thanx again.
Here's a lil Hint for those that do not understand Sage's Analogy. Move on to Yousician. I've played for 35 years & still find His videos helpful. Or take Your drama to Facebook or another Social Media site.
Skip to 8:00 . I agree with what you are saying. Although, I think actually having a daily practice regiment is more important than digging too deep. It is so true that one hour a day is better than 7 hours one day. If you can get frustrated and not quit playing that's the true sign. For me my problem is sticking to one instrument and having enough time to practice all of them. At least with practicing different instruments they sort of help one another at least for aural skills and rhythm if not anything else.
Now you're speaking to me, after 40 years my lead is just now getting great, but something like Mood for a Day is still piecemeal in my mind, because I have been a lazy guitarist and have been playing along with what is easy and fun, to soothe me, but not going back to challenges, still need to learn all the jazz chords, and variations, your YT videos are priceless, you have officially kicked me off the pot. Mood for a Day, then CLAP, obviously I love Steve Howe. For me it was Reelin in the Years in, what '72, when I heard that guitar I knew I had to play guitar like that someday, Technically at this point I can do anything, I just have to discipline myself to put in the time each time I pick up the guitar to go back to what is difficult for me, and try something new, and, of course, learn all I can about the instrument, to which I have devoted so much time. Thanks for your Videos BTW that Gibson is Gorgeous.
Clearly he is saying adjust your short-term expectations to something reasonable, and in that way your will "feel" better about your progress. Feeling better will accelerate your progress. I am new to guitar, and this resonates.
When you run into a musical obstacle..."Slow it down, break it down." That's great...I'm writing that one down. I have to admit, it took some patience to wait for the essential point but it was well worth it. Thanks!
Thanks for the insight; it make a lot of sense. I've started older at 50, and you constantly find yourself expecting much more than is logically reasonable. Maybe because you've already hopefully succeeded in one or two areas of specialty in life, and it's frustrating to be a complete beginner at something again.
Erich, greetings from England. I am getting on in years, I have a degree in psychology and a masters in Professional Management Development. I have spent the last thirty years developing management skills in all levels and all capabilities of managers and I couldn't agree with you more. You don't need me to tell you that your point is excellent and well made. I took up guitar (bass first then six string) about five years ago to keep my mind challenged. With all my experience of people development, management etc. I constantly remind myself that on guitar I have no knowledge, no skill and no competence. Only through practice, learn the notes, learn the timing, now make it musical will the knowledge skills and competence arrive. One of the first things I learnt is that I cannot play guitar by right, only by practice. Sorry it's a long comment and many thanks again.
I don't know if you're doing the contest on your older videos too, but you haven't uploaded anything yet today and I kinda needed a boost after a not so great practice session today. My daughter and I are making progress on our guitar lessons, but sometimes it feels like we're both back sliding on certain things. It's difficult when you only have each other to compare to, though my little brother plays as well and I'll talk about that another time. While Vivian has a proper teacher; I'm relying on videos, software, and books. The software supposedly tracks my progress and says I'm doing well but what I'm hearing when I play sounds terrible to me. With Vivian, she's been working on the same song(I Saw Three Ships) for what seems like ages for a recital on the tenth of this month and doesn't sound like she's ready either. My question is this: what's the best way to evaluate yourself if you have no in person mentor to get feedback from?
Genius, as always and well said, good sir. I think it's funny that people are complaining that the lesson takes too long... um, maybe learn patience... Kind of 🔑 key, huh?! ✌️
I don't mean to put words in your mouth but I think one of the things your able to do if you learn the little bits [I agree with that BTW] is the physical aspect of playing. IE: the coordination. I had this as a kid taking drum lessons. I would hear it and know what it was, see the written music but I didn't have the physical ability yet to actually do it. I play guitar also and mostly and I still run into that issue. I find that's the thing that most send me into a rut. not being able to do what I hear. I subscribed because of this video. Great advice. I don't now what some of these other folks ae talking about and frankly I couldn't give a crap. good lesson!
Hey, I’m having a little trouble with my chord progressions, I am a beginner sort of and just wondering if u had any tips or tricks for how to practice them?
Very good advice, Sir Erich! I greatly appreciate the inspiring words. It is just Human nature to want to walk before we can crawl. Those who put the work in and maintain a positive attitude will always out perform those who try to get by on shortcuts and empty promises. Great video, thankyou! 🙂
That's my favorite guitar of yours BTW. Thanks for this sensible lesson that encouraged me after 9 months, and let's me realize, that I've done really pretty well. :)
Erich Really appreciate these "theory"vids It's keeps me going. I played in a band in the late 60's early 70's that gigged and was somewhat successful. Life intervened and I didn't pick up an ax for 40+ years Recently hit my 60's and re energized my love of music and guitar Your vids are keeping me on track and in short order (maybe like riding a bike?) I've recovered all the skill I had and more! Thanks ....... I'm a student and a fan ........ My only question is ....Is there a cure for buying guitars can't seem to stop! LOL
Thank you for this video. I am shiny brand new and I feel like I am all thumbs. Fingers just not going where they should. I am not one for quitting and your video is a big help. I will be watching many more of your videos. Thanks again.
My problem has been the amount of great teachers teaching cool songs on RUclips. I want to learn them all. Soooo I know PARTS of a hundred songs. I never learn the whole song which is frustrating.
+67foxcharlie what are you learning? I'm sure you can play just about any regular song with a handful of chords, remember it doesn't have to be played exactly the same way.
+67foxcharlie Sir if you want to learn the whole song then FOCUS on that ONE song until you have it ALL down. and then play it every day! THEN pick another song to work on! FOCUS is the KEY!
I have the same flaw. I think we underestimate the amount of time and effort it takes to be able to play such songs. Often we hear great riff or part of a song, and we learn that riff/part, and then think "oh well then the song must not be hard to play". But we underestimate how hard the song actually is, even "easy" songs.
its hard for me because I listen to music constantly and hear these amazing guitar riffs that make me inspired to play the guitar but I pick up the acoustic I bought a couple years ago and cant hold the chords down all the way or cant reach some of the frets. After that I put the guitar down and look at it everyday and tell myself I have to practice to ever be able to play the way the musicians I like play. It isn't that I get frustrated, I more so get discouraged. I think "Damn, what if not everyone has the ability, what if I'm just not capable of ever being good enough to get to that point". It goes back and forth though, I know that it involves a lot of work and it isn't that I am not willing to put in the work but like most of the people that don't succeed I want to pick up my guitar one day and play a song that I love. lately Ive been changing my mentality about this but that's the difficult part. Im starting slow, finger exercises, learning the notes of the guitar neck etc. I appreciate the reading analogy. Its definitely puts me at ease thinking of the guitar that way. I can proudly say I know how to read and one day I hope to humbly say I can play the guitar.
Does unstoppable guitar system actually cost 1 dollar or is there a catch? And is it for non-advanced players? I'm an intermediate player but I'm looking for a good affordable online course
greensleves it was my first piece too , and it also took me a while to play That.i can Find my self very wel in This information. And now 3 years later i still practice and practice sometimes i dont even know for how long. I also sucked in the begining ,but now i'm feeling That im getting better and better.and it Goes slow but i just dont care. And i know why .cuz i love to play the guitar ..
this is very wise advice. but it's the kind of advice that won't mean much to anyone who is either too young or too inexperienced. If a person takes the patience to listen to everything he is saying, it adds up to an encouragement to accept your current state of skill, to have faith that your level of skill can rise infinitely, that in order for it to rise requires not just practice, but a lot of practice and not just a lot of practice, but the correct attitude to learning that will make practice and theoretical learning effective. This guy is very, very smart. his way of delivery may seem over-wordy to some people, but it really isn't. The points he makes have to be put in their context for them to mean something.
Get off the POT! LMAO, love it. This video is great advise. I've heard it from a 30+ year experienced musician friend as well. You have to make choices in your journey. Practice till you get it or circle back around to it? Either way in 10 years you'll probably have it and more. It's just how you want to spend your time now and what your short term playing goals are. If you wanna play on a stage...maybe focus on songs you NEED to play and CAN play. Keep practicing and in time those harder things will be more accessible.
Thanks Erich for the video, I really needed to hear this. I'm going to set more reasonable expectations on my self like allowing maybe six months to land a clean F bar chord etc. I'd rather just play more guitar than write cheap comments on here like these other roosts. Or did I just do that too?
Hi Erich, , I agree with you 1, 000% Most people want to do more then there capable of. I have been learning to play just about a year and I do have these times when I get super frustrated. However my issue isn't I want to get there faster or I'm better then this. I'm 63 years old and the memory just isn't so good anymore. Something I learned and have down and could do blind folded. Then I can go totally blank on at any time. So while I do agree with you on this it's not a catch all. I practice 5-6 hours a day but that won't help the loss of the grey matter. So just wanted to put that out there. I have watched a lot of your video's and your doing a great service.
Definitely man, thank you for sharing. I provide guidance and advice but each person has their own journey and relationship with the guitar, and its up to you to decide what works for you and keeps your passion alive. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts!
I've been playing for about 10 mnts, _yr, thanks I needed that been so frustrated lately as I've been doing exact same learning complex solo,s on acoustic takes way too long and not getting the results when I could have learned a lot more if I'd stuck to basics,
Guys, practice takes patience which most of you don’t have. If you’re complaining about the video not getting to the point, you don’t have what it takes to play ANY instrument. Good job guitar sage and keep up the good work.
It's very encouraging too. I hear the phrase "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect" thrown around a lot these days. I think a lot of times when people see that, they interpret it as "You Must Obsess Over Minutiae Or You Will Never Improve". If that were true, kids would never learn to walk or ride a bicycle. They certainly don't obsess over form or details. They don't really think hard about it at all. The reality is that our brains will find a way to do what we want if we just keep trying. All we have to do is not give up.
I need to get on the pot to be able to focus on playing my guitar. 420. Playing since I was 11, I'm 36 now. Had a while in my life where I didnt play. About 10 years. Then I got back into it about 2 years ago. Going hard. Never stop playing.
Hahaha... I started playing pirate of Caribbean theme song in my sixth month of guitar training it took me six months to complete that piece of arrangement. It was frustrating but I loved it
Erich...when you say ...who succeeds or who doesn't.....it implies that music is something to conquer or to master. its really not, and you totally understand that my precious brother.
That's for the pep talk. I've been playing for years and think I should be a lot better. Baseball mashed up one of the fingers on my left hand. Songs seem to take me longer to learn than I would think.
So first of all, I’d like to consider myself a rather experienced guitar player, and based on my experience everything said in this video has a point. (Applies to everything really) So if you’re thinking something like “so much bullshit just get to the point” then you’ve already missed the point. This has helped me a lot mentally, I always compare myself with Sungha Jung, I don’t know how old he is exactly but I’ll probably be the same age as him in a couple of years. So I always think to myself, in a couple of years will I be as good as him? And I always forget that that guy started playing when he was like 4. So if he’s 25 then he has been playing for 21 years already. When I’m 25 I’d have 13 years of experience, so he basically played for twice as long as me if we’re both 25. So basically even after a couple of years he would still have double my experience as a guitar player despite us being around the same age, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that fails to realize that regularly! A lot of people would probably just dismiss him as a prodigy and say “life is unfair, he was just born with it”, and failing to realize how much it means to start at a young age. To a certain extent I agree that he’s a prodigy, but that’s just 1%, 99% is still effort. So now that I think about it, instead of 1-99 I see 50-50 at first glance and think “oh I should be that good already, if not I should be close”. I’m only using Sungha Jung as an example because he’s young and “talented” (mostly effort), but when you see guitarists like Tommy Emmanuel, they have like 50 years of experience. So before we even get close to 50 years we really shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to them and think “oh I should be able to play that by now”. And finally people have to understand that 50 years playing professionally and 50 years playing as a hobby is a HUGE difference. Even 20 years is a huge difference. The amount of time you spend on practicing is just incomparable. Anyways, thanks a lot for making this video, really helped me set my mind straight!
very solid and practical lesson. funny how many negative comments say something like "get to the point already" which is exactly the same level of expectations or immediate gratification that he's illustrating as a common problem among guitarists. this is useful info for those willing to listen.
Thank you so much Ryan! Yes, I don't bother with negative comments or people that don't listen. However, for the people that do listen I want to offer them hope and guidance on the guitar. Thank you for the kind words and your great attitude. They are infectious!
Well said. Thats the irony of the situation haha
@@yourguitarsage ive been playing for 43 yrs. Through the yrs ive learned what you just taught the hard way. I still go through hitting brick walls. Always trying to learn different techniques. But i could never put my finger on it. You are so awsome how you explain things. Thank you for doing what you do. Youve cleared up alot of what ive been feeling for yrs but couldnt put my finger on it. Thank you again. Got to go practice, thanks!!!!
VERY well said!
The #1 variable that will make or break you as a Guitar Player is:
Shut down your computer, stop procrastinating on videos and play the guitar instead.
There you have it. For free.
+Dieter Verhofstadt thanks
+Dieter Verhofstadt Dieter, can you produce a RUclips video to show us how to do that...? What?
Yup!
There's no secret to 'making it' in music, in fact the answer is well known. Practice and master your craft, go out, busk, soundcloud+twitter+facebook and write great tunes.
Dieter, you're a genius! Nah, I'm taking a break because I've got blisters from playing. Just kiddin'.
"Get off the pot. You know what I mean: get off the toilet. If you're on the pot, the other pot, then thats fine" 420
+Jacob Hermes As soon as he said that I looked to make sure this was the top-liked comment. Way to not let us down, people!
+Jacob Hermes You mean "shit or get off the pot?" Yeah. This guy runs a clean channel, which is appropriate given who his students might be.
+John B Thank you John B. I appreciate your comment! e:)
+Jacob Hermes Hahaha! Jacob!
that was the best quote from the tutorial lok
Don Felder formerly of The Eagles was asked how to get good on guitar. He said, "you have to love it, immerse yourself in it and practice, practice, practice. Otherwise be content as a listener and not a player."
Hello , this is great , even with what I call limited time (meaning I am 62) I get this . I am new to guitar and don't want to learn just to play but wish to learn to play well . I have listened to many of your youtube teachings and I believe you can help me with the playing well part . I am not afraid of practice or stumbles along the way , I am determined to play well and will do what must be done to get me there.
I'm 60 and been playing for 10 months. Get the UGS. It's totally worth it.
You continue to astound me. This is the best advice I have ever heard. I have been playing since 1968, and can testify that you are absolutely correct. When I am learning a new song or solo, I first of all slow it down, then take it one piece at a time. When I started out that meant lifting the needle off the record and putting it back on. Now there is software out there that allows you to slow the music down without changing the pitch. If I had that when I was 16 I would be a much better player than I am now. Thank you once again my friend for giving timely advice.
Thank you my friend for your very kind comment! Stay in touch. e:)
Damn! This is such good info for life in general. Today's world glorifies the naturals and prodigies, as well as the myth of the "overnight success," but deemphasizes or even ridicules hard work and the grind that almost everyone must endure to achieve anything worth achieving.
Rome wasn't built in a day and grit is the single most important quality for anything. Sorry to the "life hack" culture, but there's no bypass to reap the benefits yielded by thousands of reps.
Practice is hard, but it is the most important tool we have to get better!
Nailed it.
You fucking Legend !
You are right on target 🎯 !!! We all get to that point at one time or another, that brick wall, but there is always more beyond that wall. The key to the other side, is never give up !! Learning has no end, it's the never ending journey !!
Great video, and yes I'm one of those people trying to run before learning to crawl. It's so frustrating but I constantly watch your videos and remind myself to slow it down and learn correctly.
What a timely video...I was practicing and had to take a break from frustration trying to read a tune. Thanks, man.
+Broyale26 Good to hear Broyale! Stay in touch! e:)
Eric, great f^%$# message. I've been playing about 9 months and absolutely love this instrument and can't get over how much fun it is getting better. Love your style of teaching, thanks so much for all your help-
Great analoge, about a child learning to read and learning how to play a guitar. So true. Thank you!
Sure it may be somewhat of a ramble but this is an extremely valuable and important lesson. I've been songwriting on guitar and performing for over 20 years yet still often find myself saying, "I wish I could play guitar…". Granted guitar was not my first or main axe but it has become and I still go through it so THANK YOU for the great encouragement! I will say that, for me, I never think of it so much as "practice" as it's just playing, spending time on the strings giving joy through the wood, even when I'm totally frustrated, it's always a privilege and a blessing…Sage
Thank you for the kind comment my friend. Rock on! e
I agree, mostly, as a beginner/intermediate player. "Slow it down, break it down" is good advice; but, if a piece of music is too difficult, I find it beneficial to give up on it for awhile, and find something easier to learn. Power chord songs are the easiest, for me personally. Nothing is more fulfilling to me as a guitar player, than to learn an entire song (or my own version of that song) or to improvise my own song. I find it much easier to play the stuff I could not, when I come back to it, weeks or months later. For any beginners out there, I highly recommend Nirvana! The songs are simple and they are awesome! You can easily sing along with some persistent practice. If you can't play it exactly like Cobain, who cares? Do your own thing. I find it extremely satisfying to play and sing these songs. It is also very inspiring, when you are finally able to write your own songs. You don't need to be excellent technically to make music; you just need to want to do it. Songs I recommend for beginners who just want to play and sing: Nirvana - Something in the Way, Polly, Lithium, Pennyroyal Tea, Drain You. Misfits - Hybrid Moments, Last Carress, Astro Zombies, Attitude. Green Day - Burnout, Good Riddance. These are some of the first songs I learned on guitar. They might be challenging at first, but keep practicing and you will get them (just omit solos until you are more technically efficient). Push yourself, but not too hard. Rock n' roll!
Great advise, been playing for 30+ years and still I've learned a bunch from you!!
just wanted you to know that my 'guitar' playlist consists mostly of your lessons. I go to school for music and you've helped me get a lot better than I was, even just over the last month. thanks man.
So kind! Thank you Paul. 🙌🙏
"You always get what you focus on" I coined this 35 years ago (after reading many self help books) it boiled down to these 7 words--I'm now 76 yrs old and 2 months new to Guitar and have viewed most u-tube Guitar players and after review believe you teach the way I learn--keep up your excellent instructions!
🙏thank you John!
Many thanks for the inspiration, Erich, as I am trying to get myself ready for an audition in four months time for Music School at the age of 51. Best wishes from myself and my black and white rescue cat in England. :-)
+Emma Webber Cheers Emma. You go girl!!!! So good to hear.Please, stay in touch and let me know how you are doing!!!! Cheers across the Pond! e:)
Hey Erich I love your tutorials, have always watched em. Iv been playing on a crappy 80$ AUD guitar for years because Iv never been able to afford a proper guitar but Iv stuck with guitar and kept playing for the past 2 years learning from you
Good video. Can confirm, the statements he is talking about will/can make you fall off the wagon. Ive picked up guitar and put it down on and off for over 10 years and its that frustration that got me every time. Im back on it and doing better than ever. One of the things that helped me the most was instead of saying "i will practice an hour a day" saying "i will practice a minimum of 15 minutes a day and i will start at the same time every day" put it in your schedule. I now often practice an hour or more a day but its that minimum of 15 minutes scheduled in at the same time every day that really gets you going and keeps you on track. Also set weekly goals. For example "this week i will learn all of the A minor pentatonic scales down the neck" and then do it.
Excellent video. Not all learning comes from playing, but understanding the how's and why's of what works and what doesn't. I've played a very long time and just in the past year played with a seasoned band leader. I've learned more now than I have in 40 years and it's mostly because of the conversation on why the patterns I've used for years work which I never knew the theory behind. The learning to read analogy suits perfectly. Thanks.
Just watched your video. You are exactly correct Erich. Have been learning how to play Wicked Games. Taken about 4 days to be able to play, and understand the structure of the song. Haven't got it mastered, but working on that.
Persistence, and patience is a key factor, along with desire.
You're right on the mark Glenn!
I watched this video 8 months ago when I first picked up the guitar, and I wish I heeded this information the way I do now. I'm very intelligent and had that same mindset mentioned, that I'm just gonna throw myself into the hardest things and work on that. However, there is one aspect of that thinking that did push me forward: I picked a solo way beyond my skill level at the time (I got a name by Jim Croce) and I worked and worked on it until I could sound those notes better and better. As an intermediate player now (I do learn very fast and practice a lot!) I still have issues playing that solo perfectly every time. But Erich is so right, I can pick up things much faster now that I know those basics. Sometimes it only takes me a few minutes to learn a song or phrase that would've taken me months not so long ago. And what he means about 'everyone wants to jump into songs is that the practice required to play those songs correctly is not musical whatsoever.
Knowledge! You get it my friend. The whiners here will flounder in their hopes for instant gratification. Does not exist in the real world. Thank you for sharing!
In the words or Roland from "Dark Tower" series, "You say true." You are so honest and humble. I am retired after a 37 year career as a symphony trombonist. When I retired I sold my trombone and am starting the adventure over on guitar. It is a chance to start the journey again with the wisdom of an education and a career in music behind me. Step by grueling step. Endless growth spurts and plateaus. Constant obstacles to confront, emotionally and technically. But it is all worth it. The journey is the reward. If it were easy and quick it wouldn't be worth having. Thank you for your teaching. Your students are blessed by your dedication to them.
Thank you so much Donald. You are so kind to say that. 🙌
thanks for this mehn....sometimes its not just about playing the guitar , the guitar is just an instrument...the real music comes from you, thanks for this
Lot of people criticizing the long-winded-ness, and I myself thought it took a long time to get to the point.
Nonetheless, I think it's an important message that should be watched and listened to.
Baby steps. Little baby steps. Don't get ahead of yourself and be realistic and practice all the time.
Someone once said:
"if you want to be a mediocre player, then practice a little bit. If you wanna be pretty good, then practice a pretty good amount. If you wanna rock, then practice a lot!"
I forget who said that... ;)
@ Emma - Best of luck with that audition.....thats inspiring.....for me as a 51 yr old to hear you take on that challenge. stay young!!
Been playing consistently for about a year and a half and really needed to hear this right now. Thanks man!
You're welcome, John!
I kind of came to this realisation just before I started lessons about 2 months ago. There is so much stuff to learn it's really bewildering. Thanks for your videos as always. Good stuff Erich. Keep them coming :)
You are welcome and I thank you for the kind comment! Cheers! e
Wow lots of negative comments. There’s tons of other teachers out there. I guess it’s easy to be mean to someone you will never see in person. Thanks Erich for your invaluable teaching. As a student who got through 65% of your class, this advice is spot on for me. I bit off more than I could chew and now I’m back to practicing my beginner techniques so that I can actually learn to play well. Haters abound, let it BE let it BE, Erich knows how to brush off the insults by now I’m sure, his subscriber numbers speak for how well he teaches.
Thanks Erich, as an intermediate play that sometimes has those thoughts. Its nice to know that everyone goes through that. But I love playing so much that I pretty much do what you suggested, I just keep trying and practicing until I get it!!!
And you will be a NINJA! e
Im an intermediate level guitar slinger/songsinger/writer, and i like your style. Subscribed
what do you sling? :D
+Sawizzard alot of shit, some rocks, marbles, the odd baseball. Then there was that time my arm was in a sling...
I've Not Practiced enough, and I know it, And this vid helped me understand more about where i am at, and where the next steps are, thank you!
Thanks Billy. That was it’s job. 🙌
you always inspire me to continue my journey. wish you had been around 25 years ago i never would have stopped. thanks.
It's never too late. e
Thanks for that. You are amazing! I wish I'd had you for a teacher when I started playing. Again I'm inspired by your words of wisdom.
I think this is why musicians get kinda crazy/nutty/frustrated after a while. Practice practice is the key. I remember watching a lesson (I had no clue what was being said), and a year later and having an epiffiny..."I get it!"
thanx again.
Thanks for the encouragement. So many great players show off instead of teaching, and it only makes students frustrated
Thank You for your time~ Peace, Love, and Music
🙌
Here's a lil Hint for those that do not understand Sage's Analogy. Move on to Yousician. I've played for 35 years & still find His videos helpful. Or take Your drama to Facebook or another Social Media site.
Hey guitar teacher here, I love this. I think about this for my own playing all the time. Thanks yo.
Skip to 8:00 . I agree with what you are saying. Although, I think actually having a daily practice regiment is more important than digging too deep. It is so true that one hour a day is better than 7 hours one day. If you can get frustrated and not quit playing that's the true sign. For me my problem is sticking to one instrument and having enough time to practice all of them. At least with practicing different instruments they sort of help one another at least for aural skills and rhythm if not anything else.
Great Video, Erich! Thanks for all the content you produce.
+MisterMannIndy You are so welcome MisterMannIndy! Please, stay in touch! e:)
funny comments here as he was telling people to have patience and looking at the comments some here have none .....lol
I've been playing for a long time.. This is GOLD.. Wish I'd have been able to watch this a long time ago..
Thank you my friend 🙌
Wow! That's exactly what I'm doing. I just realized this the other day and then hearing from you confirms it.
Very inspirational, I've been applying this way of thinking lately and it really does allow me grow as a guitar player. Thanks!
Good to hear Bryan! Keep rockin and stay in touch! e:)
Now you're speaking to me, after 40 years my lead is just now getting great, but something like Mood for a Day is still piecemeal in my mind, because I have been a lazy guitarist
and have been playing along with what is easy and fun, to soothe me, but not going back to challenges, still need to learn all the jazz chords, and variations, your YT videos are
priceless, you have officially kicked me off the pot. Mood for a Day, then CLAP, obviously I love Steve Howe. For me it was Reelin in the Years in, what '72, when I heard that guitar
I knew I had to play guitar like that someday, Technically at this point I can do anything, I just have to discipline myself to put in the time each time I pick up the guitar to go back
to what is difficult for me, and try something new, and, of course, learn all I can about the instrument, to which I have devoted so much time. Thanks for your Videos BTW that Gibson is Gorgeous.
Can’t thank you enough for sharing this information.I really appreciate it.Best wishes to you.
Clearly he is saying adjust your short-term expectations to something reasonable, and in that way your will "feel" better about your progress. Feeling better will accelerate your progress. I am new to guitar, and this resonates.
you´re imho one of the best online guitar teachers, bro..keep up the good work!!!
Thank you my friend. e
When you run into a musical obstacle..."Slow it down, break it down." That's great...I'm
writing that one down. I have to admit, it took some patience to wait for the essential point but it was well worth it. Thanks!
Thank you 🙏
Thanks for the insight; it make a lot of sense. I've started older at 50, and you constantly find yourself expecting much more than is logically reasonable. Maybe because you've already hopefully succeeded in one or two areas of specialty in life, and it's frustrating to be a complete beginner at something again.
Erich, greetings from England. I am getting on in years, I have a degree in psychology and a masters in Professional Management Development. I have spent the last thirty years developing management skills in all levels and all capabilities of managers and I couldn't agree with you more. You don't need me to tell you that your point is excellent and well made. I took up guitar (bass first then six string) about five years ago to keep my mind challenged. With all my experience of people development, management etc. I constantly remind myself that on guitar I have no knowledge, no skill and no competence. Only through practice, learn the notes, learn the timing, now make it musical will the knowledge skills and competence arrive. One of the first things I learnt is that I cannot play guitar by right, only by practice. Sorry it's a long comment and many thanks again.
Thank you for your great intelligence and kindness Bert. Those are both lost arts in this world today.
I don't know if you're doing the contest on your older videos too, but you haven't uploaded anything yet today and I kinda needed a boost after a not so great practice session today. My daughter and I are making progress on our guitar lessons, but sometimes it feels like we're both back sliding on certain things. It's difficult when you only have each other to compare to, though my little brother plays as well and I'll talk about that another time.
While Vivian has a proper teacher; I'm relying on videos, software, and books. The software supposedly tracks my progress and says I'm doing well but what I'm hearing when I play sounds terrible to me. With Vivian, she's been working on the same song(I Saw Three Ships) for what seems like ages for a recital on the tenth of this month and doesn't sound like she's ready either.
My question is this: what's the best way to evaluate yourself if you have no in person mentor to get feedback from?
This fellow is so generous and helpful - really great - thanks
🙏
Fantastic advice, thank you. I'm guilty of hitting the impossible wall, I'm no quitter though.
Screw all the negative comments. You're a great teacher.
Thank you so much my friend. Everyone is 10 foot tall behind their keyboard right?:-)
Genius, as always and well said, good sir. I think it's funny that people are complaining that the lesson takes too long... um, maybe learn patience...
Kind of 🔑 key, huh?! ✌️
THE ANSWER IS PATIENCE, YOU'RE ALL WELCOME, GO WATCH SOMETHING ELSE
Thank you
Great analogy.....I am enjoying your UGS program.
I don't mean to put words in your mouth but I think one of the things your able to do if you learn the little bits [I agree with that BTW] is the physical aspect of playing. IE: the coordination. I had this as a kid taking drum lessons. I would hear it and know what it was, see the written music but I didn't have the physical ability yet to actually do it. I play guitar also and mostly and I still run into that issue. I find that's the thing that most send me into a rut. not being able to do what I hear. I subscribed because of this video. Great advice. I don't now what some of these other folks ae talking about and frankly I couldn't give a crap. good lesson!
🙌 Thank you my friend.
Hey, I’m having a little trouble with my chord progressions, I am a beginner sort of and just wondering if u had any tips or tricks for how to practice them?
Very good advice, Sir Erich! I greatly appreciate the inspiring words. It is just
Human nature to want to walk before we can crawl. Those who put the work in and maintain a positive attitude will always out perform those who try to get by on shortcuts and empty promises. Great video, thankyou! 🙂
I just saw your channel and fell in love ! You give so much valuable advice, thank you for that !
Thank you my friend. e
Thank you so much for that inspirational video! :D
Yea I am not trying to NOT over whelming for my self. I am Thanks for the advice and pep talk
That's my favorite guitar of yours BTW. Thanks for this sensible lesson that encouraged me after 9 months, and let's me realize, that I've done really pretty well. :)
Thanks Lesleigh. I appreciate hearing from you! e:)
Thanks - important reminder - for any skill
Erich Really appreciate these "theory"vids It's keeps me going. I played in a band in the late 60's early 70's that gigged and was somewhat successful. Life intervened and I didn't pick up an ax for 40+ years Recently hit my 60's and re energized my love of music and guitar Your vids are keeping me on track and in short order (maybe like riding a bike?) I've recovered all the skill I had and more! Thanks ....... I'm a student and a fan ........ My only question is ....Is there a cure for buying guitars can't seem to stop! LOL
Unfortunately there is no cure, sorry Tim, but Man! That's great. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you for this video. I am shiny brand new and I feel like I am all thumbs. Fingers just not going where they should. I am not one for quitting and your video is a big help. I will be watching many more of your videos. Thanks again.
Thank you my friend 🙌
My problem has been the amount of great teachers teaching cool songs on RUclips. I want to learn them all. Soooo I know PARTS of a hundred songs. I never learn the whole song which is frustrating.
+67foxcharlie what are you learning? I'm sure you can play just about any regular song with a handful of chords, remember it doesn't have to be played exactly the same way.
+67foxcharlie Sir if you want to learn the whole song then FOCUS on that ONE song until you have it ALL down. and then play it every day! THEN pick another song to work on! FOCUS is the KEY!
true thank you
I have the same flaw. I think we underestimate the amount of time and effort it takes to be able to play such songs. Often we hear great riff or part of a song, and we learn that riff/part, and then think "oh well then the song must not be hard to play". But we underestimate how hard the song actually is, even "easy" songs.
You sir, just earned yourself a subscriber.
What was that classical piece you just played?? That sounded so so good! Love from India:)
👍
its hard for me because I listen to music constantly and hear these amazing guitar riffs that make me inspired to play the guitar but I pick up the acoustic I bought a couple years ago and cant hold the chords down all the way or cant reach some of the frets. After that I put the guitar down and look at it everyday and tell myself I have to practice to ever be able to play the way the musicians I like play. It isn't that I get frustrated, I more so get discouraged. I think "Damn, what if not everyone has the ability, what if I'm just not capable of ever being good enough to get to that point". It goes back and forth though, I know that it involves a lot of work and it isn't that I am not willing to put in the work but like most of the people that don't succeed I want to pick up my guitar one day and play a song that I love. lately Ive been changing my mentality about this but that's the difficult part. Im starting slow, finger exercises, learning the notes of the guitar neck etc. I appreciate the reading analogy. Its definitely puts me at ease thinking of the guitar that way. I can proudly say I know how to read and one day I hope to humbly say I can play the guitar.
You can and you will. Taking it slowly is fine! Speed comes later. e:)
Erich, you are awesome, thanks!
hah hah hah...funny shit, man. I'm in my early 50's and have been playing for 6 months. Thank you, man...
Does unstoppable guitar system actually cost 1 dollar or is there a catch? And is it for non-advanced players? I'm an intermediate player but I'm looking for a good affordable online course
I also have the first 30 lessons that I teach privately to all of my students available for free at: www.yourguitarsage.com/free-ugs-membership
greensleves it was my first piece too , and it also took me a while to play That.i can Find my self very wel in This information. And now 3 years later i still practice and practice sometimes i dont even know for how long. I also sucked in the begining ,but now i'm feeling That im getting better and better.and it Goes slow but i just dont care. And i know why .cuz i love to play the guitar ..
this is very wise advice. but it's the kind of advice that won't mean much to anyone who is either too young or too inexperienced. If a person takes the patience to listen to everything he is saying, it adds up to an encouragement to accept your current state of skill, to have faith that your level of skill can rise infinitely, that in order for it to rise requires not just practice, but a lot of practice and not just a lot of practice, but the correct attitude to learning that will make practice and theoretical learning effective. This guy is very, very smart. his way of delivery may seem over-wordy to some people, but it really isn't. The points he makes have to be put in their context for them to mean something.
that was the first piece of music i learned too, its in a tenacious d song!
Get off the POT! LMAO, love it. This video is great advise. I've heard it from a 30+ year experienced musician friend as well. You have to make choices in your journey. Practice till you get it or circle back around to it? Either way in 10 years you'll probably have it and more. It's just how you want to spend your time now and what your short term playing goals are. If you wanna play on a stage...maybe focus on songs you NEED to play and CAN play. Keep practicing and in time those harder things will be more accessible.
Thank you my friend 🙌
Thanks Erich for the video, I really needed to hear this. I'm going to set more reasonable expectations on my self like allowing maybe six months to land a clean F bar chord etc. I'd rather just play more guitar than write cheap comments on here like these other roosts. Or did I just do that too?
I see no problem in commenting :) Learning to pace yourself and enjoy playing guitar is a big part of growing as a guitar player.
Nice guitar lesson
Thanks! I needed to hear this. 🙏🏼
Hi Erich, , I agree with you 1, 000% Most people want to do more then there capable of. I have been learning to play just about a year and I do have these times when I get super frustrated. However my issue isn't I want to get there faster or I'm better then this. I'm 63 years old and the memory just isn't so good anymore. Something I learned and have down and could do blind folded. Then I can go totally blank on at any time. So while I do agree with you on this it's not a catch all. I practice 5-6 hours a day but that won't help the loss of the grey matter. So just wanted to put that out there. I have watched a lot of your video's and your doing a great service.
Definitely man, thank you for sharing. I provide guidance and advice but each person has their own journey and relationship with the guitar, and its up to you to decide what works for you and keeps your passion alive. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts!
I've been playing for about 10 mnts, _yr, thanks I needed that been so frustrated lately as I've been doing exact same learning complex solo,s on acoustic takes way too long and not getting the results when I could have learned a lot more if I'd stuck to basics,
As usual, helpful, supportive reflection.
Thank you Irish Pete! You know I love you, man!
Thanks for sharing always appreciated Jay.
Ok so it was a bad decision to try learning thru the fire and the flames as my first song. Got it. Ty :D
😂
Super, thank you, best advice ever, and goes for everything
Indeed! Thanks friend!
Guys, practice takes patience which most of you don’t have. If you’re complaining about the video not getting to the point, you don’t have what it takes to play ANY instrument. Good job guitar sage and keep up the good work.
Thank you Paul 🙏
Great comment, Paul
The neuroscience of fine motor skill acquisition backs this up. Wish somebody had told me this a long time ago.
🙌thanks friend.
It's very encouraging too. I hear the phrase "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect" thrown around a lot these days. I think a lot of times when people see that, they interpret it as "You Must Obsess Over Minutiae Or You Will Never Improve". If that were true, kids would never learn to walk or ride a bicycle. They certainly don't obsess over form or details. They don't really think hard about it at all. The reality is that our brains will find a way to do what we want if we just keep trying. All we have to do is not give up.
Great lessons Erich, thanks a bunch
You are very welcome Stephen. Stay in touch! e:)
I need to get on the pot to be able to focus on playing my guitar. 420. Playing since I was 11, I'm 36 now. Had a while in my life where I didnt play. About 10 years. Then I got back into it about 2 years ago. Going hard. Never stop playing.
Atta-boy!
Hahaha... I started playing pirate of Caribbean theme song in my sixth month of guitar training it took me six months to complete that piece of arrangement. It was frustrating but I loved it
Nice!!! 🙌
Erich...when you say ...who succeeds or who doesn't.....it implies that music is something to conquer or to master. its really not, and you totally understand that my precious brother.
succeed as in, Doesn't give up when the going gets tough. Many quit playing or quit progressing. That's failure.
That's for the pep talk. I've been playing for years and think I should be a lot better. Baseball mashed up one of the fingers on my left hand. Songs seem to take me longer to learn than I would think.
So first of all, I’d like to consider myself a rather experienced guitar player, and based on my experience everything said in this video has a point. (Applies to everything really) So if you’re thinking something like “so much bullshit just get to the point” then you’ve already missed the point.
This has helped me a lot mentally, I always compare myself with Sungha Jung, I don’t know how old he is exactly but I’ll probably be the same age as him in a couple of years. So I always think to myself, in a couple of years will I be as good as him? And I always forget that that guy started playing when he was like 4. So if he’s 25 then he has been playing for 21 years already. When I’m 25 I’d have 13 years of experience, so he basically played for twice as long as me if we’re both 25.
So basically even after a couple of years he would still have double my experience as a guitar player despite us being around the same age, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that fails to realize that regularly! A lot of people would probably just dismiss him as a prodigy and say “life is unfair, he was just born with it”, and failing to realize how much it means to start at a young age. To a certain extent I agree that he’s a prodigy, but that’s just 1%, 99% is still effort. So now that I think about it, instead of 1-99 I see 50-50 at first glance and think “oh I should be that good already, if not I should be close”.
I’m only using Sungha Jung as an example because he’s young and “talented” (mostly effort), but when you see guitarists like Tommy Emmanuel, they have like 50 years of experience. So before we even get close to 50 years we really shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to them and think “oh I should be able to play that by now”.
And finally people have to understand that 50 years playing professionally and 50 years playing as a hobby is a HUGE difference. Even 20 years is a huge difference. The amount of time you spend on practicing is just incomparable.
Anyways, thanks a lot for making this video, really helped me set my mind straight!
Beautiful addition Kevin. Thank you for adding.
Such a valuable video! Thank you :)
It's the truth. Consistent practice and patience is all you really need. Rome wasn't built in a day.
For those of you who do practice, stay humble.