Robben Ford Blues Masterclass: How to master the diminished scale

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  • Опубликовано: 19 авг 2015
  • "The diminished scale seems to loom large in my legend…" A blues masterclass from Robben Ford. For the full lesson, with tab (and interview): bit.ly/robbenfordmasterclass
    Originally published in Guitarist magazine 398, in October, 2015.
    Buy Guitarist magazine in print and digital forms: bit.ly/guitaristprintmag
    Visit our website: www.guitarworld.com/guitarist
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Комментарии • 738

  • @graromek
    @graromek 4 месяца назад +5

    "You're playing music no matter what you're doing" - I like this approach :)

  • @jeffdawson2786
    @jeffdawson2786 3 месяца назад +4

    Robben is the teacher we all want, yes?

  • @KaninTuzi
    @KaninTuzi 4 года назад +123

    This is one of those videos I watched a few years back and didn't understand a word. Watching it again now and understand pretty much all of it. That's cool! Hang in there, you who can't understand a word, for a while later you may

    • @lobato87
      @lobato87 4 года назад +3

      Loool I was gonna post this comment but I knew I couldn't be the only one!

    • @CharlieAllenGuitar
      @CharlieAllenGuitar 4 года назад +6

      Same here - been coming back to it for years now and getting a little more out of it every time.

    • @stinglikeabeee
      @stinglikeabeee 3 года назад

      Backwards law!

    • @8odycount
      @8odycount 2 года назад +3

      I still don't really understand it but yeah it's much better than two years ago or so :D was practicing arpeggios and some scales since then. So it makes much more sense. It all comes together like puzzle somehow

    • @bubrzubr5940
      @bubrzubr5940 2 года назад

      So your english has improved or what?

  • @chrisv5205
    @chrisv5205 5 лет назад +79

    The first time I ever heard Robben Ford play a guitar was when I walked into a guitar store about 30 years ago to buy a set of strings. I was a young metal head back then and I didn't pay much mind to the jazzy, urban blues fused guitar magic that was playing over the store music system. In the span of time it took me to ask for a set of strings and pay for them, I had stopped what I was doing and was just awe struck by the slick, creamy tones I heard pouring from this dude's guitar. I asked who he was and they said Robben Ford. When I left the guitar store, I went straight to the record store and bought this cat's CD, "Talk To Your Daughter." I still have that CD (and many others from him). I immediately set out to learn every song and every lick on that CD.
    About 10 years later, Robben Ford signed it for me at a gig he played in Rochester, New York.
    Truly one of the most talented musicians of his generation and one of the most underrated.

    • @flightofthefatman
      @flightofthefatman 5 лет назад +6

      Great story bro! 🎸

    • @FXPedaldotCom
      @FXPedaldotCom 4 года назад

      House of Guitars?

    • @dannyhood7433
      @dannyhood7433 4 года назад

      Does play heavy fuzz tones with delay echo.A Creamola fizz of fuzz.

    • @anti-galacticbackingtracks4154
      @anti-galacticbackingtracks4154 5 месяцев назад +2

      Great story Chris - I had a similar epiphany at 11 or 12 years of age hearing 'Disraeli Gears' for the first time. Robben is an inspiration...

    • @PeterKertesz2013
      @PeterKertesz2013 4 месяца назад

      Love your story and also Robben Ford!

  • @sduke39
    @sduke39 8 лет назад +33

    As somewhat of a beginner this is a lot like explaining calculus to a cat. There is so much to learn it is quite daunting. I love watching and listening to Robben explain how he plays and maybe some day it will make a bit more sense.

    • @musicalgear1024
      @musicalgear1024 12 дней назад

      Hi. Please remember this is "art" So many kids these days get lost in the blinding amount of information out there. Keep it simple. Build a foundation, move forward.

  • @bak1386
    @bak1386 3 года назад +10

    U can infinitely learn from guys like Robben. He's forgotten more then I'll ever learn. That tid bit about not being afraid to play the scale itself, is actually gold.

  • @mwngw
    @mwngw 4 года назад +7

    Saw Robben perform around 1975 with Charlie Musselwhite's band and Robben Ford on piano. When the band played "Blu Stu," Robben's virtuosity really displayed itself...he was maybe 18 years old at the time. When Robben played the alto sax, the crowd was stunned in awe. Then he did the guitar and we were speechless for hours later.

  • @bluesyjazzcat31
    @bluesyjazzcat31 4 года назад +107

    The diminished scale always reminds me of an old cartoon where one of the characters is tip-toeing across a room to avoid one of his enemies

    • @nancychace8619
      @nancychace8619 4 года назад +4

      Kind of like Wile Y. Coyote and the Roadrunner?

    • @Deliquescentinsight
      @Deliquescentinsight 4 года назад +2

      Sylvester the cat

    • @johnbuell8035
      @johnbuell8035 4 года назад +2

      Andres Castillo ha ha, exactly

    • @KaninTuzi
      @KaninTuzi 4 года назад +2

      A lot of old cartoons use sort of gypsy jazz/oriental stuff I have noticed

    • @Marcleay
      @Marcleay 4 года назад +1

      Yep....the villain is tying the heroine to the railroad track in an old silent movie...diminished...love it 😎

  • @patrickmccutcheon8860
    @patrickmccutcheon8860 3 года назад +4

    Thank Christ for Robben Ford. He makes it all make so much sense.

  • @trinity-loveeasley8914
    @trinity-loveeasley8914 4 года назад +7

    His guitar is so warm and sparkly! Makes me feel bubbly inside!🥰

  • @scottwaszak698
    @scottwaszak698 8 лет назад +166

    Now I know how my dog feels when he watches t.v....

    • @betterthandeadohyea4500
      @betterthandeadohyea4500 8 лет назад +3

      +Scott Waszak Maybe you should stick to The Muppets & leave this to the adults.

    • @godbyone
      @godbyone 7 лет назад +4

      That was funny

    • @Throwenshapes
      @Throwenshapes 6 лет назад +3

      Hahaha, too funny, and true for me, too.

    • @tricko2286
      @tricko2286 4 года назад

      Ruh Roh 🐶

    • @dalerieger5927
      @dalerieger5927 4 года назад +1

      That's a good line. Thanks - you made me laugh.

  • @orage6900
    @orage6900 8 лет назад +4

    I could literally listen to him forever, thanks for existing Robben.

  • @thecompletejake
    @thecompletejake 8 лет назад +94

    This dude is an absolute gift.

    • @stepitupandgo67
      @stepitupandgo67 7 лет назад

      private lessons would be nice....

    • @Smoothways
      @Smoothways 5 лет назад

      if your name is Rockefeller perhaps...@@stepitupandgo67

    • @stepitupandgo67
      @stepitupandgo67 5 лет назад

      maybe not even then...!!! haha

  • @Waldvogel45
    @Waldvogel45 Месяц назад

    Robben was a star when my son was born. 1973. And again in Coutances 2 days ago.2024. Stunning musician.I,m workin on the HSWS scale and I am inspired by Rob again Love the man.

  • @AlanStewartMusic
    @AlanStewartMusic Год назад +3

    Tiger Walk was the first RF solo album I heard, I was blown away by the ingenuity of the progressions, the guy just exudes a love of music.

  • @RichardsGuitarshop
    @RichardsGuitarshop 8 лет назад +2

    Spent my youth listening and watching Robbens tuitional videos as much as listening to his albums - still my biggest inspiration. Awesome.

  • @AnalogOpher
    @AnalogOpher 8 лет назад +114

    It doesn't even matter what he's teaching. He could be talking about nuts&bolts and that hypnotic voice and mannerism would smooth all your worries away. You just want to hear him talk. Forever.

    • @agtronic
      @agtronic 8 лет назад +4

      Totally agree. I could watch him explain things all day.

    • @annabatarowicz
      @annabatarowicz 8 лет назад +1

      Yeah he is a great teacher

    • @Gregorypeckory
      @Gregorypeckory 8 лет назад

      +Agtronic Are you sure you really mean that? You only said it three times. ;)

    • @agtronic
      @agtronic 8 лет назад

      +Greg Vinson And I thought it hadn't worked at all. I kept getting an error message when hitting submit. Fixed it! Thanks,

    • @MusicAnirban
      @MusicAnirban 8 лет назад +1

      +AnalogOpher Exactly my feelings! His teachings are therapeutic. Getting hooked onto them. Quite rare thing to happen actually to grab one's attention at a stretch. God bless him!

  • @donharrold1375
    @donharrold1375 5 лет назад +11

    I just love the way this guy plays. Even when he’s just strumming it sounds beautiful and hypnotic. What a gift the guy’s got.

  • @bartjelories
    @bartjelories 4 года назад +25

    Still watching in 2019, I learn so much from these masters.

  • @alftupper9359
    @alftupper9359 5 лет назад +5

    The World's greatest guitar tutor.

  • @patkeating97
    @patkeating97 8 лет назад +18

    Robben Ford is so positive and encouraging. I wish every guitar teacher took a lesson from him...

  • @nonemlinus
    @nonemlinus Месяц назад

    Thanks Robben! I love Miles too. I didn’t realize he used the diminished scale.

  • @joshualove6586
    @joshualove6586 Год назад +1

    The way he attacks the strings is absolutely beautiful!

  • @cmonsterz
    @cmonsterz 5 месяцев назад

    Not just an excellent master lesson; it’s a master lesson by the legendary master himself!

  • @daveamici2719
    @daveamici2719 4 года назад +3

    Mickey Baker, wow my all time favorite book for learning jazz chords. When i first heard Wes Montgomery I new my regular bar chords weren't working anymore and i learned a bunch from that book great for beginners.

  • @JNRoman53
    @JNRoman53 7 месяцев назад +1

    Your very kind to share this. God bless you man. 🙂
    Your an incredible player.

  • @jensenbell
    @jensenbell 8 лет назад +1

    I've had a lot of people explain RF's approach to the diminished scale... It never felt, "portable" until the man himself explained that it's all about V to I. Now I get it. I'm going to practice this today.

  • @whitneysmith895
    @whitneysmith895 Месяц назад

    Invaluable lesson. And so clearly explained. Yes, years of working on what he says.

  • @123ubuntu666
    @123ubuntu666 7 лет назад +15

    I love how Robben loves to impart his knowledge, getting deep in to theory, then just throwing theory out the window and saying 'just find out how to do it - however'.
    Then, when all that theory is learned. He is the most abandoned guitar player in the whole world. Not relying on any theory at all. Truly magical.
    He just rips it up to fuck. In the sweetest way.
    Man, I love Robben. Truly a guitarist's guitarist.

    • @victoza9232
      @victoza9232 5 лет назад

      123ubuntu666 And, apparently, he can't even read music.

    • @johncurrie1789
      @johncurrie1789 5 лет назад

      Vic Toza he can read. Probably not as well as he’d like. Believe me, he can read pretty well.

  • @GuitarSmartsPodcast
    @GuitarSmartsPodcast 2 года назад +4

    That clean tone though, amazing!

  • @coryj12
    @coryj12 5 лет назад +3

    Such an amazing touch! His phrasing is perfect. No matter what he’s playing through it always sounds like Robben Ford. 🙌🏽

  • @IvorThomas
    @IvorThomas 5 лет назад +4

    I've been working on dim scales for years, and still I get insights from Robben on how to use about them in such musical and simple ways. Love this dude.

  • @rockitman7909
    @rockitman7909 Год назад

    Treasure between your fingerboard... Robben, I met you once in LA at one of your gigs, a true sweetheart of a human being, your kind is becoming too rare but there's hope because of cats like you... been a huge admireor ever since my teens. I want you to know you that your teachings (especially like this one) and music have undoubtably made a huge contribution/impact to the music community and your legend will live forever. You pave the way as a pinnacle example for others to follow, a how-to lesson in life by giving back to society as much as you do in this CRAZY world we live in and there is simply no equal. Larry Carlton the great? ... maybe but you have contributed the most, you really make a difference in this world, we should all thank the universe for you brother!!! I sure do.

  • @mer1red
    @mer1red 4 года назад +2

    I like Robben Ford not only because he seems to be a nice guy and gives great concerts, but also because apparently he has discovered music in real life practice thanks to his intuition and talent, turning it into a personal voice and style. He's a doer. What he explains here are in fact essential ingredients for playing and improvising good music.

  • @topografer
    @topografer 3 года назад +1

    Robben Ford's, is my favorite bridge blues tone, no matter what guitar he plays. Just amazing man

  • @romanvalente2871
    @romanvalente2871 3 года назад +4

    greatest clean tone I´ve ever heard in my life.

  • @charlespeterson3798
    @charlespeterson3798 6 лет назад

    I spent the winter of 68' wandering the hills above Hopland. I caught this man's vibe. Universe is a small place.

  • @danielwolf9754
    @danielwolf9754 8 лет назад +1

    Take to heart his mention of the Mickey Baker Jazz Guitar Book # 1. The first lesson is 26 of the most useful chords you will ever learn. Been playing over 50 years and use them every day!

  • @GuitarLava
    @GuitarLava 7 лет назад +3

    The more I watch RF the more I like him. Great role model for guitarists.

  • @Gitfiddle
    @Gitfiddle 8 лет назад +7

    This is what you get when you truly devote your life to your craft.

  • @Cajundaddydave
    @Cajundaddydave 4 года назад +1

    Such a fresh perspective on the Blues. I attended one of Robben's Master Classes when he lived in Ojai and it was an eye opener. I probably only absorbed 10% of the technique he has to offer but his approach to music is almost as great as his playing.

  • @TheBandFLEDGELING
    @TheBandFLEDGELING 6 лет назад

    When he says "man" it's the best feeling in the world...... such a great instructional piece!!!

  • @diegobrown4947
    @diegobrown4947 8 лет назад +16

    it makes me happy that I understood some of this lesson. I still have a long way to go, but thanks for uploading! I like the "feel" of the diminished scale and will definitely focus on adding that to my catalog. Thanks again!

  • @ericheine2414
    @ericheine2414 6 лет назад

    Thank you Roben, I saw you play at the Mystic in Petaluma. You are so wonderful that when you stopped.
    We didn't clap. You leaned over and said "was I so good I left you speechless." We went crazy because that's exactly what you did. Always a pleasure.
    Iron American Dream on RUclips.

  • @joshlovegood9392
    @joshlovegood9392 5 лет назад +14

    "that's a handful of chords right there"
    gold.

  • @RexStratton
    @RexStratton 5 лет назад

    Been listening to Robben since 1971. charles ford band is untouchable. His new music is adult but rockin blues. God Bless his kind heart

  • @rustyshackleford2841
    @rustyshackleford2841 4 года назад +4

    This lesson is pretty dang good. Guitar and tone are just outstanding.

  • @louviada1579
    @louviada1579 3 года назад

    He also has a great sense of humor. I talked with him after he gave a workshop at Guitar Center. When I asked for the most important advice he could share (really original question - right?) he said: "Don't play any wrong notes!" Cracked me up!

  • @westman2222
    @westman2222 23 дня назад

    The major thing about using finger picking style is that you really can do magics on even sound,touch and feeling!I learned that this change alot for the better for me as an guitar player thanks to Robben and Chet Adkins

  • @usmc1875
    @usmc1875 7 лет назад +2

    what a great teacher man! he has just a great way of explaining himself through music. thank you sir!

  • @swardmusic
    @swardmusic 8 лет назад +26

    Greatest reverb ever heard by anyone ever

    • @alanclayman5561
      @alanclayman5561 6 лет назад +1

      swardmusic

    • @rolux4853
      @rolux4853 4 года назад

      I wonder how much of that reverb comes from the room..
      His voice also echoes a bit so I guess it’s not only the amp.

  • @jackhudson1154
    @jackhudson1154 5 лет назад

    Robben is a master player. Easily my favourite of all time. I greatly appreciate that he is taking the time to impart his knowledge for all to learn. This video is so valuable!

  • @robertclinger7351
    @robertclinger7351 4 года назад

    Thank you! It's now November 2019, and I watch your lessons over again, and years later I hope, I understand them better! So, thanks!

  • @JFk426
    @JFk426 8 лет назад +5

    It's really useful, plz make more classes with Robben Ford

  • @michaelcorcoran3942
    @michaelcorcoran3942 8 лет назад

    I just heard this guy yesterday and by chance I was just ready for this... this guy speaks my language... thank you guitarist mag. and thank Robben fordyou

  • @chrisguthrie5008
    @chrisguthrie5008 8 лет назад

    Robben, I've been a fan of your work for many years. This is great!

  • @stratplayer96
    @stratplayer96 8 лет назад +1

    Great to see and hear Robben on a Strat. Fantastic!

  • @Deliquescentinsight
    @Deliquescentinsight 8 лет назад +5

    I did indeed enjoy the lesson, and I did indeed learn something from it -thanks Robben you are a gentleman.

    • @richardguido2798
      @richardguido2798 8 лет назад +1

      Robben is a gentleman in that he gives to us without asking

  • @jamescopeland5358
    @jamescopeland5358 3 года назад

    I always learn from your lessons

  • @taraadcock1503
    @taraadcock1503 4 года назад

    Great lesson! Robben Ford as good at teaching as performing? Amazing all over again. So many of his tunes... I never get tired of hearing over and over. Monster talent! Thanks!

  • @DanOughton
    @DanOughton 8 лет назад +18

    I love this man!

  • @fulltonesmusic
    @fulltonesmusic 8 лет назад +2

    That is some seriously lush tone & touch, man

  • @desmo999
    @desmo999 7 лет назад

    Whoouuuwwww!
    Lesson, sound and this awesome SVL Strat are in one line with the wonderfull Mr. Ford!
    All is unbelievable perfect.

  • @rvanstar
    @rvanstar 2 года назад

    Just magic .. thank you

  • @brockyoung6113
    @brockyoung6113 4 месяца назад

    Thank you very much, sir!

  • @thomasschenker1870
    @thomasschenker1870 6 лет назад +6

    Dear Robben
    Years ago I bought your book "Beyond the blues" but I didn't understand what you wrote about how to use the diminished scale. but after this lesson its cristall-clear to me! Thanks a lot!
    Thomas Schenker from Switzerland

    • @seaco4270
      @seaco4270 6 лет назад

      thomas schenker If I have a visit in Switzerland, where should I go I would be there for probably four or five days I would be coming probably during the late summer

    • @thomasschenker1870
      @thomasschenker1870 6 лет назад +1

      Dear Mr. C
      I can't answer your question, because I don't know where you want to go. For all eventualities, my telephone number is 031 7555900

    • @davidscott1052
      @davidscott1052 6 лет назад +1

      you can use the dim scale over the dom7 chords in the blues cos each of the dom7 chords contains three notes of a dim arpeggio if you then add a b9 note to a dom 7 chord you will have the complete dim arpeggio ..so a dim scale will sound good over the top

  • @steviesindahouse4903
    @steviesindahouse4903 3 года назад

    Robben, thank you very much! 😃

  • @e.tienne6600
    @e.tienne6600 8 лет назад +1

    Robben F is also a brilliant teacher!

  • @chrismurphyshef
    @chrismurphyshef 5 лет назад +1

    As usual, awesome. Thanks Guitarist mag and the brilliant and charming Robben Ford. ♥

  • @paraskevasgryllis3445
    @paraskevasgryllis3445 5 лет назад +1

    what an incredible sound....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....thanks for the lesson.

  • @AllenPinchloaf
    @AllenPinchloaf 7 лет назад +1

    Thanks Robben You are such a class act on every level

  • @salvatoresperanza5449
    @salvatoresperanza5449 Год назад

    Thank you Robben!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @nelsono4315
    @nelsono4315 2 года назад

    I'm a drummer but a longtime Robben fan. The man knows his stuff

  • @peterward9446
    @peterward9446 8 лет назад

    A true master turns basic science into high art - luvved these insights - thanx Robben.

  • @youren8
    @youren8 4 месяца назад

    my mind was blown when i did exercises up a fourth, through all 12 keys. i finally realized i was going down a fifth. mind blown.

  • @brentonkelly3780
    @brentonkelly3780 5 лет назад

    Thanks Robben and Guitarist magazine. Much appreciated.

  • @Richard-vu7kh
    @Richard-vu7kh 6 лет назад

    Robben Ford - excellent musicianship ! I heard you YEARS ago in Victoria B.C. - so inspiring ! Also clear and articulate teaching - thanks so much !

  • @garymcaleer6112
    @garymcaleer6112 3 года назад

    Thanks, Robben. I'm late to the guitar world. But certain voices I gravitate to. And your humble character shines bright, brother. So I'm all ears to your instruction.

  • @HendryHZ
    @HendryHZ 2 года назад

    his right hand touch is amazing

  • @clapton79
    @clapton79 8 лет назад

    each of the licks he played is soo sweet.. can't wait to try them out!

  • @toneman335
    @toneman335 4 года назад

    This video instruction is incredible in how it shows the complexity of music!

  • @srwaite7
    @srwaite7 7 лет назад

    Thanks, Robben. Always a pleasure!

  • @mattaldridge
    @mattaldridge 8 лет назад +8

    The man! incredible stuff!

  • @zipperdingo6385
    @zipperdingo6385 4 года назад

    Amazing rich musicality tips , thank you Robben

  • @prezillogic9230
    @prezillogic9230 5 лет назад

    Very interesting information on the diminished scale. Thank you Mr Ford for you're amazing insight from a true professionals view

  • @steffenbrix
    @steffenbrix 6 лет назад +2

    AWESOME guitar sound! Really!

  • @kenh8038
    @kenh8038 6 лет назад

    I’m thankful you are doing this for us!

  • @ksmit
    @ksmit 6 лет назад

    Awesome video. Robben has a great unique style. Musically and verbally. A master.

  • @robhead22
    @robhead22 Год назад

    Glorious!! Thank you!

  • @DHgtr1
    @DHgtr1 5 лет назад

    What a great teacher as well as guitar player Thanks...DH

  • @Roddo731
    @Roddo731 6 лет назад

    Fantastic thanks Robben!! Can’t wait to get home and jam

  • @express49
    @express49 8 лет назад +16

    Besides beeing a great musician , he seems to be a cool guy !

  • @colaboytje
    @colaboytje 3 года назад

    Holy moly. Never thought of it this way.

  • @wildamendez
    @wildamendez 5 лет назад

    Really enjoy his lessons very clear and simple to the point. 👍🏻

  • @RichardWatson
    @RichardWatson 6 лет назад

    Such a great and generous teacher. Monster player!

  • @patrickromero5365
    @patrickromero5365 4 года назад

    Thanks for the video this just made my night i think i watched this video 5 times and now its starting to make sence to me Robbin Ford is a true master guitar thanks for the lesson.

  • @baessoguitar
    @baessoguitar 8 лет назад +2

    We love you, Robben !!! tks

  • @user-jz6to8md3c
    @user-jz6to8md3c 7 месяцев назад

    Robben such a legend.

  • @matthewbrown2817
    @matthewbrown2817 8 лет назад

    Thanks there are so many really good pick ups to choose from.

  • @garythain76
    @garythain76 Год назад

    awesome Robben!