I spoke to Robben backstage after an amazing show he did at the Blue Note in NYC years ago, and told him that his solos, for me were just mesmerizing, because I never know what he's gonna do next, and quick as a flash he goes: 'neither do I'. He likened it to finger painting. He's a very special musician and a warm guy, just great energy to be around.
After completing a music degree I was so burned out on the guitar, music, the competition, dissatisfaction with my playing and progress that I walked away from the entire scene for 12 years. I started a new career, didn’t touch the guitar in all that time other than to check on my Instruments from time to time. When I came back to it it was with no professional aspirations, just to have fun with it and continue learning. At the same time I discovered Robben Ford. An amazing, insightful and giving person who has so much to share with us. If you’re a young player listen to this man. It may save you decades in getting to your goals.
Yes, I spend a lot of time in learning notes and scales. Actually the most important in blues is "DYNAMIC", where you play few notes with good expression. You play with high and low volume, fast and slow, sometime we repeate the same notes or part of the phrases to express your feeling. Robben Ford is very good at that. Few notes that you can use will give amazing result once you know how to embelish them with slide, hammer on and pull off. Cheers from Indonesia!
Jerry, just gave your 100th like. I have a physics degree and a civil engineering degree from average schools. I watched the effort it took to major in music or theater and it wasnt so different from mine. Burnout is daunting. I am obsessed with the guitar and music, and think repeatedly about whether I would have to quit working to play at a high level. Labor jobs, desk jobs, and music are all hard on the hands. Thanks for your thoughts. I fear turning what I love to do into a job.
The day I quit just listening to the guitar player in any given song, and started listening to the entire piece of music was the day I finally felt good about my playing! I wasn't competing and dissecting everything - finally!
I love that last phrase, you are who you are...and be happy with that! I told myself that a few times, but to hear it from Robben...wow. A master at his level of playing, found happiness in that simple truth. Thank you.
I love the way Robben Ford plays guitar, but also, his candid disarming honesty. He plays that way because he fails and feels, a function intelligent, progressive human beings need as a benchmark for personal growth. I'm listening and learning from this guy still...
Chords are truly the grand road to learning for guitar players, everything is related to chords and progressions, Robben is giving you the true golden path here!
Robben Ford is one of the wisest guitar players I have ever listened to ! His natural taste and class shines thru his music ! I have never met him , but I bet in real life he is a natural guy that really loves to play music ! ( my favorite guitar player ! )
This video should be shown at every music school all over the world for every aspiring musician to learn from. It is THE best, and most true, comforting, inspiring words I’ve ever heard from a musician.. it’s essentially about finding yourself and being true to yourself as a musician. Everyone doubts their own playing at times.. even Coltrane and Robben Ford. You don’t ever have to be “stronger” than you really are.. you’re good enough just as you are
I’ve heard it said that a great sermon leaves you wondering how the pastor knew all about us. Brother Ford perfectly describes so many of my musical insecurities I struggled with for years . It’s only been in the last few years that I realized that evidently God didn’t intend for me to play like so many players I admire. If He had I’d be doing that. That realization freed me from the trap of comparing myself to others and now I simply play for the sheer joy of playing and the desire to share that joy with anyone who may be interested. Now when I encounter someone who doesn’t like what I do I sometimes remind them that even Jesus couldn’t please everyone and He was perfect. Since I’m even in the same galaxy with perfect I don’t expect to. Robben, thanks so much for this wisdom!
Interesting, your right. I've been playing my whole life and I still can't. I work on my chops and learn and play and practice but I still can't do it like Mr Ford or any of my hero pickers, just not in the cards I guess. I still enjoy playing when it's going expecialy jamin with others. Music is good for the soul
I agree with Robben that we,as musicians ,should “be happy” with who we are… but on the other hand I think Robben would agree that we shouldn’t be happy to the point of complacency.. Thanks for sharing,Robben..!✌🏼
wow totally awesome interview. I was not surprised with his candid honesty because of the way that he expresses himself musically. Its a great example of someone learning to be content with their natural gifting. It is at that moment that it becomes a wellspring for all to enjoy, as he has been. Thanks Robben! I love Tiger Walk, especially "The Champ".
Man Robin is so spot on, on everything! I got more out of his conversation than the majority of theory or any other motivation on how to be a better guitar player. My respect is so huge for Robbin.
Im 20 years old and it´s kind of scary how close I feel to robben. I was amazed when I first listened to him, and as a blues lover and player he became (I think) my most important referent. But then I felt even more conected with him when I heard him talk about his first musical experiences and how he is aware of wich things made him grow and wich didn´t. Hes a true master to me musically and spiritually...and im still learning! thank you robben
Great advice, great interview. Robbed is one of the greatest guitar players of our time. Larry Carlton would not have worked side by side if he wasn't.
Yes not every man on earth will be bb king , so if there is any one around you like him always be ready with your chords n harmony to accompany him like how Larry Carlton did in his early years so one day you might have a chance to become like him ..
I always thought how amazing it was that Robben got called into play with the LA Express and Joni Mitchell and then George Harrison all in 1974. Two of my favorite albums were Join's Miles of Aisles and George's Dark horse released that year.. Robben says here that 2 phone calls made that all happen! WOW.
What great motivation, thank you for sharing. I also started as a saxophonist, unfortunately didn’t start playing guitar til I was 25. This hit me right in the feels.
After decades playing in different bands… funk, metal, rock, grunge, covers, … at 60, i re-discovered my first love: playing Blues-guitar. How did it happen? I discovered Derek Truck and re-discoverer Robben Ford and i realized that that is the playing style that suits me best
Lovely and so true ... although I had to wait until 55 to find out I won't be the guy I thought I wanted to be .. and slowly relaxing . my chords improve along with the rest 🌻:)
Being now an old fart of 75, I had the good fortune of seeing Robben in the beginnings of his career. I grew up in the 60s south of San Francisco and first caught experienced his playing with the “Charles Ford Band in about ‘71 and then again about a year or so later as the guitarist for “Jimmy Witherspoon”. I knew he was special and going somewhere. Love his playing.
I think this is great . What makes a great player is finding your own voice. And expressing your own personality and emotions. And listening to lots of different music. More than just studying the syllabus.
The point is, that everyone - every single human being, is a unique self and their expression can't be truly copied. No film star can play another human - except to an extent. We should all savour the innate abilities of expression and creativity that we discover within ourselves!
LOVE HIS WISE WORDS!💙👏 I caught him MANY times in 70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's.🤷♂️ The Strand/Redondo Beach, The Music Machine, The Mint, West L.A, Hollywood Bowl with Robert Cray/ Etta James, Hollywood House of Blues (W/ Akroyd there), The Palamino, Bowlful of Blues, Ojai, Cali., Guitar Clinic, Santa Monica, Ventura w/Larry Carlton, Coach House, S.J. Capistrano, Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, can't recall the rest where MY AWESOME JAZZY GUITAR MENTOR ROCKED!!!🙉🙆♂️🥳😃👍💃🕺😃🙏
I love this vid. I first knew of Robben from a Guitar Player magazine Pro's Reply or something in the early '70s where he said Rock music made him physically ill. This was like '74 and the pic supporting this story was one with a SB L5 or something and this long haired guy totally into it as a Blues player. Hadn't heard him but held nothing against him. 2 years later and he's in GP again in a Pop setting and they asked him about the thing before. But, the Joni gig was great. Huge fan of her's. Wish i could blast my Jagmaster (yes a tele, 'paul and sg are here). Just seemed to fit. From Talk To Daughter to Truth, hours spent jamming with RF. One of my fave players of all time and great guy. I Still think "Ford Road" in Ukiah was named after his kin :)
I think people appreciate and gravitate to others that are themselves, do not try to impress and do not apologize for it. Being a good musician has very little to do with being a furious shredder. Honestly, is it not more impressive to watch a guy like Carl Verheyen play a chord melody - it is sure a lot more difficult and takes great chord knowledge and ears and rhythm.
Hey Johnny, I'm 64 and started at 5. Nomatter what I do it's just not there for me. I can get by but it never clicked, I had to work hard to get to where I'm at but I should be better. Just not a musician nomatter how much I love it or how much I play. Oh well still enjoy it most of the time. Peace
Thia was so good! If anyone missed what I would say is one of the most valuable parts in this video it's at the beginning 0:26 Robben was proactive and ask the owner if he could open for Jimmy Witherspoon then doors started opening. You can't just sit in your room and practice all day (it helps!) and expect anything to happen. Go get the life you want, no one is looking to give it to you, book those gigs, play with some musos you're scared to play with, it's where it all starts to happen!
This is great! I had no idea Robben had no higher education. I strongly agree that guitarists should learn from other instruments!!! I haven't actually followed or kept up with his music, but I've always liked Robben Ford quite a lot!
Check out the second part of the same interview also. Many great things there. ruclips.net/video/p0FZ0uRKwSQ/видео.html
I spoke to Robben backstage after an amazing show he did at the Blue Note in NYC years ago, and told him that his solos, for me were just mesmerizing, because I never know what he's gonna do next, and quick as a flash he goes: 'neither do I'. He likened it to finger painting. He's a very special musician and a warm guy, just great energy to be around.
After completing a music degree I was so burned out on the guitar, music, the competition, dissatisfaction with my playing and progress that I walked away from the entire scene for 12 years. I started a new career, didn’t touch the guitar in all that time other than to check on my Instruments from time to time. When I came back to it it was with no professional aspirations, just to have fun with it and continue learning. At the same time I discovered Robben Ford. An amazing, insightful and giving person who has so much to share with us. If you’re a young player listen to this man. It may save you decades in getting to your goals.
Thanks for sharing your story Jerry. 12 years is a long time.
Pick it up again
@@scooter5005 Oh, I did and have never regretted doing so.
Yes, I spend a lot of time in learning notes and scales. Actually the most important in blues is "DYNAMIC", where you play few notes with good expression. You play with high and low volume, fast and slow, sometime we repeate the same notes or part of the phrases to express your feeling. Robben Ford is very good at that. Few notes that you can use will give amazing result once you know how to embelish them with slide, hammer on and pull off. Cheers from Indonesia!
Jerry, just gave your 100th like. I have a physics degree and a civil engineering degree from average schools. I watched the effort it took to major in music or theater and it wasnt so different from mine. Burnout is daunting. I am obsessed with the guitar and music, and think repeatedly about whether I would have to quit working to play at a high level. Labor jobs, desk jobs, and music are all hard on the hands. Thanks for your thoughts. I fear turning what I love to do into a job.
I love Robben....i could listen to him for hours....how fortunate are we to have him!
Exactly!
Very true
He looks so healthy too.
@@alexanderhanksx yes, because he is almost from the same generation as the English first blues guitarist, but as he is long, he looks like a teenager
Hell, I'm 65 years old and I want to play like RF. A great human being. He still has a lot to give. I'm glad he's playing and teaching.
The day I quit just listening to the guitar player in any given song, and started listening to the entire piece of music was the day I finally felt good about my playing! I wasn't competing and dissecting everything - finally!
I love that last phrase, you are who you are...and be happy with that! I told myself that a few times, but to hear it from Robben...wow. A master at his level of playing, found happiness in that simple truth. Thank you.
Robben proves that you can only grow by being yourself. As a teacher, too, he's just immense as he guides the listener to the heart of the matter.
In addition to hearing Robben play, I love listening to him speak.
I love the way Robben Ford plays guitar, but also, his candid disarming honesty. He plays that way because he fails and feels, a function intelligent, progressive human beings need as a benchmark for personal growth. I'm listening and learning from this guy still...
"I don't listen to other guitar players" I hear Robben Ford say while I'm sitting here listening to a guitar player.
Chords are truly the grand road to learning for guitar players, everything is related to chords and progressions, Robben is giving you the true golden path here!
I agree, funny, I just saw an instructional vid from the Phish guitar player, what's his name?, he said forget about chords forget about chords, haha
Over 50 years of stardom, and 3 days ago the same wonderful man.Such wisdom and insight.
There's a big lesson to be learnt from this interview. Such a great player and great guy.
Robben Ford is one of the wisest guitar players I have ever listened to ! His natural taste and class shines thru his music ! I have never met him , but I bet in real life he is a natural guy that really loves to play music ! ( my favorite guitar player ! )
This contains a huge wealth of wisdom. Need to see it several more times to absorb it all, but even after one viewing, I'm amazed.
“Arrogance is a cover for fear and insecurity.” Man ain’t that the truth.
Love your way, Robben.
This video should be shown at every music school all over the world for every aspiring musician to learn from. It is THE best, and most true, comforting, inspiring words I’ve ever heard from a musician.. it’s essentially about finding yourself and being true to yourself as a musician. Everyone doubts their own playing at times.. even Coltrane and Robben Ford. You don’t ever have to be “stronger” than you really are.. you’re good enough just as you are
Shown at every school, not just music school. Everyone can learn something from this man
I’ve heard it said that a great sermon leaves you wondering how the pastor knew all about us. Brother Ford perfectly describes so many of my musical insecurities I struggled with for years
. It’s only been in the last few years that I realized that evidently God didn’t intend for me to play like so many players I admire. If He had I’d be doing that. That realization freed me from the trap of comparing myself to others and now I simply play for the sheer joy of playing and the desire to share that joy with anyone who may be interested. Now when I encounter someone who doesn’t like what I do I sometimes remind them that even Jesus couldn’t please everyone and He was perfect. Since I’m even in the same galaxy with perfect I don’t expect to. Robben, thanks so much for this wisdom!
Interesting, your right. I've been playing my whole life and I still can't. I work on my chops and learn and play and practice but I still can't do it like Mr Ford or any of my hero pickers, just not in the cards I guess. I still enjoy playing when it's going expecialy jamin with others. Music is good for the soul
I agree with Robben that we,as musicians ,should “be happy” with who we are… but on the other hand I think Robben would agree that we shouldn’t be happy to the point of complacency..
Thanks for sharing,Robben..!✌🏼
Absolutely incredibile Thank you very much.
True gold here. Thank - you Robben Ford. Thank - you for this video.
What a legend! ❤️ Always wanted to play with this guy.
wow totally awesome interview. I was not surprised with his candid honesty because of the way that he expresses himself musically. Its a great example of someone learning to be content with their natural gifting. It is at that moment that it becomes a wellspring for all to enjoy, as he has been. Thanks Robben! I love Tiger Walk, especially "The Champ".
Wise words from one of the finest guitarists on the planet 🌏
Wow, pure wisdom and so clearly expressed! Didn't waste a word and put a lifetime of experiences in 7 intense minutes. Thanks!
Beautiful message for ANY artist. Thank you Robben.
Man Robin is so spot on, on everything! I got more out of his conversation than the majority of theory or any other motivation on how to be a better guitar player. My respect is so huge for Robbin.
@iluvjazz7 - have you checked out his guitar dojo?! Incredible resource and motivation
One of the best (if not the #1) blues tone I’ve ever heard. Always picks the right notes with plenty of sensibility. A master.
Okay. Well that just filled up my inspiration bucket. Going to be full of excitement at rehearsal tonight.
Absolutely love this Guitar Legend. Especially when I heard him on The Yellow Jackets.
Im 20 years old and it´s kind of scary how close I feel to robben. I was amazed when I first listened to him, and as a blues lover and player he became (I think) my most important referent. But then I felt even more conected with him when I heard him talk about his first musical experiences and how he is aware of wich things made him grow and wich didn´t. Hes a true master to me musically and spiritually...and im still learning! thank you robben
Wonderful player...the most tasteful guitarist I've ever heard...
Timeless chestnuts of wisdom from one of my all-time favorite musicians. His energy and presence is truly something one-of-a-kind!
Great advice, great interview. Robbed is one of the greatest guitar players of our time. Larry Carlton would not have worked side by side if he wasn't.
Yet, he doesn’t think he is a great player. I don’t think BB King played any chords. Yet he is considered a great player.
Yes not every man on earth will be bb king , so if there is any one around you like him always be ready with your chords n harmony to accompany him like how Larry Carlton did in his early years so one day you might have a chance to become like him ..
A real Master.....God bless Robben
Tk u Robben for preaching to me! I so needed that…
I will always have a soft spot for Robben Fords playing, he’s got so much soul!!
Robben Ford is a national treasure.
What a magnificent human being. Thank you
I always thought how amazing it was that Robben got called into play with the LA Express and Joni Mitchell and then George Harrison all in 1974. Two of my favorite albums were Join's Miles of Aisles and George's Dark horse released that year.. Robben says here that 2 phone calls made that all happen! WOW.
Did Larry Carlton play with LA Express, too?
What great motivation, thank you for sharing. I also started as a saxophonist, unfortunately didn’t start playing guitar til I was 25. This hit me right in the feels.
Golden nuggets of musical wisdom.
Great guy to open himself up like that and give truthful, fundamental advice like that to help others.
Wow! Deep Stuff! " I don't listen to other guitar players," he said .... That was some serious food for thought right there.
Thanks Robben..
That Attitude is why he’s Successful, he’s doing what he loves no matter what
Wonderful interview. Thank you.
Great interview! Thank you!
Una lección de música. Una lección de vida. La lección. THANKS Robben!!!!
After decades playing in different bands… funk, metal, rock, grunge, covers, … at 60, i re-discovered my first love: playing Blues-guitar. How did it happen? I discovered Derek Truck and re-discoverer Robben Ford and i realized that that is the playing style that suits me best
Good lesson. Thank you, master!
Lovely and so true ... although I had to wait until 55 to find out I won't be the guy I thought I wanted to be .. and slowly relaxing . my chords improve along with the rest 🌻:)
I'll never forget a gig he made in Milan on 1994 with his power-trio. Man, that was something
BRILLIANT, thank you for sharing this
This is really the best lesson for everbody who wants to play an instrument!
Wooonderfull!!
Thank you for posting, I try to learn guitar since 2017, this is a life-changing discovery for me!🎵
Being now an old fart of 75, I had the good fortune of seeing Robben in the beginnings of his career. I grew up in the 60s south of San Francisco and first caught experienced his playing with the “Charles Ford Band in about ‘71 and then again about a year or so later as the guitarist for “Jimmy Witherspoon”. I knew he was special and going somewhere. Love his playing.
How much wisdom can he pack into 7minutes? What a great guy.
😂😂
A lot of wisdom and philosophy from a fantastic musicien, could indeed be his best lesson.
What a delight to watch! Thank you.
Wise words. Wish I’d seen this 50 years ago!
I think this is great . What makes a great player is finding your own voice. And expressing your own personality and emotions. And listening to lots of different music. More than just studying the syllabus.
Great. So much experience to understand that. True musician !
This is gold, man!! Thanks a lot!
Thank goodness for Robben Ford.
Very good lesson
Great video - as almost all the greats say, it's all about finding your own voice. And that ain't easy!
Brutal honesty 👍
I needed to hear this. Thank you Robben.
The point is, that everyone - every single human being, is a unique self and their expression can't be truly copied. No film star can play another human - except to an extent. We should all savour the innate abilities of expression and creativity that we discover within ourselves!
That was a great. Pep talk! Thank you Robben. I got a lot out of that.
love this man
Very nice little talk there, I'm digging it man ;-) Lot to what you say
Thanks Maestro!!! ❤
This post is so funny! I’m thinking back to High School Teachers and now that I’m an adult I think “What bunch of complete F*cking Idiots! 😂😂😂😂 I
This is The Best Lesson to be Strong Mental Musician 🥰
Now that's a lesson.
What a man!
LOVE HIS WISE WORDS!💙👏 I caught him MANY times in 70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's.🤷♂️ The Strand/Redondo Beach, The Music Machine, The Mint, West L.A, Hollywood Bowl with Robert Cray/ Etta James, Hollywood House of Blues (W/ Akroyd there), The Palamino, Bowlful of Blues, Ojai, Cali., Guitar Clinic, Santa Monica, Ventura w/Larry Carlton, Coach House, S.J. Capistrano, Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, can't recall the rest where MY AWESOME JAZZY GUITAR MENTOR ROCKED!!!🙉🙆♂️🥳😃👍💃🕺😃🙏
How cool is that?!?
I think Robben will be a great producer. He has a gentle way.
excellent stuff! thanks so much for posting!
I love this vid. I first knew of Robben from a Guitar Player magazine Pro's Reply or something in the early '70s where he said Rock music made him physically ill. This was like '74 and the pic supporting this story was one with a SB L5 or something and this long haired guy totally into it as a Blues player. Hadn't heard him but held nothing against him. 2 years later and he's in GP again in a Pop setting and they asked him about the thing before. But, the Joni gig was great. Huge fan of her's. Wish i could blast my Jagmaster (yes a tele, 'paul and sg are here). Just seemed to fit. From Talk To Daughter to Truth, hours spent jamming with RF. One of my fave players of all time and great guy. I Still think "Ford Road" in Ukiah was named after his kin :)
what goodness emanates from this man
Great, I think I get it now...thanks!!!
What a gift he just gave to beginning guitarists...getting comfortable in not being as good as Jeff McErlain or Shane Theriot
I think people appreciate and gravitate to others that are themselves, do not try to impress and do not apologize for it. Being a good musician has very little to do with being a furious shredder. Honestly, is it not more impressive to watch a guy like Carl Verheyen play a chord melody - it is sure a lot more difficult and takes great chord knowledge and ears and rhythm.
A lesson of life.
I started playing at age 7 and playing in gigging bands at age 13. I gave up trying to go pro at 22....lol...but never stopped playing
Hey Johnny, I'm 64 and started at 5. Nomatter what I do it's just not there for me. I can get by but it never clicked, I had to work hard to get to where I'm at but I should be better. Just not a musician nomatter how much I love it or how much I play. Oh well still enjoy it most of the time. Peace
Thanks! good lesson of life.
Love this human
Massive inspiration for years
Thia was so good! If anyone missed what I would say is one of the most valuable parts in this video it's at the beginning 0:26
Robben was proactive and ask the owner if he could open for Jimmy Witherspoon then doors started opening.
You can't just sit in your room and practice all day (it helps!) and expect anything to happen.
Go get the life you want, no one is looking to give it to you, book those gigs, play with some musos you're scared to play with, it's where it all starts to happen!
Wow, I needed to hear this
Lots of life wisdow right there, gotta love Robben.
Great stuff here Robben Ford
Lovely.
A great musician here
This hit home
What an amazing lesson 👌🏻
This is great! I had no idea Robben had no higher education. I strongly agree that guitarists should learn from other instruments!!! I haven't actually followed or kept up with his music, but I've always liked Robben Ford quite a lot!
Excellent 👍