Great topic Chris. I spent 30 years in the music industry as a working guitarist. I played in bands, taught guitar, played solo gigs in small bars, a little session work. No social media back then. Just did anything to survive. I never really got “that break” or achieved fame or fortune but I loved every second of it. The guitar is a very special instrument and it is your best friend. I still love picking my guitar out of the case and even holding it makes me smile. Your a brilliant young guitarist Chris. Good luck with your future. Love your playing.
I am in late 50's and you have offered far more wise and mature advice than I have ever received or given. You truly do have a long life's worth of wisdom already and what's more you're generous enough to share it too. Wish you all the best in your endeavours
As a music teacher, I never want to discourage students who express a desire to pursue careers in music. It would be a dream come true if I get a shout out from a former student on the stage at the Grammy's. Of the few guitar students I've had over the years, I tell them about weddings. As I've gotten older, I've been invited to a lot of weddings, and most of them have live bands. Very, very few of these wedding bands have had guitarists where I've felt I could have done a better job. Most have been flat out amazing, and I don't say this lightly. Most of those guitarists have also been older than myself. I tried to have a band in my 20s, and mostly we just partied and used the "I'm in a band" line to attract women. I never understood what you were saying in this video, which is something I've tried to relate to students who want to take their music seriously. Granted the music industry landscape has changed dramatically since my 20s with the advent of music streaming services. I look for streaming concerts (in the time of Corona) and see names of artists that have come up through the likes of Spotify and RUclips. I have to look them up, but they are legion and they are getting to live a life I only dreamed of, if in this dramatically different music landscape. But they didn't get there without the kind of wisdom you shared here, so thank you. I will be sharing this in the future with young, aspiring artists and giving them all the support and knowledge I have to help them get to where they want to be.
Some real pearls of wisdom here, Chris. Let me share a story. I'm a 69 year old "kid" that started playing long before you were born. At one point in the late 60's I thought I wanted to pursue a serious musical career as a pro guitarist. My mom - God bless her, she left this world in 1987 - pulled me aside at one point when I was about 17 and told me, in so many words, that it would be fine to pursue my musical interests but I needed, no REQUIRED, a more solid line of work so I could put meat on the table. The music could be a serious 2nd gig but not my MAIN source of income. She knew from experience. She dated and almost married a big band leader while going to school at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. This was in the mid-1930's. She knew - really knew - how tough most musicians have it to make a go in life. I have a few friends that didn't get this advice. One that comes to mind has spent much of his entire life hoping to "make it" as a pro guitarist in a rock band. Unlike you, Chris, he didn't have the drive and solid ambition to go at it from various angles and work his ass off to make many sources of income happen. That's a huge point that few realize: Hard work, very hard work is often required to make ends meet as there is a LOT of competition out there in music. I wound up going to college and working in the aerospace field for most of my life. During much of this time I worked in bands, mostly blues bands, that worked a fair amount. The income was nice but I could have never lived on that alone. It was way too meager to be my prime source of income. In the end, looking back, my mom was spot on. Most of us NEED a main gig that is NOT music related. Pursue the music on a secondary level. If you are fortunate enough to make it musically big at some point then you can "quit your day job". What you've done is damn hard to do today and probably over the past 25-30 years. It boils down to - how hard are you willing to work to make it happen as a musician? Most do not have a clue how hard it is to make a living just playing music. It's damn, damn tough. 😉
In my 20s I worked in a music shop, played 5 paying gigs a week, taught guitar about 20 hours a week and did any session that was offered to me at the local studios. I had a band but we didn't get far. Just about scraped a living. In my 30s I completely retrained as a Systems Analyst and got a proper job which could support a mortgage. I now really enjoy watching someone as talented as Chris who is that rare breed of an awesome player as well as a great teacher. I have absolute respect for anyone making a success in the music industry these days as it is such a difficult job to maintain.
You are a truly inspiring dude. You deserve every penny you earn, and considering your skills, money shouldn't ever have to be an issue for you. Rock on🤘
This applies to everything. You are ultimately responsible for yourself and the decisions you make will determine the life you will have. Great advice. Thanks Chris.
Great information, Chris! Thank you for taking the time to share this. I watched this last week, and then, serendipitously, I came across Damian Keyes video "Joe Bonamassa is wrong!" If any of us want to make money slinging a guitar, we are going to need to understand exactly what Chris, (and Damian), are saying. I wish I could express how helpful you have been to my playing and general mindset in this business! I hope one day to shake your hand and thank you in person! Cheers!!
And a last tip which is also conveyed and underlying all the mentioned is being HONEST to your audience and yourself. Chris, I just discovered you and I am glad. Your solid and soothing tones and expressions are both eminent in your playing and your words. From our side, thanks a ton for keeping it real!
I'm in my 60's now, and spent almost a decade trying to be a rock star when I was young. Worked really hard, but not very smart. Got no where. All this advice is so spot on!
Words really can not describe nor do justice to your playing. You truly have carved out, for yourself, such a unique playing style and sound. When listening to you play it seems to go directly through me. I wish you all the best in the coming year and hope you will continue to put out these remarkable vids. Big thumbs up from Canada.
The way you play has to come from your heart, I've been playing guitar and listening for 45 years. You brought me to tears , that has only happened two or three times in my life. Just wonderful, don't ever stop.
Your extremely generous and honest! It’s better to give by sharing and it will come back to you multiple times! I’m from an old generation but love the advice! God bless Chris!
Woah! Simply woah! First video I see on your channel.. I'm dazed, completely! Subscribed! Thanks for the great hints and congratz for your amazing talent!
Enlightening video, and absolutely brilliant play-out! It gave me an even deeper appreciation for musicians who put in the hard work required to survive in that industry.
Chris is impressively articulate !... unusual, in the sphere of professional musicians, who generally, find it difficult to express themselves verbally outside of the musical instrument or song sheet.
It's so fascinating to observe how you've clearly planned out the path your going for and hear the melody you wanna play and just go for it. Every note also come out like you really mean it. You never fumble randomly along the notes in a certain scale or chord progression, but with a melodic approach that has a clear direction. Thanks for your always inspiring videos, both musically and the great tips you leave for us.
I have utmost respect for your skills and content. Sometimes I watch to help decide what gear to buy. Being retired and an amateur musician, I can't afford to make costly mistakes. Since this is about how to make money as an accomplished professional musician... My only complaint with the RUclips/social media guitar eco-system is a perceived lack of transparency in gear reviews. It would be great if reviewers said at the start where they got the gear under review, do they personally play it, and a list of sponsors at the end of the video.
Brilliant stuff, Chris.... your advice shows your deep maturity and understanding of the biz, not to mention your hard work and dedication to the craft. Kudos!
You have a gift young man. Not only your ability to carve out melodic riffs on a guitar, but your beyond your years wisdom and the effortless way you communicate to your audience. One does not have to be a guitarist to appreciate the sound advice you have shared in this video.
Blessed are those who have the talent, the desire and the wherewithal to make a living with music. Pity there are not more with the gift. Glad there are some like you. Rock on, Chris.
I totally agree. These 'lessons' in my opinion are universally suited for whatever you choose to do in life. You'll be a much happier person when you realize your own ability to adapt to the ever-changing environment around you. At the same time you have to accept the fact that most of us aren't in a position to change the world around us, but you can live your own life w/ your own moral compass to guide you. Aspire to make the world a better place; to be part of the solution. And on a final and personal note, that sweet soul-touching guitar work definitely adds to the quality of my life ;-)
I think this is not just a masterclass for musicians but for anyone trying to do anything in life - I could run this video in a business school and it would highlight skills everyone needs to learn as the world is changing. I am not an aspiring musician rather a hobby guitar player at best, but I found this video extremely inspiring. I have struggled in 2020 like many other people have with my career in accounting and while your music, as ever, has been inspiring for me (and my 7 year old daughter - she is a big fan slow train fan!) through this past year, your words today resonate with me even more. You are a true modern day rockstar (our rockstar heroes, unlike you were up to a lot of dumb shit). Thank you! and bless you for the amazingly thoughtful content you put up each week which I anxiously look forward to every friday!
I have to admit that just the fact that you, unlike most others, do not butcher your speeches in your movies (the ones I saw, anyway) shines credibility and competence. I wish you lots of joy and love with your guitars and music in general.
I think you could survive on research awards on your picking style alone, amazing playing and melody skills aside. Every upload is a study of your right hand. I am always blown away and mystified by your right hand technique. Even on acoustic, I have primarily been a pick user, and it's almost an afterthought for you. I don't know why you aren't an international megastar. Insane respect and admiration.
What a great and informative vid Chris. Articulate, supportive but also good down home advice for aspiring musicians. If I had had this advice over 50 years ago perhaps I would now be ...... probably still where I am as a player...ha ha ha. I am really glad that you have managed to survive last year and will be able to also in 2021... God, but the absence of live gigs is a really hard thing to experience...it must be purgatory for you mate.
How I see it, the thing to note is that yes, Chris is an outstanding guitarist. But he's also a clear thinker who could, if he wanted to, probably have gone into science, consulting, finance, or whatever else you can think of (in the post-industrial UK ;-)). That he chose the comparably insecure path of music and the attached ultimate freedom of expression is our luck. But it also shows that he deliberately, consciously chose this path among all other options he had, which were plenty. I see many people having a similar urge as Chris seems to have to go for the artist-route, but they don't have the game plan and they (sometimes it seems to me) chose to take the risk less out of good reasons but to be special after all. It can of course work out with these individuals as well, but in today's time, I feel the risk of going all-musician becomes more and more of a priviledge again just like it has been up until the 19th century.
Chris. I listened to your intro and was absolutely gobsmacked. Said to my wife you have got to listen to this. She did. after a short while I turned to look at her and she was crying her eyes out and I mean floods of tears. Memories of loved ones, some still with us but many who we like to think are in heaven were going through her mind. I have listened to a lot of music in my not so short life but nothing has hit me that hard before. Thank you.
Informative, realistic voluminous, and worth 100's no, 1000's of clicks of my approval; be proud that you have done well, and by your impressive verbal resume, you undoubtedly have a great satisfying life ahead.
You’re a very honest and decent individual. Something I’ve always pressed upon anyone who’s asked me: “Do what you’re good at.” As bad as it sounds, that doesn’t always translate into what you love doing. I’ve known many people that loved the guitar or art or music, but it wasn’t what they were good at and ultimately failed in life. Your gifts aren’t always what you like or are passionate about.
I have to say this is Literally the most useful and clearly defined video/information I've seen in the last 6 months I've been regularly watching RUclips other than gear,songs, Ideas,and custom cars. No BS, No political (see BS), senselessness stupidity,etc. Just kind respectfully thought out information that does actual good for the world.I love it thanks Chris, keep it up
Love how honest this video was. As hard as it is for most aspiring musicians to hear, it needs to be said and all of them were valid points. In the same breath, dreams don't work unless you do.🤘🖤
Chris' take on finance is good for everyone, not just musicians. I used to be shocked by how many people hide from the topic of money like it's a dirty word. Two things we all need to learn to do to make a go of life - manage the money we earn and cook.
You're the only musician other than the legendary Tim Pearce that plays with a balance of discipline and reach resulting in goospimples all over my body. You guys should collaborate.
The Friday Fretworks and the videos you are where you play so masterfully, but alone, are much more enjoyable to me than any of the videos I've seen you in playing on stage with a band. I hope that isn't offensive. Just love your sound and ability!
OK...I’ve never listened to an intro song on a you tube post more than four or five times .....well guess what ...17 ..and...counting on this one ! Keep on keeping on young man. 👍😎🎸
JK ..If you love this one check out ..Sun Godess..on Dave Simpsons you tube channel ...These two amazing musicians need to get together..I believe they only live down the road and around the corner from each other ...err...kinda..👍😎🎸
I just have one thing to say - you are just a beast on the guitar!!!! I have never heard anyone with such flow and feel like you do. Absolutely amazing to listen and watch you play.
I love your attitude Chris. You don't run down others and you have a passion for what you do! You have a great channel that I wait for each week. Keep up the great work
I thought the answer to this was the old joke.... I won the lottery when asked what I'd do with the money I said "Keep working as a musician until it runs out".. Very tongue in cheek in the modern world of musicians providing the soundtrack to so many lives and frankly getting sod all recompense for it
Damn, so much talent and so much work, sound like a business man, and then you see the top of the charts, yike. Thanks for the great work you do and these videos. Legend
With Chris´ axe skills, you just have to play a single note and folks from all over the world will constantly keep asking you when your next album is released... I´d love an album!
Thanks Chris. A total gent and an amazing player. I’m not a pro but played for over 20 years for fun, has kept me sane of late and each Friday I look forward to a little dose of inspiration.
Slightly off topic: Your playing and tone always sends shivers on my spine, grabs my heart and reminds me why I started playing guitar myself. Thanks man
Thanks Chris, great video. And also, we need to remember that even if we do all the things you mention, we still not might not ever reach the stage of making a living out of music unfortunately because there is so much luck/circumstance involved. Which is why your point 5 is so important; if you actually love making music it will help with reconciling that you may not ever make a living out of it, but you will still love doing it because it is what you are driven to do.
Great topic Chris. I spent 30 years in the music industry as a working guitarist. I played in bands, taught guitar, played solo gigs in small bars, a little session work. No social media back then. Just did anything to survive.
I never really got “that break” or achieved fame or fortune but I loved every second of it.
The guitar is a very special instrument and it is your best friend. I still love picking my guitar out of the case and even holding it makes me smile.
Your a brilliant young guitarist Chris. Good luck with your future. Love your playing.
That's awesome man, congrats
Thank you for sharing this.
I am in late 50's and you have offered far more wise and mature advice than I have ever received or given. You truly do have a long life's worth of wisdom already and what's more you're generous enough to share it too. Wish you all the best in your endeavours
That fluid switch between holding and using the pick is unbelievable.
I've even slowed down the playback video speed several times to see how Chris does it... it didn't help 😁
word!
Your playing on that intro was unreal. So melodic.
Man, I would love the tab and backing track to that!
Totally agree! I'd love to see the reaction of Paul Davids to that intro!
Some of the licks in the intro reminded me of Mark Knopfler
i wish it was on apple music or something so i can listen to it whenever
Isn't his touch f'n great!
"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity!
You have such a great way of speaking and presenting yourself on camera. It's almost as smooth as your guitar playing 😁
Tremendous and helpful, particularly this year Chris. Nice job.
As a music teacher, I never want to discourage students who express a desire to pursue careers in music. It would be a dream come true if I get a shout out from a former student on the stage at the Grammy's. Of the few guitar students I've had over the years, I tell them about weddings. As I've gotten older, I've been invited to a lot of weddings, and most of them have live bands. Very, very few of these wedding bands have had guitarists where I've felt I could have done a better job. Most have been flat out amazing, and I don't say this lightly. Most of those guitarists have also been older than myself. I tried to have a band in my 20s, and mostly we just partied and used the "I'm in a band" line to attract women. I never understood what you were saying in this video, which is something I've tried to relate to students who want to take their music seriously. Granted the music industry landscape has changed dramatically since my 20s with the advent of music streaming services. I look for streaming concerts (in the time of Corona) and see names of artists that have come up through the likes of Spotify and RUclips. I have to look them up, but they are legion and they are getting to live a life I only dreamed of, if in this dramatically different music landscape. But they didn't get there without the kind of wisdom you shared here, so thank you. I will be sharing this in the future with young, aspiring artists and giving them all the support and knowledge I have to help them get to where they want to be.
I wish more musicians were as open and genuine as you are, Chris. Respect.
Some real pearls of wisdom here, Chris.
Let me share a story. I'm a 69 year old "kid" that started playing long before you were born. At one point in the late 60's I thought I wanted to pursue a serious musical career as a pro guitarist. My mom - God bless her, she left this world in 1987 - pulled me aside at one point when I was about 17 and told me, in so many words, that it would be fine to pursue my musical interests but I needed, no REQUIRED, a more solid line of work so I could put meat on the table. The music could be a serious 2nd gig but not my MAIN source of income.
She knew from experience. She dated and almost married a big band leader while going to school at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. This was in the mid-1930's. She knew - really knew - how tough most musicians have it to make a go in life.
I have a few friends that didn't get this advice. One that comes to mind has spent much of his entire life hoping to "make it" as a pro guitarist in a rock band. Unlike you, Chris, he didn't have the drive and solid ambition to go at it from various angles and work his ass off to make many sources of income happen. That's a huge point that few realize: Hard work, very hard work is often required to make ends meet as there is a LOT of competition out there in music.
I wound up going to college and working in the aerospace field for most of my life. During much of this time I worked in bands, mostly blues bands, that worked a fair amount. The income was nice but I could have never lived on that alone. It was way too meager to be my prime source of income.
In the end, looking back, my mom was spot on. Most of us NEED a main gig that is NOT music related. Pursue the music on a secondary level. If you are fortunate enough to make it musically big at some point then you can "quit your day job".
What you've done is damn hard to do today and probably over the past 25-30 years. It boils down to - how hard are you willing to work to make it happen as a musician? Most do not have a clue how hard it is to make a living just playing music. It's damn, damn tough. 😉
Dude!! This „Jam“..... cmone! That is a ... uh... speachless... it is just fantastic!!!
For someone so talented Chris is extremely level headed, his feet are firmly planted on the ground.
Chris - I can't find the words to tell you just how beautiful and brilliant that opening piece is.
In my 20s I worked in a music shop, played 5 paying gigs a week, taught guitar about 20 hours a week and did any session that was offered to me at the local studios.
I had a band but we didn't get far. Just about scraped a living.
In my 30s I completely retrained as a Systems Analyst and got a proper job which could support a mortgage.
I now really enjoy watching someone as talented as Chris who is that rare breed of an awesome player as well as a great teacher.
I have absolute respect for anyone making a success in the music industry these days as it is such a difficult job to maintain.
Your opening jams are some of the best music going right now
You are a truly inspiring dude. You deserve every penny you earn, and considering your skills, money shouldn't ever have to be an issue for you. Rock on🤘
This applies to everything. You are ultimately responsible for yourself and the decisions you make will determine the life you will have. Great advice. Thanks Chris.
That jam at the end... So beautiful... 🤯
Chris, You see the world in the BIG picture in a very sensible way.
Great information, Chris! Thank you for taking the time to share this. I watched this last week, and then, serendipitously, I came across Damian Keyes video "Joe Bonamassa is wrong!" If any of us want to make money slinging a guitar, we are going to need to understand exactly what Chris, (and Damian), are saying. I wish I could express how helpful you have been to my playing and general mindset in this business! I hope one day to shake your hand and thank you in person! Cheers!!
And a last tip which is also conveyed and underlying all the mentioned is being HONEST to your audience and yourself. Chris, I just discovered you and I am glad. Your solid and soothing tones and expressions are both eminent in your playing and your words. From our side, thanks a ton for keeping it real!
I'm in my 60's now, and spent almost a decade trying to be a rock star when I was young. Worked really hard, but not very smart. Got no where. All this advice is so spot on!
All good advice delivered in your usual articulate and intelligent fashion. You could apply all these to life in general. Very thoughtful.
Words really can not describe nor do justice to your playing. You truly have carved out, for yourself, such a unique playing style and sound. When listening to you play it seems to go directly through me. I wish you all the best in the coming year and hope you will continue to put out these remarkable vids.
Big thumbs up from Canada.
Holy bejeebus that playing and tone at the beginning.
The way you play has to come from your heart, I've been playing guitar and listening for 45 years. You brought me to tears , that has only happened two or three times in my life. Just wonderful, don't ever stop.
That intro, dude... 0:59 ... Screamed of bloody joy.
Your extremely generous and honest! It’s better to give by sharing and it will come back to you multiple times! I’m from an old generation but love the advice! God bless Chris!
Great video. It's always great to learn more about this side of music. Just as important as the music itself imo
Woah! Simply woah! First video I see on your channel.. I'm dazed, completely! Subscribed! Thanks for the great hints and congratz for your amazing talent!
That intro is exactly the kind of stuff I'm striving for. Killer technique and tone. Great composition also.
Wise advice for anyone in any industry
Dude -- you play very very well -- No idea who you are specifically but you've got an amazing affinity for music.
Enlightening video, and absolutely brilliant play-out! It gave me an even deeper appreciation for musicians who put in the hard work required to survive in that industry.
thanks,chris.
Tons of respect for you talking openly like this. Much respect Chris.
Chris is impressively articulate !... unusual, in the sphere of professional musicians, who generally, find it difficult to express themselves verbally outside of the musical instrument or song sheet.
I think I figured out what I love about your guitar playing. It feels like the note vibrations flow straight from from your heart.
It's so fascinating to observe how you've clearly planned out the path your going for and hear the melody you wanna play and just go for it. Every note also come out like you really mean it. You never fumble randomly along the notes in a certain scale or chord progression, but with a melodic approach that has a clear direction. Thanks for your always inspiring videos, both musically and the great tips you leave for us.
Brilliant idea Chris. It's been a tough year for anyone in entertainment. Transparency like this really helps.
This is fantastic life advice! Not just for guitarists or musicians. Thank you Chris!
Question: how do I survive and make money by being a musician.
Answer: by working hard and by being one of the top guitarists of my generation
Yeah, that probably helps!
You're wise beyond your years, Mr. Buck. Thanks for all of the hard work because it shows in everything you produce.
Chris Buck is already making a living by making my Fridays much better that they already are.
I have utmost respect for your skills and content. Sometimes I watch to help decide what gear to buy. Being retired and an amateur musician, I can't afford to make costly mistakes.
Since this is about how to make money as an accomplished professional musician...
My only complaint with the RUclips/social media guitar eco-system is a perceived lack of transparency in gear reviews.
It would be great if reviewers said at the start where they got the gear under review, do they personally play it, and a list of sponsors at the end of the video.
The way he effortlessly switches from picking to fingerpicking to chicken-picking is freaking amazing.
Christ man.. that intro. I’m speechless... probably the best solo Iv ever heard
Brilliant stuff, Chris.... your advice shows your deep maturity and understanding of the biz, not to mention your hard work and dedication to the craft. Kudos!
Oh, man. That intro jam. That SG suits you down to the ground!
Give him a piece of iron and he will make it sing
You have a gift young man. Not only your ability to carve out melodic riffs on a guitar, but your beyond your years wisdom and the effortless way you communicate to your audience. One does not have to be a guitarist to appreciate the sound advice you have shared in this video.
Why would someone dislike this??? This dude is here to help, I really don't understand... P. S. Awesome guitar player
They didn’t get $15/hr just by watching the video. That’s expected these days just for breathing.
I really don't understand how anyone would not like this episode. Real information, and a guitar intro with so much character and emotion.
....some folks just can't handle the truth............
Blessed are those who have the talent, the desire and the wherewithal to make a living with music. Pity there are not more with the gift. Glad there are some like you. Rock on, Chris.
Beautiful intro music.
I totally agree. These 'lessons' in my opinion are universally suited for whatever you choose to do in life. You'll be a much happier person when you realize your own ability to adapt to the ever-changing environment around you. At the same time you have to accept the fact that most of us aren't in a position to change the world around us, but you can live your own life w/ your own moral compass to guide you. Aspire to make the world a better place; to be part of the solution. And on a final and personal note, that sweet soul-touching guitar work definitely adds to the quality of my life ;-)
I think this is not just a masterclass for musicians but for anyone trying to do anything in life - I could run this video in a business school and it would highlight skills everyone needs to learn as the world is changing. I am not an aspiring musician rather a hobby guitar player at best, but I found this video extremely inspiring. I have struggled in 2020 like many other people have with my career in accounting and while your music, as ever, has been inspiring for me (and my 7 year old daughter - she is a big fan slow train fan!) through this past year, your words today resonate with me even more. You are a true modern day rockstar (our rockstar heroes, unlike you were up to a lot of dumb shit). Thank you! and bless you for the amazingly thoughtful content you put up each week which I anxiously look forward to every friday!
Great intro jam Mr Buck!!!
I have to admit that just the fact that you, unlike most others, do not butcher your speeches in your movies (the ones I saw, anyway) shines credibility and competence.
I wish you lots of joy and love with your guitars and music in general.
You make your own luck. Absolutely. I was told by a wise man 'luck is the residue of design'.
Thanks for the open and honest talk.
Valuable advice far beyond the music industry. Thank you.
Even if the world DOES owe you a living, you still have to work hard to collect it!
You are wise beyond your years, glasshopper...
Such a generous spirit. Nice one, Chris!
This was probably the most honest and well though video I've see in youtube for a long time
I think you could survive on research awards on your picking style alone, amazing playing and melody skills aside. Every upload is a study of your right hand. I am always blown away and mystified by your right hand technique. Even on acoustic, I have primarily been a pick user, and it's almost an afterthought for you. I don't know why you aren't an international megastar. Insane respect and admiration.
Chris, that was one of the most incredibly melodic and dynamic solo's I've ever heard...love your musical sensibilities...and great advice!
Chris, this is excellent advice for any career. Thank you!!!
What a great and informative vid Chris. Articulate, supportive but also good down home advice for aspiring musicians.
If I had had this advice over 50 years ago perhaps I would now be ...... probably still where I am as a player...ha ha ha.
I am really glad that you have managed to survive last year and will be able to also in 2021...
God, but the absence of live gigs is a really hard thing to experience...it must be purgatory for you mate.
How I see it, the thing to note is that yes, Chris is an outstanding guitarist. But he's also a clear thinker who could, if he wanted to, probably have gone into science, consulting, finance, or whatever else you can think of (in the post-industrial UK ;-)). That he chose the comparably insecure path of music and the attached ultimate freedom of expression is our luck. But it also shows that he deliberately, consciously chose this path among all other options he had, which were plenty. I see many people having a similar urge as Chris seems to have to go for the artist-route, but they don't have the game plan and they (sometimes it seems to me) chose to take the risk less out of good reasons but to be special after all. It can of course work out with these individuals as well, but in today's time, I feel the risk of going all-musician becomes more and more of a priviledge again just like it has been up until the 19th century.
Chris. I listened to your intro and was absolutely gobsmacked. Said to my wife you have got to listen to this. She did. after a short while I turned to look at her and she was crying her eyes out and I mean floods of tears. Memories of loved ones, some still with us but many who we like to think are in heaven were going through her mind. I have listened to a lot of music in my not so short life but nothing has hit me that hard before. Thank you.
Informative, realistic voluminous, and worth 100's no, 1000's of clicks of my approval; be proud that you have done well, and by your impressive verbal resume, you undoubtedly have a great satisfying life ahead.
You’re a very honest and decent individual. Something I’ve always pressed upon anyone who’s asked me: “Do what you’re good at.” As bad as it sounds, that doesn’t always translate into what you love doing. I’ve known many people that loved the guitar or art or music, but it wasn’t what they were good at and ultimately failed in life. Your gifts aren’t always what you like or are passionate about.
I have to say this is Literally the most useful and clearly defined video/information I've seen in the last 6 months I've been regularly watching RUclips other than gear,songs, Ideas,and custom cars. No BS, No political (see BS), senselessness stupidity,etc. Just kind respectfully thought out information that does actual good for the world.I love it thanks Chris, keep it up
Probably the best video any aspiring musician could watch ... common sense and great advice right there.
Well done Chris👏👏👏
Why is no one taking about the jam at the end of the video?? Holy fuck it’s amazing
Mature beyond your years. Not only a great guitarist but humble as well. Love your work.
Thank you for this Chris.
5 brilliant bits of advice Chris. Thank you for this and every video 🙂
"You make your own luck." No truer words have been spoken Chris. I find the harder I try, the luckier I am.
Love how honest this video was. As hard as it is for most aspiring musicians to hear, it needs to be said and all of them were valid points. In the same breath, dreams don't work unless you do.🤘🖤
Very kind to share that with everyone Chris
Nice video. Really great info man. Interview with JH is dead on as well. 🙏🏻✨
Chris' take on finance is good for everyone, not just musicians. I used to be shocked by how many people hide from the topic of money like it's a dirty word. Two things we all need to learn to do to make a go of life - manage the money we earn and cook.
You're the only musician other than the legendary Tim Pearce that plays with a balance of discipline and reach resulting in goospimples all over my body. You guys should collaborate.
agreed, have you checked out Tom Bukovac though? He’s my number one, with Buck close second
The Friday Fretworks and the videos you are where you play so masterfully, but alone, are much more enjoyable to me than any of the videos I've seen you in playing on stage with a band. I hope that isn't offensive. Just love your sound and ability!
Yup...fingers in all pies. Good on you and thanks for giving this advice to younger players who may not have anywhere to find this advice
OK...I’ve never listened to an intro song on a you tube post more than four or five times .....well guess what ...17 ..and...counting on this one ! Keep on keeping on young man. 👍😎🎸
I listen to it every day. Multiple Times 😁 I feel you. It's so damn good. And Chris ist such an incredible musician.
JK ..If you love this one check out ..Sun Godess..on Dave Simpsons you tube channel ...These two amazing musicians need to get together..I believe they only live down the road and around the corner from each other ...err...kinda..👍😎🎸
Cogent and incisive. Really impressive, Chris, ty!
I just have one thing to say - you are just a beast on the guitar!!!! I have never heard anyone with such flow and feel like you do. Absolutely amazing to listen and watch you play.
I love your attitude Chris. You don't run down others and you have a passion for what you do! You have a great channel that I wait for each week. Keep up the great work
Love this, especially tip 5.
HOW did that intro move me so much??! It’s “just” an intro before a talk!! (Anyway, go on with the chat - I’ll be over here sobbing)
I thought the answer to this was the old joke....
I won the lottery when asked what I'd do with the money I said "Keep working as a musician until it runs out"..
Very tongue in cheek in the modern world of musicians providing the soundtrack to so many lives and frankly getting sod all recompense for it
Damn, so much talent and so much work, sound like a business man, and then you see the top of the charts, yike. Thanks for the great work you do and these videos. Legend
With Chris´ axe skills, you just have to play a single note and folks from all over the world will constantly keep asking you when your next album is released...
I´d love an album!
Thanks Chris. A total gent and an amazing player. I’m not a pro but played for over 20 years for fun, has kept me sane of late and each Friday I look forward to a little dose of inspiration.
This video has made me admire you even more. Great content and advice, Chris.
My compliments. You play so emotionally. Masterful!
Oh my god! That intro is absolutely sublime Chris Buck!!
Slightly off topic: Your playing and tone always sends shivers on my spine, grabs my heart and reminds me why I started playing guitar myself. Thanks man
Thanks Chris, great video. And also, we need to remember that even if we do all the things you mention, we still not might not ever reach the stage of making a living out of music unfortunately because there is so much luck/circumstance involved. Which is why your point 5 is so important; if you actually love making music it will help with reconciling that you may not ever make a living out of it, but you will still love doing it because it is what you are driven to do.
As someone who is not and will never be a professional musician, this is great LIFE advice!