25 years of “intermediate” playing…just started in on music theory, chord/triad construction, and fretboard memorization. After 9 months of working at it, I’m blown away at my growth!! Kicking myself for not figuring this out earlier! Unfortunately, RUclips wasn’t around in the 90’s, and getting good info was a matter of being around the right musicians/teachers. However, I could have memorized my fretboard and never did until last year (and still working on it). Great video with extremely good tips! I believe I’ve hammered down on all of these tips the past 9 months without realizing that it was these 6 simple things that were contributing to my improvement the most.
Same man, I was just going through my CAGED pentas and I finally decided I needed to get serious after 20 years of goofing off. You can never skip the fundamentals. I didn't pay attention but I am now.
The same. Been playing the guitar since 17...shoot, I collect them and yet Im a intermediate guitar player who cant even finish a song...Whats wrong with me!
Same here! I was a 90's kids and "played" but never took the time to care about theory, scales or fretboard memorization. After about 1 year now of going all in with it I have made so much progress!
@Guitar Bobby hell yeah! I'm working my way though the bulletproof course. 75 bucks for both books and I'm already satisfied learning the Triads the proper way.
@@sm1tty031yea but think about it this way. There are so many people in the world that wish they could even pick the instrument up that are jealous that you can play even a little!
What I don’t see enough of is emphasis on rhythm when it comes to phrasing and soloing. Targeting strong beats and thinking rhythmically when improvising.
Wonderful video! I'll just add a point: People love to talk about how their favorite guitarists or musician didn't need theory. It's not true. Some untrained musicians were so obsessive that they just built their own language for music. "Music theory", as we commonly refer to it, is usually just the most common terminology. As an example, there's a great video of Allan Holdsworth explaining how he sees and notates scales on the guitar. He heard things differently and just started creating his own way of writing it all down. Hendrix, SRV, the Beatles, etc. are similar. TLDR: there's no escaping music theory, you might just notate it differently
There is absolutely NO excuse for NOT learning ALL the notes on the guitar. It really is simple. Ross's circle of 4ths in his "Bullet Proof Guitar" course works great (and it's a great warmup activity), but there are so many other ways to learn. I didn't commit to doing so until I was in my sixties and it only took me a few days to memorize locations, and then a month or so to get them under my fingers without much thought. It will supercharge your creativity by giving you more freedom over and command of the fretboard. Even if you're a mere hobbyist, do yourself a favor and commit to learning all the notes on the fretboard. I guarantee you'll kick yourself when you discover how damn easy it is and wonder why the hell it took you so long to do it. I know I did.
I’m going to check it out. I know shapes, I have a decent ear, I have like 3 decades of relentless listening to all the guitar heroes, but man, I can’t figure out how to play this thing beyond “Crossroads” and “Heartbreaker” and believe me, my takes on those are pretty sketchy.
Ross, I'm so glad you popped up in my feed! I've been wanting to find someone to help me break through for decades, and at 50yo I had honestly come to the conclusion that my learning days were over. I've been stuck on the intermediate plateau for decades, but you, sir, have inspired me to stretch again, and I can't thank you enough.
Started the journey maybe five years ago and couldn't recommend more! Understanding the 1,3,5 notes in chords and how they are in chord shapes was where it started to open for me. I was counting up and down the scale and verifying that open G chord actually has just three notes in it. Triads and CAGED was really usefull as well!
Like Robert elsewhere here. I'm 60 and frankly been stuck for probably 30 years or more. You and a few others on RUclips have helped me push a little further on.
Ross, I've watched you for a while now. Straight talk to an intermediate is just what I needed. I went so long in chasing equipment instead of learning what I needed too. Thanks for the encouragement. I took advantage of the free lesson. We'll see what happens. Thanks Nathan
This is one of the best videos out there right now. No crazy promises or gimmicks. Learning the notes on all 6 strings was single-handedly the best thing I ever did for my playing. Years ago I decided to finally learn them after avoiding it for a long time. Over the course of a couple months I nailed it down. My personal belief is that before you even try to master the major scale you need to learn all of the notes on the fretboard. Otherwise you will always think in terms of shapes and what fret number that shape starts on. You cannot become an advanced player without knowing the fretboard like the back of your hand. I don't care what anyone says, it's impossible. You may become really good at a technique, but if you can't walk into a jam session and communicate efficiently with the other musicians, and hang with them while playing, you are not advanced. Most players I've encountered that consider themselves advanced cannot even run the major scale up the neck using only the G, B and E strings without thinking about what pattern they are in based off of the low E, or change keys without having to change where they are currently playing on the fretboard. If you are in the 5 - 8 fret range, you should be able to change keys fluidly, without having to leave that area of the fretboard. If you have to pause to think about what note you're currently playing you don't know the fretboard, and you are not an advanced musician.
@@RossCampbellGuitarist I wish you a very successful 2023! Your content is they type of information that beginner and intermediate musicians need to see. It's like that one diamond floating in a sea of BS.
Hey Ross, I've watched and studied many of your lesson and I totally agree with you if mastering the guitar is your aim than you need to put in the time. "Wood shed"Nothing annoys me more than those "learn in 3 easy lesson" misleading ads.theory opens a world of knowledge, I am an advance intermediate player stuck in a bit of a rut I will figure it out eventually. I appreciate you Jack Ruch and Achim Kohl. All three excellent guitar players, all to learn from. Thank you.
Thanks Ross for putting together such thoughtful videos, the way you outline and share your knowledge in bullet points that cut right to the content. Very helpful to understand how you’ve used music theory and what options we have to grow musically. Looking forward to diving into what you shared in this lesson, thanks for the resources
What helped me the most was an EBow, an electronic device that vibrates the string without striking it. I started playing scales and melodies on one string. This enabled me to visualise scales and intervals in a clearer and more intuitive way than playing across the neck. Then a deep dive into modes, chord theory, chord tones, melodies, harmony etc. it certainly boosted my musicianship and creativity. Getting a looper and playing over chord changes using informed note choices rather than hopeful ones, is a next level skill.
Thanks man, so many need this including myself, it is very difficult to find material to really start grasping and understanding things past that intermediate level so again Thanks.
Excellent advice. I've played and taught for 50+ years and have lost count of the number of guitar players who, even when you explain the benefits of knowing some basic theory and where notes are on the fretboard, are simply not interested. I can only conclude that they're motivated not by the desire to play music, but by what they perceive as the 'glamour' associated with becoming a famous guitar player. In my experience, such players inevitably end up stuck in a very narrow rut and either stay there or give up playing.
Just got the link to the lessons. Can't wait to get started. I have been playing for nearly 26 years and have generally been stuck at decent intermediate level for most of that time. Have started trying to learn some of the theory (Circle of Fifths) and I wholeheartedly agree that disdaining theory is for the foolish or those lucky enough to be immensely talented naturally. I play in a band at the school I teach in and my co-guitarist is considerably better. One reason, he knows the theory and it shows! Great video, and thanks for the free lesson.
Superb. The problem of theory seems to arise in all the arts. Part of the problem is encountering theory before you’ve formed a sense of the difficulties it helps remove. This video, coming from someone who plays with delicacy and passion, has exactly the right kind of authority. Many thanks.
Absolutely to the point...everytime we try to "skip" and 'cheat" on learning basic rules of music theory it always comes back to us...even though i made it becoming a full time gigging guitarist music theory "gaps" struck me really hard when the need of it arose...
Im now 3 years from starting journey with guitar and It really make me less stressed when I see that profesionall guitarist take much more time to understand something. I was starting to think that maybe if I don't understantad something like notes memorization or circle of fifths them guitar isn't for me but because of people like you Im doing my best in learning guitar theory and It really show me what can I do. Thank you
No one starts out knowing everything! It's a steep climb for everyone and the ones who will have the most success are simply those who choose to persevere through the many challenges of becoming a skilled guitarist and musician overall.
Thank you for your true words, your video is important and - btw - Jimi knew theory, but many people dont like to hear it. He knew what he was playing and before becoming famous he was a background guitarist for other stars
Very solid advice Ross. Good video. I do have a question though: why do you have music in the background when you’re talking? It was distracting after I realized it was there and then it was hard for me to concentrate on your message.
I find that when I myself am watching a RUclips video of someone else that's talking, a little bit of background music helps to keep me engaged. It's not the case for everyone clearly but each to their own
I agree with the modes' part. Dorian and mixolydian are essential specially in modal blues playing (obviously it's nice to know the lydian, and locrian position to not hit wrong notes plus the Phrygian specially Phrygian natural 3° is useful with it's dark exotic sound), but generally for a solo you should stay in one or two positions, and combine with arpeggios and blues scale, and it's gonna sound way better than trying to include all of the modes across the fretboard.
Probably the most factual and honest assessment of the utility of the modes of the major scale that I have heard in 40 years of playing guitar. Outstanding! Automatically propels your content to the top of the RUclips heap. 👏👏
Love this guy! I’m the definition of an intermediate guitarist that’s stuck. Cowboy chords, power chords, a little CAGED method, pentatonic scales, pretty good blues rock feel that sounds cool sometimes, and PRAY 🙏😅! I’m going to follow up with this dude’s videos
You sound like you're exactly where I am, everything you said is how I feel. I'm ready to break out into the next level. Ive been to jam nights and watch some older guys just play these simple but tasteful licks and I want to be there.
@@davebarajas5308 I play pentatonic blues stuff that sometimes sounds cool but then I hear guys play on these RUclips teaching videos and I realize that I’m missing something. I don’t sound smooth. I’m kind of fast but clunky. I don’t know if my picking is uneven or if my timing is poor or both. I need a teacher.
Great advice, especially about learning the whole fretboard…I’ve been an intermediate player for DECADES…it was easier to become a gear head than to learn the basics…now will dive into your triads course - it was your triads video from a couple years back that really changed my thinking and finally, slowly, I’ve been exploring again. Thanks!
I agree with all points, with only your second point I‘d argue that it‘s more important to learn the blues scale and harmonic minor over both dorian and mixolydian, only because they are both non-derivatives (directly) from the major scale, and sort of pushes you to hear characteristic pitches of a scale.
I think scales really depend on the genre. If you want to play prog rock you should also learn lydian and if you want to play metal then phrygian becomes much more important 😅 for jazz maybe also gypsy minor 🤣
@@iwoszymczak5966 I agree with you on that, but this is what in my experience (with myself and students) stop people from making breakthroughs. There are the 33ish different scales, plus more from differing cultures (Gypsy Major and Neapolitan Major as examples), and it can get overwhelming quickly, and intermediate players end up not recognizing the particular sound of a scale.
After each of these I said some version of “yes” or “hell yes” or “absolutely.” I’m just really discovering the things in this video after about 40 years of playing so hopefully it will save a lot of players many years of futility. And I’m definitely subscribing!
When you stated that music theory is a language and not a set of rules, I subscribed. I've been playing & writing music for 50 years now. (fuck I'm old...) You nailed it right there.
Год назад+1
#2 is so true! The major scale, for instance, is so much more important than trying to figure out the modes inside it. Most of the time you will be playing the scale itself in its diatonic context anyway and not using modes over non-diatonic chords to add the flavor of a certain mod. Again, most of the time, that is. (Edit: After writing this I realized what I wrote is basically point #3)
I never, ever comment on videos or really anything online, but you sir are extraordinarily talented and honest about teaching guitar and I have learned more from two 11 minute videos you have made than like 5 years of lessons growing up. I’m going to buy your main course - here’s a suggestion and not sure if your course does this but what I struggle with as a 10 year intermediate guitarist, sigh, is trying to find intentional practice routines to nail everything down and ultimately end up being able to improvise over chord changes. Question - how long does this take to not seem totally robotic. I’m a huge deadhead and Jerry Garcia did this (Mayer does this now) almost effortlessly like watching Federer play tennis. How long before you can not just consistently think about what to do next? I’m assuming that is years and years but wanted to know best way to get there, whatever it takes you know. For those of us that this is a hobby but we take more seriously or just greatly improve and have maybe 30 min to an hour a day that would be unbelievably helpful as a kind of program. Anyway, cheers mate, fantastic content
Thanks a lot! The question you've asked is not worth asking, honestly. It's years of practice no doubt and you'll feel the improvements over time but it's not like you suddenly arrive and think 'great, I did it!'. It's a never ending journey with no end destination, which, if you ask me is what makes playing guitar so great.
Been playing seriously for about 10 years, off and on for the last 16 ish. I've only felt like i started stepping out of the intermediate plateau in the last 2 months after pushing myself trying to learn some of polyphias songs. I've learned a lot of new techniques and gotten faster/more acurate as well
4:38 the "boring theory part" is usually just not understanding the way something is being taught. I've struggled with theory for years, recently found a few random, ridiculous videos that mention bits of theory in jokes, and because of how it was said, suddenly I understood what I hadn't been able to previously.
#6 earned you a thumbs up 👍 Don't be afraid of the work they call it playing for a reason. Even the hard stuff can be fun once you get bitten by the guitar bug.
Ross, great video! Many instructors recommend learning the notes on all six strings up the 12th fret only, beyond that it's only repeating itself. However, I found it extremely important to learn the notes all over the fretboard without the 12th fret split. Otherwise you'll find yourself doing the maths with reference to the 12th fret when playing in higher registers. That really slows you down.
The side-angle shot doesn't work unless you're sitting across from an interviewer. Otherwise, it's distracting, and disconnects you from your audience. Just use a jump cut. This is about info. Jump cuts are fine. Also, ditch the background music. We're musicians. Hearing background music while someone is talking is like hearing two people talking at the same time.
Thank you Ross. You popped up on my feed and I’m so grateful . I’m into my guitar journey for three years and as an educator myself,intuitively know that without basic knowledge of guitar and Music theory one can never reach the next level. Your presentation was ex excellent highlighting areas that need to be mastered. I am well beyond the beginner stage but I’m stuck getting into a comfortable intermediary stage. Like you said when I looked down at the front board I see patterns emerging, but I’m definitely lost. it’s like going on a road trip and most of the roads on your journey I’ve been washed out. Very hard to get to your destination. Thanks again.
Hi Ross. I signed up for Bulletproof about a year ago and tried to get my head around the content. I was more a frustrated beginner and although I understood some of the content, I clearly wasn't ready. Well twelve months later, I'm up for trying again. I love your approach to teaching, especially your honesty. The first video I saw of yours was Lenny. Awesome!
I've got 17 years of full time live experience and you my friend have reignited my passion to learn again and retell stories I've told for years in a new fresh way.
The Facebook comment is spot on. I already know music theory and was trying to find people to back up what I was saying and you're absolutely right, insults and bottomless pits of garbage.
I think your points are spot on. It also takes bravery to say that some things take years to achieve. In today's world of instant gratification, far too many want the instant pushbutton method. "Play like Joe Satriani in a Week with NO Practice"!!!!😄 Keep keepin' it real Ross.
Every guitarist that you know by name absolutely knows theory. They may have crafted their own theory, but they definitely have a musical system that they rely on. So if you're a genius you can go down the route of reinventing the wheel like Jimi, or you can stand on Jimi's shoulders, and build on what he already taught us by learning theory.
The biggest obstacle or me is not just an application of the different modes. But the definition. My understanding could be totally off, and it probably is. Different modes of the major scale is the pattern starting with different fingers. for example starting the major scale with your index finger or starting the major scale with different fingers adjusting the intervals.
I'm an average guitar player and this was really accurate and helpful. I play for almost 17 years and I was thinking I wasn't talented or something and would never be better. So with the experience I had, my finger picking was so better than mostly of people with 5 years or less of guitar and my learning was much faster, because I already had a ear more accustomed to strings. So, to people with 10+ years of instruments thinking they will never be better you can actually do better because of experience.
All accurate advise- I think knowing your fretboard and even more important- knowing the intervals ANYWHERE on the fretboard between any two notes was what really opened up the neck for me. After all- the scales and chords that make up music are simply intervals.
the other thing you have to do - even before 'learning' stuff - is to 'get fit', do the 'footy training hard stuff', like sprints, the boring unmusical strength-builders
Which modes are important depends on what kind of music you want to play. In jazz maybe what you are saying is true, but if you're a metal player than phrygian is going to be your go to mode along with aeolian.
I've just come to consider myself an intermediate hobbyist. But I've played other instruments - trumpet, banjo, and guitar - for many years. I also learned basic music theory in college, without being able to play or hear it. I composed by rules. My leap, along with some ear training, is a little strange. It's both the "think method" and modes. I learned to play triads and the C Major scale on four strings across the fretboard. And I know the main intervals - minor and Major 2nds and 3rds. Each mode having 2 minor (half-steps, which give the mode it's color) and 5 Major (whole steps) 2nds. I've been playing that scale, starting on each note. That is in every mode. I call it the think method because I play it with and without a guitar. What it's done for me is to acquaint myself with the sound of the modes and make sense of the Pentatonic scales and the intervals, especially the jump from G to B string. While I still don't know every note name instantly, I've made a lot of progress by moving from triads, to the major scale, to intervals, to the circle of 4ths using 1 - 3 - 5 - dom 7th arpeggios, to modes. Essentially I'm self-taught via RUclips (learning from many teachers) and books. I agree with you about the importance of theory. But I also agree with John Mayer. You can learn a lick or a song, then do reverse engineering. In my case, I'm using the Grateful Dead's Sugaree in B Mixolydian. (Although there's a lot of disagreement... why not E Major?) I can play it, more or less improvise over it, yet I want to understand how and why it works. If I succeed, I feel like I will have made great progress climbing my own personal ladder. Thanks for the video.
I know a guitarist who tunes down to C does not know the note names, yet understands intervals guide tones Dominant subdominant, even writes songs with Melodic Minor and harmonic minor phrygian, because he played jazz horn as a child. what happens here is why you would actually want artist development ,(lessons or college) the point of the education is to point out what you were good at, then learn more about it, so you can do more of it. We are all actually working out holes we have found in our talent which tend to be more about HARMONY Theory is really ALL the possibilities, Harmony is the application of ideas in music. for example the Beatles may have known Parallel keys which is an obvious Theory tool they used , where as George Martin had a degree in Classical Composition and made suggestions to Lennon and McCartney about key changes and modulations they may not have thought of . in a major key you can use the Parallel key to borrow from the minor scale of the same pitch. then beyond that is median chromatic where you have 2 additional keys by building off of the relative major of the parallel minor key you were first using .
Thanks for that Ross! I would also add a #7 there: "Tune your guitar and make sure it is in tune when playing". I'm by no means an advanced player yet, but I see people that can play much better than me (technique wise) but sound really bad because they don't take the time to tune the instrument well enough and by consequence don't tune bends too and when playing with more instruments being in tune makes all the difference!
@@stephenhanlin2388 The advice of "tune your guitar and make sure it is in tune when playing" is for a beginner.. like day #1 beginner. If you didn't learn this as a beginner then your teacher did you a disservice and certainly stunted your growth. And if you are just discovering, years into it, that it's important to play in tune then you are not an intermediate player; you're still a beginner. But to answer your silly question, I don't know why the youtubers you are watching were playing out of tune. Maybe you should ask them why? Seems a bit daft to ask a random person who was making an unrelated statement why the people in the videos you watch are doing anything really, yeah? That aside, just think about it. If you want to learn how to play the guitar, which is better: to learn to play in tune from the beginning or to wait a few years _then_ learn that the reason you sound like ass is because you never learned how to tune your guitar in the first place? Not a trick question.
@@andresvargas7650 Son, if I were any more chill I'd be asleep... which is also what I'd have to be to go along with the idea that learning to keep your guitar in tune is an intermediate level skill. Thanks for the advice though. 👍
I play guitar for like 20 years now. Had a 5 year break at some point. I can solo in modes etc, jazz is where Im lost and my notes picking is mostly nothing special. Ross, you are very good player and teacher.
Learn the chord tones and how they relate to the major scale and you will learn all the modes by default. Locrian is actually pretty darn cool for hitting altered tones on a dom7….just play from the maj scale 1/2 step up then drop back down
I have been teaching for many years. This is all sound advice . Especially the stuff about theory and modes. I would go knew stage further and say that learning to read music , though not essential at all , can open more doors than you think.
HI Ross,,, Got it,,,(the language) ,,I ve been playing for years and giging, people always ask me to teach them guitar, so I started LEARNING what you are teaching . I could always play impressively it's like something is there , Getting to the next level ,,,thank you Ross your teaching methods are right on target. - RJ.
Thank You so much Ross, man you were right #5 Memorizing the Notes on the fretboard using the Circle of Forths was a huge “Ah ha!” Lightbulb moment! Just fantastic, Thank You Thank You!!
It is the same with math, many teachers that already know everything will tell you what to do but never WHY you do the things you do. Math was a real struggle for me until I myself found out about bodmas which I never had heard of before I did my own research, odd since it tells you pretty much everything basic you need to know to get started.
Bro all you did is motivated me i was tired of learning theory modes and all now i understand i will become better of me for sure but it will take time patience is the key thanks
Damn right. There is no shortcut. Im subbed to your BPGP1&2. Its brought me around 100%. I know the notes now! As a beginner theres no where to go but up. Everything you learn makes you better. But as intermediate its much easier to get lost and sidetracked and just stop playing due to frustration. A course designed for intermediates is genius!
Addition - Be brave and perform in front of audience if given a chance and then accept the result and work on it and then perform again if given a chance - this will give you confidence playing anywhere in the fboard and also enhances more your timing and precision
Music is quite the lifelong investment if you choose to make it one. Learning and getting down a song or technique after so long, it's such a satisfying and amazing feeling.
I know a trick to learn fast the major scale on the whole guitar. I work with a pattern of 7 lines: shortcuts: o = a note like c or d HS = Halfstep WS = Wholestep L1: o - HS - o - WS - o for example E-String 7th Thread b - HS - c - WS - d or easier to read b-c-d L2: o - HS - o - WS - o A-String 7th Thread e-f-g L3: o - WS - o - HS - o D-String 7th Thread a-b-c L4: o - WS - o - HS - o G-String 7th Thread d-e-f L5: o - WS - o - WS - o B-String 8th Thread g-a-b 8th-Thread????? yes, because the B-String is in Standard E-Tuning not the same Interval like the other strings L6: o - WS - o - WS - o e-String 8th Thread c-d-e L7: o - WS - o - WS - o your guitar has no further String so what you can see, if you have reached the B-String you have to shift the pattern by 1 Halfstep higher and you stay their on the e-String. If you are on L7 and you will continue playing downwards then the next String is L1 but you have to shift a Halfstep higher. I demonstrate it on the E-String on the 3rd Thread: L5: o - WS - o - WS - o E-String 3rd Thread g-a-b L6: o - WS - o - WS - o A-String 3rd Thread c-d-e L7: o - WS - o - WS - o D-String 3rd Thread f-g-a L1: o - HS - o - WS - o G-String 4th Thread b-c-d 1 HS higher because it starts with L1 L2: o - HS - o - WS - o B-String 5th Thread e-f-g 1 HS higher because it is the B-String L3: o - WS - o - HS - o e-String 5th Thread a-b-c This pattern is absolute easy to remember, try it out for yourself, but how can you master the whole guitar. All you have to learn is, where are you in the pattern, when you change the position on the String lower or higher. example: L1: 7th Thread E-String A-B-C (L3) C-D-E (L6) So what you can see is: if you change your position to the lower note than you have to add 2 in the patter like L1 ---> L3 (or L4 --> L6) to the higher note than you have to sub 2 in the patter like L1 ---> L6 (or L4 --> L2) If you learn it for all Lines L1 to L7 than you can master the whole guitar for all major and minor scales. If you have problems to remember the neighbours than start with the neighbours of L1 and L3. If your firm with them extend with L5 and L7 and if you firm with this 4 Lines then learn the other 3 Lines.
This is the best. Thank you so much. Is there a follow-up lesson to learn more about triads on snares 2-3-4 and how to practical use triads in your playing?
I learned a little music theory at college. Definitely useful understanding how chords are constructed etc. However, I taught myself by ear. I remember one time (at band camp) that we were doing sight reading exercises, just short melodies. However, the day before when in a practice room with my band, we were hanging out and could hear students next door doing this sight reading exercise. The following day it was my groups turn. I’m sure that if I’d applied myself properly I could’ve carried out this exercise properly. The truth is, I nailed it first time. Why? Because I’d memorised the melody by ear the day before 😂
I’ve been playing 19 years and I’m an intermediate, I know my notes know intervals and some scales, if I could start again it would definitely be learn the theory early . I’m ok on modes and triads I’m getting there now but the few years I spent in a rut because I refused to learn more theory . It’s great to learn songs but if you don’t learn a little of the scales and theory as you go and that will hold you in good stead going forward
The advice I needed 30 years ago haha The amount of will power needed to do these things when unfortunately music became just a hobby - man lol but I know it's worth it. Thanks Mr. C !
Ross, I hit an intermediate roadblock that lasted way too long......but thanks to my realizing that and you tube having plenty of videos on all those topics , in the last 5 years, I learned all the notes, and dove into the major scale, and now the modes arent even mystifying lol....I agree with everything in this video, I now want to teach this to everyone.
I think the reason most people get stuck is because, these days with so many lessons online, you can probably play most of the stuff you want to play at a decent level without progressing. You might not play an improvised Steve Vai solo but you can probably play most classic rock solos if you persist. And I suppose, for many of us, that’s all we ever wanted (with occasional pangs of wishing we had learned more theory).
This the most important and relevant videos out there for me, thanks Ross! I'm absolutely in the group of players your talking about so please know how helpful and inspiring this particular video is.😊🙏
The video is "old" (for youtube standards) but i'd like to add : what I understood by finally taking guitar lessons with a teacher after 15 years of self taught play, is that scalewise, a really incredible thing to learn is how to color the pentatonic scale with "modes" like notes It's an amazing way to enlarge your playstyle by going all in in the most known scale. Also it forces you to learn the intervals of th scale which is a good thing too :D Sorry if i'm not explaining myself well, i'm not a native english speaker :3
Thanks Ross. I have found that there's no improvement unless I'm working on the guitar. Playing it and looking for different sounds. Thanks for telling it like it is. And I love theory because it helps me learn what others are playing so much faster.
Learn the damn notes on the fretboard. I don’t understand any player who only knows the fret number and they’ve been playing for more than 5 years. How do you learn anything besides the standard shape Because inversions are going to happen. So what do you do then? Get the tab? This is the best time to learn with all the knowledge available. Ross thank-you for pointing out these things.
Oh and Stevie Ray Vaughan said it took him years to learn a shuffle properly. If anyone tells you there are shortcuts to guitar Please run from them because they’re a liar
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
25 years of “intermediate” playing…just started in on music theory, chord/triad construction, and fretboard memorization. After 9 months of working at it, I’m blown away at my growth!! Kicking myself for not figuring this out earlier! Unfortunately, RUclips wasn’t around in the 90’s, and getting good info was a matter of being around the right musicians/teachers. However, I could have memorized my fretboard and never did until last year (and still working on it). Great video with extremely good tips! I believe I’ve hammered down on all of these tips the past 9 months without realizing that it was these 6 simple things that were contributing to my improvement the most.
Same man, I was just going through my CAGED pentas and I finally decided I needed to get serious after 20 years of goofing off. You can never skip the fundamentals. I didn't pay attention but I am now.
The same. Been playing the guitar since 17...shoot, I collect them and yet Im a intermediate guitar player who cant even finish a song...Whats wrong with me!
Same here! I was a 90's kids and "played" but never took the time to care about theory, scales or fretboard memorization. After about 1 year now of going all in with it I have made so much progress!
@Guitar Bobby hell yeah! I'm working my way though the bulletproof course. 75 bucks for both books and I'm already satisfied learning the Triads the proper way.
@@sm1tty031yea but think about it this way. There are so many people in the world that wish they could even pick the instrument up that are jealous that you can play even a little!
As a full-time theory/guitar teacher, this video is damm near perfect. I really enjoy your channel. Cheers
Thank you Scott
Any suggestions on a great course for an intermediate player to start understanding theory?
@@calebchristopher9283 on RUclips the best intermediate teachers are Active Melody, Marco Cirillo, and Chris Sherland
@@calebchristopher9283 Bulletproof Guitar Course on his website is helping me out tons!
I was heading here to the comments section to say this ...perfect!
What I don’t see enough of is emphasis on rhythm when it comes to phrasing and soloing. Targeting strong beats and thinking rhythmically when improvising.
I'm on the same boat
Learn the Melody too
Wonderful video! I'll just add a point:
People love to talk about how their favorite guitarists or musician didn't need theory. It's not true. Some untrained musicians were so obsessive that they just built their own language for music. "Music theory", as we commonly refer to it, is usually just the most common terminology.
As an example, there's a great video of Allan Holdsworth explaining how he sees and notates scales on the guitar. He heard things differently and just started creating his own way of writing it all down. Hendrix, SRV, the Beatles, etc. are similar.
TLDR: there's no escaping music theory, you might just notate it differently
There is absolutely NO excuse for NOT learning ALL the notes on the guitar. It really is simple. Ross's circle of 4ths in his "Bullet Proof Guitar" course works great (and it's a great warmup activity), but there are so many other ways to learn. I didn't commit to doing so until I was in my sixties and it only took me a few days to memorize locations, and then a month or so to get them under my fingers without much thought. It will supercharge your creativity by giving you more freedom over and command of the fretboard. Even if you're a mere hobbyist, do yourself a favor and commit to learning all the notes on the fretboard. I guarantee you'll kick yourself when you discover how damn easy it is and wonder why the hell it took you so long to do it. I know I did.
Well said Bill!
There is no circle of fourths
@@standbyme6395 circle of fifths counter clockwise
I’m going to check it out. I know shapes, I have a decent ear, I have like 3 decades of relentless listening to all the guitar heroes, but man, I can’t figure out how to play this thing beyond “Crossroads” and “Heartbreaker” and believe me, my takes on those are pretty sketchy.
@@edjankovsky4810 circle of sevenths
This is absolute gold. And in this era of information access, there's no excuse for not pursuing theory at the minimums described. Well done, Ross.
Thanks Chad!
Ross, I'm so glad you popped up in my feed! I've been wanting to find someone to help me break through for decades, and at 50yo I had honestly come to the conclusion that my learning days were over. I've been stuck on the intermediate plateau for decades, but you, sir, have inspired me to stretch again, and I can't thank you enough.
I am right there with you Robert. Keep up the good work! (see my reply in Comments)
Started the journey maybe five years ago and couldn't recommend more! Understanding the 1,3,5 notes in chords and how they are in chord shapes was where it started to open for me. I was counting up and down the scale and verifying that open G chord actually has just three notes in it. Triads and CAGED was really usefull as well!
Me to very nice, you have a new SUB.
That’s me too
Thanks Ross. I appreciate the truth in this video.
Like Robert elsewhere here. I'm 60 and frankly been stuck for probably 30 years or more. You and a few others on RUclips have helped me push a little further on.
DITTO....I"m 61.
I am 67 this year. Still learning
Been at exactly what you speak for 40 years or so and just want to say your advice is spot on point young man... well done.
Ross,
I've watched you for a while now. Straight talk to an intermediate is just what I needed. I went so long in chasing equipment instead of learning what I needed too. Thanks for the encouragement. I took advantage of the free lesson. We'll see what happens.
Thanks Nathan
This is one of the best videos out there right now. No crazy promises or gimmicks. Learning the notes on all 6 strings was single-handedly the best thing I ever did for my playing. Years ago I decided to finally learn them after avoiding it for a long time. Over the course of a couple months I nailed it down. My personal belief is that before you even try to master the major scale you need to learn all of the notes on the fretboard. Otherwise you will always think in terms of shapes and what fret number that shape starts on.
You cannot become an advanced player without knowing the fretboard like the back of your hand. I don't care what anyone says, it's impossible. You may become really good at a technique, but if you can't walk into a jam session and communicate efficiently with the other musicians, and hang with them while playing, you are not advanced. Most players I've encountered that consider themselves advanced cannot even run the major scale up the neck using only the G, B and E strings without thinking about what pattern they are in based off of the low E, or change keys without having to change where they are currently playing on the fretboard. If you are in the 5 - 8 fret range, you should be able to change keys fluidly, without having to leave that area of the fretboard. If you have to pause to think about what note you're currently playing you don't know the fretboard, and you are not an advanced musician.
Man I was nodding my head in agreement with every single sentence... You get it. Well said 👏👏👏
@@RossCampbellGuitarist I wish you a very successful 2023! Your content is they type of information that beginner and intermediate musicians need to see. It's like that one diamond floating in a sea of BS.
You woke me up, just turned 20, see you around in the internet!
Hey Ross, I've watched and studied many of your lesson and I totally agree with you if mastering the guitar is your aim than you need to put in the time. "Wood shed"Nothing annoys me more than those "learn in 3 easy lesson" misleading ads.theory opens a world of knowledge, I am an advance intermediate player stuck in a bit of a rut I will figure it out eventually. I appreciate you Jack Ruch and Achim Kohl. All three excellent guitar players, all to learn from. Thank you.
Great advice Ross. Learning the notes of the guitar and knowing that there are no shortcuts is what made a huge difference for me too.
Thanks Ross for putting together such thoughtful videos, the way you outline and share your knowledge in bullet points that cut right to the content. Very helpful to understand how you’ve used music theory and what options we have to grow musically. Looking forward to diving into what you shared in this lesson, thanks for the resources
Thanks so much Mark! Appreciate the Super Chat
What helped me the most was an EBow, an electronic device that vibrates the string without striking it. I started playing scales and melodies on one string. This enabled me to visualise scales and intervals in a clearer and more intuitive way than playing across the neck. Then a deep dive into modes, chord theory, chord tones, melodies, harmony etc. it certainly boosted my musicianship and creativity. Getting a looper and playing over chord changes using informed note choices rather than hopeful ones, is a next level skill.
Thanks man, so many need this including myself, it is very difficult to find material to really start grasping and understanding things past that intermediate level so again Thanks.
Thanks Ross. Been listening to your wisdom for 10 years now. Hope things are going well for you.
Excellent advice. I've played and taught for 50+ years and have lost count of the number of guitar players who, even when you explain the benefits of knowing some basic theory and where notes are on the fretboard, are simply not interested. I can only conclude that they're motivated not by the desire to play music, but by what they perceive as the 'glamour' associated with becoming a famous guitar player. In my experience, such players inevitably end up stuck in a very narrow rut and either stay there or give up playing.
Just got the link to the lessons. Can't wait to get started.
I have been playing for nearly 26 years and have generally been stuck at decent intermediate level for most of that time. Have started trying to learn some of the theory (Circle of Fifths) and I wholeheartedly agree that disdaining theory is for the foolish or those lucky enough to be immensely talented naturally. I play in a band at the school I teach in and my co-guitarist is considerably better. One reason, he knows the theory and it shows!
Great video, and thanks for the free lesson.
Superb. The problem of theory seems to arise in all the arts. Part of the problem is encountering theory before you’ve formed a sense of the difficulties it helps remove. This video, coming from someone who plays with delicacy and passion, has exactly the right kind of authority. Many thanks.
Absolutely to the point...everytime we try to "skip" and 'cheat" on learning basic rules of music theory it always comes back to us...even though i made it becoming a full time gigging guitarist music theory "gaps" struck me really hard when the need of it arose...
This has to one of the best tutorial videos on RUclips to help guitarists progress - straight to the point and well explained well done Ross.
This is very helpful. I'm an intermediate player and found my self at plateu stage. Guess I will learning the next level soon.
Im now 3 years from starting journey with guitar and It really make me less stressed when I see that profesionall guitarist take much more time to understand something. I was starting to think that maybe if I don't understantad something like notes memorization or circle of fifths them guitar isn't for me but because of people like you Im doing my best in learning guitar theory and It really show me what can I do. Thank you
No one starts out knowing everything! It's a steep climb for everyone and the ones who will have the most success are simply those who choose to persevere through the many challenges of becoming a skilled guitarist and musician overall.
Thank you for your true words, your video is important and - btw - Jimi knew theory, but many people dont like to hear it. He knew what he was playing and before becoming famous he was a background guitarist for other stars
Very solid advice Ross. Good video. I do have a question though: why do you have music in the background when you’re talking? It was distracting after I realized it was there and then it was hard for me to concentrate on your message.
I find that when I myself am watching a RUclips video of someone else that's talking, a little bit of background music helps to keep me engaged. It's not the case for everyone clearly but each to their own
I agree with the modes' part.
Dorian and mixolydian are essential specially in modal blues playing (obviously it's nice to know the lydian, and locrian position to not hit wrong notes plus the Phrygian specially Phrygian natural 3° is useful with it's dark exotic sound), but generally for a solo you should stay in one or two positions, and combine with arpeggios and blues scale, and it's gonna sound way better than trying to include all of the modes across the fretboard.
Wow! Words of wisdom here! I absolutely love this video Ross✌️
Probably the most factual and honest assessment of the utility of the modes of the major scale that I have heard in 40 years of playing guitar. Outstanding! Automatically propels your content to the top of the RUclips heap. 👏👏
Thank you🙏🙏
Love this guy! I’m the definition of an intermediate guitarist that’s stuck. Cowboy chords, power chords, a little CAGED method, pentatonic scales, pretty good blues rock feel that sounds cool sometimes, and PRAY 🙏😅! I’m going to follow up with this dude’s videos
You sound like you're exactly where I am, everything you said is how I feel. I'm ready to break out into the next level. Ive been to jam nights and watch some older guys just play these simple but tasteful licks and I want to be there.
@@davebarajas5308 I play pentatonic blues stuff that sometimes sounds cool but then I hear guys play on these RUclips teaching videos and I realize that I’m missing something. I don’t sound smooth. I’m kind of fast but clunky. I don’t know if my picking is uneven or if my timing is poor or both. I need a teacher.
My only complaint about this video is that I can only click 'like' on it once. The most concise and accurate advice I have seen on YT - nice work.
Thank you!
Great advice, especially about learning the whole fretboard…I’ve been an intermediate player for DECADES…it was easier to become a gear head than to learn the basics…now will dive into your triads course - it was your triads video from a couple years back that really changed my thinking and finally, slowly, I’ve been exploring again. Thanks!
I agree with all points, with only your second point I‘d argue that it‘s more important to learn the blues scale and harmonic minor over both dorian and mixolydian, only because they are both non-derivatives (directly) from the major scale, and sort of pushes you to hear characteristic pitches of a scale.
I think scales really depend on the genre. If you want to play prog rock you should also learn lydian and if you want to play metal then phrygian becomes much more important 😅 for jazz maybe also gypsy minor 🤣
@@iwoszymczak5966 I agree with you on that, but this is what in my experience (with myself and students) stop people from making breakthroughs. There are the 33ish different scales, plus more from differing cultures (Gypsy Major and Neapolitan Major as examples), and it can get overwhelming quickly, and intermediate players end up not recognizing the particular sound of a scale.
After each of these I said some version of “yes” or “hell yes” or “absolutely.” I’m just really discovering the things in this video after about 40 years of playing so hopefully it will save a lot of players many years of futility. And I’m definitely subscribing!
When you stated that music theory is a language and not a set of rules, I subscribed. I've been playing & writing music for 50 years now. (fuck I'm old...) You nailed it right there.
#2 is so true! The major scale, for instance, is so much more important than trying to figure out the modes inside it. Most of the time you will be playing the scale itself in its diatonic context anyway and not using modes over non-diatonic chords to add the flavor of a certain mod. Again, most of the time, that is. (Edit: After writing this I realized what I wrote is basically point #3)
You are so right about theory basics, and point #5 is absolutely essential. Every guitar player should listen and follow this advice. Thanks, Ross.
Great honest video.. No shortcuts. Hardwork. Thank you Ross
I never, ever comment on videos or really anything online, but you sir are extraordinarily talented and honest about teaching guitar and I have learned more from two 11 minute videos you have made than like 5 years of lessons growing up. I’m going to buy your main course - here’s a suggestion and not sure if your course does this but what I struggle with as a 10 year intermediate guitarist, sigh, is trying to find intentional practice routines to nail everything down and ultimately end up being able to improvise over chord changes. Question - how long does this take to not seem totally robotic. I’m a huge deadhead and Jerry Garcia did this (Mayer does this now) almost effortlessly like watching Federer play tennis. How long before you can not just consistently think about what to do next? I’m assuming that is years and years but wanted to know best way to get there, whatever it takes you know.
For those of us that this is a hobby but we take more seriously or just greatly improve and have maybe 30 min to an hour a day that would be unbelievably helpful as a kind of program. Anyway, cheers mate, fantastic content
Thanks a lot! The question you've asked is not worth asking, honestly. It's years of practice no doubt and you'll feel the improvements over time but it's not like you suddenly arrive and think 'great, I did it!'. It's a never ending journey with no end destination, which, if you ask me is what makes playing guitar so great.
This level of honesty is much needed in the guitar community, I find it quite refreshing.
Also that Scottish accent is really cool! Subscribed!
Been playing seriously for about 10 years, off and on for the last 16 ish. I've only felt like i started stepping out of the intermediate plateau in the last 2 months after pushing myself trying to learn some of polyphias songs. I've learned a lot of new techniques and gotten faster/more acurate as well
Thanks for this one Ross. You have a very simple and direct way of pointing out key issues. Great educator.
I'm glad someone else has said it. These ads telling people to not learn theory are just WRONG!
4:38 the "boring theory part" is usually just not understanding the way something is being taught. I've struggled with theory for years, recently found a few random, ridiculous videos that mention bits of theory in jokes, and because of how it was said, suddenly I understood what I hadn't been able to previously.
As a guitarist/music teacher I'm completely agree with this video! Thanks!
#6 earned you a thumbs up 👍
Don't be afraid of the work they call it playing for a reason. Even the hard stuff can be fun once you get bitten by the guitar bug.
Ross, great video! Many instructors recommend learning the notes on all six strings up the 12th fret only, beyond that it's only repeating itself. However, I found it extremely important to learn the notes all over the fretboard without the 12th fret split. Otherwise you'll find yourself doing the maths with reference to the 12th fret when playing in higher registers. That really slows you down.
The side-angle shot doesn't work unless you're sitting across from an interviewer. Otherwise, it's distracting, and disconnects you from your audience. Just use a jump cut. This is about info. Jump cuts are fine. Also, ditch the background music. We're musicians. Hearing background music while someone is talking is like hearing two people talking at the same time.
Ross… from one Scotsman to another,your a good honest lad. Great advice folks!
Thank you Ross. You popped up on my feed and I’m so grateful . I’m into my guitar journey for three years and as an educator myself,intuitively know that without basic knowledge of guitar and Music theory one can never reach the next level. Your presentation was ex excellent highlighting areas that need to be mastered. I am well beyond the beginner stage but I’m stuck getting into a comfortable intermediary stage. Like you said when I looked down at the front board I see patterns emerging, but I’m definitely lost. it’s like going on a road trip and most of the roads on your journey I’ve been washed out. Very hard to get to your destination. Thanks again.
Thank you! Glad the video was useful
I totally agree! You named the only 4 modes a guitar player needs. I find the modes handy for recall.
Hi Ross. I signed up for Bulletproof about a year ago and tried to get my head around the content. I was more a frustrated beginner and although I understood some of the content, I clearly wasn't ready. Well twelve months later, I'm up for trying again.
I love your approach to teaching, especially your honesty. The first video I saw of yours was Lenny. Awesome!
Great to hear!
Thanx Ross,You have been more help to me than any other has,I really appreciate your time and passion for this, Thanx again.. NO SHORTCUTS !
I've got 17 years of full time live experience and you my friend have reignited my passion to learn again and retell stories I've told for years in a new fresh way.
So glad to hear that
The Facebook comment is spot on. I already know music theory and was trying to find people to back up what I was saying and you're absolutely right, insults and bottomless pits of garbage.
I think your points are spot on. It also takes bravery to say that some things take years to achieve. In today's world of instant gratification, far too many want the instant pushbutton method. "Play like Joe Satriani in a Week with NO Practice"!!!!😄 Keep keepin' it real Ross.
Every guitarist that you know by name absolutely knows theory. They may have crafted their own theory, but they definitely have a musical system that they rely on. So if you're a genius you can go down the route of reinventing the wheel like Jimi, or you can stand on Jimi's shoulders, and build on what he already taught us by learning theory.
The biggest obstacle or me is not just an application of the different modes. But the definition. My understanding could be totally off, and it probably is. Different modes of the major scale is the pattern starting with different fingers. for example starting the major scale with your index finger or starting the major scale with different fingers adjusting the intervals.
I'm an average guitar player and this was really accurate and helpful. I play for almost 17 years and I was thinking I wasn't talented or something and would never be better. So with the experience I had, my finger picking was so better than mostly of people with 5 years or less of guitar and my learning was much faster, because I already had a ear more accustomed to strings. So, to people with 10+ years of instruments thinking they will never be better you can actually do better because of experience.
All accurate advise- I think knowing your fretboard and even more important- knowing the intervals ANYWHERE on the fretboard between any two notes was what really opened up the neck for me. After all- the scales and chords that make up music are simply intervals.
the other thing you have to do - even before 'learning' stuff - is to 'get fit', do the 'footy training hard stuff', like sprints, the boring unmusical strength-builders
Which modes are important depends on what kind of music you want to play. In jazz maybe what you are saying is true, but if you're a metal player than phrygian is going to be your go to mode along with aeolian.
I've just come to consider myself an intermediate hobbyist. But I've played other instruments - trumpet, banjo, and guitar - for many years. I also learned basic music theory in college, without being able to play or hear it. I composed by rules.
My leap, along with some ear training, is a little strange. It's both the "think method" and modes. I learned to play triads and the C Major scale on four strings across the fretboard. And I know the main intervals - minor and Major 2nds and 3rds. Each mode having 2 minor (half-steps, which give the mode it's color) and 5 Major (whole steps) 2nds. I've been playing that scale, starting on each note. That is in every mode. I call it the think method because I play it with and without a guitar. What it's done for me is to acquaint myself with the sound of the modes and make sense of the Pentatonic scales and the intervals, especially the jump from G to B string. While I still don't know every note name instantly, I've made a lot of progress by moving from triads, to the major scale, to intervals, to the circle of 4ths using 1 - 3 - 5 - dom 7th arpeggios, to modes. Essentially I'm self-taught via RUclips (learning from many teachers) and books.
I agree with you about the importance of theory. But I also agree with John Mayer. You can learn a lick or a song, then do reverse engineering. In my case, I'm using the Grateful Dead's Sugaree in B Mixolydian. (Although there's a lot of disagreement... why not E Major?) I can play it, more or less improvise over it, yet I want to understand how and why it works. If I succeed, I feel like I will have made great progress climbing my own personal ladder. Thanks for the video.
This video gave me some tough love. I appreciate that
I know a guitarist who tunes down to C does not know the note names, yet understands intervals guide tones Dominant subdominant, even writes songs with Melodic Minor and harmonic minor phrygian, because he played jazz horn as a child.
what happens here is why you would actually want artist development ,(lessons or college)
the point of the education is to point out what you were good at, then learn more about it, so you can do more of it.
We are all actually working out holes we have found in our talent which tend to be
more about HARMONY
Theory is really ALL the possibilities, Harmony is the application of ideas in music.
for example the Beatles may have known Parallel keys which is an obvious Theory tool they used , where as George Martin had a degree in Classical Composition and made suggestions to Lennon and McCartney about key changes and modulations they may not have thought of .
in a major key you can use the Parallel key to borrow from the minor scale of the same pitch.
then beyond that is median chromatic where you have 2 additional keys by building off of the relative major of the parallel minor key you were first using .
Thanks for that Ross! I would also add a #7 there: "Tune your guitar and make sure it is in tune when playing". I'm by no means an advanced player yet, but I see people that can play much better than me (technique wise) but sound really bad because they don't take the time to tune the instrument well enough and by consequence don't tune bends too and when playing with more instruments being in tune makes all the difference!
"Tune your guitar and make sure it is in tune when playing" is a tip for beginners, not intermediates.
@@monsterram6617 Then why do RUclipsrs of all levels play out of tune?
@@stephenhanlin2388 The advice of "tune your guitar and make sure it is in tune when playing" is for a beginner.. like day #1 beginner. If you didn't learn this as a beginner then your teacher did you a disservice and certainly stunted your growth. And if you are just discovering, years into it, that it's important to play in tune then you are not an intermediate player; you're still a beginner.
But to answer your silly question, I don't know why the youtubers you are watching were playing out of tune. Maybe you should ask them why? Seems a bit daft to ask a random person who was making an unrelated statement why the people in the videos you watch are doing anything really, yeah?
That aside, just think about it. If you want to learn how to play the guitar, which is better: to learn to play in tune from the beginning or to wait a few years _then_ learn that the reason you sound like ass is because you never learned how to tune your guitar in the first place? Not a trick question.
@@monsterram6617 you need to chill lol
@@andresvargas7650 Son, if I were any more chill I'd be asleep... which is also what I'd have to be to go along with the idea that learning to keep your guitar in tune is an intermediate level skill. Thanks for the advice though. 👍
I play guitar for like 20 years now. Had a 5 year break at some point. I can solo in modes etc, jazz is where Im lost and my notes picking is mostly nothing special. Ross, you are very good player and teacher.
Learn the chord tones and how they relate to the major scale and you will learn all the modes by default. Locrian is actually pretty darn cool for hitting altered tones on a dom7….just play from the maj scale 1/2 step up then drop back down
I have been teaching for many years. This is all sound advice . Especially the stuff about theory and modes. I would go knew stage further and say that learning to read music , though not essential at all , can open more doors than you think.
HI Ross,,, Got it,,,(the language) ,,I ve been playing for years and giging, people always ask me to teach them guitar, so I started LEARNING what you are teaching . I could always play impressively it's like something is there , Getting to the next level ,,,thank you Ross your teaching methods are right on target. - RJ.
@OfficialRossCampbell Hey Ross, what 'cha-Got,- ? - RJ.
Thank You so much Ross, man you were right #5 Memorizing the Notes on the fretboard using the Circle of Forths was a huge “Ah ha!” Lightbulb moment! Just fantastic, Thank You Thank You!!
Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray knew probably some theory, but since they only played in a couple of keys they didn't need to know a lot.
It is the same with math, many teachers that already know everything will tell you what to do but never WHY you do the things you do. Math was a real struggle for me until I myself found out about bodmas which I never had heard of before I did my own research, odd since it tells you pretty much everything basic you need to know to get started.
Bro all you did is motivated me i was tired of learning theory modes and all now i understand i will become better of me for sure but it will take time patience is the key thanks
Damn right. There is no shortcut. Im subbed to your BPGP1&2. Its brought me around 100%. I know the notes now! As a beginner theres no where to go but up. Everything you learn makes you better. But as intermediate its much easier to get lost and sidetracked and just stop playing due to frustration. A course designed for intermediates is genius!
Addition - Be brave and perform in front of audience if given a chance and then accept the result and work on it and then perform again if given a chance - this will give you confidence playing anywhere in the fboard and also enhances more your timing and precision
i am a guitar teacher, i entered this video with low expectations, and well, advise here is spot on, suscribed
Music is quite the lifelong investment if you choose to make it one. Learning and getting down a song or technique after so long, it's such a satisfying and amazing feeling.
Yeah learning songs is something I need to do more of myself! You're right it is very satisfying
Hard truths. Excellent video and advice!
Thank you!
The content and presentation of the content is stellar!
I know a trick to learn fast the major scale on the whole guitar.
I work with a pattern of 7 lines:
shortcuts:
o = a note like c or d
HS = Halfstep
WS = Wholestep
L1: o - HS - o - WS - o for example E-String 7th Thread b - HS - c - WS - d or easier to read b-c-d
L2: o - HS - o - WS - o A-String 7th Thread e-f-g
L3: o - WS - o - HS - o D-String 7th Thread a-b-c
L4: o - WS - o - HS - o G-String 7th Thread d-e-f
L5: o - WS - o - WS - o B-String 8th Thread g-a-b 8th-Thread????? yes, because the B-String is in Standard E-Tuning not the same Interval like the other strings
L6: o - WS - o - WS - o e-String 8th Thread c-d-e
L7: o - WS - o - WS - o your guitar has no further String
so what you can see, if you have reached the B-String you have to shift the pattern by 1 Halfstep higher and you stay their on the e-String.
If you are on L7 and you will continue playing downwards then the next String is L1 but you have to shift a Halfstep higher.
I demonstrate it on the E-String on the 3rd Thread:
L5: o - WS - o - WS - o E-String 3rd Thread g-a-b
L6: o - WS - o - WS - o A-String 3rd Thread c-d-e
L7: o - WS - o - WS - o D-String 3rd Thread f-g-a
L1: o - HS - o - WS - o G-String 4th Thread b-c-d 1 HS higher because it starts with L1
L2: o - HS - o - WS - o B-String 5th Thread e-f-g 1 HS higher because it is the B-String
L3: o - WS - o - HS - o e-String 5th Thread a-b-c
This pattern is absolute easy to remember, try it out for yourself,
but how can you master the whole guitar.
All you have to learn is, where are you in the pattern, when you change the position on the String lower or higher.
example:
L1: 7th Thread E-String A-B-C (L3) C-D-E (L6)
So what you can see is: if you change your position to the lower note than you have to add 2 in the patter like L1 ---> L3 (or L4 --> L6)
to the higher note than you have to sub 2 in the patter like L1 ---> L6 (or L4 --> L2)
If you learn it for all Lines L1 to L7 than you can master the whole guitar for all major and minor scales.
If you have problems to remember the neighbours than start with the neighbours of L1 and L3. If your firm with them extend with L5 and L7 and if you firm with this 4 Lines then learn the other 3 Lines.
Well said Ross! Thanx for trying steer folks away from those annoying "secret" and "quick" guitar methods.
Great advice!
Thanks Brett!
truer words have never been said!!! I'm glad you made this video :D
Brilliant advice! THANK YOU.
Totally right . Learn as much theory as you can but don’t learn enough to end up playing jazz
This is the best. Thank you so much. Is there a follow-up lesson to learn more about triads on snares 2-3-4 and how to practical use triads in your playing?
This is absolutely true. When I learned the notes of the fretboard my playing took a huge leap
I learned a little music theory at college. Definitely useful understanding how chords are constructed etc.
However, I taught myself by ear.
I remember one time (at band camp) that we were doing sight reading exercises, just short melodies.
However, the day before when in a practice room with my band, we were hanging out and could hear students next door doing this sight reading exercise.
The following day it was my groups turn.
I’m sure that if I’d applied myself properly I could’ve carried out this exercise properly.
The truth is, I nailed it first time. Why?
Because I’d memorised the melody by ear the day before 😂
I’ve been playing 19 years and I’m an intermediate, I know my notes know intervals and some scales, if I could start again it would definitely be learn the theory early . I’m ok on modes and triads I’m getting there now but the few years I spent in a rut because I refused to learn more theory . It’s great to learn songs but if you don’t learn a little of the scales and theory as you go and that will hold you in good stead going forward
Cheers Ross, free advice of this caliber is a god send.
The advice I needed 30 years ago haha The amount of will power needed to do these things when unfortunately music became just a hobby - man lol but I know it's worth it. Thanks Mr. C !
Ross, I hit an intermediate roadblock that lasted way too long......but thanks to my realizing that and you tube having plenty of videos on all those topics , in the last 5 years, I learned all the notes, and dove into the major scale, and now the modes arent even mystifying lol....I agree with everything in this video, I now want to teach this to everyone.
Glad to hear you're getting out of that rut!
Excellent advice. I never fully committed to learning all the notes on the fretboard. I skipped the D, B, and G strings. I’m going to work on it.
I think the reason most people get stuck is because, these days with so many lessons online, you can probably play most of the stuff you want to play at a decent level without progressing. You might not play an improvised Steve Vai solo but you can probably play most classic rock solos if you persist. And I suppose, for many of us, that’s all we ever wanted (with occasional pangs of wishing we had learned more theory).
This the most important and relevant videos out there for me, thanks Ross! I'm absolutely in the group of players your talking about so please know how helpful and inspiring this particular video is.😊🙏
Thank you Suzy!
The video is "old" (for youtube standards) but i'd like to add : what I understood by finally taking guitar lessons with a teacher after 15 years of self taught play, is that scalewise, a really incredible thing to learn is how to color the pentatonic scale with "modes" like notes
It's an amazing way to enlarge your playstyle by going all in in the most known scale. Also it forces you to learn the intervals of th scale which is a good thing too :D
Sorry if i'm not explaining myself well, i'm not a native english speaker :3
Thank you, Ross! I began learning to play at 7 years of age. This video has, well presented, valuable and necessary content. Thank you, Ross!💯
Thanks Ross. I have found that there's no improvement unless I'm working on the guitar. Playing it and looking for different sounds. Thanks for telling it like it is. And I love theory because it helps me learn what others are playing so much faster.
Learn the damn notes on the fretboard. I don’t understand any player who only knows the fret number and they’ve been playing for more than 5 years.
How do you learn anything besides the standard shape
Because inversions are going to happen.
So what do you do then?
Get the tab?
This is the best time to learn with all the knowledge available. Ross thank-you for pointing out these things.
Oh and Stevie Ray Vaughan said it took him years to learn a shuffle properly.
If anyone tells you there are shortcuts to guitar
Please run from them because they’re a liar