i guess Im asking the wrong place but does anybody know a method to get back into an Instagram account?? I somehow lost the password. I would love any assistance you can give me.
Three big lessons here: 1) The key is finding a system that works for you, even if it's not the "proper" one 2) Learn only what you truly like. Don't learn techniques/scales only to prove that you are good enough 3) If it sounds good, it's good. Dave here says a couple of inaccurate things from a theoretical standpoint, but he's nonetheless one of the most amazing improvisers I know. And that's what matters!
@@chrisheath594 "improvisations sound pretty much the same all the time" is another way of saying "distinct style". All great musicians who play their own music have it, that's why they are relatable to their fans who dig their music. Does Pink Floyd travel and deviate across entire spectrum of genres or has a very similar style that makes it one of the greatest bands ever existed? Also, he has never played anything same of his own so I'm not sure what you're referring to here. He improvises every single time, and in a rather flawless and complex way.
You are just as good if not better than all those guitarists you named, you’re you. When I hear you play I literally feel it and that’s when you know it’s great.
A breath of fresh air Dave. After 30+ years of playing this makes more sense in pushing through the wall than anything else I've come across. Perfectly articulated
My passion is the Blues 😎.. like you Dave hundreds of hours learning shapes started playing every thing 100mph l thought that's how every guitarist learned 😮.. until I borrowed a BB king CD and after listening knew the Blues was and still is the music l love! I have never been into the theory side of guitar and self taught like you. Will be watching this vid again your explanation of breaking out of the pentatonic boxes fascinate me and just watching this vid has been inspiring! What you play takes me away from reality so please don't ever change ☺ Great intro thanks Dave!
Alright Dave. Pentatonics, modes, and where chords fit i.e. chord theory, were THE breakthrough for me. Like driving a car though, things do become 2nd nature. You start feeling it, and the whole thing feeds on itself, and becomes a self perpetuating force. Theory is wonderful, but it shouldn't limit you. It's a starting point, and then it's about taste and imagination 🌴
The way you describe your improvisation where the guitar simply becomes a medium through which you express yourself - that unconscious directness - really resonated with me. I'm at an early stage in my guitar journey, not been playing two years yet, but I know where I'd like to go with it which is to be able to use the instrument to convey moods. To feel something and let it sound out from the guitar (or bass). Your approach is entirely in tune with my way of thinking - I see music theory as descriptive, a way to talk about what we play rather than giving us a set of rules to follow. The ear is the most important guide. Great vid - thank you!
Even Zappa saw music as colors and shapes. And he also often struggled to communicate his vision. Gail said he said he felt the most free when he was just improvising half hour long solos on stage I get what you mean... You don't want to get sucked into the mud... You just want to fly
My biggest regret is not learning more theory when i was younger. Im now trying to catch up 20 years later and wish id just done it when i was 16 when learning stuff seemed a lot easier
In a positive light its great that you have it now to get involved in. It might not have been the right time for you to get into it. I know 16 year old wouldn't have done it (and didn't) even if I knew it would help me lol
The biggest leaps not in my skill or knowledge but in ability to process, understand, and communicate in this language came from two courses I took as humanities for college electives - and I took them at a community college - were Theory 1 - which in most community colleges should be sight singing and ear training to learn to hear and identify simple intervalic relationships and the second was Keyboarding 1 which in most community colleges translates to fundamentals of music structure as practiced every class - very very good use of 8-10 weeks of time and not really any homework in either class because you are working most of the time you are there on practice and demonstration in groups and alone for assessment. You never forget what you learned because it's all in your mental muscle memory and it's all fundamentals that you realize you were using every time you pick up an instrument to make neat sounds...I was actually 27 at the time and there was literally no demographic represented, it seemed a completely random sampling from every walk of life imaginable, so your stigmas are valid for you but I can say they're not real and overcomeable with practice, as is everything in life, whatever ones you think you might have dialed into your cognitive bias.
This is so freeing! I'm finding as I noodle that I'm playing 'wrong' notes that are adding to the flavour of my playing. It's the relation between the notes that give them distinctive characters. And I simply can't remember most theory cos I'm crusty old git Thank you Dave, this one of the most important lessons I've ever had.
Hi Dave. As always, a tasty intro (a tad Gary Moore-ish ?). Yesterday (24 sept) Andertons posted a TC signature pedals video, and "the Cap'n" asked for suggestions on who else TC could collaborate with. Last time I checked, you had by far the most votes. And deservedly so. Well done, and keep on doing exactly what you are doing...
Okay. So I enjoy all of your videos. This one though has been by far, the most valuable, relatable one you've ever done. I'm not a theory guy but I've been playing for over 20 years (I'm 33) and I'm still having eureka moments that change my playing. This video gave me two of those moments and I can't tell you how grateful I am for that. Thanks man. ❤
Hello Dave. Just to let you know that your playing does take me on a journey. Like you say about you not thinking about the technicalities and theories when you’re playing, your playing doesn’t make me think about those things either when I hear it. It lifts me up and carries me along. I love it and live it. Thank you so much.
Id played for years (poorly) without understanding the fretboard because of how daunting of a task conceptualizing it on the fly seemed to be. "Unlocking the neck" was the video where things finally clicked and I began to work towards being able to play what I was feeling. Wish I didn't waste so much time with that mental block since I'm still working towards being able to turn off my mind and avoid taking an analytical approach to how to sound good, but the theory lessons on Dave's channel were probably the single-most useful resources to contribute to my playing and understanding of guitar. Super comprehensible and stripped down, and especially fun to watch because Dave is clearly a extraordinary musician in his own right. Super thankful for these videos :)
Dave, you are a legend. I suspect many of your subscribers like myself would love an updated video to this video to get your perspective on how you maybe view the fretboard now versus then. Thanks!
Everythng you do is at the least very interesting, and always, very instructive. But, I must say for me, this video, along with your "Unlocking the Fretboard" are pure golden genius. I wish I had found you twelve years ago. Would have saved me a lot of frustration, wasted energy and actually, money (on manuals and instructional materials.) Your process now guides my practice, my goals, and just plain where I would like to be as a guitar player. I will never get to the place you are, but to play organically, without thinking, and expressly individually, is the Emerald City. I even look at the fretboard differently now. I dutifully learned my five positions of the minor pentatonic/blues scales, but so often found myself locked into specific boxes up and down. Tried to push myself to jump around more, but limpingly so. I think some of what some people would see as learning impediments in your case, actually were blessings and benefits for your journey. You learned it your own way, and this gave you a much deeper understanding of all of it. So, this is to thank you for such a tremendous gift to me. Here goes a beggar trying to choose, but if you ever get the inclination, please, more on the "super scale." Those add on note choices. I'll approach them myself as I gain an ability all over the fretboard, but you simplify and teach so well.
Two things hat really helped me learn music theory was one, buy a keyboard the black and white keys just stand out so much better and make the learning process so much easier, and secondly, and this is what really got things moving for me , print off an image of the guitar fretboard onto a piece of A4 paper and sandwich it between two pieces of clear perspex then buy some marker pens that wipe off easy and aren't permanent and practice drawing your scales chords notes etc etc when you are away from your guitar , like when you're at work during your breaks , i've been doing this for nearly 15 years and boy does it work , i also like to put on a music channel on my TV and while a song is playing try and work out what key its in before the song finishes, if you do get it try adding something to it, also find some tunes on youtube etc without any guitar on them and then try and add something of your own to spice it up, its like going for a band rehearsal and you don't really know there songs, its a good feeling when you can do this and keeps you motivated
Dave, you already do take us on a journey!! It’s not something you should aspire to, you’re there right now. Every intro jam is a journey, an experience for anyone watching, the way you express yourself through your playing, your feel and natural musicality... I suppose you could call it soul? Charlie was right
So glad about this one. I’ve been stressing myself to learn music theory during the last few months. I work 50hrs per week.. I want to spend my time playing the guitar, not chewing on diagrams. I know the 5 shapes off pentatonics and the caged system. I can play freely too, but my soloing still sounds robotic. If anything, I need to work on phrasing and musical expression more than on technique
I'm basically in the same position. I have always focused on my rhythm playing because that was my part in the band and really didn't let me deviate from that. I know how to build scales, the CAGED system and basically all I think I need to be a good lead player. The thing is I just don't do it enough. I'm not in a band anymore nor do I have anybody to jam with anymore so that leaves backing tracks and a Looper. Both of those tools are awesome. I just need to play play play and play some more. A Looper is my best friend at the moment. Good luck!
If I can speak freely , you really just have to play with your heart and not pay attention to where you are at on fretboard just let it go , I found that this had really helped me , it doesn’t matter if you know any theory , you just have to know how to play what is in your head and it works trust yourself you will stumble at first but just like learning to run and walk you will master it if you just let it go and do it
Also you will have to know what key you want to play in just pick a progression and start with the first note of the progression ie if your in C , then play in C and play everywhere there is a C , learn where all the notes are on fretboard if you want , but you will learn that everything is connected and in shapes . Then you can freely go on auto pilot and jam better to play with your heart than your head because you will sound much more melodic rather than robotic try it
Dave, just wanted to say that your unlocking the neck video has helped me a lot in the past month. In a month my playing started to sound a lot better than before. I'm half way through this and I've learned a lot too. Thanks a lot and have a great day.
This is why I love music and particularly the guitar. People can have completely different approaches to theory and applying it to guitar playing, as long as it works for you it's great! Although I do enjoy the theory, scales CAGED and whatnot, I completely agree with you about developing aural skills, flow state when soloing and complete focus on what interests us most as players. The mega scale you were playing is basically a combination of the E shape minor pentatonic blues scale and Dorian mode. Slash uses it all the time for his quicker runs (think 'November Rain' outro solo). Great playing as always and thanks for providing me with a fresh look at theory! 😊
Is it just me...? You pronounce solo as 'soul-o', which is a perfect description of your skills...!! I've never been good at theory either and been bashing out standard Pentatonic scales for years but was never happy with them.... it wasn't quite what I wanted, not enough expression. I found your 'Unlocking the Neck' video a few months ago... with your fantastic hand drawn colour coded - all the 'good notes' Mega Scale diagrams. My solos & general playing have improved exponentially since I started following your 'technique'... it's amazing... truly amazing... Like you say... going with the flow & improvising in the 'zone' just leads to a deeper connection with the music... it's like surfing an endless wave... glorious... My practise sessions have become more frequent & longer because I really don't want to stop playing... These two videos are crammed with essential skills /advice & I reckon, the only guitar tuition videos anybody learning guitar needs to watch... period. This is brain & soul gravy of the most sublime kind, mate, for sure. Forget the rest... Dave is the best... keep on doing what you're doing... the world needs your honest and humble insights... Cheers..!
Thank you, Dave for existing and for being so great and so engaged with your subscribers. No one on youtube has a relationship with their community like you do.
I’ve watched a lot of your videos man but I come back to this one for that intro. That’s pure passion. You and the guitar look one, like you understand each other. Absolutely incredible
Hi Dave, thanks for this video. Quite an eye-opener... My knowledge about theory is (was) even less than yours, but this video showed me that through the years I've done things much the same as you (of course on a lower level). I've got two thing which I will always remember. Once someone (a jazz guitarist) told me: if you make a mistake, just repeat it several times and people will think it's meant to be. The other thing was told to me by my wife, long ago, when we were still students in the academy of art. When discussing about what's the most important thing a painting should tell you, her answer was: "I love to paint" . (I know, a bit like Bob Ross, The Joy Of Painting...) But it is true. It's all about emotions and feelings. And that counts for music as well. I don't think it's a good idea to make a painting/music from a pure theoretical background, because it will become nothing more but a trick, a scientific thing and the danger is you're losing the emotional part. You can get benefit from theoretical knowledge (to understand what you are doing) but remember, first people started making music, only afterwards people came up with the theory about it.
Just want to say man your videos are great All your intros have made me look at what I do on guitar completely different and I’m glad to be able to see you with myself being fairly new to guitar there’s so much emotion in your playing I love it thank you so much and I sincerely mean it
I go on a journey every time i hear one of your solos Dave. The emotions and feelings that come out of you are amazing. i say it every time but thanks again mate.
Thanks Dave you really said everything that I was killing my self to find someone to talk about it, it is the way it woks you answered my question so accurate and helped me not to get lost with the music theory that I have been so confused about recently , much love and respect 🌱
Watching this video make me feel a lot better now. I'm still learning all the pentatonic positions but i feel realy good when i'm playing it, and every time i tried to learn like, the major scale, CAGED system all the other stuff it never came easy to me, it was always so unatural. Seeing one of my favorite guitar player saying he felt the same made me more in ease with myself, thank you mr dave
"It understands; I don't need to understand." "I'm just going with it, it will reveal itself." Absolute magic, Dave, you express yourself in language pretty damn' well (your music sings for itself)!
Hey Dave, recently discovered your channel. Just wanted to try to thank you. You’ve re-inspired those early roots of when I first picked up the guitar 15 years ago. It’s been a long journey, I had begun to grow a little stale in my learning and my motivation to push the bounds of expression. But watching a lot of your videos I have been able to get back to that child-like fascination I had when I began playing guitar, where i just sit down for hours and listen so closely to each note and what each note is telling me, spending hours studying and taking it all in naturally as a child would. I haven’t felt like this about my playing in years. Thank you so much man, and your music is epic.
Love the tone of your guitar in this one. I really need to study your channel and see if you have a video on your pedal board and how your set up your sound. It's awesome. This video was so enlightening and has left me with lots and lots and lots of questions of myself. Thank you so much for posting this video. No off to find your unlocking the neck video :)
Hi Dave, thank you for sharing. I love musical instruments but have always felt bad about the fact that heavily structured learning doesn't hold my interest. I discovered your videos while I am contemplating buying my first guitar and really appreciate the content you are producing. I can't play a song but will spend hours taking myself on random soundscape journeys , usually on my piano, ukulele or synth and have a great time doing so. I am always aiming to up my game skills wise but often get sidetracked exploring what sounds I find along the way. It's awesome to hear someone who plays as well as you mention the power and importance of a musical journey whether it be formally structured or not and this makes me feel so much better about my unfocused mind . I'm excited and off to check out some guitars at my local store. You are an INSPIRATION to many, keep on doing what you do.
Dave. A sincerely thank you for putting this out. I am in no way dyslectic (I have a university degree) but I have had aversion against theory my whole life. Right now I am taking a course on bass where we are learning boxes, shapes and arpeggios at Scotts bass lessons. And you kind of sorted out that course for me with this video, and are a massive inspiration to getting through the things I can not stand in order to get where I want. I have always been into learning and playing by ear, but I need some meat on the bones theory wise. And the way you sum things up (from about 46:15) is just brilliant. You manage to put words on things like hardly anyone else can, and by putting out this you inspire loads of people to go out and be the best musician they can be. But in a genuine and "real" way, not a constructed and "fake" way. The world are full of copies, you are a true original, in the best possible way. So again, a big thank you Dave!
Really good stuff, as always, David. I now feel no shame in loving the pentatonic scale. It just draws me in. American guitarist Jesse Ed Davis is quoted as once saying, "I really don't play scales, I just play the notes that sound good." But I believe he knew theory well. I'm trying to embrace what he meant by that. So though I do know the pentatonic, I try not to be limited by it, instead just finding notes that sound good in a phrase I may want to follow. Now: Back to the video!!!...Thanks a lot. Have a great day. Cheers. ❤
Awesome jamming. Just love your slow, bluesy, deep bends vibrato. You are one of my ULTIMATE FAVORITE U Tubers. Keep it up Brother. This is Bill from Phoenix Arizona U.S.A.
I feel pretty good about my progress after listening to you during this video. I don’t learn theory because I struggle with it and that’s just sets me up with self doubt and ultimate failure. I just want to play like you and forget the purists who want to push their own agenda. Nothing for it but to practice and get on with it .. Thanks again Dave for your help on my journey.. 🙏🏻👍🇦🇺
Your philosophy of guitar is most inspirational thing for me. I have the same goal of being able to completely shut my brain off and just play. I've only gotten serious about guitar in the last year so I have quite a bit of road ahead of me. Thank you for your monologues they help more than you could know!
Man I’m exactly the same as you. Every single thing you mentioned on this video, about the simplicity, the way you’ve grown using pentatonics first and then and every key, they triads and that’s more or less it. I have not been needing anything else for years. On acoustic is different of course? but one the electric guitar is 99% the same way. I guess it’s just because of John and Jimmi. You’re doing more or less what you’re fell in love with It’s awesome we all have this channel. Seeing this video for me is like making sure I know enough, and I shouldn’t be embarrassed not knowing more
Dave, you've influenced me to reconsider, practice, and expand pentatonic scales after many years of being stuck in same-ole limited patterns, which has opened new doors of creativity for me. I really appreciate that.
Nice one Dave, we share the same guitarist's values and inspiration. You've given me some ideas to help with my flow playing as I find that I've been stuck in the same rut for 5years of just picking up the guitar and playing the same shapes and patterns. Time to break the rut.
Never heard of you before but learned more from this than I have spending countless hours learning scales/songs on youtube. Very Impressed and look forward to going back and checking out your other lessons!
AMAZING ! I knew you were a great guitar player , but after all the videos I've watched , and everything I've heard , (It's clear to me now , you are far beyond just a great guitar player). You are an absolute genius ! Your playing , sound , tone , feeling and emotion in your playing is amazing ! I'm so lucky I stumbled onto your channel. More people need to hear your amazing talent ! \m/ \m/
Simply put you’re a great player with tons of feel in your playing , emotional playing is at its best . I haven’t heard anyone in a long long time play with as much strength and emotion as you and Poppa chubby another guitar player . Listening to you reminds me of a great player named Stevie Ray Vaughan , just tons of emotion and feel .. Awesome playing
Hi Dave! Sorry, me again! ;-)I found your explanation about learning the pentatonic scale on string by string fascinating and suddenly I noticed, that I read about such a concept in Mick Goodricks excellent book "The advancing guitarist". I must give this a try, because I'm still thinking in boxes. So it is definitely worth, watching your videos more than twice ;-). Thanks again so much for all your input, it's very inspiring!
The true 'key' to understanding both the guitar neck, and how music is put together is memorising the 'Chromatic Scale': E-F-F#-G-G#-A-Bb-B-C-C#-D-Eb-E. We know the names of the strings, so we can find every note on the neck using this relationship. This really is the central mystery.
@@chrisheath9736 Blimey that's amazing. I've been playing for 30 years and still don't know this. But I happen to agree with you. I wish I could learn this. The 'boxes' really do keep you locked in, I have real trouble breaking out of them and I'm sure it''s because of this reason of not fully trusting what I know about the whole neck.
@@chrisheath9736 I don't think the boxes are a waste of time, they help to chunk the neck up and if you know the root notes in each box it's a short cut to learning the rest of the notes, and if you can find the root notes the intervals are always the same, the patterns repeat across the neck. Learning the pentatonic is key for rock and blues; its only 5 notes. Once you get that under you belt all the other scales/modes are just two extra notes to keep track of - always between the larger intervals of the root and the b3 and the 5th and the b7 like this: imgur.com/gallery/4bLA2qy
I think that Frusciante used to play feel based up to By The Way and around that time he started getting really into theory (and that's just my theory). And then he started to back away from that for Stadium Arcadium. However he's said that learning theory has been extremely helpful for him, while also saying it's not necessary. So I think that I'm in the same boat as you, we both need to improve our theoretical knowledge but don't have a good reason to do so. And increasing our knowledge doesn't have to interfere with our playing. This was a stellar video and I could relate to it alot!
Tbf Frusciante has always been into theory. He’s spoken about elements of theory he learnt as a teenager and there was an interview about what theory he incorporated into stadium Arcadium (which is quite possible the most underrated RHCP album of all time). I hate to admit this too as I adore Frusciante and have the exact same reservations towards theory as Dave and many others. But he is definitely one of the (perhaps rare) prominent guitarists who knows theory
@@marcussullens2573 you can tell by his playing he definitely always knew his theory. i'm saying that i think his playing was more feel-based in that he wrote what sounded good when played, and became more theory based when he might write things that he thought of theoretically before playing, or had a general idea of what notes and chords he would use, timing etc.
@@marcussullens2573 also knowing theory means different things. Like knowing chords and notes in scales is knowing theory they all know that. But the deeper theory of what sounds good is the question here
Hi Dave love your videos! I've played the guitar on and off 15 years (not consistently though cos i had few year break) but 2 years ago i started learning theory too and it elevated my composition element of playing a lot. I learned major and minor patterns and what the relative majors are to minors and vice versa. Now im just trying to learn some more licks/patterns and also spider walk exercise as it helps me with the finger dexterity. your such an amazing guitarist have a nice day
That is actually what I am trying to learn: be able to "speak" but I started a year ago and the difficulty is how much to dedicate to technique, how much to.understand theory.. the truth is: I want it all, and I want it now :)
I'd focus mostly on refining basic techniques and developing your musical ear - fluency before literacy! Better that way than being too bogged down in theory too early on and it killing some of the joy of actually playing.
You're welcome :) as a music teacher I'm always more impressed when someone can play a couple of bars with purpose and passion in complete ignorance over someone who understands the theory but can't communicate the feeling :)
I had to comment after watching this. I've played guitar for 55+ years. I learned more or less the same way that you did. It has served me well for the most part. But I must admit that if I would have learned more theory, I do believe that I would have had a much more lucrative and successful career in all aspects of music. I am currently working a lot and LOVING it. I guess it all depends on what you want to accomplish. BTW I really enjoy what you do on UA-cam. Just my 2 cents worth. Cheers from Arizona!
I have just discovered your channel. Very interesting video and great playing. I have watched 30 minutes of the video now and will for sure get to the end. Very rarely I watch a longer video than 15 minutes, keep up the great work! Subbed.
Loved this video. Jimi's 'May this be love" song is a lot like what youre saying in terms of playing linearly. Songs like Machine gun band of gypsies and the long slow version of voodoo chile on electric ladyland to me are great examples of what your saying about getting lost in the moment of improvising They're like meditations in a single key. Great stuff Dave, loving your approach 👍🙏
Dude, you're a fine example of what is great about UA-cam. Its a venue where a freak (in the most complimentary sense of a rugged individual), who you would never see in any traditional medium, can have a voice and connect with other freaks. Thanks for showing me your system; it's helpful!
Thanks for your explanation Dave, for me pentatonic scales, the intervals and how chords are made. Thats the theory that clicked with me, now Im working on my ear and trying to express myself
i learn theory from scratch ,right now i am studying the velocity measurements of each vibrating string in accordance with each individual fret , or the vibration of a string moving in a transverse direction. the string vibrates with an amplitude of A and frequency of ω. At the same time, the string moves with a constant velocity of V0 across the PSD. although it can differ slightly depending on what gauge of strings you use ..i tend to use 46 / 10s which gives me sufficient vibration to express myself. Then there is also the harmonic motion to consider ,a superposition of a harmonic motion due to its vibration together with its transverse motion at a constant velocity. the mathematical equation used is xt =Asin [wt+q] ..where A is amplitude, ω is angular frequency and ϕ is phase of the harmonic vibration motion. The period, or the inverse of the frequency, of the moving vibrating string can be determined from time intervals where its movement velocities are zero. although it would take me far too long to write all the equations out here . I have even brought myself a frequency meter ,it very useful compared to that of a string vibrating without transverse motion, which has a frequency of f0 = 349 Hz, where f1 has a frequency shift of +8 Hz and f2 of −9 Hz. Its a lot of theory to take in but my Guitar teacher says its sets the ground in concrete where as once i have all this in my head i can then build on to my next stage of musical development having the knowledge i have a solid base to build up on , he is very good and helpful in explaining these things to me which is good because Guitar lessons i pay for 1 hour per every 3 days because they are so expensive , in the end of my lessons i hope to play like Ronnie Montrose [space station number 5] or Jeff Beck , Jimmy page .but i dont know how long it will take me .
Great Work Blue Sky! I'm sure with this knowledge, you will be playing like Beck & Van Halen in no time. If you ever get a chance, I know myself and all of Dave's subscribers would love for you to write out all the equations for us to study.
Uh, this is exactly what I’ve been doing over the last three years. I’ve been thinking I need to know more, but now .. . Maybe not? Haha. I’ve been concentrating on interval’s lately. It’s helping me develop a new ear. So it’s been a lot of fun. I’m so happy seeing someone who approaches it the same as me!! I can’t believe it. This is so great! Thanks for sharing.
Dave, thanks for being sincere about your passion! It is like a band aid for lot of folks I am sure. I am at the end of my 30’s and two years ago built myself 3string to see if I “get” stringed instrument. It was fun but melodically limited. Later built tele partscaster...to get access to six strings. You see, I have not a slightest interest to learn songs, I just can’t manage connecting myself with that, feels wrooong. But boy that makes learning instrument frustrating. The jazzy impro you played, I felt excitement. I describe it “you do not know where you are or where you are heading but it holds together”. I love that kind of musical “harmonies”. You say that you kind of started to play neck unconsciously almost like 20 years ago😶. All I am dreaming about is that I would not need to think while playing but I do not know where to put the fingers! Anyway, would you please make a chart from your “mega scale” like you did one on the other video? Seeing it visually would help to understand what shapes are you mixing together. Thank you again for being what you are!
After having my brain melted for the last hour by C.C.C.C's glorious "Loud Sounds Dopa/Live in the U.S.A." CD, this is the best thing to chill to after that. Time to pick up the open C acoustic and pick around while I watch this. Cheers, Dave!
Although I’m a proponent of learning (at least basic) music theory - I also support the notion that at the end of the day “if it sounds good, it is good.” That’s all you really need to know, playing techniques aside.
Dave, what John and Jimmy do to you, you do that to us, and I’m grateful for having discovered your channel for two years now. Unconsciously I seem to be following your path with pentatonic shapes, and the corresponding diatonic notes here and there (megascales!) and I don't need to think too much about it when playing. Damn, sometimes I even play something that remotely sounds like some of your intros and outros (minus the subtlety and speed) :)
31:40 you are talkong about the relative minor over major chords. But what is it that makes it the A minor sound when you play over C major if its also Cmaj scale? are you hitting the minor chord tones? Thanks fot the lesson
Forty years back when I figured out Jimi and many others were living in Pentatonic land I quit worrying about learning everything and focused on mastering one thing.
Love this. When I listen to local blues bands their music sounds technically good but I can never put my finger on why something is off, it's like there is no feeling to their music
"I don't know much theory and gave up on it so once I knew the neck, pentatonic minor and now if we are in C sharp comparing the major to its relative minor". All joking aside, I watched this all the way through, brilliant content as always and I learned a few things, thank you!
I've been following your philosophy of learning what interests me on guitar and my improvement has been much more satisfying. I'm finally to point where I can understand and apply your unlocking the neck video. It's not work at all if you love it! Great stuff💞
Dave this is a great video that makes absolute sense, Am presently watching your "Unlocking the Neck" upload and I have to say you certainly have a knack for teaching the guitar in a way thats easy to follow. Well done keep up the good work
If it doesn't interest you, don't learn it. I think there is so much to learn it is overwhelming as a beginner. I need to learn what I love is my take away, thank you Dave.
Thanks for the video, i watched your video with the notes on the fret board which opens up the neck more, would be interested to see how you approach rhythm and chords ect. Thanks again great stuff
This is just one of the greatest videos i ever see, it was awesome to see your explanation about what you learn through the years and i realized that i'm following a similar path with my way to play guitar, after see this video i just wanna jam more and more, anyway your are awesome dude, greetings from Argentina!!!
great vid, love your video's , always come away feeling i've learned something. your honesty comes across, makes me think what your saying is something worth listening to. thanks for posting
Hi Dave, listening just now it occurs to me that your respect for copyright rules has forced you to become the player that you have become. Your sound and style are most certainly continuing to evolve and you have become more than just a stylistic fan of other guitar players. Great intro today.
![Chris Langan - The Interview THEY Didn't Want You To See - CTMU [Full Version; Timestamps]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9miVG2xT5jY/mqdefault.jpg)
You wanna be like John Frusciante, I wanna be like Dave Simpson!
i guess Im asking the wrong place but does anybody know a method to get back into an Instagram account??
I somehow lost the password. I would love any assistance you can give me.
@Nico Van Instablaster :)
You and me both, Friend.
It only becomes a stronger desire as time goes on...
Me too! So bad! I'm not understand what Dave talking. Can only listen music)))
Three big lessons here: 1) The key is finding a system that works for you, even if it's not the "proper" one 2) Learn only what you truly like. Don't learn techniques/scales only to prove that you are good enough 3) If it sounds good, it's good. Dave here says a couple of inaccurate things from a theoretical standpoint, but he's nonetheless one of the most amazing improvisers I know. And that's what matters!
Screw rules, Dave trailblazers his own path here.
@@chrisheath594
"improvisations sound pretty much the same all the time" is another way of saying "distinct style". All great musicians who play their own music have it, that's why they are relatable to their fans who dig their music. Does Pink Floyd travel and deviate across entire spectrum of genres or has a very similar style that makes it one of the greatest bands ever existed?
Also, he has never played anything same of his own so I'm not sure what you're referring to here. He improvises every single time, and in a rather flawless and complex way.
He's amazing isn't he
That was like, Gilmour Level quality there. Stupendous, as usual.
You are just as good if not better than all those guitarists you named, you’re you. When I hear you play I literally feel it and that’s when you know it’s great.
Dave... Watch your back! You are spilling all guitar secrets! 😂😂😂 Just got to this video... Pure gold!
A breath of fresh air Dave. After 30+ years of playing this makes more sense in pushing through the wall than anything else I've come across. Perfectly articulated
Thank you very much. :)
My passion is the Blues 😎.. like you Dave hundreds of hours learning shapes started playing every thing 100mph l thought that's how every guitarist learned 😮.. until I borrowed a BB king CD and after listening knew the Blues was and still is the music l love! I have never been into the theory side of guitar and self taught like you. Will be watching this vid again your explanation of breaking out of the pentatonic boxes fascinate me and just watching this vid has been inspiring! What you play takes me away from reality so please don't ever change ☺ Great intro thanks Dave!
Alright Dave. Pentatonics, modes, and where chords fit i.e. chord theory, were THE breakthrough for me. Like driving a car though, things do become 2nd nature. You start feeling it, and the whole thing feeds on itself, and becomes a self perpetuating force. Theory is wonderful, but it shouldn't limit you. It's a starting point, and then it's about taste and imagination 🌴
The Unlocking the neck video has helped me more than any other youtube video in this, my 1st year of learning the guitar. Many thanks Dave.
The way you describe your improvisation where the guitar simply becomes a medium through which you express yourself - that unconscious directness - really resonated with me. I'm at an early stage in my guitar journey, not been playing two years yet, but I know where I'd like to go with it which is to be able to use the instrument to convey moods. To feel something and let it sound out from the guitar (or bass). Your approach is entirely in tune with my way of thinking - I see music theory as descriptive, a way to talk about what we play rather than giving us a set of rules to follow. The ear is the most important guide. Great vid - thank you!
Even Zappa saw music as colors and shapes. And he also often struggled to communicate his vision. Gail said he said he felt the most free when he was just improvising half hour long solos on stage
I get what you mean... You don't want to get sucked into the mud... You just want to fly
My biggest regret is not learning more theory when i was younger. Im now trying to catch up 20 years later and wish id just done it when i was 16 when learning stuff seemed a lot easier
Dude, I love your channel!!
I’m with you on that
In a positive light its great that you have it now to get involved in. It might not have been the right time for you to get into it. I know 16 year old wouldn't have done it (and didn't) even if I knew it would help me lol
The biggest leaps not in my skill or knowledge but in ability to process, understand, and communicate in this language came from two courses I took as humanities for college electives - and I took them at a community college - were Theory 1 - which in most community colleges should be sight singing and ear training to learn to hear and identify simple intervalic relationships and the second was Keyboarding 1 which in most community colleges translates to fundamentals of music structure as practiced every class - very very good use of 8-10 weeks of time and not really any homework in either class because you are working most of the time you are there on practice and demonstration in groups and alone for assessment. You never forget what you learned because it's all in your mental muscle memory and it's all fundamentals that you realize you were using every time you pick up an instrument to make neat sounds...I was actually 27 at the time and there was literally no demographic represented, it seemed a completely random sampling from every walk of life imaginable, so your stigmas are valid for you but I can say they're not real and overcomeable with practice, as is everything in life, whatever ones you think you might have dialed into your cognitive bias.
This is so freeing! I'm finding as I noodle that I'm playing 'wrong' notes that are adding to the flavour of my playing. It's the relation between the notes that give them distinctive characters. And I simply can't remember most theory cos I'm crusty old git
Thank you Dave, this one of the most important lessons I've ever had.
Hi Dave.
As always, a tasty intro (a tad Gary Moore-ish ?).
Yesterday (24 sept) Andertons posted a TC signature pedals video, and "the Cap'n" asked for suggestions on who else TC could collaborate with. Last time I checked, you had by far the most votes. And deservedly so.
Well done, and keep on doing exactly what you are doing...
Dave had my vote. I would buy several! I assume he would get a piece of the action!
The Tone City Gravylicious....
Yes - some Gary in there very definitely but a very Dave journey somewhere 👏
He should have used the Lemondrop! ;)
The intro is straight up Gilmour style
That's why I like you
It's about the journey
Not the destination
I like where you're going
👏Well said!
This!!! This is exactly how I see the guitar... I want to and I will achieve the power of just playing and get lost in the music.. Thank you Dave
Your intro solo made me make that Robin Trower face when the drums kicked in Dave, now I'm stuck like that. It feels great.
I have watched many of your videos & this one is superb! Well done Mr Dave Simpson. I like many people love the feel factor in your playing. Bravo! ❤
Okay. So I enjoy all of your videos. This one though has been by far, the most valuable, relatable one you've ever done. I'm not a theory guy but I've been playing for over 20 years (I'm 33) and I'm still having eureka moments that change my playing. This video gave me two of those moments and I can't tell you how grateful I am for that. Thanks man. ❤
Hello Dave. Just to let you know that your playing does take me on a journey. Like you say about you not thinking about the technicalities and theories when you’re playing, your playing doesn’t make me think about those things either when I hear it. It lifts me up and carries me along. I love it and live it. Thank you so much.
Id played for years (poorly) without understanding the fretboard because of how daunting of a task conceptualizing it on the fly seemed to be. "Unlocking the neck" was the video where things finally clicked and I began to work towards being able to play what I was feeling.
Wish I didn't waste so much time with that mental block since I'm still working towards being able to turn off my mind and avoid taking an analytical approach to how to sound good, but the theory lessons on Dave's channel were probably the single-most useful resources to contribute to my playing and understanding of guitar. Super comprehensible and stripped down, and especially fun to watch because Dave is clearly a extraordinary musician in his own right. Super thankful for these videos :)
Dave, you are a legend. I suspect many of your subscribers like myself would love an updated video to this video to get your perspective on how you maybe view the fretboard now versus then. Thanks!
Its not changed. :)
Everythng you do is at the least very interesting, and always, very instructive. But, I must say for me, this video, along with your "Unlocking the Fretboard" are pure golden genius. I wish I had found you twelve years ago. Would have saved me a lot of frustration, wasted energy and actually, money (on manuals and instructional materials.) Your process now guides my practice, my goals, and just plain where I would like to be as a guitar player. I will never get to the place you are, but to play organically, without thinking, and expressly individually, is the Emerald City. I even look at the fretboard differently now. I dutifully learned my five positions of the minor pentatonic/blues scales, but so often found myself locked into specific boxes up and down. Tried to push myself to jump around more, but limpingly so. I think some of what some people would see as learning impediments in your case, actually were blessings and benefits for your journey. You learned it your own way, and this gave you a much deeper understanding of all of it. So, this is to thank you for such a tremendous gift to me. Here goes a beggar trying to choose, but if you ever get the inclination, please, more on the "super scale." Those add on note choices. I'll approach them myself as I gain an ability all over the fretboard, but you simplify and teach so well.
Two things hat really helped me learn music theory was one, buy a keyboard the black and white keys just stand out so much better and make the learning process so much easier, and secondly, and this is what really got things moving for me , print off an image of the guitar fretboard onto a piece of A4 paper and sandwich it between two pieces of clear perspex then buy some marker pens that wipe off easy and aren't permanent and practice drawing your scales chords notes etc etc when you are away from your guitar , like when you're at work during your breaks , i've been doing this for nearly 15 years and boy does it work , i also like to put on a music channel on my TV and while a song is playing try and work out what key its in before the song finishes, if you do get it try adding something to it, also find some tunes on youtube etc without any guitar on them and then try and add something of your own to spice it up, its like going for a band rehearsal and you don't really know there songs, its a good feeling when you can do this and keeps you motivated
That's it ! That's what I wanted to make for my own lesson plan !
Great tip
Dave, you already do take us on a journey!! It’s not something you should aspire to, you’re there right now. Every intro jam is a journey, an experience for anyone watching, the way you express yourself through your playing, your feel and natural musicality... I suppose you could call it soul? Charlie was right
So glad about this one. I’ve been stressing myself to learn music theory during the last few months. I work 50hrs per week.. I want to spend my time playing the guitar, not chewing on diagrams. I know the 5 shapes off pentatonics and the caged system. I can play freely too, but my soloing still sounds robotic. If anything, I need to work on phrasing and musical expression more than on technique
I'm basically in the same position. I have always focused on my rhythm playing because that was my part in the band and really didn't let me deviate from that. I know how to build scales, the CAGED system and basically all I think I need to be a good lead player. The thing is I just don't do it enough. I'm not in a band anymore nor do I have anybody to jam with anymore so that leaves backing tracks and a Looper. Both of those tools are awesome. I just need to play play play and play some more. A Looper is my best friend at the moment. Good luck!
If I can speak freely , you really just have to play with your heart and not pay attention to where you are at on fretboard just let it go , I found that this had really helped me , it doesn’t matter if you know any theory , you just have to know how to play what is in your head and it works trust yourself you will stumble at first but just like learning to run and walk you will master it if you just let it go and do it
Also you will have to know what key you want to play in just pick a progression and start with the first note of the progression ie if your in C , then play in C and play everywhere there is a C , learn where all the notes are on fretboard if you want , but you will learn that everything is connected and in shapes . Then you can freely go on auto pilot and jam better to play with your heart than your head because you will sound much more melodic rather than robotic try it
Dave, just wanted to say that your unlocking the neck video has helped me a lot in the past month. In a month my playing started to sound a lot better than before. I'm half way through this and I've learned a lot too. Thanks a lot and have a great day.
This is why I love music and particularly the guitar. People can have completely different approaches to theory and applying it to guitar playing, as long as it works for you it's great! Although I do enjoy the theory, scales CAGED and whatnot, I completely agree with you about developing aural skills, flow state when soloing and complete focus on what interests us most as players.
The mega scale you were playing is basically a combination of the E shape minor pentatonic blues scale and Dorian mode. Slash uses it all the time for his quicker runs (think 'November Rain' outro solo).
Great playing as always and thanks for providing me with a fresh look at theory! 😊
Is it just me...?
You pronounce solo as 'soul-o', which is a perfect description of your skills...!!
I've never been good at theory either and been bashing out standard Pentatonic scales for years but was never happy with them.... it wasn't quite what I wanted, not enough expression.
I found your 'Unlocking the Neck' video a few months ago... with your fantastic hand drawn colour coded - all the 'good notes' Mega Scale diagrams.
My solos & general playing have improved exponentially since I started following your 'technique'... it's amazing... truly amazing...
Like you say... going with the flow & improvising in the 'zone' just leads to a deeper connection with the music... it's like surfing an endless wave... glorious...
My practise sessions have become more frequent & longer because I really don't want to stop playing...
These two videos are crammed with essential skills /advice & I reckon, the only guitar tuition videos anybody learning guitar needs to watch... period.
This is brain & soul gravy of the most sublime kind, mate, for sure.
Forget the rest... Dave is the best... keep on doing what you're doing... the world needs your honest and humble insights... Cheers..!
Thank you, Dave for existing and for being so great and so engaged with your subscribers. No one on youtube has a relationship with their community like you do.
I’ve watched a lot of your videos man but I come back to this one for that intro. That’s pure passion. You and the guitar look one, like you understand each other. Absolutely incredible
Hi Dave, thanks for this video. Quite an eye-opener... My knowledge about theory is (was) even less than yours, but this video showed me that through the years I've done things much the same as you (of course on a lower level). I've got two thing which I will always remember. Once someone (a jazz guitarist) told me: if you make a mistake, just repeat it several times and people will think it's meant to be.
The other thing was told to me by my wife, long ago, when we were still students in the academy of art. When discussing about what's the most important thing a painting should tell you, her answer was: "I love to paint" . (I know, a bit like Bob Ross, The Joy Of Painting...) But it is true. It's all about emotions and feelings. And that counts for music as well. I don't think it's a good idea to make a painting/music from a pure theoretical background, because it will become nothing more but a trick, a scientific thing and the danger is you're losing the emotional part. You can get benefit from theoretical knowledge (to understand what you are doing) but remember, first people started making music, only afterwards people came up with the theory about it.
Just want to say man your videos are great All your intros have made me look at what I do on guitar completely different and I’m glad to be able to see you with myself being fairly new to guitar there’s so much emotion in your playing I love it thank you so much and I sincerely mean it
That intro was out of this world🔥
I go on a journey every time i hear one of your solos Dave. The emotions and feelings that come out of you are amazing. i say it every time but thanks again mate.
Finally I have someone who I can fully understand that says it better than I've been told over the years. Thank you so much.
You've got your colour palette, now you can paint your pictures and create your art.
Thanks Dave you really said everything that I was killing my self to find someone to talk about it, it is the way it woks you answered my question so accurate and helped me not to get lost with the music theory that I have been so confused about recently , much love and respect 🌱
Watching this video make me feel a lot better now. I'm still learning all the pentatonic positions but i feel realy good when i'm playing it, and every time i tried to learn like, the major scale, CAGED system all the other stuff it never came easy to me, it was always so unatural. Seeing one of my favorite guitar player saying he felt the same made me more in ease with myself, thank you mr dave
"It understands; I don't need to understand."
"I'm just going with it, it will reveal itself."
Absolute magic, Dave, you express yourself in language pretty damn' well (your music sings for itself)!
Hey Dave, recently discovered your channel. Just wanted to try to thank you. You’ve re-inspired those early roots of when I first picked up the guitar 15 years ago. It’s been a long journey, I had begun to grow a little stale in my learning and my motivation to push the bounds of expression. But watching a lot of your videos I have been able to get back to that child-like fascination I had when I began playing guitar, where i just sit down for hours and listen so closely to each note and what each note is telling me, spending hours studying and taking it all in naturally as a child would. I haven’t felt like this about my playing in years. Thank you so much man, and your music is epic.
Love the tone of your guitar in this one. I really need to study your channel and see if you have a video on your pedal board and how your set up your sound. It's awesome.
This video was so enlightening and has left me with lots and lots and lots of questions of myself. Thank you so much for posting this video.
No off to find your unlocking the neck video :)
Now that would be a video worth watching.
53:10
just a time stamp for me, I want to come back and steal it.
You make my life better Dave. Thank you.
Hi Dave, thank you for sharing. I love musical instruments but have always felt bad about the fact that heavily structured learning doesn't hold my interest.
I discovered your videos while I am contemplating buying my first guitar and really appreciate the content you are producing. I can't play a song but will spend hours taking myself on random soundscape journeys , usually on my piano, ukulele or synth and have a great time doing so. I am always aiming to up my game skills wise but often get sidetracked exploring what sounds I find along the way. It's awesome to hear someone who plays as well as you mention the power and importance of a musical journey whether it be formally structured or not and this makes me feel so much better about my unfocused mind . I'm excited and off to check out some guitars at my local store. You are an INSPIRATION to many, keep on doing what you do.
Dave. A sincerely thank you for putting this out. I am in no way dyslectic (I have a university degree) but I have had aversion against theory my whole life. Right now I am taking a course on bass where we are learning boxes, shapes and arpeggios at Scotts bass lessons. And you kind of sorted out that course for me with this video, and are a massive inspiration to getting through the things I can not stand in order to get where I want. I have always been into learning and playing by ear, but I need some meat on the bones theory wise. And the way you sum things up (from about 46:15) is just brilliant. You manage to put words on things like hardly anyone else can, and by putting out this you inspire loads of people to go out and be the best musician they can be. But in a genuine and "real" way, not a constructed and "fake" way. The world are full of copies, you are a true original, in the best possible way. So again, a big thank you Dave!
Really good stuff, as always, David. I now feel no shame in loving the pentatonic scale. It just draws me in. American guitarist Jesse Ed Davis is quoted as once saying, "I really don't play scales, I just play the notes that sound good." But I believe he knew theory well. I'm trying to embrace what he meant by that. So though I do know the pentatonic, I try not to be limited by it, instead just finding notes that sound good in a phrase I may want to follow. Now: Back to the video!!!...Thanks a lot. Have a great day. Cheers. ❤
Music is all about transvering emotion and I can guarantee you your music is transvering it to me.
Awesome jamming. Just love your slow, bluesy, deep bends vibrato. You are one of my ULTIMATE FAVORITE U Tubers. Keep it up Brother.
This is Bill from Phoenix Arizona U.S.A.
I feel pretty good about my progress after listening to you during this video. I don’t learn theory because I struggle with it and that’s just sets me up with self doubt and ultimate failure. I just want to play like you and forget the purists who want to push their own agenda. Nothing for it but to practice and get on with it ..
Thanks again Dave for your help on my journey.. 🙏🏻👍🇦🇺
Your solos really do take me on a journey
I think you arent aware how amazing you are
Your philosophy of guitar is most inspirational thing for me. I have the same goal of being able to completely shut my brain off and just play. I've only gotten serious about guitar in the last year so I have quite a bit of road ahead of me. Thank you for your monologues they help more than you could know!
Man I’m exactly the same as you. Every single thing you mentioned on this video, about the simplicity, the way you’ve grown using pentatonics first and then and every key, they triads and that’s more or less it. I have not been needing anything else for years. On acoustic is different of course? but one the electric guitar is 99% the same way. I guess it’s just because of John and Jimmi. You’re doing more or less what you’re fell in love with
It’s awesome we all have this channel. Seeing this video for me is like making sure I know enough, and I shouldn’t be embarrassed not knowing more
Why do you say it’s different on acoustic?
Dave, you've influenced me to reconsider, practice, and expand pentatonic scales after many years of being stuck in same-ole limited patterns, which has opened new doors of creativity for me. I really appreciate that.
Nice one Dave, we share the same guitarist's values and inspiration. You've given me some ideas to help with my flow playing as I find that I've been stuck in the same rut for 5years of just picking up the guitar and playing the same shapes and patterns. Time to break the rut.
Never heard of you before but learned more from this than I have spending countless hours learning scales/songs on youtube. Very Impressed and look forward to going back and checking out your other lessons!
AMAZING ! I knew you were a great guitar player , but after all the videos I've watched , and everything I've heard , (It's clear to me now , you are far beyond just a great guitar player). You are an absolute genius ! Your playing , sound , tone , feeling and emotion in your playing is amazing ! I'm so lucky I stumbled onto your channel. More people need to hear your amazing talent ! \m/ \m/
Simply put you’re a great player with tons of feel in your playing , emotional playing is at its best . I haven’t heard anyone in a long long time play with as much strength and emotion as you and Poppa chubby another guitar player . Listening to you reminds me of a great player named Stevie Ray Vaughan , just tons of emotion and feel ..
Awesome playing
A suggestion for your T-shirt range Dave. "If that makes any sense?". I would get one!
Dave playing around and explaining away, me nodding but barely understanding and then
53:23 probably the most beautiful thing ive ever heard
Playing from the heart seems a worthy goal to me - will keep on trying to unlock the kneck - cheers DS ;)
Hi Dave! Sorry, me again! ;-)I found your explanation about learning the pentatonic scale on string by string fascinating and suddenly I noticed, that I read about such a concept in Mick Goodricks excellent book "The advancing guitarist". I must give this a try, because I'm still thinking in boxes. So it is definitely worth, watching your videos more than twice ;-). Thanks again so much for all your input, it's very inspiring!
The true 'key' to understanding both the guitar neck, and how music is put together is memorising the 'Chromatic Scale': E-F-F#-G-G#-A-Bb-B-C-C#-D-Eb-E. We know the names of the strings, so we can find every note on the neck using this relationship. This really is the central mystery.
@@chrisheath9736 Blimey that's amazing. I've been playing for 30 years and still don't know this. But I happen to agree with you. I wish I could learn this. The 'boxes' really do keep you locked in, I have real trouble breaking out of them and I'm sure it''s because of this reason of not fully trusting what I know about the whole neck.
@@chrisheath9736 I don't think the boxes are a waste of time, they help to chunk the neck up and if you know the root notes in each box it's a short cut to learning the rest of the notes, and if you can find the root notes the intervals are always the same, the patterns repeat across the neck. Learning the pentatonic is key for rock and blues; its only 5 notes. Once you get that under you belt all the other scales/modes are just two extra notes to keep track of - always between the larger intervals of the root and the b3 and the 5th and the b7
like this: imgur.com/gallery/4bLA2qy
@@chrisheath9736 Yeah that's true, and you're never really ever done learning the guitar, it's a lifelong endeavour.
@@chrisheath9736 but all the pentatonic notes are strong notes I see them as the safe zone
@@chrisheath9736 That is how I look at it as well.
I think that Frusciante used to play feel based up to By The Way and around that time he started getting really into theory (and that's just my theory). And then he started to back away from that for Stadium Arcadium. However he's said that learning theory has been extremely helpful for him, while also saying it's not necessary. So I think that I'm in the same boat as you, we both need to improve our theoretical knowledge but don't have a good reason to do so. And increasing our knowledge doesn't have to interfere with our playing. This was a stellar video and I could relate to it alot!
Tbf Frusciante has always been into theory. He’s spoken about elements of theory he learnt as a teenager and there was an interview about what theory he incorporated into stadium Arcadium (which is quite possible the most underrated RHCP album of all time). I hate to admit this too as I adore Frusciante and have the exact same reservations towards theory as Dave and many others. But he is definitely one of the (perhaps rare) prominent guitarists who knows theory
@@marcussullens2573 you can tell by his playing he definitely always knew his theory. i'm saying that i think his playing was more feel-based in that he wrote what sounded good when played, and became more theory based when he might write things that he thought of theoretically before playing, or had a general idea of what notes and chords he would use, timing etc.
@@marcussullens2573 also knowing theory means different things. Like knowing chords and notes in scales is knowing theory they all know that. But the deeper theory of what sounds good is the question here
this will be one of those videos I'll waych over and over to get everything out of it. Thanks Dave
Hey Dave! This was a very important episode today. Thanks for doing this!! This is great insight
Hi Dave love your videos! I've played the guitar on and off 15 years (not consistently though cos i had few year break) but 2 years ago i started learning theory too and it elevated my composition element of playing a lot. I learned major and minor patterns and what the relative majors are to minors and vice versa. Now im just trying to learn some more licks/patterns and also spider walk exercise as it helps me with the finger dexterity. your such an amazing guitarist have a nice day
"Keep it simple" I love that. Very inspiring video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
That is actually what I am trying to learn: be able to "speak" but I started a year ago and the difficulty is how much to dedicate to technique, how much to.understand theory.. the truth is: I want it all, and I want it now :)
I'd focus mostly on refining basic techniques and developing your musical ear - fluency before literacy! Better that way than being too bogged down in theory too early on and it killing some of the joy of actually playing.
@@sammyj.d6101 the figure of speech will guide me through :) "fluency before literacy" will stay with me :) thanks!
You're welcome :) as a music teacher I'm always more impressed when someone can play a couple of bars with purpose and passion in complete ignorance over someone who understands the theory but can't communicate the feeling :)
The longest n most interesting intro ever...
Glad I stumbled upon this ! ❤
I had to comment after watching this. I've played guitar for 55+ years. I learned more or less the same way that you did. It has served me well for the most part. But I must admit that if I would have learned more theory, I do believe that I would have had a much more lucrative and successful career in all aspects of music. I am currently working a lot and LOVING it. I guess it all depends on what you want to accomplish. BTW I really enjoy what you do on UA-cam. Just my 2 cents worth. Cheers from Arizona!
I have just discovered your channel. Very interesting video and great playing. I have watched 30 minutes of the video now and will for sure get to the end. Very rarely I watch a longer video than 15 minutes, keep up the great work! Subbed.
Welcome to team Simpson ☺
My friend you have found the best guitar channel on the tube. Welcome to Simpson world
Dave can waffle for 30 mins for practice.welcome to the channel it's a great place to be.
Wow Dave from what I hear you are there!!!!!!!!!!!!! and you just gave me a breakthrough with this lesson.
Loved this video. Jimi's 'May this be love" song is a lot like what youre saying in terms of playing linearly. Songs like Machine gun band of gypsies and the long slow version of voodoo chile on electric ladyland to me are great examples of what your saying about getting lost in the moment of improvising They're like meditations in a single key. Great stuff Dave, loving your approach 👍🙏
You did it again Dave and you somehow keep coming up with these amazing solos! It's awesome! great video !
Dude, you're a fine example of what is great about UA-cam. Its a venue where a freak (in the most complimentary sense of a rugged individual), who you would never see in any traditional medium, can have a voice and connect with other freaks. Thanks for showing me your system; it's helpful!
Thanks for your explanation Dave, for me pentatonic scales, the intervals and how chords are made. Thats the theory that clicked with me, now Im working on my ear and trying to express myself
i learn theory from scratch ,right now i am studying the velocity measurements of each vibrating string in accordance with each individual fret , or the vibration of a string moving in a transverse direction. the string vibrates with an amplitude of A and frequency of ω. At the same time, the string moves with a constant velocity of V0 across the PSD. although it can differ slightly depending on what gauge of strings you use ..i tend to use 46 / 10s which gives me sufficient vibration to express myself. Then there is also the harmonic motion to consider ,a superposition of a harmonic motion due to its vibration together with its transverse motion at a constant velocity. the mathematical equation used is xt =Asin [wt+q] ..where A is amplitude, ω is angular frequency and ϕ is phase of the harmonic vibration motion. The period, or the inverse of the frequency, of the moving vibrating string can be determined from time intervals where its movement velocities are zero. although it would take me far too long to write all the equations out here . I have even brought myself a frequency meter ,it very useful compared to that of a string vibrating without transverse motion, which has a frequency of f0 = 349 Hz, where f1 has a frequency shift of +8 Hz and f2 of −9 Hz. Its a lot of theory to take in but my Guitar teacher says its sets the ground in concrete where as once i have all this in my head i can then build on to my next stage of musical development having the knowledge i have a solid base to build up on , he is very good and helpful in explaining these things to me which is good because Guitar lessons i pay for 1 hour per every 3 days because they are so expensive , in the end of my lessons i hope to play like Ronnie Montrose [space station number 5] or Jeff Beck , Jimmy page .but i dont know how long it will take me .
Great Work Blue Sky! I'm sure with this knowledge, you will be playing like Beck & Van Halen in no time. If you ever get a chance, I know myself and all of Dave's subscribers would love for you to write out all the equations for us to study.
brilliant walk through Dave....enjoyed this clip quite a bit
Uh, this is exactly what I’ve been doing over the last three years. I’ve been thinking I need to know more, but now .. . Maybe not? Haha. I’ve been concentrating on interval’s lately. It’s helping me develop a new ear. So it’s been a lot of fun. I’m so happy seeing someone who approaches it the same as me!! I can’t believe it. This is so great! Thanks for sharing.
You already take me with you on your solos, you are such an inspiration to me and probably so many more, so glad I come across your channel 🎸.
Dave, thanks for being sincere about your passion! It is like a band aid for lot of folks I am sure.
I am at the end of my 30’s and two years ago built myself 3string to see if I “get” stringed instrument. It was fun but melodically limited. Later built tele partscaster...to get access to six strings.
You see, I have not a slightest interest to learn songs, I just can’t manage connecting myself with that, feels wrooong. But boy that makes learning instrument frustrating.
The jazzy impro you played, I felt excitement. I describe it “you do not know where you are or where you are heading but it holds together”. I love that kind of musical “harmonies”.
You say that you kind of started to play neck unconsciously almost like 20 years ago😶.
All I am dreaming about is that I would not need to think while playing but I do not know where to put the fingers!
Anyway, would you please make a chart from your “mega scale” like you did one on the other video? Seeing it visually would help to understand what shapes are you mixing together.
Thank you again for being what you are!
After having my brain melted for the last hour by C.C.C.C's glorious "Loud Sounds Dopa/Live in the U.S.A." CD, this is the best thing to chill to after that. Time to pick up the open C acoustic and pick around while I watch this. Cheers, Dave!
Although I’m a proponent of learning (at least basic) music theory - I also support the notion that at the end of the day “if it sounds good, it is good.” That’s all you really need to know, playing techniques aside.
Music theory: Enjoy, Live, Inspire, Be inspired, Transcend, Evelate. That's all the music theory you need
Sounds so good in that room.
"Turning my brain out" is another one! Love your stuff Dave.
Dave, what John and Jimmy do to you, you do that to us, and I’m grateful for having discovered your channel for two years now. Unconsciously I seem to be following your path with pentatonic shapes, and the corresponding diatonic notes here and there (megascales!) and I don't need to think too much about it when playing. Damn, sometimes I even play something that remotely sounds like some of your intros and outros (minus the subtlety and speed) :)
31:40 you are talkong about the relative minor over major chords. But what is it that makes it the A minor sound when you play over C major if its also Cmaj scale? are you hitting the minor chord tones?
Thanks fot the lesson
Forty years back when I figured out Jimi and many others were living in Pentatonic land I quit worrying about learning everything and focused on mastering one thing.
Love this. When I listen to local blues bands their music sounds technically good but I can never put my finger on why something is off, it's like there is no feeling to their music
"I don't know much theory and gave up on it so once I knew the neck, pentatonic minor and now if we are in C sharp comparing the major to its relative minor".
All joking aside, I watched this all the way through, brilliant content as always and I learned a few things, thank you!
I can listen to you pour out your heart and soul all day you are an amazing guitar player
I've been following your philosophy of learning what interests me on guitar and my improvement has been much more satisfying. I'm finally to point where I can understand and apply your unlocking the neck video. It's not work at all if you love it! Great stuff💞
You made that groove at that intro into something else with that blues
Dave this is a great video that makes absolute sense, Am presently watching your "Unlocking the Neck" upload and I have to say you certainly have a knack for teaching the guitar in a way thats easy to follow. Well done keep up the good work
A beautiful, terrific pre. Thank you David.
Thank you very much. :)
If it doesn't interest you, don't learn it. I think there is so much to learn it is overwhelming as a beginner. I need to learn what I love is my take away, thank you Dave.
Thanks for the video, i watched your video with the notes on the fret board which opens up the neck more, would be interested to see how you approach rhythm and chords ect. Thanks again great stuff
This is just one of the greatest videos i ever see, it was awesome to see your explanation about what you learn through the years and i realized that i'm following a similar path with my way to play guitar, after see this video i just wanna jam more and more, anyway your are awesome dude, greetings from Argentina!!!
great vid, love your video's , always come away feeling i've learned something. your honesty comes across, makes me think what your saying is something worth listening to. thanks for posting
Hi Dave, listening just now it occurs to me that your respect for copyright rules has forced you to become the player that you have become. Your sound and style are most certainly continuing to evolve and you have become more than just a stylistic fan of other guitar players. Great intro today.