🎸 Sign-up for FREE access to my intermediate soloing course “Melodic Soloing With Triads” ►►► bit.ly/4fZnn8h Are you an intermediate guitarist who has been stuck in a soloing rut for years? Or even decades? If the answer is yes, then I’m guessing you’ve grown tired of playing the same licks over and over again… This course teaches you how to ditch your stale, repetitive licks and instead, begin playing tasteful guitar solos that ooze melody and feel! The best part? You can learn how to do this WITHOUT learning ‘exotic’ guitar scales, wasting hours trawling through UA-cam lessons, or spending a penny! That’s right, I’m giving this course away for zero dollars (for the time being…), so act today to grab it with free, lifetime access. Here’s a tip-of-the-iceberg overview of the main benefits you can expect to experience when you study the curriculum of “Melodic Soloing With Triads”: ✅ You’ll move beyond the limitations of a purely scale-based approach to guitar soloing… so that you can stop feeling stuck inside scale patterns and boxes ✅ You’ll learn to target the notes that create a strong connection between your licks and the chords they are played over… so that you can stop playing repetitive un-musical licks and begin crafting melodies ✅ You’ll stop aimlessly wandering the fretboard, hoping to land on notes that sound good… and start improvising with the confidence of a pro-level guitarist, who always knows which notes to target for an epic solo Click here for free, lifetime access ►►► bit.ly/4fZnn8h
I have been around musicians all my adult life, and I'm 68 now. If there is one thing I've noticed it is that if you can't get up and play when you're not good enough, then you won't ever be able to get up on stage. Because no one is ever totally happy with how they play. The joy of being on stage has to overwhelm any feeling of disappointment or embarrassment in your playing. Anyway, I'm sure you will be fine. Great to see you up there.
That's a great comment! I have no hesitation in getting up on stage, often with no rehearsal. Where I've been hired as a dep guitarist, however, it's important to learn the most important riffs properly. Even then, there's no surprise if I make a few mistakes, but 99% of the time, no one notices.
I played a large music festival a few weeks ago and was nailed on the whole hour. I spent 3 days on the run up playing the whole set twice per day. I Played a pub gig this weekend and barely got through a single song without a mistake. I fell Into the trap of thinking “it’s just a pub, no one cares” so I didn’t really bother to brush up on stuff. I Came away feeling terrible. It’s reminded me to give it 100% Everytime you play live.
Ross im sure you did great, I am in a Southern Rock/Country cover band named BarnBurner here in Jacksonville FL, and mistakes will happen, requests will be asked all night long. We play through it all and keep having fun. I am the lead guitarist as well and having practiced my visualization and improvisation saved me more than learning any one song. You're awesome my dude! Love this video!
Wow, what a courageous thing to do. I would be scared shitless playing with Nashville musicians like that.. Hats off to you 🎸 Good luck man!! Greetz, Peter
I just came back from a vacation in Nashville in late July/early August and checked out the Broadway scene for a couple nights (I wonder if I saw you there! So many people it was honestly overwhelming), and I can absolutely attest to all of the things you're saying here. The fact that a request can be almost anything (aside from obscure metal) is enough to make it a super high pressure environment, but I didn't know these guys were performing for 4+ hours at a time and having to change keys frequently to preserve the singer's voice (which in itself is a massive feat to keep it going for that long!). Hearing you talk about it all makes sense. I was pretty humbled at the players' ability to ad-lib and improvise around each of the solos, which is something I need to improve at (too much of what I play is "rehearsed"), but this just amplifies it all. Granted, I have no ambitions to join the Nashville scene since it's stylistically not my cup of tea, but still - MASSIVE respect to the guys on stage killing it every night.
Your biggest critic is yourself, every time. To leave your own country, switch genres, and adapt to different atmospheres, man not many people do that! Hats off to you!
Brilliant advice Ross. I play solo covers gigs here in Scotland and lots of the same stuff applies. Also really appreciate what you said about using the Nashville system and learning your keys. As I'm singing as well as playing , to avoid voice strain I've had to transpose a lot. the CAGED stuff comes in really handy too. Plus the great thing about Scottish pub goers is that they'll soon let you know whether you are any good or not :)
Overthinking kills joy. I used to be like that, one thing that helped me tremendously was to play/jam with a guitar player above my level and to practice a lot more. Also when I changed my thinking, my playing changed. I would listen to a song and I would tell myself that I would not be able to play that. Basically negative thinking, now I listen to a song and I know that it is just a matter of time before I can play it. If I have any negative thoughts I go for a run, followed by a cold shower then I dive into guitar learning mode. First time I covered for a pro musician was nerve racking, now I became a hired gun for local bands in my town. I still get nerves but I don’t let mistakes ruin my night anymore. Mind you I am not a pro musician just a guitar enthusiast.
I took your course on Melodic soloing and it has benefited me very much, I was always asking myself how can I play more melodically because I was always playing around with scales while playing along with backing tracks and thats what it sounded like... Like playing with scales... Now I have opened up A LOT at a musician and am planning a before and after video of what I learned... Because seriously I leveled up for sure.
SUCH an interesting video. I could never do what you did, because I don't have the chops, I'm too old, and I would rather just play my own material - but I salute you for having the balls to dive in like that. Top Man!
Good for you! I envy your opportunity. Some people like building ships in a bottle, some people like doing puzzles and crosswords, and some people like playing songs they don’t know! I am proud of you and your brain.
Great to hear about your experience, good for you. Guthrie Trapp and Tom Buk have talked at length about getting your foot in the door in Nashville and they say it's not that easy, that you need to to be on the top of your game, be a good hang, and be prepared to do the real dog gigs. I think you're making it sound easier than it really is.
I also play in Nashville, regular mid to late afternoon’s on Broadway. The other issue in Nashville is that everyone plays great music. I mean everyone! The talent around here is crazy good! Keep at it!
I've lived in nashville for four years now and even as a musician, getting a broadway gig is something i have no desire to do. Hats off to you for doing the dang thing. I still work in music full time, just producing and writing with artists around town. I see a wild myles throughout this video too. Love him, such a good dude
Ross good post! Been to Nashville many times and often think it would be fantastic to live there for a year just for the experience. Already playing 4 hr gigs no breaks so thats not a problem but thinking on your feet like that is a little unnerving. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this Ross. Been following you for a long while and excited to hear about this next chapter of yours. This video was so concisely presented, as is the case of much of your content. I would absolutely love for you to continue presenting a series on your adventures as a Nashville musician!!! I am a life long NY resident and always have been grateful for the diverse and abundant live music opportunities it presents, both as a player and listener. My older son (also a huge live music lover and guitarist) moved to Tuscaloosa, AL a few years ago (now is in Ann Arbor), and after experiencing Nashville, could not wait to get me there. I went for first time a couple years ago and wow, as you describe, the cacophony of live music emanating from everywhere, while walking down Broadway was like nothing I had experienced before. Of course popping in to Carter Vintage and Gibson Garage was a mouth watering experience. My wife joked about putting spending limit on the credit cards as I sent photos/videos of the next guitar that was speaking to me. Best of luck and so looking forward to you taking us along for the ride.
As I have said before. The best thing I did was your Fretboard course volume 1. It’s exactly like you said. I play covers and we get requests. Often of country songs I never heard (country side Australia pub gigs). It’s been life changing to me. I find myself using it in solos etc etc. thanks Ross.
Hi Ross, I started playing guitar when I was a sophomore in the early "70's. But before that, I was actually playing a mandolin in our school "Rondalla" in the mid '60's. My elder brother was on the guitar. He eventually moved on to other interests and I inherited his guitar. I taught myself using chord books and never had a professional teacher. I am now in my late 60's and retired and have more time to get more serious with my guitar playing, which I had to put on hold when I started a family. I also want to thank you for your advice which served as an eye opener. More power to you!!
Thanks for the "mistakes" comment, that is the most important thing a guitarist whose is doing sessions or this kind of work needs to remember. My first teacher 60 years ago really drove home: "if you make a mistake just move on, play the next phrase as close to perfect as you can and focus on your success, most listeners won't even know you made a mistake unless you tell them by your playing or your reaction". It has served me well throughout my career!
Hey Ross. Congrats on your successful move to Nashville and in seeing your dreams become a reality. You deserve a ton of credit for getting out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself personally and professionally. I've made my living as a guitar player for most of the last 25 years and but even with over 1000 gigs of experience I know that I don't have the chops (or courage) to do what you did...and I live in Atlanta! I spend a decent amount of time in Nashville. Next time I'm in town I hope I get the opportunity to see you in action. I wish you all the best. Mark
Really enjoyed your candid account of playing on Broadway . I watch a lot of Nashville guitarist and seems paying your dues on Broadway is a merit badge .
Ross, great insight into the life of a working muscian. I remember when you first started on youtube as a youngster and I was just starting to play but was having problems due to having broken several fingers over many years playing rugby. All the best for the future from a fellow Scotsman, living in Canada. Oh and I must get to Nashville it looks awesome.
Great video. Thanks for the run down. I have two friends who play professionally in Nashville, but I have never asked them about the experience. Thanks for explaining in depth how some of it works.
Thanks for sharing! It’s very inspiring to hear accomplished guitarist speaking humbly about being challenged and stating regardless of their skill level, still admit that work always needs to be done to get better. ❤
Good lord, 4 hours straight with no break. What an insane system. The musicians need to band together and put a stop to it. A 15/20 minute break in the middle of the gig is more than reasonable.
Totally agree. Forcing the singer, especially, to play 4 hours straight, day in day out, is bad for music as an Art. Unfortunately, there are clearly enough bands that accept this. The authorities could do more to protect band members.
I don't disagree with you on that Chris. I play local gigs at home and we do four hours WITH a break which I think is too long but I feel like the reason for no break is that people will get up and leave, particularly in off peak times. If they can come up with a way to keep people there other than piped in music, that would be the key.
Hang in there, man! I did 7 years in Nashville and moved back home at the end of 2022 to teach. First few gigs there can be terrifying…you actually outlined exactly why I left: it’s a LOT of work for the pay you get... Best of luck!
I have been playing professionally for 35 years. Play weekend at the fiddle and steel guitar bar in the early 2000s.. Though you know the crowd rarely ever knows if you make a mistake. Just don't stop! (Especially a drummer or a bass player!) "If you're not making mistakes you're not trying hard enough!' -Don Cherry (on improvisation)
That might be the best guitar video ever! I have no desire to be a professional musician, but I could understand everything you said, and to see a guy like you be so humble shows how difficult that life is, if that's where you want to go. Good luck, and again................best video ever!
Congratulations on your major step in the industry..... a series of vids showing the bands, the practice and mostly the stories would be awesome as I believe its the stories that people want to hear and see...... greetings from down under mate. stay safe
Great take on what's necessary for bar gigs in Nashville nowadays. As someone who worked on Broadway in the early 2000s a lot of the things you mentioned are definitely advantages of the new generation of players i.e. Digitech Drop for detuning, iPad for charts, dual guitars to fit the setlist, etc. A lot has changed in that scene since then so I won't try to reminisce or detract from your experience. Good on you for doing the dangerous work and trying to make drunks appreciate live, no-tracks music!
The quality of musicians gigging in Nashville is heads and shoulders over most places in the US as well because you will run into studio musicians as well.
Visited Nashville for the first time a few months ago...that place is overwhelming. And that's just as a music fan, not a musician. Best of luck to you!
I find gigging videos interesting. I gig in two bands in Alaska and I play a lot. I wonder what it's like in other cities, especially Nashville and Austin. Great video, it sounds humbling but it very much reminds me of my first gigs up here. I was in a band that never had a set list and the singer just calls songs and then starts asking what the patrons want to hear. Even though Alaska is up North " the Valley" (Wasilla) thinks theyre below the Mason Dixon line, line dancing is Huge. I also played in a duo with a cat who literally had thousands of songs backing tracks in his computer which were organized by style of dance. We played for dance groups and then would finish out the night taking requests. "can you play a Bachata ect ect. Improvisation is my strongest skill and I got really good at just saying "what key"......go. I've learned hundreds of songs since moving to Anchorage 11 years ago. Coming from Buffalo NY where I primarily played blues and classic rock it was a shock to the system and I did play in a lot of blues bands up here. However. it took me years to shake off the rep that I was only a blues player. again, I found this video very interesting because I do wonder what would happen if I moved to the music city. So for me what I'm hearing, learn songs, learn songs, learn more songs. I'm already comfortable with what else you described. Good job and that move took balls.
Hey Ross - Great to see you having success in Nashville and enjoying life as a professional guitarist. Good advice on learning the Nashville number system and not letting mistakes drag you down. I'm on Module 2 of Melodic Soloing With Triads. In my humble opinion, it has to be the best course on fretboard visualization by learning triads to hit the "money notes" and then using the associated scale(s) to connect the triads. This combination plus your music theory insights are producing "a-ha moments" in each lesson. Appreciate the live gigging advice... keep it coming. Also, please continue to share licks, riffs and solos. 🎸🎸🎸
ciao Ross non ti sottovalutare,sei un chitarrista fenomenale e un maestro stupendo,il tocco,il gusto e il cuore che hai nel suonare io l'ho sentito a pochi e tu sei uno di quelli!!😍
I play a Fender Nashville Tele with a B-bender. I can't imagine having that thing on my shoulder for four straight hours a day. It weighs 10.5 lbs. Having said that, I really enjoyed your video. It's good to get some genuine inside information about the Nashville scene.
Good job on your video and on your assessment of the Broadway scene in Nashville. There's a lot more besides Broadway happening in this city though and I hope as time goes on you get to move out further into the music scene. I'm sure by now you've at least talked about or thought about what happens in the "studio" environment. It's very inspiring if you love a good challenge, but your improvisational skills can be a great help in adapting your playing to the studio scene. You also may want to take a good look at the songwriting side of it, I really appreciate what you shared and your accurate and positive delivery in your video. I hope you keep encouraged to continue this as I'm sure a lot of people can benefit. You are valued.
Yea man this is awesome.... I love playing live and glad I finally did... it helped my playing so much. Would love to see more videos on your career Thanks
Depending of what instrument i play i like my charts in numbers or standard. guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, all are easier with numbers for me. But if i am playing keys, i prefer the standard chord notation. Both are fine, one takes a split microsecond of brain work. Nashvile is a great gig. I remember loading up at the old wildgorse saloon. Loved the elevator dock and back then the alley was not nasty like it is today. Most everyone was just beyond professional and kind. I played keys for pat boone and was the most kind front-man i ever played with. Great memories!
I wish you all the best for your career and future. Always loved your channel and your style. Doesn't get playing live music more and more a form of exploitation? I remember much better times. Anyhow, the experience you make will be priceless. You take the challenge, great, that was life is all about. When times get rough, i recall my Dad who was a construction worker. What a hard life he had. I'm blessed with a much easier life and i'm very grateful earning my living with playing guitar. Hope you're gonna make it.
This is a great video. I have zero ambitions of playing in Nashville, I'm old and happy sitting in NC. Please do a series on your gigs, etc., I think a lot of people will get something out of them. The Nashville numbering system definitely has my interest, I've watched many videos on it from my favorite session guys but I'm missing something. Anyway, good job, Ross. Your videos and courses are awesome.
Really enjoyed your video Ross , admire what you've done in moving out to Nashville, also working my way through your melodic soloing course along with bulletproof, definitely recommended for fretboard knowledge and navigation, thanks once again and good luck with your gigs etc.
Beem following your channel sonce the begining and it's great to see how far you've come. Thansk for sharing all this with us, especially the journey to Nashville. Keep us posted on that, will you? Cheers!
I did this for about 10 years before I settled down, also before it became the super commercialized tourist trap it is now. This is all spot on, nothing will make you grow more than 5-6 nights a week of nonstop jumps between standard classics you're sick of playing and suddenly having to play a song you've never heard, live, for the first time, with the bass player yelling the changes so everyone can keep up. It REALLY keeps you on your toes at first but after a while it gets fun, and it REALLY humbles you. Big reason why downtown Nashville is unquestionably the best live music on earth, ever. And I don't even like country. If you're half capable you can move to Nashville and do it too, just don't expect to get famous or make a dime doing it.
the depth you through yourself into when attempting gigs like this is something most would fold. 4 hours straight is a long time to focus on playing in a band. One way, not that i can do what you do, to get experience is to go to jam nights at pubs and hop up and play with others with no music knowledge of what's going to come next and use your ears. that helped me relax and gain confidence.
I take my hat off to you, good for you ! a courageous move, i hope and feel sure you will reap the benefits from this unique experience, good luck to you !
Great vid Ross, you really nailed it. Only thing I can think of is start entering all those songs that weren’t on the set list into your Ipad/phone and when you get a request you do a super quick search on stage and bring it up. I get that that might mean having notation for maybe 300+ songs but once you have them in your Nashville notation form, it will really take the stress out. Subscribed!
Thanks for sharing and your honesty! I can imagine that it's a tough business, but it's your dream and I'm sure that you're properly armed for this kind of challenge. Keep on rolling👍
Excellent video Ross, from a real musician, not a tuber only. Not to worry about plethora of country songs, there are a lot of one hit wonders now a days in country. I only learned the classics Waylon, Willie, Johnny. Morgan who...lol
I know that feeling of being up there and not knowing the song. Or being a blues/rock player finding yourself in a country gig. Do I want to see and hear more about you going through that situation, it would make me uncomfortable but I guess that's the reality. I wish I knew some of what you know about playing. More power to you, Ross.
Mr. Campbell offers excellent points. Lots of bands are a leader with a phone list. It's been that way since the beginning of time (which could be why T-bone always telegraphed which chord is coming next.) Then there was Chuck Berry who played songs in odd keys to screw up his pickup band.
I hope you're enjoying Nashville. I got invited down there when I was younger but declined. If you love music it's the place to be but the chances of making it big are slim to none as I'm sure you figured it out. There's so many great musicians out. The band that invited me down there ended up being the house band at Tootsie's.
Scotland's loss, Broadway Gain! Your experience reminds me of the times I used to stand in for absent guitarists in the south of England with very little time to learn songs or simply busk on the night. My "idiot" notes were written on paper (we are talking '90's) as Tonic, dominant, subdominant, Rel min....etc. The number system is far more simpler - this is the first time I've come across it. I was lucky enough to have a basic understanding of music theory that helped me and would recommend to anybody to invest in your excellent guitar courses. Very best of luck over the pond, Ross! 👍👍
I find it mind boggling that you "learned" nearly 70 only to end up using maybe a third of them and then having to scramble to play other songs that you've never heard before!! That solid foundation you built is really paying off! I'm signed up to your courses and have just started on them, now I'm really thinking that I'll get a lot from them!!
I'm one of those guys that has routinely sung for four hours or more straight and although now I only gig once or twice a month, there were years when it was three or four times a week--it's awesome to hear a lead player actually respect this. The maintenance that goes into keeping your voice going ranges from simply not talking to anyone all day every day of the week to staying away from tea (especially) and any hard alcohol to supplements to visiting the throat doc twice a month to... beer and tomato juice (which is a life saver for me). But as a fellow guitar player... that is maybe the most intimidating thing I've ever heard. Most bands and cover bands I've played in have stuck to set lists of 30-40 songs... and we DON'T change keys. Just causes confusion. Over the past few years, however, I've also played Sundays in church bands (5-10 songs a "gig"), and the new material, variety and late decision on key changes have been a huge challenge. What you are dealing with is what I've been dealing with x 100. Kind of amazing to listen to--brave stuff. Sounds like you'll definitely make it though. Good luck. Rooting for you.
Congrats on making the move, I'm so happy you're embracing country music so you can teach us country lovers more Nashville style country playing secrets... Look up Guthrie Trapp if you can while you're there, he's an absolutely awesome country guitarist to hang out with if you can, enjoy mate 🙂
Great video man! I just moved to Nashville literally a week ago and I'm definitely hoping to play gigs on Broadway. This was great insight - thank you!!
I run jam nights for years as well as playing in a band it has taught me some fantastic improvisation techniques because you can be rocking for 3 songs then the next minute chicken picken The only thing other people tell you is what key it’s in I feel where it’s going and if it’s quiet we can do 4 hours easily it’s great 👍
very interesting I visited in 2023 for the first time .I would have to learn a lot about almost of the standard chord progressions to even think about that but I'm mostly into playing Originals to begin with but you answered some questions I had when I went there and watched,I had a lot of fun and will go back .hopefully fairly soon .The networking aspect of it would be the easiest for me when ever i liked a particular musician I would speak to them after the show or in a break most of them were friendly and receptive also thankful of compliments for good work.
Ross, currently going through both courses (Beyond Pentatonic Blues & Melodic Soloing w/Triads) if some of your future videos you show how knowing the progression but not the song how you used techniques (by example - show & tell) described in the courses. Great stuff!
I used to go to a jam where singer/songwriters would play original tunes. I'd noodle quietly in the background until I'd got a handle on the form, then I could turn up a bit until I was accompanying ok. Sometimes I'd only play the chords I was confident of, and noodle across the ones I wasn't. I also sat in with some jazz guys playing realbook tunes. Some I'd heard, some not, and they were using charts, which I wouldn't have been quick enough to read. There were 2 horns and a keys/vibes player, so with the head. I'd heard each tune 4 times before I played. It was usually ok, and my rock/blues/jazzy blues lines worked well with their straight jazz lines. I even got 'Joy Spring' ok, but not on subsequent times. That last turnaround isn't a good one to be winging it. Counter melodies and counter rhythms are a good option of the basic grooves are already being managed. If there's dynamics, reinforcing the louder bits and mellowing out your playing over the quieter bits works well overall. If you have the gear capable, and the dynamics allow, turning up loud but playing quietly, to get percussive expression also works well. The vol pedal swell over/after a distorted sound, is also useful, especially if there's no keys player.
A large part of my career in music has been pickup gigs where I was tapped to play specifically because playing songs I'm not familiar with or have never heard is my wheelhouse. If you can call the changes and the beat, I'm in.
🎸 Sign-up for FREE access to my intermediate soloing course “Melodic Soloing With Triads” ►►► bit.ly/4fZnn8h
Are you an intermediate guitarist who has been stuck in a soloing rut for years? Or even decades?
If the answer is yes, then I’m guessing you’ve grown tired of playing the same licks over and over again…
This course teaches you how to ditch your stale, repetitive licks and instead, begin playing tasteful guitar solos that ooze melody and feel!
The best part? You can learn how to do this WITHOUT learning ‘exotic’ guitar scales, wasting hours trawling through UA-cam lessons, or spending a penny!
That’s right, I’m giving this course away for zero dollars (for the time being…), so act today to grab it with free, lifetime access.
Here’s a tip-of-the-iceberg overview of the main benefits you can expect to experience when you study the curriculum of “Melodic Soloing With Triads”:
✅ You’ll move beyond the limitations of a purely scale-based approach to guitar soloing… so that you can stop feeling stuck inside scale patterns and boxes
✅ You’ll learn to target the notes that create a strong connection between your licks and the chords they are played over… so that you can stop playing repetitive un-musical licks and begin crafting melodies
✅ You’ll stop aimlessly wandering the fretboard, hoping to land on notes that sound good… and start improvising with the confidence of a pro-level guitarist, who always knows which notes to target for an epic solo
Click here for free, lifetime access ►►► bit.ly/4fZnn8h
I have been around musicians all my adult life, and I'm 68 now. If there is one thing I've noticed it is that if you can't get up and play when you're not good enough, then you won't ever be able to get up on stage. Because no one is ever totally happy with how they play. The joy of being on stage has to overwhelm any feeling of disappointment or embarrassment in your playing. Anyway, I'm sure you will be fine. Great to see you up there.
That's a great comment! I have no hesitation in getting up on stage, often with no rehearsal. Where I've been hired as a dep guitarist, however, it's important to learn the most important riffs properly. Even then, there's no surprise if I make a few mistakes, but 99% of the time, no one notices.
More of this Ross. I’m living vicariously through you 👏
Great advice that applies to many things in life.
If it all goes to shit in Nashville, move to Austin. Or NOLA!!
Same goes for stripping
Hey Ross, I’m an old dog. Your advice is spot on! Have fun, but take care of your physical and mental health. It’s how you make it to be an old dog.
Notta one mention of having a good ear!?
@@morganst.pierre Yes, that’s definitely needed.
I played a large music festival a few weeks ago and was nailed on the whole hour. I spent 3 days on the run up playing the whole set twice per day. I Played a pub gig this weekend and barely got through a single song without a mistake. I fell
Into the trap of thinking “it’s just a pub, no one cares” so I didn’t really bother to brush up on stuff. I Came away feeling terrible. It’s reminded me to give it 100% Everytime you play live.
Ross im sure you did great, I am in a Southern Rock/Country cover band named BarnBurner here in Jacksonville FL, and mistakes will happen, requests will be asked all night long. We play through it all and keep having fun. I am the lead guitarist as well and having practiced my visualization and improvisation saved me more than learning any one song. You're awesome my dude! Love this video!
Geezzzz! On that sort of gig, imagine how much you will grow musically in a super short amount of time. Very cool!
Cutting your teeth in Nashville has to be great for a aspiring musician!
Wow, what a courageous thing to do.
I would be scared shitless playing with Nashville musicians like that..
Hats off to you 🎸
Good luck man!!
Greetz,
Peter
I just came back from a vacation in Nashville in late July/early August and checked out the Broadway scene for a couple nights (I wonder if I saw you there! So many people it was honestly overwhelming), and I can absolutely attest to all of the things you're saying here. The fact that a request can be almost anything (aside from obscure metal) is enough to make it a super high pressure environment, but I didn't know these guys were performing for 4+ hours at a time and having to change keys frequently to preserve the singer's voice (which in itself is a massive feat to keep it going for that long!). Hearing you talk about it all makes sense.
I was pretty humbled at the players' ability to ad-lib and improvise around each of the solos, which is something I need to improve at (too much of what I play is "rehearsed"), but this just amplifies it all. Granted, I have no ambitions to join the Nashville scene since it's stylistically not my cup of tea, but still - MASSIVE respect to the guys on stage killing it every night.
Your biggest critic is yourself, every time. To leave your own country, switch genres, and adapt to different atmospheres, man not many people do that! Hats off to you!
Also I like that advice, “go be friends with people” that’s the best musical advice I’ve ever heard to get a gig
Brilliant advice Ross. I play solo covers gigs here in Scotland and lots of the same stuff applies. Also really appreciate what you said about using the Nashville system and learning your keys. As I'm singing as well as playing , to avoid voice strain I've had to transpose a lot. the CAGED stuff comes in really handy too. Plus the great thing about Scottish pub goers is that they'll soon let you know whether you are any good or not :)
Overthinking kills joy. I used to be like that, one thing that helped me tremendously was to play/jam with a guitar player above my level and to practice a lot more. Also when I changed my thinking, my playing changed. I would listen to a song and I would tell myself that I would not be able to play that. Basically negative thinking, now I listen to a song and I know that it is just a matter of time before I can play it. If I have any negative thoughts I go for a run, followed by a cold shower then I dive into guitar learning mode. First time I covered for a pro musician was nerve racking, now I became a hired gun for local bands in my town. I still get nerves but I don’t let mistakes ruin my night anymore. Mind you I am not a pro musician just a guitar enthusiast.
Great post. Thank you.
If you're a hired gun, you're a pro musician, even if it's part-time. Great post btw!
I took your course on Melodic soloing and it has benefited me very much, I was always asking myself how can I play more melodically because I was always playing around with scales while playing along with backing tracks and thats what it sounded like... Like playing with scales... Now I have opened up A LOT at a musician and am planning a before and after video of what I learned... Because seriously I leveled up for sure.
That's great to hear!
SUCH an interesting video. I could never do what you did, because I don't have the chops, I'm too old, and I would rather just play my own material - but I salute you for having the balls to dive in like that. Top Man!
Good for you! I envy your opportunity.
Some people like building ships in a bottle, some people like doing puzzles and crosswords, and some people like playing songs they don’t know!
I am proud of you and your brain.
Great to hear about your experience, good for you. Guthrie Trapp and Tom Buk have talked at length about getting your foot in the door in Nashville and they say it's not that easy, that you need to to be on the top of your game, be a good hang, and be prepared to do the real dog gigs. I think you're making it sound easier than it really is.
Really enjoy your gigging experience in Nashville videos, look forward to more .
i have a similar pedal i bought in istanbul like 10 years ago. can't imagine my life as a guitarist without it. still using it to this day.
I also play in Nashville, regular mid to late afternoon’s on Broadway. The other issue in Nashville is that everyone plays great music. I mean everyone! The talent around here is crazy good! Keep at it!
I've lived in nashville for four years now and even as a musician, getting a broadway gig is something i have no desire to do. Hats off to you for doing the dang thing. I still work in music full time, just producing and writing with artists around town. I see a wild myles throughout this video too. Love him, such a good dude
Myles is the man!
Thank you Ross. It's great to continue watching you grow as a guitarist. Best of luck in Nashville.
Ross good post! Been to Nashville many times and often think it would be fantastic to live there for a year just for the experience. Already playing 4 hr gigs no breaks so thats not a problem but thinking on your feet like that is a little unnerving. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this Ross. Been following you for a long while and excited to hear about this next chapter of yours. This video was so concisely presented, as is the case of much of your content. I would absolutely love for you to continue presenting a series on your adventures as a Nashville musician!!! I am a life long NY resident and always have been grateful for the diverse and abundant live music opportunities it presents, both as a player and listener. My older son (also a huge live music lover and guitarist) moved to Tuscaloosa, AL a few years ago (now is in Ann Arbor), and after experiencing Nashville, could not wait to get me there. I went for first time a couple years ago and wow, as you describe, the cacophony of live music emanating from everywhere, while walking down Broadway was like nothing I had experienced before. Of course popping in to Carter Vintage and Gibson Garage was a mouth watering experience. My wife joked about putting spending limit on the credit cards as I sent photos/videos of the next guitar that was speaking to me. Best of luck and so looking forward to you taking us along for the ride.
As I have said before. The best thing I did was your Fretboard course volume 1. It’s exactly like you said. I play covers and we get requests. Often of country songs I never heard (country side Australia pub gigs). It’s been life changing to me. I find myself using it in solos etc etc. thanks Ross.
As someone who plays music, I really appreciate the information provided in this video!!!
Congrats on the move to Nashville and entrance onto the live scene! That's awesome and well deserved
Hi Ross, I started playing guitar when I was a sophomore in the early "70's. But before that, I was actually playing a mandolin in our school "Rondalla" in the mid '60's. My elder brother was on the guitar. He eventually moved on to other interests and I inherited his guitar. I taught myself using chord books and never had a professional teacher. I am now in my late 60's and retired and have more time to get more serious with my guitar playing, which I had to put on hold when I started a family. I also want to thank you for your advice which served as an eye opener. More power to you!!
Thanks for the "mistakes" comment, that is the most important thing a guitarist whose is doing sessions or this kind of work needs to remember. My first teacher 60 years ago really drove home: "if you make a mistake just move on, play the next phrase as close to perfect as you can and focus on your success, most listeners won't even know you made a mistake unless you tell them by your playing or your reaction". It has served me well throughout my career!
Hey Ross. Congrats on your successful move to Nashville and in seeing your dreams become a reality. You deserve a ton of credit for getting out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself personally and professionally. I've made my living as a guitar player for most of the last 25 years and but even with over 1000 gigs of experience I know that I don't have the chops (or courage) to do what you did...and I live in Atlanta! I spend a decent amount of time in Nashville. Next time I'm in town I hope I get the opportunity to see you in action. I wish you all the best. Mark
Really enjoyed your candid account of playing on Broadway . I watch a lot of Nashville guitarist and seems paying your dues on Broadway is a merit badge .
Love the honest and transparency on this! You have the type of personality I like to play with.
Ross, great insight into the life of a working muscian. I remember when you first started on youtube as a youngster and I was just starting to play but was having problems due to having broken several fingers over many years playing rugby. All the best for the future from a fellow Scotsman, living in Canada. Oh and I must get to Nashville it looks awesome.
Thank you!
Fair play mate. I once joined a wedding band in Kerry playing bass and had to learn a two hour set in a couple of weeks. It was daunting. I winged it!
Great video. Thanks for the run down. I have two friends who play professionally in Nashville, but I have never asked them about the experience. Thanks for explaining in depth how some of it works.
Thanks for sharing! It’s very inspiring to hear accomplished guitarist speaking humbly about being challenged and stating regardless of their skill level, still admit that work always needs to be done to get better. ❤
Good lord, 4 hours straight with no break.
What an insane system.
The musicians need to band together and put a stop to it.
A 15/20 minute break in the middle of the gig is more than reasonable.
Totally agree. Forcing the singer, especially, to play 4 hours straight, day in day out, is bad for music as an Art. Unfortunately, there are clearly enough bands that accept this. The authorities could do more to protect band members.
I don't disagree with you on that Chris. I play local gigs at home and we do four hours WITH a break which I think is too long but I feel like the reason for no break is that people will get up and leave, particularly in off peak times. If they can come up with a way to keep people there other than piped in music, that would be the key.
Hang in there, man! I did 7 years in Nashville and moved back home at the end of 2022 to teach. First few gigs there can be terrifying…you actually outlined exactly why I left: it’s a LOT of work for the pay you get... Best of luck!
Great to hear you are settling in so well Ross, I wish you continued success! Rock on!
I have been playing professionally for 35 years. Play weekend at the fiddle and steel guitar bar in the early 2000s.. Though you know the crowd rarely ever knows if you make a mistake. Just don't stop!
(Especially a drummer or a bass player!)
"If you're not making mistakes you're not trying hard enough!' -Don Cherry (on improvisation)
Insightful video. Well done, brother. Good to see you jumping off of cliffs, and willing to share it with us!
That might be the best guitar video ever! I have no desire to be a professional musician, but I could understand everything you said, and to see a guy like you be so humble shows how difficult that life is, if that's where you want to go. Good luck, and again................best video ever!
Thanks!
Congratulations on your major step in the industry..... a series of vids showing the bands, the practice and mostly the stories would be awesome as I believe its the stories that people want to hear and see...... greetings from down under mate. stay safe
Great video! Best of luck to you in Nashville and beyond.
Great take on what's necessary for bar gigs in Nashville nowadays. As someone who worked on Broadway in the early 2000s a lot of the things you mentioned are definitely advantages of the new generation of players i.e. Digitech Drop for detuning, iPad for charts, dual guitars to fit the setlist, etc. A lot has changed in that scene since then so I won't try to reminisce or detract from your experience. Good on you for doing the dangerous work and trying to make drunks appreciate live, no-tracks music!
That's a very good point. It would take so much more prep time to do it without the tech we have today.
The quality of musicians gigging in Nashville is heads and shoulders over most places in the US as well because you will run into studio musicians as well.
Great to hear how you are getting on Ross. Well done.
Visited Nashville for the first time a few months ago...that place is overwhelming. And that's just as a music fan, not a musician. Best of luck to you!
I find gigging videos interesting. I gig in two bands in Alaska and I play a lot. I wonder what it's like in other cities, especially Nashville and Austin. Great video, it sounds humbling but it very much reminds me of my first gigs up here. I was in a band that never had a set list and the singer just calls songs and then starts asking what the patrons want to hear. Even though Alaska is up North " the Valley" (Wasilla) thinks theyre below the Mason Dixon line, line dancing is Huge. I also played in a duo with a cat who literally had thousands of songs backing tracks in his computer which were organized by style of dance. We played for dance groups and then would finish out the night taking requests. "can you play a Bachata ect ect. Improvisation is my strongest skill and I got really good at just saying "what key"......go. I've learned hundreds of songs since moving to Anchorage 11 years ago. Coming from Buffalo NY where I primarily played blues and classic rock it was a shock to the system and I did play in a lot of blues bands up here. However. it took me years to shake off the rep that I was only a blues player. again, I found this video very interesting because I do wonder what would happen if I moved to the music city. So for me what I'm hearing, learn songs, learn songs, learn more songs. I'm already comfortable with what else you described. Good job and that move took balls.
Really nice to you to share your experience in Nashville! More videos like this would be great:)
Great content as usual, keep going you're the best !
Welcome to America. I’ve been subscribed to your channel for a long time. Wishing you a stress free musical journey in Nashville friend.
Hey Ross - Great to see you having success in Nashville and enjoying life as a professional guitarist. Good advice on learning the Nashville number system and not letting mistakes drag you down. I'm on Module 2 of Melodic Soloing With Triads. In my humble opinion, it has to be the best course on fretboard visualization by learning triads to hit the "money notes" and then using the associated scale(s) to connect the triads. This combination plus your music theory insights are producing "a-ha moments" in each lesson. Appreciate the live gigging advice... keep it coming. Also, please continue to share licks, riffs and solos. 🎸🎸🎸
You needed the challenge i reckon, great to see you doing well ! I know you will go on to great things, congrats!
ciao Ross non ti sottovalutare,sei un chitarrista fenomenale e un maestro stupendo,il tocco,il gusto e il cuore che hai nel suonare io l'ho sentito a pochi e tu sei uno di quelli!!😍
I play a Fender Nashville Tele with a B-bender. I can't imagine having that thing on my shoulder for four straight hours a day. It weighs 10.5 lbs. Having said that, I really enjoyed your video. It's good to get some genuine inside information about the Nashville scene.
Good job on your video and on your assessment of the Broadway scene in Nashville. There's a lot more besides Broadway happening in this city though and I hope as time goes on you get to move out further into the music scene. I'm sure by now you've at least talked about or thought about what happens in the "studio" environment. It's very inspiring if you love a good challenge, but your improvisational skills can be a great help in adapting your playing to the studio scene. You also may want to take a good look at the songwriting side of it, I really appreciate what you shared and your accurate and positive delivery in your video. I hope you keep encouraged to continue this as I'm sure a lot of people can benefit. You are valued.
Yea man this is awesome.... I love playing live and glad I finally did... it helped my playing so much. Would love to see more videos on your career Thanks
Depending of what instrument i play i like my charts in numbers or standard. guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, all are easier with numbers for me. But if i am playing keys, i prefer the standard chord notation. Both are fine, one takes a split microsecond of brain work. Nashvile is a great gig. I remember loading up at the old wildgorse saloon. Loved the elevator dock and back then the alley was not nasty like it is today. Most everyone was just beyond professional and kind. I played keys for pat boone and was the most kind front-man i ever played with. Great memories!
I wish you all the best for your career and future. Always loved your channel and your style. Doesn't get playing live music more and more a form of exploitation? I remember much better times. Anyhow, the experience you make will be priceless. You take the challenge, great, that was life is all about. When times get rough, i recall my Dad who was a construction worker. What a hard life he had. I'm blessed with a much easier life and i'm very grateful earning my living with playing guitar. Hope you're gonna make it.
This is a great video. I have zero ambitions of playing in Nashville, I'm old and happy sitting in NC. Please do a series on your gigs, etc., I think a lot of people will get something out of them. The Nashville numbering system definitely has my interest, I've watched many videos on it from my favorite session guys but I'm missing something. Anyway, good job, Ross. Your videos and courses are awesome.
Thank you!
Really enjoyed your video Ross , admire what you've done in moving out to Nashville, also working my way through your melodic soloing course along with bulletproof, definitely recommended for fretboard knowledge and navigation, thanks once again and good luck with your gigs etc.
Beem following your channel sonce the begining and it's great to see how far you've come. Thansk for sharing all this with us, especially the journey to Nashville. Keep us posted on that, will you?
Cheers!
I did this for about 10 years before I settled down, also before it became the super commercialized tourist trap it is now. This is all spot on, nothing will make you grow more than 5-6 nights a week of nonstop jumps between standard classics you're sick of playing and suddenly having to play a song you've never heard, live, for the first time, with the bass player yelling the changes so everyone can keep up. It REALLY keeps you on your toes at first but after a while it gets fun, and it REALLY humbles you. Big reason why downtown Nashville is unquestionably the best live music on earth, ever. And I don't even like country. If you're half capable you can move to Nashville and do it too, just don't expect to get famous or make a dime doing it.
It happens to everyone not just those types of gigs. I've seen world class 0.00001% players make mistakes live. You're good, man :D
Really enjoyed the complete honesty and reflections in this video. Super interesting to know how it all operates on Broadway.
the depth you through yourself into when attempting gigs like this is something most would fold. 4 hours straight is a long time to focus on playing in a band. One way, not that i can do what you do, to get experience is to go to jam nights at pubs and hop up and play with others with no music knowledge of what's going to come next and use your ears. that helped me relax and gain confidence.
I take my hat off to you, good for you ! a courageous move, i hope and feel sure you will reap the benefits from this unique experience, good luck to you !
Great vid Ross, you really nailed it. Only thing I can think of is start entering all those songs that weren’t on the set list into your Ipad/phone and when you get a request you do a super quick search on stage and bring it up. I get that that might mean having notation for maybe 300+ songs but once you have them in your Nashville notation form, it will really take the stress out. Subscribed!
Thanks for sharing and your honesty! I can imagine that it's a tough business, but it's your dream and I'm sure that you're properly armed for this kind of challenge. Keep on rolling👍
Holy crap! I never knew about those Nashville charts. Would be kind of fun to work that part of my brain to figure out how to that.
Excellent video Ross, from a real musician, not a tuber only. Not to worry about plethora of country songs, there are a lot of one hit wonders now a days in country. I only learned the classics Waylon, Willie, Johnny. Morgan who...lol
Really interesting, Ross. How it is being a real musician! Definitely do more of these.
Welcome to America man! We are glad to have you
Loved hearing this experience man. Keep em coming!
I know that feeling of being up there and not knowing the song. Or being a blues/rock player finding yourself in a country gig. Do I want to see and hear more about you going through that situation, it would make me uncomfortable but I guess that's the reality. I wish I knew some of what you know about playing. More power to you, Ross.
Mr. Campbell offers excellent points. Lots of bands are a leader with a phone list. It's been that way since the beginning of time (which could be why T-bone always telegraphed which chord is coming next.) Then there was Chuck Berry who played songs in odd keys to screw up his pickup band.
Amazing podcast! Love to see more of your experiences over there please
I hope you're enjoying Nashville. I got invited down there when I was younger but declined. If you love music it's the place to be but the chances of making it big are slim to none as I'm sure you figured it out. There's so many great musicians out. The band that invited me down there ended up being the house band at Tootsie's.
Ross, just bought a place in Nashville to spend a good part of the year there. Love to hear your experiences and let us know where you are playing.
Yes! More videos like this. Massive respect!
Scotland's loss, Broadway Gain!
Your experience reminds me of the times I used to stand in for absent guitarists in the south of England with very little time to learn songs or simply busk on the night. My "idiot" notes were written on paper (we are talking '90's) as Tonic, dominant, subdominant, Rel min....etc. The number system is far more simpler - this is the first time I've come across it. I was lucky enough to have a basic understanding of music theory that helped me and would recommend to anybody to invest in your excellent guitar courses.
Very best of luck over the pond, Ross! 👍👍
I find it mind boggling that you "learned" nearly 70 only to end up using maybe a third of them and then having to scramble to play other songs that you've never heard before!! That solid foundation you built is really paying off! I'm signed up to your courses and have just started on them, now I'm really thinking that I'll get a lot from them!!
I'm one of those guys that has routinely sung for four hours or more straight and although now I only gig once or twice a month, there were years when it was three or four times a week--it's awesome to hear a lead player actually respect this. The maintenance that goes into keeping your voice going ranges from simply not talking to anyone all day every day of the week to staying away from tea (especially) and any hard alcohol to supplements to visiting the throat doc twice a month to... beer and tomato juice (which is a life saver for me). But as a fellow guitar player... that is maybe the most intimidating thing I've ever heard. Most bands and cover bands I've played in have stuck to set lists of 30-40 songs... and we DON'T change keys. Just causes confusion. Over the past few years, however, I've also played Sundays in church bands (5-10 songs a "gig"), and the new material, variety and late decision on key changes have been a huge challenge. What you are dealing with is what I've been dealing with x 100. Kind of amazing to listen to--brave stuff. Sounds like you'll definitely make it though. Good luck. Rooting for you.
Congrats on making the move, I'm so happy you're embracing country music so you can teach us country lovers more Nashville style country playing secrets... Look up Guthrie Trapp if you can while you're there, he's an absolutely awesome country guitarist to hang out with if you can, enjoy mate 🙂
Great video man! I just moved to Nashville literally a week ago and I'm definitely hoping to play gigs on Broadway. This was great insight - thank you!!
Thanks!
It’s well done and good luck with your mission.
Great stuff Ross, love to see more like it! I've been following you since I got your Blues course which I highly recommend.
Thank you 🙏
I run jam nights for years as well as playing in a band it has taught me some fantastic improvisation techniques because you can be rocking for 3 songs then the next minute chicken picken
The only thing other people tell you is what key it’s in
I feel where it’s going and if it’s quiet we can do 4 hours easily it’s great 👍
Welcome to town, man! Playing on Lower Broad is a wild ride.
very interesting I visited in 2023 for the first time .I would have to learn a lot about almost of the standard chord progressions to even think about that
but I'm mostly into playing Originals to begin with but you answered some questions I had when I went there and watched,I had a lot of fun and will go back .hopefully fairly soon .The networking aspect of it would be the easiest for me when ever i liked a particular musician I would speak to them after the show or in a break most of them were friendly and receptive also thankful of compliments for good work.
Love it Ross! Can you post some video of you playing live?
That was very good - an open and honest story of your music journey. Going from Scotland to Nashville, holy hell .... what were you thinking! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hang in Ross it’s gonna take a 5 year go to get established and you sound like a good humble learner - you will make it - rooting for you from Ayr 👍🤞
Ross, currently going through both courses (Beyond Pentatonic Blues & Melodic Soloing w/Triads) if some of your future videos you show how knowing the progression but not the song how you used techniques (by example - show & tell) described in the courses. Great stuff!
Great vid! Looking forward to more Nashville music scene observations. Cheers!
As a fellow cover-gigging guitarist, I feel your pain. Keep smiling and deliver a fun experience, that’s what the crowds really want after all.
Great video. Congratulations on your courageous endeavor, and good luck!
I used to go to a jam where singer/songwriters would play original tunes. I'd noodle quietly in the background until I'd got a handle on the form, then I could turn up a bit until I was accompanying ok. Sometimes I'd only play the chords I was confident of, and noodle across the ones I wasn't.
I also sat in with some jazz guys playing realbook tunes. Some I'd heard, some not, and they were using charts, which I wouldn't have been quick enough to read. There were 2 horns and a keys/vibes player, so with the head. I'd heard each tune 4 times before I played. It was usually ok, and my rock/blues/jazzy blues lines worked well with their straight jazz lines. I even got 'Joy Spring' ok, but not on subsequent times. That last turnaround isn't a good one to be winging it.
Counter melodies and counter rhythms are a good option of the basic grooves are already being managed. If there's dynamics, reinforcing the louder bits and mellowing out your playing over the quieter bits works well overall. If you have the gear capable, and the dynamics allow, turning up loud but playing quietly, to get percussive expression also works well.
The vol pedal swell over/after a distorted sound, is also useful, especially if there's no keys player.
Welcome to town man! Great video.
Thanks!
A large part of my career in music has been pickup gigs where I was tapped to play specifically because playing songs I'm not familiar with or have never heard is my wheelhouse.
If you can call the changes and the beat, I'm in.
I’ll be there next weekend! Hope to see you there