Tim Lerch - The Last Word On Scales and Modes.

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  • Опубліковано 23 січ 2021
  • A bit of a rant about the proper use of scales and modes etc. Be sure to watch the whole thing to get my actual point. Please subscribe to stay in touch.
    For a slightly different but still very enlightening perspective check out my friend Adam's video as well • Using Scales to Improv...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 749

  • @JensLarsen
    @JensLarsen 3 роки тому +266

    Great discussion on a controversial topic, Tim. Really like your thoughtful approach to this topic

    • @TimLerchGuitar
      @TimLerchGuitar  3 роки тому +52

      Thanks Jens, love your work.

    • @-Atmos1
      @-Atmos1 3 роки тому +4

      I thought so too .

    • @chadrew6
      @chadrew6 2 роки тому +2

      It's NOT a controversial topic! It's impossible to play without using scales just as it's impossible to paint without paint! All arpeggios, Chords, melodic shapes and melodies are made from scales! It's only controversial to idiots.

    • @trevortimoko7512
      @trevortimoko7512 2 роки тому +2

      @@chadrew6 so r u saying Jens Larsen doesn't know what he's talking about?

    • @chadrew6
      @chadrew6 2 роки тому +2

      @@trevortimoko7512 I’m saying he’s making a false distinction for the sake of attracting attention to his site. He has fairly consistent partial knowledge but he’s by no means the last word on the subject.

  • @MrMewsique
    @MrMewsique 2 роки тому +8

    I love Jimmy Bruno's definition of scales. He calls them "pitch collections". That definition alone will change your concept and approach to scales.

  • @MichaelEdelman1954
    @MichaelEdelman1954 3 роки тому +25

    “Modes aren’t fingerings.” There’s a lot of wisdom there.

  • @tdang9528
    @tdang9528 Місяць тому +1

    Makes a lot of sense. I was already doing this but not confident that I was on the right path of conceptualising it. It takes a teacher like yoda to give you the wisdom to point you in the right path, and someone who isnt leading you down the garden path of shred.

  • @biffleonetti5298
    @biffleonetti5298 2 роки тому +12

    “Live in the world of sound”
    Now that is some priceless advice. Thank you Tim

  • @tyroneshuz
    @tyroneshuz 3 роки тому +37

    Spot on Tim! When Miles said about music theory, "Forget that s**t and just play!" He did NOT mean don't learn theory, or how to read, he meant exactly what you spent 17 minutes explaining so beautifully. It's got to come out of you on the gig, so you have to know it so well that you don't think about it.

    • @rillloudmother
      @rillloudmother 3 роки тому +4

      Actually, there is video of Miles explaining how disdain for certain journalists who asked him if his ability to play the blues comes from the fact that black people or his forebears were enslaved. Miles responded (I'm paraphrasing), I grew up rich, I play like this because I studied. Then you gave Dizzy taking about Miles asking him, "in this chord, where does this note come from?' talent yes, but learning also.

    • @jamespodgurski1285
      @jamespodgurski1285 3 роки тому +2

      Nicely put them as far as I'm concerned you're preaching to the choir here. Thanks so much for your insights.

    • @stevenpierce8331
      @stevenpierce8331 3 роки тому +2

      I think of knowing scales like the alphebet. if you dont know the letters youll never read. if you dont know the order you cant find what your looking for in the library.

    • @barflytom3273
      @barflytom3273 Рік тому

      @@rillloudmother it wasn't a journalist, it was his teacher at Juliards.

  • @jacobskywoker1240
    @jacobskywoker1240 3 роки тому +10

    Every music theory community should have this pinned to the top of their feed.

  • @summerbreezebandnz
    @summerbreezebandnz 13 днів тому +1

    Thank you for yet another fabulous video, full of insight, deeply real ad honest

  • @crossbones911
    @crossbones911 2 роки тому +1

    It's 12am and you've got me way too inspired. Now I gotta jam on my guitar instead of sleeping. Curse you!

  • @philippeneveu7873
    @philippeneveu7873 Рік тому +1

    I remember my piano lessons when I was 10 years old and my irrepressible need to change the blue notes of Clementi's classical score, which gently annoyed my teacher. My French ear was that of Satie, Ravel, Debussy and my rhythmic and melodic expression revolved around my first records, the beatles, amstrong and blood sweat and tears (spinng wheels...) I played rock afterwards, on the guitar, and I again came across virtuosos of the cascading note, demonstrative games intended to impress the gallery, with an overdeveloped ego!
    I'm sure now that some play music and some are musicians, no matter how knowledgeable they are.
    we can strive to calculate the transitions of scale, the changes of key which are appropriate, the Dorian forms and other facets, if the pulse, the groove and the melody are not felt, lived before being played, it is a theoretical demonstration of a musician, not really Music.
    Your position on this point is as true as it is courageous with regard to established conventions.
    let's not forget that some music has only 5 notes in the scale and thirds of a tone...my ear knows it very well.
    thank you so much for comforting me in this approach which I thought was lonely and somewhat shameful and lazy.
    I can't make music any other way!

  • @kw9172
    @kw9172 3 роки тому +13

    This is great advice. The longer I play, the more I realize that finding the balance between technique/knowledge and "feeling" is one of the hardest thing to get right. Spending too much time on scales, patterns, etc will result in boring and robotic playing. But "going for the feeling" is not an excuse not to invest the time to build a solid foundation. Few get this right, actually.

  • @mattwoods3185
    @mattwoods3185 3 роки тому +22

    I love everything about this...especially the "you aint Wes Montgomery" part!! Thank you Tim, you're the greatest!!

    • @TimLerchGuitar
      @TimLerchGuitar  3 роки тому +3

      Glad you enjoyed it!

    • @rasm0225
      @rasm0225 3 роки тому +2

      Omg, such a great line. You’re on the internet looking for help improvising...

    • @DaveBroTube
      @DaveBroTube 3 роки тому

      "...and you can tell somebody on the Internet what scale to play over what chord..." Classic.

  • @jorgetenamusic
    @jorgetenamusic 3 роки тому +27

    Not just a master guitar player but a master teacher and human being, love your channel and courses Tim. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and inspire us!

  • @NUJAKKCITIE
    @NUJAKKCITIE 3 роки тому +3

    fantastic!! this is the only video you need to watch in your life about this subject.... period ;-) greetz from austria

  • @rstuartcpa
    @rstuartcpa 3 роки тому +4

    Wisest lesson I've had in ages. Music is sound and feel and not fingerings. We practice to learn the sounds. Then we learn to speak with the sounds. "We want to hear a real person, playing real music that they hear in their mind and that they feel in their hearts." Singing along with your playing. "Close your eyes and look away."

  • @Franchoancho
    @Franchoancho Рік тому +1

    I think this is the most accurate description on what music is. Music is an art, that means the pursue on the beauty of the sound. Math approach is not neccesarily a beautiful approach.
    The simplest way for me is the difference between music theory, instrument technique and music itself. Music itself is what All Composers and players played all along the history, and each style has its own language to reach that beauty ideal.
    Theory to understand, technique to be able, listen and transcribe to learn the deepest things on each style

  • @motoputz3201
    @motoputz3201 2 роки тому +1

    10:20 this concept completely changed how I approach guitar. The pattern, scale, fingering method "does not" teach you music. the "sound" is where it's at!

  • @rbloomfield
    @rbloomfield 3 роки тому +14

    “Live in the world of sound” - great advice. I’m still trying to get there, but it’s a great journey. Thanks Tim for your brilliant insight and generous heart in sharing your experience and knowledge.

  • @TexasGreenCows
    @TexasGreenCows 3 роки тому +1

    Great video! I like the magic words Be Creative! Or CREATE. That is what the fretboard is about.

  • @danhope77
    @danhope77 3 роки тому +1

    What a smart man !! I will start singing everything I like , all the scales and phrases. Should not play by eye

  • @grantme47morewishes
    @grantme47morewishes 3 роки тому +3

    "Live in the world of sound." I'm taking that with me. Thanks.

  • @randyhetlage9202
    @randyhetlage9202 2 роки тому +2

    How you make a tele sound like a fat bodied jazz box is mind blowing... God bless you Tim.

  • @TimLerchGuitar
    @TimLerchGuitar  3 роки тому +12

    Thank you all for your great support and kind comments. Please share this video with your friends and with your social media crowd. Visit www.timlerch.com for recordings, lessons and TrueFire courses.

  • @barflytom3273
    @barflytom3273 Рік тому +1

    brilliant lesson full of stuff that will save a lot of people a lot of time. thank you.

  • @martinobrien2765
    @martinobrien2765 Рік тому +1

    As a basic starting guitarist pretty old you have just given me then style of music I will try and learn to play. It sounds beautiful so thank you for inspiring me

  • @chuckbosio2924
    @chuckbosio2924 2 роки тому +1

    When I practice scales I get distracted because I stumble upon so many melodies, whether it is something from Brahms or jazz, or 60's pop music. Nice advice. It boils down to whether you can squeeze some music out of the instrument or not.

  • @jacobrubin5700
    @jacobrubin5700 Рік тому +1

    Mr. I really appreciate this I learned so much just from just hearing talk about this 🙏 thanks

    • @jacobrubin5700
      @jacobrubin5700 Рік тому

      Mr Tim I really appreciate this I learned so much just from from hearing you talk about this 🙏 thanks

  • @SimonMorelguitar
    @SimonMorelguitar 2 роки тому +1

    Another brilliant video, thanks Tim.

  • @barrieglenn8353
    @barrieglenn8353 2 роки тому +1

    I discovered you when searching for pickups, you were doing a demo, just a 4-5 second riff was enough to know you were a great guitar player.

  • @jariparkkonen8458
    @jariparkkonen8458 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for sharing these thoughts. Thank you again.

  • @SomeKindOfMadman
    @SomeKindOfMadman 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you for the wonderful wisdom.

  • @lawrenrich6419
    @lawrenrich6419 9 місяців тому +1

    I keep coming back to this after 2 years. It’s all the right notes and all the right words.

  • @brucejackson1329
    @brucejackson1329 3 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for the perspective. It has really directed what I need to focus on.

  • @coastercook
    @coastercook Рік тому +1

    Live in the world of sound. Good advice, thanks. More videos like this, please.

  • @talabaotube
    @talabaotube Рік тому +1

    Hello Tim, I love this people-first approach. Thank you.

  • @miketkerrmusic
    @miketkerrmusic 3 роки тому +2

    A quote from my teacher, Norm Zocher, that has always stuck with me and still reveals it's mysteries to me over time, is simply "You can't sound good if you don't sound good!"

  • @donmilland7606
    @donmilland7606 Рік тому +1

    I'm digging my Giant Sips mug with the Giant Steps chord changes (and melody) imposed on it

  • @barrieglenn8353
    @barrieglenn8353 2 роки тому +1

    Wise words, you are in the top 5 of my favourite guitarists

  • @jimolbrys5620
    @jimolbrys5620 3 роки тому +8

    In my experience, you are 100% correct. I would only add that the whole point of improvised music, particularly American jazz music is to be present in the moment when improvising. I often surprise myself while soloing with a melodic or rhythmic idea that then takes on an energy and forward motion that propels me into the next idea...it's fresh to me and the audience shares that sense of spontaneous creation. Of course I need the tools (scales, modes, arpeggios, and let's not forget knowing the actual melody of the tune) to draw on...and one other thing...none of this happens in a vacuum. You're playing with other musicians that are also bringing their rhythmic and melodic ideas to the table...I can't tell you how many times while listening to other soloists I've been inspired by my fellow bandmates! In fact...always! Oh, and another thing...how about comping and responding by supporting other soloists? It's one of the great joys of being a guitar player.

  • @binface9
    @binface9 2 роки тому +1

    Fascinating Tim. Great to hear your approach.

  • @desmo999
    @desmo999 2 роки тому +1

    Wonderfull and so true!
    Thank you very much for all!

  • @rasm0225
    @rasm0225 3 роки тому +10

    Seriously, when this stupid pandemic is over, I’m going to go to Seattle and hear Tim play a gig. Greetings from St. Paul and thanks for all you do.

    • @sooparticular
      @sooparticular 3 роки тому

      pandemic so called has been over for me 10 months ago

    • @tobaccorich
      @tobaccorich 3 роки тому

      I ll go too I think

  • @jkeane22
    @jkeane22 3 роки тому +1

    Tim thank you for this great gift!

  • @SyntagmaStation
    @SyntagmaStation 3 роки тому +1

    A displaced major scale. Best description I have heard yet.

  • @sherpa59
    @sherpa59 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks, Tim, for this wonderful video.

  • @dkwvt13
    @dkwvt13 3 роки тому +2

    Well Said...! We have reached a point culturally where the "possession of information" has been weaponized and not just in music. We need to change this. Thanks for putting up your thoughts They are very important... B-)

  • @tiqvahone
    @tiqvahone 3 роки тому +4

    I believe Charlie Parker said learn and practice all the scales and then when you improvise forget everything and play from the heart.

  • @40791
    @40791 3 роки тому +1

    Simply, Brilliant. Thank you.

  • @PanosIliou
    @PanosIliou 3 роки тому +1

    That's wisdom sir. Thank you! 🙏❤️

  • @hugoarend4743
    @hugoarend4743 3 роки тому +2

    “Live in the world of sound, that’s what I recommend”... Master! Best piece of advice I heard in a long time. Thanks!

  • @ganttmann
    @ganttmann 3 роки тому +3

    Right on! I tell my students that scales are just bags full of notes. You articulate it so well!

  • @jimwarnock1250
    @jimwarnock1250 3 роки тому +3

    Excellent discussion from a master player. Love the little improv moments between comments! "When you're practicing, you're doing one activity. When you're playing, you're doing another activity." Needed to hear that.

  • @davisdsmurf
    @davisdsmurf 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks... I needed that tim...good to hear your wisdom and common sense insight...nice.

  • @antoniodalfonso
    @antoniodalfonso 2 роки тому +2

    This is one of the finest clips on guitar! Thank you so much!

  • @alricmarchand2877
    @alricmarchand2877 3 роки тому +1

    Briliant, thank you. Best guitar lesson I ever had.

  • @Tom-ow3tq
    @Tom-ow3tq 3 роки тому +1

    a fantastic rant. Exactly what I needed to hear right now! Thanks Tim

  • @PeterKeaneMusic
    @PeterKeaneMusic 3 роки тому +1

    This is a brilliant and inspirational video - much appreciated.

  • @GeorgeChrysochoidis
    @GeorgeChrysochoidis 2 роки тому +1

    One of the best lessons in music! Thank you Tim!

  • @vKarl71
    @vKarl71 3 роки тому +6

    This is the most beautiful thing I've heard all week. It's about musicality, which can be amplified & freed by technique but is not inspired by technique. Musicality is inspired by *listening*.
    I am totally fascinated by music theory and the amazing relationships it describes - and I'd love to have much better technique. But neither of these wonderful things can create the excitement & joy that really hearing music (outside & inside my head) brings me.

  • @Rynaylorguitar
    @Rynaylorguitar 3 роки тому +1

    Great advice, thanks for sharing.

  • @0ptimus
    @0ptimus 3 роки тому +1

    in your heart . in your mind. love you man.

  • @hearpalhere
    @hearpalhere 3 роки тому +1

    I'm new to your channel but just wanted to say that I really loved this video. I thoroughly enjoyed the message, your beautiful playing and your wonderful sounding guitar too! Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

  • @audioglenngineer
    @audioglenngineer Рік тому +2

    I’ve had the honor of being around several good music teachers in my life. When I listen to you, I hear them, but I also hear me… thoughts and feelings that have been simmering, trying to materialize and then WHAM, you say them out loud! Thanks for that, it really helps me go where I want to go.

  • @23coburn
    @23coburn 3 роки тому +1

    Sound. Thanks for reminding all of us Mr. Lerch. It's about SOUND. And what we can do with those aural frequncies. The language of the heart.

  • @paulwatsonguitar
    @paulwatsonguitar 2 роки тому +1

    Spot on! Great and perfect insight. Love this.

  • @wftoney1
    @wftoney1 3 роки тому +1

    I cannot express what this advice, at this time, means to me. Thank you!

  • @franciszelinka5485
    @franciszelinka5485 3 роки тому +1

    This is so true and good to hear. I've spent so much time learning scales and arpeggios but now I find I have to practice shutting down my brain when I'm actually playing. Love you're take on it and advice.

  • @johnl.6930
    @johnl.6930 3 роки тому +1

    Brilliant! Thank you Tim. A beautiful lesson!

  • @gordonroylambert
    @gordonroylambert 3 роки тому +1

    Really enjoyed the insights.I am diving deep into music theory and this helped me place that in perspective. When I do experience the most joy in my playing its when I play what I feel in the moment. Playing with my eyes closed is actually so liberating.

  • @DaveElke
    @DaveElke 9 місяців тому +1

    Great points and very inspirational. Thank you.

  • @robertrohwer6965
    @robertrohwer6965 3 роки тому +1

    Very compelling! Thanks for sharing you wisdom.

  • @GeraMontes
    @GeraMontes 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks for this Tim! Time to back to guitar again for me, it's been a while.
    BTW, the figuring of your guitar neck is hypnotic!

  • @johnroguszczak45
    @johnroguszczak45 3 роки тому +1

    Tim this was actually a brilliant video. Please make MORE like this it’s inspirational helps us get out of the box!

  • @PaulMcCaffreyfmac
    @PaulMcCaffreyfmac 2 роки тому +1

    Comprehensible, sensible and inspirational. Thank you.

  • @EddieSlowhands
    @EddieSlowhands 2 роки тому +1

    VERY INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL TIM. MANY THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.

  • @romeozulu57
    @romeozulu57 3 роки тому +1

    This is very helpful. Actually, this is one of the best advices i ever heard about creating music! Thank you!

  • @shadauntetucker4261
    @shadauntetucker4261 3 роки тому +1

    This was everything that I needed to hear thanks so much!

  • @johnnyhendon1256
    @johnnyhendon1256 3 роки тому +1

    I'm the transcription guy...this hit home for me. Fantastic video! And what a beautiful tele

  • @andreablasio1319
    @andreablasio1319 3 роки тому +2

    Your words of wisdom actually help to find purpose and joy in studying and practicing. Many thanks, Tim. A loyal admirer from Italy, here.

  • @vernojonez9498
    @vernojonez9498 3 роки тому +1

    Tim.
    Thanks for a very thoughtful encouraging conversation. Also for sharing your experience in an open way, it has helped me open up and play more freely.

  • @carlosbalanza540
    @carlosbalanza540 3 роки тому +1

    Great lesson.. best ever that I have heard from a teacher..it s
    humbling to hear a real artist telling it like it should be told.. You got my subcription.. we need more music teachers like Tim.. the world will be better for it... THANK YOU

  • @NA-oo4ls
    @NA-oo4ls 3 роки тому +1

    Inspiring stuff, thanks for sharing your well-earned wisdom

  • @writtenloudly
    @writtenloudly 3 роки тому +1

    Wow. Thank you for so eloquently putting things. Some really solid and downright inspiring advice.

  • @SergeUnplugged
    @SergeUnplugged 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you for clarifying this topic Timothy

  • @jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988
    @jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988 3 роки тому +1

    This is by far the best advice I've seen regarding the topic! Unbiased , transparent and profound! Thanks Tim!!!

  • @earlyraybonneville1762
    @earlyraybonneville1762 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome tutorial Tim!!
    You just shifted my paradigm!!

  • @janetrivers7332
    @janetrivers7332 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome, thank you for all of this & wow!! what you are playing is so beautiful!! Makes the point quite well!

  • @KS-pj8rk
    @KS-pj8rk 3 роки тому +1

    A beautiful video, completely hits the spot, and such lovely playing and guitar tone.

  • @jayv999
    @jayv999 3 роки тому +1

    Really good perspective, Tim. Thanks for articulating it.

  • @mikeault
    @mikeault 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you for the video....You sound excellent and it the vein of Ted Greene!! BTW - Nice Tele with two Charlie Christian pickups. I remember the first time I saw those those was back in the 70's when I saw Danny Gatton play.

  • @wrxguyusa
    @wrxguyusa 3 роки тому +1

    Wonderful message. Very inspiring.

  • @telemangler
    @telemangler 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks, Tim! You’re a wonderful teacher.

  • @ChrisWilliams-oh1vs
    @ChrisWilliams-oh1vs 3 роки тому +2

    Wonderful video, Tim. Your musical philosophy and convictions are inspiring. And as always, beautiful playing!

  • @JuanDhas
    @JuanDhas 3 роки тому +1

    Really well-articulated points, and totally in agreement. Great video, Tim!

  • @jeremyisabellamusic
    @jeremyisabellamusic 3 роки тому +1

    Well explained and thoughtful Tim!

  • @anthonygonzalez8684
    @anthonygonzalez8684 2 роки тому +1

    Instantly loved the tone & chops. Great Job. 👍🏻

  • @RickGtr271
    @RickGtr271 3 роки тому +2

    I was skeptical when I saw the title of this video, but after watching it I'm convinced this is the best video and the last word on scales and modes. First time watching Tim Lerch and now a subscriber.

  • @young0804
    @young0804 3 роки тому +1

    Really really good lesson. It helps. Thank you Tim.

  • @TimLoveguitar
    @TimLoveguitar 3 роки тому +1

    This is 17 mins of pure class. Everyone who wants to create music should watch and take heed of this.
    Thanks Tim

  • @jessejordan8116
    @jessejordan8116 3 роки тому +1

    Love the verbal expression and insightful advice. Also, was loving the melodic playing really relaxed me before a day of typical tasks and stresses, wonderful!