This WILL Ruin Your Guitar Playing
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- Опубліковано 4 лис 2022
- Thought I’d play a little differently today for some fun! Do you want to hear more of that from me?
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I played in a house band years ago with a phenomenal guitarist And what I did to help my head stay in the game was I put a note in my in my case that said, "What do you have to say?" That helped remind me that I was capable of holding my own and having fun. The best thing about that whole experience was we bonded and became great friends. RIP my brother.
A fantastic, honest message Jeff. Its something we all need to take on board. ' Comparison is the thief of joy', is another quote I like to remind myself of. Always great , thanks!
Thanks! Great quote! I’ve written it down.
To be honest, I find the worst online teachers are those who spend half their lesson playing incredible solos, because it just highlights how little I have learned and how far I still have to go. I prefer the guitar teachers who concentrate on getting the essential skills over with the least complicated theory and unnecessary exercises.
The cool thing about YT is that there are people teaching all levels. It’s about finding the right guy for you to watch. I like that I can go on YT and watch someone play and incredible solo and learn something from that.
The worst teacher I had was a high level jazz player. The best teacher I had didn't even own a guitar... and I was taking guitar lessons from him.
What a great lesson and advice, thank you! As a bedroom guitarist, my main struggle seems to be 'playing with the feel', and the second one is here well discussed 'the lack of authenticity'.
An excellent, well thought out and articulate message. Thanks, Jeff!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I don't know you personally, Jeff, but, from what I see so far, you seem to be a down-to-Earth, talented, passionate and generous human, with emotions and thoughts that we all share and can relate to.
Thank you for making a visible effort to remain approachable and to keep in check any surfeit of ego that you (like all of us) may have.
Cheers, and kudos.
Thank you very much for this. I really appreciate it and thanks for being here.
This is so reassuring. I've fallen into the 'comparison trap' so many times over the years. Thank you Jeff.
This is brilliant Jeff!! And it's definitely something to keep in mind. We all beat ourselves up trying to nail someone else's thing and it's equally as important to find your own thing. Thanks for sharing this Jeff 🤘
This video is so helpful for musician mental health. Gold. When I am operating on all cylinders in my head, and my confidence is hi, I don’t care who I’m sharing the stage with. I play lights out and I know that I do. But every once in a while, more than I’d like, I get that same thing in my head and I just sound like absolute crap.
Thanks for your openness, I know exactly what you''re talking about...
Cheers, Hermann
Jeff, you are a fantastic guitarist, an excellent teacher and I'm pretty sure you're also an all round good guy. I also love your sense of humility. Thanks
Well thank you very much!!
Always sage advice. Thanks, Jeff. Happy 4th to you and your family....
Jeff, this is the best advice. I have struggled with this for years and am only just finally coming out of my shell as a lead guitar player.
That's awesome!!!
Great lesson Jeff! Well said and very deep. It's encouraging hearing (and true) that we're all in the same boat :-) You made a great point that it is one more thing that needs to be taken into account and practiced with intent. Thanks.
Great advice on a great topic! Thanks, Jeff!
Great advice! I still drift in and out of the proper mindset. But there is nothing better or more valuable than just being yourself.
Love the message here Jeff, really enjoyed the mental lesson here. Thank you!
Thank you!
Jeff taught me this lesson (probably inadvertently) when I was sixteen. It freed me instantly. I have since passed it on every year to my students (music and non-music ones) with the hope that it will serve them as well as it has served me. And you are right @ObjectiveDynamics, he is much more than an all-around good guy. I was lucky to cross his path and have open ears when I did. Keep playing and recording, Jeff. The audience is listening.
Jeff I was going to write this before I even heard what this was about but I felt that I wanted to tell you that you are by far my favorite teacher on yt or any platform for that matter. I’ve learned a lot from you especially tweeking the b3rd and b7th and you’ve made me a better guitar player. To hear you say this is a breath if fresh air because I feel like this often, like maybe I’m not a guitarist and I don’t have a true talent and it was just sheer will and diligence that got me to a certain level. Especially seeing some of these younger cars like Marcus king and Kingfish. So thank you and you are amazing! And the way in which you teach makes it digestible.
Thanks again for great insight Jeff! You're on top of your game!
This is a really, really important message man, and it's more relevant today than ever. It's wonderful that you made this video. I love Tomo Fujita's simple moto as it says something like "Don't compare, learn at your own pace, Don't worry." I've definitely been guilty of this type of jealousy and envy of other players in the past. It mostly comes from ALWAYS comparing yourself to others, which is at times hard not to do, but it can be very damaging and kill the joy of just playing music sometimes. There is of course nothing wrong with being driven to practice and get better, but It's so, so important to remember to be you and that everyone has their own voice.
Excellent words, advice and playing Jeff!
Wow, good one Jeff. This is a topic everyone struggles with, and no one ever talks about. Thanks!
Thanks Robin!
What a wonderfully exposing episode. Thank you for being so honest, Jeff.
Having done under and post-grad degrees at the cello, before stepping away from the instrument 20 years ago, this stream of consciousness makes me wonder if I might have chosen a different - read stronger - path had I heard this type of narrative at the time.
Notwithstanding the fact it comes from someone who didn't have the balls to take the next step then, I agree with Mr Ford - you are a badass (or badarse as we might say on this side of the pond). Keep doing what you're doing, Sir. I for one am learning a huge amount from your content, for which I am grateful.
What a wonderful message. Thanks!
Thanks Jeff, i neaded to hear this again. You`ve helped put me back on my own personal path of self-discovery. The air is so much fresher now !!.
Great share! Thank you!
Thank you Mr. McErlain, for touching on this subject.
I often find myself discussing about influences, paying tribute and the like.
I really appreciate hearing how you tackled the subject.
Thank you, again. 🙏
Thank you!!
Thank you for yet another very thoughtful video post Jeff. I'd certainly be intimidated even strumming my guitar in front of Robben or you, but the critique and feedback would be priceless. As you say, Robben in Robben but what you have above and beyond that is your own equally extraordinary musical talents combined with exceptional teaching skills. You come across as a natural educator who is easier to relate to. I enjoy your music, your channel and your online classes always.
This has got to be one of the most profound lessons I've ever come across. Can't thank you enough for always coming through with your inspiration, playing and these "aha" moments. Cheers!
Jeff you're a gem on UA-cam with the honest lessons. Thank you, it definitely helps.
Thanks Lewis!
Thank you Jeff - just the shot in the arm I needed to dig into playing more today! Woot!
🙌🏻🙌🏻
I have been playing blues forever and thought I was really pretty OK,,,, then I by accident I discovered guys like Albert Lee and Vince Gill,,,, I tried and failed really bad at playing anything they did. I keep finding more and more really talented guys like Billy Strings... I have not played in front of anyone since. This is really good advice and I hope I can get out of my own head at some point.
There is a lot of wisdom in this words! I take them word by word. Thanks a lot Jeff for sharing it in such a generous way. Really outstanding from both professional and human perspective.
Thank you Raúl!
Important and helpful insights. And *killer* playing. Thanks, Jeff!
Oh, and Blackadder clips! :D
Close!! Python!
You are the finest guitar player and the guitar teacher ever ❤!! Thank you for everything I've learned from you ! Love you man!
Thank you Mateo and you are most welcome.
Great advice Jeff! It's so important to understand that regardless of what level.., or for that matter, what level you think you play on you can learn something from everyone regardless of skill level. jam with beginners, intermediate, and Pro's when ever you can! The Guitarist who walks around with a chip on his shoulder is the guy whos gonna sabotage your practice or show up with that attitude that everyone knows will ruin the energy. Be selfless towards your fellow musician! We can all gain more from collectively sharing info and knowledge. We all struggle on this road to being a better player. Lets all get their together!
Thanks for bring here and excellent post.
BRAVO! Jeff.
I have always said, "It is not a contest!" But cannot to this day play without being self conscious if there are great musicians in the room or on the stage.
Don't think, just mean every note you play.
Thank you! It a struggle That I have found I can only really over, the more I perform on stage with great people.
hi Jeff....and yes...being oneself can be a very hard task.....but seeing and hearing somebody else, and picking up and learning from them is great....but we forget that sometimes...great advice...thanks for sharing...cheers, as always....love your channel.....
and i'd love to have a jam and a "natter" with you.....😀
Thank you!!!
very wise, and helpful, thank you!
Great thoughts. Thanks!
Thanks Jeff, I needed to hear that!
Great insight which we can all benefit from. Thank you!
Thanks Craig, and you are welcome!
Cool insight. What has helped me and pushed me a lot through my life has been having opportunities of playing in bands with better musician than I. This has pushed me to become a better player for sure, to keep up with the other members. Most of them also let me be myself as a player, when composing. I believe I have been lucky to find and play in bands like this too, where members where allowed to bring their personnality in.
I have had the same good fortune. But what is really says is that you were good and they knew it!
Thanks for those words, I appreciate. As you said in your video this can be terrifying when joining a band like this, you do not want to be fired or be the guy that will hold the others back. And you see all the work you have to do to make it works. On other hand this is very stimulating and pushes you to be better.
I'll take this opportunity to say I love your videos. This is great that you share your experience and wisdom with the community. You have a clever way to express and explain things I believe. You know what works or not. I am not that into blues playing myself but I'll keep watching your videos. And yes I believe you are a badass and also tasteful player.
This is maybe a bit of topic but I'll add the players I love the most are the ones that can play tastefully. Like Marcus Miller as example. This guy can absolutely shred on bass, but his playing can also be simple and beautiful. He knows what works on a song, when its time to deliver and when its time to pull back. He also let room for other people in his band to shine too. As he often said, comparing music to painting, when composing you don't stop when you got all the colors and tones, you stop when you got something beautiful. Same applies to music. I think this is a great lesson for all shredders. If you want to shred, you want to develop skills, learn scales arpegios and learn to play them fast, but you should also want to learn to do it in a tasteful way. :) I believe this is why people like Robben want you to play with them in their bands.
Again, such great insights and advice Jeff.
I lost my confidence a few years ago. I'm still crawling back to beiing me. This helps, thanks.
Thank you Jeff! 7:30 to 40 is spot on..... as is Tomo san's tee shirt ;)
Simply thank you 👍
Truer words have never been spoken. Thank you for your honesty. By the way. You are an awesome player.
Thank you Tim!!
Hey Jeff,
I want to check out this white Charvel, would you tell me pls the exact model designation ?
Sure. Jake E Lee pro mod. Fairly inexpensive , there is a custom shop version but it is significantly more expensive. This one sounded very good and was kinda for fun! Btw the nut was terrible I had to replace it right away.
Hi Jeff, very very important video - I tried so hard to play like my heroes but then one day I walked by a nursery and there on the wall was painted a quote of Oscar Wilde in big letters:
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken" - That really hits me and from that moment on I try to develope my own style with all those elements of my heroes!
And I never felt to be inperfect in my playing since I made this turnaround! Yes, I practice to improve my skills and palying techniques - but the "style" is my own now!
Greetings from Germany and keep on your good work!
👋🎸UWE
Great advice! One question: what are doing with your right hand at 3:04 with your right hand on the neck?
Thanks! Ha! The old movable nut trick. Hammer with the left hand and pull off and fret the note with the right. Just move it around. Simple and fun.
Good guidance. Learning to play ‘in the style of’ is a great way to progress. I always wanted to understand (where I could) the reasons for the choices they made - then move on. I was always suspicious of those who rejected that saying ‘I do my own thing’. Felt I had no right to that until I’d been in the same musical space. Eventually you start sounding like yourself, and that’s priceless but not necessarily going to make you a living. You have to decide what route works for you. Oscar Wilde is a very good place to start !
Practice and learning is very important. 6 years ago I attempted to learn a tough solo and gave up because I just couldn’t do it. I tried that solo again this past week and learned it in about an hour. Practice makes maybe not perfect but for sure much better.
One thing I've noticed about all the great players is that they have found their own way to do things. They don't need permission, or to copy other player's techniques. I am trying to internalize this in my own playing. For example, I cannot pick every note really fast the way that Joe Bonamassa or Paul Gilbert do. So, I must do it with a lot of hammer-ons instead. This is merely one example.
I have almost all of your truefire videos. Also the same with Robben Ford. I did demo work in the early 70's in LA. I did very well until a car crash finished me. I didn't play for 45 years. I had an operation a couple of years ago and can kind of play. I mostly watch you for inspiration and how to teach others. And, yes he is right, you are a bad ass guitarist. But mostly I think you have worked extremely hard. God gave you two hands and a brain and you have used them well. I used to work for Oliver Nelson so I have seen a couple of good players. I think you know more than any that Robben is pure magic and it isn't the Dumble. But your are the guy up there with him on stage frequently, not the rest of us.
Phil, man I am sorry to hear this. Must have been devastating. I am glad to hear you were playing again and honored to be a part of it. As for Robben, yeah. He’s magic. Thanks for the support and so glad you are here.
@@JeffMcErlain Love Jake, When I saw it I thought that is set up like Jake I did a Strat that was back in the day. Love your stuff enjoying the Triad course filling in foundational stuff I skipped over in my youth.
Really good wisdom!!
Black Strat has some serious vibe with big headstock, nice dark board and body wear
Do you, by any chance, know Tinsley Ellis? He was one of the people who made Atlanta a wonderful place to be in the late 70s and early 80s if you loved live music. He could routinely blow the roof off the house every time he took the stage, and he had all of his influences right in the palm of his hand. Nobody walked away disappointed from one of Tinsley's gigs.
I left Atlanta in '88 and lost touch with Tinsley for a while. He signed with Alligator and toured Europe, opening for Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray. He came to Las Vegas in 2005, and I went to see.
WOW!
WHAT HAPPENED HERE?
Tinsley Ellis had completely absorbed all of his influences to the point where he no longer sounded like any of them. He used to absolutely nail Freddie King, Duane Allman, Lonnie Mack, Hubert Sumlin, and even Steve Cropper and Dick Dale. He was a great blues guy and his surf chops were off the chart as well. He could give near perfect renditions of countless others, but this time........
He sounded like Tinsley Ellis. I told him afterwards, "You were great in the old days, but now, you don't sound like anybody else but you" he understood what I meant, and took it as a great compliment and thanked me. I told him that I had lost touch with his development and it was amazing to see and hear that he had found his voice and had reached a whole other level.
Tinsley is beyond a doubt one of the greats, and a 5 star human being as well. The way things happened for him is a perfect illustration of what you are talking about in this video.
The reason your words keep resonating with me is because they coroborate with truths that I already know.
That makes your words genuine.
That makes you genuine. Truth is an elusive commodity in a sea of hype and lies.
When it is found, it's to be treasured.
Respect and Hats Off.
Thank you for this, I appreciate you taking the time and for the compliments. As for TInsley, I do not know him personally, but certainly know his playing! He's fantastic!
Amen. As an actor, I was lucky to learn at an early age that thinking of other actors as competition will make you put your focus everywhere it shouldn't be. Thinking of other actors as members of the same team, working toward the same goal, keeps your focus where it should be: on telling the story. Same with music. It's a team, and the song is the story. Focus on the song, the story, not how others are doing, and not on how you're doing by comparison (i.e. not on your ego.) Focus on the story/the song, and you can help but be your own self while you're doing it.
Great advice Jeff
Thank you Jeff, you're an inspiration!
🙏🏻🙏🏻
Regarding playing to your strength's: funny thing is -- and knowing Robben, I'm sure you know this too -- Robben realized his limitations and went for blues instead of jazz. I've heard in interviews that he wanted to be a jazz player like Larry Coryell, but I guess he felt either that it just wasn't him, or that he wasn't quite capable of it (which I find hard to believe -- maybe his originality and love for just playing overrode the idea of really studying the jazz solo ideas and the woodshed work needed to play that way). Robben said in an interview "I specialized a long time ago."
Interesting Jeff.. yea I have watched you and Robben play, on another level as much as I loved it I didn’t comment as I didn’t feel qualified too ! To hear you say all this makes me think ! So even more interesting is that for me I thought your solos are awesome and indeed with Robben you played amazing if you’d both played same there wouldn’t have been as much interest. Love your advice as it always applies to all levels.
Thank you Chris. Yes Robben is effusive when discussing my playing. I have what I have and he has what he has. It’s all in my head!
thank you for sharing. i play, how long is now i see as irreverent. i am surrounded by great area players. and to mention i come from the land of Dio, Dave "rock" Feinstein and Joe Bonamassa and that's ok by me. as good as they are i will always feel i have something to contribute at my level just by my study's on my music back ground. at a point heavily influenced by woodstock. i'm ok with that. peace
Yes, I loved your "different" playing today on the Jake E. Lee guitar. Would enjoy hearing more of that.
Thanks Tom. That stuff goes quick if you don’t stay on top of it, which I don’t! lol
thanks Jeff, I needed that..
🙏🏻
The most freeing realization i ever had was recognizing that nomatter how good i get i will always suck compared to someone be it a 12 yr old or guthrie goven. Deliver what you have with a smile and know someone is probably really digging it
Amen!
Loving that black Strat, but didn’t you already have one? :-)
Would be cool to do an episode on your guitar collection at some point. Or maybe just the Strat collection?
Ha! Your point!?! Lol. I flipped some stuff, I like to move things around.
An excellent message with a somewhat clickbaity title. Jeff, have enough confidence in your content to give your vids real titles (like you normally do). Thanks and keep up the good work!
Thanks Russell. I appreciate your comment and I can’t say I entirely disagree with you. I addressed this with another comment. It’s a tricky game here in YT world. This video has done better and brought me more subscribers and than any other video in this time frame. YT is all about the algorithm and the titles and thumbnail are a huge part of getting views. This title was a bit of an experiment, and it was successful in bringing in views and subscribers. I know if I had a less click bait-y title it would not have done as well. So that’s the biz of YT and growing the channel. I’ve had discussions with many of my YT friends about it as well. I admit it’s a bit annoying, believe me nobody knows that more than I do.
I appreciate you being here and your input! Want to find the balance.
@@JeffMcErlain Thanks for taking the time to engage, Jeff. It means a lot to me. I understand that the music business is a business and that the machine has to be fed to make money.
I've been doing it that way for years. I guess I have to sell all my guitars and --- hey wait a second! I bet you made this up to get my sweet gear!
great explanation we all fall into that competition trap bur we have to be honest with ourselves and that actually helps me with what I need to work on to be a better guitar player so far it is working I know I'm not EVH and don't want to be but I'll borrow from him on certain things but just little things cool video btw
Killer playing! Great video!
Thanks man!
Man, - to be told you're a badass, by ROBBEN FORD! And still the little voice comes back in your head!?
Thanks, Jeff. Really appreciate and respect your insight and honesty.
When I played PW it was for God.No one else. Now it's just me...but I thank God for my gear, my hands and my ear. I also want to thank everyone who makes backing tracks for being my band and not wincing when I hit wrong notes, my bends don't quite get to the note or my slides or double stops don't deliver as intended or I get tired 8 minutes in to a 10 minute track. TY, TY, TY.
...
😉🙌🏻
Very well said Jeff. Ever think of writing a book?
Thanks Ian. I haven’t, but thank you.
Thanks Ian. Hmmm… 🤔. A book…
I needed this, thank you
You’re welcome. It’s a constant struggle for me to keep that stuff in check.
Good point. I don’t really care how everyone else plays. I’m not “fast” and it took me awhile to find my style. Melodic and creative. Use your space and let it breathe.
#facts. 🤘🤘
Hmmmm, I mean i only collect the tools from other guitarists to be able to play your own stuff, that's hard enough. I could never do it with my own technology alone. You can't find out everything yourself, life is too short for that, so I'll take whatever I can get.
I've never been jealous of another guitarist, quite the contrary. If someone else finds out something I don't know, maybe this technique can help me with my own stuff someday. I think it's great to see and hear what other people come up with.
For me, playing guitar is not a competition but a creative process
I have aaalways fun with my guitars 🤷♂️🥳 Life is good
We that is excellent an excellent way to go through life!!
I posted a similar comment somewhere else lately: after 45 years of playing guitar I still can't play as good as Martin Schwarz does, after I will have reached his level maybe I'll try to play like someone else.
"Comparison is the thief of joy" - Theodore Roosevelt (quite a badass himself).
Thanks for that - that is something I need to remind myself of.
Glad it was helpful!
Reality is to do what EVERY we do for ourselves. Find the internal joy. If others enjoy, ok a bonus. Everyone is always so stuck on beings seen/accepted impressing others, be it clothing, hair, makeup, body type, skills, wealth, being "cool" talent, etc.
I endorse this post.
@@JeffMcErlain ❤I do too… but the need for recognition is third in line… preceded only by the needs for survival and reproduction…So in other words… a little applause never hurt..🙃
That opening lick was awesome
Thanks!
Obviously this is a musician focused context, but I think this is really a life lesson. I always have self doubt about my playing, but I still have fun and that's what matters to me.(bedroom player) I don't have any consequences if I mess something up with my guitar playing other than an "ooh that sounded rough"
Where I think this hits home for me is my professional life. Every now and then I'll have something pop up that makes me question myself or my technique. I have to remind myself that I've performed said task thousands of times and trust my foundation. Thanks Jeff. Great advice.
Thanks and thanks for being here!
If you stink, then we are the nausiest super naus. 🤢
You are so good. Love your playing and nature. You are a great teacher and communicator. Thank you for all you do for us. You are inspiring us so much more than you will ever know. 🍻 Cheers Sir!
Thank you so very much Kevin!
I clicked this link because of that beautiful guitar he is holding!
It is a looker. Thanks for stopping by!
This is a life lesson. Quit saying negative crap about yourself. You’re better off sucking but thinking you’re great than being great and thinking you suck. If you suck, think you’re great,and keep working at it you may eventually be great. If you tell yourself you suck, you always will wether you really do or don’t. Negativity kills. Just be honest and isolate problems you need to work on so you can work on it without killing your self esteem.
I endorse this message.
This is chicken soup for the twangy soul. EXCELLENT advice Maestro.
Thanks!
Jeff Mac with a bad ass Charvel...nice!
🤘
The best advice.
I love this channel and Jeff’s material. I cringed a bit at the doom-portending title, though. Maybe “The dangers of self doubt”?
Thanks. Let’s chat about the title. I’m very against the doom titles honestly, I mean it’s guitar not climate change. But it was a bit of an experiment, YT is driven by titles that people see, this has been by far my fastest growing video the period since it was released. It’s all part of the game. A few weeks ago I had a video that was doing very poorly in the first hour, I changed the title and it did very well immediately. I agree with you but sadly the title you suggested which was very similar to my other ideas and more in line with who I am, wouldn’t get the views. YT is brutally competitive and algorithmically based. It’s a jungle out there.
@@JeffMcErlain Thanks for engaging, Jeff. I understand the title naming challenges. I’ve watched enough of your content to know I could trust you with whatever it was you were going to discuss. Keep up your good work.
@@TheMinorFallsTheMajorLifts thanks! I’m trying to find that line, I’m friends with many big UA-camrs and we all discuss this. And how annoying it is especially when you don’t want to be clickbait-y or negative and you want to say something fun and positive. We could go into a whole social commentary here too couldn’t we! 😉😕
seems funny that the greats, the gifted, the most talented are often the ones who have spent the most time with their instrument
Funny that… 🤔
🙂
Damn! I wanted to be Jeff McErlain :)
Ha! Aim higher! lol
Comparison is the thief of joy, I don't let anyone steal my joy in playing. Course, I don't let anyone hear me play either
ha!
To continue the Python theme, Jeff you are like a stream of bat's piss. (You shine out like a shaft of gold when all around you is in darkness.)
That was one of Wildes.
Flashing that Jake might be considered clickbait… 😂
LOL! I’m no fool. 😂
I can’t be myself. I’m too busy copying other guitarists😊
Nice looking guitar
Thanks! The Jake charvel or the black Strat?
@@JeffMcErlain the silver with black pick guard, the black one is nice also, all your guitars are for that matter 👍🇺🇸