I never found the secret to "practicing" when I was involved in full time work. In the middle of 80 + hr weeks, I would go home (usually out of town), eat something, sit down to play and be asleep in about 10 minutes. I never produced much in the way of progress but it sure did let me decompress. I just figured if it was therapeutic - then so be it.
Here in 2024 going round a second time. There is so much wisdom in Tom’s videos. I’ve learned and practised more in the last 6 months than i have in the last 30 years thanks to Tom and Guthrie Trapp’s videos.
Tom, not sure if you’re still reading these, but a video I would love to see is your top 10 or top 20 “Uncle Larry’s Picks” of the songs you think would be most nutritious for guitarists to learn. I love your channel, your playing, and philosophy.
I’m so glad to hear you say the truth about “street theory and what “””real cats “” true musicians do. I was recently told but a guy that is good in his own right (don’t get me wrong I give credit where it’s due ). That I just have to learn theory that I’m living in a box if I don’t. And let me tell you Tom , you blow this guy out of the water 100 times. There’s so much to be said for taste, touch, nuance and knowing how to get tones. Reading music does not give you any of that. Sure if a person is talented I’m sure it helps. But it’s not necessary.
kevin apgar agree 💯. Tom nails it here. Heavy jazz harmony and complex chord substitutions not necessary for pop/rock/country/r&b. Basic diatonic chord theory will get it done on 90% of gigs from my experience.
With you on learning Beatles Tom. Melodically and harmonically rich as. I did it and boy did it help. Those guys were rare talents. Thank you for great advice.
Hey Tom, I don’t think it’s boring at all. The insight is always down to earth real world stuff. Maybe sometime you can talk about “red light fever”? I’m talking about the stress and anxiety when the record button comes on or you start that first song at a gig. How do you get past it & just start flowing
Your not boring man ! This is amazing for us . This videos are to short ! The playing in those Ebo amps videos is absolutely amazing ! Those fast licks are great and unique. Maybe a lesson about that stuff.
I’ve got a song for ya Tom. Grew up in a bar. Still playing guitar. I’ll never be a star. But my beer’s never far. That’s the chorus. Verses are up to you.
Heck no that's not boring! I think a lot us aspire to have the skill to not have to think about how to respond when playing, but to just be able to respond and have a conversation with the other musicians that we're playing with. And also to those that are listening to that conversation, the audience.
Fantastic, love the simple chords progression with a ton of different voicing, accents and colours...You’re painting music! a true a artist, very inspiring, keep,it coming please!
Please, we need a street theory video. Learned more in this lesson than I have in one lesson ever. That was some good shit Tom. Real, deep, insightful, thoughtful and wise. THANK YOU. How to practice... how to get free... loved it.
You've never made a bad video, the stuff, like on this video is so important to guitar players and believe, this is a gift that you went so deep in it, the triads, altered chords, inversions, that's what makes a fantastic session player!!
This is fantastic Tom. Saw you at Peach Fest w Trigger Hippy a while back and was blown away by not only the band but your playing in particular. Keep this up please! Some of the best instruction and advice on guitar that I have seen.
"You have to know your notes. I think it is like so important to know your notes on the neck of the guitar. Absolutely blindfolded. Like, no thoughts should go.. It should be instantenous recognition when you put your finger down anywhere, on any string you have to know what note that is. There is no much time to think."
You got me to re-listen to all my Beatles albums and Alan Holdsworth Road Games and Metal Fatigue..plus various Zep..you've helped me be a better listener..thanks!
I discovered you today and I am blown away. You have such an incredible feeling. Thanks for that man. Super-inspiring. So - more exciting insights please! Thanks for that! Greetings from Switzerland!
Hey Tom.I jumped out of my chair when I saw the Killer Vintage shirt.Im having a guitar repaired there right now.We love music Here in St Louis and Its not too far from Nashville. Thanks for your thoughts on practice I went to McMaster music school in the 90s and like to think I have a good practice routine but to hear a professional lay down the reality. Thats appreciated .
If you ever come to OKC, hit me up.. I can sing all that classic rock stuff you can play! My claim to fame is I sang slow ride with foghat.. we opened up for their band.. good times
Tom! Love these videos you are doing! Fascinating! I remember meeting you years ago when you were still in Cleveland. Came to your mom’s place with Tom Seymour, and you were playing Firth of Fifth by Genesis on piano! I was blown away. I remember having some great conversations with you about them, Yes, and The Beatles, etc... Man, you were always a joy to listen to playing guitar, and always so encouraging. Great times. So happy to see you’ve made a life for yourself doing what you love! Now, a question. Have you listened to, or even heard of Judee Sill? I’ve got a feeling you would dig her songwriting and music. She did two albums on Asylum records in the early seventies. Hands down best stuff I’ve come across in years. Very unique stuff. Amazing and tragic backstory if you get time to research her. Huge influence on Andy Partridge of XTC. Peace, and all the best to you Tom.
Wow this is GOLDEN information (sorry for stealing your phrase youKnowWho3311). But it was so spot on. Learning the street smarts form the Bad Ass Cat. Invaluable stuff, thanks Tom.
You are so damn right. Use your ears. My Goal of practicing ever was : To be able to play in a band. And if this is the Rolling Stones, and Jagger would call and ask if I could play with them tonight... In my dreams ... I would say : Sure , why not ? Because I can do it ! ....The next thing is : Record what you are playing and listen to it. ....The last thing : Timing . Keep in time, Always.Try to play with a Metronome, Drums , Backing Track , what ever ...The very last thing : Not too much pedals on your board. Keep it simple. Ok, thats hard. ;-)
Hey tom great lessons man awesome could u tell me when u r playing partial chords and chords when improvising or just noodling to come up with some progressions and or riffs do I use the caged system to know that your chords will sound good together or is it knowing all the notes on the fretboard which I’m now doing after your advice on a lesson should have learned them sooner could u maybe do a lesson on this thanks again peter
You look less irritated. Cleveland still loves you. ❤️ Could you make a playlist on Spotify or Apple Music of some of your favorite songs to share with us?
Great suggestions. I’m just a very small time pedal steel player in Chicago. Work with some songwriters, bands, and do a session every once in a while blablablah. What do you do when your hands won’t cooperate live? Do you have a quick trick? I usually just fight/surf through it as best I can to keep song alive like repeat same mistake twice, etc. Also, can I call you Old School? Thanks, Old School.
Great video! Can you do a volume on street theory? I think many player are struggling here, to find a happy medium between one pentatonic box and Jazz Jedi wisdom.
Hey there Tom Just discovered your Covid series and I am binging it. This lesson made me think of another session man John Lowrey (5) . He says the same thing about sounding just like the record.what do you think of John 5? Just curious. Keep it up man. Big inspiration!!!😉
How do we talk you into writing a book? With both song "strategies and thought processes" and anecdotal stories from the road and studios. I bet it would be fucking epic!
You nailed it brother, the power in his words alone could move mountains of struggle for any musician, young and old (like me)! Watching him play, hearing his touch, tone, and logic musically, is beyond comprehension!
“... pre- internet, ... play for hours and hours and hours without feeling like you’re missing out.” How true is that statement to us all, I know I’m guilty of FOMO and short attention span feeling the need to switch to a new song, or feeling I need to be practicing a different skill or technique. Tom- ism +5 . “High in musical nutrients” 😀
Tom I hope you keep making these videos because they are so inspiring. That two chord jam at the beginning was just amazing man. I’m a guitar player from the UK and just totally in awe. Keep up the awesome work!
Tom, in your rig rundown you said you can’t play guitar unless they are set up perfect. Can you talk us though how you set up your guitars for your touch?
Tom, the thing that you said about trying to get chuck berry right, i`ve had with Panama, from Van Halen. It was sooo hard to get it right and then I gave up! It's possible to get the notes right, but the shuffle, the swing, just can't. Hearing it from a pro like u, it gives me some hug for my crying! haha
Everybody says it’s so important to learn where all the notes are on the neck instantly, but what’s the best way to learn the notes on the neck. It’s like impossible for me to
"Street theory"....love it. Surprised to learn that you don't read. However, always thought you did as you're talking 3rds and 4ths a lot of times. That's the street theory. Great stuff. These volumes are the silver lining of the Covid bullshit. Rock it bruh !
Today I finally understand why you’re so good, Tom Bukovac. That was intensely profound, yet rooted in so much humility and respect for the craft. Here’s hoping you’ll carve a few minutes a week to continue Tom Time once this pandemic blows over.
Not boring Tom, it’s all Pearls. You’re like the coolest next door neighbor who I spot in his garage. You wave me over and we have a beer and we chat about guitar. It’s an odd thing, UA-cam.. . Thanks buddy ✌🏼
Tom Not boring actually super interesting Love these corona vids by the way the guitar chords you played with Sarah and Ripples performance ruled. Any Chance of another Sarah and Tom song? Thanks
So tasty. I'm a year older than Tom. I thought I was too old to acquire a new guitar hero. Very pleased about this development. I learned the same way: vinyl. Needle in the groove. We all did back then. Very good for the ears.
Boring my ass. its 8.30am here in the UK on a Saturday and I am recreationally drinking and catching up on my homeskoolin homework with these older videos. Go ahead and judge me if you want. I am about to light up.. its Tom time 😂
Well so far I can't make it past the intro without restarting it. Someday i'll make it to the rest of the video,
I never found the secret to "practicing" when I was involved in full time work. In the middle of 80 + hr weeks, I would go home (usually out of town), eat something, sit down to play and be asleep in about 10 minutes. I never produced much in the way of progress but it sure did let me decompress. I just figured if it was therapeutic - then so be it.
Here in 2024 going round a second time. There is so much wisdom in Tom’s videos. I’ve learned and practised more in the last 6 months than i have in the last 30 years thanks to Tom and Guthrie Trapp’s videos.
It was great to hear that even the great uncle Larry struggles with Johnny b. Goode. I've tried every few years and never seem to get close.
Tom, not sure if you’re still reading these, but a video I would love to see is your top 10 or top 20 “Uncle Larry’s Picks” of the songs you think would be most nutritious for guitarists to learn.
I love your channel, your playing, and philosophy.
nothing would make me happier than Tom Time with Tom, the session man Bukovac.
I’m so glad to hear you say the truth about “street theory and what “””real cats “” true musicians do. I was recently told but a guy that is good in his own right (don’t get me wrong I give credit where it’s due ). That I just have to learn theory that I’m living in a box if I don’t. And let me tell you Tom , you blow this guy out of the water 100 times. There’s so much to be said for taste, touch, nuance and knowing how to get tones. Reading music does not give you any of that. Sure if a person is talented I’m sure it helps. But it’s not necessary.
kevin apgar agree 💯. Tom nails it here. Heavy jazz harmony and complex chord substitutions not necessary for pop/rock/country/r&b. Basic diatonic chord theory will get it done on 90% of gigs from my experience.
Seriously dropping guitar 🎸 wisdom gems 💎 Corona sucks but I’m happy to have some Tom time!
With you on learning Beatles Tom. Melodically and harmonically rich as. I did it and boy did it help.
Those guys were rare talents. Thank you for great advice.
Hey Tom, I don’t think it’s boring at all. The insight is always down to earth real world stuff. Maybe sometime you can talk about “red light fever”? I’m talking about the stress and anxiety when the record button comes on or you start that first song at a gig. How do you get past it & just start flowing
“good musical nutrients “ best quote ever!
Your not boring man ! This is amazing for us . This videos are to short ! The playing in those Ebo amps videos is absolutely amazing ! Those fast licks are great and unique. Maybe a lesson about that stuff.
Most useful 14 minutes I’ve heard in my musical career man..... keep em coming
I’ve got a song for ya Tom. Grew up in a bar. Still playing guitar. I’ll never be a star. But my beer’s never far. That’s the chorus. Verses are up to you.
Amazing as usual Uncle Larry. Never gets old
Heck no that's not boring! I think a lot us aspire to have the skill to not have to think about how to respond when playing, but to just be able to respond and have a conversation with the other musicians that we're playing with. And also to those that are listening to that conversation, the audience.
No BS, just the truth. I dig it man. I dig it the most...
Definetely not boring. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on practicing.
Fantastic, love the simple chords progression with a ton of different voicing, accents and colours...You’re painting music! a true a artist, very inspiring, keep,it coming please!
not boring at all. thanks tom
Is that boring?? Edge of my seat brother. You are a guy that not only gets it but can put it out there. Thanks for sharing, extremely expiring.
Please, we need a street theory video. Learned more in this lesson than I have in one lesson ever. That was some good shit Tom. Real, deep, insightful, thoughtful and wise. THANK YOU. How to practice... how to get free... loved it.
No man, not boring. Keep ’em coming!
Not boring at all! Very insightful. Thank you!
That was some soulful playing in the beginning Tom. It really spoke to me. Thank you kindly for the practice tips!
You've never made a bad video, the stuff, like on this video is so important to guitar players and believe, this is a gift that you went so deep in it, the triads, altered chords, inversions, that's what makes a fantastic session player!!
Excellent advice!!! You are awesome...I'll be watching all your videos! Thanks for the amazing videos and advice!
fuk man. such a beautiful touch. my favorite channel, hands down.
My new favorite guitarist. Awesome!
Me: listening on the edge of my seat
Tom: Is that boring?
Haha great stuff
These Corona lessons are just the best. Thank you!
This is fantastic Tom. Saw you at Peach Fest w Trigger Hippy a while back and was blown away by not only the band but your playing in particular. Keep this up please! Some of the best instruction and advice on guitar that I have seen.
Mahalo for taking time. Love your view point and musical process! Turn table learning too! 🤙 Right on!
NOT BORING! 😎 Love these lessons and chat sessions, and really appreciate you taking time to share these things. ✌️
"You have to know your notes. I think it is like so important to know your notes on the neck of the guitar. Absolutely blindfolded. Like, no thoughts should go.. It should be instantenous recognition when you put your finger down anywhere, on any string you have to know what note that is. There is no much time to think."
After that it's all about emotion and tone
You got me to re-listen to all my Beatles albums and Alan Holdsworth Road Games and Metal Fatigue..plus various Zep..you've helped me be a better listener..thanks!
"Street theory" - love it!
Sooo good! Thank you so much for this videos Tom 🙌 kind regards from Portugal!
I discovered you today and I am blown away. You have such an incredible feeling. Thanks for that man. Super-inspiring. So - more exciting insights please! Thanks for that! Greetings from Switzerland!
Tom, you are bringing me to the next level. Loved this video, man!
not boring! really appreciated #respect
Hey Tom.I jumped out of my chair when I saw the Killer Vintage shirt.Im having a guitar repaired there right now.We love music Here in St Louis and Its not too far from Nashville. Thanks for your thoughts on practice I went to McMaster music school in the 90s and like to think I have a good practice routine but to hear a professional lay down the reality. Thats appreciated .
Street Theory is my new mantra
Goddamn you’re a joy to listen to man
Absolutely love what you do
Great lesson, Tom.
thanks for these, tom. learning so much. also...shout out to the great dudes at killer vintage in st.louie !!!
Please keep going Tom! Wonderful content man
Hi Tom I first heard you on the Premier Guitar "rig rundown " that part you played at the stat with the SG blow my mind! You are Amazing !!!! Be safe
A Robo Cop reference....for sure a first ever in guitar teaching!!!
If you ever come to OKC, hit me up.. I can sing all that classic rock stuff you can play! My claim to fame is I sang slow ride with foghat.. we opened up for their band.. good times
Tom! Love these videos you are doing! Fascinating! I remember meeting you years ago when you were still in Cleveland. Came to your mom’s place with Tom Seymour, and you were playing Firth of Fifth by Genesis on piano! I was blown away. I remember having some great conversations with you about them, Yes, and The Beatles, etc... Man, you were always a joy to listen to playing guitar, and always so encouraging. Great times. So happy to see you’ve made a life for yourself doing what you love! Now, a question. Have you listened to, or even heard of Judee Sill? I’ve got a feeling you would dig her songwriting and music. She did two albums on Asylum records in the early seventies. Hands down best stuff I’ve come across in years. Very unique stuff. Amazing and tragic backstory if you get time to research her. Huge influence on Andy Partridge of XTC. Peace, and all the best to you Tom.
Thanks Tom.
Wow this is GOLDEN information (sorry for stealing your phrase youKnowWho3311). But it was so spot on. Learning the street smarts form the Bad Ass Cat. Invaluable stuff, thanks Tom.
You are so damn right. Use your ears. My Goal of practicing ever was : To be able to play in a band. And if this is the Rolling Stones, and Jagger would call and ask if I could play with them tonight... In my dreams ... I would say : Sure , why not ? Because I can do it ! ....The next thing is : Record what you are playing and listen to it. ....The last thing : Timing . Keep in time, Always.Try to play with a Metronome, Drums , Backing Track , what ever ...The very last thing : Not too much pedals on your board. Keep it simple. Ok, thats hard. ;-)
saved to my practice file. thank you for the words of wisdom.
Thanks for giving Dan Baird, Warner Hodges, and I something to talk about besides the damned virus! Total guitar nerd fun!
Who would be your favourite singers Tom? ...love the series!
Not boring at all!!
Hey tom great lessons man awesome could u tell me when u r playing partial chords and chords when improvising or just noodling to come up with some progressions and or riffs do I use the caged system to know that your chords will sound good together or is it knowing all the notes on the fretboard which I’m now doing after your advice on a lesson should have learned them sooner could u maybe do a lesson on this thanks again peter
That first two minutes of jamming is so good!
Nope, not even close to boring. Thanks!
Killer Vintage T-shirt! Here in StL
+1 for ongoing Tom Time!
You look less irritated. Cleveland still loves you. ❤️ Could you make a playlist on Spotify or Apple Music of some of your favorite songs to share with us?
Another great intro of Johnny be good is the Johnny Winter and live version
Great,great,great!
Great suggestions. I’m just a very small time pedal steel player in Chicago. Work with some songwriters, bands, and do a session every once in a while blablablah. What do you do when your hands won’t cooperate live? Do you have a quick trick? I usually just fight/surf through it as best I can to keep song alive like repeat same mistake twice, etc. Also, can I call you Old School? Thanks, Old School.
As good as it gets.
Great video! Can you do a volume on street theory? I think many player are struggling here, to find a happy medium between one pentatonic box and Jazz Jedi wisdom.
Hey there Tom
Just discovered your Covid series and I am binging it.
This lesson made me think of another session man John Lowrey (5) .
He says the same thing about sounding just like the record.what do you think of John 5?
Just curious. Keep it up man. Big inspiration!!!😉
This shit is riveting!
great content!! i enjoy your vids! ...anyone knows what is that thing he play at the begining?
2 in one day!
This is my new Bible
So expressive! Damn, your almost as good as... nope... you better than him too.
Important question: What beer are you drinking, Rolling Rock?
I’d love to hear you and Rog from Mingo Fishtrap jammin
How do we talk you into writing a book? With both song "strategies and thought processes" and anecdotal stories from the road and studios. I bet it would be fucking epic!
Nope, not boring at all.
New subsmich. Im always late; to certain things.
It's GOLD, this is gold. Listen up young cats, you should feel so lucky to get this level of advice for free.
100%
This is the second greatest bit of advice here today, second only to the video itself.
For real. I feel like I’m a kid taking lessons again with a cool dude and even cooler player
Absolutely! 👍
You nailed it brother, the power in his words alone could move mountains of struggle for any musician, young and old (like me)! Watching him play, hearing his touch, tone, and logic musically, is beyond comprehension!
“... pre- internet, ... play for hours and hours and hours without feeling like you’re missing out.” How true is that statement to us all, I know I’m guilty of FOMO and short attention span feeling the need to switch to a new song, or feeling I need to be practicing a different skill or technique. Tom- ism +5 . “High in musical nutrients” 😀
Tom I hope you keep making these videos because they are so inspiring. That two chord jam at the beginning was just amazing man. I’m a guitar player from the UK and just totally in awe. Keep up the awesome work!
Tom, in your rig rundown you said you can’t play guitar unless they are set up perfect. Can you talk us though how you set up your guitars for your touch?
Thanks so much for these! Been wanting to see this for a long time!
"Because I can't read music or any of that shit..."
*gulps beer*
“High in musical nutrients “. That’s an awesome perspective.
Tom, the thing that you said about trying to get chuck berry right, i`ve had with Panama, from Van Halen. It was sooo hard to get it right and then I gave up!
It's possible to get the notes right, but the shuffle, the swing, just can't.
Hearing it from a pro like u, it gives me some hug for my crying! haha
Everybody says it’s so important to learn where all the notes are on the neck instantly, but what’s the best way to learn the notes on the neck. It’s like impossible for me to
"Street theory"....love it. Surprised to learn that you don't read. However, always thought you did as you're talking 3rds and 4ths a lot of times. That's the street theory. Great stuff. These volumes are the silver lining of the Covid bullshit. Rock it bruh !
"Learn songs in high musical nutrients" I love it
Today I finally understand why you’re so good, Tom Bukovac. That was intensely profound, yet rooted in so much humility and respect for the craft. Here’s hoping you’ll carve a few minutes a week to continue Tom Time once this pandemic blows over.
Blows over lol. Good luck with that. I hope y’all are ready for your computer chips to implanted under your skin. Ginny pigs are us
Not boring Tom, it’s all Pearls. You’re like the coolest next door neighbor who I spot in his garage. You wave me over and we have a beer and we chat about guitar. It’s an odd thing, UA-cam.. . Thanks buddy ✌🏼
Tom Not boring actually super interesting Love these corona vids by the way the guitar chords you played with Sarah and Ripples performance ruled. Any Chance of another Sarah and Tom song? Thanks
Incredible insight!
P.S. Is that a PRS in the background?
“It took me like a whole day to learn it.”
- Tom Bukov
"It took me like a whole day to work out the first chord"
- Me
The opposite of boring. Master class in how to be a real musician. Thank you
So tasty.
I'm a year older than Tom. I thought I was too old to acquire a new guitar hero. Very pleased about this development.
I learned the same way: vinyl. Needle in the groove. We all did back then. Very good for the ears.
Boring my ass. its 8.30am here in the UK on a Saturday and I am recreationally drinking and catching up on my homeskoolin homework with these older videos. Go ahead and judge me if you want. I am about to light up.. its Tom time 😂