When I was 13 I realized everybody wants to be a guitar player so I became a bass player And a really good bass player I'm 57 and I've been gigging ever since
Keith, reading between the lines (mentioning upstate NY and the Lost Dog Cafe), are you from Binghamton? If so, upstate NY is shared history between you and Rick (who taught at Ithaca College). I'm from Ithaca, and I still miss having a Lost Dog Cafe here (they opened one here for several years; I had my first date with my girlfriend there 15+ years ago!). -Tom
@@fivewattworld yes, isn't that the case sometimes? You listen to tracks of yourself from 10-15 years ago, occasions where, at the time you thought you sucked or there was some other reason you didn't feel good about it but you listen to it and you actually turn 180 degrees! Sure says a lot about our self-talk, and the fragile nature of memory.
TLMuse Hi Tom, I missed this when it was posted as a reply to Ricks comment. Since you wrote it we’ve moved back to Ithaca. I worked at Binghamton in the ‘90’s.
I had a guitar teacher in the 80’s who told me to think of the band I was hoping to create as a metal chain with me being the weakest link in that chain...in other words surround yourself with people who play better than you and let the magic begin by learning through immersion...he was right...you can apply the advice in this video to all the things you would hope to accomplish in life not just guitar...some other sage advice that same guitar teacher told me was if you hit a wrong note when soloing either keep your head down and play on like nothing happened, or hit the wrong note again and tell everyone you meant to play it that way! He took my playing to the next level...I get the same vibes from you and the videos you make...Thanks!
Some great cherished memories :) I had my version of this for getting rock bands together for rehearsals: "Get everybody to show up on time, ready to play, *without* their girlfriend". If you've ever played with 20-something rockstar wannabe's, you'll know that's like herding cats, and 'ready to play' includes *sober* , haha. No misogyny, but as soon as there's *one* girlfriend or friend/non-band member, it's no longer a "rehearsal", it turns into a performance. You can't openly criticize or make suggestions, you can't stop to try something or do-over, and egos go to 11. And then there's always the dreaded "LSD".. 'Lead Singer Disease'... Guys who think the band is just there as their personal karaoke machine and they are the only one's who matter. LSD has happened to famous bands as well through Rock history.
Very astute observations! Most people would say, "this is just common sense". However, I would argue the culture we live in seems to be sorely lacking that quality and we are in desperate need of this type of wisdom. Thank you for the reminder. Always enjoy your videos Keith!!
Years ago I heard someone say (maybe a comedian) “ In my experience in life, sense is NOT common.” I think that even if we know things like this we don’t think about it often enough. You know, take a minute to hit the “reset” button. Thanks for the kudos “Tropical”. Is there something else I can call you? Keith
This was a really sweet story! Really drives home the reason for the music in the first place, for me at least; bringing people together. The way you talk fondly of the relationships with the bandmates, the comradery, makes me feel warm just hearing about. Always love to hear about the relations that bring musicians together and have fun and appreciate one another.
Exactly. But everyone that talks about touring emphasizes how important the "hang" is. Same thing I think. So amen man. We just need to be better people, just that little thing, to get more work. :)
I think being hard to get along with is way more of a hindrance now. When session jobs were in greater supply sometimes they had to take the jerk... but now they probably don't.
This is great and so true - I'm of the "not all that good but reliable and friendly" type and I've always been in a band since I left school! If only I could crack the last category!
Some people don't like denim shirts. Actually I know from research that there are robots that put thumbs down randomly on videos on successful channels. YT can ID these as well but they haven't spent resources to monitor and block them. Thanks for the kind words and for watching.
This video was really good. Reminded me of a sign I saw years ago in a store that read: "You can have any of the 2 out of the 3". BTW: I never knew that David Lee Roth played the alto-sax.
I stumbled upon your channel tonight while searching for reviews/comparisons of the Fender Tonemaster amps, and down the rabbit hole I went. I really appreciate your general philosophy and approach to gear. This video was my favorite of the ones I watched. It is so true and really made me smile. Thanks for the straightforward, easy to watch, unique videos you're sharing here!
Thanks Carolyn. You know, this, along with the "limitations" and "enough" videos are my favorites as well. At the heart of why I started this whole thing. Welcome to five watt world!
Haha, so honest and wise. Great guidance and brought me back to a steady college gig we had Gtr/upright bass/ trpt, both better than me. When the trumpet stopped it was bass and myself, brutal. They enjoyed it and I was turtured every gig but makes you stronger.
Keith, I couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen each of the three categories. I’d like to think I nail all 3 most of the time but I know opinions of ourselves is usually higher than should be. For one, I’m almost always early to a gig because it sucks trying to build a kit around everybody’s shit. A lot easier for them to set up around the drums. Also, I play my ass off every time I’m on that throne. I have a mantra to play as if it’s my last. I probably falter the most with over indulging.
Playing too much is a sin of enthusiasm and as such is easier to forgive (to a point). On guitar I try to remind myself to breath in and out during solos. If I’m out of breath the audience is likely as well. :) Keith
Fantastic analysis and right on point. Those principles work in most areas of life and vocation but it's great to hear them explained like you did and with the history and examples you provided. God bless!
It's funny, I purposefully didn't watch this video for quite a while. I am busy, have enough money and I am not a musician. I didn't feel like I would stand to gain much with this video. Lesson learned. Just going to watch all of them now. Thank you for such quality content.
You can definitely broaden this to, "The 3 reasons you'll get work." I work as a scientist for a large corporation, and as different as that world is from being a musician, those three rules definitely hold up. I would also say that the 2 out of 3 rule is more common than hitting all 3! :)
Great message in this video. One of my maxims is; "I would rather be an hour early, than a minute late ". Also, great advice in regards to jamming with musicians who are better than you. I instinctively started doing that when I was much younger, and have continue to do so, whenever possible. Keith, I have one more of your videos to watch, and then I'll have watched them all. It's good stuff and your messages are all spot-on! To you and the folks who are helping you create this wonderful and relevant content, keep doing what you're doing with the Five Watt World channel! And thank you!
@@fivewattworld Hahaha! Yeah, he was veritably distraught over that Miles video. Just made me dig him that much more, though. I get it. How many times has someone said, Man you played your ass off on Stablemates, to which we inevitably reply, Oh you didn't like my solo on They Say It's Wonderful? We're wired differently. Well, anyway, views or no views, I love this video and I was just about to watch it again. What is that guitar you were playing back then??
I've just discovered this channel while looking for videos on Fender Princetons. That was the first I watched, and this is, I don't know, maybe the fifth in a row. Great channel!
Hi Keith I heard about you over at Rick Beato's site doing his Live thang' Loved the above video and the one on the Fender Champ! I'll keep coming back! Thx!
Wow, Keith. Great thoughts. It’s where I’m at as a guitarist in my trio. I’m expanding into a completely foreign arena... electric guitar. I’m a bassist at heart and it’s where I’m most comfortable. However, that is not what my trio needs as we already have an excellent bassist. Vocals/harmonies are the strength of our group. I’ll just have to practice more on my soloing so I don’t ruin the mojo. LOL
The bass player has to hold down the mojo, you can now float on top and if you forget the chords you can just lean back, and pretend like you're giving the guys space to vamp, ;).
Wow !! Every word you spoke during this video had me totally enthralled. Uhhh . . . . . that might mean something different than what I was thinking. LoL. Just amazing life lesson. 🎸
Great Advice. A firend and I had a summer gig in my homerown in upstate NY that was me on guitar, my good friend Stephen "The Bird" Jackson and a 15 year old drummer (Michael) that was immensely talented and learned his craft by listening to Danny Serrafin. He was also the youngest brother of the club owner. Stephen was entering his senior year at Shenandoah Conservatory at the end of the summer. He played keyboards on my small old tube powered organ using the pedals for our bottom end plus played Alto Sax, Flute, Clarinet. He was a genius musician. We wrote the heads before each set so everything we played was fresh and very challenging. Bebop in Hancock N.Y. didn't go over well with the licals but the folks that summered in the Catskills from NYC loved it.
Dude! I used to fish in Hancock all the time when I worked at SUNY Binghamton. I'd hit the bakery then go try the ball field before moving to more remote spots up or down the river. Wish I'd been at the gig. I'd have called out the name of Charlie Parker tunes until you told me to be quiet. Great story.
Five watt world, and I thought I would learn more about why i so enjoy playing through mypeavy audition mini amp instead of my fender champ. Little did I realize I learn as much about live as music on this channel. I have listened to them all starting with Marty the pioneer up to 5 watt. Seems like the best book ends. Although I sm still intrigued by the full tone at low volume.
This video is outstanding. For one, the content is great. But more true to my heart, 1997 was my freshman year at SUNY Binghamton. I had the privilege of not only playing with Mike Carbone and Darnay Campbell in the SUNY jazz band, I most certainly saw your band on a regular basis at the Lost Dog. You were a great part of the cultural centerpiece of Binghamton at that time. Well done sir!
So true, unfortunately some of us had to learn this the hard way. There is, however, a supply and demand element. If good guitarists are ten a penny and good drummers are like hens teeth it biases the rule somewhat. It would certainly explain a lot about drummers!
As a bluegrass upright bass player I got a gig at a an upscale restaurant every Sunday night for 3 years with some local guys. These guys was Deadhead hippies and way more versatile than me. I learned from crashing and burning. The same way my pal Tony rice did. They constantly pushed me past my comfort zone. I was a diamond in the rough with a couple of facets. Now I have a few more facets that constantly need polishing. Thanks for a great video.
That was a great philosophical video with positive vibes. Nice to see old photos of you and your band from that period, and I noticed your jazz dot has gotten bigger over time 👍🏻
Ha! The students at school would actually say to me in line at the cafeteria, "nice soul patch dude." And, I in my talk lack of coolness would say, "thanks" not having the faintest idea of what they were talking about (at first.) . Funny thing is I grew it when I was reading Jim Harrison's novels, like "Legends of the Fall". It was more a 19th century thing than a "Dizzy just back from Paris" kind of thing. But yeah, now it works for "all of the above." Glad you liked the vid. I had fun making it.
I'm always appreciative of the fact that your words are measured and meaningful, and that there is always something that can be used right away, no matter what your discussing. Thanks.
Great and instructive video, and so true! And you were definitely more than pulling your weight by doing all the management and logistics side, so the other guys just had to show up and play. This also gives me hope because I'm the less-musically-proficient guy in the jazz crowd I know (which I'm working to improve :) )
The fourth reason is that you are brave, brave enough to mine your soul for the content that everyone else is too scared to utter aloud or play on an instrument.
Very true in every respect. Many many years ago I was the guitarist in a power trio rock band. The drummer and I were at about the same compentency level but the bass player was still learning. But you know what? He showed up to practice all the time, had a great attitude, and we all got along great. We were still able to play some pretty decent music together. Unfortunately I had to move for work so we had to split up.
I always make sure to have a van, directions, do all the managerial functions and get the guys paid and fed … oh, and play rhythm guitar (and sing because no one else will) with a smile because the band is way better than me. And they make me so much better, and we’re a team. You offer some seriously sage wisdom. Thank you for another outstanding video.
I may have learned alot of things from alot of videos but ive rarely learned the kind of wisdom that covers alot of things so easily as i did here... Thank you very much!!
Thanks brother. Thanks for watching this one. It's one of my favorite vids I've made and as is often the case, one with the lowest view count. Go figure. Thanks for digging it.
Love love love this video. Did freelance data work for a long time but I think it's true elsewhere too. EG I played competitive league counterstrike for many years and I played on more than one team with guys who were just more experienced and better than I was, but I never made the team guess if I would make a practice and I didn't complain when I got the crappy defense spot. I do think the most critical bit is hidden in there at the end though; it's ok to have 2 out of 3 if you always try to fix the one you don't have. I actually think "nice guy but doesn't do a good job" is a real issue professionally. Seen a lot of dudes and dudettes hanging on to positions because they had the right attitude and always delivered *something*. And that's ok when you're first starting out or you're not mission critical or what you're doing is for fun. But when you are high enough level, you are now impacting people's ability to feed their families.
Thanks man! Like you I spent years in IT even doing a two year stretch consulting one week a month at Oracle headquarters in "the valley". And I agree, it is tricky to know yourself well enough to know which of the two are you strong suit (or which one even maybe) and to work on the one(s) that we need to bear down on. Saying that, I'm going to go back to practicing playing over jazz blues changes. That never ends.
This is the only channel I subscribe to. I use the other time playing. I surf other channels just to see what is up dated and to be informed. I want see new Products and demonstrations and form my own opinion. If I need one of the products I use my own gut instinct. But what do I know?
I’ve always wanted to play at an open mic. I’m not the best ever but I like to play jazz/prog metal. I’d even play on the street if I wasn’t so ashamed of being recorded and put on the internet lol I like playing guitar and it’s fun for me. I will never stop playing until I die.
Record yourself. It is a great way to improve by being able to listen to your mistakes and an amazing tool to learn and make arrangements. I don't play out but I record a lot
personally, I love open Mic's. they're like rehearsal for me. even if you screw up, most open Mic's are at bars, so everyone's half in the bag anyway and either won't notice or remember! and yeah, I've played a couple bad open Mic's and got heckled, but the best thing to do with those assholes is what Les Claypool from Primus used to do: if someone says you suck, just exclaim "Thank you!" with a giant smile on your face ;)
Thanks Raymond. I’m actually moving back to upstate NY and will be able to sit in with these guys occasionally. Hopefully they’ll still let me call the tunes so I can have shedded them in advance, ;)
Great video, Keith! I've always been a #3 guy myself, not the most technically proficient for the same reasons you state; always seeking to play with better players. Being punctual and a nice person buys a lot of OJT. :)
Your path and mindset and channel has inspired me. Your channel has content that I feel strong about. And I will make a channel thats similar. Some eastern philosophy, minimalist, growing as a personal while living in a hectic world and grounding yourself in participating in life. To be aware of the dopamine hit of buying things to make you feel worthy or cool but what you got now is the best place to start being a better person and musician. Hope to share thoughts with you
Keith, thank you so much for this video and the rest of your content. I genuinely appreciate your exploration of these topics and your larger principles; they've really helped me re-evaluate myself in my music journey and *somewhat* freelance career! Thanks!
Planning to share this with my fifth-grade class on Career Day, because it's someone who is not me, telling them what I'm always telling them (but doing a much better job of it): get as good as you can get, treat people right, and always do your best . . . you'll be amazed at how far those three things will take you.
@@fivewattworld Originally, it was the latter, in reference to my growth as a musician (and everything else). However, I now think of it sort of it as having something in common with certain Bob Dylan lyrics, in that it can mean whatever one needs it to mean. :-)
Trying to make educated guesses based on your statements about upstate. Outside Albany? Syracuse? Oneonta? Binghampton? Plattsburgh? I'm from a couple hours north of Albany, and like you, I grew up rural and much of my free time was spent hunting, fishing, caring for the cattle, and playing guitar.
Do you want to keep guessing or should I tell you. Two hours north of Albany? Peru? Moving back to upstate this summer (well Ithaca so "downstate" from where I used to live.) Let me know. No secrets here on five watt world.
Great work with this video. Just my feeling, I feel very cautious about the not-so-nice character who plays great and always shows up. In the old days that was very true but now, in a word: gone, thanks anyway and there's the door. In today's world, it is just not worth it; I think it even hurts music in the long run to have a "character" in the band. It might even erode the band itself as a slow, imperceptible process. Back then we affectionately called them "monsters" as a way of all getting along. Buddy was the ultimate monster, but there were many in every venue, even every band. Remember, too, jazz was fighting for its life in some ways; colleges would not even acknowledge it back then. American experimentalism was ignored, too; it was misunderstood as if you can't teach it. One towering jazz plater said to me once-- and back then we loved all this-- that to play the blues you have to spend some time in jail. Also, racism playing a part in this, jazz was perhaps seen by classical musicians as a back-alley, sorta thuggy-ish thing. Back then it might even feel required to have one maladjusted badass in the band. I see it all differently now. Stories were legion. Remember the stories; fights, lewd talk, guys being grotesquely unfaithful. Sorry to soup box on it. I feel now to young people, yeah they play aggressively but show them the door. End by saying, a great video. Social science all the way.
Thanks so much J. I really enjoyed making this video. Listening to the clips of the old band. Hearing my good, and bad nights on the mini-discs I have from that time (remember the 90's?). And it's good to remind myself of this stuff too. I'm going to move back to NY this summer and haven't told the band yet.
I do exactly as you do except that I'm not a musician. I do all the nasty work that nobody wants to do and I let the talents shine at what they are best at. In turn, they are happy to be with me and me too. I feel very humbled each time this situation presents itself. I feel very grateful to work with people who are more competent than me otherwise I won't be able to make it. I approach every task with a cooperative mind instead of a competitive one and it works fine for me. I hope you see this comment and thank you very much.
I love the Parker mojo your on I'm a few if those pictures! Mine was stolen from me and I miss that machine everyday! It was so lite and I swear there were times it literally played itself! I've looked into getting another one but they always want too much or its true wrong color or its missing parts or its just not my mojo I lost and it is one of the guitars that got away! I DON'T Remember all the woman I've lost BUT IVE NEVER FORGOTTEN THE Guitars IVE lost! Ty
Dude, I'm loving your channel! I always try to be on time! The best at what I do and a pleasure to be around! But then people start to hate you for those same reasons!!! lol
Excellent! You know I think this is one of my favorite videos? Figures it has some of the lowest view numbers, so I'm very glad you found it and that you dig it. Welcome to five watt world. Keith
@@fivewattworld haha, that happens for me too. Then sometimes, videos which we don't think much of get the hugest response. Thanks for the welcome! I've watched a bunch of your videos now and am really enjoying them all.
I gigged that Fly Deluxe for about four years. 5.25 lbs and played like a dream. I ran D'Addario flat 10's (with an 11 on top), dialed in a little piezo and you'd swear it was an ES guitar. It left during one of the big purges. If I had the gig today I'd play it with my customized Strandberg Salen with Fralin mini humbuckers. No one really cares what you're holding, unless they're a guitar player and anyone carrying their own gear would understand the choice.
Isn’t that true. What your holding really doesn’t matter. I often feel all the gear talk has a negative effect on actual music. I’m old and have three kids and no time. I spend more time on UA-cam and reverb than playing and making music. Probably because I have up. Oh well. Kids are cute.
@@lucaserikadams Well kids are real things and real things should win out over "gear" no matter how cool it is anytime. But if you're on the interweb next to your guitar...log off brother and pick up that axe. :)
"I can do it cheap. I can do it right. I can do it quick. Pick any two."
- Red Adair
Incendiary quote...
When I was 13 I realized everybody wants to be a guitar player so I became a bass player And a really good bass player I'm 57 and I've been gigging ever since
Bass players ALWAYS get work.
One of the reasons I'm a dobro player.
I’m 14, and rather ironically, I know more bassists my age in my area than guitarists, so I play guitar.
@@rockawayb1tch dude, same! Trying to find guitarists to jam with is a pain
Fascinating video! I feel like I’m transported back 30 years.
It was weird editing the old music file from MiniDisc. I surprised myself on some of my solos and others...were as I expected they might be.
Keith, reading between the lines (mentioning upstate NY and the Lost Dog Cafe), are you from Binghamton? If so, upstate NY is shared history between you and Rick (who taught at Ithaca College). I'm from Ithaca, and I still miss having a Lost Dog Cafe here (they opened one here for several years; I had my first date with my girlfriend there 15+ years ago!). -Tom
@@fivewattworld yes, isn't that the case sometimes? You listen to tracks of yourself from 10-15 years ago, occasions where, at the time you thought you sucked or there was some other reason you didn't feel good about it but you listen to it and you actually turn 180 degrees! Sure says a lot about our self-talk, and the fragile nature of memory.
TLMuse Hi Tom, I missed this when it was posted as a reply to Ricks comment. Since you wrote it we’ve moved back to Ithaca. I worked at Binghamton in the ‘90’s.
I had a guitar teacher in the 80’s who told me to think of the band I was hoping to create as a metal chain with me being the weakest link in that chain...in other words surround yourself with people who play better than you and let the magic begin by learning through immersion...he was right...you can apply the advice in this video to all the things you would hope to accomplish in life not just guitar...some other sage advice that same guitar teacher told me was if you hit a wrong note when soloing either keep your head down and play on like nothing happened, or hit the wrong note again and tell everyone you meant to play it that way! He took my playing to the next level...I get the same vibes from you and the videos you make...Thanks!
My old man always told me the same thing, hit a bad note? Repeat and call it jazz haha
Great video! These 3 concepts apply to every job and profession in life. Thanks for sharing this type of wisdom!
Agreed. It's the iron triangle of life.
Some great cherished memories :)
I had my version of this for getting rock bands together for rehearsals: "Get everybody to show up on time, ready to play, *without* their girlfriend".
If you've ever played with 20-something rockstar wannabe's, you'll know that's like herding cats, and 'ready to play' includes *sober* , haha.
No misogyny, but as soon as there's *one* girlfriend or friend/non-band member, it's no longer a "rehearsal", it turns into a performance. You can't openly criticize or make suggestions, you can't stop to try something or do-over, and egos go to 11. And then there's always the dreaded "LSD".. 'Lead Singer Disease'... Guys who think the band is just there as their personal karaoke machine and they are the only one's who matter. LSD has happened to famous bands as well through Rock history.
Very astute observations! Most people would say, "this is just common sense". However, I would argue the culture we live in seems to be sorely lacking that quality and we are in desperate need of this type of wisdom. Thank you for the reminder. Always enjoy your videos Keith!!
Years ago I heard someone say (maybe a comedian) “ In my experience in life, sense is NOT common.”
I think that even if we know things like this we don’t think about it often enough. You know, take a minute to hit the “reset” button.
Thanks for the kudos “Tropical”. Is there something else I can call you?
Keith
@@fivewattworld I think today will be devoted to hitting that reset button; oh and my name's John.
John'sTropicalReflections Sorry, totally missed that in your moniker. Time to put down the phone and play guitar I guess. :)
7 downvotes?!? I really appreciate your videos, your delivery especially. Keep it going KW
This was a really sweet story! Really drives home the reason for the music in the first place, for me at least; bringing people together. The way you talk fondly of the relationships with the bandmates, the comradery, makes me feel warm just hearing about. Always love to hear about the relations that bring musicians together and have fun and appreciate one another.
Simple concepts but profound too. It's surprising how many people miss the part about being a person people want to be around.
Exactly. But everyone that talks about touring emphasizes how important the "hang" is. Same thing I think. So amen man. We just need to be better people, just that little thing, to get more work. :)
I think being hard to get along with is way more of a hindrance now. When session jobs were in greater supply sometimes they had to take the jerk... but now they probably don't.
have to agree...nobody wants to work with someone like this "just" because they're so skilled...
This is great and so true - I'm of the "not all that good but reliable and friendly" type and I've always been in a band since I left school! If only I could crack the last category!
Lovely and very honest story! There’s some mirror gazing to be done. Very relatable.
blows my mind to see people that unlike his videos!? it must be personal because dude just gives practical/solid advise. how can one dislike that?
Some people don't like denim shirts. Actually I know from research that there are robots that put thumbs down randomly on videos on successful channels. YT can ID these as well but they haven't spent resources to monitor and block them.
Thanks for the kind words and for watching.
This video was really good. Reminded me of a sign I saw years ago in a store that read: "You can have any of the 2 out of the 3". BTW: I never knew that David Lee Roth played the alto-sax.
Came across this little short. Great truths & Miles Ahead... Apropos Keith
I stumbled upon your channel tonight while searching for reviews/comparisons of the Fender Tonemaster amps, and down the rabbit hole I went. I really appreciate your general philosophy and approach to gear. This video was my favorite of the ones I watched. It is so true and really made me smile. Thanks for the straightforward, easy to watch, unique videos you're sharing here!
Thanks Carolyn. You know, this, along with the "limitations" and "enough" videos are my favorites as well. At the heart of why I started this whole thing. Welcome to five watt world!
Haha, so honest and wise. Great guidance and brought me back to a steady college gig we had Gtr/upright bass/ trpt, both better than me. When the trumpet stopped it was bass and myself, brutal. They enjoyed it and I was turtured every gig but makes you stronger.
Keith, I couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen each of the three categories. I’d like to think I nail all 3 most of the time but I know opinions of ourselves is usually higher than should be. For one, I’m almost always early to a gig because it sucks trying to build a kit around everybody’s shit. A lot easier for them to set up around the drums. Also, I play my ass off every time I’m on that throne. I have a mantra to play as if it’s my last. I probably falter the most with over indulging.
Playing too much is a sin of enthusiasm and as such is easier to forgive (to a point). On guitar I try to remind myself to breath in and out during solos. If I’m out of breath the audience is likely as well. :)
Keith
Fantastic analysis and right on point. Those principles work in most areas of life and vocation but it's great to hear them explained like you did and with the history and examples you provided. God bless!
Thanks!
"... have an honest conversation in your mind..." Wonderful. Confrontive. Takes practice. Changes a mind. Changes a lot of things.
It's funny, I purposefully didn't watch this video for quite a while. I am busy, have enough money and I am not a musician. I didn't feel like I would stand to gain much with this video. Lesson learned. Just going to watch all of them now. Thank you for such quality content.
Tyler Warner same here 😂
You can definitely broaden this to, "The 3 reasons you'll get work." I work as a scientist for a large corporation, and as different as that world is from being a musician, those three rules definitely hold up. I would also say that the 2 out of 3 rule is more common than hitting all 3! :)
So glad I found your channel!
You have a genuine combination of intellect and humility. I would love to have been able to hear you guys play.
Great message in this video.
One of my maxims is; "I would rather be an hour early, than a minute late ". Also, great advice in regards to jamming with musicians who are better than you. I instinctively started doing that when I was much younger, and have continue to do so, whenever possible.
Keith, I have one more of your videos to watch, and then I'll have watched them all. It's good stuff and your messages are all spot-on!
To you and the folks who are helping you create this wonderful and relevant content, keep doing what you're doing with the Five Watt World channel! And thank you!
This might be my favorite video that I have ever seen on UA-cam.. Thank you!
One of my favorites to make.
This is a great video, thanks for your efforts Keith. More people need to hear this message, it's so true.
I loved this one. You are SO spot on with this! And I LOLed at least 3X!
Note how many views it’s had. Rick and have this theory that the videos you love the most...break your heart.
@@fivewattworld Hahaha! Yeah, he was veritably distraught over that Miles video. Just made me dig him that much more, though. I get it. How many times has someone said, Man you played your ass off on Stablemates, to which we inevitably reply, Oh you didn't like my solo on They Say It's Wonderful? We're wired differently. Well, anyway, views or no views, I love this video and I was just about to watch it again. What is that guitar you were playing back then??
I don’t agree with 100% of what you say, but I do really enjoy your channel. Thanx for doing what you do.
Thanks, and thanks for watching.
I've just discovered this channel while looking for videos on Fender Princetons. That was the first I watched, and this is, I don't know, maybe the fifth in a row. Great channel!
Hey Pedro, Welcome aboard five watt world. Glad you're enjoying it. I have been. :)
Truth. Love the jazz tunes.
That's the old band. I'm living near them again. Putting my chops together to go and sit in. "Autumn Leaves" anyone?
I love this channel. I find each episode unceasingly entertaining.
Yep! I'm trying not to overdo how much this bloke speaks to my own life theories. So I'll post this, shut up now and lurk, listen and like.
Hi Keith I heard about you over at Rick Beato's site doing his Live thang' Loved the above video and the one on the Fender Champ! I'll keep coming back! Thx!
Welcome to five watt world George
Wow, Keith. Great thoughts. It’s where I’m at as a guitarist in my trio. I’m expanding into a completely foreign arena... electric guitar. I’m a bassist at heart and it’s where I’m most comfortable. However, that is not what my trio needs as we already have an excellent bassist. Vocals/harmonies are the strength of our group. I’ll just have to practice more on my soloing so I don’t ruin the mojo. LOL
The bass player has to hold down the mojo, you can now float on top and if you forget the chords you can just lean back, and pretend like you're giving the guys space to vamp, ;).
Wow !! Every word you spoke during this video had me totally enthralled. Uhhh . . . . . that might mean something different than what I was thinking. LoL. Just amazing life lesson. 🎸
Glad you like it Rik. Do you know the club down in Binghamton? That band is still gigging there once a month...20 years later.
Spot on in so many ways... thanks!
You’re welcome. Thank you for watching.
Great Advice. A firend and I had a summer gig in my homerown in upstate NY that was me on guitar, my good friend Stephen "The Bird" Jackson and a 15 year old drummer (Michael) that was immensely talented and learned his craft by listening to Danny Serrafin. He was also the youngest brother of the club owner. Stephen was entering his senior year at Shenandoah Conservatory at the end of the summer. He played keyboards on my small old tube powered organ using the pedals for our bottom end plus played Alto Sax, Flute, Clarinet. He was a genius musician. We wrote the heads before each set so everything we played was fresh and very challenging. Bebop in Hancock N.Y. didn't go over well with the licals but the folks that summered in the Catskills from NYC loved it.
Dude! I used to fish in Hancock all the time when I worked at SUNY Binghamton. I'd hit the bakery then go try the ball field before moving to more remote spots up or down the river.
Wish I'd been at the gig. I'd have called out the name of Charlie Parker tunes until you told me to be quiet.
Great story.
Five watt world, and I thought I would learn more about why i so enjoy playing through mypeavy audition mini amp instead of my fender champ. Little did I realize I learn as much about live as music on this channel. I have listened to them all starting with Marty the pioneer up to 5 watt. Seems like the best book ends. Although I sm still intrigued by the full tone at low volume.
This video is outstanding. For one, the content is great. But more true to my heart, 1997 was my freshman year at SUNY Binghamton. I had the privilege of not only playing with Mike Carbone and Darnay Campbell in the SUNY jazz band, I most certainly saw your band on a regular basis at the Lost Dog. You were a great part of the cultural centerpiece of Binghamton at that time. Well done sir!
So true, unfortunately some of us had to learn this the hard way. There is, however, a supply and demand element. If good guitarists are ten a penny and good drummers are like hens teeth it biases the rule somewhat. It would certainly explain a lot about drummers!
As a bluegrass upright bass player I got a gig at a an upscale restaurant every Sunday night for 3 years with some local guys. These guys was Deadhead hippies and way more versatile than me. I learned from crashing and burning. The same way my pal Tony rice did. They constantly pushed me past my comfort zone. I was a diamond in the rough with a couple of facets. Now I have a few more facets that constantly need polishing. Thanks for a great video.
Thanks for yet another well written, well presented 7 minutes of absolute INFORMATION and instruction!
I really appreciate it
Thanks Tom. I'm glad you liked it.
That was a great philosophical video with positive vibes. Nice to see old photos of you and your band from that period, and I noticed your jazz dot has gotten bigger over time 👍🏻
Ha! The students at school would actually say to me in line at the cafeteria, "nice soul patch dude." And, I in my talk lack of coolness would say, "thanks" not having the faintest idea of what they were talking about (at first.) . Funny thing is I grew it when I was reading Jim Harrison's novels, like "Legends of the Fall". It was more a 19th century thing than a "Dizzy just back from Paris" kind of thing.
But yeah, now it works for "all of the above."
Glad you liked the vid. I had fun making it.
I'm always appreciative of the fact that your words are measured and meaningful, and that there is always something that can be used right away, no matter what your discussing. Thanks.
Great advice and insight…thank you for the thoughtful discussion
Well said. It explains a lot.
Wonderful message too many learn too late. I'm still digging that Green Parker.
The Parker is long gone I'm afraid. But it was the perfect guitar for that gig. Glad you dug the video.
Profoundly interesting, thanks.
Thanks for watching this. One of the favorite vids I’ve made.
Keeeeith! What a great video. I feel like I know you a little better after watching it. Bravo 👏🏼
Sooby! Yeah, Rick said it was like a trip to the late 90’s! :)
I really enjoy your content. Thank you for what you do.
Thanks Chris!
Great and instructive video, and so true! And you were definitely more than pulling your weight by doing all the management and logistics side, so the other guys just had to show up and play. This also gives me hope because I'm the less-musically-proficient guy in the jazz crowd I know (which I'm working to improve :) )
I’m still right there with you man!
The fourth reason is that you are brave, brave enough to mine your soul for the content that everyone else is too scared to utter aloud or play on an instrument.
Great video! I might add that this advice works in the business world, the technical world and just about every professional environment.
I whole heartedly agree. I was a better university registrar (old job) than I am a UA-camr and it was the combination that made that gig work.
Very true in every respect. Many many years ago I was the guitarist in a power trio rock band. The drummer and I were at about the same compentency level but the bass player was still learning. But you know what? He showed up to practice all the time, had a great attitude, and we all got along great. We were still able to play some pretty decent music together. Unfortunately I had to move for work so we had to split up.
Thank you mate for your wisdom.
I always make sure to have a van, directions, do all the managerial functions and get the guys paid and fed … oh, and play rhythm guitar (and sing because no one else will) with a smile because the band is way better than me. And they make me so much better, and we’re a team.
You offer some seriously sage wisdom. Thank you for another outstanding video.
Thanks Rex. You're starting to feel like an old friend. :)
I may have learned alot of things from alot of videos but ive rarely learned the kind of wisdom that covers alot of things so easily as i did here... Thank you very much!!
Thanks brother. Thanks for watching this one. It's one of my favorite vids I've made and as is often the case, one with the lowest view count. Go figure. Thanks for digging it.
Love love love this video. Did freelance data work for a long time but I think it's true elsewhere too. EG I played competitive league counterstrike for many years and I played on more than one team with guys who were just more experienced and better than I was, but I never made the team guess if I would make a practice and I didn't complain when I got the crappy defense spot.
I do think the most critical bit is hidden in there at the end though; it's ok to have 2 out of 3 if you always try to fix the one you don't have. I actually think "nice guy but doesn't do a good job" is a real issue professionally. Seen a lot of dudes and dudettes hanging on to positions because they had the right attitude and always delivered *something*. And that's ok when you're first starting out or you're not mission critical or what you're doing is for fun. But when you are high enough level, you are now impacting people's ability to feed their families.
Thanks man! Like you I spent years in IT even doing a two year stretch consulting one week a month at Oracle headquarters in "the valley".
And I agree, it is tricky to know yourself well enough to know which of the two are you strong suit (or which one even maybe) and to work on the one(s) that we need to bear down on.
Saying that, I'm going to go back to practicing playing over jazz blues changes. That never ends.
This is the only channel I subscribe to. I use the other time playing. I surf other channels just to see what is up dated and to be informed. I want see new Products and demonstrations and form my own opinion. If I need one of the products I use my own gut instinct. But what do I know?
Thanks. I needed that.
Thanks for watching this Mike. I liked making this one and it doesn't get a tone of views.
@@fivewattworld My pleasure. I'm new to your channel, and really enjoying it. I'm defintely the 'be nice and on time' guy in my world :)
@@mikecullerton Yeah man. Here's to continuing to get our chops together then (raises his glass.)
excellent video, and the nice thing about truth, is that its always true.
I hear that! Thanks for watching.
I’ve always wanted to play at an open mic. I’m not the best ever but I like to play jazz/prog metal. I’d even play on the street if I wasn’t so ashamed of being recorded and put on the internet lol I like playing guitar and it’s fun for me. I will never stop playing until I die.
Record yourself. It is a great way to improve by being able to listen to your mistakes and an amazing tool to learn and make arrangements. I don't play out but I record a lot
personally, I love open Mic's. they're like rehearsal for me. even if you screw up, most open Mic's are at bars, so everyone's half in the bag anyway and either won't notice or remember! and yeah, I've played a couple bad open Mic's and got heckled, but the best thing to do with those assholes is what Les Claypool from Primus used to do: if someone says you suck, just exclaim "Thank you!" with a giant smile on your face ;)
RIGHT ON....
Thanks for sharing one story after another! It’s great to hear about the adventures of another time :)
You're welcome. I've always been a bit of a story teller. I think its a way we make sense of our world.
Wonderful video.
Thanks Raymond. I’m actually moving back to upstate NY and will be able to sit in with these guys occasionally. Hopefully they’ll still let me call the tunes so I can have shedded them in advance, ;)
You're doing a great job, I'm amazed that such a small channel can have such great production and content! Keep up the good work Keith
Thanks for taking the time to write this. Made my day.
Keith
As usual, really enjoyed this video.
Dude. This video was exactly what I needed today! Keep up the good work brother!
Great video, Keith! I've always been a #3 guy myself, not the most technically proficient for the same reasons you state; always seeking to play with better players. Being punctual and a nice person buys a lot of OJT. :)
Ok, I give up, what’s OJT?
@@fivewattworld on the job training :)
I"ll end up getting the T-Shirt. Good Stuff.
Thanks for the support man!
Good one, Keith, hope all is well.
Hey Nealix! How you doin? We’re moving so no video this month. Back to it soon.
Glad you like this one.
@@fivewattworld doing good. You all be safe in moving.
Your path and mindset and channel has inspired me. Your channel has content that I feel strong about. And I will make a channel thats similar. Some eastern philosophy, minimalist, growing as a personal while living in a hectic world and grounding yourself in participating in life. To be aware of the dopamine hit of buying things to make you feel worthy or cool but what you got now is the best place to start being a better person and musician. Hope to share thoughts with you
I look forward to it.
You have really got this thing together. Well done. My new favorite channel. Cheers Keith.
Thanks man. I said the other day, "I'm just trying to learn cool stuff and pass it on." Glad you're digging the channel.
Keith, thank you so much for this video and the rest of your content. I genuinely appreciate your exploration of these topics and your larger principles; they've really helped me re-evaluate myself in my music journey and *somewhat* freelance career!
Thanks!
Planning to share this with my fifth-grade class on Career Day, because it's someone who is not me, telling them what I'm always telling them (but doing a much better job of it): get as good as you can get, treat people right, and always do your best . . . you'll be amazed at how far those three things will take you.
Wow, thanks! That’s very, very cool.
We were taking about your moniker over breakfast. Is it “snail space” or “snails pace”?
@@fivewattworld Originally, it was the latter, in reference to my growth as a musician (and everything else). However, I now think of it sort of it as having something in common with certain Bob Dylan lyrics, in that it can mean whatever one needs it to mean. :-)
Trying to make educated guesses based on your statements about upstate. Outside Albany? Syracuse? Oneonta? Binghampton? Plattsburgh? I'm from a couple hours north of Albany, and like you, I grew up rural and much of my free time was spent hunting, fishing, caring for the cattle, and playing guitar.
Do you want to keep guessing or should I tell you. Two hours north of Albany? Peru? Moving back to upstate this summer (well Ithaca so "downstate" from where I used to live.)
Let me know. No secrets here on five watt world.
Great video! & great tribute to those guys! i'm in the same category as U!
Thanks man! I liked making that one.
Very informative...
Great story!
Great work with this video. Just my feeling, I feel very cautious about the not-so-nice character who plays great and always shows up. In the old days that was very true but now, in a word: gone, thanks anyway and there's the door. In today's world, it is just not worth it; I think it even hurts music in the long run to have a "character" in the band. It might even erode the band itself as a slow, imperceptible process. Back then we affectionately called them "monsters" as a way of all getting along. Buddy was the ultimate monster, but there were many in every venue, even every band. Remember, too, jazz was fighting for its life in some ways; colleges would not even acknowledge it back then. American experimentalism was ignored, too; it was misunderstood as if you can't teach it. One towering jazz plater said to me once-- and back then we loved all this-- that to play the blues you have to spend some time in jail. Also, racism playing a part in this, jazz was perhaps seen by classical musicians as a back-alley, sorta thuggy-ish thing. Back then it might even feel required to have one maladjusted badass in the band.
I see it all differently now. Stories were legion. Remember the stories; fights, lewd talk, guys being grotesquely unfaithful. Sorry to soup box on it. I feel now to young people, yeah they play aggressively but show them the door. End by saying, a great video. Social science all the way.
Amen brother!
Timely observations and really great, useful advice. Man, keep it up Keith!
Thanks so much J. I really enjoyed making this video. Listening to the clips of the old band. Hearing my good, and bad nights on the mini-discs I have from that time (remember the 90's?).
And it's good to remind myself of this stuff too.
I'm going to move back to NY this summer and haven't told the band yet.
I do exactly as you do except that I'm not a musician. I do all the nasty work that nobody wants to do and I let the talents shine at what they are best at. In turn, they are happy to be with me and me too. I feel very humbled each time this situation presents itself. I feel very grateful to work with people who are more competent than me otherwise I won't be able to make it. I approach every task with a cooperative mind instead of a competitive one and it works fine for me. I hope you see this comment and thank you very much.
Really glad you enjoyed it!
Keith
great advice, some people get jobs from me when they are easy to be around
great vid thank you
What a beautiful story and lesson
I love the Parker mojo your on I'm a few if those pictures! Mine was stolen from me and I miss that machine everyday! It was so lite and I swear there were times it literally played itself! I've looked into getting another one but they always want too much or its true wrong color or its missing parts or its just not my mojo I lost and it is one of the guitars that got away! I DON'T Remember all the woman I've lost BUT IVE NEVER FORGOTTEN THE Guitars IVE lost! Ty
TRUTH.
haha. yes of course Neil Gaimen knows. good share!
So many things I could have learned when I was young!
Fantastic video with great information, thanks for sharing your insights with us.
Love this. Truth is truth, even when it hurts. :)
Dude, I'm loving your channel! I always try to be on time! The best at what I do and a pleasure to be around! But then people start to hate you for those same reasons!!! lol
Ha! Leave those people behind! :)
Welcome to five watt world.
This is a fantastic video! I really enjoyed the message you delivered here. I've subscribed to your channel now too. Thanks!
Excellent! You know I think this is one of my favorite videos? Figures it has some of the lowest view numbers, so I'm very glad you found it and that you dig it.
Welcome to five watt world.
Keith
@@fivewattworld haha, that happens for me too. Then sometimes, videos which we don't think much of get the hugest response. Thanks for the welcome! I've watched a bunch of your videos now and am really enjoying them all.
Great video, always great wisdom in your vids. Or at least a well researched history lesson. Keep it up!
My favorite video so far
Love those Parkers!
Good video and absolutely true. 👍😎
Thanks David. Yeah it struck me that way too. Always good to be reminded of the fundamentals.
true true
Is that you with a parker fly!!! Someone bought one of those?!
I gigged that Fly Deluxe for about four years. 5.25 lbs and played like a dream. I ran D'Addario flat 10's (with an 11 on top), dialed in a little piezo and you'd swear it was an ES guitar. It left during one of the big purges. If I had the gig today I'd play it with my customized Strandberg Salen with Fralin mini humbuckers. No one really cares what you're holding, unless they're a guitar player and anyone carrying their own gear would understand the choice.
Isn’t that true. What your holding really doesn’t matter. I often feel all the gear talk has a negative effect on actual music. I’m old and have three kids and no time. I spend more time on UA-cam and reverb than playing and making music. Probably because I have up. Oh well. Kids are cute.
@@lucaserikadams Well kids are real things and real things should win out over "gear" no matter how cool it is anytime. But if you're on the interweb next to your guitar...log off brother and pick up that axe. :)
I have watched this video at least three times.
Thanks Jonathan. This is one of my favorites.
@@fivewattworld The video gives such an encouraging perspective on what is otherwise known as a difficult buisness in which it is hard to survive.
@@fivewattworld Greetings from Germany!