Being "self-taught", I can honestly say that I probably would've benefited from professional lessons. The way I learned guitar, I made mistakes for years that I didn't realize until later. I didn't learn theory for about 5 years, I just read tabs and learned from those. It dawned on me that I may have become faster and could play more complex stuff, but I didn't work on my vibrato, theory, or my rhythm. I had to re-learn a lot of stuff and adopted exercises into my playing to refine it. If I took actual lessons, I would've done that from the beginning. I've been playing for 8 years and I think I'm a pretty good player, but if I took real lessons, I think I would've been this good after only 4 or 5 years of playing.
i agree. i am one of those ppl that went from piano to guitar. As a kid i was lucky enough to have parents that wanted me to take piano lessons, but when I reached high school a friend of mine introduced me to electric guitar and I thought "yeah, this is WAY cooler than piano". So I was lucky enough to understand some theory, mostly from what I'd learned on the piano. But beyond that I taught myself and picked up bad habits that I had to struggle to break later. All in, I'd say yeh having a teacher is better, I guess no matter what we try to learn a teacher always saves us time in that we avoid those common mistakes. But anything is possible, the buddy that introduced me to guitar was completely self-taught, and he was playing Cowboys from Hell at 16. its what got me to start learning to play :]
I feel more like a strainer. I know a crap load of things and I feel there is not much missing to connect the dots but the holes a still there, and there are a lot of them.
+Marc-Andre Levesque. Hey totally know where your coming from. I've been playing twenty years now, self taught, even played in several bands and in some ways I regret not taking any lessons. I had a natural ear, good rythem, and loved writing songs so I just went with it. Now that I know what I know, I realize how many bad habits I pick up. The biggest holes I have are one that I can't read sheet music, just tab, and two it takes me a minute to explain to more structured musicians certain things like what root notes I'm using and sometimes even what key I'm in. Its like I have to take a minute to figure things out that a mire structured musician realizes instantly. Not a problem for me when playing to others pieces, my ear picks it up instantly, but can be a problem when explaining things to others playing to me.
I had classical guitar lessons when I was around 10/12 and I was that kid that didnt practice while my sister did practice a lot. So my parents decided that they wouldnt pay for my lessons anymore. 10 years later I decided to pick up a guitar again, bought the cheapest acoustic I could find and started on my own. Here I am now, 26 yo, with 5 guitars, mediocre guitar skills but lots of fun. Next step is to find some cool dudes for a stoner rock band again, as I used to.
Phil, you hit the nail on the head. I am a 20-year guitar teacher and everything you said is true. I have always told students, the people who get better are those who really want to play. You can force yourself, but that's no fun.
At age 60 you'd think I'd know this lol. I took private lessons and the instructor made learning so painful, I dreaded every lesson. My guitar case got heavier every lesson (mentally). I hated to practice because I knew I had to go back and cover what was practiced. Every time I asked "why?", his answer was "You want to learn don't you?" So obviously I stopped going and oddly stopped playing. But you know Phillip is right! Who cares how good I get? If I can play a few chords along with a song I love, that's perfect right? So I'm glad I had a few months off from the lessons. With that out of my system I can explore a new route. I think I'll try a pay site online for a month (These sites have well laid out beginner plans). I also believe by trying this for a month I can watch my progress and continue if it works. I am the type who needs some structure when working towards a goal so I think this is a good start. Have fun folks. And thanks for the video.
I would recommend Mike Gross here on UA-cam hes a very good Guitarists all styles and does Live online video steaming lessons . If was looking he would be a very good choice very talented and nice Guy . Tell him I sent Ya Rock On 8)
Ron Simons I'm playing since almost a year now, I have learned everything reading a couple books, guitar players videos, a couple of youtubers and fighting with my guitar and my frustration, but it works, I can play a lot of shred stuff, but I recently discovered that I prefer play blues songs with feeling, so, I have learned a lot of guitar and I have expanded my music knowledge thanks to my guitar.
Phillip I'm 62 years old and have been playing guitar on and off since I was sixteen. This video has hit the nail on the head. I had a bad case of "Swiss cheese syndrome", and have recently started lessons which I thoroughly enjoy. Told the teacher what I was wanting to accomplish and he laid out a step by step program that has rekindled the passion to play.
Interesting story. I get it. For me after the kids all day then a night shift, a lil' noodling on the couch or a lesson from the web relaxes me. It just takes my mind to somewhat of a comfort zone. I've been playin' around with it since 05', all self taught from the web or tab books. I guess I fit into the realm of "swiss cheese" where all of my bits and pieces make up one, just one, hell of a good tune! I love guitar though and with what lil' spare time I have think that over all I've come a long ways. Love your channel brother. Keep em' commin'.
I do the same thing, except I never practice anything, I just mimic some riffs and then noodle about with them until I get bored. I wish I had more inspiration to play better tbh.
Great info. I have taught bass for 29 years now. Instructor availability is key too. before cell/ internet, I made sure to return calls at all times. students practice at diff times and if they have a question or are stuck, I want to be there to help. now with cell or Skype, you can help anytime. even after 35 years of playing, I still woodshed and take lessons from teachers that focus on different styles that I'm not as familiar with. its a lifelong learning process and always fun. the key as you said is to enjoy it!
Guitars saved my life.....guitars is one of the greatest things that have happen to me and has helped me the most to cope with my mental issues and this you sir make some great videos and i learn alot from them thanks.
Thanks for this nice Video. Started teaching myself the acoustic guitar about 7 years ago. 2 Years ago i started playing/singing in local pubs without ever taking lessons or having a tutor. Motivation and fun is all you need. :)
I've played for 13 years and started playing rocksmith last year and it's helped so much in developing my skills and on what to learn and what gear I like
As a mostly self teaching (you tube and online tabs / info, many books and videos I barely watched) my theory was above average my chords were fair my song repertoire was non existent and my noodling was supreme. But, as you said.. Swiss Cheese!!! After several failed instructor.... I gave up the teacher route and just screwed around for fun. Then a friend (a paino teacher) asked me to mentor her autistic son on guitar. We study songs and I show him (myself) how to play them... Just a couple so far. This video just connected the obvious dots for me. I need a mentor/tutor not a guitar teacher. Thanks You
I *ALWAYS* recommend that a student start with an electric guitar. ALWAYS. Just like a REMO practice pad for drummers as opposed to learning on the skins, you learn quicker by factors. The electric is easier to fret, isn't *nearly* as painful, and permits you to learn far more due to the inherent facility of executing bar chords, and soloing. For people with smaller hands, they don't have to reach as far to learn a chord. And, for girls and women, a 3/4 size Fender Squire is much easier and cheaper to come by. You can transition to an acoustic after your fingers and hands have strengthened through the discipline of fretting chords on an electric. I think of an electric as an *acoustic-trainer*.
Phil - really enjoy your channel. FIRST TIME I've actually looked at the comments of *any* of your commentaries! LOL! This is great. OK. Really, I mean *really* enjoyed all 9:40 of this commentary. Started playing guitar at 15, (@1975) took lessons for a couple of years in my teen years, at the same time I took a college-level, year-long music theory class - classical theory, Circle of 5ths, and *everything* about keys, chords, notes, and composing every night according to classical theory rules on how to put 4-part harmony on a staff. The *best* thing I ever did for my music education. The teachings have stayed with me since. In my early 20's, took lessons from a GIT grad (I grew up in Burbank, CA), and played in several bands. Just celebrated my 60th a week ago, and have jumped around on UA-cam, mainly learning riffs and songs. So, I did it backwards. Having a plan was something I lacked when I was taking lessons. Now that I know quite a lot more through discovery and playing consistently, I plainly see what you are talking about. I *now* have a specific plan and am going about fulfilling that plan. I couldn't before. I didn't know what I wanted. I wanted to play, and play in a band. I wanted to learn songs, and play without anxiety. I can do all that now. Lessons give focus and more than anything else, constant and consistent progress. UA-cam is great for discovery, A Whitman's Sampler, but confusing for someone that hasn't had the discipline of a teacher guiding and giving direction. A music Teacher is a *must* for beginners and low-intermediates. Best money a student of guitar will ever spend is on a good teacher. A BIG thank you for the value of this video. Especially, the part about what to look for in a teacher. I second that *you* the student, are the boss. YOU tell the teacher what you want to know, and jump ship if the teacher consistently fails to get the message.
Good video! If I may add - discipline and constant practice if you really want to be a good player. I fully agree with Phillip in the importance of knowing your objective - if you just want to be a recreational player or if you want to go to the next level. Thumbs up.
Great work once again Phillip McKnight. I really enjoy your gentle, positive, unbiased, clear-headed opinions on all things. Very refreshing for You Tube. Keep it up!
I applaud u for this video. I don't believe anyone else has posted such a to the point message of going about learning guitar. Your channel rocks by the way.
I love Swiss cheese! I like listening to players who have a distinct sound and feel. So many of my favorites are self taught. Many are admittedly illiterate and some even admit their hackey tendencies. But they're all passionate and make a deep connection with me; and I feel you can make the argument that their weaknesses showcase their strengths.
I'm personally sold on the internet lessons. You can watch them anytime you want, and as much as you want. From my experience, It's hard to find a local instructor that really strikes a chord with you. (pun intended) The internet has many instructors from all over the entire world to choose from, and you can watch them on UA-cam to find one (or several) that you like. Many offer paid structured lessons in the styles of music that you like. It also costs a small fraction of what a personal instructor would cost and you don't even have to drive anywhere.
Thanks for taking time out of talking about all the bells and whistles to talk about this. I hope I can contribute something helpful as born again musician on guitar, a Berklee College of Music alumni who hadn’t touched an instrument in years until picking up the guitar about five months ago. To me the most important things you said were to “have fun,” to have a goal, and whatever motivates you to keep playing is a good thing. I grew up and attended Berklee College of Music, and then was on staff there, primarily as a Jazz saxophonist. Obviously I’m pretty good and ‘know my stuff’ better than most, but I rarely had fun, didn’t have a goal, and wasn’t motivated. I was driven by wanting to be the best, and when I wasn’t because I was surrounded by present and future Grammy winners, I felt intimidated, overwhelmed, and lost my motivation. I had every tool and teach at my disposal to be awesome, a dream come true for most musicians, and it destroyed me musically. So when I started guitar, everything you’re talking about, those became my prime points. I didn’t want to repeat the over two decades of playing drudgery and feeling like if I couldn’t play just like the masters that I sucked. Most of all, it has to be fun; I can’t just sit there practicing scales and arpeggios every day, and only occasionally enjoying actually playing. Whenever I’ve found myself digging that grave for my instrument again, I’ve done something else. I like your metaphor about food. If you don’t like the food you’re learning to make, even if it’s teaching you to master cooking skills, you’re not going to continue learning how to cook. But if you say to yourself that you’ve learned all you want to learn skills wise from that type of cooking, and you enjoy cooking, then all you need to do is change the menu. When you find yourself on any instrument, learning to play Flight of the Bumblebee, you have a serious problem. That’s not music; it’s a demonstration of skill. I chose guitar over picking up the sax again because it’s fun whether I play in a band, with a friend, or alone. It’s fun to play, it’s fun to learn. It’s social. For years I thought of picking up the sax again, but didn’t; guitar, I wondered if I would become disenchanted with it by making the same mistakes; thank goodness that wasn’t the case. Guitar, I love it.
I kept waiting for the little 'ole lady from the thumbnail to show up in the video. I was expecting this chick to break out the sickest acoustic version of a Cannibal Corpse song. But it never came.
That's a great story about Clark. It points out so many things about us. I thought you were gonna go in a whole different direction w/ that story. Good one.
I took a class a the local VoTec over a summer when I was 37. I had a real cheap guitar that was really bad, and the instructor convinced me to get a better one. I bought an Ibanez "Jam Pack", which was inexpensive, but very playable. From that class, I was able to get a good start at playing. That Christmas, I got my first electric guitar, which inspired my then 6 year old son to want to play. We got him a Squier Mini, and he took lessons from the same instructor who also taught private lessons out of the big local music store. My son took lessons from when he was 6 to 18, when he started working full time. He likes to play the difficult stuff. We just bought him an 8-string Schector for his 21st birthday. I took lessons for about a year, every other friday, but now I work shift work, so lessons are near impossible to schedule. For my son, lesson worked quite well. We have been playing for about the same amount of time, but his skill level and knowledge is immense, I am "swiss cheese", but I love to play. Thanks for the video. I do have some of my son's videos on my channel from a few years back, if anyone is interested.
good words..I needed to hear this. I started over two yrs ago. was solid practicing everyday for 6-7mo, then kids and life happens. I still pick it up, but not like I did before. I feel I've regressed. I know a few guitar shapes and a few riffs and that's it. every couple of months I get motivated and start practicing again. I need a Plan. thx
Phil your videos have really covered a lot of interesting things about guitar or learning guitar lately. Keep up the good work. I always look forward to the next video.
I started playing when I was 53 yrs old, so been playing about 4 yrs, took some lessons, he said learn d,c,g., the grease advice he gave is practice and don’t give up.I have used many lesson plans, jumped around on UA-cam, I finally locked in with GuitarTricks, which is a monthly fee,great lesson plans and can play songs and keep rhythm. I have learned more in 2 months than in the 3 yrs, I had been playing.I work in factory all day, so playing guitar is peaceful for me, I just have fun and enjoy the lessons, no rush. I am grateful for what I can play.
As a young guy I was a reasonable acoustic guitar player , local folk clubs etc . Work and kids meant I had to leave it behind but always planned to return . However , I had a stroke and heart attack and spent 8 days in a coma . This left me with concentration issues , memory issues and PTSD . I still carried on with my plans to return to playing and bought an electric guitar and amp etc . I also live in a city with no luthier/set up guy , no music retailer and no guitar tutors . It now looks as if my guitar ambitions will come to nothing . But there is one thing the guitar offers me and that is escape . During my time in a coma I suffered with terrible hallucinations and was left with PTSD but the minute I pick up the guitar and make a noise the monsters go away . So what can I say other than keep on rocking , the joy it brings is the same no matter how good you are .
Exactly my problem. Just starting out and have absolutely no direction. I know what kind of music I like (80's metal), but no idea on how to get there. I think I need an instructor if for nothing else, to tell me to do x, y, and z.
I teach both in house lessons and at a store. I find that testimonials on my flyers and website work for me to achieve credibility with my students. I just thought I would give my two cents, great video!
I started playing guitar at 16 and I have done everything from self teaching, to videos, to personal instructors, to online instructors and 30 years later I am still playing and learning. I have played in bands, and or just having fun with other musicians. I have played alone too, and I have played for money and I have played for free. I never played with any plans of fame or fortune or to be cool. I just fucking love the guitar. It is and has always been an intimate relationship between me and the guitar. When I am playing, the rest of the world and its troubles fall away and its just me and my guitar speaking to each other. I thank God everyday I can that he lets me play, and I hope he lets me play until the day I die.
My son never had a lesson and he was a natural it didn't matter if it was a guitar or keyboard he could just hear it and knew what to do . Sadly at 25 he's no longer with us sad story. But that's why I love to watch channels like this it reminds me of listening to him play he sure didn't get the talent from me I would take lessons.
ROCKSMITH + OnLine = Fun and progression IMO. I'm 58 and have bought two guitars and can't play a single song all the way through but I'm learning and can tell you Rocksmith is working for me but beware of the online subscriptions as some are unstructured and once they have your cash it's up to you what needs to be mastered and such...pick and choose wisely. I'm so glad I picked it back up after 30 years and look forward to entertaining my family and friends.
I teached guitar myself for 2,5 years now and some people call me a guitar god. you dont always need a teacher, you just need to be musical and you can find out yourself
Awesome video. I am coming from a bass/keyboard background. I started on a guitar way back in 1979 and had an acoustic that I would pick up periodically to play. I could tune it, and play just about any song with just strumming or finger picking (dust in the wind, stairway to heaven) but I could not play lead. Now, I am 52 and I want to play lead. Thank you for this very informative video!
Just happened to catch this vid, I found myself in a situation where it was a good idea to take a lesson. I was having probs with bass fills in a tune, I went to my Bud Joe fir some help. I know once I grasp the concept I’ll be able to put it in my wheelhouse and find another application of this style of run. As always Phil keep rocking out and Thanks fir your service
Well yea, I've been playing guitar for 8 or so years, but stuck and my playing is not very good. The problem is I have no plan, I practice randomly (and not very diligent at it) and a lot of times very lazy at it, but you know I always pick a guitar and play random stuff every day, it's just happen, I don't think, I just grab my guitar. But when it's time to practice I start to procrastinate and start blaming stuff, such as my gear and equipment is not proper so I couldn't get the optimum result and so. That happen in other aspect of my life too, not just guitar. I'm so passionate about something but I'm lost in it, I don't know where to start, where I am and what should I do. And I'm freakin' lazy, I hate this laziness. Hahaha sorry I started mumbling for other stuff.
Try playing Rocksmith. It gives you points and mini-games for playing guitar, which turns tedious excercises (I enjoy playing guitar a lot, but it's hard to, say, jsut play a scale for 40 minutes or do pinky pulloffs) in to a pastime that greatly increased your skill. It significantly improved my playing even after having played for over 5 years! Plus it's cheaper than an effects pedal.
I"ve run into this question with drums... I know I need some help but have a hard time fitting a real instructor into my schedule. I've considered doing something online with drumeo but so far haven't even taken advantage of their free stuff... so... I'm recording music instead and making myself learn to play for that song... it's what motivates me. Great video.. comes down to motivation and what gets you going.
I’m 45. I took lessons as a kid and learned to be quite proficient. I played in jazz band in college. After college I studied with a very well known national guitarist for 7 years. Now I’m studying classical again ( for the 2nd time) with an instructor who was able to see the “Swiss” in my cheese that the first guy could not see. I know that in 6 months I will be a very proficient classical guitarists bc the right hand is all that’s holding me back. I then will begin studying jazz chord melody at the same place I take classical lessons at. Mind you I’m a rock/shred player and people who know me think that lessons are insane. I’m making great progress and I’m loving the process and the lessons are making me a better rock player. The more you know the more opportunities are available to you.
I’m self taught going on 4 years now and I believe it’s slower but also makes it purely passion based playing which can help you pull 5 hour seshes some days without getting bored or bogged down. Gotta be a critic of yourself or you won’t know what to work on. I recommend videoing your playing regularly as if there was a teacher watching you play, and study your technique flaws!
teaching myself was alot of fun ! it allowed me to venture on my own and be creative. the exact opposite of how school works which is why i disliked school so much. anyways i digress
I started playing in 1977 when I was 16. Me, a cheap pawn shop guitar and a copy of "Still Alive And Well" by Johnny Winter. You have to want to do this to be successful at it.
Im self-taught, and I am a serial-noodler. I wish I took lessons because after 10 years I have developed a very bad right hand technique, an extreme downward pick slant, which makes upstrokes harder as it just feels very unnatural to me (my pick literally goes UP, DOWN, UP, rather than crossing left, right, left parallel to the strings). I miss a lot of upstrokes and as a result it sounds poor, but I can down pick fast.
That story reminds me of my friend. Were a power trio, I play the bass and lead vocals, my friend plays guitar. He's training to become an olympic biathlon skiier. He never has free time, let alone to practice or rehearse.
It was hard when I started my little town didn't have music teachers but lucky for me I made a friend who played guitar and taught me the basics, now you can go on youtube and learn pretty much anything you want if you can work on your own, theres nothing wrong with hiring a teacher if thats available to you great Idea if you need some extra motivation and guidance
I used to teach myself but I was at the point where I wasn't sure what I need to learn so I started lessons and it's great I still try to learn on my own too
If you are determined to teach yourself, you can. I do believe it will be slower than having someone show you technique. The Swiss cheese example was on point. It doesn't have to be only one instructor- you need lots of different viewpoints.
Great video Phil. Most of us, even the guys in good bands need lessons from time to time. I went from a Rock band to a jazz band and didn't know the jazz cords, so I took lessons to speed up the learning. It works awesome and I was playing jazz fairly quickly. Just my story :)
Nice video, phillip. Although I can't understand completely what you're saying at certain moments (because I'm learning english), despite of that I really enjoy your videos. I asked myself once when I began exactly the same question that you mentioned, but now I see the comparison clearly between both options. Thanks for your channel, I will continue watching your videos, they're very practical. Regards from Chile.
I used to practice running scales and arpeggios and and diads and triads hours per day. It wasn't fun but I could sweep like a madman. Now I just learn songs, note for note. I am motivated by participating in the music by playing along with it. Lessons are great and we all have our own reasons for taking them. If you don't know everything, surround yourself with people who know the stuff that you don't. Lessons!!!
I appreciate you sharing your view on this and you gave some great advice. I like your idea of coming up with a plan and sticking to it. I bounce around learning many different genres that I like and have become the Jack of all trades, master of none. That said playing variety keeps me motivated.
You Tube has changed everything. Learn a bit ... and then get into a band pronto. And then get the band to a point where you feel you can play to an audience - even if its only a few mates over some beers. That is gonna be the fun (but still hard) way to get the basics. From starts to finishes, chords, pents, amp technique, stage tech - the whole shooting match. And you tube is better than a tutor - you can get what you need from so many sources. The only problem is maybe picking up and ingraining some bad techniques. Thats why you need to hang out with some other like minded musos - jam with em and get them to help you through those technique problems.
I had an instructor drop me as a student for not practicing enough , deservedly ... I'm sure it has happened to others as well . Everyone learns differently . Some need to read about it , some need to see it done , some need to hear it , and a few are intuitive about it . But learning guitar is about motivation and reconciling how badly you want it ...
I've always been baffled how some people get past the beginner level when everything you do sounds like crap. When I get something I practice more and when I get stuck I practice less. If I can still practice even when it sounds like crap that will help me to progress. I hope.
Ive been playing for 17 years now and I am still one of those guys that knows a little about a lot. never really was a lead player but if I sat down I could write an awesome lead part. I have no practice structure. As soon as I got my first 8 string it was down hill from there. I started worrying about tone and turned into a gear nut. Then I go and buy an Axe Fx 2. worst mistake ever. I have only used maybe 20% of it and I have had it 1 1/2 years. I have since returned to my roots. I bought a tele and I still have my Ibanez 7. Now I just write riffs and make songs out of them. Once I get enough material I will record my own album. This video really put things into perspective for me because I am self taught and never took a lesson in my life. However I can learn Dream Theater songs so I must have done something right??
As someone who has now played for 25 years and never took a lesson in my life, I was about to be critical over the "you will need a tutor line" but when i think about it, while I didn't take lessons, a couple of my friends did and not only that but we all jammed together and formed bands together and were constantly sharing things we learned with one another so while I never payed for lessons, my friends and peers I jammed with really filled that tutor/mentor role in so many ways. I think more than anything though the key is practice everyday, don't just noodle and always be willing to learn something new or try something different. I went from three chord punk rock rhythm as a kid in the 90's to now having multiple guitars tuned and set up to multiple tunings and I like to play many different styles of rhythm guitar and mix them into my sound. The one piece of advice I always try to give to newer players is don't let yourself get stuck in the rhythm or lead only box, I gravitated to rhythm guitar and in the end I would say I am a rhythm guitarist and playing with the bass and drums is what i enjoy the most but after waiting far too long, maybe ten years into playing, I finally sat down and really hammered away at learning how to play lead, its not my bread and butter and I'm certainly no Steve Via shredding away on the fret board but I can play a respectable solo and not get lost on the fret board when i play a lead line or two, before that rhythm fills was the closest I got to lead guitar. I see too many rhythm guitarist that get lost on the fretboard trying to play a solo or lead line and too many talented shredding lead players that sound like mindless robots when they try and play rhythm. You don't have to master both rhythm and lead to be a good rhythm or lead player but you need to be at least capable of playing the other.
Being "self-taught", I can honestly say that I probably would've benefited from professional lessons. The way I learned guitar, I made mistakes for years that I didn't realize until later. I didn't learn theory for about 5 years, I just read tabs and learned from those. It dawned on me that I may have become faster and could play more complex stuff, but I didn't work on my vibrato, theory, or my rhythm. I had to re-learn a lot of stuff and adopted exercises into my playing to refine it. If I took actual lessons, I would've done that from the beginning. I've been playing for 8 years and I think I'm a pretty good player, but if I took real lessons, I think I would've been this good after only 4 or 5 years of playing.
i agree. i am one of those ppl that went from piano to guitar. As a kid i was lucky enough to have parents that wanted me to take piano lessons, but when I reached high school a friend of mine introduced me to electric guitar and I thought "yeah, this is WAY cooler than piano". So I was lucky enough to understand some theory, mostly from what I'd learned on the piano. But beyond that I taught myself and picked up bad habits that I had to struggle to break later. All in, I'd say yeh having a teacher is better, I guess no matter what we try to learn a teacher always saves us time in that we avoid those common mistakes. But anything is possible, the buddy that introduced me to guitar was completely self-taught, and he was playing Cowboys from Hell at 16. its what got me to start learning to play :]
Cool story! I just realized...I am swiss cheese.
bluelightbandit; Swiss cheese? I'm more like chicken- wire!
A Keeper Of Odd Knowledge :)
I feel more like a strainer. I know a crap load of things and I feel there is not much missing to connect the dots but the holes a still there, and there are a lot of them.
+Marc-Andre Levesque. Hey totally know where your coming from. I've been playing twenty years now, self taught, even played in several bands and in some ways I regret not taking any lessons. I had a natural ear, good rythem, and loved writing songs so I just went with it. Now that I know what I know, I realize how many bad habits I pick up. The biggest holes I have are one that I can't read sheet music, just tab, and two it takes me a minute to explain to more structured musicians certain things like what root notes I'm using and sometimes even what key I'm in. Its like I have to take a minute to figure things out that a mire structured musician realizes instantly. Not a problem for me when playing to others pieces, my ear picks it up instantly, but can be a problem when explaining things to others playing to me.
I know I'm a Swiss cheese, but I don't know how to improve, I need an instructor.
I had classical guitar lessons when I was around 10/12 and I was that kid that didnt practice while my sister did practice a lot. So my parents decided that they wouldnt pay for my lessons anymore.
10 years later I decided to pick up a guitar again, bought the cheapest acoustic I could find and started on my own. Here I am now, 26 yo, with 5 guitars, mediocre guitar skills but lots of fun. Next step is to find some cool dudes for a stoner rock band again, as I used to.
How did your sister do after you quit
Phil, you hit the nail on the head. I am a 20-year guitar teacher and everything you said is true. I have always told students, the people who get better are those who really want to play. You can force yourself, but that's no fun.
The story about the kid coming to lessons but not practicing was great. There are a lot of reasons why people play guitar.
And there are even more reasons why people stop playing. :(
At age 60 you'd think I'd know this lol.
I took private lessons and the instructor made learning so painful, I dreaded every lesson.
My guitar case got heavier every lesson (mentally).
I hated to practice because I knew I had to go back and cover what was practiced. Every time I asked "why?", his answer was "You want to learn don't you?"
So obviously I stopped going and oddly stopped playing.
But you know Phillip is right! Who cares how good I get?
If I can play a few chords along with a song I love, that's perfect right?
So I'm glad I had a few months off from the lessons.
With that out of my system I can explore a new route.
I think I'll try a pay site online for a month (These sites have well laid out beginner plans).
I also believe by trying this for a month I can watch my progress and continue if it works.
I am the type who needs some structure when working towards a goal so I think this is a good start.
Have fun folks.
And thanks for the video.
I would recommend Mike Gross here on UA-cam hes a very good Guitarists all styles and does Live online video steaming lessons . If was looking he would be a very good choice very talented and nice Guy . Tell him I sent Ya Rock On 8)
Ron Simons I'm playing since almost a year now, I have learned everything reading a couple books, guitar players videos, a couple of youtubers and fighting with my guitar and my frustration, but it works, I can play a lot of shred stuff, but I recently discovered that I prefer play blues songs with feeling, so, I have learned a lot of guitar and I have expanded my music knowledge thanks to my guitar.
I
you might want to check out Rocksmith as a possible option as well.
As the saying goes, You get out of it, what you put into it. No matter how you go about getting there!
I'm a guitar teacher here in Toronto. That was a great story; it never occurred to me that could be the case. Something to remember!
Phillip I'm 62 years old and have been playing guitar on and off since I was sixteen. This video has hit the nail on the head. I had a bad case of "Swiss cheese syndrome", and have recently started lessons which I thoroughly enjoy. Told the teacher what I was wanting to accomplish and he laid out a step by step program that has rekindled the passion to play.
Interesting story. I get it. For me after the kids all day then a night shift, a lil' noodling on the couch or a lesson from the web relaxes me. It just takes my mind to somewhat of a comfort zone. I've been playin' around with it since 05', all self taught from the web or tab books. I guess I fit into the realm of "swiss cheese" where all of my bits and pieces make up one, just one, hell of a good tune! I love guitar though and with what lil' spare time I have think that over all I've come a long ways. Love your channel brother. Keep em' commin'.
I do the same thing, except I never practice anything, I just mimic some riffs and then noodle about with them until I get bored. I wish I had more inspiration to play better tbh.
Great info. I have taught bass for 29 years now. Instructor availability is key too. before cell/ internet, I made sure to return calls at all times. students practice at diff times and if they have a question or are stuck, I want to be there to help. now with cell or Skype, you can help anytime. even after 35 years of playing, I still woodshed and take lessons from teachers that focus on different styles that I'm not as familiar with. its a lifelong learning process and always fun. the key as you said is to enjoy it!
Guitars saved my life.....guitars is one of the greatest things that have happen to me and has helped me the most to cope with my mental issues and this you sir make some great videos and i learn alot from them thanks.
Thanks for this nice Video.
Started teaching myself the acoustic guitar about 7 years ago. 2 Years ago i started playing/singing in local pubs without ever taking lessons or having a tutor. Motivation and fun is all you need. :)
Phillip, you are a practical guy and I like the way you think. I appreciate your videos.
I've played for 13 years and started playing rocksmith last year and it's helped so much in developing my skills and on what to learn and what gear I like
As a mostly self teaching (you tube and online tabs / info, many books and videos I barely watched) my theory was above average my chords were fair my song repertoire was non existent and my noodling was supreme.
But, as you said.. Swiss Cheese!!!
After several failed instructor.... I gave up the teacher route and just screwed around for fun.
Then a friend (a paino teacher) asked me to mentor her autistic son on guitar. We study songs and I show him (myself) how to play them... Just a couple so far.
This video just connected the obvious dots for me.
I need a mentor/tutor not a guitar teacher.
Thanks You
Thank you for taking the time to post.
For someone that want's to learn how to play guitar is it better an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar or does it even matter.Cheers
Great video! and good information. Ah and a good story.Cheers
it's best to play what you want.
I *ALWAYS* recommend that a student start with an electric guitar. ALWAYS. Just like a REMO practice pad for drummers as opposed to learning on the skins, you learn quicker by factors.
The electric is easier to fret, isn't *nearly* as painful, and permits you to learn far more due to the inherent facility of executing bar chords, and soloing. For people with smaller hands, they don't have to reach as far to learn a chord. And, for girls and women, a 3/4 size Fender Squire is much easier and cheaper to come by. You can transition to an acoustic after your fingers and hands have strengthened through the discipline of fretting chords on an electric. I think of an electric as an *acoustic-trainer*.
Phil - really enjoy your channel. FIRST TIME I've actually looked at the comments of *any* of your commentaries! LOL! This is great. OK. Really, I mean *really* enjoyed all 9:40 of this commentary. Started playing guitar at 15, (@1975) took lessons for a couple of years in my teen years, at the same time I took a college-level, year-long music theory class - classical theory, Circle of 5ths, and *everything* about keys, chords, notes, and composing every night according to classical theory rules on how to put 4-part harmony on a staff. The *best* thing I ever did for my music education. The teachings have stayed with me since.
In my early 20's, took lessons from a GIT grad (I grew up in Burbank, CA), and played in several bands. Just celebrated my 60th a week ago, and have jumped around on UA-cam, mainly learning riffs and songs. So, I did it backwards. Having a plan was something I lacked when I was taking lessons. Now that I know quite a lot more through discovery and playing consistently, I plainly see what you are talking about. I *now* have a specific plan and am going about fulfilling that plan. I couldn't before. I didn't know what I wanted. I wanted to play, and play in a band. I wanted to learn songs, and play without anxiety. I can do all that now. Lessons give focus and more than anything else, constant and consistent progress. UA-cam is great for discovery, A Whitman's Sampler, but confusing for someone that hasn't had the discipline of a teacher guiding and giving direction. A music Teacher is a *must* for beginners and low-intermediates. Best money a student of guitar will ever spend is on a good teacher.
A BIG thank you for the value of this video. Especially, the part about what to look for in a teacher. I second that *you* the student, are the boss. YOU tell the teacher what you want to know, and jump ship if the teacher consistently fails to get the message.
Thanks for another short & to the point vid full of practicality, wisdom & experience, seasoned with humor.
Haven't watched your videos in a while. Your video quality is significantly better, congrats.
Good video! If I may add - discipline and constant practice if you really want to be a good player. I fully agree with Phillip in the importance of knowing your objective - if you just want to be a recreational player or if you want to go to the next level. Thumbs up.
Great work once again Phillip McKnight. I really enjoy your gentle, positive, unbiased, clear-headed opinions on all things. Very refreshing for You Tube. Keep it up!
I applaud u for this video. I don't believe anyone else has posted such a to the point message of going about learning guitar. Your channel rocks by the way.
I love how you can get something from your videos no matter your skill level.
I love Swiss cheese!
I like listening to players who have a distinct sound and feel. So many of my favorites are self taught. Many are admittedly illiterate and some even admit their hackey tendencies. But they're all passionate and make a deep connection with me; and I feel you can make the argument that their weaknesses showcase their strengths.
"You want a teacher who's happier to see you than you are to see them." I liked that!
I'm personally sold on the internet lessons. You can watch them anytime you want, and as much as you want. From my experience, It's hard to find a local instructor that really strikes a chord with you. (pun intended) The internet has many instructors from all over the entire world to choose from, and you can watch them on UA-cam to find one (or several) that you like. Many offer paid structured lessons in the styles of music that you like. It also costs a small fraction of what a personal instructor would cost and you don't even have to drive anywhere.
This video/advice is exactly what I needed. Thanks for the info!!!
I’d say Steve Stine is the best UA-cam teacher, for soloing, Marty Music is the best overall teacher, and you Dr. Phil you are the best guru forsure
Thanks for taking time out of talking about all the bells and whistles to talk about this. I hope I can contribute something helpful as born again musician on guitar, a Berklee College of Music alumni who hadn’t touched an instrument in years until picking up the guitar about five months ago.
To me the most important things you said were to “have fun,” to have a goal, and whatever motivates you to keep playing is a good thing.
I grew up and attended Berklee College of Music, and then was on staff there, primarily as a Jazz saxophonist. Obviously I’m pretty good and ‘know my stuff’ better than most, but I rarely had fun, didn’t have a goal, and wasn’t motivated. I was driven by wanting to be the best, and when I wasn’t because I was surrounded by present and future Grammy winners, I felt intimidated, overwhelmed, and lost my motivation. I had every tool and teach at my disposal to be awesome, a dream come true for most musicians, and it destroyed me musically.
So when I started guitar, everything you’re talking about, those became my prime points. I didn’t want to repeat the over two decades of playing drudgery and feeling like if I couldn’t play just like the masters that I sucked. Most of all, it has to be fun; I can’t just sit there practicing scales and arpeggios every day, and only occasionally enjoying actually playing. Whenever I’ve found myself digging that grave for my instrument again, I’ve done something else.
I like your metaphor about food. If you don’t like the food you’re learning to make, even if it’s teaching you to master cooking skills, you’re not going to continue learning how to cook. But if you say to yourself that you’ve learned all you want to learn skills wise from that type of cooking, and you enjoy cooking, then all you need to do is change the menu.
When you find yourself on any instrument, learning to play Flight of the Bumblebee, you have a serious problem. That’s not music; it’s a demonstration of skill.
I chose guitar over picking up the sax again because it’s fun whether I play in a band, with a friend, or alone. It’s fun to play, it’s fun to learn. It’s social. For years I thought of picking up the sax again, but didn’t; guitar, I wondered if I would become disenchanted with it by making the same mistakes; thank goodness that wasn’t the case.
Guitar, I love it.
Great advice! My biggest hurdle has always been motivation so anything that provides that is worth the time and money.
I kept waiting for the little 'ole lady from the thumbnail to show up in the video. I was expecting this chick to break out the sickest acoustic version of a Cannibal Corpse song. But it never came.
Same here John :)
Im currently learning from a instructor and im really liking it. He teaches me how to read music, chords, ect and teaches me songs.
That's a great story about Clark. It points out so many things about us. I thought you were gonna go in a whole different direction w/ that story. Good one.
I've done both and learn a lot faster with a good instructor. Though even with a good instructor you have to practice a lot to get most of it
I took a class a the local VoTec over a summer when I was 37. I had a real cheap guitar that was really bad, and the instructor convinced me to get a better one. I bought an Ibanez "Jam Pack", which was inexpensive, but very playable. From that class, I was able to get a good start at playing. That Christmas, I got my first electric guitar, which inspired my then 6 year old son to want to play. We got him a Squier Mini, and he took lessons from the same instructor who also taught private lessons out of the big local music store. My son took lessons from when he was 6 to 18, when he started working full time. He likes to play the difficult stuff. We just bought him an 8-string Schector for his 21st birthday.
I took lessons for about a year, every other friday, but now I work shift work, so lessons are near impossible to schedule. For my son, lesson worked quite well. We have been playing for about the same amount of time, but his skill level and knowledge is immense, I am "swiss cheese", but I love to play.
Thanks for the video. I do have some of my son's videos on my channel from a few years back, if anyone is interested.
I'm teaching myself. I made a plan because I don't function well in chaos. Great video!
good words..I needed to hear this. I started over two yrs ago. was solid practicing everyday for 6-7mo, then kids and life happens. I still pick it up, but not like I did before. I feel I've regressed. I know a few guitar shapes and a few riffs and that's it. every couple of months I get motivated and start practicing again. I need a Plan. thx
motivation and have fun !!!!
oh yeah !!!
Phil your videos have really covered a lot of interesting things about guitar or learning guitar lately. Keep up the good work. I always look forward to the next video.
Great story about Clark. I did not see that ending coming. What an interesting person!
I started playing when I was 53 yrs old, so been playing about 4 yrs, took some lessons, he said learn d,c,g., the grease advice he gave is practice and don’t give up.I have used many lesson plans, jumped around on UA-cam, I finally locked in with GuitarTricks, which is a monthly fee,great lesson plans and can play songs and keep rhythm. I have learned more in 2 months than in the 3 yrs, I had been playing.I work in factory all day, so playing guitar is peaceful for me, I just have fun and enjoy the lessons, no rush. I am grateful for what I can play.
As a young guy I was a reasonable acoustic guitar player , local folk clubs etc . Work and kids meant I had to leave it behind but always planned to return . However , I had a stroke and heart attack and spent 8 days in a coma . This left me with concentration issues , memory issues and PTSD . I still carried on with my plans to return to playing and bought an electric guitar and amp etc . I also live in a city with no luthier/set up guy , no music retailer and no guitar tutors . It now looks as if my guitar ambitions will come to nothing . But there is one thing the guitar offers me and that is escape . During my time in a coma I suffered with terrible hallucinations and was left with PTSD but the minute I pick up the guitar and make a noise the monsters go away . So what can I say other than keep on rocking , the joy it brings is the same no matter how good you are .
Exactly my problem. Just starting out and have absolutely no direction. I know what kind of music I like (80's metal), but no idea on how to get there. I think I need an instructor if for nothing else, to tell me to do x, y, and z.
love the video and the last story really sunk in . Thanks again and keep us the great work!
I read that Randy Rhoads had instructors in various city's that he would be going on tour.
THIS is a great video full of great advice...
Interesting point
Thank you
Answered a burning question of mine: "It's up to me, I'm learning like mad ~ but for fun"
I teach both in house lessons and at a store. I find that testimonials on my flyers and website work for me to achieve credibility with my students. I just thought I would give my two cents, great video!
Even if you don't need an instructor per se, you need other people to learn from and play with.
I had guitar lessons for a few years and I enjoyed them and didn't practise a lot, I just liked hanging out... he was a cool guy.
I started playing guitar at 16 and I have done everything from self teaching, to videos, to personal instructors, to online instructors and 30 years later I am still playing and learning. I have played in bands, and or just having fun with other musicians. I have played alone too, and I have played for money and I have played for free. I never played with any plans of fame or fortune or to be cool.
I just fucking love the guitar. It is and has always been an intimate relationship between me and the guitar. When I am playing, the rest of the world and its troubles fall away and its just me and my guitar speaking to each other.
I thank God everyday I can that he lets me play, and I hope he lets me play until the day I die.
Thanks Phil! Great video.
My son never had a lesson and he was a natural it didn't matter if it was a guitar or keyboard he could just hear it and knew what to do . Sadly at 25 he's no longer with us sad story. But that's why I love to watch channels like this it reminds me of listening to him play he sure didn't get the talent from me I would take lessons.
Take 5 of your favourite records in the style in which want to learn and start digging in.....Over and over and over again.....
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you feel about Rocksmith as a learning tool.
I love it me, helps give you the foundation to build upon outside of the game. Learnt full songs and almost all of the chords that I know
Nice perspective on learning. Thanks for the video.
ROCKSMITH + OnLine = Fun and progression IMO. I'm 58 and have bought two guitars and can't play a single song all the way through but I'm learning and can tell you Rocksmith is working for me but beware of the online subscriptions as some are unstructured and once they have your cash it's up to you what needs to be mastered and such...pick and choose wisely. I'm so glad I picked it back up after 30 years and look forward to entertaining my family and friends.
I teached guitar myself for 2,5 years now and some people call me a guitar god. you dont always need a teacher, you just need to be musical and you can find out yourself
I have zero musical ability, yet I love your work Phil. You should do audio books!
Cool vid and advice for people. Always be open to learning.
Awesome video. I am coming from a bass/keyboard background. I started on a guitar way back in 1979 and had an acoustic that I would pick up periodically to play. I could tune it, and play just about any song with just strumming or finger picking (dust in the wind, stairway to heaven) but I could not play lead. Now, I am 52 and I want to play lead. Thank you for this very informative video!
Just happened to catch this vid, I found myself in a situation where it was a good idea to take a lesson. I was having probs with bass fills in a tune, I went to my Bud Joe fir some help. I know once I grasp the concept I’ll be able to put it in my wheelhouse and find another application of this style of run. As always Phil keep rocking out and Thanks fir your service
Well yea, I've been playing guitar for 8 or so years, but stuck and my playing is not very good. The problem is I have no plan, I practice randomly (and not very diligent at it) and a lot of times very lazy at it, but you know I always pick a guitar and play random stuff every day, it's just happen, I don't think, I just grab my guitar. But when it's time to practice I start to procrastinate and start blaming stuff, such as my gear and equipment is not proper so I couldn't get the optimum result and so.
That happen in other aspect of my life too, not just guitar. I'm so passionate about something but I'm lost in it, I don't know where to start, where I am and what should I do. And I'm freakin' lazy, I hate this laziness. Hahaha sorry I started mumbling for other stuff.
Try playing Rocksmith. It gives you points and mini-games for playing guitar, which turns tedious excercises (I enjoy playing guitar a lot, but it's hard to, say, jsut play a scale for 40 minutes or do pinky pulloffs) in to a pastime that greatly increased your skill. It significantly improved my playing even after having played for over 5 years! Plus it's cheaper than an effects pedal.
Very insightful, thanks Phil!
I"ve run into this question with drums... I know I need some help but have a hard time fitting a real instructor into my schedule. I've considered doing something online with drumeo but so far haven't even taken advantage of their free stuff... so... I'm recording music instead and making myself learn to play for that song... it's what motivates me. Great video.. comes down to motivation and what gets you going.
Thanks the video. As a bassist I felt this was helpful as well.
Love that Marshall cab.
I’m 45. I took lessons as a kid and learned to be quite proficient. I played in jazz band in college. After college I studied with a very well known national guitarist for 7 years. Now I’m studying classical again ( for the 2nd time) with an instructor who was able to see the “Swiss” in my cheese that the first guy could not see. I know that in 6 months I will be a very proficient classical guitarists bc the right hand is all that’s holding me back. I then will begin studying jazz chord melody at the same place I take classical lessons at. Mind you I’m a rock/shred player and people who know me think that lessons are insane. I’m making great progress and I’m loving the process and the lessons are making me a better rock player. The more you know the more opportunities are available to you.
I’m self taught going on 4 years now and I believe it’s slower but also makes it purely passion based playing which can help you pull 5 hour seshes some days without getting bored or bogged down. Gotta be a critic of yourself or you won’t know what to work on. I recommend videoing your playing regularly as if there was a teacher watching you play, and study your technique flaws!
I actually use Doug Marks updated metal method series and a private instructor. So far so good.
teaching myself was alot of fun ! it allowed me to venture on my own and be creative. the exact opposite of how school works which is why i disliked school so much. anyways i digress
Excellent information - I wish I could hire you as my teacher :-) I wish you played Rickenbackers… Happy Easter to you.
Great video and stories... Thank you.
Man i just love your philosphy
I started playing in 1977 when I was 16. Me, a cheap pawn shop guitar and a copy of "Still Alive And Well" by Johnny Winter. You have to want to do this to be successful at it.
Thank you, this really clarified my decision wether to go thru with lessons.
Im self-taught, and I am a serial-noodler. I wish I took lessons because after 10 years I have developed a very bad right hand technique, an extreme downward pick slant, which makes upstrokes harder as it just feels very unnatural to me (my pick literally goes UP, DOWN, UP, rather than crossing left, right, left parallel to the strings). I miss a lot of upstrokes and as a result it sounds poor, but I can down pick fast.
That story reminds me of my friend. Were a power trio, I play the bass and lead vocals, my friend plays guitar. He's training to become an olympic biathlon skiier. He never has free time, let alone to practice or rehearse.
It was hard when I started my little town didn't have music teachers but lucky for me I made a friend who played guitar and taught me the basics, now you can go on youtube and learn pretty much anything you want if you can work on your own, theres nothing wrong with hiring a teacher if thats available to you great Idea if you need some extra motivation and guidance
I used to teach myself but I was at the point where I wasn't sure what I need to learn so I started lessons and it's great I still try to learn on my own too
I like tacos but not enchiladas. I now see why I can't get ahead in my guitar playing. 😂
If you are determined to teach yourself, you can. I do believe it will be slower than having someone show you technique. The Swiss cheese example was on point. It doesn't have to be only one instructor- you need lots of different viewpoints.
You Sir are excellent,you should be a teacher, Your very good at motivation
I love the paul gilbert inspired jackson! :) thumbs up !! :)
Great video Phil. Most of us, even the guys in good bands need lessons from time to time. I went from a Rock band to a jazz band and didn't know the jazz cords, so I took lessons to speed up the learning. It works awesome and I was playing jazz fairly quickly. Just my story :)
Nice video, phillip. Although I can't understand completely what you're saying at certain moments (because I'm learning english), despite of that I really enjoy your videos. I asked myself once when I began exactly the same question that you mentioned, but now I see the comparison clearly between both options. Thanks for your channel, I will continue watching your videos, they're very practical. Regards from Chile.
Hear what you want in your head, then sit down and figure it out. Helps you as a writer and a player.
I used to practice running scales and arpeggios and and diads and triads hours per day. It wasn't fun but I could sweep like a madman. Now I just learn songs, note for note. I am motivated by participating in the music by playing along with it. Lessons are great and we all have our own reasons for taking them. If you don't know everything, surround yourself with people who know the stuff that you don't. Lessons!!!
+Ben Davella absolutely!
I like your philosophy on playing the guitar.
I appreciate you sharing your view on this and you gave some great advice. I like your idea of coming up with a plan and sticking to it. I bounce around learning many different genres that I like and have become the Jack of all trades, master of none. That said playing variety keeps me motivated.
He started talking about tacos and got hungry. He started swallowing. Hahaha! Hell, I don't blame him. I want a taco now.
You Tube has changed everything. Learn a bit ... and then get into a band pronto. And then get the band to a point where you feel you can play to an audience - even if its only a few mates over some beers. That is gonna be the fun (but still hard) way to get the basics. From starts to finishes, chords, pents, amp technique, stage tech - the whole shooting match. And you tube is better than a tutor - you can get what you need from so many sources. The only problem is maybe picking up and ingraining some bad techniques. Thats why you need to hang out with some other like minded musos - jam with em and get them to help you through those technique problems.
I had an instructor drop me as a student for not practicing enough , deservedly ... I'm sure it has happened to others as well . Everyone learns differently . Some need to read about it , some need to see it done , some need to hear it , and a few are intuitive about it . But learning guitar is about motivation and reconciling how badly you want it ...
I've always been baffled how some people get past the beginner level when everything you do sounds like crap. When I get something I practice more and when I get stuck I practice less. If I can still practice even when it sounds like crap that will help me to progress. I hope.
A little off topic but my respect for you went up when I noticed you subscribed to Thunderf00t. Keep making the informative videos.
You should have named your channel "guitar dad" because you are basically my guitar dad. Thanks for this great content for novices.
Ive been playing for 17 years now and I am still one of those guys that knows a little about a lot. never really was a lead player but if I sat down I could write an awesome lead part. I have no practice structure. As soon as I got my first 8 string it was down hill from there. I started worrying about tone and turned into a gear nut. Then I go and buy an Axe Fx 2. worst mistake ever. I have only used maybe 20% of it and I have had it 1 1/2 years. I have since returned to my roots. I bought a tele and I still have my Ibanez 7. Now I just write riffs and make songs out of them. Once I get enough material I will record my own album. This video really put things into perspective for me because I am self taught and never took a lesson in my life. However I can learn Dream Theater songs so I must have done something right??
Spot on advice. Thx.
Really helped me make the decision to take lesson. Thank you!
As someone who has now played for 25 years and never took a lesson in my life, I was about to be critical over the "you will need a tutor line" but when i think about it, while I didn't take lessons, a couple of my friends did and not only that but we all jammed together and formed bands together and were constantly sharing things we learned with one another so while I never payed for lessons, my friends and peers I jammed with really filled that tutor/mentor role in so many ways. I think more than anything though the key is practice everyday, don't just noodle and always be willing to learn something new or try something different. I went from three chord punk rock rhythm as a kid in the 90's to now having multiple guitars tuned and set up to multiple tunings and I like to play many different styles of rhythm guitar and mix them into my sound. The one piece of advice I always try to give to newer players is don't let yourself get stuck in the rhythm or lead only box, I gravitated to rhythm guitar and in the end I would say I am a rhythm guitarist and playing with the bass and drums is what i enjoy the most but after waiting far too long, maybe ten years into playing, I finally sat down and really hammered away at learning how to play lead, its not my bread and butter and I'm certainly no Steve Via shredding away on the fret board but I can play a respectable solo and not get lost on the fret board when i play a lead line or two, before that rhythm fills was the closest I got to lead guitar. I see too many rhythm guitarist that get lost on the fretboard trying to play a solo or lead line and too many talented shredding lead players that sound like mindless robots when they try and play rhythm. You don't have to master both rhythm and lead to be a good rhythm or lead player but you need to be at least capable of playing the other.