The Most Important Thing A Guitar Player Can Do Is This
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- The Most Important Thing A Guitar Player Can Do Is This
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Hey everyone! Just filmed this morning's backyard acoustic session in Maui where I dive into something crucial - the importance of groove in guitar playing. While lead guitar and arpeggios get a lot of attention, my years of studio and live experience have taught me that establishing a solid groove is what truly drives a song.
Whether playing solo acoustic or with a band, that steady right-hand rhythm is like a clock, creating the foundation that lets everything else - singing, lead parts, all of it - happen naturally.
I share some insights about shuffle rhythms, mentioning incredible groove masters like Kevin Hayes from Robert Cray's band and Steve Jordan. The lead stuff is great - it's like the candy on top - but it's that rhythmic foundation that really serves the song.
Join me for more backyard sessions as we explore these essential aspects of guitar playing. Thanks for watching!
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#guitarlessons #musicianship #rhythm #groove #acousticguitar #blues
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When I met my lead guitarist 40 years ago he couldn't play rhythm guitar to save his life! I taught him laying down grooves and he taught me some killer licks...we've come a long way! Excellent points and so true!!
Been playing 36 years and I agree 100% with you Jimmy! Great advice to the younger ones, somebody has to lead the way. I had an old man that I used to play music with tell me the exact same thing. Leads, arpeggios, triads , riffs, it all sounds great.....laid on top of the tracks....a train can't move without tracks, a sailor can't sail without a boat....to all you young ones.....LEARN RHYTHM guitar first, then learn all the other stuff, you'll be glad you learned it that way when you are mine and Jimmy's age!
Right, establishing a good fundamental mastery of the instrument is a must. I'm a Rhythm Guitarist 🎸 🎶 that can play some Lead Material, but I market myself more like what you're doing here. I enjoy hearing wild Solos and figuring how to play them though.
Right on, thanks for watching.
I can relate to the rhythm being the foundation because I dance salsa and we listen to the conga drums underneath all the all instruments to decide how to dance to the song and then listen to the instruments playing the melody to spice up the dance movements.
Yes Jimmy, please keep making these instructional videos. I’m a lifelong musician (drummer - love a good shuffle) adding guitar (acoustic mainly), and what you’re saying in the title and content of this video is absolutely correct. But as soon as I heard you play I said to myself, “ok this is a guy I have to follow.” So I subscribed.
I’m about your age and a beginner guitarist. So your advice here is perfect. I find myself worrying about what I’m not learning and need to focus! Thanks!
Did you notice what he did? Not just keeping a strong rhythm, but doing it tight. He does that by playing mostly three note chords. Keeping the bass note open and fingering mostly three note chords, focusing on the third, seventh and any altered chord note. Books and teachers will teach you to fret every note on 6, 5, 4 strings depending on the chord. That’s a huge distraction from effective rhythm. An effective C major chord is done with one finger, playing only the G, B and high e strings. He plays with quick, stabbing attack of the strings. So many beginners get stuck in playing big strums, using all the strings. It muddys your sound.
Even when playing the shuffle, did you notice how he controls the bass notes? Letting them ring just enough to give the pedal effect, but really making his rhythm grab your ear by choking it off at the right spots. It’s the choke that delineates his sound. Think of it as bullet statements compared to a rambling speech. When someone uses bullet statements, they are short, simple but “complete” messages. Now contrast that to someone walking around the stage talking in long sentences, jumping from one topic to another or interjecting tangential thoughts. You lose focus and so does everyone else in the audience.
Most of us learned the hard way, what he is teaching you here. Your advantage now is you don’t have to unlearn bad habits that we all acquired from books and barre chords.
This guy just did you a solid.
Great information, thanks. I’ve been on an off with my acoustic for years. Never took lessons. I took my first lesson the other day to try and make a commitment to having fun with my guitar in my retirement. Also to get consistent with my progress. Which has been non existent. I like the idea of laying down a good foundation.
That's awesome! It's never too late to build a solid foundation!
I'm going to continue with your channel and add it to my guitar education. Thanks for what you do.😊
Soooo many You Tube channels focus on the lead that I've come to think of myself as just a lame strummer. Sure, I can pick a few intros, but mostly it's about rocking out, singing and letting off steam. Thanks for the validation. (And also for the Maui glimpse. We went for our 30th last summer and can't wait to go back one day. BTW, there were some talented guitarists playing at our hotel.)
Learning to strum is where it's at in my opinion. You may enjoy my Easy Strum course found here musicalinfinity.mykajabi.com/easy-strum-song-collection
100%, what I tend to struggle with and have to constantly think about is keeping the timing consistent and not speed up over time which is hard for some reason. I find singing helps though. I'm talking about playing alone though obviously, having a drummer is a different story.
Well said jamming on an acoustic guitar is the fundamental and lead is the icing on the cake 🎉
Hi Jimmy, I signed up for your free lessons to see if your pattern of teaching will work for me. I've signed up before and somehow I just didn't 'get-it'. Your 'groove' lesson is real knowledge from experience. A popup described a discount for your lessons- I didn't sign up because I wanted to see what your style of teaching was ( and not blow another purchase). If you offer that again, let me know. I believe your teaching style is not from the teachers' method, but an experienced guitarist showing another guitarist the best 'way'. I like that approach. Cheers, Dk.
Hey @donk.5730 - If you sign up with the same email address that you've previously signed up with, you won't receive it again. Please check your spam or promotions folder as well. It could have went there. You can always submit a support ticket on the website as well and the fellas will help you out.
Laying down the groove is what I learned today. That I can do!
Keep it tight
I came to realize its not about how many notes you can squeeze in there but the timing of however many notes you use, even if its only a few notes. The rhythmn is the most important thing really.
Never question a man with a Martin and a Papaya tree in the background.... he's the real deal.
haha
I put myself down cos I just can’t do all the spontaneous improv stuff after 40 plus years of playing . I absolutely can hold down a groove though and some seriously good ones at that . Thanks for the video .
Rock on!
Same here. 40+ years no improv at all. Used to play 'sweet child of mine' , 'layla acoustic version' , 'sultans of swing' and so on solos, didn't miss a note, perfect timing and all. Today i can't remember any of that. Spent so many years decorating/memorizing notes of a solo for nothing. That being said Today i can still groove tho. I can play rich base guitars such as Nile Roger's 'lose yourself to dance' and Nirvana songs and is so much more joyful than having to memorize all those notes of a guitar solo . Is so exhausting to keep learning and practicing all those scales and modes expecting it will make you somehow magically play improv guitar one day i cannot care less about improvising anything today, playing a well played rich base guitar/groove makes me just as happy if not more...i can totally relate to what your 'saying'...not to count that guitar solos are out dated, most of them sound old , not grooves tho, a well played groove still rocks just as always did
Hey Jimmy greetings! Just saw your channel🤠🎸a little colder where I live here in Canada! Happy new year🤠
Happy New Year to you too! Stay warm.
I totally agree with you brother! Keep the groove going.
Great video, thanks! I’ve been playing rhythm for years and have also always said that the solo is the icing on top but the rhythm is the cake. Whatever you play you have to have fun and enjoy doing it😊
Hardest thing for me to do. Years later and I’m still struggling with it.
Mahalo, I was stationed on Oahu at the Air Force Base there for six years Hawaii became like my second home. I still miss it and love it today.
So true Jimmy.
Feel is everything. If it don't feel good you got nothing. And the groove is it.
If the band is locked in and steamroller, as a lead blues guy you just have to place a few notes just right, with just the right vibrato and there's nothing better!
Of course that's easier said than done! Haha less is more ya know.
Really enjoyed this video Jimmy. I need to learn some grooves. I know they are very important.
Agreed! People don’t spend enough time on their groove and feel.
Thanks! :)
You're welcome!
you be a good teacher
Appreciate that Michael.
jimmy you is good
These are wonderful fundamentals. It nice that you’re able to break it down with titles. Keep up the good work. 😀🥳😎
Here we are and the 1-4-5 is still what it is. That's it. Play it ..absorb it and groove with the rythym of it... nice and easy. It's in all the songs you have heard.
People like it. There are plenty of variations throughout blues , jazz.. et al.
Well just saw you... never heard of you before. Amazing really. The phone..
We could sit right down and play like we been doing it for 20 yrs.
Great Points! it is easy to get caught up inleads and flash and forget the groove really makes a song great
Thank you i enjoy your get to the point of playing 😊
Appreciate that Duane.
Always had the foundation down below thank you Jimmy 👍
You bet
Thanks Great information 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks buddy, happy New Year. You’re a stud.
Big Thanks
You're welcome!
The groove you are playing at 1:15 is Simply Red 'Holdin back the tears'? it sounds similar to 'Spooky' by Atlanta Rhythm Section or 'Lowdown' by Boz Scaggs. Regardless, all these songs (and many millions more) have that all important groove.
Yep, 110% agree with you - develop and play the groove to the song and keep it locked in. Solos don't last long and are meaningless without the groove behind it.
Nice day where you are. Cool.
Exactly!
(Att'n JD : Headstock vaulted into upper-right corner, camera BELOW the neck shot, make for fingers covering strings/frets, hence takes more time to decipher fingerings. Please note corrections made by Jack Ruch and other Utoob instructors : straight-on medium shot of horizontal neck proves much more effective i.e. USEFUL presentation of valuable information in Backyard Excursions Thanks!)
Thanks for the suggestion. My partner Jason made the same request and will try to keep it in mind.
@@JimmyDillon Ya mon! Cuz you some one a dem BES' ! Valuableness, seen. Ites.
Great advice. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Delta Blues made me stand up to attention, love this lesson.
Thanks man.
Nice soundtrack in the background. Goats for the GOAT.
Solid advice !
Hey Jimmy, can you lay down the tabs for that little bluesy shuffle you play so well? Thanks
Thanks Jimmy! I have learned a lot from you this year. Happy New Year!
Thanks, Happy New Year to you too!
Thanks so much
Cool man! I am on Jeju Island doing what I do. Just found you. Gotta lot to always learn.
For the win! Anyone who’s played lots of shows, recorded, etc. will agree with this. Hell, you can mis-fret half of the notes and if your rhythm/groove is pristine no one will care 😂
To be fair, though, there’s groove and there’s *groove*. After many years I can drop in with a click or stay solid on my own while singing or with a band, but I’ve got nowhere near the feel you’re showing just goofing around here. Very nice!
By the way, I learned this listening to Mississippi John Hurt. He recorded mostly late in life after being re-discovered, so his fretting wasn’t always perfect. But his rhythm was elemental. Made the songs move like nothing else. Taught my kid this way. Rhythm first, until you’ve got that nothing else matters.
Maui, rub it in! Was thinking FL.
Nice little acoustic groove in the garden ! Thanks Again and Happy New Year !
Excellent advice
Thanks, first time watching. I'll keep it up!
Thanks for tuning in.
Jimmy, thanks for sharing your insights with a fellow wannabe. I think I could really set that groove if I was in Hawaii with you. As it turns out, my fingers and toes are being bitten by Jack Frost in beautiful Ontario, Canada! I agree, a smokin’ groove can chase those clouds, blues, and frozen whatnots away! Keep your excellent videos coming. Happy New Year! I’m a fan.
Well said. A great point so frequently overlooked nowadays
Laying down the groove 👍🎸🤠
Absolutely correct
Thank you for these little nuggets of gold Jimmy.
You're not wrong.
Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video. Happy New Year
I’m glad to see you playing that Martin again.
I’d much rather play the Classics 4 “Spooky” riff you played at the beginning than any blues riff. Even better are “Stormy” and “Traces.” I get goose bumps just thinking about those beautiful songs. The blues is a boring, cartoonish cult in my opinion. There’s also a strange racial obsession I don’t need to elaborate about… Life long songwriter here. Give me classical, folk, jazz, soul, R&B and Bossa nova any day over the blues. That’s just me, and I only say this to spread the word that there’s a genuine interest out there for more musical music! Strong melodies and harmonies rule the world along with great lyrics that require more than an elementary school education to write and comprehend. The best blues song ever written in my opinion isn’t even blues: Gary Moore “Still Got the Blues.” A blues guy I know says that song has all those “fancy chords.” That comment speaks volumes. It’s only fancy for guys stuck in simpleton blues hell! 😂 Great channel!
Spot on, IMO.
thanks for sharing that info Jimmy...helps a great deal...
Please let us know what guitar model that is. You sound great on it!
This is so much fun thanks 👍
Great advice, well said
Groovy
Aloha! Nice Video! what model Martin are you playing there? I like the cut away! : ) Happy New Year to all!
💯.. totally agree... I'm groove believer...🇦🇺👍
Thank you for clearly saying the most important 'stuff' for beginning players like myself. Not knowing exactly where to start ( and continue....!) Any donation tab here? That works for me, Thank you. (But I don't sing ! Maybe Hum...). Cheers, Dk
Appreciate you watching.
Is that a JC-16RE Aura? I have one of those and it looks like mine. Although I suppose it could be a GPC or something. Either way, good choice. I tell people all the time that JC-16RE’s are one of the best sounding martins, and a steal of a price
You playing Boz Skaggs, “Lowdown” there? Sweet. Love the Martin.
HI JD... just found Ya M8... Sounds good... Looks good... letz do this... WE ARE ALL WITH YOU... PLEASE KEEPEM COMMIN...
beautiful
That was Awesome Jimmy! Just scrolling? You never know what you'll run into? Thanks
You get all that: bleu skies, happy flowers, palmtrees and what not. Happiness, love, sex, goodtimes and laughter. All by playing the guitar.
2:48 nice noodle
I play 11 instruments, and my genre is Irish trad...I played bodhran for 22 years on the circuit. About 5 yrs ago, from necessity...and moving, leaving my band- I found myself solo. As a bodhran player, I have an innate sense of rhythm. I was just about to throw in the towel one night, trying to learn DDUDU, a d DDUU, and DDDDD, and DDDUDDUDUDUDUUUDDUDUUDUHHHH..😂
I had learned about 15 chords open position, but had NO Clue how to use them!! I could switch within .03 sec feom one to the other, but??? As a last ditch attempt, I threw away the book and the DDUDDDUUDUDUDU
and just did what Ive always done!! Played the guitar like a drum!
I was playing in 5 min, and within a week I had 20 songs under my belt!! I still cant tune by ear, I still dont know my way around the fretboard, but I was performing within a month, and now Im on stage again with it...and have been for 4 years!! 😂 I get mixed emotions from players who've been "playing 30 years!" when I twll them I was playing 6 months...or 3 years...they get angry. I see it in their eyes. Oh well. 😂😂
Ive been hammering away on scales, learning my barre chords, and they just keep getting upset with me...😂 oh well?! Sucks to be you...😊 Im a fiddle player of 13 years too..and this winter picked up mandolin like it was an old friend...Open Mic will REALLY hatw me now 😂...next?! OCTAVE mandolin! 😂😂😂😂😂
I thought you'd say Tuning.
Steamrollin'
The best thing a guitarist can do is put down the guitar and go to Maui for a while to chill.
Not a bad strategy.
low down boz scaggs
Certainly a good groove should be essential but when it's time to play solo you better got your chops down.
Great info !, You remind me of TOMMY EMANUAL
Some of the best advise i've ever heard about guitar playing .good vid Thanks and god bless
I agree but I think learning independent thumb and finger picking / Travis picking will open up the door to great guitar playing.
Check out Justin Townes Earle
ua-cam.com/video/E871siMhbpM/v-deo.htmlsi=xkRVnWRtKKY-msni
ua-cam.com/video/8sgCwMoN580/v-deo.htmlsi=KdRIprXKJgiM-UGC
I wouldn't call that Travis picking, but it's very good!
Well I consider Travis picking really just independent thumb from fingers or index finger. Thumb is the bass rhythm and finger or fingers are lead. Roots back to delta blues and Piedmont blues players like Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin’ Hopkins come to mind .Some of Justin’s playing style adds a drum with his frelling slap. Travis didn’t come up with that right hand style, he was just a white guy (that was very good at it) that people saw using it. IMHO
Here’s Malcolm Holcombe a great guitar player and writer that we lost in March.
ua-cam.com/video/eMVSM8hrxDE/v-deo.htmlsi=I6aMjLDwDaxCtdrg
ua-cam.com/video/KMew1dz3V3g/v-deo.htmlsi=l0qoLmB-VqeIUCCW
Q: Two guitar players in the back seat, who's driving?
ua-cam.com/video/9N7vS4d8vkk/v-deo.htmlsi=wDEajazx1wVf7UVW
All lead, no groove, is like eating sprinkles without the ice cream.
I dig it.
The most important thing to learn on guitar is your mother's favorite song. 🤔😊
What are those chords your playing here ? They sound good .
Of course...... If you don't have a groove it's just noodling
I agree. Leads just don't interest me. I prefer chord progressions grooves and melody.
Yeah he is pretty good but he is no Chet Atkins!
Anthony Bourdain….back from the dead
Dr oz ad is a joke
We don't control the ads. We'd happily turn them off if we could.
Don’t like slap style
I cannot find a quitarist who can play simple 1-2 beat. In 30 years. And you are ok, but far too slow. I need someone to accompany 1, Romanian and east europian folk music 2, accompany irish music in cailidh or barn dance style. I am affraid that you would have a long way to go.
I'll keep practicing
@JimmyDillon 😉👍 best practice IMHO is to play in a band. At one time, I spent 6 years playing guitar in a barndance band. Only allowed barred chords so I could damp them. Then, with a gypsy fiddler, I discovered I was still too slow and not sensitive enough. These days, everybody wants to be a shredder, meaning stomp on a distortion pedal and run up and down scales. 🤔
But, love your kids, thanks 😊 👍
That will get me exactly nowhere playing bluegrass. Slow,boring...
Putting the camera down low so your students can't see the chords you're playing is a major faux paux. You'll never grow your channel that way.
Sounds like Chinese to me lol