Guilty as charged, but way long ago. Back in the 80s it was all about speed, and that's all I cared about. The trouble was, certain mechanical tricks lend themselves to speed, so I got trapped in familiar patterns, and sounded repetitive. Once I removed the criteria that everything needed to be fast, the instrument opened up to me, and ironically, I now seem to be able to play fast in ways I could not have before. The adage that you have to slow down to speed up is true. Having said that, I share contempt for people who say things like "BB King could put more feeling in one note than Paul Gilbert puts in 1,000 notes". That's bullshit. Who's "feelings"? The player's or the listeners'? The former can't be known and the latter is subjective. I just like it all now. Anyone who can make a living playing guitar is doing something right.
Rob G absolutely. another thing people don't seem to understand is the fact they can chord their emotional attitudes just like music. for instance a physocitic funk brought on by depression. how long is that freaking note supposed to last...? just start humming a song from 1982 and you will begin to feel again. one if the reasons we staydepressed for long periods of time,is because we don't know how to come out. so we stay there just looking around in our mind, for the way out. study music,it will take you for a ride,just like a roller coaster.
I've just started watching you in the last couple of weeks and I love how you talk about the mental side of learning guitar, you're really helping me out a lot. Thanks for making videos!
People also do this with guitars which is silly. Well this guitar may play and feel excellent, but it's a schecter so I don't want it, or it's a tele so it's not metal enough. I've played guitars I didn't have any interest in and just became completely enamored with them after feeling them.
I had no interest in semi-hollow body guitars at all for over 40 years. A couple years ago I started looking for something I could use to play both electric guitar and acoustic guitar parts in our church praise band. I wanted one guitar to handle both. I found a brand and model that had a Nanomag pickup and thought it was the answer. My local music store didn't have them, but I knew the owner and he suggested I try out a Gretsch. My thought was "oh, one of 'those' guitars - aren't those for rock-a-billy???" Long story short, I tried several and ended up walking out with a Streamliner model Gretsch that did exactly what I wanted. A bonus ended up being that it was semi-hollow body and weighed much less, so it was easier to play longer. I didn't even have to buy a high-end model as the lower end Streamliner fit my mission better than the more expensive models. My bias against semi-hollow body guitars kept me from some great instruments for over 40 years!
"If you combine the two, the ability to create a really great ear-hanger, a really great melody that makes people respond, with the jazz technique and the advanced chord progressions, then you really have..."Steely Dan.
I totally agree with you. I get so tired of people saying that players like Yngwie have no feeling. Playing with feeling is not tied to playing slowly or fast. A musician can express feeling at any speed. Feeling is independent of playing speed.
As usual Claus, you give me amazing insight on the 'metaphysics' of what it means to be a guitar player. You inspire me regularly to try something outside of my comfort zone, and I thank you deeply for sharing your passion to help us be the best we can be.
Simply BRILLIANT! +ClausLevin you've proved once again that the mind is a terrible thing lol! +JudeGold helped me get beyond my preconceived guitar snobbery with his podcast "No Guitar is Safe" where he jams with other guitarists of every genre. Your instruction is stellar! Thank you, sir!
love your videos claus!! you tend to use so much cognitive psychology elements in them and they end up being reaaally helpful! congrats, keep it up my man!!
I was dyed in the wool "rock or die" for too many years before I learned this. I could've saved a lot of time if I had realized that you learn the instrument first, then you are free to go ANY direction.
Man, I love your intensity! Excellent advice too. As a musician, drawing inspiration from any source is key to any development. I like listening to film scores, the sense of tension and atmosphere can be incredible. Makes me want to go play some David Gilmour type guitar lines! Love your work, keep going :)
I hear you! Totally got it! Great Advice! Though I am sure there is merit in specialization if it is desired by audiences. If you only practice or play the same old ruts you soon feel lowly compared to some little kid doing a awesome instrumental cover from a great. True in fact, the mechanics are important and the more devices you can glean from all genre's the greater the musicianship you have to draw upon to express yourself on your instrument. That is what I got from this video! Probably the hardest thing for a metal player is to play slow and melodic. Resting the guitar on your lap and playing it one handed can be a revelation for melody.
great messages Claus thanks. ..I do need to be more open and less fearful of my ability to accomplish those techniques...I really do want to be a versatile guitar player...even if a certain genre isn't my thing....thanks again I will keep this in mind as I progress.
I very rarely listen to the type of music I tend to create. I always felt it tainted my creativity when I listened to too much of it. I like coming at something new with a clean slate. I also like to jam along with any song that might be playing. It doesn't matter the genre. That helps with the ability to improvise tremendously.
I know what you mean Claus - guilty as charged in the past, I have been a guitar snob and disparaged other techniques-we need to explore many musical areas!
I concur. I'm very passionate about keeping an open minded perspective to ALL techniques across the entire spectrum of music. Excellent video. I appreciated the passion in your words and movements whilst discussing this issue. So many closed minded 'musicians' out there that it makes me want to puke.
Makes me chuckle how some people watch this to the end and post a comment to the effect it's a useless lesson. How clueless can you be? He can't choose to turn you off, for christsakes, but you can certainly move on after 30 seconds if it's not your cup of tea instead of staying stuck in the middle of the road like some wide-eyed deer and complaining about a car running you over...Holy shit, how much time do you guys waste in real life? Most of it, I'd venture to guess...That's fine if you're under 11 years of age but past that, I'd say some growing-up is in order. Here's a clue that you might apply to life in general, moving forward: He's posting this kind of stuff for the person who's in the right frame of mind to understand that an attitude and preconceived ideas can be a hindrance to becoming a better, more well-rounded musician. If you're not that person, move on and let the rest of us enjoy a negativity free space.
its called intensity people... we either have it, or we dont... or we may have all the excuses, of complacency... i , for one , enJoey this kinda "in your face"...
Video was cool and after about 2 minutes I thought to myself "check the comments ..i bet people are commenting about how he looks like he did a line of coke or some meth".Yup lol people were tearing it up and made me lol real fucking hard and great way to start my morning..i love you funny youtubers you get me laughing everytime
Claus, you really should stop holding back and tell us how you feel. You need more passion in your videos, it's like watching some old professor explain some math... I'm kidding!! Your videos are exploding with your passion for guitar, they're great!!
If you want to learn how to play the guitar better, skip this video. He literally says nothing. It looks like he saying something because he gets very animated and energetic, but there is absolutely nothing of worth here.
exactly, there is nothing in this video that helps someone learn guitar. All he says is stop looking at something you want to do and call it nonsense. If people need a psychologist, that is one thing, but I thought this should be about being a better guitar player
Guilty as charged, but way long ago. Back in the 80s it was all about speed, and that's all I cared about. The trouble was, certain mechanical tricks lend themselves to speed, so I got trapped in familiar patterns, and sounded repetitive.
Once I removed the criteria that everything needed to be fast, the instrument opened up to me, and ironically, I now seem to be able to play fast in ways I could not have before. The adage that you have to slow down to speed up is true.
Having said that, I share contempt for people who say things like "BB King could put more feeling in one note than Paul Gilbert puts in 1,000 notes". That's bullshit. Who's "feelings"? The player's or the listeners'? The former can't be known and the latter is subjective. I just like it all now. Anyone who can make a living playing guitar is doing something right.
Rob G absolutely. another thing people don't seem to understand is the fact they can chord their emotional attitudes just like music. for instance a physocitic funk brought on by depression. how long is that freaking note supposed to last...? just start humming a song from 1982 and you will begin to feel again. one if the reasons we staydepressed for long periods of time,is because we don't know how to come out. so we stay there just looking around in our mind, for the way out. study music,it will take you for a ride,just like a roller coaster.
I've just started watching you in the last couple of weeks and I love how you talk about the mental side of learning guitar, you're really helping me out a lot. Thanks for making videos!
Love your passion and insight Claus. I'm working through your Fretboard Freedom program right now and making real progress!
Looks like Claus fought a guitar,and the guitar won.Thanks for the motivation.got to go practice now.
He has had an eye-lid operation :)
Claus, you have really helped me. I worked through your repeating patterns and I enjoy this more than playing songs at this point
You are absolutely amazing at articulating the gradual yet exponential increase in guitar skill that comes with constant varied practice. YEEE
Wow, Claus seemed very passionate about this. Short, video and directly to the point. He really hammered it home!
Conpletely agree with everything he says in this video....He respects shredders , that's hard to find
People also do this with guitars which is silly. Well this guitar may play and feel excellent, but it's a schecter so I don't want it, or it's a tele so it's not metal enough.
I've played guitars I didn't have any interest in and just became completely enamored with them after feeling them.
Wait, what's the problem with Schecter?
I had no interest in semi-hollow body guitars at all for over 40 years. A couple years ago I started looking for something I could use to play both electric guitar and acoustic guitar parts in our church praise band. I wanted one guitar to handle both. I found a brand and model that had a Nanomag pickup and thought it was the answer. My local music store didn't have them, but I knew the owner and he suggested I try out a Gretsch. My thought was "oh, one of 'those' guitars - aren't those for rock-a-billy???" Long story short, I tried several and ended up walking out with a Streamliner model Gretsch that did exactly what I wanted. A bonus ended up being that it was semi-hollow body and weighed much less, so it was easier to play longer. I didn't even have to buy a high-end model as the lower end Streamliner fit my mission better than the more expensive models. My bias against semi-hollow body guitars kept me from some great instruments for over 40 years!
Been watching your videos for a while now, and this may be one of your most important ones. Very good
"If you combine the two, the ability to create a really great ear-hanger, a really great melody that makes people respond, with the jazz technique and the advanced chord progressions, then you really have..."Steely Dan.
Thank you Claus! In my opinion the philosophy here applies to learning in general :). Insightful!
Yu-Lin Chou ABSOLUTELY...!
I totally agree with you. I get so tired of people saying that players like Yngwie have no feeling. Playing with feeling is not tied to playing slowly or fast. A musician can express feeling at any speed. Feeling is independent of playing speed.
As usual Claus, you give me amazing insight on the 'metaphysics' of what it means to be a guitar player. You inspire me regularly to try something outside of my comfort zone, and I thank you deeply for sharing your passion to help us be the best we can be.
Claus you are a ripper. I love your passion and your content. Thanks for your great work
Simply BRILLIANT! +ClausLevin you've proved once again that the mind is a terrible thing lol! +JudeGold helped me get beyond my preconceived guitar snobbery with his podcast "No Guitar is Safe" where he jams with other guitarists of every genre. Your instruction is stellar! Thank you, sir!
Wise words Claus, thank you for this video!
You have great ideas and express them so well.
love your videos claus!! you tend to use so much cognitive psychology elements in them and they end up being reaaally helpful! congrats, keep it up my man!!
Your face is straight turning purple in this because you're so pumped
I was dyed in the wool "rock or die" for too many years before I learned this. I could've saved a lot of time if I had realized that you learn the instrument first, then you are free to go ANY direction.
Man, I love your intensity! Excellent advice too. As a musician, drawing inspiration from any source is key to any development. I like listening to film scores, the sense of tension and atmosphere can be incredible. Makes me want to go play some David Gilmour type guitar lines! Love your work, keep going :)
I hear you! Totally got it! Great Advice! Though I am sure there is merit in specialization if it is desired by audiences. If you only practice or play the same old ruts you soon feel lowly compared to some little kid doing a awesome instrumental cover from a great. True in fact, the mechanics are important and the more devices you can glean from all genre's the greater the musicianship you have to draw upon to express yourself on your instrument. That is what I got from this video! Probably the hardest thing for a metal player is to play slow and melodic. Resting the guitar on your lap and playing it one handed can be a revelation for melody.
Agreed “Ego” is the killer intension is key 👍be open & humble & life opens up
I've been watching your videos lately, you sir deserved clicked the sub button. Thanks for the advices!
THANKYOU CLAUS philosopher musician! The passion of this installment cracked me up! You might want to look into Zen meditation.
One of the best video's you have made.
Thank you saying it! I wish more people knew this!
One of the only guitar teachers who speaks more than he actually plays. LOL
TheDerekVinyard he can play and speak at the same time. this us skilland knowledge.
so so so so trueeeee.....the day i accepted that i need to practise more ,from then on I started improving.
great messages Claus thanks. ..I do need to be more open and less fearful of my ability to accomplish those techniques...I really do want to be a versatile guitar player...even if a certain genre isn't my thing....thanks again I will keep this in mind as I progress.
This reminds me of the discussion me and my Dad have a lot, his guy is Gerry Garcia, I like Eddie.
Greeting from the East! as always, good stuff Claus!
I very rarely listen to the type of music I tend to create. I always felt it tainted my creativity when I listened to too much of it. I like coming at something new with a clean slate. I also like to jam along with any song that might be playing. It doesn't matter the genre. That helps with the ability to improvise tremendously.
great great video. Thank you so much Claus!
I know what you mean Claus - guilty as charged in the past, I have been a guitar snob and disparaged other techniques-we need to explore many musical areas!
I concur. I'm very passionate about keeping an open minded perspective to ALL techniques across the entire spectrum of music. Excellent video. I appreciated the passion in your words and movements whilst discussing this issue. So many closed minded 'musicians' out there that it makes me want to puke.
Thank You Very Much for This Sir!!! 👌👍👏 💚🙏
I fuckin love this guy lol he's not afraid to say things that straight up have to be said
Nice I'll check that out
you're so right man. 100% agree with ya. World is full of stupids and mental jerks.
very well said, i agree with you, thanks sir.
great advice. identity is not as much fun as actual knowledge and skill.
Great video Claus, very helpful !
i very well know this now (i'm 35), but wish i heard this when i was 16!
I hear you, maestro.
just love ya, Claus.
I Identify as a Shitty player. Should I open myself up to more?
i love this channel
I like you, you have an open mind bro
Word! So true!
Thank you cocaine man.
When you're trying to play five instruments well. I may have bitten off more than I can chew.
How many notes in 2 seconds bro
You are gold!
smart mature words!greetings
people do the same in life in general and that stupidity and mediocre attitude makes me so angry too
Very Inspiring...
Damn that is a nice guitar.
Makes me chuckle how some people watch this to the end and post a comment to the effect it's a useless lesson. How clueless can you be? He can't choose to turn you off, for christsakes, but you can certainly move on after 30 seconds if it's not your cup of tea instead of staying stuck in the middle of the road like some wide-eyed deer and complaining about a car running you over...Holy shit, how much time do you guys waste in real life? Most of it, I'd venture to guess...That's fine if you're under 11 years of age but past that, I'd say some growing-up is in order. Here's a clue that you might apply to life in general, moving forward: He's posting this kind of stuff for the person who's in the right frame of mind to understand that an attitude and preconceived ideas can be a hindrance to becoming a better, more well-rounded musician. If you're not that person, move on and let the rest of us enjoy a negativity free space.
Right?
its called intensity people...
we either have it, or we dont...
or we may have all the excuses, of complacency...
i , for one , enJoey this kinda "in your face"...
Is this dude gonna OD before the end of the video? I couldn't watch.
tnks a lot
6:51 xD amazing!
lol so funny and so true.. man, you are awesome!
Video was cool and after about 2 minutes I thought to myself "check the comments ..i bet people are commenting about how he looks like he did a line of coke or some meth".Yup lol people were tearing it up and made me lol real fucking hard and great way to start my morning..i love you funny youtubers you get me laughing everytime
yeh well said
First UFC Guitar player ever°
ol clause is pinging!
SUPER
Are you feeling alright? You look sick
Is Claus ok?. Doesn't look so good... playing is as immense as ever though
True 👍👍👍👍
Claus, you really should stop holding back and tell us how you feel. You need more passion in your videos, it's like watching some old professor explain some math... I'm kidding!! Your videos are exploding with your passion for guitar, they're great!!
Hay-fever...
The thumbnail is completely unnecessary, easy man.
go to straight to 4:40, its hilarious stuff. Otherwise, the video is pretty much cliched pop-culture self- help jargon vomit
Dude.. He's trippin'!
Claus, I need to tell that sometimes you scare people. But I guess martial arts is another piece of arts that you are after ;-)
So was this just cosmetic surgery or what?
Jesus!!! Why do you look like emperor palpatine.
Too many notes. How gosh!
No rap plez.
This dude have not had sex for at least one month...
I can't take him seriously with that kind of drugs in his vains
momo 3HD_2 sure he did. he nailed your mom.
raleighman3000 get out of here kid
bruh, check ur blood pressure...
TheDerekVinyard lol
If you want to learn how to play the guitar better, skip this video. He literally says nothing. It looks like he saying something because he gets very animated and energetic, but there is absolutely nothing of worth here.
The intonation on your guitar doesn't look right.
Siddharth Karunakaran For fuck sake, don't agitate him.
I think we're all being too harsh on Claus. Just cause he got eye lid surgery is no reason to chastise him.
I'm fucking terrified, but I never played better.
What a waste of time watching this to the end. Literally zero to learn here.
exactly, there is nothing in this video that helps someone learn guitar. All he says is stop looking at something you want to do and call it nonsense. If people need a psychologist, that is one thing, but I thought this should be about being a better guitar player