How I Taught Myself Guitar; What NOT To Do

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  • Опубліковано 11 чер 2020
  • Most people who learn guitar, do it by teaching themselves how to play. I was a self taught guitar player for over 6 years and there are a few things I would recommend you do, and don't do when teaching yourself guitar.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,8 тис.

  • @rawgabbit3514
    @rawgabbit3514 3 роки тому +21018

    The hardest part of learning guitar is getting used to sounding like garbage.

    • @Tuliomurillo
      @Tuliomurillo 3 роки тому +144

      🤣

    • @cdmnchwrl2920
      @cdmnchwrl2920 3 роки тому +291

      I think the Hardest is when ur A good guitar player and u dont know what genre ur going to and u just pick with All and u dint actually Learn a thing and it lead u to be confuse and stuck at not learn any

    • @Stream_2680
      @Stream_2680 3 роки тому +149

      The hardest part about guitar is bar codes

    • @rawgabbit3514
      @rawgabbit3514 3 роки тому +138

      Stream I had a really hard time with barre chords too, but this is what made it click for me:
      First, I got comfortable playing an open E chord with my second, third, and fourth fingers, rather than using my index finger.
      Then I just slid that up the neck, and laid my first finger across the next fret down; I’m only having to hold down a few strings so it doesn’t take much. Another thing is, make sure you’re not gripping the neck super hard; instead, think of it like a pulling motion against the fretboard.
      Here’s the important part! Once you get that shape in place, just start strumming, and remember that it’s okay if a string kinda buzzes or doesn’t sound off right. The only part more important than the getting a feel for the hand shape is rhythm! Don’t be afraid of hitting wrong notes, just keep that rhythm steady no matter what! You’ll be able to refine your technique as you go, and I promise you that if you practice for at least 10 minutes a day, you’ll have barre chords down in a few weeks max.
      Practice for 10 minutes, play for an hour! 😎
      Edit: Wrong account lmao my bad

    • @Stream_2680
      @Stream_2680 3 роки тому +28

      @@rawgabbit3514 Thanks dude it really helps I've been playing for a year and learning on UA-cam and using tabs. I don't really play guitar but it's a little hard since I play violin as my primary instrument and I only been playing that for three years so in my spare I gave my guitar. Thx

  • @bowdenmcallister993
    @bowdenmcallister993 3 роки тому +7042

    One of my favourite quotes is “practice for 5 minutes then PLAY for 1 hour” and I live by that!

    • @SilverParatrooper
      @SilverParatrooper 3 роки тому +169

      That’s solid advice man

    • @gm836
      @gm836 3 роки тому +195

      What does that mean? Sorry if I sound stupid.

    • @jakevoss7885
      @jakevoss7885 3 роки тому +951

      @@gm836 you don't sound stupid at all. Practice techniques, scales, modes, licks etc for a little bit and spend the majority of your time playing the instrument: songs, solos. Even if that's just strumming a few chords put together. We all picked up the instrument to play music, not just playing scales

    • @gregbaker6215
      @gregbaker6215 3 роки тому +95

      J Voss
      And that allows the journey to continue, aha moments always come when you let go. You should always try to push your self above your known internal ability. If that makes sense. When the time comes to step up to the plate, you will be glad you challenged what was once beyond what you thought your abilities where. The ZONE... It's where MAJIK happens. Bliss beyond explaination. I think it makes God smile. At least I hope he smiles at all of us. We express our true heart and soul through an instrument that brings inner peace and tranquillity. Along with a lot of other things. It's a life style and that's how it should live it's life.
      🎸🤓🎸🇺🇸☮

    • @joeb3590
      @joeb3590 3 роки тому +83

      For me, this is like, okay, you hear this really badass song on the radio, and your like" imma play it!!!!!" So you look up chords and such and spend about 10 minutes or so doing something I like to call "phunking offt." Then you toss on a backing track ( please check out Dopez Tracks and Elevated Jam Tracks) and you play with yourself for an hour ( not that way kids. With guitar!!) And dude, have fun. It's not a life/death type thing. Have fun!!!

  • @paulxaviercyr
    @paulxaviercyr 3 роки тому +4231

    My advice, especially the teenagers...
    "Go for it!!"
    Don't be shy, don't let others knock you down and take unconstructive criticism with an "F'em" attitude.
    It's ok to make mistakes, it's ok to suck, it's ok to be a beginner.
    Keep practicing, keep playing and just go for it. Let your inspiration run wild.

  • @cw3149
    @cw3149 3 роки тому +316

    *leaves guitar open*
    my cats : “ make sure you pass the tickets to our neighbors .. we’re gonna rockk tonightttt”

    • @shinko1211
      @shinko1211 3 роки тому +15

      god my cats would use it as a litter box

    • @nadiamarie613
      @nadiamarie613 3 роки тому +17

      my kitten literally tries to play mine with his teeth-

    • @giselle5596
      @giselle5596 3 роки тому +6

      You can hang it on your wall

    • @jazzram_
      @jazzram_ 2 роки тому +3

      Wtf 😂

    • @dahliafiend
      @dahliafiend 2 роки тому +5

      My cat learned to play the low E string to get me to feed him. My other cat peed in my guitar case so…this rule is hard for me.

  • @jericowithouth2527
    @jericowithouth2527 3 роки тому +5424

    Ad: Want to learn guitar? Wait don't click ski-
    Me: Skip

    • @ultimategohan3674
      @ultimategohan3674 3 роки тому +22

      F

    • @xxxanxiety69xxx73
      @xxxanxiety69xxx73 3 роки тому +226

      I have gotten that fucking ad so many times

    • @MultiCugel
      @MultiCugel 3 роки тому +60

      I hate those damn people

    • @hassanlamidi1546
      @hassanlamidi1546 3 роки тому +1

      🤣🤣

    • @billy1858
      @billy1858 3 роки тому +5

      im learning with guitar tricks! to be honest ,its pretty good.cost me about £90 for one year on special offer.ive already learnt a bit and it makes me pick up the guitar more often.i dont regret starting it.

  • @airconditioningunit9777
    @airconditioningunit9777 3 роки тому +12749

    1. Don’t keep your guitar in your case. Leave it in the open. Adds motivation
    2. Don’t use tabs. Use your ear.
    3. Practice bends and vibrato
    4. Don’t skip music theory
    5. Set goals and milestones

    • @airconditioningunit9777
      @airconditioningunit9777 3 роки тому +141

      Igo Further no problem

    • @applesyo
      @applesyo 3 роки тому +193

      Air conditioning unit a/c go buuuuurrrr do you go burrrr?

    • @WeeFreeMan78
      @WeeFreeMan78 3 роки тому +38

      Awww, that's so cool of you man \m/

    • @gcar5214
      @gcar5214 3 роки тому +141

      I use tabs and ear, like if i know a little bit of the song I can figure it out myself, idk about musical theorey but I have played many other instruments

    • @gerryattrik4410
      @gerryattrik4410 3 роки тому +306

      I don’t know how people play by ear... at what level does this become possible?

  • @arnoikke
    @arnoikke 2 роки тому +1315

    Timestamps:
    2:02 Instrument ready to play
    3:54 On use of tabs
    7:38 Vibrato and bending
    11:35 Learn you some music theory
    13:42 Set goals
    (somewhat based on post by Air conditioning unit)
    You're welcome

    • @flightnavigator8999
      @flightnavigator8999 Рік тому +9

      Thank you 🙏🏼!!!

    • @user-yp6ef9vu3o
      @user-yp6ef9vu3o Рік тому +7

      I scanned the comments seen this and decided at 1:30 just to skip the whole video 😂✌

    • @rosewurkz
      @rosewurkz Рік тому +3

      Thaaaaaanks🌹

    • @shouryuuken4147
      @shouryuuken4147 2 місяці тому +1

      Wow. What a nothingburger of a video. How do these people get millions of views with this crap? Anyway, thanks for saving me some time.

  • @Metallizombie
    @Metallizombie 2 роки тому +551

    I agree/disagree with tab. If you trust people to pick things up by ear they might not ever get started and give up. Learning that first song or even first thing that sounds like something can be addictive

    • @Feverm00n
      @Feverm00n 2 роки тому +53

      Yeah, if I hadn’t used tabs (well, lyrics with the chord names written above them) I absolutely never would have continued learning the ukulele. I definitely wouldn’t have managed to learn a whole song that way.
      The instruction to only play by ear as a beginner would have destined me to frustrated failure as someone with a lot of auditory processing issues and who has no natural ability to discern one note from another or understanding of even the most basic musical theory (for instance, I needed to show one set of chords to a friend and have him tell me if they seemed even close to the original song because I had literally no idea whether what I was playing even loosely resembled the original song).
      Unless they’re very different, I basically can’t tell the sounds apart, let alone identify them. I’m only juuuuuuuuust starting to make very slow progress on changing that. Since having some songs under my belt, I’ve stumbled upon parts of songs by ear. I never could have done that at the beginning.
      Some people are starting with strengths in different areas. I guess it just goes to show there’s no one-size fits all approach. I ended up just pausing it after that piece of advice cause figured these tips are probably geared toward a certain kind of player who is very different from me lol. More power to the beginners who can just learn songs by ear, though. That’s incredible.

    • @dickvalentinesillegitimate1059
      @dickvalentinesillegitimate1059 2 роки тому +3

      Tabs on help me if it’s a song I REALLY know and love.

    • @vicenteb531
      @vicenteb531 2 роки тому +9

      I learned to play guitar when I was 15 years old (I'm 37 now), and I was lucky to have these official guitar tablature + music sheet books, like all the Hal Leonard, Cherry Lane, etc. Those books are not just tabs like the ones you find in websites, since they have things like the proper names of each music section (chorus, pre chorus, bridge, outro, interlude, etc), chord notation, music sheet for the vocals, and so on. I think you can really learn a lot with that kind of books, but that is not exactly the case when just looking at tabs on the internet.

    • @ohheyemmi
      @ohheyemmi Рік тому +12

      I don't think he's saying "don't ever use tabs" but rather "don't RELY on tabs." So yeah use tab to learn your favorite songs when you start, but if something sounds wrong trust your ear. The goal there being to train your ear so that eventually you CAN pick things up by ear. It would be like an engineering major not learning any real math formulas or theorems because their calculator can get the answer for them. Later on when they are in upper level physics, quantum mechanics, robotics or whatever (I'm not an engineering major idk) or even once they get an engineering job and actually have to solve real world problems, they will be totally lost because they skipped learning the formulas and applications of the formulas and such in favor of just using a fancy calculator for the answers.
      Kind of a long winded metaphor, but I think it mostly tracks. Mostly. Like getting to the point where you've played the song a dozen times but you still have to look at the tab every time before you play it because you used tabs as a crutch. Thats what I got from what he said, but you definitely aren't the only one who commented something similar so I'm probably wrong.
      I hope some of that made sense.

    • @thamrew676
      @thamrew676 Рік тому +5

      @@ohheyemmi Bad example since engineering majors dont have to learn quantum physics and the like, thats for physicists to worry about.
      Engineers still have to have problem solving skills to do their jobs right.
      Source: Uncle's an engineer, brother's an engineer and my classmate's doing engineering.

  • @k4z2K
    @k4z2K 3 роки тому +4872

    "leave your guitar out"
    me being extremely lazy: way ahead of you😏

  • @DalisYn
    @DalisYn 3 роки тому +3612

    Learning by ear is so hard when songs have pedal effects.

    • @whisperscribe
      @whisperscribe 3 роки тому +244

      Its just a ear training obstacle but can be done! Try to focus on the notes being played!

    • @soultheory8441
      @soultheory8441 3 роки тому +51

      Learn theory

    • @masteraxe9238
      @masteraxe9238 3 роки тому +210

      @@soultheory8441 that can only get you so far, you can't change bad ears unfortunately

    • @grigno97
      @grigno97 3 роки тому +123

      What i can recommend and was a game changer for me is this: learn how to recognize a unison interval (two same notes) and sing what you play. Simple single note lines. Then try to recognise intervals as visual and finger shapes (example: the power chord shape, is always a perfect fifth) and sing those intervals. This way you start to naturally recognize the intervals when you hear them, and your fingers will go automatically where they have to when you're learning a song. It's slower than looking at tabs but way more useful in the long run

    • @soultheory8441
      @soultheory8441 3 роки тому +8

      Master Axe92 true, but if you have a little bit of a better understanding of music you can pick things up easier

  • @RolandsDad
    @RolandsDad Рік тому +595

    Self taught for over 20 years, a lot of what is mentioned here is rock solid advice. I will add my own for those who care. Those who sort by "new" I love you. : )
    I began with trash gear and getting ripped off as a kid, took a long time to learn my way around things. Tabs were a godsend, especially once I learned that you actually have a tuning! I trusted my ear and used (and still use) tabs as a great framework and let my ear do the rest. The hardest part was direction. What, when and how should I learn? Good habits and good technique aren't things you know if you are doing until much later down the line. A video or seven might really set you up well, but without a buddy or teacher it can feel a bit weird. If you have a chance to jam with friends, always take it, I've rarely had a bad time and I knew my limits were pretty easy to achieve.
    Absolutely positively use every tool at your disposal like UA-cam, tabs, whatever you stumble across if it's something you're serious about. There's no real "right" way to learn, and self teaching introduces you to all the hard parts faster, I believe. You find the parts that come naturally and the ones that stump you every time. Those are the ones that should be babied in the beginning but really hammered on as you genuinely progress. I had a penchant for things like pinch harmonics and triplets. I really struggled with getting my pinky involved and accurate picking in the early years. I got to a point where that had to be adjusted and focused on that exclusively.
    As for your gear: sometimes you gotta piss with the cock you got. I did for a looooong time, and you will feel like a new amp, guitar or pedal is what you need. In the early stages it absolutely likely isn't so. It might prevent you from a sound you want i.e. a Floyd Rose on an axe or maybe some delay from a pedal, but it becomes very easy to think a new sound will fix or change you. It gives a lot of inspiration but a month later you'll be in the same rut. I hid behind distortion for YEARS until I stuck with acoustic for an extended period. Then I got a tube amp which is unforgiving for mistakes, ditto delay. That screw up will replay until that delay fades out, baby. As you progress you will begin to know without a doubt what it is you want, then you'll reach the plateau of "gear queer" where you will want all the shiney's. It happens to all of us, inevitably. Play with your knobs and tunings and find how you can get a sound you enjoy with what you have.
    Theory, learning your roots and chords will pay dividends as you progress. You'll hear a dude talk about some weird "Dsus7b add3# extra cheese" or whatever and when that makes sense, you're really ahead of us in the game. That's where I am, 20 years later. Don't follow my footsteps and you'll be better.
    The ever so cliché, have fun. If it isn't fun, you'll quit. You're going to suck when you start. Those exciting moments of "I got it!" are key, even if they suck. If you mean it, you'll get over the learning hump quicker than you think. We all sucked in the beginning and played "smoke on the water" on one string. We all hated it. Our fingers hurt and always hit a wall where we wanted to quit. It passes, it gets easier and sometimes a fat break helps. A new tuning, a different location, whatever. I've got some faith. If I can learn, I promise you can. I went almost two years before I knew how to tune a guitar.

    • @KirbySaysBweo
      @KirbySaysBweo Рік тому +13

      Didn't sort by new, just scrolled and read through some comments. I took a beginner guitar class (used classicals w/ nylon strings) in Senior year of high school, dropped guitar after graduating, and picked it up a few months later. Now I've been playing for almost a month (steel string acoustic), and while I remembered a lot from class, I needed to put in extra work to refresh my memory as well as playing on a whole new guitar. This has been some very sound advice, so thank you for the motivation and brief lessons! And goodluck on your journey now that you're on the right track!

    • @RolandsDad
      @RolandsDad Рік тому +2

      @Todo Bien Hell yeah man, glad to help.

    • @aidab7258
      @aidab7258 Рік тому

      Ok. So, suggesting a guitar player to focus on not reading music....so, how is that helpful for anyone who wants to be a professional. You guys have it so wrong.

    • @aidab7258
      @aidab7258 Рік тому +1

      Lol, and, if you have to explain for 2 paragraphs on how to achieve this, I'm turning around. What the fuck??

    • @aidab7258
      @aidab7258 Рік тому

      No.

  • @M66GUS
    @M66GUS 2 роки тому +598

    I’ve been teaching guitar for many years, and I’m also self taught, and I agree with every single point you made.
    I would only add that as a beginner, one shouldn’t force oneself to practice, there is such a thing as bad practice.

    • @gusman412
      @gusman412 2 роки тому +58

      When I started and it was going bad I would put it down and come back. Sometimes we need to reflect and chill. It seemed easy after the break !

    • @Bryt25
      @Bryt25 Рік тому +15

      There is a point for most people whereby practice becomes aversion therapy I think, unless it;'s a piece that really grabs you. My buddy could practice for hours tho and he got very good.

    • @ethanthorpee
      @ethanthorpee Рік тому +1

      how long did it take you to play comfortably?

    • @M66GUS
      @M66GUS Рік тому +15

      @@ethanthorpee About a year, if memory serves. I started aged 13 in 1976, started with Bert Weedon's 'Play In A Day' book, but learned to use my ears.
      Two live albums helped me immensely, Status Quo's Quo Live and Thin Lizzy's Live & Dangerous. On both those albums, the two guitars were panned left and right, so I would turn say the left channel down and figure out what the right-sided guitar was playing, then turn him down and play with the band!

    • @damagedgoods143
      @damagedgoods143 Рік тому +1

      i wanted to learn how to play a guitar, is it good to start with a stratocaster as my first guitar or should i start with a regular acoustic guitar?
      ps. sorry for my stupid question i’m just scared to spend a lot on my money😭

  • @frit6646
    @frit6646 3 роки тому +1154

    him: "don‘t skip music theory"
    the ad under the video: "skip guitar theory - do THIS instead"

    • @wididididididi8693
      @wididididididi8693 3 роки тому +35

      Omg I thought I was the only one. It's really confusing when you hear the one thing and then hear the opposite of said thing.

    • @MetalMarauder
      @MetalMarauder 3 роки тому +50

      @@wididididididi8693 pro tip: “guitar teacher” apps you see ads for on UA-cam don’t have any vested interest in you getting any good at guitar. there’s no incentive. What they want is more app downloads, so their way of accomplishing that is telling you what you wanna hear: “guitar is easy! you don’t need theory! you can be a rock star by next week!”
      they want you to download it impulsively but the reality is guitar’s not something you can learn impulsively. It IS hard, you SHOULD learn theory, and getting good takes a LONG time, but it’s all worth doing IF and only IF you’re passionate enough to see it through.

    • @villusive
      @villusive 2 роки тому

      😂

    • @paradiddle5150
      @paradiddle5150 2 роки тому

      😆 😂

    • @teriakamoto
      @teriakamoto 2 роки тому +4

      @@wididididididi8693 Don't believe everything you hear, and only half of what you see.

  • @parabellum_1049
    @parabellum_1049 3 роки тому +1127

    Best quote: "plus, guitars are COOL. Why wouldn't you wanna have one in your room"
    That's gold

    • @nehemiahzo_
      @nehemiahzo_ 3 роки тому +2

      What’s cool about guitar to guys and girls:
      Guys: Sick shreds, sick rhythm, music memes
      Girls: Acoustic strumming, ambient, indie, dream pop, *callused fingers*

    • @user-oq5ox1tq3g
      @user-oq5ox1tq3g 3 роки тому +50

      @@nehemiahzo_ that's nonsense

    • @turockoelysiumtank9790
      @turockoelysiumtank9790 3 роки тому

      @@user-oq5ox1tq3g I DISAGREE

    • @brqe
      @brqe 3 роки тому

      Nehemiah Zo bro I have calloused fingers... and I’ve been trying to play my favorite songs for me and my family ;-;

    • @andyjc9535
      @andyjc9535 3 роки тому +4

      @@nehemiahzo_ girls just like attractive dudes who can hold a guitar. of course im generalizing here

  • @nateballfr
    @nateballfr 3 роки тому +115

    1. Leave guitar out to play - you practice more and want to play it. Also guitars look sick.
    2. Don’t rely on guitar tabs - use your ears.
    3. Use UA-cam to your advantage - watch great artists to find the emotion and story around what they are playing.
    4. Practice your bends and vibrato.
    5. Don’t skip over music theory - major scales, notes of fretboard, triads, and caged system.
    6. Set goals and milestones.

  • @pen9103
    @pen9103 3 роки тому +127

    I tried playing with my ear, but found it much easier to use my hands.

  • @ahabrawgaming1289
    @ahabrawgaming1289 3 роки тому +4485

    Here is a little challenge for beginners, try to play "happy birthday" song without looking it up online on how to play it
    just try to figure it out by yourself by experminating on your guitar, if you manage to do it...then think about it what else can you play? I know this sound silly but this will train your brain, ears and your left hand fingers on how to start playing songs by just listening to them.

    • @chillynilly7046
      @chillynilly7046 3 роки тому +115

      I'm finna do that

    • @eklecticskeptic
      @eklecticskeptic 3 роки тому +239

      This is not a lie! I actually managed to do this just trying to hear it out. Thanks for the pick me up.

    • @not.valentina
      @not.valentina 3 роки тому +153

      or the spongebob closing theme song once you’ve figured out the hbd song :) when i was barely starting out, i tried it and it was a fun challenge. plus it’s also a cool tune to play/showoff💀

    • @soup7917
      @soup7917 3 роки тому +53

      Genuinely some really good advice, not just for the guitar but for any instrument too

    • @heyyouthere551
      @heyyouthere551 3 роки тому +88

      I didn’t realize I could even do this, I sold myself so short. I’ve been playing guitar for 3 weeks now and my niece’s 4th birthday was last week so I decided to learn it for her. It took me about an hour but I was shocked that my ear was actually okay enough to know what sounded right and what didn’t. This was HUGE for me, my confidence skyrocketed.

  • @Alexios_CV
    @Alexios_CV 3 роки тому +3528

    Dont obsess over learning the guitar. Play something you love on it and the rest follow

    • @practicerepo
      @practicerepo 3 роки тому +77

      I agree for sure. 110%

    • @yobrethren
      @yobrethren 3 роки тому +44

      Mfw the best i can play is Pink Matter(Frank Ocean) and a few stupid melodies;_;
      It's just so hard to play something more than one and a half strumming pattern on a couple o' chords progression, i can't even consistently switch barres and sum chords😪

    • @katherineespinozamontoya7567
      @katherineespinozamontoya7567 3 роки тому +26

      @@yobrethren don’t worry you will get there! Don’t give up

    • @FoxenPiano
      @FoxenPiano 3 роки тому +62

      I would say that this is bad advice that would lead to a lot of people hamstringing their progression.

    • @xenixpro
      @xenixpro 3 роки тому +3

      So true. I started learning Eagles songs, which made me better.

  • @geraldaugustus739
    @geraldaugustus739 Рік тому +183

    These are all great tips for someone who is starting out incredibly dedicated to the craft of learning guitar. But I taught guitar for many years (also after many years of being self taught), and the biggest hurdle for most starting guitar players is managing that commitment. Keeping the guitar out is a great nod to this, but some of this advice is actually terrible for that. The biggest one is, beginners should ABSOLUTELY use tabs if it helps them learn a song that they'll WANT to practice. Most people starting out wont have the ears to just "pick stuff up", so when you reinforce the idea that that's something beginners SHOULD be able to do, then when someone can't it immediately sends the message "well I guess I'm not talented enough/good enough/musical enough to play guitar", and 9 times out of 10 they quit. To any beginners, THAT'S NOT TRUE. If you can't learn your current favourite song by just listening and plucking around, OF FUCKING COURSE YOU CANT. Get a tab, get a friend who kinda knows it, watch youtube (which rhett does suggest). Do whatever it takes to learn the thing that you'll ENJOY practicing. Should you also try plucking things out by ear? Of course! And as you develop your ears and that skill you'll likely find it super rewarding and may end up writing some tab corrections yourself! But the messaging that if you don't do that you're learning guitar wrong is terrible. Also, forget about theory and vibrato when you're starting. I learned theory 2-3 years into playing and tbh, it was perfect timing. I understood enough about playing that the theory mapped onto the guitar in a way that had so many "oooooh, that's why" moments and made learning it really rewarding. I'm not arguing the relevance and benefits of working on vibrato and theory, rather saying, if you're here trying to get tips on how to get started out teaching yourself guitar, those things are not where you start.

    • @ohheyemmi
      @ohheyemmi Рік тому +4

      Thats literally what he said....
      He said don't *RELY* on tabs, not "dont ever use tabs." So if you're reading a tab but it *sounds* wrong to you, trust your ear. Yes that is going to take time, thats why he said its "something thats worth starting to work on early in your guitar playing career." He goes on to say that some people get to the point where they can't play a song without looking at tabs first, even if you know the song or how it goes or whatever. He is correct in that learning to read music early on in your guitar career is going to be massively beneficial, especially if you plan on playing with anyone else because tabs are guitar specific. No other instrument uses tabs. He never, EVER said "if you use tab you're learning guitar wrong." Its really bizarre to me that THAT is the message you got from this seeing as you're both saying the same thing regarding tabs. Idk why you seem so angry.
      He also didn't say "YOU CAN ONLY USE MUSIC THEORY FOR LEARNING AND YOU MUST KNOW EVERYTHING RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING." He said, "don't IGNORE theory." Immediately after he says you should learn a couple scales. Then he talked about triads, which is basically just learning chords. Those are the only two music theory bits he suggested you "don't skip."
      Anyway, hope you feel better.

    • @geraldaugustus739
      @geraldaugustus739 Рік тому +10

      @@ohheyemmi Weirdest white knighting I've ever seen. Thank god you're here. You saved the channel. From my counterpoints. Great work.

    • @geraldaugustus739
      @geraldaugustus739 Рік тому +2

      @@ohheyemmi While also completely misunderstanding the dichotomy I was drawing.

    • @TheCptMojo
      @TheCptMojo Рік тому +5

      @@geraldaugustus739 I'm a month late and I completely agree with you

    • @dracodaym715
      @dracodaym715 5 місяців тому +1

      Completely agree with u on using tabs. He’s really overestimating a beginners ability to listen to a song and hear the different chords being played. Some beginners don’t even know what an A minor chord is, so how r they supposed to improvise a song when they don’t know the basics. Nd like u said, when they can’t do it, it’ll discourage them and cause them to quit before they really even give it a shot.

  • @martinwise9705
    @martinwise9705 2 роки тому +9

    Rhett I've been playing over 50 years and I love listening to you because you know what you are talking about. Thank you for all of the great advice.

  • @5-sf
    @5-sf 3 роки тому +2115

    "Try that bend on your first finger" *acoustic players start crying*

    • @lily_rose_
      @lily_rose_ 3 роки тому +113

      I got calluses so fast though lol

    • @fitchyyboi
      @fitchyyboi 3 роки тому +32

      lily bruh same im 5 days in

    • @lily_rose_
      @lily_rose_ 3 роки тому +78

      Andrew F. hahaha good luck with it. I lost feeling in my fingertips on day 3 lol but I was literally playing for a solid 8 hours at a time.

    • @jettmommyA
      @jettmommyA 3 роки тому +42

      @@lily_rose_ how? this is my third day and my fingers are sore and they hurt so bad so i can't even play my guitar anymore. :( ... any advise?

    • @lily_rose_
      @lily_rose_ 3 роки тому +100

      Roomisa Abid just keep playing the pain goes away in like 2 weeks u get used to it. Play for like 15 minutes and take a break for like 30 minutes. I just obsessively played for hours and I’m pretty sure I screwed up my nerve endings or something lol. Just keep playing it’s worth it.

  • @chzzyg2698
    @chzzyg2698 3 роки тому +836

    When learning how to play, don't get overwhelmed(take one lesson at a time), and don't let peers pressure you into thinking you have to be a natural Hendrix right out of the starting gate.

    • @TheNinnyfee
      @TheNinnyfee 3 роки тому +45

      Usually people who don't play guitar put on way more pressure, e.g. parents or people who want free music from you. But you are right, nobody should put on pressure. Guitar is an instrument you should choose because you love it.

    • @johnharvey4448
      @johnharvey4448 3 роки тому +13

      This reminds of people who go to do weight training and think It's about about how much weight one can lift in relation to others. It Isn't.

    • @suicidalloafofbread2009
      @suicidalloafofbread2009 3 роки тому +7

      I don't even own a guitar and I'm overwhelmed. The more I look into it, the more stressful everything relating to guitars seems, especially when compared to the instruments that I do play.

    • @chzzyg2698
      @chzzyg2698 3 роки тому +5

      @@suicidalloafofbread2009 Think of it as a game like Magic The Gathering. You can dabble with it, be pretty good playing it, or you can be the divisional champ at it. No matter how good you are it's always played for fun. Okay, that metaphor kinda sucks, it's just a play thing that you mess with for fun like any instrument.

  • @grene1955
    @grene1955 2 роки тому +5

    another of the best videos you have ever produced! I have been playing guitar for a lot of years, and I benefited from this. Not only good for beginners, but a good reminder for all of us! Keep up the great work!

  • @princessbeauty7989
    @princessbeauty7989 3 роки тому +8

    This is some of the best advice i have heard on UA-cam. My dad is a musician and he has been playing since he was 18, he is now 52 and he learned by ear. Learning by ear is the best way you can possibly learn guitar, because you can understand your instrument alot better if you learn it, instead of looking up tabs and just looking at sheet music. So thank you for giving out this advice.

  • @nehemiahzo_
    @nehemiahzo_ 3 роки тому +3030

    1. Pick a genre
    2. Study that genre
    3. Practice guitar concepts of that genre.

    • @kiri4186
      @kiri4186 3 роки тому +40

      Metal! I want to djent but my strings aren't for low tones.

    • @flamecrew9atroblox958
      @flamecrew9atroblox958 3 роки тому +9

      I do all

    • @supernoah71
      @supernoah71 3 роки тому +61

      Number 1. reminds me of this: "Put me in the Eagles and I wouldn't know what to do." - Tony Iommi

    • @cron6435
      @cron6435 3 роки тому +61

      it's better to not stick with one genre

    • @nehemiahzo_
      @nehemiahzo_ 3 роки тому +2

      soup I never said you had to pick just one 🗿

  • @romaholcomb7768
    @romaholcomb7768 3 роки тому +738

    My problem is I can't put my guitar down, lol. I've been practicing for 4 months, and I'm always happy. Love y'all.

    • @Cris18Martinez
      @Cris18Martinez 3 роки тому +54

      lol haha yeah Ive been playing for about 2 and a half months, the first month it was annoying cause my fingers were horrible unconditioned for chord shapes and pressing the strings down but now it’s getting fun.

    • @nehemiahzo_
      @nehemiahzo_ 3 роки тому +6

      Love you too lmao 💕💝

    • @chandraabudiman
      @chandraabudiman 3 роки тому +15

      @@Cris18Martinez i just bought my first guitar today. How do u learn to play? Tutorials? I really don't know where to start and the step by step on how to learn

    • @andrewlankarge1966
      @andrewlankarge1966 3 роки тому +12

      @@chandraabudiman Check out Justin Guitar!

    • @stevescuba1978
      @stevescuba1978 3 роки тому +17

      @@chandraabudiman I just got a friend started...
      Learn 3 chords (I suggest D, A, G) and then start trying different strumming patterns. At the same time, learn a scale or two (most seem to start with the A minor pentatonic). Practice those for AT LEAST 5-10 minutes EVERY DAY. Once you can nail those chords and that scale, add a chord (C, E) and a new scale (major scale) and practice those for AT LEAST 5-10 minutes EVERY DAY. Then learn F and B (and the other Barre chords)...AT LEAST 5-10 minutes EVERY DAY.

  • @kc_sunshine
    @kc_sunshine 9 місяців тому +3

    been a teacher on and off for twenty years, and this is the best advice i've seen in one place. well thought out and well put.

  • @jimboilard1764
    @jimboilard1764 2 роки тому +40

    I'm 59 and started playing in '76. There wasn't much tab in the 70s at all and it was mostly wrong. Everyone learned songs by ear. We wore out LPs and tapes trying to figure out stuff. One way we developed the skill for figuring out songs was to play along with the radio. You had 3 minutes to figure it out and then you were off to the next song. After a while you get pretty good at it. Now we have all of these great tools at our disposal, UA-cam, Spotify, PCs, lots of tabs, etc. I still try to learn songs by ear first, tab second, UA-cam third, if I'm having a hard time. Also, play with other people. This is very important. Another trick is to play a note and then sing it while playing it. Provides major reinforcement.

  • @isaacsanchezcomedy
    @isaacsanchezcomedy 3 роки тому +320

    Hey I’m 14 and I’m teaching myself with tabs too! And I’m sitting on my bed with my guitar on my lap!

    • @timscarrow9151
      @timscarrow9151 3 роки тому +56

      I'm 54 and have been playing since I was 10 and I ain't famous But I love having a guitar to hold I could never give them up.

    • @icephonex
      @icephonex 3 роки тому +7

      How does it go? What tools are you using to learn?

    • @paulcooper5748
      @paulcooper5748 3 роки тому +6

      @@timscarrow9151 Same.

    • @suhanichatterjee6740
      @suhanichatterjee6740 3 роки тому +11

      lol im 14 too and same thing

    • @kieliton-vh6rx
      @kieliton-vh6rx 3 роки тому +4

      Same man execpt ive got no experience

  • @EduardoLopez-bl6gj
    @EduardoLopez-bl6gj 3 роки тому +423

    practicing guitar standing up is also really helpful

    • @kerrykroger7323
      @kerrykroger7323 3 роки тому +28

      I can honestly not play well sitting down... I started playing sitting, then performing Standing now I can't play seated anymore... I also never had You Tube or any other videos to learn, I had books and Fake Books and Tablature and Score, I can't read "Score" as it pertains to the notes on the guitar... But I can read them for TIMING I never could read tab unless I had the song to hear...

    • @paparuffy406
      @paparuffy406 3 роки тому +62

      As I never plan to perform, I’ve always played sitting. Also I didn’t start playing until after I had been injured by an IED. I don’t stand well for periods of time now so even if I wanted to, it’s out of the question.
      Not meant for pity, playing guitar has helped me move on in life past thinking about life pre-injury. Helped with PTSD immensely as well.

    • @phillippickett6540
      @phillippickett6540 3 роки тому +13

      Papa Ruffy Cool Papa. Play how you like and how you can. Just play! Thanks for your service.

    • @dancalifone4557
      @dancalifone4557 3 роки тому +5

      If you adjust your strap to the same height sitting as it is when you’re standing, playing either way feels the exact same 👍

    • @msenecal
      @msenecal 3 роки тому +11

      I learned this the hard way. I had a complicated solo nailed while I practiced sitting down. I was shocked when I was standing on stage and couldn't reach the notes as fast. This threw off my timing and ruined the solo. Stand up for what's important to you.

  • @rickybgoode9078
    @rickybgoode9078 2 роки тому +3

    New fan, 65yo beginner, and you hit the nail on the head right out of the box. Leave your guitar out and visible!!! I could NOT agree more. This one thing has made a huge difference for me. I still suck due to physical limitations but, I have learned so much. Because of people like you, I pick up my guitar several times a day and learn something new. Thanks Rhett

  • @thedevine1628
    @thedevine1628 2 роки тому +47

    This is fantastic advice. Practice is everything. I’ve spent the past 3ish years just trying to get better by learning songs and solos. In this I’ve completely neglected my technique. I’m now focusing on a rigorous practice routine, focusing on speed, dexterity, and overall cleanliness, and rewarding myself with playing songs afterwards. It’s made learning easier, and playing much more sarisfying

    • @teriakamoto
      @teriakamoto 2 роки тому

      Amen. I definitely relate. You're on the right track. I totally get the reward thing.Dollars to Donuts that your laying is improving greatly.

  • @mikeaustin4138
    @mikeaustin4138 3 роки тому +707

    Scales are important; so are arpeggios. Arpeggios, combined with "short" scale phrases, are extremely useful for introducing variety into your playing.

    • @JMartinDA
      @JMartinDA 3 роки тому +7

      any video recommendations on how this would sound like or this method being taught?

    • @B0K1T0
      @B0K1T0 3 роки тому +3

      @@JMartinDA Rick Beato mentioned this in his videos for example (and also in his book).

    • @mathlfr
      @mathlfr 3 роки тому

      short scale phases do you mean like pocket octaves?

    • @idontwant2beasoldiermama241
      @idontwant2beasoldiermama241 3 роки тому

      @George Sander
      I don't know man, hope it helped ;)

    • @animonke5481
      @animonke5481 3 роки тому

      @Peter Martins The first, third and fifth notes in a scale. This is why theory is so important

  • @ge45gecalled39
    @ge45gecalled39 3 роки тому +205

    being 74 and just starting out and knowing nothing, just got my Epiphone Limited Edition Peter Frampton Les Paul Custom PRO Electric Guitar today and that has given me the wanting to succeed, where would you have me to start, plus want to read music, was listening to Peter Frampton and it's the first time of hearing a guitar axially sing, couldn't believe my ears, not a word was sung all guitar, Wow, how sweet it was, that's my inspiration, in 30 years or so, Lol well head me off in the right direction, take care, have fun and be happy, George

    • @graphicartdude
      @graphicartdude 3 роки тому +8

      That's inspiring George. Frampton could make his guitar sing, I agree.

  • @popogejo7245
    @popogejo7245 2 роки тому +3

    Rhett going back to these older vidios you've done is NEVER a disappointment! You are a master for the ages, this sh-t is timeless, and so point on.
    I came in the back door, (so to speak) got interested in playing building guitars for my kids! You and Billy Sheehan have been my motivators. Yes, I know, two totally different styles, but both class acts as motivators and teachers

  • @jshphysicistatyahoo
    @jshphysicistatyahoo Рік тому +1

    Thank you for this video Rhett. Few instructors put out videos on this subject but you were inventive enough to come up with something this unique. I look forward to your further videos as I'm a big fan.

  • @august9855
    @august9855 3 роки тому +422

    I can confirm that having your guitar on the wall or on a stand will make you play more. I have mine on the wall by my bed and whenever I can't sleep I pick it up and play something, it doesn't matter if it's 2am and I have school the next day or if I'm just going to bed and have a lot of energy.

    • @willixm2520
      @willixm2520 3 роки тому +3

      I learnt to play the violin for 6 years and bcuz of the humidity in the air it's bad to leave it exposed and having to take it out of the case every time really killed my motivation. I'm getting into guitar and I'm gonna buy my first one in a week so yeah I'm not gonna leave it in a case unless I need to take it somewhere else, a friend of mine who plays guitar lended me one that he doesn't use and I've been practicing on it since then (like 2 days ago) and I'm pretty stoked to get my own :D

    • @fitchyyboi
      @fitchyyboi 3 роки тому +1

      Joseph Oakwood more like puppy eyes 🥺🥺🥺

    • @fitchyyboi
      @fitchyyboi 3 роки тому +1

      Guilherme Gaspar yoo how you doing??

    • @willixm2520
      @willixm2520 3 роки тому

      @@fitchyyboi I ve been doing pretty well i think, I've had my own guitar for a month now and have been learning a lot of stuff. I can tell you a lot of skill translates from the violin to the guitar so it was not hard for me to get the hang of it. I've got a teacher who I've met before and has been helping a lot, not only on the technical part of playing guitar but also a lot of music theory I didn't really need before (on the classical scene) but which is very useful now which is good so yeah it's been fun.

    • @fitchyyboi
      @fitchyyboi 3 роки тому

      Guilherme Gaspar Nice mate!

  • @druwk
    @druwk 3 роки тому +345

    Concentrate on playing accurately, in time. Not necessarily with a metronome, but tapping out steady time. If a part hangs you up, slow down the whole piece/part/line until you can play it smoothly. Playing smoothly, without anxiety about weather you have “enough time” to make a change, play a line, etc. allows you to work up tempo while concentrating on accuracy. Practice makes permanent, not perfect. Practicing a part accurately builds muscle memory, which then allows you to play forget about form (because it’s already locked into your hands), and work on expression.

    • @nonaaame550
      @nonaaame550 3 роки тому +2

      Well said

    • @Lamo2100
      @Lamo2100 3 роки тому

      Excellent Point!

    • @rangerdoc1029
      @rangerdoc1029 3 роки тому +1

      I had no idea how bad my timing was until I first tried to play along with a backing track. The beat is everything.

    • @phillippickett6540
      @phillippickett6540 3 роки тому

      Thanks for that advice!

    • @soultheory8441
      @soultheory8441 3 роки тому +2

      I think a metronome is definitely perfect for improving tempo

  • @jasong4879
    @jasong4879 2 роки тому +11

    Love this list! I only wish I started bends and vibrato earlier in my playing journey. Also, I remember the confidence I got after admitting to myself that tabs are often wrong and my ear was often right! Train your ear! Trust your ear!!

  • @knutefenstad
    @knutefenstad Рік тому +4

    Very well articulated. Hard to find a guitarist that can verbalize what he's doing as well. I've been looking for awhile. You hit the high note! 🎶 Thanx.

  • @davidnuckols8151
    @davidnuckols8151 3 роки тому +114

    I wish I could have heard this when in was 21. I'm 68 now. Between You and Rick Beato I've learned more about music in the last year than I've ever had.

  • @prodityl
    @prodityl 3 роки тому +326

    I just started teaching myself to play guitar and I must say it's really overwhelming and hard... but watching your videos for beginners really do give me a good feeling I can achieve it and also kind of take away the fear. Thanks, Rhett !

    • @wmgreen00
      @wmgreen00 3 роки тому +14

      You got this! I started playing 3 years ago and its one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! I’ve been playing drums since I was 11 but something about playing guitar is special! Good luck in your journey!

    • @jperryfan
      @jperryfan 3 роки тому +5

      Devote some time to trying to learn by ear. Devote a lot of time having fun and writing your own stuff.

    • @stephenabshire1960
      @stephenabshire1960 3 роки тому +9

      picking up my guitar again at 62 was the best decision i ever made. i barely knew how to play before. after 21/2 years of playing i now have 4 guitars ( and love all but 1) and went from playing 40 min. a day to playing as much as i possibly can every day. and loving it. just don't quit it only gets better and better steve abshire ps i have also written a number of songs already don't quit

    • @dankay7982
      @dankay7982 3 роки тому +5

      One step at a time. One day it clicks and it all falls in place. You got this!

    • @chandraabudiman
      @chandraabudiman 3 роки тому +5

      I just bought my first guitar today. How do u learn? Tutorials? I really dont know where to start. If u can share ur learning source that would be amazing

  • @fallsarian5371
    @fallsarian5371 3 роки тому +1

    The point of always having your guitar, stand-in-front was spot on. Accessibility is crucial, right on man!

  • @brandonirving5014
    @brandonirving5014 2 роки тому

    Finally found an experienced guitarist who's honest and truly teaches the audience what main factors lead to success when playing the guitar, thank you sir.

  • @animonke5481
    @animonke5481 3 роки тому +469

    Once you have learnt one instrument, regardless of how related they are, it's a lot easier to learn another. I'm an alto saxophonist and learning guitar is going a lot quicker than my first instrument. Learning also gets a lot smoother (not necessarily quicker but a lot less laborious) the further you get with any instrument.

    • @spaghettieata
      @spaghettieata 2 роки тому +16

      i agree! guitar helped me a lot with piano, it felt like the exact same thing

    • @Bryt25
      @Bryt25 Рік тому +2

      True and all the woodwind have the same main 6 finger positions and reed pressures, even double reeds.

    • @justray8841
      @justray8841 Рік тому +2

      Same but I play trumpet :)

    • @Gxafnmmgvgg
      @Gxafnmmgvgg Рік тому +1

      Same here I played alto sax for a while and it's def helped me learn guitar faster

    • @migelgekiere8207
      @migelgekiere8207 Рік тому +3

      I play the drums...

  • @Rustyjamesman
    @Rustyjamesman 3 роки тому +53

    that first tip is such a good one, I literally just pick up my guitar all the time and play it even for just a few minutes

  • @mate53
    @mate53 3 роки тому +163

    14:59 Learning what fingers should go where and not getting into a bad finger placing habits was something I struggled with early on. I would use my index and pinky alone to create a 3 string power chord, not realizing it would hurt me down the road when it came to making more complicated chord shapes or even making power chords sound more clean, etc.

    • @hunterprice3320
      @hunterprice3320 2 роки тому +5

      I'm actually just now trying using three fingers for power chords. They sound much cleaner that way and I think it helps down the road too. But I still enjoy doing just 2 fingers sometimes like Kurt Cobain tho lol.

    • @dickvalentinesillegitimate1059
      @dickvalentinesillegitimate1059 2 роки тому +2

      This is the road I am going down and I need to practice more finger exercises. I am currently only using my index and pinky and I know that’s wrong

  • @DiabloVash55
    @DiabloVash55 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you for this! I liked that you included music definitions and samples! Your style sounds amazing!

  • @supadumi5489
    @supadumi5489 3 роки тому +78

    I still remember trying to learn the Skyrim theme on guitar by ear, another classmate learnt from tabs and would complain that how i did it was wrong. Learning by ear is fun, even if you aren't fully replicating what you're hearing. don't let perfectionists and elitists ruin your fun.

    • @teriakamoto
      @teriakamoto 2 роки тому +4

      Tell your classmate to do him (or her), and just do you. There is no perfect formula for learning as everyone is different and have different agendas.Take the positives and the obvious and apply them. Practice as much as you feel necessary. It's a process. Have fun. It's not a competition sport. Enjoy-

  • @-uniqueamari
    @-uniqueamari 3 роки тому +51

    Shoutout to all my beginners for guitar we got this keep goinggg❤️

    • @cdubb2k
      @cdubb2k Рік тому

      I wonder if you still play lol

  • @bitterrsweet1616
    @bitterrsweet1616 2 роки тому

    i wanna say that the leaving your guitar on display at all times really works. i fell out of playing my electric because i was super unmotivated (due to lack of progress for a lot of reasons) but when i got that stand and left it out-it was like a whole new world for me. the guitar itself is just beautiful so i loved to look at it, but it _made_ me pick it up because i was able to admire it everytime i walked in the room.

  • @heikedegoede7236
    @heikedegoede7236 2 роки тому

    I felt like my journey to learn the instrument was losing speed- these tips gave me a new insight and I'm so pumped to just do a little bit each day. The progress will come with time and consistency.

  • @redmed10
    @redmed10 3 роки тому +169

    Learn a bit of piano at the same time. When you see a chord or scale on the piano it makes more sense straight away with keyboard layout than a guitar fretboard which shall we say is not so linear.

    • @Spongebob-lf5dn
      @Spongebob-lf5dn 3 роки тому +14

      I'm glad I bought a keyboard. It helps with referencing pitch and rhythm. Its like a loop pedal too so I can accompany myself.

    • @nternetrat
      @nternetrat 3 роки тому +6

      oh shit that's a really good tip! I always turned my nose up to piano but i might give it a shot lol

  • @jrenaud22
    @jrenaud22 3 роки тому +64

    Additional tip: Get your guitar set up by a professional luthier. I always thought that was for "good" guitar players of which I certainly am not one. After 10 years of being stuck in the beginner stage, I've recently decided I'm going to follow an online course from the very beginning and stick to it. While learning scales, my cheap guitar's high action was becoming very frustrating so I decided to take it to a small guitar shop for a professional setup. WOW, for $49 I feel like I now own a much higher end guitar. And the dude spent so much time explaining guitar stuff to me. I have so much more confidence now when I practice. I can't believe I didn't do that 10 years ago.

    • @timscarrow9151
      @timscarrow9151 3 роки тому +6

      Pro TIP Learn to work on your own fuckin guitar guys.

    • @RimshotKiller
      @RimshotKiller 3 роки тому +2

      I'd have to agree for a complete beginner picking up guitar for the first time. If you are in that position, then get it set up by somebody who knows what they are doing, and if possible have them explain it to you. However, setting up your guitar, i.e. changing strings, adjusting action, neck curvature and intonation is something every guitar player should be able to do on their own after a while. It is really easy (if a bit tedious at times) but working on your instrument really gives you a better feeling for what it does for you and how you can finetune it to meet your personal taste/style of play. Also, saves money in the long run :p

  • @TheGhuru
    @TheGhuru 2 роки тому

    Great advice Rhett! Thanks so much for making great content for us!

  • @ZackAttackYouTube
    @ZackAttackYouTube Рік тому +1

    Just need to mention that your entire setup is very very impressive. Your mic is very crisp and the video aesthetics are so nice

  • @Mylifeandfriends101
    @Mylifeandfriends101 3 роки тому +7

    Been learning in quarantine n the best thing that's keeping me motivated is having one of my friends giving me tips and sending videos of him playing too, as well as looking at tutorials on UA-cam and playing in front of my family, its nice to see them smile even in these hard times

  • @lilyskindasilly
    @lilyskindasilly 3 роки тому +94

    This video helped me a ton. When you start off with the guitar, you should start where you feel most comfortable. People can’t tell you what to do, they can only tell you what’s best. I’ve been playing the guitar for less than a month now (3 weeks and 5 days). Some things I did for myself was making goals for myself, watching UA-cam to help me, and having fun. NEVER feel like your pressured to learn it quick because somebody told you that they did. I learned some chords, learned a few string songs, and just kinda did my own thing. Just by doing what made me comfortable is what made me into a not so bad guitar player. It doesn’t matter how long you practice for each day, it’s about if your having fun and learning new things while your practicing :) hope this helped anybody who is having a hard time with guitar or just wanted some inspiration.

  • @jeffwickermusic134
    @jeffwickermusic134 3 роки тому

    Thank you Rhett, this was really helpful. I enjoy your videos very much. It is greatly appreciated!
    😎👍

  • @featherthorn3380
    @featherthorn3380 10 місяців тому +1

    I thank you for this Rhett! I'll try my best to actually implement them into my playing!

  • @sundialmusicproductions2346
    @sundialmusicproductions2346 3 роки тому +69

    Agree: learning "by ear" has served me well over for almost 50 years, now. Learning The Beatles catalog was my building-blocks for future song learning.

    • @Adam-mv4nz
      @Adam-mv4nz 3 роки тому +2

      Hello there so i've been playing for like 4 days now and i find the A chord very hard to play mainly because my fingers can't all fit and my question is the following: is it normal in the beginning or am i just not doing it right i would really appreciate your help since you've been playing for so long.

    • @sundialmusicproductions2346
      @sundialmusicproductions2346 3 роки тому +5

      @@Adam-mv4nz Hello: for only 4 days, you are doing great! I think that I could only play maybe an abbreviated G-C-D in my first week. So don't worry too much about A-chord (or Bb or B) for now, it will come eventually. Also try your three smallest fingers, which will come in handy for easier transitions to either Bb or B chord. Rock n' roll songs in the key of A- (there are MANY), if you look in videos at the way the guitar players 'cheat' (me included - LOL), we usually just 'bar' our first finger across the 2nd fret (4th-3rd-2rd strings, deaden the 1st string). Then when you move from A (root) to D (5th or dominant), you can again either leave out the 1st string or let it ring open (D9), which is used in countless songs, even though they will write 'D' chord in those popular online chord-song sites: don't believe everything you read there. Watch the artist in their videos to see HOW they play the chords...that will show you the true way to do it, IMO.

    • @timscarrow9151
      @timscarrow9151 3 роки тому +1

      WORD! That was my inspiration to play in the first place .Johnny and his "all my loving" guitar part.

    • @johnharvey4448
      @johnharvey4448 3 роки тому +1

      @@Adam-mv4nz I think it is normal to find the A chord very hard to play for the reason you stated that your fingers can't all fit. I remember being the same regards that chord. Spaces between frets are not particularly wide really. Mr.P's suggestion seems good - giving the using of your three smallest fingers, instead of the more standard way A is played. I'm not even sure my fingers all fit when it comes to the A chord after 30 years yet somehow it sounds ok.

    • @Adam-mv4nz
      @Adam-mv4nz 3 роки тому

      @@johnharvey4448 thank you that's what i figured after practicing for so long

  • @coreydavison4971
    @coreydavison4971 3 роки тому +54

    Jam with people that are farther along than yourself. You can possibly learn months of different things in a much shorter time frame.

    • @sc3ku
      @sc3ku 3 роки тому +1

      Agreed - this has been so true in other areas for me (rock climbing, for instance). In any activity - working with more experienced people will get you to improve so SO much faster

    • @babwaffles
      @babwaffles 3 роки тому

      This can apply to any skill really

    • @kerrykroger7323
      @kerrykroger7323 3 роки тому

      "Sitting in" is a great way to learn, if you don't have anyone to jam with try getting some backing tracks (lots on you tube or Jam Kazam) and "Sit in" with those...

    • @joeb3590
      @joeb3590 3 роки тому

      @@kerrykroger7323 to piggyback off you kind human, look up Elevated Jam Tracks and dopez tracks. Also learn slide.

  • @Plug_Art
    @Plug_Art 3 роки тому +94

    8:01 gollyyyyy. Brought a tear to ny eyes 😩

  • @TheDantheman12121
    @TheDantheman12121 Рік тому +3

    It feels so amazing to figure something out on your own. I was trying to play the intro solo type thing from bat out of hell and I realised that instead of changing to a different fret it actually just stays in same fret and bends the string to make the higher note. I am a newbie so don't kill because I did not use the right terms lol.

  • @johnk7093
    @johnk7093 3 роки тому +70

    in 86 when I started learning I tried to pick out notes on songs. found a note and everytime it was played I would play it... next time, would add another note, soon I was hitting 7-8 notes in row.. then like you said, find out what that note was then I would write them down, and learn it.... later when I was in Music Theory class in College I went back to my "notebook" and figured out what scale they were in. really helped in leaning what was where.... and always did finger exercises... 1,2,3,4 then skip a string and play 4,3,2,1 so on.. then would skip fingers and strings 1,3 next string 2,4 and so on.then move up one fret and do the same thing. Training my fingers to go places I wanted them to.
    Great Vid Rhett, will be checking out your live stream for sure.
    Cheers from Montana

    • @1337million
      @1337million 3 роки тому +2

      That is exactly how a student orchestra in northern Norway teaches people who are completely new to an instrument. "Take this trumpet, this is how you play C, this is what it looks like on the sheet music, we'll cue you in, play it LOUD"

  • @silverwest174
    @silverwest174 3 роки тому +89

    "try to play by ear"
    well, i've been playing the guitar for 3 years and i'm so bad at playing by ear...

    • @_kqcper_332
      @_kqcper_332 3 роки тому +8

      You'll get better, 3 years is nothing :)

    • @ZodiacEntertainment2
      @ZodiacEntertainment2 3 роки тому +16

      @@_kqcper_332 That's the painful part.

    • @timscarrow9151
      @timscarrow9151 3 роки тому +6

      My teacher gave my a tape and sent me home and said learn this, figure it out, "Broadway" Live George Benson. I got the chord pitches right and I was off to learn every song I could.And you will start to understand that many songs follow the same rules.

  • @sapphavoc8626
    @sapphavoc8626 2 роки тому +33

    I’ve been teaching myself how to play guitar, I began in may this year, and I finally, FINALLY, learnt how to do barre chords. I’m still rusty on transitioning in and out of those chords but I CAN do them :)

    • @stephr5914
      @stephr5914 Рік тому +1

      Just started weeks ago and barre chords are like witchcraft to me 😅💀 I can't even reach them.... Just see them and go nope

    • @Hyberi0n
      @Hyberi0n Рік тому

      I've been learning for almost 2 months now and I've already got the Barre chord down , the transition isn't that smooth but all you gotta do is play play and play even if you sound like garbage , what I do sometimes is I play some guitar pieces on headphones ( pink Floyd , plini , snowy white ) and imagine myself playing those while I'm hammering my barre chords 😂 worked for me. Most important thing is not to let your ego get the best of you, play for yourself not thinking about impressing others. Good day y'all

  • @RipleyNichols
    @RipleyNichols 2 роки тому +1

    All great advice! One thing that has changed thing for the better for me, is practicing those scales as a warmup and for the first 10 minutes-using a metronome.

  • @RC32Smiths01
    @RC32Smiths01 3 роки тому +28

    Learning guitar inside now is a real help given how we are in this uncertain times. Grateful to see you giving experience and advice on this

  • @aristeas
    @aristeas 3 роки тому +50

    I had 5 bass lessons when I was 17. That taught me scales and fingering and memorising every note on the neck. I taught myself guitar from there aged 30. That was 30 years ago. I'm retired, ownm 20+ guitars and write and record in my music room. It puts joy, absolute pleasure at the centre of my life.
    The biggest problem is not knowing what you dont know, and therefore not looking for ways to learn them. My one tip that isn't covered often is this.
    Get recordings of the songs and solos you really love, that's why you became a guitarist in the first place. Put them into software that slows down and speds up and learn the bits that make you feel great. First slow down as much as possible to get the chops, then speed up a bit at a time until you reach normal.THEN play the recording faster, about 110% is good. Then when you play at normal speed it will be easy.

  • @tuma8093
    @tuma8093 Рік тому +1

    Man my history with my guitar will just like yours , i also started self learning when i was 13 , now i'm 15 and i still a beginner just like how i started , thx sooo much i was in a huge need for this

  • @pleasedie1979
    @pleasedie1979 Рік тому +2

    Having your guitar out and ready to play is really such a big benefit even though it seems so insignificant. I would honestly say that is one of the simplest pieces of advice that really translates to the greatest benefits. 😎

  • @mr.groove5352
    @mr.groove5352 3 роки тому +8

    After playing bass for several decades, Im learning guitar and having a blast. As for tips, using a metronome is valuable. Also being able to use UA-cam to slow down the clips helps me a lot. Thanks Rhett.

  • @l.erin200
    @l.erin200 3 роки тому +59

    Me not knowing what bend pitches or vibratos are 👁👄👁

    • @alexia7803
      @alexia7803 2 роки тому +2

      DCSHEH UR NOT ALONE

    • @alexia7803
      @alexia7803 2 роки тому

      My teacher didn't even introduce me to it I feel betrayed 👁️👁️

    • @ludox7178
      @ludox7178 2 роки тому +1

      @@alexia7803 My sister learned guitar for 4 years and her teacher didn't even teach them chords lmfao that's why she stopped

  • @shawnbell6392
    @shawnbell6392 2 роки тому

    Seeing the song played on youtube is indeed really helpful. I use tabs sometimes, but since getting the basics of major and minor pentatonic scales and learning the number system for chords, once you figure out what key a song is in it gets easier with time to figure things out. A lot depends on what you want to play, of course. Some things are far more technical than others.

  • @fiete201
    @fiete201 2 роки тому

    really like the sound of your guitar when presenting the triads. Thanks for another great video!

  • @aidanhill690
    @aidanhill690 3 роки тому +21

    I've been playing nearly for 2 years, I genuinely can't put it down anymore
    it's always in my sight, I just sit and play all day. Ive tried most genres, rock, metal, shred, blues
    but I feel like shred/rock is where I'm going most often. I like playing fast
    I'm obviously not the best, but I enjoy it! I'm completely self taught and now I'm teaching myself theory

  • @mikeokeefe9396
    @mikeokeefe9396 3 роки тому +9

    Damn, this so cool. I was a garage band kind of guy for many years- 72 years old so lots of history for me. Learning songs from Vinyl and no tuners was how we did it.

  • @briansmith1760
    @briansmith1760 3 роки тому

    Man....I love your channel. Such helpful info!

  • @k_dog_9756
    @k_dog_9756 3 роки тому +4

    I'm a music educator who has taught private music lessons for over 15 years that includes the guitar, my primary instrument. I have also taught at the university level instructing undergrads on sight-singing and ear training. I agree with everything in this video, especially with the section that emphasized the importance of developing one's musical ear. I would recommend to any starting musician, not just guitar players, to try to learn by ear early on...Hearing music is such an important part of understanding music.

  • @riffratt
    @riffratt 3 роки тому +75

    When I learned to play there wasn’t even tabs online, you had to learn everything by ear and occasionally get some tabs from music shops, UA-cam is a wonderful helper but you still need to learn to use your ear when you can

    • @superrookie7553
      @superrookie7553 3 роки тому

      can you give us steps on how to do it, plz

    • @patricksebire7953
      @patricksebire7953 3 роки тому +2

      I’ve tried to do it by ear but I find it impossible. What’d you do to help you?

    • @BeyTM
      @BeyTM 3 роки тому +4

      @@patricksebire7953 don't know if that helps but, when trying to play by ear, try to take it slowly, don't just go to a dragonforce song and say "hey im gonna learn it just by ear!", start with super simple melodies, and stick with it, and from time to time try to learn a melody thats just sightly above your ear skills, if you keep going, at the end you can learn everything by ear

    • @timscarrow9151
      @timscarrow9151 3 роки тому

      Frickin wore out tape decks, but I will use the parts for the tube screamer win win.

    • @riffratt
      @riffratt 3 роки тому +1

      SUPER ROOKIE don’t choose anything complicated to start, something fairly simple, try and find the first note- go up the whole fretboard I’d you have to- it’ll get easier as you learn to recognise notes, it depends if you’re trying to learn the chords to a songs or a lead melody etc, for chords try and pick them out by notes eg if it’s a G chord you’d try the greys until you hit on the G on the 3rd fret on the E string and so you know it’s a G chord, then basically do the same for each chord, it gets easier as you recognise chords, chords have different voicings too which again is just experience, sorry but there’s no easy way until your ear gets used to it, you can also train your ear by playing chords and notes until you start recognising them, it gets easier as you get a bit of confidence

  • @ashleyjordan8869
    @ashleyjordan8869 3 роки тому +6

    Good video Rhett. I’ve been paying for 20 years now, and lead playing has definitely been neglected in that time. I’d not thought about vibrato before, but will be focussing on that.
    My tip: put on an album you enjoy and learn every song by ear/play along. It’s helped me a few times to get into the mindset of those players, and crucially it’s fun, so keeps you playing.

  • @ranjanbhavsar
    @ranjanbhavsar 3 роки тому

    Thanks for all guidance. Highly appreciated.

  • @monicasangre5847
    @monicasangre5847 Рік тому +3

    I've been playing piano for around 6 yrs (I'm 17yrs old) and this would be my 6th day learning electric guitar. I'm atm discovering riffs for different songs i love, working on my spider walk, and a routine down picking with a metronome that goes 70-95 beats per min. For practice.
    It has been amazing in the past few days and also surprising. I set my hands on an acoustic a few yrs ago and said no to it. As a classical pianist, In the past days, I still can't believe what my fingers can do with strings. The strings are a whole new world from keys and I'm all here for it!

  • @frankiechan9651
    @frankiechan9651 3 роки тому +5

    Yep - leaving mine out has been huge in getting me to just pick it up.
    Then picking it up for a quick strum turns into an hour.
    I'll look at tab, then also look at an instructional on UA-cam, but trust my ears if neither sound "right". I'll also look a few sources as some will play that chord differently and an alternate fingering may suit me better for a particular passage.
    Some basic theory has also helped immensely and I keep a picture of an annotated fretboard next to me and I use it to deconstruct any new chord so I can try and understand it.

  • @HeyLiem
    @HeyLiem 3 роки тому +9

    Your best tip for me was to leave my guitar out and ready to easily start playing! I learned songs by ear on vinyl albums, at 33 rpm, sometimes I would play them at 16 rpm, at half speed and about an octave lower. You can easily do that with UA-cam videos at .5 speed.

  • @zaphoddog3878
    @zaphoddog3878 3 роки тому

    You nailed it with the tab. When i'm trying to learn a song i usually download all the tabs and then play them against the recording. a lot of the time you can piece together the way the song actually is. Trust your ears.

  • @evilfiftyone
    @evilfiftyone 7 місяців тому +1

    As an older beginner i would like to applaud you very helpful and informative video, ive learned a lot just from this video. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • @jeffTcorbin81
    @jeffTcorbin81 3 роки тому +5

    Great tips!! I remember around 1990 at 9 years old, learning Metallica's Fade to Black and Call of Ktulu by listening to the cassette tape. I would listen to the first 2 notes on the tape then press stop and find those notes on my guitar. i would then rewind and double check before moving on to the next 2 notes. I figured out entire songs this way and although it was a major pain in the ass and took forever. I now feel doing this really helped develop my ear.

  • @internalmethods
    @internalmethods 3 роки тому +4

    One of the best decisions as a musician I ever made was to learn music theory on the piano. I already played multiple instruments by ear, but I really took off after taking music theory courses while studying with a jazz pianist at the same time who made everything very easy to memorize.

  • @steversmith2818
    @steversmith2818 7 місяців тому

    So far, I've watched 3 or 4 of your videos. I keep watching because I've found great advice in all of them. It's basically your "lessons learned" or "nuggets of wisdom" that I really need at this stage of my guitar playing.

  • @jamesrogers2963
    @jamesrogers2963 2 роки тому

    Solid, Rhett- really well done- thanks!

  • @nickl2883
    @nickl2883 3 роки тому +19

    I big DO for me is don’t forget to work on your timing . Play along to a metronome, drum tack or a backing track. You can have all the chops in the world and know everything about the fretboard but if you’re timing sucks . Well you’re in real trouble when it comes time to record or play with other people. Another thing is get to know your guitar. Learn some very basic things about how it works. Learn How to do some very basic guitar maintenance. Changing strings , adjusting your truss rod and setting your action.

  • @camarotrash
    @camarotrash 3 роки тому +46

    There’s a part in Jamie’s Cryin’ by Van Halen where the end of the chorus jumps into a C Minor chord for the bridge and my fingers just would not land on the C Minor properly, but I persisted until it became second nature. And I still practice tedious shit like that to this day.

  • @bbrotherton6345
    @bbrotherton6345 2 роки тому +1

    One of the best I have seen for beginners!

  • @beetastik8219
    @beetastik8219 Рік тому

    Thank you for specifying the tabs thing. When I started as a young teen I was obsessed with tabs and eventually gave up because of what you said, it didn’t sound the same as the song. 15 years later and I’m starting again and this is super helpful

  • @davetheunshaved4552
    @davetheunshaved4552 3 роки тому +46

    I wasn't self taught. I had formal lessons that my parents paid for, god bless them. But.... I did have to learn alot of things by my self. Eventually everyone reaches the point where any further education will be self taught. The two bands that I basically learned how to play on were: Van Halen, and Metallica. No it's probably not the easiest for someone who is litterally a beginner, but you learn so much from those two. Or pick a band that you love and buy a TAB BOOK of one of their albums. Then just listen to the song and follow along in the tab. That will get you half of the way to being a pro. The rest of the way comes from really digging into music theory and watching youtube videos. Most importantly, never stop being passionate!

  • @deadvolume
    @deadvolume 3 роки тому +13

    #1 Yes, yes, yes. My guitar is on a stand right next to my couch, it gets played every day. I even get itchy watching tv and rarely can sit through a whole movie without picking it up (been working on my ear training!).
    Now if only I could build my studio around my couch....

  • @kathreenmargaret1883
    @kathreenmargaret1883 3 роки тому

    Thanks much Rhett. Enjoyed your presentation and now sharing. 🙏🌷

  • @homosapien7316
    @homosapien7316 9 місяців тому +2

    I mostly agree with your take on tabs. I was trying to learn my favorite song early on, but all of the chords/tabs that i pulled up didn't quite feel right, so i found a video of the artist playing it live and this went so much more smoothly once i heard and watch exactly what she did and this let things come together more organically for me. though sometimes you just cant get it right playing by ear and thats when i go to find a tab and work from there