How to play guitar as cleanly as possible

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  • Опубліковано 11 чер 2014
  • You can buy my solo album and Kemper pack from www.joshmiddleton.com/shop/
    I've made this video to discuss my approach to playing guitar as cleanly as possible and the practicing that's helped my technique out.
    My solo album is available to buy at www.joshmiddleton.com/shop/
    Other links:
    Facebook: / joshmiddletonofficial
    Twitter: / joshsylosis
    Instagram: / joshsylosis

КОМЕНТАРІ • 169

  • @Sublight77
    @Sublight77 2 роки тому +46

    This dudes totally transparent take on mastering guitar skills is gold and super appreciated. Real talk.

  • @josshlegg8647
    @josshlegg8647 10 років тому +116

    perfectionism is a good thing to have as a musician

  • @Slayerized2701
    @Slayerized2701 9 років тому +93

    Josh needs to be on a full Lesson DVD action

  • @TheloniousDrunk69
    @TheloniousDrunk69 9 років тому +74

    that opening riff is probably one of my favorite riffs youve ever written

    • @nrscum
      @nrscum 6 років тому +2

      Please help a brotha, which song is that? I

    • @diogoquelhas3630
      @diogoquelhas3630 6 років тому +12

      it's from the song Awakening by Sylosis

  • @ChrisStroud1
    @ChrisStroud1 9 років тому +287

    "Not the cleanest player" - Has never hit a bum note in his life.

    • @louie115
      @louie115 7 років тому +1

      not clean at all. you nailed it!

    • @alexsharp3481
      @alexsharp3481 7 років тому +2

      Louie Verdin not sure if you're liking Josh's playing or not.

  • @venom07786
    @venom07786 8 років тому +66

    Let me sum up this 17 minute video for you guys.
    Use your ear to determine the quality of your playing.
    Don't settle for anything less than reputable competence.
    Practice often.

    • @Nathan-dd2uy
      @Nathan-dd2uy 8 років тому +6

      "Use your ear to determine the quality of your playing."
      Yeah, but what about those who suffer from the Dunning Kruger effect? :p
      But yeah, that basically sums it.

    • @venom07786
      @venom07786 8 років тому +5

      You make a solid point. Record yourself, then listen? If any of you have ever worked with a metronome, you may have noticed that you can experiencially feel/sound in line/on beat, yet be off when you hear it played back.

    • @redhotkido
      @redhotkido 7 років тому

      what if you think you sound good when you record yourself??
      I don't really buy the dunning kruger crap, I am pretty critical of my own playing always...

    • @CvnDqnrU
      @CvnDqnrU 6 років тому +1

      Thanks man, I couldn't listen to him, he doesn't get to the point. 17 min just to say that is too much.

    • @powerclown5819
      @powerclown5819 6 років тому +1

      "As the circle of our knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness that surrounds it." Socrates/Einstein

  • @blaken6662
    @blaken6662 8 років тому +38

    You're a killer guitarist, my friend. Very cool you're taking the time to shed some insight on techniques. And, of course, Sylosis kicks ass.

  • @XChristianNoirX
    @XChristianNoirX 7 років тому +87

    Reality of the metal culture:
    You must disclaim your talents and state or apologize that you're not the best at whatever it is your demonstrating, or someone will come and eviscerate you for not being as good as so and so.

    • @daxcartar5667
      @daxcartar5667 6 років тому +5

      Christian Noir sad but true

    • @bennymountain1
      @bennymountain1 4 роки тому +3

      And "so and so" probably suck ass themselves. Most metal these days is all studio trickery, especially the gimmicky "technical" genres. Josh is the real deal, though.

    • @JT-jb7ux
      @JT-jb7ux 4 роки тому +4

      *music culture. A lot of musicians are incredibly snobby.

    • @igorperic6219
      @igorperic6219 3 роки тому +1

      guy is actually real and modest, nothing wrong about that

    • @USGovsOwnersRtheRealEnemy
      @USGovsOwnersRtheRealEnemy 3 роки тому

      Yep humans suck balls

  • @truja97
    @truja97 10 років тому +8

    Josh we fucking love you! Can't wait for new stuff,hopefully it's coming soon.

  • @evanmastermind
    @evanmastermind 5 років тому +14

    Technique stuff starts around 10:00

  • @stefan.avramov
    @stefan.avramov 10 років тому +6

    Thank you, Josh! You have no idea (probably you do actually) how motivating it is to hear these things from your favorite guitar player. I've always admired the sensible way in which you explain yourself, looking forward to more (specific) videos!

  • @Revelatus
    @Revelatus 10 років тому +8

    I remember how I discovered Sylosis. I was/am a big fan of Alexiuss's digital paintings, and he did the painting (Neurotic Indisposition) on the Supreme Oppressor album cover. I kind of randomly decided to check out your music and was hooked. Your guitar work is world class.

  • @headbangersden
    @headbangersden Рік тому +2

    Josh my word! This video has improved my playing like none other....thanks for putting it so straight and simple! ❤

  • @TheRealMechanix
    @TheRealMechanix 10 років тому +2

    This is one of the most useful guitar lessons/tips anyone has ever given me.

  • @jakewarrensford8418
    @jakewarrensford8418 10 років тому +16

    I agree I learned by playing an electric guitar without an amp.

  • @rocksteady5200
    @rocksteady5200 7 років тому +4

    Most things covered in this video are exactly what I wanted help on. Great advice!

  • @mikeomaly
    @mikeomaly Рік тому +1

    I watch this video from time to time just for tips and motivation. Thanks for the practice tips! Much respect!

  • @crestfallen821
    @crestfallen821 10 років тому

    Thanks Josh a channel with your guitar lessons is just great!

  • @lxpart8456
    @lxpart8456 6 років тому +1

    Thanks Josh for the inspo

  • @stefankihlgren7444
    @stefankihlgren7444 5 років тому

    Just awesome, man. Fantastic videos! I've been playing thrash and death metal for almost 20 years, and just recently began to go back again to actually clean up my rhythm. So thanks! :)

  • @connorboyles3554
    @connorboyles3554 10 років тому +1

    Very useful video, I've been playing bass for a long time and apply a lot of the same ideas to my playing and now that I'm becoming more interested in guitar I'd been wondering on the transition in style but these are really helpful tips.

  • @soylentispeople
    @soylentispeople 8 років тому

    Superb! Great advice Josh, thanks very much

  • @nickyelovich3872
    @nickyelovich3872 7 років тому +2

    Nice shirt! I love The Sword. They deserve a lot more respect and recognition.

  • @CatsCoffeeGuitars
    @CatsCoffeeGuitars 8 років тому +2

    Excellent advice ^^ your videos bring incredible joy in me :D
    Love that ,,The Sword'' t-shirt!

  • @Lentsku
    @Lentsku 10 років тому +1

    Thank you for the tips, I'm going to apply them to my playing now.

  • @Therealshamallama
    @Therealshamallama 9 років тому +2

    I never thought to use my thumb to mute too! I normally just mute with the karate chop side of my hand. I'm going to take your advice. Can't wait to see more!

  • @Teemaino
    @Teemaino 10 років тому

    Really good video! Hope to see more in the future.

  • @iheartLouis1
    @iheartLouis1 10 років тому +20

    You had a The Sword shirt on so I had to watch

  • @jasonjasonjasonjasonjason
    @jasonjasonjasonjasonjason 8 років тому +1

    Love the shirt! The Sword is an awesome band!

  • @randinho8872
    @randinho8872 10 років тому

    Fantastic video! I have so much admiration for you, ever since I saw your video on how to play 'Conclusion of an Age' I've followed you and the band. I also have the same strings and plecs as you through coincidence :)

  • @MetalAllDayAllNight
    @MetalAllDayAllNight 10 років тому +1

    Awesome video. I learned about getting sweeps to sound clean, with the pick hand fingers muting the strings. Something that I've be struggling with foe awhile. Thanks

  • @alexandergromov4033
    @alexandergromov4033 6 років тому

    Great video, man, useful stuff

  • @QuincyKane
    @QuincyKane 10 років тому

    Hey Josh! I don't know if you'll see this, but thanks for posting these lessons.
    Learning songs like Empyreal and Fear the World has really challenged my guitar playing and helped me improve many of my weaknesses (especially sweeping and speed picking).
    I love learning songs/riffs from bands I admire because they help me in my own song writing as well; so thanks again and I hope you post more :)

  • @reidclanproductions
    @reidclanproductions 10 років тому

    I have the exact same mentality.. no point in putting up covers / recording anything if it's not perfect. Awesome video dude!

  • @willkirby4805
    @willkirby4805 3 місяці тому

    Something that greatly helped me develop clean playing at speed was to spend 5 minutes on a tempo with 30 seconds rest in between, bumping up the tempo by 10bpm each time until I reached full speed. I’d do this 4 times, (20 min play, 2 min rest) and regardless of how clean I got it at full speed, Id stop after 20, do something COMPLETELY different and do another round after a decent break. Each time doing this, Id get smoother and smoother.

  • @Grin969
    @Grin969 10 років тому

    awesome lesson pls more !!!!

  • @louis477
    @louis477 2 роки тому

    thank you i needed this video

  • @mattpike8355
    @mattpike8355 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks, you are great my friend'

  • @awesomegamer9981
    @awesomegamer9981 5 років тому +13

    Muting has got to be the most underrated part of guitar playing. Not enough people even irl teachers will go in depth with it

  • @NuttStock
    @NuttStock 10 років тому +9

    Great thoughts. A huge problem of mine is that I never finish perfecting songs and just move on to new ones, hence why I'm not really getting better as a guitarist. I really need to tighten up my practice.

    • @babytiny5807
      @babytiny5807 5 років тому +4

      Out of curiosity, did you ever tackle this issue? 4 years is a long time

    • @TonyJuanPailos
      @TonyJuanPailos 3 роки тому

      @@babytiny5807 still nothing :-(

  • @deanthomson8658
    @deanthomson8658 10 років тому +2

    you got a message bro
    killer lesson though, this man speaks the truth

  • @SmileydeadJ
    @SmileydeadJ 9 років тому

    Just wanted to say you're awesome.

  • @judealden6710
    @judealden6710 7 років тому

    thanks for the info mate

  • @Wrathofkala
    @Wrathofkala 10 років тому

    Thanks for the lesson...

  • @xander5133
    @xander5133 10 років тому +1

    I like your beginner philosophy about playing songs.

  • @Grumpy_Trucker
    @Grumpy_Trucker 3 місяці тому

    I challenge anyone to find a cleaner guitarist than Josh.
    Roll on tomorrow night 12/4/24, Sylosis LIVE!!!! Yeh baby 🤘

  • @Spawn-wt6ul
    @Spawn-wt6ul 4 роки тому +6

    You’re my favorite guitarist bro... back in the legacy days of Metal it was always Hetfield, Mustaine and Dime but now it’s you🤘🏻 and just my personal opinion I don’t want to hurt some butt hurts fans feelings but Sylosis > Architects

  • @KUTEY
    @KUTEY 6 років тому

    There's so much yes in this video

  • @DecrepidMonkeyChild
    @DecrepidMonkeyChild 10 років тому

    These videos are a great idea, thanks a lot for these - motivated me to make my lazy ass practice the alternate picking for Kingdom of Solitude

  • @radMisc
    @radMisc 9 років тому +7

    Josh Sylosis Now make a video explaining how you learned your vocals :D Haha not even kidding, you have no idea how appreciated that would be.

    • @w0mbatina
      @w0mbatina 9 років тому +1

      Josh Sylosis Holy shit, yes, that would be awesome. I have screaming down somewhat, but yours is just great.

  • @joejoecreampuff1912
    @joejoecreampuff1912 7 років тому

    Yeeeees Sylosis

  • @alexgeneralov4638
    @alexgeneralov4638 10 років тому +2

    Thanks for sharing! Must've been hard to keep all this baggage of skills just for yourself :-)

  • @patrik1337
    @patrik1337 10 років тому

    1.14 picks are the shit. Great video

  • @zandermercury9308
    @zandermercury9308 4 роки тому +1

    I like how we have the same mindset xD perfectionist ftw

  • @DechantMusic
    @DechantMusic 6 років тому

    The most Arrogant condescending thing i have ever heard. Talking to myself of course... cool Video man love your playing. :)

  • @LonskiBig
    @LonskiBig 6 років тому

    ...."just comes with time"....no truer words have ever been said....

  • @AndersonMeusVideos
    @AndersonMeusVideos 8 років тому

    Very God! The best!

  • @skmanga
    @skmanga 5 років тому

    great philosophy

  • @NewSlangbeatz
    @NewSlangbeatz 9 років тому

    Josh, please make a tutorial how to learn to sweep that would be very nice.

  • @Metalfeak3
    @Metalfeak3 10 років тому

    Thanks Josh, really needed this video. Keep posting videos man it's great to watch you play.

  • @jamesbaxter2411
    @jamesbaxter2411 8 років тому +1

    how hard to you pick when you sweep? thanks brother!

  • @SomeRandomTangent
    @SomeRandomTangent 6 років тому

    Your video has been very helpful thanks man.

  • @Steve-yy8nb
    @Steve-yy8nb 9 років тому

    Clear than my tant.

  • @pinball3524
    @pinball3524 6 років тому

    what pickups do you have on that guitar? Is it original? Sick playing \m/

  • @DesolateWastrel
    @DesolateWastrel 6 років тому +1

    I’m literally guilty of all the things that’s Josh talks about here, I’m not enough of a perfectionist I’ll just settle and say “that’ll do”, rushing things and getting frustrated, loads of unwanted string noise and bad habits that will probably take years and years to undo now :(

  • @skatinsince97
    @skatinsince97 Рік тому

    I like how people take offence by his discipline lol! Amazing guitarist. I wonder if he was taught by Paul Gilbert?

  • @blacklabelmansociety
    @blacklabelmansociety 8 років тому

    Id love to hear a collaboration between josh, ben tovey (former rise to remain) and krimh

  • @m0rtenDK
    @m0rtenDK 9 років тому +1

    Sword t shirts, just great.

  • @LeathersIronwood
    @LeathersIronwood 5 років тому +4

    Holy COW! I gotta BELIEVE I can play like that before I can APPROACH that skill set.

    • @babytiny5807
      @babytiny5807 5 років тому

      I feel both discouraged and inspired when I watch Josh do anything, it's a lethal combo

  • @-shakirov
    @-shakirov 6 років тому

    hello man :) what's camera you use for record videos?

  • @sasukealaddino
    @sasukealaddino 8 років тому +1

    is it important to play finger style ?

  • @TelipatiEvolustions
    @TelipatiEvolustions Рік тому

    How about you guitar setup ?

  • @tfos993
    @tfos993 8 років тому

    Anyone know if a 3mm pick on a 10. strings is bad?

  • @Flaniga3
    @Flaniga3 9 років тому

    Nice shirt.

  • @jasonyang2466
    @jasonyang2466 7 років тому +2

    6:38 that was just beautiful
    does anybody know what song is it?

    • @Glufius
      @Glufius 7 років тому +2

      very common in classical music.
      sweeping over close to all minor and minor cords on a Major scale, and ending on a diminished.

  • @ILLRICARDO
    @ILLRICARDO 8 років тому

    Josh do you use a noise suppressor pedal ? would would recommend the use of one ??

  • @Zakietos
    @Zakietos 7 років тому

    how do you pull off hard enough for it to be clear but without flicking the string right underneath it?

    • @Foxxyownz
      @Foxxyownz 6 років тому

      Your index finger should be muting the strings underneath the one you're playing (almost always)

  • @lastserenadeUK
    @lastserenadeUK 7 років тому

    Humble is key apparently. Can't argue in the slightest

  • @Froffy_
    @Froffy_ 6 років тому +7

    0:41 anyooooooone have tabs for that

    • @AntonGubkin
      @AntonGubkin 5 років тому +2

      its altered states of consciousness

  • @jspinks2388
    @jspinks2388 9 років тому

    Can a be rough sometimes you can nail everything, play squeaky clean etc, other times yeah you are fighting shit etc, yeah let me get into an altered state of consciousness alright, then I will never miss a beat xD, a lot of fast lead phrases/composition's need played squeaky clean, you can't fuck up, slightest wrong nuance/touch you know fucks it all up etc. And it's easy to teach yourself bad habits technically/with picking etc like anchoring/limiting your range of movement with picking hand, do that shit all the time, break old habits of bad technique etc

  • @Henry14arsenal2007
    @Henry14arsenal2007 10 років тому

    Great lesson, the time spent in training really shows in your playing. What is your guitar tuned to btw? im guessing with 11-49 its probably D standard.

    • @nerospitfire
      @nerospitfire 10 років тому

      He plays in standard xD He just uses really really thick strings. like 16- 52s i think. Jazz strings basically.

    • @Henry14arsenal2007
      @Henry14arsenal2007 10 років тому

      Wrath Sins Thanks, but he didnt mention E standard, just the string gauge, why would i ask otherwise?
      Im running 11-49s too, in drop B, but in E standard my bridge starts to pop out :D

    • @WrathSins
      @WrathSins 10 років тому +1

      Henry14arsenal2007 Oh sorry, i misread your question! The E Standart stuff, i already knew it, so was just passing info :D

    • @Henry14arsenal2007
      @Henry14arsenal2007 10 років тому

      Wrath Sins i see, thanks :D

    • @serdiezv
      @serdiezv 10 років тому +3

      Nasri Samat He plays 10-52 if I'm not mistaken

  • @ABDNABS96
    @ABDNABS96 8 років тому

    What's the name of the song in the intro!?!?!?
    The riff is epic!

  • @adamsco22
    @adamsco22 9 років тому +1

    In the recorded version of "Altered States of Consciousness" Do you chug quadruplets or triplets? Dig the quads, start on that upstroke... aggressive as hell. \m/

  • @thomasfoster4091
    @thomasfoster4091 4 роки тому +7

    Excuse me while I go delete all my cover videos and practice.

  • @chongli8409
    @chongli8409 6 років тому

    thank you guitar Jesus

  • @tommyscover3650
    @tommyscover3650 2 роки тому

    what's the song at 00:40

  • @jongeetard1259
    @jongeetard1259 10 років тому

    what's that classical bit called?

    • @ky93le
      @ky93le 10 років тому

      Neo-classical? old school 80's shred

  • @robertjones5367
    @robertjones5367 6 років тому

    6:39

  • @markgriffith9961
    @markgriffith9961 9 років тому

    Could anyone point me in the right direction in terms of theory ? Speed, clean playing etc aren't a huge problem for me as I at least know what to practice but theory-wise I pretty much just stick to the pentatonic really!

    • @JoshMiddletonOfficial
      @JoshMiddletonOfficial  9 років тому +15

      I'll be launching a new website in about two weeks to do online guitar lessons

    • @DropdaLTDtoB
      @DropdaLTDtoB 9 років тому

      Learn the Major scale and it's modes. For chord progressions, it depends on what music you want to play, you'll just have to look at the artists/bands and songs that influence you the most.
      And it's important to always think about how melodies work over chord progressions, as in the intervals they create.

    • @p4fizzle
      @p4fizzle 8 років тому

      +Josh Sylosis Erm....did you ever do that, what is it called? I WANT TO JOIN!

    • @ILLRICARDO
      @ILLRICARDO 8 років тому

      lick library have some good theory DVDs

    • @DropdaLTDtoB
      @DropdaLTDtoB 8 років тому

      Theory is just a tool kit. I'm not an experienced lead player yet, but i say it's a tool kit because you'll begin to understand what intervals and chord movements in western music create the emotional sounds that you want to create.
      Theory does not kill creativity. If it does for someone then they're just not a good artist/musician. Simple as that, theory does not stop expression, that's rubbish.

  • @xXKillEmAll616Xx
    @xXKillEmAll616Xx 10 років тому

    Fuck, i can't remember the name of the first song he's playing, i wanna learn that riff so badly

  • @TheDUDE101GOOD
    @TheDUDE101GOOD 9 років тому

    i lold at 8:20

  • @_Julian__
    @_Julian__ Рік тому

    This is my most difficult challenge when playing guitar other than laziness. They are my downfall!

  • @TurboRanger-ns3km
    @TurboRanger-ns3km 4 роки тому

    Где в России такого найти а???????

  • @5urg3x
    @5urg3x 9 років тому

    Tabs for neoclassical riff at 6:35? Anyone? That's pretty kewl...

    • @kermitkev
      @kermitkev 8 років тому

      +surgeyX I have tabbed it out. if you inbox me your email, I will send you the pdf

    • @kermitkev
      @kermitkev 8 років тому

      +surgeyX have sent it over. let me know if any probs.

    • @5urg3x
      @5urg3x 8 років тому

      +Kev Walker
      Thanks again...I can't believe I didn't see that's what he was playing...I've played these before...The song from Sixx AM "Lies of the beautiful people" has these kind of runs in it, with the string skipping and everything during the solo..I don't remember what they are called...He plays them so smoothly though...It's tough as hell for me though, the string skip always gets me and stops me from playing it fast!

    • @StalkingYerM0m
      @StalkingYerM0m 8 років тому

      +Kev Walker mind sending em to me as well? :P

    • @kermitkev
      @kermitkev 8 років тому

      +DoinYerMom sure, inbox me an email and I'll sent it over.

  • @TheBurntRelic
    @TheBurntRelic 4 роки тому

    I want this dude to say bahumbuggy 🤗😄

  • @mateobogojevic7179
    @mateobogojevic7179 9 років тому +1

    name of the song 0:40 ?

    • @robinsturegren
      @robinsturegren 9 років тому +2

      Altered States of Consciousness!

    • @mateobogojevic7179
      @mateobogojevic7179 9 років тому

      robinsturegren Thank you very much kind sir

    • @robinsturegren
      @robinsturegren 9 років тому

      No worries! Awesome song, ain't it :D

    • @mateobogojevic7179
      @mateobogojevic7179 9 років тому

      Great song but the one I'm obsessed with is Empyreal

    • @5urg3x
      @5urg3x 9 років тому

      +robinsturegren
      Thank you, checking that song out...I love the riff!

  • @justinnix1347
    @justinnix1347 6 років тому

    Correction, buy a shit steel string acoustic to build finger strength. A good one is a pleasure to play.

  • @SOULJAJOE010
    @SOULJAJOE010 7 років тому

    video starts at 1:30

  • @jamesward8720
    @jamesward8720 8 років тому

    Ugh that intro fucked me so hard in the ears

  • @johnatancarvalho3807
    @johnatancarvalho3807 8 років тому

    cade o BR dessa porra ?