Yeah I’ve stopped after 1.38 coz he’s so smarmy, it’s making me feel ill. I guess that’s the nature of TH-cam videos: a bunch of pretend experts preaching to the interweb, looking to hook bedroom plucking geeks to their philosophy. I bet this guy does sell mattresses and steak knives.
04:38 The position he's showing seems to have his hand quite bent towards him. Now, try closing your fingers (pulling them towards you) in that position (with the wrist bent towards yourself) and you'll see that you almost can't do it or that it requires a lot more effort. Try then keeping the wrist straight l and you'll see that closing the fingers requires no effort at all. Now, he might have showed that position to put it to an extreme. However, finding a middle ground where you can stretch your fingers and not bending your wrist towards you is key. If you bend the wrist you put a lot more strain on your fingers and wrist and in the long run, that could be lead to a repetitive strain injury of your left arm.
Here's good advice that I rarely follow but should. Get a good metronome. Set it slow. Tap my foot. Count the 1e+a2e+a thing. Play the hard part without stopping tapping and counting. Only speed up when it's smooth and easy. Play it three times and move on to cleanse the mind then come back. Play the crux first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. If all else fails copying the music note for note can help. Like writing it on the blackboard a hundred times but don't waste that much time. Make a flashcard with the notes and 1e+a2e underneath and look at it throughout the day. Sing the count while tapping. Now if you can imagine the fingerings and sing on the beat without the guitar it's really memorized. Not having a guitar set up properly is like running in mud.
This might help folks like myself, who are wondering about the accounting system that you were referencing …. utminers.utep.edu/charlesl/Counting1e&a.pdf
People saying "so many words for nothing" while he is trying to provide us a deeper understanding of how to improve at guitar.... Nice video, I learned a lot from it !
have to say the first one made a big difference for me. I started always using a strap and even sitting it lets me position the guitar on my centerline at the right angle.
I play by ear and there was some point at which I became so familiar with the fret board, not in terms of knowing the note I was playing but rather where to put my finger for the sound I was after that it became relatively easy to learn most new songs. The other problem I had at the beginning was stretching my finger far enough which was a combination of actually training for the stretch and learning the thumb trick that you showed to get maximum stretch where over time most of my stretching felt effortless. The only thing I did after the fact was learn what the chords were called, where I knew the names of the basic chords when I began learning guitar but because I play by ear, I was forming chords that I had no clue to their names. It was also nice to understand a bit of the theory behind it all.
I'm not sure where you're at now, but I think I'm like you in that my ear is way better than my actual theory knowledge (I know enough to get by, but there's a lot I'm missing). Anyway, do you ever find that if you want to play a particular note, if you DON'T think about it, 9 times out of 10 your hand will go to the right place? It's like a muscle memory, playing by ear thing. But if I start to overthink a little, I'm more likely to go too high or too low and then have to correct. Do you ever find that? It's like your subconscious sort of knows all the notes perfectly. And if you're in a flow state or not thinking of anything at all, you'll always get it. But if there's too many thoughts in your brain, you might miss it.... I dunno, that's what happens to me anyway.
Eventually you learned it was just the minor or Phrygian modes.. or mixolydian if ur doing blues country ext ect.. lol. I just saw the word " ionean" from a guitar teacher n I was on my way. Lol
I have to know what the note is on the string that I'm hitting so I know where I'm at on the fretboard. Yes I do listen to the sound to understand if it sounds good with what I'm playing but afterwards I have to know what it is.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR VIDEOS. You're the only one I've ever seen (in real life or on the internet) who was able to let me understand what was wrong in my playing. Your analytical approach to guitar is phenomenal and comes from not being one of the few very talented guitarists who knows ("from God") how to play but a normal guy who really wanted to! This makes you a VERY TALENTED GUITAR TEACHER, because you can show to us how you solve your problems (which are very likely the same problems we have, surely not the kind of problems Edward Van Halen had to face while playing guitar!).
I have SMALL hands and can do any stretch for any chord inversion Ive ever wanted. Point, small hands dont mean shit. Also Your thumb is a finger and I learned to use it, especially on the low E to add a bass note to many chords. Tank Dean ween and hendrix for enlightening me on this
I liked your illustration, using the boxes and the glasses of milk. You broke it down and made it very easy to understand. I have been playing for many years since 1974 the first time I ever picked up a guitar. I had the same types of difficulty I played for 10 years And couldn’t play a whole song all the way through for nothing I almost quit but one day I was talking to my teacher. He taught me a lot about fingering and a lot about finger techniques and a whole lot of chords, but never songs if they were songs, they were just rhythm. One day I set myself down and decided to learn how to read music so in 1984 now I know a series of songs all the way through I am a solo instrumental, guitarist and love it. My suggestion to beginners pay attention to you. You have good teaching skills. My former teacher passed away in 2006 he was soul surfer Johnny Fortune was my best friend for over 30 years. Miss him dearly. May he rest in peace. Thanks for a great video.👍👍🎼🎵🎶🎸😁❤️☮️
My neck and shoulder have been aching when I play sitting down recently. I knew I must be in an awkward position, I just couldn't figure it out what I was doing wrong. Thank you.
The point about playing on the same side leg as the picking hand being inferior is true. I subconsciously started changing this many years ago after doing it for even more years, and it really did make a difference.
.. also works on other instruments! I just realised that I'm doing some of these techniques on my harp to - like cutting the song into segments, getting a feel for the keys and not careing about spped at fist. good advice sir!
Lol! Your timing is perfect. I have a short little finger and I’m struggling to learn the crazy train intro for all of the reasons you state. 😁 I was literally going to go and practice crazy train. So now I will. Cheers!
4:30 what happens to my hand / wrist at times is that it cramps up when supporting the back of neck my thumb or what slipping off comfortable area when changings chords or whatever grip used to hit the notes ... pardon my weird explanation I am Norwegian, and therefore Grip or grep in norwegian is basically a way of playing chords about where to place the fingers 1-4
#2 holding my wrist like you are showing gave me bad carpel tunnel syndrome. finger stretches keeping my wrist straight and angling my hand gave me more reach and less damage
Wow you really nailed everything I’ve struggled with since picking up electric guitar! And you’ve very hilariously helped me learn and grow! Thank you Mike!
Man, thanks for making this video. I have REALLY struggled with this (hand positioning) and no online teacher seems TO GET IT! lol at 2:25 body-to-wrist/hand-positioning. Man!
Been growing mine since last haircut and that was at 67. Turned 69. From short biz to middle of my back now. Longer than when I was a musician in the ‘70’s. : ) Don’t know if it’s helpful but I’m playing better. : )
Absolutely. I had very long hair for around 5 years, then mid long hair for another 5 years. Sometimes the strain of angling my neck to stop the hair hitting strings or getting in my eyes whilst trying to read music must’ve caused unnecessary tension on my neck, shoulders, spreading down to forearms, wrists, etc. The price of feeling like you’re looking cool. Also, here’s some advice for nothing: The week I got my hair cut short, aged around 30, I was playing a jazz quartet gig for a corporate function. After the gig, a couple of ladies invited me out for a drink. Now normally after a gig, people may come and say, “Thanks, we liked the music.” But suddenly I looked like a “civilian”, not a “musician”. I guess it all comes down to what you’re trying to achieve. There’s a small percentage of ladies who like guys with long hair, I get that. But there’s a larger percentage of ladies who like men with short hair. It took me 10 years to figure this out.
Good video. However... Did you see that totally twisted wrist when you dropped your thumb all the way down? That wrist posture kills my wrists and thumb. Any ideas how you can have the best of both worlds?
This video was awesome, it has really helped me a lot. I've been playing for more than 20 years and still there was a lot to learn from this video alone.
Wow!. For once I'm speechless: This is the best guitar lesson I've ever had, Everything about it, is awesome. I love the humour, so funny, and the demos. If only I had such distinct tutorials like this when I was a psychology and electronic engineering student, boring.Thank you so much.Bravo. P.S. What's crazy train?.is it from Amazon?.
Great advice for long term begginers but with small exception it is great if your an early beginner to learn speradically from the favorite sections of songs you love as it encourages, giving u a positive xp, wich reinforces to continue to practice (getting them to return) while others may naysay hey you are old and smelly stop trying to play a guitar! they should definatly learn all the parts of the song when they are more familiar with fret board and masterd at least 4-5 techniques but forcing themselves to learn it straight away may put them off. to be clear I agree with all you are saying but it is important to leave an early play session happy so you dont put off the next one, always learn the fun stuff 1st but DONT leave the rest of the song because its very important to understand song structures! the more you complet (start to FINISH) the better your songs! next time you sit with your best axe ask yourself what you know and then finish what you started and try it to drums after and have some fun! for problem 4 restart issue play the section very slowly listening how each note is played and making sure that you are useing the right fingers for each part of the songs section As this makes all the diff in the world, finger style is something that is easily taken for granted but each song needs different fingers in differant places at different times.. sliding with your 1st 2nd or 3rd in diff sections can make or break your session and progress ..also your finger calluses will thank you later! Finally when you are happy with section you have, record it on audacity (free) or somethihng, then the next bit and so on. as this has recently improved my progress a hell of a lot in way less time as it leaves less to guess work clearly defining your progress by ear! Thanks for this video, great techer! fun analogies also thank you for sharing your cups with us!🤘
Im self taught. Been playing a very long time (about 40 years) felt like I wasn't getting any better and finally was given the name of a teacher in town who is an ABSOLUTE BEAST of a player Ive learned more in the last year in a half than what I learned in the prior 40 years. One of the BIGGEST values of having a teacher who is a PRO PLAYER is that they can stop you and give you feedback while you are playing just so much feedback its almost over whelming but man have I improved in my soloing improv...
Like you said, close the gap on the hardest part of the song. When you come back the next day with fresh ideas, you might nail it, and use those techniques to learn other songs.
I started playing in 1980 I was about 14 or 15 yrs. old . Got good enough by 84 to do parties small gigs but kinda got carried away with the excesses of the 80's being Girls , Booze and mind altering substances depending on your age you understand . I stopped playing altogether by 1990 until around 2004 . When I started back I wanted to Shred like Lynch , DeMartini , Satch , Vai ect. so I adopted the Classical playing position and progressed faster then I thought I was gonna , muscle memory I guess ? One thing that I was never told by people I learned from was thumb positioning and the biggest revelation was how hard I was pushing or fretting chords notes ect. Being almost 40 no one every told me you just need the sting or strings to touch the frets ??? Once I adopted this basically retraining my young 20's style from the 80's I got better at a rate that was amazing and couldn't understand why no one ever mentioned this to me in all the Bands , Jam session and small Gigs I had done & once "TH-cam" came along never a mention here either . I'm able to play those Shred licks and solos now plus create my own and have become a true Shredder from Metal ,Thrash to any other style I can play solos of songs that I thought I would never be able to !!! Any younger or older players of any skill level need to be taught this as well as having or doing your own setups and Intonate your Guitars easy to learn of YT from videos these days . Anyone else run into this or something similar . I teach now and again now in my 50's and it's one of the 1st things I tell my Student's now along with the Beginner basics and watch some students really get better much faster that they surprise themselves . Thoughts ??
Absolutely correct! I do have guitar buddies that have larger hands and can use their thumb to hang over and hold down the low E and A strings for chording, but I have always kept my thumb under my fingers and can stretch far enough to almost achieve an octave within the first 6 frets! Have been a guitarist for 60+ years and my left hand still opens way more than my right. Thanks for an informative and amusing video, sir!
Got to admit ... your production is really excellent ... kept interest up pretty good. Some of this I could apply. However, for me, after 61 years of playing, I have found that loosening hands and fingers are the most important things ... I am a much better player after working on exercises which I find to be very challenging and fun, regardless of where my arthritic left thumb is on the neck. My son uses the middle of the neck routine which works for him. However, that thumb will pay the price over time. That's not what made my thumb arthritic ... that was from putting 80% of my weight on my hands while using a walker for two years. And that was from wearing out my hips through 35 years of hauling heavy amplifiers around. So, many things contribute. Bottom line is find what works for you ... but I can guarantee that playing exercises every day will help the most.
Hey TT I'm 55yo. I've played the drums since 12 but last 3 years or so I've really been playing guitar. Can't explain it just woke up one morning and bam. But anyway I've got to an intermediate level I know bar chords major and minor. I've gotten decent at mixing the major minor pentatonic for bluesy or rock solos. I don't think Robbin Ford will have to worry about losing his job to me for sure. I play because I love it a hobby. Is there any advice you could give a world record beginning holder. I don't mind putting in the work. Anything I do I want do as much and best I can thanks.
I'm 58 and can relate if you want read my comment it's a bit long but am curious since we are both Gen-X . Was this taught or told to you or did you just know that a lighter touch to fret was such a big deal ? I am really curious ?? Rock On Dude !! \M/.
1. Actually learn the fret board. Make a exercise for 5-10 minutes a day where you pick 2 notes, "A" "D" notes for example, then spend the time playing up and down the next only playing those notes. I wouldn't worry to much about sharps and flats as they are just a half step up or down from the said note. If you know your pentatonic scale. Try using the first 5 notes of the scale and play it on each of the notes you find. So you get a feel for how the notes are arranged on the fret board in each position. 2. Try to learn songs by ear, not depending on tabs. Tabs are great but you can easily become dependent on them. If you use them, try figuring out what the notes/chords are. Saying the notes in your head or write them down is good. If it say 5 on the E. Then say "A". Or sing it in your head. If you are doing the previous lesson, this will help with memorizing notes. 3. USE A METRONOME! Great for keeping timing and rhythm of course. Also if you are struggling with a particular part of a song. Slow it down. Bring it down to half speed. And build your way back up to regular speed. This helps SO MUCH!
always take time to include improv in your practice time... 1> put on a backing track and just make up a lead as you go along...finish off your practice with it... it's equivalent to a boxer who spars as opposed to one who just hits the bag... 2> take a standard drill and just make it different and harder...boring drills make boring leads... instead of doing a standard triplet scale, do a 5plet scale...what does that look like? who cares - figure it out 3> play leads at every fret...i always default Em leads to the 5th and 12th fret out of habit... instead, today i will play the leads at the 8th and 13frets...will it work? you gotta try it first... if you find you are getting bored, it's because it is boring... just remember jimmy page never played the same lick twice...
But when playing solos I tend to use my thumb to deaden then low E string or wherever So how can I move my thumb where you say? Can anyone advise me? My hand stretching is an issue
Great playing info, and also the right way to avoid "mistakes video makers make". I HATE it when they STOP everything to insert a clip. I'll click out of those videos almost every time. You have wonderful clips interjected, and you keep talking! THAT is the right way!!
For me- and I'm asking the social media lounge here as well, I don't really have a "musical ear". I cannot sing on key, nor could my parents. Playing guitar via tabs was always just rote memorization. I took a classical guitar class, and yes we held the guitar as he showed- very comfortable. I also watched EVH and used the left hand technique as shown in this vid. I just never could get up to speed, nor understand from a musical point what was next, other than memorizing the motions. Also, he mentions typing- I only type about 30 WPM- that's since high school typing class in the 80's. Further, I only read as fast as I speak. It's never been faster. Yes, I can skim, but I never really understand what I'm reading until I slow it down to talking speed. Bottom line, as much as I want to play guitar like a rock star, I just don't know if my body/mind is truly able to complete the task. I've tried. I've tried. I've tried and never got anywhere good. Thoughts?
One thing worth pointing out about playing on your right leg vs classical position is that a foot lift can cause hip issues. Many classical guitarists are switching to guitar lifts or playing with straps while seated.
Another is that you look like a dork. How many people carry guitar picks around with them, never mind a foot stool? At a party: Johnny, play us something. “Oh just let me go out to the car to get my footstool”. Just pick the guitar up and play it. It’s like watching South American kids play football: bare feet, rugged bumpy pitch, not even a proper football, but they PLAY football. Compare that to kids in my country, who have the clothes, the haircuts, the boots, and their “moms” take them to football practice in shiny SUVs, then the kids do warmups and tricks, then they can’t play shit.
whoah! I already was doing the green line thingy where I would learn the full song and learn the solo after everything else was down! I didn't know it actually had such a value
There is so much realism in this video, especially the song selected. Tip #3 is certainly something I need to convince myself of. I sweat the small stuff too much, to advance.
I'm a brand new Baritone Ukulele player, and I have my thumb in the correct place as you describe, and I'm fretting with my finger tips. But I am really frustrated right now, because I want to play a certain song that requires a B7 Cord, and I just can't stretch my fingers to that E string. I've tried different angles. What am I doing wrong? Help!
You left out THE most important point, the lynch pin to all guitarring: the picking hand. Control of the picking hand is 100x more important than the fretting hand. In the words of Joe Walsh, "It all happens here, man." Flat picking, thumb picking, Travis style, flamenco, frailing, claw hammer, slapping, and hybrids of all these styles must be achieved to reach full mastery. You show me your favorite guitar god (mine is Tommy Emmanuel), and I'll show you someone who has one helluva picking technique. You were absolutely correct about Mistakes 1, 3, and 4. But you are dead wrong about Mistake #2: thumb draping has always been the cornerstone of my guitar playing, and my bass playing. Greats like Jimi Hendrix, Waddy Wachtel, Mark Knopfler, good ol' Tommy, and bassist Louis Johnson all relied on the thumb drape. Not to say that I anchored my thumb to the edge of the fret board at all times: it always depended on what kind of position I was trying to achieve.
Make a video about finger issue my fingers gets tensed now so much i used to play simple legato now i can even play 1234 properly waiting for your answer ❤
The one about learning entire songs is REALLY IMPORTANT if you want to be a serious player. That's half the battle, being able to actually *get through* a song at speed, even if it's not perfect. The stop-start-stop-start way most people practice is very counter-intuitive.
i like what you say , for me i have a issue i have tried the drop your thumb on your fretting hand to give more reach but then i get really bad pain in the back of my hand it just hirts to much to play with my hand at that right angel kind of bend :(
I always wondered how that little man from AC/DC seemed to have a 12 inch spread on his fingers.... and your scenes of trying to spread your fingers (with your other hand) reminds me of doing the exact same thing!!!!!
@8m The reason we don't keep trying the hard bits is because humans want reward for effort. Smacking yourself relentlessly in the face isn't pleasant. It's fun playing guitar - it's no fun messing it up - it's as simple as that.
Well, I don't know about the first one. I have both a Jazzmaster and a Strat and because of the offset design of the JM, if I sit it on my left leg, I feel I am playing a bass guitar while the Strat feels more natural. Of course, the JM was designed to sit down, but wow, the frets near the nut feels like they are a long way off. When I am improvising, I do live in the 5 fret as it is home to me. Maybe I just need to get used to it. When, as a kid I played standing up in my band, but now I sit 99 percent of the time. Anyone out there have the same problems with the JM? EDIT: Oh, by the way....subscribed!!
#2 (the thumb tip) is amazing. I never realised how tense my left hand was because of that raised thumb position. It's hard to get out of the habit but I'm sure it will be better once keeping the thumb away from the top string becomes a natural thing. Thanks, man. Very much appreciated!
If having your thumb angled away and not straight up is a mistake then most of my heroes like Albert Lee, Vince Gill, SRV, Paul Gilbert etc are making or made huge mistakes (hint, they are not, it is not a huge mistake, it is actually very helpful). I would say one size does not fit all, if you want to shred I would imagine the straight thumb way is best but if you want to rock the blues and country rock and heavy bending etc then that thumb can do and should do all kinds of unorthodox things. Of course each player is different but if you watch the greats, almost all of them do not practice this straight thumb approach at all.
Interesting. Your thumb position tip is seemingly the opposite of what Jamsville suggests in his how to avoid wrist pain video. He does suggest holding your hand out flat, turning it up and having the thumb towards the headstock.
@HowToPracticeGuitar interesting. I'm currently battling suspected tendonitis (visting doc this weekend) so trying hard to reevaluate my technique after 13 years of playing.
@@HowToPracticeGuitar i think it is different for everyone and it is not a bad advice - i was actually struggling with wrist pain and difficulty of playing barre chords few years (i thought if i will play everyday it would get better but it never did) and now i can actually play without this pain and pressure. So i would recommend for everyone to try both ways and to just look out for any signs of discomfort, adjust the technique if you do experence some and let go of thinking that there is just one right way to play
Oh yeah the "guitar on knee" is 100% a thing! I tried of and on to progress, picked up and put guitar down a few times, this last time i started using straps and i play the exact same way you showed, i was struggling with pain in wrist on fretting hand and this was how i self resolved it and it helped a lot! Biggest thing that helped me was lessons, wish id done that years ago...Thumb is something im getting, hard to break old habits...At least something im aware of. At the end of the day practice is the best thing, even mundane stuff like learning scales with a metronome can advance your playing a lot. Can be hard for younger players to maintain interest, im lucky in the sense im old and motivated to put lots of time in when i have it but at least at a minimum a decent practice every day. A tool i do use, and i stress by itself its not good and even is bad in some ways is rocksmith. Coupled with a decent practice routine and some tuition, it can be the entertainment part of your learning because you get to play your favourite songs. Just get the older version not the current one because i hear its trash... If you mod it you can use any generic usb interface if you already have one.
There was a time, when I started to have strumming hand shoulder pain from playing. I switched to playing standing from playing sitting, and the pain went away. So yes. That's a very good advice.
Do warmups based on yoga stretches; make sure your guitar strap is adjusted so you’re not hunching your strumming hand shoulder; consciously relax as you play; put the guitar down on a stand and back off if you do feel tense; approach your instrument with love; don’t waste time noodling: practise the bits you want to practise, then put your guitar down; use your “non playing time” to learn, i.e. listening and air guitaring; play your instrument with grace, i.e. don’t beat the hell out of it. The guitar has a limited dynamic range, so learn to play soft, mid, as well as maximum. If all else fails, try whiskey or marijuana to stop the pain.
You're back again! Yay ! Thumb, guilty. Shoulder position, guilty (I agonised about resting my hand on the bridge but it just won't! I have long arms. Plus it pushes the shoulders UP )
Very good information,but I still feel that I need larger fingers(they're definitely NOT small). lol. I'll try that thumb trick. I actually find it easier to play standing up.
Jeeze. I feel like this guy just sold me a mattress with guitar lessons and a set of steak knives.
Yeah I’ve stopped after 1.38 coz he’s so smarmy, it’s making me feel ill. I guess that’s the nature of TH-cam videos: a bunch of pretend experts preaching to the interweb, looking to hook bedroom plucking geeks to their philosophy. I bet this guy does sell mattresses and steak knives.
Lmfao
04:38 The position he's showing seems to have his hand quite bent towards him. Now, try closing your fingers (pulling them towards you) in that position (with the wrist bent towards yourself) and you'll see that you almost can't do it or that it requires a lot more effort. Try then keeping the wrist straight l and you'll see that closing the fingers requires no effort at all. Now, he might have showed that position to put it to an extreme. However, finding a middle ground where you can stretch your fingers and not bending your wrist towards you is key. If you bend the wrist you put a lot more strain on your fingers and wrist and in the long run, that could be lead to a repetitive strain injury of your left arm.
Here's good advice that I rarely follow but should.
Get a good metronome.
Set it slow.
Tap my foot.
Count the 1e+a2e+a thing.
Play the hard part without stopping tapping and counting.
Only speed up when it's smooth and easy.
Play it three times and move on to cleanse the mind then come back.
Play the crux first thing in the morning and last thing before bed.
If all else fails copying the music note for note can help. Like writing it on the blackboard a hundred times but don't waste that much time.
Make a flashcard with the notes and 1e+a2e underneath and look at it throughout the day.
Sing the count while tapping.
Now if you can imagine the fingerings and sing on the beat without the guitar it's really memorized.
Not having a guitar set up properly is like running in mud.
Nice advice I actually came to the same conclusion about playing it afew and coming back, works good for me. Good advice
Your advice would be more helpful if we knew what "1e+a2e+a" represents...
does anybody know what "1e+a2e+a" means or is?
@@strawberrycakebaby Nobody knows
This might help folks like myself, who are wondering about the accounting system that you were referencing ….
utminers.utep.edu/charlesl/Counting1e&a.pdf
People saying "so many words for nothing" while he is trying to provide us a deeper understanding of how to improve at guitar.... Nice video, I learned a lot from it !
Guys watch it in 2x
Underrated comment here !😆
Watch the whole video minus 1 time.
Underrated comment
Hot tip tbh
LOOLLLLLL I CANT STOP LAUGHINGGG 😂
have to say the first one made a big difference for me. I started always using a strap and even sitting it lets me position the guitar on my centerline at the right angle.
I play by ear and there was some point at which I became so familiar with the fret board, not in terms of knowing the note I was playing but rather where to put my finger for the sound I was after that it became relatively easy to learn most new songs. The other problem I had at the beginning was stretching my finger far enough which was a combination of actually training for the stretch and learning the thumb trick that you showed to get maximum stretch where over time most of my stretching felt effortless. The only thing I did after the fact was learn what the chords were called, where I knew the names of the basic chords when I began learning guitar but because I play by ear, I was forming chords that I had no clue to their names. It was also nice to understand a bit of the theory behind it all.
I'm not sure where you're at now, but I think I'm like you in that my ear is way better than my actual theory knowledge (I know enough to get by, but there's a lot I'm missing). Anyway, do you ever find that if you want to play a particular note, if you DON'T think about it, 9 times out of 10 your hand will go to the right place?
It's like a muscle memory, playing by ear thing.
But if I start to overthink a little, I'm more likely to go too high or too low and then have to correct. Do you ever find that? It's like your subconscious sort of knows all the notes perfectly. And if you're in a flow state or not thinking of anything at all, you'll always get it. But if there's too many thoughts in your brain, you might miss it.... I dunno, that's what happens to me anyway.
@465marko it happens to me too
Eventually you learned it was just the minor or Phrygian modes.. or mixolydian if ur doing blues country ext ect.. lol.
I just saw the word " ionean" from a guitar teacher n I was on my way. Lol
That's how I learned too! Can't imagine having to transcribe from paper, how on earth do you get the feel right that way??
I have to know what the note is on the string that I'm hitting so I know where I'm at on the fretboard. Yes I do listen to the sound to understand if it sounds good with what I'm playing but afterwards I have to know what it is.
I just realized a few months ago that holding the guitar just like Randy does makes it drastically easier to play. Good job on #1
Number 2 is good, too. Thumb position is a critical component of left-hand technique.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR VIDEOS. You're the only one I've ever seen (in real life or on the internet) who was able to let me understand what was wrong in my playing. Your analytical approach to guitar is phenomenal and comes from not being one of the few very talented guitarists who knows ("from God") how to play but a normal guy who really wanted to! This makes you a VERY TALENTED GUITAR TEACHER, because you can show to us how you solve your problems (which are very likely the same problems we have, surely not the kind of problems Edward Van Halen had to face while playing guitar!).
you had to say phd didnt you
@@mavisser3211 ?
He also taught Eddie
You could have just gone with
‘Cheers bud’. I mean that works too…
@@mavisser3211 it’s PhD. ;>}
I have SMALL hands and can do any stretch for any chord inversion Ive ever wanted. Point, small hands dont mean shit. Also Your thumb is a finger and I learned to use it, especially on the low E to add a bass note to many chords. Tank Dean ween and hendrix for enlightening me on this
That's how I play angry chair chorus riff
Sneaking in a thumb-note is really fun
Man, you do like metaphors
I liked your illustration, using the boxes and the glasses of milk. You broke it down and made it very easy to understand. I have been playing for many years since 1974 the first time I ever picked up a guitar. I had the same types of difficulty I played for 10 years And couldn’t play a whole song all the way through for nothing I almost quit but one day I was talking to my teacher. He taught me a lot about fingering and a lot about finger techniques and a whole lot of chords, but never songs if they were songs, they were just rhythm. One day I set myself down and decided to learn how to read music so in 1984 now I know a series of songs all the way through I am a solo instrumental, guitarist and love it. My suggestion to beginners pay attention to you. You have good teaching skills. My former teacher passed away in 2006 he was soul surfer Johnny Fortune was my best friend for over 30 years. Miss him dearly. May he rest in peace. Thanks for a great video.👍👍🎼🎵🎶🎸😁❤️☮️
Many...many...many words...for.....nothing....
lol
lol
Omg
Agreed
lol
That fretting hand wrist bend arround 4:36 looks painful.
My neck and shoulder have been aching when I play sitting down recently. I knew I must be in an awkward position, I just couldn't figure it out what I was doing wrong. Thank you.
Great Tips! I love how your channel has evolved and has more energy in your videos - keep it up!
The point about playing on the same side leg as the picking hand being inferior is true. I subconsciously started changing this many years ago after doing it for even more years, and it really did make a difference.
cup example was nice, thanks!
A lot of this applies to playing any instrument. Thumb on the back of the neck really matters. Lean slow then gradually speed up to tempo.
.. also works on other instruments! I just realised that I'm doing some of these techniques on my harp to - like cutting the song into segments, getting a feel for the keys and not careing about spped at fist. good advice sir!
Lol! Your timing is perfect.
I have a short little finger and I’m struggling to learn the crazy train intro for all of the reasons you state. 😁
I was literally going to go and practice crazy train. So now I will.
Cheers!
4:30 what happens to my hand / wrist at times is that it cramps up when supporting the back of neck my thumb or what slipping off comfortable area when changings chords or whatever grip used to hit the notes ... pardon my weird explanation I am Norwegian, and therefore Grip or grep in norwegian is basically a way of playing chords about where to place the fingers 1-4
#2 holding my wrist like you are showing gave me bad carpel tunnel syndrome. finger stretches keeping my wrist straight and angling my hand gave me more reach and less damage
All of these absolutely blew my mind 😭 I saw instant improvement omg
Learning at an early age in life,really helps alot
That’s great advice, I’ll remember that when I get a Time Machine.
If I’m unfortunate enough to be reincarnated after this life I’ll try to remember that.
Great tips! Look forward to implementing these.
Wow you really nailed everything I’ve struggled with since picking up electric guitar! And you’ve very hilariously helped me learn and grow! Thank you Mike!
100% agree about the classical guitar position. I discovered it by myself just a few moments before I came across this video. What a coincidence.
You make learning fun! So funny lol. I love how you put action into your explanation so I can understand it better
Man, thanks for making this video. I have REALLY struggled with this (hand positioning) and no online teacher seems TO GET IT! lol at 2:25 body-to-wrist/hand-positioning. Man!
Great lesson! Thanks!
All tips are awesome! I do personally like having my thumb wrap around so I can mute the low E tho
Your videos are extremely helpful thank you
You didnt mention that not having long hair is holding us back too.
No ones perfect, still love the video Mike, you're a great teacher.
Been growing mine since last haircut and that was at 67. Turned 69. From short biz to middle of my back now. Longer than when I was a musician in the ‘70’s. : ) Don’t know if it’s helpful but I’m playing better. : )
Absolutely. I had very long hair for around 5 years, then mid long hair for another 5 years. Sometimes the strain of angling my neck to stop the hair hitting strings or getting in my eyes whilst trying to read music must’ve caused unnecessary tension on my neck, shoulders, spreading down to forearms, wrists, etc. The price of feeling like you’re looking cool. Also, here’s some advice for nothing: The week I got my hair cut short, aged around 30, I was playing a jazz quartet gig for a corporate function. After the gig, a couple of ladies invited me out for a drink. Now normally after a gig, people may come and say, “Thanks, we liked the music.” But suddenly I looked like a “civilian”, not a “musician”. I guess it all comes down to what you’re trying to achieve. There’s a small percentage of ladies who like guys with long hair, I get that. But there’s a larger percentage of ladies who like men with short hair. It took me 10 years to figure this out.
Your video are really helpful. Thankyou so much 🙌
Good video. However... Did you see that totally twisted wrist when you dropped your thumb all the way down? That wrist posture kills my wrists and thumb. Any ideas how you can have the best of both worlds?
This video was awesome, it has really helped me a lot. I've been playing for more than 20 years and still there was a lot to learn from this video alone.
Wow!. For once I'm speechless: This is the best guitar lesson I've ever had, Everything about it, is awesome. I love the humour, so funny, and the demos. If only I had such distinct tutorials like this when I was a psychology and electronic engineering student, boring.Thank you so much.Bravo. P.S. What's crazy train?.is it from Amazon?.
I'm over here wrapping my thumb over the top of the fret board. YOU CANT STOP ME 😂
Same
Great advice for long term begginers but with small exception it is great if your an early beginner to learn speradically from the favorite sections of songs you love as it encourages, giving u a positive xp, wich reinforces to continue to practice (getting them to return) while others may naysay hey you are old and smelly stop trying to play a guitar! they should definatly learn all the parts of the song when they are more familiar with fret board and masterd at least 4-5 techniques but forcing themselves to learn it straight away may put them off. to be clear I agree with all you are saying but it is important to leave an early play session happy so you dont put off the next one, always learn the fun stuff 1st but DONT leave the rest of the song because its very important to understand song structures! the more you complet (start to FINISH) the better your songs! next time you sit with your best axe ask yourself what you know and then finish what you started and try it to drums after and have some fun! for problem 4 restart issue play the section very slowly listening how each note is played and making sure that you are useing the right fingers for each part of the songs section As this makes all the diff in the world, finger style is something that is easily taken for granted but each song needs different fingers in differant places at different times.. sliding with your 1st 2nd or 3rd in diff sections can make or break your session and progress ..also your finger calluses will thank you later! Finally when you are happy with section you have, record it on audacity (free) or somethihng, then the next bit and so on. as this has recently improved my progress a hell of a lot in way less time as it leaves less to guess work clearly defining your progress by ear! Thanks for this video, great techer! fun analogies also thank you for sharing your cups with us!🤘
I have extreme left thumb pain when the thumb points anyway but up the neck or near the low E string a G hurts like a MOTHER. F bar I can do.
The dude is stepping it up. I appreciate the older videos but this is much sharper. Great video!
Im self taught. Been playing a very long time (about 40 years) felt like I wasn't getting any better and finally was given the name of a teacher in town who is an ABSOLUTE BEAST of a player Ive learned more in the last year in a half than what I learned in the prior 40 years. One of the BIGGEST values of having a teacher who is a PRO PLAYER is that they can stop you and give you feedback while you are playing just so much feedback its almost over whelming but man have I improved in my soloing improv...
Man I tried to watch but just to much going on my head was spinning.
I have a crooked pinky finger. Is it normal? If not, then how can I fix this?
Can't evaluate the normalcy of your finger without a picture. If it's too crooked you can try breaking it and resetting it.
I really like this guy! Actually showed up some valuable stuff without needing a “paid subscription” and no bs thanks man
omg when i tried moving my thumb a bit to play a bar chord i was actually able to do one. never donehat before ty soooo much
Like you said, close the gap on the hardest part of the song. When you come back the next day with fresh ideas, you might nail it, and use those techniques to learn other songs.
I started playing in 1980 I was about 14 or 15 yrs. old . Got good enough by 84 to do parties small gigs but kinda got carried away with the excesses of the 80's being Girls , Booze and mind altering substances depending on your age you understand . I stopped playing altogether by 1990 until around 2004 . When I started back I wanted to Shred like Lynch , DeMartini , Satch , Vai ect. so I adopted the Classical playing position and progressed faster then I thought I was gonna , muscle memory I guess ? One thing that I was never told by people I learned from was thumb positioning and the biggest revelation was how hard I was pushing or fretting chords notes ect. Being almost 40 no one every told me you just need the sting or strings to touch the frets ??? Once I adopted this basically retraining my young 20's style from the 80's I got better at a rate that was amazing and couldn't understand why no one ever mentioned this to me in all the Bands , Jam session and small Gigs I had done & once "TH-cam" came along never a mention here either . I'm able to play those Shred licks and solos now plus create my own and have become a true Shredder from Metal ,Thrash to any other style I can play solos of songs that I thought I would never be able to !!! Any younger or older players of any skill level need to be taught this as well as having or doing your own setups and Intonate your Guitars easy to learn of YT from videos these days . Anyone else run into this or something similar . I teach now and again now in my 50's and it's one of the 1st things I tell my Student's now along with the Beginner basics and watch some students really get better much faster that they surprise themselves . Thoughts ??
this vid is great and switching to classical immediately made things easier for me. thanks so much!
Absolutely correct! I do have guitar buddies that have larger hands and can use their thumb to hang over and hold down the low E and A strings for chording, but I have always kept my thumb under my fingers and can stretch far enough to almost achieve an octave within the first 6 frets! Have been a guitarist for 60+ years and my left hand still opens way more than my right. Thanks for an informative and amusing video, sir!
Got to admit ... your production is really excellent ... kept interest up pretty good. Some of this I could apply. However, for me, after 61 years of playing, I have found that loosening hands and fingers are the most important things ... I am a much better player after working on exercises which I find to be very challenging and fun, regardless of where my arthritic left thumb is on the neck. My son uses the middle of the neck routine which works for him. However, that thumb will pay the price over time. That's not what made my thumb arthritic ... that was from putting 80% of my weight on my hands while using a walker for two years. And that was from wearing out my hips through 35 years of hauling heavy amplifiers around. So, many things contribute. Bottom line is find what works for you ... but I can guarantee that playing exercises every day will help the most.
Hey TT I'm 55yo. I've played the drums since 12 but last 3 years or so I've really been playing guitar. Can't explain it just woke up one morning and bam. But anyway I've got to an intermediate level I know bar chords major and minor. I've gotten decent at mixing the major minor pentatonic for bluesy or rock solos. I don't think Robbin Ford will have to worry about losing his job to me for sure. I play because I love it a hobby. Is there any advice you could give a world record beginning holder. I don't mind putting in the work. Anything I do I want do as much and best I can thanks.
Hey TT ... I have the same issue with my thumb. I have trigger finger. Had surgery and it helped a little but not like it was. keep on playing!
I'm 58 and can relate if you want read my comment it's a bit long but am curious since we are both Gen-X . Was this taught or told to you or did you just know that a lighter touch to fret was such a big deal ? I am really curious ?? Rock On Dude !! \M/.
How are you supposed to tremolo pick in classical position? That's about the only thing I'm interested in doing right now.
That thumb trick... thank you!! I used to just stretch my fingers on their sides to make them more flexible 💀 Power chords are so easy now
1. Actually learn the fret board. Make a exercise for 5-10 minutes a day where you pick 2 notes, "A" "D" notes for example, then spend the time playing up and down the next only playing those notes. I wouldn't worry to much about sharps and flats as they are just a half step up or down from the said note. If you know your pentatonic scale. Try using the first 5 notes of the scale and play it on each of the notes you find. So you get a feel for how the notes are arranged on the fret board in each position.
2. Try to learn songs by ear, not depending on tabs. Tabs are great but you can easily become dependent on them. If you use them, try figuring out what the notes/chords are. Saying the notes in your head or write them down is good. If it say 5 on the E. Then say "A". Or sing it in your head. If you are doing the previous lesson, this will help with memorizing notes.
3. USE A METRONOME! Great for keeping timing and rhythm of course. Also if you are struggling with a particular part of a song. Slow it down. Bring it down to half speed. And build your way back up to regular speed. This helps SO MUCH!
Dude! I frigging love you....DANGO DAHN DANAN
So for item two, if you're play acoustic and you need to use your thumb to mute the E string, how does that work?
Funny, I started to learn crazy train last night. Good tips. Thanks.
always take time to include improv in your practice time...
1> put on a backing track and just make up a lead as you go along...finish off your practice with it...
it's equivalent to a boxer who spars as opposed to one who just hits the bag...
2> take a standard drill and just make it different and harder...boring drills make boring leads...
instead of doing a standard triplet scale, do a 5plet scale...what does that look like? who cares - figure it out
3> play leads at every fret...i always default Em leads to the 5th and 12th fret out of habit...
instead, today i will play the leads at the 8th and 13frets...will it work? you gotta try it first...
if you find you are getting bored, it's because it is boring...
just remember jimmy page never played the same lick twice...
Probably the best advice of all, including the vid.
I have played on the left leg since I started about 15 months ago and recently have been trying to change as I thought it was the proper way
I've never painted my thumb red - so I didn't make the mistake 😂
Holding the guitar correctly is the first lesson of guitar playing.
Good video ❤
God bless you , this video is a game changer for me and my little hands !
Your videos keep getting better. Love the editing and examples. Not to mention the skits 😂
But when playing solos I tend to use my thumb to deaden then low E string or wherever
So how can I move my thumb where you say?
Can anyone advise me? My hand stretching is an issue
Entertaining and clever AF. Hilarious mate, subbed and liked.
Great playing info, and also the right way to avoid "mistakes video makers make". I HATE it when they STOP everything to insert a clip. I'll click out of those videos almost every time. You have wonderful clips interjected, and you keep talking! THAT is the right way!!
For me- and I'm asking the social media lounge here as well, I don't really have a "musical ear". I cannot sing on key, nor could my parents. Playing guitar via tabs was always just rote memorization. I took a classical guitar class, and yes we held the guitar as he showed- very comfortable. I also watched EVH and used the left hand technique as shown in this vid. I just never could get up to speed, nor understand from a musical point what was next, other than memorizing the motions.
Also, he mentions typing- I only type about 30 WPM- that's since high school typing class in the 80's. Further, I only read as fast as I speak. It's never been faster. Yes, I can skim, but I never really understand what I'm reading until I slow it down to talking speed.
Bottom line, as much as I want to play guitar like a rock star, I just don't know if my body/mind is truly able to complete the task. I've tried. I've tried. I've tried and never got anywhere good.
Thoughts?
Great .Thank you .
One thing worth pointing out about playing on your right leg vs classical position is that a foot lift can cause hip issues. Many classical guitarists are switching to guitar lifts or playing with straps while seated.
Another is that you look like a dork. How many people carry guitar picks around with them, never mind a foot stool? At a party: Johnny, play us something. “Oh just let me go out to the car to get my footstool”. Just pick the guitar up and play it. It’s like watching South American kids play football: bare feet, rugged bumpy pitch, not even a proper football, but they PLAY football. Compare that to kids in my country, who have the clothes, the haircuts, the boots, and their “moms” take them to football practice in shiny SUVs, then the kids do warmups and tricks, then they can’t play shit.
whoah! I already was doing the green line thingy where I would learn the full song and learn the solo after everything else was down! I didn't know it actually had such a value
I love you man. Seriously. Thank you
There is so much realism in this video, especially the song selected. Tip #3 is certainly something I need to convince myself of. I sweat the small stuff too much, to advance.
I've always rested the guitar on the fretting hand side. It just felt natural.
I'm a brand new Baritone Ukulele player, and I have my thumb in the correct place as you describe, and I'm fretting with my finger tips. But I am really frustrated right now, because I want to play a certain song that requires a B7 Cord, and I just can't stretch my fingers to that E string. I've tried different angles. What am I doing wrong? Help!
You left out THE most important point, the lynch pin to all guitarring: the picking hand. Control of the picking hand is 100x more important than the fretting hand. In the words of Joe Walsh, "It all happens here, man." Flat picking, thumb picking, Travis style, flamenco, frailing, claw hammer, slapping, and hybrids of all these styles must be achieved to reach full mastery. You show me your favorite guitar god (mine is Tommy Emmanuel), and I'll show you someone who has one helluva picking technique.
You were absolutely correct about Mistakes 1, 3, and 4. But you are dead wrong about Mistake #2: thumb draping has always been the cornerstone of my guitar playing, and my bass playing. Greats like Jimi Hendrix, Waddy Wachtel, Mark Knopfler, good ol' Tommy, and bassist Louis Johnson all relied on the thumb drape. Not to say that I anchored my thumb to the edge of the fret board at all times: it always depended on what kind of position I was trying to achieve.
I only practice standing up. Strapped. I know I need to switch it up because I have to wear reader's. Or take my contacts out.
Make a video about finger issue my fingers gets tensed now so much i used to play simple legato now i can even play 1234 properly waiting for your answer ❤
Thumb pointing at the headstock. Yes I did that one.
The one about learning entire songs is REALLY IMPORTANT if you want to be a serious player. That's half the battle, being able to actually *get through* a song at speed, even if it's not perfect. The stop-start-stop-start way most people practice is very counter-intuitive.
i like what you say , for me i have a issue i have tried the drop your thumb on your fretting hand to give more reach but then i get really bad pain in the back of my hand it just hirts to much to play with my hand at that right angel kind of bend :(
mike can you make a tutorial on string skipping?
Why didn't this video exist for me 30 years ago, aaaarrggghhh! Excellent content as usual. Thanks Mike, and congrats on the baby!
I always wondered how that little man from AC/DC seemed to have a 12 inch spread on his fingers.... and your scenes of trying to spread your fingers (with your other hand) reminds me of doing the exact same thing!!!!!
That little man is Angus Young BTW. The most humble guitar genius of all time!
@8m The reason we don't keep trying the hard bits is because humans want reward for effort. Smacking yourself relentlessly in the face isn't pleasant. It's fun playing guitar - it's no fun messing it up - it's as simple as that.
Great video, great analogies
I started playing guitar in classical position as you show in the video because I had a V shaped guitar at the time that was easier to play that way.
Thank you.
Well, I don't know about the first one. I have both a Jazzmaster and a Strat and because of the offset design of the JM, if I sit it on my left leg, I feel I am playing a bass guitar while the Strat feels more natural. Of course, the JM was designed to sit down, but wow, the frets near the nut feels like they are a long way off. When I am improvising, I do live in the 5 fret as it is home to me. Maybe I just need to get used to it. When, as a kid I played standing up in my band, but now I sit 99 percent of the time. Anyone out there have the same problems with the JM? EDIT: Oh, by the way....subscribed!!
#2 (the thumb tip) is amazing. I never realised how tense my left hand was because of that raised thumb position. It's hard to get out of the habit but I'm sure it will be better once keeping the thumb away from the top string becomes a natural thing. Thanks, man. Very much appreciated!
Yeah ok…
@@robpearson9526?
If having your thumb angled away and not straight up is a mistake then most of my heroes like Albert Lee, Vince Gill, SRV, Paul Gilbert etc are making or made huge mistakes (hint, they are not, it is not a huge mistake, it is actually very helpful). I would say one size does not fit all, if you want to shred I would imagine the straight thumb way is best but if you want to rock the blues and country rock and heavy bending etc then that thumb can do and should do all kinds of unorthodox things. Of course each player is different but if you watch the greats, almost all of them do not practice this straight thumb approach at all.
this is super helpful! thank you
I just picked up a foot rest for practicing and it helped immensely!
Interesting. Your thumb position tip is seemingly the opposite of what Jamsville suggests in his how to avoid wrist pain video. He does suggest holding your hand out flat, turning it up and having the thumb towards the headstock.
If any teacher actually 'suggests' to turn the thumb towards the headstock - ask for your money back.
@HowToPracticeGuitar interesting. I'm currently battling suspected tendonitis (visting doc this weekend) so trying hard to reevaluate my technique after 13 years of playing.
@@HowToPracticeGuitar i think it is different for everyone and it is not a bad advice - i was actually struggling with wrist pain and difficulty of playing barre chords few years (i thought if i will play everyday it would get better but it never did) and now i can actually play without this pain and pressure. So i would recommend for everyone to try both ways and to just look out for any signs of discomfort, adjust the technique if you do experence some and let go of thinking that there is just one right way to play
Oh yeah the "guitar on knee" is 100% a thing! I tried of and on to progress, picked up and put guitar down a few times, this last time i started using straps and i play the exact same way you showed, i was struggling with pain in wrist on fretting hand and this was how i self resolved it and it helped a lot! Biggest thing that helped me was lessons, wish id done that years ago...Thumb is something im getting, hard to break old habits...At least something im aware of. At the end of the day practice is the best thing, even mundane stuff like learning scales with a metronome can advance your playing a lot. Can be hard for younger players to maintain interest, im lucky in the sense im old and motivated to put lots of time in when i have it but at least at a minimum a decent practice every day. A tool i do use, and i stress by itself its not good and even is bad in some ways is rocksmith. Coupled with a decent practice routine and some tuition, it can be the entertainment part of your learning because you get to play your favourite songs. Just get the older version not the current one because i hear its trash... If you mod it you can use any generic usb interface if you already have one.
Salesman? No. Truth? Yes. Great advice & I went thru those exact humps. Got 40yrs of play'n & there's truth n his advice. 🙏🎸🎶🎶...
There was a time, when I started to have strumming hand shoulder pain from playing. I switched to playing standing from playing sitting, and the pain went away.
So yes. That's a very good advice.
Do warmups based on yoga stretches; make sure your guitar strap is adjusted so you’re not hunching your strumming hand shoulder; consciously relax as you play; put the guitar down on a stand and back off if you do feel tense; approach your instrument with love; don’t waste time noodling: practise the bits you want to practise, then put your guitar down; use your “non playing time” to learn, i.e. listening and air guitaring; play your instrument with grace, i.e. don’t beat the hell out of it. The guitar has a limited dynamic range, so learn to play soft, mid, as well as maximum. If all else fails, try whiskey or marijuana to stop the pain.
Thank you for great content!
Very nice content!
Awesome Randy Rhoads t-shirt!
He's my all time idol and master too!
😍
You're back again! Yay !
Thumb, guilty. Shoulder position, guilty (I agonised about resting my hand on the bridge but it just won't! I have long arms. Plus it pushes the shoulders UP )
thanks for the video! btw, what kind of Ibanez are u playing? Thanks
Very good information,but I still feel that I need larger fingers(they're definitely NOT small). lol. I'll try that thumb trick. I actually find it easier to play standing up.