This has always been my philosophy...at 25, I couldn’t play a triangle...I’m 34 and now I play the piano, guitar, bass, harmonica.....and the triangle 😎
I taught myself bass as a teen & played in metal bands in the 90s. In my early 20s I taught myself harmonica, now I'm a harmonica teacher & one of the best players in my state
I have always... YEARNED ...to play the triangle! I mean sure, I can ring the dinner bell, and I'm not bad with a buzzer, but the triangle - oh how I crave its sweet siren's song! I am sure that when you die, and you're on that looong escalator ride to The Top Floor, there won't be harp music playing, no sir! Serenading you each step of your journey Home will be the purest of Platonic forms, that little 3-sided pie slice of Harmonic Heaven... the triangle.
I consider this guy to be a master player, but I like it even more that he seems like the most down to earth guy ever. There's always something to work on, but it takes a well brought up dude to be this humble. This just proves my point once again that not all master musicians have to be divas. I REALY don't like diva singers and musician
For me they master musicians become divas after they master the thing, its just self confidence they actually deserve for their skills. To say that you dont like them means you dont like Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Jim Morrison and many more of the artists that created millions of people with ideals and to you say you don't like divas is DUMB, the important is not how they feel themselves or how they like to look, thats music for god's sake, and the important is THE MUSIC.
I'm a surgeon, and this is exactly like my job. Keep studying the basics, read theory, work with new colleagues, find new teachers, watch other surgeons. It applies to life itself!! Inspiring words Charles! Greets from Portugal!
Hey, nice to see another portuguese here. And yeah, agree with you an Charles, as an aspiring physicist and classical guitarist just wanted to say hi. It's not common to find a portuguese on the internet. (Sou do norte hhaha)
The smartest music instructor I've ever met once told me, 100 repetitions done wrong only makes you really good at being wrong. Being better, at music, comes from 100 corrections done right. Take the time to listen to your critics, they're probably on to something. To be great requires stowing your ego and asking for help.
I disagree, the mistakes are the things that show you your own way in music, you create something new with them after time given to practice they can turn into something beautiful and something finished. Its important to learn from others, but its important to find out things for yourself, its important to use the knowledge you gained to create things that the other people at first will take as a mistake but with the listening they'll find your way through the art and see the logic through your eyes, thats how the best music is born, from mistakes
There might be youtubers with more followers, memes or buzz, but none of them have this kind of dialogue with their audience. Simple and rich content, a true master revealing his own secrets with no arrogance or pointless showing off. I salute you, Charles!
Talent is like an ability or advantage you are born with. You shouldn't rely on talent. In his case it was a lot of hard work. He showed how much he had to learn so talent doesn't even matter
Hard work is the key to being great in anything really. Natural talent can only get you so far. A great reminder of this to me personally was Nicky Hayden (RIP) the motorcycle rider. He became a world champ in the most well known championship, motogp, yet he wasn't the most talented rider in his family out of his brothers. Yet he was the hardest worker.
@Abe Garfield There are ppl who are born with abilities which give them advantages over other people. For example longer fingers can be an advantage or better memory. With such a talent it's easier to become very good, but even then it's a lot of work.
You know what Charles? This is exactly what I needed. I have been trying to learn instruments for years, and have never gotten past that basic intermediate stage. I've chosen to do guitar now, and this video is going to stay in its own dedicated playlist on my account forever. I cannot thank you enough for this, and I don't think I can tell you how much this means to me and how much I needed it either. I've almost been brought to tears by this, as I have been searching for a guide that isnt laced with a "give me your money first, then we'll speak" scheme. I plan on following and learning from your wisdom on my musical journey. Thank you, Mr. Berthoud. I truly appreciate it.
Explaining like this is beautiful. You are not afraid to show how you got so good. That shows how great you are, not hiding techniques but explaining the quality behind them
I'd really like to know what you think of his right hand technique? Maybe I'm missing something, but everytime I watch Charles I feel like my cts is flaring up
I started playing Bass almost a week ago now. I would honestly say that I combine steps 1, 2 (backing tracks), and 3/4 everyday. I personally dont feel like it’s a lot to do! I practice scales and technique for about an hour, and then practice songs that I love WITH A METRONOME. I start with 90bpm until I get the technique down with no buzzing. I didn’t see any mention of metronome in the video but it’s vital to keeping up with the rhythm of the song. Do this with your scales as well! Some people may not be able to play in bands because covid, but most popular songs have someone playing drums on the internet that you can play along to and backing tracks as well. I will admit that sometimes I pick songs that are a bit more advance lmao, but don’t let that stop you! Break it down into the simplest components. We will definitely get there with practice! I’ve seen SO much improvement already!
Brother Dave as a fellow musician I can understand that taking smaller chunks is the best way to study, so that you can become proficient. I am a guitar player that has cerebral palsy from birth effecting my entire left side of body. Because of this, most people thought I was out of my mind when I said I was going to start a rock band LEMON 🍋 PARK. Many laughed in my face. We played all over Southern Indiana and Ohio too. I have 7 CDs of my own music recorded since 2001. I started when I was 16 yrs old and now I'm 60.Its funny how time flys when you are having a good time. 🎸
Big +1 to *economy of motion* -- I don't think this is taught enough. I learned the hard way after developing severe tendonitis. Figured out that I needed to relax my hands and adjust my position. When I started teaching, I gave students an exercise where they'd start off pressing the string so lightly that it didn't produce a note, then they'd gradually increase the pressure till the note was produced. This way, they could feel how much pressure was necessary to produce a note, and any additional pressure was just wasted energy and extra strain.
I’m 60 years old and just starting playing a musical instrument (Bass). Of all the TH-cam videos I’ve watched (and I’ve seen and subscribed to plenty),..this was the best “how to” video ever!!! Your break down really made sense. I decided to learn how to play for church. We only have a guitar player,..so I decided to step up and learn something to help out. I really am hooked and hope to learn the piano as well someday but I guess,.one step at a time.
I am a digital artist, and this applies to art, as well. Efficiency is so important, breaking up tasks, learning theory - pretty much in the same order as you described.
As a drummer, I always thaught I would never need to learn tonal music theory. But I have started to play the guitar as well and now I seek to seize every help I can get on my journey to learn it. This video definitely helps. Thanks, Charles. Keep being amazing.
@DrumWild Honestly I think the same goes for almost any instrument. I played a djembé for about 12 years and while I'm far from the most accomplished musician, I was able to get a huge amount of sounds from such a simple instruments and could feel myself improving even after quite a few years. This on an instrument people can get the basics of within 5 minutes.
Finally, I understand that you were speaking about life itself or any profession.... This is the hidden secret/sarcasm/satire !! . I'm architect and it's the same on every step of the profession, from beginner to pro.... And I see the same pattern on life... I really enjoy your music and videos....please continue like this.
36 years playing bass. I'm one of those unfortunate bastards who was blessed with aptitude, but has somewhat squandered my gift with laziness. Spent a couple years getting as fast as I possibly could, and then pretty much did not play outside of band rehearsals once I joined a band. Getting better about it, finally started learning theory about 10 years ago and actually work on stuff at home now. This dude's level of dedication is amazing and the results speak for themselves. Kinda cool to see what happens when someone picks up a bass instead of a bong for 15 years. Well done man.
@@louispconstant6624 Beg to disagree. One can certainly be a great musician who also smokes pot... but stoners are never "dedicated" to anything. The key to being a functional stoner is being aware of your limitations. If you honestly think you are BETTER at anything high, you are not there yet. Enjoy more =/= better at.
@@TheMemo659 Mate, beg all you want. I smoke marijuana throughout most of the day. I'm an epileptic and it also calms me from ocd and anxiety. I play and write just fine trust me. Unrelated I know many many GREAT not good musicians that will use drugs and different states to A) Have fun and experiment, and B) to capture something that simply someone who is not on or had drugs would not usually think about. And yes, I mean to the point of addiction and suffering including real drugs not pot. Most great songs are about love or loss. The blues are about living through tough times and having stories to tell. There are modern day versions of this such as Cobain, Elliott Smith, Kevin Parker and many more. Fact is there are A TONNE of "stoners" that play and write better than you ever will. To judge anyone when you probably down caffeine or tobacco, sugar or some type of tablet in medium to large quantities daily without a thought of consequence and with just as much consequence as someone who uses drugs daily. Maybe your thing is junk food, don't know, don't care. You aren't high and mighty because you don't smoke. Nor is marijuana a "drug" that brings about limitations or anything else. You wouldn't think to say I am a functioning coffee drinker and caffeine user would you? Functional stoner is not really a thing, that is just lazy in general. People say functioning alcoholic, heroin addict etc I was dedicated enough to reply to your comment, even as a stoner 🙃 Now, I'm going back to my Rick Beato interactive music course and punching a cone
@@louispconstant6624 Long essay for a swing and a miss my friend. I've been high for roughly 40 years in a row now. Your defensiveness is hilarious. You and I intentionally make ourselves stupid with THC because it feels good. Pretending it is anything else is intellectual dishonesty.
Some great advice - I get fed up with people who see great musicians, great athletes, singers etc. saying wow they have such natural talent - Well the more you practice with purpose the more talented you get - So glad you mentioned the many hours, weeks, months and year it took you to get where you are. Thank you.
Really inspiring video! I was also lucky to find a band in the same year I got my first bass and I do believe it helped me grow a lot as a musician! Also, can't wait to finally get your tapping book!
I've been playing bass for a year and hit a plateau recently and this is just what I needed to push through. Thank you Charles for being such an inspiration for so many aspiring bassists like myself.
I work as a full time computer programmer, and it took me about 10 years (about 20, 000 hours) to become a Step 7 senior professional to architect, lead teams, and keep refining my craft.. I'm also a pretty good amateur boxer as a passion and it took me about 12 years (about 9,000 hours) to get to the equivalent of Step 4/Step 5. As a guitar player, it took me about 4 years (about 1,000 hours) to get to Step 2 and Step 3, but at least I kind of can play Paganini Caprice 24 (inspired by charles). Holy moly....learning is hard work...the road forward seems so long and daunting...how do I master everything?
There's a good book called The Practicing Mind that you might like. It's basically about making the process the goal and enjoying the practice for it's own sake rather than as a mean to an end. It's a quick read, but good for when you're feeling frustrated.
I'm not sure what step I'm on, but I've been playing bass most days since 8th grade and now I'm 27. Key takeaways: 1) Yes, bands are important! They teach you so much about rhythm, timing, and dynamics 2) It is absolutely great advice to just repeat technical exercises for as long as possible for muscle memory. 3) great video, like button tapped.
Thank you for this! I've played several instruments; I even received national honors on one of them, and it was a lot of work, a lot of working smarter, not harder, and still committing the time to it. I was playing woodwind instruments, percussion, learning brass instruments-- anything and everything I could get my hands on. Decades later, and I'm diving into guitar and bass! It's on my bucket list, but it's also a love I've always wanted to learn. While I loved bass before, you're one of those who've really inspired and encouraged me by watching your videos. I'll never be a Charles Berthoud or a Ichika Nito on guitar, but I stay inspired thanks to people like you who make this all available. Thank you again! Your videos are wonderful!
I've been a professional musician for 35+ years. This is great advice. The overall approach is have a plan and work diligently on your plan. Good teachers are also invaluable. You can learn and even master as many instruments as you have the time and discipline to learn/master. I have always enjoyed practice which has paid off tremendously for me and for many of my students throughout the years. Keep at it Charles, I love your videos, even the "whacky" ones!
One of my biggest regrets was not going to Berkeley. I got accepted but everyone around me told me that music was not a good idea that I should join the military and I listened and I wish with every fiber of my being I had not
I know how you must feel. Unlike yourself, I didn't want to pursue a career in the military personally. However, I knew I was a creative person for as long as I can remember, and my parents wanted me to pursue other things than what I wanted to, for the purposes of me to being successful and well off. When my dad was still alive, he always wanted me to be in a field where I can make a lot of money and not start out poor like he did. My parents are Filipino, so he wanted me to be one of the following: doctor, nurse, engineer, scientist, mathematician, etc. When I was younger, I used to draw a lot, but he still tried to encourage me to pursue those other careers I mentioned. In the last couple of years of his life, he started to realize that I had some talent for drawing/illustration and I guess he realized he should have encouraged me to pursue more of what I wanted. But regrettably, as I was getting older, I needed to find work that would help me pay my bills, and more and more, I would draw less and less. The reason for the long explanation to you is that I could have still kept up my drawing skill more than I did. I don't draw as often as I used to, but you have to express yourself, if you are a creative person. Life will still make you do things you don't want to do as an adult, but you have to do them any way. But if it's something you truly love to do, keep doing it in one way or another...keep it alive in yourself. Do what you love, even if it only turns out to be a hobby. Do what you love.
I started learning bass 5 years ago but lost my inspiration. Recently seeing some of your videos has reignited my desire to learn. One of the things I appreciate most about you is your precision when playing. Whether you play fast or slow the notes are clear and right on time. You have become one of my greatest inspirations. I am now moving forward with learning bass again.
Few years ago me watching Davie on YT : Damn he's really good at bass Few years ago me, when Davie introduce us to Charles : OK wtf ? I'm gonna throw my guitar away and buy some BASS Thank you Charles for all your inspired music and your humility, you're one of the best musician I've the chance to listen to, but you stay humble and give us musicians courage and inspiration to keep playing and maybe someday realize our dreams. Keep your hard work and your sympathy, your fans love you mate
Not into learning music, but youtube homepage spammed me this video so much that in the end I watched it to support the channel and I'm leaving a comment to support even more
The points about economy of motion, practicicing etudes and also not being afraid to copy are really really important. Establishing good technique and learning from good examples are the best gifts a player can give themselves. Thanks for sharing your insights Charles. Love your work!
10 minutes to say, a lifetime to master. Ive been playing guitar and bass off and on for almost 20 years, but because Ive never actually stuck with it for more than a few months at a time, I still consider myself a beginner.
I've been playing bass and guitar since I was 14 or 15 in the 90's and I'm actually sitting down to try and take bass lessons and actually practice bass playing. You can get somewhere by just kinda 'doing stuff and learning by yourself' but every time I've sat down and tried to do concerted practice on something, it's expanded my brain. Right now I'm trying to focus on breaking some bad habits I've picked up and patterns I've locked myself into. I think you've nailed it.
Planning 2021: January: Play songs with tabs February: Join in a band March: Learn basic music theory April: Technical exercises May: Ear training June: Composing July: Improv August: Holidays September: Start again from the beginning because probably I will forget everything. October: Imitate great composers. November: Create my own Style. December: Open my own YT Channel.
Probably the best laid out explanation of learning an instrument I have ever heard. I started playing bass when I was 15 and was playing bars when I was 17. The best advice I could ever give would be, as CB said, try to learn the songs you love. It helps train your ear, develops stamina and technique. I was a HUGE Maiden fan and, because I learned so many of their songs, I got really good fast. Another band that was my #2 influence was Rush. There was a point in time where I was playing 6-8 hours a day and could play as fast or long as I wanted. Now, Im 50 and my bass equipment is dusty :( Life puts us on different paths and thats the reality. However, I have VERY professional equipment and, when I decide to play, my neighbors get a free concert ;) Kudos to CB. To be as young and talented as he is means the sky is the limit.
As an exemple in passing knowledge, this video is a pure masterclass. I'm really impressed because imagine if people from all fields would do the same thing... anyone could be on tracks to where they want to go in life.. unbelievable content
I just started playing Bass last week after playing guitar for several years and im actually about in the middle of all of those steps, learning them all at the same time. Me and my friend had composed and recorded a couple of dozen songs with 2 guitars a keyboard and drums but we now want to replace the rythm guitar with the Bass guitar so i decided to pick one up. And i am LOVING the Bass. I just wish i would have picked it up YEARS ago.
What I like about this is that you’re not promising “one simple trick” or whatever. Instead, it’s about smartly putting in the effort. And that’s the only way.
I think I’ve been too focused on technique, and that’s why even after playing guitar for almost 10 years I only feel like a guitarist, and not a musician. I’ve been falling into the trap of chasing “the sound” of my favourite musicians too far. Instead of expanding and learning more diverse music, I focused too much on trying to reproduce the sounds of others, forgetting the fact that no two musicians can play/sound exactly the same. So for me personally, I believe ear training is what I should be focusing on for the next while. At the end of the day, music is a language. If I never “communicate” with it, and I just read from a book all day, I’m never gonna truly learn this language. I’ve seen and heard of a lot of musicians who sound amazing but can’t play anything without sheet music. Not that it’s wrong, but it’s not where I wanna end up. I believe the most efficient and natural way to learn a new language is by listening and trying to imitate proficient speakers; like how babies learn. Learning and sticking by the book will just make you sound inauthentic. I’m sure anyone who has ever tried to learn a new language can relate. The things most teachers start with simply doesn’t make sense in real life. When was the last time you’ve heard someone say “hi, my name is x”? Or “this is a desk. That is a pencil.”People rarely speak that way, and yet it’s usually the first thing people learn when approaching a new language. Language changes over time, what was considered wrong 500 years ago might be normal now. Music is the same. If a musical idea makes sense to you, and you like it, no one can tell you you’re wrong. Anyways, I’m saying this because I feel like I had false values branded into my brain, and that’s probably the biggest reason why I got stuck in a rabbit hole. You can’t grade music, there is no right or wrong. Just like you can’t grade a painting. I wanted to chase after a “higher mark” because that’s what our entire education system advertises. I will never get full marks as long as there’s more than one person alive, people will always disagree; so why chase after it? Just like you mentioned in the video, we have to eventually develop our own sound. Chasing/copying others is fine to a certain extent, but after that, it’s just an endless pit. Imo, someone with horrible technique, but is 100% authentic, will always sound better than someone who has perfect technique but lacks soul. To my ears, some people just sound “too clean”. It’s almost like listening to midi straight up. All of my favourite musicians have their own unique flaws, and they all contribute to building their own unique and authentic sound. Just to clarify, I’m not saying practicing technique is pointless, it’s just not as important as authenticity. Techniques are icing on the cake, but if your cake itself tastes horrible, so will everything on it. You don’t wanna serve a cake with absolutely no icing either right?...
Im in the step 1 im learning cool songs and try to play and have fun a lot and forget my problems. My mom gift me a bass because my friend committed suicide .. two days later I got appendicitis and my cat die too and he was my company in the duel and recovery. So i start mmm like in november. Is sad but I want to play so loud so that they hear me so i have to practice and be best every day. I speak spanish if i have bad lenguage Thanks for everything Charles
Wow .... Just wow. As someone who has been teaching music for over a decade, who has studied under many (fantastic) teachers and used countless online resources, this is EASILY some of the best advice I've ever heard. Thank you so much, i think you will have helped many people along their musical journeys with this video.
It's been a couple months since I watched this, but your epic point in economy of movement is something that's slipped me by for the last nearly 2 decades of playing and I've had my first real improvement with a stringed instrument in over a decade, thanks mate! I can't believe I was so wrong for so long!
I think I've made it to step 7, based simply on the fact that I've hit every previous single step a significant number of times in my musical journey, but there wasn't one that I feel like I've nailed perfectly. It's also nice to know that there will not be an end to music for any of us. Thank you so much for this!
Aplausos, Aplausos, Aplausos!.....Este ha sido uno de los mejores videos que he visto sobre aprendizaje musical, creo que me callo como anillo al dedo porque eres una gran inspiracion para mi, Charles. Saludos desde Republica Dominicana!
I've been playing music longer than Charles has been alive!!! Although I still felt like I may learn something from watching this video, I was right too! That's my tip for anyone who's beginning their magical journey of becoming a musician!!!! never think you know it all, never stop digging for something new to learn(because there will ALWAYS be something you don't know, always...) Don't ever develop an ego that shows through to the public, it will be noticed and it's not something many find attractive!! Always take the largest slice of HumblePie!! Don't stay in one style for too long, try and diversify your playing as much as possible, as often as possible, not only will this help you build your skills but it will come in handy when playing with other people!! Who knows, you may just discover an artist you weren't familiar with and now love!! Music is forever, I personally feel it's our greatest achievement as a species and just may be the one thing that we have to offer the intergalactic community!!!(if we ever get there LOL)
I play oud and I am 41 years old. I started learning it when I was 35, six years on and I still learning and playing everyday. I am very much happy to be playing such an excellent instrument and would like to learn till I will die :) Charles you are a master at this age, and I also have to confess one hour of exercise for one year or months is something that can never be called EASY :)
I am a bass player of 10 plus years. I have recently lost inspiration due to the people I played with, and life. This dude has helped me find my inspiration in playing again. Thanks!
I picked up a guitar for the first time since 2010 today ..I thought I was in for a lot of frustration and believed I would be starting all over again.. But the muscle memory comes back so quickly, I admit I did play 12 hours a day or more for over a year when I first started. I feel like the last few hours tonight would be the equivalent to a few months at least...even the memory of the notes of solos are fast to come back...its like my fingers remember where to go and are ahead of my thought process ..weird...but wish I never stopped... I basically picked two previously learned songs with a lot of different techniques and spent some time trying to play them and relearn the song alternating with scales, sweep picking patterns and alternate picking and im still shocked how I find myself naturally going back to old positions and my pinky finger being the finger wanting to do the work over my ring finger, which is obviously the opposite of what happens normally when u first start learning. Thanks for great advice
Wow. One of the things I am grateful for 2020, is finding you and your channel. You’re ao humble and down to earth. You are one of the few mucisians I truly respect and look up to.
You have no idea how grateful I am for this video, I've been looking for something like this for so long. Because I live in the rural part of a third world country there isn't any music teachers and I didn't know what to start with by myself. I just ordered my first bass the other day and I'm going to apply this method to slowly start making the music I want to. Thanks a lot!
Keep going! It's definitely good to get those scales really engrained into your playing. Practise them over and over again in different ways, different keys etc. A common mistake people make is to play each scale correctly a few times, and then never revisit them, which is the equivalent of a football player making a few good tackles, and then never practising tackling again.
Charles Berthoud: [Gives a comprehensive, actionable series of steps to become an excellent musician] Me at 5:33: Aha, so the REAL secret is to tie a blue ribbon around your left wrist. To the craft store!
Ok, that one made me laugh out loud! I keep looking for gimmicks, while all the pros keep telling me to practice, Practice, PRACTICE! See you at the craft store!
This is the best Christmas present I could have received this year, thank you. Even though it seems simplistic, I really wish someone would have laid out these steps when I started my musical journey so long ago. I actually majored in Music in college, with a focus on theory and composition, and haven't done much with it since. Now, I am 42 years old, married, kid, job, etc... and all I want is to have the time to really focus on music again and take it to the next level. I am pretty good at a lot of instruments but I spent a lot of time when I was younger (and had the time) just messing around and not really focusing my practicing on anything other than learning songs. It's amazing that in my 30 years of music background some of your steps I have spent very little time on. It's time for me to go back and revisit these steps again and catch up on what I was missing. So thank you again for posting this.
Back in November, I decided I wanted to learn alto sax as a second instrument so I could join my schools jazz band. Now, in June, I can do improv, and play pieces I would've never imagined playing in a million years!
Well said. I have been playing piano for 20 years and I have this to say. I know that for people starting out it seems like a daunting task to keep working on the various steps, but remember to not put unnecessary pressure on yourself. If you are not playing the instrument with any joy, take a step back and focus on what you want out of it. For me, I want to get better at sight reading as I am still not as fast with it because my ear skills developed much faster and I stuck with that, but I love learning piano and I hope to advance my sight reading skills.
You are an inspiration and one of the most positive and kind youtubers out there. It's such a relief to see someone earning their success by being so talented and positive, instead of being cheap and promoting negativity and hate.
To show how connected we all are I must let you know how amazing it was to hear (and see) Jim Stinnett has been your teacher. Jim's little brother Bill and I (I played trombone then) went to school together and played in our high school band in Sutherlin. I knew his mother and father and enjoyed going to their music store in that town. At that time Jim was attending North Texas State and did compose a half dozen or so charts for our very small jazz band. This is quite awesome how small the world can be as all this took place 40 years ago! And now YOU are giving ME lessons!
As an amateur (for the love of...in French) bassist I appreciate any help in getting better at my instrument. I have gigged regularly in many bands since the nineties and have written a few dozen songs, but I've never considered myself a pro. I'm a rocker and a true pro such as yourself must be able to cover any style. It was never my goal to be a pro and I stopped taking lessons after learning the basics (technique, scales, modes, chords) I just wanted to be able to rock out competently with my friends and have fun playing music we wrote. I love what you do and have subscribed.
"How to master any instrument you want?" well just like you'd master any other sound i.e. with EQ, compression, saturation, delays, reverbs, stereo wideners etc.
I started guitar at age 10 and I followed almost every single one of these and nearly in this order. I actually started with a really good ear which helped tremendously. Like he said, keep developing your ear and keep pulling small amounts from ear area of learning and you will grow.
What’s so cool is that these steps can a apply to virtually anything in life. One thing you forgot though.... Learning what all the notes on the fretboard are. I’ve finally sat down and done that after years of playing and I feel it’s made me a lot better.
The key thing is discipline, without that nothing can help you to develop your skills. Thank you Charles, Im not even a bass player, but because of you I wish to learn(I am "weekend" guitar player). 🙂
I have watched a number of your videos over the last couple-few days, because I am about to start learning bass. This video is by far your best of those I have seen. It's well-thought out, clear, and heartfelt. You have a gift for clear organization & presentation of ideas, and I'd love to see you make more instructional videos. I realize that they might not get as many views as the ones in a more click-baity style, but I think that they'd have a much more lasting personal impact for many people who'd watch them.
I play keyboard, recorder, guitar ( classical, acoustic and electric) and violin. All self taught. Can’t read music for nuts. I’ve been playing violin for a year now and it really is the most challenging instrument to play. But it’s worth it because its beautiful sound it produces when played correctly.
You have no clue how much this helped answer basic questions for me, as how start learning, Got my first bass guitar (early Christmas gift) In November, My journey begins, Thank you Charles
Usually, I'm not a comment person, but when someone put so much efforts to make a content like that, which is made with a PRO approach and has a lot of inspiration inside, i just can't go another way, and don't push the like button, and subscribe to your channel. Wish you great journey with your channel. And I'll be witness of your further sucess.
Great video per the bass. To generalize learning to be great at something. First understand the most efficient way to do basics of whatever it is you want to do. Repeat those movements over and over and over. Don't add till you have mastered those basic movements. As you add move advance movements recall the repeat strategy. Basically "learn a movement" + practice till you've mastered it, "learn new movement" + practice till mastered, repeat, repeat, repeat........tackle one thing at a time.
"But...! But...! Those guys on the TH-cam ads all talk about becoming great in days to weeks!" --Lazy suckers who don't understand how music mastery works. Well spoken, Charles. It's a process that requires an incredible investment of time and energy to get incredible results like yours.
Which step are you on? 👇🏻
I play the piano
First
Idk i havent watched the video yet
Guitar
15 years ?!?!?!
Dude
2019: Charles the bassist
2020: Charles the Tapper
2021: Charles the teacher
2022: Charles the council bassman
@@TheOsirix12 Charles 2023 the council tapper bassman
@@testingsomething5280 2023 Charles the council bassman teacher
2024: Charles the President of Berklee College of Music
2030: Charles the legend
This has always been my philosophy...at 25, I couldn’t play a triangle...I’m 34 and now I play the piano, guitar, bass, harmonica.....and the triangle 😎
I taught myself bass as a teen & played in metal bands in the 90s. In my early 20s I taught myself harmonica, now I'm a harmonica teacher & one of the best players in my state
I have always... YEARNED ...to play the triangle! I mean sure, I can ring the dinner bell, and I'm not bad with a buzzer, but the triangle - oh how I crave its sweet siren's song! I am sure that when you die, and you're on that looong escalator ride to The Top Floor, there won't be harp music playing, no sir! Serenading you each step of your journey Home will be the purest of Platonic forms, that little 3-sided pie slice of Harmonic Heaven... the triangle.
Tell us more about your journey please
I just started the piano a week ago at age 24, hope I can keep it up like you have!
I’m 25 and my bass comes in the mail today. Cheers!
I consider this guy to be a master player, but I like it even more that he seems like the most down to earth guy ever. There's always something to work on, but it takes a well brought up dude to be this humble. This just proves my point once again that not all master musicians have to be divas. I REALY don't like diva singers and musician
What is diva?
@@KaladinAndSyl Davie504
@@CaptnGino what do you mean
@@CaptnGino he is an idiot not a diva
For me they master musicians become divas after they master the thing, its just self confidence they actually deserve for their skills. To say that you dont like them means you dont like Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Jim Morrison and many more of the artists that created millions of people with ideals and to you say you don't like divas is DUMB, the important is not how they feel themselves or how they like to look, thats music for god's sake, and the important is THE MUSIC.
I'm a surgeon, and this is exactly like my job. Keep studying the basics, read theory, work with new colleagues, find new teachers, watch other surgeons. It applies to life itself!! Inspiring words Charles! Greets from Portugal!
Hey, nice to see another portuguese here. And yeah, agree with you an Charles, as an aspiring physicist and classical guitarist just wanted to say hi. It's not common to find a portuguese on the internet. (Sou do norte hhaha)
Am following both of ur life introduction ❤
“Practice makes perfect “ it’s a cliché for a reason , I love this though we’re all here for a reason weather music or surgery 👏🏽👏🏽🤌🏽
The smartest music instructor I've ever met once told me, 100 repetitions done wrong only makes you really good at being wrong. Being better, at music, comes from 100 corrections done right. Take the time to listen to your critics, they're probably on to something. To be great requires stowing your ego and asking for help.
I agree 100%!
I never would've gotten better, if my classmates didn't tell me i sounded like shit.
Practice makes Permanent ( not perfect)
@@CharlesBerthoud заебись рубишь!!!
I disagree, the mistakes are the things that show you your own way in music, you create something new with them after time given to practice they can turn into something beautiful and something finished. Its important to learn from others, but its important to find out things for yourself, its important to use the knowledge you gained to create things that the other people at first will take as a mistake but with the listening they'll find your way through the art and see the logic through your eyes, thats how the best music is born, from mistakes
There might be youtubers with more followers, memes or buzz, but none of them have this kind of dialogue with their audience. Simple and rich content, a true master revealing his own secrets with no arrogance or pointless showing off. I salute you, Charles!
Charles just showed how he isn't just talent he's such a hard worker and enthusiast, your videos are inspiring for many thank you Charles 🙏
Talent is like an ability or advantage you are born with. You shouldn't rely on talent. In his case it was a lot of hard work. He showed how much he had to learn so talent doesn't even matter
Will, yea of course he wasn’t born with a bass in his hand
Hard work is the key to being great in anything really. Natural talent can only get you so far.
A great reminder of this to me personally was Nicky Hayden (RIP) the motorcycle rider. He became a world champ in the most well known championship, motogp, yet he wasn't the most talented rider in his family out of his brothers. Yet he was the hardest worker.
@Abe Garfield There are ppl who are born with abilities which give them advantages over other people. For example longer fingers can be an advantage or better memory. With such a talent it's easier to become very good, but even then it's a lot of work.
I dont like it when people say that I have talent or a gift. That implies that it was just given to me and I didn't work my ass of to get where I am
You know what Charles? This is exactly what I needed. I have been trying to learn instruments for years, and have never gotten past that basic intermediate stage. I've chosen to do guitar now, and this video is going to stay in its own dedicated playlist on my account forever. I cannot thank you enough for this, and I don't think I can tell you how much this means to me and how much I needed it either. I've almost been brought to tears by this, as I have been searching for a guide that isnt laced with a "give me your money first, then we'll speak" scheme. I plan on following and learning from your wisdom on my musical journey. Thank you, Mr. Berthoud. I truly appreciate it.
How are you doing with the guitar?
I kept waiting for the joke, but all I heard was sincere, and well earned advice that I wish I heard 40 years ago. Well done Charles.
It is kind of sad that the default state of bassist is expected to be clickbaity just because the other youtube bass person is famous of clickbaits
Explaining like this is beautiful.
You are not afraid to show how you got so good. That shows how great you are, not hiding techniques but explaining the quality behind them
As a bass teacher, I can only say: well said, this is some brilliant advice. Top-notch ! 👍
I'd really like to know what you think of his right hand technique? Maybe I'm missing something, but everytime I watch Charles I feel like my cts is flaring up
@@SaucePussy Get a ct6, bigger, nicer ride.
I started playing Bass almost a week ago now. I would honestly say that I combine steps 1, 2 (backing tracks), and 3/4 everyday. I personally dont feel like it’s a lot to do! I practice scales and technique for about an hour, and then practice songs that I love WITH A METRONOME. I start with 90bpm until I get the technique down with no buzzing. I didn’t see any mention of metronome in the video but it’s vital to keeping up with the rhythm of the song.
Do this with your scales as well!
Some people may not be able to play in bands because covid, but most popular songs have someone playing drums on the internet that you can play along to and backing tracks as well. I will admit that sometimes I pick songs that are a bit more advance lmao, but don’t let that stop you! Break it down into the simplest components. We will definitely get there with practice! I’ve seen SO much improvement already!
Brother Dave as a fellow musician I can understand that taking smaller chunks is the best way to study, so that you can become proficient. I am a guitar player that has cerebral palsy from birth effecting my entire left side of body. Because of this, most people thought I was out of my mind when I said I was going to start a rock band LEMON 🍋 PARK.
Many laughed in my face. We played all over Southern Indiana and Ohio too. I have 7 CDs of my own music recorded since 2001. I started when I was 16 yrs old and now I'm 60.Its funny how time flys when you are having a good time. 🎸
Big +1 to *economy of motion* -- I don't think this is taught enough. I learned the hard way after developing severe tendonitis. Figured out that I needed to relax my hands and adjust my position.
When I started teaching, I gave students an exercise where they'd start off pressing the string so lightly that it didn't produce a note, then they'd gradually increase the pressure till the note was produced. This way, they could feel how much pressure was necessary to produce a note, and any additional pressure was just wasted energy and extra strain.
Amen to that!
I’m 60 years old and just starting playing a musical instrument (Bass). Of all the TH-cam videos I’ve watched (and I’ve seen and subscribed to plenty),..this was the best “how to” video ever!!! Your break down really made sense. I decided to learn how to play for church. We only have a guitar player,..so I decided to step up and learn something to help out. I really am hooked and hope to learn the piano as well someday but I guess,.one step at a time.
You should post some videos of you playing. I'd watch!
@@admiralrhino4049 I'll try brother. Trying to figure out the proper equipment what I need to record with.
I am a digital artist, and this applies to art, as well. Efficiency is so important, breaking up tasks, learning theory - pretty much in the same order as you described.
pretty good approach to software engineering too
Overall a pretty good approach on life in general if you wish to be great at anything it generally takes hard work dedication and practice.
@@Ghostmod01 yeah if there's one thing i'm happy i learned is that you can do anything with enough practice.
As a drummer, I always thaught I would never need to learn tonal music theory. But I have started to play the guitar as well and now I seek to seize every help I can get on my journey to learn it. This video definitely helps. Thanks, Charles. Keep being amazing.
Charles: I have yet to attain complete bass mastery
Literally everyone: surprised pikachu face
Only someone approaching mastery can truly appreciate how much left there is to learn
@DrumWild Honestly I think the same goes for almost any instrument. I played a djembé for about 12 years and while I'm far from the most accomplished musician, I was able to get a huge amount of sounds from such a simple instruments and could feel myself improving even after quite a few years. This on an instrument people can get the basics of within 5 minutes.
Finally, I understand that you were speaking about life itself or any profession....
This is the hidden secret/sarcasm/satire !!
.
I'm architect and it's the same on every step of the profession, from beginner to pro....
And I see the same pattern on life...
I really enjoy your music and videos....please continue like this.
You’re a treasure Charles 🙏 even after 14 years of playing, I still learn a lot from you!
No one will ever be a 100% "complete" musician so there's always people we can learn from!
@@CharlesBerthoud Absolutely!
Nice
@@CharlesBerthoud Charlie, I'm proud of myself for being an electric guitarist. You're the best in my life!
Dang I’m 14
36 years playing bass. I'm one of those unfortunate bastards who was blessed with aptitude, but has somewhat squandered my gift with laziness. Spent a couple years getting as fast as I possibly could, and then pretty much did not play outside of band rehearsals once I joined a band. Getting better about it, finally started learning theory about 10 years ago and actually work on stuff at home now.
This dude's level of dedication is amazing and the results speak for themselves. Kinda cool to see what happens when someone picks up a bass instead of a bong for 15 years. Well done man.
Can easily smoke the bong AND be a dedicated musician.
@@louispconstant6624 Beg to disagree. One can certainly be a great musician who also smokes pot... but stoners are never "dedicated" to anything.
The key to being a functional stoner is being aware of your limitations. If you honestly think you are BETTER at anything high, you are not there yet.
Enjoy more =/= better at.
@@TheMemo659 Mate, beg all you want. I smoke marijuana throughout most of the day. I'm an epileptic and it also calms me from ocd and anxiety.
I play and write just fine trust me.
Unrelated I know many many GREAT not good musicians that will use drugs and different states to A) Have fun and experiment, and B) to capture something that simply someone who is not on or had drugs would not usually think about.
And yes, I mean to the point of addiction and suffering including real drugs not pot.
Most great songs are about love or loss.
The blues are about living through tough times and having stories to tell. There are modern day versions of this such as Cobain, Elliott Smith, Kevin Parker and many more.
Fact is there are A TONNE of "stoners" that play and write better than you ever will.
To judge anyone when you probably down caffeine or tobacco, sugar or some type of tablet in medium to large quantities daily without a thought of consequence and with just as much consequence as someone who uses drugs daily.
Maybe your thing is junk food, don't know, don't care. You aren't high and mighty because you don't smoke. Nor is marijuana a "drug" that brings about limitations or anything else.
You wouldn't think to say I am a functioning coffee drinker and caffeine user would you?
Functional stoner is not really a thing, that is just lazy in general. People say functioning alcoholic, heroin addict etc
I was dedicated enough to reply to your comment, even as a stoner 🙃
Now, I'm going back to my Rick Beato interactive music course and punching a cone
@@louispconstant6624 Long essay for a swing and a miss my friend. I've been high for roughly 40 years in a row now.
Your defensiveness is hilarious. You and I intentionally make ourselves stupid with THC because it feels good. Pretending it is anything else is intellectual dishonesty.
Some great advice - I get fed up with people who see great musicians, great athletes, singers etc. saying wow they have such natural talent - Well the more you practice with purpose the more talented you get - So glad you mentioned the many hours, weeks, months and year it took you to get where you are. Thank you.
Really inspiring video! I was also lucky to find a band in the same year I got my first bass and I do believe it helped me grow a lot as a musician!
Also, can't wait to finally get your tapping book!
Oh goodness i follow you on Spotify
So humble and down-to-earth of you man! Easily a virtuoso of Bass you are! Hope a great and better new years to everyone!
Thanks for all the support in 2020!!
@@CharlesBerthoud Always a pleasure! Here's to 2021!
i second the notion.. hear hear! Thank you for the undying dedication to not just bass.. but the musical journey!
I've been playing bass for a year and hit a plateau recently and this is just what I needed to push through. Thank you Charles for being such an inspiration for so many aspiring bassists like myself.
I work as a full time computer programmer, and it took me about 10 years (about 20, 000 hours) to become a Step 7 senior professional to architect, lead teams, and keep refining my craft.. I'm also a pretty good amateur boxer as a passion and it took me about 12 years (about 9,000 hours) to get to the equivalent of Step 4/Step 5. As a guitar player, it took me about 4 years (about 1,000 hours) to get to Step 2 and Step 3, but at least I kind of can play Paganini Caprice 24 (inspired by charles). Holy moly....learning is hard work...the road forward seems so long and daunting...how do I master everything?
You need to understand that *YOU DON'T MEET ASIAN TIGER MUM EXPECTATIONS* and you'll improve lol
Learning lambdas now hehe
Wtf is there even anything you can't do?!?!
That's impressive! As for your last question, I've found it helps to just focus on the NEXT step, rather than the long road ahead.
There's a good book called The Practicing Mind that you might like. It's basically about making the process the goal and enjoying the practice for it's own sake rather than as a mean to an end. It's a quick read, but good for when you're feeling frustrated.
I'm not sure what step I'm on, but I've been playing bass most days since 8th grade and now I'm 27.
Key takeaways:
1) Yes, bands are important! They teach you so much about rhythm, timing, and dynamics
2) It is absolutely great advice to just repeat technical exercises for as long as possible for muscle memory.
3) great video, like button tapped.
Hey Charles! Just so you know: you're absolutely my favorite musician on youtube in 2020! Thank you so much for all you videos❤️❤️
Thank you! 😊
Thank you for this! I've played several instruments; I even received national honors on one of them, and it was a lot of work, a lot of working smarter, not harder, and still committing the time to it. I was playing woodwind instruments, percussion, learning brass instruments-- anything and everything I could get my hands on. Decades later, and I'm diving into guitar and bass! It's on my bucket list, but it's also a love I've always wanted to learn. While I loved bass before, you're one of those who've really inspired and encouraged me by watching your videos. I'll never be a Charles Berthoud or a Ichika Nito on guitar, but I stay inspired thanks to people like you who make this all available. Thank you again! Your videos are wonderful!
Bruh you don't understand how much i appreciate this. I know i really needed to hear this months ago and hopefully it helps everyone as much
I've been a professional musician for 35+ years. This is great advice. The overall approach is have a plan and work diligently on your plan. Good teachers are also invaluable. You can learn and even master as many instruments as you have the time and discipline to learn/master. I have always enjoyed practice which has paid off tremendously for me and for many of my students throughout the years. Keep at it Charles, I love your videos, even the "whacky" ones!
One of my biggest regrets was not going to Berkeley. I got accepted but everyone around me told me that music was not a good idea that I should join the military and I listened and I wish with every fiber of my being I had not
No worries, my friend... the future is still ahead..
Like Charles said, everything you need is now online.!
Let go of regret and pursue what you love now.
I know how you must feel. Unlike yourself, I didn't want to pursue a career in the military personally. However, I knew I was a creative person for as long as I can remember, and my parents wanted me to pursue other things than what I wanted to, for the purposes of me to being successful and well off. When my dad was still alive, he always wanted me to be in a field where I can make a lot of money and not start out poor like he did. My parents are Filipino, so he wanted me to be one of the following: doctor, nurse, engineer, scientist, mathematician, etc. When I was younger, I used to draw a lot, but he still tried to encourage me to pursue those other careers I mentioned. In the last couple of years of his life, he started to realize that I had some talent for drawing/illustration and I guess he realized he should have encouraged me to pursue more of what I wanted. But regrettably, as I was getting older, I needed to find work that would help me pay my bills, and more and more, I would draw less and less. The reason for the long explanation to you is that I could have still kept up my drawing skill more than I did. I don't draw as often as I used to, but you have to express yourself, if you are a creative person. Life will still make you do things you don't want to do as an adult, but you have to do them any way. But if it's something you truly love to do, keep doing it in one way or another...keep it alive in yourself. Do what you love, even if it only turns out to be a hobby. Do what you love.
I’ve been in the Army since 1988....still serving and still playing music every week! You can do both!
Just finish the military shit if you haven't and go for music when you're done. There's no age limit, I'm sure you're still relatively young.
I started learning bass 5 years ago but lost my inspiration. Recently seeing some of your videos has reignited my desire to learn. One of the things I appreciate most about you is your precision when playing. Whether you play fast or slow the notes are clear and right on time. You have become one of my greatest inspirations. I am now moving forward with learning bass again.
Few years ago me watching Davie on YT : Damn he's really good at bass
Few years ago me, when Davie introduce us to Charles : OK wtf ? I'm gonna throw my guitar away and buy some BASS
Thank you Charles for all your inspired music and your humility, you're one of the best musician I've the chance to listen to, but you stay humble and give us musicians courage and inspiration to keep playing and maybe someday realize our dreams.
Keep your hard work and your sympathy, your fans love you mate
I am a trumpeter and I found this very helpful, thanks!
Not into learning music, but youtube homepage spammed me this video so much that in the end I watched it to support the channel and I'm leaving a comment to support even more
The points about economy of motion, practicicing etudes and also not being afraid to copy are really really important.
Establishing good technique and learning from good examples are the best gifts a player can give themselves.
Thanks for sharing your insights Charles. Love your work!
10 minutes to say, a lifetime to master. Ive been playing guitar and bass off and on for almost 20 years, but because Ive never actually stuck with it for more than a few months at a time, I still consider myself a beginner.
I clicked on the video expecting satire.
I had no idea how helpful it actually would be.
I've been playing bass and guitar since I was 14 or 15 in the 90's and I'm actually sitting down to try and take bass lessons and actually practice bass playing. You can get somewhere by just kinda 'doing stuff and learning by yourself' but every time I've sat down and tried to do concerted practice on something, it's expanded my brain. Right now I'm trying to focus on breaking some bad habits I've picked up and patterns I've locked myself into. I think you've nailed it.
Planning 2021:
January: Play songs with tabs
February: Join in a band
March: Learn basic music theory
April: Technical exercises
May: Ear training
June: Composing
July: Improv
August: Holidays
September: Start again from the beginning because probably I will forget everything.
October: Imitate great composers.
November: Create my own Style.
December: Open my own YT Channel.
how’s it going for you now?
@@jellyj8194 As I planned. Look at September.
Probably the best laid out explanation of learning an instrument I have ever heard. I started playing bass when I was 15 and was playing bars when I was 17. The best advice I could ever give would be, as CB said, try to learn the songs you love. It helps train your ear, develops stamina and technique. I was a HUGE Maiden fan and, because I learned so many of their songs, I got really good fast. Another band that was my #2 influence was Rush. There was a point in time where I was playing 6-8 hours a day and could play as fast or long as I wanted. Now, Im 50 and my bass equipment is dusty :( Life puts us on different paths and thats the reality. However, I have VERY professional equipment and, when I decide to play, my neighbors get a free concert ;)
Kudos to CB. To be as young and talented as he is means the sky is the limit.
A magician sharing his secrets.
As an exemple in passing knowledge, this video is a pure masterclass. I'm really impressed because imagine if people from all fields would do the same thing... anyone could be on tracks to where they want to go in life.. unbelievable content
for free, i mean.
I just started playing Bass last week after playing guitar for several years and im actually about in the middle of all of those steps, learning them all at the same time. Me and my friend had composed and recorded a couple of dozen songs with 2 guitars a keyboard and drums but we now want to replace the rythm guitar with the Bass guitar so i decided to pick one up. And i am LOVING the Bass. I just wish i would have picked it up YEARS ago.
This was so beautifully informative, wicked big help for anyone stuck on what to do next like me 😂, what a great video thanks Charles!
Glad I could help and thanks for the support!
What I like about this is that you’re not promising “one simple trick” or whatever. Instead, it’s about smartly putting in the effort. And that’s the only way.
I think I’ve been too focused on technique, and that’s why even after playing guitar for almost 10 years I only feel like a guitarist, and not a musician. I’ve been falling into the trap of chasing “the sound” of my favourite musicians too far. Instead of expanding and learning more diverse music, I focused too much on trying to reproduce the sounds of others, forgetting the fact that no two musicians can play/sound exactly the same. So for me personally, I believe ear training is what I should be focusing on for the next while. At the end of the day, music is a language. If I never “communicate” with it, and I just read from a book all day, I’m never gonna truly learn this language. I’ve seen and heard of a lot of musicians who sound amazing but can’t play anything without sheet music. Not that it’s wrong, but it’s not where I wanna end up. I believe the most efficient and natural way to learn a new language is by listening and trying to imitate proficient speakers; like how babies learn. Learning and sticking by the book will just make you sound inauthentic. I’m sure anyone who has ever tried to learn a new language can relate. The things most teachers start with simply doesn’t make sense in real life. When was the last time you’ve heard someone say “hi, my name is x”? Or “this is a desk. That is a pencil.”People rarely speak that way, and yet it’s usually the first thing people learn when approaching a new language. Language changes over time, what was considered wrong 500 years ago might be normal now. Music is the same. If a musical idea makes sense to you, and you like it, no one can tell you you’re wrong. Anyways, I’m saying this because I feel like I had false values branded into my brain, and that’s probably the biggest reason why I got stuck in a rabbit hole. You can’t grade music, there is no right or wrong. Just like you can’t grade a painting. I wanted to chase after a “higher mark” because that’s what our entire education system advertises. I will never get full marks as long as there’s more than one person alive, people will always disagree; so why chase after it? Just like you mentioned in the video, we have to eventually develop our own sound. Chasing/copying others is fine to a certain extent, but after that, it’s just an endless pit. Imo, someone with horrible technique, but is 100% authentic, will always sound better than someone who has perfect technique but lacks soul. To my ears, some people just sound “too clean”. It’s almost like listening to midi straight up. All of my favourite musicians have their own unique flaws, and they all contribute to building their own unique and authentic sound. Just to clarify, I’m not saying practicing technique is pointless, it’s just not as important as authenticity. Techniques are icing on the cake, but if your cake itself tastes horrible, so will everything on it. You don’t wanna serve a cake with absolutely no icing either right?...
There are rules to music, but no, there is no wrong.
I like that you make it clear it's about practice and not short-cuts. As Strongman Brian Shaw says "do the work!"
Im in the step 1 im learning cool songs and try to play and have fun a lot and forget my problems. My mom gift me a bass because my friend committed suicide
.. two days later I got appendicitis and my cat die too and he was my company in the duel and recovery. So i start mmm like in november. Is sad but I want to play so loud so that they hear me so i have to practice and be best every day.
I speak spanish if i have bad lenguage
Thanks for everything Charles
Wow .... Just wow. As someone who has been teaching music for over a decade, who has studied under many (fantastic) teachers and used countless online resources, this is EASILY some of the best advice I've ever heard. Thank you so much, i think you will have helped many people along their musical journeys with this video.
This is a great video, Charles.
But never forget the most important part.
Step 1 : Have Fun.
It's been a couple months since I watched this, but your epic point in economy of movement is something that's slipped me by for the last nearly 2 decades of playing and I've had my first real improvement with a stringed instrument in over a decade, thanks mate! I can't believe I was so wrong for so long!
Step 8: challenge other TH-cam musicians to a bass battle!
And give them a shoutout too!!!! Just like what Davie504 did to Charles himself
Supakorn Nilsuwan too bad sounds like Davie himself is stuck on Step 2
@@ajchandra7735 maybe he is not in any band but bro he literally playing some different instruments
@@mobinsalehi5834 you mean playing all that at beginner level? yup still stuck at Step 2, what is your point?
Step 9: defend your instrument in a war against another TH-camrs
I think I've made it to step 7, based simply on the fact that I've hit every previous single step a significant number of times in my musical journey, but there wasn't one that I feel like I've nailed perfectly. It's also nice to know that there will not be an end to music for any of us. Thank you so much for this!
Aplausos, Aplausos, Aplausos!.....Este ha sido uno de los mejores videos que he visto sobre aprendizaje musical, creo que me callo como anillo al dedo porque eres una gran inspiracion para mi, Charles. Saludos desde Republica Dominicana!
I've been playing music longer than Charles has been alive!!! Although I still felt like I may learn something from watching this video, I was right too!
That's my tip for anyone who's beginning their magical journey of becoming a musician!!!! never think you know it all, never stop digging for something new to learn(because there will ALWAYS be something you don't know, always...)
Don't ever develop an ego that shows through to the public, it will be noticed and it's not something many find attractive!!
Always take the largest slice of HumblePie!!
Don't stay in one style for too long, try and diversify your playing as much as possible, as often as possible, not only will this help you build your skills but it will come in handy when playing with other people!! Who knows, you may just discover an artist you weren't familiar with and now love!! Music is forever, I personally feel it's our greatest achievement as a species and just may be the one thing that we have to offer the intergalactic community!!!(if we ever get there LOL)
This is highly motivating and inspiring, not to mention informative. Great video Charles, thanks!
I play oud and I am 41 years old. I started learning it when I was 35, six years on and I still learning and playing everyday. I am very much happy to be playing such an excellent instrument and would like to learn till I will die :) Charles you are a master at this age, and I also have to confess one hour of exercise for one year or months is something that can never be called EASY :)
You're the man, Charles.
I am a bass player of 10 plus years. I have recently lost inspiration due to the people I played with, and life.
This dude has helped me find my inspiration in playing again.
Thanks!
I'm at step 0 - basically, I have my bass sitting somewhere at a friend's house
Upd: Full on step 1-2 my dudes.
I picked up a guitar for the first time since 2010 today ..I thought I was in for a lot of frustration and believed I would be starting all over again..
But the muscle memory comes back so quickly, I admit I did play 12 hours a day or more for over a year when I first started.
I feel like the last few hours tonight would be the equivalent to a few months at least...even the memory of the notes of solos are fast to come back...its like my fingers remember where to go and are ahead of my thought process ..weird...but wish I never stopped...
I basically picked two previously learned songs with a lot of different techniques and spent some time trying to play them and relearn the song alternating with scales, sweep picking patterns and alternate picking and im still shocked how I find myself naturally going back to old positions and my pinky finger being the finger wanting to do the work over my ring finger, which is obviously the opposite of what happens normally when u first start learning.
Thanks for great advice
As a beginner: thank you 🙏
Wow. One of the things I am grateful for 2020, is finding you and your channel. You’re ao humble and down to earth. You are one of the few mucisians I truly respect and look up to.
Well doing the Step 1 while liking Polyphia is really hard, i guess im going 0-3-5 anyway
I watched them right before coming here
True but there are some easier parts to their songs that you might be able to learn.
@@CharlesBerthoud yeah im trying those easy parts but some other are really rude like the famous G.O.A.T riff
There's much better stuff out there than that band. The way they composed those overly complex riffs was interesting though.
You have no idea how grateful I am for this video, I've been looking for something like this for so long. Because I live in the rural part of a third world country there isn't any music teachers and I didn't know what to start with by myself.
I just ordered my first bass the other day and I'm going to apply this method to slowly start making the music I want to.
Thanks a lot!
I’m currently on step 3. I’m still trying to finesse the pentatonic scale and In process of learning my major scales
That just made my day
Keep going! It's definitely good to get those scales really engrained into your playing. Practise them over and over again in different ways, different keys etc. A common mistake people make is to play each scale correctly a few times, and then never revisit them, which is the equivalent of a football player making a few good tackles, and then never practising tackling again.
@@CharlesBerthoud I’ll definitely get on it then👍🏾 thank you so much for this video and the extra advice 🙏🏾😌
Being between step 0 and 1 I now understand why I sucked in my bands 40+ years ago. Thanks for the great advice!
Charles Berthoud: [Gives a comprehensive, actionable series of steps to become an excellent musician]
Me at 5:33: Aha, so the REAL secret is to tie a blue ribbon around your left wrist. To the craft store!
Ok, that one made me laugh out loud!
I keep looking for gimmicks, while all the pros keep telling me to practice, Practice, PRACTICE!
See you at the craft store!
This is the best Christmas present I could have received this year, thank you. Even though it seems simplistic, I really wish someone would have laid out these steps when I started my musical journey so long ago. I actually majored in Music in college, with a focus on theory and composition, and haven't done much with it since. Now, I am 42 years old, married, kid, job, etc... and all I want is to have the time to really focus on music again and take it to the next level. I am pretty good at a lot of instruments but I spent a lot of time when I was younger (and had the time) just messing around and not really focusing my practicing on anything other than learning songs. It's amazing that in my 30 years of music background some of your steps I have spent very little time on. It's time for me to go back and revisit these steps again and catch up on what I was missing. So thank you again for posting this.
Charles: “ . . . Music the-“
Ad: *”Allow me to introduce myself”*
Back in November, I decided I wanted to learn alto sax as a second instrument so I could join my schools jazz band. Now, in June, I can do improv, and play pieces I would've never imagined playing in a million years!
*Step 2*
Me, absolutely unsocial person, who has big troubles with making new friends and does not know any musicians:
🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿
Same I have friends but none of them learn any instruments
@@samfisher9562 so we can make a duet :D
@@justcallmed933 triet*
@@nearo9454 fouriet
@@cashncircuit fiveriet
Well said. I have been playing piano for 20 years and I have this to say. I know that for people starting out it seems like a daunting task to keep working on the various steps, but remember to not put unnecessary pressure on yourself. If you are not playing the instrument with any joy, take a step back and focus on what you want out of it.
For me, I want to get better at sight reading as I am still not as fast with it because my ear skills developed much faster and I stuck with that, but I love learning piano and I hope to advance my sight reading skills.
Nobody:
Not even Davie504:
Adam Neely: **WaNtS tO kNoW yOuR lOcAtIoN**
Ezequiel: thinks Charles is great
Davie504: challenge on bass anyday
Anyone who cares about bass: not even a contest
You are an inspiration and one of the most positive and kind youtubers out there. It's such a relief to see someone earning their success by being so talented and positive, instead of being cheap and promoting negativity and hate.
4:52 that's stranger things lmao
To show how connected we all are I must let you know how amazing it was to hear (and see) Jim Stinnett has been your teacher. Jim's little brother Bill and I (I played trombone then) went to school together and played in our high school band in Sutherlin. I knew his mother and father and enjoyed going to their music store in that town. At that time Jim was attending North Texas State and did compose a half dozen or so charts for our very small jazz band.
This is quite awesome how small the world can be as all this took place 40 years ago! And now YOU are giving ME lessons!
Casually just rips out Coltrane's Giant step solo on bass then moves on lol...
As an amateur (for the love of...in French) bassist I appreciate any help in getting better at my instrument. I have gigged regularly in many bands since the nineties and have written a few dozen songs, but I've never considered myself a pro. I'm a rocker and a true pro such as yourself must be able to cover any style. It was never my goal to be a pro and I stopped taking lessons after learning the basics (technique, scales, modes, chords) I just wanted to be able to rock out competently with my friends and have fun playing music we wrote. I love what you do and have subscribed.
"How to master any instrument you want?"
well just like you'd master any other sound i.e. with EQ, compression, saturation, delays, reverbs, stereo wideners etc.
I am taking my son's bass, going in the basement, and coming out by June 2021, a Master of the Bass! Blessed are we to have Charles!
Step 8. Challenge Davie504 to a 🅱️🅰️SS battle.
Without a doubt your best post.
"Join band(s)"
Looks at date & state of the Pandemic
Yeah, won't happen soon
I started guitar at age 10 and I followed almost every single one of these and nearly in this order. I actually started with a really good ear which helped tremendously. Like he said, keep developing your ear and keep pulling small amounts from ear area of learning and you will grow.
12 years in, still on step 3. This video motivated me to get to step 4. Thanks.
What’s so cool is that these steps can a apply to virtually anything in life.
One thing you forgot though.... Learning what all the notes on the fretboard are. I’ve finally sat down and done that after years of playing and I feel it’s made me a lot better.
The key thing is discipline, without that nothing can help you to develop your skills.
Thank you Charles, Im not even a bass player, but because of you I wish to learn(I am "weekend" guitar player). 🙂
I have watched a number of your videos over the last couple-few days, because I am about to start learning bass.
This video is by far your best of those I have seen. It's well-thought out, clear, and heartfelt.
You have a gift for clear organization & presentation of ideas, and I'd love to see you make more instructional videos. I realize that they might not get as many views as the ones in a more click-baity style, but I think that they'd have a much more lasting personal impact for many people who'd watch them.
Thankyou Charles! I'm a nobe to bass. It is intimidating watching the great bassists online. Great to see a path to focus on :)
I play keyboard, recorder, guitar ( classical, acoustic and electric) and violin. All self taught. Can’t read music for nuts. I’ve been playing violin for a year now and it really is the most challenging instrument to play. But it’s worth it because its beautiful sound it produces when played correctly.
You have no clue how much this helped answer basic questions for me, as how start learning, Got my first bass guitar (early Christmas gift) In November, My journey begins, Thank you Charles
Usually, I'm not a comment person, but when someone put so much efforts to make a content like that, which is made with a PRO approach and has a lot of inspiration inside, i just can't go another way, and don't push the like button, and subscribe to your channel.
Wish you great journey with your channel.
And I'll be witness of your further sucess.
Of all the years of youtube professional tips/help this was the best one thus far !!immense knowledge and wisdom
Thank you very much Sir charles, God bless from philippines
literally the best advice i think anyone who wants to play music can ever hear. also, never give up. that's the only REAL way to learn how to play
Great video per the bass. To generalize learning to be great at something. First understand the most efficient way to do basics of whatever it is you want to do. Repeat those movements over and over and over. Don't add till you have mastered those basic movements. As you add move advance movements recall the repeat strategy. Basically "learn a movement" + practice till you've mastered it, "learn new movement" + practice till mastered, repeat, repeat, repeat........tackle one thing at a time.
"But...! But...! Those guys on the TH-cam ads all talk about becoming great in days to weeks!"
--Lazy suckers who don't understand how music mastery works.
Well spoken, Charles. It's a process that requires an incredible investment of time and energy to get incredible results like yours.