I need to work on this! Anytime I play something challenging to me, I tense up. I want to be able to play guitar for the rest of my life. I’ve got to make a change and focus on playing with less tension.
I think that happens to all of us! But I’ve begun to think that it comes down to a few issues. We aren’t ready to play what we are attempting either because we haven’t warmed up or practiced enough or we’re trying too hard to play like someone else instead of trying to develop our own voice and identity. Phrasing is where it all comes together.
Pat Metheny told Rick Beato he never plays two consecutive notes at the same volume. After hearing him say that I went back and listened to September 15, and I could swear he's right!
Look at Gus G play. Looks like he’s hardly applying any pressure at all and his technique is as good as it gets. Vibrato is one of the top techniques where you don’t want tension.
About 20 years ago I had a come to Jesus moment with myself and the guitar after having played almost 29 years. I asked myself what is my wheelhouse with the instrument. The answer was definitely NOT playing other people’s music, it was being myself no matter what it sounded like. I simplified my playing and allowed myself to simply express myself emotionally and let technicality take a backseat. Playing with emotion surged forward as well as confidence in what I was playing. As Tom would say, play something compelling.
Well, you're almost always hearing my first take, and by about 4000 videos some parts of the process are pretty streamlined! But basically, I wanted to play guitar every single day, and found that daily uploads was a way to stay disciplined with that
@@johnnathancordylove your passion and commitment. It reminds me of the recent conversation with Adam Levy and Eric Haugen….”how do we know if we are getting better? We keep showing up” (something along that line lol). You, keep doing it and doing it! Amazing 👏🏻
Seems to require lots of intention and practice to disconnect the natural tendency to fret harder when you pick harder….. sort of like the natural tendency to slowing the tempo when playing softer
I think it's great advice at every level isn't it! Can always be too easy to forget how much tension we're playing with and then wonder why we're feeling fatigue half way through an acoustic gig!
How the late, great Tony Rice managed to do what he did with his left hand on a long-scale Martin with .013s for as long as he did astounds me. It’s remarkable his hands didn’t give out sooner. RIP TR GOAT.
It's funny, I always thought you were supposed to play with lots of tension. You would see guys on mtv with stank face looking like they're giving it the business. Or, you'd go to a metal concert and it looked like those guys were trying to strangle their guitars. There was also a strange notion that real men played heavy gauge strings. It took me years and years to get over that but once I did, the whole world opened up.
Thank you @John Nathan Cordy reminds me of Tim Pierce talking about increasing volume and controlling the muting. Seems like if we do this we won't have to press so hard.
Very interesting and useful - I'm getting old - and your "notes" (and sound) played at about 8:00 are tasty and lovely. Thanks! But advertising is now too much and takes away the pleasure of watching a video. I don't know if this depends on the choices of the TH-camr or Google, but in my opinion the limit of what is reasonable has now been exceeded.
Number one sign recently that I've been using too much tension in my fretting hand is golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis). Anyone else dealing with this?
Ive dealt with it for years, bi-lateral tendinitis ( probably tendinosis now) now i play with 9’s, lighter touch and constantly conscious of keeping the wrist straight. It helps. And very light wrist, arm and shoulder stretching. Tomo Fujita has some great relaxing pointers.
@@501chorusecho uh….sorry if I offended you or anyone for that matter….I don’t know what was racist….I was simply saying as a joke that I don’t need any advice…..I guess I should have used a 😄…just to keep it light…
I need to work on this! Anytime I play something challenging to me, I tense up. I want to be able to play guitar for the rest of my life. I’ve got to make a change and focus on playing with less tension.
I think that happens to all of us! But I’ve begun to think that it comes down to a few issues. We aren’t ready to play what we are attempting either because we haven’t warmed up or practiced enough or we’re trying too hard to play like someone else instead of trying to develop our own voice and identity. Phrasing is where it all comes together.
Pat Metheny told Rick Beato he never plays two consecutive notes at the same volume. After hearing him say that I went back and listened to September 15, and I could swear he's right!
I really notice how much tension I am playing with when I move from playing acoustic to playing electric guitar … need to seriously work on this👍
Great source and great topic John! Keep them coming!
Look at Gus G play. Looks like he’s hardly applying any pressure at all and his technique is as good as it gets. Vibrato is one of the top techniques where you don’t want tension.
About 20 years ago I had a come to Jesus moment with myself and the guitar after having played almost 29 years. I asked myself what is my wheelhouse with the instrument.
The answer was definitely NOT playing other people’s music, it was being myself no matter what it sounded like. I simplified my playing and allowed myself to simply express myself emotionally and let technicality take a backseat. Playing with emotion surged forward as well as confidence in what I was playing. As Tom would say, play something compelling.
i like a lot your content, but, how is that you're able to upload so many videos per day, its amazing jeje
Well, you're almost always hearing my first take, and by about 4000 videos some parts of the process are pretty streamlined! But basically, I wanted to play guitar every single day, and found that daily uploads was a way to stay disciplined with that
@@johnnathancordy Not to mention you are just so good at Thinking OUT LOUD. Work flow is stupendous.
@@johnnathancordylove your passion and commitment. It reminds me of the recent conversation with Adam Levy and Eric Haugen….”how do we know if we are getting better? We keep showing up” (something along that line lol). You, keep doing it and doing it! Amazing 👏🏻
Seems to require lots of intention and practice to disconnect the natural tendency to fret harder when you pick harder….. sort of like the natural tendency to slowing the tempo when playing softer
is that some 1975 in the intro there or am i hearing things? beautiful
Great Video, thanks! I definitely need to work on this and get it to the point where it just comes naturally.
I think it's great advice at every level isn't it! Can always be too easy to forget how much tension we're playing with and then wonder why we're feeling fatigue half way through an acoustic gig!
More wisdom from Uncle Larry 🤟🎶 Love your channel JNC always great stuff here brother!!
How the late, great Tony Rice managed to do what he did with his left hand on a long-scale Martin with .013s for as long as he did astounds me. It’s remarkable his hands didn’t give out sooner. RIP TR GOAT.
Always wanna die sometimes - great song and great cover by you 👍🏽
It's funny, I always thought you were supposed to play with lots of tension. You would see guys on mtv with stank face looking like they're giving it the business. Or, you'd go to a metal concert and it looked like those guys were trying to strangle their guitars.
There was also a strange notion that real men played heavy gauge strings.
It took me years and years to get over that but once I did, the whole world opened up.
Am so glad that you follow the great Tom Bukovac!!! He's my favorite of all-time! You are climbing up in the ranks. Keep up the good work!
tom bukovac is my favorite too.
@@BigEdWo Get a room you two.
Fundamentals - easily forgotten- thank you!
Thank you @John Nathan Cordy reminds me of Tim Pierce talking about increasing volume and controlling the muting. Seems like if we do this we won't have to press so hard.
It's on the bends where I noticed increased tension, and trying to lighten up afterwards.
Everything with you is next level! Cheers
Great advice. Love the reverb on this. What reverb is being used here please?
Very interesting and useful - I'm getting old - and your "notes" (and sound) played at about 8:00 are tasty and lovely. Thanks!
But advertising is now too much and takes away the pleasure of watching a video. I don't know if this depends on the choices of the TH-camr or Google, but in my opinion the limit of what is reasonable has now been exceeded.
Pay for premium. It’s worth it.
Number one sign recently that I've been using too much tension in my fretting hand is golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis). Anyone else dealing with this?
I'll stick it up on Patreon!
Ive dealt with it for years, bi-lateral tendinitis ( probably tendinosis now)
now i play with 9’s, lighter touch and constantly conscious of keeping the wrist straight. It helps. And very light wrist, arm and shoulder stretching. Tomo Fujita has some great relaxing pointers.
I don’t care what Tom Bukaback says…..
Wow dude…so racist…you know that people don’t think like that anymore right?
Imagine saying something so stupid that Tom himself has to respond. Well done dude, you won the internet today
@@501chorusecho uh….sorry if I offended you or anyone for that matter….I don’t know what was racist….I was simply saying as a joke that I don’t need any advice…..I guess I should have used a 😄…just to keep it light…
@@nuendo2496 maybe you should just try to keep your caucasian hatred to yourself in the future...it's 2024 bro
Phrase you played in 7:25 sounded better with more pressure;)