1,000 views and 167 likes. Come on naw folks. This dude has given his soul to music, and deserves some love. You could practice a year just off one video. And it don’t cost ya a thing to show some love. Go on. Do it. Smash that thumbs up.
His channel is for us NERDS who just want to grab a guitar and play after the intro… then forget to hit Like. Also, he doesn’t get ‘nap time’ or ‘driving entertainment’ views like a Beato interview does or a JHS Pedal stream might. Not a single guitar buddy of mine doesn’t bring up a Guthrie video over coffee or jamming out… so his older video will climb with time.
@@helloholahiJesus.. you must be a total blast to hang out with. These videos are not for you. Please move on. And thank you so much for telling us all what this video is supposed to be about. Good lord, man.
Utube blessed me with your channel popping up the other day, now I'm hooked. 15 years later and I'm now learning again..yay. Thanks for the basics and inspiration 🙏 ❤
Alright man, u asked for it. lol. But fell asleep with TH-cam on and this fuckn video intro woke me up with you tearing it up. And something in my brain said wake up and check this shit Out! But I had to comment after yer spiel. But I’m pretty sure anyone who has had any real time with the guitar doesn’t click on videos that tell u u can solo like EVH or Nels Cline after watching their 10 minute video. Have never really thot about those kinds of videos but u really brought up something that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. Which is, I’ve been playing guitar a long time and more or less, a hobbyist. I’ve been in bands and grew up doing it and kept in it as an adult. And of course, it’s part of who i am. I’m not a rock star. Or pretend to be one. I just play. Cuz I love it. Like most I imagine. Also cuz the guitar always seem to be pulling me towards something I’m trying to figure out. Never ending. But I took a few years off from playing. And I am back at it and getting into watching videos from folks that really blow me away. But I feel about as much of a beginner with a guitar as I’ve felt in a long longtime. I’m not sure if it’s watching all these amazing git players on TH-cam or what….. but it’s kind of a weird feeling. As much as I want to get more into this whole guitar vortex I’m in, I’ll spare u. lol. But yer video really got me thinking and literally out of bed to write this novella of a comment. Oh ya, so my point to this story is, 35+ years of playing and I am still striving to better understand certain things on the git that i know will help me play better. And a lot of times I don’t even know what those certain things are. And that pretty much is how it goes. For me anyways. So ya, it takes time. And effort. Not sure any of that made sense but thank you! Ya, Thx for waking me up in middle of the nite to write this. lol.
55 year old gal here. Started in 1982 (13 years old) playing by ear and then began taking guitar lessons from a older lady who was a working musician and taught Mel Bay style. I learned how to read music (which I did not enjoy) and never understood how it was all connected. I quit lessons 3 years later. She was crushed that I stopped and my guitar knowledge became stunted. Sure I continued to play and joined a few bands but I stopped growing as a player. Then I stopped playing for 28 years. 2 years ago I started again with the goal of learning some theory. Came across Guthrie's channel and my eyes were opened. I never knew or learned the CAGED system and connecting chords and scales and pentatonics. I definitely have improved in my playing and play every single day. Right now I play just for me and I love it! Not to mention playing is extremely therapeutic! 🙂
I started learning with a guitar book at 21 and then had to move. Picked it up when I was 35 and had to quit because my mom got diagnosed with cancer. Then I took my 2 kids to music school for 4 years before I picked up my electrical guitar this year..in play for myself. Best thing I have done for myself...
Me too! 55 yr old guy with a near identical story. Guitar teacher in the mid 80s tried to teach me from a Joe Pass book, but I just didn't get it. Put down guitar for 30-something years, picked it back up recently and having so much fun learning now what I should have learned way back then. Guthrie's teaching is very clear and makes total sense! Watching him riff and improv effortlessly all over the neck is amazing. One day I'll be able to do that too.
Guthrie, I have been playing for 50 years, I can only dream of being as good a player as you. The method you teach is truly the best way to learn guitar. Thank you for sharing, you’re the best teacher on the internet without doubt.
Man, your commentary was SPOT on. No gimmicks or tricks. Hard work is the key to success in everything in life. Thank you for sharing your lifetime of knowledge with us.
I’m a busy guy but I always take time to watch Guthrie’s videos, learning a ton. I’m a visual artist but music is a serious hobby and it’s videos like yours that really shine and teach me what I need to know.
Guthrie - you have repeated countless times in your videos about mastering chord shapes, triads, arpeggios, etc. Thank you. It has changed my guitar experience and brought me joy. This must be drilled into people's guitar learning!
@@guthrietrappmusic copy that, I love the analogy. I'm working on it. Sometimes I don't know what direction to take my practicing. But I'll focus on your analogy. Thanks brother. Love the live stuff recently.
@@MaTTheWish I’ve been practicing this stuff for about three years now and once you start down the path it sort of becomes intuitive in the sense that one thing logically leads to the next. Learn the notes on the fretboard then the caged chords shapes which leads you into the corresponding pentatonic shapes. Memorize the shape and then the neighboring shape until you have them all down. Then you’ll want to learn the triads within those shapes which are also the arpeggios. Then you may want to memorize the location of the root, third, and fifth intervals within those triad shapes so that you can hit the third of the chord while improvising right when the progression changes to that chord. I’ve gotten hyper focused on this stuff and I have a long way to go before it becomes like typing on a keyboard but I’ve made massive progress and every step of the way has been so rewarding for me. I think you’ll really enjoy it too!
@@MaTTheWishone chord shape/position at a time. I tried the learn to solo in 1 hour short cuts, it left massive holes in my knowledge. Filling it in now with GT"s methods
I’m 70 years old and have been playing for most of my life. I always learn a little more from watching your videos (and Uncle Larry and the rest .). One thing I have learned is that there is usually room for everyone and a variety of ideas. Your information is important for folks who want to become professionals. There are others who just want to learn to strum some songs. Maybe the quick versions work for them. Personally, I’m still shooting for the upper tier version that you preach. Pick on!
Ok Guthrie..... you just got yourself a believer. Can't thank you enough sir! Been searching for years on a simple, straight forward no B.S. approach and now I've found you. Thank GAWD!!!
GT; your playing is so inspirational! You fingers flow so effortlessly. One of the things I hate about many guitar lesson videos is how slow they go and how long they take to explain things. They are too slow for more intermediate / advanced players and the content is way over the head of beginners. If any thing you have the opposite problem. You go so fast because this stuff is just burned into your brain. You explained CAGED like no one else I have seen. It is not a gimmick or a short cut for you. It is as you say; the foundation of everything. Or I would put it the blue print any guitar player can use to build their own amazing custom house. Anyone who can’t wait to hear the magic advice skip to 16:40. There are other gems but if you get nothing else out of it, start there and watch the next six minutes of this video. “The chord is the concrete slab The arpeggio is the 2x4 frame work. The pentatonic scale is the sheet rock / drywall. The major scale is the wall paper Improvising and playing from your heart and soul is the furniture. If you really want to progress on the guitar that is the exact sequence you need to follow." There are no short cuts. There are no magic tricks. You have to put in the work and practice and burn this knowledge into your brain the way GT has.
Hey Guthrie, Love your videos. This one hit home. I’ve been playing guitar for over 50 years. Chord Melody is how I learned how to play. It took years and a ton of practice. But man it was worth it. I’m 67 and I still play everyday. On a side note. What a great video Brett Papa shot of you and Tom. You guys sound awesome together. Nothing like a mix of Country Cowboy Chill music with a touch of Steve Kahn. I dig it. You were ripping it. Stay well and thanks again for what you do.
Guthrie I had the great fortune to find a guitar teacher close to my house that showed me a lot of the stuff you teach. This video is very similar to those first lessons. A lot of the time it was too much to take in, for me an hours guitar lesson probably gifted me months of something to practise. From those lessons I learned about what I need to learn, so when I came across this channel I could see it was a gold mine. My free time is limited but I know when you post the time spent watching is a good use of that time. Thanks!
Love your stuff Guthrie, that last section was pure Gold my friend. Spent a few hours dissecting your intro too! Don’t know much about Nashville being in Scotland but Glasgow has a pretty good music scene 🙌
Hey Guthrie I saw one of those videos of a kid who’s relatively new to Nashville who covered a gig start to finish. He covered driving to the gig, finding parking, hauling his gear, etc and ended with how much he was paid. I thought it was really interesting and it exactly matched the first paying gig I’ve had since the kids left the house last night in Ashland City just west of town (zero glamor). I could see kids just starting out to find those videos eye opening to make it clear that you gotta start from nothing before you’re picked up by Patty Loveless or Don Kelley (sp?). You’re one of my guitar heroes and I totally respect your opinion and you as a person (since you’ve been kind enough to chat with me and my wife a couple times) so I’m just tossing this out there as a slightly different point of view.
Guthrie, I have been playing for over 30 years. I played by memorizing everything and never really understanding the theory or the guitar at all. I could never really improvise or even handle key changes on the fly. Unless I memorized it and played it exactly I was screwed. Thanks to you and several others, I have spent the last several years relearning from the basics up. You are exactly right in your advice. My playing and understanding has expanded in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I could spend a month practicing and dissecting this lesson alone. Thank you, and stay true to your message. You may not realize how many you are helping. Cheers GT.
This channel is gold. No other way to say it in terms of advice and playing examples. I'd love to see a video where you play thru a chord progression. Say like D minor 7 to G7 to Cmaj7 as an example. You could just play what comes off the top of your head and explain the thought process. I wonder if you would play the C major scale and accent the chord tones as they change? Would be neat to see how you would approach or recommend how to practice that.
Mr. Trapp..... I'm an old guy who has been watching your vids for years now and not only are you one of the greats on guitar, you are a kind soul even when you think you are coming on strong.... I've seen the TH-cams of one guy who talks about how much pay he gets for gigs, touring in a bus with a traveling band, etc... He knows where he is in the Nashville pecking order of great guitar players in this town and I think he is humbled by just being a part of music city........ As you stated he has many years to go of hard work learning to play half as good as you or Tom so I cut him some slack when I run into one of his vids............ As I said earlier, you are a great player and I love to catch your vids when they pop up... Take Care, Stringplinker
Love it, always the real deal information. I actually do like the "how much musicians get paid" stuff too. It is interesting to know. I think everyone dreams of what it would be like to be a pro musician, and the pay is a huge piece of that puzzle, so while it may seem lower vibration, as a viewer it is really more about being able to look behind the curtain of the music world, which is super cool to experience. In a sense it makes you feel like you are there in Nashville behind the scenes . It's a way to take your viewers on a ride with you, and that is actually a high vibration experience in a way. My 2 cents.
Guthrie, thanks for being real. It's takes time to weed out the riff-raff on social media. You and the others that you mentioned have risen to the top. I continue on my journey to better myself as a songwriter. I started as a bass player and I'm transitioning to guitar. Chord inversions is what im focusing on now. Making tunes more interesting. You guys (Uncle Larry, Tim Pierce, etc.) are amazing, so keep up the good work.
Lack of comments is probably because most viewers ,certainly myself, are trying to comprehend the work of an absolute Master and feel, certainly myself, that the wisdom is way above their level. Well here's a comment Guthrie ......love your work and you are an inspiration, Thank you !
Man I’ve loved your Channel and playing since before I met you at Seg. Since we’ve split I’ve learned a lot from stuff you taught me and watching your stuff. I don’t have 35 years of experience as I’m only 30. But I have made a living for myself and enjoy just sharing my perspective and journey with the community on here from my personal experiences. I enjoy keeping up with your channel and I love the new album.
I hear you guthrie.ive been playing guitar for 50 years. I wish I could say I was a working musician like you but not the case. Mortgage children and life sometimes just makes it hard to pursue things you really want in life but i keep on playing anyway. Have a band to play with which is great. But really you and a few select guys on the internet somehow make playing a pleasure all over again. Your lessons are wonderful and you speak directly from your heart and soul. The music is the most important thing. Having you on screen is like having the greatest musician friend to hang with. Thanks so much for that.
I am 54 and working harder than ever at the guitar (I call it enjoying my time because the more I play the happier I am). Your insights on the importance of triads and chord shapes on the guitar fretboard have been very helpful. You are a very melodic player and just watching you play is inspiring. If it were the 70s you would definitely be signed to a major label like ECM or someone putting out instrumental albums like Metheny and Coryell. In Stereo is a great album !
!00% Guthrie. After hearing you say it over and over on your TH-cam videos and at Artist Works, it finally sunk in... "The chord is the foundation, the arpeggio is the first level of framework, the pentatonic is the second, and the scale is the third. Such a simple concept that has cleared up the fretboard and improved my improvising tremendously. Thanks a bunch!
Appreciate the honesty. Thanks for the insights n CAGED. I’m realizing it’s more than just knowing the shapes up and down the neck, it’s the rest of the theory behind it. I’m in my early 50’s and self taught since I was 12 out of an old Beatles song book using chord shapes. I’ve never had any theory lessons and have just filled in some gaps along the way. Ultimately this has hurt me in band situations. Your videos help quite a bit. Thank you! I need to get more in depth though.
You know how much we love you, Guthrie! And how thankful we are to have a professional musician share their wit and wisdom with us. You are a diamond my friend. God bless you, dearly!!!
Absolutely agree with this Guthrie and so glad to hear you saying this. It's about the music. Strive to be the best you can be and learn as much as you can. Always be in it for the music first and foremost, and not for making money, not for ego, not for anything else. Those who work hard on their craft, and never give up, and are always trying to get inspired and learn and enjoy playing music - They are the ones who will be successful. Ya don't go into the music industry chasing money and a job in this sort of way. If you want to earn more money go into finance. This is art. I went to college with so many musicians who were hounding me for always trying to get better at my craft rather than ditching that and just looking for regular pop gigs for more money. I thought to myself, man, why would I do that? throw away those hours working on my craft to be playing music that I really wasn't passionate about, just to make some more $$ that I didn't need? II can't NOT keep working on my craft and keep learning as much as I can about the music I love, and sharing it with others. Most of those musicians I speak of who were chasing the money at college are no longer playing now at all. Thanks for all of your generous advice and for sharing your knowledge, man!
Guthrie, my brother sent me a video of you because he said I remind him of you. I have hosted an open mic night in Florida for 7 years and seen every type of music and person come in. First, I encourage people to get up and at least try. Ive been to some Open Mics that if you were not a smoking hot musician dont even bother to get up. Im from Cleveland, other side of town from Uncle Larry. I was not comfortable to play in front of people at all but I could hold my own by just listening to what was being played. I had one lesson from a guy that told me to learn the chords all over the neck. Im 55 now and from that one lesson 40 years ago, I still work the fretboard from this approach. So, my first open mic was from a conversation that was stumbled upon in a guitar store in Vermilion Ohio. I was asked to come out, , so I packed up my 65 Princeton Reverb and my Strat. I was very timid and worried about making mistakes and embarrassing myself so I played very low. A guy noticed that I had a different approach to playing guitar then the others and told me to turn up. I didnt of course. The next week the guy that told me to turn up (Kit) put an OCD pedal on the floor and hooked it up for me. When it came time to play a lead he said you step on that so we can hear that thing!!! I didnt of course and the next round Kit looked at me and gave me the nod to take the next lead but this time he was standing right next to me. I went to start playing and he stepped on the pedal because he knew I wasnt going to. It blasted me so loud and scared me! He was glaring at me to play very serious looking like he was mad so I went with it. Next thing I realize is he is trying to get me to stop. I was in my own world and loving that moment. At the end of the night we were all talking and they were making fun of me saying they had created a monster. And they did! I was hooked playing live and with a band. When I play now I dont even notice the audience while im in THAT PLACE! In my opinion, I think playing with other people is what has made the most influence on me to really want to learn more. Here I am now watching your videos and I love that your showing the same way that my lesson was in this particular video. At the time he showed me in about the same speed as yours and it was very difficult to grasp. Now I understand slightly better. I know this is long but when I hear someone tell me after I show them a lick or something that ive learned over the years and I see that satisfaction in their eyes when they get it. Its a good feeling. I have that now, thank you for taking the time to do this video. I look forward to learning from your other videos as well.
Your command of the guitar is truly great. I could listen to you play all day long. CAGED works pretty well to really learn how to navigate the neck in each key though there are plenty of jazz folks that don't think necessarily think in terms of CAGED and jazz bass players don't use CAGED. But they learn ALL the other things you said. The next step is too learn how to deal with chord/key changes within a song gradually working up to playing songs with more chord changes like jazz standards. You have to work on following typical chord progressions like 12 bar blues, 8 bar blues, ii-V-I, iii-Vi-ii-V-I, IV- iv -I (there are many others) as well as how diminished chords are used in these progressions. These occur in so many songs that they are worth practicing on their own. And you really should work through all keys. It won't happen overnight, and there are no secrets. It's just consistent work over time. Playing lots of songs that force you to navigate these things is also really helpful. I know it might sound obvious that you have to work on chord progressions but I think a big stumbling block for people is dealing with a rapid series of chord changes and key changes. The mental shift to deal with each chord and not lose your place in the music requires a great deal of work.
IN STEREO is great man! Congratulations on the success of the record! It’s well deserved! Do you think you could some TH-cam reviews on it sometime where you tell some studio stories and break the songs down a bit and talk about the chord progressions and what you were thinking when you laid down all those great lead tracks? We always love hearing the behind the scenes stories! Thanks man!
Great video…I watch your videos specifically because you have credibility and experience. Despite being world class, you stress the importance of basics and fundamentals in essentially every video you put out…and you remind us things don’t happen overnight. Keep doing what you’re doing brother! Love the lessons, love the stories, and fuggin LOVE the new album.
Mr GT, a sincere thanks for talking about the reasons for being a musician as well as sharing the wealth of guitar knowledge. Watching TH-cam phenoms is initially awe inspiring and then just demoralizing. Hearing from seasoned artists like yourself who are where you are by putting years of sweat and tears into your craft and driven solely by your love of music is what keeps me inspired and encouraged. The moment we shift our motivation away from the pure love and joy of making music, we are in trouble. Like you said, it HAS to be about the music.
Great analogy Guthrie. I've always just been happy that that the shack don't fall down when I pin a few minutes of art on the wall! The guitar is my old friend and making music with it in an original way has aways been the goal for me. I love what you and Tom are doing from the heart, and long may it continue, It is what you guys have undoubtedly earned and it is art fit for a palace. Thanks
Guthrie, I've been attempting to learn guitar for many many years now and most of it has been from youtube videos that claim to have the secret sauce for learning soloing and everything else in between. Most if not all that stuff are little tidbits of knowledge, tiny pieces of information that by themselves amount to nothing useful for making music with the guitar. With all those tidbits I've learned I still can't pick up a guitar and make music with it or solo unless it's a song I've memorized. So much for most youtube guitar instruction videos. On the other hand you my friend are the HUGE EXCEPTION. Not only do you demonstrate making music with the guitar, you then break it down to fundamentals and beyond that TEACH someone how to make music with the guitar and wow, isn't that the whole point? This lesson was great, I learned more about the fundamentals of making music with the guitar in this one video than I have in 50 other youtube videos. The way you broke it down into the slab, structural framing, sheetrock, wall paper, decorations analogy was brilliant. More importantly the substance behind the analogy is there. Let's face it, there's many excellent players, but there's few excellent guitar players that are excellent teachers OF LEARNING TO MAKE MUSIC with the guitar! You actually instill the confidence in me that I might someday actually be able to play music with the guitar. You're TOP DOG TEACHER in the guitar teaching universe! Keep up the excellent videos, I barely watch any others.
Guthrie...I always enjoy your videos, no matter the topic, I've seen some of the click bait of which you speak and just chuckle..ty for keeping it real, stir the poo anytime..being blessed with an ear and musical talent makes it easier to learn instruments and make music but even with that it takes much time and effort to become proficient. I always enjoy the knowledge you share and am appreciative of your willingness to do so....never stop sharing...thank you
Obviously don't need to compliment your playing but man - you have such an incredible tone, touch, and phrasing. You're an incredible storyteller without using any words. Your playing is incredibly inspiring and gets me wanting to learn - and the way you distill how you think about the guitar as an instrument and music as a language is so eloquent, simple, and relatable. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to more!
You are right. It doesn't happen overnight. But it does come if you PRACTICE the RIGHT STUFF. CAGED is the foundation. I thought I already knew it. But I have been practicing it everyday for six months and my playing is beginning to show it. Especially in improvising and , never thought I'd say this, even reading music is now starting to happen. Thanks Guthrie.
You should see the photography world! I’m a 30 year veteran travel photographer and I see comments from people who have bought their first ever camera and ask two questions at once: how do I use it and where can I print out business cards so I can be a professional? I think it’s a common thing for professions that seem glamorous from the outside. The idea that if you take what is a fun hobby, with a low bar to entry, that you can turn it into a profession. So the desire to be a professional becomes more important than the desire to produce outstanding art. I always say if you produce work that people can’t help but admire and promote it you’ll go far.
I play music because it’s changed my life. I love being a music journalist and a musician. Guthrie you are the real deal. Love your channel and Uncle Larry’s Rick Beato. Etc
Thanks for confirming I am on the right track! There is no short cut, but it sure helps to have all the info that's available on u-tube. I started playing at 14 , had a band and was gigging by 16 , and made my living playing professionally in multiple rock bands until I was 31.. I never put the guitar down during that time and seldom had a night off. That was 30 years ago, and I rarely picked up my guitar the past 30 years. Last fall I picked up an acoustic and got into finger style blues and Travis picking( it was actually an acoustic version of Queen of California by John Mayer that started my obsession again), and have not put put the guitar down since. The amount of info and even artists explaining their methods is amazing, it really accelerates the learning curve, compared to playing records at 16 speed trying to learn the licks, or trying to learn music theory without going to school.. I am practicing and learning music again 6-8 hours a day, and have seen huge progress in the last 8 months. It is all about the hard work, but without access to all the info on utube, I know I would not have made this much progress, especially playing a style of music I was not familiar with before.
62 yrs young. Nearly 40 years playing mostly in P&W environments. Aspiring to greater skill set in wide range of Americana styles of music. Loving the high level vibrations of this channel. Thank you for sharing.
Your message makes so much sense that we wholeheartedly agree and don't know what else to say other than thank you! A BIG thank you. I'll say one more thing though, that single private lesson that I took has lasted me a year already and I still haven't scratched the surface :) My playing has improved exponentially (that's what my musical family members say). Cannot thank you enough
GT, you are always real with your videos. You tell it like it is and that is what is needed. I can't stand click bait. Thanks for your efforts in creating great content!
Thanks for being real, you are an inspiration. Love the record with you and Uncle Larry. Regarding your comments in the video, I have the highest respect for what you and your peers do as musicians. I play guitar for my own enjoyment and am fortunate to have been successful in my chosen career and am now retired. I have the luxury of being able to devote time to playing and practicing. Your on-line classes and lessons have opened up a whole new world of guitar knowledge for me. I have been really working on the principles you keep stressing, and it is work. The result is huge leaps and bounds in my understanding and ability to play. Thank you!
Damn, I wish someone would've told me ages ago what you are now teaching in these gold nuggets of videos. I spent 30 years with pentatonic wondering what is missing 😀 Moreover, you go waaayyy beyond than just saying 'chord tones' - you're showing concretely what eventually I hope I can also apply. Thanks!
Agree music needs to be treated as a gift to share not a commodity to tap into! The rewards will come with territory you pursue and the joy you spread! Music heals without chemicals! Also love the BB quote about the xtra bass string, I can relate, what’s that B string even about? 😂 Things are heating up here in Chicago- will be jamming our block party, some open stage solo acoustic guitar and the Annual Blues fest- (attending not performing) but may play harmonica soon at Rosa’s, thanks for sharing your insights and activity! Love it
Hey, GT, appreciate your content, always. As someone who's 61 and has played since 13, I couldn't agree more about how long it can take to really feel like you've made some progress on the guitar. I've always felt like I was a slow learner, because it can sometimes be a long time between those "aha!" moments. Everything you teach here is exactly what I would tell someone who wants to learn the instrument and, more importantly, music. I learned to play by ear and didn't bother to learn any theory until maybe 35 years into playing. Learning basic theory was a game-changer, but I still essentially play by ear. Learning chord shapes and tones is absolutely the bedrock of playing lead guitar and after all these years, I'm still learning how to be more musical, not just play the guitar. Your generosity in sharing what has taken you countless hours of practice and dedication is over-the-top. Thank you so much!
Dude.. your sequence is so spot on… and it’s the simplest and most efficient way to learn this stuff. It’s the key to it all. Keep speaking the truth mate.
Hey Guthrie thank you for another inspiring video, great words of wisdom and when your fingers hit those frets there ain't much left to be said, its all there all that hard work shows man great stuff, i did three gigs last week one on bass one on guitar one on drums guitar is my main instrument just gotta take any gig I can get, didn't get paid for the guitar gig but i got to play with some fantastic musicians that night so that was well worth it Again thanks for your time and knowledge Love your work brother
Thank you! I am a beginner, and I would bet there are many beginners here.... Consider, when you teach that you are teaching on multiple levels at the same time. This was a super example of this, you laid down the foundation. It's hard to understand where to start and the order of practicing from Utube preachers. I love all you Nashville session guys, God bless you and yours.
Guthrie, the ‘in stereo’ record arrived at my place today here in Europe. It costed me a fortune, but it is worth any penny of it. I can only hope that you and ‘uncle Larry’ keep creating wonderful music and keep posting those video’s. I am pretty sure that there’s a large silent amount of both of your followers that can filter the real from the fake. In other words keep on telecasting and home skoolin’. We love it! Greetings from Belgium (going back to the silent mayority now 😉)
Thanks, great points! I am enjoying your playing on the new album with TB. This may be the first time in my five decades of guitar playing that someone described learning like the way I learned- Johnny Smith method. Major, Minor, Diminished, augmented chords in all positions. And then triads likewise. I still do warm up arpeggio thru the circle of fifths and I still screw it up most of the time. New sub here, looking forward to yours and Uncle Larry’s stuff forthcoming!
Been playing for years, somewhat successfully in a small small way but you've taught me so much in your videos and I'm still finding it refreshing to play. Thank you Guthrie
Great insight to being a Nashville pro, also loved how you explain the fundamentals like building a house 👏💯I’m 45, playing since age 14 here in Buffalo, and I still dream of one day joining you cats in the music city! There’s so much that cannot be controlled beyond the playing, so I think it’s best served to always love the playing and studying, that’s all you can control! I still practice 2-4 hours a day and always having new lightbulbs go off! Thats what I get from watching you and Uncle Larry, it’s the sharing of real life info without the BS, really appreciate it bro thanks for everything! 👏✌️🎯
I can vouch for everything that you say Guthrie. Ive been a guitarist for twenty plus years but mainly as a singer songwriter and have build up a fair amount of knowledge on chords and progessions ,but just since the pandemic wanted to improove on my skills and start playing single melody lines ,triads etc. ive found that there were great gaps in my knowledge but have discovered that your way of learning the neck is the best way. saying that its takes an enormous amount of time to get this under the fingers even with my knowledge but Im enjoying it immensly though. Thanks for your honesty and integrity when it comes to music and playing.
G - Truth, Brother! Thanks for your enlightened insights and the generous sharing of your knowledge. Being a 65 yo lifelong musician and lifelong student of the instrument, certainly agree that there are no shortcuts but there's definite value and enjoyment in putting in the work. Most of us soldier on and keep playing and woodshedding for the love of and dedication to and the privilege of participating in this gift of Music. Thanks for keeping it real, G!
appreciate your honesty, it keeps me coming back, you tell it like it is, no bs, no politics just real life lessons and honest guitar and music talk, any ideas on playing outside to get that bluesy jazzy robben ford sound?
Guthrie, you are so right about the newer channels. You have my favorite channel. What you do is special and your approach to teaching is outstanding. You have taught me (a hobby player) more than I ever expected to learn. Thanks so much for your music & your work
67 year old life time part time pro. I absolutely love what you are teaching. Exactly what I need to hear and learn. Get me out of the blues box. "Just connect all the boxes together." - Jack Pearson. Your method is so economical and common sense. Thank you so much.
Guthrie, your lessons have spoke to me more than any other influence that I have had. It seems I’m in a unique place because I do understand the cage system. I have both a working knowledge of it, the Pentatonics and the major scales. I’m just getting to a place where I am discovering harmony and trying to implement those in my playing to achieve tension and resolve. I have working knowledge of applying relative minor and chords that are fifth away from where I’m going into my play. As this stuff unfolds, it becomes more and more exciting. I can kind of see Pandora’s box opening up on the possibilities of sound. You probably get a sense of where I may be in my development and I am looking for more direction from somebody who is actually making it work rather than someone who is selling their knowledge in a classroom type of format. I just voice texted all of that because I’m driving and couldn’t wait to leave a comment, brother. Cheers!
Man youre so absolutely right about taking it seriously. Getting offered a gig and having the opportunity to become a better player and broaden your performance experience is what its all about.
Hi Guthrie, your perspective on the whole TH-cam thing is spot on. Being able to focus on just making good music is what any musician should do. Forget the money. If money is all somebody is after then don’t pick up a guitar. But loving the music and pursuing what it takes to make good music is the reward itself. I am 65 years old and have had a 60 year love affair with the wood and wires. Never made much money at it but God I have have some good times. Keep laying it down like you do. You are one of the GOATS.
Guthrie, You are spot on. We live in a day an age where many want instant gratification. Looking for a shortcut. There are none. The mind set needed is to realize and enjoy the journey and the path itself forward is rewarding. Thank you for what you do for all of us.
Very, very true. Don’t act like you will only be happy when you get to a certain level…enjoy the whole journey no matter how limited your ability and knowledge is at the time.
At the 16 minute mark: all right, let’s get to the lesson. L O L! Love your channel GT. Love hearing what you’re up to and the lessons are absolutely invaluable. Thank you so much. Hope to see you out live one day.
Great tips on C exercise! thanks, Guthrie! Definitely understand your comments about the experience factor in TH-camrs. We really appreciate you sharing your knowledge - you can tell it’s so much better quality “content” and no doubt will stand the test of time vs the newcomers that will fall off from lack of quality.
I’ve watched about 6-8 videos of yours and more than anyone else you have helped me set an understandable, realistic & sensible direction forward. As beyond me as it is currently. I just get my way forward when you explain it. Cheers mate 👍
great talent on display at the underdog may 20. you and your trio along with uncle larry, nick and his son, and the crowd were obviously enjoying the vibe! me too!
Just want to say thanks man! These lesson are helping me really unlock the fretboard and push past a long standing plateau in my playing. Im enjoying guitar again with everything you are teaching us!
Hey Gut, I just received the CD In Stereo. Magnificent! So inspirational. I’ve been listening over and over again. You and Tom should do another as soon as possible and take it on the road!! I’d love to see you guys live. We all would. Not sure if you are aware of how you guys touch us all. Honestly like old friends. Thanks for sharing your talents! God bless!
Amazing intro jam. Could almost hear the drums for it too. Your ability to keep the flow always impresses me. And now i gotta go practice. Also vids are never too long, I even enjoy the rambling anectdotes and stories. They are more real when they aren't rehearsed. sounded like a fun night with all those characters in one room. Love what you are putting out, including the album.
It’s hard to comment on your videos when I run to my guitar every time I watch you play haha. I need to move forward with my practicing and I can’t wait until I master your approach. Much love from Cali!
Hey GT - thanks for this video. There really is no alternative but to pick up the guitar and practice. Chord shapes and scales. And at some point, songs. And then, playing with other players. You and Uncle Larry really are inspirational teachers. Thanks again
This message is grounding, and I appreciate that. Focusing more on a better musical product, instead of how quickly someone can get to the top. Especially coming from someone who is obviously respected within the Nashville community. Thank you! On to Brett Papa's video of you and Tom next.... :)
Love the analogy of the foundation, 2x4, drywall, etc. Never thought about it that way. Visited Nashville for the first time last week. Where I live, I am a guitar player. When I am in Nashville, I am just a guitar owner. The talent level there is off the charts.
Man, I always enjoy hearing your perspective on guitar playing and music and what it's all about. And you say it best when you say it's all about the music. Thanks for keeping it about the music and NOT the BS!!!
There are TH-camrs with guitar channels. And there are guitar players who have TH-cam channels. I spend a lot of time on TH-cam and am thankful for both. The TH-camrs provide consistent content entertainment. But people like you and uncle Larry are true mentors who offer wisdom beyond gear and technique. Y’all are GOATS we’re grateful for you.
GT - I love your channel. Great educational material - chord shapes, maj, min, maj7, dom. All are must haves under your fingers and just as important in your EAR. You gotta be able to hear the differences. Keep hammering these points for guys like me who need to hear this shit multiple times for it to stick. I have been playing for 20 years and find myself playing the same stale licks. I watch your videos and am inspired by the grooves you play and it helps motivate me to get out of my own little box. Thanks man!
Guthrie, if you get a chance, check out a Nashville guitarist named Earl Erb. He has a gig with his trio every Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Joelton Hardware Feed and Seed. It’s a cool venue and he’s a world class player. He’s not a young gun, been around since the late sixties. Worked with a lot of major Opry stars, toured all over the world. If you’re into Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, et al, you’ll love him. Plays jazz on a Tele. Proud to say he’s a friend of mine.
Hi Guthrie, this included so much great information. You are the best! I had the pleasure of seeing you at the underdog Monday night. What a great place the ideal venue for live music ,not all the fluff like other venues. watching you play live is simply amazing. The ideas you come up while performing are incredible! You are greatly appreciated not only by me, but I’m sure a lot of other Guitar minded people. Please please please continue on. It is such a great journey to be on through your videos.
Love the video, I've been down the rabbit hole with some of the stuff you talked about. Luckily like you I have many years experience, play everyday, write everyday and I enjoy your videos and your approach. Thanks bro
I think you have served enough time to be considered a veteran music journeyman. My Dad always said experience is the best teacher, and that certainly shows in your skills. I respect you so much because you are thankful and very humble, these are wonderful qualities. I know exactly what you meant about the younger ones coming up. Love you brother, and thanks for all you do. You are incredible.
So good Guthrie! Message is so true it’s about the music first. If you put the work in, it shows in your music. Do it for the love first and if over time you’ve developed the skills, maybe you can have a career but if the love isn’t there, forget it. The whole chordal structure up and down the neck is a great lesson on how to get to all the scales and notes. Love ya man and Uncle Larry as well. I watch all you guys! The best!!!!
1,000 views and 167 likes. Come on naw folks. This dude has given his soul to music, and deserves some love. You could practice a year just off one video.
And it don’t cost ya a thing to show some love.
Go on. Do it. Smash that thumbs up.
His channel is for us NERDS who just want to grab a guitar and play after the intro… then forget to hit Like.
Also, he doesn’t get ‘nap time’ or ‘driving entertainment’ views like a Beato interview does or a JHS Pedal stream might.
Not a single guitar buddy of mine doesn’t bring up a Guthrie video over coffee or jamming out… so his older video will climb with time.
Agreed, except for one thing: One POSITION is a year's worth of practice!! Hit those Fonzies, folks!!!
@@helloholahiJesus.. you must be a total blast to hang out with. These videos are not for you. Please move on. And thank you so much for telling us all what this video is supposed to be about. Good lord, man.
Utube blessed me with your channel popping up the other day, now I'm hooked.
15 years later and I'm now learning again..yay. Thanks for the basics and inspiration 🙏 ❤
Alright man, u asked for it. lol. But fell asleep with TH-cam on and this fuckn video intro woke me up with you tearing it up. And something in my brain said wake up and check this shit Out! But I had to comment after yer spiel. But I’m pretty sure anyone who has had any real time with the guitar doesn’t click on videos that tell u u can solo like EVH or Nels Cline after watching their 10 minute video. Have never really thot about those kinds of videos but u really brought up something that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. Which is, I’ve been playing guitar a long time and more or less, a hobbyist. I’ve been in bands and grew up doing it and kept in it as an adult. And of course, it’s part of who i am. I’m not a rock star. Or pretend to be one. I just play. Cuz I love it. Like most I imagine. Also cuz the guitar always seem to be pulling me towards something I’m trying to figure out. Never ending. But I took a few years off from playing. And I am back at it and getting into watching videos from folks that really blow me away. But I feel about as much of a beginner with a guitar as I’ve felt in a long longtime. I’m not sure if it’s watching all these amazing git players on TH-cam or what….. but it’s kind of a weird feeling. As much as I want to get more into this whole guitar vortex I’m in, I’ll spare u. lol. But yer video really got me thinking and literally out of bed to write this novella of a comment. Oh ya, so my point to this story is, 35+ years of playing and I am still striving to better understand certain things on the git that i know will help me play better. And a lot of times I don’t even know what those certain things are. And that pretty much is how it goes. For me anyways. So ya, it takes time. And effort. Not sure any of that made sense but thank you! Ya, Thx for waking me up in middle of the nite to write this. lol.
Amazing real information & much inspiration! I love Guthrie! He got a big heart for everyone!
55 year old gal here. Started in 1982 (13 years old) playing by ear and then began taking guitar lessons from a older lady who was a working musician and taught Mel Bay style. I learned how to read music (which I did not enjoy) and never understood how it was all connected.
I quit lessons 3 years later. She was crushed that I stopped and my guitar knowledge became stunted. Sure I continued to play and joined a few bands but I stopped growing as a player. Then I stopped playing for 28 years. 2 years ago I started again with the goal of learning some theory. Came across Guthrie's channel and my eyes were opened. I never knew or learned the CAGED system and connecting chords and scales and pentatonics. I definitely have improved in my playing and play every single day. Right now I play just for me and I love it! Not to mention playing is extremely therapeutic! 🙂
Near identical story here. I'm having fun playing for me. I'm loving it.
I had the same experience on piano ie got bored with sheet music. I'd like to re-learn piano again like you did with guitar.
Nearly my identical situation. His preaching on breaking down triad inversions across all the string sets has been huge for me.
I started learning with a guitar book at 21 and then had to move. Picked it up when I was 35 and had to quit because my mom got diagnosed with cancer. Then I took my 2 kids to music school for 4 years before I picked up my electrical guitar this year..in play for myself. Best thing I have done for myself...
Me too! 55 yr old guy with a near identical story. Guitar teacher in the mid 80s tried to teach me from a Joe Pass book, but I just didn't get it. Put down guitar for 30-something years, picked it back up recently and having so much fun learning now what I should have learned way back then. Guthrie's teaching is very clear and makes total sense! Watching him riff and improv effortlessly all over the neck is amazing. One day I'll be able to do that too.
This guy is so generous with his gift. And we’re all better for it. Thanks, GT!
Guthrie, I have been playing for 50 years, I can only dream of being as good a player as you.
The method you teach is truly the best way to learn guitar. Thank you for sharing, you’re the best teacher on the internet without doubt.
Man, your commentary was SPOT on. No gimmicks or tricks. Hard work is the key to success in everything in life. Thank you for sharing your lifetime of knowledge with us.
I’m a busy guy but I always take time to watch Guthrie’s videos, learning a ton. I’m a visual artist but music is a serious hobby and it’s videos like yours that really shine and teach me what I need to know.
Guthrie - you have repeated countless times in your videos about mastering chord shapes, triads, arpeggios, etc. Thank you. It has changed my guitar experience and brought me joy. This must be drilled into people's guitar learning!
How did you approach them?
@@MaTTheWish I’m showing you how to approach them right here in this video. Follow the sequence. It’s all right there.
@@guthrietrappmusic copy that, I love the analogy. I'm working on it. Sometimes I don't know what direction to take my practicing. But I'll focus on your analogy.
Thanks brother. Love the live stuff recently.
@@MaTTheWish I’ve been practicing this stuff for about three years now and once you start down the path it sort of becomes intuitive in the sense that one thing logically leads to the next. Learn the notes on the fretboard then the caged chords shapes which leads you into the corresponding pentatonic shapes. Memorize the shape and then the neighboring shape until you have them all down. Then you’ll want to learn the triads within those shapes which are also the arpeggios. Then you may want to memorize the location of the root, third, and fifth intervals within those triad shapes so that you can hit the third of the chord while improvising right when the progression changes to that chord.
I’ve gotten hyper focused on this stuff and I have a long way to go before it becomes like typing on a keyboard but I’ve made massive progress and every step of the way has been so rewarding for me. I think you’ll really enjoy it too!
@@MaTTheWishone chord shape/position at a time.
I tried the learn to solo in 1 hour short cuts, it left massive holes in my knowledge.
Filling it in now with GT"s methods
I’m 70 years old and have been playing for most of my life. I always learn a little more from watching your videos (and Uncle Larry and the rest .). One thing I have learned is that there is usually room for everyone and a variety of ideas. Your information is important for folks who want to become professionals. There are others who just want to learn to strum some songs. Maybe the quick versions work for them. Personally, I’m still shooting for the upper tier version that you preach. Pick on!
Ok Guthrie..... you just got yourself a believer. Can't thank you enough sir! Been searching for years on a simple, straight forward no B.S. approach and now I've found you. Thank GAWD!!!
GT; your playing is so inspirational! You fingers flow so effortlessly.
One of the things I hate about many guitar lesson videos is how slow they go and how long they take to explain things. They are too slow for more intermediate / advanced players and the content is way over the head of beginners.
If any thing you have the opposite problem. You go so fast because this stuff is just burned into your brain. You explained CAGED like no one else I have seen. It is not a gimmick or a short cut for you. It is as you say; the foundation of everything. Or I would put it the blue print any guitar player can use to build their own amazing custom house.
Anyone who can’t wait to hear the magic advice skip to 16:40. There are other gems but if you get nothing else out of it, start there and watch the next six minutes of this video.
“The chord is the concrete slab
The arpeggio is the 2x4 frame work.
The pentatonic scale is the sheet rock / drywall.
The major scale is the wall paper
Improvising and playing from your heart and soul is the furniture.
If you really want to progress on the guitar that is the exact sequence you need to follow."
There are no short cuts. There are no magic tricks. You have to put in the work and practice and burn this knowledge into your brain the way GT has.
Hey Guthrie, Love your videos. This one hit home. I’ve been playing guitar for over 50 years. Chord Melody is how I learned how to play. It took years and a ton of practice. But man it was worth it.
I’m 67 and I still play everyday.
On a side note. What a great video Brett Papa shot of you and Tom. You guys sound awesome together. Nothing like a mix of Country Cowboy Chill music with a touch of Steve Kahn.
I dig it. You were ripping it.
Stay well and thanks again for what you do.
Guthrie I had the great fortune to find a guitar teacher close to my house that showed me a lot of the stuff you teach.
This video is very similar to those first lessons. A lot of the time it was too much to take in, for me an hours guitar lesson probably gifted me months of something to practise.
From those lessons I learned about what I need to learn, so when I came across this channel I could see it was a gold mine.
My free time is limited but I know when you post the time spent watching is a good use of that time.
Thanks!
Love your stuff Guthrie, that last section was pure Gold my friend. Spent a few hours dissecting your intro too! Don’t know much about Nashville being in Scotland but Glasgow has a pretty good music scene 🙌
Hey Guthrie I saw one of those videos of a kid who’s relatively new to Nashville who covered a gig start to finish. He covered driving to the gig, finding parking, hauling his gear, etc and ended with how much he was paid. I thought it was really interesting and it exactly matched the first paying gig I’ve had since the kids left the house last night in Ashland City just west of town (zero glamor). I could see kids just starting out to find those videos eye opening to make it clear that you gotta start from nothing before you’re picked up by Patty Loveless or Don Kelley (sp?). You’re one of my guitar heroes and I totally respect your opinion and you as a person (since you’ve been kind enough to chat with me and my wife a couple times) so I’m just tossing this out there as a slightly different point of view.
Guthrie, I have been playing for over 30 years. I played by memorizing everything and never really understanding the theory or the guitar at all. I could never really improvise or even handle key changes on the fly. Unless I memorized it and played it exactly I was screwed. Thanks to you and several others, I have spent the last several years relearning from the basics up. You are exactly right in your advice. My playing and understanding has expanded in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I could spend a month practicing and dissecting this lesson alone. Thank you, and stay true to your message. You may not realize how many you are helping. Cheers GT.
This channel is gold. No other way to say it in terms of advice and playing examples. I'd love to see a video where you play thru a chord progression. Say like D minor 7 to G7 to Cmaj7 as an example. You could just play what comes off the top of your head and explain the thought process. I wonder if you would play the C major scale and accent the chord tones as they change? Would be neat to see how you would approach or recommend how to practice that.
Hey Guthrie, you’re such an awesome player. Love hearing you play anything.
I love what you and Uncle Larry are doing. No BS, shooting from the hip and showing us all how it's done. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and music!
Mr. Trapp..... I'm an old guy who has been watching your vids for years now and not only are you one of the greats on guitar, you are a kind soul even when you think you are coming on strong.... I've seen the TH-cams of one guy who talks about how much pay he gets for gigs, touring in a bus with a traveling band, etc... He knows where he is in the Nashville pecking order of great guitar players in this town and I think he is humbled by just being a part of music city........ As you stated he has many years to go of hard work learning to play half as good as you or Tom so I cut him some slack when I run into one of his vids............
As I said earlier, you are a great player and I love to catch your vids when they pop up...
Take Care, Stringplinker
Love it, always the real deal information. I actually do like the "how much musicians get paid" stuff too. It is interesting to know. I think everyone dreams of what it would be like to be a pro musician, and the pay is a huge piece of that puzzle, so while it may seem lower vibration, as a viewer it is really more about being able to look behind the curtain of the music world, which is super cool to experience. In a sense it makes you feel like you are there in Nashville behind the scenes . It's a way to take your viewers on a ride with you, and that is actually a high vibration experience in a way. My 2 cents.
Been following for a year now and just seeing this video. Please keep blessing us with this content! It’s genuine, pure and appreciated! Thank you.
Guthrie, thanks for being real. It's takes time to weed out the riff-raff on social media. You and the others that you mentioned have risen to the top. I continue on my journey to better myself as a songwriter. I started as a bass player and I'm transitioning to guitar. Chord inversions is what im focusing on now. Making tunes more interesting. You guys (Uncle Larry, Tim Pierce, etc.) are amazing, so keep up the good work.
PS: My leads continue to sound mechanical. I'm hoping this will change as I continue to practice/grow.
Lack of comments is probably because most viewers ,certainly myself, are trying to comprehend the work of an absolute Master and feel, certainly myself, that the wisdom is way above their level.
Well here's a comment Guthrie ......love your work and you are an inspiration, Thank you !
Man I’ve loved your Channel and playing since before I met you at Seg. Since we’ve split I’ve learned a lot from stuff you taught me and watching your stuff. I don’t have 35 years of experience as I’m only 30. But I have made a living for myself and enjoy just sharing my perspective and journey with the community on here from my personal experiences. I enjoy keeping up with your channel and I love the new album.
And I'm a subscriber on your channel too. #498 or thereabouts. 😊
I hear you guthrie.ive been playing guitar for 50 years. I wish I could say I was a working musician like you but not the case. Mortgage children and life sometimes just makes it hard to pursue things you really want in life but i keep on playing anyway. Have a band to play with which is great. But really you and a few select guys on the internet somehow make playing a pleasure all over again. Your lessons are wonderful and you speak directly from your heart and soul. The music is the most important thing. Having you on screen is like having the greatest musician friend to hang with. Thanks so much for that.
I am 54 and working harder than ever at the guitar (I call it enjoying my time because the more I play the happier I am). Your insights on the importance of triads and chord shapes on the guitar fretboard have been very helpful. You are a very melodic player and just watching you play is inspiring. If it were the 70s you would definitely be signed to a major label like ECM or someone putting out instrumental albums like Metheny and Coryell. In Stereo is a great album !
!00% Guthrie. After hearing you say it over and over on your TH-cam videos and at Artist Works, it finally sunk in... "The chord is the foundation, the arpeggio is the first level of framework, the pentatonic is the second, and the scale is the third. Such a simple concept that has cleared up the fretboard and improved my improvising tremendously. Thanks a bunch!
Appreciate the honesty. Thanks for the insights n CAGED. I’m realizing it’s more than just knowing the shapes up and down the neck, it’s the rest of the theory behind it. I’m in my early 50’s and self taught since I was 12 out of an old Beatles song book using chord shapes. I’ve never had any theory lessons and have just filled in some gaps along the way. Ultimately this has hurt me in band situations. Your videos help quite a bit. Thank you! I need to get more in depth though.
You know how much we love you, Guthrie! And how thankful we are to have a professional musician share their wit and wisdom with us. You are a diamond my friend. God bless you, dearly!!!
Absolutely agree with this Guthrie and so glad to hear you saying this. It's about the music. Strive to be the best you can be and learn as much as you can. Always be in it for the music first and foremost, and not for making money, not for ego, not for anything else. Those who work hard on their craft, and never give up, and are always trying to get inspired and learn and enjoy playing music - They are the ones who will be successful. Ya don't go into the music industry chasing money and a job in this sort of way. If you want to earn more money go into finance. This is art. I went to college with so many musicians who were hounding me for always trying to get better at my craft rather than ditching that and just looking for regular pop gigs for more money. I thought to myself, man, why would I do that? throw away those hours working on my craft to be playing music that I really wasn't passionate about, just to make some more $$ that I didn't need? II can't NOT keep working on my craft and keep learning as much as I can about the music I love, and sharing it with others. Most of those musicians I speak of who were chasing the money at college are no longer playing now at all. Thanks for all of your generous advice and for sharing your knowledge, man!
Guthrie, my brother sent me a video of you because he said I remind him of you. I have hosted an open mic night in Florida for 7 years and seen every type of music and person come in. First, I encourage people to get up and at least try. Ive been to some Open Mics that if you were not a smoking hot musician dont even bother to get up. Im from Cleveland, other side of town from Uncle Larry. I was not comfortable to play in front of people at all but I could hold my own by just listening to what was being played. I had one lesson from a guy that told me to learn the chords all over the neck. Im 55 now and from that one lesson 40 years ago, I still work the fretboard from this approach.
So, my first open mic was from a conversation that was stumbled upon in a guitar store in Vermilion Ohio. I was asked to come out, , so I packed up my 65 Princeton Reverb and my Strat. I was very timid and worried about making mistakes and embarrassing myself so I played very low. A guy noticed that I had a different approach to playing guitar then the others and told me to turn up. I didnt of course. The next week the guy that told me to turn up (Kit) put an OCD pedal on the floor and hooked it up for me. When it came time to play a lead he said you step on that so we can hear that thing!!! I didnt of course and the next round Kit looked at me and gave me the nod to take the next lead but this time he was standing right next to me. I went to start playing and he stepped on the pedal because he knew I wasnt going to. It blasted me so loud and scared me! He was glaring at me to play very serious looking like he was mad so I went with it. Next thing I realize is he is trying to get me to stop. I was in my own world and loving that moment. At the end of the night we were all talking and they were making fun of me saying they had created a monster. And they did! I was hooked playing live and with a band. When I play now I dont even notice the audience while im in THAT PLACE!
In my opinion, I think playing with other people is what has made the most influence on me to really want to learn more. Here I am now watching your videos and I love that your showing the same way that my lesson was in this particular video. At the time he showed me in about the same speed as yours and it was very difficult to grasp. Now I understand slightly better. I know this is long but when I hear someone tell me after I show them a lick or something that ive learned over the years and I see that satisfaction in their eyes when they get it. Its a good feeling. I have that now, thank you for taking the time to do this video. I look forward to learning from your other videos as well.
Your command of the guitar is truly great. I could listen to you play all day long. CAGED works pretty well to really learn how to navigate the neck in each key though there are plenty of jazz folks that don't think necessarily think in terms of CAGED and jazz bass players don't use CAGED. But they learn ALL the other things you said. The next step is too learn how to deal with chord/key changes within a song gradually working up to playing songs with more chord changes like jazz standards. You have to work on following typical chord progressions like 12 bar blues, 8 bar blues, ii-V-I, iii-Vi-ii-V-I, IV- iv -I (there are many others) as well as how diminished chords are used in these progressions. These occur in so many songs that they are worth practicing on their own. And you really should work through all keys. It won't happen overnight, and there are no secrets. It's just consistent work over time. Playing lots of songs that force you to navigate these things is also really helpful. I know it might sound obvious that you have to work on chord progressions but I think a big stumbling block for people is dealing with a rapid series of chord changes and key changes. The mental shift to deal with each chord and not lose your place in the music requires a great deal of work.
IN STEREO is great man! Congratulations on the success of the record! It’s well deserved! Do you think you could some TH-cam reviews on it sometime where you tell some studio stories and break the songs down a bit and talk about the chord progressions and what you were thinking when you laid down all those great lead tracks? We always love hearing the behind the scenes stories! Thanks man!
Thanks GT, you’ve helped me work out the notes in the chords, triads, double stops & Major scale over the pentatonic scales. the growth continues.
Great video…I watch your videos specifically because you have credibility and experience. Despite being world class, you stress the importance of basics and fundamentals in essentially every video you put out…and you remind us things don’t happen overnight.
Keep doing what you’re doing brother! Love the lessons, love the stories, and fuggin LOVE the new album.
Hear hear!! The new album is an instant classic!
Mr GT, a sincere thanks for talking about the reasons for being a musician as well as sharing the wealth of guitar knowledge. Watching TH-cam phenoms is initially awe inspiring and then just demoralizing. Hearing from seasoned artists like yourself who are where you are by putting years of sweat and tears into your craft and driven solely by your love of music is what keeps me inspired and encouraged. The moment we shift our motivation away from the pure love and joy of making music, we are in trouble. Like you said, it HAS to be about the music.
Great analogy Guthrie. I've always just been happy that that the shack don't fall down when I pin a few minutes of art on the wall! The guitar is my old friend and making music with it in an original way has aways been the goal for me. I love what you and Tom are doing from the heart, and long may it continue, It is what you guys have undoubtedly earned and it is art fit for a palace. Thanks
Guthrie, I've been attempting to learn guitar for many many years now and most of it has been from youtube videos that claim to have the secret sauce for learning soloing and everything else in between. Most if not all that stuff are little tidbits of knowledge, tiny pieces of information that by themselves amount to nothing useful for making music with the guitar. With all those tidbits I've learned I still can't pick up a guitar and make music with it or solo unless it's a song I've memorized. So much for most youtube guitar instruction videos.
On the other hand you my friend are the HUGE EXCEPTION. Not only do you demonstrate making music with the guitar, you then break it down to fundamentals and beyond that TEACH someone how to make music with the guitar and wow, isn't that the whole point?
This lesson was great, I learned more about the fundamentals of making music with the guitar in this one video than I have in 50 other youtube videos. The way you broke it down into the slab, structural framing, sheetrock, wall paper, decorations analogy was brilliant. More importantly the substance behind the analogy is there. Let's face it, there's many excellent players, but there's few excellent guitar players that are excellent teachers OF LEARNING TO MAKE MUSIC with the guitar! You actually instill the confidence in me that I might someday actually be able to play music with the guitar.
You're TOP DOG TEACHER in the guitar teaching universe! Keep up the excellent videos, I barely watch any others.
Guthrie...I always enjoy your videos, no matter the topic, I've seen some of the click bait of which you speak and just chuckle..ty for keeping it real, stir the poo anytime..being blessed with an ear and musical talent makes it easier to learn instruments and make music but even with that it takes much time and effort to become proficient. I always enjoy the knowledge you share and am appreciative of your willingness to do so....never stop sharing...thank you
Obviously don't need to compliment your playing but man - you have such an incredible tone, touch, and phrasing. You're an incredible storyteller without using any words. Your playing is incredibly inspiring and gets me wanting to learn - and the way you distill how you think about the guitar as an instrument and music as a language is so eloquent, simple, and relatable. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to more!
You are right. It doesn't happen overnight. But it does come if you PRACTICE the RIGHT STUFF. CAGED is the foundation. I thought I already knew it. But I have been practicing it everyday for six months and my playing is beginning to show it. Especially in improvising and , never thought I'd say this, even reading music is now starting to happen. Thanks Guthrie.
You should see the photography world! I’m a 30 year veteran travel photographer and I see comments from people who have bought their first ever camera and ask two questions at once: how do I use it and where can I print out business cards so I can be a professional? I think it’s a common thing for professions that seem glamorous from the outside. The idea that if you take what is a fun hobby, with a low bar to entry, that you can turn it into a profession. So the desire to be a professional becomes more important than the desire to produce outstanding art. I always say if you produce work that people can’t help but admire and promote it you’ll go far.
I play music because it’s changed my life. I love being a music journalist and a musician. Guthrie you are the real deal. Love your channel and Uncle Larry’s Rick Beato. Etc
Thanks for confirming I am on the right track! There is no short cut, but it sure helps to have all the info that's available on u-tube. I started playing at 14 , had a band and was gigging by 16 , and made my living playing professionally in multiple rock bands until I was 31.. I never put the guitar down during that time and seldom had a night off. That was 30 years ago, and I rarely picked up my guitar the past 30 years. Last fall I picked up an acoustic and got into finger style blues and Travis picking( it was actually an acoustic version of Queen of California by John Mayer that started my obsession again), and have not put put the guitar down since. The amount of info and even artists explaining their methods is amazing, it really accelerates the learning curve, compared to playing records at 16 speed trying to learn the licks, or trying to learn music theory without going to school.. I am practicing and learning music again 6-8 hours a day, and have seen huge progress in the last 8 months. It is all about the hard work, but without access to all the info on utube, I know I would not have made this much progress, especially playing a style of music I was not familiar with before.
you are a godsend, guthrie. thank you for sharing your time with us
62 yrs young. Nearly 40 years playing mostly in P&W environments. Aspiring to greater skill set in wide range of Americana styles of music. Loving the high level vibrations of this channel. Thank you for sharing.
What is P&W?
Praise and worship.
@@luisrobles5743
Correct. 👍🏻
Your message makes so much sense that we wholeheartedly agree and don't know what else to say other than thank you! A BIG thank you.
I'll say one more thing though, that single private lesson that I took has lasted me a year already and I still haven't scratched the surface :) My playing has improved exponentially (that's what my musical family members say). Cannot thank you enough
GT, you are always real with your videos. You tell it like it is and that is what is needed. I can't stand click bait. Thanks for your efforts in creating great content!
Thanks for being real, you are an inspiration. Love the record with you and Uncle Larry. Regarding your comments in the video, I have the highest respect for what you and your peers do as musicians. I play guitar for my own enjoyment and am fortunate to have been successful in my chosen career and am now retired. I have the luxury of being able to devote time to playing and practicing. Your on-line classes and lessons have opened up a whole new world of guitar knowledge for me. I have been really working on the principles you keep stressing, and it is work. The result is huge leaps and bounds in my understanding and ability to play. Thank you!
I come for the incredible playing, and I stay for the insights and wisdom.
Thanks, Guthrie 🙏🏻🤍
Happy Saturday
Damn, I wish someone would've told me ages ago what you are now teaching in these gold nuggets of videos. I spent 30 years with pentatonic wondering what is missing 😀 Moreover, you go waaayyy beyond than just saying 'chord tones' - you're showing concretely what eventually I hope I can also apply. Thanks!
Agree music needs to be treated as a gift to share not a commodity to tap into! The rewards will come with territory you pursue and the joy you spread! Music heals without chemicals! Also love the BB quote about the xtra bass string, I can relate, what’s that B string even about? 😂 Things are heating up here in Chicago- will be jamming our block party, some open stage solo acoustic guitar and the Annual Blues fest- (attending not performing) but may play harmonica soon at Rosa’s, thanks for sharing your insights and activity! Love it
Hey, GT, appreciate your content, always. As someone who's 61 and has played since 13, I couldn't agree more about how long it can take to really feel like you've made some progress on the guitar. I've always felt like I was a slow learner, because it can sometimes be a long time between those "aha!" moments. Everything you teach here is exactly what I would tell someone who wants to learn the instrument and, more importantly, music. I learned to play by ear and didn't bother to learn any theory until maybe 35 years into playing. Learning basic theory was a game-changer, but I still essentially play by ear. Learning chord shapes and tones is absolutely the bedrock of playing lead guitar and after all these years, I'm still learning how to be more musical, not just play the guitar. Your generosity in sharing what has taken you countless hours of practice and dedication is over-the-top. Thank you so much!
Dude.. your sequence is so spot on… and it’s the simplest and most efficient way to learn this stuff. It’s the key to it all. Keep speaking the truth mate.
Hey Guthrie thank you for another inspiring video, great words of wisdom and when your fingers hit those frets there ain't much left to be said, its all there all that hard work shows man great stuff, i did three gigs last week one on bass one on guitar one on drums guitar is my main instrument just gotta take any gig I can get, didn't get paid for the guitar gig but i got to play with some fantastic musicians that night so that was well worth it
Again thanks for your time and knowledge
Love your work brother
Thank you! I am a beginner, and I would bet there are many beginners here.... Consider, when you teach that you are teaching on multiple levels at the same time. This was a super example of this, you laid down the foundation. It's hard to understand where to start and the order of practicing from Utube preachers. I love all you Nashville session guys, God bless you and yours.
Guthrie, the ‘in stereo’ record arrived at my place today here in Europe. It costed me a fortune, but it is worth any penny of it. I can only hope that you and ‘uncle Larry’ keep creating wonderful music and keep posting those video’s. I am pretty sure that there’s a large silent amount of both of your followers that can filter the real from the fake. In other words keep on telecasting and home skoolin’. We love it! Greetings from Belgium (going back to the silent mayority now 😉)
Thanks, great points! I am enjoying your playing on the new album with TB. This may be the first time in my five decades of guitar playing that someone described learning like the way I learned- Johnny Smith method. Major, Minor, Diminished, augmented chords in all positions. And then triads likewise. I still do warm up arpeggio thru the circle of fifths and I still screw it up most of the time. New sub here, looking forward to yours and Uncle Larry’s stuff forthcoming!
Been playing my whole adult life. Mr. Trapp you helped breathe new life and inspiration to my playing.
Been playing for years, somewhat successfully in a small small way but you've taught me so much in your videos and I'm still finding it refreshing to play. Thank you Guthrie
Great insight to being a Nashville pro, also loved how you explain the fundamentals like building a house 👏💯I’m 45, playing since age 14 here in Buffalo, and I still dream of one day joining you cats in the music city! There’s so much that cannot be controlled beyond the playing, so I think it’s best served to always love the playing and studying, that’s all you can control! I still practice 2-4 hours a day and always having new lightbulbs go off! Thats what I get from watching you and Uncle Larry, it’s the sharing of real life info without the BS, really appreciate it bro thanks for everything! 👏✌️🎯
I can vouch for everything that you say Guthrie. Ive been a guitarist for twenty plus years but mainly as a singer songwriter and have build up a fair amount of knowledge on chords and progessions ,but just since the pandemic wanted to improove on my skills and start playing single melody lines ,triads etc. ive found that there were great gaps in my knowledge but have discovered that your way of learning the neck is the best way. saying that its takes an enormous amount of time to get this under the fingers even with my knowledge but Im enjoying it immensly though. Thanks for your honesty and integrity when it comes to music and playing.
Hey I just dug the heck out of that intro music you played! Really nice and soulful. Thx Keep on Rockin'
G - Truth, Brother! Thanks for your enlightened insights and the generous sharing of your knowledge. Being a 65 yo lifelong musician and lifelong student of the instrument, certainly agree that there are no shortcuts but there's definite value and enjoyment in putting in the work. Most of us soldier on and keep playing and woodshedding for the love of and dedication to and the privilege of participating in this gift of Music.
Thanks for keeping it real, G!
appreciate your honesty, it keeps me coming back, you tell it like it is, no bs, no politics just real life lessons and honest guitar and music talk, any ideas on playing outside to get that bluesy jazzy robben ford sound?
Guthrie, you are so right about the newer channels. You have my favorite channel. What you do is special and your approach to teaching is outstanding. You have taught me (a hobby player) more than I ever expected to learn. Thanks so much for your music & your work
67 year old life time part time pro. I absolutely love what you are teaching. Exactly what I need to hear and learn. Get me out of the blues box. "Just connect all the boxes together." - Jack Pearson. Your method is so economical and common sense. Thank you so much.
Guthrie, your lessons have spoke to me more than any other influence that I have had. It seems I’m in a unique place because I do understand the cage system. I have both a working knowledge of it, the Pentatonics and the major scales. I’m just getting to a place where I am discovering harmony and trying to implement those in my playing to achieve tension and resolve. I have working knowledge of applying relative minor and chords that are fifth away from where I’m going into my play. As this stuff unfolds, it becomes more and more exciting. I can kind of see Pandora’s box opening up on the possibilities of sound. You probably get a sense of where I may be in my development and I am looking for more direction from somebody who is actually making it work rather than someone who is selling their knowledge in a classroom type of format. I just voice texted all of that because I’m driving and couldn’t wait to leave a comment, brother. Cheers!
Man youre so absolutely right about taking it seriously. Getting offered a gig and having the opportunity to become a better player and broaden your performance experience is what its all about.
Hi Guthrie, your perspective on the whole TH-cam thing is spot on. Being able to focus on just making good music is what any musician should do. Forget the money. If money is all somebody is after then don’t pick up a guitar. But loving the music and pursuing what it takes to make good music is the reward itself. I am 65 years old and have had a 60 year love affair with the wood and wires. Never made much money at it but God I have have some good times. Keep laying it down like you do. You are one of the GOATS.
I have been following you for a while. Your message has been consistent. It’s not magic. You have to put in the work. The journey is the fun part!
Guthrie,
You are spot on. We live in a day an age where many want instant gratification. Looking for a shortcut. There are none. The mind set needed is to realize and enjoy the journey and the path itself forward is rewarding. Thank you for what you do for all of us.
Very, very true. Don’t act like you will only be happy when you get to a certain level…enjoy the whole journey no matter how limited your ability and knowledge is at the time.
At the 16 minute mark: all right, let’s get to the lesson. L O L! Love your channel GT. Love hearing what you’re up to and the lessons are absolutely invaluable. Thank you so much. Hope to see you out live one day.
Much appreciated!
Great tips on C exercise! thanks, Guthrie! Definitely understand your comments about the experience factor in TH-camrs. We really appreciate you sharing your knowledge - you can tell it’s so much better quality “content” and no doubt will stand the test of time vs the newcomers that will fall off from lack of quality.
I’ve watched about 6-8 videos of yours and more than anyone else you have helped me set an understandable, realistic & sensible direction forward. As beyond me as it is currently. I just get my way forward when you explain it.
Cheers mate 👍
great talent on display at the underdog may 20. you and your trio along with uncle larry, nick and his son, and the crowd were obviously enjoying the vibe! me too!
Just want to say thanks man! These lesson are helping me really unlock the fretboard and push past a long standing plateau in my playing. Im enjoying guitar again with everything you are teaching us!
Hey Gut, I just received the CD In Stereo. Magnificent! So inspirational. I’ve been listening over and over again. You and Tom should do another as soon as possible and take it on the road!! I’d love to see you guys live. We all would. Not sure if you are aware of how you guys touch us all. Honestly like old friends. Thanks for sharing your talents! God bless!
Thanks for being real, and explaining your "proper sequence" in a way that makes sense. Awesome video!
Amazing intro jam. Could almost hear the drums for it too. Your ability to keep the flow always impresses me. And now i gotta go practice. Also vids are never too long, I even enjoy the rambling anectdotes and stories. They are more real when they aren't rehearsed. sounded like a fun night with all those characters in one room. Love what you are putting out, including the album.
It’s hard to comment on your videos when I run to my guitar every time I watch you play haha. I need to move forward with my practicing and I can’t wait until I master your approach. Much love from Cali!
Loved it 💞
So hard to find someone who can teach with authority and break it down to a simple level.
Thank you Guthrie!
Mike Bloomfield
Hey GT - thanks for this video. There really is no alternative but to pick up the guitar and practice. Chord shapes and scales. And at some point, songs. And then, playing with other players. You and Uncle Larry really are inspirational teachers. Thanks again
This message is grounding, and I appreciate that. Focusing more on a better musical product, instead of how quickly someone can get to the top. Especially coming from someone who is obviously respected within the Nashville community. Thank you! On to Brett Papa's video of you and Tom next.... :)
Love the analogy of the foundation, 2x4, drywall, etc. Never thought about it that way. Visited Nashville for the first time last week. Where I live, I am a guitar player. When I am in Nashville, I am just a guitar owner. The talent level there is off the charts.
Don’t sweat those kids on TH-cam. We know you’re the real deal. I love listening to you. You’re amazing.
Man, I always enjoy hearing your perspective on guitar playing and music and what it's all about. And you say it best when you say it's all about the music. Thanks for keeping it about the music and NOT the BS!!!
There are TH-camrs with guitar channels. And there are guitar players who have TH-cam channels.
I spend a lot of time on TH-cam and am thankful for both. The TH-camrs provide consistent content entertainment. But people like you and uncle Larry are true mentors who offer wisdom beyond gear and technique. Y’all are GOATS we’re grateful for you.
"There are TH-camrs with guitar channels. And there are guitar players who have TH-cam channels". Absolutely !
Great building the house analogy 👍🏻, beautiful intro playing
GT - I love your channel. Great educational material - chord shapes, maj, min, maj7, dom. All are must haves under your fingers and just as important in your EAR. You gotta be able to hear the differences. Keep hammering these points for guys like me who need to hear this shit multiple times for it to stick. I have been playing for 20 years and find myself playing the same stale licks. I watch your videos and am inspired by the grooves you play and it helps motivate me to get out of my own little box. Thanks man!
Guthrie, if you get a chance, check out a Nashville guitarist named Earl Erb. He has a gig with his trio every Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Joelton Hardware Feed and Seed. It’s a cool venue and he’s a world class player. He’s not a young gun, been around since the late sixties. Worked with a lot of major Opry stars, toured all over the world. If you’re into Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, et al, you’ll love him. Plays jazz on a Tele. Proud to say he’s a friend of mine.
Hi Guthrie, this included so much great information. You are the best! I had the pleasure of seeing you at the underdog
Monday night. What a great place the ideal venue for live music ,not all the fluff like other venues. watching you play live is simply amazing. The ideas you come up while performing are incredible! You are greatly appreciated not only by me, but I’m sure a lot of other Guitar minded people. Please please please continue on. It is such a great journey to be on through your videos.
Love the video, I've been down the rabbit hole with some of the stuff you talked about. Luckily like you I have many years experience, play everyday, write everyday and I enjoy your videos and your approach. Thanks bro
I think you have served enough time to be considered a veteran music journeyman. My Dad always said experience is the best teacher, and that certainly shows in your skills. I respect you so much because you are thankful and very humble, these are wonderful qualities. I know exactly what you meant about the younger ones coming up. Love you brother, and thanks for all you do. You are incredible.
Thanks, sincerely. I’m making progress, slowly and surely, using the approach you shared. Takes time. Wish I’d started sooner.
Guthrie… Love the guys you hang with, your stories, your teaching approach, and of course your lessons. Thanks so much for all you do!
You gave me more stuff to hang on to in five minutes there at the end than anything I have seen on YT so far. Thank you!
So good Guthrie! Message is so true it’s about the music first. If you put the work in, it shows in your music. Do it for the love first and if over time you’ve developed the skills, maybe you can have a career but if the love isn’t there, forget it.
The whole chordal structure up and down the neck is a great lesson on how to get to all the scales and notes. Love ya man and Uncle Larry as well. I watch all you guys! The best!!!!
Love what you & uncle Larry are doing Guthrie.
Thanks for this vid … I’ve got a lot of work to do … thanks for the guidance.