1. the best practice is on stage.. play live constantly 2.surround you with musicians better than you 3. don't learn generic music or you'll play like most others. 4. Study the best and you'll be great. 5. Do residential workshops they are great 6. Focus on the small techniques they are the most important. 7. be a musician not just a guitar player 8. tell a story when you play.
11 ALWAYS treat your audience with respect. Unless you are doing all original composition, make an effort to play any requests you get. There are no stupid songs or stupud requests, just stupid musicians who don't realize when someone from the audience is telling them how to be liked. 12 Understand the difference brtween playing for pleasurs (i.e. your own edification) and playing for money. If you play in bars, your job is not tp play music well. Your job is to put butts in seats snd keep them there. Your job is make every customer glad that they decided to come and spend time and money seeimg you/your band. Every customer is an opportunity. The owner of the establishment did not hire you to play good music. Always remember, that at the end of the night, the owner's cash register is your judge, jury and executioner. It is the sole arbitor of whether you were a good band or a bad band. It alone determines whether you live or die at this venue. Even mediocre musicians can survive playing the bar scene if they learn this. 13. Have a thick skin. Always accept constructive criticism and react with gratitude. Take what was offered as a genuine effort to help you becpme better. Accept such criticisms from better musicians, lesser musicians, venue owners, venue staff (an often snubbed group who know far morebthan what they are credited for, and finally, from audience/customers. I'm not suggesting all criticism is constructive - we all know better. But if you get huffy everytime someone makes a suggestion, you are throwing away a huge opportunity to improve yourself. Better musicisns will lesrn not to invite you.
I played drums in bands, professionally, for ten years in the early '90s. If only stuff like this had been in my life, like it is now, I would be in a very different place. Kids, listen to this man. Then give him credit. Be grateful that there is this, and him, and all that is out there to help.
Rhythm and TIMING. Once you can internalise rhythm well - knowing always where the 1 is then you can start to manipulate it and make your playing more fluid. Once you can do this you can find the timings that you connect with, when to pause, when to hold, when to enter and when to exit. The more you do this then phrasing will eventually occur that feel really really good, and something which you're more emotionally connected to. The more you then focus on how to emotionally connect to how you produce phrasing - the more you might find the holy grail for any musician: your true voice on an instrument. When I was younger I raced off absorbing as many techniques as I could which I would always try to weld onto my playing to make it seem more complete. It was only when I really really focused in on rhythm and timing that I felt I was connecting to the music in a wider way - from that I find the right technique to apply to an idea AFTER having connected to how the song was starting to feel. For me, technique always follows the idea - the idea is king. I put Timing in caps because I personally believe this is the true bridge between rhythm and melody. Playing with timings can truly teach you both - it is such a big deal if you can spot the tiniest windows in bars to drop notes in - it gives you so many new angles with which to express yourself. If you toss away the success/failure/will i get recognised anxiety for a moment - at its basic core it makes making music so much more pleasurable.
I started music school when I was thirty; I learned so much more than I thought I would. I'm still growing from those years 40 years ago. I became a much better guitar player because I finally learned what to practice, i.e. chord tones, scales, etc. You were required to have a decent understanding of the piano. They made you take enough lessons and pass a certain skill level. You can keep learning until you die.
That’s funny I don’t care if Rhett doesn’t think so or not. It does remind me of “Henry Fonda in On Golden Pond” a lot of you young guys will have to google that.
The podcast move is genius there are more musical instrument tutorials on TH-cam than people could watch in a lifetime. Learning musicianship in a audio / video format is very valuable and enjoyable.
I have a really special Thank to say to Scott Bradley and the producers of Tom & Jerry in the 1940's 50's and 60' s because they introduced me to really hot jazz and pinnacle of classical hits
I started playing guitar 1966. Caused by the Beatles. I took lessons for 3 years and had a great teacher who was a lifelong gigging musician. He really brought me up to speed on the guitar. The most memorable thing he taught me, which still affects me today, was to SLAP my foot down in time. This really taught me to keep the rhythm. His name was Jimmie Knapp. What a great teacher he was.
I took lessons in 87 for 4 months and the teacher dropped me for another student that was more advanced. I was 14. I gave up finnished school got a job. Picked it back up a couple of years ago and instantly remember what i was taught years ago but really struggle now. I practice better now than then. Wish i had stuck with it. Your channel and others keep me inspired. Thank you Rick.
Hard to imagine Rick not being able to hook up a PA :) Key was asking. I've played with hundreds of musicians over the years, great musicians and smart people, but they never learned this stuff because they were afraid to admit they had no idea where to start... 37, Wow! Hearing this as 36 making a transition from just playing to hopefully engineering. These videos are such a great help. If you are one of those musicians who turns up to gigs and always waits for someone else to set the PA up, and never do sound, you are seriously missing out.
Took piano lessons as kid...wrote a song and was asked to perform it (10 yearold)...hated it...still bash my head against it trying to learn stuff (Peanuts theme, Ragtime, etc) Forced to attempt Coronet in grade school...didn't have the lips for it. Didn't have access to guitar...really wanted to get into drums, but it was not recommended and was talked out of it. 30 years later I bought a set of Roland electronic drums...am enjoying the hell out of it...now I am in the market for a Strat.
Drummed my whole life (mid-40's now). My "life regret" is not starting guitar at age 10. The truth is, who cares. I am so passionate now, I'm stoked to be able to play guitar for the rest of my life. (just got a Strat a year ago - "earned" it after learning lots of music theory stuff on my beater electric guitar I bought 20 years ago and let it sit on the shelf due to not figuring out what to do with it). I am LOVING every second of learning music. Sounds like I'm not the only one ;)
idk why people talk others out of drums. When I talked my best bud into drums, I saw how his family and many friends tried to persuade him into not doing it. What the fuck? Music is good, is good for your brain, dealing with emotions, and many other things, people are so annoying sometimes.
I hear you. Drumming may be thought of as a “slacker” thing to many people. I gained a million things from drumming / music over my life. Discipline / confidence / inspiration. It’s endless. Learning any instrument is a noble pursuit, I say :)
Best thing I did was “ after learning some chords and wanting to start learning some lead licks” is purchase a loop pedal, you can lay some 12 bar chord progressions down and play over it, experimenting around with different major & pentatonic scale modes, triads and such. Of corse if you have a friend who plays too, play together every chance you can and teach and learn together.
13:50 The discussion about TABs in (80's 90's 00's) mags and on-line not being correct applies to a lot of "official and authorised" books too ! Music of any genre is so good for mind body and soul, no matter how good you are. Rick's channel is a no.1 hit !
I really like to watch these videos, I have an impression that I know them from a long time. The conversation flows like we are on the same room, and they are so natural not acting, they are so good that just need to be themselves.
I grow up with having piano in families home. I even had a 88 key toy piano. I learned the circle of 5ths from playing the accordion. And I grow listening to Black Gospel Music like: The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Soulstirs (lead vocals Sam Cooke), Mahalia Jackson, The Dixie Hummingbirds.
this is solid gold Rick! Excellent advice. I've been gigging for 30 yrs and playing for $$ that long and being from a non-musical family, this is advice I would give to ALL kids! Super!
I tell my students that learning to read standard notation makes you more employable. I played the musical "Rock Of Ages" last year on (3) guitars. The book was all chord symbols and standard notation. 2 songs had no chords, just notes on the staff. All the musicals I have played use standard notation.
I dunno. I changed my guitar technique several times over the course of 30-something years I've been playing. Changed the way I hold the pick after like 15 years of holding it one way. Hell, even changed the way I hold the guitar when I play sitting down - only about 6-7 years ago moved it to my left knee and found it much more comfortable for the picking hand (not right away of course). Sure, it's not easy to relearn a skill but it's doable. Decided to learn sweep picking recently. I'm reasonably fast with my alternate picking even through 8-note arpeggios but that requires a lot of physical effort - figured I'd give sweeping a shot. :)
Sounds great guys. I didn't choose to be a musician. I was born that way and realized that I was a musician when I was 15. Didn't take guitar lessons until I was about 16 years old. Was basically self taught for 4 years or so. Had Organ lessons with I was 6, for 6 years but didn't play guitar until I was 12.
I learned theory before I started playing piano and it made my progression much easier. I do improvise a lot but theory gives me a framework and helps me understand what's going on and what the possibilities are. . I strongly advise learning it unless you're a genius. But if you're a genius you'll pick it up easy .....so either way learn theory . And if you're going to learn theory get a piano or some kind of keyboard if you can . It's easy to understand intervals and chord structures and other things if you have a keyboard instrument available.
I wish I had had TH-cam when I first got interested in playing guitar. The lessons are great for learning (and re-learning) my favorite music, and Rick's videos are full of accumulated wisdom regarding gear and theory.
I started as a drummer in school years 5, 6 and 7 then taught myself piano in year 8 then got my guitar and bass in year 11, that was some 13 years ago now, dont prac as much as i should but im still playing and writing my own tunes
I had the complete opposite experience with music school, reading and ears. My first year of Berklee my ear training teacher pulled me aside and tested to see if I could match pitches with my voice/ears....... I had no idea that you could match a note with a voice or on an instrument by just listening. I had never learned a bass part by ear. I bought songbooks and had my band mates learn the bass parts and teach me. WOW.... I was in shock, and I started making my own ear training tapes....33 years later I still am. I wish someone had told me about ear playing
Guitar for the Practicing Musician is what taught me how to play. Had a subscription from the late 80's through the late 90's. Still have all of them in my basement and I'm just about ready to bust them out after taking a 17 year break from playing.
Must be a guitar thing, I thought I was was reading in a music class in Junior College (long time ago), I was just decoding it over time. Then it was exam time, true colors came out. I did learn a lot about Jazz though. Luckily, the visual arts is what saved my life and was bale to pay bills. I am so grateful for this channel, I have a second chance at learning music. Thank you Rick and Rhett!
At 17 I joined a 9-piece cover band that was hooked up with a booking agency. We worked regularly. A few years later when that band dissolved three of us recruited a drummer and formed a 4-piece original band. We had a "5th member" who handled booking, management, and ran sound. When that band dissolved I kept working but made some business decisions that resulted in a lot of lateral moves which kept working but never led to much career advancement. Sometimes I wish I had hooked up with a personal manager when that second band broke up. Also, I could have moved from Atlanta to Nashville when many of my friends did back in the 70s. In other words, I wish I had known how to mind the business side.
My father was a 4th generation piano tuner. All aural tuners. I can here it, just can't seem to play it. I'm a mechanic, I bet I can still tune. I was learning when my father passed years ago. Love all music, mainly metal.... love your vids!
Two people I am thankful for and I believe are so influential in today's modern day of music. Rick Beato and Warren Huart. Thank you Rick! Would to see you have Warren on the channel.
Good chat. I would say that all the 'marketable' skills I've amassed (which now allow me to make a living in music) came from one impulse: to fully realize my own music. Playing instruments, singing (lead and harmony), programming, mixing, arranging, performing onstage, getting tones, using effects, making videos -- I learned all of those things in the creative process. But if you'd given 17-yr-old me that laundry list of "things you should learn to be more well-rounded", I'd have been completely uninterested. So yeah, the hindsight thing is interesting to contemplate, but I think if you're following your heart and working from a passionate place, good things will follow.
12:25 I learned all guitar by ear, starting at the age of 4. Had Piano lessons starting at 7, quit piano at 9 (just as I started the 2 hand stuff), took saxophone in 5th grade (11 yo) until I graduated high school. I couldn't read music due to my poor eyesight and as soon as the page filled up, I couldn't see it. The entire time I played guitar, learning by ear. Multitudes of different bands playing the bar circuit for 20 years. All these years later, as a live sound engineer, seeing union musicians come in to the gig, forgetting their music stand, and not being able to play the gig--and it is old standards...2 things to bring and they forget one and can't play the gig, go figure....
I've been able to change my technique based on the styles of music I'm playing. It's happened after I stopped playing gigs. When you're in a band you are so focused on the material for that band that all other styles are ignored. So I've begun practicing at sweep-picking and fingerpicking Travis style after age 50 and it's been funa dn satisfying
Of course you can change you technique. I'm in my fifties and I'm really REALLY concentrating on my picking technique and properly organizing my practise time instead of noodling on the same tired old tunes. I know my accuracy has improved already over the last 3-4 months. It just takes a bit of honesty with yourself.
7:15 Alan Holdsworth (RIP), Al Dimiola, Steve Morse! Really great players. 7:44 "That door closes after a little while." I disagree Rhett. Yes, we develop habits, but if we slow down, and go back to the beginning, we can develop new techniques. It takes a lot of patience, and time, but it is possible.
I took 2 weeks of lessons when I was 12 with my cousin who is a teacher, then said he couldn't teach me what I wanted to learn ( metallica, hendrix) I had been deeply into GFTPM and Guitar Player magazine. I devoured everything in there!!! My teachers were Satriani, Steve Morse, Holdsworth...in 1986 there was no TH-cam...rewinding tapes omg! The best teacher I had was a cover band I had from 14-18 yrs old . We played Country, Rock, Pop, Metal...we didn't know we just played what people liked in a.small town . We were pretty hot for 15 year olds. I also discovered jazz at 20. Jack Johnson Tribute!! Tips: Practice what you don't know (thanks Rick) Get a band together fast!
These guys are so articulate which makes it very informative. I was very fortunate. in that I was taught (after playing for about 6 years with sporadic but more formal-type lessons, Mel-Bay, etc.) how to learn songs exactly by ear off records (!!!?) by the best rock guitarist in my hometown. It really developed my ear/brain combo to be analytical when listening and get it right or pretty damn close. My reading still sucks though.
This beautifully already sounds like part of a podcast series (if not already)...would love to hear more like this with the two of you discussing other topics and sharing more stories...
Rick saying he was 37 and getting to grips with production makes me feel better. 36yo, recording for years and still learning things (playing and recording) that I want to do.
The recording aspect of this discussion resonated with me strongly, as it's my biggest weakness holding me back in a career. I'd like to think I write good songs, have a good ear, am a confident performer and can play several instruments adequetely; I've had plenty of support from friends and family that genuinely like my music, but when recording my ability and confidence almost completely disappears. It's made me scared to record my songs or work with recording somebody, because I know I'm not good enough and it takes me an extra week of serious practice just to scrape through a recording session, and still not even be satisfied. Plus I never have any idea what the person producing is doing, and just let them make all the decisions which leads creative problems later. Maybe an internship would make sense to try out!
I think this really highlights the benefit of not being afraid to tell someone when you don't know something and ask for their help. Loads of people would be too proud to get a freshman to teach them to read music for example.
I have found that regardless of whatever employment, hobby, or pursuit of happiness that I have engaged with... - Schooling of any relational type is worthwhile, but I probably only really would use about 10 to 20% of whatever the ciriculum provided. I've gone through 11 years of formal, conservatory music training, 14 years of elementary/secondary schooling, 6 years of trade apprenticeships, 2 years of community college, and 3 years of university... The overwhelming majority of the educational cirriculum was not relevant in my life, and work. - Necessity is the mother of invention, or the reason to learn and implement knowledge. The moment that gaining specific skills and knowledge becomes a necessity, is the moment that learning these items will be desirable, and attainable. - Surrendering, and immersing myself in whatever I would desire is absolutely the only way that I have ever been successful in learning and application of what I NEEDED to do. Even if it was a hobby, I would spend hours a day immersed in the pursuit. It's the only way I know that works.
Thank you much for these videos Rick!!!! I have plugged so many holes in my musical knowledge, watching your channel... my songs sound WAY better than they did 3 months ago.
12:30 Tim Newton was my professor my freshman year of college. He is an amazing professor and the best I have ever had! Still remember him playing Moonlight Sonata in class. He played it beautifully!!!
I tried learning guitar just by ear, after a few years I decided to take lessons Best thing I ever done , he taught me pentatonic major n minor n just taught me basics , it helped me greatly
I learned to read music when I was like 11 or 12 and never used it again. Decided I wanted to learn to play guitar 26 years later and relearned to read sheet music in one night! Hah! I never forgot it, even after 25 years 😁 just needed to refresh my memory on how to read it.
Man hearing Rick learning sound engineering at 36 really gives me some inspiration. I have been a musician for 22 years without any real success. I even tried to quit at one point. But with this kinda talk it gives me some hope!!
I'd love to see you have a conversation with a professional actor & a screenwriter (3 way conversation) to discuss the parallels between those three professions. A lot of what you guys are saying here applies to everything I know about acting & screenwriting (screenwriting is my passion but acting is how I pay my bills). I'm also a musician but not professionally - I just play for fun but did go to school for music for a couple of years and I'm glad I did because the whole TV/Film/Theater industry is like one HUGE complex puzzle with many pieces and music is one of those pieces, a very important one too. In screenwriting we talk about "emotional beats" that you need to hit within a story - with conflicts leading to resolution and a very clear "emotional arc" of the character. A well written story is always about the heroes journey of emotional change - and that's why it''s important to VERY clearly define who the character is within the first five pages/minutes because if you don't demonstrate who the character is emotionally (early on) then you can't demonstrate any emotional change. I'll BET that if you were to facilitate a conversation like this you'd get a lot out of it - more than you would ever expect.
I was super lucky growing up. Music is in my family and in my genes. My aunts, mom, dad and older brother were all musicians to one degree or another. My brother had perfect pitch, and I've always had relative pitch. We got a piano in the house when I was 7, and my dad used to sing and play old Johnny Cash songs on guitar from my earliest memories. I can still 'hear' all those old Elvis and Beatles songs that were always on the radio when I was a toddler. My mom remarried in my youth, and my stepdad was also a singer/guitarist who had actually written and recorded a few songs (that never went anywhere). This was in the 70's and he had a lot of 45's with his songs on them. Learning any instrument has always come easily and naturally to me. What I've concluded after many years now as a multi-instrumentalist is that you need really only 2 things: a sense of rhythm, and a strong desire to play music. After that, it's all a wonderful, exciting journey with bumps and twists in the road.
I told my brother back in the late 70s not to quit his day job. He took my advice and was glad he did. He was professionally trained, did his weekend gigs, cut a few CDs and made decent money. Still wasn't enough to support a family, pay a mortgage and have health insurance. That's what the day job was for. @rick Beato it may be obvious, but many great musicians were never formally trained and can not sight read at all. Lindsey Buckingham being a great example. Many Country players, steel guitar and finger pickers too.
1) Chose a teacher who's aligned with your musical interests. 2) Don't let the wrong teacher talk you out of your musical interests. 3) Go to a music school whose concentration is focused on your musical interests (i.e. don't go to a 18th century focused conservatory if you want to play jazz). 4) Stay away from drugs. 5) Stay away from drugs. 6) Sight read like a SOB. 7) Focus on your craft. 8) Associate yourself with people who are focused--not slackers. 9) Know your theory and history. 10) Know the business. There's ten!
Don't do drugs before gigs, absolutely agree 100%. Don't ever do cocaine, amphetamines, heroine etc. But a bit of LSD and weed is fine and can actually often be inspiring during the songwriting process.
@@bentleyj.daniels3585 yea marijuana and psychedelics CAN be fine but it should be stated that every single human being is different and can have different experiences with what are very powerful drugs. Read up and be knowledgable before you decide to foray into the realm of psychedelics.
Rick - Why the Beatles' "I'll Be Back" is a master class in rhythm-guitar chord strumming! Listen to what each of the acoustic guitars are doing - differently, at the same time! How about a show on that??
It comes back.. After being away for quite awhile, I'm getting back into it. I'm mainly a bass player and really the hardest thing is getting my hard fingers back.
You guys are living proof that endurance and ability to withstand failure and error - is probably the most valuable growth skill any of us could have. It's difficult to teach that - unless it comes from a loving parent or guardian. And of course - skill is required. If you actually don't have the skill - then at some point, you have to try something different. And that's a key - to know when your failures can be overcome by years of practice and trial and error - and to know when life is telling you to go in a different direction. Having a trustworthy mentor is important. Finally - the value of dumb luck can't be over stressed.
I don't mind the covering up of your faces at all, it sounds better (HD 700) than usual. :) Podcasts are awesome, ideal while running, cycling, walking, cooking or cleaning.
@The Tired Horizon If you cycle competitively on a racing bike, sure, don't listen to any podcast but concentrate 100% on the traffic and the cycling. If you cycle a long distance on a boring trajectory on a city bike for transport, then it is great if you have a few podcasts to listen to. I cycle regularly 40-60 km. (one direction) in a non competitive way.
That confused me. I still don't know why it matters if it's a "podcast" or not. Should we not have as good a sound if it's not a podcast. Why use lesser quality mics for other videos?
I watched this and for some reason found myself taking Rhett a lot more seriously than Rick, I couldn't work out why until near the end, and then it hit me -- the leather elbow patches on his cardigan! A man with leather elbow patches always looks like he knows what he's talking about.
Hahah! Funny that you mention Fredonia State; that was also my first experience with being in a studio, or knowing anyone who ever recorded anything. I was also there from 78-82, so I may have seen you there!
Excellent, as always. I'm glad I learned from the 70s....pre tab. I'm sure that forced me to use my ear more than players do now. Hey Rick, Davd Brubeck had a similar story of being almost through college without bring able go sightread!
OMG!! Thank you Rick for saying out loud what I've struggled with for years. We're about the same age and economy and sweep picking are beyond me. I had been playing for too long before I was exposed to it. So frustrating!!
Ahh definitely a prominent video to get into my man! I'm only 17 in trying to pursue a musical career, so this is much helpful and truthful in words and content!
I'm not a pro musician but I've played guitar for about 25 years now. The main thing I've found is that if you're happy playing what you play that's fine. I was happy for a long time playing basic chords and singing my favourite tunes as I buzzed off it and so did my friends. I always shied away from lessons because I hated studying so never took music lessons. I wish maybe I'd learned to solo because I'm doing that now and really enjoying the journey.
My story is very much like Rhetts, except I started in 1978 at 15 years of age. No one was very musical in my family. I bought a guitar and self-taught. Hearing the song Red House off Smash Hits was a game-changer. I practised every waking moment I was able. I never learned much in the way of music theory because it was all playing by ear. Looking back I could have probably done both. I'm not sure if knowing the theory would have changed my outlook or my tastes. I always learned and played the music that appealed to me.
I like the fact that both you guys are just average everyday guys like the rest of us. The music side of this is just what you gentleman do. Great stuff!
This was a very insightful video, shows the depth of the learning curve in music. My brother was the sound man for several bands and the difference he could make in the sound of the band was amazing. I often thought he should have transitioned to to the studio. Great video!
its amazing how much my life and Ricks look alike , i am 61 , i play guitar i have been a music producer (not anymore) i ve done jingle work, music for tv. I started in the 70,s y love to play drums im mostly self taught (but i can read music and ive been studyng musical theory all my life, ) my first recorder was a tascam portastudio 4 track and my sequencer was an Ensoniq esq 1 and an atari 1040 St. with Notator musical software. the only thing that held me back was that i live in a small city were you cant support yourself as a musician , so i now i work in agriculture. but i enjoy Ricks Videos , keep on doing it.
Guys I also started playing guitar because of Jimi's Red House, who else? I literally went to my friend and took the guitar in the same day and never stopped since!
I always wish I knew how little natural talent I had for music before I ever started which would have alleviated endless misery and frustration with poor tempo, poor skills, poor technique, poor listening skills, poor everything. Oh well, that was 27 years ago...still playing poorly...still loving it! 🎸🥁🤠🥁🎸
The one thing that I would add, for me, is this: your ego is NOT the band’s amigo. Perhaps I’m not the only one to have been a more, er, selfish player when I was wee, but it took me transitioning into playing acoustic folk music, real blues, R&B, and funk from a more rock and roll background to understand that on a moment to moment basis on stage, my job was to make the band, especially the singer or soloist, sound their best versus me getting off and showing everyone some tricks. BTW, this is a lesson even us old guys need to continue to learn.
No one wants to play with an over player. My cousin told me early on, “you don’t have to fill every space”, and it has helped me a lot. I’m far from a great player, but people still want to play with me. I think it’s because I play for the band and for the song, not for my own ego. I would rather not play if I can’t add to the song rather than play, and detract from it. I’ve been fortunate to be able to play with others from the beginning, and that has also helped me a lot.
Brian G sounds like you’re doing it right. I’ve never seen any working situation where the biggest shredder got the gig. Bandleaders want great musicians in addition to great instrumentalist, folks who know that the hang is important. Bottom line: no one wants to work with dee-ocks.
Teachers are important. But a mentor is key. Someone who is capable of teaching but isn't financially dependent on giving an endless series of lessons. Someone who can show you the essentials and then the shortcuts based on your growing capabilities. And someone who encourages you to ignore that part of your brain that says "I'll never be good enough to play in public."
"Figure it out for yourself!" The single greatest thing a father can tell his kids. Only someone that's developed confidence through actually doing things themselves have that attitude. I once told my step father after working in a small company from their startup that I was going to go out on my own. I felt like I'd outgrown them and that they weren't taking advantage of all the markets they could get into. He said to me,"You're not ready." It never even dawned on me to consider NOT doing it. I realized that he had nothing constructive to tell me because he didn't even have a clue about what I did on that job or what I'd learned through all the years and also didn't know that starting a company is NOT a big deal. Needless to say, he worked in the same company most of his adult life. Nothing wrong with that, but why would you discourage anyone from doing something that they wanted to do? Anyway, he changed his tune when my company surpassed the success of the company I started out in. Living a good life is the best revenge! Now he tells his friends I'm a genius which is also not true. He went from one extreme to the other. Ridiculous! You don't have to be a genius to be successful. Far from it. So many people don't appreciate (much less utilize) having a basic level of intelligence. That's all it takes.
Holy shiot Rhett you ain't but 30 yrs old, you're just getting started. I would give my left testicle to be your age and have you tube. I was 50 yrs old by the time you tube showed up. Be grateful, your young. Hard to learn by the time you get 65. The only thing I had when I was learning was my ear.
When I started, I wish someone would have stressed the importance of knowing the notes on the fretboard and thinking in chords instead of frets. My biggest hurdle is a left brain/right brain kind of thing. I've had trouble applying knowledge to my playing while improvising. When in music school, it felt like only one door could be open at a time: ear/instinct, or theory. I was too advanced technicaly for my level of understanding which made it hard to advance.
I don't know what kind of music you play/enjoy. If you're too technical, the music might not be enjoyable ie. John McLaughlin, Joe Zawinue, Allan Holdsworth. I get tired of Malmsteen after a few minutes. I need tiera ferma, not outer space or 20 notes per second. "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing." Sometimes, music theory needs to be tossed out the window. Play that famous song from the 50's, "Louis, Louis." You can tell they are having fun with 3 simple chords.
When I click on the notification on the bottom right of my screen, it DOESN'T go to the video like other sites do. Thanks for your videos, there the best!
RIP Roy Clark. Rick Beato, your whole channel intrigues me, but it's like trying to learn Swahili ... I have no clue what you're talking about. Sigh. I listen, but don't comprehend.
The other thing I wish I knew was how the value of certain gear was going to skyrocket. In 1967 I was 14 years old. My father bought me a Tweed Bassman, the 4-10 combo, for $300. After a couple of years it started sounding bad, so I traded it in for a brand new Super Reverb. Just from inflation alone that $300 would be $2271 today! The Bassman probably just needed new tubes or a cap or something. Sad, poor, ignorant me!
1. the best practice is on stage.. play live constantly 2.surround you with musicians better than you 3. don't learn generic music or you'll play like most others. 4. Study the best and you'll be great. 5. Do residential workshops they are great 6. Focus on the small techniques they are the most important. 7. be a musician not just a guitar player 8. tell a story when you play.
Andy M great advice......to add to that : don't quit your day job.
Newzchspy Yeah I've made that mistake Sir. Great side hustle.
what are small techniques? for guitar player :)
What is a residential workshop? Thanks
11 ALWAYS treat your audience with respect. Unless you are doing all original composition, make an effort to play any requests you get. There are no stupid songs or stupud requests, just stupid musicians who don't realize when someone from the audience is telling them how to be liked.
12 Understand the difference brtween playing for pleasurs (i.e. your own edification) and playing for money. If you play in bars, your job is not tp play music well. Your job is to put butts in seats snd keep them there. Your job is make every customer glad that they decided to come and spend time and money seeimg you/your band. Every customer is an opportunity. The owner of the establishment did not hire you to play good music. Always remember, that at the end of the night, the owner's cash register is your judge, jury and executioner. It is the sole arbitor of whether you were a good band or a bad band. It alone determines whether you live or die at this venue. Even mediocre musicians can survive playing the bar scene if they learn this.
13. Have a thick skin. Always accept constructive criticism and react with gratitude. Take what was offered as a genuine effort to help you becpme better. Accept such criticisms from better musicians, lesser musicians, venue owners, venue staff (an often snubbed group who know far morebthan what they are credited for, and finally, from audience/customers. I'm not suggesting all criticism is constructive - we all know better. But if you get huffy everytime someone makes a suggestion, you are throwing away a huge opportunity to improve yourself. Better musicisns will lesrn not to invite you.
I played drums in bands, professionally, for ten years in the early '90s. If only stuff like this had been in my life, like it is now, I would be in a very different place. Kids, listen to this man. Then give him credit. Be grateful that there is this, and him, and all that is out there to help.
Rhythm and TIMING. Once you can internalise rhythm well - knowing always where the 1 is then you can start to manipulate it and make your playing more fluid. Once you can do this you can find the timings that you connect with, when to pause, when to hold, when to enter and when to exit. The more you do this then phrasing will eventually occur that feel really really good, and something which you're more emotionally connected to. The more you then focus on how to emotionally connect to how you produce phrasing - the more you might find the holy grail for any musician: your true voice on an instrument.
When I was younger I raced off absorbing as many techniques as I could which I would always try to weld onto my playing to make it seem more complete. It was only when I really really focused in on rhythm and timing that I felt I was connecting to the music in a wider way - from that I find the right technique to apply to an idea AFTER having connected to how the song was starting to feel. For me, technique always follows the idea - the idea is king.
I put Timing in caps because I personally believe this is the true bridge between rhythm and melody. Playing with timings can truly teach you both - it is such a big deal if you can spot the tiniest windows in bars to drop notes in - it gives you so many new angles with which to express yourself. If you toss away the success/failure/will i get recognised anxiety for a moment - at its basic core it makes making music so much more pleasurable.
I was the same, nowadays I don't mind sacrificing skill for a simple melody.
Great advice
I started music school when I was thirty; I learned so much more than I thought I would. I'm still growing from those years 40 years ago. I became a much better guitar player because I finally learned what to practice, i.e. chord tones, scales, etc. You were required to have a decent understanding of the piano. They made you take enough lessons and pass a certain skill level. You can keep learning until you die.
dang you're 70 years old? keep kickin' my man
I'm 63 & learning DS Harp (not mouth harp). Learning from the absolute beginning.
Dang man you rock :)
Hero
Cool sweater Rhett, my aunts love to macrame too!
That’s funny I don’t care if Rhett doesn’t think so or not.
It does remind me of “Henry Fonda in On Golden Pond” a lot of you young guys will have to google that.
The leggings are nice too
@@jmenden111 he’s wearing leggings ? Lol wtf my mans reppin some hard auntie vibes
@@ryang3225 the jeans are just a little skinny. And stretchy.
when learning a song it is more important to leearn the idea behind it than getting caught up on the small detail
The podcast move is genius there are more musical instrument tutorials on TH-cam than people could watch in a lifetime.
Learning musicianship in a audio / video format is very valuable and enjoyable.
I have a really special Thank to say to Scott Bradley and the producers of Tom & Jerry in the 1940's 50's and 60' s because they introduced me to really hot jazz and pinnacle of classical hits
I started playing guitar 1966. Caused by the Beatles. I took lessons for 3 years and had a great teacher who was a lifelong gigging musician. He really brought me up to speed on the guitar. The most memorable thing he taught me, which still affects me today, was to SLAP my foot down in time. This really taught me to keep the rhythm. His name was Jimmie Knapp. What a great teacher he was.
As a bass player, this is essential, especially when no drummer or a bad drummer is present
I took lessons in 87 for 4 months and the teacher dropped me for another student that was more advanced. I was 14. I gave up finnished school got a job. Picked it back up a couple of years ago and instantly remember what i was taught years ago but really struggle now. I practice better now than then.
Wish i had stuck with it.
Your channel and others keep me inspired.
Thank you Rick.
I hope you are still enjoying playing friend! :)
@@mandolin926 Every day i pick it up have a noodle thru scales and chords and jam along to the radio 🤟
what did he teach you?
I took 12 years of lessons in classical guitar back in the early sixties...and then four guys hit the world and changed my life...
The Beatles? Actually, they inspired me to make music too, if that's who u mean
The Monkees?
Come on guys, he's referring to Zeppelin. ;)
@@geetee2694 )))
Hard to imagine Rick not being able to hook up a PA :) Key was asking. I've played with hundreds of musicians over the years, great musicians and smart people, but they never learned this stuff because they were afraid to admit they had no idea where to start... 37, Wow! Hearing this as 36 making a transition from just playing to hopefully engineering. These videos are such a great help. If you are one of those musicians who turns up to gigs and always waits for someone else to set the PA up, and never do sound, you are seriously missing out.
Took piano lessons as kid...wrote a song and was asked to perform it (10 yearold)...hated it...still bash my head against it trying to learn stuff (Peanuts theme, Ragtime, etc) Forced to attempt Coronet in grade school...didn't have the lips for it. Didn't have access to guitar...really wanted to get into drums, but it was not recommended and was talked out of it. 30 years later I bought a set of Roland electronic drums...am enjoying the hell out of it...now I am in the market for a Strat.
Drummed my whole life (mid-40's now).
My "life regret" is not starting guitar at age 10.
The truth is, who cares. I am so passionate now, I'm stoked to be able to play guitar for the rest of my life. (just got a Strat a year ago - "earned" it after learning lots of music theory stuff on my beater electric guitar I bought 20 years ago and let it sit on the shelf due to not figuring out what to do with it).
I am LOVING every second of learning music. Sounds like I'm not the only one ;)
idk why people talk others out of drums. When I talked my best bud into drums, I saw how his family and many friends tried to persuade him into not doing it. What the fuck? Music is good, is good for your brain, dealing with emotions, and many other things, people are so annoying sometimes.
I hear you.
Drumming may be thought of as a “slacker” thing to many people. I gained a million things from drumming / music over my life. Discipline / confidence / inspiration. It’s endless.
Learning any instrument is a noble pursuit, I say :)
good stuff my friend!!
Cornet is hard for most people. If you do want to try a brass instrument, trombone is where to start
Best thing I did was “ after learning some chords and wanting to start learning some lead licks” is purchase a loop pedal, you can lay some 12 bar chord progressions down and play over it, experimenting around with different major & pentatonic scale modes, triads and such. Of corse if you have a friend who plays too, play together every chance you can and teach and learn together.
13:50 The discussion about TABs in (80's 90's 00's) mags and on-line not being correct applies to a lot of "official and authorised" books too ! Music of any genre is so good for mind body and soul, no matter how good you are. Rick's channel is a no.1 hit !
I really like to watch these videos, I have an impression that I know them from a long time. The conversation flows like we are on the same room, and they are so natural not acting, they are so good that just need to be themselves.
Pretty sure these are my favorite episodes. Rick & Rhett make a good team 👍
I'm forever grateful to the guy that taught me how to ring out a PA system. I've been living off that for decades.
Hell, I started fifty years ago. I am 60 now. And still active. I don’t think I’ll ever retire. Music has been very good to me and my family.
I grow up with having piano in families home. I even had a 88 key toy piano. I learned the circle of 5ths from playing the accordion. And I grow listening to Black Gospel Music like: The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Soulstirs (lead vocals Sam Cooke), Mahalia Jackson, The Dixie Hummingbirds.
this is solid gold Rick! Excellent advice. I've been gigging for 30 yrs and playing for $$ that long and being from a non-musical family, this is advice I would give to ALL kids! Super!
Invaluable. Wish I'd had such clear, honest and knowledgable advice when I started trying to learn.
I tell my students that learning to read standard notation makes you more employable. I played the musical "Rock Of Ages" last year on (3) guitars. The book was all chord symbols and standard notation. 2 songs had no chords, just notes on the staff. All the musicals I have played use standard notation.
I consider myself starting at 58, lots to catch up on, but headway has been made. Invaluable this podcast !
I dunno. I changed my guitar technique several times over the course of 30-something years I've been playing. Changed the way I hold the pick after like 15 years of holding it one way. Hell, even changed the way I hold the guitar when I play sitting down - only about 6-7 years ago moved it to my left knee and found it much more comfortable for the picking hand (not right away of course). Sure, it's not easy to relearn a skill but it's doable. Decided to learn sweep picking recently. I'm reasonably fast with my alternate picking even through 8-note arpeggios but that requires a lot of physical effort - figured I'd give sweeping a shot. :)
Sounds great guys. I didn't choose to be a musician. I was born that way and realized that I was a musician when I was 15. Didn't take guitar lessons until I was about 16 years old. Was basically self taught for 4 years or so. Had Organ lessons with I was 6, for 6 years but didn't play guitar until I was 12.
I learned theory before I started playing piano and it made my progression much easier. I do improvise a lot but theory gives me a framework and helps me understand what's going on and what the possibilities are. . I strongly advise learning it unless you're a genius. But if you're a genius you'll pick it up easy .....so either way learn theory . And if you're going to learn theory get a piano or some kind of keyboard if you can . It's easy to understand intervals and chord structures and other things if you have a keyboard instrument available.
I wish I had had TH-cam when I first got interested in playing guitar. The lessons are great for learning (and re-learning) my favorite music, and Rick's videos are full of accumulated wisdom regarding gear and theory.
I started as a drummer in school years 5, 6 and 7 then taught myself piano in year 8 then got my guitar and bass in year 11, that was some 13 years ago now, dont prac as much as i should but im still playing and writing my own tunes
I had the complete opposite experience with music school, reading and ears. My first year of Berklee my ear training teacher pulled me aside and tested to see if I could match pitches with my voice/ears....... I had no idea that you could match a note with a voice or on an instrument by just listening. I had never learned a bass part by ear. I bought songbooks and had my band mates learn the bass parts and teach me. WOW.... I was in shock, and I started making my own ear training tapes....33 years later I still am. I wish someone had told me about ear playing
Guitar for the Practicing Musician is what taught me how to play. Had a subscription from the late 80's through the late 90's. Still have all of them in my basement and I'm just about ready to bust them out after taking a 17 year break from playing.
Must be a guitar thing, I thought I was was reading in a music class in Junior College (long time ago), I was just decoding it over time. Then it was exam time, true colors came out. I did learn a lot about Jazz though. Luckily, the visual arts is what saved my life and was bale to pay bills. I am so grateful for this channel, I have a second chance at learning music. Thank you Rick and Rhett!
At 17 I joined a 9-piece cover band that was hooked up with a booking agency. We worked regularly. A few years later when that band dissolved three of us recruited a drummer and formed a 4-piece original band. We had a "5th member" who handled booking, management, and ran sound. When that band dissolved I kept working but made some business decisions that resulted in a lot of lateral moves which kept working but never led to much career advancement. Sometimes I wish I had hooked up with a personal manager when that second band broke up. Also, I could have moved from Atlanta to Nashville when many of my friends did back in the 70s. In other words, I wish I had known how to mind the business side.
My father was a 4th generation piano tuner. All aural tuners. I can here it, just can't seem to play it. I'm a mechanic, I bet I can still tune. I was learning when my father passed years ago. Love all music, mainly metal.... love your vids!
Two people I am thankful for and I believe are so influential in today's modern day of music. Rick Beato and Warren Huart. Thank you Rick!
Would to see you have Warren on the channel.
Good conversation. Sound like you two were fortunate to find each other; great symbiosis has ensued.
Thanks for this one Rick. The casual flow of the conversation is heart warming.
"When you make music, don't take it to the record company, take it to the people." - Paul Stanley, KISS
Good chat. I would say that all the 'marketable' skills I've amassed (which now allow me to make a living in music) came from one impulse: to fully realize my own music. Playing instruments, singing (lead and harmony), programming, mixing, arranging, performing onstage, getting tones, using effects, making videos -- I learned all of those things in the creative process. But if you'd given 17-yr-old me that laundry list of "things you should learn to be more well-rounded", I'd have been completely uninterested. So yeah, the hindsight thing is interesting to contemplate, but I think if you're following your heart and working from a passionate place, good things will follow.
I studied with Pat Martino and I asked him about right hand technique and all Pat said was 'I never thought about it'. That was it. Nothing more.
12:25 I learned all guitar by ear, starting at the age of 4. Had Piano lessons starting at 7, quit piano at 9 (just as I started the 2 hand stuff), took saxophone in 5th grade (11 yo) until I graduated high school. I couldn't read music due to my poor eyesight and as soon as the page filled up, I couldn't see it. The entire time I played guitar, learning by ear. Multitudes of different bands playing the bar circuit for 20 years. All these years later, as a live sound engineer, seeing union musicians come in to the gig, forgetting their music stand, and not being able to play the gig--and it is old standards...2 things to bring and they forget one and can't play the gig, go figure....
I've been able to change my technique based on the styles of music I'm playing. It's happened after I stopped playing gigs. When you're in a band you are so focused on the material for that band that all other styles are ignored. So I've begun practicing at sweep-picking and fingerpicking Travis style after age 50 and it's been funa dn satisfying
Of course you can change you technique. I'm in my fifties and I'm really REALLY concentrating on my picking technique and properly organizing my practise time instead of noodling on the same tired old tunes. I know my accuracy has improved already over the last 3-4 months. It just takes a bit of honesty with yourself.
7:15 Alan Holdsworth (RIP), Al Dimiola, Steve Morse! Really great players. 7:44 "That door closes after a little while." I disagree Rhett. Yes, we develop habits, but if we slow down, and go back to the beginning, we can develop new techniques. It takes a lot of patience, and time, but it is possible.
Pff, I started in music in 1966. It was immediately after I drew my first breath. It was loud and only one note but boy was it passionate!
We all need great teachers. Keep up the good work.
Well said! :)
I took 2 weeks of lessons when I was 12 with my cousin who is a teacher, then said he couldn't teach me what I wanted to learn ( metallica, hendrix) I had been deeply into GFTPM and Guitar Player magazine. I devoured everything in there!!! My teachers were Satriani, Steve Morse, Holdsworth...in 1986 there was no TH-cam...rewinding tapes omg! The best teacher I had was a cover band I had from 14-18 yrs old . We played Country, Rock, Pop, Metal...we didn't know we just played what people liked in a.small town . We were pretty hot for 15 year olds.
I also discovered jazz at 20. Jack Johnson Tribute!!
Tips:
Practice what you don't know (thanks Rick)
Get a band together fast!
These guys are so articulate which makes it very informative. I was very fortunate. in that I was taught (after playing for about 6 years with sporadic but more formal-type lessons, Mel-Bay, etc.) how to learn songs exactly by ear off records (!!!?) by the best rock guitarist in my hometown. It really developed my ear/brain combo to be analytical when listening and get it right or pretty damn close. My reading still sucks though.
Great insights. I enjoyed seeing the friendship among you guys. Thank you.
This beautifully already sounds like part of a podcast series (if not already)...would love to hear more like this with the two of you discussing other topics and sharing more stories...
Some good memories there. I learned to edit on an Ampex 440, and used an old 351 when pressed. I would love to have that time back again.
Rick saying he was 37 and getting to grips with production makes me feel better. 36yo, recording for years and still learning things (playing and recording) that I want to do.
On the plus side, my 3 year old is obsessed with beats so there's still hope for the family...
The recording aspect of this discussion resonated with me strongly, as it's my biggest weakness holding me back in a career. I'd like to think I write good songs, have a good ear, am a confident performer and can play several instruments adequetely; I've had plenty of support from friends and family that genuinely like my music, but when recording my ability and confidence almost completely disappears. It's made me scared to record my songs or work with recording somebody, because I know I'm not good enough and it takes me an extra week of serious practice just to scrape through a recording session, and still not even be satisfied. Plus I never have any idea what the person producing is doing, and just let them make all the decisions which leads creative problems later. Maybe an internship would make sense to try out!
Love these videos! You are the best Rick. I have been binge watching these videos like a crazy man.
I think this really highlights the benefit of not being afraid to tell someone when you don't know something and ask for their help. Loads of people would be too proud to get a freshman to teach them to read music for example.
I have found that regardless of whatever employment, hobby, or pursuit of happiness that I have engaged with...
- Schooling of any relational type is worthwhile, but I probably only really would use about 10 to 20% of whatever the ciriculum provided. I've gone through 11 years of formal, conservatory music training, 14 years of elementary/secondary schooling, 6 years of trade apprenticeships, 2 years of community college, and 3 years of university... The overwhelming majority of the educational cirriculum was not relevant in my life, and work.
- Necessity is the mother of invention, or the reason to learn and implement knowledge. The moment that gaining specific skills and knowledge becomes a necessity, is the moment that learning these items will be desirable, and attainable.
- Surrendering, and immersing myself in whatever I would desire is absolutely the only way that I have ever been successful in learning and application of what I NEEDED to do. Even if it was a hobby, I would spend hours a day immersed in the pursuit. It's the only way I know that works.
Thank you much for these videos Rick!!!! I have plugged so many holes in my musical knowledge, watching your channel... my songs sound WAY better than they did 3 months ago.
12:30 Tim Newton was my professor my freshman year of college. He is an amazing professor and the best I have ever had! Still remember him playing Moonlight Sonata in class. He played it beautifully!!!
I tried learning guitar just by ear, after a few years I decided to take lessons
Best thing I ever done , he taught me pentatonic major n minor n just taught me basics , it helped me greatly
I learned to read music when I was like 11 or 12 and never used it again.
Decided I wanted to learn to play guitar 26 years later and relearned to read sheet music in one night! Hah! I never forgot it, even after 25 years 😁 just needed to refresh my memory on how to read it.
It will take months for you're fingers to play it though 😂
Man hearing Rick learning sound engineering at 36 really gives me some inspiration. I have been a musician for 22 years without any real success. I even tried to quit at one point.
But with this kinda talk it gives me some hope!!
So? Do you have the dedication and drive to put yourself out there and succeed? That's the important part.
Sanchez as a musician 😁😁
Thank you for going down this road, your insights are extremely valuable
I'd love to see you have a conversation with a professional actor & a screenwriter (3 way conversation) to discuss the parallels between those three professions. A lot of what you guys are saying here applies to everything I know about acting & screenwriting (screenwriting is my passion but acting is how I pay my bills). I'm also a musician but not professionally - I just play for fun but did go to school for music for a couple of years and I'm glad I did because the whole TV/Film/Theater industry is like one HUGE complex puzzle with many pieces and music is one of those pieces, a very important one too. In screenwriting we talk about "emotional beats" that you need to hit within a story - with conflicts leading to resolution and a very clear "emotional arc" of the character. A well written story is always about the heroes journey of emotional change - and that's why it''s important to VERY clearly define who the character is within the first five pages/minutes because if you don't demonstrate who the character is emotionally (early on) then you can't demonstrate any emotional change. I'll BET that if you were to facilitate a conversation like this you'd get a lot out of it - more than you would ever expect.
I was super lucky growing up. Music is in my family and in my genes. My aunts, mom, dad and older brother were all musicians to one degree or another. My brother had perfect pitch, and I've always had relative pitch. We got a piano in the house when I was 7, and my dad used to sing and play old Johnny Cash songs on guitar from my earliest memories. I can still 'hear' all those old Elvis and Beatles songs that were always on the radio when I was a toddler.
My mom remarried in my youth, and my stepdad was also a singer/guitarist who had actually written and recorded a few songs (that never went anywhere). This was in the 70's and he had a lot of 45's with his songs on them.
Learning any instrument has always come easily and naturally to me. What I've concluded after many years now as a multi-instrumentalist is that you need really only 2 things: a sense of rhythm, and a strong desire to play music. After that, it's all a wonderful, exciting journey with bumps and twists in the road.
I told my brother back in the late 70s not to quit his day job. He took my advice and was glad he did. He was professionally trained, did his weekend gigs, cut a few CDs and made decent money. Still wasn't enough to support a family, pay a mortgage and have health insurance. That's what the day job was for.
@rick Beato it may be obvious, but many great musicians were never formally trained and can not sight read at all. Lindsey Buckingham being a great example. Many Country players, steel guitar and finger pickers too.
BB King couldn't read music and didn't know any chords. The Beatles weren't formerly trained either.
1) Chose a teacher who's aligned with your musical interests. 2) Don't let the wrong teacher talk you out of your musical interests. 3) Go to a music school whose concentration is focused on your musical interests (i.e. don't go to a 18th century focused conservatory if you want to play jazz). 4) Stay away from drugs. 5) Stay away from drugs. 6) Sight read like a SOB. 7) Focus on your craft. 8) Associate yourself with people who are focused--not slackers. 9) Know your theory and history. 10) Know the business. There's ten!
Don't do drugs before gigs, absolutely agree 100%. Don't ever do cocaine, amphetamines, heroine etc. But a bit of LSD and weed is fine and can actually often be inspiring during the songwriting process.
@@bentleyj.daniels3585 yea marijuana and psychedelics CAN be fine but it should be stated that every single human being is different and can have different experiences with what are very powerful drugs. Read up and be knowledgable before you decide to foray into the realm of psychedelics.
I too started with a Tascam portastudio ...they were great!!..Music is something that you never stop learning,,,,I learn more every day...
Rick - Why the Beatles' "I'll Be Back" is a master class in rhythm-guitar chord strumming! Listen to what each of the acoustic guitars are doing - differently, at the same time!
How about a show on that??
Thank you guys, great conversation! I love how Rick is wearing a t-shirt vs. Rett wearing a thick long cardigan : )
I'm 57 years of age, started playing guitar at 18 in 1980. In most of what said here I recognize myself.
"Figure it out!", this is now my new mantra in life
It comes back.. After being away for quite awhile, I'm getting back into it. I'm mainly a bass player and really the hardest thing is getting my hard fingers back.
You guys are living proof that endurance and ability to withstand failure and error - is probably the most valuable growth skill any of us could have. It's difficult to teach that - unless it comes from a loving parent or guardian. And of course - skill is required. If you actually don't have the skill - then at some point, you have to try something different. And that's a key - to know when your failures can be overcome by years of practice and trial and error - and to know when life is telling you to go in a different direction. Having a trustworthy mentor is important. Finally - the value of dumb luck can't be over stressed.
This is so great a mentor and student discussing the magic of music.I love it.
I don't mind the covering up of your faces at all, it sounds better (HD 700) than usual. :)
Podcasts are awesome, ideal while running, cycling, walking, cooking or cleaning.
@The Tired Horizon
If you cycle competitively on a racing bike, sure, don't listen to any podcast but concentrate 100% on the traffic and the cycling. If you cycle a long distance on a boring trajectory on a city bike for transport, then it is great if you have a few podcasts to listen to. I cycle regularly 40-60 km. (one direction) in a non competitive way.
That confused me. I still don't know why it matters if it's a "podcast" or not. Should we not have as good a sound if it's not a podcast. Why use lesser quality mics for other videos?
I watched this and for some reason found myself taking Rhett a lot more seriously than Rick, I couldn't work out why until near the end, and then it hit me -- the leather elbow patches on his cardigan! A man with leather elbow patches always looks like he knows what he's talking about.
Hahah! Funny that you mention Fredonia State; that was also my first experience with being in a studio, or knowing anyone who ever recorded anything. I was also there from 78-82, so I may have seen you there!
Excellent, as always. I'm glad I learned from the 70s....pre tab. I'm sure that forced me to use my ear more than players do now. Hey Rick, Davd Brubeck had a similar story of being almost through college without bring able go sightread!
OMG!! Thank you Rick for saying out loud what I've struggled with for years. We're about the same age and economy and sweep picking are beyond me. I had been playing for too long before I was exposed to it. So frustrating!!
As a fingerstylist, I just don't feel your pain.
Ahh definitely a prominent video to get into my man! I'm only 17 in trying to pursue a musical career, so this is much helpful and truthful in words and content!
Ive been chasing that same dream since i was 17 too... Im 37 now and nope... No rock star here! Lol!
Good luck,i wish you the best!
@@wesleyAlan9179 me too man. It's the ultimate delusion us thinking we would be the next Metallica.
@@buffalowick8003 ...right?
Same, 17 and trying to absorb as much info as possible, so that hopefully it'll amount to some form of success.
@@wesleyAlan9179 Sorry to getting to this late, but thanks for the words and sympathy man!
I'm not a pro musician but I've played guitar for about 25 years now. The main thing I've found is that if you're happy playing what you play that's fine. I was happy for a long time playing basic chords and singing my favourite tunes as I buzzed off it and so did my friends. I always shied away from lessons because I hated studying so never took music lessons. I wish maybe I'd learned to solo because I'm doing that now and really enjoying the journey.
My story is very much like Rhetts, except I started in 1978 at 15 years of age. No one was very musical in my family. I bought a guitar and self-taught. Hearing the song Red House off Smash Hits was a game-changer. I practised every waking moment I was able. I never learned much in the way of music theory because it was all playing by ear. Looking back I could have probably done both. I'm not sure if knowing the theory would have changed my outlook or my tastes. I always learned and played the music that appealed to me.
I like the fact that both you guys are just average everyday guys like the rest of us. The music side of this is just what you gentleman do. Great stuff!
This was a very insightful video, shows the depth of the learning curve in music. My brother was the sound man for several bands and the difference he could make in the sound of the band was amazing. I often thought he should have transitioned to to the studio. Great video!
its amazing how much my life and Ricks look alike , i am 61 , i play guitar i have been a music producer (not anymore) i ve done jingle work, music for tv. I started in the 70,s y love to play drums im mostly self taught (but i can read music and ive been studyng musical theory all my life, ) my first recorder was a tascam portastudio 4 track and my sequencer was an Ensoniq esq 1 and an atari 1040 St. with Notator musical software. the only thing that held me back was that i live in a small city were you cant support yourself as a musician , so i now i work in agriculture. but i enjoy Ricks Videos , keep on doing it.
I like the idea of a Rick podcast.
He could definitely translate these talks to podcasts
Guys I also started playing guitar because of Jimi's Red House, who else? I literally went to my friend and took the guitar in the same day and never stopped since!
I always wish I knew how little natural talent I had for music before I ever started which would have alleviated endless misery and frustration with poor tempo, poor skills, poor technique, poor listening skills, poor everything.
Oh well, that was 27 years ago...still playing poorly...still loving it!
🎸🥁🤠🥁🎸
The one thing that I would add, for me, is this: your ego is NOT the band’s amigo. Perhaps I’m not the only one to have been a more, er, selfish player when I was wee, but it took me transitioning into playing acoustic folk music, real blues, R&B, and funk from a more rock and roll background to understand that on a moment to moment basis on stage, my job was to make the band, especially the singer or soloist, sound their best versus me getting off and showing everyone some tricks. BTW, this is a lesson even us old guys need to continue to learn.
One of the most difficult lessons to learn as a kid is when NOT to play. Some people never learn that skill, sadly.
Well said Ricardo :)
No one wants to play with an over player. My cousin told me early on, “you don’t have to fill every space”, and it has helped me a lot.
I’m far from a great player, but people still want to play with me. I think it’s because I play for the band and for the song, not for my own ego. I would rather not play if I can’t add to the song rather than play, and detract from it.
I’ve been fortunate to be able to play with others from the beginning, and that has also helped me a lot.
Brian G sounds like you’re doing it right. I’ve never seen any working situation where the biggest shredder got the gig. Bandleaders want great musicians in addition to great instrumentalist, folks who know that the hang is important. Bottom line: no one wants to work with dee-ocks.
Teachers are important. But a mentor is key. Someone who is capable of teaching but isn't financially dependent on giving an endless series of lessons. Someone who can show you the essentials and then the shortcuts based on your growing capabilities. And someone who encourages you to ignore that part of your brain that says "I'll never be good enough to play in public."
"Figure it out for yourself!" The single greatest thing a father can tell his kids. Only someone that's developed confidence through actually doing things themselves have that attitude. I once told my step father after working in a small company from their startup that I was going to go out on my own. I felt like I'd outgrown them and that they weren't taking advantage of all the markets they could get into. He said to me,"You're not ready." It never even dawned on me to consider NOT doing it. I realized that he had nothing constructive to tell me because he didn't even have a clue about what I did on that job or what I'd learned through all the years and also didn't know that starting a company is NOT a big deal. Needless to say, he worked in the same company most of his adult life. Nothing wrong with that, but why would you discourage anyone from doing something that they wanted to do? Anyway, he changed his tune when my company surpassed the success of the company I started out in. Living a good life is the best revenge! Now he tells his friends I'm a genius which is also not true. He went from one extreme to the other. Ridiculous! You don't have to be a genius to be successful. Far from it. So many people don't appreciate (much less utilize) having a basic level of intelligence. That's all it takes.
Rick, you have the box for everything! All your Apple stuff for instance. You're a great music teacher and an even better box collector!
Thank you Rick for all the informative videos you put out. 🙏🙏
Holy shiot Rhett you ain't but 30 yrs old, you're just getting started. I would give my left testicle to be your age and have you tube. I was 50 yrs old by the time you tube showed up. Be grateful, your young. Hard to learn by the time you get 65. The only thing I had when I was learning was my ear.
When I started, I wish someone would have stressed the importance of knowing the notes on the fretboard and thinking in chords instead of frets. My biggest hurdle is a left brain/right brain kind of thing. I've had trouble applying knowledge to my playing while improvising. When in music school, it felt like only one door could be open at a time: ear/instinct, or theory. I was too advanced technicaly for my level of understanding which made it hard to advance.
I don't know what kind of music you play/enjoy. If you're too technical, the music might not be enjoyable ie. John McLaughlin, Joe Zawinue, Allan Holdsworth. I get tired of Malmsteen after a few minutes. I need tiera ferma, not outer space or 20 notes per second. "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing." Sometimes, music theory needs to be tossed out the window. Play that famous song from the 50's, "Louis, Louis." You can tell they are having fun with 3 simple chords.
When I click on the notification on the bottom right of my screen, it DOESN'T go to the video like other sites do. Thanks for your videos, there the best!
In other news, Roy Clark passed away in OK at 85. He was a great guitar player!!
RIP Roy Clark.
Rick Beato, your whole channel intrigues me, but it's like trying to learn Swahili ... I have no clue what you're talking about. Sigh. I listen, but don't comprehend.
The other thing I wish I knew was how the value of certain gear was going to skyrocket. In 1967 I was 14 years old. My father bought me a Tweed Bassman, the 4-10 combo, for $300. After a couple of years it started sounding bad, so I traded it in for a brand new Super Reverb. Just from inflation alone that $300 would be $2271 today! The Bassman probably just needed new tubes or a cap or something. Sad, poor, ignorant me!
I still have 2 Tascam porta studios from the 80's. I think it was more fun than using one of the digital laptop studios of today.
Rick "2-Takes" Beato.. love it!