This is such brilliant advice. Not just for music but life in general. I once asked Marc Ford for some advice on something I was doing and he said, "Always listen more than you play.".....changed my whole approach.
Chapters 00:00 - Intro jam 01:47 - Reader Comments 02:43 - Don't rush things 03:53 - Music store / Southern joke 08:13 - Behind the pocket 09:20 - Role Model? 10:09 - Tom is my kittens 10:57 - Go For It 12:02 - Mean It / No Second Guessing 12:36 - Trivia 14:16 - Play like personalities
Uncle Larry, They call him Breesus around here. Brought us Saints fans out of the loser ass stone age we were stuck in. Thanks for dropping the name of a legend. (although since Payton left, we are back in the doghouse)
"When you're second guessing yourself in your head the whole world can hear it through your instrument." I've noticed this before but I've never tried to put it into words. Brilliant way to say it
The two riffs. Yes - Tempus Fugit, Gordon Lightfoot - If You Could Read My Mind. First time I've ever commented. Love to listen to you play. Everything you play just sounds so damn musical.
We need to start a "people who play like their personalities" list: Greg Koch - quick witted, verbose Tom Bukovac - no nonsense, fearless Guthrie Trapp - cool, laid back, generous Nels Cline - cerebral, mad scientist, grateful Julian Lage - sweet, humble confidence Bill Frisell - shy, gentle power [...]
I wish I had discovered this channel 2 years ago in those dark days. I discovered Monte Montgomery's weekly shutdown home concert instead. Monte was my kittens, and I am ever so grateful and will never forget him for that. But I have you here now, and I'm just catching up, and it's my valuable evening chill time. Thanks for all he great stuff. Hell, maybe I'll even learn something.
Thank you for identifying even more tell tale signs of my amateurism, in addition to vibrato that’s a work in progress, rushing I’m also guilty of, feeling I’m just lucky if I hit the notes. Thanks for the tips Buk.
This guy is straight up and on point. No frills, music with heart and balls to call it like it is. And exactly right. people do play like their personalities. Great show. Thanks
Great advice on "rushing" while playing, Tom. I think my timing is pretty good, until, I hear a recording of myself. Man, that is some brutal honesty that is truly humbling. What a nasty dragon!!!
Guthrie is the man! Keep the videos coming as long as you can stand making them Tom...you're making a difference for us guys working to be a better musician!
Man Tom, I just wanted to say thanks for all these videos! I really appreciate the no BS approach you take, it’s so refreshing to hear someone who lives the musician life tell it like it is! Thanks for all you do!
Hey Tom! Your story reminded me of a Joe Montana story. They were playing in one of their Super Bowls, and time was running out and I think they needed to score. The pressure was on! Some of the guys were kind of nervous. They huddled up and according to Dwight Clark who told this story, Joe looked at the sideline and said to the guys, "Hey, look! It's John Candy!" They looked, but the Dwight said he was amazed by how cool Joe was under pressure. It totally took the pressure off him. And the play they did next is know forever after as "The Catch", Joe Montana to Dwight Clark in the end zone. Final drive with :58 seconds left! 3rd and 3! Talk about cool under pressure! Final score: 49ers-28, Cowboys-27. Thanks for the reminder of a great Superbowl! (unless you are a Cowboys fan)
Cocoon cocoon! That album got me through college... I love a firebird and your tone on that introduction is absolutely spectacular. You've got me all wound up now trying to figure out what my "personality" is as a player. Thanks for these videos -- lots of great food for thought.
Buk, that joke was funny but full of wisdom. I just told my wife that joke. She was thrown off by the delivery at first but saw the lesson in it. Then she laughed out loud. 🤣🤣🤣👍🏼
Your comments on rushing hit me square in the chest with a battle axe. I've only been playing for 13 years so I'm conscious of several things I really need to work on, but rushing is the absolute bane of my guitar playing-ESPECIALLY when I'm recording or I know I'm being filmed. I record myself playing all the time because I need the constant reality check, so I'll be playing and thinking to myself "Oh yeah man, keep it up, you're such a badass, you're SUCH a badass!" and then I'll listen to the playback and immediately sink to the floor. I'd say probably 95% of the time, rushing is what ruins the recordings. I don't have this problem nearly as frequently when I'm playing with other musicians, but when I'm playing by myself, man, it plagues me. You simply addressing this and acknowledging how big of an issue it is has given me extra motivation to slay this demon. I haven't been able to quite put my finger on it, but your presence is so inspiring. Thanks for everything, Tom. Sincerely, some nobody guitarist from Kansas who's love for guitar has been completely rejuvenated this past couple of weeks.
Mark Hollis of " Talk Talk" said: Before you play two notes, learn how to play one note, y’know. And that, it’s as simple as that really. And don’t play one note unless you’ve got a reason to play it. Talk Talk are one of my all time favourite Band's!
I'm 64 and still learning but just a kid so go easy on me, man! I seriously watch you play and I would definitely makes me want to literally, through all of my teacher's out the window. Thank you for sharing.
I'm five months late... Cuckoo Cocoon. Recognized it in the first 3 seconds. I totally dig that you are into all different stuff. Old Genesis, Alex Harvey. Seems like nothing is off the table. "Don't play tentatively" ... wise words from Uncle Larry!
You look on TH-cam and there are literally thousands of videos of guitarist just blurring through millions of notes ! No feeling no soul all teqnique and nothing more ! Tom you da man 😎
Hi Tom, Really enjoying the channel! I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to watch these episodes with out someone trying to sell me something . It’s a place to come for people who just love music...maybe a little more than everyone else! Keep up the great content!
Hi Tom, like a lot of your viewers, I just started watching after the lockdown happened. At first I was a little put off by your admittedly opinionated communication style, but it's really grown on me, and I was describing your guitar playing to a friend, and I described your playing like this: when he plays something, it's music, it just happens to be coming from a guitar. More specifically, I really enjoy the way you use open strings to embellish and create little worlds on the guitar. Also, your surprising love of prog and the Beatles inspired me to pull up a Beatles song to find the "magic chord" I'd been missing. I know this is a ramble, but I really appreciate what you're trying to get across, and as another child of the 70s and omnivorous music lover, thank you for your honesty and sincere passion-this is quite a resource for the curious guitar players out there.
Your the only real and normal person on the planet, my son is a 12 year old bass player and it brings me joy when I see him watching your videos! Thanks for helping me raise me son the right way! 🤣😂
Tommy B, you are a surly ball of light in these dark times. Phrasing, not rushing and serving the song is the difference between great musicians and wankers. I'll take a three-note solo over a "hey look at me, I know my scales" run any day.
Great joke & metaphor on that situation. I agree. Took me 15-20 years til my mid 20s to start out solos slow & finding new melodies before I start to play with the throttle. No doubt that's a huge milestone. Especially if a jam band & you wanna be instrumental for 10 mins+. Love the show man. Thanks.
who are the 2guys that disliked this video? geez... Man I just wanted to say Tom, I'm binge watching all the videos I can find of you and these lessons. You are an inspiration man please keep on keepin' on much love from South Korea =)
This is a very insightful episode! I've been playing over 30 years! I've toured, recorded, did some session work. I know a lot of stuff! But, in recents months. I've realized, that even though I know a lot of stuff and can play a lot of things, not everything, but, a lot. This is what I realized. My playing has no soul, no emotion. Thanks for pointing that out! Now, back to the woodshed!
Thanks Tom, more great daily wisdom! Love the music store tales as well. I worked at a small used/consignment type used shop very similar to 2nd Gear here in Canada from the time I was 15 to when the store closed in January of this year. It was almost a decade of fun and some cool guitars, but unlike you, I didn't have an office to hide in. Still though, met some great players and got to learn a lot myself about guitar, music, and life. Keep the videos coming, I for one am loving the Buk production style, and it's actually inspired me to start posting more videos again on my own channel. All the best. Will.
Tom, you remind me of a mentor of mine that passed away in August of 2018. Your mannerisms, your encouragement, even your old southern humor. Thank you for doing these. They truly are inspiring. You're a helluva player, and from what I can tell an even cooler dude. Thanks brotha!
your videos actually are great for us guys who have played for a long time....we love the wisdom of guys like you and other pros like Guthrie Trapp and Ford Thurston.....best videos on you tube for us guitarists
Been playing for goin' on 35 years now. Discovering you and Guthrie has been the refresh I needed to take my playing to the next level. You both are so great and I really appreciate the time you dedicate to us. Please keep the videos going!
I have no idea about the two riffs at the end but I do want to say that this video was total fire! I love your attitude and take on timing and feel. It really is everything in my book too. Don't care how fancy something is sounding, if it's not got the right feel or not in the right timing, it's got nothing. I love the joke man, that must have been a trip hanging out in your music store!
I have seen many musicians fall victim to the rushing demon. Early in my career I was possessed by that bastard at times. If you’re a working musician you learn quickly about time and feel (and not always playing behind or rushing) or you won’t be working anymore lol. Every topic you cover is pure gold Tom!
First heard that joke in the movie 'Colors.' But yeah, the wisdom of old bulls. Remembering not to play too many notes or rush them is one of the hardest lessons.
That what separates Man from the boys : "Not getting to excited and rush that shit" My girlfriend sudenly started applauding: "YES YES. UNIVERSAL TRUTH ALERT,Amen!" I guess you have another fan
I always feel self conscious playing guitar in a shop. Imagine trying out a guitar in Tom Bukovac's store!
CNCTEMATIC man I’m self conscious playing any time I’m not alone😂😂
“When you are second guessing yourself in your own mind the whole world can hear it”
That’s a powerful statement! Totally true.... Thanks!!
This is such brilliant advice. Not just for music but life in general. I once asked Marc Ford for some advice on something I was doing and he said, "Always listen more than you play.".....changed my whole approach.
Not a lot of guitar players make me have that dumb grin on my face, but this guy is one of them.
That joke had me in stitches :)) Brilliant. Fantastic player and story teller. Could listen to you all day man!
Chapters
00:00 - Intro jam
01:47 - Reader Comments
02:43 - Don't rush things
03:53 - Music store / Southern joke
08:13 - Behind the pocket
09:20 - Role Model?
10:09 - Tom is my kittens
10:57 - Go For It
12:02 - Mean It / No Second Guessing
12:36 - Trivia
14:16 - Play like personalities
Uncle Larry, They call him Breesus around here. Brought us Saints fans out of the loser ass stone age we were stuck in. Thanks for dropping the name of a legend. (although since Payton left, we are back in the doghouse)
That joke is one of my life creeds, too. Since Colors. Fabulous.
Ha the sip of feedback before the curtain rises tickled me to death.
These videos have quickly become one of the best parts of my day, feels like having a cup of coffee with an old friend at this point.
Jimmy Page is the King of not rushing. He ends when he wants to and I think it gives a certain authority to his playing.
"When you're second guessing yourself in your head the whole world can hear it through your instrument." I've noticed this before but I've never tried to put it into words. Brilliant way to say it
The two riffs. Yes - Tempus Fugit, Gordon Lightfoot - If You Could Read My Mind. First time I've ever commented.
Love to listen to you play. Everything you play just sounds so damn musical.
My favorite part of the day. Tom time. Where’s that beer...
We need to start a "people who play like their personalities" list:
Greg Koch - quick witted, verbose
Tom Bukovac - no nonsense, fearless
Guthrie Trapp - cool, laid back, generous
Nels Cline - cerebral, mad scientist, grateful
Julian Lage - sweet, humble confidence
Bill Frisell - shy, gentle power
[...]
Lil Wayne....?
Jimmy Page - rock and roll deity incarnate.
Brannon Hancock add introspective to bukovac
Markus King, old soul kid, southern psychedelic
Others have likely mentioned it, but the first time I heard that joke was In the series Lonesome Dove. Best western series ever made imho.
He’s married to Sarah 🙌 Buxton gents, this old bull knows what the fuck he is talkin’ about. Tom you are a God.
I wish I had discovered this channel 2 years ago in those dark days. I discovered Monte Montgomery's weekly shutdown home concert instead. Monte was my kittens, and I am ever so grateful and will never forget him for that. But I have you here now, and I'm just catching up, and it's my valuable evening chill time. Thanks for all he great stuff. Hell, maybe I'll even learn something.
Thank you for identifying even more tell tale signs of my amateurism, in addition to vibrato that’s a work in progress, rushing I’m also guilty of, feeling I’m just lucky if I hit the notes. Thanks for the tips Buk.
This guy is straight up and on point. No frills, music with heart and balls to call it like it is. And exactly right. people do play like their personalities. Great show. Thanks
Feeling grateful and expressing gratitude is key to leading a happy life.Thank you Tom for helping us thru these crazy times.
Great advice on "rushing" while playing, Tom. I think my timing is pretty good, until, I hear a recording of myself. Man, that is some brutal honesty that is truly humbling. What a nasty dragon!!!
Guthrie is the man! Keep the videos coming as long as you can stand making them Tom...you're making a difference for us guys working to be a better musician!
Man Tom, I just wanted to say thanks for all these videos! I really appreciate the no BS approach you take, it’s so refreshing to hear someone who lives the musician life tell it like it is! Thanks for all you do!
Hey Tom! Your story reminded me of a Joe Montana story. They were playing in one of their Super Bowls, and time was running out and I think they needed to score. The pressure was on! Some of the guys were kind of nervous. They huddled up and according to Dwight Clark who told this story, Joe looked at the sideline and said to the guys, "Hey, look! It's John Candy!" They looked, but the Dwight said he was amazed by how cool Joe was under pressure. It totally took the pressure off him. And the play they did next is know forever after as "The Catch", Joe Montana to Dwight Clark in the end zone. Final drive with :58 seconds left! 3rd and 3! Talk about cool under pressure! Final score: 49ers-28, Cowboys-27. Thanks for the reminder of a great Superbowl! (unless you are a Cowboys fan)
You’re my kittens Tom... I almost choked on my drink. Hilarious!
Love the videos Tom.
Cocoon cocoon! That album got me through college... I love a firebird and your tone on that introduction is absolutely spectacular. You've got me all wound up now trying to figure out what my "personality" is as a player. Thanks for these videos -- lots of great food for thought.
Hi Tom. Tempis Fugit, Drama, Yes and Cuckoo Cocoon, Genesis, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. The Steves
Have you seen the “illustrated Lamb”
It blew me away. Really cool
He beat me to it. I knew this as well. I'm a prog fan from way back.
Buk, that joke was funny but full of wisdom. I just told my wife that joke. She was thrown off by the delivery at first but saw the lesson in it. Then she laughed out loud. 🤣🤣🤣👍🏼
Role model …. Had me rolling on the floor. Especially after your two bulls on hill allegory ! Hi-Larry-ous !
I come back and to digest random ramblings of Uncle Larry and to try and pick up anything I may have forgotten.
Your comments on rushing hit me square in the chest with a battle axe. I've only been playing for 13 years so I'm conscious of several things I really need to work on, but rushing is the absolute bane of my guitar playing-ESPECIALLY when I'm recording or I know I'm being filmed. I record myself playing all the time because I need the constant reality check, so I'll be playing and thinking to myself "Oh yeah man, keep it up, you're such a badass, you're SUCH a badass!" and then I'll listen to the playback and immediately sink to the floor. I'd say probably 95% of the time, rushing is what ruins the recordings. I don't have this problem nearly as frequently when I'm playing with other musicians, but when I'm playing by myself, man, it plagues me. You simply addressing this and acknowledging how big of an issue it is has given me extra motivation to slay this demon. I haven't been able to quite put my finger on it, but your presence is so inspiring. Thanks for everything, Tom.
Sincerely, some nobody guitarist from Kansas who's love for guitar has been completely rejuvenated this past couple of weeks.
I thought I wanted to be a bad ass guitar player but now I’ve changed my mind, I want to be an old bull!!!
Mark Hollis of " Talk Talk" said: Before you play two notes, learn how to play one note, y’know. And that, it’s as simple as that really. And don’t play one note unless you’ve got a reason to play it.
Talk Talk are one of my all time favourite Band's!
And why not!! .. the man was a genius .. :-)
I'm 64 and still learning but just a kid so go easy on me, man! I seriously watch you play and I would definitely makes me want to literally, through all of my teacher's out the window. Thank you for sharing.
The bull story is a classic. As an old bull I know. Thanks again for sharing your stories and guitar wizard wisdom.
From an old Mississippi boy. My Daddy said, “You get in a hurry, you can get in a fix” reinforces their sentiment of tge old joke! Doc Hoop
I'm five months late... Cuckoo Cocoon. Recognized it in the first 3 seconds.
I totally dig that you are into all different stuff. Old Genesis, Alex Harvey. Seems like nothing is off the table.
"Don't play tentatively" ... wise words from Uncle Larry!
You look on TH-cam and there are literally thousands of videos of guitarist just blurring through millions of notes ! No feeling no soul all teqnique and nothing more ! Tom you da man 😎
Straight up real deal.
Thanks Tom, I think your style is also something unique.
It's important to be honest, with
❤ Tom hey Tom, the bold joke is from the movie colors❤
wow! The very first Firebird! My favorite guitar with the built-in arm rest and killer neck! Beauty is wood.
Tom, I always feel better after watching your videos. Thanks for the free therapy.
The best thing about being a cool old guy is knowing when to shut up and listen to Tom.
The random stuff in the background continues :)
Hi Tom,
Really enjoying the channel! I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to watch these episodes with out someone trying to sell me something . It’s a place to come for people who just love music...maybe a little more than everyone else! Keep up the great content!
Ah, Tom Time. I have "borrowed" many licks, thank you!
Hi Tom, like a lot of your viewers, I just started watching after the lockdown happened. At first I was a little put off by your admittedly opinionated communication style, but it's really grown on me, and I was describing your guitar playing to a friend, and I described your playing like this: when he plays something, it's music, it just happens to be coming from a guitar. More specifically, I really enjoy the way you use open strings to embellish and create little worlds on the guitar. Also, your surprising love of prog and the Beatles inspired me to pull up a Beatles song to find the "magic chord" I'd been missing. I know this is a ramble, but I really appreciate what you're trying to get across, and as another child of the 70s and omnivorous music lover, thank you for your honesty and sincere passion-this is quite a resource for the curious guitar players out there.
I love that you prioritise beauty ahead of ability. Wonderful. Thank you.
Your the only real and normal person on the planet, my son is a 12 year old bass player and it brings me joy when I see him watching your videos! Thanks for helping me raise me son the right way! 🤣😂
So much wisdom in this! And the first Firebird!
“Where’s Waldo”... see you have a bodyguard over your left shoulder behind that Marshall! Thanks for the posts!!!
Tommy B, you are a surly ball of light in these dark times. Phrasing, not rushing and serving the song is the difference between great musicians and wankers. I'll take a three-note solo over a "hey look at me, I know my scales" run any day.
THAT FRENCHIES SHIRT!!!! Most badass 2-piece going!
Hey Tom, you are the man. Really dig your channel. You playing & insight is spot on. My new favorite guitarist, human and channel.
These are Golden, Thank you tom
miles said playing is 10% technique and 90% attitude. and on another note, i've found people play like they talk.
"Serve the song" is more than a saying
Watching s1 of The Sopranos last night and there’s that ‘old southern joke’ seems like a universal wisdom
That glorious piece of wood and metal was built less than two miles from my house.
I'm running out of ways to say thanks Tom.
Feel like I have a life time's work from these.
Hi Tom love that bird every time I see it I think of the late great Mr Allen Collins and where's my skydog licks damnit.....
Great joke & metaphor on that situation.
I agree. Took me 15-20 years til my mid 20s to start out solos slow & finding new melodies before I start to play with the throttle. No doubt that's a huge milestone. Especially if a jam band & you wanna be instrumental for 10 mins+. Love the show man. Thanks.
Really enjoyed this one. So many mind gems to absorb.
Sounds like the two jazz guys needed to smoke a jazz cigarette.
Your playing and humility are super inspiring. A sincere thank you.
who are the 2guys that disliked this video? geez...
Man I just wanted to say Tom, I'm binge watching all the videos I can find of you and these lessons. You are an inspiration man please keep on keepin' on much love from South Korea =)
This is a very insightful episode! I've been playing over 30 years! I've toured, recorded, did some session work. I know a lot of stuff! But, in recents months. I've realized, that even though I know a lot of stuff and can play a lot of things, not everything, but, a lot. This is what I realized. My playing has no soul, no emotion. Thanks for pointing that out! Now, back to the woodshed!
Thanks Tom, more great daily wisdom! Love the music store tales as well. I worked at a small used/consignment type used shop very similar to 2nd Gear here in Canada from the time I was 15 to when the store closed in January of this year. It was almost a decade of fun and some cool guitars, but unlike you, I didn't have an office to hide in. Still though, met some great players and got to learn a lot myself about guitar, music, and life. Keep the videos coming, I for one am loving the Buk production style, and it's actually inspired me to start posting more videos again on my own channel. All the best. Will.
Really enjoying these. Look forward to this every day. Thank you!
I played with a drummer one time that we nick named the Russian Dragon. Sometimes he was rushin, sometime he was draggin.
@3:15 Rushing. Excellent topic and big problem I'm working on. Thanks for talking about it. Separates the men from the boys.
Tom, you remind me of a mentor of mine that passed away in August of 2018. Your mannerisms, your encouragement, even your old southern humor. Thank you for doing these. They truly are inspiring. You're a helluva player, and from what I can tell an even cooler dude. Thanks brotha!
Frenchie's blues Destroyers, Guitar house of Tulsa, The Cain's Ballroom, did you raid my t-shirt collection? This is the best thing on TH-cam!
Love the firebird....awesome licks as usual.
A friend just flicked me this link! Well said mate. These are the lessons that matter! Keep doing it!
First time I heard that joke was about 30 years ago. It’s a true lesson for approaching life!
Haha I use the two bull analogy on someone at least once a week. Just found your channel and I’m hooked thanks Tom.
Fantastic joke and piece of advice
I love that joke. It’s one of my favourites. Cool.
The best thing about Tom’s tasty tones, techniques, tricks, and tales is listening to them at 50% playback speed...
Some very profound and inspiring advice there Tom.
your videos actually are great for us guys who have played for a long time....we love the wisdom of guys like you and other pros like Guthrie Trapp and Ford Thurston.....best videos on you tube for us guitarists
Sippin' coffee while holding feedback on a micro cube. Enough production value content for you guys?
Glad to have landed here. (Thanks Michael Aadal.) You're getting along just fine with your 'role model' impersonation, Tom
Been playing for goin' on 35 years now. Discovering you and Guthrie has been the refresh I needed to take my playing to the next level. You both are so great and I really appreciate the time you dedicate to us. Please keep the videos going!
I have no idea about the two riffs at the end but I do want to say that this video was total fire! I love your attitude and take on timing and feel. It really is everything in my book too. Don't care how fancy something is sounding, if it's not got the right feel or not in the right timing, it's got nothing.
I love the joke man, that must have been a trip hanging out in your music store!
I have seen many musicians fall victim to the rushing demon. Early in my career I was possessed by that bastard at times. If you’re a working musician you learn quickly about time and feel (and not always playing behind or rushing) or you won’t be working anymore lol. Every topic you cover is pure gold Tom!
Hi Tom, what I love about your playing is that you take the most of every note...
Cmon Tom your a great fucking roll model!!! lol
Summer school time.
Wow. Nice Bird. Sounds incredible.
Just had the Tom The Session Man Bukovac breakfast! Coffee and a piece of toast! Keep rocking pal!
First heard that joke in the movie 'Colors.' But yeah, the wisdom of old bulls. Remembering not to play too many notes or rush them is one of the hardest lessons.
when you second guess yourself in your own mind, the whole world can hear it...
Folks, get out your ink pens, and write that down.
It's all about taking your time. My Grandpa told me that a long time ago. One of the smartest people I've ever known.
I've been telling that "joke" since the late '60s. Thing is, you are correct, it's not a joke. It's a life lesson.
The brown Princeton in the back!!!! DANG TOM!!! You crazy!!!
That joke is a life philosophy... serious truth
That what separates Man from the boys : "Not getting to excited and rush that shit"
My girlfriend sudenly started applauding: "YES YES. UNIVERSAL TRUTH ALERT,Amen!"
I guess you have another fan