#1 Practice Routine to Rapidly Improve Your Guitar Playing | GuitarZoom VIP

[@Guitarzoom]

🎸 Get Instant Access to 40+ of Steve’s Guitar Courses ► guitarzoom.com/membership-signup/ 🎸 Check out preview lessons from Steve's Ultimate Practice Routine ► guitarzoom.com/products/ultimate-practice-routine-2 🎸 Instant Access to Steve’s Masterclasses ► masterclass.guitarzoom.com/

[@DavidYarber]

Steve is a very gifted teacher. He could have taught anything. I'm sure glad he chose guitar.

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for the kind words, David! :-) Just wanted to let you know, Steve’s holding a free webinar tomorrow (Tuesday, June 15th) at 5 PM Pacific called 5 Music Theory Shortcuts Every Guitarist Should Know. In the webinar, you’ll discover: -- 4 essential chords you need to know to play 90% of popular songs so you’ll never have to look up tabs -- 1 easy way to use the major scale to find ANY chord on the fretboard. -- 1 simple tip to memorize all the notes. -- How to choose the right scale for your solos so you can improvise over any song across the fretboard. The webinar is NOT on KZbin. If you want to join, go here to get registered: guitarzoom.com/musictheorymadeeasy20/webinar/registration/ ...and hurry, because spots are limited. :-) Hope to see you at the webinar! -- Mike from GuitarZoom

[@kimberlyisherwood4564]

I will keep studying shapes. Where to carry them with me on my guitar, fretboard..Thanks..It's true Steve. Getting comfortable knowing about what's going, on when playing. And the 'project' scenario and 'Eagle' thing. God bless you for your patience & sharing your knowledge and gift.

[@jedisentinel1499]

In junior high I had the only music teacher who was positive and cheerful about teaching. I wish I could say the same about high school. If Steve was my band teacher I would have continued. Glad I switched to guitar and wish I had a teacher like him. I was mostly left to my own devices to be self taught learning from anyone willing to teach over the decades.

[@kevinwhite1129]

I've been wanting to play a guitar for 40 years , my guitar Journey started for 14 months ago, and thanks to Steve I'm on a path to success loving every minute of it

[@davebaksh6723]

I've been playing for 25 plus years and people like Steve are very rare. I love his videos and they often remind me of things to pick up on, learn and re-learn. Enjoy the guitar, it's one of the only things in life that gives and never asks for anything in return.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@davebaksh6723 Yup, I've fired many music teachers in several instruments. Lol

[@og-greenmachine8623]

Lost the fear. Many things will be better💡

[@justinb8681]

How's your journey going now?

[@OldeDog_NewTricks]

I’m 51 and just started a month ago because my teenage son wanted a guitar for Christmas. Now we have 2 😂, and are learning together. I only wish I had started this much sooner. He had a head start with taking guitar in school. I love it. I actually feel like I’m at an advantage over my son. He’s young and lacks academic discipline. He focuses on learning songs, and I am more interested in music theory. We have completely different approaches to get the same result. Should be interesting 😂

[@OldeDog_NewTricks]

I’m 51 and just started a month ago because my teenage son wanted a guitar for Christmas. Now we have 2 😂, and are learning together. I only wish I had started this much sooner. He had a head start with taking guitar in school. I love it. I actually feel like I’m at an advantage over my son. He’s young and lacks academic discipline. He focuses on learning songs, and I am more interested in music theory. We have completely different approaches to get the same result. Should be interesting 😂

[@G_Demolished]

Careful. Learning songs without learning theory is better than learning theory without songs. You should do both.

[@Imthat676]

Wonderful !

[@davidschmidt9339]

He has hit on all of my issues. He has given me a better path to practicing and learning

[@Guitarzoom]

Awesome, David! Glad Steve's video helped you find a better guitar path! :-) Just wanted to give a heads-up, if you enjoy Steve’s KZbin videos, you should definitely go here and check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership → guitarzoom.com/join Members get unlimited streaming of 40+ of Steve’s best guitar courses, including ✔️ CAGED Made Simple ✔️ Unlocking The Fretboard Connection ✔️ Music Theory Made Easy ✔️ Play Guitar For Life ✔️ Blues Guitar ✔️ Rock Licks ✔️ Acoustic Guitar ... and many more. The courses cover a wide variety of guitar subjects, and there are courses for all skill levels. No matter where you are in your guitar journey, you’ll reach the next level FAST as a GuitarZoom Member. :-) If you want to know more about music theory, Music Theory Made Easy is the perfect place to start. Go here to watch free preview videos from the course: guitarzoom.com/products/music-theory-made-easy-2 Make sure you watch all the videos, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews

[@MovieMaker309]

This makes such sense. I've been practising the pentatonics, also learning to use pick and trying to memorise some of the notes on the fretboard. I've certainly got further than I did the first time around years ago, which is very satisfying, but this past week I've really not wanted to pick up the guitar - I think the word is bored! I talked with my partner and said I think I need to find a local tutor and start taking lessons. Supportive as ever, she said "fine, but what you also need to start doing is playing songs again instead of just practising all the time." So today, I took her advice and I've really enjoyed it, relaxed and had fun! Of course it's important to progress and to have goals, but it's equally important to have fun and remember why you took up this amazing instrument in the first place.☺

[@mynamejef7963]

Song that’s unironically really fun to play is the slide guitar part of free bird just with bends. it’s helped me relate singing to the guitar and i can match notes pretty well when singing and good practice for bending lol

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

If you get bored, go back and listen to all those bands you weren't big on back then. It'll open up your whole mind when you really go back and listen like you never heard them before. I had to listen to Chicago at work. For 4 years. Took 20 before I could stand it at all, but one day I really listened and it blew my mind. Chicago's actually kinda hardcore. Find Beginnings and 25 or 6 to 4. The Carpenters. I saw a piece of Remembering the Carpenters. Karen Carpenter singing lead and playing drums at 16 or so on TV. Dancing in the Street as a near jazz thing. Wow. I ran right out and bought the video and then made every musician I know watch the clip. I converted them all, too. Sometimes, a cheezy or easy band is just fun BECAUSE it's easy. All my Exes live in Texas is a 2 in difficulty for most of the song (from the Guitar Chord Songbook White Pages). But the F°7 to the A is cool! There's also a B7 you get to take to Nothing Else Matters by Metallica. Bread has a unique Bm7, in Baby I'm-a want you, too.

[@KristonMahr]

I like playing but wouldn't call myself musician. My sister practiced and played all the time and got a degree in music. I write and read all the time and got a degree in English. We are both artistically inclined it's just we each like one more than the other, however I really liked jamming with her whenever I could. Nothing like it.

[@benaiahwright937]

I can vouch for this. I've been practicing guitar for about 20 years and never got very good. I used to wonder why people that played half as long as me sounded so much better than me until it finally dawned on me that they new SONGS and I only new a bunch of theory and technique. I'm convinced that if you don't learn the songs you like you'll never become proficient on guitar.

[@lebix69]

Facts.I can relate to it and many of us can.I'm sure of that.

[@d.l.saatzer8021]

Well Said! I know songs, but very little theory. I’m actually a drummer first. I know that’ll explain some of it! Lol 😂

[@LBart218]

True, I know parts of songs mixed in with a little theory. I thought learning theory would make it easy to learn songs (and maybe it should), but there's obviously more than that. My strumming and chord changes need work as well.

[@besavage4real160]

This is so true. For me I found learning songs has made me grow tremendously in my guitar journey. It really helps one become comfortable moving up and down the fret. Staying in time etc

[@HeadbangersLocal]

You just described me in high school. I was “ all project and no ego” songs. That got me frustrated. I quit playing for about 15 years. Picked it back up about 5 years ago and play mostly ego songs and am having a blast now! This video is solid advice. 95% ego songs 5% project songs.

[@fastfred321]

Doodler for forty years! Retired a few months ago at 62! Got myself a MIM player series strat and a Boss Katana II. A good practice regimen is what I need. Learning The Rover right now. Just about have it down up to the solo! Having fun with all of it! Love theory. Love the practice. I was so worried about being bored in retirement. My guitar will be my friend right by my side until the end! I hope I’m a good friend back to my guitar!

[@squidkid2]

I am the guitar player that everyone uses as an example. I played guitar since I was 15 (circa 1965; you do the math). And I learned everything by ear or by getting sheet music to Beatles songs and singing the songs for friends at parties or whatever. But I never learned theory. I learned some basic bits and pieces but my theory knowledge was like swiss cheese with lots of wholes. Now I'm retired and playing all the time. So I decided to go back to school (figuratively speaking). I've watched some of your basic guitar theory vids and learned a lot but there was something you said in this video that really hit home. You said part of what we all did when we first picked up guitar was we tried to "learn" a song. And when we learned our first song we felt a sense of accomplishment that inspired us to keep going. You said there are two things ego songs and practice songs. I found i was focusing in so much on technique that I had forgotten the simple enjoyment that comes from picking up the guitar and just playing and singing a favorite song. I went back and got the sheet music for Autumn Leaves, recorded the backing chords on a looper and then practiced playing the simple melody over the changes till I got it down perfect with the metronome. And in doing that i achieved two things. I worked on my technique by sight reading the melody from the sheet music and learned a complete song that is now in my head. Thanks for this great video it helped me a lot to get focused in my practice and rediscover what I enjoyed so much when I first started playing.

[@Guitarzoom]

Awesome, Squidkid2! Thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing your experience. :-) Just wanted to give a heads-up, if you enjoy Steve’s KZbin videos, you should definitely go here and check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership → guitarzoom.com/join Members get unlimited streaming of 40+ of Steve’s best guitar courses, including ✔️ CAGED Made Simple ✔️ Unlocking The Fretboard Connection ✔️ Music Theory Made Easy ✔️ Play Guitar For Life ✔️ Blues Guitar ✔️ Rock Licks ✔️ Acoustic Guitar ... and many more. The courses cover a wide variety of guitar subjects, and there are courses for all skill levels. No matter where you are in your guitar journey, you’ll reach the next level FAST as a GuitarZoom Member. :-) If you want to know more about music theory, Music Theory Made Easy is the perfect place to start. Go here to watch free preview videos from the course: guitarzoom.com/products/music-theory-made-easy-2 Make sure you watch all the videos, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews

[@chrisgayle4360]

This was just the lesson I needed. Like other commenters here, I've been stuck doing theory too much recently and have neglected building up a catalogue of sons I can play.

[@jeromebraden7364]

I like this advice. I'm very much a "noodler". While I occasionally dive into "project songs", simple songs are often the most fun to play and are good practice for fundamentals like Steve says. They help you learn "groove", and muscle memory (to play without looking down) and keeping time (tapping your foot or even singing as you play).

[@ChrisDefalcoblues]

Yes, learn simple songs you like and know; Bob Dylan,Jimi Hendrix, blues are great to play and folk rock. I find hard songs to learn very frustrating. Thanks for all the tips Steve, you are a excellent teacher and picker 🎸

[@Guitarzoom]

Hi thanks so much for your comment and kind words! Really glad to know you find the lessons helpful. Please feel free to ask any questions if you need to!

[@donald3456]

hey steve ... you explained that very well and it makes perfect sense. I have been playing for one year now and i am 61 years young. in the past month or so i have been basically doing what you are talking about . putting your practise into a structured and functional format.And it is making a noticeable difference. it also helps that i have been learning from you for 3 or 4 months now. thanks.

[@BikingVikingMTB]

Hi Steve Im 43 n playing acoustic/electric for 13months. Love this vid and yes your right we all should learn songs more. Ive been doing just that for the last thirteen months & now Im starting with the electric playing lead n getting rather confused as its new to me! Ive now learned the pentatonic scale with the blues too and when I have lessons i love the theory side too. I can play all barre cords not perfect but more practise is needed but I can incorporate them into songs.! My learning journey is amazing and thanks to you n your courses online. You are amazing Steve thank you so much 🎸🎸

[@pinanay]

I've been watching many of your tutorials and you're now officially my favorite guitar teacher on KZbin. I'm learning so much from your videos. Thank you sooo much!

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for watching, thanks for the kind words, and thanks for sharing your progress! :-) Just a heads-up, if you want to play songs in half the time and the most jaw-dropping solos of your life, check out Steve’s super simple Fretboard Framework course → guitarzoom.com/fretboardframework/promo/ Hundreds of guitarists have already signed up. Click the link to check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! - MIke from GuitarZoom P.S. Not sure? To watch video reviews from real GuitarZoom Members, go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews

[@aragornelessar7399]

Dude doesn't even know my name, yet makes me feel great about myself, and hopeful as a guitarist...that's one hell of a teacher, man

[@Guitarzoom]

Hi. Thanks so much for your comments! Really appreciate that. Thanks again! 🙏🏻

[@matthewlysne]

You are seriously one of the best teachers I have ever watched or listened too, and that includes all the way through graduate school. Thank you for these videos, they have really been great for my relatively late start to learning guitar.

[@bryonguernsey9794]

Hey Steve I’m 49 years old been playing on and off for 25+ years. I picked up what I could along the way. I just want to say you are such a fabulous communicator and a big hearted and conscientious educator. You have clearly been in the space many of us have as we’ve tried to unravel the mystery of this instrument and craft. Every one of your generous multitudes of videos that I watch I learn something effective, practical, and useful. I am a better student every time I view any of your videos. And I just really want to thank you for all the hard work and effort you put in to the production, execution and lesson planning. I think you have helped many thousands of guitarists in ways that you may never really know. But thank you again for your tireless and spiritually humane efforts to bring us along on a path.

[@Guitarzoom]

Wow, what a great compliment, thank you for your words! ❤ 🙌

[@DR-nh6oo]

You didn’t waste my time at all, this was all just what I needed to hear to motivate me out of the rut I felt was going round and around in, just a few tweaks and a kick and I hope to reap rewards eventually from this journey I am taking, although collaborating with other people sounds like whole new skill I would need to learn, lol.

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for watching, D R! :-) Just wanted to let you know, if you enjoy Steve’s KZbin videos, you should definitely check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership → guitarzoom.com/join Members get unlimited streaming of more than 40 of Steve’s best guitar courses, like CAGED Made Simple, Music Theory Made Easy, Play Guitar For Life, Blues Guitar, Rock Licks, Acoustic Guitar, and many more. The courses cover a wide variety of topics, and there are courses designed for all skill-levels. So wherever you are in your guitar journey, you can get to the next level FAST as a GuitarZoom Member. :-) If you want to know more about music theory, Music Theory Made Easy is the perfect place to start. Go here to check it out: guitarzoom.com/products/music-theory-made-easy-2 Make sure you check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom

[@shash-onemanband6140]

My first project song = Into the Lungs of Hell by Megadeth. It took me 3 years only. My first ego song = Just a little Crazy by Rob Halford. It took me a week.

[@95ducati916]

"We are all against the clock " you say as in Tempo .More than that for me .i have that age thing happening too , 58 Y/O and just starting out ,So i am really against the clock !! :))) I signed up with GuitarZoom to help with that Clock .Thanks for easily understandable lessons ,You have shown me a lot !!

[@jeffdubuque5622]

never give up, just keep ate it, i almost quit many years ago trying to learn barr chords but just kept going and eventuly got it.

[@professorstokes6596]

@@jeffdubuque5622 Late to the party here too...thank you for your comments. This can be so frustrating but encouraging notes like this help more than you know.

[@davehinkley8417]

Took up acoustic guitar 6 weeks ago. 72 now and I wish I had another 72 years to practice and play - up against the clock too.

[@quikdon]

I can tell this guy has a lot of wisdom, there are some great lessons here. Cheers, happy guitaring

[@ssm445]

So happy my guitar teacher sees deficiencies in my playing and always comes up with a song that addresses it the following week.

[@wulfmun4791]

Just a quick note of thanks Steve!!! I've been watching your videos now for a year and a half, always wanted to play guitar but because i have both types of diabetes 1& 2 and also bad neuropathy in my hands and feet along with heart and lung disease and head injury 7 yrs ago, im 63yrs disabled former Recon Marine... and I was told I needed to find something different but I reallly wanted to learn to play Blues even without no music knowledge. I'm no guitarist but I practive ,work hard follow your teaching m and because I'm always hom my guitar is my friend and was told 18 to 36 months is my time approx. Steve I play with Blues backtracks and even have small understanding of Music theory Again ! Thank You !! The Duck! 😌🦆

[@thebeamerdreamer]

@@wulfmun4791 sir, you can just put it up as it's own comment rather than a reply ,have a good day.❤️❤️❤️❤️(I read your whole comment btw)

[@reubenflor6325]

@@wulfmun4791 life must go on, cheer up 👆

[@wolfgang4136]

Best advice I’ve ever heard in my 25 years of trying to understand this damn guitar thing👍👍😂

[@martymcfly1833]

This guy rocks. He’s such a good teacher.

[@markmoreno1978]

I've been playing guitar 26 yrs and i still go back and reteach myself on some things man. You're about the only one i watch on here when it comes to teaching and advice. Im trying to get my lessons channel started myself and i come to watch you and how you deliver the teachings really encourages me. You have a hreat way of explaining things. Its funny cause all the years I've been playing, im still learning some way or another. Thanks bro!

[@paulbates4100]

I've been flailing about on and off learning guitar for decades until in the last couple of years found a good teacher. This video though, is the best advice I've seen from anyone yet, absolutely the best, and should be shown to every beginning guitar player to give them a rational path through the trees.

[@Guitarzoom]

Hey thanks so much for the comment and kind words! So glad you liked the lesson. Having a well structured practice routine is indeed helpful and can save some precious time! Keep up the good work!

[@kelaa67]

just got my guitar about a momth ago and this guy is such a good teacher he has an amazing way of explaining things. everytime i need to learn something i just go to this channel. amazing content u inspire me a ton man ❤

[@Guitarzoom]

Hey thanks so much for your comment and kind words. Really glad to know the lessons are helpful and inspiring. Keep up the great work and feel free to ask any questions if you need to. Thanks again! 👍

[@msenecal]

So true. I have always glossed over the easy songs. Then I lacked the basic skills to tackle the harder songs.

[@Guitarzoom]

Hi thanks for commenting! Glad you found the lesson helpful and any questions please feel free to ask anytime!

[@kurtrightmyer]

Excellent breakdown of the learning curve. I would emphasize the element of passion to increase your commitment and playing time. Music is both a privilege and a sanctuary. Get straight with that concept and you will want to spend more and more time on your instrument.

[@Guitarzoom]

Hi. I agree! Thanks so much for your great comment and feedback. Keep up the great work!

[@doordashdude69]

Lol, Soo true. I'm 52, an I grew up in awe watching some of my friends play Stairway to Heaven, And Comfortably numb. I could only play Smoke on the water. Got bored with that an quit playing. Fast forward to now, I'm playing songs from your teaching! Thanks man! Your a Great Teacher!

[@Guitarzoom]

That's awesome to hear, Free Bird! Thanks for watching, and for sharing your experience. :-) Just wanted to give a heads-up, if you enjoy Steve’s KZbin videos, you should definitely go here and check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership → guitarzoom.com/join Members get unlimited streaming of 40+ of Steve’s best guitar courses, including ✔️ CAGED Made Simple ✔️ Unlocking The Fretboard Connection ✔️ Music Theory Made Easy ✔️ Play Guitar For Life ✔️ Blues Guitar ✔️ Rock Licks ✔️ Acoustic Guitar ... and many more. The courses cover a wide variety of guitar subjects, and there are courses for all skill levels. No matter where you are in your guitar journey, you’ll reach the next level FAST as a GuitarZoom Member. :-) If you want to know more about music theory, Music Theory Made Easy is the perfect place to start. Go here to watch free preview videos from the course: guitarzoom.com/products/music-theory-made-easy-2 Make sure you watch all the videos, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Good video. I'm 59, and I learned by listening and playing songs. At first one note at a time learning the melody, how to tune, etc. Finally I would learn whole albums. I still don't know scales and theory per say, and I wish I had, but this is great advise. Many people learn scales and speed playing, but can't play well enough to make me want to listen because they can't write good songs as well. Great stuff!!!!

[@jimstambaugh6212]

Steve looks at all directions of the subject he is teaching ..a real gift

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for the kind words, Jim! :-) Just a heads-up, Steve Stine’s Christmas Soloing Bundle is still available for a limited time. It’s 10 of Steve’s all-time best soloing courses for 95% off the regular price. Click here for all the details → www.guitarzoom.com/christmassoloingbundle/promo/ Here’s what you get: ✅ Guitar Solos Made Easy 2.0 ✅ Blues Soloing ✅ Unlocking The Soloing Connection ✅ The Creative Fretboard ✅ Guitar Solo Builder ✅ Arpeggios Made Easy ✅ CAGED Made Simple ✅ All About Intervals ✅ Chord Chasing Mastery ✅ Expressive Soloing Whether you want to make the jump from “rhythm only” to playing lead, or if you want to take your guitar solos to the next level, the Christmas Soloing Bundle can help make it happen FAST. Click the link above to check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! - Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Go here to watch video reviews from real GuitarZoom Members → guitarzoom.com/reviews

[@jaiedormi]

Thank you kind sir. You are such a help. I played clarinet in middle school and played an acoustic for a few months in HS but traded it for oxys. Now Im 33 relearning and I know the chords up the neck but once it starts going down the neck Im having trouble putting the pieces to the puzzle together. Learning songs I love indeed are a great tech. Anyway, I sincerely want to say thanks because you have great people skills and your words are easy to visualize. Its transparent that you sincerely care about us so Much love to you and also to all us learning how to play with our soul to feed the soul; music, huh? I wouldn't be alive without it. -

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for all the kind words, Jaie! And thanks for sharing your story! :-) Just wanted to let you know, Steve’s new course Blues Blueprint is now on sale. Go here to check it out: guitarzoom.com/bluesblueprint/promo/ For a limited time you also get some awesome bonus courses like Fretboard Mastery, Ear Training 2.0, Ultimate Chops Builder and more. Click the link above for details. :-) Also, the replay of Steve’s brand-new webinar Top 5 Blues Guitar Secrets is happening Monday (Monday May 23) at 4 PM Pacific. There’s a limited number of spots, so if you want to attend, click this link → guitarzoom.com/bluesblueprint/webinar/registration/ …and register ASAP, because the spots will fill up fast. Be sure to check it all out, and no matter what, keep playing! - Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews

[@ewertoncosta9881]

Man...i Just found your KZbin Channel today sept/05... I'm from Brazil, i'm with covid19..i was Very lazy...buy when i found It..i Just start to play again...God Bless your life and keep teaching, you're amazing teacher and inspire us to study...thanks Bro.

[@dorfsteen]

It's real cool cuz when I started and I was watching you you would show stuff and just watching you wasn't working to learn it I had to slow the tape down and figure out which finger was going where I'll make my fingers didn't work that well now I can watch someone play it was still playing real fast but if they're playing slow enough I can pick it up just by watching so the longer you keep doing it the better you get no matter who you are don't give up people keep doing it everybody's going to learn what they going to learn at their own speed

[@ElrohirGuitar]

You keep on hitting on ideas I have thought about. I am a very casual guitar player, and, at 71, I don't plan on world wide concert tours. I do, however, enjoy playing and use the songs I love to get better at certain techniques, I would much rather play a melody from a song on a scale than just playing that scale. That also lets me develop the ability to hear notes in my head and transfer that to my fingering on the scale. I often hear a song in my head and try figuring it out playing bar chords or notes on a scale and then check a video to see how someone else plays it. Then, I can use aspects from that to make my version better. It may be as simple as working on vibrato on some notes that I was just playing straight. Thank you for encouraging us to enjoy our playing more.

[@glendepedro7368]

I’ve been playing for over 40 years (pretty good, but still missing some needed theory)… I think this video is awesome! Your teaching ideas/technique seem so well thought out with real important key points that I think are often overlooked. Trying to put my thoughts into words, but it’s not working. This lesson is the perfect lesson to listen to when you don’t have a guitar in hand!

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for all the kind words, Glen! And thanks for watching. :-) Just wanted to let you know, if you enjoy Steve’s KZbin videos, you should definitely check out the new GuitarZoom Premium Membership → guitarzoom.com/join Members get unlimited streaming of more than 40 of Steve’s best guitar courses, like CAGED Made Simple, Music Theory Made Easy, Play Guitar For Life, Blues Guitar, Rock Licks, Acoustic Guitar, and many more. The courses cover a wide variety of topics, and there are courses designed for all skill-levels. So wherever you are in your guitar journey, you can get to the next level FAST as a GuitarZoom Member. :-) If you want to play more engaging and exciting guitar solos, Expressive Soloing is a perfect place to start. Go here to check it out: guitarzoom.com/products/expressive-soloing Make sure you check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! -- Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews

[@jasonahlstrom769]

I started out playing songs and just having fun - and now I've taken such a deep dive into theory that I totally forgot about how enjoyable just goofing around with a song and making noise can be. I LOVED your recommendation (keeping both Ego and Project songs on the practice-docket). It's a great reminder for me - I've suffered burnout so many times and then the guitar gets hung up on the wall and untouched.

[@bassrumblings]

Project song and Ego songs ! I really like how you balance this out. There is nothing wrong with playing easy songs, and quite frankly, easy songs have a lot of technique that we can improve on. Lengthen those notes! I play bass and I know my theory, intervals but now is the time to put this together in songs - project & ego.

[@coletaylor9847]

I love the way this guy talks to his students.

[@mikeshades1186]

Wow. Steve, thank you so much for this video. It was exactly what I needed to hear to get me out of this rut I'm practicing the same crap over and over and not getting better. From this day forward, I will credit you for helping me become the guitarist I want to be. Thank you so much.

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for the kind words, Mike! Glad Steve's videos are helping you become the guitarist you want to be. :-) Just wanted to give a heads-up, if you like Steve’s KZbin videos, go here and take a look at Steve’s best-selling Blues Guitar course → guitarzoom.com/bluesguitar/promo/ ...and do it ASAP because this weekend you can get up to $100-Off this comprehensive blues course when you enter code BLUES20 at checkout. Plus you get these amazing Fast-Action Bonuses: ✔️ Music Theory Made Easy (Value $119) ✔️ Legendary Solos (Value $69) ✔️ Ultimate Chops Builder (Value $69) ✔️ Ultimate Guide to String Bending (Value $69) ✔️ Ultimate Guide to Vibrato (Value $69) ...plus a collection of Blues Jam Tracks, so you can work on your solos with a full band backing you up. If you’ve been looking for a way to kickstart your guitar playing, this is it. Because 1) the techniques used in blues guitar are used in MANY styles of music, and 2) with the FREE bonus courses, you’ve got at least a few months’ worth of quality guitar lessons. Make sure you check it out ASAP, and no matter what, keep playing! :-) -- Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews

[@victorcurtis6400]

I have heard all this before however I think the way you put it has finally inspired me to actually start dividing up my practice time and strengthening myself to n all four areas. Thank you. P.S. love the Ego and Project song terminology. I now see that the first song I am now learning is a project song I’ve been working on for 6 weeks. I’m going to now find some ego songs that I can get under my belt far more easily and I think that will boost my confidence.

[@daleturner3507]

This video hit me with exactly what I was lacking in. I focused on project songs and stopped playing the easy ones then lost interest to a point. Time to refocus and start following this lesson.

[@azuljay912]

Best guitar instructor on the planet!, Steve has helped me sort out so much confusion and misdirection by organizing practice routines complete with terms and categories to simplify and organize practice, his philosophy on "songs" is spot on, this is what I discovered myself and brought me back into playing after so many years of frustration, I am enjoying the Guitarzoom membership it's worth every penny!

[@Guitarzoom]

That's awesome to hear, Azuljay! Glad you're enjoying the Membership, and thanks for joining! :-) -- Mike from GuitarZoom

[@Misterpeculiar]

This is very much inspiring and incredibly well explained, Steve thank you!

[@richardbarksdale3810]

You definitely make some good points Steve and practicing a multitude of things is yourvbest way to accomplish your own styles of playing. Oh hey , don't feel like your the old guy in the room ,I'm 64 years old and still learning new stuff. Thank you for sharing!

[@androgynastronaut]

Never thought about learning songs in this context. Thanks.

[@Guitarzoom]

Hi. My pleasure. Hope you found the lesson helpful. Feel free to ask any questions if you need to! Thanks for commenting!

[@kamalgadtaula5861]

There are some teachers who are teaching well but hiding something back. Specially the new teachers. I always trust the knowledge by Steve. A genuine music teacher. Thank you Steve 🫡🫡

[@Guitarzoom]

My pleasure! Thanks so much for your comment and kind words!

[@robertakline9785]

I am very much a beginner learning to play and this helps me so much. I didn't know but I have an ego song, Horse With No Name, and a project song, Kashmir. Have to admit I stay frustrated mostly because I have some severe strumming issues but this was encouraging. Thank you!

[@jedisentinel1499]

I learned how to play by listening to Soundgarden and trying to mimic Kim Thayil’s riffs. It’s how I developed dexterity and strength in my fingers. He still has a influence in my playing 30+ years later. Honorable mentions, Ian MacKaye, Jerry Cantrell, Dave Mustaine, Malcom Young, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix. Thanks Steve! Your a true music educator !

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for watching, E. Squatch! And thanks for sharing your guitar influences! :-) Just wanted to let you know, Steve’s holding a Blues Jam Workshop for any guitarist who wants to take their guitar playing to the next level. Go here to join: guitarzoom.com/bluesmasterclass/webinar/registration/ The Blues Jam Workshop includes: - Tips to Turbocharge Your Blues Solos - How to Break Out of the Typical Blues Boxes for Better Solos - Tips to Solo Over Each Blues Chord | Give Your Blues Solos Direction - Learn to Make Your Guitar Sing Make sure you check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! - Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Go here to check out Steve’s NEW Blues Masterclass: guitarzoom.com/bluesmasterclass/promo/

[@ezrhino100]

I have a project song that i have been working for 20 years. Never going back again. Fleetwood mac. Its not the most difficult song but i play it everyday. I usually dont give myself a time frame. I can nail a lick and then come back for the rest of the solo later. There are parts where i know i have to get the technique down first. Those will be exercises for the day. And so on. I come back and finish the solo either days or years later. Its a seamless way of playing any song that you have some ability to play. I have three or four songs in rotation at any given time ...

[@JohnnyFranchize]

That Ibanez is one gorgeous guitar. I don't try to be an Ibanez fanboy, but I just love their style.

[@michaelp8856]

Steve's Guitar For Life Course - was the best thing i could have done to learn guitar from a reall really great teacher in a very organized and step wise progression - i never got frustrated - mike

[@Guitarzoom]

Hi Michael! Wow that's really awesome to hear. So happy to know you liked the course and found it helpful! Thanks so much for the comment and kind words and any questions please feel free to ask anytime!

[@scottenglert4083]

Thank you for this... learning guitar in general as a beginner, and in particular in the age of KZbin (and pandemic), is like the proverbial "drinking from a fire hose"... there is *so much* info out there - it's hard to know how to work at putting it all together...

[@petergust3607]

Felt kinda stuck for a while, I can play a few things now but what I really want to do is play what’s in my head. challenging!

[@highmaple75]

This video is a MUST SEE for all musicians

[@Guitarzoom]

Hey thanks so much for your comment! Glad to know the lesson was helpful! Did you know the Golden Ticket is now available? This once per year event is only available for Black Friday and you can still get it here guitarzoom.com/goldenticket/earlybird/promo

[@AxeWielder]

I wish I had you as my mentor in my early days. It would have been so much easy and organized. Only I know what I went through to reach an intermediate level of guitar playing. 😄

[@benaiahwright937]

Me too. 20 years and never got passed intermediate.

[@stevieray3716]

Me too but what a Joy when identifying the next step to grow as a musician !

[@kimberlyisherwood4564]

😆 noodling definitely.

[@JacobNNorton1982]

Of all the guitar instructional videos I’ve watched this one has helped me the most!

[@ragnadrabinowitz7629]

thank you! I really needed this to organize my practice. one thing I would add is keep a practice journal.

[@Guitarzoom]

Thank YOU for watching, Ragnad! And thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience! :-) Just wanted to give you a heads-up, Steve Stine’s 6-Week Soloing Challenge is officially underway, and the first of Steve’s LIVE teaching sessions is taking place this Thursday (May 5). To join the challenge, go here ASAP (page closes soon!) and sign up: guitarzoom.com/6weeksoloingchallenge/promo-2/? If you want to play guitar solos with complete confidence, that sound more fluid and musical than you ever thought possible, you should definitely check it out. When you join the Challenge, you get lifetime access to two of Steve’s all-time best-selling courses, Essential Techniques and Music Theory Made Easy 2.0. With Essential Techniques, you’ll learn the secrets of building your picking speed and accuracy, strumming, bends, harmonics, and whammy bar tricks to spice up your guitar solos, and dozens of licks that will sound awesome in your solos. And with Music Theory Made Easy 2.0. you’ll discover all the music theory shortcuts you need to play freely across the entire fretboard and really get creative when it comes time to solo. Each of those courses can take your guitar playing to a much higher level. But they’re only part of Steve’s 6-Week Soloing Challenge. Because Steve’s holding 6 special live sessions, one for each week of the Challenge. There’s also a special Facebook group you can join, so you can share your progress with other guitarists. For details, go here → guitarzoom.com/6weeksoloingchallenge/promo-2/? And no matter what, keep playing! - Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Want to check out video reviews from GuitarZoom Members? Go here → guitarzoom.com/reviews

[@cobracommander3529]

I love your phrasing of " Ego and Project" songs. I find alot of songs to be "project songs" lol

[@Dalticeversmack]

Bro, you are quickly becoming my favorite. This video spoke to me. Thanks for this.

[@limitnl]

I am new at guitar. I picked Sultans of Swing as my project song. Its the song I just wanted to be able to play. Now 2.5 months in...Gotta tell ya, it aint easy 😀 but I.ll get there! Thanks for all the info. Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@MOAB-UT]

Great common sense tips especially about having project and ego songs. I took it one step further and made a detailed working (live) document. I use it to organize all my learning, literally by chapters e.g., Chords, Licks, Techniques, Songs (I know and songs I want to learn), Theory, Musical Vocabulary section, Names of various Instructors (I learn from many- not just one...each has a unique things to bring to the party), Areas I want to Improve, etc. By having it all written out, not only does it solidify the learning, it acts as a reference that is searchable (CTRL. F). Using this type of tool really allows me to stay on track otherwise it is easy to get lost in the sea of lessons, advice, courses, etc. It's already about 40 pages long- like my own fully customized guitar reference book.

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for watching, D G! That sounds like an awesome way to keep track of your progress. Thanks for sharing your experience! :-) Just wanted to let you know, Steve’s holding a free webinar tomorrow (Tuesday, June 15th) at 5 PM Pacific called 5 Music Theory Shortcuts Every Guitarist Should Know. In the webinar, you’ll discover: -- 4 essential chords you need to know to play 90% of popular songs so you’ll never have to look up tabs -- 1 easy way to use the major scale to find ANY chord on the fretboard. -- 1 simple tip to memorize all the notes. -- How to choose the right scale for your solos so you can improvise over any song across the fretboard. The webinar is NOT on KZbin. If you want to join, go here to get registered: guitarzoom.com/musictheorymadeeasy20/webinar/registration/ ...and hurry, because spots are limited. :-) Hope to see you at the webinar!

[@eriksteen5521]

That is by far the coolest guitar I've ever seen!

[@billfoley3151]

That is the most sensible video I have ever seen thanks Steve that gives you a lot to think about

[@Guitarzoom]

thank you for watching my videos!

[@nadra2409]

this is really essential i love the topic and how it is conveyed

[@naturepark4684]

Ego song and Project Song..what a brilliant thinking and very useful for me..Thank you

[@kyle70994]

Best guitar teacher on KZbin

[@MrBmcfly]

Ego vs project songs- great concept! Will deff follow!

[@jongreen705]

Steve, I SO much appreciate your music content. And I love that you're a passionate follower of Christ. Less familiar in rock world! I always smile when I see your stuff. I saw Larry Normal 200 years ago in London... I'm pretty sure you're related, at least by hair! It is SO nice to see Christians in the music arena. You really inspire me both in guitar and worship. Thank you. Jon (UK)

[@Guitarzoom]

Hey Jon! Thanks so much for the comment and for sharing your story. Glad to know you like the content of the cannel. Any questions please feel free to ask anytime!

[@321novrain]

Exactly what I needed brother!!!! Thank you !

[@Hunkeykung]

My guitar journey has always been like this. First riff I wanted to play on guitar was plug in baby by muse. I was way out of my league for this and took me a long time to get down properly. I decided to find easier songs first to build up skill and technique. This was the way and probably could have saved time with starting directly with easy songs. But to be honest they never really inspired me and I mostly got bored really fast. Those project songs, If you get them down in the end, it feels so good because you conquered the challenge and in a way you broke through a ceiling and 1 upped a level. The sense of progression is more visible. Right now I still have some killswitch engage songs I want to learn to play up to speed but I decided that in order to do that I need to spend some time playing metallica and maiden songs first. At this moment I am learning Master of Puppets and The Trooper for downpicking and galloping chops to set myself up for Rose or Sharyn and My Curse 🔥😝🤘🏼

[@InsaneToats]

Hit it right on the nail. I only have project songs because I find ego songs too easy. But I also found too many songs that are easy until the solo.

[@AchillesWrath1]

That's what happened to me about 25 years ago. I wanted to play like Eddie Van Halen right away. I was so frustrated because it was too hard and i didn't think i could ever get there. So i pretty much gave up on trying to learn how to solo and just played rhythm.

[@arminius1804]

It’s actually better to learn to play rhythm first and learn about timing then graduate to scales and solos. We all start out wanting to be Hendrix and EVH and get frustrated when we don’t get there quickly enough. I wish I stuck with my first guitar teacher and was patient along the way.

[@RandomPersonOnYouTube202]

Steve Stine rocks!

[@RollTideRising]

Yes he does

[@kimber1911]

I LOVE the Egoes! Specifically Hotel California and Take it Easy!

[@bigsidable]

I always tell people to learn a song you really like. My first song was LED Zepplin HANG Man. Made learn to switch chords quickly. That got me started learning chord progression. Then I started learning that G,C,D songs then E.A.D songs. Lots of ACDC songs and Country Music. But my real progression was when I started Ragae. And Beatles and on and on. I train martial arts as well. Shotokan. And guitar is the same way. Shotokan has pre arranged feet,body and hands movement. Called Kata. Guitar the same. But I call it finger kata. You learn the first movement the the next,then the next till you finish the kata. In Aikido we have a phrase saying SLOW IS FAST. LEARN IT SLOW TILL IT BECOMES 2ND.NATURE THEN PLAY TO THE TIMING OF THE KATA OR THE SONG.

[@Mr.Cow22]

Ego vs project songs is such a great concept. Thanks for the video

[@justaname109]

Everything listed here in this vid is incredible and extremely helpful, but if I can add one thing I’ve found that has helped me personally, potentially even a separate category, is learning to sing while playing. This instantly made easier songs so much harder to play. It forced me to remove 100% focus on the guitar. It effectively was a handicap on my playing ability. You can also hum the vocals if you don’t want to literally sing them, you also don’t have to focus on singing well, just focus on the timing and it really can help you get better at guitar overall.

[@Guitarzoom]

Hey thanks so much for your comment and feedback. I totally agree! Singing is super helpful. Really makes you internalize what you are playing and it's a great connection between the brain and the body. Great tip indeed! 👍

[@justaname109]

@@Guitarzoom Thank you! I appreciate the videos, they’ve helped me so much throughout the years 🙌🏼

[@dislikecounter6392]

I played from 14-18yrs old self taught never really progressed and when picking the guitar up in my mid 30s with a much more mature mind set I understood it was due to me not setting a good underlying foundation to build off of. Now that I have taken the time to understand musical theory as well as taken the time to work on basic technique playing the guitar now is viewed entirely different and is more of a creative process rather than me attempting to copy someone else's creativity. This has allowed me to take inspiration from what I hear but change it to so it can reflect more of how I am feeling. Oh and the teacher who was able to actually help me understand musical theory and where to start was you sir. So thank you :)

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for all the kind words! And thanks for sharing your experiences with guitar playing! :-) Just a heads-up, registration is now open for the replay of Steve’s NEW Webinar: Super Simple Fretboard Framework That Works Like Crazy For Guitar Players. It’s happening today (Saturday March 19) at 4 PM Pacific. Click here to reserve your spot: guitarzoom.com/fretboardframework/webinar/registration/ And do it ASAP because spots are filling fast. You’ll discover… ✅ How to combine triads to create satisfying guitar solos. ✅ An easy 4 step method to ignite your soloing creativity so your solos don’t sound like a scale. ✅ How to break out of the pentatonic box and understand how to solo using your entire fretboard. ✅ And a few cool licks you’ll want to add to your arsenal. Be sure to check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! - Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Go here to check out some free preview videos from Steve’s brand new Fretboard Framework course: www.guitarzoom.com/fretboardframework/promo-2/#videos

[@chriscobayne2235]

I ordered a guiar. Will tune in to your vids to learn. I plan to play at night when I got time after about 10pm -11am Wish me luck

[@Guitarzoom]

Best of luck! Feel free to ask any questions if you need to.

[@anti_gravity8446]

I am thinking that you can also have one same song as an “ego song” and “project song” if the song have a guitar solo. Say, you just learn all the chords and riffs of that song - that will serve as an ego song and then learn the solo as “project song”.

[@jogman262]

I knew 5 minutes in this was the video that is going to help my guitar playing. Thank a lot!

[@Guitarzoom]

Happy to help!

[@daltonwilliams8272]

After watching this my daily picking is gonna change idk all the cords up and down the neck but I know most of the scales (still sounds like scales when trying to solo) and can play a bunch of different riffs or intros but have never learned rhythm guitar. My original goal was to play the blues and some rock solos. But now I'm going to focus on learning all the cords and see how that will help my playing

[@andypratt8271]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I need to focus on the difference between project and ego. I have WAY too many projects. You are a genius and I appreciate hearing this from you. I needed that. Thank you and keep-on-keeping on!

[@CollagenExpert]

>Ego and project songs. -2 ego to 1 project >Learn Songs. -Electric Guitar >Technique -Scales -Major and Minor Scales. Appregoise. -Memorizing fretboard -Chord Progression -Reading Notes

[@RobertMintonPhotography]

Makes perfect sense to me, what a mentor, thanks Steve.

[@SneakyXBrent]

Bro this the video I’ve been needing it ALL. MAKES. SENSE

[@Guitarzoom]

Hey thanks so much for your comment! So glad the lesson was helpful. We’re getting closer to Black Friday and there’s still time to join the early bird list for Golden Ticket. If you’re interested and want to dig deeper into this and other great topics you can join here guitarzoom.com/goldenticket/earlybird (automatically enter the $1,500 giveaway). See you soon!

[@joeyp734]

Thank you so much for posting this! this is exactly what I need to get to the next level. I know only way to get better is to repeat, but this def gives me a framework to efficiently use my time! every time I practice!

[@Guitarzoom]

Thanks for watching, Joey! And thanks for sharing your knowledge! :-) Just a heads-up, registration is now open for the replay of Steve’s NEW Webinar: Super Simple Fretboard Framework That Works Like Crazy For Guitar Players. It’s happening today (Saturday March 19) at 4 PM Pacific. Click here to reserve your spot: guitarzoom.com/fretboardframework/webinar/registration/ And do it ASAP because spots are filling fast. You’ll discover… ✅ How to combine triads to create satisfying guitar solos. ✅ An easy 4 step method to ignite your soloing creativity so your solos don’t sound like a scale. ✅ How to break out of the pentatonic box and understand how to solo using your entire fretboard. ✅ And a few cool licks you’ll want to add to your arsenal. Be sure to check it out, and no matter what, keep playing! - Mike from GuitarZoom P.S. Go here to check out some free preview videos from Steve’s brand new Fretboard Framework course: www.guitarzoom.com/fretboardframework/promo-2/#videos

[@chadgarber]

Good stuff. Project songs cause the most frustration but also the most growth!

[@mns8732]

Thx a bucketful of thanks! I was neglecting songs and enjoying what practicing techniques can accomplish.

[@thoughtprovoking001]

Steve, I am so happy that this popped up on my feed. I needed these words of wisdom to help me find some structure at my stage of the game. Many thanks!

[@lordofstringss]

So far this is some of the best advice for players here on YT. I wish i had this 10 years ago. I kept working on technique, never really learnt many songs, solos etc, which i am now. But my approach had me bored of the guitar may times. The good thing is, i pick up really fast, but this ride could have been more enjoyable with tangible benefits. Oh well, better now than never! Thanks.

[@Guitarlord69505]

The talk about project songs and ego songs is exactly right, I skip right past the easy ones and struggle to play what I want

[@Guitarzoom]

Hi. Thanks for commenting and for sharing. If you want to dig deeper into this and other topics check out this link. A great promo and a chance to win a $1500 Guitar Center gift card. Hope to see you soon. guitarzoom.com/goldenticket/earlybird/promo/?notification=1

[@donbabcock2062]

I practice chords and changes, scales, and I have a group of about 10-20 songs and I’ll get stuck and practice something else… just keep going back and eventually you’ll break through, it takes time, just have fun making beautiful sounds!

[@Guitarzoom]

Hi. Thanks for your comment and sharing. You got it...practice and consistency are the key. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@HappyHermitt]

I've been "noodling" on guitar for about 10 years with absolutely no direction, practice or routine. I'm stuck on a post beginner, pre intermediate level. 8n other words, I suck at guitar. 8 will def do this and at least one more routine.

[@allenbrininstool7558]

Some of my project songs have taken three years to get... My ego songs are classic rock chording songs, some have interesting chord progressions.

[@mazunzokachiwala3366]

Am really inspired the way you are teaching the 'concepts'