5 Legato Myths (That Are Making Your Technique WORSE!) - Tom Quayle Lesson

[@tomquayleguitar]

Tom's Legato Video Masterclasses: - bit.ly/3IQtGf0 Tom's Ultimate Fretboard Visualization Course: - bit.ly/42Wwwbo USE CODE 'QUAYLE50' FOR $50 DISCOUNT (limited time offer) Get Tom's app Solo v2 for iOS, iPad and Apple Silicon Macs here: - apple.co/3Uj4JNG Check out more info on Solo here: - www.solotrainer.app

[@jupirafal]

Hi Tom! Is the code still good to enroll? 🙏

[@matthewrembish9521]

Wondering the same thing about the discount code? I don’t see anywhere to input it in the checkout

[@KazeNoPrism]

Tom where to put the code sir

[@cawinkelmann]

I have the same question. I wasn't seeing a place on the Enroll form to put a discount code.

[@MartyCMega88]

It's mad that we live in a time when players like Tom and Rick Graham are just out there dropping free videos chock full of professional insights. Thanks Tom, your rock.

[@tomquayleguitar]

Aw thanks - my pleasure.

[@michael1]

Yeah, Jimmy Page often laments playing full stadiums night after night, rolling around in piles of cash and groupies on the bed in the hotel room afterwards with his manager saying "Sorry Jimmy, I can't get you a gig demoing a compressor pedal" - today's guitarists don't know how lucky they've got it.

[@MartyCMega88]

@@michael1 99.99% of guitarists in his day didn’t get money or fame either, they also didn’t have a clue how to play legato properly because there wasn’t videos like this one. What a moronic thing to write on a public forum.

[@michael1]

​@@MartyCMega88You sound like you think Jimmy's career was better somehow? How odd - did you not read my post?​

[@dennoow]

Buy his stuff though, it's well worth it :)

[@LeonTodd]

Leaving this here so I can be reminded to practice this

[@juliangitarre4196]

Dear Tom, over the years I have really learned a lot from your instruction material! Your teaching has a huge impact on my playing. It's like you actually are my teacher even though we've never met. Thank you so very much for your great work!

[@JosephAnidjar]

myth 6 legato will get you girls

[@tomquayleguitar]

It does if you use a 4:3 aspect ratio for your videos!

[@escapegulag4317]

​@@tomquayleguitar fact check true

[@RedCloudServices]

and as a bonus one hand is free 😮

[@tjwest87]

#Facts

[@blyx5015]

The technique makes the girls stay..

[@Only4YGuitars]

Fantastic video Tom, as usual ! May i raise 1 question. When you say low but not ridiculously low action, can we have some rough measurements @ the 12 fret (it will help !) For me it's 1,25 mm @12 fret both side !

[@marcusphillipsinteriordesi7380]

Invaluable lesson towards a technique that we all aspire to… and I’m in the category that needed all 5 myths busted. Thank you again Tom👌

[@tomquayleguitar]

Haha! Thanks Marcus.

[@albertovelozo2644]

Best video ever, Tom!! 🔥 we need something about vibrato 🤔 your vibrato is majestic, thank you for sharing your wisdom. Your execution of the subdivisions is tremendous.

[@TheShakour]

You can't imagine how grateful we are to see you are posting on KZbin regularly like the old days again. Your instructional videos are second to none. i am working on "Soloing Over Dominant 7th Chords" course right now and really enjoying it. Thank you very much tom.

[@tomquayleguitar]

Wow, thank you!

[@joesikorski4080]

I don't think anyone on earth would argue that you are indeed the authority on legato playing

[@alancosens]

I played on 12s for many years and if someone handed me a guitar with 9s on it, it was completely unplayable I thought. But the last five years or so having neurological problems with my hands I’ve had to go very light, down to .008 through .046. There was a period of adjustment of a few months actually where I had to retrain my body to use a very light touch. It actually improved my playing tremendously once I got past the adjustment period. Point being, in my humble opinion, whether light strings or heavy strings are workable is really just a matter of personal preference and what you’re used to.

[@petemcr]

I've recently been working a lot on my timing and subdivisions, and also my legato and it was driving me crazy that I couldn't get the timing right with legato. So glad to hear it's not just a me thing and has to be worked on, thanks for that invaluable nugget of info🙏🏼

[@leisurealien]

I love watching you play acoustic guitar so much, please, please more of it, it sounds so awesome

[@nightly522]

This is a fantastic video. There are so many bad teachers out there like Derryl Gabel. You really help guitarists learn proper legato skill.

[@monke12355]

Tom Quayle, you're absolutely brilliant! Would like to see a video about the common patterns you use for your legato.

[@Norlo28]

I remember that old Al Di Meola's instructional video saying that alternate picking is king and everything else is cheating lol. I love Al Di Meola but I really prefer the sound of legato.

[@tomquayleguitar]

Me too!

[@JordiCasany]

You love Al Di Meola, but you don't love Al Di Meola as much as Al Di Meola loves Al Di Meola

[@JohnZornAscended]

Playing with your fingers is cheating? Lol.

[@scirasco1]

Good to see u at it tom,was very nice talking to u at fibenare booth at namm,as we talked about greg howe one guy that allways gets forgotten to mention is the mighty brett garsed and im sure u agree,cheers:)

[@kylebrooks4361]

Thanks for the lesson. And I know your working hard so whenever you and David get time... I'm casting another vote for Solo v2 on Android!

[@tomquayleguitar]

Cheers!

[@71tbomb]

Hey Tom. I have 2 guitars that are my favourites. One is an ARIA Les Paul style copy with a set of 10 to 54 strings & I have a Jackson with 8's on it. They both feel very similar to play .When I bought the Jackson It had really heavy strings on it, so I thought I would try the light gauge & adjust the action to match. I was surprised that they feel so similar.

[@jadeseru890]

i always had trouble with the last point, still do. Great lesson!

[@doktabob328]

Excellent tutorial. I guess I’m somewhere on the border of intermediate and advanced, and have to agree with your final advice about playing three notes per string over 4/4. It’s taken a while … and I still need to regularly practice precisely that. I subscribed : )

[@HectorTheShred]

When you came to Cartagena and I had the chance to try your guitar (that guitar in the video), I can tell is one of the most comfortable guitars I’ve ever tried in my entire life. So yes, Myth #1 is BUSTED!

[@Flightofphenomena]

Omg Tom. Gotta love your playing. I have no clue how you play that fast.

[@tomaszbieniek-guitarist]

Lots of very useful information Tom! Especially about the guitar set up, strings etc. Thanks so much🙏

[@florianbuettner1019]

Hi Tom, thanx for your great legato Tipps! My favourite video is the one, in which you explain how to reduce tension by lifting the first finger when playing legato - because this is my biggest challenge. My problem: Whenever I play the finger-combination 1-2-4, my not-used third finger flys away from the fretboard much more than neccesary. When I isolate the third finger and put it on the next string, for example the D-String, I can play the 1-2-4 combination, without a problem. But as soon as I lift it from the string, my playing is much slower, the 3rd finger is like a break, I get a cramp and the second and 3rd finger seems to be sticked together, not able to play independent and separately. I am really frustrated because of that problem. 😢 Has you - or anybody else reading this channel - an idea how to solve this problem? Thanx for every tipp!

[@DonovanDeans]

11:12 - 11:39 Jesus man...this alone is just incredibly inspiring to me. To reach that level of fluency, just shows what the learned mind is capable of. Need to keep practicing.

[@6string860]

These myths are all known to me and I have and also use them. I'm not the youngest anymore and don't have as much time to become anywhere near as perfect as you Tom. I can remember when I was a beginner, a so-called teacher said that you should play every note otherwise it's more or less fake. I've always had that in the back of my mind, but since there's this KZbin and you've seen this new generation of guitarists live who are actually more acrobats, I've understood that anything is allowed if it works. What I still feel when playing legato is that I find it easier if you tune a semitone lower. Maybe Myth #6 Tom you are great

[@amerallic]

Hi Tom. I would like to know your thoughts on playing legato on a scalloped fretboard. Have you ever tried it? Thanks for the amazing content!

[@JonBjork]

Great video Tom! Also love hearing you on the acoustic, amazing sound🔥

[@shanebarnesmusic]

Ive not heard anyone explain it from a physiological level, which would really help. There are many muscles in the hand, fingers and forearm that are involved. I’d love to see a breakdown of what great shredders are doing/not doing: e.g. Is it a focus on the fast-twitch muscles in the forearm, combined with a relaxed hand and fingers combo the most efficient method? Would love to hear your thoughts, Tom.

[@gianluigidautilia6417]

wow tom. I knew you and your work as pretty good guitairst (i am a fan now) , but the level how you explained this is top notch. I enjoyed every second of the video. I have been using legato for years, and I always have that sort of frustration in understanding, thinking whether it's 'legitimate' or not, and how it might be perceived by other 'guitarists'. If I may elaborate, I am 49 years old and it is perhaps a kind of paranoia that 'we old folks' have. Let me explain: back in the late 80s and 90s with the shred movement, etc., there was always the tendency to accuse others of 'cheating' by playing with "easy" (well more efficient ) techniques, 'oh, he doesn't pick all the notes!' It was a bit of a paranoia of that period (Paul Gilbert was an example). Now I find that thanks to millennials (and perhaps Gen Z), this point has disappeared from the discussion. Play and use whatever you want if you enjoy it and it makes sense. Look at Matteo Mancuso (of whom I am a big fan); in 1990, with his technique, he would have been slaughtered by critics for not being 'pure'. Now he is an innovator. The same can be said about legato, I think. What do you think about this?

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

The way you have your action setup is right about where I like my action. This is very true, a good setup and good fretwork go a very long way and you can still play with a nice soft touch. I also don’t like 9s and 8s either. They’re great for fast playing yes, but the reality is, at least for me, 10s don’t really feel too different from 9s when setup properly and feel more consistent. Likewise, hybrid picking and finger style can feel strange with light strings

[@adamwuksta3255]

Thanks for your advice and instruction Tom, really enjoy your playing and I’m very happy to take advice from one of my favourite guitarists. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[@affif330]

hi there tom. i was wondering if you could shed light on what youre thinking about when youre improvising and how youre making lines or using them. are you coming up with them on the go when youre just improvising legato. or are you using older ideas. like when youre improvising im sure youre thinking of melodic ideas to use but how much of what youre playing is intention driven. ive been trying to understand what your mental state might be when improvising fast and fluid legato lines and ive been trying to put myself in a similar state, but im having some trouble. are you thinking interms of shapes or melody or like idk im just curious. if its not a hassle could you make a video about it? thank you alot!

[@WaylonMcPhersonGuitar]

🎸Great vid, thanks Tom, I'm really enjoying the videos you have been posting lately, cheers!

[@adrian1072]

Oh man... I missed the discount code. Are you issuing a discount again in the future? Thanks for all quality content and the App.

[@edwardkania9622]

Incredible playing. Humbling to see such skill.

[@snuggynuggy117]

Myth 6: Your legato will be better than my legato.

[@mrmister2908]

With regards to low action, you were talking about the ability to do bends being an issue. What about with a scalloped fretboard?

[@niv6924]

Hi Tom I really hope you’d see this and reply. All others please do share your idea on this as well: I’ve seen you talk about visualizing the fretboard in intervals while improvising. My question is, when you’re dealing with cut changes, do you visualize in the intervals related to the current chord that’s being played, or the key of the progression? For example: If you’re in the key of D and you’re playing a C# when A major (V in the key of D) is played. Do you visualize that note as the major 3rd of A or the major 7th of D (the key) Hope it makes sense.

[@juliangitarre4196]

It depends on your aporoach to soloing in general. I prefer to visualize the intervals in relation to the current chord. The reason is that when we play the note C# over an A major chord we HEAR that note C# as the major third of the A major chord (that we are hearing in that moment). Of course this C# is also the major seventh of the key but that is the level of conceptual analysis refering to the whole piece. On the level of perception in the present moment it makes more sense (to me) to be aware of the relation to the root of the current chord. You can also play more expressive lines that way. On the other hand, it is remarkable that there is also the possibility of playing over several chords of one key while only thinking about the parent scale. So when you play for example over a ii V I progression in D you can play the D-major scale over the whole progression while only visualizing the D-major scale. In this case you MIGHT visualize the note C# as the seventh of the key. However, when I use this approach I tend to visualize whole scale patterns as opposed to single notes. But even in the framework of this approach I visualize target notes with relation to the root of the current chord. In conclusion, I would like to add that in practice, these two approaches seem to blend so the strict differentiation is also merely a conceptualization. But it is useful as a means to the end of better understanding.

[@niv6924]

@@juliangitarre4196 Thanks for this very detailed explanation. So basically what you mean is when you’re visualizing the intervals related to the current chord, you basically have to adjust yourself to play the correct mode of that scale degree, in order to play notes that are out of that triad, but still within the key. Am I right? For example when you’re on a IV chord of the progression, you think “right, I need to play Lydian mode of this scale, I should not play the natural 4 in this context“ This has always been too much brain gymnastics for me to handle, and I’ve always struggled with that. Which makes me question whether it’s the right approach or not. I know there no “right” approach but as you said it makes sense to hear there intervals wrt the current chord rather than the key. I’ll try practicing it more! Thanks again.

[@juliangitarre4196]

@@niv6924 I am happy that you appreciate my words and yes, you understood correctly. Do you have a teacher? Your words sound like your theoretical knowledge is far beyond what you can apply in practice. I don't mean that in a negative way. What I want to say is that someone who has advanced theoretical understanding (like you do) but at the same time struggles to apply it all in practice might benifit from an experienced teacher who can support you in your individual(!) learning process. Wish you all the best!

[@niv6924]

@@juliangitarre4196 I’m completely self taught, and I had a pretty useless and ineffective approach to playing guitar where my theoretical knowledge had always been a step ahead of my actual playing ability. That has been the exact reason for the lack of progress, and only now (after 10 years of playing) I’m starting to realize that. Thanks and I will look for a teacher to improve my playing.

[@escapegulag4317]

your playing is so smooth its unbelievable

[@DaveBrons]

Brilliant . Thanks Tom

[@dark9615]

hey there... Thanks a lot for bringing out these videos. dont know whether this comment would be able to find a way out to your eyes.. but it would be highly beneficial if at all you could bring out a video on making legato lines just like yours. so that it helps us in making some lines based on the modes and the timing... please tom please.... please make a video of it... much love from your fan from INDIA

[@tomquayleguitar]

Hi there and thanks! I do have a masterclass on my website to buy and download called Modern Legato Pt3 that deals with exactly this subject. It's a bit too deep for shorter YT videos but feel free to check it out.

[@DavidCaine-w1s]

Thank you Tom, this is very helpful

[@nathanguitar4246]

The more I try to play legato at a high level, the more I realize it’s NOT easier than alternate picking. It’s easier in some ways, but much much harder in others. Very difficult to get that clean rolling sound

[@zjow4755]

Exactly my observations

[@Diogolindir]

Im just trying to learn it for the sound it gives but I do agree. It is very hard

[@justinn5357]

Do you mind explaining your methodology for the legato riffs you use? Super musical, how are you constructing these phrases when you look at the neck?

[@MariaBethaniaCabrera]

Maybe you don't realize how good you are, but I just want you to know that when I refer to you I always say "the mighty Tom Quayle". God bless you.

[@tomquayleguitar]

Thanks Maria! Your playing is amazing - subbed!

[@MariaBethaniaCabrera]

@@tomquayleguitar Oh my goodness! I can’t believe you are one of my subscribers now. You liking my playing is a dream come true. Thanks so much.

[@Arycke]

Number 1 myth: Tossing away your pick and using only hammer ons and pull offs isn't automatically legato. That kind of playing can tend to sound staccato, especially fast. It's the pulloffs Tom was talking about in the video where most of the issues come from in most peoples' techniques. Marshall Harrison's series on Holdsworthian Legato is a great explanation on youtube. See Chopin's works for some of the definitive legato technique.

[@Arycke]

Forgot to say, this video was an awesome explanation of a lot of the issues people have with legato playing on guitar. Thank you for uploading this video sir, I appreciate it

[@Arycke]

16:54 if you play slowly, and at some higher speeds it is possible. AH has a lot of examples in his recordings, check them out.

[@trollstjerne]

Thanks for another great video Tom

[@tomquayleguitar]

My pleasure!

[@MercutioUK2006]

Good tips - some are of course somewhat subjective but absolutely worth examining. IMO the real key is to find a combination of action height, string gauge, setup, scale length, and so on that works for you. Then practice. Note on Allan, that's exactly how he did place accents for notes he wasn't picking......hitting the string that bit harder (1990 Guitar Player interview) but I've yet to see anyone else manage it with anything like the aplomb he did....... that's hardly surprising! You're looking well dude :)

[@tomquayleguitar]

They're totally subjective for sure and I couldn't agree more with your combination observation!

[@MercutioUK2006]

@@tomquayleguitar No idea how you play like that with heavier strings, medium action and not a whisper of compression. Magic fingers I guess ^^

[@cetuvfc8211]

Tocas con la mano izquierda relajada porque tienes la mano extremadamente fuerte y puedes hacerlo asi. Para tocar relajado primero tienes que tocar con agarre fuerte y despues relajar la mano . pero tu haces el razonamiento al reves: como toco relajado AHORA cuando empiezo a tocar esta tecnica tengo que tocar relajado al principio , y esto no funciona. Un saludo maestro para mi eres de los mejores

[@area859]

Next time...Legato while drinking a beer...that's the true test. 😁🤣👊🔥🎸

[@Rainb0wSeven]

I'd like to use your course but it's only on iOs.

[@bilanggoboy]

Wonderful video! Thanks Tom!

[@chrisrussoroos6091]

Awesome lesson - thanks!!!

[@clem_chret]

I ll buy Solo if the version 2 comes to Android ! but I tested few days before and to me that's not worth an Android now ::

[@kiefermeister]

Well appreciated, thank you!

[@patpogoallroundguitarist5814]

Isn't the biggest myth of all, that legato implies less right hand picking, when in reality it has nothing to do with guitar technique? Rather a musical term which can be used by many other instruments.

[@TubeBJYou]

Amazing Video ! Thanks !!!

[@ΓιωργοςΣταμπολιδης-θ3ξ]

Wawww man, I couldn't be more great full for this. Thanks aaaa loooooot!

[@mr.e8432]

Richie Kotzen is a great legato player that breaks every one of these “myths”.

[@Judge-k9p]

Damn son! Your legato and hybrid picking is friggin sick!

[@michaelgriffin5304]

Great myth busting Tom!!! Love videos like this to help educate the community.

[@tomquayleguitar]

Thanks!

[@daniyalahmed97]

Man youre so dead on. After delving deeper into legato timing and removing accents for consistency, I can definitely feel the timing much better in my playing. Not entirely comfortable with certain time divisions yet but its been quite the revalation.

[@Arahurah]

Hope Solo gets a web/desktop version at some point so I can try it out

[@tomquayleguitar]

If you're on a newer Apple Silicon Mac you can already run it on the desktop. Not so with WIndows though.

[@MarkMMusic]

@tomquayleguitar Brilliant video! Thanks very much for this one. Can you/anyone tell me if you can set up the Solo app to play through ALL notes in a random order for note finding practice? Its a great app but I find too often that I'm just recognising the song pattern within two rounds as you cant randomise the chord sequences or use the scales trainer as you have to play a melodic sequence whereas I just want roots i.e. find C#, Gb, D, B, Eb, D# etc etc. Setup would look something like Scale - Chromatic (plus enharmonic equivelants) Melodic sequence - 1 (root only) Direction/order - Random P.S. Android user 😩 so only app V1 Cheers all!

[@ricopaxton]

Great value content, thx, man!

[@deasnutz4ever]

Compression is used quite liberally behind the scenes.

[@redshiftdrifter]

Man that Taylor looks and sounds absolutely fabulous.

[@georgiosmandenakis9014]

Tom man u are THE teacher

[@stuartmellor-3463]

Myth number 7. Mustang Sally really needs a legato solo.

[@iAutodidact]

Tom: I’m not the authority on legato. Me: He’s talking about Rick Graham

[@musicken33]

Welp, I believed all 5...Thanks for setting me straight, Tom! :)

[@ralphashford9022]

I must be doing something wrong. The scale @16:32 (this is where I picked up my guitar to follow along), has you end on the high B, but it's high C for me. It's like your E and B are tuned up a step. Great video, but now confused.

[@Dovahkiin0117]

Ya I’m pretty sure he tunes his top 2 strings different

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

I do find distortion can ensure I stay loose when learning new patterns if I need to keep volume low.

[@JohnZornAscended]

I think distortion can become a crutch.

[@timroscher65]

I have total respect for you Tom You're an awesome player but I have to say... I'm 58 years old and I could in no way play legato on 12 gauge strings It's all I can do to play on 10s if I played 12s my hands would be so sore I'd never be able to pull it off and then my carpal tunnel would be screaming at me. On my Taylor acoustic I have tens they're a phosphor bronze mix that's meant to be easy on the hand/fingers because I can't do more than that.

[@hawkhead418]

Guru Quayle effortless mastery. Cheers & God bless. Always inspiring!

[@CoolPabloDeTodo]

but nice lesson, thanks to you , salut from Poland

[@shanevain3759]

It looks in the video like you're using a hybrid picking technique with the middle finger?.. Is this a correct observation, or does it just look that way?..

[@stevenedmunds2018]

He does use hybrid picking. He has some videos about it, alternating between pick and middle finger.

[@WillMarianiMusic]

Is that a strmon timeline and bigsky on the pedalboard under the ampheads? 👀

[@tomquayleguitar]

Yes indeed!

[@WillMarianiMusic]

@tomquayleguitar awesome! I love my timeline, best delay out there!

[@ATX0705]

Is the whole "real legato is all hammer-ons and no pull-offs" a myth as well?

[@jfo3000]

I think learning the no-hammer method helped me quite a bit, to become effortless with legato. All hammers just feels easier. It did take weeks to get comfortable with it. I then can introduce varying amount of pull off, even very miniscule if desired. And some maneuvers are nearly impossible without using a pull or two... Even Holdsworth pulled-off sometimes. Truth be told, it's evident that he pulled-off towards the ceiling. I read him calling it "lift off" on one occasion.

[@ATX0705]

​@@jfo3000That's interesting. I always assumed that legato on guitar always had some pull offs. I'd be interested in an example of a lick that's all hammer ons.

[@JohnZornAscended]

You can’t go backwards without pull offs.

[@lefujyou]

TQ that was great 👍🏾 ❤ I hear you in so many guitar players ☮️❤️✨Lefuj

[@tomquayleguitar]

Thanks so much!

[@scottcrist0070]

Talking while shredding like that is a flex!

[@timroscher65]

I totally agree about the action though.

[@andrelin0913]

just curious to hear from someone who taken the Ultimate fretboard course and how is it like?

[@giorgiomugelli9243]

❤cool and natural master👍

[@nathanguitar4246]

Oh..you ARE the authority

[@confusedcat-sm9cy]

Most legato dismissing comes from teenagers who started playing 1-2 years ago and listen to thrash metal. It's funny when you blow their minds by telling them that evh uses legato, and gilbert and malmsteen use economy picking combined with legato.

[@asifmallahofficial]

Sir One Question.. if we play legato on acoustic like electric can it disturb muscle memory or hand ?

[@tomquayleguitar]

Only if you play with too much tension on a guitar that's badly setup.

[@karoljakiel1288]

Hey. I Played for one year only on acoustic and came be to electric guitar. What i notice is that i tense of way to much and that legato didnt sound smooth. On Acoustic its way harder and you not gonna play long legato phrases expesiely without picking.

[@asifmallahofficial]

@@tomquayleguitar Sir thanks for your 💕 love

[@asifmallahofficial]

@@karoljakiel1288 right 👍

[@ilyasrayan4791]

who else is stuck (guitar hands on) at 13:48 with 0,5x to 0,25x speed ? 😅 🎸🔥

[@EVEROSFP1]

I always found legato harder to master it than Alt picking in terms of timing mostly. ..

[@samardas5460]

Ur finger all time fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 hard work... L v u... Sir

[@alexlewis8468]

I have NEVER been able to play and talk at the same time, no matter what I'm playing - I don't think I ever could tbh

[@alexlewis8468]

​@crouchjump5787 To be honest, I'm not sure I really understand what the point of being able to have a conversation is in the context of playing a solo and what it proves. Even what Tom is saying here about the link between physical tension and not having enough 'brain space' for musical awareness. I'm not sure that speaking sentances and musical thought are necessarily of equal weighting as far as taxing the brain. If I can play lines correctly and apply musical variation to its execution pretty easily, but come to a grinding halt when I try to talk at the same time, what is the point of 'training enough' to make it happen.. its an intersting subject anyhow...

[@Kerriben]

Not you as well! Why has everyone suddenly turned on low actions / light strings? Sure, you don’t ‘need’ a low action to play this stuff, but making things easier for yourself is perfectly fine and if Shawn Lane and Allan Holdsworth can get a good tone out of it then who gives a shit. If I get more students with tendonitis / carpal tunnel because they saw an expert on youtube tell them to go higher with their action I’m going to be pissed, because that’s what you are promoting. Tone and control are secondary (and learnable) to being able to play the guitar in the first place without fucking crippling yourself. You can always work up to a higher action, or incrementally increase your string gauge. It is however objectively a good idea to start low and light and work up. You wouldn’t tell a beginner in the gym to go and bench two plates so why this doesn’t carry over into the guitar world baffles me.

[@vaughnwebbermusic]

Brilliant

[@tomquayleguitar]

Thanks!

[@jagmetal]

How many years did it take you to develop your legato technique Tom?

[@imlijc7588]

Is it ok if i count the beat as ABCD instead of 1234?

[@CoolPabloDeTodo]

god , so quickly how do you want me to not think about it ?

[@narrowonflow]

11:10 😅