5 Minute Guitar Lesson: Julian Lage's Practice & Warm Up Tips

In this 5-Minute Lesson, Lage explains the benefits of practicing quietly on the acoustic guitar. “You think when you play an acoustic guitar you have to work harder, or play with more muscular tension, or somehow manifest a sound. One of the things that has helped me a lot, is practicing extremely quietly, and touching it very gently. Try to get in touch with your guitar’s ability to turn whatever you do into a beautiful sound. That’s why acoustic guitars are cool, they are doing a lot of the work for you.”
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[@charliemcleod764]

You're so right about the slow practice. I'm an old guitar player now, but 40 years ago I worked in a concert hall In Bristol, England. Segovia played there one night. My job was to warm the Maestros room up before the gig. When I arrived at the room to do that, Segovia was already there. I could here him play slow major scales. He was 82 years old then, and still 'woodshedding' Beautiful guitar btw. He played to 1600 people for 2 hours, just him and a guitar. Kind regards from Scotland

[@javiceres]

Beautiful story

[@avjake]

Things like this are what I miss most about working in an auditorium - memories of people like Tommy Emmanuel. But then, there is a flip side to that.

[@LaurenceMSchwarz]

Wow, Talk about a "life changing experience!"

[@bernarddover1442]

i saw segovia in the concertt hall in birmingham and he was good .. but there are players today that are way way better..

[@sammavitae114]

Ben Dover It’s hard to play even half as good when you are dead.

[@TRUETOILETTENPAPIER]

when he said “hi there” I just about started crying. He’s so soft spoken and he seems like he’s such a sweetheart.

[@HomoChomsky]

TRUETOILETTENPAPIER , I saw him live earlier this year. He's an incredibly endearing person.

[@lovebaja]

oh barf

[@646oleg]

maybe too much soybean regularly increases your estrogen level

[@lovebaja]

@@HomoChomsky oh barf

[@randomdude6136]

Maybe medication

[@jrmybwedding]

Dude is so talented. I'd love to hear him talk about the guitar for hours.

[@jordanbrazinski8260]

So well spoken and relaxed. I could listen to him read out an audiobook for hours.

[@brandobin]

The way this guy plays I expected him to be more cocky what a sweet human being

[@dr_lulz]

I appreciate and enjoy your honesty and authenticity. Thank you for sharing your experience and advice.

[@gergthims]

I really like the wise informality: helps me think more intelligently, even after many years of playing. Thank you!

[@mattfleming2287]

Wow, what a calm, nice guy. His words really hit home as I literally have a small sign on my board that says 'Right hand' because I've been working on it for the last few months. I've made some real progess, but it's time to balance it out. Really glad I found this.

[@onlyrick]

The idea of devoting time to just playing is something that I try to remember to do whenever I pick up the instrument. It amazes me that after over a half-century of playing I can noodle around and in a short while come up with something I never played before. Great lesson - love your playing too.

[@AmandaKaymusic]

"...the guitars ability to turn whatever you do into a beautiful sound...". What a helpful and wonderful way of describing how you get a guitar to sing so sweetly under your nimble fingers.

[@CiscoDuck]

Jules is such a kind and gentle soul. I met him at a Jazz Fest in the San Francisco Bay Area at the College of San Mateo in June of 2001 (he was 14). He was so humble after literally blowing everyone away with his incredible talents, technique and complete mastery of the instrument at such a young age. He was so soft-spoken and reminded me of Phil Keaggy. I can relate to his advice about practicing by approaching the guitar softly and slowly playing each note gently. There's no need to try to over-power the instrument or manhandle it into submission.

[@haroldclark1787]

Wow, what a gentle, introspective, visionary, gifted musician he is. The guitar is an extension of him as a person and as a gifted creative. How wonderful it must be to be him and to possess these enormous abilities. He's a blessing to the world - a splendid, soaring talent who has enriched us all immeasurably. Thank for for posting this enlightening video!

[@avjake]

Just discovered Julian today. Lots to look forward to.

[@gauravmishra5998]

His tone is soooo humble!!!! So sweettttttt

[@abhinishsingh3603]

Hearing him first time was just more than expectation ❤️

[@sixstring4]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your honesty about your short comings that all of us encounter!

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Great advice for all of us who play and sometimes wonder if what we’re doing is helping us to play better, or faster, or more melodic, etc.

[@hunterandrus3320]

That was extremely help. He’s a great teacher

[@christianscazzieri]

He's my hero. Period.

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

Excellent, Excellent practice advice.

[@dennisvillafuerte8989]

What a chill dude

[@Trombonology]

Thanks for this! Insights from any and all expressive acoustic guitarists would be welcome; it just happens that Julian is among my most admired players.

[@Trombonology]

@Evan Hodge No! -- you don't say! Such startling insight and keen observation!

[@1022rebelreddog]

agree julian to me is one my favorites on the scene.....nils klien etc ,solo, or whatever..

[@qwargy]

This guy is a gem!

[@spb7883]

What I find impressive about this is it was - I believe - recorded *after* Lage was diagnosed with focal dystonia in his left hand. This explains all the “nervous shakes” people have commented on, but it also shows a commendable decision on Lage’s part to see value in slowing down. In effect, he’s demonstrating how injury and limitation can make you a better musician.

[@Trombosilbo]

thats very sad, i didnt know it

[@BladeDoomer86]

Thx for this info, explains a lot. Reminds me of Iomi's finger loss, and how he turned that to his advantage

[@lenverwey5552]

@@BladeDoomer86 in his recent interview with rick beatto he talks about dystonia and how he eventually overcame it. really intersting

[@joshuatavares2384]

I watched the Rick Beato interview and it’s heartbreaking to hear him talking about this. The interview was after he had been dealing with the situation. He’s a prodigy and his playing and tone is just masterful

[@billybudd45]

Me too, trying to play quietly has really improved my playing. Playing more relaxed as well.

[@glenhorn4639]

You and your awesome band are tremendous! You are a very handsome, very talented musician man! Go forth and give the best performance ever given. Keep the best drummers performing with you. Awesome musician dude.

[@RockOfGreece]

Exactly as epected him to speak when I saw him play. Very soothing

[@KotovVasily]

Thank you Julian!!!!

[@Chicorodrigo781]

Just a lovely video and personality

[@huldraslaat225]

This is such a great idea! would love to see more and more of these from any and all of your guests!

[@TCMx3]

Plus oneeeeeeeeee

[@lamecasuelas2]

Super clean sound!! That's awesome!/

[@captainkangaroo4301]

I didn’t think that I was even capable of playing without vibrato after all these years. But I slowed down and gave it a shot and walla. Thanks

[@lewisgale8859]

Thank you kind, musical BJ Novak

[@DaveLeoni]

Very cool. Thank you.

[@SeanStephensen]

this guy is kinda the Bob Ross of acoustic guitar tbh

[@HomoChomsky]

SeanStephensen , and also the Bob Ross of electric guitar.

[@steeltunes]

Yeah, but he can play with attitude like cold stone steve austin.

[@bkbland1626]

I dig it.

[@kifa61]

This is the best thing I read all day

[@artcontractor2351]

"We are going to play some happy chords now." - "we are going to painting some happy trees now"

[@MastanehNazarian]

So on point man!

[@Martiniization]

He knows what he's talking about. Take everything he says as a valuable tip.

[@youngun550]

Thank you so much Julian. I'm really glad to see you're still keeping the musical spirit alive. This was an excellent 5 minute lesson. All the best brother! :)

[@davidbrockington1220]

Everything he plays is gorgeous

[@WbadasAllDay]

Wholesome vibe

[@mataeusv.7955]

Thank you.

[@nikhilaarons]

great stuff

[@pernauldthevisch5907]

Seeing this guys fingers quiver as he played really just eased a lot of my tension. I've always wondered why my hands shake when I try and play gently. At times, I've actually been worried for the future of my guitar playing experience. Seeing his hands do the same thing is one of the most reassuring things I've ever witnessed.

[@spb7883]

He has a neurological condition.

[@pernauldthevisch5907]

@@spb7883 well.... now I'm terrified again. Thx.

[@spb7883]

Pernald TheVicsch I hope you’re joking. If not, as a guitarist with almost 30 years of playing, I can assure you those fears are on my mind regularly. Despite that, players like Lage, Mike Stern, Django, and Martino helps ease that worry.

[@benelmer]

@@spb7883 He has Focal Dystonia

[@spb7883]

@@benelmer Correct

[@marcblum5348]

These are really good advises. I wish someone told me 40 years ago.

[@itoeats6328]

Wise words.

[@madfortrad4717]

There's a transcription (in TAB) of the warm up exercise at the start of this video on the Marcel Springorum Music FB page......practise it slow. :)

[@WhiskeySam1]

He was always so understated in The Office. Great actor. Didn’t know he could play guitar.

[@rdouglas1965]

I think you might be confusing him with an actor. :-)

[@afonsosousa2684]

@@rdouglas1965 I say I say, that's a joke, son!

[@ffBkLee]

Man, this guy speaks so soft

[@guitarlessonsnow3431]

Unassuming on camera, but an absolute beast of a player.

[@jambonejim1249]

Valuable ideas thanks Julian. I had to laugh when you mentioned legs. I've played 60+years, and for the first 40 or so I would turn my left foot on it's side and then the right foot on top of that. Error. I notice that Billy Strings often does it too. Note to self, tell him about the pain a'comin'.

[@vecernicek2]

Great advice - play music first. Remember seeing an old Herb Ellis instructional video where he gave the exact opposite advice. He said always start with the things you need to practice even if it disgusts you. Which is a great advice too :D

[@nomatesman]

Does Acoustic Guitar include the music/tab for the piece he played?

[@ipbrann2891]

Belles pensées (techniques..) pour nous tous, merci. Vous faites dans l’originalité, ça fait du bien.

[@downhillphilm.6682]

yes!! let the guitar's resonance work, don't push it and save your fingers and hands along the way. volume will come even with light touch as you also have another hand that can enhance the volume with moderate finger or pick or both.

[@alangonzalezmartinez8189]

Took you a few years huh? thanks for sharing this though. This whole session was really cool

[@zgteMala]

He's so magical!

[@ranabirchatterjee5664]

Wise man

[@dumena]

I love Julian Lage and his work. I follow since I saw a clip of his work on Linda Manzer's website, some 5 or 6 years ago. His workload is beyond breathtaking. And it shows. In his achievements first and foremost. But also in his appearance. I more and more get the impression he is physically exhausted. Such a young man, working his heart and soul out since he is a little kid. Look at his left hand how it's shaking. Now I have listened to and enjoyed his work for probably hundreds of hours. But I haven't spent a penny on it. Thank you, internet.

[@9UaYXxB]

Support his art.... monetarily...just saying.

[@brunonjezic6208]

Wow this is hugely useful! Thanks!

[@naimulhasan9541]

He sounds exactly like he looks!!

[@dpbrinkm]

Anybody tab out that little jam he did?

[@richw.6296]

1:56 I can see him struggling with playing the notes plainly! I get it!

[@MendryMusic]

You are🙌🏻

[@ecaepevolhturt]

SUCH VIOLENCE!

[@ColocasiaCorm]

for sure Julian's strength is in his very delicate touch.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

and his double-stops

[@olschewski0801]

❤️

[@liu373]

he was so good in that netflix show "You" ;))

[@thelowmein9143]

If I could ask this guy anything it would be about how his telecaster / champ amp is setup in “nocturne”! I know this is acoustic guitar channel lol.

[@adamrafferty]

Friendliest cat in the world!

[@SeanStephensen]

I'd improvise for an hour a day too if I could play stuff like that

[@willbollman6246]

Anyone know what type of picks he uses? Being a flatpicker exclusivity it's an important part of what he does

[@gehtmhgmh]

I think he still uses a Blue Chip pick

[@spb7883]

Does he ever frown?

[@pepe10296]

It looks easy but it's not. Awesome melody also.

[@zaldum386]

Julián es la ley

[@6stringstorulethemall967]

unintentional asmr should pick this video up too

[@brunom3478]

What kind of guitar is he playing?

[@AcousticGuitarMag]

It's a Waterloo WL-14 (check them out here: reverb.grsm.io/ag?query=waterloo)

[@gibsonfan3]

I thought I had the second exercise down. Then I watched his right hand.

[@nathanzech7061]

isnt this an older video?

[@sooparticular]

yup from 78

[@MrDaraghkinch]

Jeez, will Jillian ever chill out and cheer up? ;)

[@rockarena666]

MrDaraghkinch yeah, he did in this video ...

[@stevenbeechey]

3:10

[@gnulen]

hahaha, if you look at his fingers, he is doing a slight vibrato, even when he tried not to :D

[@simonealbanese2]

kind of true, but his albums are some of the best things i heard in the last 10 years

[@gibsonfan3]

I noticed that! Remember he said not to kill the sustain of the guitar by working against it nervously, but it's also possible to maximize the sustain by leaning into the note with vibrato.

[@spb7883]

He has focal dystonia. Perhaps it’s a manifestation.

[@AdamPangFireCracker]

@@spb7883 it seems like every great musician has focal dystonia

[@spb7883]

Adam In his case, I’m not surprised: by his own admission Lage has long had a heavy touch, and per interviews he attributes his development of the disorder to that touch. He had to revamp his technique post-diagnosis; in this video you can hear the results. What amazes me is that he even recovered.

[@johnroff9869]

He's way better than he realizes

[@karenjohnson7071]

I love Julian, and his playing is wonderful. I have one question -- why are his fingers shaking so much?? I understand performance anxiety among musicians and I can totally see this behavior in a soft spoken musician such as Julian. I'm just curious as to anyone else who has noticed the tremors he has during his performance. performance anxiety or neurological disorder??

[@captainkangaroo4301]

It’s almost physically impossible for me to play without vibrato.

[@bruhdamartinasty3636]

I appreciate his sort of spiritual analyses, but come on, we all know acoustic guitars generally are harder to play than, say, a Strat (especially on that darned first fret). That's why Ovation acoustic guitars were invented, because its guitars simulate the electric neck experience. Although I guess someone like Taylor has guitars (the pricey ones, of course) that are very easy to play.

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

I don’t think young Julian actually knew what his guitar teacher meant when he told him “Don’t be a one handed guitar player”. Bless 🤣

[@percys9427]

Oh so you mean i am not to kick the living shit out of my guitar. Thanks for the tip!

[@fenderludwig]

Julian Lage is a big inspiration of mine, he seems to play something different, creative, and unique each time he picks up the instrument. That being said....he seems a little too perfect, I would really like to see him do something crazy and get arrested - it would be good for his street cred!

[@seanthomasmusic]

uh lol ok

[@teunputker]

fenderludwig have u seen his work with nels cline? Pretty rough and crazy sometimes

[@yru435]

Thanks for good tips and encouragement. BUT, you don't expect us to believe that you actually play a crappy Waterloo guitar to practice, right?

[@mmcneal0290]

I want him to read me bedtime stories!! 😌

[@JohannesLabusch]

Lovely man, lovely comments, so I'll be turd in this punch bowl and point out that the videographer needs new glasses.

[@tjhannemann]

0:01 - Abraham Lincoln talking about guitars

[@rodrigosuarez2914]

Julian should do ASMR

[@Elimnio]

He speaks like paul simon

[@peterGanyoff]

Ryan from the Office is obviously a guitar virtuoso.

[@toodiesel]

i'm just blown away that i'm listening to an acoustic that doesn't have fret buzz

[@elephantricity]

He would be great at ASMR

[@heidicastro5151]

Dude... I would love that hahah :D And I'd be learning more guitar, too, at the same time!!! :)

[@ey6944]

Wow I've been pronouncing his last name wrong all this time...

[@johnroff9869]

An excellent guitar technician, plays very very crisp! but discouraging vibrato makes no sense at all in fairness. That's where the player learns the feel. It's super important! That's all, I had to say it.