5 Things EVERY Guitar Player Should Learn

[@RhettShull]

Check out my BRAND NEW Video Course, The Tone Course to learn the fundamentals of great guitar tone. flatfiv.co/products/the-tone-course

[@Segrey]

Hey Rhett, thanks for an awesome video! It would be great if you could include the names of the songs you play in the video(maybe just throw in the name in the video as text when you start playing?). For example, the one at 6:45 sounded awesome but I've got no way of finding out what song it is. Cheers!

[@simonbirch2013]

I get a 404 not found using your link

[@w.allencaddell6421]

Rhett, Hey dude, I did something really stupid. I'm a beginner. Just started in May, 2021. I had to have surgery this past Wednesday. I bought a D'Addario Finger and Muscle Exerciser. I mainly need to work on my ring finger and little finger. Well, I worked them so much since after my surgery that today, Saturday, my fret hand and arm is so tight that I really can't do much. So out comes the Bengay to try to loosen up my forearm. I'm learning with a Hal Leonard Electric Guitar Book 1. Wayneo

[@w.allencaddell6421]

Rhett, Wayneo here. Got an idea. As you know, musicians need to make money. Why not design your own picks, then sell them! Cause I'd sure buy them. Myself, I have my own design, just need to find a company to make them.

[@ElreyRayo]

@@w.allencaddell6421 page not found

[@surfnomad5405]

I think you missed a couple of key items. 1. How to retrieve a pick from your soundhole.. 2. Where do all the picks go that are not inside your guitar body. 3. Buy picks in bulk then you can ignore items 1 and 2

[@thedutchdjentleman]

Surf Nomad but if you’re body is full of picks then you practically have no sound 😂

[@happy_0icu812]

@@thedutchdjentleman add enough picks and now you have a guitar and maracas

[@Segrey]

@@happy_0icu812 plus the guitar body as a percussion. :D

[@abbynvegas]

Harry Judge LMAOO 😂

[@declanmccormack3263]

Use blue tack on top of the end of the pen wiggle them in to the middle of the sound hole to retrieve .

[@mikeadams4605]

Tip 6: Don't get frustrated. Playing guitar takes practice, especially if you are an adult learning to play

[@spacemissing]

Not getting frustrated should be Rule and Tip Number One!

[@1_benjy_1]

David O'Banion for sure

[@Randystites66207]

Thats me, playing again after 35 years

[@xkukubax]

Actually getting frustrated is okay as long as it doesn’t make you drop the whole thing or make you very self-critical. Just take a break. Be mindful of it and let it go. I’ve experienced all of those things.

[@ToddMJurek]

Most times I feel like the only way I can get my fingers in the right place to maintain a chord is to grip the crap out of the neck... and it kills the sound for sure! Especially when learning to barre.

[@-JohnGalt-]

Something I've learned as an intermediate player (who almost gave up early on), is that learning to play guitar takes time and dedication. There are no short cuts. So many things seem impossible at first, but have faith, keep practicing, and you will be amazed how easy some of those challenging things become. You have to believe it will happen, and stay focused. Give it time, and before you know it, you won't believe how far you've come.

[@georgespencer3973]

Thanks for the encouragement, John. I gave up a few times in my life. Now I’m determined and old. The barre chording is still virtually impossible for me. My finger WILL NOT lay perpendicular to the fretboard. But damnit, someday that sucker is going to!

[@-JohnGalt-]

@@georgespencer3973 I did the same thing (almost gave up) early on a couple of times. I had the same struggle with barre chords as well - my god you almost swear they are impossible to play at first. Now, after almost two years of practicing nearly every day, all the basic major and minor barre chord shapes are no stress at all. I swear it just happens one day, when you realize you really can do it, you can learn this stuff. Progress truly is the best motivation to keep practicing. Everyone wants to see progress to help them stay motivated, it's just that on guitar the time scale is much longer than most people realize. I'm telling you, if you stick with it, and have faith in yourself, I know for sure you'll get there my friend, keep at it! I will too!

[@rebelaqua823]

Dude, with 10k hours inteligent practice you can almost master. 20k will be master. 30k Alex Misko.

[@richardwallace3524]

Totally agree about practicing over time- it's the only way... but another thing is how the guitar is set up (esp string height! ) My latest acoustic (been at it as a hacker since 1967 or so) is a really nice one from a name guitar maker... bought it new from a major chain guitar store... and it came with a lot of space between the strings and the fret board. I lowered the saddle some (after buying two spares and reading a lot of how-tos) and it was better... but then found a local luthier who adjusted it (neck truss rod and nut slots)... and its SOOO much easier, less painful and MORE FUN to play now! Best $35 I've spent ever!

[@J.D....]

Make sure, not only that your fingers on your left hand is comfortable, but also your wrist! Bending your wrist too much and for long periods of time can lead to pain and joint issues after a while. Stay safe!

[@bishopm4401]

Every previous attempt I made at learning guitar was hindered by wrist/hand pain and then I realized I was angling the guitar towards me so I could see wtf my fingers were doing and I was staring directly at them the whole time. I stopped that and it feels so much better to play

[@purple6string801]

Thank you sr.

[@guccimane8941]

1. Learn how to hold a pick and learn how to properly strum a guitar. 0:50 ... 2. Learn where you place your left hand. 3:58 ... 3. Palm muting. 7:29 ... 4. Restringing/Cleaning your guitar. 10:31 ... 5. Learn songs by ear. 16:41 Hopefully this helps someone out there

[@johnthompson2985]

Thanks Rhett, as a 65 year old guy just starting to FINALLY learn to play guitar, this video really helps. I thought this was a good way to 'Self Quarantine'. I love what you are doing. Keep up the great work, and thanks for talking Rick Beato into starting a You Tube channel. I love his videos as well.

[@anuncolonizedmind6296]

That's cool, I'm finally learning at 41

[@Roccet72]

Same. Had a bass and guitar for years but never learned properly. I’m 47 and started Fender Play yesterday on both.

[@joshuaworthen0410]

Im 42 tried many times and stopped, now with the extra time due to self quarantine, I'm forcing myself to learn. Glad to hear I'm not the only one. Good luck!

[@SuziFranks]

Hi you too I'm 60 a mere youngster learning guitar....XXOOXX

[@nixternal]

It seems these "Essential things EVERY beginner guitar player should learn" posts are fairly popular & typically the same thing over & over. Rarely have I gotten an "Oh that's how you do it" moment or a "OK, so the way dude told me was good for him but not for me." Well, your video made me do that a couple of times, actually for 3 of the topics. I know how important "Ear Training" is, I follow Rick :p I know how to restring because for some reason my dad taught back in the 70s as a kid. However, your strumming, muting, and hand placement were all really good & I gained something from them. I started learning at the end of July 2019 & use multiple online resources, mostly Justin, Marty, and Erich for getting me up to speed, and then a bunch of you pros to learn little tips & tricks even if they are above my current pay grade :) Thanks for this, now I'm gonna go practice using what you just showed me.

[@RhettShull]

Rich Johnson glad it helped you out Rich!

[@trisinogy]

And yet, there's no acknowledging that the size of your hands is crucial when it comes to proficiency at playing the guitar. Large hands with long fingers help a lot: not everybody can spread their fingers so wide as to cover four separate frets. For some, even playing an A-shaped barre chord is an overwhelming challenge. Let alone wrapping the thumb over the neck to mute strings or fret low notes.

[@liquensrollant]

@@trisinogy True of many instruments! At least guitars come in different sizes, and there's no shame in getting a smaller instrument - after all, John Lennon rocked the world on a 3/4 Rickenbacker!

[@christoh711]

@@liquensrollant You are right. I use a baby Taylor, an Ibanez and a Ricky too, for that very reason, because my hands aren't as big. Getting your guitar set up properly also helps

[@valebliz]

@@trisinogy michael romeo. Nuff said about hands.

[@dmaikibujin]

If anyone is wondering, the song he plays in the Left Hand Position section is Babe I'm Gonna Leave You (Led Zeppelin).

[@MattAngiono]

Exactly why I was scrolling the comments... Thank you! I probably would have recognized it, but I'm generally listening to videos like this at 1.5x to save time. But I knew there was something familiar and beautiful about that melody

[@dmaikibujin]

@@MattAngiono LOL, I do too. I went back and played it at normal speed when my ears perked up! 😁

[@AcidicDelusion]

Muscle memory in your right hand , lads we got this

[@dickieburbank]

Thanks, Rhett! Just found you yesterday. I'm one of those on and off and on guys. I've had a guitar for years, and have never gotten any good with it. Your tip on less pressure on the frets has helped me immensely. Thank you! 49-year-old beginner.

[@codeman99-dev]

12:37 Man you just went to town with that cutting. Cut strings are sharp. Put a towel or something over the neck to avoid ALL chances of them popping up and poking you in the eye. I have dealt with an eye scratch before... trust me, you don't want to take any chance of it happening. Hurts like mad. Messes up your vision for like two weeks. For me specifically, I was absurdly sensitive to light. I kept all the lights off and walked around the house with a blanket over my head.

[@majidamiri8495]

thats... because youre doing it wrong. if you unwind properly, the strings won't go flying, they''ll just pop in place.

[@xenixpro]

Make sure strings are unwound very loosely and keep your face away. You can also hold on to the string while cutting it.

[@StevenJoseph]

I tell my pupils "Your fingers dictate where your thumb goes, not the other way round" - if they focus on good finger placement rather than what they're thumb is doing the thumb tends to put itself in a good position naturally. Also getting them to keep their strumming hand moving and not do the 'stop-start' thing is a must.

[@marianohoyer9039]

I gave you a like since this makes sense. On the other hand, the thumb should be opposite to the middle finger at the back of the neck. It is slightly harder, especially for those self-taught players (or those taught by them) but it gives a tremendous amount of flexibility and you don’t have to switch all the time (open chords or solos). Comes from classical guitar but works with acoustic as well... I’m still 50/50 on e-guitars

[@danflanagan689]

Thank Rhett! I’m a beginner - step 5 is very difficult for me - but practice makes perfect! You and Beato rock!

[@74dartman13]

I've seen that death grip on the pick with the stiff wrist many times too. I've found the more relaxed I am, the better I play. These are great tips for beginners! I think as beginners and even for experienced guitarists, dedicating a certain amount of time to practice each and every day is important, too. The more you practice, the quicker you learn!👍😎🎸🎶

[@ExasBits]

Please do an intermediate “how to transcribe video.” I can always find the roots but sometimes I have to say “screw it, your a power chord now!”

[@samuelfrench9665]

I agree! sometimes i look it up cause I cant figure it out and its a add9 or sus2 or some kind of chord instead of just an Am. and I would have never figured that out without looking it up. I guess as I keep going through my music theory in my lessons I will gain more knowledge to trascibe better?

[@maldivirdragonwitch]

Suggestion, start with the most obvious tones in a chord and go from there: 1. Root 2. Third (could be minor or major) 3. Fifth (usually is a perfect fifth, but learn how diminished and augmented fifths sound so you can hear and find them) 4. Seventh (if there is one, learn how a minor and major seventh sound) 5. All of the other ones like sus2, sus4, 6, add9, etc, add a very specific color to the sound of a chord because of a specific tone/s that is/are played. All of these require a lot of practice and active listening to catch. Learn how to play them and be focused on which tones in the chord give off that specific color. Learning music theory will help you put all of this in a mathematical perspective which will, contrary to popular belief, help you in developing your ears, as well. Good luck!

[@blopartDGRI]

... same as with everything else : it takes practice time 🤷‍♀

[@fernandobarrera6440]

Tip #6 .... A nice watch to bring out the confidence in you is a must have guitar accessory.

[@ricstormwolf]

Generally speaking, I don't go in for acoustic guitars. But thanks to you and Beato, I'm convinced that I want one and I'll have to buy one soon. My wife bought an Alvarez 12 string a few years before she passed away. I lost it in a pawn shop, but now I'm determined to replace it.

[@kjelljansson4888]

HI Rhett! For me you’re a ‘new’ teacher. And a very good one!! I am 72 and have played for a long time in different bands, although I never really learnt the basic skills of the guitar. Now I’m trying to be a good solo player, witch may take some time. I will follow you from now on!! Thanks! Kjell of Sweden

[@billmcmahon5454]

As an adult beginner, these tips are invaluable. Thank you!

[@ryansaunders683]

Greatest guitar beginner advice I've ever seen. Great job Rhett! I would add this: I would recommend not clipping your guitar strings, not separating the beaded end at all. Recycling is easier that way. I wish I could have seen this video when I was 14 years old, it would have been a time-saving gift!

[@RussellSyx]

Worth noting, if you're going to condition your fretboard you might as well hit the bridge too. Same material

[@RC32Smiths01]

I have said this before, but it's definitely a relevant point! Learning guitar as a beginner, like you said, is definitely the most important part of the journey of being a guitarist, as it determines your future with the instrument! Awesome work!

[@Randy-lb6sn]

I've been playing the geetar for about three years now and I have to say, guys like you provide me more inspiration on not quitting when quitting was never an option for me anyways. And to anyone else struggling, going back to the basics is NOT a bad thing or something to bring you down. Sometimes going back to the basics is a means of new found inspiration and the best way to hone your skills. Thanks Rhett for the great videos! Imma use that new string winding trick from now on. I legit broke my brand new string out of the package when I was using the Ernie ball electric winder lol

[@MysteryHunterz]

Three whole years, haha. I can tell you, you will keep learning every day for the next years. I have been playing for 15 years and learn A LOT still every day. It's all about having fun, using your ears and just keep putting in the hours of practice. Two things that massively help: Playing with others and just playing along songs. Just your ears, your guitar and you :)

[@spiralflash6169]

You are a great teacher! Never saw anyone really explain palm muting that way.

[@richardgreen6857]

Well done! I'm sharing this with a couple of folks that have asked me for help learning guitar. I find I learn more "teaching" (such as I am able...) than just practicing.

[@SoiledWig]

i know what you mean. It must be due to the aspect of feeling accountable to someone else to "get it right."

[@anmolatwal]

That huss and dalton sounds like magic!!

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

Your students are VERY fortunate to have you Rhett, and so are we.

[@iRusiko]

Thank you! I like your approach on explaining things~ now I think I should look at other vids in this channel. I'm kind of stuck in like 8 months of constant trying to learn at least a little about music and guitar. Turned out it's so big and overwhelming world. I just wanna lay down on the floor and pour tears out.

[@ThaWolfe1]

One of your best KZbin’s whether you’re a beginner or experienced a look at or Reminder the basics is vital, Great job

[@SoiledWig]

Indeed! i started playing almost 30 years ago and i found this video interesting, as well. Good reminders.

[@kirtb9784]

These videos really are effective. Good job. My add is learn the whole song, even sing it, this is how you get past licks and solos to really understanding whole song structure.

[@Aaron-or7bs]

1. Proper strumming technique 2. Proper left hand placement 3. Learn palm muting 4. Learn to restring your guitar 5. Transcribing

[@AIainMConnachie]

Excellent One thing Easier way to start the string wind. Hints: 1. Don’t cut before you wind 2. Needlenose pliers

[@anuncolonizedmind6296]

Thanks for the video, I have wanted to learn all of my life. Now at 41 I'm finally learning, it does get frustrating at times.

[@mark-ib2lc]

This is very helpfull especially the learning by ear method. I never really knew where to start but know I'll practice that and hopefully getting better Thank you

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Loved the video, especially the part where you demonstrate how far past the post you go before you cut the string. I've been playing for years and have always been horrible at wrapping strings..too many winds, too few, etc. Thank you.

[@SoiledWig]

Me, too! i've always more or less experimented and half the time it ended up being pretty half-assed. Locking tuners have been a godsend.

[@feddomeijerwiersma6955]

I just commented on that too. None of the “locking” the string stuff.

[@darrenwoolley51]

Cheers Rhett, I knew this, but needed a kick in the ass to slow down and get it right

[@calebtylershepherd21]

First guitar I saved up for was also a Taylor 110, and mine is quite worn at this point too. I know soon I’m gonna have to have a refret. The top on yours looks great! It’s always good to see a guitar that’s living a full life.

[@lepetitprince2188]

That guitar looks gorgeous!

[@alestev24]

Very good video. One thing I'd like to add: Start to learn both fingerpicking and strumming as soon as possible. I always see all the comments and questions on youtube and other social media, in which people treat fingerpicking as if it were astrophysics, because they obviously started with strumming only. For me, it is the other way round, because I started with classical guitar. So, fingerpicking is very easy for me, but I still struggle a lot with a pick in my hand.

[@stanh24]

Rhett was one of the first guitar pros I subscribed to, and damn, he’s so interesting, engaging, professional.

[@JohnnyCoyote]

I was always told I shouldn't put the palm of my hand on the neck, but only had to use my thumb on the neck to keep my hand afloat. Being able to use my palm would make playing so much more comfortable, so thanks for discussing this in the video!

[@stevewarren4813]

Thank you for doing videos like this. A lot of this information can be difficult to find.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci for the list. I've only been playing music for less than 2 years, and my ear is my weakest aspect. But I started listening to songs and noodled around to find the key. It's a start. And yesterday I saw a video on transcription notation, and it's number 5 on Bretts' list. Hmm, maybe time to dive in, n'est-ce pas?

[@SkoozeMe]

Thanks for this, especially the bit about strumming & palm muting. Are my fingers always going to be sore now? I'm guessing yes.

[@louis6331]

My first guitar or actually two Kingston guitars and I found them in the trash on the sidewalk from somebody's yard. I was in elementary school going to the store for my mom and I said, when I come back I've got to grab those two guitars. Now one of them had a broken neck, the other one all the machine heads's were just bent up and strings were broken on some. Others, had strings and it kind of worked out, that they were pretty much the opposite strings. So at the ages 9 or 10 years old ,I did the best I could with what I had and that was around 1975 somewhere in that area.And I was and still am hooked .So ,fast forward to today ,and I'm waiting on my AIO WOLF WLP 750T w/Bone nut..GROVER machine heads,red flame maple top, mahogany NECk, fretboard-rosewood, pickup-ALICO(4 WIRE )They Make Their Own In-House.The Guitars Are Also Made by their Own Luthiers,And Specs are Asked of From the Buyer...and it doesn't leave until it is handled and played by ,and Completly inspected by their 30 to 40 year Expirience Guitar Players and Luthiers...Who does that anymore?.And the Logo-Fretboard inlays and Body edges are Made of Abalone . This is one of the Best looking Guitars I've ever seen or heard played in my life...If you get the chance you should get one or two Or three...whatever and when ever you can....this is a lifetime guitar you can pass down to your children or grand children...it is not only a Great Guitar...It's a piece of Art Work...

[@MichaelLloyd]

This was very helpful (especially considering how many videos like this are out there). I watched a video from Taylor about how to restring my Taylor (and Yamaha. and Ibanez 12 string) but I liked your teaching method better because it was short and to the point. I know how to restring a guitar but there were some things I didn't know I could do, like taking all of the strings off at the same time. Someone told me, long ago, that I would warp the neck if I removed all of the strings at the same time. The whole video is time well spent...

[@kjunpreacher]

Chord transition. The ability to cleanly transition hand positions has helped me become "Commander of the Fretboard."

[@planetawesome8791]

watching you like a big brother teaching something.. thanks

[@RobertMossack]

Learning to tune by ear is another good piece of advice. Having a tuning pedal or clip on tuner is nice, but you should be able to tune up if those aren't available to you.

[@marquitarenee3203]

Good GAWD this vid is perfect for the exact spot I'm in with my studies. Thank you soooo much for posting!

[@galendboyer]

Best damn beginner list I've ever seen! Been playing on 4 years now and watch beginner stuff all the time looking for bad habits I might have and basics I need to concentrate on. I cannot do the wrap my thumb around thing. My fingers are just too short. You have some long fingers. I'm very jealous of that. Palm muting has been described by so many people. You described where to put the damn palm in a way that was so clear. That alone was worth the time of the vid. Thanks so much. If you could do something on using the strum as rhythym, strum to a mute to a rake that keeps percusses. I've never been able to get that nicely. Any bar chord tips I'm all ears! Where the heck do you live and how do I get you as a private teacher??? Actually, how does one find a good teacher? Any tips on how you do that? I feel great in one way, that is for sure. I'm now figuring out songs by ear. That started because a KZbinr recommended learning how to play what is being sung. That is coming better for me as I do it. I'm starting to recognize the intervals in time of the song. I found you through a Rick Beato video. So far, your vids are great.

[@Vidar.m]

I just changed strings on my ovation, cleaned the gripboard used lemmon oil ! And put on new tuners from grover. Transformed the instrument.

[@lancethrustworthy]

In my video world, you and Darrell Braun live next door to each other, or at least in the same neighborhood. Greg Koch flies over, daily, to play something ridiculously amazing. As a beginner, I definitely appreciate this video. Forward, ever! :)

[@grahamjenkin2882]

Top advice. How about a transcribing/eartraining course? I know you'd help loads of people out a lot with that....especially me!!!! Cheers!!

[@rsavage42]

Really good lesson. I’m just beginning to transcribe. Getting the right note is still a chore but so important that I’ve started giving it time every day. I studied the cello for ten years with a teacher, so learning the guitar by myself is a real change in direction but not an impossible one. Thanks. 😅

[@richardfromcornwall5492]

That's a great video, Rhett, packed with advice not only for the beginner but also those a little further on, on their guitar journey!

[@theseustoo]

I've discovered another excellent tool for pulling bridge pins... If you can find a metal nail-file which has a curved 'beak' at the end (normally used for cleaning underneath fingernails) you can use the 'beak' to insert in the slot of the bridge pins where the string comes out and by using the outer 'curve' of the beak as a fulcrum, press down on the nail-file to lever the pin out. It does the trick very easily without leaving nasty marks on the bridge. Much better than using the edge of a coin, or even pliers, which mangle the heads of your pins! ;)

[@arturoperez7482]

Great video! One thing i liked a lot was that you explain how to change strings, i taught myself guitar and everywhere i looked through for tips or so, never talked about basic care of guitar aka changing strings and cleaning it

[@Douger318]

55 JUST BOUGHT MY FIRST CHEAPER GUITAR YOU SURE HELPED ME OUT HERE. THANKS I HIT THE BELL

[@deangoritz9625]

Dude did you EQ or compress anything with the signal of That acoustic because I'm telling you Rhett, that thing sounds like butter one of the best acoustic sounds I've ever heard

[@kylestair4803]

Totally agree

[@RhettShull]

Just the audio from my Zoom H6

[@ShallieDragon]

I would expand on the muting portion, and talk about how you can use both the right AND the left hands to mute unwanted string noise as you play. It makes a huge difference when it comes to playing cleanly.

[@irexvanity]

my main issue was completely muting it so that helped so much!

[@shoppingchannel7]

I like the muted sound technique . great tips! thanks for sharing.

[@kirkcavanaugh1493]

I do the same thing with my used strings. Wrapping them up. But I will usually try to save some of them, especially the thicker ones. They can be used for a lot of different things in addition to an emergency replacement set.

[@sudaknot]

been trying to get down barchords for so long. all it took was an adjustment in my thumb position. thanks so much

[@rodrich1644]

I am a beginner and I will say that some teach that elbow hinge strum. There are many things I've learned that I believe could be taught better. Thanks for these beginner videos.

[@justinturner653]

As someone who learned how to play drums first (age 5 was when I started, played full 4 hour shows in my dad's cover band as early as 10) I decided to pick up the guitar at age 10. And I never realized that learning drums first helped me immediately know all 5 things you taught in this video. Use of "elbows as show, wrists for precision" was common knowledge, hand placement immediately made sense bc of how I would grip drum sticks differently for different parts, etc. How to not have dead notes made sense bc of finger placement & proper pressure being immediate trial & error, in a completely percussive manner. I knew that one way sounded good & the other didn't, didn't have to think much after that. And the whole "hitting different parts of the guitar to get different sounds out of the same chords" thing?? That was natural to me the first time I tried it. Also, most rock drummers learn everything by ear, so I learned relative (not perfect, yet) pitch & immediately could do the same thing on guitar. Overall your 20 minute video could save guitar players everywhere years of having to learn drums first, but it was interesting to see how the two instruments line up so much w/ technique.

[@JacaboBlanco]

16:37 I also, with fresh strings, place my finger on a fret, then place a finger underneath the string, ahead of the fret I am pressing, and pull up. This stretches the string. Taking it out of tune. I do this over and over on different frets on each string. Then it wont go out of tune every few mins like non stretched fresh strings do

[@Randystites66207]

Thanks Rhett, a great video. I started playing again after 35 years ago in January.

[@CyrusandAurelius]

Thank you so much as my son finds your path inspiring

[@ObservationStationPodcast]

Thank you for your breakdown it is very easily explained. I would love to see different variations.

[@TR4Ajim]

Putting your thumb over the top of the neck to form basic chords is fine if your fingers are long. However if your fingers are shorter, the thumb needs to be behind the neck, to arch the fingers more. Otherwise the fingers will lay flatter and mute adjacent strings. Another thing I like to do when restringing, is to put at least one wrap above the string end, then th remaining ones below. This pinches the string end between the windings to help lock it in place.

[@Taurdil]

13:20 It is also a good time to tighten up or down your pegheads. They might get loose or tight from humidity changes. And I think the most important thing is missing: Maintain your posture. Stop playing/practicing if you can't and do a stretch/take a break for a bit.

[@ImYourOverlord]

That hand placement on the neck has always felt natural to me, first on bass guitar, and then on acoustic and electric guitar. So many snobs would crucify us for it 🤣

[@robertsatterfield2665]

Dang straight man keep these kinds of videos coming. Also got any pointers for playing bar chords with fingers not completely straight. Love your music and vids thanks

[@pierheadjump]

Thanks Rhett ⚓️. Most people don’t have baseball mitt Paul Bunyan hands😂

[@NJSonye]

What a great product Rhett. So much information in one concise explanation that begins the journey into the what we all love about the electric guitar.

[@barry3573]

Being new to learning guitar later in life, I found this really helpful. Love the video and would like to see more. You should do a master class.....thanks Rhett

[@Giverechoc]

Great advice on string changes. My first guitar was an Epiphone DR-100, which is their basic beginner acoustic. Paid $120 for it brand new. The first thing I did was ditch the stock strings and put a set of Martin lights on it. The guitar just never goes out of tune unless there are extreme temp changes outside. Not sure if it's all in the strings, maybe I got lucky on a good guitar, but upgrading your strings will make your guitar sound and play better IMO.

[@blakehugh]

THANK YOU! I learned things that I wish I'd learned two and a half to three decades ago. I also learned that I have been doing a few things right.

[@bmullin]

You make great vids man, my daughter is starting to learn on a Taylor GS Mini I had in the arsenal, I'm stoked and I sent this to her. All great tips, for anyone reading this I'd also recommend getting comfy with a pick from the beginning. It's so tempting to play without one, they're awkward, they fall in the sound hole, strumming sounds like hell - soft fingertips sound way better! But I played for over a decade with that opinion, and now that I can play well with a pick I can't help but wonder if I would have been even better by now - so much more control and syncopation available, getting comfy with a pick after working hard for 2-3 months made me a better guitar player by miles. Don't get me wrong, there are AMAZING fingerstyle players, and of course there are many places for that sound, but I bet most of them knew how to use a pick well first (or at least well). Graduate to fingerstyle, don't start out thinking it the best path forward in the short term, for me it wasn't. Give the pick a solid try for a bit.

[@tonepilot]

12:42. Rhett realizes he’s forgotten to remove the tension on the A string. Cuts to go swear in the corner from the string lash. :)

[@blakegilliam8223]

I'm an older player,and this is very useful, thanks Rhett. I still got game, lol

[@wolfpac1970]

I really like your string change method. Going to have to try it this weekend when I change mine. Most of the other methods I have tried either have the strings breaking real easily or they won't stay in tune.

[@Radnally]

Learning a relatively easy riff that you like is very inspirational to continue. At least it was for me. .

[@joewilliams5396]

I remember having many discussion with people who learnt from books and those who listened to records in the 80's. I didn't trust my ears so I used books and argued they have got to be right. I realised after playing along to records the books wasn't always correct. Thanks to KZbin & creators I wish we had it in the early years of my learning.

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

When guitar tab came along it was even worse as there are tons of different interpretations of not only HOW the guitarist played that but even WHAT s/he played. It can be a helpful tool but it's not the end all be all. Ultimately you have to trust your ears. Footage of the guitarist actually playing (not a music video) such as in concert can also be really helpful. When I first started I was using regular sheet music because that's all we had. Talk about a slow process.

[@joewilliams5396]

@@WhoWouldWantThisName Spot on, too true.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

Good information here. One word of caution: better-quality acoustic guitars tend to be lightly-constructed to improve their resonance and responsiveness. However, they were designed to be under constant string tension. Consequently, removing the tension from all six strings at once is not recommended unless required for maintenance and repairs. When simply changing strings, it's best to go one string at a time, bringing each new string up to tension before removing the next old one. This is less of a concern with heavily-constructed starter guitars and solid-body electrics.

[@johnnewton1830]

John Richard people way over think this. What is it you think the wood is going to do without tension? A piece of wood just sitting there tension free isn’t going to do anything.

[@mattseeger9452]

Absolutely Rhett, I so wish I would have started with transcribing. I fell victim to looking up tabs early on and it is difficult to go back and do it the 'right' way now. I don't think there's anything wrong with buying a book or looking up tablature online. However, I do recognize how much better off I would be as a musician today if I had taken the time to have that well-trained ear you spoke of. Thanks for the video. Between you, Dave and Rick I always have something else to think about or work on...and that is a great thing!

[@keithowens2554]

Didn't know about the rotation direction and no. of turns for tuning the guitar

[@joeurbanowski321]

I think the best thing that you said was “as a guitarist,you’ll be learning for the rest of your life…” So true… and it’s actually a good thing..because without more goals to pursue and conquer,…it’s gonna get boring… Thanks for these.. and all your tips and advice in your other videos..!👍🏼

[@xenixpro]

Two things you didn't mention. One is bend the string slightly before inserting into the bridge. This helps the ball to rest against the wood underneath instead of the end of the peg; thus, preventing the string from pulling out as you thighten the string. Second thing is the first wrap on each tuning peg should go under, then rest of wraps over. This prevent the string from slipping while tuning.

[@rockindavebyron3960]

Great advice, very thoughtful! I change my strings the same way, plus, I also play classical/flamenco guitar, so the nylon strings are much different, but great advice for actually anyone!!! Stay safe my friend, Rock On & God Bless!!!

[@pinkcitylove0059]

Amazing so much to learn I’m like in pre school 😂😭 learning

[@boscoserranovelasco3302]

Damn this was super useful!! Wish I new this one year ago when I started.

[@brandonlangely8834]

What do I think about your list I love everything you say about guitar because it's so true and knowledgeable and enlightening even stuff I already know I hear you say and I'm like oh yeah I remember learning that on my own because KZbin is really my only form of a teacher some people have an ego when they've been playing for a long time or have to be a know-it-all and don't revisit things that they have in their arsenal that they neglect anyway sorry for such long comments but music is a big part of my life thanks again for the video and taking your time in your busy schedule to share your knowledge

[@ahmetayaz41]

if i started today i would deffinetely learn intervals as 6.step after yours. intervals are like key of a holly book

[@danielgoichman6426]

Hey I'm a beginner guitarist, can you elaborate on why you would learn intervals?

[@jackpage2588]

A good 20$ investment would also be to get one of those pick stamp cutters. I was always losing picks, I haven’t bought any in the last 10 years since I got one of those. It looks like a stapler and cuts picks out of credit cards, gift cards, library cards, plastic lids, I even have a couple i keep that are made from old drivers licenses.

[@Jarwin_Wuhnol]

This was great. I'd love to see you put out another video on the next 5 things to learn first so to speak. Thanks for the great videos as always.

[@lazycatdrunkicetea8899]

your explanations is so clear, i love it