Homeskoolin’ Volume 103, Tom Bukovac, “Herkermer Pushbroom”

A brief chat on the art of making records and a look into the VCB
Homeskoolin merch available at www.guitarhouse.net
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Venmo tip jar is @Tom-Bukovac-1

[@johnjarvis2346]

I totally agree with my friend Tom in what he says about practicing modes. It's great training to know and understand modes, especially in jazz...but in popular music producers and artists mostly want musical hooks, both in the song parts and in the solos. A musical hook is a short melody catchy enough to repeat or evolve throughout the solo and the song. My suggestion is to sing a short 4 or 5 note melody, play it, learn it up and down the fretboard, try it upside down and backwards and against different time signatures. It's about patterns. In my opinion practicing and developing that kind of knowledge will help you to create hooks on the fly in the studio. What a great youtube channel Tom! Did you know our pal Willie Weeks played bass on Its Only Rock n Roll? I always thought it was Andy Newmark on drums...but I have since learned it was Kenny Jones!

[@501chorusecho]

This wisdom from the greatest musician i have ever played with in my entire career...thank you john

[@tcm6756]

I LOVE "I Still Believe In You" John. Wow, what a life!

[@jordandangelo180]

I will remember they advice. I remember watching it Jimi Hendrix Live at the Isle of Wight playing “ Machine Gun “ and he had just turned on the Vox Wah...and he played this ridiculous riff. It was 6 or 7 notes, just in Em Pentatonic and he played the same notes 3 times in a row, but every time he’d put a twist on the feel or the way he bent the notes or the vibrato and it sounded completely different. I must of watched that 5,000 times. Then I started noticing that he did that all the time. He would play a riff or a lick and then play it upside down or backwards and it would sound incredible. He could stay in Em Pentatonic for an entire section of a song, same position, 12th fret and never play the same thing twice. He was just locked in. Talk about getting free, when Hendrix got free, it was psychedelic explosion of free flowing ideas. Roy Buchanan was really great at this too.

[@cgavin1]

@@jordandangelo180 I'd love to one day see a movie or read a book explaining how Jimi got so wise in so short a time. It would be awesome to hear from someone like Tom who has spent years mastering this stuff - people like Tom have the insight in to how you build that musicality and could probably dissect Hendrix (just as an example) in a way none of us could. Not just in terms of the notes and riffs, but really get a feel for the personality behind it.

[@jordandangelo180]

@@cgavin1 Yes man...exactly. If you listen to Hendrix in 1966 and then compare to 1969 and then the live shows in 1970 it’s almost unfathomable. He was basically a kid in his young to mid-twenties when he wrote the first 3 landmark, groundbreaking albums before he was 25 . Tom definitely had insight on how to build that level of musicality and could dissect in a way none of us have been able to. And like you said, getting the feel for the personality behind it is really a huge part of the process. Norman, OK “ Machine Gun “ with the Uni-Vibe, Leslie, reverb from the room...the otherworldly chords in the intro to the almost scary screaming bends when the solo begins. The natural reverb he was able to achieve from that room is unreal. I would gladly pay a lot to hear Tom break that down and get into it.

[@philf4086]

Great intro - and Steve Clark was another unsung, underappreciated guitarist.

[@JasonHobbsGuitarist]

Just getting to the end, that tuner segment with your son is hilarious! Kids are so unpredictable and funny, lol

[@magdaserra9496]

The end is priceless!😂

[@shorerocks]

Tom starting off with Def Leppard... I still have goose bumps. Genius.

[@timothyjohnson9739]

"I'm singing through the guitar". Amen. I've been stuck in scales and patterns for a long time; good ol' Uncle Larry been helpin' me to learn how to sing over the last year. Thank you so much, man!

[@SteveSterlacci]

I love that you apologized to the bass 🤣 and everyone better watch til the end cause that was hilarious! No early dismissal!!!

[@gbfusion]

It's nice to hear such an accomplished guitarist who doesn't think in terms of scales. Also, that Firebird sounds great!

[@youKnowWho3311]

bringing on the heartbreak...... Love that riff There is great wisdom in this statement...... Space is a note.

[@guitarisdead1642]

Space speaks volumes.

[@youKnowWho3311]

@@guitarisdead1642 Word games. I love that version.

[@gratata.enchilada]

Only notifications I have on for KZbin, Tom is always an instant click. Made my day Tommy boy

[@michaelrowe8826]

I took my daughter to visit the college she’ll attend this fall. We stopped at a shop to buy a school T-shirt. They didn’t have her size on the rack for the one she wanted, but the clerk suggested looking in their “value section” upstairs in the back. So we went up there and found the style, but when I saw the tag read GILDAN, I screamed AAAHHHHH! and we quickly left to find another store. Thanks, Uncle, for imparting this essential apparel lesson. Homeskoolin’ is multi-dimensional.

[@501chorusecho]

Haaaahaaaa yes

[@BeefNEggs057]

Saved from a scratchy first year at college.

[@FitzyStrings]

Gildan is cardboard, you passed the first test

[@gregallen3608]

You're better off in an iron maiden. I thought I was the only one who couldn't stand those shirts.

[@davemabee5798]

Unless she's attending the school of hard knocks, might I suggest a Gildan or two...what doesn't kill us makes us stronger!

[@RezaKhan2024]

I was listening to Coming Under Fire from Pyromania the other day. Awesome track. Surprised how clean the guitar tones were !!!. it is all in the great songs with great production for me.

[@gitpa1]

I find it refreshing that you do not think in modes and scales when creating. I thought I was alone in that. But now realize that there has to be thousands that view it the same way.

[@scottshennan800]

Tom, I like the VCB question about the major and minor scales. It's amazing that you've made a good career playing sessions and touring without having a strong grasp on theory. It speaks to your talent. Us mere mortals can't get away with that.

[@itsrob2321]

When High and Dry came out, I had been trying to quit music, but it just blew my mind. It was the album I wish I had written. It was the right transition from the 70’s to the 80’s with amazing production. I had no idea you were a fan, but who wasn’t that liked that style? Great choice.

[@DreaNEO]

Thanks BUK!!! Sunday isnt complete without going to Church and then Uncle Larry.

[@frankiecstrat]

amen!

[@janienance2162]

One of the best rock guitar parts and song of all time. Amazing record.

[@brownsfan7753]

That bit at the end is priceless!!

[@chrisbrowning6102]

Glad I stayed until the very end of the video! That was great.

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

Luthiers who do work like that are an absolute blessing! I'm lucky to have an incredible luthier who saved the neck of my 1963 all original Fender Jaguar. Similar technique with a fully clamped jig, simulated tension and he also used heat.

[@CyberDocUSA]

The tangs expanding the wood under pressure was a brilliant solution! True luthier skills.

[@stinnnett]

Love this episode. Musical wisdom, a bit of history and classic hilarious ending! 👍👍👍. Thanks Uncle Larry!!!

[@martinheath5947]

I love that bass! Really wanted to hear you playing some stuff on it.

[@petermcconaghie7745]

Dang! The wear on that P bass - ol' Herkermer sure got his money's worth. Great score Tom, love your work man.

[@BDizzleMySchnizzle]

Hey Tom, just started playing again after 15 years. Just wanted to say I'm going through all the lessons. On like 30 something. They've been a godsend. Very inspiring. Oh, just picked up Chord Chemistry too to expand my chord vocabulary. Thanks so much for what you've been doing!

[@carrascletnen]

The tuning nose at the end, mate, so fun!!!! 😂😂😂

[@FartsInTanks]

Intro is my fave DL tune, and album for that matter. Thanks Uncle Larry

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Love that bass. I’ve got a 52 (#00439) and the neck had a similar issue. Killer bass and light as a feather. Congratulations on getting that beautiful piece. 🎯

[@MrFrykman]

Omg, the Snark Tuner segment at the end... Precious stuff! 🥃😊

[@BubSands]

Hey Man, this was unexpected, awesome, and spot on. Charlie Watts level perception, what I call the paper clip theory. Easy to understand but real hard to invent. I know this vid was awhile ago but has been in my head since you played it!!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I am staying up late here in Perth, and Tom posts a new video nearly 2 Am here, very nice surprise.

[@reggieupchurch1258]

Man thanks for the beautiful ending. Cracked me up.

[@LiveMusicCT]

That Def Leopard tune was the first tune I learned on the guitar when I was a kid!

[@brianolson_music]

Another great video, thanks for posting. Met Greg 4/10 while in Nashville for your amazing show. He was so cool, I’ll never forget it. Had to leave the next day,but He got my guitar in for a setup even though they’re super busy and backed up. Thanks again Greg. He’s the Real deal and treated me so well. I’ll be back for the more in depth work he recommended soon, or maybe just replace it with something from that amazing selection at Gruhn Guitars

[@chrismunsonmusic3432]

Tom we need more of the kiddos!!! Love it.

[@mgbasinski]

Talking about the Beatles and that one special production moment! EXACLTY! One of my faves is the overdubbed guitar break in "Got To Get You Into My Life", you know? It's just one tiny moment in the song, but it is one of the coolest guitar breaks of all time, and make the song even more special than it already is.

[@richsadowsky8580]

So much joy when I saw the alert you had just posted Tom. A little Sunday testimony. What you said about the cleverness of the single note on the DL song and your explanation of why you don't think about music theory when playing was music to my ears. I have been trying to explore and explain this all my life as a guitarist. What matters is does it rock? Does it serve the song? Is it complementary? Happy to hear about record with Ann Wilson. She's one of the greatest voices in rock & roll.

[@slgam]

One of the coolest Home Skoolins in awhile! Love this episode! Worth the wait. Thank you for making time for us! This one is getting replayed a few times!

[@TheRealJanKafka]

Loved the Rick Beato moment at the end.

[@rustygoldentv4049]

I loved the analogy behind the tastes from childhood until now. How TRUE!!!

[@pbluuz4509]

excellent...as always. May Hair Metal live forever...and you as well, Tom.

[@menegakis]

Hello Uncle Larry! Really enjoyed your 100 live streaming episodes, looking forward for the album, it's gonna be legendary!! Keep rocking!

[@timchalmers1700]

Hey Tom: I'm sorry I came late to class, I just joined 3 months ago or so, but I got caught up on my first pass thru. So now I can go back and start trying to learn to play something even though most things are way over my head and hands. Thanks for your class. And I loved your shows - I've played them thru a few times now. Can't wait for the album to come out.

[@electricrevivalband]

Bringing on the heartbreak. Killing it man!

[@skidrowe68]

"Change the note", kid yells louder! lol hilarious!! Love this channel.

[@CNCTEMATIC]

Man it is so great to find a luthier or guitar tech who really knows their craft, isn't it? I've been thinking about that recently because my guy (Ryan, the best guitar repairer in Melbourne) is sick. He just had a baby too. Please pray for him Homeskoolers. PS Dude Leo is such a great little guy! I love it when he makes an appearance.

[@reverb508]

You got the best of me. Oh, can't you see?! You're bringing on the heartbreeeaaaak!

[@imannonymous7707]

Sweet firebird.....that definitely is my fav def leopard track... always been

[@Sammywhat]

Thanks Tom! I could never thank you enough for the time you take to produce these lovely vlogs!

[@johncaban5731]

Thanks so much for the awesome live episode band shows, and really nice to see & hear you back in the new classroom/Guit-lair and loving the exploratory vocal tuning tensions! Congrats on the #060 piece of divine 4 string history!

[@hamiltonmackenzie3340]

I just watched the second live gig, speechless 😶 Thanks Tom - you’ve been the remedy to this whole lockdown.

[@BV_Beve]

Super cool bass !! and so great at the end Tom ... change the note ... change the note ..hahaahaaaaa! .. just priceless !!!

[@MichaelGrecoGuitar]

more great knowledge from uncle larry! Thanks man

[@Theweeze100]

That is wonderful Luke, love that song and their Sound. By the way the horseradish analogy was spot on! Used to bug me when I was younger player that things weren’t driving and straightforward, now I really appreciate the Nuance.

[@troyalcorn9459]

Thanks for the video Tom look forward to every one of them.

[@SealedOrPorted]

Hey Little Tommy, it’s my birthday today. What a great opening to the episode and then the brilliance to explain everything we do should be to make better music. It can be as simple as a rest or single note. It could be a Malmsteen barrage of 64ths. Just make it memorable (the hook). All the best to you Tom. You’ve helped me a great deal in my musicianship.

[@RussShirley1]

Loved the tune-up at the end, big fun!

[@MrRhythmguitar]

Regarding the question, "how to connect major and minor scales": Pick up the book Micky Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar. He covers chord substitutions, run connections, and all sorts of other stuff. He doesn't go into heavy explanations though. Micky Baker was a session guy back in the 50's. Even though the book is old, everything in it can be applied to not only jazz, but also blues and rock.

[@gwbuilder5779]

Awesome nose tuner Tom! Fantastic kiddo moment for sure.

[@Noodleboy56]

Tuner to the nose was awesome.

[@shockytoppy]

This was the first song I learned from front to back. I was so proud. :)

[@dusty_dustbin_basementjamh4827]

I thought you were playing Cinderella - Nobody's Fool there at the beginning. Turns out Def Leppard did it first. Skid Row kind of copied that riff too I guess with 18 and Life. Great episode! That bass story/history is interesting as hell. Thanks LTB!

[@christopherburnett1745]

Honest to god, Nobody's Fool was the first thing going thru my head, but it wasn't quite right. lol

[@daniva]

wow, we want to hear that bass!, it look awesome, good job restoring it, cheers

[@glennselwitz1377]

That bass and the Snark alone are worth the price.of admission...priceless wisdom and artifacts...

[@waynedenton4209]

Great class! It really is all about the ears and what's best for the song. The ending looks like something I'd do but it'd be me with the tuner. Love it!

[@MrRmaxxx69]

I needed that thanks uncle Larry. A lot of wisdom in that one. I love finding that special song special riff that I feel is all mine, like I just found a diamond in the rough

[@arthuralzamora7331]

Hey Tom - Wow - you really hit it right, the songs are not for me to solo, but to make the song better! Also to not overplay the songs! Good stuff!

[@The_Mindful_Mototorcyclist]

Amazing that the '51 bass could be saved, so few people left with true craft to repair such historical instruments and to value them enough to want to save them. Good job Tom👍🏼

[@501chorusecho]

I agree bro...i have always felt like its somehow my job to help preserve all this old shit...i feel like none of us actually “own” this stuff....we are merely renting it to use during our lifetimes.

[@JiminTennessee]

@@501chorusecho amen. It’s about stewardship and leaving the things under yours in better shape than you found ‘em 👍

[@briano.5746]

That is a sweet ass Tele Bass Tom! Freakin' beautiful , glad your buddy could get her playin'! Thank you for doin' what you do brother. 🐉💀👽🎸🎶🎵🧠

[@timgelder4263]

Excellent episode Unc! Thank you

[@Jerrylumdegaard]

Glad to hear you’re so busy. And thanks again for the live show treat! Can’t wait for the new record! Cheers unc

[@0goaway0]

Would have sworn that was a tele. Thanks for the history lesson and congratulations on the sick p-bass.

[@ChrisEffort]

Best notification, always! Biggest inspiration ever. Thank you

[@TheMujiFuji]

Nice P bass Uncle Larry....love your peanut with the snark tuner!!!!

[@LTGold007]

This guitar was my favorite in your 100/ and 100 1/2 show. cut through nicely

[@josephcorcoran8714]

The closing was awesome!!

[@alanlangdon6643]

Hey Tom, Im mainly a bass player but inspired by you, and the massive amount of free time on my hands since the world went haywire and all the gigs got cancelled, Ive been getting my shit together on guitar and learning some chords and rudimentary stuff on keyboard. I was wondering if learning different instruments informed or changed the way you play or think about guitar or vice versa. For example, keyboard players with heavy left hands and guitarists with "fat" tones often make it crowded in the low end when Im playing bass so I try to shy away from these things. Thanks for all the videos and I look forward to some pearls of wisdom from my old Uncle Larry. P.S. That P bass is amazing.

[@merlozeppelin]

Never thought I'd listen to the Buk crank out some 80s hit! I love it, please keep em coming. While in the 80s subject, as a session players, what is in your take on the cats of that era, Lukather, Huff, Larry Carlton, Dean Parks, Michael Landau and others.

[@mikevanleeuwen2858]

Tom, you're awesome man. Love this class. Have you already made a video about all your amplifiers? That would be cool. Thnx for all you do. Mike

[@gnawbabygnaw]

It’s only rock and roll but I like it love it yes I do! Thanks UL! ❤️

[@1evobass]

OMG , I laughed so hard in the outro with the tuner on the snotbox !! Drink came out my nose!! Old school pitch correction, you might be onto something. Starting a new trend . My singer ain't gonna like me much from here on in lol

[@limpindug]

Got it kid, if it sounds right it is. 👍 Respect and stay healthy all.

[@Jro132]

Sometimes those vintage kids are hard to keep in tune!

[@Haku_records]

Best quote yet! I’m just trying to sing through the guitar! Amen uncle tommy!

[@jmwise80]

History and you saved it.

[@Jonsvintagetoycave]

I’ve loved horseradish since I was a kid ! 😉 hey Tommy when we going to see a behind the scenes of the new homeskoolin room?! Get a good look of that rack of guitars back there!

[@akinfar]

Thanks Joe Johnson!

[@leeharper8363]

Cool video Tom

[@Big-A-Russel]

I love that bird man love it!

[@DaveElke]

I loved that record in jr high. The era of rockstars, rocker babes, MTV, rock magazines, and hair spray, bandanas, and my cheap red peavy Strat copy.

[@janders3205]

Awesome bass!

[@Tigerslam327]

Good to see the boy is in tune! Way to go!

[@TheRycooder]

A Sunday Mornin with Uncle Larry = Heaven.......

[@tomcoryell]

Tuner on the Boogfloot! Hilarious! I’m gonna try that at the next band rehearsal to tune my voice up.

[@drummerguyron]

Love early Def.. Such bad ass guitar licks.. Miss ya Steve.

[@grantandrews4826]

I thought I was watching this video for Uncle Larry. Little did I know that the Nose Tuner would be the real treasure.

[@MichaelAntus]

Much respect...

[@josephjohnson2960]

Glad you ended-up with that bass!

[@scottchild4233]

Last 10 seconds - Gold

[@koho]

Yes, musical horseradish is where it's at!