Homeskoolin’ Volume 253, Tom Bukovac, “The Two Things I DESPERATELY Try To Avoid”

Uncle Larry gives us a primer on a new genre of guitar playing called “thoughtful blues”….
The use of the tiny practice amp and extremely low volume also makes this a a good illustration of how a guitar player breathes when he is playing haha

[@cromag141]

Love the jazz sparkles. What if you're Angus?

[@501chorusecho]

Then I would be much shorter

[@thedogchoir]

how tall are you? @@501chorusecho

[@501chorusecho]

@@thedogchoirwhat’s your sign big boy?

[@thedogchoir]

Thats funny. Mongo's straight. I saw something online, the source of all truth, that stated you were 6'3" and I found that dubious and oddly deflating. @@501chorusecho

[@501chorusecho]

@@thedogchoirthat’s about right

[@twigbuckley4401]

"Giving all my blues secrets away people, that's alright, I'm almost done with them" A classic in the making right there!😎

[@501chorusecho]

Hahaaa that even made me laugh

[@JerboFotius]

One of my favorite TB quotes EVER! Epic. What a fkn boss!

[@0goaway0]

A great one. But oh so many good ones. Haha

[@anthonystuart0708]

Loved every second of that blues rendition of your take on the blues And the bass lines in the background 👍😊

[@ClintBailey-ig8pt]

That's a T-Shirt if there ever was one

[@steve-shmeev]

After the 252 previous volumes, this one somehow exemplifies the guitar player I want to be when I grow up. And I’m 55.

[@MrDrakedrake]

yes sir, and I'm 56

[@petergraham9267]

yes sir, and I'm 62......just about getting into my stride!

[@WickedJester77]

Man, thanks for the support. Means a lot. I'm sitting in the middle of a not so friendly country right now, but all is good cause im digging this sick blues lesson. I dont know how Ive just now found your channel considering how long Iv been playing. I know what I'm binging for the next while. Killer content.

[@rylieriley]

This might be the single best lesson I've ever seen on playing blues. Thank you, most generous Uncle Larry! I will forever be a better musician because of you.

[@johnphelan9102]

Same here! Uncle Larry’s the main man!

[@rstevenhanson]

Agreed. There was a turnaround at the beginning that completely blew me away because it was so unexpected. And then he goes on to give a lesson about doing things just like that. And he is so, so right about boring blues. I just never really knew where to look for those notes “under those rocks.” I still don’t, but I’m closer now after this video!

[@iantaylor827]

Stop me if I've said this before. By light years the best guitar channel on KZbin. There is so much in this one lesson. Awesome.

[@tubescreamer7227]

I love when Uncle Larry just gets down to brass tacks. My mouse ran out of batteries because I started and stopped this lesson so many times.

[@DreaNEO]

Such a great lesson loaded with fretboard wisdom and wizardry...THANKS BUK!!!

[@toddpowers5373]

I only tune in, because when I do, I feel like I’ve hit the lottery every time. Always solid gold, thank you Tom.

[@phildohogne1970]

I used to practice 10 hours a day for years I worked in LA when some of the legends were young and I was getting called first. In fact one company tied me contractually for a year to record every day. Roger Corman wanted me to do a film score for him using me as the only instrument and composer. On and on. I was in a really bad car accident that finished me (Roger Corman got Larry Carlton to do the movie). I learned the CAGED System from watching Howard Roberts record- i didn't know what it was called I just lifted what I saw him doing. No one knows who I am. Back then the rule was never say you did someone's work for them or word will get out and no produce will hire you (case in point that is two guitarists on the Doors first album and hardly anyone knows who they are). I say these things to validate what I am going to say- Tom is my favorite guitarist. He is like an ice berg- you only see a little bit sticking up out of the water. And as we all know, if you are not careful, ice bergs will sink your ship.

[@kevinmalone8903]

Said it before and I’ll say it again. The BEST PINKY in the business…And I absolutely LOVE the fretboard on that SG

[@TRHummer]

Back in my blues band days, we invented Smooth Blues. The slogan: I feel bad...but not THAT bad.

[@tomcoryell]

Hilarious! 😂

[@l8tapex]

I started with nothing 20 years ago....... and still have most of it.

[@stringlocker]

​@@l8tapexI like that I never heard that I'm going to steal that

[@TRHummer]

We made it up on the road in Virginia.

[@coffeewithmyfatherjwolfe5317]

@@l8tapexunderstand completely

[@basicsforbaroqueimprovisation]

Thank you taking on the road with you Uncle L ! Hoping you still get to catch some games tomorrow. Thanks for the great lesson and wisdom ! With Gratitude - John

[@pickplease-musicpodcast1406]

In my Polish world where I can see The Blues Police in the crowd (older belivers that it has to be played in Robert Johnson etc. way) while I am playing at my favourite blues Festival, wanting to get the uncommon notes, you are my Hero Man 🙏 This is pure gold. THOSE LICKS AND TOOLS will be used ❤ God damn I thought you made this lesson espevially for me. Love your blues playing Buk 💪

[@derrickholmes2586]

Sweet sweet sweet. I am intrigued by your interpretation and colouring of the melody with the musical twists and turns. I enjoyed this snippet immensely. Thank you for posting.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Beautiful playing

[@tedgay8427]

Hey Tom, that was a bad ass master class. Bro, thank you!

[@christophersambuco9414]

The way our good Uncle Larry plays, he makes me hang on every note...just amazing to me. Plus the extra note or two as self accompaniment.

[@firecrackerheart]

"nobody does that shit". freaking freak o' nature playing right there, tio larry .. . love it.

[@jamessouthwellOFFICIAL]

Man oh man! As a boring Blues man myself I love seeing some of the things I love being pointed out as cool! This video has to be one of my favourite Home Skoolin video lessons yet! Uncle Larry killin' it again.

[@michaelmorris7977]

Man I can’t tell you how much I enjoy coming to this channel, always killer guitar player. Great commentary and life lessons, definitely one of the best things to have come from the lockdown and I appreciate you sharing your time jamming with all of us!

[@user-ec9rs7fn3c]

"Cool notes hiding under the rocks." That's outstanding. I don't think that could possibly be said any better. It's a treat when you hear them and even better when you find them yourself. You are the best Uncle Larry.

[@billknudson7895]

Thanks for addressing these pet peeves. They are among my own, as well. One important ingredient, though, regardless of your harmonic approach, is the swing factor. The rhythmic placement of your notes must have that element (they don’t mean a thing if they ain’t got that swing!) A great example of a masterful combination of interesting notes and classic feel is B.B. King’s playing in “Please Love Me” from “Live At The Regal.” It’s among my all-time favorite guitar moments. The song is an Eb shuffle, but he solos as if he was playing in C minor. Just to add another pet peeve: I can’t stand hearing the pick raked across two or three muted strings before hitting a given note. It was a staple of Duane Allman’s playing, but for some reason it didn’t bother me when he used it. Since I live in a musical glass house, I really shouldn’t be throwing stones. I’m sure my playing has plenty of annoying quirks. But as usual, your video leaves me with food for thought. Thanks for a great lesson.

[@mickrinaldiofficial979]

This is why we love u Tom, you continue to stay out of the box and never follow any one thing! Great lesson and love from mick in Australia 🇦🇺

[@LookinUp2001]

Uncle Larry, I had been away for awhile. What a perfect time to return. As always, your playing is stunning. You make me want to be a better player. I will take all your tips and try to incorporate them. You made my day!

[@freeman436]

yeah, you make me run out of the room screaming, 'where's my guitar I need to practice more!'

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

You’re in the right headspace, Unc. Gonna be a killer show. Wish I could attend. Break a leg, boss ✌🏻❤️🔥

[@tomcoryell]

Break a string!

[@randysouth5162]

What show is he playing tonight

[@stevec9972]

​@@randysouth5162veterans benefit with Joe Walsh. I would Love to see that show.

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

@@randysouth5162 playing his annual show with Joe Walsh 😎

[@smattermonnat]

Great lesson for people like me, stuck in Pentatonic quicksand. Much of what I hear in this lesson reminds me of the ABB Live At The Fillmore sound (in my opinion). Both Duane & Dickey took great inspiration from and incorporated jazz elements in their playing using the techniques that you've demonstrated. Thanks for the motivation.

[@mwootan2919]

I could listen to you and Mike Campbell talk about vibrato all afternoon. Great stuff, Uncle Larry as always!

[@RussC123]

I just keep coming back to this video over and over. So many ideas to find the “cool notes hiding underneath the rocks”. Many thanks buk 🙏🏻

[@nathanprofitt3224]

Great lesson Uncle Larry!!! Thanks!

[@rockers2rockers616]

I love it when he gives these creative insights...pure gold.

[@sjdanthem]

Man, Uncle Larry is ENERGIZED today. Great stuff.

[@keithpowell5336]

I like what you are laying down on the first part making blues a little more exciting, but I love my 80's holding note bends with harmonics, lol

[@tonykirk6362]

I first saw this a few weeks ago, but didn't have a chance to watch it properly and thought I'd go back to it later. After several tries and finally a whole morning searching... Happy. Great nuggets of info in there. Thanks Larry. Keep well.

[@Blues40]

He’s one of the most expressive guitar players ever. A GOAT for sure.

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

Great lesson Tom! "Cool notes hiding under the rocks" is a great archaeological reference and a good way to think about playing. Say Uncle Larry, Gibson guitars are notorious for headstock breakage and SG's are vulnerable at the neck heel too. How do you protect that honey of a guitar while flying? Also, I love that Joe is doing these concerts to benefit veterans and proud that you're a part of it too.

[@DoobTube71]

This is like listening to Miles Davis learning guitar, taking blues lessons from Jimmy Page! Very thoughtful and soulfelt. Thanks, Uncle Larry!

[@angryshoebox]

Another great way to avoid falling into playing typical blues licks: traverse the fretboard horizontally rather than vertically when playing/improvising. It's worked for me for years.

[@Jim-ro5sl]

I'm seventy four years old. I've been playing the blues professionally for over fifty years. Couple really nice tips here. This video is absolute gold. pay attention.

[@TheGeniuschrist]

Larry is dropping knowledge. Put this in your lesson playlist

[@Adventuresingearland]

10:15 - Hey Uncle Larry, please could we have a vibrato masterclass to help us fight off the ditchwater wide-vib crowd? Thanks for the great insights as ever.

[@charlesfaucher6518]

Made it over from Arizona. Checked in and ready for the show tomorrow night.

[@JiminTennessee]

When you can hear yourself breathing when you playing alone, you know that you are learning a ton!! Go VOLS!!!!

[@jperryfan]

That's why I love Michael Bloomfield & his modal approach. Definitely unique. Especially Super Session & East West

[@janbay4119]

Great way to start the day...thoughtful blues from Uncle Larry.

[@kathywilsonofficial]

Thank you to all the veterans who served and to those who continue to serve to protect our freedom on this Veterans Day! Thank you Tom! ❤️

[@petercontarino646]

Thank you as always UL.

[@stashe8083]

This video was awesome! It got me playing guitar at 2AM after an 8 hour day of playing gigs downtown. Thank you, Larry!

[@bones11252]

I like it when Uncle Larry makes us think about what we’re playing…which is the hardest part after your hands can move…. Very valuable thanks

[@johnmcevoy3598]

Things I avoid: more than two adjacent tones in a scale in either direction, landing on the root at the end of a phrase or ending a solo on the root note, hitting every note in a chord, having the root be the lowest note in a chord, not delaying the vibrato, and wah pedals.

[@dominikhager2708]

I sometimes wonder how it feels when you secretly know that you're probably the best guitarist in the world, but apart from a small community, nobody really pays attention to you (compared to Mayer, Gales & Co.). Just awesome man!!

[@stringlocker]

Small community?

[@pawlowski6132]

You need to get out more

[@stringlocker]

I'm pretty sure Gales is not a household name

[@michaeldarrin2026]

Has there ever been a cooler Uncle in the history of music, always tasteful and the right kinda nastiness....Much respect!!!!

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Uncle Larry... you shook me, you shook me all night long! Sublime!

[@BV_Beve]

Top quality Homeskoolin notes for everyone no pun intended Let the road be kind to you on your travels & have fun out there Tom my friend!

[@Sammywhat]

BV!!! Sup kind dude!! Always fun to see you popping around the circuit!!

[@BV_Beve]

@@Sammywhat 👊🏽✌🏽

[@michaelluca6004]

After 6 years fighting the VA, I finally was awarded 100% disability. I have Cancer from Agent Fucking Orange. VA Motto: Deny until YOU die...Uncle Larry, this Homeskoolin brings me out of the thoughts of dark places. I'm all good. No complaints.. I always pick up my guitar and play after I see one of your episodes....Nothing better for a head rush...Thanx Brother

[@johngeddes7894]

My brother in law, a Tet Offensive vet, kept gettin worse with many symptoms, and my sister often suggested he contact the VA. He would not even think of it, but he bacame bedridden. My sister contacted the VA, and a Doc came to their home and he told her he has every classic symptom of exposure to Agent Orange, and he rolled out the red carpet for him, with many housecalls from doctors and whoever else. But like you say, he was on his last legs. They are still using Agent Orange right here in the states, if you can believe it. Many thanks out to you, and welcome home!

[@thomasdorris1122]

one of the coolest dudes I ever met was veitnam vet ,had a hard run with agent orange, went through 3 liver transplants before he passed. God bless you man hang in there and thanks for your service and sacrifice man.

[@thomasmoxley4862]

I'm not sure what hurts more. My brain or my fingers. Like the Emperor of the North movie. You are A number one. Long time player finally getting out of the Box.

[@mikejamstonalspectrumstudi5339]

The only blues master class we’ll all ever need!

[@treetopvideo]

gotta say this one has inspired me. but all your lessons are gold. thanks

[@selliantuttimusi6735]

Pure organic playing in the beginning. Amazing!

[@dougjones4538]

Dude, you crack me up every time I see you!

[@tommartin7833]

Glimpse the beast! So much to glean from this one…thanks for giving Tom.

[@macgrory]

3 minutes of spontaneous brilliance to start with. We are not worthy...

[@aaronlalli3730]

I been working hard on this uncle larry,im guilty of the "usual" notes "& lame vibrato ,appreciate you so much sir!

[@Thelatejimreilley]

Hey Larry! As you know I’m sure Magic Sam was really adept at holding on the 1 for runs over 4s and 5s. Excellent post as always! Go Browns!

[@zenlandzipline]

Badass

[@stevemiell4555]

One of your best ever, as a dumb student of guitar & blues, this is saved for ever! 🙏

[@marioalberto8529]

God bless Uncle Larry! Thanks man

[@richardclark.]

Just so simple yet so useful stuff. Playing like that is why some guys make it look so easy.

[@stavrou0]

Thanks Uncle Larry. again and again, best lesson teacher on the planet!

[@curtisprincemusic]

Most of the time my mind is just blown watching you play!

[@reiddillashaw2383]

Hey Tom, thanks man.

[@501chorusecho]

Right on man

[@scottshand8559]

Great lesson today Uncle Larry! Your travel axe sounds amazing, hope the Veteran's Day gig goes well, I'm sure it will.

[@sira.scottascot8865]

The jumping out of the box to go along with the 4 and 5 instead of staying in the blues wheelhouse is kind of an indicator of being able to play pentatonic scale without necessarily knowing how to play blues. Can be jazz or even rock, but blues always sounds better to me when somebody wrangles that same 1 box to fit the changes instead of obviously changing gears to the 4 and 5.

[@beezersurf]

I needed that. Completely stuck in pentatonic scale. Thanks Uncle Larry!! 🙌

[@tlyons20]

your generosity sharing this stuff is only outdone your actual playing. Thank you brud.

[@NERDOFUNK]

This was great, especially for me as blues nut, thank you uncle larry and all the best from Germany, peace! =)

[@TheDarinAmes]

Hey Buko! Have a great show Man! Excellent episode. Tasty shit! Your pal in Boston, Darin

[@GregsGarage]

This is on a different level Uncle Larry... Everyone else is 2 dimensional and you're playing "3d blues." You leave no note behind in the chromatic sections. It's so much fun as a listener. You're like a cat... In the middle of the phrases you're getting into all kinds of trouble on the high wire, then you stick the landing and it all makes sense.

[@ShaneBakerTV]

I could spend the next 6 months unpacking this

[@scottkidwell3601]

An Unlce Larry Blues Masterclass... Thanks, Unc! 🙏🏻 Stay safe and travel well 🤍

[@andrewstricklin182]

Good stuff, i do feel sometimes like I am hopelessly stuck in the box,im really working hard to get out but that dang Red House has got me whooped. I've been trying to play that thing for 25 frickin years. About the same age Hendrix was when he recorded it give or take. Ahhhh, i got the blues alright.

[@mickstick5112]

No one ever did this better than Jeff Beck (Truth & Beckola)! Always had surprises up his sleeve.

[@s2seltaeb]

Welcome to San Diego! 🌅 I’m looking forward to the show tomorrow. 😎 Have a great time!

[@simonhall2682]

Just got back from 12 hours in the emergency dept no guitar playing for me for a while. Luckily uncle Larry is here to give me my fix.

[@TheFeelButton]

Run screaming for the hills because I'm just a singer playing guitar best I can. Cheers Tom!

[@OkdudeCoolStory]

Sick lesson! No fluff, no bullshit, just what we need👍thanks Tom

[@JimPoston1]

Sweet Uncle Larry! Just love it when you crank out some blues licks! My favorite kind of musick!

[@erock.steady]

you're a BEAST, bro. brett papa said to stop over for a bit. glad i did. i'll stick around to see about picking up on some of these gems you're handing out. see you soon. and thanks.

[@marknoseworthy412]

Tom, you are so generous with your knowledge. Thank you!

[@-Atmos1]

The neck on that SG looks perfect , great feel for playing you have man .

[@telecasteroil]

Great lesson Tom,kick ass on that gig!

[@Nozmo_King_NJ]

Whatever it was in that Japanese Beer got your fingers all fired up! Great tips on all the blues slurs and such. Much appreciated (from a Vet).

[@steveo44]

So much useful info here. Absolutely stellar lesson. "Nobody does that shit" no kidding but it sounds so so good!

[@MesaGuitarGuy]

love the jams you do! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us Tom

[@charliejohnson7703]

Damn, wish I would have known you were playing in San Diego area as I would have gone out last night to hear ya.

[@501chorusecho]

Well that’s good cuz we are playing tonite hahaa

[@dennystag1]

Your playing always amazes me, Uncle Larry. Great master class. You're a huge inspiration to this hack.

[@seanemmettfullerton]

Yes yes yes! thank you, Tom! Hearing the Major/Minor ambiguity reminded me of the Hungarian and Romanian folk influences in the 1850s (think Brahms). In British music, you hear it with Thomas Tallis' church music in the 1500s. So yeah, go nuts, be creative! Stretch your imagination :)

[@petedazer3381]

Tom. You are a true badass! Thanks for the lesson.

[@darrenbrooks8542]

Ta Tom, insightful as always. Hope a better beer finds you shortly. Cheers 🍻

[@mkii1964]

Effortless and sooooo soulful man……. Just wow!!!