Are you an intermediate guitar player? Here’s how to know.

Many guitar players have no idea how to know once they’ve successfully completed the “beginner” stage of playing guitar. When do you officially become an intermediate guitar player? In this guitar lesson, Nate Savage will answer that but going through a list of things you need to do successfully to call yourself a certified intermediate guitarist.
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To be considered an intermediate player, you’ll need to be able to do the following:
- Know and be able to change smoothly between your fundamental open chords.
- Know power chords and be able to move them around cleanly.
- Know the basic Major and Minor bar chord shapes.
- Know the note names on the Low E and A strings.
- You’ll need to have all the basic strumming patterns down.
- Be able to play along to a metronome.
- Hear and match Major and Minor chords.
- Hear and identify the keys of simple songs.
- Understand music theory for keys and chords, like so:
► • 8 Steps To Understand ...
- Play through several complete songs.
- Play the Blues scale.
- Play the Major scale.
- Play the Major Pentatonic Scale.
- Play the Minor Pentatonic Scale.
- You’ll need to know basic lead techniques: Picking, Bending, Sliding, & Vibrato.
- Depending on your goals you may need to be able to read music.
Obviously, there are a lot of things here you need to get down before you can call yourself a true intermediate guitar player. Treat this lesson like your checklist. Go through each bullet point and check them off as you go. By the time you’re done, you’ll be a well-rounded intermediate guitarist!
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[@MusoraMedia]

Ready to level up your playing? Get personal coaching tips and structured lessons: enjoy your free 7-day trial to Guitareo! ► guitareo.com/trial

[@chavi.9588]

Can you make another video, named "Are you an advanced guitar player?". This one is really great, so I was wondering if you could do an upgrade :D !!!

[@drj.r.cooper2493]

NO DISRESPECT MEANT--- But why are you the judge of who is WHATEVER? An intermediate player isn't a beginner, and he isn't advanced. 😉 So what? TOMMY EMMANUEL has never had a formal guitar lesson. Nor does he read music. He IS arguably in the top 5-10 all-around pickers on the planet. (I think he's in the top 3.) My late father was recruited to play guitar at the Grand Ole Opry in the late 1940s. (He said no. He had been in WW2 & just wanted to get married & start a family.) He could LITERALLY keep pace with players Chet Adkins & Merle Travis. He didn't read music. He didn't know what "arpeggio" meant, but he could do them. Quit trying to decide WHAT LEVEL people are. Hand them a guitar & tell them to show you what they got.

[@CalvinEdmonson]

I have thought of myself as an advanced beginner for decades.

[@makersmike2959]

Ha. Same with me. Screw bar chords, lol.

[@MB-xh4gf]

I love this

[@simplelockpicking8030]

I'm an intermediate+ can do other things that not mentioned here, for more than a decade!! but I don't know how to move to advance level. I'm very bad at learning scales. Feeling miserable with that. Any suggestions??

[@Mark87ch]

I can relate to the sentiment

[@danielpaddonshealingspace2481]

I'm not quite a intermediate been playing for ten months started when I was 42 I know my scales but also how to use them when playing and blending them which is important I can do the main chords with some delay not much struggle a bit with bar chords but I love it it's the best feeling when I play

[@alicebate6384]

This ended up being more of a confidence booster than I expected.

[@Razdanilo]

lol same

[@fouadguezati8141]

Same bro

[@leonardoleal5092]

Thomas Bate for me too, but we’ve got to realize that the beginner spectrum is narrow, and so is the advanced, but the intermediate level spectrum is wide, if you know what I mean, you start learning how to play and with study and focus you rapidly pass the phase where you’re a beginner into being intermediate, but then it is really difficult to get past the barrier that makes you advanced

[@Texturas75]

@@leonardoleal5092 Good insight

[@michaeltatkiewicz65]

The "advanced club" boys!! Let's check the skeddy and crush a sondoe

[@zoewogan5943]

For people like me: CHORDS 1. Know your 8 open chords ( e.g. C, G, D, Am) 2. Change between these chords SMOOTHLY (without a bit of a pause) 3. Be able to play power chords well 4. Know 4 FUNDAMENTAL barre chord shapes ( E & A Major and Minor shape) and move around the house fretboard 5. Have a basic understanding of music theory 6. Able to play through a few simple songs ( all the way without stopping) STRUMMING and KNOWLEDGE 1. A solid understanding of strumming techniques. 2. Consistent timing ( Keep up with the metronome) 3. Tell if a chord is major or minor 4. Learn how to identify the key of a song LEAD GUITAR 1. Know how to play a few scales (e.g. a blues scale, minor and major pentatonic scale, major scale and natural minor scale 2. Know alternate picking, bending, sliding 3. Understanding how to read music is beneficial to know and also the basics of reading rhythms Congratulations!!! YOU GOT THIS 🤩

[@toinstallmlbb2705]

Yo you're literally defining me dude💀

[@reaper1869]

Well hey i can do that

[@rukshanedirisinghe9752]

same boat bruh ❤

[@MM-sq5pf]

Lol damn

[@martyngriffiths2791]

Thanks for the to-do list 😅

[@darkknightkg9872]

I've been playing for 16 years, but since it was all self-taught never knew a thing about scales. Chords and strumming all day every day, but only stumbled across scales within the past year. Once I master scales I'll feel like a fully-intermediate player. Thanks for the list!

[@bobstark184]

Literally me too, only closer to 25 years. I resolved to get my head around them and actually do the boring practice bits a few months back. I am so pleased I did as it has transformed my playing and understanding, and given me a new lease of life when it comes to enjoying the guitar. I’m sure the same will be true for you too and just shows it’s never too late to learn!

[@moseschan6363]

Well i think scale is actually the hardest part , I’m having the problems with it too.

[@wyattbunnell3461]

@@moseschan6363 its connecting the scales that are hard

[@stevemccallum6584]

@Bob Stark same. 25yrs off and on playing and doing Paul Davids course, learning scales and theory. Hope to become "proficient intermediate"!

[@clintonjames8322]

I need to add scales to my to do list.

[@tylerdennis966]

I don’t know why I felt like I had to watch this just to confirm with myself that I am not a beginner after almost ten years lol

[@El3ctr0Lun4]

Ha! I am a beginner after 17 years! Boom!

[@Chlo.fi_]

Same😂

[@benwerra3149]

same.

[@JeffRazi]

me too man.

[@Jazzadrin]

I think it’s just normal to challenge yourself by someone else’s standards. I’ve almost been playing 13 years and I’m above all the stuff in this video, yet I still wouldn’t yet call myself an advanced player. Maybe in a couple more years.

[@greatlistener3740]

I stopped at 3 1/2 min. I am an intermediate video watcher.

[@stefaanverschelde5852]

but you are a great listener!

[@MusoraMedia]

That is less than the average person watched so we'll consider you a beginner video watcher.

[@TheAandJStudio]

@@MusoraMedia hahaahahahaha fucking burn

[@mikemorrison3791]

😂. Well played

[@fastndd]

@@MusoraMedia I'm dying 😂

[@gaellesemaan2351]

I am a self taught Guitarist, 1 crucial factor that really helped me evolve was being able to sing while playing! It really motivated me to learn more songs and gave me the confidence to perform in front of an audience!

[@billshepherd5090]

This may sound funny but I find it easier to sing along with a song and strum than it is to read the words and to strum instead. Very true about moving the chord shape along the neck. I am currently working on “Amarillo by Morning” by GeorgeStrait. Have to move the a bar “E” chord and the song changes key. For me it’s a good challenge and a move in the right direction to improve my skills.

[@kudakwashemusic824]

This is wonderful so how did you teach yourself to play guitar?

[@Tomy_Yon]

Singing while playing, what craziness is this? 🤪

[@wizrom3046]

I sing opera, while shredding The other guys in the Jazz band hate me

[@marthamryglod291]

Being self taught, my teacher left important lessons out. It's like I can do calculus, physics, and don't know the alphabet all the way through.

[@johanng2076]

Lol basically me too

[@tobyeshaw]

You are my guitar spirit animal 😄

[@noir371]

Literally me. I just kinda learn chords and stuff as I go along

[@howielowis458]

@@Iweighmorewithoutclothes-wz1ph i think the last approach you mentioned is how most of us learn to play when we have a teacher. My first teacher told me exactly the same thing. You gotta stick to the rules at first to break them later.

[@thismessismine]

Oh gosh, this is the best way I've heard my situation described. Luckily I found a good guitar teacher who is helping me to fill in the gaps--which aren't even that hard, it's just stuff I never thought to focus on!

[@Ssssssshhha]

As a beginner, I’m reverse engineering this to know what I have to work on.

[@tweeshachugh4316]

smartttt

[@michaelsciortino5519]

Your logic is quite sound.

[@bullfrogboss8008]

Came here for the same reason and this video ended up being a confidence booster. I'm a beginner and surprisingly I meet some of the criteria, some of them partially

[@SkDCX]

Same here

[@tacticalchunder1207]

I’ve just come back to guitar after 8 years (only did it for 2/3 years) and was pleasantly surprised to see that I can still do some of this, like remember all of my chords and be decent at changing between them. Still a lot to work on!

[@rayaxmerza]

Been learning the guitar alone for 8 months now by watching youtube videos and practicing around 4hrs per day. Can do all what you've listed in the video except for the some scales that I didn't memorize and get correctly and decently yet and I don't always get a songs key right but still working on these 🙂

[@stevemondragon5499]

I’ve considered myself a beginner from the beginning. But according to this I’ve been promoted 🥳

[@Health_Fitness805]

Congrats 🎉

[@14era48]

@Tim the Bean i enjoyed this reference

[@michaelcarter5]

Must be able to play smoke on the water, on one string

[@RWulff007]

I can play it on 2 different strings at the same time. Yo yo, I can now call myself a pro!!!

[@vassscoo4469]

RatWolf /YNWA LFC nahhhh learn seven nation army on one string and then we can talk

[@RWulff007]

@@vassscoo4469 shiiiiiiiit. 😎

[@helloholahi]

and seven nation army as well, indeed ( :

[@zacredington4776]

No. You must play it on 3 strings in drop tuning. This is TRUE INTERMEDIACY.

[@davidmorantte703]

Internet terms: Beginner - strumming open chords and playing some simple songs by myself on an acoustic. ... Learning to apply the pentatonic scale to the progression and being able to play a little lead guitar, as long as the chord progression allows me to just stay in one scale the whole time. Intermediate - To be considered an intermediate player, you'll need to be able to do the following: Know and be able to change smoothly between your fundamental open chords. Know power chords and be able to move them around cleanly. Know the basic Major and Minor bar chord shapes. Know the note names on the Low E and A strings. Advanced - * Show up fifteen minutes late to practice. At least. *Have visible tattoos/piercings. (Face tattoos will be accepted as a substitute for piercings, but multiple piercings will not be accepted in lieu of tattoos.) * Refusal to carry any gear but his/her own to and from gigs. * Must have one of the following: (Consistent alcoholism, recurring mental issues, or recovering addiction to hard drugs. (Marijuana does not count.)) * Must also have one of these advanced habits: (Playing parts of songs that the band does not know/perform while lead singer engages the crowd, the ability to sing backups in a mike that is not hot, or the ability to cue primadonna meltdowns on cue.) In conclusion, there are basic and semi-advanced skills needed to achieve beginner and intermediate abilities. Advanced for the beginning and intermediate guitar players is something we aspire to achieve, or is it? Advanced guitarist is definitely a relative term meaning we're always learning and improving. :-)

[@pramod1313131]

Gosh, are you Chandler Bing?

[@human_3654]

I am actually in love with this.

[@vilijatunaitiene6503]

@@pramod1313131 omg I love u

[@vangoghsseveredear]

Jesus christ that advanced section really called me out 😂

[@kalaisai680]

For Advanced: Long hair, you missed long hair...

[@allthingsmusic-]

I find that ear training, has helped me advance as much as anything. Chords, rhythm, and the like, all come into play. Being able to listen to a song, and know what key it's in, and be able to play along almost instantly, (in most cases) has been paramount in my 59 years of playing music. At least that's been my personal experience.

[@ryddle271]

You are at least in your mid 60s, but you have a profile picture of a loli?

[@bakerhalt]

@@ryddle271 i know right? hahahaahahahah weird

[@dmdeblois]

@@ryddle271 I'm also about to turn 60. Mine is a paper doll that I created a couple of years ago. Creativity is not restricted to music.

[@jenniferjohnson5636]

I agree. I don't know why we don't hear more teachers of instruments and vocal talk about the ear and listening.

[@aidenroever4468]

Couldn’t agree more as a player

[@michaeld.mahoney9106]

I thought you covered it very well and agree that if you can achieve the timing and technique put forth here that you are an intermidiate guitar player. Learning an instrument is a never ending process so keeping learning, practicing and improving.

[@AppleCiderVinegar77]

Don’t feel too discouraged if you’re watching this and thinking “I don’t know that” but you’ve been playing a while. You probably have built solid foundations, particularly dexterity which will make learning other core parts quick. Like, I did nothing but classical guitar, so things like power chords and some bar shapes are a bit alien to me. But, after watching I decided to take some time to try and learn them and it’s coming to me fairly quick.

[@stephencrump9265]

Thank you, I thought i was bad

[@elimargarabillo1320]

I honestly don't know any power chords and can't play barre chords smoothly but I can play fingerstyle HA HA

[@cookieshq574]

Yeah completely agreed

[@BrandonTracy83]

Elimar Garabillo I practiced by playing E/em and A/Am with my index finger on the nut of the guitar and once your strength is built slap them over a minor scale remembering there are 3 major and 3 minors with a diminished note per scale. It’s really easy and is the middle ground of chords vs scales because it’s the combination of the two

[@fhpurcell5364]

yeah, I've been playing the guitar for three years and my teacher never talked to me about scales but watching this I tried to mimic what he's doing and after going through them five or six times I feel like I've got a solid grasp on them. Sometimes you don't learn things but you learn how to learn them quickly.

[@yesterdayssjamm]

1. Know open chords 2. Change between open chords smoothly 3. Play power chord shapes 4. Fundamental barre chord shapes 5. Name the notes on E and A strings 6. Solid strumming techniques 7. Consistent timing 8. Know whether a chord is major or minor 9. Identify the key of a song 10. Basic music theory 11. Able to play a few simple songs 12. Play a few scales 13. Simple lead guitar skills (alternate picking, bending, slides etc.) 14. Reading music/rhythms

[@JohnsJustSaiyan]

Excuse Me While I Cryan Ross Oh. Thanks you saved the video for me, I’m placing somewhere in advanced or beyond lmao.

[@mnj4christ516]

Welp looks like I'm super intermediate I do all of this and a little more

[@HungTran-of8zp]

I suck at music theory

[@MrScateboy]

Anyone have any tips as to how to name a key of a song?

[@jamesrussell5196]

Dingy look at what major and minor chords are next each other or where the dominant chord

[@walterric]

That video, by far, was the best for teaching me what I need to do in advancing my guitar skills. Thank you so much!

[@costanzabraga]

proud of me cause I can do everything on this video and I start playing guitar seriously since only one year-

[@russellnewton6660]

I’m still a beginner after 7 years, crawls back under my rock.

[@jayyshahh]

me too after 3 years

[@coolasf1527]

you put 0 minute everyday and time flies until 7 years. and congratulations you didn't progress

[@khakishark]

Pick up the guitar bro! It's not too late

[@coolasf1527]

@@khakishark not gonna lie everytime i check my KZbin notification and accidentally read your comment i suddenly practice and picking up my guitar, my skill exponentially better and learn few technique. thank you man!

[@khakishark]

@@coolasf1527 yo that's awesome to hear bro glad I can help

[@coonjamalay]

Having the confidence to play in front of people is another essential point

[@paulagardner3218]

Not everyone is, or wants to be, a performer, but anyone can play and enjoy music as a solitary pastime.

[@coonjamalay]

@@paulagardner3218 true. So just like reading sheet music, it depends on the type of guitar player

[@coonjamalay]

For me it is tho. Every time i have friends or family at home they always ask me to play something. I'm pretty sure most people get that. So it's somewhat an essential point for a lot of people

[@coonjamalay]

@Reid James very true

[@GamingPIPI]

Not getting distracted also, that's my problem😆. Gonna me tough, my girlfriend wants to sing while I play. How do I not get distracted by her amazing voice😂.

[@oscarnunez4143]

Great video, thank you. I've always thought of myself as a beginner but based on your video I could comfortably consider myself intermediate. I'm a singer that picked up guitar to chord around while I'm singing and over the years have developed the skills that you talk about. Open chords, bar chords, transitions, blues and pentatonic scales, etc. Definitely trying to improve all the time but this was a nice ego boost.

[@jaspersean6805]

This has actually given me quite a bit of confidence, all I need to do now is learn two scales, two more songs and to be able to ID the tonal centre, Thanks!

[@Fruitfactory]

I've got all these down and still feel that I am a beginner.

[@phillipszypulski7883]

Northlander agree

[@tdubbed_]

Same here. I’ve been playing and singing for groups of people acoustically, frequently, trying to shake this feeling, but I can’t. The electric guitar is daunting to me. It haunts me, but I’ll play it every day. I will conquer it. I must. Good luck. You’re not a beginner. I’m not either. Push.

[@Fruitfactory]

@@tdubbed_ Thank you man! Yeah. I have started to really dig down deep into guitar lately. Maybe we will always feel the same regardless of actual skill.

[@tdubbed_]

@@Fruitfactory Good. Dig til you die! I wonder if professional players ever feel that way, though... It seems that no matter how many compliments I receive or how much confirmation of my abilities is shown to me that I am never satisfied. It's like I need more and more positive information before I can call myself a musician/guitarist/skilled. But when is enough enough? Maybe it's a me problem. Maybe I compare myself to others too often. We are all so unique and maybe we should turn off external influences sometimes and realize that we have so much to offer in a way that nobody else can offer. All I know is that I have to move forward for me and nobody else and wait for opportunities to bless people with my art/skill/ability. Good luck, bro.

[@shoogerkane]

@@tdubbed_ electric is much easier from a physical perspective. electric is where any guitarist should start.

[@TenThumbsProductions]

If you know the E and A strings.... you know all the fretboard! Learn the octaves for the D and G strings, the C shape octave from the A to the B string and the high and low E are the same. Boom!

[@BlitzyRPG]

What the fuck is an octave, man

[@BroccoliBrigardist]

@@BlitzyRPG 8 full notes apart, so a Low e and a high e for example E3 and e2

[@BlitzyRPG]

@@BroccoliBrigardist alright, makes sense. Thank you

[@gramadonna6073]

Thank you, that is good info.

[@Lisa-rx6io]

but what does this mean ?

[@parthibpandit401]

I always felt like a beginner. I have been playing for two years and i can play a large number of songs that are way more complicated than the ones you suggested as *intermediate* so this video was quite a confidence booster for me. ( Also because of the fact that i could do all the things listed here within an year of playing) .

[@doomgirl5341]

This video made me feel so much better about myself, I've come a long way and I'm so happy for that. 3 years almost 4 and this trip has been so fun, I can't wait what the future awaits for me

[@felipealday9503]

I started watching thinking "ok, this is why I'm still a beginner" and left feeling great, because I see I've come a long way. I'm of course still just ok imo, but sometimes I think it's good to be grateful to yourself about your own progress. This motivated me a lot, thanks!

[@chazburger100]

needed to see this today bro. Totally Agree!

[@Vtruvius]

@@chazburger100 Sometimes we forget how far we've come and we be too hard for ourselves because of that. Couldn't agree more. Great video too!

[@user-og1nb8xt8f]

Couldn't agree with you .. Tks !!!

[@user-og1nb8xt8f]

Dear Felipe, LoI .. My comments of 5 days ago should be corrected to read Couldn't agree MORE with you Sorry for my grave mistake In other words, word by word I TOTALLY agree with you haha Tks !!!

[@felipealday9503]

@@user-og1nb8xt8f omg, this is so wholesome!! It's ok, even if you didn't agree at all, but it's great that you corrected your comment. Have a great day! You made mine better

[@artistglyn]

I've been playing for 50 years, and some days I'm not even sure if I'm even a guitar PLAYER. But all good points. I think I scrape in.

[@jasonwiles7085]

34 years here and I totally agree. I think its that proverbial wall you hit where you've learned every song, style etc.. you've ever wanted to learn. I don't know where to go from there as I stare aimless

[@artistglyn]

Oh, there's a lot of thing I want to lean, but age tends to be a factor in motivation. The hunger seems to go as you get towards 70.

[@jasonwiles7085]

@@artistglyn I've set it down for months at a time..its lack of inspiration that keeps me from playing..And when I pick it up Im playing the same stuff..Yhinking I might take up fingerstyle.Strictly .Forcing myself to grow

[@OneGeekStudios]

lol I'm at 18 years and I'm right there with ya! Sometimes I watch other players be able to do things I just can't do easily and I'm like "Welp" 😂

[@buddacreem6877]

I recommend a game called Rcksmith. I’be been technically playing for 8 years, but I would put it down for a couple years at a time. I would put myself at about 3-9 months of actual, helpful, good learning. The rest of the time, I either wasn’t playing or just wasn’t doing anything to help my skill. I got a game for PS4 called Rocksmith about a month ago, and even just using it every once in a while, I was able to learn a fairly simple song. The game also has lessons and other mini games to help with scales and note skipping and stuff like that.

[@robertrammullen6935]

I have to say this I have recommended you to a lot of people as you are the best most easiest to listen to learn from and just downright enjoyable, you helped this old man 66 learn

[@patricktipton6048]

I really appreciate the guide. I was wondering for a long time what level I was on because I took a decades long break from serious playing. Thank you for revealing some boundaries that are tangible. I feel a lot better knowing that I am in fact am intermediate player at this point. I just love how much easier it is to find expert teachers now compared to when I was first staring out back in the 80s.

[@billmcelgunn7819]

I think knowing how to setup your guitar and care for your guitar is something every intermediate guitarist should know and understand

[@albertwesker2050]

And which way to wind your strings.

[@flipperbooch2194]

Albert Wesker I just bought a used Ibanez and the high e string is backwards, it’s the only one

[@mollygrubber]

As a corollary, knowing when something is not right with your setup is important - even if you don't know how to fix it, know it NEEDS to be fixed is pretty critical.

[@gtrgodlou1581]

intermediate my ass.... when you can play and it flows ,your getn there.....lead gtr.

[@billymcelwee8215]

Hi Bill McElgunn. I'm Bill McElwee. Nice to meet ya.

[@walterwhite3372]

‘I’ve been playing guitar for 26 years and I still feel like a beginner’ My guitar progress summed up in one sentence.

[@mtmarrowthegamer6079]

Awsm.so u must be a good guitarist 😊.

[@justinbailey2347]

love the woodshed, respect the woodshed.

[@oalsecnev1]

At least you're an excellent chemist

[@walterwhite3372]

@@oalsecnev1 you’re goddamn right

[@Doowopsid]

Thanks for posting this comprehensive video. I have also been and still consider myself an advanced beginner for many years but I love playing although mainly rhythm and will continue to practice every day I can.

[@princeplatypus7593]

Thanks for the video it really showed me that I'm better at guitar than I thought because I had all this stuff down probably a year ago and am on my way to being an advanced intermediate guitarist

[@YorikMayer]

I would add knowing how to execute hammer-ons and pull-offs for lead guitarists. Kinda essential

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

Yorik Mayer and rhythm, those sus2 and sus4s ain’t gonna play themselves. Works for maj7 as well in the open chord position suits it.

[@lolmcswagger7247]

Ian Forrester Dont forget chord voicing and substitutions!

[@tommyscott8511]

Yorik Mayer Hammer ons and pull offs are beginner skills

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Ha? Seriously? I think I learnt that shit in week 3 you fuckin pussyclot!

[@noir371]

Doing them fast like legato and such is different but basic hammer ons/pull offs is beginner stuff

[@sordel5866]

Beginner = “They're learning the guitar” Intermediate = “They can play the guitar” Advanced = “They're amazing on the guitar”

[@cjgreen4331]

crap

[@Omar-yi2mv]

You never stop learning the guitar, man

[@sordel5866]

Omar Ali True, but I was very much speaking from the perspective of how a non-specialist friend might describe someone's level of ability. While it's important to have technical goals for progressing as a player, the real test is not whether you know a particular technique but whether you can, um, play anything.

[@Omar-yi2mv]

@@sordel5866 oh yes I understand what you mean by that. I would have to agree ✌🏼

[@daveg5590]

Well, yeah, no genius revelation there. Maybe you can describe small, medium and large for us.

[@dongissubel3762]

I’ve considered myself intermediate for a long time and can do most of what you’ve listed. Just need to work on the scales a little more . Thanks for the video! It was helpful!

[@mikev7778]

This is an awesome video! I'm following it as a blueprint, right now, to get to intermediate level. It's really helping.

[@soviet_onion_4208]

Before clicking:”yeah I’m decent” After watching:”yeah, nope”

[@franciscaampuero3378]

Me

[@soviet_onion_4208]

No me

[@soviet_onion_4208]

well good for u *ANTHONY JOHN* if that even is your name

[@seeplusproducts5835]

@@soviet_onion_4208 bro I think that's Jimi Hendrix's account...

[@tiredatm3009]

Anthony John same! there’s definitely some things I need to practice, such as scales and music theory. I play the guitar while singing so ive never really focused on these things

[@chadgarber]

To me, it’s all about growing your music skills and not worrying about labels.

[@kaisteines3776]

Yeah the only thing I would add to the list is to always be looking for a way that you can improve.

[@Shoddie1989]

My toughts exactly! Music is all about harmony and playing together i think.. no matter the “level” you’re in

[@leomessi7058]

And just have fun playing. :D

[@firstnamelastname7473]

Improve Your Guitar Skills and Sound hahahaha, somebody’s not an intermediate player.

[@shoogerkane]

that's right. to hell with them if you call me a beginner after 25 years just because I can't read music. I can hear a song and play it within a minute r ttwo with 90% accuracy and proper time and rhythym. but i'm just not quite there on free-style soloing. almost.

[@jdtaillant]

This video was great, I've been an advanced beginner for many years, never really "learning" how to play the guitar, but rather picking up bits and pieces of technique, some chords, some fingering, etc. I feel like I so those things well, but don't progress. I've struggled and been frustrated to never really advance over the years, always going to the few things I know how to do. This video was helpful in sorting out the skills I need to identify and start learning. I gives me a road map to identify what else I need to advance on. THere were several of your points that I haven't worked on or don't know. So thanks for putting this together. I imagine there are MANY people like me that would benefit from this type of guidance.

[@xxdfoster]

Also ,, after playing for so long it's amazing watching this video and seeing how much I have learned - how so many of these things have come naturally with years of practice . I'm so glad I stuck with it . About to buy a 13oo dollar bass rig . Pure joy

[@gigspigs]

Intermediate - ability to play through mistakes. Professional - ability to play through mistakes and make it part of the song.

[@rhapsody9771]

If ya hit the wrong note, do it again later in the song & call it a Jazz interlude. :)

[@truewealth50]

Intermediate..The ability to make anyone watching and listening to you believe that you know what your doing an a guitar

[@aguasanta]

@@rhapsody9771 hahaha

[@allendean9807]

Scott Collom exactly... and a professional does it while making money

[@adgtheg4146]

This reminds me of my guitar teacher

[@cadeturner8097]

You need to be able to upstroke and downstroke James Hetfield Punchin the air rn

[@paulsture7045]

Keep stroking, a little harder please!!! Almost there.

[@MasterOfKnowledge.]

Doyle be like: *"I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that"*

[@victorvelie3980]

But what if you're strokes consist of sweeping your thumb back and forth lol

[@ale13xanders21]

What about Johnny Ramone

[@mikequinlivan8842]

Dude, so am I. I can do basically everything here, except read music, and upstroke. 😆

[@AndrewScottacs]

This was helpful! I love metal and rock and have gotten decent at soloing, something I love to do, but I definitely skipped some fundamentals along the way. I’m self taught and have been working on my fundamentals again. I learned the basic cords and got some tech down. Now that I’ve moved onto improv, I’ve been diving back into really learning the fret board. This video was a big help!

[@tomtheyank1]

Still a beginner , but I see myself getting better year to year.. been playing for 5 years now.. at 58 its never to late to learn anything.. thank you...

[@brianarnau6439]

He : “You have to know all 8 chords.” Metal guitarists : “No. We don’t do that here...”

[@infelicitas]

I do ;)

[@georgeparker6664]

Metal guitarists: I didn’t know there was a seventh fret!

[@twitchthepocket]

Jazz musicians: he means eight voicings of every chord right?

[@sadbucket233]

Drop tuning go brrr

[@brianarnau6439]

@@lessthanhumanmusic3410 I never said that metal is an easy genre to play. I’m a metalhead, so I know this. It’s just that you don’t see these chords in metal, unless it’s a variation of an arpeggio. I mean, look at Dimebag Darrel. He doesn’t use any of those chords, but he is by far one of the best guitarists of all time (despite being dead).

[@jamesdonnelly8888]

This was a really great way to gauge where I am, and I can see the logic in everything you say. Very useful video, thanks

[@lindasmith6668]

Everything you said makes sense to me and it will be my goal to achieve those things you mentioned. Thank you for your suggestions.

[@jones9459]

this video made me feel like a guitar god

[@windtraffic2955]

Same

[@agustinveca9573]

Me too body

[@claraboe2755]

Ive seen the tip to play a song from finish to start a few times now. It never crossed my mind that people wouldnt do that naturally. The first thing i did on a guitar was learning a song

[@hansenberg9895]

I boosted my confidence and self-esteem by watching this video

[@MSapienza28]

Felt real confident when he discussed chords and switching chords! The rest of the video was a personal attack.

[@NYESOX]

"real" chords are the hardest thing for me and the rest I feel ok with. I was a bassist forever and never really took the time to learn them and now it's so fucking hard for my fat fingers.

[@stonkpuppets6393]

By your evaluation I’m just on the border of a intermediate player. I just took a big leap forward because I bought a 1965 Teisco with four pickups and a whammy. I got into learning surf tones and my playing is getting so much better that even my wife noticed.

[@bsa0919]

thank you soooooo much, I can't tell you how much this video helped. Good work!!

[@AchillesWrath1]

I feel like the intermediate is a very wide spectrum.

[@lucabrandalesi6743]

Yeah, I feel like even knowing all the modes and when to use them, construct 7th chords and harmonize a bass line is intermediate, because I can do those things but I'm really shitty as a technical player. On the other hand I have a friend who can play really fast and smoothly but he can't improvise well or do jazz theory

[@tobyeshaw]

@@lucabrandalesi6743 I watched the video through, and was like, "Phew! I pass the test!" #relief. Then i read your comment, and i was like, "Nooooooo! I am a phoney" 😭. Then i remembered this: "Play guitar like you don't know how to play guitar." - Miles Davis. Miles got me covered, ego intact 😋

[@xooperz]

Yeah... there's no real point to this video

[@artemthetrain14]

@@xooperz eh I think there is a point. Let's you know if (by his standards, someone's standards) you are passed the absolute beginner stage.

[@xooperz]

@@artemthetrain14 Everyone should know by themselves whether they've passed it. And something like music theory. It's really not mandatory to know it at all to be skillful enough for "intermediate". Besides, why do you have to classify a player to a certain level. It's pointless

[@starwarsguy123ful]

Oh thank god, i am actually an intermediate player. As soon i saw the title i started sweating.

[@erniemoi2732]

Gabriel Flores ur not alone, I was sweating more than I ever did in PE

[@nicksiino7815]

Same haha. Glad to be able to call myself intermediate at least

[@HashBrowie]

Haha sameeee

[@paulsture7045]

Dam, I thought I was hitting it out of the park until he came to the part about reading music....lol

[@maxjudge020]

I've been playing for 9 months and I have all these down, i think I can be a high level guitarist by next year.

[@maureengrant9077]

Good to know what to aim for to become an intermediate player. Thanks ever so much.

[@shearfury147]

this was just what i needed, I tick all the boxes plus some. now I can move on. thanks. happy new year!

[@tonymontana504]

Thank you! As a self-taught guitar player I often find it hard to tell what is the level I've achieved so far. It's not easy to do without external appraisal from a tutor or someone who's way better than you and whos opinion you trust.

[@kimberleygagliardi6027]

Absolutely - I'm in the same position. Have you found a way to guage your own ability yet?

[@MaquiladoraIII]

Ditto. It’s actually surprising how many of these intermediate facets I can do, albeit with a little rustiness on the scales front!

[@lukyyyie5074]

Same. It's really hard learning on ur own. I hope to get a teacher one day, but till then, it's a lone journey lol

[@adammoffatt3832]

I learned a randy rhoads solo and then they just seemed to feel natural after that,because yeah im in the same boat really.

[@adammoffatt3832]

Scales that is anyway

[@Josh-wy9kv]

I know all of these and still think I suck at playing guitar haha

[@aaraamasreesreekumar7783]

Same. But this video actually lifted my confidence by a lot.

[@carlibostic487]

Same here lol. But he’s just made my day coz I still consider myself a beginner after a year half.

[@jocefianrama]

I still consider myself a beginner even after almost 10 years of playing guitars as secondary instrument (I'm a drummer, and not a good one tho). I know how the different scales sound but I can't play them that well.

[@samueljackson315]

You'll nevet not think you suck

[@anyhoot47]

Yep, we have good days and bad days. Some days nothing sounds in tune and other days everything falls into place. Some of us have more time to practice and some of us are on forced 6 day work weeks with mandatory overtime. And, some of us have been struck by lightening and have to learn stuff all over again. However, lightening also change things so that you can play things that you never thought possible. I don't recommend the lightening approach. This video has taught me that I have made it to intermediate after 43 years of playing. The question now is how to move beyond intermediate ?

[@jessejohannesen]

Great work on your guitar video. You clearly have constructive teaching skills and understanding of how to relay information verbally in conjuction eith visual technique. I have the pentonic and blues scales down but will research and practice others you mention. Also, you are right about reading music even just the basics because that could open the mind to new possibilities and learning techniques! Thanks and good luck in getting the message out to more people!!

[@annness42]

Gave me some good ideas of what I need to work on. Thanks.

[@Damuworld]

Me: able to play a bunch of really advanced songs Also me: *Doesn't know what the simplest chords are called*

[@jasco5001]

I used to play live and once played a steely Dan tribute performance and I still don't know what the Notes on the neck are lol

[@AS-we9xi]

Same.

[@AlecC0l]

@@jasco5001 Do you enjoy not being able to tell anybody how to play anything lmao

[@bakey9222]

@@AlecC0l “look just do this” usually works pretty good

[@AlecC0l]

@@bakey9222 true it's fine up to a certain point, when someone takes 2 minutes to explain to me that they are playing emaj7 it gets old

[@mikezeman9991]

I’ll admit after playing 38 years I too was nervous about watching this but passed passed with flying colors. When I first started playing guitar, every time I picked it up, everybody would leave, then one day I picked it up and when I started playing, everybody moved closer, and I knew that day I was a guitar player. If you’re a beginner don’t give up and one day you’ll be a guitar player.

[@willpennington5479]

Now THAT is a confidence booster! 😊

[@MsRizzo69]

I feel I’ll never be good. Guitar teacher’s expect you to know something and if you don’t, they’re so advance that they want you to mimic them. So, how is that teaching? Then you try KZbin but now you’re just all over the place… so, that’s where I’m at…

[@dakota5569]

@@MsRizzo69 the tip is to choose and stick to one course or curriculum. Many KZbin teacher will have different methods but all aim to move you towards the same goal so pick one, then use KZbin as a place to find motivation and further exercises.

[@MsRizzo69]

@@dakota5569 thanks for responding.

[@joshsmith610]

Yes sirr

[@iwanjones7334]

This is a great summary and happy to say it let me know exactly where I am in my learning. Intermediate!

[@nuneko11]

I think you are right my friend, that is the exact thing I have learn as an intermediate, plus the caged system!

[@perez104]

He has it all wrong, you only need to know how to play 0 3 5

[@juliancannone432]

035 0365 03530, then you’re a touring level guitarist

[@shaggymotionless4269]

That is actually Platinum Professional God Level

[@ado011235]

slosh fan?

[@fourcheeseblend8573]

WHAT another 035 joke HAHAHA !!! its funny cause its easy .....seriously get an original comment 035 was never funny it's pretty much like trump jokes

[@Mess316]

@@fourcheeseblend8573 those are also funny

[@577mozart]

The item I immediately saw missing from the list was the ability to tune your guitar without using an app or a tuner. It may not be tuned to the correct pitch, but it should still be in tune to itself, using the age old traditional method. Does that need to be mentioned? Absolutely. Over the years I've met many guitar players that don't have a clue how to tune their guitar without a tuner. One other thing I would consider adding to the list is being able to play your guitar in the dark. Break the crutch of always looking at your fingers. Beginners stare at their own fingers because of a lack of confidence. An intermediate should have the confidence and skill to look away from their fingers. Practicing in the dark will help you improve that skill.

[@spanishtickle5684]

577mozart you make an interesting point about playing in the dark. I’m going to practice blindfolded.

[@justech]

I think it's referred to as "relative tuning", and it should still be done in an intentional pitch, which is objective and can be easily referenced with a tuning fork.

[@justanunderachiever1121]

I find this ironic because I can do both those things but I am still a beginner. I am blind so looking at the guitar is not an issue for me and I have perfect pitch so tuning is a breeze for me.

[@MFDOOOOM]

@@justanunderachiever1121 how are you typing and reading comments wtf

[@-siranzalot-]

Though not wrong, playing in the dark is not neccessarily good Training. Or at least not in every stage. It is good not having to depend on looking at the fingers later on, but watching your fingers carry out the movements actually helps the brain memorize them faster while learning something new. Also, recalling these movements in your mind even when you are not holding the Instrument at that time (which is not as easy as it sounds) also triggers a Training effect in the brain. Taking the eyes off the neck and the fingers is good to cement an already existing skill, but not so much while still developing it :)

[@killakame-3434]

What you are mentioning HERE on my part : A Late Beginner Level. Intermediate is pretty high on my book. And with Advanced its even more expressive and rapid.

[@peterhimmelman9241]

Totally agree, that's why everyone got in an ego boost in the comments.

[@khaifrench3323]

Self taught and it's nice to know I'm almost surpassed this as intermediate. I can comfortably figure out how to play a song by ear and I found how to connect scales together. The internet makes it easy to find all of these virtuoso can be a bit discouraging.

[@2drsdan]

The word NOVICE needs to be added to this vocabulary. Beginner, novice, intermediate, expert.

[@StompL7]

I would add advanced behind expert

[@Britmysta]

Oh, just saw this comment. Novice is perfect!

[@rderoch]

I'm a firm novice. I can do all the intermediate things, kind of. They all still need work, but are getting better.

[@coffee5736]

Why don't we throw adept in there and go full on skyrim style while we're at it!

[@jpmcmullan8666]

Add Yngwie after expert

[@ashlinahan]

I've been playing for 15 years and I was really nervous about watching this. Luckily I passed the test with flying colours but my ego was very prepared for a hiding!

[@andrewthompson7707]

Quitkiddingyourself....lol

[@briankirchhoefer]

Got my first guitar age 14 in 1980 , I would classify myself as intermediate. 40 years lol.

[@ashlinahan]

@@briankirchhoefer Nothing wrong with that. As long as you love playing 👌

[@Davidperez-oi6ke]

I always have someone around when I want to practice. Doing so makes me fumble, make simple mistakes, forget lyrics, and basically not go for it vocally or with my ax. Anyone feel me on this?

[@amandamcconnell6717]

This video is loaded with helpful information. Thank you so much. I’m a beginner

[@trix7579]

ive been playing nearly 4 years now and i really wasnt expecting to do too well on this because i moved onto playing bass but turns out i can do everything here so im pretty happy with that

[@ChrisChronos]

When I was younger I wanted to play guitar really badly. After 15 years of practicing 5 hours a day I can safely say I now play the guitar really badly. 🎸🎸

[@JesseLandau]

Too funny!

[@kingrobert1st]

I saw that coming!

[@sweetnsourchick1761]

Congrats!

[@shable1436]

Note, a lot of famous guitarist were intermediate players lol

[@lolipopsuck6999]

Who

[@papi4538]

lolipop suck I think Kurt Cobain was wasn’t he??

[@feeno1188]

The Beatles lmao

[@shable1436]

@@feeno1188 to be fair guitar playing is like mma, constantly evolving and getting more technical and starting younger, getting better faster. Of course youtube is a factor as well

[@greatdude7279]

This whole intermediate player vs beginner is silly. It all depends on the style you are playing. A beginner Flamenco player will be more technical then beginner blues player but both of them are beginners in their field.

[@jeremiekonegni4957]

I've been curious as to where I might be as a guitar player. Self teaching and have been really hesitant to claim past beginner. Now I know where I am and I'm almost there to intermediate. Scales, barre chords and understanding the notes on 5 and 6 better and I should get there. Hammer on, pull off, slides and timing I already have from playing bass in the past. Thanks for that, knowing where I think my next step should be at and how close I am to it is encouraging. Thanks again.

[@kishoregopalghosal3456]

Very good illustration about the list of abilities which an intermediate player should acquire.

[@mexicofcmexicanito3206]

I didn't know manuel neuer played guitar good job man!

[@dirkmertens6926]

Wrong. He is Cadel Evans...

[@andrewptob]

Ha, I see resemblance. Good call

[@ssm445]

Exactly same thought here. Just a bit confusing, the original Manuel is mumbling, and this one is not.

[@xreejan5545]

😂😂😂

[@noelserrao9680]

Lol😂

[@TheLockon00]

Thank you very much. As someone who has basically been self-taught for years, I have certain areas I'm strong in, but other areas where I am glaringly inadequate. This video helped me get a sense of which fundamental skills I should focus on in order to be a well-rounded player.

[@paulodingle2142]

Feel the same especially bar chords been playing long enough I should be able to do them easy but I still struggle the rest of that I’m intermediate according to him

[@jcdemp7513]

You taught me a little music theory. I watched your video. Will watch it again soon.😃

[@jamessmyth2596]

I would have to say hearing a song and working out the notes from the chords up the neck is a good indicator too. It allows you to identify bum notes quickly, cheat using slides and bends to play in key and learn your way up and down the fret board. Always start with a song you love and the technique will soon click into place with solos and timing

[@freethekingfisher6032]

Oof I thought I thought this video would actually make me realize I'm not an intermediate but it actually made the opposite and boosted my confidence lol

[@tinybadastronaut]

Same here. I'm not by any means at this level, but I'm a lot closer than I thought I was. :) I've been playing pretty seriously for 7-8 months now, and have definitely been gaining some real traction.

[@tdubbed_]

Peter Fyll exactly the same here. Watching this video was a nail biting experience, but well worth the anxiety. I am at intermediate, on my way to expert. I just can’t give up...

[@4ppl3z59]

Opposite for me cause idk garbage on scales or music theory

[@CharlieRootsMusic]

@@4ppl3z59 I suck at scales because I don't play lead but I can strum and play rhythm with anybody I've met thus far. I play mostly arpeggios and strumming. I can flat pick and fingerpick ok

[@Jay-cr6mx]

Same, I wouldn't consider myself a pro by any means but since I can play songs like Master Of Puppets, it boosted my confidence

[@briancdexter]

Finger picking is something I would add to this list, even if it’s just one basic pattern

[@jhglaze]

Freudian slip on my part, I should have thought to mention in my initial post seeings how I have difficulty in that area.😏it’s on the list stuff I should have learned the first 5 yrs.

[@jorgelafayette5833]

I started playing guitar finger picking, then eventually changed mostly to flat picking. I don't believe finger picking is essential to playing, depending on what kind of music you want to play. But it is always useful.

[@johnmcaleese8459]

@@jhglaze Yeah, I dread that being mentioned. My right hand was cut to the bone when I was fourteen (43yrs ago) and really messed my hand up. Once nerves are severed your true feeling never comes back not to mention all the tendons. Still enjoy playing though. Screw it. I do what I can do. PEACE from Philadelphia

[@billvill61]

Learn to Travis pick.

[@billvill61]

@@johnmcaleese8459 You can fingerpick with as little as a thumb and one finger. Give it a shot! It's not nearly as hard as it looks.

[@xxdfoster]

This just gave me a lot of clarity.

[@paulofhoplite4087]

Well thought out set of criteria and milestones: Am close to intermediate. I got most of this stuff down, but haven't really put it all together yet. Can play scales, open chords, power chords and understand basic music theory and can slowly peck out notes on a guitar from sheet music. But going from power chords to plucking the scale, fluidly, sliding up and down the neck, and the like - can only really do that when playing a cover, where those elements are present. But I just kind of play them through and am not fully integrating how they make up these discrete elements. Excellent video!

[@farkoffcnt]

Hammer ons and pull offs are very important, and being able to improvise smoothly to songs or alone

[@retro_1015]

Shaun Holthaus not everyone is able to improvise my friend

[@farkoffcnt]

@@retro_1015 without enough practice of course not my friend, i understand that not everyone find its it easy, some people learn faster than others. There is a difference between playing music straight off paper or memory than understanding how the music works and having creativity while fitting into the back track or while performing solo When you audition to uni, improvising is one of the things they'll mark you on and that also define how good you are as a musician

[@howielowis458]

@@farkoffcnt literally all i had to do in the entrance exam for jazz guitar was to improvise over 3 standards in different styles. Easy peasy. Then i had to sing....

[@farkoffcnt]

@@howielowis458 theu basically access if you can already play your instrument well enough because they are not there to teach you from the very beginning

[@howielowis458]

@@farkoffcnt well, of course. I applied for a bachelor of education (in germany btw, not the states, i still wanna earn something^^) in music and english. Jazz-guitar is my main subject but i was tested in many aspects like singing, classical piano, jazz piano, theory and hearing as well. Like being able to write down a random melody of weird intervals by ear or doing the same with several different chords. They had rather high standards for everything, so it was kinda funny for me that my actual main subject was something i didn't even have to practice for. Just downloaded some backing tracks for Round Midnight, Tune up and i don't even remember the third standard because i didn't even need to play it. They cut me off during Tune up as they had seen enough. Whole thing lastest just a few minutes and i even got a great grade for it.

[@its_tunezz]

Are you trying to imply that i can call myself an intermediate guitar player??

[@krauxnotfaux]

yes

[@noky8746]

Yes, only you can. 😂

[@ysfkfnd]

He awarded you a BLPPD. Basic Level Player Personal Degree. Have fun!

[@perreban]

Dr. Intermediate player Sagar

[@dogmax1]

Better than me, I am an intermediate guitar owner, my guitars sound great up until the point I actually pick them up

[@funwiththeguitar3328]

Thanks ! This video was really helpful.

[@zippers2]

i think you hit on it all. nothing left out that i could think of ....thanks.

[@harryvanniekerk7269]

A well balanced representation. I`m playing guitar by ear for 40 plus years I cant meet all those requirements, but hey , it is still fun. God bless

[@TheZacdes]

AMEN, such simple stuff:) 43 years, on and off depending on my travel to surf and adventure shit:)

[@sledge2742]

The fun is what counts :) God bless you sir

[@TheZacdes]

AMEN:)

[@simplygreg17ify]

I'm in the same boat...29 yrs playing in church here

[@cheltersful]

Getting the C.A.G.E.D system down helps a lot!

[@pendletonjr]

Not quite intermediate yet but I've checked off a few boxes on my guitar journey... If anything, this list will help shape my practice time... Thanks a bunch for the vid man...

[@clarkewegener9197]

Great video man. I appreciate the examples.

[@ztwilkerson]

I still feel like a beginner after 27 years, 3 albums, 100 shows a year for the last 7 years, and knowing all this stuff. Guess I’ll have to keep going.

[@MusoraMedia]

I think we all feel like beginners sometimes.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

one can never truly master the guitar :-)

[@teodormiciol3612]

Showoff lol

[@lalalulu_]

pretty sure you re insane :D

[@zackymad1533]

"I brag about ME to anyone outside..."

[@josteurs1]

I've been playing for about 15/20 years and had a few beginners lessons and continued learning on my own. I had the feeling sometimes that I was getting nowhere, but after watching this I know that I am intermediate even a little more, so that boost my spirit to keep studying, thanks for this.

[@philodonoghue3062]

Thank you. Excellent timely concise realistic advice. Saves clutching at straws and narrows down what I need to target 🎯 more accurately. Also how to stretch from something I can barely achieve to something just beyond my presently grasp - and practise practise… until I do get the satisfaction of conquering.

[@eleanorrigormortis]

As a beginner, this gave me a great checklist on what I should be learning, thanks!

[@Dark_Souls_3]

Now THIS was the video I needed! Don’t know why this channel was under my radar for so long - just subbed. Even though you’re essentially telling me I’m in the middle of beginner level😮 thank you for the direction!