How To Play Ambient Guitar #8 - PLAY WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED!! (Blindfolded Guitar Playing)

Try out one of Bill's secret practice techniques. Improve your confidence, phrasing and hand position by learning to play with your eyes closed, in other words - blindfolded guitar playing. Check it out!! And...if you are in the United States - Happy Thanksgiving 2015!
Part 8 of the series: How to Play Ambient Guitar:
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DOWNLOAD the LATEST Chords of Orion Ambient Guitar music here: chordsoforion.b...
Equipment/software used:
Larrivee OM-03R
Zoom H4N
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
Apple Logic Pro X
chords of orion - ambient/post-rock guitar music for the mind and heart.
bill vencil - guitars, vocals, other instruments and sounds.
web: chordsoforion.com
facebook: / chordsoforion
twitter: / chordsoforion
soundcloud: / chordsoforion

[@josephgoudreau7425]

I've actually been trying not to look at the fretboard lately and only focusing on inner emotions, inspiring video.

[@smeagolthebulldog]

I began as a bass player, got a job as a guitar player and have gone back to playing bass. But because I play an unlined fretless, it's all about your ears. What you're saying is so true in my opinion. And yes, I'm sure that I'm not the only bass player who watches your videos. Excellent channel.

[@Paul_on_Guitar]

Just now found this video! Nifty idea. But I gotta admit, just seeing you with a hat down over your face makes me smile. 😆

[@ianpopp87]

I'm not the biggest fan of ambient guitar, but I love your videos. Anyone can learn a thing or 10 from these, regardless of their particular style. You're incredibly talented, and seem like a super genuine guy. I also love your reviews. So many reviews focus on negativity and bash very good products, but you dont fall into that trap. Keep up the great work.

[@chordsoforion]

+poppduder Wow! I really appreciate the kind words!!!

[@alysonlie]

Always pleasant to see your videos!

[@stevai6732]

You're an excellent musician. Cool idea to focus on for sure. I do it without thinking about it sometimes (not blindfolding myself but simply not looking at my guitar), but should do it more often. When I focus on my left hand which I tend to do, I usually follow the same patterns I've learned vs. more dynamic improv and surprises. Which can lead to burnout from my own style of playing. Thanks for the reminder.

[@chordsoforion]

+stevai6732 Excellent observation about focus on the hands and falling into familiar patterns. I can have a tendency to do this too, and try to keep an eye out for repetition... Thanks for commenting!

[@Roberestiffler]

Thanks a lot, like really. I´m from Chile and no one could encourage me to do the things you have encouraged me to do. I´ve learned a lot from you. About tone, melodies, how dynamic can a guitar be and how to trust on my talent and technique. Thanks again, you are an amazing musician and apparentely a great person.

[@chordsoforion]

+Roberto González Thanks so much for letting me know you are enjoying the videos! I really appreciate the kind words!!!

[@robsgirl6465]

Ah, a lesson that is very close to my heart. Geez, I wonder why? Thanks Bill. As always, you're the best.

[@briankeeem]

So obvious. Yet so needed. Thanks for making so many resources for the music community!

[@chordsoforion]

+brianblas kim And thanks to you for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it!!!

[@raw_pc]

I agree. I'm playing in the dark at night to practice that feeling. Awesome vid again. I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@BarryGrueter]

What a great idea 💡 👍

[@Allthingsambient]

Love your videos! You inspired me to extend my art channel so thank you!

[@KS-hl6zo]

I watched the whole series, I liked them a lot and tried out many new stuff. thanks for all the information and your music :)

[@chordsoforion]

+Kıvanç ŞENGÜN Awesome! I am so glad you got some value from the videos. Thanks so much for letting me know!!

[@chordsoforion]

+Kıvanç ŞENGÜN Oh yes - stay tuned. I've got more episodes in this series coming soon...

[@markinthemix6055]

Good channel. Thanks 😃.

[@chordsoforion]

And thanks to you for commenting!!!

[@DukeEnlil]

Good as always! One of my favorite tuning is DGDGBbD so can you try something with it? Thank you and waiting for some new videos!) All the best to You Sir!!!

[@chordsoforion]

I have to say that I don't think I have ever worked with DGDGBbD. I will give it a try!

[@davewalker5387]

Thanks Bill - great videos.

[@chordsoforion]

You are welcome!!

[@camiloleao3249]

It's a great hint!

[@MrStenios]

Oh i see there Mgła(polish band) influences. Are you a fan of their music? :)

[@arvedbohn6133]

I saw Mgla last year, they were amazing!

[@GlennMichaelThompson]

Great idea! I'll be wearing my hat to practice.... BTW - Interesting to note that I use a Carvin "Fatboy" HF2S. Now I see your acoustic, and guess what? Yes I also play a Larrivee acoustic. Different model though; I'm using an all mahogany (back, top, and sides) OM 03. Love your videos... great job! Thanks.

[@chordsoforion]

+Glenn Michael Thompson Cool! That's an OM03R, so pretty dang close. My main baby is a Lowden O35. Love it!!!!!!!

[@GlennMichaelThompson]

Chords Of Orion I was close to buying a Lowden way back, but got a great deal on a Gurian Cutaway (rosewood) back in the mid to late 70's. It's been played a lot! :0)

[@Metchous]

Bill- what's your favorite alternate tuning? I'm trying to do some new stuff this summer because my playing has become rather sloppy and I need to get back on the practice wagon. The eyes covered approach is a great tip!

[@chordsoforion]

Hey!!! My 2 go-to tunings are DADGAD and CGDGAD. I actually did a video on alternate tunings and talk about those 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX7LXpyLeL6AqJo. It's focused electric/ambient, but the concept translates to acoustic guitar too. Hope you are enjoying the new Taylor acoustic!!!

[@gregmerritt9366]

Not at all stupid. I feel that, regardless of genre and instrument choices, any exercise that encourages trust and reliance solely to the ear can only help a musician and is essential for growth in music creation.

[@frankatack385]

what is your guitar tuned to..? sounds great..!!

[@chordsoforion]

+Frank Atack DADGAD is the tuning. As a matter of fact, I've got a video coming out this coming week describing this and one other of my favorite alternate tunings. Stay tuned!

[@billfox8257]

@@chordsoforion I've been watching your channel for a week. Very enjoyable and informative. I'm also getting G.A.S. in a big way! ;-) Speaking of alternate tuning systems, three weeks ago, I decided to learn Suite: Judy Blues Eyes which requires DADDAD tuning. 4+20 just popped out at me but I've also tried Sundown (Lightfoot) and Paint It Black (Stones) as well. Now you're leading me down a few more rabbit holes and I'm enjoying the ride. I play a weekly electronic/ambient concert with my duo (Twyndyllyngs) and you're inspiring me to increase my guitar content. Basic guitar setup is a Boss GT-5 (ancient!) plus, in a mixer's aux send/receive loop, an Akai Headrush II. I often feed the GT-5 from my Leilani lap slide guitar powered by an Ebow. I also want to use ambient guitar techniques while playing sax and trombone and a gift I was given last week, an EWI 4000S! It could be a feat to be able to make one setup that will perform well with multiple sources. Wish me luck.

[@BluesLicks101]

Thumbs up, but I had to take the stocking cap off first, lol!

[@JaviAltonaga]

what´s the name of the tune?? awesome!!

[@chordsoforion]

+Javier Altonaga So glad you liked it! It is just a song fragment that I recently put together. I hope it will turn into a real piece at some point.

[@JaviAltonaga]

+Chords Of Orion hope it too! So Nice

[@kevinwiley6376]

Doc Watson!

[@khontholisasi2623]

It is actually easy, but can you TAPPING WHILE BLINDFOLDED?

[@khontholisasi2623]

I know if he use DADGAD tuning

[@djordjeblaga7815]

Moondog anyone?

[@serseriherif9530]

Hell yes that guy was on a next level

[@traviscurlutu7723]

I learned not to watch my hands by watching TV while I was playing. Actually worked...lol

[@chordsoforion]

Cool!

[@eoncatalystalbums]

I always thought I'm creator of this idea 0_0

[@chordsoforion]

Hehe! Glad you are doing it though. It's a great way to practice!