How to Be a Tasteful Guitarist

[@VicLabs]

I once played in a worship band with a studio pianist. He had played on Kelly Clarkson albums and a few jazz fusion albums. No one on stage knew who he was or what work he had done, he just sat there tacit for the entire first song. I asked what was wrong and he said, “piano doesn’t fit in that song, maybe the next one.” So we went onto the next song and he started sprinkling in some tasty licks, almost like he was gearing up for something. When it came time for him to carry a song he was on in full force, but it made complete sense for the song. He didn’t feel the need to prove anything, and it freed him up to use the piano to maximum effect.

[@andrewfrancis7739]

Love this!

[@el0blaino]

Reminds me of the King Crimson story, where they were improvising Trio, and Bill Bruford stayed out the whole song because drums weren't needed. Robert Fripp gave him a co-writing credit for having the musical sense and lack of ego to not intrude. He extended the idea when performing live with his League of Crafty Musicians, where as I recall one guitarist would not play on purpose to visually reinforce the idea of the importance of silence.

[@josuanachname1914]

Pretty the same story here with Django Reinhardt's nephew who appears to be a christian.

[@keithklassen5320]

This channel is such an oasis in the desert of guitar instructional videos. So consistently bringing us back to the real.

[@vagnmoore]

"When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all" - God, Futurama Season 3 Episode 20

[@NateJessee-z7e]

anyone that says you are not an impressive guitarist doesn't know guitar. Well done Eric!

[@asdf-oq4zr]

For real. I'll find myself listening to some of Eric's arrangements for the musical enjoyment they bring me, not just for educational purposes, even though they were intended as lessons. That's impressive.

[@timjoseph887]

Totally agree. Never seen anyone play a C9 with a flat pinky, awesome

[@EfthimiaAthan]

​@@timjoseph887hahaha you're right

[@thissammarshall]

“Some of the best playing goes unnoticed”… Preach sister 🙌

[@MacHeath699]

I still remember--and try to live by--a comment Jeff Baxter made about his fellow Doobie Pat Simmons in a Guitar Player interview about fifty (!) years ago: he said Simmons's playing was always so perfect for the song that you wouldn't even be aware he was playing unless he dropped out. For other great examples of less is more, check out Bo Ramsey's playing accompanying Greg Brown.

[@frankrussell4664]

@@MacHeath699 I remember reading that quote by Jeff Baxter and it stuck with me as well. And yes!! on Bo Ramsey.

[@MacHeath699]

@@frankrussell4664 Paisan!

[@damienkphoto]

Eric, you are a gem. Your contemplative approach to guitar playing is so fresh, yet so needed within the guitar community. Thanks for always reminding us that we don't always need to do too much.

[@esese623]

Of all the KZbin guitar teachers, instructors, personalities and players, I've always thought of you as the one I'd want to sound like the most. Plus, you've introduced me to a whole bunch of great music, so thank you for that as well!

[@paulmundy8312]

Could listen to Eric playing all day. Would love these sort of lessons in a book. It would sell like hot cakes

[@ColeTaylor-eo6pu]

It would

[@tooleyoclock]

Tears of Rage. I’ll never forget the first time I heard the opener of Big Pink. I’m pretty sure I cried. Manuel’s voice is incredible. But, the way that opening electric guitar riff cuts through in such an emotive way really blew my mind. I think he used a Wah or something to make those frequencies so bright and slightly distorted. Wow. I’ve been producing music for about 20 years and I too have been called “the tasteful” guitarist. That has always come naturally to me, maybe because I’m introverted and somewhat self conscious. My favorite guitarists as I was learning in my teens were Curtis Mayfield and Robbie Robertson. Yeah. These were the dudes whose playing goes unnoticed by most casual listeners, but as a young guitar player trying to learn my favorite songs, I knew I was never going to play quite like Clapton or EVH. I never tried. So, I tended to think more compositionally as I had the great fortune to befriend very talented songwriters in my area who needed a partner to create albums or play gigs. This gave me the opportunity to develop those skills to think dynamically and be restrained when my brilliant partner’s beautiful voice needs to take center stage. And then, as you said, play only “to make the song better.” If I or my creative partner hears something in our heads that MUST be included to support the overall song, then we find a way to make it work, with notes, rhythmically, sonically. And in a way that matches the energy and passion of the song. Great Video! I LOVE this stuff.

[@CdrKang]

Shit, you’re opening this vid with one of my favourite tracks of all time. Your takes are one hundred percent accurate.

[@nickmarshall6732]

What a great lesson. So many players would benefit from learning this mentality of playing.

[@RobertSlover]

serve the song! the best lesson.

[@ForTheLoveOfGuitars]

We tend to get so used to just banging away, strumming like mad when we pick up an acoustic guitar. Restraint is hard, but necessary, especially in a band setting. Awesome video.

[@sd863]

Always had this analogy that the more instruments in a band, the less they should do.

[@Mikeunism1]

@@sd863I’d rather say, less instruments do more, more instruments and they should be doing less

[@sd863]

@@Mikeunism1 oh thank you for pointing that out! I meant to write that as well :)

[@mattmitchell9298]

Spot on!!! Played with so many people who don't get how far bass and drums will carry a song. Everything else is just "seasoning".😊

[@georgeovitt5443]

Most on-line guitar teachers seem desperate to get your attention. Eric here and Devin over at Country Guitar just deliver the goods with quiet competency. Eric's minimalist approach to music stands out in a sonic landscape filled with bombast.

[@xfoxbeats]

If you hit a guitar, it will hurt and it will scream; if you handle it gently, it will sing. Impressive guitarists can quickly tire you out, but those who create a pleasant atmosphere are worth listening to.

[@adinkin09]

Eric, guitarist in Asheville, NC here. Just wanted to say thank you for the well produced, easily digestible and well thought out videos on subjects not typically addressed by guitar instructors. Valuable stuff sir.

[@rockyourrepairedamp9850]

Great advice here. “ Do I even need to play anything? “ 😮

[@mattheweady615]

Nah just be excellent & eat pizza 😎✌

[@Crazijames]

Just want you to know that I totally believe in your channel Eric. You’ll keep blowing up because it’s just so good. I’ve learned a lot of theory from and I’m happy that it’s beginning to translate into how I see and play the instrument

[@justiceforall6412]

I've been playing professionally for 40 odd years. I made most of my money playing like this or doing rhythm. I watch these vids from time-to-time for entertainment. This was an especially good and important video.

[@TheHesseJames]

Very solid advice. Serve the song!

[@bannanaboy8]

Who ever said you're not impressive? I love your playing so much

[@endoalley680]

I like that natural tele with the Bigsby.

[@TonySop]

Don’t let people tell you are not a great guitar player! You can be great and tasteful! You actually give me Chris Stapleton vibes for your guitar playing!!

[@banebeats387]

Something about your playing that speaks straight to my spirit. Fantastic work, Eric.

[@oceantree5000]

You impress the hell out of me, my man. I’ve been poring through dozens of guitar-teacher channels here on KZbin, and have arrived at yours: the first that have actually stuck w me, that get me to sit down and practice the new techniques. Thanks a million, brother.

[@Pradip5npk]

Eric Haugen - the guitarist and philosopher

I’ve been playing guitar for a long time. Probably over 30 years now, and playing simply and basic has always been a struggle for me. I just too bored playing it, but can definitely comes across as too busy sometimes. Of course I started with metal and that’s probably why. Over time, I learned my triads all over the neck. That happened on accident really, because I used to spend a lot of time just listening to other people’s tracked and improving solos on them. This is basically how I learned to play. But I always feel as if I need to be shining and doing something dramatic, which I know so far from reality. I’ve been working on getting better at this aspect.

[@johnwhitmore2531]

Great lesson/philosophy not just for guitarists but all musicians. So much to learn out of this, and something I'll probably be back to time and time again trying to check am I even close to getting tasteful. Such an impressive guitar player.

[@marcelbelanger4424]

Some of the best playing goes unnoticed - at first, maybe, but it's what keeps you coming back and noticing something wonderful for the first time in a song you've heard many times.

[@marrow94]

Man, what a treasure of a channel. Thanks!

[@MarkRCooper]

We're going to talk about these principles in practice today. Thanks for the guidance!

[@AM2PMReviews]

for me, its almost like being invisible to the overall sound. Then if you have a guitar part, like a solo, then it is your time to really shine and it pops more because you were patient and you have dynamic control. 4:48 OHHH YOU SAID THIS PERFECTLY LATER ON!

[@marcos_c_m]

Develop Good phrasing and note choice is a lifetime journey (even for hard workers) and most people never will develop it unless if they put serious focus on it.. and will take a lifetime maturing. Improvisation alone is a giant subject... The less you play harder it becomes because there's less space for bad or random choices.

[@nicholashpng1]

Hi Eric, from one guitarist to another let me just say your playing is impressively musical and clean. Musically you say a lot with few words, and that alone is truly impressive in my books. Thank you for your content. Liked and subscribed. 👍

[@ElizabethHolloway-c9q]

"we should strive to NOT be noticed." - that could have been said by a Russian mystic, one of the Optina Elders. Amazing!

[@rscott6512]

Tasteful guitar is an impressive guitarist. Wishing you many great notes 🎉

[@exgruntr031]

Man, you're the real deal !!! Another home run !!!!

[@stillwateracoustic]

This is what I am finding and working on - play less, play tastefully, and sometimes freakn rock out.

[@karlberardi4351]

It seems to be about the pocket, i think the essence of music is respect. Thanks for your vid.

[@nathanvonmollendorff373]

Ah man you make me so exited to play guitar-thanks🙌

[@fivehorizons5295]

Thanks again Eric and what a great message to not have to play like some super virtuoso every time you pick up the guitar. To complement the song in tasteful ways is the mark of a true musician.

[@RedMercuryBluesBand]

Been meaning to say that you could probably give lessons to other YT folks on video, lighting, and sound...really high end top quality all round.

[@jrpipik]

The most important bit to playing in a group is to listen. Is the drummer keeping good time? If not, then that's my job: keep the groove, hold the drummer in place. If the bass player holding down the bottom? If so, I explore other parts of the spectrum, almost never playing a low note. Is there another instrument providing melodic fills between vocal lines? Yes, I'm off duty; no, I provide some ear candy -- and don't step on the singer!

[@Nowandthen-zen]

Dynamics and respect✌🏻🎸🎶

[@WeirdErnie]

I don't check up on lesson videos as often as I would like to, but I've always really dug your tone, your playing and your taste in music.

[@AlanGreer-o2s]

I beg to differ Eric, Not only are you an impressive guitarist, and, a tasteful guitarist, You're an excellent instructor, who always has impressive content on your posts. Cudo's for another great lesson. Alan Greer in Columbus Georgia

[@sidewaysrain7609]

BRAVO! Using The Band In your teaching as an example of less is more add dynamic structure it's perfect! I referenced them often as well as an example for Harmony, vocal Harmony, arrangements and dynamic structure. If I talk drums I would also reference Levon Helm who's drumming added so much texture and dynamic all the walls singing lead in harmonies!

[@smokeynewport1591]

Tasteful = Impressive every time.

[@cookingguitars]

Someone sent me this, at first I thought, why, then I listened, love it! Fantastic little lesson, Ill be going through your stuff. Thank-you!

[@drongoesgalore]

Learning to get relaxed in whatever I’m doing is my lifetime goal. I always have so much tension in my body and it’s messing up my intonation for sure. Never got into weed or meditation but maybe that’ll help.

[@drongoesgalore]

I don’t even like weed what am I talking about

[@ultang]

Weed won't help, not in the long term. It can open you a bit, but like other drugs it can delude you into thinking you're better than you are. The cognitive deterioration and demotivation that come with weed will slow your progress and the paranoia that comes with it will send your anxiety levels back up again.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

That’s a tough one for sure - remember to lower your expectations and try to have fun!

[@drongoesgalore]

At this point I’m turning on a beat and going reaaaaally slow . I try to keep my body moving in time and remember to breathe. Doing short sets of 30-60 seconds a couple times and moving on, thinking about where I’m tense. I’ve played a few things that sound musical and have had a couple musical ideas so I’m counting that as progress. Also am in a band which has forced me to actually figure songs out all the way and get over some shyness. As an older guy if nothing else it’s a great brain workout and lots of fun, which is really what I’m here for.

[@donindri]

To me the most impressive playing is tasteful! Thanks for posting

[@TheGravygun]

I love your teaching style very patient and explained very well

[@alber787]

beautiful song

[@michaelmerrullo2043]

Interesting way to play the C9 off of the open c shape flattening the little finger that I never thought of . Love your lessons and insight Eric. The way you explain things is special.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I did that just so I could get to the F smoother! Necessity is the mother of invention

[@justabill63]

Very tasteful. Great observations about space and playing to what the song needs. You've got a new fan.

[@cju5150]

Reggie Young = The Master. R.I.P. to the GOAT of tasteful, emotional guitar playing. Just listen to his lead on, "Anymore" by Travis Tritt, or his masterful playing on, "Drift Away".

[@officalhumblefish565]

Watching you while tripping. Thank you for all you do. Youre a massive influence ✌️🧡

[@macsarcule]

You are always tasteful! Thank you, Eric! ✌️😌🎸

[@GuitarJoLa]

Excellent lesson, tasteful playing is what makes a great musician!

[@nealpike6611]

Will definitely be buying all of these tabs

[@jeremiahpoynter3572]

Top tier teacher also

[@TheKingKrusher]

You really are amazing, thank you for your videos. Players/teachers like you, and probably acpg, always bring that little extra knowlege that many don't know that they need. 👍

[@warwickdries5525]

Mate your good, tasteful and I love everything you do.

[@fluffydog8008]

You have a wonderful conception of playing guitar.

[@WickBeavers]

My name ain’t Buzz, but if you want best case tuning, get the Buzz Feiten nut/tuning for all your guitars. Great lesson, thanks!

[@metalfuryskulls]

Cracking lesson Eric; lots to take away any ponder on!

[@sercastamere9853]

Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, Robbie Krieger, Mick Taylor, even people like Josh Homme... occasionally "impressive", but ALWAYS tasteful

[@kyledrevlo1962]

Good stuff Eric. So true

[@michaelmillican5592]

Great video! Love it!

[@MrJoemuck]

Enjoyed your video. A lot of great nuggets in your video for me to learn from.

[@lostandfound-music]

Oh boy, I already watched and enjoyed a bunch of your videos but this one made me subscribe. This is probably the single most useful KZbin video I've ever watched! It's not easy to let others in on your thought process making music. You took me right along! Thanks

[@johnwelch557]

Same as many here. Tasty, musical play is much tougher than machine gunning, and is the achievement of certified musicians.

[@pedroberoes49]

3:28 THIS!! Dynamics is the one thing that I hear least in players today, so many people I see just bang on the instrument the whole way through. Dynamics pleasee.

[@DeFiSiYT]

Awesome video as always! Thank you Eric! Also great to see that you've grown the channel significantly. Yay for going viral! 🙌

[@cedarbay3994]

This is excellent Eric. Think first, play second. I’m often guilty of fishing for the good notes instead of thinking of a good part and working it.

[@rockydennis311]

10:40 sounds just like castle made of sand for a second and i was not expecting it and it threw me so off guard

[@mondybrunache4016]

Nicely done! Thank you so much!

[@kirklandish]

I would be interested in a video on incorporating dead notes into your playing. It’s a technique I personally really like and would like to see your take on it. Thanks again for your thoughtful instruction.

[@trioguitar]

I am always impressed! 👍

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Eric ❤😊

[@moose6676]

Subscribed Eric, it all makes sense my friend 👍🏻 thanks 👍🏻

[@devynglenn7697]

Hell yeah, I finally watched one of your videos on a Friday where I had pizza. A day well lived

[@donyoung7874]

I used to go to jam sessions and there would always be a number of guitar players. Many times it seemed like no one listened to each other and it was a barrage.

[@jessebfly]

Excellent song choice here Eric. ;)

[@michaelmccormick546]

Great lesson man. Love that acoustic, love all your guitars tbh lol. Great tone and feel man, you know the craic. I like your guitar matrix, always helpful and useful knowledge 👍. Keep them coming

[@KeithTasker]

Outstanding content - thank you!

[@mateuszszajerka3193]

Dope video as always!

[@mikefromusa6902]

This is the way. 🤛🏻

[@johndaugherty4127]

All the best picker's play tele's.

[@vedantmehta4255]

Bro is Bob Ross of guitar

[@__bam]

Your arrangement on Tears of Rage is outstanding. Would love to be able to hear it in its entirety.

[@majortwang]

Got to listen to

[@wrm192]

Hey Eric, Great lesson. Thank you. I just need to ask if that is a Mastery M1 Bridge on your Tele? I also have a Tele with a Fender/Bigsby. The bridge that it came with is not a good design, as the strings actually touch the plate that the saddles fit into. I was just wondering if you had the bridge installed, and how is it working for you. Thanks Again

[@kylehill9653]

you talk a lot like my band director, im also a bassoonist in college currently, i think instruments that sit back naturally teach you how to do so on others

[@drwilliamlarge]

You impress me.

[@Rebelconformist82]

Quality over quantity

[@iamtylerwilsonmusic]

Tears of Rage baby! Great tune.

[@darwinsaye]

I do find “tasteful” guitarists like yourself to be the most impressive. So yes, you are a very impressive guitarist. Adam Levy’s solo on a live performance of Come Away With Me with Nora Jones kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYi2YpKtl9mCjcksi=C3GNzGlKpYuuFole , and Emmett Kelly’s solo on Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy’s New Black Rich (Tusks) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnq6iKaomtOYfZosi=-b8aVp3v8cyphsZo , are two solos that recently captivated me for their utterly masterful tastefulness. I’d love to hear your thoughts on them if you ever have the time and feel so inclined.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I was just talking to Adam Levy on the phone when you typed this! We’re gonna do a collab

[@Jos317eph]

Saying less IS impressive! What guitarist can shut up on the fretboard when there’s a guitar in his hands 😅