Famous musicians who can't read music

This is a compilation I made of famous guitarists and musicians who can't read music, and say so in their own words in interviews. As a guitar teacher I get frustrated with the number of people who give up or don't even get started because they can't read music, not even realizing it's not a prerequisite to just putting your hands on the instrument and learning to play it. So the main purpose of creating this compilation is to inspire you to just GO FOR IT and start learning to PLAY the guitar! Is knowing how to read music useful for a guitarist? Sure. Is it necessary? Nope. Don't take my word for it - ask these famous guys...
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Thanks for watching!

[@caseyschipper9146]

It is true you don’t need to be able to read music to be a great guitar player. That being said... it is very nice to be able to.

[@robertallen6710]

I love it..

[@PhilomathBret]

It's not that important to read music when there's tab which tells you what strings to play on, not just the notes.

[@PhilomathBret]

@Ayustria Salma You normally don't. You just listen for that part. Guitar World magazine did invent this notation that showed the rhythm with the tab. Btw, you should try disagreeing with somebody without arrogantly laughing at them.

[@stoicnotsad]

@@PhilomathBret my man one down to earth guy love it coming across people like this they're only few

[@fabiogirardi2050]

Agree Casey....you don t need ....but if you are able this HELPS you for sure....this is my opinion of course...

[@unclebigkid1020]

Join the club I can’t read music either but I can play guitar pretty well.

[@Virgin_Oil]

Self taught gang unite

[@denaenaeee]

I play everything by ear lmao, I sing too and I can pick up anything with ease.

[@UriahD85]

Runs in the family too. We knew the sounds of the chords way before we knew what A B C D E F G meant

[@nigelpisswater484]

tabs for life

[@srhendx7]

Same 🤘🤘

[@truefilm6991]

A lot of guitarists can't read music, but most great guitarists have a very firm understanding of music theory and a great ear. If you are a pianist/arranger, as I am, reading and writing music is an absolute must.

[@themanwithnone]

great??? shut up.

[@nickepic1863]

It's one thing to play something and it is another thing to create something out of thin air.

[@davidh6362]

@@nickepic1863 And it's even better to be able to put that creativity on paper. Otherwise you're kind of a poseur (no matter how much $$ you've earned.)

[@JP-ge8lq]

@@nickepic1863 creating something out of thin air usually still comes down to knowledge and subconscious use of chords, scales, modes etc.

[@beaudowns51]

I don’t think that’s true either

[@crominion6045]

I play keyboards and bass guitar, both fairly well, and I can't read a single note. I took guitar lessons for almost a year, but I quit because my teacher insisted that I learn to read and I just couldn't do it. My maternal grandparents were both very skilled pianists who also read music fluently. Granny tried for almost two years to teach me to read sheet music when I was a teen, but I just couldn't understand it. I never had any desire to become a professional musician, so I finally gave up trying to learn to read music and just started playing notes on my bass and keyboards and figuring out what sounded good. It was the best thing I ever did, as music is now an enjoyable and relaxing hobby for me, rather than a frustrating and humiliating chore. Btw, I'm not suggesting that anyone who is able to learn to read music shouldn't do so, but I also want people to know that they don't have to be able to read in order to enjoy playing an instrument and creating music.

[@joebustos6413]

Look ,hear ,and know. Reading music is not theory. Further more just because you have no desire to be famous doesn't mean theory isnt for you. If you truly love the craft of music then you are seriously doing yourself a disservice by not growing your craft. Just because you aren't playing infront millions of people doesn't mean you should cheat yourself and stay low in the advancement of your Hobbie. I Hobbie play my instruments but just because I'm not famous doesn't mean I short change my knowledge of my most beloved hobbi craft. Why do anything if you just want to hack with it. Waste of time. Learn and you will be happier for doing it. It makes it like it was when you learned your first 3 chord progression. All new and never boring. Put at least 30 min a day to practice technique and theory and you'll be jamming harder than you ever have in all your years if playing the same chords.

[@PhilomathBret]

Did you ever try using tab for guitar? That's easy.

[@crominion6045]

@@PhilomathBret I do use tab for bass guitar and it's been very helpful. 👍

[@earlmorton6265]

It's knowing where you should place your fingers on the fretboard.

[@ghost7524]

@@crominion6045 Tab notation is helpful for knowing fret position. But, it doesn't show the specific note or the kind of note that it is (quarter, half, dotted half, whole, eighth, sixteenth). You still have to be be at least aware, because even tab notation isn't always correct.

[@tysonfarmermusic]

Great discussion here - just goes to show there are many different ways of approaching playing an instrument. But in the interest of full disclosure, I want to make this clear: I DO READ MUSIC. I am college trained in classical guitar and jazz guitar, and use reading music when needed in my full time career as a professional performing and teaching musician. As such, I can confidently recommend the option of learning the skill for people seeking a career in music, as it just "levels up" everything you do in a music career. However, that's just a personal recommendation on my part. It does help with communication, record-keeping, and discovering new music, but it takes a lot of hard work to get there. So it's really just a personal choice at the end of the day whether or not it's for you. The goal of this video was intended to basically get across the idea that not being able to read music should not keep you from pursuing the joy of learning an instrument, or even having a career in music (as evidenced by all the famous musicians in this video). I've known friends and students who wouldn't allow themselves to start playing until they "did it right" and learned to read first. It's for these people that I made this video. As children, we learn to speak before we learn to read and write, and at least as far as guitar, bass, drums, vocals, ukulele, and a whole bunch of other instruments goes, you can learn to play before you learn to read music! At the end of the day, music is a hearing art - the ink on paper is mostly for communication and record-keeping. Just my two cents on this discussion... ;-)

[@simpliciussimpli-cissimus6034]

One could tell stories without being able to write or read - but they will never be very complex. What kind of a poet wouldn't care to learn how to read and write? So if you care - learn it - it will just take you some weeks - that's all... [... of corse i can read and write music - what would be the problem????]

[@danhope77]

Yes,. Well if you love modern music and you play in bands but not professionally or in orchestras and have a limited amount of time to practise reading just play and don't read. Reading music is so useless to modern players who play for fun, many great blues and rock players don't read and just don't need to read which makes it more difficult to push yourself to practice. Reading what? Nobody wrote down rock solos , blues solos and guitar riffs. Those are rhythmically so difficult too. I read classical music written for flute or some jazz solos transcriptions,(I play the guitar) just because I enjoy it, but it is pretty useless since I play alone in my flat and I never need to read. I need to sight read chords though since I sometimes play with jazz musicians and I need to know theory . Try to read a rock blues transcribed solo, it's so hard. How can I read that stuff? It's full of crazy signs, rhythmically impossible. Easier to develop your ear 👂 and play what you hear. Plus you need to read all the time otherwise you lose that skill. I try to read a bit every week just to maintain my pre-intermediate level, not an easy feat.

[@koshersalaami]

Tyson, I get it but please make one thing clear: There are people writing here who think that there is a disadvantage to being able to read music. Please, please, please disabuse people of that notion.

[@cynthianovoselsky3592]

Amazing

[@griff4366]

Based on some of the comments here on your video, it's pretty obvious that some are confusing not reading music with not knowing theory, which are two completely different things.

[@landhomer4627]

Be like Dimebag Darrell who don't know theory so badass he made his own scales

[@danhope77]

I think that at some point he studied and began playing fusion

[@KeithSpinneyMusic]

I studied recording engineering under Jerry Abbott(Darrell and Vinnie's dad). There was so much technical stuff he didn't know or didn't know the name of it but he was a hell of a engineer. The boys were pretty helpful too. This was back in 1989. They were Texas famous back then.

[@joebustos6413]

Dime did know his theory. All these musicians knew a part of theory just not formaly. None of these people woke up and just played. Steve studied and used the blues scale and Jimmy did too . Eddie may not have read music but learned the the intervals of major and used them till mastery. If you don't study about a little theory you'll either regurgitate same rhythms or use always the same 4 chords you been playing for years. The magic doesn't just happen you have to practice and learn or be another campfire guitarist that plays the same stuff over and over.

[@danhope77]

Dime studied some fusion / jazz at some point

[@harackmw]

@@joebustos6413 But "theory" is the wrong word here. They experimented on the instruments, watched other people play, listened to what they were playing and adjusted where needed to get the sound they wanted in their own music. That requires great ears and likely perfect pitch in some cases. I don't think that can be called theory. Theory implies they know what they are doing along the way in terms of western music THEORY, and the ability to tell someone else what they are doing in relation to theory, which they do not and cannot do. That is likely why they ended up being innovators instead of sight reading session/orchestral musicians, the latter group being the ones that truly know and need theory. FLamenco guitarists, as an example, can blow your mind with technique and the odd rythms they use in their music, they appear to understand "theory" in ways that can hurt the brain of even jazz musicians. But in reality their music is organic, heard from a young age, and learned by sitting in front of each other playing and partying for hours, copying and altering whatever they want. What theory is that?

[@DeadManDesert]

This came at a very interesting time. I am studying music production, I'm into music since I had the first opportunity. 2 weeks ago at school we had a discussion about this. Right in the middle of a boring class, I asked if you should know all of these before starting to produce music. The lesson was not about reading though. Everyone in the class jumped in like "yeee of course.you can't be a musician without knowing this nor you can produce songs" . I defended the idea this video tells. When the first song creating project was presented, none of them seemed to understand what the music is. We had the same samples and DAW and options yet what I presented was years ahead of them.Not being a big head, I'm just trying to explain the situation. Reading music is so good but after pushing your limits,if you feel totally out of this,just follow the talent. If you have talent, you'll enjoy what you do. I used to know how to read properly though. I completely forgot after years without practice.

[@rickpickett8732]

I have been playing now for 47 years and for my style of music I consider myself quite good. I taught myself and can't read a lick of music. My 23-year-old son is an All-State French Horn player and reads music well. He has told me how proud of me he is that I can play by ear. We play well together. He plays all wind and guitar and I play all string and piano. It is our mutual love of not only listening to but creating music. We both agree that the love of music is the best ingredient for a life long jam session. Good discussion going on here. Thanks folks!

[@joebustos6413]

Reading music is not theory. I've never met anyone who without basic interval theory can play with others that are knowledgeable. Maybe he reads staff music but has no creative ear and you do. But in truth theory is the most enjoyable practical reward you can give yourself when it comes.to enjoying yourself. Play music.

[@mgibby63mg]

Same here, never took a lesson and can't read any music at all..I can read tabs but I don't use them...

[@hop6269]

@Johnny Utah what are you shaking your head at? that was perfectly wholesome. you sound sad af

[@DannyLugo-Music]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2aqY2OCqKpgjqc

[@aryinc]

exactely. Practise what you preach. also a very kickass testamenbt song this one XD. How does one become good at drawing, by doing it till it works. how does one become a good gamer, through trail and error, a painter, musician same thing. When you enjoy something it doesn't matter wich way you learn. you'lle learn it anyways because it feels natural to do so. Same with school right. noone said school isn't handy. But you'lle learn the most when working with those so called tools. Theory is just like the name for those tools and perhaps a book or instruction on how to apply things or use them.

[@SokolRock]

The ability to read (and write) music was indeed essential for musicians for centuries before the advent of sound recording technologies. Now it doesn't really matter anymore. Moreover, many musical ideas created on modern musical instruments even sometimes cannot be written down authentically on a piece of paper. Therefore, it's now more important for musicians to be able to pick up music by ear.

[@herrbonk3635]

True, but it has been like that for a century now. (And folk musicians have usually never been able to read notes.)

[@skipads5141]

I remember all the transcriptions they'd put in magazines like Guitar Player and then they'd get to Hendrix doing something like The Star Spangled Banner and just start inventing their own swooshes and waves and crashes all over the place. No way anyone was playing it without hearing it.

[@giampierogiorgianni9167]

Man, having some reading skills *does* actually matter even nowadays.

[@keptyeti]

For work to be made widely available and for playing pieces written by others/having your work played by others... yes. But creating music for the sake of creating it has never required reading.

[@giampierogiorgianni9167]

@@keptyeti that's exactly it. But the original post said, today it doesn't matter anymore. Let's say, it depends on what you pkay, and how and with whom.

[@drewb.581]

This is so inspiring...I gave up music coz I can’t read music. Why didn’t I find this out earlier ....ugh

[@urbanwarchief]

Just pick up what you like and let the music come from your hands even if its bad

[@matvangogh]

That's pretty amazing that both Eddie Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix two of the greatest guitarists who ever lived can't read music!

[@michaelmarron8441]

& Eric Clapton

[@hoggers7572]

I think BB King as well

[@douglasthompson8927]

ever heard of Segovia..what about Barrios ?

[@bunnyfrosting1744]

I’ve dreamt of making music my whole life, I’m autistic and trying to read music or teach myself instruments just hurts my head! This is very inspiring to see. My brother taught himself piano just by ear and it’s so impressive

[@hip-hoprapstorage4440]

I cant believe it we have the same life. Me too I'm autistic (Asperger's) and I'm trying to read music but I use a app that detect the noted for the guitar to have the name of the notes. My big brother thaugh himself piano just by ear it's incredible

[@romangonzalezadrianmaurici6302]

Remember that you learn to read music with the head but you make sense of It, with you ear.

[@WildPhotoShooter]

A famous Nashville session man was once asked "can you read music" ? His answer was, Yes a little , but not so much that it hurts my playing" .

[@sirdelrio]

Well, these guys are geniuses. They have a natural intuition of the theory. Learn theory. It makes it all more simple. Also, some of these guys never played beyond basic harmony.

[@dayjeenhomeschool1369]

I love guitar and always wanted to be a guitar player. I love Santana, Eric Johnson, Edie Van Halen, Steve Via, and SRV. I still can't play guitar, I stuck on the theory and when I watched Edie or any other guitar players, I try to analyze what they are doing so I am less of playing and try to understand what they are doing and where they are going. Now, playing is less important to me than understanding. I believe understanding the theory will open a BIG door and it is the foundation.

[@gamb61]

@@dayjeenhomeschool1369 I've been playing guitar for 12 years now and trust me, the theory won't help you that much if you wanna play rock, hard rock, metal genre. It will help with classical music and jazz/blues, but with those that you mentioned up there, it's best to just sit down and try again and again. Practice makes perfect.

[@demonhoopa]

I can’t tell Eddie doesn’t know music theory. It was screamingly obvious when he tried to solo over Simon and Garfunkel. But other than that unfortunate appearance, it doesn’t matter. You don’t need to know a bunch of complex musical theories to rip over Van Halen tunes. It’s not like there’s jazz chord progressions involved

[@evansgate]

genius is an offhand term used to undermine the skill and dedication it took them to get to their level. They practiced their way into genius. Natural talent can only take you so far.

[@antoniomarzinotto3705]

Respect for those musicians. When some of my students says "that guy does not read music, and he can play" I usually answer "well, you are not that guy... ;)"

[@trevormcmanis]

This should not come as a surprise to anyone. The fact is, there are people who could read music incredibly well, but cannot express creativity on the instrument on their own. There are others who can do both extremely well. I am a music teacher who witnesses this on a daily basis. I advocate learning how to read to all my students. There are many benefits and advantages to learning how to read. For those that are blessed with talent, a good ear and the ability to create their own music, reading may not be necessary. Naturally, the more chords and scales (and theory) you know will definitely be to your advantage. Knowing how to read will also make the learning process easier. One does not need to know how to read sheet music to make music. History has proven this with all the great artists and musicians we admire who fall in this category. For those that want a music career playing other peoples music (ie: Orchestra/Broadway, session work), knowing how to read most likely will be necessary.

[@trevormcmanis]

Yes it is. I agree..

[@killerfly]

I would think if you gave sheet music to someone they had never seen before, they would not be able to read and play at the same time and make it flow...there would be slight delay in reading and playing...and some notes are split seconds long...so by the time you have read one note the next one has been missed....and also you cannot turn the pages while you are playing your instrument..Basically there has to be rehearsal over and over and the sheet music is just a guide of something you already know by heart...

[@trevormcmanis]

You are correct, this is not always easy to do. I studied drums with someone who used to play drums and percussion in the Broadway show “Cats”. He explained to me that reading and playing simultaneously was sometimes required.... Personally, I too would find this extremely challenging.

[@poop7993]

I feel like I'm so stupid bc I skipped music reading and i have been playing piano for almost 7 years do what do I do

[@syamilsyahiran4844]

no practise, no talent

[@stratojetb47]

I read music quite well. It gives you an easier way to learn new languages, assimilate and understand harmony. Il also give you access to music impossible to learn by ear: classical pieces, baroque, jazz and so on. Written music can widen your horizons and help you not getting stuck into the same old pentatonic worn out licks. I can't understand why guitar players take such a pride at playing their instrument and do the same thing over and over again.

[@Siloguy]

Agreed, if one is Paul McCartney and has George Martin to help with writing music, by all means don't learn how to read, everyone else can only benefit from knowing how.

[@psychlos21]

Agreed. Over my over 40 years as a self-taught musician, I have found value in learning how to read music and get a better understanding of chord progressions, scales, rhythm....I started by ear and then gradually learned to read. The combination pays dividends for sure. It has opened up opportunities to play with various bands and venues.

[@daveqr]

Totally agree. Reading is not that hard. Maybe you're Jimi Hendrix or Eddie Van Halen, but you're probably not, and even those guys could have benefited from knowing how to read.

[@cjmeadors]

It used to be somewhat of a rare thing to hear of famous guitarists who can't read. Nowadays, even most professional guitar instructors can't read more than a basic chord chart. Just remember this, Eddie Van Halen did have 4 to 5 years of intense classical training starting at age 6. He may not have learned everything his knowledgeable teacher intended, but he learned enough to go on and have an amazing career, didn’t he? Indeed, teaching is a thankless job.

[@ghost7524]

Exactly. He had piano musical training, classical at that. Even when you hear him play the piano and keyboard, you can see how he plays shows had some training. So, its a bit misleading when comments are being posted about how many of the guitarists don't know how to read music, but either not knowing or not realizing that they may have trained playing another instrument and having to learn to read music. You can't have classical musical training and not remember something.

[@AcidropOSY]

I’ll say, as someone who’s spent like 2 decades not reading music (trying to learn and failing), once you get it, it’s maaaaad helpful. You pick up on things. You don’t have to learn to read music, many of the greats don’t. But don’t let that be an excuse to never give it a shot. Never say “I can’t”.

[@ryanagar7498]

What does it help with

[@AcidropOSY]

@@ryanagar7498 so right now, it sort of visualizes certain patterns. Like if I’m playing a chord, and and I flat the IV, turn it to sus2 or whatever… it helps me conceptualize movement within chords, where as I’m normally playing power chords

[@joebustos6413]

@@ryanagar7498 learning your intervals will make you better in every way from creating solid chords to playing solo. All the best guitarists know basic interval theory. You can't write without it, well not anything original sounding.

[@richardbusson5903]

The ability to write down your ideas is handy for composing and for communicating your ideas to those that do read. I am glad that I can read music but it is not a requirement to be an accomplished player. If you enter into the teaching arena, I believe it is important to have covered at least the basics of reading.

[@kodaavkin_music]

Understanding what you're doing opens many gateways to writing better music tho so learning it could be helpful

[@megaknight6958]

you dont have to read sheet music to know music theory. Atleast on guitar its that way because we have TABS

[@kodaavkin_music]

@@megaknight6958 who..

[@zxtmasmith9883]

Do you need to know how to read music? No. Is it good to know and might make things easier in certain situations. Yes. If you want a career in music you don’t always have to know how to read either. That being said, you work a lot more if you do and you are a lot more valuable. It sets you apart. Nowadays it’s better to have theory knowledge and a good ear

[@dave35311]

The ability to read music really makes a difference when you’re playing other’s music. These musicians are playing their own music for the most part so they can’t play it wrong. Classical guitarists, who mostly play others music must read music, not much improvising. Written music is for the benefit of musicians who play music they didn’t write, not for the composer.

[@ghost7524]

@@gracepierce1024 Playing by ear isn't a skill everyone has. Either they have it naturally or they have to develop it.

[@noxturne16]

this is honestly really inspiring, i used to be able to read a bit of piano music but it as really difficult for me and i kinda stopped playing because the nite reading never stayed with me. i’m trying to learn guitar now and although i don’t have a talent for music, i really want to learn to play since i love it so much

[@ferdinandbardamou5508]

well, we have to bear in mind that each musician in this video is the one in a million case blessed with an almost beyond human talent. Don't bet you are too, the odds are against you. Your best bet will be to learn all you can, and keep an open mind.

[@patrickfoster4586]

What all these guys DO have in common is having a great ear. The best thing you can do is learn to pick out the chords and leads from songs by ear. It is excellent and invaluable training. Being able to read and write music is a great skill to have but it isn't necessary. Whereas having a well trained ear is absolutely necessary to being a skilled musician.

[@douglasthompson8927]

what they have in common is some people like them..that doesn`t mean they can play

[@hughcdavies]

I can read music a bit. Not by sight and play, It takes me a while to work it out. However I see that ability as useful as any other tool in musics vast catalogue. It's an older tool not suited to a rock guitar, but it helped me develop my limited keyboard skills. And any new musical skill can only benefit other areas.

[@ronnleemorris6817]

That's what Music Theory is for even though I stopped studying it in college because I already know how to apply it anyway. If you're going to music schools like Berkley however, you're pretty much required to learn how to read and compose music.

[@sess122]

I was considered one of the better rock bass players in the rock circuit I played in "back in the day" and couldn't read a note of music but always came up with top notch bass parts when working on original material especially (always learned cover tunes by ear). I worked with a formally trained/schooled musician who could read and had perfect pitch but when it came to being creative...forget it. Point is, it doesn't matter how much you KNOW, it's how much you can FEEL, which is really what music is all about, at least IMHO.

[@johnnyevans1367]

Mozart couldn’t read music he just wrote it!

[@cloyeyeman1995]

Really? I can sing some opera aria but i can't read music

[@googoglowglow9849]

how about this? can you read this? u r🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕💩💩💩

[@XxRaceRCxX]

@@googoglowglow9849 bruh

[@simpliciussimpli-cissimus6034]

Mozart even wrote a book about music-theory... Mozart composed many variations from other composers... Mozart used music-theory in his compositions - that is quite easy to proof... and now don't let us talke about Beethoven, Bach and basically every "classical composer" (one cannot write "great music" for orchestra without theory) - and by the way: -You can find Paul McCartney talking about chord-progressions and other stuff - so most likely he is not an expert in music-theory (for his music, which i like very, very much, one doesn't really need music-theory) but knows the stuff that's useful for him... and for the rest he can ask the producer (like George Martin) or hire someone really good ;)

[@taurusrk2006]

@@simpliciussimpli-cissimus6034 👍

[@oldshoe1]

Music is in everyone. For some it’s already there and for others you just got to dig it out, but it’s there.

[@someguy5035]

This is pretty surprising. As a beginner who knows a bit a theory, I can say that it helps you learn faster by knowing "where you are" and how where you are corresponds to other chords/notes. With that being said, the results produced by the people in the video are undeniable.

[@michaelatcheson4816]

You can say all you want about how amazing musicians who don’t read music are, but knowing how to read music changes every and adds more to your playing and thinking than you can imagine. You can’t imagine it because you can’t read music. That being said, learning or knowing how to read music would likely have ruined or would ruin most of these musicians styles, for better or worse. If you are really serious about learning an instrument and you are over 20, learning how to read music will probably just slow you down. But if you are over 20 and really commit to learning how to read music, it will bend your learning curve into another dimension.

[@lruddy8820]

False, as someone who has played music for 22 years, took lessons, played in bands, took music academically and taught a little bit i gave up being able to read music pretty fast as it was the least used and needed part of being able to play music, the only time i ever needed to read music was when i was in school for it and ya i struggled a little in my classes but not being able to read music hasnt made me any less of a musician or hasnt stopped me from being able to follow along with a song or a band, i dont need to be able to read music to visualize any aspect of it because i know my way around the instruments i play and visualize how im engaging with that instrument

[@Siloguy]

@@lruddy8820 but you've probably got great ears, for those of us that don't (me for example) and who started late , reading is a valuable skill.

[@tysonfarmermusic]

@@Siloguy A good point. I think that's the uncomfortable topic that we need to bring into the conversation more - some guys are ear guys and some guys are process guys, and some are a combo of both. Each extreme can be taught to the other, and there's a "nature VS nurture" philisophical conversation there, but the hard truth I've come to is that some people just pick up on one or the other easier because they came in like that. I've always been an ear guy - I was trained at a college level how to read, but I taught myself to play by ear in my formative years before all that because it just came easy...

[@koshersalaami]

Here’s the problem I have with this: I could teach a musician the basics of reading music in a couple of hours. I couldn’t make readers out of them that fast and guitar has its own difficulties because most notes are located in more than one place, but I could teach them how the system works and if they want to go in deeper they can. It’s not like learning a language. Music is the only field I know of where people applaud for illiteracy. I can’t do that. I rarely play classical. I find it much easier to learn by listening than by reading. but still, it’s a way to notate something and it’s a way of figuring out something someone else notated. It’s good to know. And no, reading doesn’t damage your creativity, it’s just a tool. Learning how to use any tool doesn’t screw up your creativity.

[@metalkicker23]

Can you teach me

[@koshersalaami]

Sure, I think I can actually do it without graphics, but it would take a while in writing. You want me to do it here? Are you a musician? Can you name the notes on a keyboard? I need to know where to start.

[@koshersalaami]

@@metalkicker23 If you play an instrument it would help to know which instrument(s). And also a bit of an idea of what you know. Do you know note names? Do you know what a half step and a whole step are? Do you know the names of any intervals? Do you know what a major scale is? It’s not that I need you to know this stuff, it’s just that I need to know if I have to go over this stuff because it tells me where to start.

[@metalkicker23]

@@koshersalaami oh mate I appreciate the response. I basically know absolutely nothing about music theory, I know there are ment to be 7 notes and thats it. I "play" the guitar and have been playing for a year and a half, but I dont know any scales or chords or anything. I basically learn really easy metal downpicking riffs like some simple megadeth/opeth/metallica with tab and then I just goof around with power chords. I literally just do random patterns with no idea how it's going to sound and most of the time its horrible but every now and then it sounds cool. But I want to know how to play the sounds in my head, I have the most beautiful music in my mind but idk how to play it. Id also like to be able to go, okay I want to make a medieval classical sound, and then play some sort of "scale" or "mode" or "key" or whatever its called, that will let me explore the whole fretboard with that certain sound.

[@koshersalaami]

@@metalkicker23 Reading may not be what you need, though you might need to know a bit of theory. Do you have access to a keyboard? Even one on a tablet. Keyboards have the advantage of basically being diagrams. I play both keyboard and guitar (and other things) so I can relate to what you need. To have this conversation it really helps to be able to visualize a keyboard and know the names of the notes. The white notes will do, I’ll explain the black notes to you later. And I assume you know what an octave is. Again, I can help, but I need a baseline. Also, on your guitar are you using standard tuning? If you’re not things change - still doable, but different.

[@tizjak07]

I started to learn to play the ukulele and the mandolin @ the age of 4 by my grandfather and started to play guitar @ 14. Have never been able to read music, but lucky that I can play by ear and know what key is being played. Have been playing now over 60+ years.

[@TheHighwinder]

The biggest shock I ever had was Alex Lifeson from Rush. I could not believe that music so advanced, complex, and perfectly arranged was made by a guy who can't read music.

[@kylekawolski5174]

When Eddie said that he just listened and followed the teachers fingers and copied them I was baffled. I have no idea how to read music and that is exactly what I did when learning how to play. Crazy man

[@joebustos6413]

It's called regurgitation. It's easy to follow a drawn out map when copying someone's move or sound. But believe it to be true that Eddie did know theory and without it he would never have been who we know him to be today. He practiced to produce on call.

[@randybackgammon890]

As a rocker you don't have to read music but a lot of rock musicians claim they know far less theory than the actually do to make it sound casual and effortless. Diligent practice isn't hip. But I think you'll find the best have done it obsessively at some point.Over time you can pic up a lot without knowing the formal terms but I,m convinced my songwriting would have evolved a lot quicker if someone could have taught me what took me years to discover for myself

[@joebustos6413]

I agree. If I would have practiced the major intervals when I first started I could have shaved at least 5 or more years off and been that much more ahead. Not learning theory when I first started retarded my musical growth. Now that I have learned my basic theory I say to myself why was I so lazy to haven't learned them back then. Because I thought the same like.most noobs do. Such and such didn't know or that I.play.metal and theory isn't needed. Wrong wrong wrong. That's all wronge. If you want be good like.th3 greats you need up.your skill knowledge. You don't have to be a master at all the modes scales chords or time, but without a little bit of all of that you'll just be another cumbaya player doing only covers and never knowing what to do when one day you meet a real.player and find yourself feeling dumb for not learning basic music theory.

[@Kryptic17600]

Rest in peace Eddie Van Halen

[@Amper-o-mat]

Music was playing and creating long before theory appeared...

[@joebustos6413]

Theory was created to mark the best path of righteousness. If no theory was invented then everything would be crap and non transposable or understandable

[@LifeInLandscaping]

Not reading music which I can't do is different than knowing your notes and understanding chords and a little music theory which i do know.. makes creating a whole lot easier for me to understand the relationship between notes as scales (modes) or chords learning triads or pentatonic scales things like that

[@spikeybug1]

Reading tablature to Pantera songs out of Guitar World in the early 90s was about as far I got into reading music. From there, I knew enough to write my own songs and transcribe others by ear if I wanted to.

[@bandit-ms6ys]

Also, the country band Alabama never learned to read either. They managed to get 21 #1 Hit songs and 27 spanning the decades of their superstardomw

[@podamis314]

I'm a little suspicious of Yo-Yo Ma ( he always plays from memory without a music stand) and of course the London Philharmonic is widely known to play by ear.

[@simpliciussimpli-cissimus6034]

That is strange... every trained classical musician can read music - and by the way - i never understood the fuzz about it - it is not hard to learn - with some talent it will not take more than a month... did you think Classical musicians just learned the stuff by listening to others - if so, you underestimate the complexity of a orchestra-score by far...

[@joebustos6413]

There are 7 modes of major. The most basic approach possible. If you learn your intervals pertaining to the scale of Ionian or root note you too can play by ear. Noone just does it like magic. Musicianship is a craft you must exercise.

[@allguitar887]

a couple people I've played with that can Read music didnt have a good EAR for music and zero improv skills...I took theory in school.and part of it was ear training listening to the teacher and she'd play intervals and ask us to call them out as we heard ......What helped my ear the most was learning so many songs from albums of cassettes ..just wearing out the vinyl , needle , or tapes ...

[@unfunnydave5485]

You don’t have to, but you also don’t have to go into the ocean to learn how to swim.

[@corm1000]

Wow, Jimmy was certainly way more mellow, when ask that question, then Paul was.

[@megadavis5377]

The problem most reading musicians have with non-reading musicians is when the non-reading musicians come in to play some new tunes with the readers. The readers can knock out five tunes in a half hour or less, pack up and go home. The non-readers have to learn the song by ear/memory and then learn the "roadmap" of the session. It simply takes more time to accommodate the non-readers. However, that being said, some of the most creative sessions I've done have been with non-reading musicians. It's also kind of refreshing, too. But it is a little frustrating at times when some of these "great guitar players" come in and have to transpose all the songs to either E, A or G. Some of the best tunes out there lay really well in F, Eb, or Ab. And I know without a capo these keys are killers for most guitarists.

[@drumsport]

I'm presuming that not being able to read would exclude 95% of all musicians from doing session work. Walking into a studio and joining other musicians who read and who are being paid scale or double scale would be disastrous to say the least.

[@Siloguy]

I agree, using the examples in the video is using musical geniuses and saying well it applies to everyone. Almost everyone else who either wants to study or make a living with music can only be helped by knowing how to read.

[@Riccardo_Silva]

Well, as an ear musician i already underwent a lot of ear training...otherwise, i wouldn't be able to be a musician at all! Now it's time to learn to read it. A very useful asset. Why should i turn it down?

[@audas]

Most of the early greats in Jazz couldn't read - think about that - mind blowing.

[@johndipinto8816]

Honestly the best thing is to develop your reading ability AND your ability to play by ear - It seems like most people here think you have to gravitate toward one or the other. But, it also depends on what you want to do musically. If you want to play classical music, show music or do session work of a certain type, you have to be able to look at music on a page and play it without having heard it first. That takes skill. If you want to write your own songs to play yourself, or cover popular songs by other artists, you likely *don't* need to learn to read music (unless you want to be able to write your own songs down on paper). But then you have to have a good ear in order to reproduce what you're hearing. Both reading music and paying by ear are skills that can be learned and developed. Personally I think being able to pick up pieces of music that you've never heard by composers you don't know, and playing them off the page is a great way to expand your musical and instrumental vocabulary. I also think learning songs by listening to recordings and radio, WITHOUT seeing them written out, is a great way to expand your musical hearing. So both skills are really good to have, and I'm glad I was able to develop them both growing up. :)

[@bobroberts5074]

I love how many musicians proudly " claim" they know nothing about reading music or chord names. Baloney. Every one of them know chords and positioning. Its as of to say " I'm so damn good man I dont need to learn music. I'm all ear. Pure talent" Yeah ,Steve Vai sucks...get over yourselves.

[@AgentJotun]

Dave Grohl was the strangest. How can you look at guitar strings like a different part of the drumkit? It would sound completely different to play a guitar like that, and he certainly doesn't do it. Its mostly your standard rock power chords!

[@diamondjoe100]

Amazing the amount of incredible talent here that i did not know could not read music.

[@MrWilly2204]

Knowing “how to read music” and understanding basic theory or two different things. Every one of those guitarists know at least some basic elements of theory or they wouldn’t be able to play in key. They know that if they’re in Em versus E Major there are different ways to play that. That’s the theory of it, which isn’t the same thing as reading the music notes. But it’s not too far off. In short, they may not “read the notes” but they sure do understand the theory behind it all.

[@axeyguitar888]

Oh man i proved this to my self back in school when I took music as one of my options in GCSE. We had a listen and play piece, 2 compositional pieces and then a theory test. For the practical side of things, all solid A’s. Theory, I got a D. I play guitar and was self taught. I was surrounded by classically trained pianists, brass players and even opera singers. I was that kid that listened to Green Day, Queen and Slipknot whilst my peers were flawlessly playing Bach and Chopin. Teachers will appreciate your genre despite what it is because guess what, it’s music. So learn music through lessons or the way I did, a chord book and the internet playing the songs I like and not having to learn the inner depths. Just enough to know what sounds right and what sounds wrong.

[@phillacey878]

The best thing l was told when l was learning guitar is to learn all the notes on the neck and l still can't read but l know every note l hit and you can see what notes make up every chord you understand music and how it works without being able to read the dots it was probably one of the best things l learnt.

[@Dee3shaw]

My guitar sits in the corner of my room everyday I watch this feeling embarrassed that haven’t bothered to pick it up

[@santiagofigueroarojas2848]

I was almost certain that they weren't going to be like really good guitarists but then Jimi Hendrix and I instantly changed my mind

[@jsaestheticsandbodybuilding]

A really musician are often able to read music, but also able to create music and play it without reading it

[@ericsandifer1]

You missed B.B King. There is a great scene in U2's Rattle and Hum where they are trying to indicate when he is supposed to come in on the song and his reply is something like "I never learned what all that stuff meant. You just point to me and I'll start doing my thing"

[@odysseasandroutsos1821]

Pf, show this to my former guitar teacher. The guy was so obsessed with theory and such a strict teacher that made me sick of playing the guitar and I ended up giving up all together

[@lennyslickstunes]

I wish I could read but never studied it. Learned by watching & listening

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

Reading music and musical theory, expands your abilities and enjoyment.

[@sorkeror]

It's much more important that you feel and hear the music.

[@hechogamermx4812]

Ive been a drummer since age 12 (I’m 42), I haven’t been consistent but I jammed in my late uncle’s band (drummer) he’d let me jam a couple of songs on gigs. I had a couple of Metal bands in my early 20s, and being an adult with a job, marriage kids doesn’t leave a lot of free time for drumming, but in a way I’ve been kinda hard on myself for not reading music, but reading while being a great thing to learn is not really necessary to be a good musician. Very inspiring video.

[@gunnercoffman3526]

God Eddie was such a pleasant human being. Not only could the man metaphorically walk on water w a guitar. He was always willing to stop and chat music w fans. My dad got to see Van Halen at Sprint Center back in 83’. He always says “I couldn’t tell you a single song they played that night but what I do remember is when Eddie stopped and took time after the show to talk to us”. Truly was never too big for anyone or anything. Such a beautiful soul, this world misses you dearly Shred, hope your up there playin some disgusting licks w the rest of em’

[@zacksguitarhacks6390]

Funny its usually people with ZERO musical ability that tell me that i should read music and that ill never be anywhere if i cant read music.

[@jonise2524]

And there you have it ,music is a universal language, as long as you understand it your way is ok

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Reading music won't make you a good musician, but it's skill that comes in handy.

[@jaibruce777]

Creativity and soul expression are the two essential elements

[@kilovoltjoe]

I got stuck on the one note at a time only on treble clef because I was a french horn player..so when I got bored I used any theory I learned and applied it to the piano and guitar which I can play fairly well..but I still can't read any more than 1 note on treble clef. I have to admit that I can't read music but I still know what I'm doing and how the music sounds

[@billk9628]

Musicians are just gifted! Some more than most. But knowing music isn't special, it's been part of our world for four thousand years..... I think that God said, "Let Them play"! And we have music!

[@niemand0]

I do some kind of a mix. I can read music well, but i usually dont know how to translate that guitar, i just know how many steps i need to make up the different chords and then i play. Same with playing keys, I just know what a song should sound like and can fix mistakes by ear.

[@dragondix]

If you want to play music quickly that you've never heard before, do pick up gigs last minute, show (in a pit) or cruise ship (well... not so much now!) gigs, teach and / or learn complex pieces very quickly, arrange music for large ensembles - then learn to read music onto your instrument. I've gotten ok at reading to get more of this sort of work, better quality work and to be more diverse / employable. But you don't need it to be a proficient player.

[@gusto731]

Old joke: "How do you get a guitar player to turn down his volume?" "Put some sheet music in front of him."

[@caseyleip4544]

I can't believe you didn't also include Skwisgaar Skwigelf and Toki Wartooth.

[@markrenton1093]

I played trumpet in school and never could quite read music and yet I have a strong voice , I did productions at church first time on stage and nailed it.I can do karaoke and my voice sounds like John Kay.

[@enstasis7257]

So glad I started learning how to read music when I was 8.

[@rickbort7875]

I remember back years ago when Metallica played with the San Francisco Symphony in a concert in Berkeley CA. Francis Coppola and others walked out, but other wise a success. I ran into one of the musicians from the symphony and she was talking about how she and many of her peers were utterly blown away on how a band like Metallica play; they have no sheet music, they pay no attention to the "conductor", since THEY were the arbiters of time and pace, and they do a 2 hour concert completely from MEMORY. Every single note. I'm not a fan of Metallica, but I recognize the complexity of certain metal music. And I have run across this also; my niece, a 2nd chair violinist in her high school band was amazed that I could improvise, and play songs and precise guitar solos from memory.

[@kylemedia6113]

Years ago the Allman Brothers were on the Tonight Show. And the TS band was blown away by the Allman Bros not having any notation to read and how they did time changes so effortlessly.

[@fecklefriend]

It does not matter if you can read music, it only matters that you can translate music.

[@vicdmise]

Reading music is really important, but it only makes you a better communicator; it doesn't make you a better player.

[@georgecortes6139]

Not everyone can be like this though, it's better to know than to not know at all

[@joejackson73]

Glen Campbell who was considered one of the top studio recording artist couldn't read music but was a member of the famous 'Wrecking Crew' who played backup guitar for everybody during the late 50s and 60s until he came into his own.

[@Siloguy]

Tommy Tedesco who was in the Wrecking Crew a lot longer could sight read Steve Lukather says the opposite, he had to learn how to read to get work as a session guitarist.

[@Zukadic]

You don’t really need much theory but learning it sure is helpful.

[@mouloudo]

You know a lot of musicians say that cause it sounds cool... and a lot of them say that in the sense that they cant read music like a classicly trained musician but they can read basic notes

[@TooSkinnyKenny]

a musician who worked with James Taylor said he can't read music either and taught other musicians their parts by humming tunes

[@klepetar]

yes.,but i read and know my chords..and to me, it saves time when you are wiht your bandmates and communicate what you and they are playing.. that is why jazz players, which are very advanced musicians often can play very complicated tunes they prepared in 2-3 hours before..

[@deancampbell8856]

LOOK. I was buddies with Johnny Winters roomie, Ive been playing for 48 years, and NO IT IS NOT necessary to read and write music, BUT THE ADVANTAGES, OF BEING ABLE TO READ AND WRITE MUSIC ARE HUGE. The capacity to LISTEN to what saints sans was doing or ANY CLASSICAL GUY, IS DOING, and integrate, that into your playing, ITS ESSENTIAL.

[@ronaldogalen]

All the famous guys were blessed with extraordinary level of talent and ability to play what they hear. That does not happen to everybody. In fact, very few. And none of them every learned to play music by great composers. Only what they could think up to play of their own. Again, extraordinary talent level is required. I learned guitar when the Beatles came out from chord books, and song books. The smartest thing I ever did was major in music on classical guitar. At 72, I'm still playing some classical music, but also American songbook standards, Brazilian choro, and American trad jazz. READ, be a full service musician!

[@PaulDA2000]

James Brown didn’t know how to read or write music but he’s single-handedly created the genre funk and changed music from the two and four to the one and three.

[@Swpb666]

You don't have to. But knowing to helps, especially in jazz or orchestra.

[@batteurgroove4155]

Been playing since 1981, learned how to play all styles of music at a famous drum school in Paris. Reading helps you learn faster and a lot more styles of music. Most musicians who don't read music would never have made it had they not become famous and they allways play their style. Been having trouble through the years with musicians not reading music. Most of them are just not on time. Also, how do you want to study books like Gaddiments if you don't know how to read...reading music is a must for me, takes sooooo much longer to learn just by listening, not saying it's impossible....

[@Steveuploads]

Like speaking a language you don’t know how to read, it’s limiting your progress to learn more but impressive all the same.

[@rjc7289]

While it's certainly not a pre-requisite to read music in order to be a competent musician, knowing some sight-reading and music theory couldn't hurt and may even open your playing up to new possibilities for chord and scale usage that you never thought of before.

[@firefightr_spike3846]

Makes me feel way better. I've been playing piano for years and can't read music. I do it the same way Eddie Van Halen described: watch, emulate, get better at it. Or I'll listen to a song and start figuring out which keys to hit by how it sounds. 🤷‍♂seems to work for me just fine.

[@jllj6503]

I'm going to try Dave's guitar technique. Clever.

[@lmy7563]

I agree but. Knowing something is always better than not knowing it. If you know it's always better, never worse

[@urbanwarchief]

I cant read music either but been playing guitar for 16 years

[@ronnleemorris6817]

Here's another thing too: If music was never written down, it would sound totally different every time it's being played excluding jazz music although even jazz has an already written hooked melody.

[@joebustos6413]

In jazz I found.that it is.like a thing if you can flow solos and rhythm off the cuff. Theory is how you get there. Learn your intervals and you'll be going from.the cuff just like.that but in your style of course.

[@SKRooU2]

that's BS -Jazz has melody ?? LMAO