Feeling Stuck? How I'd Restart My Guitar Journey

[@ganjaguy800]

I was beginning to worry that I wasted 15 years of time, money, and effort just to find I suck at guitar. So thanks, I needed this.

[@cataex2418]

I still remember the 1st video i watched of how to play modes. It was Robert (spoken with a french accent, no other way), with shoulder long hair, in front of an Orange. Thanks for being my guitar mentor, in an indirect sort of way. Thanks dude.

[@daleguthormsen8555]

im 74, best advice Ive ever heard and I was taking lessons in early 60s and stil play for self and odd church service with my gretch. thank you for sharing! inspirational !!

[@pstreetblues]

When stuck in a rut, buying new gear isn't the answer. I've learned that lesson.

[@iEditStuf]

Shhhhh, yes it is.

[@CDXX4E]

If you're ever in a rut with playing, change your strings. It works 100% of the time.

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

change the tuning of them maybe but for me changing the set wouldn't have that affect, besides new strings sound horrible at first..

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

i could think of more ways i pick one most days, could be taking a stock lick and changing one note to another or a wrong note each time, could be forgetting music theory and finding a shape, could be playing hard or playing soft, i don't get in ruts anymore really.. i even play left handed and upside down as well as right handed and with it flat on my lap either way and i have about ten ways of holding it now due to an injury.. each one suggests new ideas to me, your imagination sets the limit imho

[@llllemomn]

@@jibicusmaximus4827interesting, i used to think new guitar strings don’t sound great but over the years i look forward to that nice timbre of some fresh strings

[@imdartson3679]

@@llllemomnI agree. I appreciate that new sound as well. It’s the same satisfaction I get after I clean house.

[@GibusGang]

i just buy a new guitar

[@uygaryuzsuren9106]

The most important thing I think, as you say, is to love what you play, and play what you love. In the end it is enjoying time and experience all the feelings music stimulates inside you. Guitar is a means, music is the destination I think, and it is not a competition. I am a late beginner and over 40, I am single and I accompany many songs with my guitar at home alone and it makes me happy and satisfied, I don't care about anything else. I don't care how fast others can play their guitar. What interests me is "my" playing, and playing better than yesterday if possible. So, if there is a competition at all, it is with myself😊

[@broonzy2006]

Yes Rob! F# ‘em. Play anyway. For all those about to rock, we salute you 🫡🤘🏻

[@adrianhanson9584]

Pick up your balls and load up your cannon

[@AndyCole-v1u]

Video overload when you are a novice is the greatest enemy. Where to start becomes the biggest problem so you don’t….. you just watch more videos and hope. Many thanks Rob, this has given me the platform from which to start the process - I needed that. Now I can continue to build from this point and enjoy the process. Thank you.

[@JuxtaCrucem]

Big R.I.P to Paul DiAnno. Killers and Iron Maiden were classic albums, and paved the way for those coming afterwards. Saw him a few years ago in Rhodes, playing his Maiden tunes, and he was on the Jack Daniels throughout the show, like it was 7 up.

[@uv777gr]

Alternate tunings help bring a spark back

[@kombatunit66]

I knew there was a reason I like playing E minor, metal AF! Thanks Rob.

[@waynebridger4998]

Thanks for the videos, Rob. When I’m “stuck in a rut”, I learn a different style. A couple of years ago, I was in such a place, so I decided to learn rockabilly styles, some of the techniques I have learnt, I have put into my older playing, it has helped me with solo composition

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

some great points that it took me nearly 40 years to learn! very few people even know these finer points you make and you give it away for free too, kudos!

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

And it's Rob Chapman coming out with more behaviour analytically validated advice like it's second nature to him! As a guy asked for advice all the time (because of my training), I give the same type of advice: - simple to complex - specific to general - local to global - slow to fast This is largely the basis of the Keller plan in education. And ... as anyone who has found success with the Open University in the UK knows ... it works. It works because it selects for success. Tell you who else probably did the same thing ... Bert Weedon, the teacher who only ever met fraction of a percent of his students. The rest of us got the books. And remember, folks ... like Rob here says: make an environment that has you wanting to play. Make it so that when you get it right, it makes you feel like a proper guitarist (the next step from where you are ... always!). Thank you, Rob. And everyone else ... enjoy your playing. :)

[@mattyboy2200]

Best video I have seen for a long time. Very inspirational Rob cheers. I’ve been helping people learn new skills for about 30 years (not guitar) and I have to say your style is really clear and engaging, kept me hooked from start to finish. I am in a rut with my playing and this has encouraged me to change things up, experiment and keep learning. Also love the ‘fuck ‘em’ comment 😂 spot on!

[@gavinsolomon2711]

Mate, that was truly inspiring. Cheers!

[@j.hammer573]

Appreciate the encouragement. Videos like these are more helpful than you know. Keep up the good fight Rob. Big thanks from The USA.🇺🇸

[@Atlantean-1980]

great advice and lesson Mr Chapman , and that mL3 looks absolutley stunning new sub :)

[@thormejsner]

You Got my mental bottle message 😅 needed this 🤘🙌

[@TheBladepolisher]

Wow, that was the fastest 20 minutes I've ever experienced. Thank you again Rob. I will be referring back to this video regularly. How are you teaching now adays? You have so much to teach, and your teaching method is simply the best. Can you possibly do a video on live performance sound and effects settings. Thanks, bro ! ! -Rob-

[@MashaT22]

I’ve only ever seen advice for a four finger spider walk. I actually like this two finger at a time approach better. Less complicated and more effective to start, especially with the dreaded pinky! The second exercise reminds me of what Kirk Hammett has done every single day since he started learning guitar - a diagonal spider walk. He showed the exercise in detail on Yousician. If it’s good enough for Kirk, and good enough for Rob, then everyone should do it! Wanna shred? Do what the shredders do! These exercises may seem pointless and boring to beginners, but even the pros still do them daily - take notes from the people who can play the way you want!

[@Headlamp]

Expected this to be sort of a whatever video "shit, I have to put out a video this week" Got to the, gear doesn't matter, "guitars and amps these days are all good" and I was like, aight, I'll watch the whole thing. Loved the "take a chord, dissect the notes, all of them work together" writing style. That will make things so much easier for a lot of guitar players. Also, yeah, fuck 'em. Play guitar! Green Day's American Idiot album is honestly like 9 fucking power chords. Realizing that as a kid made me think, "shit, I can do that!" and I've been touring and working in the music business ever since.

[@voyager7]

This is great, Rob!

[@lanceflanagan]

I remember a good few years ago Rob uploaded a video which gave insight into modes. That really helped me get out of the rut of playing the same old same old.

[@SilentSiDA]

You’re a legend and an inspiration, many thanks.

[@carloswhomusic]

Get a harmonizer pedal, a delay, and a looper ..... your musical life will change forever. You don't need chops, just good ears and creativity. EASY STUFF can be amazing. Thanks Rob!😋

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

good topic, my 37 year journey was.. ermm... ar5e backwards? definitely in the last 10-20 years i went back and put the work in, if you skip basics you will have to face it one day! i often think I would teach completely differently too now.

[@iwannabeyourshirt]

Saaame! But there is a lot more satisfaction now that I don't feel like a late-starting teenager trying to catch up with peers. Ironically, though I'm arguably way further behind in guitaring now, I feel so much less peer pressure that I can really learn and inhabit the basics--and enjoy the process.

[@DaveyMulholland]

You skipped the basics yet touted yourself as a guitar teacher???? People really do have no shame.

[@gnrslash1987]

im 22 years in.. and my passion for learning has never been more powerful.. its really starting to get fun now! ahah

[@SimonH77]

Loved that video Rob. I’ve realised a lot of what you said just recently. Especially about gear and what you like to play. Also loved the Fu** em comment. So true.

[@muskiet8687]

"The information age" has been a blessing and a curse for me trying to learn guitar. There are so many different teacher with so many different tips and tricks out there... I don't know if I should "DO THIS NOW TO GET GREAT!" or try "THIS IS THE ONLY PRACTICE YOU WILL EVER NEED!". Now, I can go up and down the neck with the pentatonic scale, but still have no clue how to make a song with that.

[@Lez325]

Thank you Rob- I really needed this- You are the Mr Miyagi of the guitar

[@ConkerXk]

WTF? Not even 2min in and out of nowhere comes a wukong training advice. I love this man!

[@emmanuelwolfmusic410]

I can relate to this video, in my late 20s I used to know nearly every satriani song by heart, then I stopped playing because I had to sell my pride and joy, I've not been able to afford a decent one since, I've done singing on here but I really miss playing . I'm 44 on the 16th and I would love to get back into it, thanks for the advice buddy.

[@pawelw.6589]

I bought used Chapman Ml3 Modern as my first and its great! Perfect for practice😁

[@McRocking]

Thank you, Rob. This video is well executed (as in easy for me to understand), and useful as I'm trying to get past the beginner stage.

[@pierheadjump]

⚓️ Thanks Rob 🇬🇧 A beginners syllabus… a printed plan to follow. There is so much information out there that it’s overwhelming for beginners. What to practice??? That to study??? A syllabus similar to a college class outline.

[@petermartin1967]

LOVE THIS! Thanks Rob 😀👍🏻

[@peterfreytag3630]

Thanks for your insights Rob! I really appreciate it.

[@x96mustanggtx]

I've been a beginner guitar practicer for about 14 years now 😆I decided to take the more frugal route this time and purchased two very inexpensive guitars, an electric, and an acoustic. With the money I saved, I invested heavily in professional grade luthiery tools, and now own 5 total guitars, and have 1 from a co-worker doing a bridge replacement, and a number of other things on it. This all took place between the months of September 1st 2024 and October 21st 2024 😆 I have not played either of my guitars in about a week now, due to working on guitars 😆But boy it sure is fun doing all this work and repair stuff to them :D I'll get back to practicing, I will!!!

[@richgh4905]

As always Rob very useful . god bless from across the big pond .

[@t3hgir]

This applies to any instrument I think, but we can always work on our timing and find ways to just practice basic or advanced things yet focus on making them "feel good" timing wise, which usually is a byproduct of good technique and being relaxed.

[@cliffmelhuish]

Hi Rob and everyone else, of course . I have been trying to learn to play guitar for years now. I always get stuck in a rut. I tried lessons but you don't learn much in 50 minutes, once a week for £25. I wish someone would do a program where you work your way through a journey, learning all the essentials, but aimed at the style of music you enjoy. No point learning stuff I'll never use. Your video is a great example of learning in bite size pieces. Thank you.

[@brendongreen4302]

Awesome tips thanks Rob. I have just started teaching my son and this will help explain a few things. Cheers

[@chrisgunn121]

"People will tell you that you can't play, F@£k Um" Love it, best piece of advice, thanks Rob, more teaching and wise words of wisdom please........

[@russellscott1151]

Great video with great advice. Thanks Rob.

[@keithmurphy-o7z]

Great video loved every second of that 😊

[@MikeInTennessee423]

Rob, you should focus on creating the ultimate guitar tuition course. It would be doing something you have a real passion for as well as a potential revenue stream that could stretch many years in the future. 🤘

[@stephenstarr6388]

In jazz studies, a "chord scale" is comprised of the single notes (which can be harmonized) that you would play with that chord. The scales would be notated as the chord root to the octave above. There is not a single "chord scale". There is a chord scale for each chord that you can notate. What you call "chord scale" is what I would call "diatonic triads". I don't know where I first heard that term The reason I take exception here is because the concept is so very useful in improvising, composing and playing by ear. I hate for there to be added confusion on this concept.

[@JoeyJoJoJr51]

Been playing 28 years. Would love to start from scratch all over again. Hopefully some day (prob when I retire)

[@adamdenard7573]

Really good advice. I’ve been playing rhythm chords and singing for years but trying to up my game on guitar and starting to gear up on electric and this is inspiring me to progress. Will try those exercises 💪👍🖖😎

[@andrewbecker3700]

Anyone can handle it with someone like Rob to guide them. Most didn't have that luxury though. We had very little info to go off. I can remember trying to learn songs off Judas Priests Screaming Vengeance album. By recording MTV videos and stopping the VCR over and over at the exact spot, to try and catch a glimpse of a finger position or two. VH's 1984 album was another one we analyzed endlessly. If you didn't have magazine subscriptions to all the guitar world staples. We'd go hang out at Mainstream Records and make our friends who worked there photocopy the tabs for us. Ahh, the good old days. When you actually had to leave the house once in awhile. Peace!

[@Auto-Tech-Matt]

Im glad that you as a teacher doesnt tell students that they need a gibson or a marshall. My teacher told me that. And i have a trace elliot guitar amp. (He didn't know of them), and i had a gibson. I preferred my minarik lotus or cort flying v. But the instrument doesn't make the artist. The artist makes the instrument sing.

[@garrettoboyle5360]

19:48... brilliant!

[@marcaustin]

this is a great video rob. tks

[@stephengreen9663]

Thanks rob this was inspiring

[@adrianhanson9584]

Thanks Rob ☮️🤘

[@bagginsoddie6434]

Great vid!! Really helpful

Thank you Rob! Would be great to have you as a teacher.

[@taz4965]

For gear, top tip, buy second hand! You can get excellent kit for a fraction of the new cost.

[@Metro_Gnome]

I already do a lot of this..but you have a great way of putting words to why in doing it everyday. I dont like metronomes either r😂

[@Rick-Nundigger]

😮.... Grrreatt'ings !! J'apprécie le lieu où vous vous trouvez...! 🎸🫠... Le haut de la Forteresse de TROY.. En arrière les Armées Grecques menées par les Noirs Milrmidons d'Achille ""Dit les Fausses notes Brutalles."" 😊 la chance d'avoir reçu une éducation Classique 😅... ...Ciao Ciao Amigo 🫠🎸

[@len73-]

Great video.very helpful

[@paulcarter105]

A minor 6 is a good substitute for diminished. Drop tuned lessons would be cool

[@lilian896]

Great video!

[@ethanpunto9222]

When I'm stuck in a rut I watch youtube videos on what to do when you're stuck in a rut instead of practicing anything

[@birdsongman]

Excellent lesson - is there a reason for using so much distortion in your demo?

[@TobiasAshleyBarker]

I would blame starting and stopping, a general lack of consistency for my lack of progress. only ever seem to get back to the place i was before 😂

[@The_Flannelmeister]

I have been playing for over 30 years, self taught. I can strum and fingerpick on acoustic to an ok standard, not a maestro by any means! Just trying to get my head around the different way to play on electric. But here is the thing. I am left handed. Back when I first learned, didn't even know there were such things as left-handed guitars so learned on and still play a right handed guitar. Do you think I might be better than I am if I went all the way back to basics and learned left-handed from scratch?

[@shanewalton8888]

If gear doesnt matter, might as well pick up a sweet Chapman and support our buddy, our guru, ROb.

[@johnCjr4671]

Twilight zone training !

[@williambryngnas840]

Not alternate picking when changing string ( up, up, up )

[@guidoluginbuhl9459]

Is the pull up on purpose when doing the backwards run?

[@zackeverson3666]

I know I’m probably late to the party but what happened with Andertons? Why’d you leave

[@TheFairway8]

Eric Haugen ( great teacher) has said I’ve never had to ask a student to play faster

[@albert2395]

Rob, would the rusty areas be painful!😂😅😊

[@homewoodstudio1978]

What do you mean by playing over an acorn?

[@redmed10]

How do you mute the strings when you are going from down to up?

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

Same way as when you strum downwards. Use the heel of your palm and also use the fingers of your right hand to mute by reducing pressure on the strings. It's all about practice/repetition.

[@mdtrx]

yea

[@stevelaferney3579]

At 58 I returned to music but this time I was only gonna be an amateur & learn differently by not learning songs. I wanted to play guitar but my fingertips didn’t ever make callouses & due to neurological issues pain ruled. So did lack of ability to remember things. Finally at almost 70 things have finally changed enough for muscle memory to help & I’m starting to play the first blues notes. I’ve always had fun cause I enjoy the sound. You, Rick B, Justin, lots of folk have taught me lots & things are beginning to gel. Thanks for sharing & giving me fun. Cheers.

[@Hardyboi-h8x]

Where did blues originate from? Did blues guitar originate from jazz at all? Or am i totally wrong

[@richiebell1577]

All great info. My favourite piece was "Fuck'em"

[@johntate5050]

I'm in the process of forming a death metal brass band. I'm looking for a tuba player with attitude and a cornet player who can shred.

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

Play Humpty Dumpty in the style of Bach.

[@nohillforahighstepper]

Personally...I wouldn't have picked up a guitar at all. After 40+ years of playing, this talent has become a curse. I can't put it down. I can't express myself without it. I spend thousands of dollars on gear that could have been used to buy drugs or alcohol or hookers. It has alienated me from my family and friends. Now the only people I talk to are broke musicians, like me. The lure of stardom has been the beign of my existance!

[@AnthonyClegg-d2v]

If you are ever stuck in a rut,buy a trombone.🎸❤.

[@HappyHermitt]

I get bored because I cant seen to level up or play different stuff. Im a ling time beginner

[@kocinski8734]

My take away from this ... fuck 'em. When I get stuck in a rut, I try a different open tuning.

[@GG-jw8pt]

Three minutes in, and four adds with no ‘skip’ option! … I’m out!

[@deuxetduexfontcinq]

turn ya pedals off ffs!

[@MAX96MENDES]

This is click bait.

[@mikepetney8400]

great video!