Guitarists This Is Important

[@davidwoods358]

Guitar always appealed to me (even at 6 years old) as a space I could go to where no one would have any say in what I do. Life is full of rules, obligations, demands, duties, jobs, school and people pulling at you from every which way. At 64 years old now I can look back and see how guitar, recording and music in general has kept me somewhat sane. I play every day still. I treat the guitar as as an artist would a sketch pad, I'm not interested in diminished, minor, major, augmented or anything else. The neck is always a blank slate to other worlds and It's my drug of choice.

[@Mujcanal]

Great approach, may borrow this philosophy, thank you

[@CaptainBlackadder75]

Agree with this 100%. Guitar playing for me requires complete concentration, such that it blocks out everything else and is meditative as a result.

[@nikolagugoski]

That first point is so important, the video could have ended right after that. I haven't seen lot of videos talking about this and I think most people have the wrong idea about what it means to learn and play an instrument. Just play what you love and have fun with it

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Huge tip that helped me was to record yourself playing…so many times I’d think my playing was shit, then go and listen back and I’m like “hey that sounds really good…who’s playing that?…oh yeah, it’s me”…

[@D.Miller]

What a great mentor. I wish I had someone spurring me on when I was starting out before too many plateaus and life got in the way then woke up one day 37. You're a great talent and top bloke

[@ChadCWatson]

Ive been playing over 20 years and I always enjoy your videos. Theres always something to learn.

[@39love31]

No greater words have been Spoken, Cameron! Well Done! I do not play Much Country Music ....But my dad does ....lol ... When you hear Kenny Rogers say: "You got to know when to Hold em. Know when to Fold em. Know when to Walk away...and Know when to Run!" IS also a great "Mind Set" you need to have for playing guitar!!! ...lol ... Keep in Mind Each Person learns at His Own Speed and pace...Even the FEEL for the Guitar gets more natural as we go! and YES, Play the Music YOU LOVE ! Glad you did this video for the beginners and People like me.... ( I am Starting back all over again at age 50!) But i needed the reminder .... That "Rome was not Built in a day!" Keep Rocking! and Dude, for someone who Taught Himself. You are a 💯 Hands down Best Van Halen Player i have seen in a WHILE! I say that as a compliment to you. And I am SURE Eddie is looking down at ya and saying..."Atta Boy!" ;) Eddie Never "Conformed" to the NORMS of Guitar Playing Yet, He was the greatest Guitarist of this century!!! R.I.P. Eddie ..... And Keep Making Eddie Smile each time you make a Video :) 🤘

[@guitargirlnat84]

I think that your suggestions are spot on…at least for me. Even if I’m struggling, if I give myself a break, I can get unstuck. Thanks for the tips!

[@randyrowell8048]

Quite possibly the best, most succinct pieces of advice that applies in many aspects of life, not just playing guitar. Brilliant video.

[@chriswich0071]

Some great tips, I agree with each and every point! In line with your last point, that reminds me of a tip i once heard, and believe: Never give up on a goal because it may take too long to achieve... the time will pass anyway.

[@sublyme2157]

I've been playing since I was a kid in the 90s, and this is spot on. Girls will come and go, friends will come and go, heck even families and careers will come and go. But your guitar will always be waiting for you. Unless of course it's stolen, then you just buy another one. And it will always be waiting for you...

[@eddiejr540]

So the take away is like with anything in life...don’t stop...don’t ever give up...don’t ever quit...thanks Cam...you are the man!!!!

[@lasombra_br]

Principles to train by. Thanks, mate!

[@frannyp46]

Love the stay challenged bit Cam. I saw a neuroscience programme recently and they proved that if you go into a challenge with full intent, your brain will help you 50/50 by building the necessary neurons every time. Just thought this was a massive incentive.

[@jonphillips4082]

This was great, there's a lot of confusion out there about what is considered to be; standard practice, standard learning, standard techniques and ect... This really helped me put things into better perspective! Great Job Cameron!

[@uniqe23]

Brilliant bro, I needed this and it hit the nerve. My hand is hurting and I was getting guilty for taking a break. You brought it all home. Thank you, you're a rising star and tremendously helpful to us all.

[@noahtheshipbuilder]

Holy shit man every minute of this is full of gold. Thanks so much for making this!

[@stevemorovek6470]

You are SO CORRECT. I’ve always played what I wanted. I can not read music nor do I follow what some guitarist say I NEED to do to become better. I play guitar because it makes me happy. I’ve learned so much just by trying to play what I love. Thank you so much for this vid. Others needed to hear this. Cheers!!

[@misticformula1485]

Great to see someone so gifted express these awesome tips to the world. I'm a bboy dancer as well as rock/metal guitarist and recently also adding drums and keyboard to the arsenal and I treat all my arts the same way as you explain here.

[@ClearAdventure]

Spot on, brother! So glad to see you still spreading the truth in an insightful way! - Kevin Venture

[@cappy781]

This is the best advice I've seen yet. 100% correct

[@RumbleFish69]

What a fantastic video! I was watching this video on my TV and decided to turn it off and go to my computer so I could leave a proper comment. I have to say, my friend, this is the most inspired and on-point video I have seen regarding guitars and playing that I have seen in some time. The things you address here are the things that matter most! Sometimes, people just don't get it what it takes to play guitar and this journey goes well beyond the mechanics. But more specifically, I want to take a moment and address your second point, which I appreciate so very much. In fact, this was the part of the video that made me turn off the TV and get on my computer.... I agree with this point so much and it makes me feel great that someone else went ahead and said it out loud. You're right, there is no "proper" or set way to play. I have several ways of playing that have been considered strange or weird by my guitar playing friends, but the sounds I produced are always well-received. There is one technique in particular that I believe that I created, which sounds like nothing anyone else has played and it always sounds great. Me and the guitar are always feeling weird but we push out some decent sounds! Beyond that, and depending on what I am playing, I also don't hold my pick in he traditional manner. My strumming patterns are completely unorthodox but I always manage to achieve something interesting. Like you, I learned o play guitar on my own, so I wasn't bound by the trapping of tradition or cookie-cutter methods of music teachers; I just picked up a guitar and tried to figure it out. I ultimately created a style that is all my own. Lastly, and this one is super important....I agree that there is no rush. My son recently tried to learn a particular piece in the same time as the KZbin teacher; I believe it was 45-days... I told my son not to rush and that he should look at playing, and learning, in the same manner as weight loss. Sure, you can lose 30 lb. in 30 days, but why so fast, when you can lose 30 lb. in 90 days! There should never be a rush to learn anything faster, especially when there is all the time in the world. This was a fantastic video, my friend and if I was not already subscribed, I would definitely subscribe!

[@andrewwilliams5042]

Great advice, I have only recently started to realize what is stated here.

[@camhalen]

Nailed it on all of these points! One of my favorite quotes from the late, great Neil Peart goes, "there are no shortcuts. You can never try too hard and you can never practice too much" I live by that. Great stuff, fellow Cam 🤘

[@amizakk]

Been playing for close to 25 years. Some of the advices in here ring so much truer than they would have been when I just had started playing. Be yourself, do what you love. In the end, those who made it as a star in the business all have done the exact same.

[@allboutthemojo]

All very well thought out points / questions/ concerns. Can't speak for anyone else but I've pondered over exactly everything mentioned and come up with same conclusions!

[@t3hgir]

Nice tips. It's a wonderful feeling working at a technique, concept, whatever where it just sounds clunky and off until one day it clicks and you make some real progress.

[@UrbanSkyProject]

I really struggle to face myself as a guitarist. I am over critical and feel the pressure of others to be xyz. This is something I am working at the moment and this video seemed to be perfect timing. Thanks Cam!

[@HazeOfWhearyWater]

Very encouraging! Thanks!

[@redsmash870]

Great advice Cam, every guitarist is unique, every journey towards mastery is different. You've been a huge inspiration, both from your tutorials and videos like this, keep on Rockin' man! Also thanks to you I am finally looking into buying my first Charvel

[@RomainG6409]

100% in agreement with your list. The one I would highlight is the second one : There is NO right or wrong technique ! Even though there are things you should not do not to hurt yourself. I play David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Slash's ... solos with using Mark Knopfler's three fingers technique and it rocks ! I would add : Learn rhythm as much as solos as to get the rhythm playing right ... (you can learn a little bit of bass or drums as a second instrument, that would help ...)

[@erikgeiser8226]

Thanks Cam! This is excellent! Great words of wisdom that definitely will help!

[@rockdinosaur666]

Very wise words. I've been playing on and off for years and long ago gave up on trying to sound like a certain guitarist or emulate a solo precisely as it's not necessary. Most people at a gig aren't musos so just learn the key phrases and infill the rest with your own style.

[@avsteele5258]

Great Video & Advice Cam! I have always taken bits of other players and made it my own to get my own style.

[@seansilverton4178]

Great advice, keep trucking 🇨🇦

[@stevenbuckley4433]

Great advice Cam. Keep up the great work.

[@skelapop]

Great advice Cam...thank you!

[@JP-hb4mv]

Cam Backatyou is a great guitarist

[@alexcurtis173]

Great tips. Always appreciate you sharing your insight.

[@tjchad1]

The tip about taking a break is one I have experienced- taking a day or so after learning something new seems to help me. I notice when first picking something up I get to the point of muscle fatigue or my fingers getting less accurate and if I stop and come back to it a day or two later I get it right- easier and smoother. I also had Covid and did not touch my guitar for a week and I found myself just itching to get back to it!

[@csells458]

Well said......mic drop worthy 👏

[@Boozie50]

Awesome Cam!!! as always, brilliant information and motivation you give to us. Thanks 👍

[@benlevin6275]

thanks man, this was a good boost of motivation and some great advice :D

[@Sighdaball]

I love how you said to constantly challenge yourself, and sit with it and do it!! I'm doing that with the Bark at the Moon solo right now. Challenging myself with leads like this has totally made me a better guitar player....All great advice. And Randy Rhoads learned everything his teachers had that they threw at him in a matter of days. That's never gonna happen with me, and I accept that.

[@andiploi]

all tips so true, top. and keep being open-minded

[@RikJSmith]

Hi Cameron. First , thank you for all the time and knowledge you've shared with us. It's definitely as good as Gold. Second , YOU'RE FRIKN SELF TAUGHT !!!! Holy Sheep Shit Dude. I'm also self taught. My influences are probably the same as yours. Edddie , Yngwie , etc. But the difference is I'm 57 and you're probably about 24 or so. You 100% blow me away. Yea I can do a few good licks from all the cover tunes I've learned over the years. I've been in a hell of a lot of cover bands. But you're at least a few levels up from me. And I'm really happy that you're on KZbin so often. Not only for your great Lessons , but your Attitude and Personality is definitely top notch also. I hope the young Guitarists watching you are paying attention to that in addition to what you're playing. Stay safe. Rik. 🎸

[@josefplager]

Thanks for another awesome video Cam!

[@positivevibration7145]

Most important lesson ever. Do what YOU want. End. Thank you for everything you did for others.Rock on✌🤘

[@user-sn3cs2hd8r]

Cam I would like to add a note to one of your tips - equipment and chasing tone is actually a distraction from becoming a better player - we are all guilty of it but this is a huge problem for many - there is no reason you can’t be great on any descent guitar and a small amp

[@CameronCooper]

Agreed!

[@Richard-jf8pb]

Very good insight, thank you so much!

[@beyondlimitsproductions1468]

Preach it brutha... good sound advice !

[@chrisnaishguitar]

Fantastic solid advice!

[@bestboy897]

its cam back at us again

[@brianrust6139]

I AGREE 100% with you all the way. Thanks for being brave enough to say it.👍❤️

[@guitargirlnat84]

I know that I commented on this yesterday but allow me to also say that while Cam might have worded it differently (and better) than I might have, the bottom line is that it’s called playing guitar for a reason and it’s supposed to be fun! I’m never going to be a female Eddie Van Halen because I do have limitations with my cerebral palsy on dexterity, and simply stamina on how long I can hold my guitar. But I do it anyway. Why? It’s FUN! I finally have a guitar that I’m comfortable with which didn’t make me a better player by any means other than that I want to play it more often and that’s making me better at it. Go at your own pace and find what works best for you and have fun! Thanks for this video, Cam!

[@josephplatania5593]

Hey buddy. I really appreciate your advice and all the lessons. Stay well stay strong. Keep ripping

[@weslester5150]

Thank you

[@freakshowmann]

Love this. Especially the part about equipment. While it's cool to get new gear, a $5000 guitar isn't going to make you better or make you sound like a certain player. I got to play one of the $25,000 Frankie Replicas and to be honest, my first thought was, "What a piece of junk!", but Eddie made it magic!

[@mimetype]

Good advice, also string guage doesn't matter. Ignore 'but muh tone' - Use a guage that allows you to bend freely in accordance with your hand strength, the result will be less struggle and stress on your fine motor control and you can always adjust guage as necessary.

[@goofeegoober682]

Great video, needed to hear this

[@nialld2638]

This a great piece of content thank you. One of the few go to KZbinrs for all things guitar. Great advice here.

[@VictorAxelsson]

Great video Cameron! Super helpful and inspiring advice. - Guitarist who stresses too much

[@quentincroisez8061]

Super inspirating video Cameron, thanks a lot dude !!!!!

[@Ultimagtr650]

Great advice

[@plalol]

Really great video! Very inspiring for me 😊

[@guitagious9464]

Well said. Period.

[@monkeyshredder.musicismyso3626]

Well said Cam...

[@mofutmma1]

Great insights man!

[@LavieGariv]

Referring to the tip about taking a break: I’ve been playing guitar for about 9 years now. I used to be able to sit and play (both actual music and practicing) for 5-6 hours a day, everyday, for years. A few years ago I got injured in my wrist, which in a weird caused some other stuff over the next two years because of a misdiagnosis. At the time it meant that because I haven’t got enough rest or breaks, I had to stop playing completely for over 6 months. It was so hard for me - especially because I wasn’t used to taking a break - that I made the mistake of trying to pick it up for just a few minutes from time to time thinking it’s ok, resulting in a worse pain. After I healed (not completely - I’m still having some stuff that might be permanent damage), I had a really bad battle with loss of passion. I loved music, exploring it, analyzing it and listening to completely new stuff, but lost the passion for playing the guitar. It’s all in the past for me now, but it’s been a long painful journey that started with not understanding the importance of taking a break.

[@dinkeredwards5187]

New Subscriber!! Love your channel... Great!Advice!!! Love the positive vibes and very sound and basic advice...👍Thanks Cam!!

[@jasonbarnesbefuddledprofessor]

Yeah learn what you love, totally agree played for 33 years, very true ♥️🎸❤️🤘

[@careyloftin-official]

thanks for sharing your insights. Much success to you my friend!!!!

[@Toby-m2w]

Learn what you love the best tips I've ever got!

[@diegosalas2255]

Excelentes consejos Cameron... es gratificante ver a alguien tan bueno como usted, compartiendo tanta sabiduría... Gracias por la enseñanza, un abrazo desde Colombia.

[@francoisfavreau769]

You are soo right about learning what you love,for me it's EVH.I took guitar theory and it was so boring with an acoustic.So i bought an EVH Wolfgang and learned so much more in 8 months that i could ever dreamed to learn and not only that,everything is coming way faster now then when i began.Of Course you are in cause with another guitar channel.And you are right as well with starting with a down or an up stroke i go with what i am confortable with and it's also true the way i hold my pick.Anyway i want to say a big thank you for all you are teaching on this channel,it's truly appreciate

[@toddrichards3294]

Good solid advice Cam! Keep Up the motivation. 🤘🏻

[@demise1893]

Thank you for this.

[@EdKidgell]

Good advice

[@PablitoIncognito]

Thank You Cameron

[@cflowers69]

Agree 100% with the first point- I have always (35 years now) adhered to the idea that I play and practice what I want. I can play correctly and execute anything that I hear in my head, especially in terms of improvisation over a track. Am I Steve Vai? Nope. And he isn’t me either. Playing like me was always the goal and remains so.

[@HuddleAdventures]

Very wise.

[@AverageArdvark]

Love this. It's not great advice for quickly becoming an expert at guitar. But it's great advice if you want to love playing for your whole life.

[@CameronCooper]

Cheers but nobody has become an expert on anything quickly.

[@AverageArdvark]

@@CameronCooper very true!

[@Mormotic]

Great video Cameron :) I agree with all your points! Cheers

[@robertclarkguitar]

Very important video here. So true !!!!!!!!! Great one !!!

[@amgadzaher2000]

You are awesome cameron thanks

[@DetroitWrecker666]

Solid advice.

[@nixonangeles]

In his tip number 2, if someone tells you to do this do that you need to use this finger and that, it is not really necessary for you to follow him, the point is do whatever is comfortable for you and your fingers. Fingers health is important too.

[@y_distaken9558]

Thank you man!

[@SevenGlitch]

If only everyone was like this. Love the video

[@nikkmorse]

Thanks Cam, very informative 🤘🏼😈🤘🏼

[@Freedum_Fries]

I forgot who said it but it was something like "A Great guitar player can make the cheapest guitar sound good" I believe that 100 percent. hell, even the guitarist of Genesis has been playing a 200 dollar Squire on stage lately. his answer. I like the guitar, it plays well.

[@hollywoodactress]

Really great advice here! It was good to see you do a video that was sharing your experience and not playing guitar, even though I enjoy your guitar playing 😃

[@portuguesebeer5069]

Lool, i almost didnt know you with that mustache! Almost skiped the vídeo! Cheers from Portugal 🤘🍺🇵🇹

[@RollTideRising]

Thank you thank you thank you

[@seanvanmolle7836]

Another good one... don't compare yourself with another... Every player has got his own thingy

[@dad_halen_5150]

Absolutely agree 🤟🏻

[@Javier-qk7ms]

Something I found once I got the best strings, pick and neck I was able to develop my technique faster, I am sure I would have been able to do the same with different strings/picks/neck but the correct combination allowed for improvement faster. Of course you need to spend some money to get a guitar that can be properly set up and say in tune. The rest is subjective like tone and looks.

[@ExiLeZH]

Regarding the controversial topic, I think there are different sides when it comes to ‘technique’. Like I 100% get why you promote people to develop their own styles and techniques, like that’s how the majority of famous guitarists/musicians started out right? However I think there are some downsides if you don’t pay attention to how you develop certain techniques, because you could potentially limit yourself where it becomes much harder to learn stuff, simply because your technique isn’t efficient. Also ‘wrong’ technique could even lead to injury in the long run. My advice would be to atleast try to be aware of your ergonomics, like how you hold the pick and which muscles you use for the movements etc. I think self-criticism is one of the most important factors for developing your own style and this doesn’t only apply to the ergonomics but also the sound itself, like are even you happy how it all sounds? Is it anything close to what you had in mind? I think a great tip for this would be recording and listening to yourself and your progress. Btw, in my experience relearning techniques can be just as, if not more challenging than learning something new.

[@CameronCooper]

That's true! But I think if someone spends enough time with the instrument they iron out any technical imperfections that could lead to injury and they also improve their ergonomic efficiency in the process.

[@aleksandarpotocnjak9219]

These guitar playing styles are great. Just keep going. Are you better than many Kiu think they are in the top 50 in the world?. You are in the top 20

[@CameronCooper]

Cheers! I've never imagined myself being a part of a Top 50 list because it's completely subjective

[@McLeanAB88]

You should check out Victor Wooten's first book THE MUSIC LESSON. Life changing...

[@waynegram8907]

Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden does these 3 note grouping triad inversion melody arpeggios, you should do a video lesson about these.

[@CameronCooper]

Sounds like you know all about them