Guthrie Govan - Professor Shred #3

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In this month's edition of "Professor Shred," Guthrie Govan talks about using string skipping to create multi-octave tapped arpeggios.

[@Deathshuck]

"I could never play it, especially with you watching" **Plays it perfectly**

[@spyroschristoulakis6296]

It's not perfect but the funny thing is, he always plays it even better live, in front of thousands of people!

[@niupe705]

Spyro Chris I love this video of him doing it live perfectly and fistpumping himself right after like "YASSSS I got it !"

[@alexandrepellerin5462]

@@niupe705 Any link to this vid? :D

[@tonypowell250]

A simple example of it 😂😂😂

[@Progmium]

lol!

[@Jonpoo1]

Love that musical mind where he accidentally plays the early notes of jingle bells and has to finish it off.

[@MetalBuffalos]

Hes probably the best guitar teacher ever. Not only is he one of the most proficient guitarists, he's extremely thoughtful when trying to identify what some people may be struggling with e.g. 5:47 where he suggests practicing the transition. He's a very personable guy and tries to relate the best he can despite his uncanny skills.

[@50CJAZZ]

He's a very generous soul. God bless him.

[@jonhowell5014]

A true genius, and a kind soul.

[@Pe6ek]

Well he knows everything, but can he teach you or me to do it? That's what teaching is.

[@Pe6ek]

@@50CJAZZ God? Seriously?

[@surveil3548]

@@Pe6ek So teaching means... to teach? Seriously?

[@johnnycantrell1168]

5:14 sounds like stranger things. Im not into jazz and never have been but this guy changes this for me. Makes me wonder musically. His personality and way of thinking shines through his brilliant musicality and ideas. Bravo dude. Dig the Suhr as well. Cheers.

[@6672rock]

That's probably the most fluid-sounding arpeggios I've ever heard. I think I'll try incorporating more tapping and string-skipping in my arsenal of licks.

[@solocam1962]

I'm just going to sell my guitars now.

[@gibsonflyingv2820]

@@solocam1962 Dumb thing to say. Practice and you'll be just as good as him. You have hands and a brain. Theres nothing you cant do on a guitar physically he couldn't.

[@danieldesouza3874]

It's a fucking joke.

[@StephenMoore777]

Na dude, the joke is that guy thinks you can just practice alot and 'you'll be just as good as Guthrie" Yeah, and there is the sense-of-humour-bypass thing as well to be fair.

[@burnsZY85]

So it is 3 years later, how did it go for you?

[@mop230]

He is the Bob Ross of guitar

[@Machine138]

patrick dillinger 😂😂 nailed it.

[@ShadeCandle]

Actually, the guy from Chords of Orion channel is the Bob Ross of music.

[@theterrenceallenproject3972]

patrick dillinger A happy little lick here

[@moonstation8585]

Exactly!!

[@MoonWalkerTexsRanger]

That is so true hahaha

[@cketelae]

Guthrie is not only a fantastic guitar player, he also has the gift to be able to teach...

[@cyrusjerome]

Hes got a very high IQ i bet

[@robbiesmith6033]

i'm as jealous of his vocabulary as his guitar skills

[@ashutoshgoit9540]

Robbie Smith Well, he is an English guy. About the guitar, ummm... He is a god. So, jealousy won't work.

[@SirSwiftusFunkellwerk]

Robbie Smith hahahah

[@chriscolabella880]

He dropped out of Cambridge to work in McDonald's and play guitar. Tells you all you need to know... Apart from why he's so skinny.

[@royprio]

He studied English at Oxford. What else could you expect from him? 🥴

[@scorpiocurse7969]

@@chriscolabella880 There's a reason why he's a guitar god and i barely can play a powerchord...he practices! There's no time for food.

[@lukemckelvey5996]

I absolutely LOVE watching and listening to Guthrie! He really IS a true genius!

[@FranticRock]

Watching Guthrie is humbling every time.

[@6672rock]

That is the most fluid tapping I've heard in ages.

[@pez---]

the reason he is such a good teacher is how articulately he speaks...precision in words, concepts and of course execution...

[@krillton]

When Guthrie says: "- It gets more fun when you start to complicate things." he really means "- It gets more fun when you go from impossible to my level."

[@LimitIsIllusion]

He's a fucking philosopher, but for the guitar instead of for life

[@burlapsack7759]

LimitIsIllusion My god, how have I not heard of this guy?

[@TheCrimsonIdol987]

Gutherie's fucking awesome. Probably one of the most versatile guitar players on the planet.

[@Britishwolf89]

He reminds me of Paul Gilbert in that he's amazing at explaining things.

[@schweiner8610]

Finally someone who explains stuff properly, easy to understand for any level of guitar player and incorporating all the issues and habits, a practicing guitar player has to deal with. Watching petruccis rock discipline, you do get shown a path, but you feel kinda hopeles, cause petrucci does still seem to never had any trouble or never even had to put any thoughts and efforts into what he is explaining and doesnt go into detail and for exmaple, how to achieve even playing vlean before even upping the metronome in the first place.

[@schweiner8610]

petrucci never talks musicality in his instructional videos. actually many guitars do not, but Guthrie does and thats awesome

[@JamesAngelSEO]

What an excellent teacher.

[@jimdevries9479]

What a delightful gracious gift of a gentleman.

[@dimed2338]

I only had to watch this once, and i could recreate everything he did flawlessly....I’d prove it but I couldn’t do it with you watching me.

[@grabber_blu_angel]

I understand what he's doing, but my fists of ham won't conform to my will.

[@SaintTrinasTorch]

DaltonThomas Christmas ham with that Jingle Bell bit around 2:00 minutes. Lol

[@christophersleight19]

Dalton, thank you. That was genuinely funny. I needed that today. My friend, have a great week. Spiral cut, honey cured? I can smell it.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

I met Joe Satriani - he's got much smaller hands than me.

[@hansmatheson5976]

Fists of Ham is a good band name.

[@gamhacked]

This guy is the biggest legend I've ever seen. What a chilled out master.

[@jademonolith]

He said he didnt wanted to play it like that but his muted sweep picking was impeccable as well

[@SpaceCattttt]

"It gets more fun when we start to complicate things" Oh God...

[@Burgalizer12]

Guthrie is literally the most technically skilled player I have ever seen. If he wants to play something, he can play it.

[@jonhowell5014]

Yup. And: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4fdfKyGp9qDnaM

[@sekhopuro7265]

He is one of the cleanest player and with super fast too and many more...of him and his ability on guitar yet very humble .

[@rolandlemus203]

I just love these instructional vids from him, he IS a great teacher, I learn so much from him, and I come back here to see the maestro. Yes, I need the neck by my nose, so be it!! :) Thank you Guitar World for posting, can you get him to come back and just jam out???

[@matthewcross]

How lucky we are to have such an incredible player who keeps no secrets, and shares his gift with the world so freely. Guthrie is the king.

[@zamkowicz]

2:10 jingle bells

[@Thomas0661]

? I thought he was going, Star Wars theme?

[@a7xthefate]

Caught his gig with The Aristocrats the other day, got to meet them all after the show. So mind blowing, they're all so talented and humble.

[@haroldparker2614]

True island of brilliance ! Like dude, how come you are not touring the world. With talent like that, you do not need any front man, you are it. Lots of musicians are looking for it, but you have already found it. Thanks for sharing your excellent guitar skills.

[@loomenate]

2:09 casually taps out jingle bells

[@Milehighshred]

Wow! That sounded so damn smooth!

[@MedicalNemesis]

Guthrie... What in the World. This guy is unreal. The ease with which he plays such technically challenging stuff, there is no word for it.

[@darcisswalker3885]

How in the heck is he playing that clean and getting the notes to pop off the board like that??? Guthrie makes me smile. His attitude the way he presents himself and his playing equal to one cool jaw dropping musician.

[@guitaristforfunn]

+Darciss Crouch incredible finger strength.

[@neonether]

What @Darciss Crouch said! Check out my 8-finger piano style tapping of Rondo Alla Turca. Great example of how I barely move my fingers but can get loud, defined notes!! 🤘

[@dunerman2533]

This was a really good lesson. Thank you ! Practice practice practice

[@FusionTrendsz]

Guthrie is so underrated! I think he should be world's best guitarist

[@glennjames2324]

I watched the video of Gurhrie, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani the other day, and I have to say, Guthrie makes them both look like amateurs. Just my opinion, I know I'll catch some flak from the Vai, and Satch fans but it's true.

[@richarddeese1991]

I like this guy! He's actually *_explaining_* things, like you might do for your next door neighbor; *_not_* as if I already know everything. Simple, effective. Maybe it's a gift that not everyone has, but I wish more players would (or *_could?_*) explain things this way! Thank you. Very cool. tavi.

[@ignaciogobet605]

He is so spot on he sounds like midi sometimes. Incredible level of control over the instrument.

[@RTPxPJ]

6:48 "When you kick in all the distortion and the *\m/ \m/* "

[@jaymanhire]

LMAO at that part! Love it!

[@Magmetal1]

loved when he found the 'Jingle Bells' melody! :D

[@SanderPastoor]

Guthrie is by far the most articulate guitarist I've ever seen on KZbin. No stutters or 'uhs' in his speech. He really knows what he's talking about and he knows how to explain it, as opposed to most guitarists in video's like this.

[@t3tsuyaguy1]

I'm always amazed at how much better I understand something, about the guitar after this man explains it. He's a really skilled instructor.

[@yeahhyouvish]

"Index Finger is Nature's Capo" ~Guthrie GODvan I'm getting a T-shirt with this written on it.

[@0000song0000]

*Guthrie's existence restores my faith in humanity*

[@mrlantern23]

He's always so articulate in his lessons.

[@guerillaatheist]

What a brilliant teacher Guthrie Govan is. I get everything he's is talking about in 100% of his instructional videos.. My playing is jumping leaps and bounds by watching his tutorials. AAA+++

[@faithandpractice]

I don't know what it is about Guthrie but I can watch the guy even when I'm not interested in learning the lick. Kinda like that 'Bob Ross' guy who paints on TV

[@GregLynn]

Shout out to Art Tatum, yeah!!

[@codythedoggo7671]

These lessons are the best thing ever

[@GeneralShred89]

i enjoy simply listening to this man speak

[@TheFettuck]

Did he just played the first part of jingle bells on the guitar??

[@r.j.2327]

Yeah, and you won't believe, but I can, too.

[@moonriver8807]

Nope, star wars theme

[@jp3m633]

He's really badass

[@Warhear87]

I love how simply he describes/explains things.

[@000MidnightSun]

i love listening to this guy talk

[@mikesinaro]

His pinky is bigger then my fucking pointer!

[@MotoCrazy66]

He's at least 12 feet tall!

[@avakinlifeuser6888]

His leg is bigger than me.

[@inzanestrings]

0:26 "That kind of idea." what an idea that is Guthrie...

[@muddgroove]

To much fun! Your an awesome player and have a wonderful way of explaining things...

[@anthonycaserta8556]

Thank you Mr. Govan these videos really help inspire me to practice again.

[@danielflintknapping]

"natures capo" hehe i like that quote

[@xsited1]

He's in the big book of British smiles.

[@Britishwolf89]

I get the Simpsons reference but his teeth really aren't that bad. Is it just because he's English?

[@gibsonflyingv2820]

@@Britishwolf89 Not that bad,? They look like wart hog tusks for fucks sakes.

[@moonstation8585]

xsited1 😂

[@MetallSonata]

Such a great musician and teacher, I wish this "Professor Shred" section would never stop

[@HeavyProfessor]

Young and gifted always

[@TMMOFFICIAL__]

6:13 jeez Guthrie, sorry I'm just tryna learn this lick, no need to flip me off

[@hansmatheson5976]

Rextryte Bastard... Sadly, Guthrie is yet another example proving the “Guitar Gods are arrogant dicks” cliche.

[@AlbertSirup]

somehow that noise gate on his voice is really enervating -_-

[@smeghead777]

thought exactly the same.

[@NukeClock]

+Albert Sirup I was about to comment on that, then checked if someone else already did. Couldnt imagine Id be the first to notice. Noisegate in those guitar channels in general is starting to bug me heavily, lately. For some reason.

[@gtrsuite]

Yeah, no need for overkill on the noise gate. Very annoying.

[@chambeet]

Kurt Adams You have to be able to hear how the sound completely cuts out when he’s not talking. It’s very annoying.

[@SteveStockmalMusic]

I just looked up “enervate”...’to cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken, lacking in energy or vitality. You probably meant irritating. Signed...he loves language and refuses to accept auto-correct as my master. (Unless I’m wrong and it really does drain you, then in that case I say “good use of enervate” !!!!!!!)

[@cornonthecobbob5617]

This is absolute gold. He is a gift from the frequency gods 🙏

[@Tacoguitar]

So awesome to see Guthrie on Guitar World magazine, he deserved to be on there years ago.

[@josefranciscocarvajalbrown9157]

It seems like Guthrie was listening to Symphony X stuff... this technique its one of Romeo's favs

[@EvilPopsicleDog]

Anyone else find the noise gate on his voice incredibly irritating?

[@stevel6943]

No. Sounds as good as he plays.

[@urbanprojectz]

He sounds great

[@robinmarwick1982]

Not as irritating as your pathetic comment...

[@robinmarwick1982]

Jim Stonecut ...Mr Govan gives up his time to produces an excellent video imparting some of his immense knowledge, asking for nothing in return and all you can do is grumble about gate noise ...get a life and don't be such a twat.

[@brushuk]

yes.. its unnecassary. and as you say irritating.

[@rickricky5626]

tapping has come so far its amazing

[@wseeback]

Finally, someone who shows licks and ideas, without a shit ton of gain and delay. Thank you Guthrie.

[@aaronbergAPB]

He can teach well. Nice post

[@russjalichandra5491]

Every time I watch him, I can’t help but wondering what he’d look like in a better hairdo.

[@jonhowell5014]

I relate - but next time try closing your eyes and listening. Not trying to insult you at all. I'm guilty of judging musicians by appearance too. Like the song goes, "video killed the radio star". Even now, sometimes I have to remind myself that it's all about the music.

[@larrywhitted7333]

He is very humble. I would like to know you in life. I love his playing and nice video.

[@kouvpan]

just perfect..you feel lucky that you can find these videos by this guy...

[@Saturax]

Pause at 6:19 for a surprise.

[@beijaflor9313]

+Saturax LOL, he has that look of just being caught doing something he shouldn't.

[@bes5164]

...cheating? there is no cheating in playing ...it does not matter how you play it, what matters it how it sounds in the end

[@TypingHazard]

Some people discover an aspect of their instrument that makes an idea easy and think they must be cheating. I know as a young guitarist I tricked myself out of certain things because I assumed it was too simple and therefore wrong since I was used to struggling. Also some players get it in their head that things must be done a certain way and all other methods are lazy hacks; Al di Meola thinks this of legato and hammer-ons, every note *must* be picked in his view. Obviously we don't all agree on that one, and he wouldn't sound the same if he weren't so assiduous in picking everything, but calling it "cheating" is subjective

[@Bluegrasshero]

My current favorite electric guitarist. I like his style AND the tone he gets.

[@raaustin777]

That is probably the best description of anything I have ever seen ever.

[@sicko_drops]

british guitarists are so articulate

[@aaaaaaaaaa2303]

godlike

[@AsadSafuan]

i love the dynamic part. Somewhere around 6.40 - 6.46! Pure guitar god

[@FearCycle]

I consider musicians like Guthrie and others of his scale to be geniuses. The amount of knowledge of musical theory and technical abilities that they possess is awesome.

[@louistech112]

This dude it’s only telling us 20% of what he knows lol.

[@sahelanthropus4422]

More like 0.20%

[@Theincrediblespud]

Is he also muting with his forearm?

[@applewhiteroad]

fantastic instructional video. useful licks and a wonderful explanation of how to use!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow!!!!

[@AlphaDad]

Man am I glad I found this guy

[@gh3rulz69]

What is a 20 octave arc tatum arpeggio?

[@YaoEspirito]

gh3rulz69 He's referring to the great pianist Art Tatum; look him up.

[@KatajunMusic]

Stoner Weird Al teaches guitar

[@YJohannM]

beautifully played arpeggios!

[@superwilk4280]

This guy is, I have to say, one of the best guitarists, if not the best, of 'these times'! He is so fluent with everything and involves some fun into theory and stuff! E.g when he was showing the a minor arpeggio and showing the 5th fret hammer on, and started to play jingle bells :)

[@superwilk4280]

*Bm

[@drevil7vs13]

5:14 almost Stranger Things :)

[@ArinKambitsis]

He's barely touching the strings.

[@neonether]

His fluidity is top notch. With practice, you can barely move your finger but still tap the note strong enough, e.g. bruce lee gung fu punch! Check out my tapping on Rondo Alla Turca, it's a good example of how finger strength is part of good technique to play in this style!

[@danimiura6866]

These are some of my favorite videos on this site. Thanks so much for making these, for taking the time to show others how you can also be “incredible.” Because you certainly are incredible.

[@Phil-tb2yz]

Guthrie Govan man, his fingers, out of this world.

[@Aijaleena]

Is he God?

[@maaaaku]

Yes.

[@bluesyace9564]

Yes

[@SirSwiftusFunkellwerk]

Phaellos no. He's Guthrie Govan

[@abrarjahinnafi1634]

God will piss his pants in front of him.

[@moonstation8585]

No! he made God. He’s God’s God.

[@AquaAnim]

@ieatgodmeat well arnt you judgmental. He didnt look one bit as if he was "enjoying" himself talking. And how rude and uncouth of you to slander a wonderful musician by calling him un-humble. Knowing him personally this is the farthest thing from the truth, biggest issue with opening your mouth or typing, know the person before you try and slander them, utterly disrespectful in the music business. Know before you speak.

[@jordanmajel]

He's an incredible teacher! He should get more recognition for that.

[@kyle5709]

What a great guy and a great teacher!

[@Aristowi]

I like that Guitar World is starting to give Guthrie the attention he deserves. Hopefully GW readers will know how a great guitar player he is and eventually get a lot of videos and articles featuring Guthrie.

[@imaniguana]

I like his teaching style. I like the fact that just doesn't go "Here are the notes. Now you play it". Instead, he walks through the technique and explains the dynamics involved.

[@Matkinson123]

I have no intention of even trying to learn this, yet I still watch it all.

[@livesolid325]

This was an awesome little trick. I can't wait to find ways to make it my own in my playing.