What Does “Phrasing” Really Mean On Guitar?

[@jkaznosky]

I started the Artistworks course about a week ago and wanted to recommend it to folks that are looking for a deeper dive into these types of approaches. I've gigged for awhile and was looking for things to augment the stuff that I know or even better stated, simplify. While I could have at least skipped to the intermediate section, the solos are well worth diving deep and echo the same things GT has been saying here. If you're on the fence, do it. It is this stuff on steroids. I'm receiving nothing for this post except a good bunch of stuff to work on. Thanks GT.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks a million! And glad it’s working for you. We put a LOT of time into those courses. Months worth of work. Thanks again!

[@TheMarkOCaster]

This might be one of the most important lessons that you’ve posted. I have your Artistworks courses and can’t think you enough for taking my playing to where I never dreamed it could be. Your ability to teach in a common sense way is a true gift.

[@schesser]

Man, that intro was beautiful.

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

the guitar sounds amazing

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback and comments here. It means an awful lot and doesn’t go unnoticed at all. We are developing a great community here I believe. Not just including my stuff here, but my close friends and fellow guitar players and teachers. You guys are awesome and I’m glad you’ve all landed here. Let’s keep it going! GT

[@1950s_Guitar]

You are the greatest too Guthrie! Keep putting out these great videos. I watch them start to finish.

[@martymooney8099]

Best intro so far imo🤘🤘✌️🖖

[@jimmycrabtree-tb6jc]

Great info!

[@jasonodell79er]

Dang thats so good. That guitar, ugh. Me want. That intro was nasty.

[@charlesvachon5838]

As usual choc full of goodies ...thank you, thank you thank you.

[@Cactusflattmediaphotography]

Incredible lesson...a million thanks GT...big love from AZ...❤❤

[@rusty_strings7356]

Holy S#!t ! man that last bit of phrasing blew the doors of perception off their hinges. You are the Man.

[@Otisleevonridge]

Speaking the language of music! Notes talking back to one another! Phrasing! Thank you Guthrie excellent lesson!

[@17colosal]

That intro!!! Beatiful

[@Ajoshy]

Thanks for this! Real talk.

[@christopherfryda]

You're awesome GT!!!

[@briandevitt6903]

A million thanks from Ireland for all your wisdom and humility.

[@raymondcorreira847]

Just keep playing I love it! Whatever you do it’s always melodic 😊

[@marsos52]

this has to be oboe the best vids on KZbin for how to improvise

[@PaulMcKendrick]

Great conversation and the comments reflect that. Thanks. Julian Lage has a song called ‘76’ that demonstrates your conversational approach beautifully.

[@AndoChris]

The playing in the intro ❤

[@Nozmo_King_NJ]

Great lesson, GT. I just love your "phrasing" and how you explain it. Stay warm! It's in the 20's and snowing along the Delaware River here in the New Hope PA / Lambertville NJ area.

[@tommartin7833]

Killer lesson GT!

[@stipeur]

There is no need to tell what a brilliant player Guthrie is, we all know that…but boy the tone, its apsolutely amazing

[@tonyleary684]

I've been playing for 40+ years. I completely reset when I first heard you Guthrie. Unfortunateky I developed Jupitrons contracture, which screwed my playing but you have really inspired my to get surgery. You are totally spot on. I know the the CAGED term is bollox but the concept is brilliant. My issue now is musicality. I love you mate. You have turned me back to music.

[@cornstar1253]

I had that on both middle fingers. Got the operation on my fretting hand. The contracture on my strumming hand went away on its own over the years, but the finger that was operated on is weak and never improved. The operation screwed it up, but after playing for 5 minutes it loosens up and I can still play at least.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

@@cornstar1253ive got a similar problem.. for about a year 😳 ive avoided surgery so far, but im still not 100% .. the pain is way less now it doesn’t hurt to play .. try this exercise to stay in shape.. i worked out for myself after months of agony 🙏 Best Exercise for Carpal Tunnel kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH-keoSCgat4psk

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

tim pierce guitar legend had a similar thing. you’re not alone dude..

[@Robert_Bubba_Baker]

An extremely important subject on playing today no matter what guitar style you play in. Thank you Guthrie.

[@SuperBuzz71]

Beards looking good. See you in April in Cincy if I don’t run into you again in NashVegas at the February Uncle Pat show. Met you a few times on recent Nashville trips and when you came up here. You are genuinely good dude as much you’re a genuine musician. Talk at you later. You and Buk have made me such a better player the last few years. Pushing hard these days to get out and share what I’ve learned with a new band.

[@bigbokiptd]

Wow what a great lesson Guthrie. Thank you so much!

[@Sammywhat]

Another outstanding lesson. Thank you so much, GT!!! I am amazed at how fluid you are when you turn on the burners. Playing fast is one thing. Playing fast and telling a story is another. You've got this in spades man!! Wow!!!

[@bluzzjazz]

Yes, that is indeed a sweet sounding 335. I don't have one, but I do have two Heritage 555s and they are such nice playing/sounding instruments.

[@guitarguru4492]

Cool vid!

[@lenbraunling2037]

Hearing ideas before you play them, rather than hearing the idea after you’ve played it is a concept that I feel separates great players from mediocre ones. Hearing it from a professional like yourself is really important. But damn it’s such a hard thing to do.

[@paulmcconnon7596]

Guthrie, its very inspiring seeing and hearing you play. I love the fact that you play with a great clean tone with a little reverb or delay , what ever the case may be. At the end of the day its all in the fingers and having a great knowledge of the fingerboard. You dont strike me as a guy who uses overdrive very often and if you do its dialled in very low. As the saying goes less is more. As I said its very inspiring and I hope it inspires other players to approach playing the instrument in the same manner. Thank you so much.

[@danthegeetarman]

Wow. In 20+ years of hearing people talk about phrasing I’ve never heard it described this succinctly. Such an “aha” moment 💡💡🙏🙏🙏

[@bobdeskins6974]

These concepts are always so spot on GT. One thing I use that has really helped me with tonal center(Besides learning from GT) is the EHX Freeze pedal. Very inexpensive and allows you to latch any note or chord infinitely. Then I work these phrasing concepts. Cannot express how helpful that little pedal is! Great tidbit as always GT. Thank you.

[@RandalSmith]

Thanks for talking about the difference between being a good guitarist and a good musician. I’ve met a lot of people who can play guitar but can’t play music. Randy Travis’ guitar player L.D. Wayne once told me he liked my playing because I “played to the song”. I think that’s a great way to describe it. Also, the best compliment I ever received.

[@scottharringtonSR]

Would love to see the Trio booked at the Count Basie Theater or Vogel at Count Basie in Red Bank, NJ.

[@Guitaristforelife]

I used to want to quit watching you Now I want to play more as what you are teaching is opening the guitar up for me Thanks man!!

[@raymaguire6389]

The major pentatonic melody you play reminds me of Mo Better Blues.

[@indifferentuniverse3991]

Great lesson! Beautiful 335! That tone was fantastic! Great deal at Gruhn’s!!! That’s a 6k guitar in Austin. Keep it up Guthrie!!!

[@telekaster19991]

Good stuff GT. My uncle taught me how to play music with other people. He always said music has a spirit, yours, and if your rude in your music you're probably rude in life.

[@jakeryanshepard]

Maybe that’s a d major triad for the 007 chord, love it ! Thanks GT

[@h1pst3r88]

This is like having a neighbor who's a monster musician and a really cool dude who lets you hang out in his garage! You just hang out, mesmerized, while Guthrie throws you these incredible tips. My fave channel for guitar!! Sub'd and thumbs up!!

[@TheFeelButton]

The right turn of phrase always pays! Cheers Guthrie!!

[@kevinallman6700]

You have a way of explaining stuff that gets right to the heart of everything. Other KZbin guitar channels are about the same subject but it sounds like a music lesson in school. You describe the feeling and that makes it so much easier to take in. Guthrie you have become such a huge part of my musical life and I can't say how thankful I am dude. Here is to so much more in the future 🇬🇧🇺🇸🎵🎶❣️

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad to help!

[@kilgoretrout321]

It's cuz he actually knows what he's talking about. Old adage is if you can explain something in one or two clear sentences, then you really understand it.

[@kevinallman6700]

@@kilgoretrout321 and he is so genuine too, you really do feel like you are on the adventure with him. My playing has taken off since I started watching the videos plus I think "commodity"is in my top 3favorite tunes.

[@paulmcconnon7596]

Guthrie, I just think it's so inspiring to see and hear you play with just a great clean tone and some reverb or delay, what ever the case may be. Its all in the hands at the end of the day, and your knowledge of the fretboard. You strike me as someone who doesn't use a lot of overdrive and if you do it's dialled in very low. Less is more as they say. As I said it is inspiring and has inspired me and hopefully it will inspire others to take this approach. Thank you.

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@paulpulati9613]

That was a very good one , GT. Thanks for that; a beautiful explanation about how much, as my good friend, Kirk Lorange ( Plane Talk ) keeps telling me… ,” Melody Loves Chords.” Beautifully played, as always, and a great demonstration of how important listening is to hear the melodies that arise out of the chords. Isn’t it amazing what can be done with those 12 notes? I learn so much just listening to your wonderful playing and love it when suddenly another door opens. Thanks so much for what you do and continued good luck with your journey. ❤

[@bringit2ya122]

Cool stuff! The way you broke down the 7th chord scale is great. Start on a chord tone , and end on a chord tone. But, use the passing tones also to create phrases. Great explanation! Thanks

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Yes indeed! Thats a great place to start working it all out.

[@Phonse56]

Right on Guthrie ! BB King had an interview where he discribed this very thing ! A conversation is the call and response to express this conversation.Nice explanation man !A.M.

[@jmwise80]

Constant light bulb moments. The more I learn the more I understand the time you guys have put in.

[@bobwiepert]

Hey Guthrie, we are coming down to Nashville Monday night, May 20 to see your show at The Underdog. Cannot wait super excited! This will be the highlight of being in Nashville for the long weekend. You are an amazing player and an amazing teacher. always keeping it real. Thanks so much!

[@rocinblues]

Every note so clear an exceptional display of talent and hard work. Thanks and Cheers !!

[@zozocreek8327]

Some of his best playing I must say😊

[@rocknrollkitchen]

wow

[@petergoldring9747]

Excellent! As always!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mjfoste]

Guthrie is fluent in 12 different languages while I can only speak gibberish! Going back to learn my ABCs with the Artist Works course (highly recommend).

[@phillippurdy5893]

Guthrie sure does make that ES-335 sing!

[@ListenHereOldMan]

a '69 for 3750?!?! oh man, i'd drive to Nashville tomorrow for that deal!! i wonder if it would be worth the trip just to look for guitars right now, since the used market's so stagnant.. not that I don't wanna come to catch some shows, but i'm in the market for a used LP or 335 and that's incredible, particularly for one you know is a player's guitar... no way I'd have that sort of luck, being a nobody... but i am salivating.. anyway, amazing vid, per usual. you're the most consistently and substantively helpful teacher on here, for me at least. really appreciate it all

[@knowl1969]

Another great lesson! Can you do a video sometime taking a very simple well known song like a hymn and show a few creative ways to play it using different phrasing? That would be so neat to see. Thanks for all you do!

[@GuyCabliaro]

One of your best videos, Guthrie. You often speak about applying these concepts in simple contexts to bring out the "musicality" in one's playing. Here you articulate it very clearly. Stay warm!!

[@RonSchlachter-ie6ys]

What a great lesson! Filled with so many inspirational ideas. Thank you!

[@geoffsamuels3707]

GENIUS !

[@iantaylor827]

Thanks so much Guthrie. Really inspiring. And thanks for the pointer to Jimmy Bruno - so much fun to hear him talk and his playing and understanding of the instrument is amazing.

[@lancecampbell1677]

Beautifully brilliant Mr Trapp. After playing guitar for a few years I think I’m starting to hear what you’re saying, what a journey the guitar is! Thanks my man!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Great to hear!

[@JimiRaySantanafoya]

Great stuff Guthrie!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad you liked it!

[@tonyleary684]

I suscribe to AW but I get most from your Video replies, which are brilliant. Your greatest hero.

[@jwsorrell]

And I thought I could just watch this video without picking up my guitar.....nope. This was a very helpful presentation. Thanks a lot!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnhartley3022]

Listening to the band is more important than listening to yourself imo. Being able to play what you hear is vital and something to be worked on in practice until it’s intuitive but playing with effortless mastery (Kenny Werner…read it) is the goal. If the player is only listening to themself trainwrecks are likely to

[@jrlawingjr1377]

Dialect! Personallity!

[@shanegolden3948]

Man, excellent content! Makes me wanna get my 335 back out. Phrasing reminds me of the old adage: “It’s not WHAT you say, it’s HOW you say it.” It’s like “punctuation.” Where to place the comma, period, semicolon, space, etc musically speaking. Always a GT fan, Shane😎🎸

[@bobfarmer9120]

Every time I see or hear Guthrie I just have to pick up my guitar and play …

[@richstelmach9957]

They say Phrasing is a concept based around how notes are played "making a sentence" rather than just playing the dots all unique to an individual So true... you can almost hear the "Accent" in some players! One example that comes to mind is Southern Rock. Great job GT and as always, thanks for all you do. Stay blessed!

[@johnviolette5511]

I think Larry Carltons prized 339 is a 1969 as well.

[@AlexMorganGuitarMan]

❤ Praise God for the creation of music and great musical instruments like the magical guitar. And also, praise be to Him for placing inside of us mere mortals, the gifts to love music and be able to speak the language of music. From inside them, through their instruments, and outward to the world. 🎸🌎 🪄 ✨

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

you talkin’ to me 🤠🎸

[@HughJengine]

A great example of what you're saying here is Mark Knopfler's playing. 👍

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Indeed it is!

[@Rambo29]

Guthrie, I've heard your name before because of your signature overdrive pedal, but I never really checked your stuff out. You got some super badass blues man, plus you're good at weaving in the old school jazz lines. Your style is a lot like Josh Smith, like how did you come outta nowhere sounding as good as Josh Smith and Kingfish and you just on KZbin? This is crazy level of talent, my mind is blown I want to find out about your journey with the guitar

[@countryjew1]

"You can't just be over here playing noodley lead guitar" -- that pretty much sums up the Colorado jamband scene haha

[@michaelshearer3559]

So many guitarists never get to really experience playing with a band of other good musicians, and learn a language they can't fully experience.

[@ericwikman4131]

Do you use humidifiers for your guitars/house? I noticed my house was down to 20% when the temp dropped to 0 here. That can't be good. I read some of them can't leave a white dust in your house.

[@boydromines4369]

Guthrie, my admiration and envy of your musical skills and your ability to play beautifully are huge. You asked recently what we, your viewers want your videos to address. I want to know what’s going on in your head more when you play all those amazing riffs like in this video. When you play a particular riff are you visualizing a chord arpeggio or a scale or mainly the chord tones? And why? I think that would be incredibly useful. Thanks

[@Gene_Cali]

👍🏼

[@drtone]

Trapeze; Yay or Nay?

[@awalls8122]

What's the difference between a phrase and a "lick"?🤔

[@ericgrauer9866]

Yikes that 335 is beautiful…3700 is a friggen steal.

[@mykneeshurt8393]

My ears are horrible. I struggle to match two tones or even the same tone. I am not new to playing music and have always struggled with hearing tones. Not one teacher has been able to help me with this. It is the thing that greatly holds me back from progressing as a musician.

[@dougbennett7881]

Excellent lesson Guthrie. Chord tones within chords and related scales changed my way of thinking and playing guitar. And you preach that time and again in your videos. Thank you!

[@guthrietrappmusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ae3898]

Mr 335, Guthrie Carlton!

[@stewartwynne1122]

Hi Guthrie, A big thank you! For making such interesting and informative videos that are a nod to the most tasteful elements of guitar playing. You are truly right about the caged system and building around this. Can i just ask a couple of things... How do you approach "practice" is it simply what we see here with you outlining chord tones? And how do you recall licks when in the live situation? Thank you

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

The scary thing is, when you realize you don’t have much to say. You listen to guys like you and Charlie Parker and wonder how the hell you heard all that before you played it.

[@daynemin]

🌄😎🤘

[@anthonystrickland9870]

Please come and play at the Baked Potato

[@carloslukather6658]

Is not about to play fast but playing music. Is so boring music that think that play fast is the goal. You are great

[@raoul_duke7253]

$3750 for a 69 335??? That had to be some serious ‘friend’ pricing… I’ve been searching for a good late 60’s, early 70’s for a while and can’t find anything decent under $5k…. If you ever wanna part with it, lemme know! I’m in Nashville at least once a month for work… and/or fun 😂.

[@timsmith190]

I thought you had that 335 for a long time. When did you get it?

[@thelion27]

BB King. If you want phrasing... the king 👑

[@jeffro.]

Hey, GT! At ~ 14:01 I think the word you're looking for is "cadence," not rhythm. I'm gettin' what you're puttin' out there! Yeah, dude. I like the way you're describing a key as a "reference." And how you describe the "tonic." You're right, most crap on the interwebs is just "technical mechanics," because the little shits tryin' to learn it DON'T CARE about music, they just want to impress ppl with their "technical prowess" that they "got from a hack" (which means NOT practicing!) These kiddies just don't want to actually learn & get "good" at anything. (oooooh! Lawd hepp us when da water main needs repair, and the kiddies can't find a "hack" on KZbin! Cuz one day us older folks are gonna be dependant on THEM to maintain society! Oh, lawdy lawdy!) Anyhoo, keep up that swesome playin' & phrasin'! You da man! YOU know how to "have an adult conversation" in music! Keep it up, Guthrie! Love ya! 👍👍👍

[@jdub5107]

I get the impression that after listening to you play it would take a LOT for you ti be impressed by another guitar player. Lol.

[@BenjaminUbayyed-po9tc]

maybe you can talk about time and timimg at some point

[@dave_d_i_a_l]

Best click bate es 335

[@ethan-sq6zv]

If ya wanna be weird at the gig hahaha

[@13thAMG]

John Oats?! I once managed Eliah Levy, who played in John's earlier band. Eliah is a master Chapman Stick player. Stay warm, Guthrie. 😉