Homeskoolin' Volume 216, Tom Bukovac, "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em"

[@jamesmaxwell5415]

Hey Tom, Could you opine about the many different forms of tremolo devices (Fender, Bibsby, Wilkinson, etc)? With all the different varieties, I am sure your opinions and stories would make for a fine class.

[@501chorusecho]

I like most of the classics….the only ones that simply DO NOT work are the side to side vibrola that you commonly find on a 1961 Gibson SG…aside from that, the absolute worst vibrato arm of all time is without a doubt the Burns Vibrola that you might commonly find in an early 60’s Gretsch Jet. They are absolutely TERRIBLE.

[@DrGray-qh6ow]

@@501chorusecho Hmm... is that code for those ones are the cheese?

[@raoul_duke7253]

I find myself watching the videos from start to finish and they both make me smile and make me a better player. And man… those weekends without the kids are hard to adjust to at first, but if you make your time high quality, you learn to let yourself enjoy your time off. Being divorced actually ended up making me a better dad in the end. One just turned 18 the other about to be 16 and couldn’t imagine having a better relationship with either of them.

[@501chorusecho]

I couldn’t agree more with ALL of this.

[@blonk333]

This is good to know. It's time for me to take the next step and this is the part that scares me the most.

[@grantandrews4826]

Big props to both of you for rising up and being present, loving dads. God knows we need more of those. ❤

[@joshellyson]

@@501chorusecho @raoul_duke7253 Totally with you Tom. Much like you two, being a single dad, though sometimes a struggle, that struggle has made me a better man and a better father. They are all "growd up", but what we have is really sweet. I will be pulling for both of you.

[@raoul_duke7253]

@@blonk333 Its not easy, but it will be ok man… the ‘staying together for the kids’ thing is a myth. I was raised by parents who believed this. They didn’t want to be together and it showed in our day to day lives… it was not a model for healthy relationships and only created anger chaos and misery. Once the dust settled on my divorce, my ex and I never argued, we became co-parents who’s only goal was the well-being of our life. Over the years we actually became friends again. My kids were better for it. So, it’s nothing to take lightly, but if you know, you know man…. Good luck brother.

[@timothyjohnson9739]

The playing AND the talking! It's what makes Homeskoolin' what it is... only someone who wasn't here at the beginning would misunderstand your content. Thanks for you playing, your free lessons, AND your wonderful take on life's wierdness. Appreciate you. You make me feel lucky.

[@501chorusecho]

awwwww thanks mate... "you make me feel lucky"...that's the damn sweetest thing i ever heard

[@danford7918]

Larry you just do what you do. It is the best playing I've heard in the last 25 years. Been listening to music since I was 9. I'm 67.

[@steveg.3022]

Same.

[@elephantfootrisers]

OK, I'm only 66 but...yes.

[@thegatorgar6730]

Tom, thank you for the genuine good feelings I get from listening to you ruminate so passionately on music, people and life. Like the older brother or cousin I wish I had. I took to heart what you said about how someone should bring back the Ralph Mooney style of pedal steel playing and just purchased my first pedal steel today. I’ve been playing lap steel and wanting to make the leap for a couple years and you finally gave me the push I needed. I’m not under the impression that I’ll be the next Mooney, but thank you for the needed nudge. Wish me, my family and their ears luck. All the best and thank you again for all this wonderful content.

[@501chorusecho]

Right on man good luck in your quest

[@stevenflint6864]

Hey Tom. Thanks for answering my comment the other day. No one ever did that. It's good to see that you read through some of these. It's good hang watching your videos, I usually end up smiling from something you say or do. They put me in a good mood no matter how my day was. You're also making want to pick up my guitar more often. I guess that's part of the point.

[@getwhatyougive]

[Saint Tommy is my new nickname for this guy. Seriously, he lightens my day every time he publishes. His attitude towards life as well as his playing is exemplary. I hope I run into him the next time I walk into Gruhn's.]

[@mikewallace1270]

Birdman, you just hit 85K! Can't wait for you to hit 100K and show that plaque to all the Homeskoolers. That's going to be a great day!

[@762Audio]

Please don't change how much you talk. Please don't change how much you play. I'm just now starting my Larry journey (late to the party but it's cool) but I haven't watched anything else in 2 weeks. I'm a huge fan! I'm just south of you in Chapel Hill, TN, We run 762 Audio... It's a new spot with an old engine, LOL. You are a great dude, real gtr player and wicked funny. Totally get your sense of humor . Love the channel! Best! -Robert

[@501chorusecho]

Thank you bro…appreciate the kind words

[@bluesslider76]

“The price is right. “ Truth no doubt. A wealth of knowledge from that guy. Thanks for all you share with us.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Always a reassuring pleasure to see one of your videos uncle Larry, we lone wolves and aging rock stars need to relate to something: Cortez the Killer always reminds me of the mid 1970's and an old house i lived in with 3 of my close frat bros (kind of thing) long ago and faraway.

[@funkadelic1967]

Tom, keep doing the talking parts of your videos, mate, it's as inspiring as the playing. My playing has improved by listening to the insights you're giving us all from your experience. It's not all about learning new licks it's about re-applying what we already know and the different approaches we can take. Sometimes, it seems so obvious after you've told us that I could kick myself. There's a lot to absorb when learning to play guitar and I've been playing for 43 years but I still feel like I'm only scratching the surface. Thanks for the little nuggets of info...keep 'em coming. Cheers!

[@apoxygraph]

Hey Tom, Thank you for your love of the guitar as a tactile instrument. While I've learned so much from you about chords voiceings and such, it's your understanding of the instrument as something you can hold and stretch that keeps me coming back. That kind of knowledge comes from years and years of playing every second you can. Your love of spending time with instruments is inspiring as fuck.

[@tjinnertube]

You’re appearing to have genuinely enjoyed the mule gathering. Neat picture!😊

[@lp59pete]

I recently retired from UPS, and I still have dreams about running behind or not knowing where I’m going. Also, my wife bought me some Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots for Christmas a few years ago - and I’m older than you! I loved them back in the 70’s. I love your videos and your music. Keep making great music. 🤘

[@patrick2947]

After 25 years at the brown I have those dreams also and that I’m out there at an odd time like 2 a.m. still delivering 🥴🥴

[@dougfa3515]

@@patrick2947 Where the hell is my package?! It's 2 am and my new amp STILL hasn't gotten here!

[@brianwood7237]

Thank you Tom... From Northern California ✌️

[@coffeewithmyfatherjwolfe5317]

I picked up my guitar yesterday and my wife noticed just how much I’ve picked up while homeschooling and corona lessons. And I only found these 2 weeks ago. Keep on keeping’ on brother.

[@lionelmandrake785]

You are fortunate and deserving to have an avenue to express yourself. That must be nice!

[@GizzyDillespee]

I had that same reaction about his Bohemian Grove residency!🤣

[@501chorusecho]

What’s your avenue Lionel my boy?

[@lionelmandrake785]

@@501chorusecho I don’t have an avenue ; more like a back alley where my audiences mostly drink from paper bags and occasionally doze off.

[@Cactusflattmediaphotography]

Thanks for the teachin' always very appreciated.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Great message! Call your mother everyone!

[@lionelmandrake785]

Love your harmonic ambushes

[@rustyshimstock8653]

As a teacher, i sometimes dream of arriving at a lecture / demonstration completely unprepared. This actually happened once or twice early in my career. It is the nocturnal recollection of that mortification, distilled, that makes me a stickler for waking up early and preparing before every class. Rock on larry. And carry an extra cord.

[@gtrsean2429]

I still have dreams about procrastinating learning the songs and show up to the gig not knowing them. Weird how there are never band rehearsals in those dreams. Cheers Tom! 🍻

[@gratefulpipeandcigar3239]

I’m number one. So cool to hang out with you Tommy, for just a couple of minutes. You need to screw that Rockham Sockum robot right down to a table top. And I did not see that Ab dominant seven coming, you are correct. Thank you so much for the cool stuff that I don’t know.

[@missopowers]

I learned a chord and had a wee cry. Thanks for the shout-out for moms, Tom. They never call.

[@lkeith88]

The fact you were jamming with my #2 fav band behind Skynyrd just makes me love ya that much more. What a dream!!!!

[@deadpatriot8047]

So awesome to get to hear stories like you tell about idols we all have. Thanks buddy

[@dougfa3515]

I don't skip through any of your videos. I enjoy the talking as much as the playing. And honestly watching you play, and the things you play has me thinking more when I am playing my guitar. I've gone through several breakthroughs just because I watch this channel. And you're right, the price is right! I will say I really enjoyed the video with the piano player you were in the studio with for the Vince Gill session (and I am always just totally blown away watching a skilled piano player... ) and you were having him demonstrate how he did the rolled over thumb technique to get the sound he was hearing in his head. That's all applicable to guitar players or players of any instrument. I loved that. I appreciate the fact that you are living the life I'd love to live if I was as skilled a guitar player. Getting to play on records and with people like Dean DeLeo and Audley Freed and all the rest. It's just awesome... Oh, and I have had this dream multiple times where I am in a fight, and I can't hit the person attacking me because my arms are like a foot long in the dream. That sucks. LOL

[@davidpepper442]

I've had a dream where I'm on stage at a gig and I look down to play and find out there are no strings on my guitar...horrifying. Try some if those little stick on rubber feet for the old Rock em Sock em. Cortez is my favorite Neil song, so I can't wait for the videos to surface. Have a great weekend Tom and Homeskoolers.

[@smellytele9629]

You should compose music for films. So many of your jams are cinematic, you'd be great at it. Thanks for the wonderful content!

[@lloydloar1]

The price is right! You're hilarious!!!

[@Rvp5150]

Saw an excellent video of you jamming with the Mule. God damn tone central! Excellent performance of Cortez the Killer.

[@paulcadwallader3000]

Thank you

[@andersestes]

Wow 😮 Your are on a run with these videos. Love it. Would you considered a segment for the Gruhns field trips :compare vintage vs new versions of same guitars.

[@GizzyDillespee]

I'd probably be on the run after visiting Gruhn's if I went there, too! Probably best if I stay away from a place like that, for now🤣

[@andersestes]

@@GizzyDillespee Yeah, high drule factor on theese guitars. It might get expensive.

[@justinguitarcia]

California Dreaming is such a unique tune. Love Eddie Hazel’s version too

[@brianwaitzman]

Yes...love Eddie Hazel🤘

[@AlGorham23]

There’s a tabletop solution potentially lurking in a pedal box - you know those little stick on rubber feet that they supply, but we forsake them for velcro on a pedalboard? Those rubber feet are awesome for tabletop games. Cheers from a rare sunny day up north in Scotland, Tom. 👏🏻

[@gmacdk]

California Dreamin´! Love that song.

[@bdogjr7779]

Awesome🎸《☆》California dreaming definitely isn't unknown to the Younger generation⚡🤳Thanks to Folks like You bringing it on KZbin Brother👍🏾🔊Govt Mule Rules✌😎☮

[@IanHigginbottom-q6f]

Tom, I've been a fan since the early days of Corona lessons. First time comment here. I jammed on an encore of "Cortez the Killer" on a mate's gig here in Sheffield, England a couple of months ago and I've lost count of how many times you have said stuff I've been saying for years! You had Warren Haynes and Peter Frampton and I had "Funky" Paul Pinder and Bill "Stagefright" McCartney at The Church House rather than the Ryman! We are practically the same person, separated only by an ocean of seawater and an ocean of talent! Keep on picking and thanks for all the good stuff!

[@hollylewis5302]

All the leaves are brown....sung it! Beautiful song!🍂

[@TheFeelButton]

I found myself in front of a hungry audience holding nothing but a lint roller and the nightmare was real! Cheers Tom!!

[@Marcus_C51]

Oh man, that's great---well plug 'er in and give them a song to eat up!

[@dustinthiessen]

I'm a FOH guy by trade, and I tell you, the "gigmares" are a real thing. usually I'm late, trying to set up PA, and doors are open, and the audience is coming in. there's usually one case that can't be found, with all the critical cabling... or I'll walk up to my console to start the show, and it's either the wrong console, or my showfile isn't there and I'm looking at a blank desk.... Inevitably I can hardly see as well.

[@georgebaader9817]

I think those work-related dreams are common. I work on an automotive assembly line and I sometimes have dreams about having a problem immobilizing me and, like Lucy watching the cupcakes pass her by, I seem powerless to do anything but panic and freak out!! Enjoy your Mom's while they are still with you. I miss mine every day!! Have a great weekend everyone!!

[@501chorusecho]

i'll bet you thoroughly enjoy the opening scene of "Christine"

[@georgebaader9817]

@@501chorusecho Haha!! Yes that's a great scene! The cars definitely bite us sometimes, be it from weld burrs, repetitive motion injuries, trigger finger etc. I feel a kinship to the movie "Gung Ho" starring Michael Keaton. Sadly, most of the time, mine is a twisted version of Corporate greed and embittered employees. I tend to often lie somewhere in the middle, feeling sad when wondering about what could have been. Anyway, enough of that!! I'm glad to have my own musical journey to bring me some joy and I am so happy to be a HomeSkooler and tag along with you! Thank you so much for doing what you do!!!

[@caydespliff181]

as someone who grew up in CA, has those musical performance/job anxiety dreams all the time, and who also recognize that tune even though you might call me a kid, I loved this episode. talk more, talk less, play more or less, whatever larry we’re here for you. (forgot to mention that the oldies station down in LA use to play california dreamin’ probably 50 times a day lol)

[@martinriepma5009]

I love that version of Cortez The Killer that Warren did with Dave Matthews can’t wait until your set with the Mule is available.

[@davemassie3726]

Happy Mothers day Uncle Larry! I hope someone post a vid of you with the Mule last night. Thanks again for sharing the Love. Peace

[@rdw5150]

Tom, that Cortez was killer.......amazing to see you guys play....... 18 minutes of jamming, really nice

[@jeffhaskins5236]

Thank you Tom!

[@pearl-n2o]

i dig the fingerstyle bluesy rock country jazz stuff you do really dig when break down the music and show us.c.v.

[@dwaynejessome1728]

Much love for the Mule!!

[@joeldowdy404]

I enjoy all your playing but the Tele is always my favorite

[@alexashleymusic]

9:55 who skips the talking OR the playing? My gawd. The best part about this channel (to me) is that it is equal parts masterclass, community, conversation, and confessional. It brazenly defies every rule on how to “build a following” (who gives a $***) and in doing so has arrived at something very special that doesn’t try too hard. I feel like I’m having a beer or a cup of coffee with a friend every video. Pretty rad.

[@thepartimemusician65]

Greetings Tom from the UK, i love the playing and you make me smile , love ya

[@tonypetrillo3488]

Your cascading harmonies, sound a little like the intro to "In My Life". ... Love the quote.... "WITH A NOT STICKY NECK"... Perfect.. I have the dream, that we begin to play, and I have completely forgotten how to play the first song of the night... Absolutely nothing...

[@jaycheek254]

The Mule is one of my favorite bands. The Mule is a machine.

[@philroselle1514]

Incredible California Dreaming!!

[@jonathanavery7583]

Larry, those dreams you talked about. I get those. I’m late, not in tune, can’t find the music, setting up during the first song. It’s absolute hell. Glad to know I’m not alone.

[@SubtractiveMoves]

Glad you had a good night out man. To all the schoolers....watch it all because if you don't you'll be missing out something for sure

[@philgranito4043]

Great Tom...always brilliant. I was born in '51...so I had the 'Joe Palooka Bop Bag'.

[@allenhayesmusic]

As a musician and former USAF fighter pilot, I can tell ya I’ve had the dreams for both jobs!

[@rogertinker1813]

Your cool Tom thanks

[@Dgarig665]

Hey man, love your videos. I don't have any point other than that, you know what you're doing, and your stuff ends up being fucking awesome. Just wanted to send you some thanks for it.

[@501chorusecho]

Appreciate the kind words bro….very sweet

[@SeeCSeesCC]

Cortez❤❤TheMule ❤️❤️❤️and more importantly Tom Bukovac ❤️❤️❤️❤️musical hero not only to me , but now and forever to young Jack❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ and the Ryman💜💜💜💜💜

[@turbo8481]

Man, thanks for the story. My band played on stage for 15 years and I was reminded of all those good times we had.

[@ptklip]

Boy, did you make California Dreaming sound good. What a song. Thanks, man.

[@JB_Eckl]

'If it was too loud, it would be heartbreaking.' Haha. I went onstage a few times with Santana and it was actually so loud I felt like I was losing my sense of balance. It was an awesome experience of course, but MAN. I think his 100-watt Boogies are the reference point for the monitors, the drum levels, everything. It was like walking through a plate glass window. And then you're supposed to play, or God forbid... SING. I survived, each time, but I'll never forget the deafening levels that those cats presumably expose themselves to every single night.

[@501chorusecho]

I’ve been told that Daryl Hall’s guitar and monitor rig onstage can literally sterilize those that get too close…two twins turned all the way up. They have to put glass all around him just to do the gig

[@tobe2056]

@@501chorusecho Sounds guys must love him. Hard to get away with that these days. Unless you're Santana Or Daryl.

[@BCEpedals]

In the old days people would be mesmerized by classical music, now a days were mesmerized by The uncle Larry, Tom bukovac

[@axandio]

Man, I loved our Rock-em-Sockem set. I'm the youngest of 3 brothers born in '66 and those were the most awesome thing to a 4 or 5 yr old.

[@richardclark.]

We used to put it on the carpet to help with slide.

[@ChrisHawley-j4s]

The price is most certainly right amigo. My only comment is to say I’m a working musician in Toronto and I catch your vids daily ! Informative, funny & FUCKIN COOL !

[@drfostermusic]

I watched a bunch of episodes today. Best channel on KZbin. Thanks for all the content.

[@DavidMorgan-c9e]

Thanks for saying "call your mom". It's her birthday today and I completely spaced it out up to this point! Can't believe that just happened!

[@rao4sos]

I'm not much of a judge and I refuse to play one on TV, but I do highly rate a man on how he treats his mother. Larry is an eleven.

[@joeb3590]

Thank you for tele tones Uncle Larry, I asked and you gave, thank you

[@Drew_Gliebe]

Hey, its ambidexter... Playing that lefty upside down freaking blew my mind. Actually laughed out loud ha

[@MichaelAntus]

Buy a roll of that cabinet / drawer liner. The stuff with the rubbery weave. It's cheap, and the grip is all the boys will need to enjoy the toy. There will be lots left over. And you'll be happily amazed at how many other uses you'll find for it...

[@whiskybravo4648]

I can’t skip any part of the videos, it’s all vital to me. California Dreaming is absolutely beautiful. I agree play what flows through you.

[@markwheeler7410]

I LOVE when Larry speaks in third person.

[@jessesguitars6316]

Maryland boy here. Johnny U was the man! I just picked up another copy of "One More July" with Bill Curry and George Plimpton. Curry said that after practice, Johnny regularly stayed an hour later than everybody, just running passing plays with Raymond Berry. Curry said they could have both done it blindfolded. He said that Johnny loved the game with all his heart: the practices, the film sessions, everything about it. He said that if they told him he had to be a linebacker, Johnny would have suited up that day. I don't know why he ended up with the Chargers, but I'll bet the love of the game had something to do with it.

[@ChrisMacdonald-z8x]

Gorgeous Tele.

[@RobertKeeleyTV]

Great video, thanks for all the amazing music and words of wisdom.

[@vedranbaotic]

So interesting to hear you mention it. I've had this conversation with other musicians, as well. I have a recurring dream that I'm on stage, in front of a big crowd, and the next song is about to start, but I don't know a single note of it. And it's not as if it was a spontaneous decision to include that song in the setlist, it's just that I should've learned it, but I didn't. The moment I wake up I can only describe as intense relief.

[@mudpuddledive]

I get a lot out of these videos, both the playing and the talking! It really is like sitting around with one of my Uncles and chilling. I love it! I have been with you since the beginning, probably around Corona lesson 5 or so. Your video has gotten me back on track with my love of guitar.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

The English antiques roadshow is almost always set in a garden and it often rains. Weirdly, last night I was watching the Mama's and Papa's at Monterey,backed by some of the Wrecking Crew. Hal Blaine came on for the last track to drum jam with the great Eddie Hoh (Season of the Witch, Daydream Believer). The Mavis's were a really good Australian band. Its Mothers Day today in Australia, Sunday. Dreams like that reflect past traumatic events, or fears, usually. Andy Edwards, ex Robert Plant, drummer discusses the English aesthetic in prog particularly, on his channel. He plays in recorded prog bands.

[@swede7160]

Great episode!I got the answer to my shred picking question \m/.You are a forward pickslanter…just like Yngwie and Eric Johnson :)Love that cascading harmony thing you played.Very inspiring!I want to buy a telecaster after watching this.

[@Volytyr]

You mention A Clockwork Orange. Then about mothers. My mother once told me A Clockwork Orange was one of her favorites.

[@peterpoirier269]

Man those dreams! If I've had one I've had a thousand. Until right now I thought I might be the only one to have them! I've never asked anyone else about it, I sure will now!

[@j_drichmond]

My first concert was Gov’t Mule with a kid my age opening whose slide playing blew my mind. Such a brilliant band.

[@musicproductionvideos5019]

Just you playing that Uli Roth - Sails of Charon was enough for me!

[@melvage7768]

Every time we lift our guitar and play, it’s a second hand emotion…😊

[@kathywilsonofficial]

Congrats on the 85K subs!!!

[@partrickstowman8039]

Love that California Dreamin. Thanks Uncle Larry

[@silcoxone]

Always a pleasure Tom! 🎸💯🤘👍

[@jbogle17]

That was some tasty playing Larry! Thanks for sharing, ole buddy. I second the call your mother. I miss mine every single day.

[@kevinquinn6874]

I really enjoy your episodes and your such a good guy, always positive with nice things to say about the people in your life, that I enjoy most next to your playing. Glad you got to play with not only Willy but the Mule’s. 🙌🏻🎸❤️ looking forward to future episodes, all the best to you and your lovely family 🥰

[@MrBluoct]

In my early 20’s- stepped into a 2-3 stop elevator at the old Towson, Md Towson Center mall and as I looked up and just before it launched, in walks Johnny U - just the 2 of us for x seconds… bonafide “go long” moment - Still recall the prominent sign attached to the men’s bathroom door in the old Johnny U Golden Arm restaurant : “Bob Irsay Room”

[@johnnolan4312]

Thank-you

[@brianstokes2633]

I've had those dreams. Watch from beginning to end since the corona lessons. Thanks!

[@markmcnamara4322]

i worked as a car mechanic, then an aircraft ground support equipment mechanic, and then heavy duty truck mechanic. since i am retired from those jobs for almost 10 yrs, every dream i remember many times a month repeats the same theme. i can't fix the problem. i wake during the dream, it feels real, everything about it is very vivid. and then i realize its not real. and i get the best sleep until my dog whiskey wakes me up. yeah whiskey!

[@Jam-m7m]

Nice seeing you at Willie’s birthday celebration

[@Tony_Leonardi.]

Hey Tom Thank you for being exacting who you are. You are such a inspiration for me as a new player.

[@richardclark.]

Roll it take it channel captured a Starship Trooper on the thumb. They also got all amp switching before the minute of glorious cacophony that was the intro to Cortez. And oohh that white fire-chicken!