Homeskoolin' Volume 233, Tom Bukovac, "An Important Message From Corporate Regarding Your Vibrato"

Uncle Larry gives it to ya straight on in this one...real talk...
i mean let's face it people.... vibrato is like the guitar players "fingerprint" if you will...if you must...
It is one of a very small number of key distinguishing factors that separates one guitar player from another in a police line up of guitar players...
It needs to be paid attention to VERY CLOSELY and, according to some recent NASA findings, most guitar players don't THINK about their vibrato nearly as much as they should...i tend to agree.
a LOT of people have asked me lately where they can go to buy a Homeskoolin t shirt or other sexy ass Homeskoolin' merch...well...this is where you go.
dvg-inc.shoplightspeed.com/me...
a LOT of new viewers have recently asked "where is the tip jar?" when they felt led to contribute something after 230 free guitar lessons...despite Dominic Hudson's best efforts to deter them.
You can make PayPal donations to this address:
[e-mail]
You can make Venmo donations to this address:
@Tom-Bukovac-1
Believe it or not....i even have a new website where you can see all kinds of weird old photos, you can "ask Larry" whatever you want in an alternative VCB, and you can also purchase a download of the live concert i did last December if you like.
thesessionman.com
There are still a few more of the hand signed limited edition Uncle Larry prints that Ziggy O'Leary did left....if you wanna check one out go here:
www.ziggysartstudio.com
A lot of these very same new viewers don't seem to know that Uncle Larry made a couple records that they could potentially listen to...
one is an instrumental solo record called "Plexi Soul" that is available here:
tombukovac.bandcamp.com/album...
another is an instrumental collaboration with his dear friend Dean Deleo (originally from the Stone Temple Pilots organization) that is available here:
tripthewitch.bandcamp.com/alb...

[@rylieriley]

If I were wealthy, I couldn't afford to pay for the amount of important, extremely helpful content I've received from this channel. Muchas gracias, Tom, you're a priceless gem.

[@whiskybravo4648]

Ain’t that the truth.

[@scottshand8559]

You are spot on, the more I watch the more I learn and am even more inspired!

[@surf247365]

Amen!

[@michaeldarrin2026]

If I were wealthy, I couldn't buy enough guitar lessons to even get me near where dear Uncle Larry's playing is at, your either born with it or not, I'm the not...lol

[@501chorusecho]

@@teddyboy9116 teddy boy...dearest teddy boy...what happened mate? when did the sun turn black? you used to be on the team teddy boy....you were one of the corporation's key players...but now, you have become that angry miserable disgruntled employee that is endlessly complaining in the break room at the office instead of doing your job. trying to get all the other employees to side with you about what an undeserving wanker the boss is....your acidic negativity is eating away at the internals of the team like a terrible cancer growth teddy. i can already see how this all plays out....just a little ways down the road...after the hammer comes down and corporate finally sacks you....i see you there teddy....sitting alone , absolutely shit housed in some badly lit pub full of losers and drifters , stuffing stale pretzels into your mouth, mumbling over and over to anyone who will listen..."yeah...i used to be on team larry...tough racket"

[@tommyraper3895]

Thanks for this, Little Tommy! You have a way of bringing these advanced concepts to light! It gives us something worthwhile to consider along our guitar journey!

[@mboykin6047]

Forgive me Tom, I don't play guitar, but KZbin put you on my radar suggesting Corona lessons way back when. Probably watched every posting. I've played harmonica since 1967 and have learned so much about music and approach from you. The vibrato issue you raise here applies in spades to the damned blues harp. The note should be treated individually: dynamics, attack, vibrato or none. Your great gift of not going to the expected is such a motivator in my playing. Thanks for putting yourself out there: it's value and significance is greatly appreciated.

[@Frettedchaos]

When I’m in need of inspiration, Uncle Larry always delivers. Thanks Tom

[@markdouglas1994]

Tom - you look much better and happier - glad to see you are well- great video and insight on 9ths and vibrato!

[@michaelnc4450]

Great post Tom, thanks again for your time posting, have a great upcoming weekend! 😎👍

[@williamphillips1852]

Hey Tom Saving every one of your videos for my grandkids! You are gold brother! Glad you’re boys are home safe. Thank you always

[@martymay9723]

Mr TB...... that was an epic session loaded with your talent, wisdom and the gift of inspiration. Thank you x

[@MrTele53]

Tasty lesson Uncle Larry! Well said and explained. I feel more pure today as a result.

[@user-sv6xf1mg8y]

Unc Larry, your comments about vibrato, and moving up the levels from beginner to master resonated so much with me. I’m 66 and finally having guitar lessons where I’m now getting understanding of theory and thinking about what I’m playing. Thanks mate.

[@dmac-333]

Again and again. Priceless advice, absolutely free. We're all lucky to have Larry.

[@edkutschke814]

Hey Tom, I can't tell you how enlightening today's lesson on vibrato was. I am definitely guilty of involuntary vibrato but that ends today. Once again you've offered up another tool on finding your individual voice on guitar . Thank you!

[@iansnyder274]

Thank you Tom. That is so helpful. You bring such a high level of awareness of the finer aspects of guitar playing🙏🔥

[@ESDaVinci]

Hey Tom, thanks for your insight on vibrato, it was well said. Doubt that I’ll ever get to that level but now that I know it I’ll be paying much more attention to it. Thanks again for sharing. ✌🏼😎

[@joshellyson]

What great advice Uncle Larry. The word that comes to mind is "real" dynamics. Most of us think of dynamics as just how loud or not loud we play. But what you describe is what real pros think of as complete dynamics. Masters of nuance are the pros. Ever thankful for your generosity.

[@zpmc55]

Wonderful vibrato lesson! Gives much to think about. Thank you, Mr. Tom!

[@brianolson_music]

Thanks for the reminder on the vibrato. Great playing as always - great rhythm, feel and chord choices . So good

[@sevenmileridgeband]

I'm a rubbish guitar player and always will be, but I still benefit from advise like this. It makes my day better. I feel like I've learned something every time I watch this channel. "Vibrato" in this lesson could be a metaphor for some other thing in my life.

[@BackpackingAdventures]

This is a pile of damn gold!

[@DaveElke]

I like when singers hit a note cold, and bring in the vibrato softly at the end. Reggae singers are great at that. This deeper level of touch, tone and vibrato is so epic. Teaching us the real shit. Thanks.

[@Harrison_Kelley]

Uncle Larry’s ability to play rhythm, lead, remove his glasses for the cool factor, and adjust his camera all while playing in time never ceases to amaze me

[@L1NEKER]

Thank you for everything you've given us, Tom. From Brazil!! ♥♥♥

[@jonstephenson5436]

I heard you mention the vibrato thing in another video a while back. It’s very true!! I have been trying to be mindful of when and how to use it every since. Makes a big difference when I go back and listen to myself. The phrasing sounds better; more intentional. If you have too much coffee, that involuntary vibrato gets way too tight also. Sounds weird and twitchy. No bueno. Everyone needs an uncle Larry looking out. I found you through GT’s channel. Love you both man. Thanks again.

[@MeinFiesesEgo999]

This is great, absolutely love it!

[@JasminBellavance_Music]

wow...super cool jam at the beginning! Great lesson Tom.

[@boabglen]

I just love you man. 100% the real deal as a human first and foremost. Always lifts me up watching you spin a yarn and playing some guitar. Magic

[@brownsfan7753]

Awesome as always!!!!

[@aliassteve9055]

Thank you kind Sir for sharing the vast knowledge that dwells in them cells!

[@markanderson8336]

The sheer amount of content uncle Larry has put out since Sunday morning bender blues on that Doozy is staggering. Jeez

[@scottshand8559]

Wow! Great studio room there and getting to play on Peter Frampton's vintage SG too, way cool. Humble Pie "I Wonder" from the Smokin' album is one of my early guitar inspiration songs. You Uncle Larry have been providing me much guitar inspiration as of late, thank you!

[@stevenwiggs356]

That was Clem

[@kevindonohue8918]

I love it when uncle Larry is all dialed in

[@whiskybravo4648]

Absolutely beautiful intro, so inspiring.

[@deke61sg]

Great video, liked the little 9ths move. Truly appreciate the knowledge you share in every video. Trust me, you've taught me a lot on many different topics. Buk and Trapp are my favorite guitar channels by far. I do question your new lighting techniques. Did make you look more angelic though.

[@dirtcreature1]

I love this damn channel, love it. Thank you

[@metalhed6t7]

Congratulations Uncle Larry! It sure took a while, but you finally got through to me with something I can understand… 🤘😃🤘

[@narbonneguitars8590]

I in the recent years have seen myself fall in that mode also...where I can move fluidly,...but also have given considerable amount towards dynamics an technique....but only when improvising an accompanying...I still think your open string droning an fraising is art ...your melodies an feel keep bringing me back to you ,..so keep em coming uncle Larry...🤘

[@unclesamsniece2064]

Priceless words from the mouth of a humble Session Man. Thank you so much for all you do, Uncle Larry! I’m so glad I found your channel earlier this year. And thank you to all those who commented on videos of Willie’s bday bash about some guy named Uncle Larry, it made me curious enough to look up this guy! This is a great community you’ve got here. Feel fortunate to be part of it. Thank you, all.

[@christopher-miles]

omg! so humble.

[@johnrichards4931]

The pandemic created a lot of new guitar player/pet owners/podcasts. There’s a chance that supply has met demand for most but Uncle Larry continues to amaze us. Thank you

[@jimmyfrombrooklyn8550]

When the pandemic movie is finally made, one of the absolute silver linings will be the birth of 501chorusecho. How’s that for gushing TB!

[@beezersurf]

Amazing as per usual.

[@VictorRochaGaming]

I think your best videos are the ones where you let us crawl into your guitar brain. Thanks.

[@brianwood7237]

While I'm definitely not very far above the intermediate level in my opinion, it's spot-on Uncle Larry what you're talkin about it's the number one thing I look for or listen for with any guitar player... back when I had the time during my high school Early College Years looking back it's amazing how much time I spent on bending and vibrato. I may not always like what I play but when I hear recordings of myself I don't hear that involuntary let's just add vibrato to every note especially at the end of every phrase type of vibe... so at least I got that going for me... and something tells me lots of guys are out there teaching guitar lessons that are essentially reaction videos to each one of yours and I bet this one is going to be weighing very heavily on the minds of many guitar players very much a breakthrough moment for most of us when you realize you're not just going through the technical motions anymore you're actually playing music on the damn thing

[@MichaelAntus]

Thanks Uncle Larry...

[@thurstonhowls7723]

I was watching a documentary on The Replacements and Uncle Larry is the only thing that could pull me away in an instant. I love you Tommy!!!

[@Caperhere]

Your name! Haha, good one. Do you, you feel those thirds too? 🥳

[@stevemacinnis3414]

Yes, Uncle Larry… The phrasing… vibrato, dynamics, the push and pull of music expression; all make or break a song. Perhaps the one thing that makes a great song truly great. Outstanding lesson. Thrilled that you continue to do this. For me, the key to your success is the unique combination of ability to play with putting into words the teaching of how, what and why you play what you choose in different situations. Some people play well… Others teach well… But, fortunate are we that you are excellent at both. You must know how rare such a combination truly is… Thanks for Homeschooling us…

[@501chorusecho]

thank you bro

[@christopher-miles]

@@501chorusecho thank you, mum!

[@gwbuilder5779]

Tom, You are so right about vibrato. The same applies to guitar and vocals. The saying, "Sometimes Less Is More" carries so much weight when you are trying to present a certain sound or feel. A single note ringing true with no vibrato can hold your attention stronger than all the fancy tricks when done at just the right moment and followed by a soft subtle roll of vibrato and the next moment can drive you in a completely different direction. As a lead singer who plays guitar I've always played the same way I sing without realizing that was what I was doing until you talked about that very subject early on in these videos. Vibrato is literally the expression of music.🍻🤙

[@h.i.5333]

Pay attention boys and girls, this is golden!✌️

[@jimmyjams1974]

Thanks Uncle Larry awesome lesson!

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. Such an Awesome lesson. All the best. Cheers

[@tonyaguon2559]

Larry speaking clearly! LOVE!

[@pitkon6147]

A real session musician has no right to be unfriendly. Tom has a need to share his mood and his great talent with others. Thanks Tom!

[@paulpulati9613]

I’m new to this channel, but I totally love it. The improv is wonderful and the raves are fun. It would be great if you put together an album of tracks totally improvised like you do on each episode. Then a follow up album with a bass and drums trio also totally improvised. No doubt you can find a couple guys who can do that….. Your playing is inspirational, Tom. Thanks heaps. 👍😎

[@horonziton]

A big thanks for what you’ve been doing the last 3 years…talent & experience!…:)

[@jseptoski]

Playing through a Marshall half stack in your kitchen is the textbook definition of "rock and roll."

[@tomsbrewing1]

Your playing is so far beyond my ability that I'm not even prepared to implement your advice. However, I'll do my best to incorporate your ideas into my playing as best I can. I'm not there yet, but I love your videos. Keep rocking!

[@andoros.7017]

When Marshall and Leo grow up to be strapping young lads with some worldly experience and understanding behind them, they’ll truly appreciate what a blessed anomaly it was to be born holding the winning lottery tickets of fatherdom.

[@1950s_Guitar]

I loved the guidance on involuntary vibrato. I find that making a video of yourself playing and play back to both listen and watch your hands. You'll see yourself doing unecessary things that you might not pickup just listening.

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

Hey Tom.. it’s me again. That was a Ritchous jam . You never cease to surprise me . Juicy stuff holmes

[@h.sinclair]

super awesome man ❤

[@yellowtruckproductions7502]

Thanks Tom!

[@larry.k]

Amazing, you keep coming up with parts that sound like nothing anybody else plays.

[@guitmickify]

Cool man... so back in the '80s I learned that as a poly chord, stacking 5ths and had my own little groove 🤓Thanks for that little warm fuzzy

[@blonk333]

Good rant. I dig it.

[@climbtibet]

Man that sounds good( made my day! 💪🎸

[@joecartolano4517]

That struck such a chord with me and is a genius way to look at it - what are you thinking about when you're playing. I used to think it was "what are you hearing". If you are the average guitar player (me) you're hearing what you just played. If you are a good guitar player (next level) you're hearing what you're playing as you play it. If you are the elite (you) you're hearing what you are going to play next.

[@willykelly8661]

God Bless you!!! I think oh no then I think wait I do that sometimes, then oh I can work on that; on and on… you remind me I love playing and your videos are an awesome trip… Thank you again 😎

[@liayn67]

Thanks Tom, you’re a gent.

[@Stereostupid]

Damn uncle Larry that chord progression was fucking killer !!love the inspirational

[@gbarge4]

Hey, Tom, I might not be able to stretch like some folks but certainly can try my best to think about tone. What you said about shake was such a lightbulb moment. Reminds me to compare playing to singing. We'd all go crazy if singers had the same, invariable vibrato throughout each note they sing. The soul and character comes through by how they shape the notes in the context of the phrase. Thanks for giving the class the real stuff.

[@russellzauner]

In today's lesson, we learn the foundations of Pantera's "Floods", including how to translate it emotionally. I had a few witty follow up things for that but honestly, music is universal and that's what popped into my head several times during this - it's like "wait wait wait...that's FLOODS"; connectivity is where you find the dots I guess. Thanks for another great upload.

[@viewoftheaskew]

Great advice!

[@Fabianorocknwood]

Best guitar channel.

[@tonyfera]

Thank you Sensei.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Yes, I really do agree on this point, I still remember when I first developed my vibrato, it was a joyous day, I could finally 'talk' like myself.

[@a.m.phaneuf6164]

Only been w/ ya since November, and have enjoyed it, but today’s video was different. I thought it was. It felt different. In a good way. What said about touch and when and how much or little…it was simple but profound. I’m not even at amateur level, much less pro or master. But i got what you said. Thnx.

[@facundogz2293]

Dearest Uncle, as much as mystery inhabits your playing in many, many aspects, today I wonder -again- how you’re getting that incredible horn like sound when you hit some notes. Thanks for your videos!!

[@TommySprocket]

Andy Summers really got some mileage out of those ninths. Great video on the dynamics of touch and vibrato!

[@94nolo]

Goodness brother

[@garyeggleton1142]

this is the best instructional guitar video on you tube

[@nikolaibarbarich7887]

Hey Tom, that touch stuff you were talking about makes so much sense, I suppose the strings/notes speak the way you hit them. You hit it hard, it rings louder, you hit over the bridge pick up and it's more precise in sound, more direct, and not as "loose" sounding like over the neck pick up. Also, I noticed that there aren't any involuntary hammer-ons or pulls when you play, you allow the note to ring out just enough for the next note to be picked but still have hammer-ons/pull-offs in spots that you see fit. Not sure if this makes sense, but what you said really does make sense so I appreciate it, it's more we need to be aware of certain nuances and when they should be used. Thanks for the videos! Nikolai from down under

[@JimFothergill]

Hey T, Got my hands on a Guild Star Fire! Very nice!

[@edsed8411]

I love to just sit here and agree with you every morning.. lol

[@mardin56]

Heard the ‘dear prudence’ progression in there, beautiful.

[@JiminTennessee]

Man this guitar!!! It really dig it when you break it out.

[@frankscutari9516]

What a great refresher course on add-ons and vibrato. But please do something about the intense light coming from behind you! It was so intense that I actually admitted to crimes I never committed. LOL

[@onewiththings]

The Baltimore Orioles are still #1 in the AL! Great shirt! Tasty, tasty guitar licks!

[@Scott-Dub]

One of the best discussions about how a fully-formed player sounds like his/her-self no matter the rig. And the 9ths bit totally brought John Abercrombie’s Timeless back from the fog.

[@nevusofota]

Great shirt! My hometown. Steve Blake is a great dude.

[@jipes]

Great advice, longtime playing but still not conscious of my virato intentions Will try to be more concerned on it Thanks Tom

[@curtisprincemusic]

Great lesson on vibrato. A hard one to learn. Still working on touch, feel, texture and expression after 51 years. Thanks

[@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912]

After 43 years of guitarcheology, I'm still working on 'feel', all the time & always will be - forever & ever. Awesome, Uncle Larry!

[@lmrecorders]

Firstly, thank you for such an entertaining and enjoyable channel where you share your professional perspective. Since you brought up light in this video. Recently you've installed a mini sun under the cabinet that's behind you. I'm reminded of that brief period in the garage when you had the florescent light repaired and then opted to leave it off. I remember the relief I felt when that light remained off. I can tell you that the arc light behind you is jacking with your camera sensor as it tries reconcile the normal lighting on you vs the maximum brightness spilling over your arm and shoulder. I'll keep watching and enjoying your videos even if the light remains. I can deal with it but your camera is struggling. Thanks again for the enjoyable content.

[@501chorusecho]

guitars lessons are supposed to hurt a little

[@newmanana]

His camera isn’t struggling, that’s just the look of an iPhone lens that has some gook on it. It ain’t a big deal

[@christopher-miles]

@@501chorusecho that's pretentious bs mum!

[@gitarmats]

I think all these things that go beyond just what notes you are playing have been my main take-away from watching your videos. Vibrato, dynamics, time, touch, playing in tune, etc... Watching you play with such mastery of these things is so inspiring!

[@davidpepper442]

This episode was packed with pearls of wisdom Tom. Frampton's studio looks amazing. Was that the actual Phenix on the wall or a replica?

[@michaelfriedman9029]

Miles Davis talks about vibrato a lot in his autobiography and how his high school teacher convinced him to develop a style where he was comfortable hitting notes cold. That less is more approach really led to him developing an iconic voice on the instrument.

[@VictorRochaGaming]

"that m*ther f*ckin' vibrato!" I love that book. It's in the next room, sitting on the counter like Gideon's Bible.

[@petedunning_SG]

Brother Tom!

[@timtime9167]

Sweetheart of a guy.

[@jfilet]

good stuff

[@ER-yq1lc]

Killer tone.

[@michaelgregory2231]

I started playing at age 9 and broke bones in my left forearm (ulna and radius) at the wrist at age 12. My left arm/hand has always been weak b/c of it. I had to work HARD for the beuatiful vibrato that my guitar playing brother has effortlessly. Vibrato is such a key element. Steve Lukather's vibrato is probably my fave.

[@DebbiePearlMusic]

Good vibrato is crucial. Also, a good mechanic, which I need!

[@LyricsVideo4U]

00:58 Very good..