How Do I Practice Guitar?

[@scoots8519]

My faceless guitar hero, James James.

[@holylettuce4730]

There is a video out there where you see his face

[@jimmylepog5133]

In the Privettricker channel “The Big Reveal"

[@metalmick]

Yep, but he's covered in "Kiss" make up. I think!

[@michaelgreen5206]

@@metalmick Ace Frehley.

[@clairegmusician]

I have autism and I can play guitar by ear and to do that I watch videos on KZbin!!!!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@grungekid1539]

Same

[@toepincher]

Same

[@mma1st105]

I play by ear too.

[@sotis1756]

I don’t have it but i do play by ear.

[@ursafan40]

The hours upon hours of practice, for years upon years, decade after decade , helps too.

[@Douger1406]

That was freaking fantastic.....I really hope you start another channel. Your PT and JJ channels are an incredible curation of how to play guitar...thanks for all you did. (and go Bills!)

[@purplecowideal]

Rory was a true master. Nothing else mattered to Rory. I don’t know if he lived for the guitar or the guitar lived for Rory. Good vid. Nice jam.

[@ChimChim812]

The backing track hack is revolutionary! Thank you for that! PT, I used to watch you on your PT channel and I'm so glad you're still here. You're still growing my guitar ability! Thanks, Man!

[@Sniffthedrippings]

Been following you for years and I, like you, are a wee bit older than most You Tube folks and I just wanted to say thanks for all of your great guitar lessons. It sure beats wearing out a guitar needle trying to learn rhythms and guitar licks so thank you for what you're doing. It doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. Keep safe, well and keep your videos coming.

[@TonkaGoldman-xd5iw]

Thank you for showing us and being altruistic. I think your beautiful mrs is very lucky to have such a good bloke to share her life with. Don't change James. You have it all worked out. Cheers.

[@crisprtalk6963]

For me getting a loop pedal was a wonderful thing!

[@beembuu]

your videos help a lot when going through a rough time, the way you play, the way you teach is so amazing

[@bryanmannoia8410]

I agree and would have said almost the same thing. pull out a guitar, throw on a backing track and go to town. I always tell the people I teach the key is not to fear sucking. like you said, who cares? the best players have bum notes in extended solos. if you practice enough as well as listen to a ton of the music you want to play, it will happen for you. you are one of the best on youtube James, thanks for sharing your time with us.

[@Tainpa]

Played the acoustic for 40 years never touched an electric... Buying one tomorrow and getting jiggy with the backing tracks.. Thanks for the motovation

[@sotis1756]

Awesome!! How’d it Go?

[@iheartcicada]

how u liking it man?

[@rockinvida1960]

Your channel is phenomenal and has saved me so much time when I have to learn a tune quickly for a jam session. Keep doing what you do! I really appreciate your great videos.

[@mikescott8124]

loving James no BS attitude to guitar.. best teacher yet!!! I feel like I CAN!! plus he's done a POLICE song!! tidee DIOLCH YN FAWR!

[@jemrock1441]

👍 Good friend. I take it for me to playlist learn electric guitar 🎸 🎶 🔥. Rock on!

[@greg7656]

I'd love to have that shirt James. Unfortunately my gut would make Bowie look like Jay Leno

[@kylemoran4343]

That's exactly what I do, and sometimes, when I'm not too lazy I plug my looper pedal in and play along to my own chords and bass lines. Awesome advise ! It teaches my ear where not to go when I hit wrong notes, and I hit a lot of those :-)

[@niefmer]

Love this. I have an old cassette tape of Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton playing all instrumental blues songs, and I used to do this same kind of thing with that as a backing track. This is inspiring me to take a break from all the fancy fingerpicking stuff (from Merle Travis to Doc Watson to Lindsey Buckingham) and get back to it. Thanks, James!

[@mikedr1549]

Great stuff JJ - really nice "rock" tone. Thanks for all the videos you do - really inspirational.

[@mikenewey6633]

Great advice and approach. I can’t worry about what folks think as I try new stuff. I just need to keep trying and I’ll figure it out! Thank you!!

[@daveharveys]

Thanks for this, I'm in just this place right now, wanting to try soloing, but not really knowing where to start. This is a great way to build self expression.

[@autocrow]

Makes sense! I play to backing tracks when I want don't feel like learning anything new or working too hard and just want to experiment and enjoy! I also like to sometimes play the rhythm part as well as the lead, trying different chord shapes. It depends on the track.

[@brianb9396]

Another great video! One of my favorite channels

[@sotis1756]

Amazing James!! Gave me Inspiration once more! I’ll definitely try this BT today

[@shanfaulkner1856]

You are BATMAN APPROVED!! KEEP ROCKIN BRO!

[@keithh8661]

Thanks,I'm so often just trying ta fit in with backing,and you use it likes it's a backing track, thanks

[@thomasfalls7696]

I believe the chords your looking for are Am and Gmaj turn around in F if it's Tom petty the back up music sounded like break down

[@geruto17760]

When you started fingerpicking, it really sounded like Rory. Lovely! It's that heavy pick attack, isn't it.

[@5jkimmels]

This gives me yet another level of respect for my favorite KZbinr!

[@stephenlewis9632]

Thanks for this video. It gives me a good idea to look for some slow backing tracks to play along with.

[@fretkillrfan]

Knox College, 1975, Homecoming, freshman year: Steve Goodman Friday night, Rory Gallagher Sunday night to close the festivities. Life changing. ✌️😎

[@barryspotter]

My grandparents met at Knox.

[@michaelcochran7006]

Excellent as always

[@EloxoMusculander]

Best part is when he said to practice in keys you are comfortable with! That’s great advice.

[@mozeshane8646]

xDD he said to practice in keys you ae NOT comfortable in, to widen your comfort zone. don't always stay in a,e, b or d. like he said playa blues in C# Bb or something else out of the box, and learn new shapes for the same old licks xD

[@mozeshane8646]

But hey man, play what you play, amd spread the positive vibes ✌

[@graymouser5609]

Knowing approximately where to go on the fret board and what to do helps.....my practice would be nothing more than strumming chords here! DOH!

[@gjmarc]

Thanks James, I have been viewing your videos to get some of the Keithism's down. Watching this I started practicing to backing tracks. Great Stuff!

[@Icantdrive55]

More talent in his little finger than I’ll ever have. 🤘

[@liveforeverluckymanej-200]

Rory Gallagher is a legend.

[@josephramac2663]

Thanks a lot sir james i learned a lot from you

[@k2avfr]

Just caught your 10 years video, with comments turned off, and felt compelled to reply. First, THANK YOU! I cannot say that loudly enough. Second, you're as young as you feel; I hope you keep going for another ten or more years. (I've got a handful of years ahead of you, and I'm still enjoying everything from Bach to Bluegrass and lots in between.) Finally, I would selfishly welcome more Rush tunes. 8^) Again, THANKS! and keep it up! Cheers!

[@luvittodeath7031]

Things James is king at: King of saying “hey y’all” King of saying “good luck” King of t shirt collecting King of guitar lessons Feel free to keep the list going in the replies.

[@billydelacruz1500]

Hockey Jerseys, Great Guitars, Rock Magazines and Music Books!!

[@Kurtis-Schubert]

King of using his ear.

[@redguitar391]

Turning us on to songs and bands that even this old road dog has never heard, Wishbone Ash/“Blowin Free” for instance.

[@marions.120]

King of a great guitar personality! ✌️🤪🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

[@SeekerGoOn2013]

Billy DeLaCruz King of musical freedom. King of Encouragement.

[@Pedro2706]

The G Man would definitely approve!

[@BillyZakk]

Thanks for doing these videos Just watching you play inspires this hack

[@MrMojoRiiisin]

As someone else commented, this first solo sounds like a mix between Keef and Page. Too many double stops for Page, too quick for Keef. Bout right down the middle 🎸

[@miltonlinn5514]

Loved this lesson. Trying this today.

[@rodrich1644]

This is so good. Wish you would come back even if just for one video.

[@cidlopez]

There’s a Layla backing track that’s great. The Layla studio is about a quarter step sharp so it’s kind of a pain to play along to. But the backing track is standard pitch. It’s perfect.

[@bucky_dent1960]

Love your lessons!! Keep it going!!!!

[@wbfojnewton1]

I think you have been on that neck before.....so smooth.

[@RubbelisPro]

I'd also give making your own progression a shot too. Play some familiar chords into a looper pedal and solo over it. Then you know what's coming and what tempo to play at. I do it all the time and I suck, but it's fun.

[@paulcooper5748]

Awesome great song you picked james love the bowie tshirt also.

[@LoneRhino]

Here's the link to the backing track JJ uses: kzbin.info?search_query=rory+gallagher+calling+card+loop

[@petestern3639]

Love your lessons James!

[@petestern3639]

Really help me!

[@andytaylor7099]

I’d love to have that t-shirt 😊☺️☺️😍

[@mattyc.9332]

Love the bite on that strat!

[@barryspotter]

I love your stuff, we have very similar tastes in music. I have to ask, how many guitars/amps do you own? I have 6 or 7 electrics, a couple of acoustics. Not nearly enough.

[@TypicalGirls]

In a nutshell, the “A” shape with the index finger is the key to (rock) guitar. It takes you everywhere you need to go from the hammer-on for the “D” shape, the “F” shape, triads. They’re the same songs over and over, just rearranged. I’m paraphrasing, but I think Lennon is quoted saying something to the effect that “I just rearrange a song I like and write my own lyrics”. A fantastic two chord loop is the opening to “Easy to Be Hard” from the Original Broadway Cast of Hair soundtrack: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJmWiKeFi9OXjc0 Well, the entire album is phenomenal!

[@jamesjames9275]

Donny Hathaway’s The Ghetto is another great one so jam on. Just a nice groove that doesn’t go anywhere, but so soulful.

[@hobbes4583]

I feel like you made this video just for me. Thanks.

[@fenderbryan938]

do you maintain your own guitars and equipment ? strings cleaning ect ?

[@surfer4478]

You're one of the few people I've seen bend like Clapton. Using the middle finger instead of the ring finger. Interesting. Rory was one of my favorite players. Used more celtic type scales in a blues format.

[@kennethmcmillan931]

dang!!!! chops no doubt

[@karlherzog1187]

Hey James, I’ve watching your videos for years and I love your work. Thanks. I started playing guitar in my 60s and find soloing a big challenge. Can you name 3 guitar solos which would be good to practice to help put licks together. I’m a huge Stones fan. Would something like the Heart of Stone solo work or would I get stuck in the weeds?

[@jamesjames9275]

I think the solo for It's All Over Now is attainable. But some of my favorite Stones songs don't even have a guitar solo: Brown Sugar, Satisfaction, 19th Nervous Breakdown, Jack Flash...

[@kgaasmart]

Awesome shirt!

[@Wegster64]

I love this channel

[@BC99]

Have you always been able to figure out things by ear or did you have to work at it?

[@jamesjames9275]

I couldn’t learn anything I wanted by ear the first time I picked up a guitar. I got better at it over time. But I still can’t figure out everything I want to play.

[@mikestarr7377]

Brilliant - great advice - love to see how other players practice & find inspiration! Reminded me a bit of some of Neil Young's soloing....Out of curiosity, have you ever made the pilgrimage over to the RRHOF in Cleveland? Although I'm not crazy about the politics of the whole thing - seeing all of the iconic guitars & memorabilia is a must for any classic rock fan! Happy 4th of July weekend JJ!

[@jamesjames9275]

I won’t set foot in the so-called Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. They have Madonna in there, but not Peter Frampton. No, thanks.

[@mikestarr7377]

@@jamesjames9275 Yeah - that's why I said I don't like the politics.....they do have some great stuff in there though, but I respect where you are coming from. Thanks JJ!

[@marcbehrend3470]

Love all your vids

[@sober1biker]

Sweet Bowie T 😮

[@chrishyde1216]

I particularly like the point about sloppy playing. Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and Earl Slick can sound sloppy and great.

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

Except when you hear them when they're sober or at least not completely stoned. Especially with page, you can really tell the difference

[@FenderTeleDeluxe]

Good stuff, as always, JJ! Off-topic here: What’s your opinion on (intentional) guitar relicing? Personally, I just can’t comprehend why guitarists choose to purposely give their guitar an aged look, but curious to learn your take.

[@jamesjames9275]

I think every guitar owner should do exactly as he or she pleases with their guitars.

[@graysaw]

Great Bowie shirt

[@Aaron-de8iu]

The lead sounds a little Jimmy-ish 👍🏻

[@GaryBook]

Because it is a minor pentatonic scale.

[@marc8828]

@@GaryBook I would say it is more due to James' pick attack. All his Zepplin lessons/covers have made him very accustomed to Jimmy's picking style.

[@ferrari6975]

For me, an important thing is to be comfortable playing my favourite keys (C minor and A). Fun is also the most important. I don't worry too much about hitting every note right or memorizing scales, i just want to have fun. Great playing, James. Sounds like Jimmy

[@mattyc.9332]

The theory can be helpful, just take it in a bit at a time and don't get bogged down w/ it. That's happened to me a couple times.

[@backtoshallabal6662]

Do you ever play any fusion or funk?

[@rss1855]

Does anyone know what kinda strings he may be using on hat stay?..sounds great

[@jamesjames9275]

Those are probably .09's.

[@robertwilliams2949]

You got some great T shirts.......

[@70snuttodd95]

Cool cool dig the post !!!

[@Sam1628]

Dude you are a stoke god

[@PetroniusArbiter66]

I was just about to ask you this.

[@michaelorourke3976]

I wanna listen to "what in the world" now

[@john84896]

That was 🔥 at around 10:30

[@john84896]

No! I mean at 6:00

[@Atomic1710]

Jus kept going & going

[@jacko717]

I don't know any theory at all, I just fire up whatever tune I'm into at the time and learn it by ear.

[@deonadar8302]

what are scales

[@backtoshallabal6662]

Do you ever use the whammy bar?

[@youwaisef]

Hey y'all 🤘

[@GaryBook]

My theory was you just channeled Robert Johnson in your sleep or made the same deal at the crossroads. 😈

[@thomasfalls7696]

I'm just kidding with you keep it up bro

[@SyntagmaStation]

Don’t think I’ve ever seen you improvise before.

[@aaronyoust7680]

Starman

[@rss1855]

On that stay..sorry..

[@rss1855]

Strat

[@ml-ed4sc]

i thought your tone was better using fingers rather than pick.

[@toddhumann3825]

RAD

[@andrewptob]

When you say you don’t know scales, I scratch my head because you know and show solos. Do you just hear them and intuit how to play them, or are you downplaying your knowledge of scales perhaps?

[@jamesjames9275]

If you ask me to play a certain scale, I couldn’t do it. That’s not how I think of the fretboard.

[@andrewptob]

James James Ok, I got ya. More shape-oriented, I suppose. Either way, you’re getting along fine!

[@penphone6]

@@jamesjames9275 Crazy!

[@mozeshane8646]

@@jamesjames9275 i see you play a lot of scales though, definitely. I don't know too many myself but you play them by intuition. (that's why you're so great). I think you play rather style oriented. like here you stayed mostly in minor licks I believe. but let's say you'd play over a led zeppelin backing track you'd probably be mixing major and minor way more, because jimmy tends to, and your brain associates the zep backing track with jimmy like riffing and soloing. damn. I hope that makes sense xD anyway Great video! great guitar playing as always. you've been my motivation basically since i started my guitar journey. Peace!

[@marions.120]

I had a guitarist not guitar player, but a “guitarist” say to me at a live performance “you don’t know scales how can you play those?” I said, I know I don’t and I don’t know how I do? So sometimes a guy just has a feel I suppose. ✌️🤪🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵