How I got really good at guitar (and you can too!)

[@NihilHS]

"riding the waves of frustration" sounds like a scrapped Trivium song title

[@PowerfulWarbird]

Alt. title to Drowning in Slow Motion XD

[@ardipithecus11]

@@PowerfulWarbird gotta have me some In Waves

[@RoosterOvenMittz6969]

Sounds to ME like my marriage. Maybe that's just me. 😂

[@rubinmiller8868]

😂😂😂

[@rubinmiller8868]

@@RoosterOvenMittz6969 hehe i'm wirh you Mr. Walker ☝🤝

[@FBI_Overlord]

So good to see Opeth and Necrophagist as inspiration, two of my favourite bands!

[@joshforest304]

Same. I love how Archspire are tech but it's all catchy and there's really good emotional sections to solos like Opeth and Necrophagist (and Death).

[@mfC0RD]

And Martyr! Such and underrated band

[@Themgoroth_90]

Noted. Less hair, more tech.

[@t3hgir]

More hair, more trve

[@steffomca762]

Tell that to Jared lol

[@t3hgir]

@Franco smaller balls

[@wardiup939]

Que One Punch Man

[@danibiyarslanov]

He actually lost his hair by getting good at guitar

[@KodyMK]

Okay you've convinced me. I'm quitting my job and practicing 8 hours a day.

[@TopSecretZ]

How's it going?

[@devonscope6222]

@@TopSecretZ I think he was being sarcastic

[@marcus2239]

I unfortunately dont work but I do play a hell of a lot. I live in a tent so ppl on the sidewalk hear me soloing hitting those harmonics. I used to try to keep quiet and just Palm Mute everything,but I get carried away and I get so into playing. That ppl know there is a homeless Shredder in Orange Park Fl . 🤘🤘

[@TopSecretZ]

@Marcus hey I'm in Florida too! I'd definitely gotta stop by

[@marcus2239]

@@TopSecretZ I play at Sam Ash in Orange Park off Blanding. Im the guy with the Winds Of Plague Samurai sleeve with dreads. I have so many hrs of music recorded that I have yet to upload. You a musician as well?

[@itsGety]

The fact you gave a talk about riding the waves of frustration, coupled with the fact that Dark Souls is being played in the background, is absolutely excellent pairing.

[@ZJtraylor]

My teacher used to say over and over “If you can’t play it at half speed you can’t play it at full speed.” Playing fast takes blood sweat tears and for most of us mortals, metronome clicks.

[@cameronskye94]

Was that teacher Lucas Mann? Lmao

[@MrScrofulous]

soooo....practice doesn't make perfect.......metronome clicks make perfect ? LOL......I agree...I have spent many hours jamming with a 'nome.

[@ZJtraylor]

@@MrScrofulous I almost (keyword almost) feel like I’m not really practicing if I don’t have the metronome out lol.

[@MrScrofulous]

@@ZJtraylor That's true though. I enjoy playing a lot, and I'm not always in the mood to practice, so then I don't use a metronome. . When I am serious, I get out a timekeeping device. I use Songsterr a lot, cos I travel and it's so convenient.

[@vannanalabomba]

Wow. With 16 years of guitar under my belt, I can honestly say I never needed a motivational piece more than I needed this. Your humility and passion is a driving force of my continuing to progress. IDK how shitty these last 12ish months would've been without you. I'm not saying this to fan-girl or anything, and this isn't a stretch, but you particularly were one of about 3 or 4 reasons I didn't sell my very expensive guitar and quit earlier this year. Thank you for everything you do Dean. Please don't ever stop being so kind and badass. 💛🌻

[@xHRVSTRx]

ily and all your videos you post

[@dagrhavarr8866]

get troy stetinas speed mechanics for lead guitar and adam kadmans guitar grimoire scales and modes. just do it.

[@bennymountain1]

"That overnight thing" is when your brain literally grows tissue around brain cells to form skills and memories. Even if you think you haven't gotten better over a practice session, try it again tomorrow, it might go much better.

[@Eyrie007]

I've experienced this while playing video games. Can't beat an area or boss, get frustrated, and put it away. I would try the next day and I breeze through it. It's very interesting.

[@bennymountain1]

@@Eyrie007 If only we could be half as good at other things in life as we are at videogames.

[@timothyholley2546]

I feel like this is all stuff that I knew, but just needed someone to tell me and give me the motivation. Thanks homie.

[@DeanLamb]

Thanks bud!

[@ValleyOfWillows]

After I went to college to learn biochemistry at 25-26 years of age, after having graduated high school with mediocre results and having worked a lot of factory jobs, I learned that I could get anything done if I just set my mind to it. To me that was the biggest lesson out of that whole experience, worth more than any exam results, and I'm certain it's the same for anyone.

[@matthewguess74]

I have to say, you’re primarily the reason I’ve became so much better the last 6 months. I’m 28, played from 13-21ish , didn’t pick up a guitar until 27, back in Nov of 2020. Watched all of your Dean learns x videos and it inspired me to cover Paul Gilbert’s Curse of the castle Dragon. 6-8 hours a day of practicing really does pay off. I know most of people don’t have that time, but from my experience I see a lot do but prioritize other things instead. Even if it means waking up extra early, not watching a movie or playing a video game. The time is there, just have to prioritize it.

[@irti_pk]

Haha, I also started learning curse of the castle dragon because of Dean. It's one of the riffs I'm using to improve my alt picking. And your point about prioritizing is key. The time I spend onKZbin or watching Netflix or playing video games isn't really productive. Those things are important when you want to relax, but in my case I realized I could drastically cut down that stuff and have more time to practice. Here's to getting better!

[@Anouyz]

Haha same thing when people say they don't have time to exercise. you don't find time you MAKE time

[@howtoshootstraighthtss4948]

I stop playing at 20ish and started in nov 2020 again lol 33 now so 13 years off

[@SwarfCrawler]

I always hear this 6 hour a day practice bs. Its like do you guys have jobs?

[@irti_pk]

@@SwarfCrawler if you work a 9 to 5, plus 1.5 hours for commute, and sleep 6 hours a night, that leaves you with 8.5 hours to yourself. Now of course you need to cook and clean and do other things but one can definitely make room for 4-5 hours of practice on a weekday if they are very dedicated. It's just a matter of commitment and sacrifice.

[@jacquesroux7362]

Damn dude, this hit real hard, I used to practise about 4-8 hours a day when I started playing, and now 16 years later I basically stopped progressing for the last 12 years, due to work, life and kids etc. But I still love playing and just guitars in general. Thanks for this really sincere vid. Btw best gig I ever saw was Archspire, Revocation, Soreption, Rivers of Nihil in Wroclaw, Poland. Holy shit you all killed it.

[@mohnmann]

I feel you man, i recently got back after playing for 12 years and a 5 year hiatus.

[@norgepalm7315]

What a lineup

[@SRartz25]

rivers of nihil are dope

[@geartweaker8518]

Archspire revocation and soreption on the same gig? Thats outrageous

[@SeraphSlaughter]

ive been using involuntary doppelganger and remote tumor seeker as "technique checks" for the last few years. two years ago, ass. but i kept breaking down all the trouble parts into their own exercises and two years later, i'm doing those tunes! now to get bleed the future down this also immensely helped in my guitar teaching career - teaching myself how to get over these high hurdles has been invaluable in teaching others how to. so thanks dean!

[@kristijanfistrek9055]

This advice will save thousands of guitar players thousands of hours of practice. Thank you Dean

[@andrewplatt7076]

I fully agree with the process of deliberately practicing. I've improved more in the last 6 months than I did in the previous 5 years, simply because I've been so focused and dedicated to it.

[@neospawnkiller6586]

The bit about recording can work to boost your confidence as well. I remember playing for people and they praised me, and I was like "What the hell are they talking about I'm terrible" but then after recording myself playing and listening back to it I was blown away. I'd played for years and never recorded myself, or at least never listened back to it on my own and actually listened. It made me a lot more confident in my playing, and inspired me to tackle more challenging techniques. This is a wonderful video.

[@drphalanges1520]

I'm a lifelong guitarist/bassist who's started doing vocals. I think your philosophy works for that too. Thank you Dean, you have a real way with words.

[@lightmarez1794]

You are so chill! I feel zen after watching this

[@Mattseak]

Started Riffhard yesterday and I'm loving it! Thanks for this video Dean.

[@jamilnoureddin4107]

I've experienced most of the steps you mentioned, so accurate, thank you !

[@saulf.4678]

Great advice, Dean! Thank for all that you (and Claire!) do, it really is invaluable. Keep shredding! 🤘🏼💯🔥

[@moreSMOREplease]

Wow ive been in a slump these last few days and have not felt like practicing, really needed to see this video to understand how to deal with the wave of frustration. Invaluable insight.

[@SpokenFlesh]

you literally just motivated me to pick up guitar and have fun on it, thank you)

[@McChuggah]

such a great video, Dean! GG

[@nathcraft60]

thanks for this video, I am beginning a carreer in music and I sure needed those advices.

[@JackR845]

Great advice Dean! Used to just watch your content on KZbin but I finally got around to checking out Archspire and you guys are now one of my favourite bands :D

[@ThorGuitarCovers]

Thanks for this man. I've spent alot of time feeling embarrassed about where im at, despite playing guitar since age 13ish. It really helps to hear advice from someone I really look up to in the music scene ❤️

[@MetalheadMike99]

We love you Dean! And this honesty here is a big part of why. Just this video alone is worth money

[@kristofferleecampbell4103]

This was very helpful!! Thank you!

[@bernifitzsimmons176]

This is the first time I’ve come across this channel but I needed this video. Thank you.

[@raykusengsky2205]

Mate! I checked out your song and it was instant like! I love how the music sounds crazy but beautiful and very well structured at the same time. Definitely goes to my music Playlist.

[@EvenTheTrees]

I've mostly plateaued for a good chunk of the last decade. This well help me focus and buckle down with the time available I have on my given instruments at the time. VERY well phrased and concise video, thank you for making this!!!

[@billsaganbass5732]

Great video for every musician! Thank you Dean!

[@nicholasmuiseYT]

This was a great video, and I'm currently going through a similar experience. I've played heavily for the better part of 15 years, but it is only recently that I started doing deliberate practice sessions, signed up for lessons to fill in gaps etc. I'm ready to really level up my playing and am excited to put in the dedicated time and work to achieve it.

[@georgefakis]

Thanks Dean for sharing your experience, I've been playing guitar for almost 2 years and I got to say the frustration is through the roof. I'm currently trying to play C.P.E Bach's solfeggietto , it's really tough but I'm making some progress which is all the motivation I need

[@MageroSTC]

This is all great advice and super chill delivery. I've been working on Involuntary Doppelganger for the last year or so and I haven't moved past the first 3 riffs because I'm determined to get them clean before I move on. Practicing the one part over and over and feeling the improvement is so satisfying, as sloppy as I still have it for now.

[@diegolobaton8927]

I'm a drummer ,but even then all this advice and experience is gold. Thank you for sharing!!

[@ghoste1138]

Been playing for 9 years now, recently I've found myself getting a little too comfortable with where I'm at in my playing, but I now realize my error in that way of thinking. Thank you Dean for the advice, you just reignited my fire to push myself further, and that's why I love this channel.

[@anti54321]

The fret and picking packages you offer has elevated my playing to a new level. I still have a long way to go though the progress I have made in six months is insane.

[@carnalbrutality]

Dude I needed to hear this! It’s really hard bro I constantly question myself and I ask what am I even doing. Your an amazing guitarist and one of the many that inspire me. 🤘💀🤘 Your words of wisdom are exactly what I need to hear! Thanks Dean!

[@Jacksonnnnnnnnnnnnn]

This video is inspiring. Thanks man.

[@jordan.na.dzielni]

Thank you for the valuable insight! Having around 8 years of guitar experience, I thought that all the development there would ever be had already been... The story of you joining Archspire after a decade with instrument and the skyrocketing with the craft and art leading to it is refreshing and a bit reassuring.

[@Zakcology]

Dude! You're my greatest inspiration right now and I soak up all of this. I get high and watch archspire playthrough videos to set the bar and get hyped. I even add a "3rd guitar" while shredding a long but I couldnt rip you guys off If I wanted to because the music you compose in archspire Is just mind blowing and so dynamic. I'd be interested to hear you do a solo project or something. Stay tech and thanks for being you!

[@cgoodiefunk]

preparedness meets opportunity. You guys are going to slaughter the charts in your careers, as tech death artists! Insane talent and determination, much respect for you all.

[@williamfugga4520]

Very cool video. You made alot really interesting points. Thx.

[@postlex]

Very honest, cool, and truly thinking of others’ best interests; respect!

[@michaeljohnston8891]

Came back to this video a year later, and I can definitively say that this one video has had a MASSIVE impact on my mentality when I practice guitar now. My technique has drastically improved and I’m attempting to learn songs I would’ve been terrified to touch even a year ago. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@Deniedraiden]

Thanks Dean. I've been playing since 12-13 as well. Guitar has always been a thing that is just for fun, most of my friends haven't heard me play unless they lived with me. I got to put in a lot of good time in my teens same as you. I find that without the challenge I have no drive to play in general. I wish I had been consistent but your music has gotten me playing and practicing solidly for over a year now. I've almost got parts of Human Murmuration up to speed. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@scotth1360]

Very well said and that's why I love your channel.

[@isaiahgendron2332]

really needed this video, time to ride the waves of frustration !

[@Observate000]

Absolutely motivating and inspiring!

[@12breacher82]

Sage advice. Been playing on and off for 20 years, and whenever I deliberately practice, and PLAN out my practice sessions, I’ve advanced. Even after all these years, I get better by being structured. Always spend time that way, and always do something fun (learning a cool riff or even a whole piece of music).

[@berke2336]

I've been an Archspire fan for years and had no idea you even had a channel, thank you for this.

[@darthwoopv573]

Dude, im 40, and you inspire me!! And so does your band! The way you deal with the frustration is genius. I recently decided i needed to get better, like you did, just way later in life lol🤘👽🤘 (Taking notes)

[@ExecutionerO]

Same boat and I want to learn from scratch 🤘🏼

[@asherplatts6253]

This is a great video. Too many videos offer instant gratification, too few talk about the process of learning *how* to practice.

[@chrismetalwilson2588]

Damn hits a spot here. Been playing six months and I feel like I'm walking down that road of bad habits. My playing is good to others but I can always improve. Thank you and I will definitely be focusing on those techniques I've been neglecting.

[@SergentPolka]

What a great video. I had come to similar conclusions regarding skill, practice and progress, but you're phrasing them in such a nice way. Down to earth motivational speech. Could apply to so much more than just guitar practice.

[@Aleksisguitar]

This was fantastic. Thank you!

[@naturaljoe759]

This is beautiful. You and Claire are my favorite brother/sister duo on youtube, and you both are very inspirational to me on my musical journey.

[@amazingmato]

I agree, but also they are married.

[@MaximusAdonicus]

@@amazingmato That makes it even more beautiful! #KeepingItInTheFamily #AlabamaBaby

[@williampraetorius1817]

Wow, this was really good. Applies to may more then just guitar too. Needed to hear this!

[@humbertoRust]

geez man, you don't know how much I deal with frustration, no matter how much I practice I feel I'm not going anywhere. I've been feeling like that for quite a while, I even thought of giving up. I feel like everything I play or compose sucks, and I don't have anyone to guide me, no teachers, no friends who play guitar, nothing at all. Hearing that even a professional like you dealed with it makes me feel like I can improve, thanks dude.

[@WilliamKibirango]

this is gr8 advice for any instrument player. thank u!

[@johnnycantrell1168]

This is really good information. I agree, and thanks for the time.

[@Glane6339]

All of this is so info is so valuable. Clicked out of curiosity but I myself did alot of these things last year and have seen immeasurable gains in my playing. The biggest benefit to me was bringing in someone else to listen to my recordings. She's hella honest with me and it makes me want to play everything as perfect as I can before I call it done.

[@Fkod88]

Great advice, all very good points! I’m actually preparing for the studio after a very long break and I 1000% confirm that sitting down and recording stuff at home, overlaying tracks, finalising the little details greatly boosts playing. And it’s playing where it matters: your own music, which at the end of the day is why most of us play in the first place.

[@northenice]

I agree on everything you say here. I do this but on my drumset. You need to stress yourself enough to force you to want to get better, and then hit that wall. Relax, rest, think about it. And above all, my mindset is" Every fail makes me better". Then you go again, and again, and keep failing until you just can do that technique.

[@JanithNissanka]

This is Awesome man. Thank you 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@PimpdatSkittle]

I’m just now getting into Archspire, what a perfect video to watch.

[@davidhorn6937]

Such a good vid. Thanks, Dean; Stay tech 🤘🏼

[@forrestdean8665]

Such a good channel dude. Good work

[@bdawg4431]

Thanks you, this really helped me get motivated

[@greglane334]

Dude you shred,end of story. You inspire the shit out of myself and many others as well,seeing how much fun you have when you play makes your videos so enjoyable. I'm a proud member of the shrimp army 🦐🦐🦐

[@Durrgon]

Awesome video, I don't even play guitar but can see how a lot of these points can apply to any skill really and have learned some similar lessons doing martial arts. Especially the point about thinking you're better than you are. There's certainly a line between being confident in your abilities, and overconfidence. If your proverbial glass is full, then there's no room to add more water (knowledge). Also a nice reminder to not give up when frustrated, and take some time to have fun sometimes instead of smashing your face into the same problem for hours.

[@mick_plays_guitar]

Been a Riffhard member almost a year, it’s well worth the money

[@SwiftNectar]

this is such a wholesome video.

[@blankepitaph4407]

Thanks for this - I'm at that 10 (well, technically 12) year stage where I feel like any song is within my reach and my ear is well trained, but I'm basically a blank slate in a lot of ways and need to focus my playing and practice instead of becoming complacent with my current level. It's inspiring to hear that someone whose guitar playing I look up to and have been inspired by was once in that same spot. The grind continues!

[@jessepusatero5511]

I've been struggling with guitar for a year now but since I actually found your channel like 6 months ago I've been trying to grind it out, so I just wanna say thanks. 🍤👍🏼

[@jessepusatero5511]

"Struggling with guitar" sounds like a disease

[@MICKSHRED]

Coming back to a technique I'm working on, always works for me.

[@crayanashraf516]

4:20 absolutely. That's how I practice now. Works incredibly well. Learned how to do sweeps almost well enough in just two months time. Could've done it in one month if I wasn't so damn busy.

[@ptbempire]

Hey Dean thanks for the great tips!

[@joshkuchmy8801]

I'm newly loving Archspire, but have always loved Dark Souls. Sweet mix.

[@AnthroMetal]

Thank you for this, Dean.

[@twowiresthick]

You are awesome Dean, an inspiration. :)

[@bradenjohnston9758]

Thanks Dean, you a real one my G.

[@brandnewkettle]

I just write riffs I can't play and practice until I can

[@caliman5547]

Glad I ran across this vid. Very honest humble straight foward advise. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE, BREATH, STREATCH, EAT RIGHT, LOTS OF WATER, CORRECT AMOUNT OF SLEEP, REPEAT !!!

[@sqlb3rn]

try other instruments too. When I started playing bass I played finger style, and as a side effect it improved my playing on nylon string classical guitar. The longer scale length forces me to use my pinky, and helped me stretch and move my fretting hand faster across the neck and more accurately. Bending and fretting the heavier string gauge strengthens up the fingers a bit too. Which lead to improvements on guitar.

[@darkallyrecordings4931]

This was great sir!

[@crimsonjelly4464]

Thank you, Dean. This helps more than you know.

[@aries_9130]

Amazing advice!

[@justinkroboth360]

This was very beautifully put, Dean. I've "played" guitar for about 20 years, which means sporadic bursts of intense focus only to stop for long periods of time. I'm not in depth on the theory side of music, but I can play along to some songs from bands like Mastodon, Cradle of Filth, Death, etc - I've never gotten to the next level where I can actually play the SOLOS in those songs or songs that are just harder in general, such as yours in Archspire. I'm 38 and just had a stroke, so I don't know if it's still possible for me to get to that level, but this has inspired me to try. Consistent, deliberate practice is the key. And actual practice, not just jamming around. Thank you, Dean, both for the music you make and the motivation you give. Love you, dude - I hope I get to meet you when Archspire swings through Maryland/DC.

[@metroidxme6470]

lmao this is insanely accurate. Awesome stuff dude.

[@user-tj3wr6dj4d]

I like going to a guitar store and just playing my heart and the looks and thumbs up I get especially with my own originals . Thank You Dean For being You and being COOL AND HUMBLE . You and ROB ARNOLD IMO HAVE THE SAME REAL GOOD PERSONALITY ON THE SCREEN AND AGAIN JUST Y'ALLS HUMBLENESS AND GRATITUDE TOWARDS MUSIC, THE FANS ,AND JUST LIFE IN GENERAL .THANK YOU .

[@user-tj3wr6dj4d]

Same goes for CLAIRE as well.

[@erreip_]

Sent this to my kids! :) Loved this.

[@nickyounger1368]

Dude..... this was a great video man. I'm 31 and have been playing since 13. I could literally relate to everything you said man. I used to think I was so good lol. Thank you for this

[@St1key]

I needed this video EXACTLY TODAY! I was getting frustraded with fast pace solos. I just starated picking up theory just to back up my skill..

[@enrath4078]

Man, I am currently a guitar major at Berklee and this video honestly helped me so much. I am so bad about lying to myself about something sounding good when in reality it's barely passable. What you said about deliberate practice is so incredibly true. I've learned that playing whatever is fun for 8 hours straight yields far fewer results than focusing on fundamentals for just an hour. Thank you for this video.

[@draleigh8881]

dude! awesome advice!

[@sandorphoenix]

Thanks. I really appreciate you.

[@MrScrofulous]

This was really good. The "overnight digestion" thing is super-important. Shen I was learning to windsurf, I spent a whole afternoon getting smashing in a shorebreak trying to learn to waterstart. I never got going, but the next time I went out, I water started perfectly first go, and never had to think about it after that.