How To Be a More Professional Musician

[@MusiCaninesTheMusicalDogs]

Does this apply to drummers too, or only musicians?! 😁

[@ΠαρκουρισταςΦιλοσοφος-γ1ψ]

who says drummers are not musicians? if it was humor then ignore me...

[@jcdooms]

You know what they say "A drummer is a guy who hangs out with musicians"

[@search895]

A drummer is the best friend of any musician.

[@ΠαρκουρισταςΦιλοσοφος-γ1ψ]

yeah i know the deal with drummers, but there is still theory and practice behind drumming so, it isnt that far from other musicians,..... at least, i guess..... anyways why shouldnt it work for drummers too???....

[@Altroante]

Whichever way you percieve drummers, a good drummer is a band sets up tempo for everyone else and makes the song truly dynamic. Listen to Avenged Sevenfold - Paradigm. Brooks Wackerman is amazing.

[@random11stuff]

As a drummer, I think its important to be timely and efficient with kit setup. Often on smaller stages no one can do anything until you're setup, and I'm sure I've earned plenty of brownie points by getting things up and running quickly, smoothly and neatly.

[@Southboundpachyderm]

Eoin Hayes definitely second this. It’s so annoying to wait for a drummer to spend 10 years tuning and adjusting cymbals, high hats, etc. I have a specific method of putting my kit together so that I can do it in less than 5 minutes and be ready to tune which should only take me a minute or two unless my drums really got knocked around, in which case I’m probably gunna blame whoever was driving to the gig.

[@davecarsley8773]

I wish you were my drummer lol

[@MachineGunManUFMS]

"Always come prepared for a rehearsal. Generally speaking, rehearsal is not the time to be learning parts, and if you are, you're wasting everyone else's time. I mean, this stuff should seem pretty obvious, but you'd be amazed how often it gets overlooked." Ahhhhhhhh I wish I could still be amazed by that kind of incompetence, but the fact that the last 2 projects I tried to put together with a bro that plays guitar very well (and knows his tone!) fell apart because the fucking drummers that stepped in simply didn't bother to learn their shit kind of made it for me. It was always that "I didn't have time to learn all the songs 100%, but let's just play and I'll pick it up along the way" speech that didn't translate to reality at all, usually making a rehearsal go through just barely 2 or 3 tunes in a rough way when it could have covered at least 10x more if assholes weren't assholes. With the money I wasted in studio time with those fuckers, I could've bought more gear, drank more beers with my girl, etc, anything that's not plain useless. People, please don't waste other people's time, patience AND money at the same fucking time. One of them is already bad enough.

[@LimewaterMusic]

These types of people are 10000% the reason I got into home recording. Now instead of being disappointed in other people, I get to be disappointed in myself.

[@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912]

Fair dinkum got a couple of wallabies loose in their top paddocks, flaming time-wasting oxygen-thieves want to give themselves a hard uppercut, we call 'em woftam's 'round this joint mate, wastes of f-ing time and money. Polite - you me carpark now - is my usual sole utterance these unspeakable damaged unethical slovenly lazy out-of-depth by f-ing 30,000 fathoms you mention & with community knowledge a foresight you expose from under the rocks they grovel in verdant naked ugly talent-jealousy. Narcissism is another dead-set red-alert for these f-tardees. My utter silence as swift march to carpark hastily begins & ends quicker than ya can turn the bedroom light off leaping bedbound with nocturnal marsupial agility into the sack before the light goes out - pre- punching portholes & 7-shades-of-sh*t from these turdburglars masquerading as professional talented able competent muso's.. Don't start me about 'em, can spot one a country mile off, bigmouths a universal trait of these reekbreathing classless art-thieves & recording studio vandals! A famous composer once shrieked in disgust at such specimens in a renaissance zeitgeist; 'Assassins?!" he hissed with justifiable venom, his name escapes me atm... bloody good bloke him. Peace, respect, be nice to ya missus & far too much rock guitar is woefully insufficient grossly inadequate and nowhere near enough. Didyabringyabongalong Station, Central Queensland, Australia. P.S. it got so hot last days of March the trees were chasin' the dogs around!

[@canozturk3396]

Mate, I hope you read this. I absolutely love your videos and they have always gotten me out of musical ruts and always keep me motivated. Awesome stuff, just needed to say this.:)

[@samuraiguitarist]

These kind of comments mean a lot to me!

[@warlorddelta8]

@@samuraiguitarist you mean a lot to us

[@wanpakujozu6287]

Whoa, beat the alert.

[@samuraiguitarist]

My man

[@danielperkins4610]

Great list! Some musicians overlook 'the hang', creating friendships in a studio or band situation. Get to know your engineers, sound people and other cats in the band and appreciate them. Take the time to hang. Friendships and gigs will come of this.

[@themusicentrepreneur7946]

People CAN be full-time musicians! It doesn't mean "playing arenas". You can be a badass music entrepreneur and do amazing if you have realistic, modest, attainable goals! Thanks for the great videos!

[@DevinThe242]

This isn't even just about the music industry, a lot of this advice is completely applicable to anything. Being reliable, choosing the kind of work you want/need, keeping your ego in check, being a person others can work with; its all stuff any employer and manager will look for.

[@gregoryguarneri8473]

I enjoy the professionalism and delivery of these videos. In addition when you get valuable advice it makes the community even better

[@anndynegative]

being confident not cocky is one of the most important things to learn as a musician. great video dude!

[@MrDirtydaves]

Where do you find the middle ground between "fake it till you make it" and knowing when to turn a gig down because you're disqualified? I've also taken gigs I was not ready for and kind of embarrassed myself before.

[@stevenalcala2844]

Thanks alot for putting out videos like this with RELEVANT and APPLICABLE content to all musicians. Rock on brother.

[@zideck1234567890]

Just want to say I appreciate you taking taking the time to make these videos. They have definitley helped me become more wiser when it comes to working with my band and being more professional with how I do things. Please keep these coming. 🤘

[@robentyler6595]

I don't ever comment on videos, but you're my absolute favorite musician to watch and get advice from. Every time, I'm in awe of your musicianship as a person and a player. Thanks for the videos!

[@juanmanuelredondo7228]

Thank you very much for this information. I started to play the guitar in January and my motivation to be a great musician has been increasing since then, even though sometimes I ask me if someday I could be good enough to write nice piece of music, or if I started too late to play it; and that really scares me. However, this gave me an idea of what kind of proffesional musican I want to be

[@joshmaddux]

The recording sound wave on the MacBook behind @samuraiguitarist grows just a little bit every single time there's a video edit of the narrative.. really don't know why I noticed that lol, but mad respect for @samuraiguitarist and his great vids! If you do read this, thanks for the vids man. They keep us going. 💙

[@cris-bw1li]

Thank you so much for this, it's so great people on KZbin like yourself are here

[@corrda1993]

^10 things they wont tell you in music school. Great vid. Wish more people talked about these things.

[@KNALLisgettinfamos]

VERY GOOD ADVISES! I've done several albums. And this is even for me a good reminder.

[@VGMusicExplorers]

Wait, is this a reupload? I have this distinct feeling of deja vu.

[@samuraiguitarist]

I think there will be some points that I end up mentioning in multiple videos, based on the quantity of stuff I've done and just not being able to remember everything. But no it is not a reupload.

[@VGMusicExplorers]

Haha, ok! Please take my comment as compliment, it only shows I'm a loyal viewer! ;p

[@swaggerchegger98]

VGMusic Explorers he straight up copied some points from his older vid, even word for word.

[@lisiak1166]

@@swaggerchegger98 right? I thought so too

[@batmanwayne5159]

samuraiguitarist can you give me some advice on how to be a professional drummer ?

[@admiralrodney3818]

Any chance to make Soundcheck tips while Live Performance? I really want a good balance between out Rhythm, Lead, and Bass.

[@hackriptide1195]

These videos really help, I like to take notes to these videos

[@jyrirosendahl6826]

Thanks once again! It would be interesting to hear you play that shamisen(?) you have on the shelf!

[@fragolari_ml]

Dude. Thanks for all the videos you make. Really, thanks.

[@jonniemills1545]

Love these videos, you and Tyler from musiciswin should do a collab sometime :)

[@shaharpikmanoscar]

yesssssss

[@callum5733]

Omg yaaas it would be so good!

[@aarontudon0269]

Jonnie Mills your right music is win have similar thoughts but he's funnier

[@batmanwayne5159]

What does he mean by the idea of playing for exposure ?

[@evantate7990]

Awesome video, i sent it to the rest of my band and there was a lot of good info in there.

[@poser_disposer]

i have an issue with number 5. My band doesn't have any music recorded in a legitimate fashion yet, and being that way play extreme metal, we arent in it for the money, we play because we enjoy it. Last night was our 6th show, it was a 2 day all ages show with a lot of bands playing. We sacrificed our pay in favor of a touring band because we are local. We didnt have to but the promoter had to cut pay for one band to make budget, and we didnt have a problem with it, and we gained a little more respect with that promoter, who puts on a lot of really good shows. There were a lot of people at the show, we made quite an impact with the audience, got to know some killer musicians from other provinces, and i made a few bucks hustling some merch as well so it was definitely worth playing that show even if we didnt get paid, which would have been little anyway.

[@sunilgarbuja]

Love it! Thanks, samurai!

[@dougneighbors5878]

Thanks for the tips. You're one of the most professional musicians I know of so your advice is really valuable

[@Nintendude2013]

always a pleasure to watch your content

[@bhuwansachdeva100]

love your videos Man.. keep them coming.. they bring a lot of clarity..

[@ThatMattGoodMusic]

Great video! I'm a little way into my professional journey and learning all the time. Agreed with a lot of these points and follow a lot of them (especially coming prepared!).

[@zk326]

応援してるぜえええ

[@ShanesQueenSite]

Great video - all good points and I certainly agree with all of them (especially the first) and thankfully I'm not guilty of any of them !

[@MusicStuffSome]

I've only ever done a few gigs on my own or with a few bands (friends) more as a casual enjoyment thing as opposed to looking at music as a career so I'm not really coming at this from the same place but a lot of my favourite people I've played music with don't necessarily know what there doing hugely they just kinda feel it out you have to react everyone has to move it will resolve eventually the audience just needs to understand that... Or not. My mum always told me she hated the music I was creating the biggest compliment I got was when she told me she hated the music I was also listening too ! So I think don't be afraid to not be understood or appreciated that's what I think but then I guess theirs that line between just really enjoying what your doing and how your serving or moving the song and and being classed as cocky because you just know it will all resolve at least to your ears and you just have a love for the sour and the sweet notes that not everyone is into :). Ill play devils advocate here, how precious should someone be when cherishing their legacy vs going with the heart and taking musical risks that naturally occur?

[@Jakodrums]

such a great video!!!! thank you for those tips... knowing but not realizing it's a very different thing!

[@BREHOFICIAL]

Thank you so much!!! I love this type of video, also the stage presence one!

[@DCFGuitar]

As a freelance musician in Alberta, i DEFINITELY appreciate this video...although i know a TON of folks i work with could also benefit from viewing it lol. keep up the great work! I'm gonna share this for sure!

[@lukasbomkamp4330]

I really dig your vids man. Good work.

[@esTena19]

Thanks, this helps me and my band a lot

[@riff_junkie]

there are no limits your only limited by how far you want be limited ..chuck schuldiner

[@alensiljak]

This is gold. Thank you.

[@AlanKuAudio]

Great video! A lot of these tips can easily be adapted towards other professions as well.

[@TravisBeckMusic]

Great points and though they seem simple they're not! Love your channel and all the information and knowledge you share. Keep it up! I myself am formulating a plan of how to teach basics in both theory and technique of DJ'ing. I look to your channel for inspiration and example so thank you again for all you do Samurai!!!

[@mathieulanglois6080]

very inspiring Sensei!

[@TroyNaumu808]

Great advice and tips.

[@JonathanLalrempuia]

man I love this one. can relate so much

[@bradkoz1517]

Love the "How to..." videos you mention some very good points. There's a book (probably not published anymore) called "Chasing the Platinum Rainbow" it mentions/shows just how the music business really operated , not the fantasy world most people think. There were horror stories of horrible recording sessions and the like.. How about doing a video of "behind the scenes" from scripting to editing for KZbin release ?

[@clayheinzerling1852]

Great video. I've had many bandmates who could really benefit from the first two points

[@shaharpikmanoscar]

samuraiguitarist you're really really amazing. Thank you so much!

[@WARMPLACEBAND]

I find your videos really helpful and inspirational. Thank you :)

[@HarmonicaJamz]

Good stuff

[@bobbob-mq9nu]

great points sir

[@joeltlahiuz4184]

Awesome video!

[@aakashchakrabarty4262]

musical knowledge always don't work for long run but a humble logical and practical view towards other and this world does a lot 😛😀 love all your sensei series 😈 keep sharing great thoghts of survival 😊😀

[@JulianVickersII]

First off, GREAT channel, sir! I'm sorry I'm getting in here a little late, but I just wanted to see if I can get an expansion on #5 (Value your time). I am one that is COMPLETELY against the "play for exposure" scam, and I am just wondering if you would consider any and all free playing to fall under this category. For example -My partner and I (we're a horn duo) are playing tomorrow for a group that is having an album release party. They're not getting paid for it (as it's their own shindig) and we're not asking for any money. This is a band that has hired us on multiple occasions in the past and has been a great client - never any fuss about pay, very laid back, etc. etc. We are sort of doing this as a "congratulations" for them and to help ensure that their release party set sounds good. I feel okay about getting no pay in a circumstance like this, but what say you?

[@anonymousmessenger23]

oof i needed this. thank you

[@jdstewart9689]

excellent man!!!!!

[@TuhinBepariMusic]

It's so so true.. Thanks sir

[@Veritas0371]

Would i be better off if i were a soloist or in a band?

[@chris214a]

Amendment to #2...AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH! "Raises eyebrow".

[@LilGuyBigVoice]

Excellent video! Some really good points made! Most of which I already abide by. Unfortunately, to others, I come across as "uptight". Getting passed not seeing eye to eye can be difficult. Anyways, thank you. Ryan.

[@marvinbaxter7587]

I want to show this to my Bassist, but I doubt he will watch it

[@DigitalAshTCG]

awesome list! thumbs up :)

[@dustyncochrane6496]

Do you have any tips on like musician who are gonna go start out in winnipeg?

[@angelapadilla3730]

I am not a musician but I found the principles set forth profound and valuable.

[@Jsssddfgffghshdhdhusjsjd]

"Check your ego at the door" "Even professionals may struggle" John Mayer.

[@PolarTrance]

Free gigs aren't optimal and quite a few of them are worth refusing, but sometimes it can be a good idea. You might not get a huge load of new fans or album/merch sales from that gig, but it can be a great way to get connections which is how you more reliably get the paying gigs. (Some of this might not apply in your area) Though always ask for at least gas money.

[@ayanalowe6886]

I've had the big fortune of having a steady gig and being a bandleader for 15 years in NYC @ the 55BAR. I finally have a great band. As a jazz vocalist, I have experienced a lot of put downs by instrumentalists. Some of it has been well deserved, but a lot of it has been mean spirited. " With all of the experiences I have had as a bandleader, the one that has been the most difficult is, "knowing your limits." It has taken me years to accept my limits as a vocalist. I sing with feeling. I don't have great jazz technique. I am a mediocre scatter and I often end each song in a predictable manner. I've been labeled as a traditional singer and I've tried for years to become more avant guard, but each time I try, I lose the audience, because I become unhinged. It's not me. I wish it were, but I can't. Anyway, your videos support a lot of what I have learned and they also reinforce basic professional practices that can be applied to many careers. There is a comfort in hearing your insights. Thank you.

[@TheAdjacents-ABQ]

good stuff again, thanks

[@goingmadhere]

Very motivating videos, man. Keep it up! p.s Are there any other books that you can recommend to read about music and business? Cheers

[@kotourasan9068]

do some vids about the diff genre!

[@mikehgmusic]

Man, your videos are amazing... I hope to have the opportunity to play with you.. I live in Quebec, so it's possible lol

[@kassette1416]

Great video! I recently read an article about bandleaders, that suggested that every band should have a leader, that always has the last word and makes most of the decision, so the band has mor time to write and play music. What do you think about that? Greetings from germany!

[@TheTONEYSHON]

how to : stage presence?

[@samuraiguitarist]

Fake it until it's not fake

[@FlyingVHockey]

hello qxb when in doubt, crabcore

[@gm6490]

Literally thought that... Stage presence video​?

[@Charlyfromthenuclearcity]

Here's some advice a touring guitarist gave to me : When on stage, always feel heavy like your feet are deeply rooted to the ground. This will make you feel and look more confident. It's worth trying at least. ;)

[@xM4XvPA1Nx]

I have a hard time imagining that

[@TredecimMusic]

A good example of this is Brad Delson from Linkin Park!

[@scatterkatjatzen1655]

Having that (dead silent) moment between songs is a band disaster! Every band member should split / share these Moments to introduce the next song or a simple short Story related to the next song to be played. Interact with The audience....because they are applauding you! It is hard to do for playing clubs...but you gotta DO IT!!!!

[@tendercrispbacon]

Can you please talk about standards within a genre. Maybe a couple of songs that are standards and a few genres. Just for your opinion obviously.

[@CamRebires]

Hey guys, I have a question: In a few weeks, I will be playing in our school bigband. I will have to play chords (and occasionally a solo, probably). Now my question is, will I have to be able to play the songs/chords on the fly, so if I never saw the song, I have to play it from nothing? Is it a common thing to play directly from a sheet or is it more normal to practice the songs at home?

[@EzyoMusic]

I produce my band's music but I'm also the keyboard player. When we rehearse I can't oversee everything because I'm also playing and having to concentrate on my parts.

[@annathepianist5103]

This is the hardest

[@aarontudon0269]

Can you do one on how to motivate your band members cuz my younger brother is the keyboard player in our band and he has amazing potential but he doesn't love playing and practiceing as much as me so I wanna motivate him but don't know how

[@studlygrish]

Have him pick a song that he likes to do and maybe even have him sing it.this will keep it fresh

[@williammayer6829]

Favourite bar to play in Winnipeg?

[@samuraiguitarist]

I have gotten away from gigging lately but I enjoy playing the Park Theatre, and the Cowboy's crowd is always a great audience

[@aldo_9307]

I wish you would talk a bit more about music production, record deals, building a home studio or even making your own record.

[@Pitchaxistheorem]

I'm going to watch older videos I haven't seen yet. :D

[@ZZaGGrrUzz]

Timing, pls come back.

[@lespaulphoenix5179]

thank you!

[@js100serch]

I am a bit sensitive about the "Changing key at the last minute" one. That shouldn't be a problem with some songs but, there are songs that changing the key makes them really weird and almost unplayable. I don't know, Dust in the wind comes to my mind right now. Well you can use a Whammy pedal, tune your guitar a few steps lower or use a capo if that's the case. Ok it can be done, but vocalists have to be professionals too and develop a good technique, I don't like working with divas. I can be a professional but if the guy/girl won't stop smoking or drinking what should I do?. This is why I quit bands and play alone.

[@ignas9611]

your great

[@beavinator]

Dude, I've watched your videos...I'm pretty sure there is no gig you are "unqualified" for...

[@gagelink4963]

At 0:01 is that a guitar made of skis?

[@jnightmare0]

i want to be in a band just cant find members

[@bernieorbust6104]

SomeVids Use facebook to find some. theres tons og musician group pages

[@lonelyvariety]

How’s it going 9 months later

[@vickeyser2975]

Awsome

[@daleweber2579]

See hockey sticks who's your fav for the Stanley Cup Candiens or Blue Jacks

[@samuraiguitarist]

Blue jackets??? They're down 3-1

[@daleweber2579]

I'm surprised they made it this far. I think they'll be in it hopefully and then the Cavs do a repeat, by some miracle Indians take the pennant

[@sleepfgc]

Read the title in Dean Martin's voice...

[@aaronmanningproductions]

Hey bud. Thanks for all of your knowledge. Maybe you already know this but you screwed up the title to that book recommendation....

[@Taylor_5724]

I read the thumbnail as "How to be a professional 'murican" which is why I clicked obviously

[@sloanguitar4862]

You have inspired me to pursue music as a career even more than I did before. I have a private teacher who will teach me theory, reading, and techniques, and this will make me a virtuoso after many years with all of the practice I do. And you're here to help with making me understand how to be a musician, not just a guitar player. Thank you. Your videos mean a lot to me.

[@noahwalker7983]

Samurai Guitarist: Leave Your Ego At The Door Also Samurai Guitarist: Don't Drink On The Job Also Samurai Guitarist: Don't Be Cocky Like Every Rock star Ever: 😳😳😳😳😳😳

[@zackkotzias3304]

Dude if you like All You Need To Know About The Music Business you should check out How To Make It In The New Music Business by Ari Herstand!

[@floridianthrasher5426]

I'm only having problems because my drummers mom hates me and he can't drive yet and my guitarist is really sick