How To Fix Your Bad Guitar Habits

[@MegatonDan]

My tip for avoiding run-on sentences is to learn the vocal lines from your favourite songs. It will have those natural pauses built in and you'll learn a lot about creating catchy melodies too.

[@silvar4399]

learn to sing the vocal lines or play them on guitar?

[@cynicalart7686]

@@silvar4399 on guitar I imagine, it's good to emulate vocal melodies on guitar

[@JoshAven]

@@silvar4399 Play the vocal lines on guitar. That way you build a habit with pauses and can give you ideas on making melodies. Just figure the notes the vocal lines play and play it on guitar. Hope this helps:)

[@nickppv]

melanie faye has a great lesson on this

[@silvar4399]

@@JoshAven I've done that for years just for fun, hopefully its rubbed off!

[@coryman125]

Re: number 6: I actually loved this in band class. As the bassist, I was the only person with a volume knob, which meant when the teachers were addressing the saxophones, or trumpets, or whatever other section (which really was 95% of class time), I could turn my volume to 0 and practice without disrupting anything. Plus I could still hear the teachers too, so I'd have an idea of what was going on with the rest of the band

[@anterohytonen1608]

I'm not sure if has to be at 0, but way down anyway. Level that volume is when playing with the band is very likely louder than speech.

[@purplelord8531]

even if you didn't turn the volume down, you're the bass. doesn't exactly interrupt talking (although it can be annoying)

[@dicklover4203]

@@purplelord8531 ouch

[@jcout25]

I disagree, respectfully. Even with no volume, your brain is still focused on playing instead of listening and retaining what is said. It's still considered disrespectful to play even with no volume, while people are talking.

[@coryman125]

@@jcout25 Oh yeah- not while they're talking to me directly, just when they're addressing the rest of the band. I don't need to hear exactly what the saxophones are doing wrong, and hear them work through it slowly 5 times, but it's good that I can still hear at least enough to know if the subject changes, or if they start talking to me instead

[@MikeMastropierro]

Thoughts from a drummer who dips his toes in the guitar kiddie pool: We love guitar players who practice with metronomes! Ancient Samurai practiced finding balance in all aspects of life as well. Art, music, poetry, calligraphy, etc. I’m on to SammiG!

[@FlorianGuitar85]

Worst habit: Watching videos of guitar players instead of playing guitar.

[@Jon_W4]

True

[@hanreality.7266]

You got me..

[@colton5822]

🤣

[@stefankrause5138]

well - you can watch porn and still have sex, what's the deal?! 🤣

[@David_Logr]

fax

[@Bi_scotti_5]

Another thing about tabs: a lot of them are wrong! So sometimes, you have to learn by ear anyway. Another thing I'd recommend for figuring out how to play something is to watch concert footage. You'd be surprised what little details you find in their playing that change the sound completely

[@NeCoruption]

Funny note, I found myself playing "live versions" of songs because of this, and people generally noticed the difference fr the album version and either thought i added the part myself, or big fans of the band would catch it

[@mr.spaceman7106]

So true, I've had to fill in the gaps on a lot of songs when looking at the tabs and looking at a performer live helps to gauge what they are playing and where

[@metallsnubben]

And to be clear this is often true of "official" tabs as well. Probably not super blatant in the way randos on ultimate guitar can be, but the "official" branding on a book just means they got rights from the record company, not that the original guitarist has looked it over

[@wolfetteplays8894]

Yeah, but tabs gives you a general idea of what to do. Like, yeah, a lot of Undertale and Paper Mario notations fucking suck, but at least they give a decent idea of starting point: especially for those who are tone deaf

[@mizeress4454]

To build on what you said about watching concert footage - I feel like it can be a good way to bridge the gap between using tabs and learning by ear. You can kind of watch what the musician is doing on the guitar to get you in the ballpark and then fill in the gaps by ear. Highly recommend this to people who are lost just listening to a song without being able to figure it out.

[@chrisharrison3305]

The Last one is like the old joke. “How many guitar players does it take to screw in a lightbulb? 3. 1 to do it, and 2 to stand aside and say not bad but I could have done it better.” So toxic, put the ego aside and appreciate what someone who is better than you can do. Talk with them and learn. Music is a universal language and it should bring us all together in a positive way. Being duchy and negative helps no one, including you if you think your gods gift to 6 strings. Recognize your limits and push through to your goals. The only one holding you back is you.

[@HBclique]

So true

[@Chuckableable]

I kinda have the opposite of tunnel hearing - when jamming with others I tend to find a groove I like and hold on for dear life for fear of falling out of key or out of rhythm lol. It’s become a bad habit of it’s own for sure

[@TheeNormalGuys]

narrow down your options, it might be really bad at first but if you are groovin with others stop and pick One string. Idk how much you know about scales yet but if you start with just one string you can just hit different notes on that string testing with trial and error what feels good and doesn't with what everyone one else is playing. Then when you figure out what notes feel good start putting them together under the bands groove until you get more confident with that song. Easier said than done tho. Good luck.

[@itsonlythatguy]

I saw a clip on guitar villans with Steve Vai something that can really help you move on is simply staying on a single note until you're starving for something else, at that moment move on to what you've been itching for since you started, gives a bluesy flare and even sounds good in rock, builds excitement for the next note and you'll be so ready to move on you won't be so worried about what you have.

[@tommauro3052]

I'm coming close to reaching 90 days clean and sober from drugs and alcohol, in the time I've gotten back into playing. Number 7 has so many meanings . Thank you Sammy . I always beat myself up and never give myself a chance to be proud . So the balance you speak of is so important

[@lkg5775]

Piano teacher here working on guitar…Metronome advice is spot on! I’m all.the.time. telling my students they must learn to listen to the “drummer” checking in every couple of beats with it. But here’s my PRO TIP for using the metronome as your hard passage tool- super slow the beat until there is no tension ( and no errors) gradually advancing speed, no tension and no errors,until you are where you want to be.

[@gian323]

Don’t be afraid to ask questions at the guitar store. They’re there to make sure you get what you want and to have a good time. I’ve played with steel strings on a classical guitar for years (never playing it for more than a few days because my fingers hurt and I’m pretty sure I messed up my guitar)

[@ssisk87]

Relying on Tabs is a yes and no... If you have next to no idea of music theory such as myself, I do rely on them for the rough outline of the songs progression and solos... But you will certainly need to still train your ear because tabs are almost never right 100% and even if what is on the tab is, there are always little nuances that aren't tabbed that you need to listen for and pick up... Do not just go get a tab, strictly play what is on the tab and call it done... A tab can get the ball rolling, but your ear will take what is rough around the edges and polish it, how polished it becomes depends on your ear training...

[@wolfetteplays8894]

I think the strength of tabs is moreso that it’s easy to write your own and pass it on to your bandmates, the producer, etc so it makes it easier to collaborate quickly and effectively

[@matthew.wilson]

With the exception of tablature, these are all totally applicable to pretty much any other instrument. Great vid.

[@DodgeDartSongs]

Great video, Sam. I especially like the last point. It’s easy for musicians to fall into the habit of playing to impress other musicians. The flip side is that you tend to get into a competition mindset. Then music can become un-fun. If you make sounds you love and love the sounds you make, you’ll be happy musician.

[@DaveyH]

Really happy for you to be nearly at a million subs mate. I remember finding your channel about 6/7 years ago and it’s nice to see how far you’ve come. Hoping to get 10% of where you have gotten to one day pal 👍🏼🎸

[@TheMoneyMakingMentor]

Thanks for your help

[@jasmith85]

The final point is the biggest point by far. You even made a video in your garden about this which really spoke out to me. Thank you by the way.

[@mgscheue]

If someone had shown you this video years ago, you would have thought “how can it be I’m seeing me from the future? Is time travel possible? Am I living in a computer simulation?” And great tips!

[@stefankrause5138]

...this would lead into a timetravel-paradoxon, as he wouldn't have made this video in the first place, if someone would have showed this to him in the past.... 🤔

[@mgscheue]

@@stefankrause5138 Good point! He would have avoided those habits, having seen the video, so wouldn’t have made the video… .

[@victormarinelli5660]

Well stated. Probably the most comprehensive video I've seen on the subject. These thoughts were underlying in your message but deserve their own place on your list.....ability and desire. Desire is the key factor. I tell people that I learn by default....play something enough times and you'll eventually reach your goal. For years I carried a parlor size acoustic guitar in my work truck and would work on things at various times through my work day. Having it within reach, I would even grab it and play sitting through long traffic signals. A metronome is an absolute must. Learning parts on the guitar that other instruments play is a great way to expand your abilities. Two of my favorites are the sax solo in Money and the harmonica solo in Runaway.

[@Slew514]

I've found a really good way to train your ear is to try to play along with commercial jingles and t.v. show theme songs. All can be done while chilling and watching t.v. As well playing along with the songs you love is a great way to do it too. Back in my early days you had to wait for the newest edition of Guitar World magazine for the 3 or 4 tabs that would be in the back. If you didn't like the songs or didn't own the cd's you were up the creek till the next month. lol. The access to tabs and online training all for free these days is astounding! I only imagine how much further ahead I'd be if all these things were available to me coupled with all the free time I had back in the day. Love the channel!

[@Kallum]

Just 1k subscribers left to go for 1 million! Holy shit mate you’ve almost done it

[@stephen_weaver]

That player plus/shirt choice combo wooorks

[@BringerOfBloood]

I actually think run on solos can be good or at least very long runs can be, but then you do need to keep moving with it, e.g. keep pushing up the neck, vary techniques, dynamics, etc. Generally though working on phrasing is a very good idea!

[@calebkeller]

the last little monologue is so true. words of wisdom.

[@henryfuller69]

That stratocaster 🤤

[@zman3871]

In case you didn’t know….it’s a fender player plus. They’re not all that expensive actually

[@hotdogslayer4430]

@@zman3871 what's the name of the color? It looks like a candy sunburst

[@kozzi_17]

@@hotdogslayer4430 It's called Tequila Sunrise. They're awesome guitars - not your typical made in Mexico Fender

[@reptarshane]

@@zman3871 yup, I have one in that finish, pretty much perfect price point for what you get.

[@cameronpritchett7512]

Watching your videos makes me realize I've wasted 16 years of playing guitar, mostly because I'm lazy and dont want to actually learn to play guitar. I fake it.

[@MikeB12800]

Same!!

[@chrisking6695]

And ppl like go on YT and watch videos of pro players and comment stuff like " they're inhuman, a raw talent, only chosen ones can reach this level" etc. and I know for a fact that you're just a bunch of lazy ppl who never actually sit down and practice. Practicing is fun. It's so much fun that I'm OBSESSED. I don't understand how it cannot be fun other than when you actually aren't into the instrument that much. But then again, you're watching guitar related videos and so on...a mystery.

[@PhaythGaming]

@@chrisking6695 I think there's some truth to the raw talent argument, but I think it's misguided. People like to say that the mechanics are something that people have as a gift and it's unachievable for some. Or that it's some god giving musicality. It's not. But there's some validity to the point that not everyone is able to sit and focus and really grind an instrument like these pros do. The ability to practice like that lose yourself in that grind, that is a talent that is partially inherent in you are. It is, though, trainable to a certain extend like everything else.

[@workshopblackbird]

Power chords and palm muting will get you surprisingly far. Not proud of that but it’s the truth

[@cameronpritchett7512]

@@workshopblackbird right? Not so much in today's music industry but 30 or 40 years ago? Yeah

[@maxvoloshin_nefariousaquarius]

I'm pro-run-on sentances. A long flurry of notes can be awesome in the right context. Even wind players can develop the ability of circular breathing, which allows them to blow non-stop.

[@KindaKaon]

The ear part is super interesting - I used to play cello, and a lot of my formative years (when I was 5-8) I would only use my ear for learning pieces. I eventually stopped learning via the Suzuki method, and while it made learning sheet music for me much harder (I still struggle with it today, particularly as I learnt in bass clef) it is much easier for me to pick up solos and riffs. That being said, I think Tab along with ear is great, especially for newer players. Seeing how much you can learn by ear and then comparing it to tab lets you learn the subtle intricacies of guitar playing and is a great way to improve.

[@FBNdude]

Not the focus but... Thanks, Sammy G. You detailed a chord progression, Am, G, F, E7, and that worked so well on uke. Started playing that and soloing. You inspired me greatly, so arigatou gozaimasu Sammy Sensei.

[@nulu6091]

Thanks for the tip I’ve been watching you for a while and decided to sub to you. Almost to one mil man! Keep up the great work

[@SwiftyMcswift777]

Man I hate the internet!!! One or two or more say always use a metronome and then three will say don’t use the metronome ,,, because you sound to machanical! Lucky for me I’ve been playing 42 years! And I didn’t listen to people then and I still don’t ! But,,, I do pick up a few tips that I want to incorporate in my playing ! Before and after the internet,,, have to admit since You tube and google I have incorporated so much more. Sammy I only watch you because your a pretty good teacher and very entertaining and show some neat and some not so neat gadgets .That’s why you and Darrel Braun from Canada are the only channels I subscribe to and always try to remember to click like! I’m from SanDiego California ,,, just wandering do you and Darrel know each other? Just realized your both from Canada.

[@kurtslogic7146]

2K away from 1 mill!! Congrats in advance

[@mr.nobody68]

2:58 The biggest thing I noticed in both of these examples is that the mix is way off. The rhythm is super quiet compared to the lead The one about TAB is probably the single most important lesson in this video. 17 years in, and my ear still ain't nothin. I still rely on TAB 100% because I lack the patience needed for ear straining I mean training. Work on your ear, kids. Work on your ear. If you learn nothing else from this video, learn to develop your ear

[@SchrodingersMVP]

MAKE MORE OF THESE!!!! I need these tips! WE ALL NEED THESE TIPS!!!

[@brandynkazali7160]

i think you've honestly mastered the art of thumbnails. have to say, your videos beg me to click them every single time, especially this one with the big bright guitar and clear descriptive message

[@Jacksmusicshack]

Happy one mil dude!!! Congratssss

[@Bloowashere]

I wanna comment on a point you made very quickly. YES YOU SHOULD NEVER EVER PLAY OVER SOMEONE TALKING, IT IS EXTREMELY DISRESPECTFUL. However, if something is being talked about that doesn't concern you, turn that amp off (or turn off volume if it's a different setup) if you're using an electric guitar and decide you want to play if you can separate yourself from that convo enough that you can still hear, but your playing isn't interfering with their conversation they are having. It's about being respectful. Now if it does concern you, the best thing you can do if it is about you and you have a guitar strap on, put the guitar to your side and listen. Ask questions to help you better understand what they are trying to tell you. Don't repeat what they have said to you, and don't say you "got it" until the conversation is done and you do understand what's going on. Again it's about being respectful. Doesn't matter if you're the band leader or not. Just show respect and it will go a long way. People will not want to play with you if you're disrespectful NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE.

[@lordlemmingman]

I think you should have told people to use the metronome about 5 more times. I never played with one and now when I'm recording things I have found that I constantly rushing. No matter what instrument, I'm rushing. I'm going to blame years Guitar Hero for this and how I would compensate for the lag, but this could have easily been fixed just by using a metronome (which I already own).

[@wolfetteplays8894]

Sounds like someone didn’t adjust the offset correctly or buy a CRT

[@christophercook4819]

Gorgeous strat 🤘🏻 anywho I love your content I always learn something from your videos and try to apply what I learn to what I play even though I don’t play nearly as much as I should. I could definitely benefit from your lesson videos but my struggle is making the time to do it as I’m easily distracted and when I’m not distracted slowing myself down and actually focusing. I’ve been playing guitar since I was nine and I’m 31 now but I still consider myself a mediocre guitarist at best but still I try

[@dombowombo3076]

Congratulations on the 1 million Samy G. You earned it. :)

[@jesus_lizard_mu]

1M subs... i remember i only started watching you like a year ago. and i wish i discovered you even earlier

[@NicoDsSBCs]

My worst habbit is my unwillingness to learn from others. It did create my own style, and made me write a lot of music since I only can play my own stuff. But it limits my technique a lot. I now wish I went to music school or got lessons from a better guitarist when I was young. But then again, I don't want to do it now either since I'm so stubborn. I still learn basic stuff every day that I should've known a long time ago. Cheers.

[@jimreadey4837]

5:14 You omitted _yoga_ from your list. Yoga specifically trains us to match our breath with physically-active movement. It weaves the fuller-breathing instinct more directly into our cellular memory.

[@vulpes7005]

CONGRATS ON 1 MILLION

[@tonym7051]

Beautiful strat

[@garethevans2650]

Practicing standing up and plugged in plus a mic helps bake in the stage craft needed to play in public helps me a lot like the metronome tip.

[@Nick-me1ms]

Last one is the most important! I love your vids Sammie G, keep up the positive vibes and thanks for making these awesome videos

[@colthayhurst4199]

I love the honesty. Thank you

[@thebreakfastmenu]

Side note, that Player Plus Strat is HOT

[@AndrewVlogs69]

Wow this is honestly really helpful. Most guitar videos entail my response of "oh thats cool" "i should do that" and i end up not doing it lol

[@jaywhite2059]

I'm looking at a player plus in tequila sunrise just like that strat. I love the feel of it. Hearing someone make it sound beautiful is egging me on

[@reptarshane]

Do it! I bought one a few days ago, it sounds fantastic and plays wonderfully! The neck with the rolled edge fretboard is just sublime. I don’t want to put it down. Huge fan of the Player Plus series, got my eye on a P bass as well.

[@sorenkongshoj]

Another great video! Coming up on that 1 mil. mark. Can't wait! Keep it up.

[@cole3053]

The courses are great guys. Seriously! Thanks Sammy G!

[@dobro.don87]

Ditch the tabs! Train the ears! Read real sheet music! It conveys so much more and is a superior way of communicating musical information! Great video!

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Excellent video and a good reminder not to fall back into bad habits.....good one !

[@sleepyhipster3545]

Wish our drummer would take Tip #6 to heart, swear this guy only plays when we talk. Even tried to play when another band was preforming.

[@GabrielVelasco]

Great segment! Thanks.

[@levonlevon98]

Underdeveloped ear is my pain point right now. Relied on notes/tabs for most of my plays, now it's so painful to train it accordingly. If you take just one thing from this video, please take that one. That will save you so much hustle.

[@MrRcroberts11]

Great video! Also that strat is gorgeous

[@ashleyjohansson230]

Playing 8 gauge strings on a lespaul has made me play much lighter to where I waste less energy playing and can play faster and more accurately and found the secret to sweep picking.

[@zelcanada]

Even as a seasoned guitarist, I found these tips insightful... Good job, Sammy G!

[@kylevandeusen]

997. So close man. Can't wait to say congrats 👏

[@alexvath2838]

I definitely feel like I was told things I needed to hear. I've been playing for 16 years(?) and I feel like I have a new thought process forming already. Heavily considering using your online courses to get my kid more involved and using that as an excuse to better my own playing 😂

[@TheGilmourJones]

For the tunnel ear I’d recommend backing tracks! It’s a bad habit I’ve delt with. The metronome wouldn’t be much help cause playing on the beat wasn’t the problem, however playing to the bars and time signatures were problematic.

[@wolfetteplays8894]

Buy a metronome where you can adjust the signature, or better yet, get one of those newfangled “smart” ones that lets you create a custom time track

[@VinTheHero]

So close to 1 million subs!!!

[@artisticgm4647]

thanks Sammy G, I really appreciate your experience and knowledge!! I love the lesson videos

[@hannahheeeh]

Super helpful! Thanks for the tips!!!

[@okiwatashi2349]

I’ve been playing guitar for over 40 years now, I still suck. People keep telling me that to get better you have to practice. If this was true, there would be evidence, oh wait.

[@mountieman18]

8:47 chords are the bane of my existence when going by ear. Especially with genre's that have heavy distortion.

[@AnimalJohn85]

These are all such good n valid things, keep up the crackin work sir.

[@10kscipioblr18]

That strat sounds great btw

[@bigjack986]

idk if this was just me but when I started I would only down pick. I did it for years and it was really hard to learn to alternate.

[@cameronbird8327]

Great video Sammy G

[@saltydog9185]

Awesome vid bud. A lot of great info here. 😉👍

[@jafo1970]

Thanks for the great vid -- helpful as always!

[@InvertedProphet]

I have been Playing guitar for a long time. Now my theory is terrible. I mostly play with tabs. My biggest issue with tabs is so many are wrong in some way. I tend to use the tab as a guide and then try to correct it as I go. I'm happy where I am at with my playing and where I am at now.

[@JuiceboxDesmond]

Love it. Thanks Sammy G

[@SPierreLK]

Love that guitar.

[@snoog3439]

I'm currently in a guitar class at my school and I definitely have tunnel hearing, because the teacher will be creating a rhythm with the metronome and after a little bit i completely lose track of the metronome and get lost in whatever speed my hands decide to go at.

[@t3hgir]

Good video. I rely on tabs to train my ear and figure out the actual way to play it lol.

[@helder6175]

Bad habit: play electric guitar the "cowboy" way (over the right leg [being right-handed]). Good habit: play electric guitar the "Andrés Segovia" way (over the left leg [being right-handed])... which is the same side while playing standing up. It's the natural way.

[@PerpetuallyTiredMillennial]

Ayyy Sammy G picked up the same players plus strat as me! Good taste

[@zazovecchi]

Congrats on 1 m subs

[@Willharlow]

This guy is amazing

[@xxsayabetoxx]

I bow to the samuraiguitarist!

[@azbluesdog]

My bad habit of not embracing the metronome forced me to tap my feet. When one foot pushes the beat, I switch to the other.

[@nedaj_1]

7:54 really depends on genre i play tech death so i would rather deepthought a cactus than to learn a Rings of Saturn song by ear

[@LilLingLing6789]

The Internet wasn't out for tabs I had to wait for my brothers friends to get out of prison 😂😂😂

[@bassanup]

sending it to some of my fellow guitarists, specially to take a look at number 6 ( 9:20)

[@Krisboy666]

1 million is coming :)

[@robswystun2766]

Thanks.

[@TigerWill]

Somewhere in another dimension:SamuraiBassist

[@zorloc111]

Every drummer I've worked with is notorious for Bad Habit #6. Whether a professional or an otherwise, it's in their blood it seems lmao.

[@KeanuChrist]

Congratulations on 1 million subscribers! Also, Davie504 name dropped you in his latest video because of the DG-20.

[@iutchube]

Amazing video! Let's hope guitar learners watch it.🤞

[@Gwyn1stborn]

Another version of Tunnel Hearing is when you think a song goes a certain way

[@seanarooni]

thanks i will tell other people they have these bad habits while refusing to turn my awareness inward

[@MashaT22]

Why does everyone dog on Hot Cross Buns?! 😂😂😂

[@InAtlasAtLast]

When it comes down to it, guitar playing is an art. Play how you want to. But, he has great points

[@NeCoruption]

I hate when someone makes pure logical points on things and someone just says "play how you want" No, listen to the bad habits and stop doing them. Stop acting like people are to sensitive to be told their doing something wrong, OR that there are better ways to do what their doing. This is the sole reason why people don't get better. Because of the 'l"play like you want" people. Nobody is playing how they want if it's wrong. Period.

[@dissectyourself2008]

999k subs 🙏 soon he'll be a real big shot

[@drewk6614]

My worst habit is going way to hard on the vibrato. Now it's so hard to play a slow tasteful line now without shaking the notes like crazy.