How To Know If You're An Intermediate Guitarist (And why it's important)

[@moonvals]

What is a great guitarist ? Is it someone that can shred like crazy ? Is it someone that knows all the chords ? Or someone creative and orginal ? I have friend who is really good, can solo very well and is fast, awesome guitarist. Is he than better than say, David Gilmour ? For me the creative guitar players are the best. Like Gilmour, Frusciante, Morello….

[@RobChappers]

That is a fantastic question, to me a great Guitarist is one who is able to make real, the music he hears in his head, play it cleanly, and make it his own.

[@larstu24]

I agree. A great guitarist can create music from his influences.

[@steved1099]

I always refer to this exact philosophy you are talking about… guitars stores are full of 16 year olds who can play the entire passion and warfare album note for note. But are merely photocopy machines, ultra technical - yes, able to write original music, can improvise - no. After a certain level technique becomes less important and the players choice of notes at a certain time is far more important.

[@kungfumonkeyfluff]

It's not sport, it's art. All subjective.

[@michaellunny8156]

Great question For me, a great guitar player can sit down and play with anyone without having to ask what key they're playing in. A great player will enhance the other guitarist. He knows he could blow them away, but rather play with them then to just play for himself.

[@angusyoung9594]

Why is my category, 'Shite Guitarist', not covered in this video. A terrible oversight, sir!!!

[@mlambrechts1]

:-) If you're in to that category, you can only improve yourself.

[@angusyoung9594]

@@mlambrechts1 45 years of disappointment says otherwise. But I still love playing.

[@RobChappers]

I’m sure you don’t really fall under that category, maybe you just need some encouragement! I’ll tell you what, DM me a link to your playing on my Instagram page @rob_chappers and I will hit you back with some tips

[@DuskbloomRose]

@@RobChappersthat’s really cute and wholesome. Interesting video!

[@angusyoung9594]

@@RobChappers Hey, Rob, very kind of you. DM coming later this evening.

[@mickthebandit]

The Dunning-Kruger Effect is very strong with guitarists

[@glenngardin3561]

Excellent point!

[@cyruss2946]

Specially with the guy who made the video! Kkkk

[@johnmcevoy3598]

_Fake it 'til you make it_ has its benefits.

[@Traumglanz]

Sure and that's why all intermediat players are thinking they are advanced players, and everyone else calls himself dabbling a bit in the art of guitar, but still being a beginner. ;-)

[@jakyru1981]

And all humans!!!

[@sandoncrowder7839]

I'm just a hobbyist guitar player, never going to play on a stage or with anyone else. It's just something fun and relaxing to do after a long day. I know enough to get around the fretboard and make some nice sounds, and I can play a few songs, that's all I really need to be happy.

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

I have played a lot and have been with a drummer or another guitarist to jam and those skills are ok but my theory and knowledge is horrible so I'm kind of all over the board.... eh, whatever works for you. My judgemental, opinionated years are long behind me. You'll get no hate from me.

[@kipawbrey4750]

Playing by or for yourself is loads of fun, but if you run across a couple of like minded guys play with others is a lot of fun. Know body says we have to be great, just have fun.

[@TommyGunzzz]

Most guitarists today are, they just film themselves with a nice camera and cheap lighting from Amazon and start KZbin channels. Which you should as well

[@CamCo55]

Same - Just play my favourite jams in the basement

[@3521rob]

Quite a bit of waffle going on !

[@nevillecampbellbarker]

I’ve been playing over 30 years and still see myself as just scratching the surface of playing the guitar and understanding music … it’s a lifelong quest to me that I’ll never get tired with.

[@JackThomas-t4m]

Are you toothless

[@IanWrigleyNZ]

Intermediate. As the saying goes. When I was a young man I wanted to play the guitar badly. Now I am older, I have achieved that aim.

[@winstonsmith8240]

😅 sweet.

[@brendajeannewyche]

🤣🤣🤣

[@RobChappers]

😂

[@GauravKhuranaxy]

Same category here :) intermediate after 10 years of playing . Although the way Rob put it I might be more advanced than I thought. Still a long way to go. Never ending journey . Nicely put btw 😂

[@sidewaysrain7609]

Then there is "EXPERT!"

[@vinnyalascia]

I've been playing for over 40 years and still count myself as beginner since I am always learning new things about the guitar.

[@noi5emaker]

Everyone is a beginner. There are no 'advanced' players, except in their own little minds!

[@natetracknatehagenmusic5442]

Any good musician will always attempt to keep the beginners mind in some fashion. If you're attempting to learn you're forever growing. The second you think you've got it all figured out you're stagnant. The beginner's mind is a gold mine.

[@zingleraster9124]

Well said

[@texasreddirt1408]

Agreed. Based on his description of the categories I'm definitely an advanced player. However, I still spend most of my time working on new techniques and concepts as a beginner would.

[@MusicMotivator]

Growth mindset

[@chrismaxwell1624]

I read about this the other day. There is two types brains. One thinks bottom up. Get all the detail then build up and see where they end up. This mind set isn't finished when the figure it out. Then top down type brains. They figure out outline with in limits creating a big picture of what should look like. Once they have it all figured out they done. Most people are top down types. Example of bottom up people are artistic people that don't know what they are painting till the painting is done. Imagine the with guitar, playing something and not knowing what it will be till it's done. Love to play like that.

[@jakob-music]

absolutely agree, its all in your head

[@jonahray1333]

Been playing for about 8 years now and somehow feel like a beginner, intermediate and advanced player at the same time. Learning new things every day along with new ways to apply them

[@DiogoMauriMusic]

That's funny i feel "kind of the same", and been playing for about 10 years. If you do the same as me and start now learning what you are actualy doing after 9 years of random self tought playing it will be much easyer cause you have a much better ear than most beginers.

[@alan-muscat]

You're probably an intermediate guitar player with holes in your knowledge. I feel exactly like that.

[@MattZildjian]

been playing for 20+ years, still a beginner! :)

[@tomwatson283]

43 years for me. Never fully grasped it. Just about becoming a beginner.

[@mrtod13]

I've only been a beginner for 37 years 😂 I do love gear though 😯

[@neilkeepingitreal]

I can play along to a bit of acdc then it's stops...its been like that for many years...😂

[@eckeynecker]

​@@neilkeepingitrealI was a bit like that then I started breaking on through to the other side , a bit .

[@Stratan67]

Advanced but no shredder. Been playing for 40+ years and still learning new stuff.

[@George.K1]

At the start of the video, I believed I was an intermediate player. By the end and according to you, it seems that I am an advanced player. I've never improved so fast before and without even having to practice. Thanks for that.

[@AugustBurnsSam]

I now feel somewhere between Intermediate and Advanced. I understand a lot of relations about music theory, chords and harmony, but I still struggle with the fretboard and even the fretting differences between the G and B strings (one being a Major Third above rather than a full fourth). My skills are really scattered because I learned what interested me (as best I could) which is a lot of progressive metal and other subgenres, as well as drums, piano and bass.

[@fartaignelives6889]

Almost 50 and I’m a beginner, in life and especially the guitar. Proud of it!

[@ryanshaw243]

Doesn’t matter about age as long as you enjoy the learning, I’ve even gone back to basics to discover that there’s better more comfortable ways to hold a pick, I’m 38 and been playing since 15 and still go back to basics and discover something new

[@jamesburr25]

Same I’m 45 this year, played a little in my teens but not touched a guitar in over 20yrs, so just starting my journey now

[@indiedavecomix3882]

Are you like me? I started learning guitar because I can't afford a motorcycle. 😆

[@chucklesucka]

Beginnermediate! Is that a thing? If it is that would be me after 30years of noodling and only recently trying seriously to play for realsies

[@chrisjaillet8436]

Hey Rob, I am 67 years on this planet. I've been playing guitar off and on for a little over fifty years. I taught myself how to transpose without having formal training. Sight reading is a bit beyond my skill level. One of my crowning achievements was figuring out Hotel California from the middle of the song out to both ends and embarrassingly still didn't know the notes the individual strings were tuned to. On another occasion I was attending a house party and was told to bring my guitar. I left the guitar in my vehicle while I checked out the calibre of musicians also attending. ( I knew one of them and he was a stunning guitarist). 8 consummate musicians in the room with several variations of stringed instruments fantastic music and no singer. My girlfriend at the time retrieved my guitar and once seen I was encouraged by the others to tune up and join in. I became the party singer encouraging all to sing along. It was a great time. After much music I was taking a break when an elderly gentleman approached striking up a conversation stating he was enjoying the music. I asked if he played, he smiled and said yes, piano. When he told me that he was the music professor at the local University I was instantly embarrassed and apologetic for butchering some of the tunes played earlier. He assured me that I did no such thing and said, " I cannot teach what you have. As good as those musicians are here tonight, they are not having fun with music as you are". (the musicians in the room were the professors students). I was humbled and honoured by his comment and took them for words of encouragement and promised myself to always have fun with music where learning and playing guitar is concerned. I love open and alternate tunings and dreamy chord arrangements. And Yes I am a student of guitar. still and always! I would say I am an Intermediate guitarist. Love your stuff Rob. Cheers!

[@PeterBlokland]

The more you know, the more you know what you don't know ....

[@geraldthurnher6816]

😊

[@geraldthurnher6816]

good comment chrisjaillet

[@stoneysdead689]

That's a beautiful story, I don't believe it happened but- beautiful, none the less. The turth is that playing by ear is no more fun than playing by sight reading- I've done both, both have value and their place. But ppl who seem to think formal training will somehow steal your soul- are morons. It's just not true- and I don't know of any music professor who wouldn't agree. It's akin to believing if you know optical physics a rainbow isn't as special to you- b.s.

[@shanebuzzell1889]

I would say you are advanced chrisjaillet

[@rodnyg7952]

I've been playing for 40something yrs., various bands, in studio, small live venues, countless jam sessions, about 30 or so completed original songs mixed & mastered, and never cared if I were a beginner, intermediate, or advanced musician. Never really thought about it to be honest. The only thing I did early on was play with other musicians who were much better than me. Like that I always had something to learn

[@nohillforahighstepper]

Same goes for me. I'm 58 now and still learning new stuff, still playing with pickers that I consider better than me.

[@rodnyg7952]

@@nohillforahighstepper sure, makes sense to me. Nothing more boring or frustrating than playing with other musicians who are worse than you :)

[@nohillforahighstepper]

@@rodnyg7952 For sure!

[@nohillforahighstepper]

@@rodnyg7952 Every once in awhile, you find other musicians that can "just play", and a little magic happens, and something amazing is born. Those times are what keeps me playing...

[@rodnyg7952]

@@nohillforahighstepper ya, it's kind of uncommon, but sometimes you find other musicians that just completely click with your artistic thinking and playing. For me it's always been others who play to contribute to the song rather than feel they have to always be the most important part in it

[@NaeLit]

Everyone is a beginner. My guitar teacher taught me when I was first learning “you don’t know that you don’t know what you don’t know.” So we are constantly learning. the cup is never full, but it’s also not empty.

[@pauldsheppard126]

Absolutely. Always learning, never learned.

[@Ripperx121]

I am a beginner / intermediate. 38 years of playing. But you say intermediate Rob! That makes me feel a bit better. But I have taken breaks for years. I own 9 guitars, 1 bass, 1 Roland TD-27 VAD 507 Drum Kit. And all the gear to record. I am in my Mid 50's. I used to play out at open mic nights in the late 90s and that was the best time of my life. I wish to get back to that. My good friend that kept me going doesn't want to play anymore. Finding friends at 55 years old that wanna jam is impossible. I am in some Facebook groups for open mic's but have not attended any yet. Some of them the kids are much younger than me. So I won't fit in well. But! Still going and I am happy I got into this in the the 80's. Good video Rob! Lifted me up a bit!

[@williammolina9792]

After 20 years. I'm still a beginner...

[@davidwolfe4770]

I've been playing various instruments almost my entire boomer life and performed in various ensembles, but I've only been playing guitar for about 10 years. I read and understand music, but learning the mechanics of the guitar and how to translate what I learned on piano (one linear scale) to guitar (five/six different linear scales in parallel which vary by tuning) has been challenging and addictive. From that perspective, my level is a blend of competencies that are further complicated when considering musical genres and playing styles. Bottom line, I don't see a practical purpose is slotting myself into a generic level. Instead, I focus on what I want to continue to improve. From that perspective, I'll never stop being a learner, and that's the most useful level for categorizing my abilities.

[@themayze]

Love the way Rob is non judgmental and it’s about sharing the individual journey and enjoying the experience. Great stuff Mr Chapman 🤘

[@stevecassidyguitar]

FLAC! HEAT! I think I'm an intermediate and I teach for a living and play out most weekends. Music/Guitar/ is my primary income, and I've still got loads to learn. I know a lot of stuff, but there's way more I don't know and can't play. I can't Guthrie or Gatton, or Martin Taylor

[@RobChappers]

Ha ha what’s up Steve, nice to see you here man, I’ve seen you playing and you’ve got nothing to worry about ❤

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@RobChappers I'll take it from the ManChap! 😀🙏

[@oneirdaathnaram1376]

You are way too humble. But I like the way you are ... 🥰

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@oneirdaathnaram1376 Thank ya kindly pal 😀🙏 "Intermediate" might be a subjective term 🤔. 1 min you think you're great then you watch KZbin for 5 mins and realise... "Oh 😐... John Cordy Exists" 🙈

[@c.h.fieldsports9876]

You’re definitely not intermediate mate , not from what I saw/heard the other day , definitely advanced 👍👍🤠🎸

[@jasondejong3062]

It is a very interesting thing to ask yourself as a guitar player. Because I feel like the “ego” wants to immediately go to advanced. But being a guy that literally learned everything I know by ear, there is probably so much beginner knowledge that would benefit my playing overall. So higher end intermediate would be my self evaluation even though there is so much chordal knowledge that I have yet to discover. But that’s what keeps you going! So many comments about having a beginners mindset so you don’t become stagnant, which is such great advice for any guitar player at any level. Just keep picking up the wood and wire baby🤘🏼

[@tomhaefner5213]

Been a beginning guitarist since 1968...and I still got a looooottttt to learn

[@anthonymizzi1490]

Guitar is my hobby, I love the way they look the way they sound, I love guitars in general. Been playing/goofing for about 6 years I’m an intermediate beginner and I’m stuck there.

[@TractorMonkeywithJL]

I classify myself at the top end of beginner. I've been playing for 55 years but I never got any better.

[@NoobSaibot564]

Resonates with me too. Played for 14 years and consider myself as a really advanced beginner 😊 no time, nor talent nor drive to get any better

[@skepticalfaith5201]

Similar, but I consider myself an advanced intermediate. I know all the notes and chords and theory, but could never move into the more advanced topics like jazz or improvisation. Can’t really write lyrics or melody. Don’t really have that great of an ear for it.

[@garlandlabat4922]

A great guitarist is one whose music people want to listen to. It may be shreding, jazz or country, but it must be tastefully and beautifully done, whether it's lightening fast or a slow ballad.

[@kightsofdoom]

I had thought I as an intermediate player for some time, but later last year I noticed I had missed several important beginner skills. So I dug out my Hal Leonard guitar books and started working through the basics again, and already I am enjoying guitar playing more.

[@wernervanderwalt8541]

Done that a few times over the years

[@tammanaq]

I've been playing for over 30 years and teach guitar fulltime. I see beginner level as at least 3 levels. Intermediate covers around 4-5 levels. And advanced covers at least 10 levels or so. And an advanced rockguitarist can be a beginner jazz player at the same time. The beauty of the guitar is, that it's universe is so big - no single guitarist in history has been able to really fully master ALL of it's possibilities.

[@chuckster5798]

Never stop, never stop learning! Even masters learn something everytime they play!

[@jonathanstrand2474]

Randy Rhoads signed up for a lesson everywhere he went with Ozzy, AND his family ran a music school!

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Never stop... always keep an open mind... everyone started laughing at jazz in the 70's until evh started channeling holdsworth, then everyone started listening to holdsworth and Coltrane. Never stop learning, always broaden your horizons

[@charliepayne9248]

I began playing guitar when i was about 12yrs old… I am nearly 60yrs old…. I had lessons and this enabled me and my mates to form a band, we were terrible, but, it was great fun. Over the years i got much better and in the early 80s started playing in London supporting some great bands like New Model Army, Billy Bragg, The Men They Couldn’t Hang, The Pogues etc. I even went for an audition for a band called The Sex Gang Children at Apple Music in Soho Square… a great experience, but i didn’t get in….. I do feel though that it was a lot easier to play live,especially in London and the surrounding areas. Today i just play for my own enjoyment, I’m fortunate to have a guitar room, with my amps, pedals and various instruments. How would i rate my progress? I have no idea… But, I ain’t arf enjoyed it and i still do. Charlie.

[@bkmeahan]

a 20 year beginner

[@magdalenastewart3595]

same here. Sadly😂

[@tchaliz4925]

So do I, how do we do it?

[@DG-bb1jz]

Same here.. 20 years as well. I blame just not devoting my entire childhood/teenage years to just music.. it’s all coming together easier though when I really dig in on music theory and new stuff. It’s a lifetime journey that never ends for anyone really.

[@jasongrapentin1063]

other than the obvious (beginners and people who just cant play) its really subjective. what do you want to do? shred? learn covers? write songs? play around camp fires? i think it depends on what your personal goal is with playing and how far along that path you are at the current moment. id classify myself as an intermediate player but im a songwriter so i just write what i think sounds cool. so, to me, it doesnt matter

[@RegieFilho]

I roam the vast realms of the intermediate kingdom. Thanks for this Rob!

[@zeppelin264]

I consider myself an "Advanced Beginner" after 22 years of playing. lol

[@DJBuglip]

Advanced. I picked up a guitar in 1972. I turned down a major label contract in 1990. Spent years on the road sleeping in vans. And there's STILL way more to learn than I'll ever have time to get to. I love the guitar, its limitless.

[@Kallum]

I genuinely think, after watching this video, i am right in between intermediate and advanced. I know chord relations and western music quite well, i know many scales and can play them in most positions in all keys. I am able to write my own music and i make new music in a band. I play blues, metal, jazz, pop, whatever, and i learn most songs by ear. You gave me some confidence Rob ;) The thing that does not make me advanced yet, is technique (I think). I can't play super fast, i struggle with techniques like sweep picking and hybrid picking etc. I guess practice makes perfect

[@EETMySheet]

That's why they call it guitar playing, not guitar knowing.

[@oneirdaathnaram1376]

@@EETMySheet Exactly. You've hit the point, I'd say. 👌

[@Nate-yu2xs]

I'm a solid beginner/ starting intermediate. Currently learning all the notes of the fretboard and starting to be able to play licks. It's truly rewarding to be this far but also what's to come is exciting as the guitar journey continues truly excites me!

[@gaberpgtv3859]

This was such a great video! I feel that someone needed to say this. I felt that it was very well stated about the different levels and where you are as a guitar player. I also enjoyed a lot of the references you used about constructing music.

[@RobChappers]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🤘🏽

[@chatrick203]

I've been creating music for a very long time, and I still consider myself an intermediate player. Having something to reach for always keeps the journey fresh and never-ending. Not to mention the fact that the journey really is never-ending, lol.

[@UnionAlley]

Been playing since 1981. Completely self-taught. Have done pretty well. Made a few records etc, been on a few tours blah blah. The light bulb moment for me was when I gave up trying to emulate what everyone else was doing and concentrated on my own strengths and developed my own style. I'm no genius but I can confidently say that I am the best at what I do! However, had youtube been around back in the day I would probably be a more "rounded" player but then I wouldn't be me! Although every time I play is a learning experience. Cool video. Very entertaining.

[@justinelliott7136]

My guitar journey when I first started was about transferring my advanced keyboard skills to the fretboard. I could already improvise, create my own compositions, arranging those compositions etc so it was about learning the navigation of the fretboard and the techniques to manipulate the strings to be able to make the music in my head with a guitar. So many guitarists spend so much time learning the fretboard and the multitude of techniques associated with the guitar while their musicianship, understanding of harmony and melody fall short and thus they might never reach their full potential as a musician. If you have the understanding of music, the playing part on a fretboard will always flourish along with that knowledge. I think its first better to evaluate where you lie as a musician rather than a guitarist first which will help in one's musical journey whatever instrument you play.

[@TheTazman63]

Interesting discussion. I’m in the category of players who’ve played for a very long time. Know my cords and can play along with songs of my favorite bands, however I lack the theory knowledge. Just now trying to grasp that, I would say I’m intermediate player but beginner at theory 🤣

[@Myztyrio]

I was expecting to be intermediate because I’m not a very technical player. But based on your definition of having the tools and knowledge to freely create, I’m definitely advanced. It helps that I have a vast musical background that I’ve built my guitar journey upon

[@BigBig5]

My level is 0 because I am a drummer.

[@Billy-rn5ku]

I started playing guitar again at 44 years old and was never good at the guitar. I'm still not good at the guitar. I am getting better and noticing progress. Mostly I don't even try to learn songs. I'm getting to know the building blocks. Because several times a week I get music in my head. I can hear every note and beat and it's awesome. I'm very good with language so I always have words that go with it. I'm a beginner at playing guitar, and always will be. But I'm doing this so that I can all of this new music out of my head and put it into a tangible form.

[@williammg9135]

Thanks for this Rob. I struggle with guitar and had thought maybe I am an intermediate, but now feel comfortable saying I am an intermediate player. You echoed something my guitar teacher told me about my song writing. I haven't written that many and frankly they all have the same vibe - minor. And he said one day I have a "tendency to float towards the minor side of things". I guess this is what you mean about having a sound. But heh, I'm an old guy, I've earned my sorrows lol! Thanks again for the video!

[@davidbachy5627]

You can never go wrong approaching any subject as a beginner.

[@rageracing6435]

Been “playing” since 2010. I’m still a beginner. I will proudly proclaim that. I wish I had time to invest to make it to that next level but being a business owner and father to a 4 year old my time is spent mostly running scales silently on the couch at night unplugged while my family sleeps. The JCM800 sits quietly waiting for the day I can unleash its fury. Someday. Someday. Thanks for the content Rob! Watched your stuff for years!

[@stevelaferney3579]

Keep playing so when you have time you’ll be just that much further along. Oh, and stay healthy. It’s much easier to learn and advance that way. And you can start you kid too if they want. Music is great for learning anything else.

[@MikaelKonradsson]

Im currently in the exact same situation! Been trying to focus all my "downtime" to just guitar and not being a potato in front of the computer like many nights might look like

[@Robert-Smith]

My fingers don't like playing my acoustic much anymore and my ears don't like loud so I think that puts me in your category unplugged with my Strat LOL!

[@ImYourOverlord]

Remind yourself often that we improve in some way every time we play for at least ten minutes 🙂

[@rageracing6435]

@@Robert-Smith Nice! Epiphone Les Paul for me. I never played standing up so now I'm making the best use of my time trying to relearn everything while standing. Changes the hand position and finger reach immensely.

[@estarling8766]

The guitar gives you the space and possibility to start an endless experiment with the sound. Thus however good you may become meanwhile you find yourself always somewhere in the middle.

[@simonsmith9942]

Given this definition I'm an advanced player, but when anyone asks me I'll say I'm a beginner. I'm always learning. . Great video Rob.

[@lasombra_br]

I'm a true old beginner. Still getting excited about learning 7th chords 🙂

[@guitar9310]

My favorite guitarists are, artistic guitarists. They paint a picture. You'll never know how well they know instrument because they never give everything away. Only what is absolutely necessary per the situation!

[@BlazonStone]

Johnny Ramone didn't do anything flashy but he still inspired a whole generation of people to pick up a guitar and rock out!

[@SMarcey]

I am a beginner and have been for years, im going as slow as possible and making sure that Im making a point to having fun and enjoying every time I pick up my guitar. I dont care if it takes me 10 years to move away from that beginner phase, as long as im having fun and learning something new along the way im set.

[@lews611712]

I love this conversation Rob. Because as guitar collectors, we obsess over the material instrument. But then as guitar players, we look inward and the material disappears.

[@bbowjazz]

63 and have been playing guitar for much of the past 50 years, with a few years off for career and family concerns. Still taking lessons for Classical and Jazz, focused on learning the fundamentals correctly -- and this continues even while advancing into more complex techniques and pieces. Progress is slow yet rewarding. Not comparing myself with others brings peace. Focusing on being a musician first and guitar player second.

[@dustybuffalo9973]

Surround yourself with people who are better than you. Of course you should never compare yourself to others, but how good you think you are is largely a product of the level of musicianship around you. I have the privilege of playing with so many freakishly talented people that I will always consider myself an intermediate guitarist, and I love it!

[@gben2457]

I played a gig with a band who's guitar player fell ill and couldn't play. I just asked the bass player what key we were in for each song. Had a lot of fun figuring things out on the fly. The crowd enjoyed the show. I'm intermediate.

[@jacjones7414]

Thanks Rob. This really makes sense. What you are essentially explaining is Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning. There are six stages, each thought to require deeper cognitive reasoning. The stages are knowledge (remember an A chord) / understanding (relationships between chords) / applying (putting together some chords)/ analysing (read music and figure out what it means) / evaluating (being able to tell why something is good or bad) / synthesis (using all the above to create something new). Noone will probably read this, but I hope it's of interest to someone :)

[@jimlarkin4669]

Great points! I recently realized that I've been overly concerned with gear and not practicing enough. Great gear is nice to have. It makes playing more enjoyable. But it's not a substitute for practice. "Practice Makes Improvement".

[@dxdelafu]

3 years of weekly lessons and I’m still in the “sh$&” beginner level. 😢 But here’s the beauty of this. My instructor noticed that I never missed a lesson while I was attending Columbia Business School. He told me that because he saw how I would not stop learning he decided to take lessons himself. And this guy is incredible at guitar. So learning is key to success. And being a beginner is not a bad place to be.

[@charliemoore2551]

Wow! This was seriously informative. I'm 67. I've been playing since I was 17. I think of myself as being in all 3 categories at the same time. I very definitely have my own sound and partly understand how I make it but I also find myself learning new things that someone who had been properly taught would have learned at a much earlier stage. If I was starting again I would probably set out to learn much more theory early on but would I enjoy it as much if I did that? Dunno! What I do know is that playing gives me pleasure which, so far, has increased the more I do it and I don't really care where it ends up. But if you're a young 'un, I advise listening to Rob. This guy knows what he's talking about and, who knows? You might end up being a proper guitar player instead of an old bus driver like me having a wee bit of fun in the spare room.

[@pedroleonicarus4659]

After seeing this video I've reached the conclusion that it's very difficult to be a "fully" begginer, intermediate or advanced guitar player. I play in a band, we make constant gigs/rehearsals, and we love to both compose our own music and to improvise/jam on spot. I can deal with it quite well, i can improvise into any key, into different chord progressions, into different rhytms/styles and do it with my own personal sound/taste. But at the same time I still know many things that I can't apply freely in my playing, and there are many more things that I know only the basis or don't even know nothing about. In conclusion I guess we are "trapped" in a cycle of learning, applying and mastering the guitar, never reaching the "end goal". And I think this is amazing. I mean, we don't need to know everything or be an absolute master at everything to be a good player or to make good music or even enjoy playing with friends for other people. And we also don't need to be bored because there's always something new to learn, apply and master. We're all begginers, intermediates and professionals in our own way.

[@Ian-u1d8p]

I think you’re absolutely right mate.

[@arndfeige2884]

What I like most: decoupling the knowledge gear (like the correct resistance of the perfect '59 PAF) and _playing_ the guitar and making music :-)

[@DeliciaTrini]

On my guitar journey, I've learned that there are also levels within a level. There are absolute beginners just learning the open chords, intermediate beginners learning how to play songs, and advanced beginners who can play multiple songs and sing at the same time by memory using all open chords in the first three frets effortlessly. In the intermediate level, there are also beginner intermediates just getting comfortable with barre chords, then solid intermediate who are learning the CAGED system, triads and inversions, music theory, major minor and pentatonic scales and the notes on the fretboard and advance intermediates who know all the modes and and intervals and can make melodies all over the fretboard with speed so I believe there are levels within levels. It think we know what level we are when we take an actual course.

[@garyrochussen3430]

I know what the building blocks are, and I've built the kit as Lego intended. I'm now trying to take the pieces apart and assemble stuff on my own. I have a few simple designs of my own, but i don't have the ability yet to build everything I hear in my head. I think I an either a strong intermediate of a very beginner advanced guitarist. One thing i know for sure; I am going to be learning for the rest of my life. And I don't know where the journey will take me, but I sure am enjoying the ride! Thanks for contributing to the journey of all of us who check out your channel!

[@baynesstreetblues]

A very useful distinction Rob. Personally I have never had any illusions (or desire) to be an advanced player, despite playing in rock bands and acoustic duos for four decades! This has given me an enormous amount of pleasure collaborating with different people around the world playing gigs. But I remain firmly in the ‘competent intermediate category’ playing rhythm and doing lead/backup vocals. Mates I’ve known who are really good lead guitarists (read advanced players) are a different breed; they have theory nailed and practice obsessively. Most aspiring guitar Sun Gods, unless they are playing in a trio, need a good rhythm player to set the groove and play a few short riffs and fills. That’s my niche - and for many others of my vintage too.

[@Bubuthakid]

Hell yeah! I'm intermediate/advanced

[@azbluesdog]

Back in the 70s, I was forced to take swimming lessons by my mother because she herself couldn't swim. Here's how that worked: You started out as a beginner and earned these little cards that got you into the next swim class: advanced beginner, intermediate, swimmer. Pretty sure I could swim across a freaking lake before I had all those damn cards! When I started playing guitar in my teens, at first I didn't know what I was doing, but I played the music I liked, joined a band, got gigs, and earned the respect of other players. Never once did we refer to each other as "certain level" guitarists.

[@Wodawic]

This is really a great perspective. Really glad you didn't go down the "I can rip the Freudulonian scale" route. I hope we all said the same thing upon introspection of where we're at given your context. #1 I'm still learning some basics - not the basic basics, but the next-level stuff... #2 I can put things together easily with the easy stuff, but love to experiment with the new stuff I've learned. And then #3 "At one point playing with some guys, I just 'created' the most unique and outstanding segment of guitar comp you'll ever hear"... Not only do the skills change, but so do the motivations of the moment. When it hits, it just hits. And even if you or I recorded it, it won't ever be the same without those other guys doing what they did during that particular jam.

[@sisuriffs]

By your definition (which I enjoyed hearing and thinking about), I am advanced, but each day I feel just as I did when I first picked up a guitar: excited and trying to master ‘the next thing’.

[@coffeewithmyfatherjwolfe5317]

Perpetual beginner, I’ve been playing for years and learn something new every time I play.

[@zzcanasta]

What you've just described is the hallmark of every truly advanced/professional/expert guitarist I've ever met.

[@brianneely508]

It's been 7 years, playing about an hour every day, and I'd go with early intermediate. I know the chords, I can build the keys, I understand how it all fits together, but I've just started playing with other people in the past couple months, and holy crap, that's a whole next level of learning to do. It's pretty fantastic. I look forward to never running out of new stuff to learn. I expect I'll be intermediate for most of the rest of my life.

[@paulcarter105]

Beginner intermediate hobby guitarist. Who’s focused on finding my own sound and style over the past 8-9 years. Playing in drop C# and C Drawing influences from Adam Jones, mark tremonti. More recently over the past 3-5 years from ola englund, rebea and rob arnald. Learned basic major and minor scales and chords. Enough to get by and just riff around and improvise. Best advice I heard recently from Zakk wylde was on practicing. He said you don’t practice playing video games you just play and get better and that’s how I’ve viewed guitar. Not saying that I don’t want to learn something new but once it becomes a chore it’s no longer fun

[@azazelsgoat]

After 30+ years of self teaching, I would say I'm a beginner intermediate. KZbin has accelerated my learning, it's such a great tool.

[@yoster77]

I feel stuck at beginner at age 41 after playing for about 3-4 years, and being increasingly frustrated with myself that I didn't begin learning guitar when I was a young lad. People like you Rob (and John Petrucci lol!) inspired me to start, but I've realized, there's no way I'll ever be able to shred like you guys. I simply started way, way too late. So now I'm admittedly "that guy" who is a beginner but has all the "stuff" (mostly cheap stuff but still stuff) - because well, it's what I can do and I'm at having fun it it, though still frustrated that I don't learn as quickly as those kids do lol.

[@donaldashburn360]

I'm 65 and have been playing for 7 years. From your video Rob I would have to 'class' myself as intermediate, yet I cant/don't play songs. What I can do is put on a slowish backing track and solo along in any key. This is because of a bit of theory knowledge. I know I've hit a wall now and I also know why. It's because I only play alone at home. My rhythm is probably terrible as a result of this but I don't even know this for sure. Having said all this I love just picking up my Strat and losing myself for an hour. It's better than meditation for me.

[@danielcotton7707]

This was a harsh reality video that after 25yrs of playing I'm still an amateur. Thanks Rob👌I'll sleep well tonight😢

[@nigelsmith721]

Asking guitarists which level they're at will never yield accurate results. We're marking own own homework and the guitarists' ego is, generally....er....not recessive let's say, certainly when new to the island. I've been playing since about '83 - a gigging and recording musician for bands I was in and, surprisingly to me, I fall easily into your definition of an "advanced" player...and I can totally understand the context of the three brackets as you describe them...but some days I feel like I know nothing. Some 15 year-old will be on KZbin just being incredible and I'm sat there watching, head shaking in disbelief. It's all just so brilliant - I don't know what I'd do without it in my life. Great video.

[@olewetdog6254]

56 now. Been playing since a teenager. Learned a couple of the boxes of the pentatonic scale enough to jam with neighbor somewhat compenently. Couple of years ago decided to ditch all the electrics and steel string acoustics and go with the nylon for good. Definitely back to beginner!!

[@The_reel_archer]

“Know the emotions of the guitar builder at the moment” 😂😂😂 I 100% agree with all of this

[@KS622]

Don't forget that a great guitarist also knows when not to play and is consciously and unconsciously aware of this, and in a band when he should be up front or in the back (sonically). There's so much more than just the (great) ability to play the guitar. You might be a beginner as a rhythm guitarist but an expert in solo's, beginner in a band setting and expert in a backing track, beginner in setting a good tone, expert in reading music or tab, etcetera. Exactly as stated in the video.

[@timmoman]

I think guitar playing is no competition which can be measured, but a personal journey of a soul. So just jump off the scale and don’t care what others think and just have fun playing in your own style

[@ollielindsay]

I’m an intermediate for 30 years. I started posting vids on KZbin about what I was practicing. It has really helped to advance my knowledge. Having that outlet. I don’t care if people watch my vids or not. It has just helped me immensely.

[@johnskerlec9663]

When young I seemed to be inspired by the classic metal rock bands (Sabbs, Zeppelin, Purple among many others) in the early 70s. I had a few guitar tute books but found them boring. I could never afford lessons but did have an allowance which I used to buy the music books for these bands and learned from these. Other stuff I learned by ear and practiced till the neighbors complained. Within 6 years I had started my first band with friends, we started to write, and got heaps of gigs. There's nothing like being able to apply your skills to original music, although I always say I am still learning. Because music, within its perceived simplicity, can offer infinite possibilities. Great post Sir.

[@Theintruder100]

What about capable, thats what i was told by someone some years ago and i thought well ill take that. Always look at myself as just ok, taught myself the very basics but by playing in different bands and different styles like rock, pop, funk, country rock I've learnt so much and still playing gigs after nearly 30 years, i still see myself as ok but most of all if you enjoy what your doing and people are giving you genuine positive feedback thats all i want.

[@josephvincentguitar]

Came into this thinking that I might be a beginner -> intermediate, but left realizing that I’m probably more on the intermediate -> advanced side. Understanding why certain intervals/lines fit within a progression and always noodling in a way that sounds less and less derivative as I age. Bless ya Rob, I was expecting it to be more of a consideration of how a musician understands the ins and outs of theory, but in reality it’s about understanding what an individual enjoys and then contributing constantly through experimentation. I’d add that it also could be important for an advanced individual to be able to explain why what they’re doing makes good sense and is a strong decision ( to a degree).

[@emCEEoh]

don't forget - beginners, intermediate and advanced can all take part in the music creation process - your ear is your best tool here. That's the best part of playing guitar. 20+ years of playing guitar still beginner.

[@Planet9_music]

I really like the way you interpret this Chappers! Makes me feel a lot better than other such teachers who'd class a beginner as someone who cannot economy pick descending 4s at 220bpm. Being a musician isnt always about being physically technical its a mix of so many aspects ❤

[@kramusic]

If I go by your analogy & definition, I would be an advanced guitarist but, I still consider myself an intermediate guitarist because I will never stop learning. Great video 🎸🎸

[@hiflyingpigs]

Pretty much what I replied!! For me I just never want to learn to end. And it's so good there's thousands of better guitarists than me. Learning every day

[@CorumBryant]

Any beginners/intermediates reading this take my advice. I bought/swapped about 15 guitars in my first year of playing and believe me I couldn’t afford it 😂 while I learnt a lot about gear and what I like to play, my actual guitar music journey was slower than it could’ve been. I had a great time but it was never my goal to be the best gear nerd in the world! 1) Get yourself a spark amp (or something similar). These little amps are crazy good for home practice. You can even take them to the park and play outside in the sun. They’re by no means perfect but for the money they’re insane. Get a decent cable, and a mid range guitar that’s comfortable to play sitting down or standing. Think telecaster, strat, les Paul shapes with a fixed bridge. I got a Floyd rose right away and it was cool as hell but such a huge learning curve and pain in the ass to conquer. Make sure the guitar feels great and looks cool. Seriously if it looks cool you wanna play it more 😂 2) then you wanna forget about gear until you know the major scale in every key all up and down the fretboard. Knowing exactly what you’re doing at all times is how you sound good. Music theory is beautiful once that first bit clicks. It just keeps clicking over time and the roadmap to becoming an advanced player is paved before you. It makes everything easier when you know how it’s done. Then buy anything you want, trade with people, nerd out etc to your hearts desire. Once you hit a wall with learning I think diving into gear is beneficial because it reignites the spark to create. Keep that in mind but also realise when you’re brain is just tricking you into buying a shiny bit of gear you don’t need for a quick hit of happy brain chemicals ❤

[@liveloud9894]

The guitar is the greatest musical instrument ever invented Learning the guitar is a fantastic and rewarding journey I will stay on that journey until I go on a different journey in a pine box🥵 Thank you for the video 😊

[@craigtodd8297]

The best guitarist I know is my late cousin. He was pretty much a hermit. He was grade 8 standard at 5 years old. What he could do classically and otherwise words fail to express.

[@casey8414]

Been playing over 20 years. I still consider myself intermediate. Even though I can improvise I find myself constantly wanting to learn more scales make more riffs. Staying humble helps me a lot. Thanks for your knowledge chappers.

[@LukeMosse]

I really like this description because your definition of 'advanced' doesn't involve knowing ALL the theory, it just involves the development of your own voice with some theory. This makes sense, because we can for sure say that a great, idiosyncratic blues player is advanced, but they may not know all the modes etc. Good definitions, well considered!

[@darkomtobia]

Intermediate. I've delved into theory, Barre chords (not a lot) and LOVE learning patterns. My favorite was when I found I could find an interval easily by learning where to move, one string at a time. Then, it was about connecting patterns to octave changes, which is still a fun challenge. That all aside, the more I learn, the more I realize what an impossible task it is to learn/"master" guitar. I will nevermaster it. The best I can hope for is more understanding and to build on what I can do.

[@19501960]

Interesting subject. When I turn up for a gig, never having played with the cover version band before, only with a set list and the song keys, I say to myself, you have learned a lot over the years man, you could be " ADVANCED "

[@nightlycrow6179]

I've been playing classical guitar for almost 8 years and electric for 1 and a half, and now that I have time I want to try and break the intermediate plateau! I know I'm almost there, but I'm missing something, mostly focus more on specific advanced electric guitar techniques and more theory, but apart from that, I think I have a very solid foundation of the basics, as well as some versatility gained from playing other instruments (bandurria and laud, mostly). Still, I needed to watch this video because impostor syndrome hits hard and that's also something I really need to work on :]

[@donnycanup1327]

Beginner for sure. Started my learning process when I was 18 and it didn't take (didn't have the drive to push through the frustration at the early stages). Fast forward 22 years, I'm now almost 40 and I'm well beyond what I was back then after almost two months of work. This helps me know that once I can piece together the guitar "language" and form paragraphs then I'm intermediate. Once I have my own voice and can put together a full on short story of my own I've achieved at least low levels of advanced. Thanks Mr. Chapman. If I have that wrong someone correct me.

[@pooshNchums]

Classic Rob style! Thanks! Helps guide my learning after many years as a beginner