STOP Putting Great Players On A Pedestal!

PracticeGuitar... - free video master class on building guitar speed without slow practice.
This video helps you see great guitar players (and your own musical potential) in their proper perspective.

[@larskronke]

I never understood people who get frustrated from watching amazing guitarists. I feel nothing but motivation listening to guys like Vai, Petrucci, Loreiro etc

[@burnnlearn]

That's a great mindset to have, to begin with. This is what separates those who succeed in anything versus those who don't.

[@scottstedeford7575]

Yes!! Totally agree!

[@kingzuna8007]

It’s all about perspective. Some people view others who are in the more advanced stages of their music journey as a “wall” of some sort. Those great musicians represent an un climbable mountain to some people but for others, these great musicians represent infinite possibilities of future growth and potential and they are a source of motivation instead of discouragement. It all depends on how you view people who are better than you, either you’re the type to accept it and work hard to catch up or you’re the type to feel like it’s impossible to catch up so why even try.

[@jcsanmiguel6270]

true

[@stricknine8623]

Well, that's just it,..that is the thing. Listening to a great player is either motivation and inspiration or it is discouragement. I tell people, you aren't supposed to be that good,....YET. Like you, I've always gotten inspired in the past and still get motivated and inspired today when I hear someone that is better than I am. I've been playing for 39 years and if there is one single piece of advice I could only give to aspiring guitarists, it's this.... Make a point to learn and play fundamentals. Then really hone those fundamental skills and get really really proficient at that. There are many great players that play basic fundamental things but the difference is that they play those basic things extremely well,..Its well applied. You can play basic at an extraordinary level. Its easier to make great music playing simple ideas anyway. Many of my students want to move beyond the basic things before they are really good at the basic things they learn. So, in their free time away from lessons, this is what often happens and they cannot grow properly as a player.

[@cheenu711]

I think out of all the virtuosos, Paul Gilbert is one of those guys who openly admits to his mistakes and makes faster playing much more approachable. Watching his demos when he says he uses slapback delay almost as a crutch to give him space for minor mistakes is very encouraging. This is a guy who's written hits and can shred your face of at any given day. Yet he openly admits to his mistakes and encourages people. What a lovely guy. Also thank you for this. I needed this.

[@stu73ke]

Yes, well said, and Paul is a brilliant role model.

[@kippsguitar6539]

Well he's not that good so fair enough

[@burnindownthehouse]

Paul Gilbert is my favorite teacher. He is a humble man. Yeah, even the great Paul Gilbert makes mistakes. It happens. And yeah, he really is a good teacher. He tries to make guitar playing less intimidating. His demeanor makes you feel comfortable during a lesson. Sometimes I look at that entire fretboard and I still get a bit intimidated. There is so much opportunity there and I want to tackle it all in one sitting. But that's not how guitar works. It takes time. Nothing is ever accomplished in just one sitting. Just like any other skill, it takes time and we will make mistakes from time to time and that's a good thing. we learn from our mistakes. That's how we get better.

[@taylorcaldwell8277]

Yeah, Paul is an amazingly humble guy for how good he is.

[@donkarnage6032]

I think some of this comes down to the great players being honest about their own learning phase. Meaning they aren't as self taught as they claim to be. Take for example, Eddie Van Halen, who would often play dumb in interviews when asked a music theory question when in fact he likely knew all of the answers as Eddie had formal piano training from a concert pianist and later studied at a local college where he met Michael Anthony. I think to some level guys like Yngwie and Eddie played dumb in order to perpetuate their mythos as some sort of supernatural guitarist.

[@martinskoog1777]

of course they did. they are like woman. :P

[@danielgrohl6971]

Yngwie came to town and my guitar luthier did not want to go see him. He said, " I knew him and remember the way he kicked ass, and kicked his feet head high." Remember him as you will i still enjoy watching him live after all these years..

[@TheCyberMantis]

True. They don't like to talk about their music theory background. Which all the greats DO have. Sometimes it's because they take musical ideas from their educational background and use it in their songs. Sometimes this is obvious, other times, it's more subtle. Every musician has influences. And whether they want to admit it or not... they draw from those influences. They might not like to talk about it, because they do not want people to be constantly comparing them to their influences. Which usually happens anyway. Most fans are not dumb. Many fans are actually amateur players themselves, so they recognize this stuff.

[@mickeyguide3112]

It's not about the theory but these guys (Ed, Yngwie) had a close to perfect pitch. Not perfect but clearly very good cause they practiced almost everything by hearing. You'll mix that (a good trained ear) to a natural talent for creativeness and anyone can get good results. Sure they know some theory but Ed propably didn't think that (to know every possible scale etc) as relevant and it isn't...if you're not a jazz musician lol.

[@ggh_-ts6pn]

this. Also John Mayer do this a lot, its frustrates me. No offense to his fans, I'm a huge fan of John too. But he always pretend that he doesn't know music theory in every tik tok or instagram post he do. He always do this "This chord....oh I dont know the name of this chord I just made it up, but it sounds good...Oh I play this note, Idon't know the name I dont really know theory just using feels" LMAOOOOOOOO what a load of shit (Then his fans will defend him and worship him "OMGGGGGG JoHn is GEniUs he DOesnT neEd TheOry he pLaYs puReLy by FeEEEEEEEEEEELS...") lol bullshit bullshit bullshit.. He know music theory, he learned in Berkelee for god sake. All these rock & pop stars do this a lot. They don't want to be known as a theory guy because they know majority of their fans got turned off by musicians who talk about theory. They are just dishonest goons who pander to their fans. Thats why i love jazz players. Guitarist like Pat Metheny never shy away from talking about theory. Nor Ted Greene, Pat Martino, etc. Btw I already know I will face backlash from John Mayer fans after this I don't give a shit lol🤣

[@jordanl2785]

I also think that if you studied a particular player long enough you’d see that they are incredibly good in pretty specific circumstances/motions. There’s an illusion that great players can pick up a guitar and play anything on the fretboard but everyone has limitations

[@HowToPracticeGuitar]

Exactly.

[@jskypercussion]

@@HowToPracticeGuitar Yes and great video. Would you be able to do a breakdown of the guitar parts in Yes's Parallels song? That freestyle non structural sporadic fast guitar playing from Steve Howe is super interesting and very different. It's shredding without structural metal shredding. Almost in a category of it's own. He also does that guitar playing style on Yes's On The Silent Wings Of Freedom. If you ever get a chance, check those out if you are not already familiar with those songs. And if you could do some breakdowns of the guitar parts that would be awesome. Keep up the good work. Also one of Steve Howe's fastest guitar Solos is on Yes's Awaken song. An absolute masterpiece.

[@douglasnisbet1189]

I suggest you watch Anton Oparin. He literally has no limitations!

[@JeffPenaify]

Yeah that’s something I think about a lot, most players have spent years developing a particular sound and construct, when you start to change that construct some really great musicians fall apart.

[@chinmaysguitarclass]

Today, you saved a lot of frustrated guitar players from quitting...and made the World better. Thanks for doing this. 😊

[@HowToPracticeGuitar]

I knew you'd like it Chinmay :)

[@frankcouch8611]

My greatest frustration from playing the guitar is with myself when I stopped playing for several years. I’ve been playing pretty regularly again for about six years now but I didn’t pick up my guitar for about ten years before that. Don’t ever stop playing.

[@scourge34]

Did the same thing. I quit playing for about 15 years. When I picked it back up it was nearly like starting over. It came back a little faster than the first go around, but I struggled quite a bit. I'm now slightly better than before I quit and I've been back at it for about 6 years like you. I almost gave up, glad I didn't.

[@chriskitchen4772]

I've done that twice in my life, sometimes other things get in the way and the drive goes. The main thing is to enjoy the trip whatever level one is at. I think the guitar is beautiful.

[@rock24by7]

Mike I just realised you are a great motivational speaker too. Your videos help people in their skill level but today you also motivated people to not feel bad about their playing

[@mksounds6326]

Thanks for the video. There are great points here. A couple things I've learned in 30+ years of playing is to first, recognize one's strengths as a player, and to use these strengths as a foundation to build on. A lot of players hear "shredders" doing every technique during a solo, and then try to learn all those techniques. Each of us has our "sweet spots" and should use them to our advantage. Second, and it took me a long time to learn this, I've come to appreciate speed as a way to get to a destination, and not the destination itself. Meaning, if I use speed to accentuate other things the speed seems faster. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of the Malmsteen's and Batio's and Petrucci's. Yet to me there is a line where listening to players continuously playing fast is like listening to a typewriter (it was a device used to write letters and things, kids). Just my 2 cents. Once again, thank you for the video and all the best from the Bay Area! MK

[@friedrudibega6384]

Some players don’t look at practicing as a labor. It’s just something you do. Yngwie had and has a guitar on or around him 24/7, as did Hendrix as did Clapton as did Beck as did Van Halen etc. If you do something all day every day for a certain period of time you will be great at it. If you love it, it’s not practice, it’s eating drinking breathing. That’s why Yngwie says he doesn’t practice. It’s not work. It’s fun.

[@Nghilifa]

EXACTLY. All the greats have one thing in common: They were/are absolutely OBSESSED with the guitar. When you're obsessed, it's not work, it's not a chore, it doesn't even feel like practice. It's just something that you love doing. Very well said my friend!

[@kippsguitar6539]

He's the most egotistical guitarist of all time and a liar, he practiced his arse off to get that good

[@TheMentalblockrock]

not Clapton and Beck, they were just not in the same league as Wyingie or Eddie!!!! I mean, you never heard anything as good as eruption from Eric or Jeff, not even close. Hendrix and Jimmy Page were closer though....

[@joshmuz9018]

He did practice 8-10 hours a day when young. But past decade almost never does and that reflects in his playing in later years

[@nicholasdorazio10]

Yngwie is the man💪💪💪

[@rockergandalf]

I love watching amazing guitar players. I get inspired, I try to learn, it's about the love of playing regardless of your skill level. That guitar just feels good in your hands. I can watch Guthrie, Gambale, Gilbert, Petrucci, etc, all day long.

[@johnterpack3940]

Finally subbed after watching 3-4 videos. Not only are you a phenomenal player, you are an outstanding teacher and motivator. Never had any desire to play guitar. But I'm sure much of what you show will translate to bass.

[@apchan]

I always get frustrated when I have to record so many takes, even simple playing, thank you for this video..

[@Pr0v0kat0r777]

I love your brutaly effective and honest approach. You definately have to make more provocative thumbnails. The info you provide is just priceless and needs to be seen.

[@TheMeJustMe75]

When I took lessons about 30 years ago that was one thing my teacher stressed to me. He told me to be the player that I am supposed to be not the guitar player others want me to be. He said it's great to respect people like Vai, Satriani, Rhodes, Gilbert or Vaughn but don't put yourself up against their playing. He said it was important to learn specific techniques but don't put yourself in a box and try to play just like them. He said "Be you, play like you and write like you." Before he told me that I sat with Flying in a Blue Dream for hours trying to do the things Joe did and got really frustrated. One, I didn't have a floyd rose tremelo and the other I didn't have a Marshall JMC 900 plus pedals. After my teacher talked to me about this then I focused on learning as many different styles of music as I could, especially Jazz and Blues. I also dug pretty deep into Classical Guitar.

[@axegrinder6979]

This is something I had to come to grips with on my own. I started playing pre-internet. So when KZbin come along, it almost shut me down. Even though, I had My tone, My style, My way. Seeing videos where a regular-joe would just post a video, and just melt my face off, would discourage the hell outta me. Or a video where someone would cover a song, and that one spot during a solo that I couldn't hear very well on the song, or just couldn't figure out the fingering, they come along and make it look effortless. But, with time I realized exactly what you're saying here. They didn't just wake up, and nail it. This was a great idea for you to post. As many have already said. You probably encouraged a lot a kids to Not put the guitar down. I tip my glass to you, sir.

[@CharlesEBusa]

You're making a great point! The problem with the Internet, cellphones, and live music is that concerts can be replayed again and again and while "mistakes," although common, would have been quickly forgotten or not even noticed by those who attended the concert, anal bedroom guitarists can go about nitpicking every single "mistake" that players like John Petrucci make while playing 10,000 notes live. I'm like, "give the man a break! He's jet-lagged, hasn't played those songs from his solo album in months or maybe even years, he's probably doing that G3 gig in between a dozen Dream Theater dates for which he needs to learn 10+ long-ass songs among the 100+ they have written with his band. Oh and he probably has to go do promotional stuff too, besides being a husband and a dad." Mistakes happen all the time and to the best of us as well. Those cherry picked IG videos fool us into believing that those players are perfect and not even human, and it's okay, we should be looking to put out quality stuff and aiming for that ONE take performance, so long as we keep in mind that there's a journey leading to the take the general people get to see and hear. Cheers!

[@romansingleton8831]

removed myself from the guitar player "rat race" 30 years ago, best thing I ever did mentally for my playing. Liberating and freeing. Get inspired by great players but don't let it get you down, can't beat yourself up, we are all human

[@castleanthrax1833]

Many KZbinrs do "mime" to pre-recorded tracks but it is their tracks, not someone else's. As you said, IMAGE IS EVERYTHING. There's nothing wrong with not playing live as it's hard to pull off a perfect performance every time. As listeners of music, we want that perfect performance and would feel hugely let down if we didn't get perfection on a recorded track. It's our expectations that demand a flawless track.

[@HowToPracticeGuitar]

Fair point.

[@scottstedeford7575]

Agree. But it’s a point of degradation. I used to attend concerts in the 80s as a musician, with my eye more on the performance than on just cheering as a fan. I would analyze all the different aspects of the show, and often seek a bootleg to compare my memory. When I saw Yngwie, for example, he was THAT good. Every time. Dio, as another example, sang flawlessly, every note powerful and in key, night after night - good luck trying to nail down even one bum note from Dio in any archives. Players in that age and prior to them put the emphasis on high-level performance. Their great recordings were the result of great performance skills. Today, great recordings tend to be more the result of patching together snippets of best takes, or miming to a backing recording one’s best takes. Big difference between the two. But many of the top-shelf older performers really are that good live, on the spot, every time. Point being: It is possible to achieve.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

No, image is EVERYTHING (along with talent and ability of course), I would not dream of forming a band till I'm down to at least 11stone and have the captain Jack look perfected, otherwise, it's just pointless even trying.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

Hold on, if "many Yewchubers" mime to tracks, how to we even know it's them doing it????

[@mojooftheg5961]

Audiences expect to hear live what they hear on the CD. I think its a form of conditioning.

[@glenkepic3208]

I'm 64. Started playing for real at 15 in '72 (acoustic guitars before) First electric. Leslie West, Tony Iommi and The ABB got me started. Gigged a bit, parties and bar gigs. I saw YJM and EVH in their prime (Trilogy and 1984). Dug this but....yeah. didn't play much then. Got on the horse and just played (thank you, Kings X , Robben Ford and Candlebox). I was full of the whole Shrapnel bit by then,,,,it all started to sound the same. Vinnie Moore with VR was a fave.

[@worldssickestmedia2713]

People calling these players guitar Gods gets on my nerves. It's usually people that don't play or people that have a bunch of cool guitars but don't practice much. If you've got a little bit of natural talent and practice your ass off you can be great too. That's what every great player does. They practice their ass off.

[@miyannaable]

I really enjoy this perspective - "building a brand" is something I really hadn't considered before regarding successful musicians. I thought that all happened with good photography and state-of-the-art tech in the best studios - but now it occurs to me that I had an incomplete perception of it. The thing where Paul Gilbert shows how he used to hold a pick - and has since corrected it - well, I did the same thing. That's what I love about him - his instructional videos are so down-to-Earth and welcoming. Great video - subscribed!!

[@childofdogon]

I’ve never felt anything but inspiration , admiration, goals to reach for and positive influences from artist who are on a much higher technical level than myself , never negative nor defeatist ! I call it SCI : the search for constant inspiration ! Cheers

[@christopherchritzman4116]

I feel emotional in a positive way and get inspired. Watching great guitar players is what makes me want to play guitar.

[@fullhog]

Great players write great songs.. The solo is just the icing on the cake!

[@zagreatandini2345]

Bingo. I’ve played with guys that can shred faces off in solos and flash but can’t write a song to save their life.

[@FlashyLight]

Im so glad you made a video like this. I have done therapy and we spoke a lot about not feeling like I'm good enough and that's all on watching other great players and feeling frustrated without knowing how to deal with frustration

[@earlgrey9329]

You are beautiful ! The way you dig into the psychology behind guitarplaying ( musicmaking ! ) is wonderful ! Thank you for having the guts to be so honest ! 😋

[@MrSircharly]

love the Benchpress comment..haha..just picturing you and paul gilbert topless in a sweaty garage around an old benchpress ...thanks for that x

[@300Spartan03]

The best advice I would say and have told myself many times is to be the best YOU you can be. Practice sounding like yourself on guitar. Many people can shred and play ridiculous things, but not many can sound like themselves on the instrument which I think is the most important part of playing any instrument. Even some famous great guitar players in my opinion don't sometimes sound like they have their own signature sound or just sound generic or bland. There's few out there where you can tell right away who it is just from hearing them play. So practice sounding like yourself and be the best version of you. Do that and you'll never be frustrated, plus you just might improve faster and on things you never knew you could.

[@tonyjones1560]

If I hadn’t stopped comparing myself to other players, I’d have given this up YEARS ago. These days, I’m good getting better than I was yesterday or whatever…

[@Brainconvulsion]

Thank you for this video, I feel more confident now.

[@russk1971]

When I see or hear someone who can play better, faster, more complicated musical lines it reminds me to practice more. I still remember a time when I 1st started playing the "Johnny B Goode" solo was a thing to dream about being able to play. I can do that now my goal is much higher. I remind students to set attainable goals and a movable high goal. Always remember slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

[@StrangeDevice]

This is a really great and important video! I love your notion that people can be within striking distance (or 99% of the way there) of a piece of music but need focused attention and intense practice to be able to nail it again in real time. If this weren’t true then there would be no need for punching in while recording. I like what Stewart Copeland said about his signature/famous/memorized-by-fans drum tracks: that the Police would record a song live several times in the studio and they kept the best takes for the record, but he was only following a general structure for his part, and that he NEVER played the songs that exact same way when performing live. Basically, the album is a “record” of capturing a moment in time that may not occur again. Even in a perfectionist band like Rush who sound to the average fan like they’re recreating their albums note for note in concert, Alex often talks about how he would discover new and more efficient ways of playing his parts as the years go by. Thanks for the message of this video.

[@dingopes3847]

20 years ago when i was watching Slash ..on MTV i was frustrated couse all i know was open chords and didnt understand how is posible to play such beautifull solos..but know 4years ago i start again to practice every day few hours + learn!ing scales , triads ,arpegios , Caged system and start to visualize frethboard..i am not geting frutrated maybe i dont / didnt understand aplication on guitar but more i practice i got tons of aha moments..i am bedroom player but i am ok with that and yes practice will reward u big time.."u wont see" when u " level up" guitar knowledge but u will hear it and u faster apply solo or melody with grasping fundamentals..sory4 my english...i only get motivated by YT.. guitar players.. i am huge fan of Guthrie Trapp , Jack Rouche those are my heroes atm..nice video

[@AJoylessEon]

I get extremely inspired when i see amazing guitarists.. i pick up the guitar and start noodling \m/>.

[@jasonday8334]

Awesome video, you clarified exactly what’s going on, nailed it.

[@romb1818]

I am not a guitarist, but this is a Great Video. I think what you say is valid in any other sphere of activity. Your video is in essence a very good Motivational video. Big big 👍

[@s.codyjohnson5313]

Enjoyed the video! Best line outtakes: "I'm sure I could bench press more than John Petr....I mean, Zack Wy....I mean, Paul Gilbert! Yeah, that's it!" 😄 Seriously, you make some great points...thx for sharing!

[@nickkapatais]

I think this video is a must for all beginners. It is spot on and I was thinking about this the other day when I saw somebody in the comments of a KZbin video praising an artist. Curious, I looked up this artist and saw they had a net worth of around one mil, sponsored by Ibanez and his playing is considered “impossible to play”. That person, with all the aforementioned, is clearly a brand and must build onto that brand and protect it. Nobody is going to admit the insecurity and crap sessions they’ve been through. Great video, very true and brings a lot of us back down to earth. Thank you.

[@albertplaysguitar]

Having chops should be a means to an end, not the end itself. Unique creative expression should be the goal.

[@j.vtrigger813]

Excellent video. I'm a new subscriber. Wow man you really hit the nail on the head!

[@guitarhero9147]

You are so right! There are a lot of "smoke & mirrors" that take place with everything, usually to sell a product! This has needed to be said for a long time!

[@efirehawk]

That's actually excellent advice for motivation. Thank you!

[@sidneyslack7991]

I am a player from the 80’s I practiced 12 hours a day to get where I am. My issue is with all the KZbin and Instagram players out there is I don’t see them doing anything different then what I was doing 30 years ago. I can play anything I want and I was a better player then allot of the guys in the 80’s. I addition for allot of bands they loved my playing thought I was the next big thing but then when I showed up I did not have the look. As back then I was 6 foot 7 250lbs. I looked like a football player and heard that allot. I was confused with Chris Holmes allot back in the day but no one wanted a Viking in there band. So I gave it up after trying till the mid 90’s. I found my own place in music but when I see these new players I tell people there are players out there better then them stop looking up to them and find your own style. I have don’t provide lessons with them to help them to be themselves. I am happy that you are doing the same thing for the guitar world. I had great players tell me fuck dude why are you not famous. I tell them it is because the way I look. So gays and gals don’t let that stop you also. It did for me but I am happy just want to see the next EVH or Yngwie. Something different.

[@chrisking6695]

I've noticed the look thing. You have to have a cool look. Not necessarily handsome like in pop music but badass. Loomis is no brad Pitt but he's got a look. He remind me of a viking/goth. It fits in with the genre. Then Zach Wylde actually looked pretty good when he was young. Now Brandon Ellis is the new thing and he looks pretty good and is good as well. You have to have both to be worshipped. Sadly. And I agree there's lots of bedroom shredders who are better than the current famous guitarists but no one will ever know. There's a guy who is faster and cleaner than Yngwie. Yngwie's wife constantly strikes his KZbin videos lol. So petty.

[@kentoncharles9461]

Absolutely accurate information!

[@an_38kitkashyap]

I just feel more motivated to practice more.

[@YllHavolli]

Thats true, I struggle to make a Instagram or KZbin video, you only see 60sec of good playing but thats the 15th take of trying and trying. Awesome video man.

[@randyjohnson5426]

Vito from white lion did the solo for "wait" on the very first take....just next level

[@thehoobanks]

They are genious because of their compositions. Nowadays there are a Lot of guitarrist who can play better than our guitar heros, but when u listen their compositions.....

[@skylarlunaaphroditeparadis4991]

Clicked on this video and immediately closed it because I've gotten the same advice from the people who taught me, good ass advice

[@TheMentalblockrock]

I'll give this chap a BIG thumbs up, he is at least holding his guitar in the seated position CORRECTLY!

[@rajeshprasad6016]

I admire great players, but they're nothing but results of their musical influences and endless practice and understanding, and they're human too. And I'm human, so if they can do it there's nothing stopping me but myself. I don't believe guitar technique or musical skill is natural or genetic.

[@michaelpachuau3885]

I understand the motivation behind your statement, but there definitely is a certain level of innate skill or talent that is present as well. It's about working with and around that ability and then fashioning our own style from it that we should aim at

[@kelleycarey5457]

Very well put...we all want to play the final take the first time...it just doesn't happen, i dont care who you are!

[@mojooftheg5961]

Mike, you are so right!!

[@sydneyhalliwell2513]

Seeing these amazing players just pushes me to go farther. But also remember you have your own style. Yngwie and Randy Rhoads are both masters but you wouldn’t confuse the two. They both have their own styles, just as you do. Just know you can perfect your style. Once you embrace that than you don’t feel frustrated or intimidated by anyone. If anything you feel you can learn from them

[@thebdmperspective3979]

Great video! Your videos have helped me a lot. Glad I stumbled upon them.

[@HardlyCoping]

My man called out Gilbert on the bench. I am forwarding this shit to Paul & Jujimufu right now! We need the truth!

[@valentino3191]

This is very practical and honest advice about playing. You’re seeing “takes” and the best take is what is presented. This isn’t to denigrate anyone or say they aren’t accomplished. But even very accomplished players have “off” days. Lol

[@bradsims5116]

This is so true. Some days I really play like crap for many reasons. And some days I play great . But it is always a thing thats in my head.

[@POLLOTROM]

Frustration is a big barrier for learning (among many others) in any field. Great video! I don't know if there is any but there should be a psychology book for musicians.

[@CaliRaftDude]

Solid Post. I have often felt (and seen) great/well known players and thought, "well.. I am not going to get to that level." However - I think that's fine: I am pretty sure none of them have a degree in Nuclear Engineering or have accomplished other things I have either. IMHO, you have to be realistic about the time and effort you put into your pursuits and what you really want out of them. If your criteria is "be best on the planet" you are doomed for failure - I have seen that over and over again. Besides, I have never met an accomplished player that even remotely feels that way (not to say they don't exist, but I have never met one). You have got to figure out what success and content means for YOU, not what someone else thinks. As far as Yngwie and his natural talent - I think that exists.. much like Ronnie James Dio had natural talent for singing. That doesn't translate into "you don't have to do ANYTHING", you still need to practice (or play a lot) to mold that natural talent into something. I was told (and felt) that I had natural talent.. but I also played my ass off and almost always with people who were far better than I was - and I recall he did as well growing up. However, I am not 6'3" with giant Hendrix hands... and there are just some things that are really not well in my reach (Yngwie/Becker sweeps of insanity). Playing or accepting those limitations and deciding to be the best "whoever the hell YOU are" is probably the best dedication you will ever have. EVH sounds like EVH because that's pretty much what he focused on. His limitations, or rather frustrations with numerous limitations in technology and gear, is what led to him toying with variacs, developing a brown sound, putting humbuckers in a strat, etc... a portfolio that is likely not to be replicated ever again. We should be thankful that he WASNT good at sounding like the other artists he would play occasionally. I early on got WAY to tied up into not being able to play other peoples stuff perfectly or getting hung up on things that were just difficult to play "the way they did" rather than figuring out how I WANTED to play it - and my individuality suffered as a result. I think its fine to leave great players on a pedestal - but pay closer attention to what the sign says on the pedestal. best advice ANY player can get imho: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqC1qmpnnsR1r5I

[@scottstedeford7575]

3 ISSUES WITH THIS VIDEO: (1) falsely assumes the so-called pedestal is negative, (2) video examples given out of context, (3) self-contradictory commentary and advice. First, the pedestal is real and is a good thing that should be honored in the proper perspective. There’s a reason the top players are on the figurative pedestal: They are THAT good, stratospherically good. They are also exceptionally few in number. The majority of us may become good players, even outstanding. But these players have an element that cannot be acquired. Most of them are prodigies. They had an extra element of ability from day one that naturally accompanies everything they play. The biggest element is that they play mostly for the pleasure of playing, pure and reckless - and we would do well to take note of it. This is the reason why Yngwie, for example, says he never gets frustrated, or that it comes easy. That’s the nature of a prodigy. This is not a point of discouragement. Prodigies are a rare breed. And that is why we should in no way dilute the specialty of their talent in any respect. These players need to be up on the pedestal, in full view for all of us to be inspired and spurred on by to be the best players in our own class. Second, all the video examples used here have been used out of context and are misleading. For example, John Petrucci was NOT frustrated by blowing his scale at tempo. In that segment of his video, he was demonstrating a metronome technique for increasing speed. Just before the clip shown here, Petrucci had advised setting the metronome to a speed beyond your range of ability. The idea is that you intentionally overshoot your ability to give the muscles a chance to experience and then adapt to the new speed. John knew in the video he would not nail the scale - that was the point! He had intentionally set the metronome beyond the speed he was capable of playing with accuracy. Similarly, Jeff Loomis was tracking leads in the studio. Anyone who has tracked leads knows that it involves an approach to performing very different from the way you’d practice in your room or perform live. You go through several takes, not for technical precision alone but to get into that space where cold precision meets firey passion. It’s a tentative place that could happen on the first take or the hundredth take. Point being that Loomis was anything but frustrated. He’s a master at recording; and the video gives us a glimpse of a master fully absorbed in the process. Third, the advice that it “doesn’t matter how much or how little practice time you’ve got” is not only false but is contradicted in this video by the instructor himself. It matters GREATLY how much you practice, just as much as how you approach your practicing. In talking about Petrucci, the great Steve Morse once said that if you want to play like him you better get a big supply of picks and get down to business - because it’s going to take a lot of pick strokes before your muscles develop the fine tuning that produces the kind of masterful sound Petrucci makes. No way around it. There is no such thing as that “one thing” so popularly touted to make you better. You will do a hundred things, much of them nuances, learned only by investing time, much time, into playing and practicing. The instructor here knows this. At 6:40, he describes the process he undertook to record a lead requiring a high level of mastery. He said it came as the result of “a couple of hours of intense practicing” before laying down the track. Yet, at the end of the video he delivers the contradictory closing statement that “it doesn’t matter how much or how little time you practice.” He’s trying to be positive and encouraging; but the reality is it simply isn’t true, and he knows it. It’s going to take many, many, many hours of practice to approach the kind of mastery you hear from players like Petrucci, Yngwie, Paul Gilbert, and Jeff Loomis.

[@kippsguitar6539]

Many issues with your ridiculous comments, watch the video again and do your best to understand it

[@CascadianExotics]

Being a prodigy in no way guarantees success. Being where these players on a pedestal are at is a combination of not only talent, but also hard work and practicing smart business decisions in order to even sniff the good enough fortune of being in the right place at the right time to be discovered in the first place, and subsequently marketed to the larger public.

[@pramanishsharmabordoloi4784]

I am not a guitarist, instead a pianist. But I can feel the thing you explained in the video, I now feel much better. For me , legends (especially in prog rock) like Petrucci, Guthrie Govan, Abasi, Jason Richardson, Vai etc dont demotivate me tho, the one who does are the child prodigies lol. I admire them a lot, appreciate their playing more than mine's, but at the same time I also get to think that they are so much ahead of me and are of the same age of mine or younger (like Abim Finger, Lisa X, Yoyo etc). But you made my day by this explanation!

[@robbiegarnz7732]

I just find myself perpetually plateauing. That’s my source of frustration!

[@ManuelPassarella1]

I wanna be able to think x4 faster than I play. Like Frank Gambale...

[@harvesterofstorms4932]

People can say what they want about Yngwie but years ago I read an interview with him when he said something to the effect of “If you can play it clean slowly, don’t try to do it at fast.” That advice definitely took me a long way.

[@ghostborneo6179]

Everything works perfectly

[@jesus4pincho]

I'm sorry :( Jeff Loomis is my guitar hero, untopable

[@gurleyz]

Yes... Andres Segovia has earned that distinction and owns it. All who embrace and honor the guitar as he did also earn that same title.

[@jfo3000]

My buddy learned Yng's first two albums as they were released, directly off a boom box. He'd turn the box off and play the licks MUCH MUCH faster as well. He'd always call the great players "hacks" or "clowns", among other things, lol. That mindset obviously worked for him. He was and still is tremendously inspiring. One day he called while I was playing the Crying In the Rain solo. I told him "I'm playing this faster than Sykes!" He said "Of course, you're better than that clown." Lol! His words, not mine. I love Sykes. He feared no techniques, no one was better than him in his mind, and he made it happen. His example always showed me what a positive attitude can make us accomplish.

[@b.entranceperium]

I don't get frustrated from good guitarists, I just try to learn some of their techniques that I like. Same with drummers.

[@evolutionmb]

Great advice in this video!!! I think we can all relate to doing multiple takes before posting a video on some form of social media.

[@ryan.m990]

I heard 1 time,on the Troy Grady channel, where M.A.B was shredding, and explained that he practiced that 1 shred sequence like maybe a thousand time, he said..... so just keep practicing n things shud start to slowly happen. 🐌

[@musiciano8608]

Quality video after long time

[@leek7412]

All those players on the pedestal are world legends! and rightfully so. To take licks and pieces of music from decades of music and make your own style is epic!

[@jsant8998]

True! True talent as they were meant to make music.

[@winstonsmith8240]

I heard that Allan Holdsworth didn't start playing seriously until was 19. I struggle with that one. Couldn't 'pick' to save his life, didn't need to. Didn't seem to matter much either. I know the current consensus is that all people are exactly the same, but my life experience suggests otherwise. Saw Tommy Emmanuel being interviewed recently and he said jokingly " I've been practicing since 6.00am." Turns out later in the interview he actually had.

[@vanguard4065]

I read once that Yngwie said he would come off stage sometimes and question himself whether he ‘had it’ or not. So yes, he gets frustrated.

[@danielblake1537]

I think also what could be hindering a players skill level is if they dont have a bunch of money to spend on guitars, that finding a guitar that fits you....for example I'm left handed but ivs never owned a left handed guitar I've always had right handed guitars with strat style body and I'm more of a player by ear and it comes natural, so I started learning how to play guitar in 1997' Christmas Day was when I got my very 1st guitar at 7yrs old and I just turned the guitar upside down and learned to play it with the strings reversed for me....but after years of playing this way I realized I couldnt even play simple power chords because of the strings being backwards to me....so I decided to pay a guitar shop to switch out the nut and restring the guitar like a left handed guitar even though the body was a right handed strat body....so I had to basically relearn everything on guitar (for the better!) But I STILL cant hardly play solos because I cant get down low enough on the fretboard and the horn is up too high on that side where my high E string starts so it really stops me from learning and playing guitar solo covers of my favorite songs....so having a guitar that fits you is an important thing in getting better and progressing.

[@valcrist7428]

Through out the years I played guitar, practiced, watched my peers, watched someone who started later than me then got better than me faster. The truth to all this is that some people just "Have it".. guitar just came naturally easier to them(not saying they didn't practiced). Less talented people learned it 20 times longer than talented ones. Plus these talented ones have better artistic exposure. That is the hard truth. But if you really like guitar and practiced "Long enough" you may reach to their level (not me but I am getting better through out the years.. and I practiced guitar probably longer and more often than the talented ones).. but you may be old already when you do (like after 20-30 years).. That's the sad truth. I learned riffs that are difficult after 25 years.. it's not lack of practice.. it's just harder for me to understand, practiced and develop. To people who says they didn't got frustrated until they learned are the lucky ones who "have it". I didn't quit playing guitar but I tell you.. I am in my middle age and is not even half as good as my Guitar Heroes when they were 18-19 years old... but I have to say I am getting better. Thank God for KZbin.. young people are lucky today. Same reason you're seeing 9-13 year old children are better than you playing Guitar. they have the 1. Talent, 2. Parents who support/teach them, 3. KZbin.

[@ArtbyPaulPetro]

Excellent video! this same phenomenon applies to fitness youtubers and IG'ers too.

[@aarondavis4341]

Trent Reznor of nine inch nails is from my hometown,when his granddad was alive you could find Trent in any rsndom place in the area,when i was younger i got the privledge to have dinner with him once,it was at that dinner i saud "Trent being a fellow musician that wants to be known for my music like himself,whats the secret,what do i need to learn to get to that point. His answer....wether it vocals,arranging managung...even something as simple as a roadie that sets drums up every gig....you GOTTA KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO DO AND JUST DO IT,DONT THINK ,JUST DO....

[@theoriginalPARKFACE]

I actually like the “cocky” aspect of Yngwie, i mean you worked years and years for that skill why not be proud of it

[@TheMentalblockrock]

I have to agree! I've listened to many of my own recordings and thought them at least on the same level as so-called """great Players""" , i think they (the powers that be) are desperately trying to hold back the Tsunami-flood of GREAT rock music that we SHOULD be having but are not.

[@andrewkratz226]

Good stuff . Preciate this interesting perspective . Refreshing and profound Happy holidays to you

[@heartquaker427]

Here’s sth very different kinda story, I had envious friends who did not own guitar and watch me playing compare me to great guitar players and put them on the pedestal. And when I practiced I just got frustrated.!!!!!

[@mijit.859]

Never give up !! Keep on practicing till you really get Very GOOD !! 🙁😕😰🤦🏻‍♂️

[@rjc7289]

I feel so much better knowing I can drop a deuce the same way, or maybe even better, than Paul Gilbert or Yngwie Malmsteen can! Oh really, they can out-shred me? Well, tell them to step aside and I'll show them what I can do on the porcelain throne! Top that bitches! LOL!

[@shammizan7643]

Talent without effort is frustation and same with efforts without talent. Need both to make it great, but a genius is a whole diffrent level.

[@kippsguitar6539]

This is very true and wise

[@cc_1983]

Great video and brutal and honest which is refreshing. The Bench press joke! 😂 - Paul Gilbert is great and very humble and also in early videos admitted he started playing up strokes and couldn’t play riffs that involved up and down because he thought you had to play up strokes! Altho down the line it probably made him better! I’d say his two finger and thumb was probably a van halen influence. He had a similar style

[@Swampster70]

When you hear what you want to hear, why isn't that good enough? Do we need to hear what other people want to hear before we play something?

[@zeekmx1970]

I DO NOT USE A PICK. Because I want Esteban to like me. If Esteban doesn't like someone, They're done. I can't let that happen. It has to be this way or I will lose against the top players. If this is about anything else, Buckethead is my overlord. YOU ARE AS VALUEABLE TO ME AS THEY ARE. I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR DOWN TO EARTH PERSPECTIVE. We're just people and we make mistakes.

[@arthurmckay4202]

If they make you feel discouraged or jealous then you're in the wrong hobby, they should inspire to make you play more and better not the other way around

[@ghirk6423]

He is speaking fucking facts right here

[@GerryBlue]

One has gotta advance own potentials and embrace those, I'm pretty sure Gilmour is not frustrated or compares himself to Petrucci or Malmsteen

[@JariSatta]

I just want to play.

[@jnagarya519]

When learning or writing a song, one returns to the beginning.

[@goofy3908]

honestly, i just see the work that was put in and then the product. im fine with that. want something, put in the work

[@davidbrockett1]

I know people who are classically trained and people who are self taught the people who are self taught can be just as good the way you can tell them apart though is can you hear soul in the music or does it sound arranged in a musical way

[@swektmaico]

Can't quite agree. I know that many guys, Petrucchi, Satriani, Paul Gilbert (which I just recently heard) among others explaining how frustrated they were and how they were convinced that they never could learn some of the techniques that they now master. Blackmore said he spent a whole year in Germany practising seven hours a day. My impression is that they all acknowledge how much time and effort that goes into reaching a certain level.

[@ZRossi513]

When it comes to social media, it's ok to root for your favorite players and cheer on your friends and colleagues in their guitar endeavors. Don't let the social media bombardment distract you from your personal goals. Find inspiration, look up more lessons and keep putting the work into YOUR playing.