I Practiced 10,000 Hours In 6 Months

This is the crazy story of when I quit music school and left the country. It's what I call my "10,000 in 6 months" period.
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Mike Voloshen

[@RickBeato]

This is what I think of as a "conceptual not literal" 10,000 of experience.

[@skrymirmusic]

o.k. cause you could get 4380 hours out of 6 months if you played 24 hours a day. What is a conceptual hour?

[@2112jonr]

+1. Conceptual is fine. There's a HUGE amount of totally unproven rubbish written about 10,000 hours, like it's some magical figure. It stops people trying things they might love, it's a mythical barrier. The original research was about what it takes to practice certain **very specialised** skills, like playing a piano well, or becoming great at a motor skill such as playing tennis, AND to be considered as being in the world class league. Most of us don't want to be world class, we just want to be good at something we enjoy. That doesn't need 10,000 hours of practice, not even close. Unfortunately, many commentators and people who really should know better, reported it as being "10,000 hours to become good at ANYTHING", which is clearly not true. You can become competent and useful in many things in a week of practice. It's only certain skills that require a high level of fitness and/or very fine motor control that need considerably more, but even then not 10,000 hours, as Rick proved. Immersing yourself in something as challenging as music for six months, with no distractions (TV, commuting, socialising are huge time sinks) is a great idea if you want, or need to learn quickly. Bottom line: Don't get demoralised by the 10,000 hour myth, otherwise you'll never try anything. As Rick so clearly demonstrated in this video, you can become great at something in considerably less time, you just need to immerse yourself in a skill or goal you have a passion to do, get off your bum, take a calculated risk and start doing it, instead of watching Netflix* (

[@Evacer]

I don’t know what he means here...conceptualizing music as a means of practice? There still is not even 5,000 hours in 6 months.

[@henriksoderstrom8551]

Yeah, I got that, still couldn't resist :)

[@vonbleak101]

Im glad you said that as i was starting to think you were some kind of time travelling jedi mage (which i would not doubt) lol...

[@ShadowZero27]

alt title: how i practiced 56 hours a day

[@danielcaban4979]

SO good😂😂

[@jeffery9]

The whole thing fell apart from me when I saw the headline, but I still clicked on the video...

[@achannel1818]

Ling Ling wants to know your location

[@johanrojassoderman5590]

Nono, it's 40h/day

[@jplanigan]

@k c Well now, don't be ridiculous! /s

[@erikznidarsic6754]

While you were practicing 3-4 hours a day Rick Beato went out of his way to bend the space time continuum and added 32 hour to a day just to practice.

[@skydrout-journeyofasnail9137]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@eddyvideostar]

Dear Obama: One must test his talent and know himself, honesty before investing his "24/7" into a path with forks adrift.

[@MintStiles]

That's what they call a Boomer Bend

[@MrGreglarry]

He practiced at 2.5X speed.

[@usernameatusernameperiodsh2168]

He's a true ling ling

[@e4t662]

The 6 months that I spent with my ex wife felt like 10,000 hours..

[@barneyrubble957]

😂😂

[@tedlewis3680]

Me too, your ex wife is a bit tedious. Lol

[@Englrood]

@Michael H. that’s the wit we need

[@rjmays1]

🤣🤣🤣

[@jetpaq]

Yes but are you her master now? Hehe

[@Aten-Ra]

Rick beato is so cool he can literally pause time in order to rack up more practise hours!

[@james.randorff]

He's friends with a lot of incredible folks, including Albus Dumbledore, who provided him a Time Turner, and Doc Brown, who had a spare flux capacitor.

[@Amatteus]

So true. And so lucky you to had that experience

[@jaegertiger384]

If ONLY !!!!!

[@2dbuy]

@@james.randorff don't forget Bernard and his watch

[@Dottman56]

Literally

[@sniebl]

What the heck!!!! My mind is blown, I am from aruba and pepe Gonzales was my guitar teacher!!!! I cant believe you mentioned him. Such a small world

[@twal734]

Nobody : Me : Calculating that there's 4320 hours in 6 months

[@ZandvlietGuitarCompany]

Yeah I was wrong I see it now, my bad.

[@twal734]

@@ZandvlietGuitarCompany nah with about 30 days a month I did 30x6x24

[@Sonny_McMacsson]

Rick practices 55.6 hours per day.

[@JDRehn-ve2kd]

Thanks

[@LadleCloud]

The famous ling ling 40 hours

[@pas_uh_fist2462]

Ling Ling: I practice 40 hours a day. Rick: Hold my capo.

[@romanoforsale]

YES!

[@MrToms-fb6lm]

Elon Musk: I Practice 69,420 hours a day

[@scottsmith8162]

Ling Ling, you forgot your bling bling!

[@GaZonk100]

haha!

[@hamzasalman6345]

If you can play something slowly, you can play it fast

[@ehugo2862]

Hi Rick, If you remember, I played bass in the Aruba big band, my grandson had me check out one of your "what makes this song great" videos, very cool. I mentioned I had been on Aruba with the big band and my son saw this vid and told me you had talked about it, small world. Brought back some great memories. Keep up the great work!

[@NoName-to5xl]

wow, what a smart grandson!

[@JerryT21]

Obviously Rick doesn't read comments otherwise he would have said something something , SMH

[@skylergraham630]

@@JerryT21 he may see it at a point. I imagine with 2.1 mil subs...you have a LOT of comments

[@improvingguitarist1595]

@Dale Macarena woah i remember you too!

[@michaeltuffin5002]

@@improvingguitarist1595 Same... it’s not a biggie. There’s a dale Macarena in every street.

[@jonathanbyrdmusic]

“That’s really when you learn stuff - when you’re playing gigs” Moral of the story. If you wait till you’re good enough, you’ll never get good enough.

[@joeshmoe7967]

100%. I fear sucking more than most, but even I know that I have to accept that I may suck sometimes, but I will live and I will get better. Fudging a song live and laughing about is just business as usual now. If you dig you can always find material where a star now, was sucking at a gig as a nobody way back. You work through it, quitters never make it.

[@markyg236]

Part 2 As with sports, you only get better by playing with/against others that are better than you .

[@osocargm]

That's correct

[@onesyphorus]

This. ⬆️

[@rafaelsg7964]

it's a pity, cos nowadays gigs are extremely rare to come by.

[@RadioSnivins]

If he'd lived on Europa he coulda practiced 55 hours a day, held a full-time job, studied full-time, and still get a refreshing 14 hours snooze a night.

[@kingrobert1st]

Yes but whats the coffee like on Europa?

[@soulofash2112]

He'd only have to deal with 1,800x the annual dose of radiation here on Earth. Ya know, it's all about trade offs.

[@davyjones2994]

I was thinking maybe he meant on the North Pole, where the days last half the year

[@helloworld7818]

Not really haha

[@Brewed.tea.]

The planet?

[@headslapping100]

Sat listening with a beer in lockdown feeling like I’ve just met an interesting new mate in the pub

[@snuggstcg]

This man practices 54 hours a day. I wish I had this kind of determination.

[@michaeltuffin5002]

It's. Not determination it's circumstance.

[@TheRisingFury]

@@michaeltuffin5002 If everyone depended on circumstances to get anywhere in life, there would be way fewer arrivals.

[@michaeltuffin5002]

@@TheRisingFury I'm not sure what I was trying to say.. Lol

[@TheRisingFury]

@@michaeltuffin5002 LOL fair enough. If you like Rush, you may have heard their song 'Circumstances' from their 1978 album 'Hemispheres'.

[@AndyHoke]

Lying for click bait isn't exactly a service to music or musicians.

[@csmitt6565]

I love when Rick tells stories

[@holysmokes4493]

Interesting name there.

[@heathercollins4432]

Same...

[@privacyIsKing]

I dare say we all do xD

[@timbuerkle3447]

I admire his recall..

[@onesyphorus]

we all do sans!!

[@RCAvhstape]

When you're in your teens and early 20s, your ability to learn is at its highest and you usually don't have lots of complications in your life. No wife or kids, no long term job yet, no major bills to pay. That combination of simplicity and voracious learning ability means that whatever you practice hard at during that time will make a lasting impression for life. You can still learn stuff when you get older but it's harder and takes more willpower. You have to avoid distractions and for people with obligations it's tough. So if you're young, strike while the iron is hot. Before you know it you'll be married and involved with life. Put down the video games and your facebook phone and pick up your instrument.

[@savitaghagat8566]

I hear u.

[@emcg.9655]

Bang on. If I never had that period of low responsibility and unemployment in my late teens/early 20s I would never have got to where I am now.

[@savitaghagat8566]

@@emcg.9655 and where is that

[@trashbirdie]

I feel like my highest ability to learn was 2 - 6

[@savitaghagat8566]

@@trashbirdie yes but at that age u could not have possible concentration all that energy at one thing so that guy is right

[@f_r_e_d]

Work ethic is always key. A great painter once told me: “Don’t just practice, practice perfectly

[@johnliebenthal]

All the great painters are dead.

[@matsaabel5949]

Perfect practice is actually something to consider when you learn something

[@carpediemarts705]

Practice creates habits.

[@Sjonesmusic]

Great video Rick! In my first 10 years of playing, I practiced 8 hours a day. Got up early before school (or work) 2 hours. An hour mid day on my lunch break at school or work. At night another 5 hours. It really accelerated my playing. All the while, I listened to tons of music when I couldn’t have a guitar in my hands. As well as studying theory and improv concepts all throughout. All of it combined with starting a full time playing life at the 10 year mark. 31 years after that, I still only do music full time. Hard work pays off.

[@FaithfulComforter]

That’s awesome

[@Sobers.Chatterjee]

The richest person in the world is someone who has beautiful memories like these to share..

[@muckefuck1055]

that's right, or 120 billion in the bank account ;-)

[@Sobers.Chatterjee]

@@muckefuck1055 🙂

[@Jason-eo1rh]

Correction, it's Jeff Bezos.

[@bicycleutopia]

@Me, Also Me within what?

[@jakesachs3421]

@@bicycleutopia within

[@AndrewWatsonChangingWay]

There's a great song to be written about this, starting with the line: "I'm sweating through my tux playing rhythm guitar".

[@OthO67]

Second line: I don’t think it sucks and I’m gonna go far.

[@2FearlessRabbit]

@@OthO67 There's only one reason I have made it this way

[@path8189]

Money is what i need as well as soloing all day

[@OthO67]

From a beach bum to a shred master. Buy the Beato book and learn music faster. 😄

[@Vivi_9]

@@user-sc9en5iv3m do your ear-training and it wont take you long

[@johnm2393]

The Beatles going to Hamburg was their "10,000 hours of practice" experience too.

[@threethymes]

I was thinking that too. They played for hours every day, all kinds of songs, and became a well-honed band as a result.

[@45wraith]

Most people with access to a time machine would get tomorrow's lottery number, or play the stock market, Rick used it to practice longer.

[@densealloy]

Sorry for the lengthy post but please read! I remember 10-15 years ago I was 35 or so. I had got diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when I was 25 which ended my career in the Marine Corps, I had surgery removing alot of my bowel but went in "remission", so I went into Law enforcement in 2001. The remission didn't last even a decade so I had to stop doing such a physical job. At the time I had also been working for a defense company as side hustle and that led me into do design and what not for that. 2 more surgeries and I was in bad shape. I'm 6'2" and my weight went from a lean 175 lbs to 120lbs and I was in bad shape. I just couldn't work anymore so I filed for disability and focused on getting as healthy as I could. So I mention all of this to maybe give you an idea where I was mentally. 3 careers I was good at, respected in the fields and making good money but that was 3 careers, 20+ years gone... I was adrift, trying to catch some wind in my sail. I wouldn't say I was depressed but I certainly didn't have a real positive attitude. We had 2 kids at home still (11 and 14) and my income had gone from low 6 figures cut in half and I was isolated to the couch or bed. I felt pretty worthless at times and there were times where I threw myself a pity party..table for one. I went to counselor a few times for an evaluation because it would be normal for someone to be a little down when in the situation I was in and my wife could see I was a little "down". During one of these evals the head shrinker asked me "if money wasn't a problem i.e. pretend you are independently wealthy...what would you do?" Without even hesitating i said " play in a band at a nice bar environment 3-4 times a week ". Music has always been a real life line for me and I was shocked at my answer. I had a great 10 years in the Corps doing pretty some pretty high speed stuff, I was a team leader on SWAT, a homicide detective, owned a training company, I designed equipment for the Corps, US Marshalls, Secret Service etc and was fairly good at all of it. But in my off time after my allocated time training, going to the gym etc had I was playing guitar, photography or leathercraft. These hobbies were where I gravitated when I wasn't "working" and I never thought of those pursuits as anything more than hobbies. I also never saw any of them as a genuine money making opportunities. But today is a different world. With social media it is now possible to make a living at these. So I would encourage anyone young enough, healthy enough, to pursue the things you are really passionate about. To even write these words and I can't help but think just how cliche it sounds. But life can throw you a lot of wonky pitches and you never want to be staring at 50 and while in a reflective moment wonder where it went wrong. Be your best advocate, put yourself out there and give it a shot. Put in the work, the practice and be genuine. Being a genuine nice person is one of the reasons Rick has the following he does. We can see the passion, along with his love of teaching and helping others, combined with his breadth of knowledge, hard work and he is successful.Unfortunately I can't play anymore due to joint damage from my Crohn's Disease but if I was in my 20s that is what I would be doing. Even if its a side hustle where you do one or two videos a month (because video editing is just a tiny itsy bitsy time consuming) it very may strike a chord (pun intended) with people and it could take off. But always be honest and genuine because most people have a really good BS detector and having passion about what you are "selling" will come through very loud and clear. What's the worst that could happen? You will have posted to KZbin, videos about something you really love, you will without a doubt make a nice little community of fellow music lovers and it will probably make you feel really good when you will get the inevitable "thank you" from someone, who really needed just what you have, when they reallyed needed it. Music is one of things that just brings joy to your fellow human and it is something we can all generally agree on. Thanks for your story Rick. You bring alot of happiness to alot of people. You Sir, are good human in my book. Keep on, Keeping on.

[@joeshmoe7967]

I am staring at 59...I have had days recently where I question everything/decision I ever did or made, that led me to my current predicament. So much time wasted. I started on drums at 15, guitar at 17, and still hold onto dreams of making a living through music. I practice daily, jam most weeks, and people tell I am good. Some days I believe them other days not so much. If I could just get out of my own way, it would be a start. I have thought of a channel to motivate me to create more regularly and eventually get my own music out. 2020 kicked me hard, but things have gotten better in the last few months. I have been saying for so long, 'next year', I will put my music out. 2021 just around the corner, maybe it will be the year. Cheers

[@HughJitsu]

Great post. Glad you are well!

[@RTCLR123]

One word: Joe Dispenza I cant go to sleep without music, and it is like this for 15 years, i finally started producing stuff this year, so fingers crossed coz i did "10000hr" this year 0-24. Cheers

[@Theseasider69]

Well said sir. I hope you and yours are well.

[@RobSchauland]

I take this story as somewhat of a cautionary tale. If you think you're just gonna "make it" in the music business, listen to this story. This is the kind of experience and work that you need to endure to have the substance to be successful. Fantastic, man! Really great story.

[@maekymaek.0302]

U REALISE Rick is on his own level of music. Up up there. Way up there.

[@---yx7ti]

Rick your camera quality is so good that your room looks like a greenscreen

[@eboyeman8457]

Plot twist: It is

[@bronson1392]

Does not look real at all

[@friendlyplayer92]

Also lightning

[@teacherfromthejungles6671]

@@eboyeman8457 plot twist: he had a tour across the studio to show you that it's real

[@3Prayt]

@@friendlyplayer92 yeah it's just lightning

[@shalaq]

So you went through your personal bootcamp. This is a story I hear a lot when it comes to mastering abilities. You did nothing except play guitar sleep and eat. Thank you for sharing this story. All the best from Poland :)

[@jimray2281]

shalaq plus he never mentioned the beach once - AlHambra casino is in front of an incredible stretch of white sand (Eagle Beach) that’s discipline for you,🤙🏽

[@stevewright4173]

There’s like 4300 hours available in 6 months.

[@s1vrbck_fitness]

School is essential but nothing beats real world experience.

[@TheSectric]

School isn't essential though, especially not in music, ask the many famous musicians who never set foot in one.

[@bartlettpsj]

So true. I was explaining to my friend that he should just get 20 songs together and play them back to back. Playing non-stop (ish) for 1-2 hours vs just noodling 5 minutes at a time makes a difference to strengthm, stamina and accuracy.

[@FirstMM]

Someone could sit with a guitar, playing scales and watching TV, for 8 hours every day for a month, and not really get any better. If they are practicing playing badly, because they are not paying attention, they might even get worse! On the other hand they could sit with a guitar for just 10 minutes, 6 times a day, fully focusing just on playing scales and absolutely nailing it, for a month and benefit hugely. Malcolm Gladwell came up with the idea that 10,000 hours of practice is required to become a master of something in his book "outliers". This concept has been over used and over stated repeatedly in popular media; the reality is that focused practice is important, but what most people do for practice is largely ineffectual and often damaging.

[@bikashth8539]

Doesn't matter what i play but when i practice, i record the entire thing that i play, listen back and improve. If this isn't the best way to practice. I don't really know what else is.

[@damani1711]

@@bikashth8539 ok, youre the best

[@peanutbutterisfu]

I understand what you are saying but who watches tv for 8 hours? Lol! Definitely need to put more than 60 minutes of practice in per day if you want to get good. I did about 4 hours per day for a bunch of years then when I started to practice sweep picking I had a really hard time with it. I would practice in my normal routine then before I went to bed I would watch tv for 45 min and practice sweep picking and finger exercises like stretching it really helped me out. I use to just practice scales but that didn’t make me better at them what worked for me was using a scale with a backing track. Just running up and down scales is a terrible way to try and get your soloing speed up for me it just didn’t work. You definitely don’t want to pay watching tv for 8 hours you definitely will develop bad habits timing is probably the biggest and any good shredder knows that if you aren’t playing in time your technique is definitely off.

[@FirstMM]

@@peanutbutterisfu Sadly there are plenty of people who sit in front on a tv for 8 or more hours a day, hence the term "couch potato". I think that in order to get really good you need to spend at least an hour a day practicing, but it needs to be focused practice which was really my point! If you are not mentally tired after a practice session then you are not focused and are probably wasting at least part of your time. 4 hours is probably an ideal, if you have the time to spend, but not in one session. 1 hour a day can get you to the same place, it will just take longer, obviously! Start small and build up if you want to play long sessions or else you will encounter health problems (RSI, elbow, shoulder problems and the like).

[@pookatim]

Yeah, as the old saying goes, "Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect."

[@Byang764]

Rick definitely has a lot of music theory in him

[@citronius9388]

Hes amazing at teaching as well I’ve learned so much

[@Emelefpi]

The way Rick's hair is jutting out on the left and right kinds looks like Wolverine's hair

[@citronius9388]

Hahahaha yes

[@sacriste]

I came to phone from tv just to comment that hahah

[@zenon459]

He looks grey hair actually look good

[@jimmycampbell78]

It makes him look cool

[@alistairmaleficent8776]

I was just thinking that! And also how he hasn't seemed to have lost a single strand over 35 years.

[@cavemanzach9475]

dude that kid calling out those notes blew my mind

[@davejamieson426]

@Paul Fryer I believe that's what the kids would call 'COPE' lol

[@friendlyplayer92]

@Paul Fryer heh, perfect pitch means also understanding harmony

[@benji9220]

I love how you invite us in to your life and we get to know you through your content. Inspirational as always. I’ve put so much time into practicing and learning and developing my sound and you’re always taking what I know already to the next level. Thanks rick, you’re the man!

[@Karlgolden]

Great video Rick! You have to take risks in life and school isn't always the right course for some people. But education and the key skills taught are of course important to fall back on. I hated school and took every chance not to be there and play guitar but my wife loved school and thrived through the education system......life is not easy! No right answers

[@asb3pe]

Rick followed his own heart instead of being persuaded by others. Follow your own heart, it will always lead you in the right direction!!

[@hussainbinshamsuddin9488]

@@asb3pe ..

[@a5dr3]

School means less and less every day. Different world. The value of a degree is the same as the value of everything else, scarcity.

[@hh-291]

So this dude actually played guitar at least 12 hours every day for 6 months straight. I think that explains everything

[@raymondlugo9960]

Quality time at that

[@SanDiegoHarry1]

Yup. I had so many students ask me "how did learn do to THATon bass??" and I'd say "while I was practicing 8 hours a day for years on end!" Everyone wants a cheap/quick solution to EVERYTHING - and it's worse than ever. I'd tell kids "there are no shortcuts. None. Not one. Just go practice." Many just quit.

[@fernandoreynaaguilar1438]

Life Lesson. For everything in life.

[@OthO67]

It’s Mr. Dude! 😂

[@henryperkins8392]

This is such a zen moment

[@DMused]

10-11:30 p.m. big band gig at the hotel casino swim, eat dinner 2am-8am on stage at the Adagio Cafe Jazz club Sleep for a couple hours. Practice 4+ hours (transcribe, work on ideas) eat lunch Practice for Jazz club June - November So that's: 10pm (big band) 11:30pm (eat/swim) 2am (jam) 8am (sleep) 12pm (practice) 4:30pm (lunch) 5:30pm (rehearse) 7:30pm (nap?) 10pm Music: 1.5 hours + 6 hours + 4.5 hours + 2+/- hours = 14+/- hours a day. It's not just the hours. Its the density of hours over time, it's the professional setting, it's the camaraderie, it's the education material at his fingertips, it's the setting of feeling of "no worries" over job or food or money or housing. Doing all of that for 183 days would be life-changing no matter what you focused on. Add it ALL up and have it be motivated by LOVE (of music) and FEAR (of surviving in a uber-challenging profession) and you have 14 x 183 x some factor, say x3. Remember, he kept on adding to it. There wasn't any forgetting and re-learning. It was contiguous. Additive. I think that that is key. And being inspired by other players and being on the spot every day as he performed. All that is definitely worth a x3 factor. Super significant. Add to that Mick lessons focused on areas he needed to work on? Mick is a master musician and teacher. Oh, and not having to pay back student loans (he was on scholarship and taking a temporary leave of absence) during that time was also key. Debt is such a killer of opportunity. This was probably all made possible by him being a guy that was not only super serious about music but also a guy that was also good to be around. Take away the relational aspects and he would never have had the relationship to lead to the invite to play in the first place. 14 x 183 x 3 = 7686 hours That is SUPER substantial. (Now imagine Metheny putting in 12-16 hour days for decades in which 3.5 of those hours were performing 250/365 days a year for 2-3 decades...it begins to make sense.) By the way, a NEC Masters today costs 73k/year x 2 years so 146k. Man, his scholarship ("I was on scholarship") must have been substantial. He wanted to save money. 26 weeks x $1216 ($500 inflation adjusted to 2021) = 32k in today's dollars. But that is the way HE did it. Rick is Rick. That is key. And you are you. He found a way. You find a way. Our challenges are different today but a hungry, sold-out, diligent and decent person today that avoids debt, takes risks, adapts (classical -> jazz -> rock, player -> writer -> producer -> KZbinr) and who keeps a positive attitude and takes advantage of all opportunities that show up, while retaining a love for music, might find a way too. Or you might not. It's rough. There is a lot of talent out there. But beauty is beauty. And you are unique. And you can probably fill in the gaps of someone's musical world and make them sound better - and make their life easier and better. Do that.

[@soycarlosalexis]

Ngl, this is easily the best comment on this video 🙏

[@abassplayer4life]

Well said.

[@truelovewontwait]

My man wrote an essay. Briliant

[@chainsherlock6268]

Thanks Rick. Since March I’ve produced 9 albums in the nursing home I live in on my phone with an app. My brother and I watch a lot of your videos which are amazing, concise and of course educational. Thank you. Very true, create your own sound, not someone else’s.

[@SpedSpedding]

Can’t wait for the Netflix Original: Beato in Aruba. 🤘🏻🤣

[@geoffbuss3699]

So the semester you took off college was when they did maths? Just having a dig - great vid as always, Rick.

[@ZachKopkaZake]

Hilarious

[@jmack619]

grade one to grade twelv was a waste of sixtien years for me

[@erics7226]

Best comment!

[@bingbingbong2886]

😂😂😂😂😂🤣

[@harrypeters8306]

Thanks rick for the many hours of free musical training. Im sure that even highly trained musicians have learned a few new things. It's your love of music that pushes your UTube channel forward. It's all thats good on utube, and represents to me a very high standard of dedication on your part! Much luck in the future!

[@AnthonyT50]

I love the story of a budding artist that knuckles down and dedicates himself to total training. It's the same way with any sport or profession. Excellence requires training. That said there are only 4382 hours in 6 months.

[@padshardbank]

Reminds me of Vegeta training in space

[@gyrogearloose1345]

AnthonyT50. I think he's referring to the accelerated experience of playing in that environment. Like he learned SO much in those 6 months. Like it was 10,000 hours.

[@Jamsville]

School is a bubble. I took two years off of school between my Bachelor's and Master's and I think it was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I learned so many things in that time out of school that made me a far better musician. I got a lot out of music school, but now I'm so glad to be done and use the skills I've developed to actually do things.

[@Jamsville]

@mister kluge for me there isn’t really any alternative. I need to make a living, and I’m already far down the rabbit hole of music, so that’s it. That’s my motivation lol. School just gives you a magic piece of paper that says you’re good at doing something. At the end of the day none of that matters though, and you simply deliver or you don’t. There are too many people who have no degrees whatsoever who have accomplished far more than I ever will.

[@heathercollins4432]

School makes you a"safe beginner.." in everything...

[@Jamsville]

@@heathercollins4432 yeah i agree. There’s plenty of people who go to school and still can’t play. You also need to have the real world experience of gigging and working.

[@AidanMmusic96]

I'm having the same experience now. I just finished my Master's this past September (having left the city since March because of Covid), and I already think I've "learned" more since then than both degrees.

[@Jamsville]

@@AidanMmusic96 did you do your masters in music?

[@Faze-TV]

Subscriber number 2,000,000!!!!! Congrats Rick! Well deserved, keep up the great work! Much gratitude for all your hard work sharing the contents of your brain!

[@ojibwayinca8487]

This is simply incredible. I absolutely love stories of the work, the sweat people put in behind the scenes which have made them what they are today. Bravo, and thank you for sharing.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I love your stories, especially the ones about your mom and dad. I had the same dynamic with my mom and dad. My dad was the practical one (stay in school) and my mom was supportive no matter what I did. I give them all the credit for teaching me a great work ethic and to follow my passion. Great stuff Rick. Thanks! -Mark

[@hearpalhere]

This is probably one of the best stories you've told yet Rick! I really enjoyed hearing it and it definitely goes a long way toward explaining your very impressive talent. You're obviously very talented by nature but you've also put in the practice time required to ensure you maximize your potential.

[@davideanelli8774]

This is probably the the most important video you have done man.....cheers from Italy....stay safe ...stay in groove!!!! Davide

[@edkaempf906]

Great message: Learn, spend the time, practice. These are great concepts not just for music but for any profession/hobby/interest. This is why Rick is so great at what he does.

[@kevinlemon3467]

I love stories like this because they show how "talent" isn't a thing you have, it is a thing you develop through hard work and dedication. Certainly some people are more inclined to a skill, but what separates potential from skill isn't base "talent" but practice, thousands of hours of practice.

[@RTCLR123]

Perfect exsample is a soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo who was falling on the ball while dribling(clumsy), and 10 years later he became the best player/scoorer in the world few years in a row.

[@BWater-yq3jx]

I have long said that a huge part of a 'gifted' person's 'gift'... is the desire and ability to do a huge amount of practice.

[@Walans]

Discipline👂🎼📈📉

[@NinerFourWhiskey]

Nothing like the immersive experience to develop a skill. I know I was a lot sharper back in the day when I was gigging a few times a week, playing absolutely whatever, from country to tejano to metal and blues.

[@robertacolarette1594]

Wow Rick, that’s experience. You can only keep up that kind of pace when you’re young. Thank goodness you did it. It sounds like it was not only passion that drove you but you were having a hell of a good time. That must be some great memories and the whole thing served you and all of us well to this day.

[@mathewporras6737]

Oh man I loved this story. A lot of musicians nowadays don't understand how vital jazz is to becoming a better musician. I'd love to see more stories on your jazzy days, Thank you for this video, You're one of the coolest Kats I know.

[@debvalle7466]

Lessons from the School of Life 👏🏼✨ This was great and really important. Being able to absorb and apply in a sustained way is crucial. Yay for Pepe Gonzalez, I say!

[@SlimHadley]

That sounds like it was fun AND you learned a whole lot! Thank you for your work!

[@johnnyhotrod]

Incredible story Rick,and incredible dedication. You truly have to love what you do to put that much time and effort into it

[@dondesormeauxrcadventures7551]

This is my favorite of your videos Rick. I love hearing stories about a person's development.

[@nvrumi]

Rick, I absolutely love this story. As a musician, I'm just a hack... but I was a church musician for ten years and I learned more about music and performing by having that regular gig than any lessons I ever had. There was a thing about showing up, working hard, working on the arrangements, and working with other musicians with a huge range of skills that was so informative. I get it. Well done, sir!

[@douglasaraujo9763]

His buddy calls: “we’re putting the band together. We’re on a mission from God”

[@DheadslayinG]

This is great inspiration Rick, it helps to break down some of the intimidation of finding your own sound and starting to write your own songs for me.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

I played bass one year in a house rock and roll cover band at the Jersey shore six nights a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. At the end of that period I was still a hack rock cover band bassist. 😪

[@FinalBaton]

I really love the stories where a buddy gives you a phone call and offers you a project. Those are always pivotal moments. I guess what's to learn is : don't be affraid to try things, to experiment and take the plunge and try a new experience if it's exciting to you. It may change your life for the better.

[@randolphgallagher7942]

When you come to a fork in the road, take it. - Yogi Berra

[@2112jonr]

Totally agree - if it's a calculated risk and one you can do without ruining you, do it. See where it takes you. That's what makes life fun, not predictability, though it has its place too.

[@rickymccrum1814]

I think my girlfriend might think my recent practice amount is passionate and obsessive, but hearing how much effort you put in puts me to shame. You're an inspiration / musical role model. I'm gonna work even harder now and if she asks me about my second partner in crime I'm always holding ill just send her this video.

[@chefsize]

Dude this awesome. This may be my favorite story of yours. It’s totally a classic, old jazz story.

[@lopezb]

Rick is such a great story teller- and he has so many great stories to tell! Inspiring for all of us lesser mortals...

[@-tr1ggerbo1-56]

Its amazing how many intriguing and interesting storys this man has

[@briteness]

This reminds me of the story of the Beatles' residencies in Hamburg before they got famous. I realize that they were not nearly as proficient as you are musically, but they developed their craft there. They left Liverpool to play in clubs in the rough Reeperbahn district in Hamburg. They would play on stage 6-8 hours a night, almost every night. After their first tour of duty there, which lasted a few months, they returned to Liverpool transformed. Whereas they had been one of several good bands in the scene previously, when they got back they were so much improved that they instantly shot to the top of that scene, where they remained until they became world famous shortly thereafter. It was their Hamburg experience which gave them the long hours they needed to really gel as a unit. Not many musicians can get that much stage time easily, but it is key to development as a musician, as Mr. Beato says above.

[@carlfroberg]

My grandpa played cards with them during their time in Hamburg!

[@ralfybaby]

@@carlfroberg And your grandma ..... ?

[@darcynafe7821]

Rick, so appreciate your insights. What you share so often applies to all areas of life and business and not just music. Very helpful. Thanks

[@sandystrait3878]

Loved hearing this. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, wisdom, experience and insights. You are making the world seem sane and still wonderful. Loved that scene with your son. Best regards.

[@ConradOsborn99]

Thanks for the explanation, Rick! It's really interesting that you were able to learn a lot in a gap year.

[@aeolinks]

Greetings from France ! I practised a few years ago on Mick goodrick's "Advancing guitarist" book, Awesome! And you you are just my favourite video performer on YT, i love your style and your musical attitude. Keep on! BRAVO !

[@christopherwilliam7717]

Rick, I really enjoy your videos! I've been watching you for several years now, though I literally only just subscribed to your channel. I watch you often enough that the algorithm has placed you into my echo chamber, and I've never had to go looking up your videos. Thanks for such excellent content. This episode in particular really captured the story-teller in you.

[@shaunasong]

I'm a vocalist and I get so much from everything you share. I attended Ithaca College in '86-'88 and quit when I didn't make it into the vocal jazz band. I went to Steve's office and he played me Joni Mitchell to comfort me with. I was too thinned skin to weather the storms back then. But I still have today. Loved your rejection stories!

[@Yonder88]

Suppose you can't overstate the importance the Hamburg gigs had on the Beatles. Playing 8 hours a night, 7 days a week, for one and half years. Or as John - IIRC - put it: That's where we learned to be a tight band.

[@jaceacekalgoorlie]

Sabbath did the same thing. Went to hamburg, 5x 45 minute sets a night, 7 sets on the weekend.

[@wanderingwade8877]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@janharris1085]

Of course, it didn't work for Stu or Pete. John, Paul, and George had the drive and the passion to want to keep learning. They also were competitive and were always working to play something a little better than what the other guy had recently done. They also got to know Ringo, liked the way he played and they all got along well.

[@2112jonr]

Same with Def Leppard. They practiced and practiced and practiced in a disused spoon factory, until Steve Clarke threatened to leave if they didn't do a real gig. Then a few years later, Mutt Lange made them do take after take until they were driven to tears. It made them one of the tightest live bands in the world. Ditto RUSH, with their insane 300 dates in a year touring schedule of their early days. Total immersion in what you do.

[@bobbucketgeneva5920]

@@2112jonr Excuse me but the Beatles played 8 days a week

[@johnbowman476]

As a struggling 60 year old guitar student, started at 60, it's been overwhelming. This immersive early education concept is interesting, similar to the good garage bands I knew in the 70's, they were not successful but they practiced a lot and gigged a lot before the pay to play days.

[@KarmicWealth]

My new fav video of yours. Thanks for existing brother.

[@godguidanceandgardens2453]

Folk stories are born from this engaging, light-hearted romp down memory lane! Thanks a million, Rick.

[@76JStucki]

I find the question slightly odd: “how did I learn all this stuff...” by studying and practicing. Same way anyone learns anything. The problem I always had was that students all want to be rock stars in, like, a month. Or even in a year. Or they want to know “how long until I can play like such-and-such a person?” And the answer is: “way longer than you think.” Becoming a world-renowned musician involves too many factors to predict, and many of them are out of your control. But the fact is ANYONE can become skilled at a musical instrument if they take the time and put in the effort. Literally anyone. But it takes a lot of time, and a lot of effort. So most people don’t become good at it because they don’t do that.

[@davids736]

Totally agree with that mate.... 👍🙂

[@chrisking6695]

If you have the drive and passion it doesn't take any effort. The ppl who whine and want to be rockstar in a month have no real passion or drive so anything they do seems like work to them and thus requires effort.

[@avastapleton853]

Very insightful! I didn't come to this realization until I was 21. Now I talk all the time about how much I hate the word "talent" and how overused it is. Dedication and love for the thing are way more important!

[@linearstudio1236]

"How I practiced 10,000 hours in 4380 hours"

[@bobbyo1374]

I really enjoy listening to your stories!

[@jamesemerson4102]

This is simply a GREAT video, Rick. I've gained a lot of inspiration from your stories of some of your musical journeys and experiences.

[@RC32Smiths01]

So wonderful indeed. Your musical experiences are so inspiring, especially being such a great musician as it is. Music is a really strong topic to pursue indeed.

[@kitrichardson5573]

what a great story. The thing that blows me away is that you could do a big band job for 10 hours, do six hours a night of jazz and then still have the motivation to practice four hours a day! most musicians are such posers. And I have to be honest I could put myself in that class sometimes because it’s not about paying dues it’s about the girls and the beer and the people in the audience -but you can always tell a real musician. my friend Niko who went to Ghana to practice a drumbeat from sun up until sundown until he caught malaria; and almost lost his life in this little jungle town, he’s another one that was a real musician.

[@scottmichels2260]

I have been enjoying your videos for while now and as floored to see the Steve Brown footage!! I am an IC grad who took some classes with Steve such as the History of Rock and Jazz. He open my ears a lot and now it seems you are passing down the gift! Thanks!

[@theresahall1490]

love ya Rick - music music music - must of been an amazing time of life!! love playng and to be able to solo for 10 mins holy smokes! sweet learning and jammin

[@bf2206]

Seeing his son hit those notes like that was very scary. I am speechless. That is a magical gift

[@dethbotx171]

This hits hard right now, as I try to balance school and my real passion

[@12ealDealOfficial]

I can relate. I think my degree has been an absolute waste of time and money so far, and it was the time I made between classes pursuing my dreams that actually furthered my education. I graduate this December with my bachelor's in English, but at 31, I can't help but feel my time and money would've been better spent just going for it.

[@RGRGUITAR]

This is one of the most important advice I ever heard! Thank you for this video!

[@elmopablo]

Rick you are such a gem , not only to us guitarists but to the music industry. That story made me wish I had been there with you guys and what a great experience and story.🙏🤟💎🔥

[@johnshannon6492]

Rick, At 61 years old I have recently realized that "you have to make the time", just like you said, Rick. The greats (like yourself) have dedicated their time and life to their craft. I'm a songwriter who (recently) realizes that I will only be as good as the time I put into it. Thank you for the sharing of your knowledge. John from Rochester NY

[@bumsharvest5493]

Geez Rick, now I see why you're so good. Practice makes perfect.

[@PaulHowardJohnson]

That sounds like an amazing experience. To be that immersed in music is a blessing.

[@dong1872]

Thanks again, Rick. I am 70, with a long career behind me that had nothing to do with music, although I toured with a few club bands in my twenties. For sure, I have my 10,000 hours in, but only in the last 4 years have I had a chance to really spend some time playing, performing, and learning - probably another 3,000 hours. I envy your experience, and the pleasure and ability it has brought to you, but strangely enough, I feel like a kid again, and I am rarely more than a couple of feet from a guitar - filled with excitement and anticipation of a new lick or chord progression, and I see my speed and comprehension steadily increasing. The brain and the body are amazing machines, and although we are at distinctly different levels, you remind me of myself - gleefully learning, sharing, and enjoying your gifts! Cheers from Canada!

[@armara70]

So that's what happend to Serpico. Fascinating...

[@12ealDealOfficial]

Underrated comment!

[@i90sknd75]

What an incredible coincidence, I literally just watched this movie for the first time two days ago. Wow.

[@stricknine8623]

So the edge of your seat question..,..."Rick, how did you learn to do all of this ?" Answer: I worked extraordinarily hard and played, practiced, ate, slept and played more for a very long time. Oh.......crickets.

[@tweebthelerker3952]

Everyone I've ever spoken to, who has "made it", has a cool story of how things fell into place for them....timing of the universe. Some stories are wild, some bland, and some are amazing. But, there's ALWAYS one common theme....the amount of dedication to their craft is off the charts. No matter is it is, music, sports, art, management, or whatever. They are what normal people would see as, hyper-dedicated. Over my lifetime, I've seen people become prosperous at some strange things. Things you wouldn't imagine. But, it was based on their dedication, and love, for whatever it is. Glad it worked out for you and that we now benefit from it through your channel. Thanks.

[@lerippletoe6893]

This is one of your best videos for how helpful it is in guiding how to get good, although the story you said about sitting transcribing solos and practicing for 10 hours a day and your dad would listen was a good one for the same kind of inspiration too.

[@robertvanwyk7374]

Rick, you were in Henry Neubert’s studio? I played lead tot in Tues Thurs Lab w Steve for four years. I graduated in 97. Teaching now HS for 24 years. Love your videos

[@johnallred3124]

Really brave of you to put your beach bum picture in the thumbnail.

[@jumpingman8160]

The importante thing to take from this fascinating story is: always make time to use the Hotel's Pool

[@Milage100]

What a great story, and how brilliantly told. Thanx so much Rick. That's what we all should have done (if we had had the chance). Developing one's own style instead of copying all the time, is really the most important advice. Mille grazie!

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Dude I love how obsessed Rick is with music... what a great story about a great gig. I can picture it