Is Noodling Over Backing Tracks Practicing?

[@maxwiedemann5423]

jamming over a backing track while waiting for the video

[@dwarkanathpramanik8545]

The sheer awesomeness of this video is off the charts. I love that you have a humorous approach even though you're clearly dead serious about music.

[@marbinmusic]

Thanks!

[@Pigrat.]

But Marbin!!! All of this learning will break my natural creative process! Through noodling I figured out this cool undiscovered thing that is unique to me where you can play the note a half step up from the root sometimes. Never would have thought of this crazy innovative idea if I restricted my natural flow with theory and learning!

[@marbinmusic]

Haha. We're out here poisoning the well of creativity.

[@iorch82]

You can always introduce random notes in guitar pro 4

[@Voyage3496]

That is some 10/10 editing tho, whoever did that you guys should pay him more

[@goneaerial41]

I've had a near identical conversation with so many of my students that resembles what this video is discussing. The whole guitar community is rife with bad advice from bedroom guitar players. I would even go a step further and say that the famous ear players like Montgomery, SRV, and so on still employed a method for improvement that much more closely resembles traditional practice than mindless noodling. In George Benson's old REH videos he demonstrates a bunch of voicings he picked up to work through changes, which means at some point in time he was mindfully working through developing a vocabulary to variegate the way he voiced particular chord families. Even if this wasn't informed by traditional theory, it still meant he was using his ears to identify new sounds and how and where to employ them in context. I just can't stand mediocre musicians complaining about not being able to get over a plateau but then getting angry when someone who can demonstrate that they know what they're talking about is trying to hand them the keys to the kingdom for no cost.

[@marbinmusic]

It's a lot of work for everyone. A lot of people conflate the magic they experience when hearing a master play with mysticism in the process of getting better themselves. Good points

[@EiElBiAi]

Love this. To be totally honest, I noodle a lot, but I just to make it mindful noodling rather than mindless noodling. Like "ok champ, try to hit chord tones/ok champ, major chords, work on CAGED positions/ok champ, try to incorporate your vibrato bar in a musical way". Not really a method, but in these last years I started getting bored when I talk to bedroom/fake jam session players and they talk about only about "feeling". Feeling comes from both instinct and brain, I will die on this hill.

[@tonyspada2744]

Yeah the Ear Players!! I've attempted to teach them over the years. They're so resistant to education lol 😊

[@iorch82]

These days bedroom players are all about stacking piles of expensive gear that wont ever see an actual stage.

[@DwangusJackson]

I'll never stop noadeling

[@marcelloestemiele]

Thank you very much for this video, from the bottom of my heart (but in general, your channel is a pure gem)

[@stephencooney1768]

Well said! The way you broke down the process of learning/integration in this video demonstrates where and how backing tracks can be useful perfectly and provides a nice roadmap to improvement for those of us who are lost.

[@marbinmusic]

Glad you dug it!

[@barryjenkins3260]

Dani is crazy good at playing and a great teacher as well

[@jorgebermejo3708]

Thanks, Dani! My skills are improving integrating Ron Jeremy licks in my playing! 😛

[@marbinmusic]

Just make sure you stay out of jail!

[@bassvibasics479]

It's only practice if you apply your mind to it AS practice. Intention is Key.

[@yannick2047]

Also, I am not quite sure whether someone like George Benson is purely an ear-player. You probably cannot get this good without good knowledge of music theory, and great trained skill on how to put all of that stuff on the fretboard. As far as I know (interviews …), George studied the Mickey Baker books and built up his „bebop-muscles“ quite a bit, at a young age.

[@jaypeeluga2701]

I do play along on backing track after listening and learning a specific theory and see how it would sound or if I can come up with something not ear destructing.. Thank you for this vid. This reinforced that I'm somehow doing effective practice.

[@marbinmusic]

Thanks for checking it out. Keep on shedding!

[@Jesse_Marseille_Music]

New favorite channel

[@hearpalhere]

Absolutely love it man, words of wisdom dispensed with fantastic humor! Rock on!

[@marbinmusic]

Rock on!

[@seanmetal4138]

Awesome video! No BS, and straight to the point. You sir earned a sub.

[@yannick2047]

Either love or hate his humor, but he’s right!

[@manuelpassarella]

I use backing track only when I need to integrate a new piece of musical information o piece of theory. I wanna integrate the Neapolitan 6th arpeggio in my solo as a way to play outside and then resolve? I put on a backing track and I have a go at weaving that new piece of theory in my playing. Record that, listen to it and try again...

[@ChrysGringo]

“Dani The Real Deal” why ppl get offended when the real deal is spoken? Maybe because they are afraid to see the truth, the truth more often than ever requires work, but most ppl don’t want to work, they want a magic pill. Why so many musicians sound terrible? Because they don’t want to listen to the truth and to their own music, they hear it, but listen to it.

[@darzik]

Interesting and insightful. Thank you!

[@marbinmusic]

Thank you!

[@andrewsanders2941]

I approve of the food metaphors. It has been said elsewhere that this type of advice is meant for anyone regardless of their craft. The key term is craft. Anyone keen on expanding their craft needs to hear this, internalize it, embrace and expand upon it

[@jfo3000]

The "perfect practice" philosophy is what it's all about. Doing perfect practice to a jamtrack can be productive, plus you get the experience of hearing your line or phrase over the harmony. But letting the slop slip on by while jamming to the track won't make me (at least for me) any better/sharper/crisper/cleaner. Repeated perfect practice to that track does help. I also find the best way to hone in my vibrato(s) is to play along with the player and mimic their vibrato real-time. Trying different vibrato variations by myself attempting to find "it"...many times I don't get it right.

[@GuitarJesse7]

6:56 another thing about playing by “feel” or “ear” and not doing some thinking playing, is that often times there’s not a lot of variety and perhaps too much repetition. Sometimes challenging yourself, planning, thinking through possibilities, going outside your norm, leads to much interesting and deep music. But I also think doing too much of that can lead to something that sounds too technical or not as pleasing to the ear.

[@shanebucci4755]

This is the most concise and useful video for anyone who needs to learn how to practice. Guitarists who protest the idea of actual practice and music theory are guaranteeing stagnation in their own playing. Every other instrument on the planet understands the difference between practice and performance, it seems only guitarists prefer to live in a world where thoughtless noodling supersedes conscious thought and rigorous practice. Glad you’re spreading the good word!

[@mustuddd]

Just watched your recital video from 11/'23. Great playing!

[@Wyrdo999]

Excellent video. I'm a classic example of going from an ear player to a " I know what I'm doing player," and in my case, knowing what you're doing is WAY better. I mean when you improvise, in my case anyway, I compartmentalized the theory during the PRACTICE phase, just like you mentioned. And what would happen is I have triggers that when I improvise, that give me ideas, its not thinking per say, its compartmentalized ideas that flow in a stream, if that makes sense? For me, improvisation is more like tap dancing on the fretboard, and melody compartmentalization is VERY important for me when attacking a new tune, and I like to use it as jump of points to improv over. Thx for this video.

[@vinisilva_guitar]

This video is so necessary. It's a pratical guide to get better at playing.

[@marbinmusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@nathaniellukavsky176]

Truth.... I believe tracks are a comfort zone sometimes because it's just to easy to eat your own soup. If some asks you to cook with them you just be bringing soup.

[@marbinmusic]

I've always been a broth man, myself. Anything more is unnecessary

[@andreiviievskyi2838]

Dude.. this video is hilarous yet very useful! thanks!

[@NeilAllesee]

This is good.

[@marbinmusic]

Thanks!

[@rudyalexandermarquezmusic]

Dani your videos are usually playing while im practicing. Am i practicing right 😂😂 love your content man!

[@notrubbelac]

Absolutely love this. Just won a subscriber, had me dying laughing 😂

[@isaiahneilguitaristofficia549]

If your jamming over anything you’re not strong on, say improvising over flatted keys, playing triplets over a straight eighth ,if you have your guitar in your hands and focused on something you are practicing.

[@jonbrowning-zr9mb]

Lessons that use words are often so much better than lessons based on notes.

[@nemedie82]

I'm talking about my experience, playing by ear for so many years, transcribing tons of solos took me exactly nowhere 😂😂😂 i was just like a parot! At 35 years old i started studying theory and harmony and now (with gypsy jazz) i have to practice a new right hand technique, as you said, slowly, again and again to achieve that muscle memory I need, every time i practiced with a backing track was just nonsense noodling, I'm sorry for who think it's not but, it is! Unless you are Jimmy Rosenberg or similar, born with a gift and I'm not, i have to study and practice everyday as much as i can (i'm 42 y.o. with a job and a family, believe me, it's tough but I have a lot of passion but the path goes slow). Bye Diego from La Spezia Italy

[@evanshine1395]

Ron Jeremy as the hero 😂😂😂😂 and the Hugz guy when you said “what is he doing” lmao

[@marbinmusic]

People respond to honesty

[@randyhetlage9202]

😊​@@marbinmusic

[@monkface]

Ever since taking your Berkeley course in 20 minutes.I've been doing steps three and four

[@GregRolling]

“If you had that kind of talent [like Hendrix or Benson] you’d probably know it by now…”. I almost fell over laughing.

[@wayofwaves]

Memeing suits you well LOL this video is a delight!

[@mhenkka]

this is why you are a pretty good teacher

[@iursnitram]

Although I agree 100% with what is said here and I believe this is the video that has the best chance at "converting" someone, the topic got obfuscated by how hilarious the whole thing was 🤣

[@marbinmusic]

We're in the missionary business

[@Pigrat.]

This is perfect 😂

[@golandamato4701]

Definitely yes! Especially with different time signatures, And go through the Entire circle of Fifth, and Change modes. Rhythm wise: 1. Flamenco 2. Samba 3. Blues 4. Swing 5. REGULAR 4/4 6/8 If you got these down youll be a master guitarist.

[@Mikkokosmos]

Nice thumbnail

[@marbinmusic]

Always a noodle in every crevice

[@stevespears-ss]

2 different types of practicing, among many. "Noodling" is ear training, fretboard familiarization and creativity training. I don’t do this very much. I prefer practicing scale sequences. But, this also has limitations. I don’t practice modes, because they are stooopid🤪. You can play inside all of the modes right where you are at any gven time, if your ear is trained

[@GuitarJesse7]

I think backing tracks are great, especially for helping people to just get used to playing in the key and exploring ideas. Some of the big things that are missing most of the time are dynamics, changes in the harmony that will make the melody or solo more powerful, etc. It also tends neglects the important aspect of playing with other people and interacting with what they are doing. It can also make you think playing guitar is only about soloing.

[@mikebunnyguitarish]

I don't buy jam, I buy honeeeeey

[@jamilal-aseeri3791]

Good information for all new geetar players who want to build better chops and understanding of music.

[@AlexAces93]

The Architect from The Matrix vibes 😂 Great content! edit: the matrix background just appeared lmao

[@marbinmusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@Paullonger]

meanwhile me, noodling even while watching a movie with my wife 🤷‍♂️

[@rabinserious1]

This video is something else!!

[@marbinmusic]

Glad you think so

[@sebbo1496]

why can't every youtube guitar video be edited like this?

[@marbinmusic]

Much more coming out of us. Stay tuned

[@quantumvox8424]

Make a lot of sense to me

[@marbinmusic]

Excellent 💯

[@bassprofishe1549]

I might have to watch this twice cus the fucking memes are too good lmao

[@marbinmusic]

Why not indulge on this decadent president's day?

[@bassprofishe1549]

@@marbinmusic Indeed, most definitely.

[@randyhetlage9202]

Bingo ❤❤❤❤❤

[@tr3ndkiller]

I feel personally attacked

[@marbinmusic]

Just wait until I find you

[@UR2Compliant]

Best way to learn improvisation though...

[@marbinmusic]

have you seen the full vid?

[@UR2Compliant]

@@marbinmusic not yet😏

[@georgederiziotis9518]

Beetlejuice!!! Now this video makes sense! Thank you for a concise explanation of this journey I've decided embark on! I'm 60 and have been playing for a little over 3 years. So any help is appreciated. Thank you!

[@marbinmusic]

Good luck on the journey!

[@georgederiziotis9518]

@@marbinmusic Thanks!

[@andyholbert4631]

Learning new difficult phrases and working them into noodles incorporates them into muscle memory yada yada…

[@marbinmusic]

🍜

[@sundog1979]

Marbin, I'll be honest man; I have never wanted soup so bad.

[@marbinmusic]

Broth moth, always flying towards the pot

[@MartinMichiels]

Oooh Roland Kirk ! It's been a long time since I heard him. I'm gonna fix that !

[@BOBSAGET-sn8ex]

100% truth

[@patv7279]

“Do you care enough to get better” this is why I’m a bad parent

[@anima1s]

👏🔥❤️🙌

[@grandexperimenter]

Your hero is hilarious.

[@Double_0_7_Strings]

Just started watching the video, but I think tracks help in specific ways, like if I’m struggling playing over a certain chord change. But I stop using the track after I can hear the changes without the tracks, and then I try to improvise unaccompanied, so I can still make the changes come out in my playing.

[@marbinmusic]

It's all about a balanced diet

[@shaharbar]

I threw up three times watching this video... content was solid!

[@marbinmusic]

Purge ignorance, gorge knowledge. Thanks!

[@extrememind100]

yo! I don't Want ron Jeremy to Fill me up With Anything!

[@charlesmerfeld2988]

Pasta my play grade.

[@JamesUnityFuchs]

ha ha ha ron jeremy

[@90LPPlayer]

Listening to Ron Jeremy is going to make me a better guitar player? Ok😂

[@sau1itud366]

Question: I’ve played guitar all of my life. And although I can still hear, I now have to wear hearing aids. Should I destroy music for all mankind for the sake of revenge?

[@marbinmusic]

@@sau1itud366 definitely. It’s your only move at this point

[@SergioCavalieri]

you sound like a Berkeley guy ... lo l

[@FlyingV344]

bla bla bla bla shit 🤐

[@marbinmusic]

@@FlyingV344 articulate and concise!

[@patwalden78]

Cholesterol from eggs is a myth 🎉

[@marbinmusic]

Really?

[@patwalden78]

@@marbinmusic Indeed,

[@BungleJoogie68]

It's in yolks. About 186 g per regular size egg.