Jam Like a Pro: Say Goodbye to Backing Tracks: Guitar Lesson

⭐️ Hey Patrons! Here are YOUR PRACTICE SESSIONS!
29 total minutes of demoing and practicing how to build up your imagination to jam. I use two songs from my fascination with jamming. From laying the loop, to learning chords, to choosing the soloing machine, these will get you feeling amazing when improvising to any song. Hope You Enjoy!
Session #1 / 92546577
Session #2 / 92548397
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Ok, so I just wanted to write this comment so the central idea of this video is clear. The guitarists we all worship did not have backing tracks to play with. They either had their imagination or a band. Although backing tracks are a good way to, learn and confirm your ideas (Scale choice, approach, and rhythm), no matter how good they are, and there a ton to choose from online, you will ALWAYS be following them, and ALWAYS be putting the weight of your performance on how well you line up with the track. You will always be at the mercy of the tempo chances, mode changes, volume changes, etc. You will always have a predictive mindset. It is why jamming to a backing track seems stale sometimes.
In order to really improvise and feel how the music should change with your feel, it is very important to sometimes put the backing track down and play to the concert in your head. This method puts you in the LEAD, as in lead guitar. As you play to your tempo, your heart beat, your comfort level, you can use your imagination and chord changes in your head to move the music with you. In a Jam Band scene, you always are going to be implying the chord changes in the jam, so as long as your soloing reflects that, and you feel the freedom of being in charge, then mission accomplished. Trust me, you need to have/hear the music in you at all times.
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[@StichMethodGuitar]

Ok, so I just wanted to write this comment so the central idea of this video is clear. The guitarists we all worship did not have backing tracks to play with. They either had their imagination or a band. Although backing tracks are a good way to, learn and confirm your ideas (Scale choice, approach, and rhythm), no matter how good they are, and there a ton to choose from online, you will ALWAYS be following them, and ALWAYS be putting the weight of your performance on how well you line up with the track. You will always be at the mercy of the tempo chances, mode changes, volume changes, etc. You will always have a predictive mindset. It is why jamming to a backing track seems stale sometimes. In order to really improvise and feel how the music should change with your feel, it is very important to sometimes put the backing track down and play to the concert in your head. This method puts you in the LEAD, as in lead guitar. As you play to your tempo, your heart beat, your comfort level, you can use your imagination and chord changes in your head to move the music with you. In a Jam Band scene, you always are going to be implying the chord changes in the jam, so as long as your soloing reflects that, and you feel the freedom of being in charge, then mission accomplished. Trust me, you need to have/hear the music in you at all times.

[@joshaverbeck5691]

Thanks! It makes total sense. Selfishly though, I was hoping for the payoff of listening to you jamming to the backing track at the end of the video.🤣

[@sonandar]

The dude lives!!

[@jujijime]

His beard should be wizard length..😂

[@mojodojo5533]

He's living in a hobbit house.

[@christophercole8877]

He abides, my friend.

[@ronlawrence5635]

When I just saw him, I thought that I was dreaming.

[@Ben-xl7ft]

I’m a Lebowski, you’re a Lebowski

[@eatbliss8895]

I mean this in the most positive and kindest way, but you are like the Bob Ross of guitar. You convey such enthusiasm, excitement and true joy of learning, without any ego or other bs that many other instructors seem to have. I have learned more from watching a few of your videos, than all of my lessons and playing/performing, combined. And, I have been teaching guitar for years, myself! You are absolutely amazing, and I love the fact that you don't edit your mistakes out, rather, acknowledge them, no big, and just move on. These subtle lessons are even more valuable. I am sure you are aware of this, but it is this underlying 'way' of thinking about your relationship with the guitar, and hence, 'being a musician' that is a much more difficult lesson to actually teach than simple knowledge and technical know how. And you, my friend, are a master at it. Every lesson I have seen so far has been outstanding, and I have learned at least one thing from each one, usually more, and I have been playing for over forty years. In fact, when jamming last weekend with a friend who, likewise, has been playing for forty plus years (we are childhood friends that started guitar together, and still jam, to this day lol) I began singing your praises, so he wanted to check you out. We spent the next six hours reviewing your lessons, in detail, stopping and discussing theory along with even deeper philosophical concepts of how tones relate to life and such, and you have another diehard confirmed fan of your channel and method. I wish I had found you at the start of my playing (even though I think I may be a few years older, so...lol). I cannot even imagine where my playing would be now if I had used the StichMethod as my foundation/base. I probably would have been dead at twenty seven! LOL Keep rocking and please know how respected, needed, and what a asset you are to not only the instrument, but humanity, in general.

[@_I_do_not_have_a_handle]

What I appreciate most in these videos is that Ian shares how he thinks about music rather than a simple recitation of steps. I've learned a lot of very useful technical things in these videos, but the insight into another person's creative process has been invaluable. This video in particular highlights that. Thanks Ian.

[@jonebenfield]

I've just been doing this for an hour straight. Lots of repetition on the chords before beginning, and then, there it was, the chords were in the back of my head and I was improvising over what I was hearing in my head. Thanks for connecting these dots, man. Truly grateful!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

There it is!❤️

[@ericrose765]

Best improv tutorial I’ve seen in the last 5 years on my guitar journey. Definitely going to use this

[@MyGuitarDoctor]

I love your lessons, they really work. This lesson gave me a big grin at the beginning, with backing tracks...lol

[@jjlbridge7877]

Good info thank you. What you’re teaching is where I’m at skill wise. I know the major and minor chords, inversions and all the scales. Your vid is helping me put it together to play something that sounds good and makes sense.

[@troyxthomas]

Dude! I cannot believe that I was just able to do what you did, by playing the chord progression (E and D) for a few bars and getting it stuck in my head. Then I just started playing the E note (string 3 fret 9) and then slid down 2 frets to the D note when the chord changed in my head...and it worked! And then I started just doing simple hammer-on's and pull-off's on the note 2 frets above the root for each one, and that worked too. :). Then, since I had a lot of time for each chord (8 beats each), I really let myself start to play around with other notes in the pentatonic, and when the chord changed, I would just repeat that same pattern just 2 frets away. Then I started focusing on hitting the chord tones (E G# B, then D F# A) and it started sounding like I actually knew what I was doing (haha). So then I focused on those chord tones, but added little hammer-on's and pull-off's for each one and it really started to sound like I was playing lead. I then tried finding notes to connect between chords, and WOW! my mind was blown: I was actually stringing something together that didn't sound just like 1 pattern after another. It flowed, if you know what I mean. And, all of this was done without a backing track or another guitarist playing rhythm. I was doing it all. Thank you, man. I feel like you've opened a new door for me. You are awesome! btw, for minute there, when I really had it going on, it felt like I was in the Grateful Dead, playing lead guitar. :)

[@alanshoer]

This guy is just the best guitar teacher. So grateful.

[@r0flgal0re]

This is a great tip! It also lets you stay within your limitations. I struggle with some backing tracks having more than 4 chords, so I get lost. This way I realize my limitations and learn to build up slowly. 2 chords at first, then a 3rd etc... great stuff!

[@viberge]

Completely true, playing free gives you freedom to imagine various cord progressions to make solo exactly what you feeling all the time.

[@steveb4400]

This is a great example of using a combination of tactical playing with visualization. It acts as if you are jamming with the band and that will prepare you for the actual event. Well done.

[@WithCarePlz]

I stopped saying I was self-taught a long time ago. I’m youtube taught. And Stitch is the best teacher on youtube

[@samlawlor2059]

Hey Stich! We've communicated on here a few times in the past. I live in Quincy MA where I know you spent some time! Was just thinking I'm surprised you haven't done a video on "The Moma Dance" yet. I've been studying those jams lately and they seem primed for a stich breakdown. Cheers bro love you thank you for all you've done for me.

[@livealoha50f]

One of the few teachers on KZbin - this channel features teaching. Everyone of his shows is like a private guitar lesson. Though, I am not into the Dead, I have to admit that it’s probably the best form of music to study. It sits in between the blues and Jazz. (More towards Jazz). Or in other words, it’s an advanced form of music that normal humans can reach in a single lifetime. It’s Jazz without without chromatic tones lol.

[@tfk3160]

You certainly have some unique approaches to teaching guitar. This concept is a really good one as it teaches one to think about what they are playing, kind of sing it in their head and get the feel of the rhythm all by yourself. If I could jam by myself with no backing track that way I would be happy. You can hear the changes without hearing the changes when you do your improvising. Very good lesson for sure.

[@jayfreeman3004]

this lesson is gold...

[@richardlenz2655]

Dear Stich, I am a beginner guitar player and love your videos. But I also love backing tracks. As I am a little bit a lazy person, l like to compose pieces which sound good but with minimal efforts. For this I take a known solo, e.g. Clapton and play it over a backing track e.g. rumba flamenco. This can give a feeling of „something new“, but is very easy to start with 🤭

[@perk005]

ive missed you Stich, glad ive run back into you. Your approach and teaching styles like that favorite teacher you had in school that you feel taught you everything you know, your personality is awesome too

[@Scablander]

I can imagine the back-up singers singing the chord changes and clapping their hands. Thanks man, great concept!

[@robertlukas3036]

Good to have you back.

[@andyb7855]

You are one of, if not my FAVORITE guitar teacher on KZbin!!!! Thanks for all the PHiSH!!

[@aliveinside8]

Man I’m glad to see ya Stich. I needed to hear this message. I’m going to strictly double down on this idea for awhile. I know you can really feel the music, exponentially better when you’re chasing those chords in your head. Advice better than gold as always.🔥

[@grassblade63]

Great job of verbally explaining a very complex mental exercise. Nice!

[@MicaDeLaSierra]

This is such a great lesson! Thanks for reminding the importance of the imagination and the feeling from the heart to more enjoy the play.

[@coopertrooper8256]

It's alive!!!!

[@michaelruggia476]

You perfectly described where I am at with my blues playing... hopefully this will help tremendously...thx Ian

[@jasonbenda-joubert8934]

Missed you Stitch!

[@ingramsmart]

I will certainly try this. Whether or not I become a better improviser, I really enjoyed hearing you play in this video. Great stuff.

[@alexxak338]

Welcome back!!

[@taylorfulkerson2628]

Hey man, thank you for all your work and knowledge you share. You are a ridiculously good teacher and true master of the instrument

[@TheBlackStrat502]

Mind. Blown. Thank you, Stitch!

[@simonbelson8681]

incredible vid, incredible lesson. Thank you so much from London! you the man!!!!

[@edmundssnikeris]

Oh, wow. This one was real eye opener, will work on this during the weekend! I love this type of learning approach. Concepts and framework instead of instructions.

[@PepperCain]

Needed this. Thank you.

[@anthonykinrade8642]

I learn from Ian, then watch hundreds of others guitar videos, but when I get stuck and want to advance, I come back here😊😊True......

[@tobysshades]

Welcome back!

[@chazrich]

The target audience for your videos are way above my skills but i so admire your approach so I watch and learn anyway. So glad to see you back, Ian. Richard, England

[@alexwillis954]

Glad to see you back buddy

[@mojodojo5533]

So basically get the backing track in your head.....man this really works!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

There you go! And yes… it really really works!

[@mattmueller8609]

Amazing lesson stitch. Thank you!!

[@jamesmurphy7466]

Wow, what a great idea, just found your channel, so much information for a struggling improviser. Subscribed and may go further, thank you!

[@icaro2305]

I miss you so much dude! Please keep rocking, we need you.

[@petermaine]

Welcome back, Ian! Thanks for another great lesson.

[@MusicJunkieVideos]

Hey Stich, missed you!

[@komsanboonde2599]

It's great lesson for me. Thank you for your share.

[@scottbobier8168]

Welcome back. ✌️

[@df6496]

crawl, walk, run… great lesson!

[@superreality3823]

Just thinking about Stich at the weekend. So it's great to see and hear you again

[@I-apologize-in-advance]

The new set is cool!!

[@Junterhack]

Say goodbye to backing tracks, ok first thing you gotta do is make a backing track😅 Another great lesson!

[@StichMethodGuitar]

I know I know!😂😅

[@atticusfinch4687]

Lol. I was thinking the same thing!!lol This site has really helped me a bunch.

[@feyziart-1719]

The best youtube guitar teacher is back!

[@KingCraby]

No matter how hard I tried and listened I couldn’t for the life of me hear the band behind you

[@Mike-rw2nh]

Aphasia? KZbin audiation exercises. Hope it helps.

[@KingCraby]

@@Mike-rw2nh Had to look up both words. I really hope I don’t have brain damage tho that might explain a lot (I can’t remember shit always thought it’s because I smoked too much). I can definitely hear what I’m playing and can definitely hear it when I’m not playing. It’s imagining a band playing behind me… Thanks for the recommendation

[@PumpkinL.Escobar]

He’s back!

[@robcyrbeer]

Woohoo! Gotta jibboo!

[@brazilgriller6073]

Wow!!!! So glad to see a new video. We all miss you dude

[@Rockemdead1]

Great Lesson. Good running into you last week at Kohls. Keep up the great lessons.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

My man!!!!!

[@TommySG1]

Hey Stitch! Great lesson as usual, hope to see you more frequently again, hope all’s alright in your personal life 🤙

[@danielmiller2886]

This actually makes a lot of sense. Thanks!

[@michaelgumleyguitar]

Great lesson! Thanks for sharing!

[@mediumjumbo7484]

Slaboday would be a good one for this 👍

[@thegame787]

Thankyou for simplifying the concept. I am assuming it's v - iv progression ?

[@sparks3019]

Awesome lesson! Thank you.

[@charlieh2656]

These methods are very effective - and they are scientific too.

[@richardtownsend2150]

Been looking for you, thanks

[@ludwigvanel9192]

I am so amazed/disappointed in myself that I never figured this out myself. It is so obvious! Thanks Stitch!

[@jamesadams1064]

This may sound odd but I get a jam in my head and whistle to it.

[@timothy5974]

I do the same while at work without my guitar, I also do fretboard visualization while driving as well. I think anytime we can work on our music will make us better.

[@zenlandzipline]

@@timothy5974Judge: “Before you slammed your car into the back of that minivan with a family of 5, what were you looking at? What did you see?” You: “I was visualizing A minor” Judge: “well, it wasn’t a minor. 5 people are dead. I would call that MAJOR”

[@shoemaker1]

This is really helpful, thank you

[@davidpatrick1813]

this is a great neat gig.. thanks

[@Maxshade7]

Great lesson. 🎸🙂👍

[@GhostFace8]

I'm pretty sure the jam progression is like the beginning of the song

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Nope, beginning is 2 beats each chord back and forth, when they get to the Jam, same chords but 8 beats each

[@turbozayas]

Dude is so good!

[@Johnny_Guitarmy]

I'm going to call chords you imagine: ghost chords. Seems very fitting for the haunted house you are trapped in Stich :)

[@Salharmonic1]

Stich, you are the man

[@StichMethodGuitar]

No, you are!

[@dogzillamonster]

Love this, but: What is that 'Ginny Say Qwa' chord please?? Can one find it somewhere deep in the A Major or A Minor Pentatonic? God I hope so!

[@Bhh-j2s]

Defined as: a quality that cannot be described or named easily. "that je ne sais quoi that makes a professional"

[@G0dbeast]

Damn, I needed to hear that.

[@TheOuinf]

Another great lesson, thanks! I'm just asking myself... What about using a metronome with this exercise ? Do you think it will help or restrain your creativity?

[@StichMethodGuitar]

I think it’s fine!

[@carlcamera777]

Interesting! Lol! Thank you!

[@caitlynrault7823]

Thank you so much for all of your amazing lessons!! 🙏🌞🪻✨️

[@pascallacsap9641]

There's a je ne sais quoi of Grateful Dead in his playing 😊

[@edwile473]

So happy to see you!

[@rolandjgutierrez7737]

I'm back to the man who knows let's rock..RocknRollflat5

[@ronaldmaheu]

This is really cool ! I ❤🎶 and can hear it in my head ! There is a french song that goes like this *J'entends tout ce qui joue dans ma tête* >>> * I can hear it playing in my head *

[@dankers12]

I can tell today is going to be a good day.

[@Wilyam-07]

❤❤❤❤

[@zlatkodraskovic5532]

You should do a song with Jack Black.🇦🇺

[@haikat4]

PROMONOTORY RIDER !

[@Iamlush7]

Woo Stitch

[@CorbinSmith-yf3wd]

Stich I wasn’t sure if you still had the email for asking questions so I’ll ask it here. On many of your videos you reference a concept known as “playing with the changes”. I would really like to know what you mean by it and an explanation into how it works, couldn’t seem to find a video that focuses on it for very long.

[@johnbart8052]

“I had a diet soda” Lmao

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Mountain Dew Code Red Zero Sugar to be more precise 😂

[@TheTimeProphet]

I thought you were playing spongebob squarepants at the end LOL.

[@intersweat]

9:00 mins in we get Jack Black from School of Rock 😂

[@Jewdly]

Were you at SPAC this summer for Phish? I thought I saw you.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

Absolutely I was!

[@Jewdly]

@@StichMethodGuitar I was going to try to catchup with you, but your throng of fans kept us apart! ;)

[@captainkangaroo4301]

Long time Ian. More in the mind of Jerry Garcia one of these days.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

You got it!

[@azcharlie2009]

I can smell the incense from here..... (-: Seriously, that's the idea.. Always know what chord is being used at that instance.

[@blakehimself2816]

🙌🙌

[@brandonvalentine2555]

I use Moises to remove Jerry from Grateful Dead tunes and play along. Move over rover, lemme take over

[@gregc8483]

🙂👍

[@gtrdoc911]

Jim I love you but I TOTALLY disagree with you on this subject. One should practice with a backing track as much as possible! It increases your improvisational skill better than anything else. 1. It is immensely helpful to hear how your note choices sound over backing chords. 2. It exponentially helps your timing as you're forced to keep time with the underlying tempo. Playing with no backing track negates those 2 very important points.

[@StichMethodGuitar]

I will reply to you with my pinned comment at the top of the feed..... Ok, so I just wanted to write this comment so the central idea of this video is clear. The guitarists we all worship did not have backing tracks to play with. They either had their imagination or a band. Although backing tracks are a good way to, learn and confirm your ideas (Scale choice, approach, and rhythm), no matter how good they are, and there a ton to choose from online, you will ALWAYS be following them, and ALWAYS be putting the weight of your performance on how well you line up with the track. You will always be at the mercy of the tempo chances, mode changes, volume changes, etc. You will always have a predictive mindset. It is why jamming to a backing track seems stale sometimes. In order to really improvise and feel how the music should change with your feel, it is very important to sometimes put the backing track down and play to the concert in your head. This method puts you in the LEAD, as in lead guitar. As you play to your tempo, your heart beat, your comfort level, you can use your imagination and chord changes in your head to move the music with you. In a Jam Band scene, you always are going to be implying the chord changes in the jam, so as long as your soloing reflects that, and you feel the freedom of being in charge, then mission accomplished. Trust me, you need to have/hear the music in you at all times.