James James Answers Your Questions

[@douginny]

Hey. I know you take a lot of the dumb negative comments personally. I just want you to know that you have helped so many of us intermediate and advanced players. Your lessons and demos are well done and I personally wish you and your family the best this coming year.

[@jeffreysmith6373]

Could not agree more...Many thanks and good health...Thank you!

[@jamesjames9275]

douginny Actually, I don’t take them personally at all. I just don’t like giving a platform to a**holes to be a**holes.

[@chuckfatherofrock3480]

douginny the only reason I’ve gotten as far as I have on guitar

[@spamdmd]

Best guitar teacher I have ever encountered

[@douginny]

@@jamesjames9275 Lol. They spend their life that way.

[@paulgeorgia8013]

I still periodically revisit this channel. I sure do miss Mr. And Mrs. James, and hope they are well 🎸😎❤️

[@synthoify]

Thank you for all the years of guitar you have shown us as Privettricker and James James. You are my go to guitarist for any song I want to know about and you still have that wow factor on some of the music you play. Once again thank you and all the best to you and yours.

[@StringPlunker]

Double Ditto.

[@ndfive]

Yeppers--cannonball back at you

[@JnL_SSBM]

For mobile users: 1:01 When did you started playing guitar? 2:14 Did you take lessons? And can you read music? 2:47 What was the first song you learned? 3:12 What was your first guitar? 5:03 How many guitars have you owned? 5:41 And are there any favorites you wish you still had? 6:46 Do you have advice on affordable guitars $500 or less? 8:38 Who are the players that influenced you to play? 10:35 How do you learnt to play by ear? 13:38 Do you have a favorite guitar album specifically an album that's good for practicing? 15:24 How often do you practice or how many hours a week do you play? 16:27 Do you have any advice for people who want to get better on the guitar or want to learn by ear?

[@chevy2599]

You're my go-to guy for KZbin tutorials. Why, because you're straight to the point, you speak clear, and you come across as a humble guy.

[@shannonmorris8501]

Astonishing. I was going through old cassette tapes to get rid of them, no such luck because I tripped over so many songs I loved, including America Three Roses. I you-tubed, and got sent here, what a great job of figuring out those chords. I also play by ear, and have astonished other people with what I can pick up, mostly Joni Mitchell custom tunings and the custom chords, and then the usual 70's stuff from my teenaged years...I'm good at math too, but always had a hard time interfacing with people...I was diagnosed with ASD when I was 53. That is what makes my mind turn music into an equation I can play on guitar, piano, whatever, I think I am up to 30 instruments.

[@tlb2732]

This video inspired recollections of 43 years of performing, of how I got started, and many wonderful memories of special shows and fun times shared traveling with my brothers in our band. I too was first inspired by my older brother. He took a few lessons. I never did. The first song I learned was House Of The Rising Sun. My first time performing in front of people was at age 14 when my brother let me strum along with his band at a cousins party. My first paying club gig was at age 17. My first gigging guitar was an Aria Pro II TS-400 Thorsound Series. I believe it is a 1981 model. I used it exclusively for 20 years beating the roads gigging two and three nights a week. A saddle finally broke and I bought a G & L Asat Classic. Now my main guitar is a 2018 Music Man Cutlass, the finest electric guitar I've ever owned. I finally spent $180 on new titanium saddles for my Aria, I affectionately call Thelma Lou, and had the frets dressed, the nut replaced, and the neck adjusted. Then a few weeks ago, I replaced the pickups with a set of Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates humbuckers. I'll be taking her out as my backup for a gig this Saturday. My advice for beginners is similar to yours. Start with learning to play open chords, learning the chords of each key, then practicing until you can change quickly and cleanly from chord to chord. Start with the fundamentals. Progress at your speed, but strive to progress. Put in the work. For intermediate to more advanced players, my best advice would be to form a 3 piece band with other musicians who are at or past your level of development. Then push yourself to develop your skills to create full sounding songs, pushing your abilities, thereby learning new techniques, new chords, riffs, and licks. Also developing and improving your ability to multitask and sing lead and harmony vocals. I'm 60 years old, and forming a 3 piece band has caused an old dog to have to learn many new tricks. Thanks for your channel. It is a time saver for me, performing in two 3 piece bands. I find a lot of inspiration and classic songs in your videos that are ones we've never played.

[@jamesjames9275]

Those Aria Pro II's from that period were great guitars for the money.

[@budandbean1]

Very very glad you are doing better!

[@michaelahern3006]

Take your time and get well. Some of us old geezers need you! Thanks for all you have taught me.

[@catherinecook2046]

great vid! rest up, we can wait.

[@michaelcusumano880]

Excellent teacher bud...I've learned so much from your videos ! thanks man

[@Darkwell0071]

In the day, it was vinyl. So listening over and over lifting the needle and replacing it was labor intensive. Today with computers and tab it is so much easier. Thanks for all your help this is the other way to learn which is actually the best. Just watch James James. I hope your taking some time to enjoy yourself but keep on. So much easier to keep on than starting up.

[@abrz111]

Hey all the best in the upcoming year and many thanx for all I've learned from you. I'm 64 years old and I thought I was through with guitar but you showed me and taught me I could play on even through arthritis. still loving every minute of it.

[@kolbpilot]

I too, want to personally thank you, both for your "privatetricker" & "JamesJames" library of contributions. I've learned plenty from you, & KZbin, in general. Your Rolling Stones songs are much appreciated. Your collection of guitars are a sight to behold. Many thanks again, Robin Masters - Rapid City, S. D.

[@benningmatsumoku3909]

hey james, 65 slow learner here. Had neck cancer 2015, traeted aug/sept feeding tube removed xmas. I must have been lucky, seems to have got it all. Good luck w/ your followups and Thanks for your excellence. Only song I can play so far is shame on the moon! as I said I'm slow (probably too much pot in the 60's Thanks again . christo

[@RafaelMesBal]

Nice

[@gabize]

you taught so many songs to us, man! i wish only the best for you and keep rocking! thank you very much! greetings from brazil

[@jeffreydann2949]

Hello got to say thank you for many yrs. of PT and now this JamesJames. Great and you have help me to elevate my skills to where i can go out have people enjoy my playing as a solo singer song writer.I don't do other tunes except when i am following you. I like to write my own. Anyway thank and i hope you will be around i dig learning a lot of the songs you do.I wrote a time ago asking why Gibson guitars.I still don't get it but that's what makes us all different.You rock is the bottom line .Many thanks for many years.

[@michaelherman4129]

You are kind to post these answers. Looking forward to new videos in the New Year. Health, Happiness and Peace to you and those you care about.

[@andrewptob]

I want to thank you for making me a much better guitar player. I was someone who stagnated in my playing for many years, but after finding the PT channel, my interest in learning and growing as a guitar player really blossomed because you made songs I would’ve never thought I could play very accessible. And once I started learning a few new “hard” songs, it inspired me to get better and made me more confident in my ability. I can honestly say that I’ve learned more in the last 4 years of playing than I had in the first 15 years I had played. So, again, I just want to say Thank You! Best wishes to you and your family.

[@Ystadcop]

I've been playing for 60 years and JJ is still a great help. Really.

[@tamiobrien1113]

Wow 7 turns turned out to be my song reminds me of traveling all over the United States and meeting people and going again how in the world could you ever know we,would meet again!!! Sometimes I got lucky. Thanks James & I nailed cheery cheery

[@knrsthotmail]

I'm permanently unwell but can still play and get lots of pleasure from your videos, and I've learnt so much.

[@stevieraysantana6159]

Glad you are doing better man !!! Rock in the new year buddy .

[@dougharding6604]

God Bless Dude... here's to lots of songs in 2019!

[@josephslivinski2291]

love your lessons hope you have a speedy recovery and a great 2019

[@hughb15]

Thanks so much for all your great guitar help! Hope you have a great recovery.

[@rogermartin7116]

So happy (especially for your family) that you are on the mend. Peace and a safe, happy and healthy New Year.

[@overcookedchicken2109]

Big inspiration to me man. Thanks!

[@pantano207]

Get well soon, man, best wishes

[@oneeyedfatman5491]

Congrats on your recovery hope you have a happy healthy 2019!!! Keep Rockin"!!!!!

[@bweags4194]

Awesome video as always. Just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for you and your videos. I’ve learned so much from watching you and its helped me progress really quickly. I started playing January of this year and I had some natural talent to begin with but after watching your videos and other guitar guys videos (majority yours) alongside several hours a day of practice I can now play rhythm for pretty much any song I want, I’m decent with lead chops and I’m playing for my church band all the time. Thank you so much for your videos and guitar knowledge. You’re the man.

[@carlosp5984]

When I discovered your youtube channel I started to practice more and of course you are one of my inspirations for playing guitar. I have to thank you for all the cool songs that I added to my playlist because of you, keep on rockin' 🤟 man!

[@gilmarriner3011]

I’m really happy to see that you’re getting better! Thanks so much for just being there for all of us wanna be guitar hero’s. Frohe Weihnacht und gute Rutsch! Translated means Merry Christmas and happy new year. Greetings from Germany!

[@tysonmindham2986]

One of my favorite guitar albums is Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere. It has the full package.

[@danborden3594]

Tyson Mindham was gonna day the same thing. One note guitar solos, lengthy jams, acoustic. Full package

[@andrewptob]

Tyson Mindham Definitely underrated among Neil Young albums

[@peteharding]

Great advice here. Thank you for all your videos.

[@markbeasley1]

Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2019. Thanks so much for all of your great videos over the years. You've made me a better player.

[@richiewilliamsii6548]

here's to a speedy recovery, man! cheers, Happy New Year & i'll add my set of strings to the rack w/ others) thanks for your effort(s) along the way; very appreciated indeed.

[@Andrewausfa]

Good to hear you're feeling and doing better. You've been a source of inspiration over the years.

[@markhorton3041]

Hey JJ!! Thank you for sharing all your time and knowledge with all of us. It’s been a great year learning from you. Have a safe and happy new year buddy!!!

[@lonerwiththecamera]

Glad to hear you're on the way to recovery. Wishing you the healthiest path and the most joyous of New Years to you and your family!

[@parsonsprod]

I'm so happy for u!!! Thanks for sharing all of your amazing videos over the years. U R DA BEST!!

[@pageluvva]

Much much much love and respect JJ. You have helped me become a better player almost everyday. Peace brother.

[@daveklain4683]

Hey man thanks so much for your time and knowledge I’m glad to hear your getting better your really a class act✌️

[@classicrockrebelslosangele5776]

So glad you are better... You have saved me so much time with your awesome videos. I play in a Classic Rock band here in LA and you are always my go to guy. Thank you and God Bless!

[@s2studlys2]

Hey JJ, hope you had a great Christmas and even better New Year's. Glad to hear you're recovering, and looking forward to a bigger and better 2019 for you.

[@Rogerrrrrr]

Thanks for releasing this James. Wishing you the best in the New Year.

[@tangomango69]

Great to know you are feeling better ,love your videos. Best wishes for you and yours in 2019. All the best. Simon from the UK.

[@gibberjabber5185]

Pure class . thank ya.

[@barryb83110]

So glad you're feeling better. Have a great New Year.

[@toddmcintosh83]

Thoughts and prayers for your full recovery! Thank you for your videos! It’s obvious yours are the best guitarist tutorials. I’m 59 and started teaching myself at 15. I can’t read music and don’t really care to. I can honestly say that My playing has improved more in the last year with your videos than in the previous 34! Thank you JJ! Looking forward to the rest of 2019 now! Best wishes to you and your lovely assistant!

[@nolenzvolenz9086]

My favorite place to learn songs , you’ve helped me play better and look at the damn thing differently. Thanks brother.

[@charlesschwartz307]

I’m very glad you’re continuing to feel better. You’ve been awfully kind to share many great lessons and your time and as you can see, you have many very appreciative and thankful viewers who have taken your generosity of spirit to heart , myself very much included. Very best wishes to you and your family for a happy and HEALTHY New Year. Best, Charlie.

[@jimihendrix243]

To me you are a legend man! Been watching your videos for years, for learning and just to see you play. Hope you get back to full health in no time ^_^

[@ralphgabriel2363]

Good to hear your recovery is going well, and as a previous post says, a healthy new year, and years to come.

[@bruxist]

Glad you are feeling better. Thanks for the awesome vids!

[@dakotasaunders6566]

You rock and are an inspiration to all of us guitar students. Please don't ever doubt that brother,thank you so much!

[@pedrodavidos271]

Love your videos mate. All the best to you and your family for the new year.

[@dougww1ectebow]

While I follow a few other guitar teachers here on YT, you remain my first and favorite and just know how much you've helped so many people derive enjoyment from music and guitar playing. Continue to get well, so glad you found that in time.

[@scooterman55]

Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos, much appreciated ! All the best for 2019 😀

[@LysergicPulse]

I’m very happy you’re feeling better. I will be expecting your amazing covers and lessons

[@demurets]

Thanks James. Happy 2019 and good health to you!

[@philipheying4902]

This is great! I hope you'll do these from time to time... Your comments and insights are helpful and thought provoking. Your answer to the question about advice for people who want to get better on guitar got me thinking: I didn't even try to learn to play guitar until I was 56 years old, and then only because I had a big scare with my health and a friend said it's now or never, took me to a guitar store and basically forced me to pick out a functional $125 acoustic. (That's a great friend!) Much to my surprise, it was fun right from the beginning. That's what I never realized - it's even fun to suck! Just the sound of a D chord is amazing. I wish someone had told me that when I was 12 years old. Now just today I learned how to play the Beatles song Rain from your PT video lesson. It's been a wonderful journey to follow your lessons. I sure hope your recovery continues to go well and wish you and yours a splendid, prolific new year.

[@lauriezachwieja]

So glad to hear you are doing well! I turned 50 this year as well and had my colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago. You're such a great teacher and give lots of fab advice. Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. Bobby Keys didn't know how to read music either, so you are in good company! All the best in 2019.

[@acrscott]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@metaltwister66]

Speedy recovery. Appreciate you filling us in on what's doing with you. Looking forward to 2019.

[@jtp1138]

Thanks for the post, Dude! Glad to hear feeling better. Happy New Year from Boston!

[@truthstillmatters59]

I am happy to hear your health is improving. Best wishes to you for a full recovery and a heartfelt thank you for helping me learn to play the guitar!

[@gregcameron5079]

Glad to see you’re feeling better, love both your channels ! Been following you for years !

[@JungleTelegraph]

I hope you feel 100 percent again soon. Thank you for all of your hard work.

[@LaurenceWindy]

Thank you for all you do. You are a great inspiration to me and I'm sure others as well. Glad to see you are coming along and feeling better. "Gotta feeling 21' is gonna be a good year." Hopefully 19 will be too. Rock on!

[@akileish23]

This was a great throwback to 'The Big Reveal' video on the PT channel. I was even hoping to see your face with the HD camera this time! Really glad to hear that you are doing well now. I owe a major portion of my guitar learning to you. I've been following you for the last 4 years, and as I've said many times, thanks for everything. May 2019 bring more joy and good health to you and your family. 🙂

[@jerrywalaszek2473]

I am happy you are on the road to recovery.Thanks for channel and the numerous songs I have learned from you.I am on the same page as you as far as music.Be well and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[@Valerifon1]

You are my first go-to guy for guitarists on KZbin! I've learned so much from you and your teaching format is fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing your great gift! All the best to you and yours! Cheers - Luther

[@monkey748]

So glad you're feeling better. Looking forward to your posts in 2019 and beyond.

[@mamanmatty]

You gave me “if I were a carpenter “ , great lesson that helped keep me going in the beginning. 3 years in now and even more keen. Thanks!

[@chrisconway4684]

You’re the best, sir. I’ve practiced along with you for a few years now, and the approach, attitude, and style has had as much of an impact on my playing as anyone in my almost 40 years of messing around on the guitar Thank you, I truly and deeply appreciate it!

[@4srv]

Thank you for all you do, I'm sure you don't realize how much your videos help everyone. All the best for your recovery.

[@rollinntumblin]

Glad you're feeling better and looking forward to more of your excellent videos in the new year (no pressure!).

[@TheBjones60]

I'm glad you're doing better brother. I'm 59 and have been playing for 45 years. You teach me something new every time I watch you. I'm thankful for the message you have and your heart felt concern for your fellow man. What your going through is terrifying but the strength you show by over coming this obstacle and reaching out to others is the mark of an angel. You and Tone DR are my go to guys. Keep spreading the message and keep playing. I fought along side my wife as she fought for 5 years. I see in you, the same strength and determination as she had. You've helped so many through the years. It's our turn now. My never ending prayers for you and your family. I'll be learning from you for years. Stray dogs and alley cats, lonesome river band. Thank you brother.

[@patstoll4044]

i have always appreciated what you have taught us all. One of the best i would say, ty JJ

[@matthewbabich2073]

So good to see you up and about. You rock!

[@licksnkicks1166]

Thx James for sharing your wealth of guitar knowledge. So happy that your getting better. You have made me a better guitar player. Wishing you and yours a happy and safe 2019. CANADA

[@Aliestwill]

Happy New Year and best wishes for a full recovery and a healthy 2019. Thank you for all your great videos.

[@pedaphelps]

happy new year to you and yours . Glad to hear your getting better and thanks for all you put on here.

[@christophduroy470]

Thanks for what you‘re doing, Keep doing it and keep getting better! Wish you all the best. Christoph from Germany

[@joedecharinte8041]

Heal well heal quick! You have an awesome way of teaching And a righteous dude

[@69nisab]

Hope you and the family have a great 2019. Thanks for all the videos.

[@tool4169]

Very Happy to see you doing better. Keep healing . Happy new year and thanx for all you do!

[@terib2012]

Thanks for all you do, get well soon.

[@jimfbailey]

Thanks for all the lessons James James.

[@surfbuddha4667]

Love ya brother! You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for all that you do.

[@camelbiteuk1]

Thanks James wishing you a prospering new year and all the best for 2019 from the south of France .

[@RileysRamblesCentral]

Thanks for the video James. Have learnt much from you so was very interested to hear about your guitaring background. Thanks for taking the time and glad to see you are on the way to recovery. Best wishes for 2019. Pete from London.

[@kellyp9438]

I met this lady at Guitar Center and she had just retired and decided at last to learn guitar. As I usually do I offered her lessons or help and she said she said she’d been watching this really great teacher on KZbin! and I said “Oh cool...Which one” She replied “James James” I’m like “That’s my KZbin guy!!” lol She’ll do just fine! I’ve been playing over 30 years now and I love your no BS approach James!!! Thank you for your lessons! Cheers!!!

[@zane.walker]

So glad to hear that you are on the mend. Look forward to your covers/lessons in the coming days as they are always inspiring. Thanks to you (and your assistant!) for this Q&A session.

[@tommym321]

You are one of the best things about the internet. And I mean that literally. Thank you.

[@vmipat711]

Glad you feel better. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Years.

[@eddyramirez6495]

Happy to see you’re doing better. Thank you for taking the time sharing these awesome lessons. You are not only a great musician but an incredible teacher!!!! Wishing you good health and the best this New Years!! Eddy

[@howlintim]

Glad you're feeling better. Happy New Year to you and yours, JimJim.

[@southsideronnie]

Thanks James for all that you do. Sometimes I watch your videos to learn something and sometimes I watch just to see you play. Either way I enjoy what you do. All the best in the new year!

[@christophernelson5481]

Happy New year and glad your starting to feel better, hang in there !!!

[@42Redbear]

Very glad to hear yo are on the mend! Wish you a full recovery! Your playing and instruction are so, so valuable! I have learned so much from your demonstrations and lessons!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Thanks for a great year. Look forward to your upcoming health and work.