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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@paulgeorgia8013]

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

[@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.

[@michaelcusumano880]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@peteharding]

Great advice here. Thank you for all your videos.

[@stevieraysantana6159]

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

[@knrsthotmail]

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

[@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 ^_^

[@JungleTelegraph]

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

[@williamthompson8374]

Thanks James James you've helped improve players, and enjoy ,best of health to you long may you run

[@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!

[@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!

[@joedecharinte8041]

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

[@timothymoore1987]

You are fantastic! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@dougharding6604]

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

[@rogermartin7116]

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

[@sergio00251]

Greetings and many thanks from Russia JJ! Glad to hear you're recovering and coming back and I'm glad you can't read music, I can't too and it gives me a hope! I accidentally saw your playing and was absolutely fascinated and learned a few songs using your lessons and was awarded an interested look from my granddaughter(10y.old)! She even asked me to show her a chord and now she can play E minor! Thank you very much, man! It was 31.12.2018, two hours to the New Year, thank you again, best wishes!

[@andrewbigelow1415]

Glad to hear that you are feeling better! Agree with your comment on John Lennon. When I first heard his rhythm part on All My Loving, around age 10, I knew somehow I had to learn to play guitar. That's what planted the seed in me. Music is a journey, not a destination. Have a Happy New Year!

[@davejohnson7720]

Glad your back man , I was in band 's off and on for 10 yrs when I was a kid ,my uncle made me watch him play and copy his licks , that's why I love your format, it s the only way I can learn anything and retain it , can't wait for some more lessons, I'm 49 and you have brought me back to being a kid again, I'm enthused as hell ,glad your feeling better looking forward to alot more lessons .

[@andyg3133]

Great news James. Healthy Happy New year to you and yours. Andy in Ireland.

[@dakotasaunders6566]

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

[@ralphgabriel2363]

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

[@ant8403]

Thank you for your inspiration and patience with teaching us. I wish you and your family there best and a very happy new year. God bless.

[@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!

[@smadajoe]

I'm 52 soon to be 53! Started at thirteen. Still trying to get "there". LOL! But enjoying every minute. I love your Stones stuff as the Stones and southern rock bands (Lynard Skynard, Pure Prairie League, Marshall Tucker, Eagles etc.…) were my greatest influences as a teen. Later became a big country fan. Preying for health and prosperity in 2019 to you and yours!

[@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!

[@bruxist]

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

[@charliebadger]

Best and calmest teacher in KZbin. Beeen watching for 7 years :) Good and better health to you James James in this new year :)

[@robertmccolgan416]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I look forward to more instruction however, I am enjoying your commentary as much. I'm so happy that you are on the mend! Thank you so much with sharing your gift with the world!

[@pageluvva]

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

[@kostabakalas9346]

I didn't know you weren't well but glad to know you're doing better. Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into these vids. I too started when I was 14 with a Sears guitar/case/amp all in one.Later to a Gibson SG till my son came along and fell into some hard times. (no fault of my son) just the Jimmy Carter era of double digit inflation. Obviously didn't play for years but now I'm 66, I've been studying your videos and after all these years of just listening to songs hoping that one day I'll learn to play them, I now can. I've read over several comments and all I can say is DITTO thanks a whole bunch for all you do. It is amazing how the NET reaches out to the world and how the world can reach back to you with love and best wishes.

[@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

[@trinitytunes]

Thanks for all your channel...James James. ..glad to hear your getting better and hope you have a wonderful new year...keep up the great work....😀

[@barryb83110]

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

[@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!!!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

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

[@gmoore6166]

Yep! You hit the nail on the head about the entitlement of talent! Lol. I grew up in the late 60s-70s and we learned a lot from one another sitting around and passing the acoustic around to each other and listening to records then trying to capture that sound. I believe today’s youth expects instant musical gratification ( not all but I would say more than less) I complement you Sir on bringing your talent, patience, and wisdom to share with others. Peace, love, and many blessings! Keep picking!

[@pacopenades5332]

...great to hear good new from you on the last day of the year. Wish you a year full of health and happiness !

[@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.

[@overcookedchicken2109]

Big inspiration to me man. Thanks!

[@alfredoprado9671]

So glad your doing better, missed you and your lessons

[@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.

[@hughb15]

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

[@spamdmd]

God Bless You. Happy that you are feeling better. You are the best guitarist and guitar teacher I have come across. And I love your recognition of Buffalo area sports teams college and pro.

[@Andrewausfa]

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

[@parsonsprod]

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

[@kempsole]

best guitar vids on YT. Q and A is an excellent addition. Hope you recover speedily JJ

[@pantano207]

Get well soon, man, best wishes

[@roajon1]

JJ. Great to hear you're doing better! Thanks to you and your videos my guitar playing has improved immensely! But not only that. It has been a godsend in the fact that I've learned to slow down, have more patience with myself and more importantly with my friends and family. As we get older it seems that we forget that we were once young and had certain dreams and aspirations. But life sometimes gets in the way! But, thanks to you, you've made me appreciate playing music once again.

[@monkey748]

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

[@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

[@ieldepiel]

Healthy new year James, thx for last year Jeroen-Holland

[@johnjones-pj7fx]

Thumbs up....your down to earth,,,, enjoy what you do

[@sledgehammer347]

Hi James good to hear from you. Glad to hear you're getting better. Great video, Back in the day 1965, with The Beatles, I learned to play by ear, only for several years. I dropped many a needle on vynil again and again, to learn a song. I did well enough to have a garage band, or carport band was all we had We played at many Sock Hops at Jr. High Schools. Beatles, Stones, and animals. We weren't paid but we had a great time.

[@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!

[@boatman0]

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

[@richmont5430]

thank you for taking to time to answers questions. I have not asked any, but you answered quite a few I had. Thank you and glad to hear you are feeling better.

[@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.

[@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. 🙂

[@christophduroy470]

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

[@surfbuddha4667]

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

[@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

[@gregcameron5079]

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

[@MRPBDB]

Appreciate your channel and all you provide. Glad to hear you are getting better

[@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!

[@williampatterson8613]

So 2018 saw you as a part of a very small group. Those who share their talent and teach others just to share their love of something. And you became part of a huge group. Those who are cancer patients and/or survivors, ( myself included ). I’m grateful you used your diagnosis to urge others to get tested. No doubt in my mind you saved someone from needless tragedy. You’ve done well, teacher. All the best for 2019.

[@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.

[@terib2012]

Thanks for all you do, get well soon.

[@gusviera3905]

Rock on, James. Happy New Year to you and your family. Can't wait to see more next year. Peace, brother.

[@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!

[@gernblanston5697]

I'm happy to hear you're feeling better. Love your groove. Behind every great person is a greater lovely assistant. Rock on!

[@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!

[@anthonyward8587]

I agree with everyone here man..Thanks for all the help..cheers from Australia.

[@rollinntumblin]

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

[@KingHarvestHSC]

I'm just catching up here - been away. Thanks so much for answering these questions. You are a very engaging person and I always enjoy your off hand comments! This is the best place to watch any guitar instruction hands down. Thanks for EVERYTHING!

[@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.

[@ianmoger8952]

Good stuff. I started in 82 as well but took a 20 year break. This channel and your previous channel taught me to play for the pleasure of figuring it out but not necessarily to try to reproduce the songs note for note. Glad you are doing well in recovering from the surgery

[@jackjackattack9137]

Ian Mogar I started in '82 as well, Randy Rhoads was the reason I started. I took a 19 year break which kinda screwed me. But I am back jacking at it again. Be safe and Happy New Year.

[@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.

[@javelin1835]

Good to know that you are on the mend. Looking forward to seeing more videos from you in the New Year.

[@nolenzvolenz9086]

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

[@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!

[@Chief1987]

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.

[@ngumbo]

JJ, I am happy to hear that you are on the mend. I love your videos- when I want to learn a tune, I look you up first. Thanks for all you do for us duffer guitar players, and all the best in '19.

[@robertjverdusco400]

Happy new year jj . Thanks for sharing all that you do. GodvBless you and your in 2019 . You truly have a gift.

[@johnjustin8944]

I am very happy you are feeling better. Good job! You are awesome!

[@metaltwister66]

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

[@kaborra1]

Love your KZbin lessons James. Hope whatever ails you resolves soon. Best wishes

[@westrokker]

I’ve learned a lot from you, great videos , thank you and cheers to your health

[@craigfitzgerald7568]

Glad to hear you're on the mend and welcome, Mrs. James!