Yvette Young: "Guitar is a Horrible Instrument to Start On, Not Good for Writing" | Guitar Villains

[@MusicisWin]

0:00 - Introduction 2:54 - The weirdest tour experience ever 11:01 - Yvette’s supervillain alter-ego 14:53 - Burning Questions 17:20 - Name Those Notes 19:20 - Yvette’s many alternate tunings 27:05 - Yvette loves Emo 30:45 - A big conversation about the term “Instagram Guitarist” 38:50 - The “FACADE” of the music industry 44:37 - Yvette’s dream songwriting camp 47:22 - Yvette’s post-it note songwriting strategy 52:35 - “Guitar is a horrible instrument to start on” Subscribe to Guitar Villains on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3n08vL3 Subscribe to Guitar Villains on Spotify: spoti.fi/3i8q2xg Subscribe to Yvette Young on KZbin: kzbin.info/door/hiUSlnHrGCc0TVsuQEFteA Follow Yvette Young on Instagram: instagram.com/yvetteyoung/

[@RealIG125]

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[@weeb7967]

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[@prestomajesto]

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[@hughcouch]

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[@victor.e.royale]

Hey, can you please do a “Habits of…” episode on Jack White (White Stripes, Raconteurs, Dead Weather, he also did a solo career.) Maybe an episode on Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine as well?

[@ReasonableRam]

As someone who started on guitar with no music theory, she is absolutely right. Guitar is one of the toughest instruments to learn theory on, though I would imagine that's the case for a lot of instruments in that style (bass guitar, banjo, sitar, ukulele). Piano is probably the most clear in terms of learning theory on, which I guess is why that's the standard.

[@jantradaach.4996]

I just got started with guitar, and I can get behind this. Before I bought myself a guitar, I was like "hah, no I won't be caught dead playing piano!" and a few months in, I was like "okay, I was wrong and perhaps having a piano can help me understand melodies, etc. much better".

[@VorganBlackheart]

Yes to all of these! I'm learning piano and guitar as I want to compose my own songs and I would never pick the guitar as my main songwriting instrument. Tuning it in fourths simplifies the fretboard a ton but it's still not as intuitive as a piano.

[@jantradaach.4996]

@@VorganBlackheart you're learning both instruments? How do you manage the practice between the two? Coz I myself can't decide whether I want to sign up for a piano or guitar class first, and had the insane thought of taking both classes at once... but then again, I had guitar class a decade ago, and I'm more or less familiar with how it works at this point, just need to learn to play better.

[@VorganBlackheart]

@@jantradaach.4996 I don't :P I'm self taught and I've been slacking a lot, even tho I make progress quickly when I focus. But this is more of a general life thing as I still don't have my shit together. Definitely go with the piano first, trust me, it's like starting with math vs engineering first. It will make your life so much easier.

[@jantradaach.4996]

@@VorganBlackheart gotcha, thanks for the answer! Good luck to you though, my life is pretty much a mess as well these days, just like every other university fresh graduate in this pandemic...

[@leizaj3482]

DUDEEEEEEEE, JOHN PETRUCCI, TIM HENSON, STEVE VAI, AND NOW YVETTE?!? THIS PODCAST IS AWESOMEE!!! :OOOO

[@ReelGoodAudio]

"So that you're not just sitting around like, I think today I'll play Enter Sandman for like 6 hours". That hit a little too close lol

[@logankeilty4529]

I know

[@YamnayaSintash]

The idea of playing enter sandman riff over and over again for six fxking hours for fun is hilarious to me.

[@kagenotatsumaki]

@@YamnayaSintash I mean, it's a pretty fun riff though... XD

[@RC32Smiths01]

That is quite an interesting take, and a take that alone makes her a guitar villain! I do look forward to this!

[@Hickeroar]

I sorta agree with her. Guitar is just....nutty. Especially once you move on from campfire chording and start wrapping your head around music theory. It feels almost nonsensical in design sometimes. But I love it, and it's the only instrument I want to play.

[@dilbophagginz]

It's really not a hot take at all for anyone outside of the "guitar community" aka almost everybody.

[@necrom4454]

You comment everywhere, how!?

[@xathridtech727]

@@Hickeroar it makes more sense than any wind instrument brass is only 3 buttons but you get several octives and woodwinds just have soo many buttons (I was a sax player)

[@Dram1984]

I have such a guitarist crush on Yvette. She's my absolute favorite musician and a continuous source of inspiration.

[@swampdog1592]

I have a crush on Yvette full stop she's adorable!😁✌🏻🤘🏻 she could crash at my house any time lol

[@guitarsandcars2586]

Too bad she's wrong when it comes to get to guitar. I know many people who started on guitar that had no prior music knowledge and they're really good at it now. As someone who just wants to play guitar, I'm just going to learn on the guitar because that's what I want to play and learning anything else is just a waste of time for me.

[@Dell-ol6hb]

@@guitarsandcars2586 none of that means she’s wrong

[@Neuri]

Met Yvette in person she is so genuine in person and absolutely lovely. And rocks.

[@גיאדניאל-ב4צ]

We gotta get Kiko Louriero, Eric Johnson and Tosin Abasi

[@גיאדניאל-ב4צ]

@Ayustria Salma the guy got John Petrucci on episode one, EJ is more likely than you think

[@גיאדניאל-ב4צ]

@Ayustria Salma yeah lol

[@Linethewalk1889]

This is one of my favorite episodes of this series so far. Her outlook on the creative process is so pure and really solidifies how solid and confident she is in her art.

[@LeSpulch]

Not gonna lie it wasn't till I got to grips with the piano that I could apply the theory I knew when writing. Anything good I've ever come up with on guitar was initially improvised then analysed and refined

[@kirkwilson6229]

There are two types of musical mind; linear and pattern based. The piano absolutely does not work for me. Guitar is way better for learning theory and composing for me.

[@JA-xx7vw]

@@kirkwilson6229 same i think most people having trouble with guitars just have a problem understanding registers such as knowing that the low E string is an E2 and the high E is an E4.. When i learnt that it change the whole thing. I play piano but i prefer guitar we have way more timbre options for the same note. It helps with creativity.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Never heard of her. So, like all things new and unfamiliar, I did some research and watched some of her work. Damn fine musician. Her style and overall vibe is just right in the pocket.

[@omniscient420]

Yeah, she's fucking amazing. I've been following her for a few years. Covet is a great band as well.

[@hydroid7273]

Yeah covets pretty cool

[@omniscient420]

@BillowsPillow Animals as leaders as well.

[@veenoir1991]

@@omniscient420 they always look like theyre the happiest people alive lol

[@omniscient420]

If I could play like that, I would too. 🤣

[@SonoftheDragon]

I love Yvette's music and killer personality. When she talked about opening the songwriting camp for people with depression(as a "I made it goal") it really hit me... Music is such an emotional medium for me(and many others) breaking away from the stress/anxiety/worries of the day. Without music I do not know where I would be today. Thanks for the chill interview.

[@shitmandood]

EVERYBODY IS DEPRESSED. I'm not even sure what that means anymore because the word is just bandied about on somebody's mood...all the time. Even clinical depression, all they do is give you pills, just like everything else in medicine. It doesn't solve the problem either. Then over the decades you hear about depression returning to people, but is it clinical or just a feeling? And the who hell actually hell knows? And what did people do before these pills were available??? If it was so bad, wouldn't the human population have been decimated? But no, take the pills for the rest of your life and pay us. Cured.

[@quantumxfluxmd6821]

as a piano player since 8 years old who learned guitar the last year or so but tried playing guitar first. this validates everything for me

[@swissarmyknight4306]

She is 100% right about that. I struggled to learn on guitar, then I took an intro to piano class and realized that guitar is the worst instrument to learn on. Getting started on guitar is so much easier if you get started on piano, lol.

[@daggercatz7297]

I practiced piano for about 1 week and Im already better than at guitar after a few months

[@evriph]

@@daggercatz7297 Lol, never played piano and I got better at guitar again in a week

[@theguyof360]

NO SHE IS WRONG

[@guitarsandcars2586]

Maybe it is but as someone that wants to learn guitar I would rather just stay learning on the guitar and learn everything on that because I don't want to play any other instrument. I know a few people who started on guitar with no prior music or instrument knowledge and they're pretty damn good at guitar now so I'm not sure where she's coming from on that.

[@arunkarthikma3121]

@@guitarsandcars2586 I think maybe some context is missing: You absolutely should practice on a guitar in order to learn how to sound like a guitarist. But learning theory... How long did it take you to learn all of the note names? Chord inversions? Scales? That's what Yvette was trying to get at here, and other guitarists like Paul Davids, have said the same.

[@davidbalderas5103]

I'm so glad you got Yvette on. What a great guitarist!

[@pellax]

As a frustrated guitar player, Yvette just said what I've always been thinking about the piano.

[@saintsr0w1]

When I teach students I have to explain to them the same thing somewhat because understanding the non linearity of the guitar is very hard at first and voice leading can be a thing of sacrificing lush chord quality just to fit in the root, 3rd, 5th, extensions etc. As a guitarist I’d say piano is the best way to learn music as a beginner.

[@LeeKirkman88]

Its a very technical instrument not as easy to play as some other instruments and it takes years of practice. Thats why some people buy a guitar then a week later its sat in the pawn shop window. Because they could'nt sound like slash in a week.

[@emiliocurbelo8891]

Well, not in a week, but they think they're going to be better than Slash in 3 months. Guitar - especially electric guitar - looks deceptively simple for many people, but takes many years to master. The piano is much more respected, known and stablished within the music education and nobody thinks they're going to play a piano recital with the London Symphony Orchestra in 3 months.

[@farthead9999]

lead in is a tough gig with guitar but once you get it its literally the best instrument in so many ways . if it was easy no one would care ! 10000 hours !

[@chinossynthesizer705]

I'm a noob at guitar I bought a schecter guitar research c-7 fr-s apocalypse 7-string electric guitar red reign I'm still dancing

[@fallsarian5371]

Yvette is very unique and refreshing player, absolutely love her compositions in both Covet and solo material ! 🔥

[@patrickoneil8093]

Wow she’s an awesome person. Haven’t listened to her music but I will now.

[@cweasegaming2692]

I'm waiting for her signature YY10 to come in :D so excited

[@Matmad22]

Now I'm waiting for Ichika Nito! :DD

[@hydroid7273]

Language barrier sadly

[@Matmad22]

@@hydroid7273 Yeah, I know. ;/ Language barrier is a sad thing.... I would love to see Tyler and Ichika talking. But for now it's not gonna happen.

[@hydroid7273]

@@Matmad22 well ichika is learning english so maybe in the future who knows

[@not_aounz5716]

@@hydroid7273 he's getting good but I'm sure he's not that comfortable with it yet

[@Papabandana]

@@hydroid7273 well, there's always the option of an interpreter so... maybe.

[@jaydenspencemusic]

Ho boy, that intro, got me hooked. Lets see where this goes

[@noahcraig8420]

This episode and the Tim Henson episode are my favorite for sure, great work!

[@prestomajesto]

Hey man, just wanted to let you know that you are the person I look up to with guitar🎸❤️🔥

[@Julian-fy6si]

I learned music theory writing classical symphonies on garage band on my phone when I was in middle school. Absolutely the best way because you can just go and craft all the voicings, chords and progressions you want without having to know what it means or is called. I would just move the little midi bars around to make it sound good. When I then took formal music theory years later, I had realized I was already using many of the techniques that were being taught to me, so that’s what I always recommend

[@chuckyinges]

Yvette is just giving out a positive vibe naturally, like that classical dude Brandon Acker. I almost believe my life is going to be ok for a sec there.

[@soulita9606]

I hope everything goes great for you

[@Rattletrap-xs8il]

I have to say, I never heard of her. And thats why I like channels like this. But I'm going to look up everything from her. She is really quite amazing in both ability, but also the way she sees things. I wish I knew more people like her. What a treat just to hear her.

[@xealzy944]

I started on guitar last year in May. I didn’t have a musical bone in my body. I now have a good understating of musical theory, etc.

[@joaolima3032]

What if, in a future version of guitar villains, you invited some guitarists that aren't really well known but are from a band you really enjoy.

[@troysmithfr]

That may or may not defeat the purpose of the series

[@joaolima3032]

@@troysmithfr i mean, sure, it depends on who he could bring, i was thinking of someone like gina gleason from baroness, really underrated, but that pick is from my perspective.

[@chloesnowhite]

He could also bring second guitarists from popular bands, like Scottie Lepage from Polyphia

[@troysmithfr]

@@chloesnowhite Scottie is pretty underappreciated tbf

[@TommyDoesMusic]

@@chloesnowhite Scottie isn't the second guitarist but ok

[@castlecrasherproductions6074]

IM FREAKIN EXITED MAN I’m getting my first ever guitar tomorrow, epiphone SG worn finish green with 2 p90 pickups. Wish it had a wammy bar but it still looks sick

[@jessehutchings]

LOL Her playing is amazing, and she plays incredibly sophisticated work while singing very naturally

[@ZL1LoVeR]

Yvette, that songwriting camp idea is brilliant - as a fan of your music, as a person struggling with depression, as someone who uses guitar as an escape, I would sign up in a heart beat!

[@GiletteYoung]

YES couldn't wait for this!!

[@mrbungle3310]

Piano is the best to start on,as a guitarist i think so much with a piano mind when writing even though im not that good at piano

[@timsanduleac1646]

Yeah, as someone who plays over 15 instruments, from woodwinds, brass to strings and percussion, piano is like the center of everything, I always relate anything I play to how it will be on piano

[@hardyfireheart1639]

True... it works better for me...

[@depshallburn]

Piano is definitely the best to start on to make the fastest theoretical learning.

[@swissarmyknight4306]

Totally agree. I'm not much of a piano player, but piano makes everything so much easier to understand.

[@mrbungle3310]

@@JA-xx7vw yes,but i never was rly teaches sheet music or theory,i kinda learned it myself on internet,and when i was writing songs in the beginning i used piano or keys to write since i remembered the scales and chords faster,no i do it with both

[@chrisjoosten9819]

Great interview, brah. She's absolutely delightful.

[@trevorwiseman658]

This is the my favorite interview, got so much out of this. As someone who also plays multiple instruments I agree that guitar is not intuitive 😂 it took me the largest amount of time to learn guitar, and I'm still learning new things, but it's still my favorite instrument because of its diversity in tones and styles

[@Kingxeyesore]

I know I'm a bit late to the party but this was a good watch. Super interesting. I also like how you two went back in time to film this.

[@curtvona4891]

She's an excellent player!

[@TimSamoff]

One of my favorite -- and most informative -- videos in this series to date. Thanks!

[@RaphaelNano]

I visualize piano when thinking of music theory, and apply it to guitar. Absolutely agree with her

[@ckaras100]

Could not agree more with her intro!!! Been saying that forever

[@nesicus]

Wonderful. Amazing interview, buddy.

[@alexmorr224]

My favorite sound description word is “quack”. It’s such a weird word to describe tone but it’s so perfect at the same time.

[@ElJafaz]

Great interview Tyler! Your comfort level seems to be getting higher with each of these interviews and it really translates to a good flow that I enjoy watching. Did not know anything about Yvette before this, and now I definitely want to go check out her music.

[@johnsmith-pw7oj]

i agree about that, i've noticed also, the guitar is an instrument that pay off takes a lot of time and is not as impressive nor likable to the listener, like one needs to spend a milage on the instrument before reaching a level where non guitar people find it amusing, its on a way similar to the violin family, although i think violin is actually harder and takes even longer to get something decent out of it, but people definetly gets amused easier by violin

[@y.k.2143]

really? 4-5 chords and 3-4 strumming patterns that's all it takes to learn up 20 pop songs to impress average Joes out there. Even with the worst ears and horrible senee of rhythm you're guaranteed to achieve the level within one year of diligent one year practice.

[@yardy88]

Yvette is brilliant. Such a cheery villan.

[@ZenGarage]

Great podcast, really love all the juicy stuff Yvette has to say!

[@desertriderukverun1002]

Another great interview/guitar villain episode Tyler. It is interesting that Yvette mentions her connection with birds as birds are so descriptive of her playing style. I immediately envision birds flitting about the sky and singing and bouncing from flower to flower.

[@elwahou]

Yes! Yvette Young! 🎉🎉🎉

[@gian323]

I love how genuine yvette is, most likely my favorite guitarist

[@LimboJimbo]

Isn't Yvette just the coolest, nicest and inspiring person? I know that she herself struggled with mental health as she is very open about that, but for other people - at least for me - everything about her just sparks so much joy, creativity, friendliness, respect and positive energy. I'm aware that you can't really know somebody just through what you see on KZbin or social media, but as far as I can tell she is just such an amazing person and joy to be around!

[@Rob_Lee]

Awesome interview! I’m new to Yvette’s work and Covet. Some pretty amazing stuff!

[@DylTyrril]

I'm totally late to the party and not familiar with Yvette's work, but I was totally absorbed in what she had to say throughout this conversation. In some bizzaro universe she would be dubbed a true guitar villain, but just seems too genuine and thoughtful to be given that moniker. Will have to definitely become more familiar with her musical contributions.

[@DlmlZ]

Wow, it is the first time I hear from Yvette Young. Amazing how creative and talented this young woman is. Need to follow up more of her content. Thanks a lot for sharing! Great interview!

[@oops6876]

Yvette deserves all the support

[@brandonblue346]

My favorite one so far - just hearing her talk about music you know shes got talent.

[@mintomacco]

omg! this is so awesome! yvette is pure and honest love! 😻🤗🖤 and greatings to mr flapps. 🦆✌️

[@disintegrator2010]

yvette seems to be sweet person, and very smart , i sometimes don't understand her music but I respect her skills!

[@bacongl]

Ah Yvette, one of my favorite new players. I dig her flow. She is also super cool and her drummer is sponsored by Crest.

[@skeliskull]

First time I tried a piano after learning a bit of theory and guitar I was stunned by how easy it was to get your ideas to ring out. Definitely agree

[@nocuh]

Shoutout to Mr. Flaps 🦆

[@noisetv1863]

It's funny, growing up in the midwest and going to shows back in the 90's I would see a lot of emo bands, but I never cared for the vocals (screaming, whining, etc.), now decades later i am really digging the guitar sounds as I am discovering instrumental math rock! Interesting how that jangly, sparkly sort of sound I grew up with is now world renowned! I like the music when it's instrumental.

[@samz9121]

I've always had a soft spot for antihero types. Childhood example, Zen-Aku from Wildforce PR.

[@AndruJorj]

Yvette Young is one of my favourite contemporary guitarists, and I don't typically like her genre of music. She's an excellent player, and a cool-as-hell chick. Also has a sweet signature guitar.

[@jackmckee8196]

Awesome interview. Im inspired.

[@westpafishing]

i would LOVE to see like Kirk Hammett for a season 2 finale. that would be INSANE

[@introboyted2005]

Up

[@MysticMungusSlungus]

He will be on, soon as he routes his mic through a wah pedal

[@lewchaney2138]

Spectacular video. Thanks

[@prototype9904]

@ 36:10 the answer to exactly why you shouldn't go "Full Davie504" = Music > Meme I had never heard of Yvette Young before this video, and I'm really impressed with her insight, wisdom, and skills \m/

[@bankjibbernow]

Great interview brother!

[@ANNIHILISTIC]

Personally the non-linearity of guitar is what I love about it because it's easier to find interesting stuff whilst playing around.

[@ava-tb3ot]

i love yvette young, this video was great, thank you

[@Rob1964b]

Artistic, Creative, Inspiring - Yvette.

[@hiiambarney4489]

Violin players around the world groaned in enragement as she called guitar bad to learn songwriting on.

[@bobbyarthur8809]

Eddie litteraly said he wrote everything on piano … that’s the amazing guitar work We hear

[@GunsForShowKnive4Pro]

The intro song for these videos reminds me of the oldschool Runescape login music

[@ayjay579]

She is my absolute favorite guitarist.

[@thebarf9235]

The fact that guitar is harder to play than piano is the very reason you can become such a great musician learning on one. The guitar is also incredibly emotive on a personal level. You play a piano. You become one with a guitar.

[@doomed4207]

You said it best brother

[@mooncake4371]

As someone who plays both instruments, I’d have to disagree. You can’t compare the two. Both are difficult to learn in their own ways. I do think that knowing piano first will make learning guitar much much easier though. Of course, it still doesn’t take away the pain on your fingertips when you first learn guitar haha!

[@usuallyclueless4477]

piano is easy in the beginning, but super hard to master.

[@No-Kung-Fu]

lol this comment reeks of guitar bias.

[@anibalroman9791]

For the people who have problems with coffee and feeling tired afterwards, put some sea salt on it and drink water with it or put the salt in the water. Coffee tends to dehidrate people, so salt helps your body to retain some that salt.

[@PungkiAhimsa]

So she was pretty much in Tyler's dream house with hundreds of PRSs. Maybe it actually was his house, I mean he's seems sweating a bit when Yvette told the story

[@mehkayla6685]

So what you're saying is... Tyler doesn't pay his water bill, and hasn't showered sense childhood? hahahha!! jokes.... (zero grains of truth in that one either LoL!)

[@iamgates7679]

This was lovely, Yvette is a monster on the guitar and it was cool to hear her insights. Also, Tyler, you’re becoming a hell of an interviewer man - can’t wait to see more. Cheers!

[@loganshmelter5423]

I like this a lot! Great job!

[@psmith2403]

It's true. I remember sitting down on a piano for the first time and running through a couple of scales and thinking "oh man, this makes so much more sense."

[@samwheeler-brown7458]

Great interview. And she’s right. I’m trying theory all over again and trying to teach my son and piano is just so much easier to visualise and compose on even for someone who hasn’t touched one in years. If guitar is my home, the piano is me going back to school.

[@timchalmers1700]

Great points about learning the basics of music theory on piano before learning guitar.

[@RedCarRecords]

45:43 Yvette, if you tried crowdfunding this songwriting camp idea of yours, I bet you’d get decent backing! 👍

[@VoodooJeff]

100% synchronicity in this one. Literally yesterday was my last day at my regular job. I quit to finally narrow down the nearly 200 songs I have in various stages of completion and actually finish an album, and all the inspiration, passion, and motivation in the world means nothing if there's no discipline to take action. I'm literally (again) sitting here compiling a shopping list of things I'll need to keep me on track, and the whiteboard was a bell ringer.

[@delicrux]

I 100% believe and agree with what she said about guitar and writing music. seriously trying to learn scales and theory on a guitar is ridiculous i've been playing for 15 years and unless you go to a music school or start on piano you will miss so much. like understanding how to make chords or learning the circle of fifths.

[@saqibshabir9755]

One of the most awesome and inspiring guitarists! 🔥

[@Enemyofthenewworldorder]

I love this podcast!!

[@moreblack]

There's such an interesting approach to her music, I really dig it. Far from the usuall stuff I listen to. But that's maybe why.

[@xCLEANSEDBYBLOODx]

I love piano , but ive never hear someone say i cant wait for the piano solo hahahaha. As a guitarist i think you should pick up piano. But in my opinion guitar will for ever be the most satisfying instrument you could ever play.

[@gktde9874]

If I could choose between a mediocre guitar solo and a Herbie Hancock piano solo... I would always vote for Herbie!

[@FastSloW-qt8xf]

A drum set is the most satisfying IMO. I rarely play guitar so hard I’m sore the next day “other than fingers”. Nothing is more stress relieving than hitting skin

[@BudderB0y2222]

@@gktde9874 If I could choose between a Van Halen solo and some shitty pop piano player... well I think you know

[@gktde9874]

@@BudderB0y2222 Yep... its all about the "Captain" and not about the "ship".

[@nyteblayde17]

@@gktde9874 terrible comparison.

[@LSDMTHC42069]

Excellent episode glad af you were able to have her on, wish it didn't have to end lmao 💗

[@ckaras100]

Also @musiciswin I think this is my favorite series that you do. Cheers!!

[@Slipp3ryfloorz]

Yesss I love Yvette Young, so cool that you had her on

[@MantisCrawl]

Love ya Yvette! you're such an inspiration :D

[@GahMehGrrrr]

Love Yvette. Brilliant musician

[@hellooutsiders6865]

Guitar is difficult to learn but so is any instrument when you first start... Don't let this discourage you from playing guitar, in a year you can become amazing.

[@BizarrePudding]

Fascinating interview, great job Tyler...Such a smart, thoughtful and obviously hugely talented person... The comment about piano being a better instrument for songwriting was thought provoking...I feel like maybe it's better for composing, in the larger sense, and listening to her music she strikes me as more of a composer than any sort of traditional songwriter...It's stating the obvious to say that an untold amount of great songs have been - and still are - written on the guitar, many of them using very basic and simple guitar chords...

[@EmpireCrusher203]

I had an epiphany when I played the pentatonic scale on a single string and realized "oh"