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[@Capillus]

Once you're "in the zone", it doesn't matter whether you are technically proficient or not. What comes out is the result of the highs and lows of your soul.

[@nutube06]

Connecting with your inner child who wants to play and discover new things; not be restrained.

[@peacebeyondpassion2]

Poetically put?

[@strattuner]

YES to all of your statements,i had a band in the late sixties, we fought,which sucked cause i had a genius drummer and a incredible genius on the FARFISA ORGAN ,he was remarkable,used to jam and i quit playing just to hear him,he was that good,i'm old now ,picked up my strat and started again after 45 years,it all came back and practice puts me right where i want to be,practice till your fingers bleed ,heal them up ,continue,you''ll know when you are achieved,when you can go from one song to another having never played that tune in your life,when you can,you have graduated,never give up,ITS ALL LEARNABLE

[@TheSpeenort]

"I'm still learning." ~ Andres Segovia, 1976 at age 94, as quoted in a Guitar Player magazine interview. In the same interview he was asked why he played a particular Bach piece so fast. "Because I can." he replied.

[@ScottMarc-RT1]

Technique without heart, soul and spontaneity doesn't move me. Hendrix and Santana have that magic that transcends technique alone. Technique can only take you so far.

[@stringbender3]

Let the feelings guide the fingers

[@CerealDust-nStuff]

I love a lot of Guitar players out there. Santa is my least favorite… and that’s as nice as I can be about it.

[@patrickparrish7990]

@@CerealDust-nStuff He's probably too busy building toys to practice...

[@aveb2641]

Agree 100%. I like listening to and playing highly technical music as well, but I have never learned a song note for note in my life.

[@AB-C1]

Also The absolute kings; Clapton, Peter Green, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, SRV, Albert King, T-bone Walker (Aswell as Hendrix and Santana and a couple of other VIRTUOSOs) and ground breaking guitarists and a couple of well underrated virtuoso guitarists like Jeff Healey, Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and many other VIRTUOSOS who don't get a mention (USUALLY) Like Chris Cain and other journeymen who are in a league of their own technically and not in a strictly orthodox way.. touches and individual techniques they've developed.. not mentioned but they're right up there! etc Nowadays Orianthi is great has been at top for last 15-20 years and Taj Farrant is the next up n coming youngster who could potentially be better than the lot if he carries on like he is at only 13 and playing them all from the heart aswell.. 👍🎸😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@RebelThoughts82]

What most people dont get about Hendrix is that when he played live he was always improvising in his playing. Always trying new things and creating different tones and fills on the spot. Ive listened to tons of Hendrix live bootlegs and he rarely plays the same way in each show. He was always creating and improvising like a jazz player. I love how unpredictable he was.

[@rheinhardtgrafvonthiesenha8185]

Jimi was also plagued by equipment issues and exhaustion. In that time with venues getting larger and with how he pushed his gear it often gave out. Hendrix gave some of the most iconic performances in rock history but he also played allot of duds (not his fault but it’s true). Don’t know what the hell Ssntana has to do with Jimi tho. I never got the guy at all. Single notes played slowly with minimal vibrato and feeling and not exactly imaginative note selection. He always sounded like an intermediate guitarist Just noodling around to me.

[@rheinhardtgrafvonthiesenha8185]

@@jamesearl389 lol. I can improvise on a blues shuffle in E or A for infinity I must be the Mozart of the blues hahaha.

[@gobo667]

@@rheinhardtgrafvonthiesenha8185 Hendrix was a pioneer...

[@yearginclarke]

Some of his best performances are total improvs (of course, what live performance of his wasn't improv?) But seriously everyone who is a fan simply *_MUST_* listen to Red House live at NY Pop festival Randall's Island 1970, just for starters. *BUT* ...and this is very important: You will NOT be able to find it on KZbin! Due to copyright reasons. There's a whole live compilation on disc 2 of the 2001 compilation entitled "Voodoo Child: The Jimi Hendrix Collection". Every single live performance on that compilation deserves to be heard. There are some of his obviously well known live performances on there, but there are a bunch of ones that most people don't seem to know about, and you CAN'T find them on KZbin due to copyright B.S. However this compilation is readily available on Spotify last I checked, so I would very highly recommend to go out of your way to hear it...trust me, you WON'T regret it! Just look it up and listen! The first live performance of "Fire" in San Francisco 1968 is, well...on fire, to say the least! The next song, at the same concert, is another wildly amazing version of Hey Joe. Trust me people you simply have GOT to hear that compilation. I simply can't believe how alot of these live performances are pretty much unknown. If you are already a fan of Hendrix's live stuff you will DEFINITELY not regret it!

[@yeti1002]

@@yearginclarke thanks for sharing this info 👍 on hendrix

[@Charles53412]

This is why I love Alex Lifeson ! The Ultimate Universal Guitarist ! And at 69, he's still learning and developing his art. Amazing !

[@secretjourney4815]

Big Al is the man. So underrated.

[@developerxm.d.9947]

I play Guitar and for me, Alex Lifeson of Rush, IMHO, is the GREATEST Rock Guitarist of all time! I mean you can start by just considering the BREADTH of his Catalog of work and LISTEN to EVERY ONE of his Guitar SOLOS in every Rush song. INCREDIBLE! No other Rock Guitarist has a Guitar SOLO Catalogue like Alex does. Plus, Alex’s La Villa Strangiato Opus alone makes him Top 5 or 10 easily. So for me, my #1 G.O.A.T. has to be Alex Lifeson for so many reasons that I do not have enough room to discuss them all here. Alex Lifeson is the MOST underrated Guitarist in history, I feel. My #2 is definitely Jimi Hendrix because he is like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius all rolled into one for the Rock Guitar. Alex and Jimi are otherworldly and unaccountable in their Genius!

[@davidr7470]

yep - huge talent - and no monster ego... very listenable - i love and admire hendrix of course and SRV and most of the usual suspects but i listen to alex / rush more than any of the others...

[@benmalone6139]

A good piece of advice I got from a teacher about playing solos was 'take care of the song and the audience will follow '. Meaning don't aim to impress people aim to lift/add to the song positively. Thanks for the vid Dave

[@VynxeVainglory]

As a professional guitarist myself, I've noticed this phenomenon as well. The things you say that resonate here are: "Just go for it" and that you should feel like you're fighting the instrument during those moments of passion. Jimi was often in an epic battle with his guitar, and that's exactly what it sounded like. It was exciting, visceral, and had a poetic mixture of triumph and disaster...just like a good duel to the death.

[@bigassdummy46]

"In an epic battle with his guitar" Jesus Christ.....

[@michaelhines1891]

What some folks do not understand. When you play guitar you have certain sounds melodies, licks and other things that you want to pour effortlessly from your guitar. When they say fighting your guitar your wishing for these things and fighting to master the sounds. To make the melodies to translate whats in your head and your emotions to the language of the guitar the language of music. Sometimes those translations are raw and gritty and unpolished. They are often spontaneous. Thats the magic sometimes to capture that feeling.

[@SloppyGoat]

Exactly! There was danger there, because no one had been to that point in the void before. And no one even knew if they were going to survive it. They weren't just playing with math. They were playing with frequencies, and total emotion.

[@rogergeoffrion3723]

I remember a time 40 years ago I was jamming with some friends and playing Hey Joe. When we were done the rhythm player looked at me and asked what the heck was that. He was totally amazed. I was caught up in the moment and playing way over my head for my skills at that time and I’m sure much of it was raw emotion. We did not record ourselves then. It was one of those gifts to the universe.

[@mindtorquemusic]

The ether has many magical notes floating endlessly. Those types of jams are pure bliss🍻

[@rogergeoffrion3723]

@@mindtorquemusic Absolutely!

[@jerbear1601]

This is exactly the effect. Playing into the void and surprising yourself and others. It's magical if you can experience it. I don't think it can be switched on or off by anyone and everyone has times when it isn't going to happen. Mood etc.

[@j-mo2453]

The song lends itself to improvisation big time.

[@j-mo2453]

Simple chords get it done. It’s built for pentatonic arpeggios and trills and wide open spaces to solo with varying degrees of complexity that all sound good.

[@bluesnaggletooth1660]

I’ve seen and been mesmerized by many from Vai to Eddie to Holdsworth but at the end of the day nothing will catch my attention and touch my inter soul like Hendrix and Carlos

[@marcgreene6343]

I don’t think they were playing beyond their technique at all. They didn’t fight their instruments at all. They were looking to play things they never had before. Both are true improvisers, pushing the envelope and looking for sounds and melodies that hadn’t been played before.

[@mindtorquemusic]

Exactly. Especially when you consider Jimi 's age.

[@santosmadrigal3702]

Carlos and Jimmy changed the world . This guy is sitting infont of his computer as he's doing something . OK dude .

[@ESP77769]

AMEN Marc!!

[@unforgiven8619]

🤔👍👍👍

[@Crunkboy415]

They weren't fighting their instruments, but trying to bring their instruments to where their minds were at the moment. They were not so much consciously thinking of technique, they were actually searching beyond technique, much like John Coltrane during his "A Love Supreme" stage and the last years of his life.

[@michaelbishop3701]

I have to say, I am almost 67 years old. Have played most of my life. Never learned much. But, the feeling you get when you actually hit the licks that you are striving for...Wow! That doesn't happen that often. You make it look so easy. I would compare you to any guitarist I have ever heard. And, I have heard a lot. I have arthritis, among other ailments,...blind in one eye (Glaucoma). Etc. The point is, that people like you, and you, in particular, inspire people like me to continue their passion, even though it is too late in our life to find our path to the stage, it is still awesome to make your guitar sing, if only for a moment. Sold my Les Paul Classic and Boss Katana and bought a EVH Bumblebee Strat and a EVH III Lunchbox 15 watt head with a 30 watt one 12" cab. This thing is loud. But, damn, it sounds good. I just wish I could find lessons that I could follow to play like you. There are a lot of great players on KZbin. Just have to say that you are definitely one of the best.

[@marcgreene6343]

Never too late! Find some like minded/aged players and start a band if you haven’t. Best way to improve is playing with others and who knows you might just make it to the stage. BTW I’m 65 and hit the stage 3-4 times a year, and now that I’m “retired” am looking to do much more.

[@666pinkster]

Dude, the best senseii are they who take the time to self examine in detail great enough to then describe all the juxtapositions to another. You are def one of them dudes. Rock on brother

[@barryc9115]

Sometimes, what makes music perfect, is imperfection. In the modern era of computer generated and auto tuned music, I miss those days of perfectly imperfect. And that is why I believe Gex X’s music may live on forever popular and arguably the best era of music in history. Music actually lost something in it desire to become perfect.

[@cobra02411]

Henry Rollins, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristopherson, Tom Petty, Grateful Dead and so many other performers and bands have made unbelievable music that just tickles your soul and none of it is auto-tuned or adjusted. The right kind of imperfection makes perfection, you are so right on that. Today's canned music just sounds hollow and lacking. It's just to make a quick buck and nothing more.

[@rebecca8866]

I must add the hz frequency of music has also changed. When Bob Marley was making music the frequency of music was a more healing frequency that promoted peace and harmony and now the frequency has been changed to cause irritation and anger. It's scientifically proven that this new frequency affects people in a negative way.

[@slizeres]

Im not a great guitarrist or even a musician, often at home i even get bored when i play for 10 minutes and not play the instrument again for days. What you said in the video, that "zone". I have been there many times, normally when playing on a jam or with friends, and some alcohol in my veins. I remember one time i forgot even that i was a person that was playing the guitar, i was just feeling it. It felt great. When i finished and put down the guitar everyone was with their mouths wide open and amazed of what they just heard. I cannot replicate that even if i try my best to, its impossible.

[@AmyKSpreadborough]

Terry Kath from Chicago had that reckless abandon, too. 25 or 6 to 4 is amazing. Check out the record and then some of the live versions (available on KZbin). Really inspiring.

[@Marcus_C51]

Oh yeah-Terry Kath was phenomenal--thanks for bringing him up! His solos were so fluid and intense! No shortage of reckless abandon for sure! I had no idea how close he and Jimi were, on that wonderful documentary on him by his daughter it went into that. Hendrix, as I recall, loved Chicago and Terry's playing so much he got them on one of his tours. They used to hang out together and jam alot, a real mutual admiration society. I'd love to hear any tapes of those jams...

[@panicrev555]

Impeccable technique doesn't make one a legend, mojo does. Not everybody has it.

[@sjleak1]

If you compare the Stairway to Heaven solos live v studio, it’s like two different pieces of music. The imperfection of the live version has it’s own appeal.

[@sunkmanitutankaowaci2733]

Jimmy page played live with that reckless abandon comparable to Hendrix and Santana

[@AdamDahlberg]

Max … from the band The Main Squeeze is the most emotional guitarist I have ever seen besides Prince. Gets me choked up on the journey every time

[@billbob6458]

The more and more i watch and listen to your videos and the more i feel confident with my instrument. It's like instead of teaching technique, you're teaching the philosophy of perception with guitar. Thanks a lot man you keep me motivated to play!

[@bits-of-bass]

I've been playing for 35 years, and that is one of the *best* lessons I've ever seen. It's so spot on, and that's more than just philosophy for guitar, that's some life philosophy there too. 🤯🤯🤯

[@Ferbocarbo]

@@bits-of-bass which lesson?

[@bits-of-bass]

@@Ferbocarbo The overall lesson of not trying to play everything to perfection. Yes, you should practice and master the instrument, but when reaching for that emotion, you should stretch and play on the edge of your abilities -- or just over.

[@dankmazzi2376]

They play with their hearts and souls. Great minds and hearts...natural. That feeling is unique.

[@sgholt]

You got that right...my old bandmate from too long ago, once told me "Free your mind and your ass will follow" ...it kinda worked...or other things to free our minds :)

[@Kipperbob]

The thrill of Hendrix for me always made me feel like I was watching something that could fall apart at any second, like watching someone walking a tightrope and just about capable of staying on the rope. The thrill just isn't there watching someone who doesn't struggle and makes it look like it's easy.

[@mindtorquemusic]

Spot on🍻

[@ESP77769]

AMEN!! When you'd hear Jimi solo, you wondered when everything would combust!! Other times, Jimi would play gently and beautifully!! His whole being was based around the guitar and music...

[@gergemall]

Jimi had a very unique sound .

[@grahamkey8496]

Jimmy Page had that quality too. People called him sloppy but to me it was like he was trying to catch lightning in a bottle. And when it worked, it was so good.

[@Kipperbob]

@@grahamkey8496 Page playing live always wss an absolute roller coaster ride, and Clapton too when he was at his best with Cream, Eric really had so much potential back when he was pushing the envelope with Cream, but then spent way to many years playing inside his safe space taking absolutely no real risk. The drugs didn't do his career any favours.

[@DivineRedwood]

Both have literally said this about themselves in interviews.

[@aarongall9191]

I've been listening to the Beatles stuff lately. There is a lot of unrefined stuff that just sounds good. Even the mistakes become part of the identity of a song. Music doesn't have to be quantum clean and perhaps shouldn't be.

[@oghash4912]

Everything needs balance, mistakes are part of it..ik what ur saying about the Beatles stuff that's unrefined, definitely adds to the character of the song.

[@williamweir1547]

" Hendrix had it in his head but not quite in his hands" Ritchie Blackmore

[@bladeofzorro1932]

I Agree totally with you. Playing what you feel is what I love to do and I love to hear others do the same. Jeff Beck is another great guitarist who does it. Jimmy Page does it and the list goes on. Once you know it you can never go back.

[@jackxavier3915]

Been so into Jeff Beck

[@Christopher_Bachm]

You are young. It's not a secret. But, your analysis is spot on. Great channel! Keep it alive.

[@reynaldogarcia643]

Honestly, this is the best guitar tutorial I've ever watched. Even though in essence it's not a tutorial, I feel this is the most important thing needed TAP INTO YOUR ENERGY

[@Tompuentes]

Is it safe to say Prince played like a mix of Carlos and Jimmy? I've seen Prince play on stage with Santana live. Pretty amazing.

[@jessekizine4334]

Yep

[@timholt8369]

Really 'dead on' point in this video. Just play it ! I've seen Carlos live many times starting in 1989 and there were definitely improvised moments ( in between the licks we all know Carlos for) where a phrase would come out of nowhere and it was simply beautiful. It was special and even Carlos would shake his head and seem to say "Thank You god" . The tone he made his signature never gets old for me.

[@carnivaltym]

Possibly the best advice on playing solos on the Internet.

[@coolmacatrain9434]

Jimmy Page is the very same ... in fact most famous Guitarists of the 60s/early 70s had "sloppy" technique, that's what made their music brilliant to listen to. It wasn't till Eddie van Halen came along (and more so Yngwie Malmsteen) that Guitarists started to focus more on technique rather than song writing/composing

[@justinwilliams8125]

I always called this, playing beyond your means. I admire people that can ride that line and push themselves without losing the vision of what they intended

[@timchipman7386]

Here’s another thought. For the vast majority of people, Steve and Joe are not enjoyable to listen to. Like so many jazz players before them, the virtuosity is lost, except for the guitar players in the crowd or just musicians who enjoy a lot of jumbled up notes. I believe most people want to hear songs, hence Hendrix and Santana. Also people want to be entertained! Just because you’re very astute technically doesn’t mean you’re entertaining for the masses. I could go on but you get my point I think.

[@hermanshim8948]

Music is like Life. The Masters are those who can connect with us and show us its imperfect Beauty

[@bobbywest8460]

Holy shit balls man. Years of failing at perfection…. You just blew my musical mind and freed my guitar soul. Thank you I’m loving it. Too bad the end of the world is here. At least I can play awesome while the ship sinks. Cheers and thanks for sharing.

[@gwSocialmedia99]

😂

[@oghash4912]

This comment 😆

[@NewtonJamesMusic]

😂😂😂

[@aveb2641]

What you call unrefined is called improvisation. It's that simple.

[@OsLapsosBandaRock]

The secret is to think less and enjoy more!🤘🤩🤘 Excelent video!

[@gabrielcabral9480]

Keep Playing (slow blues is good for this) with close eyes. Help to connect with yourself and internalize notes.

[@fairytalefritz7658]

That recklessness you discovered in Jimi’s playing is called rock n’ roll.

[@oghash4912]

😁🤘🏽

[@jerryhatrick5860]

It's called playing live. Nothing touches it. I never play better than with a band and live. I'm bored at home and dread picking up my guitar at home these days. It's boring. No energy from others no energy from the crowd.

[@rosscop1100]

Close enough for rock n roll

[@lopezb]

A jazz guitar friend of mine was playing a duo with a guy who had flashier runs but no feel. When the other guy finshed a solo he's look out at the crowd like "ain't I great?" My friend would play and after look down at his guitar like "Did I just play THAT???" A world of difference. One tip he gave me was to sing along with your solos....it gets you out of your head, and into a more melodic space. Also, as a white guy, he had a regular Sunday gig playing bass in a black church. I'm sure that helped immensely absorb that rich cultural tradition that Jimi and others were steeped in.

[@tennisnutts7370]

This is how i always play. also, they were innovating. they had a new batch of toys to play with and blazed a trail. there wrote the playbook, unlike today, the polished player today has just landed on a heap of lessons to learn form the originators and instruction that tells them exactly how to do it.

[@strattuner]

yes the innovators never get the recognition they deserve until its overwhelming apparent that they are genius,not my words,they are genius to their competition,which they had none,HENDRIX CARLOS,ERIC CLAPTON,STEVIE RAY,AND MANY MORE,different types of music brings out the genius to the top,like CREAM

[@riskromer9773]

What you don't understand is that they were not trying to master anything. Their goal was to express themselves by finding their own sound

[@Wallimann]

That was exactly the point of the video man!

[@18JR78]

You're one of the most informative guitar channels on here 👏🏽 👏🏽

[@RobertBradleyRSB]

I don’t play guitar that much, but I do apply this to my piano/keys playing.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Jimi and Carlos are some of the most unique guitarists on tone alone. Definitely 2 of my biggest inspirations to pick up the guitar!

[@cheezyridr]

jimi is one of my go-to examples of why tone is contextual. listen to his isolated tracks. sometimes, his tone was shit, but in context, was exactly what was needed in the moment.

[@angel-rq2kx]

My bloody valentine

[@jirusjirus9322]

​@@cheezyridr excellent observation

[@waynebibey9727]

Terry Kath. Terry Kath

[@cheezyridr]

@@waynebibey9727 YES!!!!

[@legendare71]

Glad to meet you mate, great in depth !

[@GMgrow44]

Hendrix, Santana and Vai are the reason why I play guitar. Over the years I have strived to play with all of the emotions I have, and it definitely makes practice fun to go all out and to push myself out of the box.

[@mindtorquemusic]

I do this every week on my channel. Exploring music is endless.

[@clivegetliff1293]

Include Bill Nelson in that list too !!!

[@chevyx7947]

You mentioned that it feels like your fighting your guitar. Carlos mentioned in an interview that when he played Woodstock, he was tripping on acid and his guitar turned into a serpent and he was fighting it while jamming out. Check out his Woodstock footage he said his face was contorted because the serpent was trying to bite him. Ahhh those were the days.

[@cathode-kits1894]

Highly technical fast playing was a phase in the 80's .. its boring to listen to for many , But the blues style is timeless , because it connects to emotions

[@danieltessier8036]

Its okay to not be perfect.I like players that aren't afraid to make mistakes & push themselves beyond their current technical abilities. Music is about emotion. I don't want to be a robot when I play.I want to touch people,sometimes that can be with 1 or 2 notes played in the right place at the right time, or a dozen maybe played not so perfectly, but with emotion & the intention to touch the listener. These 2 guitarists understood this, & that, in my opinion ,is what makes them so great & special.

[@troyl5498]

You're pretty mellow, brother. Awesome 👌.

[@xxczerxx]

There's interesting case studies of guitarists who play extremely complex music but didn't spend time trying to play cleanly or super refined. The best example I can think of is Omar Rodriguez, the stuff he comes up with is insane and melodically/rhythmically complex but it seems like he never actually practiced technique. It's an amazing combination.

[@normanrowe2831]

Highly technical players have no soul. Hendrix and Santana are emotionally attached to their instruments. And it shows in their music.

[@jrockofages5413]

Love it when the spirit takes over the body for those magic moments

[@stevekovacs6250]

It's one thing to hear Hendrix with a set of headphones but to actually witness his music on stage is a different story.

[@cosmosgato]

It is not playing beyond their ability, it is purposely playing a specific sound. For example, jazz players don’t play the “wrong” note because harmony is too advanced. They play the spicy note to renew interest. More often it is the listener’s ears that are not advanced enough 🙂

[@mindtorquemusic]

Man I love playing those ugly notes. They reset the ears!

[@Art-zs6sl]

It sounds like someone who isn't quite sure if the sound they are making on the guitar is going to be the one they just thought up. In that sense, it's playing beyond their ability.

[@cosmosgato]

@@Art-zs6sl True but when it is their identifiable "signature sound"... It was planned.

[@Crunkboy415]

@@cosmosgato Not really planned, but their muscle memory will retain certain habits and tendencies.

[@drmoore4011]

These comments are on the right track. I saw Jimi Hendrix play. The sound was not like any video, or recording of him, that I am aware of. That night certain songs, had a separation, clarity, tone, and odd sound combinations, that are impossible to describe. Santana, once said of his performance, “it wasn’t about strings and amplifiers” he was right. It is the zone, this gift, some just have more of.

[@GtrMan863]

They both were Trippin

[@Mechagnostic]

This is exactly why I love Alex Lifeson's work on the first couple Rush Albums. He was fearlessly pushing his limits constantly. They were writing songs that were at the absolute edge of thier capacity as musicians. And it made those albums brilliant.

[@jfo3000]

Alex's solos on the first few albums were often ferocious. I think he played more to convey intensity rather then melody and it worked.

[@benmalone6139]

Yeah that was like the 'guitar solo hanbook' for me. I took so much from it

[@lilmoe4364]

So true.. he ripped back then.. every time I hear "Working Man" on the radio I think of the first people to hear it the first time it was played on the air, the ones who called the station, asking "What was that?"

[@BenjaminRichardCraig]

Reminds me of Jason Becker talking about his approach recording his parts. He said he would record when he had the part almost mastered but still challenging and imperfect. He was such a great composer and technician that it gave his recordings that emotion and life a computer just can’t match

[@jeffhess7130]

All musicians are special & unique in their own ways, thank God for that !!

[@vosborne945]

It's not just for guitarists. I play tenor sax and was in a band where we did a version of Johnny B. Goode and it seemed like it took on a life of its own; living and breathing, and when we stopped playing we all just looked at each other and said damn.

[@Peter7966]

Frank Zappa was another "unrefined " soloist. His composer chops were off the charts technical, way beyond any other of his contemporaries. But his guitar playing was a beast of a different stripe. It was highly imaginative, with his own unique sense music. To me, he seemed more blues and R+B based, with spins into all sorts of scales and modes, if his improvisation forays led him down one of these detours. Frank was not a shredder, or a technical virtuoso. His solos - in his own words - were sonic statues that told stories.

[@chasphotography]

Yeah but Zappa's solos would have been better if he would have done drugs

[@Peter7966]

@@chasphotography I don't think he needed drugs to in an altered state of his own making.

[@chasphotography]

@@Peter7966 well frank did have a certain level of eccentricity. However there is no denying what drugs have given to some of the Greatest music ever created. So we can only imagine what they could have contributed to Franks creativity. People like you probably don't do drugs either so I can see how you wouldn't understand my comment

[@Peter7966]

@@chasphotography I smoked weed. Don't anymore. I do psychedelics regularly. Not recreationally anymore. I have nothing against folks doing whatever for whatever reason. Frank was a coffee a tobacco fiend. Coffee clearly shifts consciousness and mood. I'm sure I can hear the influence of coffee in Frank's music. Addictive use of drugs destroys players and bands. The track record there is clear. I don't think Zappa needed LSD or shrooms to see over the horizon. It was said he tried marijuana but didn't like it. It got in the way of his productivity as a composer and player. So, I guess we'll never know if using marijuana, psychedelics or any others would have helped Frank in any way.

[@chasphotography]

@@Peter7966 no we shall never know. Though as someone who has tried every known drug except fentanyl (which I don't consider a drug, it's just a poison) and I've never been addicted to any as I don't like the effects of addicting substances. But I have explored psychedelics extensively as tools because of the way they unlock the pineal gland. I can formally tell if they are used correctly during the musical creative process they can take a person's natural abilities and creative processes to a very honest place within themselves. I personally have the upmost respect for Frank's technical skills. But his music never possessed the soul of the groove like Hendrix or Santana and speaking from my personal experience I honestly believe the psychedelics they explored are what separated their music by light years from Frank. He as Hendrix once asked in a song (have you ever been experienced) and Frank never was. And it shows in comparison to them in so many ways. From groove to lyrics to beautiful versus spastic. Frank was never in their league

[@miyannaable]

I was thinking of your channel the other day - I'm subscribed, but I had forgotten to hit the bell icon. Now I'll get all your words of wisdom once again, after way too long. I had forgotten your last name, as well - so I was in the weeds. So glad this video appeared today - looking forward to more.

[@iroc-z-blues8570]

Carlos and Jimi played with emotion and feeling. Their technique is not bound to theory or scales. Eddie Van Halen was kind of like that too. Ill bet they heard music in their heads and played what they heard! Brilliant!

[@arthurlove1002]

Bingo!

[@nomandad2000]

I disagree that they weren’t bound to scales or theory. Everybody who plays is implementing theory and scales. Even when they go off script…

[@arthurlove1002]

Like a child who uses a spoon for the first time , they don’t know what they are using but it gets the job done. Scales and theory explain what music is.

[@growskull]

@Liberals Hate kcalB People 🏳️‍🌈⃠ ur username lmao

[@themrbadluck]

@@arthurlove1002 Jimi is not a child with a spoon, he knew what he was doing and he was a master guitar player. You can't compare 60's aesthetic with 2020's shredder aesthetic. Not only did he know what he was doing with the guitar, he was also a very sophisticated composer and songwriter. He was more "limited" by the sounds he was trying to create than by a lack of technique, at least in my opinion.

[@dr.gregoryweisswassernd7251]

This happens all the time in my playing. Explains a lot of why I sound better than I should for how little I practice.

[@beaconofstronglight4795]

Technical players are like empty vessels that make the most noise! They mostly end up teaching - those that can do do, those who can not teach ! Jimi, Wes Montgomery and Carlos have there own unique approach and create art - reason is they can play Melody which is the essence of music.

[@yinoveryang4246]

Agree with this, it’s basically the truth. Music has nothing to do with speed, in fact speed is probably the last, least important attribute. Dont know of anyone noticed, but there comes a point when a listener can’t even focus on what’s being played, it’s so fast, and has no variety or dynamics. Speed is Beneath expression, dynamics and good tone. It’s just reducing guitar playing to some kind of weird sport.

[@jirusjirus9322]

​@@yinoveryang4246 Nice...but I'm sure you know that there are many who love sports. I like to play sports more than i like to watch. the haunting sound of a flute playing in the woods is indeed a pleasure that few will know.

[@yinoveryang4246]

@@jirusjirus9322 Very well. you’re WATCHING the flute playing. But are you listening?

[@Daves_not_here]

Nice Parker, David. Peace

[@soundssimple1]

I'd rather listen to and watch a SHOWMAN than a ROBOT. All day every day.......

[@martinheath5947]

The definitive secret sauce behind these two guys is that both of them performed legendary gigs with consummate aplomb and mastery whilst tripping balls on high strength LSD. Literally unimaginable for yours truly (if my 70s acid experiences were anything to go by) Holy crap!

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

The only credible story I heard was that Carlos said he was tripping at Woodstock. It's mythology.

[@matthewatwood8641]

Psychedelics actually enhance people's abilities - definitely things like musical improvisation that are in the moment.

[@matthewatwood8641]

@@MrLuigiFercotti You sure are naive.

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

@@matthewatwood8641 No, I just understand that people make shit up, and people believe it.

[@matthewatwood8641]

@@MrLuigiFercotti psychedelics were huge trend with musicians at the time. It's not a myth. It's a fact known that Jimi Hendrix did plenty of LSD. You're a fool if you don't think Santana did as well. Of course people make up stories. That doesn't mean that nothing ever happens. That doesn't mean that people don't do interesting, exciting, and adventurous things. It means that those things get exaggerated, and people like to believe the exaggerated version because it's more exciting.

[@rcjr.7725]

Heart soul and feeling foundation for everything in life for me anyway

[@Crapse545]

I thought I was alone. . sitting for hours playing modes to be a perfectionist and I put my guitar away . I hear there music and I'm like screw it it's about having fun anyways

[@reidwhitton6248]

I like Santana for his sound, the band, and the songs. And his ensemble playing in that context. I find him less interesting as a soloist. He doesn't seem to have a deep well of ideas. But he's definitely had his moments of great inspiration over the years. I think more people connect with players who have these limitations. They hone in on what they do best and it communicates with an audience. That's what most of the blues players do. People connect with that sound and feel. It's like hearing the voice of an old friend.

[@MarkSmith-dk4fd]

Its because guitar evolved with theory and sharing info ...Eric, Pete , Jimi and Beck and Page laid the ground work for the rest...they open the guitars sonic possibilities 🎸🎶🎶✌

[@prezooom4307]

But that's what ROCKS the rolling part so To speak. I love where your going with this topic. But there's an interview where Hendrix expressed he has music in dreams that he admitted realized; I want to learn reading and writing music , so Jimi asked Miles Davis for lessons in reading and writing !!! So I know what you're talking about Is pretty much on point. This Is A fascinating article Sir

[@G1951-w1y]

I've always said there are musicians & there are technicians. You can hum Hendtix or Santana songs all day. Can't say the same for the other two.

[@joeydurant6267]

"sometimes you gotta pick a fight with it... And win." -Jack White.

[@solaris70]

no doubt ⚡🔥⚡‼️

[@johnandersson8258]

This is why I, and a lot of people with me, like players like Johnny Thunders and Ace Frehley. You never really know if they will make it to the end of the solo without f**king up. And in that watching/listening turns into a social relation - because you're cheering someone on - rather than feeling like a visit to a museum.

[@swanee22]

I saw Mr.Jimi in Salt Lake City in 1968...almost nobody there (okay, a few hundred) so it was amazing to be about 30 feet from him and one of my favorite drummers of all time, Mitch Mitchell. Ah, those were the days.

[@briteness]

This is pretty perceptive. Technical proficiency is obviously important, but it is developed to serve Music, not merely to impress people. The Music, a gift of the Muses, is always primary. We do what we can to make ourselves available to it, in spite of our imperfect preparations.

[@oghash4912]

Succinctly said

[@WaterproofSoap]

At a point in an interview when Hendrix was at his peak, he mentioned that he wanted to go to music school because he had things in his head he couldn't express and needed a deeper understanding that self study can't imbue.

[@ffemto4]

Trower & Gallagher were like that for me. I just don't know enough licks to do any of the things you recommended. it's frustrating.

[@Bbbbad724]

They are masters chasing a perfect sweep picking technique, especially Trower, he will sweep pick his way up and down the board, nothing out of place and RoryGallagher can play in any tone timbre and tuning.

[@tago69mago]

Play like a perfect robot and sound like a computer. Play from the heart and soul and move people. All these great technical players leave me cold. No emotional attachment. You've either got it or you haven't. You can't learn soul!

[@jasonlee8497]

Yeah, feel players. The shredders are good, and some of them really craft good music. But I’m a wailer, not a shredder. I love to make the notes sing. And I’m far more interested in coming up with 2 or 3 great riffs and find a place in them for a strange sound or breakdown. All the while wailing and bending. The players that I love the most make ugly faces over a few loud notes…the shredders are impressive sometimes, Paul Gilbert seems to do both….but give me Leslie West anyday over the best speed players.

[@macpakinga1271]

It what you call FEEL with SOUL and passion. CARLOS & JIMMY. 🎸❤️🤗. I started playing at 8 years old in the 60s self tourt. Now I'm 62. Bought up listening to Jimmy and Carlos & many many Other legion musicians. Thanks for sharing. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🤗

[@rjc7289]

Jimi and Carlos had very unique takes on phrasing, feel and tone. That set them apart from the rest of the pack and made them stand out. Nobody to this day comes even remotely close to playing and sounding like them.

[@orlandodesousa4038]

Yes , totally agree with unique. Definitely playing from the soul , very organic and they zone into a different field. And I do feel it's Definitely quantum , a spiritual feel that you either have or you don't 💚🎶🎸

[@shannonlandre4442]

That's it! Playing with confidence and taking risks while being confident and expressing the moment. Most people don't have it and I think it's one of the best things to have. Spontaneity

[@squirelova1815]

"You need to think of a technique that you haven't mastered yet...It has to feel kinda' like a struggle." HA! I've waited for this day. Finally, the whole world of guitar playing is MY Oyster!

[@micahwatz1148]

Music is all about vibe

[@orloification]

David, hurry up, fix the typo!! Unless there's a joke I'm not getting...🤔😊😊

[@sgholt]

grammar check

[@enonknives5449]

Too late. I can't unsee it.

[@fredgonzalez6619]

You’re the man dude!! Thanks for taking the time to explain this bro!!!

[@robertmitchell2178]

Satriani, Vai play square time. Hendrix, Santana SWING! Keith Richards said it best, "I hear a lot of Rock, I don't hear a lot of Roll anymore."

[@Hackneysfamilyhomestead]

If you're a true "artist", this advice will work very well in any area of your life... from writing to singing, painting, sculpting... the list goes on and on. It's what creates that " IT FACTOR " in a talented individual that drives the " educated " scholars 🤪 crazy! You can't learn true talent, you can't copy true talent, you can only admire it.

[@dannyfournier6657]

If you wanted to play like Jimi Hendrix or Carlos Santana you have to let go , its not about knowing what you are doing its being able to close your eyes and playing guitar knowing from touch or as many of us call playing by ear . Jimi was self taught , I don't think he ever knew how to read or write music but he knew how to play a guitar in ways no one else could . Even to this day his ability as a guitarist outshines many and I don't care how technical you are it takes away from the ability to be unique, to create art .

[@fliptastry1485]

Jimi is the greatest ever but Santana is my favorite I love how you made a video recognizing their musical souls about the two, much love

[@christophermcgorey694]

It's good to hear these ideas articulated. I remember, sometime in the 80s, when a coworker of mine, who was a guitarist, and really into Vai/Van Halen/Satriani, criticized Hendrix as being a "sloppy" player. I was dumbfounded to hear that someone could overlook the amazing originality, heart and soul, and physical connection to his guitar (like it was an extension of his body), that Hendrix had. It's kind of an age-old argument -- the head vs heart, discipline vs inspiration. I guess you either hear it (and experience it) or you don't. I appreciate your efforts to explain this to younger players who are more focused on technique and perfection, as opposed to reckless (maybe) inspiration.

[@oghash4912]

True

[@adrianamatlack532]

LOL you and your friends got OCD or something. Miles Davis loved Hendrix. Miles Davis did NOT like sloppy players, not at all. He liked clean keyboard players and guitar players who were very accurate. Your friend is clueless, and so are you for being a sheep who just believed that. Only show I ever heard where Hendrix sounded a bit more raunchy was Isle of White, but is playing was still accurate, however the distortion there was just so raunchy and muddy. Still one of my favorite Hendrix shows. He played like a genius there, and I like the sound, but it was certainly the most muddy sounding I ever heard him play, but that had something to do with the PA system most likely, or possibly just the way Hendrix set his amps up along with his Mayer effects pedals and Univox Univibe.

[@oldschoolpatriot3236]

The "thing" that both Jimmy and Carlos had , guys like Andy Timmons have mastered it and that is fret hand attack . Pulling a note that transfers emotions to the listener comes from what you as the player imparts into playing , how you squeeze or milk the note is what gives that note it's presence . Learning how to play all the fancy guitar techniques of the day takes only time/practice eventually it's achievable , but playing like Timmons or Gilmore or Vaughn takes time to mature and you either have it or you don't. You can't learn it , you grow what your given .

[@jossbsure]

Yes, it's a technical thing, but it's also a question of attitude. A technical player will play for an audience with an attitude leaning towards this: "listen good, 'cause this is the most important thing in the world". And they do because they have to have this attitude in order to go through the punishing practice schedule they perform. As when Jimi or Santana play, their attitude leans towards "hey man listen! that's sooo cool, I can't believe the fun I have". So they sound a little messy and unrefined, maybe, but there is this freshness that escapes the technicians presenting overheated stuff. FZappa had the best solution to this: don't replay a solo over and over until it's dead meat. Improvise. Offer freshness.

[@michaelledford4751]

Frank Zappa fully recognized he fell into that category of playing above his level of mastery while chasing the groove he just set up in many of his guitar solos that would go on to the 9 ten and 11 minute mark,the genius of his rough playing completely destroys listener fatigue and leaves everyone wanting more , while having a state of the art studio under his home where over 50 of his albums were recorded Frank never forgot the effect his live solos had on all of us in attendance,Zappa recorded nearly every concert date he played so he picked the best live solos of a song to splice in and overdub his studio perfect solos with live solos of the same sing ,the end result is glorious and adds a very special tone that sticks with you .

[@j.mcconnell5260]

Brian Robertson is king now. Ever since being a 17 year old in thin Lizzy. Happened from schooling Gary Moore regularly.

[@solaris70]

#1 👑 ⚡⚡🔥⚡⚡😎

[@j.mcconnell5260]

@@solaris70 that's right

[@JOHNROBERTCRUZ]

I am not a musician and I thank you for a very intelligent commentary...Somethings ( in many different subjects) cannot necessarily be, " scholastically taught," but can be felt and learned by feeling by listening, by absorbing and...then, " trying. " Like Bruce Lee said in a movie, " Don't Think - Feeeeellll . " To conclude...Your video insights here, will help me in my singing... Thanks again... Have a Nice Day... 👍