Pat Metheny on the Illusion of Effortless Playing

In this clip, Pat Metheny talks about how much work went into making his guitar playing look effortless and discusses improvising with his favorite musicians.
Full Video: • The Pat Metheny Interview
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[@graemeogle4492]

I’ve never experienced an interviewer who knew the work of the interviewee almost as much as the interviewee! Then to be able to talk about it from an emotive perspective then a technical perspective and everything in between. Only one. Beato!

[@rickbeato2]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@garytownsend2732]

I agree with you. I came to see and hear what all the hubbub was about, the albums keep getting worse, he dumped Lyle and there is more to the story, believe me. No credit, nothing mentioned about Lyle, he writes a song for WHAT! JAMES TAYLOR!!!! I mean what the fuck, and then does this cheeky interviews about jazz musicians crash and burning on his very complicated bridges like he is developing a little game for everyone. Jezzz....the guy is all self masturbation.

[@selliantuttimusi6735]

This is pure gold. Rick is making history with these interviews.

[@joaopaulovaz2800]

One of rare interviews where Beato can not hold his anxiety, talking over the guest. But still Gold.

[@brucecaldwell6701]

No one has given the world so many beautiful melodies like Pat.

[@Itaivarochik]

I can think of a few, but appreciate the thought

[@squiertelecaster6854]

I'm trying to get it, can you recommend a melody-based tune?

[@NeilRaouf]

there are some. but not too many 😅

[@richardthurston2171]

@@squiertelecaster6854 James. Are You Going With Me. Barcarolle. Bright Size Life. San Lorenzo. Imaginary Day. As Falls Witchita. Cross the Heartland. Have You Heard. These are a few just off the top of my head.

[@chirag_playsandcries]

minuano @@squiertelecaster6854

[@wilaustu]

I like this medium shot with both people in frame. It was good to see Pat Metheny's reactions and nods when you were saying something. That's a part of the interview.

[@jsmdify]

I cannot overstate the role and overall effect Pat and Lyle's music has had in my life. Thank you maestro.

[@yutani2225]

It's not the virtuosity or the solo playing that has fascinated me about Pat Metheny for decades. It's the compositions. The album "From This Place" is the ideal example. Wonderful compositions that never tire me to listen to this music again and again.

[@Rocker72]

One thing worth noticing is the way Pat speaks. He has a rich vocabulary which he uses to verbalize his thought process in a way that makes us fully understand him. He also often uses metaphors to further underline the point he wanna make. It’s the same when he plays. It’s about conveying musical ideas and inviting the listener on a journey.

[@Vitimk12]

Pat, one of the absolutely genius of our times.

[@rickberry4477]

Asbergers

[@Vitimk12]

​@@rickberry4477 What?? A troll... You look like.

[@sh33pyyy]

@@rickberry4477 Does Pat have Asbergers?

[@rickberry4477]

@@sh33pyyy he may. He supported HiTlary

[@danthegeetarman]

I love this second channel because it has all the gems 💎💎💎💎

[@scottshort6204]

Just saw Pat play last week in Springfield MO. Go see this show if you can ….it was one of the best things I’ve ever witnessed

[@stevew5146]

I just love the relaxed nature of Pat with Rick. It's because Rick is the type of guy that is genuinely open and likeable so as to allow his guests to drop their defenses and be like old buds. Also, each knows the other has so much respect for him. It's a really cool dynamic and the body language is fascinating. Loved the deep conversations.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Two excellent teachers..love Rick Beato's channel.

[@Stuboy]

Pat Metheny's A map of the world is mind blowingly beautiful

[@atsmusic3950]

Lovely interview. Pat is the nicest guy, and an extraordinary musician. I played on From This Place a few years ago. The orchestral arrangements were phenomenal, and seriously tricky, particularly the complex rhythmic changes, which were all written out in meticulous detail. Making them sound fluid and natural, as Pat and his band do, was mind bending. Finding the line, the stream of consciousness that allows the music to flow, was both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

[@mikek3818]

Tell Kenny G he’s a nice guy lolz

[@musician069]

Which instrument did you play?

[@giebenrath1978]

Addition to: "Anybody that has great feel, can play anything pretty much". Toots Thielemans once said that you need to feel every note. This, as every note played, must have a meaning for the musician who plays it. I think that Toots Thielemans is one of the very few musicians who ever reached that level of musicianship.

[@jacocharzukanamericanautho2422]

Pat is a legend! It’s a blessing to still have him.

[@mil3ston3s]

Pat's only like 70

[@jacocharzukanamericanautho2422]

@@mil3ston3s Yeah but he could have died early for all we know.

[@raepaul8158]

I remember a friend playing a record with Pat , and it sounded like ornette to me ! That’s how I got turned on to Pat …Always my favourite guitar player !

[@anthonywhite2960]

We could listen to this everyday and it wouldn't get old.

[@slowfinger2]

That tour with Charlie and Billy was a highlight concert✔ for me to this day, at Ontario Place Forum in Toronto. Pat began with a solo synth guitar, that he explained had each of it's strings voiced like a string quartet. So he played some classical sounding pieces. I was gobsmacked at the complexity of such a task. Then the band joined him on stage. Higgins, Hayden, and Metheny. Fantastic trio!👍👍👍

[@danavixen6274]

Just witnessed Pat's genius last weekend. He is INSANELY Amazing! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@cliftonharmon2403]

Where was he?

[@Lance37a]

I saw him a few weeks ago and his automated "band" is incredible.

[@danavixen6274]

​@@cliftonharmon2403Royal Oak Music Theatre

[@danavixen6274]

​@@Lance37aABSOLUTELY! Shows how GIFTED and creative he is! Would love to see him perform live again! ❤

[@mygic183]

‘Story from a Stranger’ is a fucking masterpiece. It is beyond beautiful.

[@dunebillydave222]

As usual, a great interview and fascinating insights. The title tickled me a little. I remember seeing Pat Metheny in concert back in the 80s. We all commented that he looked like he was in pain. When he played, he would contort his body in all manner of seemingly painful positions. Joe Cocker would look catatonic by comparison. In all fairness, he was playing unbelievable, cutting-edge stuff. We were in awe of his facility and vision. Pat Metheny is the real deal.

[@markgilliland7164]

Listen to these guys talk really helps me believe in myself a little more I always believed in feeling was everything I thought it was just me

[@walterareia]

Only a person with a big heart can talk about a friend like Pat talks about Charlie Haden, beautiful to see! ❤

[@kurakuson]

"To The End of The World (Live)" All-time favorite; love the upright bass (Steve Rodby).

[@suginami0]

I love love love these interviews.

[@JulienMARY]

Rick has just redefined the musician interview. Now it has become interesting for people who are interested in music, and not interested at becoming famous.

[@PiotrstrashcanŚmietnikPiotra]

Saw him live some 20 years ago when the album The way up was released. Insane concert!

[@SilverCello]

To me Pat's acoustic albums "One Quiet Night" and "What's it all about" are incredible albums. They really show his skills in a solo setting. Which is how I like to hear my cello. I also met Pat when he came into Colony Records where I worked for a couple of years in Manhattan. He came in promote his fake book that Charlie Colin had published for him. It was only a quick Hello but what a pleasant guy.

[@ZachHunterPrince]

What a majestic dude. I've always appreciated his work.

[@eliasmsv3156]

I’ve moved on from music theory to music philosophy as of late, this is pure gold. Metheny is great

[@operating]

It still blows my mind that here’s Rick grooving music theory with Pat.

[@avaonalee]

Every time I hear Pat Metheny talk about music, it is a spiritual experience

[@BubboPants]

How is Pat Metheny 69 years old? He looks and moves like someone 20 years younger.

[@Lance37a]

Probably good clean living, but yea the dude looks young except for the gray hair.

[@sonicmuse]

His tour manager basically told me there’s some alien shit going on. (His phrase was “out of this world,” which he kept saying over and over again in hushed but extremely serious and emphatic tones after Pat’s gig.) Not joking. Not sure what to make of it, but it made the hair on the back of my neck stand at attention, lol.

[@andybaldman]

Illuminati blood.

[@businessofrhythm2315]

​@@sonicmusemaybe he was high on acid lol

[@johnnyxmusic]

Living a joyful life.

[@iriereviews]

Your interviews are incredible!!!

[@DavGreg]

Saw Pat on the Music Box tour in Memphis last week. Amazing.

[@andymelendez9757]

What a Goldmine this man is. Rick you click so well with everyone ! Priceless info. I love Charlie,what a legacy

[@sblack48]

The most articulate musician ever. The best music interview subject ever.

[@alexsdmmx]

great content, with great value for musicians and those interested in music, for me Pat Metheny is probably the most talented guitarist there is. By the way, is there an interview between Rick and Antonio Sánchez? If not, it would be great, since he also has the side of composing music for film only with drums, in addition to being one of the best drummers in the world.

[@TheTrondro]

Just listen to these guys, oh,my... inspiration flows.. :-)

[@Itaivarochik]

My son is one of my heroes as well

[@joeb8383]

Such a fantastic human being... thank you Rick.

[@jerrypalmer3534]

Fantastic interview...I've been waiting for such a in depth interview with Pat....You did it !!! Thank you !!

[@davidweiss1930]

Rick, always enjoy your material. Pat, always enjoyed your playing. Then I saw you live when you toured with Antonio Sanchez and Christian McBride. That night you guys gave me a whole new level of appreciation. Best wishes to you for many more years of composing and playing.

[@amstratnut]

I saw that tour. Unreal.

[@simonrowan7017]

Wonder if Pat remembers the night he played the Half Moon Putney in the middle of a world tour. It was their one night off so they decided on a pub gig. Never going to forget that, honoured to have been there and then at the Apollo gig next night. Almost surreal. No guitarist has ever achieved the diversity, dexterity , complexity and simple beauty all rolled into one. That is the genius, the hard work that makes it look relaxed, easy and effortless, the ultimate master.

[@jornfox3545]

The same thing goes for painting, if you are creating with heart and soul with feeling, whatever your subject matter is and become that matter, then people will feel it without question and that is communicating and creating something beautiful, exciting, passive, active, sad, tragic, inspirational, etc. You are tapping into and becoming an open channel of source (God).

[@dosgos]

For decades, George Garzone spent his free time playing with The Fringe (with Bob Gullotti & John Lockwood). This was Garzone's fun project. They said it was ~100% improv and frequently moved to a fourth dimension, detached from the three players. When playing they did return to some short cliches on ocassion, to reset and relaunch. Mindblowing. This seems to be what Pat Metheny was referring to.

[@deetee6339]

I've heard the 'quarter notes' reference from PM several times. It's stuck in my head especially while I'm trying to kind of bs my way through a solo and all that. I groan every time because it's just so god damn true. I love what he's done with his music and what that's done to me.

[@thestarseeker8196]

Pat is OG.

[@y34r]

Charlie Haden is sorely missed, His work with Pat and Keith. Holy shit, Keith and Charlies' work, Jasmine. That duet album is pure gold! This is what Pat talks about, Haden's work is undeniably the best one he had done at the end of his life.

[@gr637]

Exactly right. To play ‘effortlessly’ takes years and hours, hours, hours of intelligent and focused practice. I’m afraid that there’s no short way around it.

[@wesboundmusic]

Yup, I agree - feel isi "half the battle" as the saying goes. Others have to be the judge where it pertains to my own chops in the past, but I notice it immediately as well if or if not someone has the magic touch on the instrument or musical feel in general. Couldn'T agree more.

[@Eliguitar1]

I think some keys to his flow are a combination of picking, sliding, and hammering onto new strings without picking it first. Also being talented and working like a maniac for years, hehe.

[@tianoliveira]

Pat Metheny has one of the greatest manes in the guitar world!! :)

[@garymcaleer6112]

To my ear, Pat's "Orchestrion" DVD will be the Beethoven's 5th of his legacy. Despite the limitations of dynamics & notes inégales, the innovations of instrumentation with Pat's tonality will never be matched again.

[@marvelharris9540]

great stuff... he is much more humble and likeable than some of his elitist fans on the guitar forums

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

Pat's one of those people who looks pretty much the same as he did 40 years ago- still looks like a young dude. Amazing player. And I'm jealous of his hair...

[@NeilRaouf]

pat always had a very healthy and disciplined life style ❤

[@jeffdawson2786]

Pat is a college hero of mine. I’ll never play “Sueño con Mexico” right.

[@marymartin5098]

Love ❤️ anything by Pat Metheny

[@paulberghege]

Best music lesson ever (period)

[@DrRachelRApe]

I love how Rick Beato just straight up cuts him off and answers his question for him at 2:24. Great interview technique, champ.

[@betweenthe8]

He got excited. Rick is a fantastic interviewer and has tons of them. Give him a break.

[@DrRachelRApe]

@@betweenthe8 He got excited to cut him off and prove just how much he knows, it's what he does in every interview. He's a narcissist.

[@betweenthe8]

@DrRachelRApe yet so many people compliment Rick on his amazing interviews and I consistently see people comment that they're the best interviews they've ever seen with particular artists. Rick is a knowledgeable music nerd who gets excited and can't always contain himself. That doesn't make him a narcissist. I think you're in the minority here. The people he interviews seem pretty happy to be there. Just look at what Brian May had to say during his interview with Rick. I'll listen to Brian May over you lol.

[@DrRachelRApe]

@@betweenthe8 "I know he does this thing, but other people don't point it out"

[@betweenthe8]

@@DrRachelRApe what you said makes no sense.

[@andybaldman]

I love the way Rick names chords to make it sound like he’s musically fluent, and none of the guests ever care.

[@Erschophone]

Me thinks you sound intimidated. One cares because they just assume it to be normal. Get to work Andy.

[@andybaldman]

@@Erschophone I'm in no way intimidated. I understand chord names just fine. This is about an observation of Rick's interactions with guests. He's done it in multiple interviews. The Sting one was particularly awkward.

[@davidmcauliffe8692]

I think that Rick IS fluent, but he is always in teacher mode and can't turn it off. Pat doesn't seem to be bothered by it, judging from his body language.

[@pierrelachance123]

Pantages in Winnipeg so long ago. If I wanted to go somewhere, I'd put on one of Pat's albums. Moments locked in.

[@Gracchus66]

I was there at the Pantages playhouse.. I don't know what year it was but I think I was 15 or 16. It blew me away- I didn't know guitar could do what PM did.

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

His hair is the source of his power!

[@Turboy65]

It'd be nice to hear a highly accomplished musician attempt to explain what he is thinking in the moment while playing. If that's even possible. To get to this level, you have to literally know music as a language that you have become fluent in, and can THINK in it.

[@pamelasherman524]

Can't wait to see him next week in Austin!❤

[@druchumley4571]

"Talking about music is like dancing about architecture." - Steve Martin

[@david-yc7bc]

"You are," is such a good song.

[@toonsthatrock]

Pat = The Mozart of Jazz

[@JariSatta]

Mundanity of excellence. "It's all very mundane. But of course, there is no secret. There is only the doing of all those little things, each one done correctly, time and again, until excellence in every detail becomes a firmly ingrained habit, an ordinary part of one's everyday life."

[@KevinTPLim]

Great quote

[@MrXYZMEE]

so cool interviews thank you

[@jonathonaltmann4493]

It would be so cool to do an analysis of Metheny's Lakes from the Watercolors album. I've struggled to understand the harmony of it.

[@jaejaescommand_interest_co6005]

Why can't we witness this hard working musician demo his craft? Love this content.

[@ChuckSilva]

I totally agree…and it would be hugely educational and inspiring!❤🔥

[@o.__felixxx]

bro still rocking that 80s hair lol

[@kron520]

And sneakers

[@stweasel]

I wish I still had enough hair for the option 😢

[@vaevak418]

when you hit max level, why bother farming more gear?

[@jonasaras]

I tried to get an AI program to create a picture of Pat Metheny with a crew cut and it could NOT do it!

[@massapower]

At least he still has hair 😎👍🏻

[@johtfloridaman6227]

I would love for him to talk to Stephane wrembel! Please Rick!

[@estebanmercier5731]

Feel = time feel , eartraining , and technichal training to get comfortable on the insrtument. This is the main training for music

[@rustyjames2202]

I'm imagining Rick complementing my use of theory and me nodding and pretending to understand when he breaks down what I did. Lol

[@johnnyxmusic]

Modal interchange!

[@Ashun1970]

Great question and great answer👍

[@ncghost]

When I studied with Billy Bauer we’d go through scales and he’d say, “Ok, now play it slower - and make sure you SWING!”

[@RajahLetaief]

Rick Beato, I am, today, more sure than ever, that you are one of the greatest interviewers/conversationalists of the modern times. You are always greater than your guests. Wow.

[@Ben_Mdws]

This stuff is gold

[@mikeromano3001]

Pat is a guitar god.

[@museinglis1979]

Jacob Collier said the same thing…as long as it’s got a groove/feel, then notes don’t matter…there’s no such thing as a ‘wrong’ note…

[@xencage]

Another awesome talk with Pat❤ A little off topic, but when you did the first video with Pat, I was looking up some more videos, and found one where he was just literally bashing Kenny G . Now, I’ve heard his music in passing, but never really listened - just didn’t appeal to me. But what’s the story behind Pat and Kenny?

[@stringsnare]

moremoremoremoremoremoremoremoremoremore

[@ironmonkey1512]

If you smile a lot that helps too.

[@stephentyler4352]

Rick, can you please do a what makes this song great for Foy Vance’s incredible recording of Ziggy Looked Me In the Eye off of The Wild Swan release? Metheny was kick ass live in concert in my hometown. Great interview as always!! Cheers

[@dreyescope6926]

Still hoping to see the stories about the Song X recording if Pat ever got around to it.

[@JimmerSD]

Rick, you are the Marian McPartland of KZbin. This is meant as a high complement.

[@svenflaco4866]

Pat's hair is effortless.

[@billyguthrie3176]

WEll theres what you can't do mentally an then what you can't do physically. Some people see how it all hooks together and some spend a life time tryng understand it an they never do. I'm one of those people that no matter what way it's explained to me it just seems to ellude me. Physically some things i couldn't do i found ways to compensate. For instance the tappig at the beginning of Hot for teacher. My hand just is not physically able to make those stretches. So i think of other ways to make it possible like using more than one finger on my picking hands. For the most part i don't concentrate on what i can't do i just make a conscious effort to enjoy what i can do! It's far more important that you can feel the vibe, or mood of a song an be able to tap into that every time than trying to do what Vai, or eddie does. Being able to thoroughly enjoy doing what it is you do goes a long way in making a piece sound effortless. Primarily because if your enjoying it then your not overthinking it so your own brain is not getting in the way! Like Vai always says don't focus on your negatives focus on your positives.

[@JeffReams]

I’m convinced Pat Matheny gets his guitar powers from his hair, much like how Samson got his strength.

[@LarryDraughnMusic]

Once again, it's all about the Rhythm.

[@rrotstein]

But "feel" is not a constituent element in music, in the way that melody, harmony, rhythm, phrasing, tempo, key, modulation, etc. are. It is the end result of those many interacting factors, which generate a conscious sensation, or perception, in the listener or player. It is analogous to what physicists call an "emergent property" - like temperature is a result of interacting molecules, but does not pertain to any single molecule.

[@elijahn1]

not sure where else to write this. I love pat metheny but rick if you read this a real get to me would be Paul Westerberg. He is understated genius as a songwriter and guitar player. open tunings. i know i know not pat Metheny or Keith jarrett but I love him just as much.

[@DavidMoore_drmoorejr]

Kenny Werner wrote a book called "Effortless Mastery". I bet Pat Metheny read it. I am reading it now.

[@mansosound]

Rick can you please ask him what the song was when we used to open up his "myspace" page? Please, been searchin' for it for a while 🙏but his catalogue is just so big. Its just to big 😊

[@cliveburgess4128]

I'l never forget Joe Diorio explaining the same thing, of finally feeling like he's there, no over thinking, enough time and practice, now it just comes naturally to him.

[@FYMASMD]

He was great. My guitar teacher knew him back in the seventies and he turned me onto a lot of songs and arrangements Diorio did. Still have his book. Unfortunately arthritis has destroyed my hands. Can’t play at all after 40 years playing. I still think I’m a guitarist. Music is life.🖕

[@MrMTeee]

Please, please, please, get Ry Cooder on the show !