5 MUST KNOW tips for your acoustic playing!

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In this video I'm sharing 5 of my best tips to give you a boost on the acoustic guitar. Tips ranging from beginner to more advanced!
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Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on KZbin.
If you want to know more about me, check out PaulDavidsGuitar.com
Thank you for watching!
Paul

[@PaulDavids]

One little addition to #3: of course it can sometimes sound good and make transitions sound nice and fluent. But very often it sounds just bad. It's more about the 'messy and accentuated' combined with open strings. Not just the open strings themselves. See point 5.1, do you notice I'm keeping it clean? All I'm saying is be careful not to smack it into everything, because it's difficult to get it out of your system :)

[@matheus5480]

1st

[@aumenarys]

I was about to comment on the fact you did the exact thing you told not to do haha Great video as usual!

[@amyth_dev]

Pin it to the top. You have an awesome smile in the thumbnail

[@samrobbins5665]

I was going to take issue with #3 - I think it can be used very effectively especially when playing out of G since the open strings (selectively of course) are in the right key. I believe John Lennon did this extensively. So your redeeming comment her is much appreciated. I also would suggest a few other techniques that I have found work to improve on basic strumming. 1. Play an arpeggio for dramatic effect instead of the usual strum pattern - this works for example when the melody goes for the "hook" note(s). 2. The sound of silence! Carefully placed breaks in the strumming can highlight a piece - it also shows the audience that the guitarist is accompanying the singer or lead instrument and not just banging away! 3.Runs and fills. Depending on the genre of music you are playing (particularly Bluegrass, Old Time Fiddle music etc.) the use of runs and fills can help to make the music sound more articulate. They should be used sparingly though - bluegrassers who has perfected their G run, please note!

[@andydwyer2733]

I mean there’s still a little bit of the “openness” in the transitions. No one can change between chords immediately and perfectly without some of that. I think the main point is to not emphasize those transitions to the point where they stand out. It’s definitely not as discernible when you try to make your changes fast and smooth, but if you listen hard enough, I’m sure you’ll here a little bit of it regardless

[@zac1893]

Tip #6 make sure and shake the guitar at the end of each song

[@PaulDavids]

Once you start doing it, you can't stop.

[@mariankitka]

Don't forget to do that gently. You don't want to hurt it's feelings. Or... Show your dominance by shaking the hell out of it!

[@drive-byguitarlessons1858]

Vibrato starts in the neck... of the player... lol

[@guitareMTL]

@@PaulDavids not true, I used to do it a lot, I picked it up from Bill frisell. But it didn't help me to play as good as him, so I stopped!

[@swagqueen86]

Zac doesnt help ur playing but surely makes u look more professional 😊😊

[@andreabozzola5817]

1 Dynamics 0:55 2 Melodic Lines 2:52 3 Why are you even doing this 4:25 4 Fingerpicking 6:16 5 Percussive elements 8:01

[@DipPalit]

Thanks man

[@nmbreleven]

Thanks bro

[@nakiarobby3996]

Thx

[@farithrosh]

Yes

[@Dr.Pepperdave]

Appreciate!

[@kodiedillon8232]

Tip 1: be John Mayer Tip 2: play neon Tip 3: everything else is easy

[@wesleyalan9179]

Ridiculous comment

[@olid7947]

Just be Tommy Emmanuel instead because he's actually good?

[@gavinbunnell1633]

김오리 this comment may be ridiculous but if you're implying John Mayer isn't good at guitar then you're mistaken buddy

[@wesleyalan9179]

@@gavinbunnell1633 ..I think he was implying JM is a great guitarist

[@thedarkness125]

@@wesleyalan9179 fyi this isnt how language works.

[@cruxofdo6481]

Paul : “As you know... I love playing the acoustic guitar” **Piano music plays in the background**

[@RudyAyoub]

that intro is fire m8

[@MADWolf296]

eyyyyyyyyyyy my favorite guitarist is also here!

[@darshankumar2717]

Hello hello.

[@GabrielNardinMusic]

I see this guy commenting on every fkn big guitar channel there is on YT, hehe.

[@WintaAssefa]

yessss

[@aways8457]

So cringey

[@AgungJodiPratama]

Thank you guitar Pewdiepie, very cool

[@arcadicus_ezevius]

is he swedish?

[@bepis2123]

Pewdiepie can actually play guitar tho Opsie

[@bpjvideo]

He looks like Kootra to me haha

[@Cat-vs4mu]

And I love your profile picture so much!......♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡😂😅.........

[@a_potat]

very nice

[@biscuits2463]

“they tend to add these *transition strums* in between” me: *guilty sweating*

[@mfeagirlxx]

OMG MY MIND WAS BLOWN

[@Oscar-mi7yi]

He looked into my soul and said that, like a disappointed father

[@Noir0rioN]

I-I mean...wh--who even DOES that??..... crazy talk

[@oisinfitzgerald5401]

11 years playing guitar and this guy points out something I still do sometimes and have tried to stamp out. Even if you're way beyond some of these points, sometimes it's really good to just go back and watch stuff like this. It can take help anyone of any level

[@crowns9966]

I swear when I dont know what to do I do those strums, I feel played not knowing other guitar players hated it lol

[@daniel_lastname]

I love how he casually suggests adding dynamics w/o showing how to do it

[@nakiarobby3996]

Exactly 💯

[@sxndawn]

Well it isnt a tutorial on dynamics, just tips to use to get better. Search it up on your own time mate.

[@markbyrd7710]

I've been playing acoustic for several years, and it's really encouraging to see this. Hiding melody in my chord strumming is probably my favorite thing to do. But I still have some lazy tendencies! Thanks for the encouragement to keep sharpening my skills, Paul.

[@juliusmardelacruz4284]

The subtitle in 6:21 says, "finger picking pretty essential if you're on yakuza", so i followed your instruction paul davids and joined the yakuza.. Now i cant use my pinky finger to play the acoustic because they cut it off.. Why paul? Why?

[@mirandaperry5245]

Julius Mar Dela Cruz lmao

[@guncreep9905]

Loool😂

[@jeromej1234]

You too? Damn we out here following tips and tricks and getting hurt

[@johnlloydabero2374]

Are you a filipino

[@elkalabaw7665]

@@johnlloydabero2374 naka sash ng peyups, pre.

[@psychocichlids7514]

Ohhhhh I’m a beginner, so this is saying “best tip for playing the acoustic guitar and sounding really good, is to get really good”

[@TheNCcope]

I learned all this stuff In my first year by playing alot of Jack Johnson, I highly recommend it his stuff on in-between dreams is pretty easy and you'll get really good at the dreaded bar chord

[@IckyViccky]

“Mostly to hide a sloppy transition”-wow that hurt...

[@laurel5432]

So it did

[@BeyondTheGuitar]

That intro 😍 You’re a wizard, brother

[@ianmiller4195]

Hey... I know you!

[@francopascual6958]

Stop promoting yourself idiot

[@domhatch]

😂

[@williamjakobsen9822]

@@francopascual6958 whadaya mean?

[@nightspicer]

how's he promoting himself? *_idiot_*

[@iainmcguire7190]

Genuinely burst out laughing at "Yes, like a MANIAC"

[@elyes2703]

Glad i'm not the only one haha

[@Laura70263]

And also “ when your hitting that thing like your trying to start a fire 🔥....”

[@donk.5730]

I've seen many guitar videos. This is likely the best. 1- no hype, just the facts, 2- simple, clearly presented no ego to show off. Thank you ...

[@Azamra18]

As always, I deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness and encouragement to all of us working on our craft. Keep up the awesome work!

[@teistix]

Paul: "No effects, no trickery, no artificial sounds". Also Paul: Puts on a little reverb. (Best decision ever though!)

[@valsgager88]

_You've become the very thing you swore to destroy._

[@boxingforfitness1221]

Absolutely, WITHOUT A DOUBT, the BEST guitar teacher I've seen on youtube.

[@TheSuperstick55]

Justin destroys him.

[@___Mal]

@DJ Joe who?

[@trimbat8530]

Yeah, tell us who please!! Haha

[@eufona3768]

@@trimbat8530 Justin guitar lol

[@trimbat8530]

@@eufona3768 Thank you!! 😛

[@robertadams8856]

Such a genuine guy! Here to help the guitar community. Love the videos brother!

[@mattynotmatt4377]

This video's quality is exceptional

[@richievdang]

Thank you for a very clear, creative, and comprehensive summary and guide for reflecting on and developing my acoustic guitar playing, Paul. And appreciate your more in-depth videos that go even further into what you’re sharing here.

[@sandiegodan]

#3 - Guilty. Thanks for calling it out. I’m going to work on it. Great video!

[@pasanchathinthaka1574]

I am just started learning guitar. And this is one of the best videos i ever watched. Thanks for tips.

[@xxkissmeketutxx]

I could listen to you speak all day, even your voice is musical and smooth!

[@joshuad600]

I just stared playing and I found your channel. Absolutely love your videos and how you put them together. Very personable and easy to follow. Thanks for everything that you do Paul!

[@stefandoell9660]

From this video and others, Mr. Davids really seems to convey his love for all forms of guitar music. I think he truly loves any beautiful melody or rhythm from the simple to the complex and he isn't afraid to share how to play it. He has helped me open up new avenues to guitar playing especially with regard to chord voicing and different rhythms.

[@GrubbShowMedia]

While I really enjoy all your videos, these are my favorite. You are not directly spoon feeding chords and notes to play, but you are teaching a more important aspect of music, the feel and emotion of it. I am still quite amateur at playing, but these kinds of videos give me inspiration to not be so rigid. Thanks Paul

[@vknazarenko]

I liked the video just after your overdramatic film at the very beginning. You put so much into your videos that it makes me smile and I feel enthusiastic about music. Of course, we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but, man, your attention to details leaves no doubt about the quality of advice you give.

[@jamaicantreasures1740]

I agree 100% with Vladimir. I don't know how you do it it Paul but the quality of your video production work is excellent. The content is so useful for players and your manner and style is most agreeable. Your investment in time really shows. Keep it up.

[@WintaAssefa]

exactlyyyyy

[@damien6685]

I can only echo the other respondents, I'm only at 52s into the clip but you have grabbed my attention and put a great big grin on my dial

[@louisseanettebotha6981]

One step further from suicide, thank you Paul... every other YT video one step closer to suicide!

[@Austin58224]

I love your videos, especially the feel and technic you give to the rhythms you play, it encourages me to do the same, these tips are very helpful. Thanks, Paul.

[@enyelcepeda4233]

I’m so inspired you’re so good ! You understand the guitar the notes, the fingers, the timing and everything in between ima work hard to get to your level .

[@Nothinglefttosay]

You are simply the best teacher online..! My playing has improved immensely. Thank you in advance for all you are about to teach me.. 🤘

[@GenesisMuseum]

There are not enough acoustic guitar tips and information. For every 100 videos on electric tonewood, effects, etc there is maybe 1 acoustic video. Thank you Paul!

[@TheZacdes]

you must not be looking too hard mate, there are thousands of acoustic tutorials for just about any song you can think of, Paul alone has more than you will get through in a LOT of time and practice:)

[@thebeardedmother1535]

Thanks Paul. Really enjoyed this video. Felt it gave my acoustic playing the motivational spanking it needs :) Loved your description of the relationship between the player and the acoustic guitar. Love those moments. Blessings.

[@user-yu2qs7vm7j]

This video was uploaded 1 hour ago...but this comment is from 1day ago??? Illuminati confirmed

[@chadmarkley]

@@user-yu2qs7vm7j lol. Totally

[@tompparmp9928]

I just played my grand jumbo bodied acoustic on my terrance for 2 hours. Just because summer is finally coming to Finland and what else you can do when the sun sets. I played all kinds of songs, as hard as I could. Just playing the guitar for birds or something. Then my neighbor walked by with her two dogs and shouted "I've been singing along in my yard all the time!" Acoustic guitar is life.

[@pranavreddy6852]

wow dude .Your guitar playing is magical and mesmerizing , i love it.

[@sottozen]

This was ... beautiful!

[@jackdemarco5223]

I love acoustic guitar, and this helped a lot. Thanks, Paul!

[@chiquiloso]

Paul: Don't play open string while you change cords ( 5:13 ). Also Paul: *Plays open strings when showing percussion* ( 8:18 ). Despite, Awesome video man, keep it up! :)

[@williamboshi1855]

I was scrolling to find this comment and upvote it, tnak you

[@stephenclayton1046]

Diego Navarro isn’t the difference the percussive element. At 5.13 it’s about letting notes ring which he finds lazy, or do I have that wrong?

[@JJ-iu5hl]

The strings aren't open when he does it. They're chorded. It's also in different context. It's a skill that sounds good and adds to the sound. Not a shortcut that just sounds muddy.

[@Programme021]

@@JJ-iu5hl What are you talking about ? Aside from the transition from the 3rd chord to the 4th chord, the strings are open. And yes it sounds good, that's kinda the point, it can sound good. Paul failed to say that this open string transition can sound good in the right situation. Kinda funny though :D

[@Melodik_Musik]

I’ve played for 14 years and your channel alone has changed my play style for the better for myself and anyone who enjoys hearing music I love to play and finding someone who inspires me to feel motivated and wanting to learn to play like when u first start playing that exciting challenge...u brought that back into my life and I thank u much love

[@TreyVittetoeMusic]

Your playing is beautiful Paul. Really magic.

[@unbakplaat4793]

"neemt hij op?" Oh, you are Dutch? Damn, amazing. ♥️

[@TheSuperstick55]

You did not know this? He has such a thick Dutch accent!

[@Hahaha-px5ep]

Hij best een leuke nederlandse stem ngl

[@gibrantrejo9193]

Man, your videos are amazing, even therapeutic, I love your editing, and the content is in the highest level, this applies to every video of yours I've seen. Thanks for making this awesome content ‼️‼️

[@oak1182]

Hi Paul I know this is an old video but I just want to thank you cause I was struggling to make my own song and I stumbled across this video by accident and not only did it give me the motivation to finish my song but you gave me a new set of skills to make it sound better

[@leomartin5617]

Paul Hi! Watching this video on my way to work (as Macca would say) and just longing for returning home and grab the guitar! Tks for the tips. So glad I’ve found your channel. Greetings fm Buenos Aires, Argentina!

[@skylarpayne5259]

Wow I didn’t even realize I was doing #3! Nailed it. I need to practice better transitions! Really appreciate your content!!

[@adrianopescuma2674]

Great point, Paul! Acoustic guitar is really a fantastic way to forget about all the rest. Never tought about this before... Thanks again for sharing your talent

[@57eleven1]

You’re the best filmmaker/videographer/teacher out there. Amazing how you’re able to put these videos together. You’re a great guitar player, and I’m a snob about saying that, but your ability to make these videos with such amazing quality... Thank you for your work.

[@WorldofPoolandBilliards]

3:12 the start of the next Taylor Swift hit

[@madmike3727]

What's the title of it

[@fishsticks7609]

mad mike “ME! (And Paul)”

[@matthewscheerer7789]

This is true The name can be "my 51st breakup"

[@brandonanderson2066]

@@madmike3727 "I want to be country again."

[@gondthalion]

I felt inspired watching this video, so I tried my self and got one conclusion: HOW CAN HE DO THAT!!!!!

[@bernardlebeau6084]

Paul! You are the greatest. Your videos are the best. You are wonderful! Thanks!

[@nigelr07]

Damn you man why can't I sound this good... ?? 1yr into my Guitar journey and I can't ever see getting this far . Great video sir.

[@kiahkorosso7255]

I love how you sound so peaceful and I can tell you have such a passion with music. It's my first time seeing your channel and I love it already. I also love playing guitar so thanks for all the tips! I also love your unique way of playing

[@paulmurphy6261]

Oh man, you called me out on #3, and there was little ol' me thinking I was slipping that one through 🙃. Keep up the good work 👍

[@harishreddy4034]

Terrific video. Great guide to break out of the rut most of us beginners find ourselves in. Thanks for this. I'll catch up on your other videos.

[@ThunderMilo]

I’m learning so much from you. I wish I could play and make music with you everyday! Thank you for sharing your ideas and knowledge!

[@HoracioGarciaMusic]

Ha, thanks for calling me out on those transition notes, I need to practice more.

[@rockfish1000]

Guilty also.

[@KatZuGames]

Yeap, me too!

[@SomeUnkindledAsh]

Yep. I just thought everybody did that, and I've been playing for 15 years. Lol

[@carlosdangerio4755]

Im so busted thanks I am working on it now

[@entheosp]

brilliant video. thanks! love from india..

[@fabiocaetanofigueiredo1353]

Paul you're not only the master of guitar teaching but also of video making, congrats! Your videos are not only educational but also very relaxing, I'm sure they work better than a pill of anti-depressant 👏

[@francescosisto7131]

I could listen this guy for hours, his voice just relax me...

[@andreasenerstvedt9177]

"if you`re trying to start a fire" best if heard in a long time xD

[@Reaganbites]

You are one of my favorite guys on KZbin good job I am the r

[@MarcEdwindelosReyes]

Not only do you make good tone and sound, but you also make good production on your videos. Thank you for inspiring me. Cheers from the Philippines.

[@johnaustin2414]

Paul you are phenomenal at guitar and teaching! Thanks man. You are helping me tremendously!

[@atzalwelzijn]

Alweer een heel goede video hoor, Paul. Ik heb al geweldig veel bijgeleerd op jouw kanaal, voor mij werkt dit beter dan Justin zijn kanaal. Ik vind overigens ook dat jouw Engels heel goed en verstaanbaar is, ik had pas na enkele weken door dat je een noorderbuur was. Doe zo voort!

[@MrVictorinox77]

atzalwelzijn you‘ve just answered my question, dude! Now I know what kind of accent Paul has. Dutch!!)

[@guitargud]

I have to make this comment: You hate the open string “transmission” but that is exactly what you play in your first percussive example. The strum in the chordchange is not muted or percussive, it’s a smorgasbord of out-of-context open strings. Never mind, love your videos.

[@JJ-iu5hl]

I can't tell what you're saying here

[@JJ-iu5hl]

@@oliverjackson3761 Ah. I see. He didn't though. One was artful and added to the general sound. One is a crutch that's unnecessary and sounds bad.

[@jammer777]

Noticed the same thing as well. Contradiction.

[@jeffdelaney8934]

John Lennon did this alot... Across The Universe for example.

[@raytheprinter]

Such a good player and teacher! Also enjoy the tips as well . Thank you

[@michelleohlhoff5842]

I love everything about this guy!!

[@kristovainonen742]

Ty for up to date tips. Im 18 years old. I have playied acoustic guitar since I was 8 years old. BUT I didnt practice too much. My music school lasted for 7 years and at this time I playied guitar about 2-4 hours in a week. Then if I graduated my music school I playied guitar like 1 time in a month for few minutes. It was simply because I was addicted to video games. Now I realized how stupid I was and I quited from gaming 100%. Now I've playing guitar atleast 3 hours in a day for about 1 month. In this month my /skills/ have improved much more than in last 3 to 5 years. :D Actually I have always loved playing guitar but I was too lazy to practice. Well... video game addiction is bad thing. I've kept my eye on your channel for a long time and you are making great content. Thank you! (Sorry for my bad english :D )

[@crankylemur]

"Neemt ie op?" Lekker, Paul hahaha 👍

[@jairlaiter6679]

Sweet playing. Great teaching. Clear talkung. You good ma man! Thanks

[@sjsphotog]

fantastic playing and tips Paul

[@ryananthonypablo4654]

What was he playing in the first part of dynamics? That sounds so pleasing in my ears

[@mirandaperry5245]

"Like a maniac" hahaha... that was great

[@ThatguyUkn0wfr0mS0mewhere]

Im pretty proud of having figured out 3 out of 5 of these without even knowing it.

[@rickm4295]

This is one channel where the owner deserves everything good that comes financially. Keep it coming , awesome work.

[@HigherPlanes]

So when you see piano on a guitar tab sheet music it doesn't mean switch to the piano? DAMNIT! That's ten years wasted.

[@johnkostakis4973]

Thanks:)

[@beatrizarrutis3669]

🤣🤣

[@-sincerelyelle9182]

BAHAHA

[@TheHutchMusic]

Paul, I love your videos... they make me chuckle (you have a tongue-in-cheek presentation style) but also, and importantly i always learn something new! Great Work.

[@musicmaker4him901]

Wow! What beautiful playing!!

[@yenedithsanchez9902]

I learned to fingerpick first then strumming which I'm still learning lol

[@SpookieVonDookie]

I learned finger picking first, too. I played banjo before guitar, I think that might be why... Its a hard habit to break!

[@darnellcardozo7461]

Plz can u do a tutorial for all of these

[@TreF68]

the song you are playing at 2:00 really hit my soul. im going to learn to do this.

[@Dream_Sweet_In_Sea_Major]

Do you know what song it was?

[@anneh-lint8480]

Thankyou Paul for your tips. The percussive strum with the thumb is very interesting.

[@jonathankrieger9121]

7:03 That moment when you think he's going to play Stairway to Heaven 😨

[@ghadymrad]

You must be the best human being currently alive on this planet

[@theislanders207]

Super cool video - the dramatics make it worth the watch.

[@TwilightGamer1993]

Thank you for this love letter to acoustic guitars

[@tonygluk1]

#3 - I remember doing this and feeling like I'm doing something bold, edgy and spicy. I believe this is a beginner's trap. I'm don't do this anymore because I like to play dead notes instead ))

[@hamburgerdan101]

8:31 (I’m self taught I don’t know any who plays) What are those chords

[@faza7766]

He played Am Dm F G progression (not the standard open chords one). Tune down to drop D.

[@xlisvangelis]

Hi Paul! I watch your videos regularly and they are all great! A big thank you for the inspiration!!

[@ikachina]

You have a great presence and manner that works very well with this media and subject matter.

[@zeusbantugon9182]

What guitar is this?and the strings?

[@carsonsmith4991]

What are the chords he’s playing at 2:20

[@nanetteirvine6864]

Thanks Paul. You always give such useful and clear information.

[@Tedsmusic]

Ive played accoustic for years but you are enhancing my thinking.

[@Showmetheevidence-]

So these tips are cool... but you didn’t show me HOW/WHAT to do so I can add these to my playing.

[@kickbam213]

Point 3 is subjective.. I actualy like that sound and an option to use it percussively.. Many great and well known song use the transition.. Wake me up, save tonight actualy 80% even california dreaming

[@skunks6134]

Jon Lennon used those open strings a lot

[@jabelar2008]

I think that is why he titles that point "why are you even doing this?" -- you should do it for a reason, not because it is the only way you can play. It of course has a musical purpose (I' like the sound myself) but he's right that beginners (like me) do use it as a crutch to sound good quickly without advancing chord-changing skill. I guess a good test of whether a person is using it musically or out of laziness to to make sure you can play it both with and without the transition strum.

[@ShinigamiAnger]

Even him is using it in tip 5, so...

[@PaulDavids]

Wake me up is a perfect example of a song that DOES NOT do that. The quick strumming part is just the chord, not open strings! Perfect example to proof my point, thanks ;)

[@kickbam213]

@@PaulDavids I just pulled some examples out of my head how I heard them or thought..wake me up is dancing on those transitions but yes mostly they are chords not open strings now when I look at it my bad but still many songs use it . Anyways you explained it all nicely in the pinned comment so good job on listening and taking time to give feedback.👍

[@me-artist7016]

i started learing a coustic guitar recently and find it so good info, i find the notes sound clear when playing with thumb instead of pick, thank u

[@murms3059]

Very good tips,thanks for your video! I've been playing about 18 years,and its very good posibility to repeat something that you used to play before.

[@coatesfamrules]

2:00 sounds so good did ya make that up or is it someone elses' song either way i want to learn it

[@lonewolf2609]

Sounds like marshmallow Selena gomez wolves