How Much Do I Practice? (And Your Other Questions) | Q&A

[@RachelfGuitar]

Hey all, hope you are doing well and thank you for all the questions! Apologies for the lack of videos recently, I recorded this one a couple months back but hadn't had time to finish editing it until now. I'm in the middle of moving to a new location, but should be back to more regular videos starting next month :). Excited to get back to it soon!

[@meanjon13_illusions]

You moved again? Been with your channel for a while I remember your old (now old old) place. Great vid Rachelf, have a good day

[@skov1949]

You should try learning the violin, want to give it a go myself and learn it with you!

[@randomcsorely]

Do you like Manchester orchestra?

[@MashaT22]

Awesome cause I miss your videos! It would be interesting to learn more about how you’re handling the injuries - like if you end up going to a doctor, what would they do? Could be helpful to many people to learn how to prevent injuries and what to do about them. About instruments you could learn, Phil X was on Rick Beato’s channel about a month ago. Phil X plays a Greek instrument with a name I wouldn’t venture a guess of trying to spell, lol. It would be interesting to see you play that because it’s really added to his guitar style. Also, Clarinet is fun - bet you could put a metal spin on it. Drums would be great too if you have the space. I’ve always dreamt of playing drums. Hope to see you back soon! You’ve been missed!

[@Ray-Smith23]

Have you thought about having a guest on to play bass with

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Try listening to Ghost and then watching Midnight Mass. I don't know, there's just something about that combination that just hits. haha

[@RachelfGuitar]

I haven't seen it before...but it does look like a perfect fit 😁!

[@JackKirbyFan]

I truly wish that the world had this optimistic and kind personality that you have. I never, ever miss your videos because you bring total positivity and kindness to your channel. Why can't the world be like you! Well done Rachel.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much for the kind words, much appreciated!

[@CutiePie232]

You inspired me to pick up guitar at 22 after being rejected to play since i was 15. Thank you

[@RachelfGuitar]

That's awesome to hear! Hope you are having a great time with it so far!

[@alexc9278]

BRO SAME

[@CutiePie232]

@@alexc9278 you have insta?

[@rippedbeast2217]

Same i just returned too

[@slanguscfh]

I love that in all your videos you look so happy and make me forget my problems

[@georgejones5812]

You have absolutely no idea how happy it make me to see that you are doing more videos. You are my muse and my inspiration. I am an old Marine Corps vet who pick up the guitar during the first quarantine. I lucked across your videos and never looked back. I don't have a question for you because you already answered them in previous videos. Thank you for all that you do to help us beginner guitarist to get better. I hope that you have completed your move and everything is working out not only for you, which of course I do but selflessly so that you can make more videos. Until then, I will rewatch your older ones to hone my skills. I wish you good luck with everything and thank you again.

[@KenMyrheim]

Regarding the question about ear plugs, take it from a middle-aged dude: you should always wear ear plugs in loud environments like rock concerts and band rehearsals. Once you have tinnitus, it never goes away, and it can only get worse, never better. I think most countries have laws about mandatory hearing protection for anyone working in a loud environment (construction work, for example), there's a very good reason why such rules exist. Around the time of Metallica's Black Album, I read an interview with Lars Ulrich where he said that he used to think it wasn't cool to wear ear plugs, but then he realised that what wasn't cool was to wake up in the middle of the night thinking the phone was ringing. When I read that, I realised that I would be protecting my hearing when playing with my band, but it was too late. tl;dr: If you don't protect your ears, you'll end up like me, with a semi-permanent headache.

[@jeemalsoknownasjimhawkins1294]

Excellent points on hearing protection, Ken. As a disabled Vietnam vet, I can verify that once a physical condition starts, it rarely gets better and usually only gets worse, especially tinnitus. So listen up, everyone, and learn from Ken and another older dude, namely me. Once it's gone, you will regret your youthful stupidity. Cheers.

[@SBridge11100]

Hmmm sometimes my tinnitus is barely there, other times its worse. So it can get better in a sense

[@Mark70609]

@@SBridge11100 it never gets better only worse. Protect those ears.

[@SBridge11100]

I have days where its barely there and somebdays where its a bit louder so in a way it does get better for me

[@derweasel]

word

[@lessstuffmorefreedom-livin6886]

Hello Rachelf, just wanted to reach out and say thank you very much for putting out your videos as I'm 50 years old and just getting back into playing the guitar and your videos have been very inspiring and helping me out a lot. You're very down to earth and inspirational. Again, thank you for your videos. Your friend, Jason

[@antionetteneal1314]

Her smile makes me smile. I like how happy and sincere she seems.

[@monaural2.988]

It’s great to see this eternally smiling face in my YT line. Just a joy to hear from. And yes, the “Acoustic before Electric” is a musical wives tale. If you’re about folk and country, sure. But Rock, Plug in!

[@M.Arantes]

I love your energy

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

Hello Rachel, Good to see you.

[@BoogyWoogyCreep]

Rachel is the smiliest, smiler that has ever smiled.

[@dangerpowers4582]

I definitely associate Ghost with simple, yet interesting guitar-playing. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question, as well as the others. I definitely wasn't too surprised with your answer, haha.

[@dave-xl4tn]

Knowing that ur so good without getting help from a teacher really motivates me to play now cuz i never got help from a teacher and don t want to. Getting my first electric guitar this christmas so i can t wait to practice some metal😇.

[@thewewguy8t88]

yeah well some people have a natural ability to learn things on their own.

[@AmaryxYT]

@@thewewguy8t88 I been learning on my own through Rocksmith and your fingers definitely adjust you find what's comfortable with your fingers

[@thewewguy8t88]

@@AmaryxYT yeah that's interesting

[@larryhoo6200]

Hi.Rachelf ,Thank you for your sharing. I liked rock music when I was in middle school, but I didn't learn any Musical Instruments at that time. It wasn't until I was 28 and I saw your video that I decided I wanted to learn electric guitar. And I want to learn it well. I think it would be a shame not to do something I like. You raise me up. Thank you very much! Love from china

[@bellend69]

On the bass guitar nut use a small dot (or 2) of super glue to hold it in place. It means that in the future you will be able to remove it without damaging the wood.

[@victormahtapene2573]

11:07 oh shoot! I forgot I commented this on Instagram! Also your ice cream flavors are also my favorite!

[@hmpz36911]

My advice is to keep learning. When I started, I would spend 8 straight hours trying to learn 1 thing, like the intro to Metallica's "One". And I would have to play it album-perfect. I lost that level of dedication over time, and if I couldn't play something, I would just move on. My biggest setback in terms of practice.

[@arcane6465]

Hi, Rachel I think your wonderful. Thank you for all the music. I hope you know how special you are.

[@ctafoya4252]

Let’s go!!!!

[@Rick_Cleland]

🥇

[@JeffJE44]

@Rachelf I saw George Lynch at a guitar clinic a few years ago in Daytona. The staff at the music store passed out ear plugs to everyone. Given it was Lynch, I passed on the plugs, and it was one of the coolest experiences I've ever seen and heard. 👍🎸🤘

[@magicmike1826]

Rachel you are such a bad ass. You've inspired me to learn to play guitar. Thanks for all the videos.

[@georgegrenadex]

DAAAAMN, we use the same picks, let s goooo

[@RachelfGuitar]

They're the best!

[@georgegrenadex]

@@RachelfGuitar Indeed, I own over 40 picks but my favorite still remains the Jazz 3, THOUGH I FORGOT IT ON MY BED SHEETS AND NOW IT S GONE, CLEANED MY ROOM 4 TIMES AND DIDN T FIND IT.

[@marcusrodriguez6815]

Carpenter Brut is cool to check out if you want to hear some synthwave. Your videos helped me start to play guitar again after a five year layoff. You have a very inspiring and positive spirit! Keep up the great content!

[@hmpz36911]

I've always been metal/rock dominant too, and found synthwave to be so refreshing, as I've exhausted the metal bins at record stores since 1995.

[@Alex-hm6by]

Wake up early and start the day by watching Rachel vids it's amazing.Anyway i love your voice Rachel!

[@lala-everyonescrazyaunt]

Super great advice on beginning to play and practicing! I wanted to add that reading musical notation for 6 string guitar seems to be more difficult for most people. I read music for piano, concert recorder, and even bass, but I have struggled with reading it for guitar from day one. I even took two semesters of classical guitar to help me and all it did was frustrate me. Ha ha. So, I also agree that reading sheet music isn't necessary. 🎸🎶

[@michaeldionne3139]

We played the same instruments in school. French horn (for a few weeks) then Viola for three years. I switched to upright bass for my last three years of high school..

[@tahaibrahim8509]

222K congrats! Intentionally searched your channel bcuz, YT never recommends your videos. Sounds harsh. Love your content! ✌️

[@stefaneduard8169]

If you wanna create music easily, start learning music theory and play by sheet music. If you just wanna have some fun and hit a plateau soon, then choose the electric one and play by tabs

[@zetandpeligaming]

Your enthusiasm as usual is brilliant. Thanks for the great video :)

[@yigitcem9893]

I am also self taught too. It is really fun to watch you. I have been playing guitar 13 months right now i have few videos on my chanel too

[@Det3rnate]

@RachelfGuitar .... WOW! 😳 I seriously have to thank you soooo, so much! I am on a Journey to be a Guitarist in the Future Myself right now. I started playing & practicing 4 Months ago with only a tiny bit of knowledge I gained when I first tried to learn it over 15 years ago. But since I've started again in March 2023, I spent time getting better every day since then now. And in particular I do have a certain Song right now I wanted to learn for... idk it feels like for forever 😂 Since I first heard it I'd say. It's the ANIME Theme Song from "My HERO Academia" - "You Say Run!" and whenever I've tried to learn it here and there I always gave in or told myself to try it again once I've gotten better you see? That was (at least until a few minutes ago), a somehow frustrating thing spooking in my head for some time now. And here is why I have to thank you again so, so much for this Video ❤ At 14:48 +/- you say you'd 'slow the song down' to a speed where you are feeling comfortable with 😮 .... ...and as simple as this thought or way of doing it itself is, I could honestly 'slap' myself for not coming to this conclusion myself. Even more because I know for a while now that Apps like Songster or Ultimate Guitar Tabs DO HAVE this OPTION included 😂 So yeah thanks a bunch again therefore and everything 🎸🤘🏻

[@RachelfGuitar]

So happy to hear this was helpful! Also, in case it is useful for you as well, since this video I actually made a website looper.tube where you can loop and slow down any part of any KZbin video. I now use this for most of my practice!

[@Det3rnate]

​​@@RachelfGuitaroh 😳 Wow! Thank you 🤗 This seems very useful to me. I definitely will try it out sometime soon. *Fun Fact* : Just a few days ago, my very first REAL Looper / Loop Pedal by 'LEKATO' (Lekato Loop Stage or Station), which I ordered on Amazon, has been delivered to me 😆 (I still on my way to learn how to use this pedal the right way haha^^) And the options on your Website with this Looper Tool are very helpful (at least in my opinion after I tried it out just now 😂). KZbin itself has a similar but WAY MORE LIMITED function. I could cut out exactly and only the Part I want to watch or play in a loop, that's awesome 😤🤘🏻 Especially for us self taught Guitarists it's so annoying to constantly stop and rewind the specific part of the Video when you want to 'Study' it or maybe play along to it right away. That's what I do a lot of times haha 😂 And again I have to thank you 😸✌🏻 I'll definitely will recommend your website and share it on my Instagram where I started uploading my progress of my 'Guitar-learning-Journey' a while ago 🎸

[@anlbers6914]

Yeahhh, would love to see the series on the different instruments!

[@babakpmn]

Synthwave is so awesome. So nice to hear that you're getting into it :D

[@jon9274]

I'm surprised you don't upload more often, you left us hanging with your new Stratocaster unboxing! :p

[@hadleymanmusic]

I started acoustic at 9. Got my first electric at christmas 77 i was 13

[@appetitefordestruction6899]

I started from bass 2 months ago i’m 18

[@PhotoDaveJax]

Love the positive vibes and smiles! 😁👍👍👍

[@mauriciogago4465]

I used to use those Jazz III picks, especially for soloing, but I recently tried the Hetfield White Fangs and they are pretty amazing, so I would really recommend them, they're great for riffs but also pretty nice for lead. They're pretty stiff which I like, and also don't get worn down as easily as other picks.

[@rastewa896]

I have just learnt of you. You are powerful mate

[@scottmacdonald1826]

Lots of folks think tablature is a fairly recent thing but for stringed instruments like the lute, it has been around since the 15th century. Just so you know.

[@drjcwardjr]

Watching your journey, drive a work ethic has been inspiring! Thank you! 😎👍

[@codymars657]

You always look like you just heard a joke and I love that smile! Great vids, great attitude, thank you! :)

[@jacoberler5622]

The acoustic helps a lot and makes your fingers strong

[@quantumhealing341]

You are so nice and positive! luv it!

[@gavregan7548]

If you're ever looking to experiment with picks I can honestly recommend the chicken picks. I swore by the jazz 3s for a long time but when I tried the chicken picks recently that was it for me. Obviously picks are a very personal thing though so I guess not everyone will like them and that's totally fine too.

[@stephenschneider4246]

If you do get back to bass guitar, “Raise Some Hell Now” by the gothic metal band ASP has one of the coolest / most memorable basslines I’ve heard. The tempo is definitely more in line with electric guitar riffs though, so it might be a touch miserable with persistent finger injuries.

[@aurora3655]

I played trumpet and celtic fiddle. i wasn't very good at either. .... I'd say that the best place for beginners is an electric guitar with a light string gauge on them, and low action, cuz it's easiest to play.

[@JackKirbyFan]

Rachel, I would add Sting to your listening list. He's jazz and incorporates all those modes into his music. The music is very complex and as a guitarist, you will definitely appreciate it.

[@dudelicious666]

Love your channel ! And a big thanks for mentioning the Synthwave genre. Never heard of it.(and I’m 46😅) I’m loving it!👌

[@Milty2001]

As someone that started off with learning drum and base I was always interested into classic rock and alternative rock mainly temple stone pilots and creedence revival then I decided to buy my first electric guitar which was an ibanez and ever since I've been practicing every now and then but after that I started to have many responsibilities going on halting my will to continue playing guitar and kinda felt like quitting but thanks to your videos and your content my motivation to continue playing it just got better and better over time thank you so much rachelf 😊

[@reidopetey24]

Hi you are my favorite guitar youtuber and you really inspire me to pick up and play my guitar a lot more And for next Q and A what type of guitar is your favorite and why?

[@Briansgate]

Hey, I played French Horn in high school!

[@TheRokkis]

Btw too much practising in the beginning can easily yield in a long break, because your muscles and joints aren't used to it. I had been playing about a year when I got carried away and my practise time was nearing 3 hours per day (and pretty much only chords). My hand didn't like that at all, I started having pain in some of my finger's joints for 2 months, I had to really chill the f out to something like 5-7h/week max and even if I didn't play the whole week my joints were still hurting a bit and feeling "weird". The only thing that finally got me rid of that was a visit to a physiotherapist and constantly doing the excercises he gave me. So yeah, it's fun but don't overdo it, that way you get more play time overall and won't break yourself. The muscles needs time to grow to the hobby, especially with things like barre chords.

[@sunburstbasser]

Taking care of your joints is the best thing you can do. I don't have finger issues yet, but I do have two bad ankles and recurring pain in my left wrist. If you are looking for a bassline to play, Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots have some really cool bass parts. Iron Maiden is always great, Steve Harris is a monster. Led Zeppelin is terrific. If you want a string instrument to try out, try a banjo. They are great fun and seriously underrated! Or you can try viola again, and see if you remember anything.

[@simonmchugh2467]

Have you listened to grimes? You might like the album Miss Anthropocene. Its kinda nu metal but her background is electronic. My favourite artist!!

[@MetalMan1245]

Yes.

[@jiggalojuggs2184]

I use exactly the same pick Jazz III and they look just like that

[@boomerbends5988]

I like your playing, 👍🏻 and your smile

[@jomosoft]

I love your videos and you spirit ! Maybe it’s an idea to share your BIAS FX settings as well ? As a beginner I’m struggling to find a good sound so your help would be greatly appreciated.

[@nubonguitar]

Oh man, growing up in the 80s really got me into the new wave retro thing. Great guitar stuff. One song comes to mind is a collab from Timecop 1983 and Lebrock called Too Late. Got a nice subtle strat riff in the background asnd then a killer solo wraps up the song going into the last half. Lebrock in general is more guitar focused than some of the other NWR people. The instrumental version of course helps pick it out. Alice by Pylot is another good one.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Will look them up, thanks for the recommendations! :)

[@Grindgodgrind]

Lebrock are so great, great live too.

[@michaeldevine951]

Love this girl 🙏🥰

[@Briansgate]

GHOST! I still love them. Can't wait for the new album.

[@RachelfGuitar]

So excited for it!

[@guitarplayerz4893]

Great information, Rachel. It was fun to hear all your answers to the different questions. I was figuring you would say Nightwish or Ghost for the band you'd like to join, if you could. Although I'm certain that playing alongside Nita Strauss, with Alice Cooper, probably crossed your mind as well. 🤘👍🤘

[@ericdowell818]

What things did you practice at the beginning of your guitar journey? Chord changes, riffs, scales or songs?

[@SouthbayUSA]

I've been watching your videos for a while now, and today I was so shocked when I happened to find out that you were actually not a 14yrs old prodigy! I still believe you are a very talented person though!

[@warmspell7562]

Great vid.

[@cavespider6665]

Can I recommend listening to a symphonic metal band called Gloryhammer? Lyrics are kind of silly but music's epic and I think you might like them. Good luck with moving as well

[@vannityumlembam8046]

Rachelf i love you... You are awesome😊

[@HitmanJ]

4:45 you're excused 😁 I had to pause your video to check that concert you were talking about, and it looks sick! Now I want more bands to perform live with a green screen and some effects behind them haha. By the way, I'd also love to learn to play drums. Too bad it looks kinda bland to play it without other instruments, imo, but that's the instrument I like hearing and banging my head to other than guitar.

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you 😄! Yeah the concert was surprisingly cool, would watch more like it for sure! Agree on the drums thing, it would definitely be better playing with others. But I feel like it could help a lot with my understanding of music in general to at least learn a little someday :)

[@HitmanJ]

@@RachelfGuitar Maybe a drum company will sponsor you someday, we never know hehe

[@anastazjasowska6754]

I also really appreciate ghosts guitars.

[@PowerageOf1970]

Dance With the Dead has a lot of cool dark synth stuff. I really like their album "B-Sides: Volume 1"!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Big fan of their stuff!

[@PlouplePoupi]

Thanks Rachelf for sharing🇫🇷👍🏼🍒

[@davidminus3973]

Smiling Honey-Pony is back!

[@ericirwin4385]

Would you consider making a rhythm guitar backing track (or a few of them)? It wouldn't have to be anything elaborate...just something you play so that your followers can play along with you? That would be soooo awesome!

[@EvencioRuiz-1998]

Wow Rachelf Your Doing Very Cool, That’s Is Wonderful Video.”👍🏻😉❤️

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you!

[@EvencioRuiz-1998]

@@RachelfGuitar ‘Your Welcome Rachelf.”😉

[@yvettelearnshowtoshred]

You like Ghost the most. Had you ever the chance to play their signature guitar "Fantomen" from Hagstrom ?

[@HTNT9]

nice to see another vid again! It's really too bad with your finger always getting in the way. I also took about a 1 year break from guitar...got back into it about 6-7 months ago..tho not playing as consistently or as long as before. Glad u see u back on Youtbue and best of luck with the move!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks Huy! Hoping this extended break from playing might fix the problem, but we'll see. Either way excited to get back to making more regular videos soon :)

[@vintagetrk]

Where do you get your backing tracks??????????????????????????

[@ahmedaminejadi7033]

Love you're stuff

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you!

[@devlieg72]

Have you tried the Dunlop Stubby pick? It's about the same size as the jazz pick that you use, but thicker with a rounded edge. I'm a mandolin player and find it a good pick for that duty, though you might find it a bit deadening on the tone.

[@Jake-rh2ec]

acoustic is good starter but for starters the strings hurt to hold down, but practice makes your fingers used to it

[@erkkiriekkola3305]

Continue guitar playing from the bottom of heart, my soul's sister.

[@Gipsy_T.]

9:40, Try with some cliff burton pls

[@strykerx24]

I learn on Yousicians. I feel that it helps but what are your or everyone's opinions on it. It's okay if you thinks it's crap I'm just curious. Also I'm on Book 3 of Misborn and I gotta say. there is no way that could be turned into a movie there is so much to unpack. But I love the world building of that book series.

[@doctordeath.5716]

Night wish is bad ass and they really rock

[@Its_Ryan1]

Can you do a sweet child o mine solo cover? That would be a great video!!

[@nihilist7942]

i love the infestissumam album:) ghost is great

[@ryanwalker79]

Check out Dance With The Dead if you are looking for some more Synthwave stuff. They use quite a lot of guitar in their tracks :)

[@RachelfGuitar]

They are awesome!

[@Rick_Cleland]

🧐🧐🧐

[@liys540]

13:57 octave mandolin

[@alfonsoalvarez8357]

You inspired me to learn to play again at age 36

[@doctordeath.5716]

You should check out the band Gun Ship

[@googo151]

RACHEL, HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN ANY LESSONS, OR ARE ALL SELF TAUGHT? THANKS -A

[@RachelfGuitar]

All self taught via online resources so far! Lots of great teachers on KZbin to learn from :)

[@ayleid4925]

Hi @@RachelfGuitar, which online resources do you recommend for metal? Tx

[@thewewguy8t88]

this is a good question and something i have been curious about myself.

[@djg-rave9730]

id love to see her on a dj controller also it aint synthwave but REZZ she is a dj who does midtempo stuff a genera of edm if your lookn to open your generas you should check her out.

[@billsny9243]

I shred on electric. I can't do anything on acoustic lol

[@soundmaker5182]

I have been watching your videos for some time now and really enjoy them. This is a bit off subject, but I had seen your YAMAHA TH10 AMP video and bought the new THR 30 II last year. My question is; do you still use the same amp or have you upgraded or purchased a new or different amp? Love to hear about this, Thanks!

[@wannabemaxonoff9785]

Keep on smilin

[@forkless]

French horn, that's seriously hardcore AF!

[@RachelfGuitar]

It was pretty "metal" 😄🤘