Three Exercises to Try the Next Time You Practice.

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Welcome to today's video! Self-indulgent noodling is something most guitar players are guilty of doing from time to time, myself included.
It's becoming more and more common to see the younger generation of guitar players uploading clips of random noodling to instagram. This isn't a huge problem but as John Mayer mentioned in one of his instagram live streams, it's often more enjoyable for the listener to hear a guitarist play their licks with rhythmic and harmonic context.
Even though I'm guilty of doing the same, I 100% agree with his comments and so I wanted to throw this video out there with the hopes of encouraging more guitar players to practice improvising with context.
As mentioned in the video, there are three ways I would recommend doing this...
The first is simply to find a backing track online and start improvising over it.
The second is to find or create a similar drum loop to that backing track, and improvise over that alone. That means you're no longer hearing the chords or bass lines in the backing, so you now have to focus on hearing the chord progression in your head, and focus on highlighting the chord changes with your note choices.
The third and final step is to remove the drums! Play through the chord progression that your chosen backing track is based on once or twice, then start improvising!
When doing this, your focus should be on 1) highlighting the chord changes with your scales, triads and arpeggios, and 2) staying in time and maintaining the rhythmic feel of the track.
This is a challenging way of practicing but the end goal is to become confident at improvising solo by improving your ability to keep time as well as your ability to highlight chord changes.
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Follow Ross Campbell on Instagram ➡️ / rosscampbellguitarist
Facebook page ➡️ / rcampbellguitarist

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

I see some people are commenting that noodling often leads to new ideas for both improvisation and songwriting, which is absolutely true. I'm not saying you shouldn't ever do it, it's impossible to avoid it. It's fun! My message is that picking up your guitar for 10 minutes and only playing licks you've played for years is NOT a worthy substitute for a structured and focused practice session. Sure, you could make it part of your warm-up before you get into your actual practice routine, but don't fool yourself into thinking that it alone can provide you with the same level of progress. It won't.

[@TomCPlus1]

This video and its central concept is like the key to getting from where I *am* to where I am trying to go. So thank you again RC . . . it was a true lightbulb flash.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

@@TomCPlus1 Glad to hear that Thomas!

[@mrmoa]

Exactly! Noodling is fun and helps you incorporate your practiced achievements so they’re more unconscious, but you need prolonged intentional focus. In other words, both are essential!

[@ridams6874]

The keywords are: Play intentionally. Thanks mate!

[@Steve-te8mi]

Ross Campbell I’d like to learn/practice the progression you were playing, what were the chords?

[@rahilaqureshi5861]

If this is noodling then I wish I could noodle like you.

[@Ridiculizer]

Same here

[@monkeymonkerson]

right?

[@blackie5566]

Me too :-)

[@TheRichie213]

Just get tablature to a solo and learn it well.

[@sea-saw2654]

British joke but I’d say it’s Super noodling 😂

[@alansouthall8221]

Thank you for leaving the unpolished practice with the little errors and vocal frustrations. Far more inspiring to see players you admire go through struggles to get where they want to go than to see only the finish article where you can often feel : I'll never get that effortlessly good

[@shauncarew6488]

Nothing better than seeing a guitar teacher make mistakes to motivate a student. It isn’t automatic for anyone and it all takes practice

[@shayneswenson]

You have the most useful, non pretentious guitar channel on KZbin. Thanks amigo

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Ah thank you!

[@RJRonquillo]

The practice over the jam track is sounding good brother! I still struggle over playing changes. The hardest part is to sound like you're not playing over changes and coming up with thematic and melodic lines.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks pal. Yeah there's a long road ahead but I am enjoying the challenge so far.

[@joserra79]

You both are very humble, RJ. Both of you play over changes with lots of talent. That's why we appreciate you guys.

[@duanewilson3941]

Just for the record, I'm learning stuff from both of you, so thanks for that.

[@roejogan1559]

@Gator McCluskey for me, playing over changes came naturally with backing track improv. Try to take a deep breath, clear your thoughts and try to feel the music. Start slow and focus on vibrato, timing and feel. But also knowing some music theory helps a lot

[@CorbCorbin]

THE URANIUM CAFE Oh, good for you! Big boy now...

[@tomquayleguitar]

Fantastic video, Ross! This should be compulsory viewing for all guitarists!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Wow, thank you Tom! I've been a fan of your work for a long time.

[@CycloneJack]

I really enjoy your demos. Be well, indeed (as you say).

[@brandoningersoll5034]

That is why I “noodle” with a looper...forces time, forces a song-progression. My solos sound more like arranging parts now...& i have written a bunch of new tunes...no more noodling!

[@michaelseidman924]

This lesson is absolutely critical, I see tons of people stuck in what I can best describe as noodle hell. They never ever learn how to write songs, hell I even suffered from this once. I finally broke away. I get what you're saying, noodling is cool but make sure that's not all you eventually know how to do.

[@petecarney2035]

Reminds me of the saying: “practice what you don’t know, not what you know”.

[@MrShreddykruger]

Pete Carney good thought!!

[@tonio19]

Steve Vai says just the opposite... who ya gonna listen to?

[@sasmitroy5480]

@@tonio19 problem is that he knows everything so doesn't really matter to him

[@MongoSolo]

Glad I found this. thanks a lot. I feel for years i have plateau'd or stagnated, everything just based around blues scales and that is too safe for me now - its not challenging. i need to practice like this - thank you for this.

[@yuroun]

Been noodling for ages and just now trying to progress. This is very helpful, thanks a million!

[@elsaluvsnutella]

him noodling is me in 6 years after solid practicing

[@RedLarkBolero475]

Nice. Keep practicing dude. You got this.

[@XzhandreiTorralba]

I definetly Agree

[@icarus7073]

And in 6 years some less experienced young player will say the same about your noodling 🤘😎

[@alexchng]

In fairness, he's probably been playing much longer than 6 years haha

[@rselp]

Thanks so much for showing us all the massive difference between mindless noodling and playing music! I admire your courage in sharing your “weaknesses” with us. We’re all on the journey to (hopefully)becoming better musicians...lessons like this are invaluable to the process. Great video mate!

[@monkeymonkerson]

I really love how you didn't edit the flubs.

[@lobiu]

My guitar teacher just told me the exact same thing few weeks ago ! I began improving a lot since. These are the best advices you could get !

[@jakobmorningstar]

After figuring out all the chords it was almost as fun playing rhythm for your last solo part as it is playing over the chords myself. Awesome video👍🏼

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you Jakob!

[@lesternielson9280]

Bravo! this has to be one of the best guitar lessons I've ever watched on KZbin... Thanks Ross!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Lester!

[@gaijinhan337]

Thanks for portraying the realities of practising. It gives me so much more motivation to continue.

[@jasonpearce3854]

I can appreciate the point of the video and agree with it. I can also appreciate the amazing sound of the licks you played and the way the p90s absolutely sing through that gold top!!! Thank you.

[@DavidDiMuzio]

Cool video man, always enjoy your content🤘

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks David!

[@korman7]

This is the biggest problem with my playing. I can’t even express how valuable this information is. Playing live shows recently really exposed my timing and harmonic intent issues. Thank you for your inspiration man. Always look forward to getting your help. Keep up the great content.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you Daniel!

[@jonathanmackie4884]

Inspiring content! I struggle to juggle even a simple 2 chord vamp and stay harmonically and rhythmically correct. So the level you are working to is beyond me. I'm old guy, in Scotland by-the-way, quite new to learning to play and have injury and post surgery issues with my hands to deal with so I have lower expectations, but still see great value in the message of your video. Thanks.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you Jonathan!

[@tad5920]

Great video! Very thought provoking - and spot on. Thanks Ross!

[@paddyodriscoll8648]

By far the best advice on the web. More people need to stress this.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Paddy!

[@paddyodriscoll8648]

THE URANIUM CAFE The mind is a terrible thing to waste. 😞

[@JimmySlacksack]

'Noodling' - the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? never heard it called that before!!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

I was waiting for this comment.

[@MrShreddykruger]

Ross Campbell Mee too!!! LOL

[@OgamiItto70]

Slack, are you a singer? Or maybe a drummer? Oh, wow. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked if you were a drummer...my bad.

[@tashipaljor3207]

Very Funny!

[@wallywanker7435]

Zachary hey

[@bigcountryplatinum5150]

Love this video! That’s what I’m trying to get better at, playing over changes with no accompaniment is difficult for me to keep the beat and changes in my head.

[@Bilbobalbo1]

You words and lesson here is very well focused without being judgy. My goal to play every day this year also includes me being focused and I've struggled with how that should look. Thanks for 3 great, easy ideas which I believe is going to make me a lot better! Excellent job!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you and good luck with your practice for the year!

[@paulbrown6789]

Thanks for all your great videos Ross. A very brave and honest lesson...still sounds great buddy! Thanks

[@gilegm]

It's great video,thank you for exemples!

[@boyimbornal]

One of the best videos I've seen about playing guitar! Thanks Ross!

[@BBQ1953]

The 3 exercises begin at 3:20 into the video. I recommend you listen to what Ross says in the first 3 minutes but once you get why he’s offering the common sense to you, the exercises begin at 3:20. BTW, his noodling near the beginning of this tutorial has some great licks to upload to your muscle memory bank and include in your playing.

[@clarencewilliams5997]

Thank YOU for the tips, man.. keep rocking..

[@wildwillie7792]

You're a great instructor Ross! Keep it going!

[@marin4311]

Very good. I just started to play in the way you suggest in the video. Its a new challenge and it simply sounds way more "musical".

[@rkoz55]

Well that was refreshing, a post with mistakes, thanks. Noodling to me is just going nuts and playing whatever and then I usually stumble upon something that sounds familiar or start putting something i like into something more. But I'll take your advice and try the three steps.

[@mathieudager4234]

Man your explanations were cristal clear. As a former guitar player & aspiring bass player, I could not agree more with you. I too have shed countless hours rehashing the same stuff over and over. Very seldom leads anywhere though besides the occasional new twist on an old idea. Practice regimen and practice plan are the key although at first it doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing this.

[@bryanmannoia8410]

I agree. while noodling is important for working out new licks and ideas, it should be the small part of a player's practice. backing tracks are the way to go. they helped my playing get to the next level and fast. I like using jazz tracks because it puts me out of my blues/rock comfort zone. it also helps me come up with new ideas for when I am playing blues leads. to put it simply, always be learning. thanks for the video.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Well said. Thank you!

[@MrBenHQ]

Thanks Ross, i was doing the same as, and now I'm going to play over some rythm and tempo

[@ansonlicks]

Wonderful ...I cannot get enough of this musical genius.🤗🤘🤘

[@StokesMusicStudiosOnline]

Your videos inspire us to make better lessons. Thanks for your contributions. With each lesson you are changing lives, and the future. Keep up the great work!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

That's cool to hear, thank you!

[@alfred2011]

Thanks Ross, your videos and commentary are so thoughtful. Beyond the theory, you provide valuable insight into how to approach practice with the goal of improvement. Thanks!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you Alfred!

[@wdfusroy8463]

Much great advice in this video!!

[@joestewart4589]

Good lesson. I have been playing a long time but without playing with a band, I have to admit I do a lot of noodling. I naturally do change with chords but don’t think so much about the beat. Thanks

[@sanketa6370]

I stumbled onto your channel while looking for John Mayer's playing style. You have top tier knowledge and teaching skills, along with great editing. Subbed !

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Hey, thanks so much!

[@manimusicka2]

Thank you so much! Such a great piece of advice. Actually I couldn't wait until tomorrow morning and picked up my guitar right away :D

[@pugforce8315]

Started playing a little more than a year ago. Started playing with backing tracks pretty early on and developed skills like playing in time, filling chords and playing them in between . Eventually moved this to just playing and i’ve seen a big improvement, definitely recommend backing tracks and using metronomes.

[@bebop46]

Once again Thanks for the inspiration! Your videos always inspire me to "Do" instead of "thinking" that's the only way I'll get better. Rock On Scottsmen!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Glad to hear that, thank you!

[@davidneath8194]

Yet again very sound advice, thanks!

[@romulopires5977]

Man... Very good advices. Thanks for sharing.

[@Desperado665]

Excellent lesson ! I have noodled for years and developed my fretboard and scale knowledge but when people asked me to play I could only noodle or play a song I had memorized lol. This will take me to the next level for sure !

[@oceanwavehealingarts]

Thanks mate! Exactly where I’m at in my development. Great lesson!!!

[@user-po7iv4ni3o]

Cheers dude. I've been stagnating for way too long, really need to start implementing some of these practice tips I've heard so often from great players like yourself.

[@jafmusicmix7656]

Powerful video. Thanks for your honesty and your encouragement.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Fernando-wo8ox]

Very very good, man. This is the kind of lesson we should learn from day one. Thanks.

[@7775Kevin]

Good ideas, thanks!

[@mikeyo3230]

Excellent lesson !! Thank You

[@boomerdell]

Outstanding lesson, outstanding playing -- you are absolutely one of the best teachers out there, Ross, thank you!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you so much!

[@jeffreyraymondarthur230]

Great stuff 👍

[@Kananond]

Thanks for this, awesome tips!

[@charliegossett5218]

Great tips. Thanks for putting it out there.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Charlie!

[@chikrumba]

Great video and notes. Thnx.

[@ensaerodynamics8615]

Excellent point. I have known this for years but it was a slow realization and years of wasted time. Now I am ALWAYS playing with harmonic intent and presenting challenges.

[@andrewrijken2490]

That was a good honest clip! Thank you

[@6strings7fingers]

Great lesson, Ross! Thanks so much. I've been looking for guidance to focus my practice time and that video was exactly what I was hoping to find. Keep up the good work!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you Tedd!

[@walterredaelli7507]

Wise man... Great suggestions. Thanks ! 🎸🖖🏻

[@patgaff2536]

Makes sense. Thank you.

[@danielbodin9388]

Best advice I’ve heard in ages! Thanks so much! Subscribed!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Daniel!

[@danilosalis6391]

Wonderful advice! Exactly what I'm struggling with right now! Thanks a lot Ross.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Danilo!

[@MattSchmitt]

Great video. Well done on the improvisting.

[@omarhessissen727]

Great advice

[@martinrhodes1619]

Brilliant lesson. Thank you. And how novel and honest for someone like you to be so honest about your own learning process and flaws and how you are dealing with them! Unique in my experience and highly motivating for me at least and I’m sure others Ming your followers.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Martin!

[@camhaines5482]

Man this was great. I have learned scales, modes, arpeggios etc but putting them together with a melody is really tough. I’m gonna try this. Thanks Ross.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Cam!

[@awsomeal100]

Excellent Advice.

[@victorlaw4256]

Nice. Very nice. Great advice. Thanks.

[@benjaminpuritz844]

Great video, Ross. I've played for several years and gotten by on just pentatonic and blues runs, but I've hit a block in making it to the next level of guitar playing. Your video confirms that harmonic direction/awareness is key to advanced playing, and I've tried to become aware of the different chord tones to make the changes. Any advice for lessons on this type of playing and practicing for someone in my position?

[@MustafaBaabad]

Thank you very much for a very good advice to combine licks with chord progression and stick with good timing. Yes, for couple of months I just noodling. Cheers from Indonesia.

[@freddylopez7536]

Killer advice my friend. Love your playing. Thank you.

[@tlawhon]

Very good reminder... thanks!

[@richardfromcornwall5492]

New to your channel Ross but, whilst this particular content is above my ability (at the moment!), I get exactly what you're saying and, actually can relate it to my level of playing! Really clear and concise, thank you.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Richard!

[@chrisrobson2203]

This is a great lesson. Well worth watching/listening right to the end. Thanks!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

thank you!

[@MKATES0004]

One of best videos!!! Thank you for sharing! I think this is some of the best advice for getting good on guitar!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Michael!

[@PictureMaker22]

Excellent lesson. Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@bones3764]

I like this, we learn by our mistakes. A good friend of mine has been encouraging me to do this. He often states stop using tabs, you don't need them. This approach has assisted me immensely.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Your friend is wise!

[@bones3764]

@@RossCampbellGuitarist he is mate, old school. I've learnt more in the last year than I have in numerous years

[@ilikeyouabit2]

Great food for thought. You did a great job of summarizing several concepts that I`d been struggling with for a minute.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you!

[@-jeffk3339]

Kudos - I'm picking up what you're puttin' down sir. Love your channel - keep up the inspiring vids.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you!

[@marionhodges7180]

Very good video - very good practice advice. I realized while watching that i had been doing your third lesson when i practiced for a while now - I had just started playing to a silent backing track in my head without intentionally setting out to do it. It does help, it really does!! I find for me I need to start practicing more with backing or at least drums actually playing (sort of like a metronome) to try to get more comfortable with maintaining a certain speed on certain difficult solo passages that require a little more speed and dexterity. Also using a backing drum track helps to be more aware of playing around with the rhythm - playing off of, in front of, or behind the beat.

[@aaliquegrahame7957]

Love your guitar. Exactly the one I want

[@kksguitargarage6993]

Great Lesson! and so true to what most mediocre guitarplayers struggles with (including myself).

[@JihwanFive]

I understands totally what you says and 100% agree, but the phrase and licks at the front of the video is still rocks and great to show in front of my friends :) Thanks for the great video!

[@rackatoon]

Amazing lesson man! It really stands out from much of the rest out there!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you!

[@asnipa]

Great advice!

[@liamdeeney3398]

Great playing and an amazing lesson. Practice with intent. Like many great lessons, this idea has applications beyond guitar. Thank you.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Liam!

[@mezzoca8110]

Priceless good advice.

[@giannibiancocircus]

Thank you

[@walterredaelli5736]

Great inspiration. Tnx . 🖖🏻

[@manuelbockman1244]

ThnX, Ross👌🏿👌🏼👌🏽a good lesson‼️🎶‼️🎸

[@benweekes2797]

Really good video Ross, thanks!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Ben!

[@hannaobrc1947]

Totaly understand ur point.and this will be my next chapter how to practice. Example :when i solo over basic backing track blues mostly from Quist my solo sound great for novice player..but without track i can not improvize in time not sound good when chord change..i am lost..ur jazz sound in time i could hear chord change and this is how i wanna learn and play!!Thanks

[@MrRichardkidd]

This is great. Very good lesson. Excellent use of language. Your playing ability gives credence to your teacher status. I'm subscribing!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks so much!