SO YOU WANNA BE A PRO MUSICIAN? #2 - JUST SHOW UP!

Pete Thorn (guitarist with Melissa Etheridge, Chris Cornell, Don Henley, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, Jewel) offers tips and pointers for aspiring pro musicians. PLEASE SHARE! Hit the thumbs up if you like the vid. Thanks!
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[@PapaHett]

This series is strangely relevant to other careers too.

[@markaochoa2017]

conaghy I’m in OTA school and realized the best way to learn anything is just to submerge yourself into the culture of it.

[@scot-combs]

Yep. I've been a voice over guy since 1977. Pete's story sounds kinda like my VO career.

[@martrich1098]

It's not strange - it's just good advice! Networking is important in every career.

[@artistegreen]

I am a supervisor to a non musical line of business and I am taking lessons from him. I love his rule number 1 too. I got hooked instantly. Love d vids sir.

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks for watching y'all! Please share if you like the vids!

[@MusicTherapyLaz]

Very informative video Pete! Thanks... sharing with everyone!

[@kennethvelazquez7084]

Hey Pete, this is exactly what I needed in my life right now, amazing stuff, keep 'em coming! Btw I bought Pete Thorn II last week, great tunes, love it!

[@jfrockon]

Spot on as always man..

[@americanhorseman]

This was great information ...for anyone...thx Pete

[@kenfernsler6507]

Great video! Years ago. I was in an original band and things were going great, but our manager was ripping us off and shortly after things fell apart. It left a bad taste in my mouth. I got married and I pretty much gave it up for years. Fast foward I got invited to jam. I was hesitant. Started a lil classic rock cover band. Then I auditioned for a female fronted country cover band. I got the gig. Got divorced. Things have started to move foward. Got a call from the local guitar shop to teach part time, Ive filled in for some pretty good shows for country acts in my area. Ive been offered opportunitys lately. Im such a loyal guy I hate to leave the band im in. But I dont wanna regret not taking chance's . Its a blessing and a curse sometimes being good, because people want to steal you. Your correct about haveing the song like 90% but putting more into the show. I useally dont learn the solos note for note, I pick out the main parts and put a little bit of myself in there.

[@tonyhayek1086]

I wish there was aPete Thorn when I was a kid and a medium like KZbin. Pete, you’re a generous, class act and DESERVE every bit of success that you have had, past and future.

[@jfrockon]

Great video Pete.... I got a lil story for you. I have been out of music for 15+ years. From the late 70s to the late 90s, I played tons, toured, recorded in some known places. By the time I reached 42 yrs old, I had just finished an original project that had some big $$ behind it.. No deal, so I was done with music at that point. Life, some college and move ahead to 2016.... I moved from Sacramento (no gigs there) to Charlotte (lots going on there). I figured at 59 I would give it one last hurrah! Rock band here I come. Going out and meeting so many musicians is such a chore, but a weird thing happened, I had recently got a nice digital camera.... So I figured I would start taking photos of the bands I went out to see. I had no idea what that would do for the process. EVERYONE wanted to know who I was taking the photos, and once I put them on social media. It's like they all wanted to be my buddy. Most didn't know I was looking for an established band or players, let alone a musician. Connections made happened faster than at any time in my life. I am now in a Brit hard rock tribute... a popular one playing the better rooms. The moral to the story.... YES! Just show up, but, you never know what mechanism will put you in a good music situation. My trusty camera did more for me, than showing up at jams or clubs without it. That's all. Love hearing you give advice and tell your story man. Rock On!

[@fredfox3851]

I "JUST SHOW UP" when Pete has a new video. : )

[@TheRealMcP]

I like how organic your progression was. It’s not a story of dumb luck and being discovered. It’s a story of putting in the effort, doing the work and above all, turning up. Inspirational. Thank you.

[@kuhboom22]

I'm so glad you decided to star this channel all those years ago. You've helped the entire guitar community with a seriously staggering wealth of info about gear and recording. But more importantly, it's a beacon of warmth and kindness on the internet. Feels good man.

[@slickguitar01]

A businessman + fantastic musician + genuine nice guy = success story. Awesome.

[@revsharp777]

This video series is invaluable. Thank you for sharing! :)

[@motherofcups9374]

Pete... You'll never know how much this series speak to me! I owe you a cider... Or two :)

[@georgebarry8640]

I agree..the gear talk is good, but this is essential!

[@glennscottharris]

Hopefully some 15 year old guitar player is watching this.

[@PeteThorn]

That's my hope!

[@JulianPatrickBronteGlenn]

@@PeteThorn If 51 is the new 15, I'm here and watching.

[@DevinRyanVitek]

Glenn S. Harris I’m 16 but I’m watching :)

[@hotcuppatea5024]

Hmm...perhaps!

[@powermetallistic2293]

I am 16. :)

Sharing your personal experiences is not only an encouragement for the music community but for us everyday folks! A real treat to listen to you. You're a good man. Blessings!

[@irikanji]

Saw pete recently in cambridge uk...amazing lead guitar in awesome classic rock show ...now watching him on youtube.... can"t play any musical instrument whatsoever, but find pete's insights and story telling very inspiring. This guy oozes class....

[@chrisbarclay]

Such a genuine guy 👌

[@repomanband]

Wow that was a lot of info in a short period of time. Thanks Pete for sharing your experience. I know that in every work situation, and others too, it's all about being respectful of others, showing up and working.

[@MrPoilleke]

Simple but so much truth in there, along with Pete being/staying humble. Thanks Pete

[@Metroidam11]

I'm very much a hobbyist musician. I have a career in IT that I love and see a future in. But this video series is excellent so far! Great advice and awesome stories!

[@EricBourassa]

Who would not love this??? This is absolutely amazing, thank you Pete

[@MrJewyHendrix]

Great show Pete…and Kim Mitchell ! Crank your Plexi to ‘the Max!’ Webster’s dictionary says! I just watched live ! Nice ! Peace!

[@pablo_costas]

Networking is essential in any job, you may not be the best, but if you have good relations with people... thats what works.

[@KevinODonnelltelebanger]

Thanks for sharing your experience at MI. I attended 90-91.

[@adamcone6856]

I had no idea you were so connected. Your career is amazing Pete. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I want to play guitar live so badly but have spine pain and it keeps me from taking that step forward to try and meet musicians to jam with. I really would love to play guitar as my career. Don't need to get rich, I just want to be able to support myself comfortably and enjoy my music. Your video made me smile. I appreciate you Pete, thanks again!

[@chaoticembrace6984]

Adam- life is really short!!!....just blast past the things that may be holding you back and break thru!!!! If you don't do the things that you dream about - than when you go to sleep you won't have those dreams to hold onto and than time just passes you by. I have a serious back injury and my neck, lower back and my shoulder are Fd!!! ...iv been playing for 4 decades and music and my collection of guitars pushes me thru the pain the best I can endure everyday! ...I played in a touring punk/speed metal band way back in the early -mid80z (Snoopys Tapeworm) and the only thing that held me/us back was relying on others to be held up to the standards of a new, aggressive touring band...now... decades later - I'm a retired husband and father with couple highly talented children ( a dancer and a DJ ) and I spend all my time now playing all the instruments in my own band creation and just the art behind that keeps me going - fighting thru the daily pain...so - let nothing stop you or hold you back - practice as much as you can and chase your dreams AGGRESSIVELY!!!.....don't wake up years later with regrets - only thing you remember from that is wishing you done things differently......good luck!!!!!

[@fretwireonfire]

Thank you! I came up on the old 80s shred stuff and the Seattle scene and these videos are a a breath of fresh air...making me remember why I picked it back up. Keep doing what you do brother.

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks!!!

[@dargusto]

Great video Pete. Had no idea Brian Hughes was your instructor. I recall seeing him play at Beans and Barley on 81Ave. in Old Strath, a great jazz player. And Click? Amazing band, Randy Black was a great drummer, Keith on vocals. Saw them at the Londonderry many times in the 80’s. The Rex, CI South, The Beverly Crest, People’s Pub. A great era for live music in Edmonton. So glad to see you take a great leap, stick to your guns and find success in LA.

[@icenic_wolf]

Packed with great advice, packed with good stories, good sense of humour... what's not to love? Great series, I can't wait for the next part.

[@jppagetoo]

Wow, I have been following your KZbin channel for a couple years. This vid is the best carreer rundown you have ever given. I never knew about most of the gigs you had before Don Henley or any of the Courtney Love stuff. Thanks for the info!

[@nosuchperson284]

He was putting up with Courtney Love successfully? The man is a true music professional! 😁 (And I'm sure he has nothing bad to say about her though there is likely to have been a couple eye rolling incidents, one would think). But then, what one better example could there be for the point he is making here? She was such a catalyst for his ultimate success and security in his career. A great story I'll probably tell if I'm making the same argument.

[@Theweeze100]

These videos are priceless! Having played music as a kid and now having a career in the trades, I’m looking forward to getting back to music. I just love hearing these stories!

[@MusicTherapyLaz]

Looking forward to this new series of videos Pete! Thanks for all the time you put into making us better at this!

[@martymay9723]

Great advice.... if you are committed you will do it!

[@wallywhitecat]

Many thanks for these "real world" videos.

[@rmp5s]

I remember, when I was graduating high school, I wanted SO BADLY to go to Berklee. It was (and is...) ludicrously expensive so I was looking into MI. It was cheaper and I liked Cali better than Boston anyway. (I loathe cold weather.) My parents talked me out of it. "It's hard to make a living in music." I ended up going and getting a culinary arts degree instead. It worked out fine. Worked in restaurants for 10 years when I got bored and thought, "what's the hardest thing I can do?" I shipped off to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Paris Island, Jan 24th, 2009 at the ripe ol age of 25. Best thing I ever did. I'm now a digital forensic analyst and I used my GI Bill to take a bunch of classes at Berklee! (PHENOMENAL school, by the way. It was an AMAZING experience and I learned more than I ever thought about things I didn't even expect.) I still wonder quite often though...what would have happened if I had stuck with music? Or even stayed in my high school band? Interesting to think about. I don't have any regrets, per se, but I will say, don't be afraid to take a risk. You're far more likely to regret NOT doing something than you are to regret doing something.

[@martymay9723]

Oh Pete.... you are so on the target! Get out there and absorb for better or worse...

[@paulleedean5720]

Awesome video!!! I love this series. I'm not a good guitar player but you inspire me to keep playing. Thank you!!

[@PeteThorn]

Thank you Paul!

[@davecarr5892]

Is it possible to “like” this video say, 10 times? As the parent of a 14yr old guitar player, who has visited an MI open house and was totally enamored by the prospect of going there after High School, this series is invaluable. Thanks for your time and generosity in putting these videos out.

[@ricardorodriguez5549]

Part of what makes your vlogs so enjoyable is your palpable authenticity. Your remarks about showing up and making friends and networking vs networking with a transactional mindset are on point. In my life, I’ve seen that this is a critical distinction between players that can enter and LAST within any given scene vs players that can’t. Ultimately, the hang and stage time are both better with folks who actually care about each other, the crowd, the house, and the crew. “What’s in this for me?” tires quickly.

[@autobotsNdecepticons]

This series is great, Pete. Really good, straight advice.

[@nlcmoto]

Damn! Nick Nolan’s instructional video got me started into learning the elec guitar! Nostalgia..

[@1Turtavius1]

You're a cool guy, thanks for the experience and advice! You have a story and its wisdom for those who havent had those experiences yet.

[@oldguysguitarvlog183]

I love this series. Wonderful life lessons for anyone and everyone. Just show up!! You just never know...Awesome vid! Thank you!

[@EddieB2047]

Great advice...cool stories too...Love ya Pete!

[@MrKenward777]

This series is so great!

[@toddblenkhorn7675]

I will never be a pro musician but these videos are really interesting, such a down-to-earth guy, thanks for the videos.

[@LindstrandMusic]

I can't even start to tell you how inspiring these videos are. Thank you so much for doing this, Pete.

[@jowelmoisesubana7572]

Wow Pete. You are legendary!

[@JamesStaubes]

This is great advice for all aspects of life. Show up. I've lived by that Woody Allen adage most of my adult life and I can say that it is true. Just get in the room and do your best.

[@daveman12]

I have been watching this with my 13 year old son who wants to go to the Musicians Institute. These are great videos for him to study and prep for the future. Another Edmonton boy on his way to Hollywood lol

[@ewfunnell]

Good life lesson we can all use in whichever path we pursue. I like to say...you miss ever ball you don't swing at. Till next time Pete....and thanks for showing up!

[@martrich1098]

"you miss ever ball you don't swing at" - great analogy, well said

[@jimi4290]

Pete, thank you for this series. I hope people realize how valuable your advice is...there is great wisdom in your stories.

[@VicVanity]

Nick Nolan was my guitar teacher in 1982 at quilans music before he won a scholarship from Eddie Van Halen to attend M.I.

[@bryanclarke1927]

Are yes! The art of performance. Massive part of playing live.

[@adam__mark]

I enjoy these so much. The Courtney Love audition story was great haha!

[@shamzamri3442]

Very very very great advice Pete..Thank yo. 👍👍👍

[@jorgelozano4025]

Just found out about you Pete, great tips and actually life lessons, looking fordward to finish the series.

[@JeffAulich]

Those Live Playing Workshops were life changing for me. It was the first gig I got “fired” for, when I hopped up and started noodling while the vocalists were going over harmonies. The teacher “fired” me and I didn’t get credit for the day. I learned very quickly not to do that ever again, lol!

[@dapperdanman1956]

Cheers Pete thorn

[@BenjaminWong]

Not in the music business, but this applies to most careers. Made me get my shit together as well today. Thanks.

[@MAFALDINO1165]

Thank you Pete!

[@WarrenPostma]

This is awesome. i'm 49 and never want to be a pro. But I do want to write music and be every bit of the musician I can be. And part of that is exactly this. show up. wanna be a song writer (i do!) just write.

[@ianbarcelos]

One of the most valuable lessons on KZbin for musicians. I already show up, but now... Guess I'll have to show up even more! Thank you Pete!

[@fredfox3851]

: )

[@GODenWord]

There was some very difficult task i wanted to accomplish. For many years or basically just half of my life i could not even to start it!!! It looked even impossible to accomplish it! I did not understand how to accomplish it nor even how to begin it and where to start from. Then I prayed to God. And then i saw a dream. And the dream basically told me: Just start doing it and in the process you will be finding answers and discovering path to success and I will help you!!! Post scriptum: And now i see how fool i was and how simple it was to do even thought that before i started doing it it looked just as impossible to accomplish!!!

[@randysookyumkim]

Nick was amazing teacher....I miss him now~~ This video really reminds me old time memory....ha ha...thx pete!!!

[@facemeat]

Great video Mr.Thorn. Love the series. Just watched Phil X Guitaricon vid. Now to practice the licks you two were spittin out. Awesome

[@johnreid2962]

Great stuff! Learned more in this 15 minute video than from countless instructional ones. Was it the golfer Gary Player who said 'the harder I practice, the luckier I get'.

[@fivewattworld]

Excellent! It reminds me of all the things I loved about your columns. Thoughtful and on point.

[@GretschenMunch]

What a great story! Loved it!

[@davidhoxit4274]

I couldn't imagine hanging with Don and Steve...I love Pete Thorn II... it's a great album and thanks for helping me become a better guitarist! I really love your work sir!!

[@kirkbolas4985]

I’m a middle aged health care provider who’s had one foot in the biz nights and weekends for about 30 years. I’m burned out in my current career and am looking to retire from it and go music full time. You’re advice is very practical for any career path but for the music biz there are nuances that you provide that I’m so grateful to be able to hear you talk about as these nuances are making some opportunities available to me that I might not otherwise have. If I had to do it all over again I would have made this biz my priority. Thankfully I still have time to pursue this and I thank you for all your advice.

[@88Gibson1]

Great advice Pete

[@martinaddison4880]

You are right Pete, having a tone is a given, but MORE THAN 99% will ever know or care what amp, pedals, guitar model, or pickups we have.

[@BobbyBBetlejewski]

WONDERFUL!!!🎉🎶🎸😊 Thanks Again Pete🎸😊 Bobby B🎸😊

[@L.Scott_Music]

Really good video, Pete. One thing leads to another is the story of my life. Combined with lesson one and the results of lesson two will always be good.

[@wesleymarkmusic403]

Great advice. Thank you.

[@tomfoolery2082]

I took lessons in7th grade my teacher did the same thing, had me come where his band was playin to play a few songs. Gave me alot of confidence and an edge with other players later on. Good series , very cool!

[@briangregory6303]

I never thought the one thing we'd have in common is Nyquil. When I was in the Air Force working on nukes, if you got sick you'd have to go to the base hospital. I'd take a shot of Nyquil and work with my field jacket on indoors all day.

[@johnhamers4571]

Aha, you’re Canadian ! I’m instant think ‘bout “Rush” . Great stories to learn take the right direction ? Making huge mistakes will also have impact on the learning curve. You will make mistakes ‘cause you didn’t know

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Finding The Treasures of Wisdom ' Comes From Intentionally Digging For Knowledge!' Thank You Always Pete' From The 'Future' Of All of Us Hopeful's Now ! 🎸🔊🎼

[@charlesritter1115]

Pete Thorn is a mensch. God bless Pete Thorn.

[@erikd3498]

Hey Pete! Had to comment on this great video! I graduated MI in ‘91 and had Nick N as my private instructor as well! I have so many great memories that year including Tim Bogart telling me to yell “ma” too! Lol Nick by far has my fondest memories. I learned so much from him and to this day teach a lot of the same things I learned from him! He was not only one the the best musicians I’ve ever met, but a great teacher as well! He ended up being more like a mentor than just my weekly private instructor for me. He even asked me to join his band at the end of the school year, it didn’t end up working out but I sure was honored for the time I had rehearsing w his band! Thanks for sharing your memories, sure brought me back down memory lane! Take care!

[@jefrolawson]

Thanks again Pete!

[@marcos061059]

Fantastic series! Thank you Pete for posting these!

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks!

[@LoR2023]

Hey Pete. Great video. I went to MI in 1987. You just brought back some great memories. Cheers from Canada!

[@sixstringswl]

And yet here you are, still showing up! This is a great series. My personal favorite. (It's all true, you know it, and so does anyone over 35... Or so I'd like to think...)

[@joelcprice]

Thanks a ton Pete. This stuff is so invaluable to people trying to get into the game.

[@dennismullins4930]

Thanks for sharing Pete.

[@TheOddPlatypus]

Thanks a lot man for sharing your knowledge with us. A true gift.🤘

[@DaveZnoise]

Really enjoying this series!

[@milesofwhite]

Thanks Pete. These videos are great! 👍

[@PooNinja]

Great vid Pete show up & be nice!

[@Mindcore777]

Another great one Pete

[@sjfamilomusic]

Pete, this series is REALLY helpful. I'm planning to take a shot a playing music "semi-professionally" in the next few years, possibly full-time when I retire from my civil service job. Do you have any advice for trying this later in life, as opposed to when someone is really young? I know it's kinda of backwards, but having spent my whole youth and adult life wanting to play and perform more; I figure there are only so many days to get out there and play.

[@raybergstrom]

Thanks, Pete! Great video.

[@IPushHard]

Yes! ...another great video Pete. Inspiration. Motivation. Perspiration. The formula for success.

[@AlbertoMartinezDelRio]

Excellent!

[@jayguitar]

Excellent, excellent, excellent video and advice! This is awesome for any musician at any level I think! 😊 thank you again Pete. Absolute gold dust. You know, my mantra this year became ‘just do it’ and you know at NAMM I took every opportunity to meet people an network, put myself out there to companies, manufacturers and musicians and made myself available and willing to collaborate, work, promote, support. Taken me a while to figure that part out and have the confidence to do it but I’m glad I did because because it was my most productive year at NAMM! it has set a lot in motion for this year which I am really excited about. I wrote in an article for a magazine recently ‘when the doors start to open, it’s for us to actually wall through them’. The universe presents us with the opportunities but we still have to actually take them and see where the dominoes fall. And people get to know that we are out there and available (another pleasant surprise at namm was just how many people know who I am and what I do now), And every single experience is a learning experience, even the not so great ones - they are incredibly important as they teach us what doesn’t work for us so we can focus on what does 😊🙏🤟 thanks man and have an amazing day!

[@brownsfan7753]

I love hearing about all these trial by fire experiences! Thank you for sharing!!

[@matthew7196]

This series is great Pete, even for part-timers like me who have no intention of attempting to go pro. The gear videos are great but I enjoy things like this even more, you have such a wealth of experience and knowledge, I hope you continue to share it.

[@ronphilip3832]

Hey Pete. Great video. Great advice and well delivered. It was clear and concise and really hit the spot. You relate very well and are also a gifted story teller. Your thinking is clear and to the point. I first saw you when you were doing videos with Tim Pierce. You were really good then but even better now. Thanks for some terrific advice and a very interesting video.

[@benjaminsmall8446]

Amazing advise

[@GuitarJeff]

I really liked this one. It's so true. My band is kind of stuck right now having hard time finding a singer. However I am still out there showing up, seriously just got back from open mic night at local bar. Small club but some great musicians we're there. Me and another guitarist, bass player and drummer. We never met before got up together and just jammed for 30 minutes. The other guitarist pulled out a slide and was soloing with a slide. I had so much fun. So yeah just show up.

[@wjbecker4]

You rock