Live at Sweetwater: Soloing with Tim Pierce and Paul Reed Smith

While playing to backing tracks recorded recently for this workshop by LA studio musicians, Tim Pierce will demonstrate multiple guitar soloing concepts. The focus will be on how to play fluid seamless solos over sometimes unpredictable chord changes. After each musical example, there will be an explanation on the psychology behind the choices that are made while improvising. The emphasis will be on “why” just as much as “how.”
In over three decades as a first-call LA session musician, Tim Pierce has amassed discography of over 1,000 records, in multiple genres - from Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, and Phil Collins to Jason Mraz, Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson, and Lana Del Rey, among hundreds of others. In recent years, Tim has also moved to the forefront of online guitar education. His KZbin guitar channel has over 100,000 subscribers and gets an average of 10,000 views per day. In addition, he offers an online guitar Masterclass membership. New educational videos are added monthly, with the Masterclass near 1,000 videos and 100 hours of content.

[@MusikeXavier]

One more thing that makes Tim Pierce the amazing guitar player and humble person that he is, is now having survived and come out victorious from this encounter.

[@jakestewartmusic]

This just proves how competent, talented, and humble Tim truly is

[@guidedbyvoices23]

Tim is the best, patience, humility with incredible talent, he's one in billion for sure

[@joda8349]

Tims the kind of guy that artists love. He can have anything thrown at him music wise and come out roses.

[@JohnRSrlie]

Tim is just the real deal, such a humble talent, thank you Tim for beeing such a inspiration for us.

[@vhollund]

It can be hard to check the ego when you are successful i suppose But damn Tim knows how to be agreable and follow the flow of even the most eccentric personalities

[@natashanyxx9486]

That’s part of his success as a session player. Can you imagine how many arrogant assholes that he’s had to work for? Dealing with assholes is a skill in and of itself.

[@patrickkirby7612]

Aw you've met one of those ole guys (FUKING DORKS) that HAVE to have conflict to conversate.

[@farrh6867]

@@patrickkirby7612 Conflict like pointing out that 'conversate' is not a word? Asking for a friend.

[@ArtDonna84]

Just came upon this video and saw your comment and was very happy that what I fellow about ego's and eccentric personalities was just in my head. Then I see the other replies and said; Okay, I not wrong in my thoughts. While I love the PRS guitars, PRS himself was abit to arrogant and egotistical for me.

[@undercrackers56]

Tim Pierce is perhaps one of the best guitarists that most folk have never heard of. Paul Reed Smith did not come out of this production very well, giving me the impression that he has an attitude problem. Tim, in comparison is so knowledgeable and gracious about it. I would love to meet him.

[@partner348]

What I was thinking early on. I don't think I could hang around this PRS guy.

[@MrKjohnson123]

you couldn't be more incorrect on Paul's attitude.

[@stevenmarchant25]

@@MrKjohnson123 - maybe, but that was my thought as well - admittedly based only upon this video. I take it that your opinion is formed over a broader sampling of the man's behavior.

[@MrKjohnson123]

@@stevenmarchant25 of course my opinion is. He’s incredibly intelligent and very very kind. Met him a few times and he’s also very confident,very congenial and has an incredible heart. People that slag him have absolutely no clue. Self-projection,plain and simple.

[@stevenmarchant25]

@@MrKjohnson123 - … we’ll, there’s this video.

[@zbqb84a]

Man I'm so happy Tim is active on YT. I really like this longer format for instructional videos, it allows me to get immersed in what he's doing... much better than a little lesson snack.

[@coreybrown4920]

After watching the whole thing I understand the comments. Tim was giving an extremely useful masterclass then Paul essentially hijacked it from him, robbing the listener of potential gold.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

I have met Paul and seen countless interviews, no doubt he can rub people the wrong way, but he really is EXTREMELY essentric. A very polarizing personality.

[@andysanchez9108]

eccentric indeed...

[@brianmincher716]

He’s a weird dude, for sure.

[@fumeokid]

Why was I cringing 99% of the time? Tim is a totally patient man. Hats off to him. Great player too!

[@jammergreg]

Tim is a stellar guitarist & Paul makes great guitars.

[@mikereynolds3294]

Timster is a living encyclopedia of guitar playing knowledge. If you really want to actually learn the right way of learning any & everything guitar, then join Tims masterclass. It would be the most rewarding thing you could ever do for yourself. And no, I am not a member, I am old and on a fixed income at this point in life and can’t afford it, but oh how I wish I could afford to enroll. It’s my biggest musical regret.

[@Gilyslas]

Paul builds beautiful guitars. I have one. He should focus on building beautiful guitars. Tim is a genius and a true gentleman. I don't think Paul understands that.

[@jaycheek254]

This was just great! I love Tim - he's such an awesome guy and a TREMENDOUS guitarist.

[@user-nf8jj7pz6c]

Tim is the utmost professional. The fact that everyone who made it through did so because of Tim also recieved a priceless freebie in humility. Can't imagine how many viewers have been annoyed or maybe even upset actively scoffing out loud watching this. Now just imagine... in real time, Tim humbly went through the fire patiently and quietly. 🙏

[@jeffreysmith6373]

Tim Pierce is AMAZING!!

[@sowhat5150]

Tim is brilliant and Gear Fest looks like a great event to attend. That goldtop 594 with P90s sounded amazing.

[@scottallen9556]

Wow! I couldn't resist commenting on what an arrogant, hard headed, witless jerk that PRS dude is. But I was blown away that everyone who watched this, for Tim Pierce, completely agrees and can't resist the same reaction.

[@dfleonard]

Tim Pierce, professional even in his handling of this doofus

[@ralex3697]

Not a doofus, a genius in his own right

[@FastSloW-qt8xf]

Haha paul could be picture under the word doofus in the dictionary.. he is a smart doofus though. And his guitars though not my favorite are extremely versatile and I've yet to play one that didnt feel like professional quality. All lines se, and up

[@FastSloW-qt8xf]

Tim pierce is fun to watch. You can tell his hobby is also his career.

[@MrKjohnson123]

that comment says more about you than anything else

[@John_F898]

Oh, he handled you?

[@MattyK-USA]

Do y'all have any idea, at all, just how good Tim Pierce is?

[@MattyBEightyThree]

If Tim's on, I'm watching.

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

He’s so good that he will occasionally talk about his own weaknesses you know. He’s just straight-up great.

[@stanlawson3472]

Too good to listen to PRS

[@DaveDexterMusic]

+JohnnyArt Pavlou He's given me a new outlook on my playing. Not even by any sense of improvement, but the mental attitude that helps me focus on what I do well and how to accept my limitations. Such a good guy.

[@natashanyxx9486]

Yes.

[@donaldblankenship5163]

Humble, likeable, unbelievably gifted, but I am sure this took YEARS of practice, thanks Tim!

[@lookmanostrings]

Paul is gone from @16:13 to @22:55. In case you can't hang with PRS personality.

[@robdotzler2333]

TY!

[@nevessl998]

Thnks!

[@rdhtci]

Thanks! Straight to 16:13 then

[@marksc1929]

....thx bro !

[@tpap6827]

Paul is out of tune and his timing is the kind; that makes groove almost impossible; to accomplish; I never understand the price point;on most of; his gear which is occasionally pretty great but never a, unmistakable voice llke,

[@mathisto21]

This is such a great video. Tim is a genius and Paul is a legend in the industry. Thank you for sharing this

[@GuitarTimeWithBillyC]

I've heard PRS on other videos, and that's his personality. Tim Pierce is so much fun to watch and learn from. I've been playing for about 40 years. I have a PRS and it stays in tune just fine. If you listen, Tim mentions a few times that he just set the action on this guitar. That'll "untune" a guitar, basically until you restring it. There were some moments of good information thanks to Tim. Gotta admire both men's contribution to the guitar.

[@sweetwater]

😎👍

[@lance134679]

Good stuff. Thanks, Tim and Paul.

[@Adipsia1]

No... thanks Tim.

[@Billywagner22]

Did you hear about the drummer who locked his keys in the van? It took an hour to get the bass player out.

[@GrynzEvily]

I could listen to the both of you for hours on end. The witty humor, the awesome playing, and the simplicity of the approach to guitar playing is outstanding.

[@seankearney5469]

Is one of the war stories having to deal with PRS????

[@viewoftheaskew]

I love Paul's sense of humor!

[@TechMetalRules]

Paul should listen more.

[@jamesbrady8535]

He's one of those guys that LOVES to hear himself talk.

[@RogerBarraud]

Plenty of interesting talk as far as I am concerned - love both of these guys.

[@davids9192]

PRS is so up himself. Tim is one of the good guys.

[@ziggylayneable]

A lot of the advice Tim is giving on soloing, I not only use the same technique,but teach my students the same thing.

[@FoundryStreetJason]

Man, Talk about some beautiful guitar tones!

[@stanlawson3472]

courtesy of @lookmanostrings Paul is gone from @16:13 to @22:55. In case you can't hang with PRS personality.

[@chilledmonkeebrains]

Tim’s musical instincts are spot on

[@crilf5830]

Thanks Tim Pierce and PRS! Sweetwater.

[@stevenstanley5109]

This is so awesome. So much knowledge shared.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

👍🏻

[@davebridge5580]

Complex and absolutely fascinating sum up Paul Reed Smith

[@leocubiasmusiclifestyle7460]

Great music theory approach and 50% of the video tuning those high end PRS guitars so great I don’t have one but then again great talk

[@void21021]

51:29 TOO COOL! The harmonic minor explanation/demonstration is quite interesting!

[@FastCarsLoudGuitars]

This made me want to sell my PRS and never buy another one. I don't know how Tim was able to put up with this...

[@John_F898]

Put up with what???

[@RafaelCataldo]

Tim is a genius and so calm over this strange situation caused by PRS peculiar persona.

[@kadiummusic]

What?

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

@@kadiummusic i think it’s a robot 🔭🐥 with toxic narcissist syndrome

[@John_F898]

Peculiar persona?? You apparently haven’t known many musicians.

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

That was fantastic!

[@frankie5072]

It’s like the student became the teacher... 10x over. Tim’s knowledge and tones are second to none!

[@keokiheller4351]

This vid with these icons = blessing🙏🏽

[@nguquaxanguyen5224]

Paul always struck me as a guy who above all like to listen to the sound of his own voice

[@HolyTerminator]

That’s called a bad take.

[@JoelDubay]

Paul is one of the most self-centered, egotistical, self righteous dooooooche bags on Earth.

[@jaka398]

I transcribed that bit from E minor to C minor and can say that Tim is playing E minor chord tones and throwing 2nd interval from the scale to E minor which gives beautiful color. On E minor he lands on minor 3rd and 5th. Then Paul changes to C minor and he targets minor 3rd of C minor and again plays C minor chord tones with added 2nd. He avoids the 6th interval but you can throw it in for a color. This section is in minor vibe, so minor 6th would work. Also if you are insecure, just play G note, which is common to both E minor and C minor. There are a lot of ways to look at those two chords, you can also play G major pentatonic over E minor and G minor pentatonic over C minor... at the end it is important to see the both chords in all 5 positions, triads will also help in stringsets. Then you add some extra spice :)

[@jamesdniederstadt5861]

WOW you guys ROCK Beautiful.

[@thomasandersson9605]

I've been thinking of buying a PRS but after watching this I think I stay away from PRS.

[@msspi764]

This was a cool lesson/listening exercise. Thanks Sweetwater. Now I have to find all the Ds and ds on my guitar.

[@graeme1744]

Tim is a humble legend. Paul is Paul.

[@bentpolski]

MY Good Lord Tim's Guitar sounds unbelievable.

[@sleeplessingc]

tim is amazing.

[@duckydrummer6331]

Tim has played with sooo many artists. That rhythm guitar on the beginning of Black or White by Michael Jackson is Tim. Guitar on Jesse’s Girl by Rick Springfield is Tim. Runaway by Jon Bon Jovi is Tim with other session musicians. Iris by Goo Goo Dolls is Tim. Just to name a few.

[@onehotrocker99]

Actually, one small correction. The RECORDED guitar solo on "Jessie's Girl" on Rick Springfield's album "Working Class Dog" was done by Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar's guitarist/husband. Tim Pierce went on tour with Springfield for two years and somehow got the false credit for playing the recorded guitar solo.

[@seanfitzpatrick7878]

I'm so excited to announce that I'll be attending a PRS Master class this summer (2019).

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

👍🏻

[@frankcorcoran9619]

great vid thank you

[@johnhrock1009]

Tim makes anybody sound good. Paul's jokes about bass players was a little bit much. I like Tim's approach to music.

[@martyrdanielson]

19:55 This should be the basis for an entire lesson. Learning the C chord five different ways was a breakthrough moment for me. Here, Tim plays C 10 or 11 different ways. Back to work!

[@JeighNeither]

I luckily found that lesson in one of the very first KZbin vids of his I found.

[@gergemall]

Love you Tim . Thanks for all you’ve taught me ❤☮️🎸🌶️🔥❤️👍💪🎸

[@Sumbibebe]

Hats off for Tim, the best a man can be! Paul only make me happier I bought a Music Man Cutlass. Sweetwater, please have a show with Tim doing it his way. It seemed like he was forced to play PRS equipment and it wasn’t impressive. I’m not saying that PRS isn’t great but Tim is a mega legend who was forced to do it Paul’s way. There is still lots of love for you, Paul but share the stage with reality and let the invited artist choose his weapons and you’ll be more appreciated. Tim, you are beyond fantastic!!

[@gschuell525]

I've seen some of Tim's tutorials, and he's playing a PRS in some. As for all the comments about tuning problems. Are you guys actually guitarists? Guitars go out of tune often, for a lot of reasons. Maybe the strings were new. Humidity, air conditioning or forced air heat blowing on them will change the tuning.

[@theHAL9000]

Found PRS's comments a bit disrespectful even if meant in jest, however I do love his guitars and have another on the way. Tim is amazing of course and I find I learn something every time I watch him play. One of guitar's great players and one of the great builders sharing the stage fantastic.

[@jonahguitarguy]

Tim is a genius.

[@BobbyTaylor-io1od]

two guitar legends, pretty cool

[@kosycat1]

It was in tune when i shipped it hahahah i lost it i knew he was gonna say something

[@caseybeeglecaseybeegle7476]

Thank you 🤯

[@plumbertothepeople]

good fun. I think it took a while for Tim to dial in the PRS guitar though i noted he turned it down to get it to sound right

[@lawrenceseguerra9660]

Paul should have talked about how his guitars compliment players instead. Tim is humble and very generous to share his knowledge as always. Thanks Tim!

[@scottpulver]

Tim is a kind man ons different level

[@marksc1929]

...PRS is so damn silly .....he's lucky Tim Pierce showed up.....

[@TheBladepolisher]

PRS is one of those threshold personalities where if you watch his facial expressions, you can prepare for a jump off in to deep space. He's kind of a Flakey Foont type personality whereby he randomly creates scenarios which cause a little bit of tension and he reacts to how others survive his scenarios. This comes about from sniffing too much exotic wood sawdust. Tim was completely the cool dude he is all the time. Besides his guitar skills, I'm sure his great chill dude presence has gotten him a lot of work.

[@John_F898]

It’s amazing you wrote such a long comment about your dislike of PRS.

[@chingasofarkaso]

Love Paul, but if he answers another god damned question with "Yes and No and Yes but sometimes No but maybe Yes and No and Perhaps" I'm driving out to Maryland.

[@congorianso]

Great session but there must be a serious problem with PRS Guitar's tuning system

[@torchandhammer]

Wow, I used to just play over the chords. Now I can play through changes.

[@neilgroves1690]

What guitar is Tim playing here?..... Sounds awesome for blues...

[@ShredShed]

i bet tim pierce is the coolest grandpa in the world...

[@Guitarplayer724]

God, this was extremely painful to watch. I know nothing about Paul Reed Smith or his guitars, but I've watched and learned a TON from Tim Pierce. Tim is a master and a class act.

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

Dudes, these guys are a pleasure to watch. "It was in tune as I shipped it to you..." "I was trying to make a joke as well..." ❤

[@IZZY_EDIBLE]

I love Tim, and found this video fascinating. My band is currently recording an album, and Paul, I gotta tell ya: I love and use my Les Pauls and Stratocasters, but my bitchin' blue, 35th Anniversary PRS Custom SE 24-8 did most of the heavy lifting. Good God, my songs sound BIG. ✌️

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

The best ayers ways use appeggios like Tim says, it's really spells out what's being sued but makes the solo so much more melodic.

[@ApolloSol]

Where can I get those backing tracks from the beginning?

[@gben2457]

Great video, reminds me of how Mark Knoffler approaches solos.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

👍🏻

[@gauthiergareau]

This is the industry of service and a perfect example of 'How to deal with unconventional behaviors' ;-)

[@Adipsia1]

As in... never book Paul Reed Smith again ?

[@quintas66]

Have you seen his TED talk? It's got to be the worst one.

[@henrybrice01]

What model guitar is Tim playing here?

[@uncleremus5046]

Who the hell is Paul to give clinics? Pierce musta been forced into this. You can tell he’s embarrassed.

[@John_F898]

What???

[@allthingsbigandsmall]

Honestly... Guitar manufacturer, storyteller, comedian, teacher, motivational speaker - just a renaissance man

[@mojomania101]

Like the man so are the guitars. 😎

[@Britmysta]

Damn, Tim is just so pleasant and talented. I'm sure Paul meant well, lol. Sounds like he was trying to find his own way to also express that simple is best? But he did also manage to come of as a little bit condescending and brash. Wasn't completely awful, but I couldn't help but feel a little anxious whenever P was about to talk.

[@davidfriesen7748]

Paul . Tim , Thanks

[@cyril8988]

So where can we get those beautyful backingtracks ?

[@IvorThomas]

What model is that PAF packin' goldtop that Tim is playing?

[@Maxtodon]

Ivor Thomas PRS McCarty 594 Singlecut Soapbar. The pickups are p90 style, not PAF humbucker style

[@frantisca]

One really knows how to play, another one to make a buck (and occasionally good guitars). I don't know to make one nor the other: I'm just a gipsy soul who plays instinctively by ear and recognize some of the tricks I use without being able to put a name on them like Tim Pierce did. Respect to both guys for their accomplishments, one being less modest than the other… I assume you know who I am referring to ? 😉

[@tjdonaldson6923]

That was a very polite way of explaining your frustrations with the video. I think Paul R Smith himself read your comment and think to himself " ya, Tim was very prideful and annoying...good thing I was there to teach something useful to the audience" lol very politicaly correct comment. Well done 👍

[@felixayala05]

Life changing advice from Tim here. Paul must be in the spectrum or something along those lines.

[@bryanp8010]

I’ve been playing 25-30 years now and still can’t do this. I’m a good player but I’m very structured; I need to go in with a plan. I can improve but by feel. These guys know the rules of what is supposed to be next. I didn’t have the luxury of someone teaching me. I had to work all summer to buy my guitar and noodle around until music came out.

[@npthedarkside27]

Holy shit, I have never seen a PRS go out of tune like this. Legitimately pulled mine out of the box and probably didn't have to tune it for a week of hard play, and it's an SE. I really want that guitar to go to a tech and see what is up. Also, I love Paul but whoo boy he really gets lost in front of a live audience. I'm glad Tim is there to be a ground, and also to just be amazing.

[@rveurope]

Got a brand new 594. MCCARTHY sc..the volume pot crackles and makes queeking noise..is that we''ve done our job?

[@carter_saunders]

FYI thats an amp putting DC on your volume pot, unrelated to the guitar lol.

[@rveurope]

Carter Saunders cool, all my amps put Dc on me since yesterday, all the other 25 axes don't realize it they sre Ac Dc axes..and the second pit is resistant to it right? you are a tech right?

[@rveurope]

Carter check the other Vdo..we Does on guitars..var. Guitars and ver amps...may be you have an idea which DC filter I can use for a McCarthy 594 SC.. Volume pot..would be great if you had an idea..thanks for your analysis

[@richardmenier3635]

"I'll take this one home and fix it..."

[@ProgziIIa]

14 minutes in ...I can't take any more ...I'm off to put my face in a pan of boiling water!! Next time just have Tim!

[@nervotica7991]

I lasted 30 minutes...

[@FrictionlessDan]

18:28 can someone explain to me what a C7 scale is? I get what a Pentatonic, major, minor, Dorian, mixolydian, but maybe I’m not familiar with the term C7 scale.

[@sweetwater]

Hi Leppy. My guess is that it's a C Mixolydian scale (all white keys except for Bb). Thanks for watching!

[@FrictionlessDan]

Now you're speaking my language. Thanks

[@ronaldcaraway8184]

WOW!!!!!

[@jamiecook4909]

Anybody know who the guy is with Tim Pierce?