The Problem With Online Guitar Lessons -And the Easy Solution (A Vlog)

Online guitar tutorials are all over the internet and KZbin specifically. Names like Rick Beato and Marty Music are now household names within guitar circles. Online guitar lessons are a fantastic way to learn the instrument and can help to cut down on the difficulties of playing guitar and shorten the learning curve. But we should be aware of the fact that there can be mistakes and that we should never forgo relying on ourselves to make sure that what we are learning is indeed correct. There are often many ways to play the same thing on the guitar and sometimes there are gray areas or just flat out wrong information. I myself have recently made a mistakes in an online tutorial and so I decided to make this vlog to talk about it and what I have learned from it. All in all the KZbin community of guitar instructors is amazing group of talented people and we are all the better because of them. I hope you enjoy this vlog and it helps you on your journey as a guitar player.
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[@xanghost2659]

First time watching your stuff tonight, I really dig the "5 Songs From the 90s That You MUST LEARN To Play" good handful of tunes, had to subscribe. Then I was led to this one and had to laugh because I just got back home from taking the kids bass fishing myself! Minnesota style. Keep the content rolling man

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for subscribing and welcome! Haha yeah man fishing is my other passion. Especially fly fishing for trout upstate in NY. But love bass too! Even when they are making me look foolish lol

[@robertgrimsted877]

Love the vid frank we will never be perfect just play your own way there’s loads of teachers out there on u tube showing different ways to play guitar songs no one is ever going to be perfect you’re a good singer and guitarist you seem like a great bloke

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment. I appreciate the kind words

[@warwalker4828]

Liked for the zoom artificial. Good advice in this video too. Remember though, Frank, there's a reason that they call it "fishing" and not "catching".

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks! Lol yeah it was definitely “fishing” on that day

[@markmalanaphy3374]

Well it happens.. but that makes players all different. I do follow Paul David’s also and say that video of how Paul Simon contracted him also. But Hell, what a great honor to have such a great icon tell you you’re playing it wrong. Not to mention Simon is the original writer of the song. Keep up the great work and I’ll catch ya on your next video 😎🎸

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the kind words. Man if paul Simon contacted me I would prob pee in my pants lol. 😂

[@CozBoogie]

Love the content and conversation today. My solo and group playing has always been about, "make the song your own". We don't want to make an exact copy of a song, but "make it ours". Have fun, bring the energy and joy to your listeners and the rest will take care of itself. Cheers from the PNW!

[@FrankPersico]

Hi there thanks for commenting. I agree. Thats pretty much what I do at the live gigs. Cheers

[@Dr.Pepperdave]

You are a fine teacher, keep up the good work!

[@FrankPersico]

Much appreciated

[@ghijkmnop]

Back in the day (I'm old), It was 1. Listen to the record, and 2. Find sheet music or a songbook and compare. Nowadays, it's 1. Open Ultimate Guitar, 2. Pick the chord list that has the highest number of stars, 3. Find the song on KZbin and compare. 4. Leave a note at the bottom of the UG page pointing out the glaring errors (not the nitpicks). This took me forever to learn (like decades), and I have been far more relaxed since: When you're playing covers-- if you're close, pretty much nobody in the audience cares.

[@FrankPersico]

Very well put. Thanks for sharing your process. That “old school” process had no doubt built you a great foundation.

[@briang768]

When I was in college at the University of Illinois in the early 80s, one of my professors was neighbors with Adrian Belew of King Crimson and Talking Heads. At this party Adrian had an acoustic guitar and was leading a sing along. Me being a 19 or 20 year old punk had to point out to him that he played “A Hard Day’s Night” and “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” incorrectly by playing a barred F major instead of an F add9 chord. You’re right about learning it off the record although that has perils. I thought something was wrong with my first acoustic when I was learning “You’ve Got to Hide . . .” I swapped strings etc. it wasn’t until an older friend of mine told me the record was slightly flat. I really enjoy your content and it’s good to see how you channel has grown the past year. Best,

[@FrankPersico]

Great post I appreciate it. I totally can relate. I once had a guy at a gig tell me I was playing blackbird wrong because I was using my 2nd finger on my right hand (my first finger was sprained at the time). I handed him the guitar and said here show me the right way. He proceeded to play it horribly with bad tone, poor dynamics and no timing with the “correct” finger. I thanked him for showing me the correct way and kept it moving :)

[@jonmoore6184]

I remember doing a solo gig one time and after my set a guy told me that I was playing a song wrong. My response was “SO?” I said the fact that he knew what song it was to know I’m playing it wrong tells me my job is done. Love your channel Frank!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks Jon I appreciate the comment.

[@tjzini]

I had a guy tell me that using a capo was "cheating". I told him to go watch Bob Dylan play the song, he uses a capo just like I just did!!! LOL....

[@danpost4755]

Great video, Frank. As a music instructor teaching guitar, bass, and uke, mostly, over the years I have found many mistakes in books, video/internet lessons, and from other instructors. It happens. I have made mistakes myself. We are all human. I teach all my students to trust their own ears. Any troubador that goes fishing is a good guy in my book. Lol. Keep the great content coming!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for commenting. Lol yes a fishing troubadour. My instagram is all fish pics and gig announcements 😂

[@rguidryrd]

Was inspired to learn Sweet Caroline from your vid. I dove into it and saw the C6. Played it at an open mic/jam today and it went over great! Thanks for your vid, I never would have considered this song otherwise.

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure. Funny just today at a gig 3 young lady’s who couldn’t have been more than 25 asked me to play it at a gig today. That song never dies lol

[@stevewhittaker2930]

Solid advice, thanks Frank 😊

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure!

[@chadwickpainter8212]

Well done. Very wise words you said. "Always go back to the record." Excellent advice.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for watching!

[@macstil585]

Love your way Frank ...fishing soothes the soul🙏🙏🙏🎵🎵🎵

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks and that it does. Even when it frustrates the heck outta me!

[@MrJduncan73]

The whole time, I am like cast to the tree overhang 😂 I also love bass fishing and guitar. All great points. I typically learn versions of songs based on my current skill level. I know they aren't 100% accurate at the time, but it is fun and usually good enough for someone to recognize. The important thing is later I will progress. I typically research all versions of a song I want to play on KZbin, Ultimate Guitar, and studio recordings, and I take bits and pieces. I recently went down the “Ventura Road” rabbit hole. I worked the lick, the two chords, and the catchy strumming rhythm. Currently its good enough for couch jamming. For my learning style the best learning videos play through demonstration the entire song either at the beginning or end of the lesson. This allows me to play along. I like the approach of Guitar Zero to Hero KZbin Channel. Appreciate your videos!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much. And this is very good. You can always go and revisit later on to add other elements and nuances … I’ve done that over the course of my playing and still do. It never stops. That’s the beauty of this .. you never are gonna master it all. Kinda like fishing:)

[@grene1955]

Drifting from the original is NOT a bad thing! I've been playing out for over 50 years, and over time you should make it your own. If it works for you and it sounds good, it's not a mistake!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing. I agree.

[@toddbigeasy]

Kinda like the "wrong" chord inversions of blackbird?❤

[@FrankPersico]

@@toddbigeasy kinda... but blackbird when you are dealing pretty much with a 2 note chord during the voice movements that bass note (in this case that chromatic line) is a big part of the song imho. unless you were re-interpreting the song with a diff approach. in martys case he was playing it in the same "style" but with the wrong bassline. thanks for commenting

[@toddbigeasy]

@@FrankPersico interesting, I will have to go check out Marty's version to see which one I'm actually using. I'm not sure if I'm 'right' or 'wrong'. ha. Thanks.

[@JosepTralleroCasanas-es1fw]

Brillant, thanks!!

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure

[@seanswart962]

I learned to play about 10 years ago and learned everything from KZbin. I found I have to look at multiple “lessons” from multiple channels and distill everything down into something I think sounds right, and within my skill set. I treat it as playing a cover version so I don’t feel bad for not getting it note for note. Same way I don’t chase a specific player’s tone or change effects etc to see how I would’ve played it. Somehow I always like my version better than the original recording

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jonwilson2204]

I think Marty would be the first to acknowledge he isn’t trying to teach students “per the record”

[@FrankPersico]

Agreed 👍

[@NDFlyFisher]

You’re making a mistake in your fishing technique. Probably from watching too many bass fishing lessons on KZbin 😂 Sorry, couldn’t resist. A couple serious thoughts/questions based on the video. First, where does one go to find the correct version? Are there websites with the tabs and chords you recommend? Second, my curse is being a perfectionist. I struggle with getting to sounding exactly like the record when often “close enough is good enough.” Or as Count Basie was rumored to have said, “If it sounds good. It is good.” Because I’m old and my hearing isn’t as good as it was years ago, listening to a record often leads to missing some things. Which is why a reputable source for the written chords, etc would be helpful. Good video. Thanks for making it and better luck with the catching bass part of fishing on your next outing.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much and thanks for commenting. I’m more of a trout guy and fly fisherman actually lol. Check out my instagram and you will see what I mean. As for being a perfectionist that can be destructive so keep it in check. Always strive to make it more perfect but don’t let it stop you from the enjoyment of playing it the best it can be at that moment. All the best to you

[@mikew42906]

Only other players notice "shall we say variations" from the record, the average audience don't notice anything different. The accuracy and quality of lessons on KZbin vary tremendously, you have to be selective and choose the best. At the moment I'm working my way through your lesson on Ventura Highway which IMO is the best on the Tube. Yes even Marty, Justin, Angela P, Jerry's Guitar and the list goes on have "variations" from note for note interpretations.

[@FrankPersico]

You are right about the audience not knowing. Audiences in my experience mostly care about how authentic your delivery is. In other words are you coming from a place of honesty in your delivery? Good luck with V Hwy. let me know how you do with it!

[@MisterNewman]

Thanks Frank. As always, great content. I remember when Paul Davids released his video about hearing from Paul Simon. Good stuff. Weird question: were you at the Barryville Farmers Market on July 13th? I was performing there and I swear I saw you in the audience. Wearing that very same fishing hat.

[@FrankPersico]

Hey there and thanks for commenting. No that wasn’t me I must have a twin!! Lol

[@MisterNewman]

@@FrankPersico Lol. Oh well. Still made me want to play better. 🙂

[@albertolopez8859]

other cords my be another version ich come from classic Music ...Bach ,Mozart ...there you need a exact timing most online -teachers dont have any idea of timing thats often the problem for me ...often not in strumming ...or how many times to strum one tone I am a beginner on Gitarre ..but i often hear that error also Marty doesnt teach the timing so i have to look for other teachers if they teach it right ...sorry for my bad english ..iam german Greatings from Colombia

[@FrankPersico]

Some online teachers especially the young ones I find don’t have feel or tone that sets them apart from one another .. they play correct but it’s almost as if they have played in their lives only for KZbin content creation. Maybe I’m just old lol

[@markmalanaphy3374]

Just like the comments. I spelled “Saw” wrong. 😅

[@FrankPersico]

Hahah all good

[@kerryfromaj9032]

We started a band. I have a Bluetooth dedicated streaming amp with the original songs we are playing to. With Moises app I can boost the percussion and lower the bass and guitar, we leave a bit of vocal to follow. I would say it doesn’t get more accurate than that. Well all three or four of us can’t agree on how it’s played. Me being less experienced play as close to what we are learning. The others tend to play what they hear in their head and things get unraveled pretty quick with timing, notes, chords and lyrics all over the place. So at what point are we covering a song, mimicking a song, playing Karaoke or just making messy inaccurate stuff up? I am a captain and Maritime Law is often left up to interpretation in a court of law, so then what law is there? Music from what I am realizing is the same, interpretation…

[@FrankPersico]

I like that/.. “interpretation” and it’s interesting how we can all hear a record slightly diff too. There are all kinds of ghost sounds in a record too. As the overtones of all the elements in a record mix it can sometimes be extremely hard if not impossible in certain instances to know exactly what is going on.

[@toddbigeasy]

And was martys wrong blackbird chord inversion wrong because its not like the way Paul plays it?

[@FrankPersico]

Yes … it wasn’t I correct harmonically speaking. But it was voiced wrong

[@user-yb3hq7qt1s]

I am just learning the guitar again after 45 years and had a very good zoom conversation with another KZbinr ( Silly Moustache) who I follow. One of the things he said to me about playing other peoples songs was to "make it my own". Meaning that the feel, the key and all the other variables are just that.. variable. Some of the best songs I have ever heard have been cover versions with differences. I am a great fan of Pink Floyd and heard an acoustic version of Money which was so different it took a while to recognize it, but it was brilliant. I still love the original but adaptations are valid and can increase the popularity of songs. Ass another example, I really do not like the music of the late 70s and 80s. Punk to me was just noise and I simply stopped listening. The same goes for today I won't listen to the recording from that period, but there are cover versions being put out today by artists who can play and sing who make the songs their own and produce really good music that is so different to the original. I know there is the whole intellectual property aspect to music and I would not wish to see the originators of songs being ripped off but adaptation is a good thing and broadens the exposure to a wider audience. The few songs I can play I play differently to the original, mainly because I am not talented enough to replicate the original but also because I want to make it my own. Being true to the original can be good but being creative can be better. Have you ever tried serenading the fish on to the hook🙂

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I agree with ya. There was a time a few years ago I was trying out a nice Gibson es 175 at the music store and I was playing a chord melody version of summertime . I remember someone came up and told me they loved it and I said apologetically “im kinda just playing it my own way” to which he replied “…”is there any other way?”… that stuck with me. And I would have serenaded the fish if only I could have caught one that day!! :)

[@yoursanta361]

I noticed A6 was played as a D and thought mmmm but don't let this stop you the intro is what I'm learning now thanks

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha yeha I messed up. Enjoy the video:)

[@tjzini]

OK, you gotta stop worrying so much. As a musician, you make assumptions about the crowd that you shouldn't. First off, most of them are not paying that close of attention unless you are just ripping something up or it's their favorite all time song. Even if they are, however, most people in the audience have a pretty low musical ear. I've been told over and over again how a certain song was the best they'd ever heard and I know I butchered a couple of parts because I lost my attention.(You ever do that? You're playing, you're on autopilot and you start listening to the song almost like a member of the crowd. All of sudden, what's the next word?, what's the next chord? I have no idea.) I(we) can hear a string out of tune, we noticed that we missed one or two of the strings of a chord or had a finger slip. Most of them can't. I used to run the talent show back when I taught. When the crowd started to clap along to a performer, it took about 30 seconds for the clapping in time to turn into applause because not only can't most people really hear music, they have no innate sense of time. I think this helps explain people like Taylor Swift and most modern "country" music. Not to step on Rick Beato's toes but also the music(?) on the top ten spotify list. If you're having fun, they'll be having fun. You just feed off of each other and everyone goes home with the warm and fuzzies.

[@FrankPersico]

You make a lot of really good points. Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@TheFeelButton]

The biggest problem I see with online guitar lessons is they create more online guitar teachers and very few quality live players. Cheers Frank!

[@FrankPersico]

Ahhhh… I have a whole spiel on this subject. I always say that KZbin is filled with young guitar creators who play well but can’t play… if that makes any sense …

[@TheFeelButton]

Makes total sense@@FrankPersico .

[@ben-jammin2284]

It doesn’t have to be perfect to be music 🎶

[@FrankPersico]

Agreed 👍

[@martintimothy1915]

The way some of the guitar teachers grub for money brings me down, like you might hear a particularly appealing riff then you find you can get the tab for 3 bux, I am not gonna pander to the ego of showboaters at any time while many other great players have their tabs for free download, they are the ones I like .. other than that good fishin' :)

[@FrankPersico]

I totally understand where you are coming from.

[@howardowens721]

Vinyl isn’t amber. Songs aren’t fixed artifacts. I do songs the way I want to play them.

[@FrankPersico]

👍👍

[@FASFatherandSon]

I've been playing so many songs wrong for so long that it will take me years to correct. Lmao

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha I feel you

[@jameswilliford5478]

Even the artists that write and perform the songs don't always play them the same every time from what I've seen and heard.

[@FrankPersico]

Very true.

[@fender4brad]

Lazy, I’m lazy, only bites when you play in front of people who don’t allow you to play a song different from the recording. To be fair, my attention span is rather short as well. I just saw Coheed and Cambria, I play their stuff wrong, but also realized they don’t always play everything like the recording either.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing. I can relate

[@albatros1752]

Loke, BUT ... i take on line lessons just as the guidance, suggestion, I got my limitations . SO i think that lyric are idea , toughs those ,, should" be folowed more or less closely , but music , music is jazz ...... so lets rip-it

[@FrankPersico]

Great commentary :) thanks for sharing

[@infjay8700]

I play the right notes but not necessarily in the right order...😂😂

[@FrankPersico]

lol that’s great!

[@sharonthompson7855]

See Fingerfix guitar

[@FrankPersico]

👍