The WORST thing to happen to the guitar? | Friday Fretworks

[@chuckfarley7642]

“Guy with a guitar” channels are a dime a dozen. Your channel is special because you are a touring musician and extremely talented. Keep making them when you have time but we certainly understand when you don’t.

[@judih.8754]

Chris, I for one and I'm sure many others watching greatly appreciate that you take the time to craft these videos and put so much of yourself into them besides all the other activities you partake, not to mention that you have a family to care for! I'm amazed you find the time in the day for it all. Your wife must be saint! Being an actively touring musicisn is not for the faint of heart. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting it all out there, perfect or not. You show the humanity that is live music. Cheers!

[@gwambac]

Chris , I found you and your Band through social media. And have had the privilege of seeing the band live and talking to you and other members of the band in Brighton , An amazing night. Thank you. Dont stop touring and producing great music. Live is the best way and always will be.

[@robertlewis8024]

It's such a gift that you share not just your playing, but your experience and hard-won wisdom with us. Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Merry Christmas Chris. Also to your Family, Band, and Crew. Can’t wait to see you in the States.

[@renescherer631]

For what it's worth, I am a fan of your KZbin channel, have found a deep connection with one of your songs during a tough time, learned about Cardinal Black, bought the album and will be attending a show in February. If you hadn't started your channel, undoubtedly all that would not have happend or would.

[@manuduran6822]

I remembered an interview with Jimy Page... He said that he didn't care about the imperfections that he knew his live solos had; what was important was the heart and soul you put into it.... That's music, not robotic perfection. Nor should it be a race between pyrotechnic guitarists or interpreters. Music, which is the ultimate goal, is what generates feelings in the listener. If you get it, it's already done. And who better to show than Nick Cave, who has everything except an orthodox and perfect musical technique - for the good of him and the music...

[@irubberyouglueonethousand5384]

tell that to social media 😂😂😂

[@ilmisxx2]

That's just a load of bs. A professional musican has to be a professional at his/her instrument and all the "technique doesn't matter, soul matters" crap is just the words of someone who is too lazy to practice and work on their craft. If a plumber comes and does a shitty job and tells you that he put all his soul in it, would you hire him again? Of course there is a place in music for intentional imperfections to provoke some feeling in a listener but that has to be intentional, if a guitarist can only play sloppy and out of time and he justifies it with "soul" he just plain sucks. Simple as that

[@manuduran6822]

I think Jimmy Page was not a lazy... or say bs (do yo agree?), and you can find "no voluntary imperfections" in his play; like many others famous players when you see in live performances... Really you can find in a lot of famous guitar players from 70s. Of course, no one is speaking about play out of time and this kind of mistakes... There was a time when the most important not was how fast or virtuoso you can be. This is. And please let's respect to the others. There is not bs, there is opinions... Social media... Indeed... @@ilmisxx2

[@stanphillips7277]

There's nothing lazy about Jimmy Page. He is one of the greatest guitarists ever to play the instrument. It's not a fluke that Zeppelin dominated the 70s like no other band , and The Yardbirds before that were great because Page practiced from his adolescence and was highly sought after. Jimmy's written so many groundbreaking guitar pieces that it's impossible to deny his greatness. Do you think if in a flourish of notes that have a great visceral effect but each note isn't technically perfect something is wrong? The job of music is to make you feel something, that's why we listen and that's why we play. Using that criteria he did his job perfectly. If you think otherwise then you're listening to music for all the wrong reasons. I remember Buddy Guy once saying he'd auditioned a guy and could tell he was well practiced and hit all the right notes , extremely familiar with his instrument. Perfect timing, everything except when he played he couldn't _feel_ anything. If you want technical precision over feeling. Guitar playing isn't a contest to see who can play the fastest without making a mistake. It's meant to create emotion in the listener. To say Chris and Page are wrong is the real bs.

[@stanphillips7277]

​@@manuduran6822Absolutely right! Music; guitar playing in particular is meant to generate a visceral response. If you play with feeling at the level of Jimmy Page (one of the greatest guitarists ever in my opinion) you've done your job _perfetly_ . That's what music is about. Take Neal Peart of Rush. He wrote the percussion to songs that even he had difficulty with the filll and because of his style nobody noticed but him if he happened to miss a bit. Does that take away from him being one of the greatest drummers of all time? Of course not. The only bs is that playing with feel or soul isn't the only reason we love music to begin with. Love you're comment and so would almost everyone who's hesrd Jimmy Page play. Always some contentious commentor. ✌️🎸🎶🙏

[@OccamsEraserhead]

What makes Chris unique is that he's incredibly articulate on guitar *and* as a speaker.

[@jeremythornton433]

Whatever you do, is up to you. But please, don't burn out and please keep playing your beautiful music! You're honesty and integrity are real and heart felt.

[@reijerlincoln]

'Play it like you mean it'. Best advice I ever got.

[@edmallon2851]

well said Chris, Merry Christmas to you and yours and all the members of Cardinal Black

[@rcolang1]

Chris, admire your playing, feel, etc....buit that you brought an academic work to the channel to analyze speaks to what I believe is your real asset...you are smart and very articulate! Thank you, Merry Christmas!

[@Gerry-p1u]

totally agree. Chris is very articulate, and not too surprised that a real piece of research is discussed. The joy of Chris’s playing is the melody and dynamic that he incorporates into his playing. A joyous Christmas and a peaceful new year.

[@jplater9191]

I am so happy to be an amateur who just loves making music and listening to others in my band. No pressure to get into anything that might be expected by “fans”. Listening to you playing this great solo was a joy! Have a great 2024!

[@jakubpodesva9802]

Goooosebumps all over my body during the second part of first solo - such and incredible playing... Thank you and all the best for 2024!!!

[@mgynther]

For anyone feeling the pressure to be perfect I'd recommend simply posting a lot. It certainly worked for me. Firstly one probably grows tired of minding the smallest mistakes and it definitely happened to me after a few hundred videos. Secondly playing full takes without editing is great practice of handling the pressure of being filmed and recorded.

[@ryanlinfoot]

Authenticity is absolutely apparent in everything you do online and on stage Chris, it’s the thing I value most highly in a musician. Thanks and all the best for 2024 👍🎸💥👍

[@drayve8590]

NEW CHRIS BUCK VIDEO!! Yes!

[@hangtite87]

Such a sweet guy. Thanks for taking the time to show us your talents. Merry Christmas!

[@brandoh1717]

What makes a player truly remarkable is one who blends technicality with soul/feel/emotion. And it is hard to find that perfect balance

[@tejeguitar]

Could not agree more with those insights and your thoughts on the matter. Take care Chris, much love!

[@nmf.official]

Spot on. I just wanted to make songs people might like and possibly connect with as I have so many in my life. Now I'm wearing sooo many hats and trying to keep my balance with everyday life

[@neilgaydon5430]

Appreciate all you do and how your playing makes me feel. Have a Happy Christmas and New Year and perhaps take a social media break. It’s as important to get away from it all to stay creative

[@tallpaul1020]

Please come to the States!!!! Robins theatre will have you hands down. You're an incredible player and need to be seen in the states with your awesome band. Come on over!!!!!! Warren Ohio youll .love it!¡!!

[@randyherbrechtsmeier4796]

Chris, I put the Guitar down from time to time. Watching you always Inspire me. I just turned 65.. Your Music Touches my Soul. You are Beautiful Player. Merry Christmas

[@snapfinger1]

The faster & more technically perfect for it’s own sake, the colder & soulless it sounds. Perfect timing to a click track doesn’t breathe either.

[@grene1955]

You give me hope that music and musicians will carry on in this unforgiving digital age... thanks for all that you do! Keep on rocking!

[@mikevolante307]

Thank you Chris seeing you play makes me want to be a better guitar player !!!!!

[@noahtenshen]

I concur with the change that happens when you hit record--for me it is palpable. Trying to stay out of your head and just do what you do--and I have to say that what you do is masterful!

[@minkorrh]

As soon as I hit that record button, all the goodness that was there previously goes out the window. I become afraid to 'stretch' and 'go for it' as I want it to be perfect. It's a hard hurdle to get over, even in the bedroom with no one watching, yet I can play in front of good friends and have a blast. I dunno.....

[@sjazzp]

Well said, that’s the story of contemporary musicians, it’s hard work but rewarding. Mary Spender had mentioned these topics as well. I wish I could see a collaboration between you two some day. Merry Christmas and a great 2024 to you, your family and the band!

[@richardpenhardt6100]

intelligently thoughtful publish and an great solo at the mid. thank you for both ...

[@mb3799]

Over the past few years, I've become such a dedicated fan that you could just chuck a solo up on YT and the commentary be little more than "Hello mates" and I would be thrilled.

[@robertmarshall2394]

Merry Christmas Chris. Cracking video as always. Keep doing what you love!

[@rudispruell883]

Another fine one, Chris! The "bookends", as always, are stunning. Especially the outdoors on the Flying Vee! Cheers!

[@diydad7704]

"You can't be too well versed in your profession." made my day. Universally true and pure gold!

[@scotspan]

Merry Christmas. Keep up the good work.

[@Robert32064]

Merry Christmas, Chris.

[@NickBrok]

You're a very thoughtful and wise young man, Mr Buck. That was an excellent video. Thank you.

[@user-og782]

Thanks for existing Chris, best wishes for these holidays and greetings from Palermo, Sicily. ❤ a hug.

[@bobdekett]

...one of your best videos for the working musician - well done and thank you :)

[@richardelg4412]

You are absolutely the best and my favorite guitar player/virtuoso on U tube. Thank you. Great insight.🤙

[@usagi2988]

@10:48 Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco) says that one of the most important responsibilities we have is to protect our creative interests, which sometimes means making decision that aren't the most financially optimal (his example is that they are never on tour for more than two or three weeks at a time... it's a huge financial burden to keep "restarting" a tour, but it helps them to not get burned out).

[@zeroamplification]

Oof that '58 V is just right 🔥

[@TheHandyroo]

Brilliant and super intelligent as always Chris

[@j.t.2722]

I for one am drawn to his character and his unique style. I have watched a number of his videos and he is very real. As the old saying goes what you see is what you get. Keep on rocking.

[@iDominic42]

One of the best videos I've ever seen describing the quandaries, problems, pressure and ... et al? of having a Social Media / Youtiube presence as a musician / guitarist / band and, as usual, superb guitar soloing / playing.

[@pierheadjump]

⚓️ Thanks Chris 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@willgoodfellow3144]

Happy Christmas mate. Looking forward to catching up in 2024.

[@rabbitinnh]

You were on fire for that one. Chris.

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

Gorgeous solo. One of your best, and that's saying a lot!

[@billwittman0504]

"Where it's live and it's real and it's not perfect and doesn't have to be, if anything it's more entertaining when it's not"! That statement will be my manta from now on, so very true. Thank you, Cheers!

[@timhall7771]

Saw Cardinal Black in Camden the other week entirely because of this channel... loved the show (and continue to love the channel)!

[@tunnel7]

Chris is just Brilliant

[@daviddalziel884]

After the disaster of funding for the Buck and Evans album it would have been easy for Chris to retreat into tuition and media duties . Glad he didn’t as the last Cardinal Black gig in Glasgow was great and looking forward to seeing them next year .

[@InsolentMusicalPeasant]

Merry Christmas, Chris. Thank you for another year of inspiring me to be a better guitar player. Here's hoping you have a new year full of success and happiness. Cheers.

[@petergoddard1960]

God bless you, Chris. As absolutely genuine as ever. Wishing you and the family a wonderful Christmas. Love and peace, Peter 💚

[@markharris2562]

Thank you for everything you do.

[@jimcahill3476]

Great discussion... keeping it real is the best! Love your band.

[@hillbrookguitarstudio4070]

Great video Chris, as always. I found you through social media and came to see you at KK Steel mill in Wolverhampton. That show blew me away, you were all on fire. I wish you and your family and all the band a very merry Christmas and a great 2024. Looking forward to hearing the next album and catching you live again.

[@ReyFromCursedBuilds]

Two vids in one week? Here for it

[@ToddTheJoker]

I totally agree about the pressure to create content every day and for a while it was hard to come up with new music everyday. Now I post(0n YT or mainly IG) when I have the best music that I can create and I feel better about it and I guess you have to have some faith that your subscribers will stay with you! If your content is good enough, they should anyway! Thank Chris!

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

I was paralyzed from the shoulders down in 1992, tool me 9 years to play guitar again. I am FAR from a virtuoso, and that's FINE with me. My playing is not perfect, but it's full of feeling. And it sounds like me, not someone else. Maybe it's because I came out of punk and NYC's No Wave movement, but this roughness is all good enough for me, as long as I'm being authentic. I am playing and singing like I mean it, because I do. And I'm writing songs that have real emotions, real ideas, and real feelings. Meaning it is what matters. There's room for virtuosos who sweep pick to heaven, and there's room for guys thrashing away on a tele like Joe Strummer. It's all beautiful.

[@jasondorsey7110]

Impact>complexity

[@joecox8909]

Thank you so much for all of this eye opening info and your clarity ! It would be great to see your YT recording set up!

[@TheHolyGhost-0000]

Chris. Love your videos. I would love an episode about Selmer amplifiers.

[@leemerrell4923]

Seasons Greetings to you and your loved ones!🤓

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I prefer live performances only. Music must breathe and flow, that only comes from live playing. I don’t seek to hear perfection, I want to hear what the musicians are trying to tell me and how the music makes me feel.

[@HeathFoley]

Some sage advice Chris, thank you and Merry Christmas from New Brunswick Canada. Cheers!

[@lou.yorke.x]

Little mistakes, as long as they're not too bad or too dissonant, are actually quite charming and lovely. also: That V is flying!! Nice piloting! Great outro solo 💯% awesome.

[@damonsdeliberatedetour492]

Thanks for the Vid and Happy Holidays!!!

[@ukphonebook]

Thanks Chris. Easy for us old guys to not appreciate the pressures younger musicians like yourself face.

[@Glensully]

I enjoy and believe we all do, watching a performer do little screw ups, it really helps us beginners enjoy the guitar and how it’s within reach.

[@CFHorne]

Chris, I very much appreciate your Friday videos. In many respects today’s video - with a different topic than typical - is one of the most interesting. It provides great insight.

[@rootmanpoet]

The best of all that is for us, the ones who follow you, that it brings out a pure form of integrity, which would be impossible, by having a big machinery behind you. As ever, all the best...

[@TheGilmourJones]

Meanwhile I sit around and post obviously live 6 minute fully improv solos and nobody really notices. Soul just doesn’t seem to matter anymore, the beauty of the soul is in the imperfections. ❤. Love your playing Chris, don’t back down.

[@mooseymoose]

This is why I like musical feeling and energy from bands above technical chops. Can’t think of many great songs full of hemidemisemiquavers, personally.

[@7otallyNotSC]

YOU KNOW YOURE RIGHT BACKING TRACK!!

[@alexmarnoch870]

Very very well said. Your self awareness is so refreshing.

[@riffcodger]

Thanks Buckmaster. I feel so much better now putting out my absolutely shite and massively imperfect videos which are definitely not fake😂 Nadolig Llawen and please continue being the brilliant flagship guitar man of Wales.

[@jr0706]

I upload stuff that is almost always graced with mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes work, usually they don't. I drive myself nuts with "red light sydrome," often doing many multiple takes until I either get close enough, or stumble into a decent performance. That is a result of the baggage that comes with social media; we always want to put the best foot forward. The best angle, the best filter, the best aphorism, or the best take in the case of the guitar.

[@chokysenge]

Amazing solos in this chapter!!

[@moutonrothschild5729]

Love you Chris. Merry Xmas and - as Gorkys once said - Iechyd da!

[@timchalmers1700]

Well said ! Love the photo of toddler Chris with a huge guitar.

[@jean-philippemorin1176]

Those first and last jam were awesome.

[@StephenLewisful]

Tom is diggin this solo. Me too, it's just fun to watch.

[@leaharrington4472]

Agree. I used to make videos of original songs, with split screen video of the keeper takes. Start to finish it was a grueling project, coming up with new camera angles, playing drums, bass, guitar, keys, singing, recording, editing, mixing, mastering, then time-aligning the video and... to make it doable, I set time limits and left in mistakes. I was extremely proud of what I did. Joe Random Troll from a no-content channel would tell me to take lessons and learn theory and practice (the best was the comments where they were "schooling" me with legit bad advice)... the point wasn't the perfect playing, the point was to capture a song and a vibe and make something I found interesting and fun. The social media aspect took the fun out of it. I also couldn't keep an algorithm-pleasing schedule with a day job and kids and real life. So I don't have that old channel anymore, and I play live. And I'm much happier for it.

[@JJOhns-fy4tl]

Chris, thank you for your view on both sides of the coin. All I can say is, if it wasn't about the algorithms, I could cope with a friday without Fretworks now and then, because i'm selfish: I want you to enjoy the things you love. Your music, your family. I think that grants me more quality content done by a man who loves his work. You KZbin Musicians have decided to go this entrepeneur way instead of hoping to get signed someday, you did that to remain your freedom to do what you want. Celebrate that freedom then and when. And if the algorithms push you down, it is at us to push you up again. Merry Christmas!

[@hello.i.t]

I believe any approach at making music is valid, there are no rules, nor there should be.

[@drayve8590]

Hey Chris, what’s that emblem that’s on your shirt here?? 12:07

[@derekclacton]

11:15 How true. The pursuit of perfection will lead you down a rabbit hole … Cream’s “I Feel Free” is a classic song, with a great solo - Clapton didn’t quite make it to the top of the final bend and apparently he wanted to redo it because it wasn’t perfect: arguably, it was.

[@claudevieaul1465]

Fair point on being as broadly knowledgeable about your profession as possible too. As long as it's feasible to you as a person (we've only got 24 hours a day, after all...) I don't doubt it helps to do everything yourselves as a band. With my band we're preparing for a theater tour, which should start early 2025. Currently doing everything ourselves as well, but no doubt once that starts rolling along merrily we'll need additional people to take care of things - hopefully by that time we'll create the necessary revenue to pay them. And we'll have a good understanding of what they're doing, as we've already done it before. I absolutely loved your gig in Utrecht, by the way!!

[@picksalot1]

If it sounds good it is good. Life is full of mistakes. Those who learn from their mistakes and fix them typically end up better off, unless they become neurotic about it and go completely off the rails. Sometimes the mistakes let you see things in a different light. Happy Holidays everyone. 🎉

[@jasondorsey7110]

Screwing up should spur you on to try harder to improve, not cover your mistakes with editing

[@papablue3015]

Bad notes are free! I don't charge extra! Lol😅 thanks 🤘

[@jaygalloway6815]

Ho Chris, you are One of the most soulful player out there. Keep It up🇮🇹🇺🇲

[@walleviolencia]

Peps that have a take on music as a technical performance has really alot more to experience. I hope you someday have an insight in the matter and enjoy the expression.

[@jozsefizsak]

Great! 😊

[@omnitheory]

Thank you!!!

[@jed1mindtricks857]

Great video Chris, huge huge fan of youre playing. I agree social media is hard, i just can't seem to get any followers or alot of likes.

[@mikeatl4953]

Chris you are obviously bright, articulate and pay a lot of attention to the industry. Watching you evolve in the environment of the modern working guitarist has made for loads of video entertainment that I’ve enjoyed immensely. The only issue with the videos is no matter how interesting, insightful or informative they are, there’s not enough of you playing. I know I missed some of this video because the whole time I’m listening to the topic of the day, I’m mentally flashing back to the beginning clip of you displaying some excellent playing of a piece you’ve created. Thanks for sharing and I’m thinking a holiday “Best of CB” video with a selection of your playing highlights would be a great video - maybe for next year? For now here’s hoping you have a delightful holiday.

[@davehall8584]

Fantastic video...thanks Chris!..how do you do it? ..put so much incredible musical human expression and emotion into your playing?..

[@paulburton5150]

I’d rather listen to authenticity than perfection. Perfection is for machines.

[@Stevewatson3]

You don’t know it Chris but your always trying to sell me a rev❤