Things Pro Musicians Do (that you probably don't)

[@edwardrice146]

Protecting your joy is great advice for life in general.

[@StephenLewisful]

I was going to make the same comment but yours was on the top of my screen. Protect Your Joy is just sound sage wisdom and it's taken me 56 years to finally hear. I guess I've been the Poison in the Well far too long.

[@markfahey3921]

@@StephenLewisful I was in a stressful situation with a band and it drained me, I just walked away and never regretted doing so.

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

nontalent smalltalk

[@soyeux27]

Joy doesn't need protection. It needs to be shared.

[@jugglerj0e]

Kind of similar to taking pride in what you do especially with work.

[@Twongo]

I have 40+ years as a studio and live audio engineer. Every one of these tips applies there too. Including, and especially, warming up. Even if you can only get to the studio 15 minutes before everyone else - listen to the session that's going on. If you can, listen to a few minutes of reference. Walk around the live room and listen to yourself breath or play your favorite mix in the arena. Know the space. And most importantly, be yourself, have fun, and capture the beauty that is taking place right in front of your very ears.

[@mmiller6873]

I mean come on, the life lessons that Tim provides is priceless. What a genuinely awesome person he is - "Protect your Joy" and "The Gear is the Transportation, but the sound is the Destination". Just genius. Well done on this episode Rhett. Keep up the great work!!

[@noel1626]

I feel like i gotta write these somewhere haha

[@mmiller6873]

@@noel1626 No kidding lol

[@grayhawk.music.minneapolis]

“It’s not about me.” Thank you. The two of you provide the most down to earth perspective in your videos. I’ve played guitar for 30+ years and still encounter musicians who think a gig is about them. It’s as if they aren’t there to deliver the music, the music is there to “deliver them” to the stage.

[@pedrosilvaproductions]

I agree with this. Unless they specifically tell you "I want YOU to shine in this particular case" (which let's face it, never happens or it can happen once for a few seconds like on a solo or something), you'll always have to perform as requested and that's it. If they tell you they need a blues riff you play that blues riff, you don't noodle a solo unless you're told to or unless you have the good relationship Tim talks about afterwards, that's my way of thinking at least

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

I toured with famous rock stars, and of course by proxy met bunches more, and just naturally never approached anyone famous any different than any other person. I always focus on people as an individual, and never based on hearsay and hype, and am always totally, even blatantly honest, and when asked "How do you like our new album" the answer could be "I'm not into that kind of music" which I can always follow up with what I do like... and it's rarely taken personally or seen as insult, if it were I would see it as unwarranted and not be shy to say so. It always worked greatly in my favor.

[@JillandKevin]

We tried out a bass player (for ONE SET!) who thought it would be just fine to play personal solos all the way thru all songs, drowning out our vocalist, etc (and we were playing Hank Williams and such!!). When I asked him to play more simply at the break, he said "Who said it has to be like the records?" I told him, no, but it has to fit the genre. He said "You mean I'm fired?" I said no, just play appropriately. He said he wouldn't and if I wanted him to, he was fired. We had a nice night after that playing as a duo (which we do a lot anyway)

[@rchydrozz751]

Its not about me. How many band NEVER got along because of this.

[@billyork6017]

This goes for so anything that involves group working in life! There's always someone who doesn't want to take part, or take part properly. Or there's someone who wants to swan in at the end and take all the credit or someone who slaves away and everything is their baby and no one else can touch it. We do our best work if we learn how to collaborate with others and use our individual skills to mutually enrich each other. The moment one person decides they are more important than anyone else, is the moment it all falls apart. In an ideal world, everyone can see how every role is equally important in producing the end result.

[@3_to_the_dome501]

7:21 Poisioning the Well : this is applcable in everything, everywhere

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Yep. I shall be reminding myself of that one day to day...

[@collectingtengu4905]

Absolutely!

[@JustKJ109]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@donly8408]

"The gear is the transportation, but the sound is the destination". Drop the mic on that one!!!

[@pawlowski6132]

But, I feel that the journey is the destination. Reconcile that.

[@darrylfoley9427]

Anyone dropping my mic is paying for it.

[@kodykindhart5644]

The sound is the journey 😎 Go listen to super secret band 🤫🤫🤫

[@MrKeefelm]

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve started writing or recording something and 2 hours later I’m still knobbing around with a reverb sound! Not actually playing anything productive

[@denverrandy7143]

Boom!!!you said it there brotha.😜👍

[@ricinro]

Things Pro Guitarists Do (that you probably don't): get paid

[@julianmetcalfe1070]

never ever

[@TulioFCaetano]

😂

[@jamesalec1321]

My girlfriends definition of a musician is: one who travels 200 miles with $3000 worth of gear to play for $75.

[@junehabsen6368]

LOL! Nice 1! Difference between Jazz & ROCK? Jazz: Plays 10,000 chords in front of 4 ppl. Rock: Plays 4 chords in front of 10,000 ppl.!

[@kyalamistudio]

I don’t normally comment but as a pro musician of 40 years, that was GOLD! Such an enjoyable, entertaining and educational video. Thank you from Oz

[@paperhanger29]

I'd add another. BE ON TIME. To the gig....session....rehearsal. don't make others wait for you. Solid video gents!

[@nuthinbutlove]

I had a pro musician tell me if you're on time you're late. Always get there at least 30 minutes before anyone and stay for at least 30 minutes later. I've followed that rule my entire time in the profession and it's always been to my benefit.

[@StephenLewisful]

@@nuthinbutlove I had a First Sergeant say the same thing to our Company and it changed my life. I've been late so few times since and others have noted how dependable I am. All I did was show up early.

[@nuthinbutlove]

@@StephenLewisful I'm telling you! And in the entertainment world so much is gained if you're there when others arrive or after they've gone. It opens up time for you to communicate with someone in the business who may have just come out to hang and gives you the opportunity for future gigs. Same thing with leaving later after the gig. Maybe someone in the audience liked your playing and hanging around afterwards gives them the chance to approach you that they wouldn't have had if you'd hurried up and packed and left with the rest of the band. I can't tell you how many doors it opened for me. Not to mention that dependability speaks volumes!

[@marvinbernard2566]

This one really is a top-ten life advice tip. I really can’t think of a public/professional situation in which it doesn’t apply. BE ON TIME. Then be patient. Hurry up and wait as they say. But at least you’re not the one everybody is waiting on.

[@StephenLewisful]

@@marvinbernard2566 That's exactly what my First Sergeant would bark. "We wait on them, They don't wait on us." The guy was a complete asshole but I learned that gem from him and I never forgot it.

[@JerryTheVeganRockstar]

Fantastic. Thank you Rhett. You and Tim Pierce make a great team. He treats you like an equal so there’s your lesson.

[@RobKandell]

1. “It’s not about you.” You just made the rhythm section cheer.

[@sirwinston2368]

Love Tim's Heritage. Made in Kalamazoo baby. I have owned two H-575's (think ES-175) and I currently own an H-555 (ES-335). When shopping for the 555, I played a half-dozen ES-335's but I bought the Heritage. I also own (and play regularly) a mid-60's 335 that I bought on July 3, 1976 (you never forget your first Gibson). They're still making great guitars in Kalamazoo.

[@mikeshweeng]

All great advice! Maybe I missed it in the video, but one thing my group always does, especially for gigs with 15 minute intervals for setup and tear down, is we structure how we pack our equipment as well as design plans on how to setup each portion of gear on stage. This is for being as efficient as possible with the limited time. We even practice these things behind the scenes to get the muscle memory in check; in the event that pre show jitters create tunnel vision.

[@Sadlander2]

I remember an interview with a producer/sound engineer about expensive gear. After saving for years, he finally bought a Neumann U47 microphone. Adding this mic to his arsenal was a very proud moment for him. When his next artist came in, of course, he suggested to use the U47 for vocals but after trying it, the artist wasn't sure about this and asked if he had other mics. He reluctantly picked up a few mics and after trying all of them, the artist liked an SM7B the best. At first, he was disappointed and was convinced that the artist made the wrong choice but after some time, he realised that the sm7b complimented his voice the best indeed. Sure, the U47 is a great microphone but every voice is different and sometimes, an affordable microphone will get the best result with a specific voice.

[@Pulse2AM]

I have an under $100.00 SM58 clone, I use it a lot because it suits my voice for certain songs. I spend a bit more time in the mixing stage with it but you can't tell when it's mixed what it is.

[@eoinodunlaing4391]

I think Gabriel sometimes uses a 58-The U47 has recorded more famous singers than probably more modern mics. Interestingly the V-14 valve is being manufactured again by Telefunken.

[@ryand4533]

That’s because most people sound terrible. The U47 just gives you a cleaner picture of that terrible sound. Most rock music uses an SM57 type mic because they want to hide most of the real sound. It’s does become a sound to itself. It’s not about completing though but covering. Just like when you distort a guitar.

[@dalecoffing8655]

Great advice guys. One of the most gratifying things in my time as a guitar player was to be asked back to play in the pit for musicals. Why did I get asked back? Because I got along with all the musicians there. I took instruction and laid back in the mix. We were there to make the singers sound good. I find you want to be in the mix that no one knows you're there but you'd be missed if you were not "in the mix". Listen as much or more than you play.

[@figlermaert]

Same is great advice for layering instruments in recording.

[@dalecoffing8655]

Yepper, one of my dream jobs as a guitarist is to be a session man. I've done it a couple of times. It can be a tough gig. @@figlermaert

[@sinisterj73]

It is always a treat when I get to see you and Tim hanging out, it just comes off as so natural, relaxed, and there is always sone great info and stories.

[@benjaminhawthorne1969]

Trevor Horn has had an AMAZING career. He was lead vocalist for YES, for the album "Drama." He then was in THE BUGGLES with Geoff Downes. Their hit "Video Killed the Radio Star" was the very 1st music video EVER played on MTV. He then produced YES's best-selling album, 90125! 😎

[@rogercantwell3622]

He's probably best known for Frankie Goes To Hollywood (everything on "Relax" except the vocal is him) and The Art Of Noise. Heard him interviewed, and he seems remarkably normal and down-to-earth.

[@benjaminhawthorne1969]

@@rogercantwell3622 As you have just demonstrated, Mr. Horn has an EXTENSIVE resume in the Music Industry, forgive me for leaving those two positions out. I was aware of his involvement in The Art of Noise but had NO idea that he was behind the hit "Relax!" Thank you for the knowledge that I did NOT get in college!

[@thedude7450]

Tim is so humble. Love that guy. The dude played at Live Aid for crying out loud. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Live Aid was our Woodstock.

[@JeffSmithbureau13]

That little lick Tim is playing that you used in the transitions... So so tasteful. Love that.

[@texhaines9957]

I am mostly a singer, with (usually) an acoustic guitar to (help) keep me in key and space (rhythm). Warming up is a must. INCLUDING washing my old and partly wounded hands in warm water on these cold days.

[@northmanlogging2769]

hrm... I might have to try that warm water thing... muh lunch hooks are sorely abused...

[@leewarren]

Of all the sage advice I’ve heard through the years, this is some of the sageiest! 👍

[@jmdmusicstudios2026]

I’m a young session player (saxophonist) and this video was INCREDIBLE! Thank you Rhett and Tim!!

[@phillipemery572]

Wow, what a goldmine. I love how Tim de-mystifies the recording world in a way that humanizes it, rather than degrades it.

[@randallbargar348]

As an amateur/intermediate bass player this is all great advice. As a player I strive to fit the song and use whatever is needed to accomplish that.

[@frankgoodmanbuzzholland7517]

Words that ring like beautiful notes, and sentences that land like phrasing. I so appreciate your generous spirits.

[@timharrington4470]

All these subtle pro tips that Tim Pierce is putting out there he Exemplifies in his presentation of content. His knowledge and smile is enough to make me want to pick up a guitar & Just have fun with it.

[@Jaascione132]

Great advice from Tim! In fact, it's good advice for whatever situation we might find ourselves. Thanks Tim!

[@scottakam]

Tim's advice is always gold!

[@richardderuiter4612]

Helpful, good advice, even for a guy who will probably never play as a studio musician for anyone (but myself), let alone someone famous. A lot of this stuff applies to even playing in a church band, or even your garden variety garage band. It's not about you (don't be a diva), work at getting the right sound (not just good gear), warm up well (& come prepared), make sure your stuff is working (have a back-up plan), not everyone/every gig is worth it (if it isn't fun/enjoyable, you're doing it wrong), don't waste anyone's time in rehearsal (etc.), treat people like people (in the end we're all more ordinary than we are unique). In fact, a lot of it just applies to life in general, if you stop and think about it.

[@muziqman100]

Wow.. each and every point is absolute gold.. seriously. Every guitarist or just musician should watch this as it's soooo relevant. Thank you Tim !!

[@maxherron1376]

I love these paying homage to Tim videos. Above everything he has accomplished, he seems like a cool guy. Thanks Rhett!

[@ak47dragunov]

Agree very strongly with the 2nd point. I often find myself using a Line 6 for hyper-clean chorused picking parts. Great depth and clarity in that thing

[@jackhaugh]

I agree 100%. No one sees the gear that’s used in the studio to make a recording. Hell, John Lennon used to use a short scale guitar on all of the early Beatles songs that made them. The guitar player from Genesis uses Squire Strats from time to time. Hell, I was playing a gig with a Squire 12 string Paranormal Jazzmaster 2 weeks ago that I broke one of the B strings on right before we went on, and I went up on stage with an 11 string guitar, and no one knew the difference. I personally am my own worst critic, and I really couldn’t hear much of a difference, and I play that guitar pretty much everyday. I did put another string on it between sets. Didn’t sound much different.

[@tomminystrom]

Good comment, "gear is just transportation, sound is the destination.". Thanks Tim.

[@franklincheney3653]

Tim, you're such a delightful ham at times. Keep it coming!!! Rhett is hot on your heels...

[@markfahey3921]

That heritage seems so good in the hands of Tim Pierce. Fantastic words of wisdom from Tim, "Gear is just the transportation". Last week I heard an excellent pro player use a Fender 112 because he wanted a clean sound. By todays standards, a cheap solid state amp - but what a sound he got from his guitar and this cheap amp, beautiful shimmering tones because he knew how to get the best out of it.

[@liontone]

GOLD. Tim is literally one of he most selfless content creators out there. He has a lifetime of knowledge and a willingness to give it all away. I can’t stress to people how 100% “on” he is And Trevor Horn is a genius…

[@marpsr]

Tim is a class act!

[@jakehermes4533]

This is a great video. Well planned. Well organized. Well said. Wasn’t boring. Tim is so thoughtful. Rhett knows how to keep people entertained.

[@edelcorrallira]

What a wonderful collaboration, that jam is just soooo tasteful and inspiring.

[@ckallaher]

Great video! I know Tim is playing a heritage but what is that cool blue guitar Rhett is playing?

[@israelr6636]

It's always a pleasure to see Rhett and Tim speak with each other and sharing their experiences.

[@lele-lessons]

Thank you, Rhett and Tim, for this Video! Protect your joy and the combination of "it's not about me" and "say no if necessary" -- that's the way! Thank You!

[@yellowtt]

What a delight, this video. Relaxed, concise conversation with valuable advice. Thanks, guys.

[@quailstudios]

Very cool. Thanks Rhett and Tim. Priceless advice.

[@richardsherwin3259]

Awesome video. Loved that. Some wise words there. Thanks for sharing that.

[@A.JesperJohansson]

You live on the light of your mentor. Honestly. You cannot play the guitar but under Rick you´re a genious!

[@alexschlessman5355]

Tone is in the fingers, gear is a vehicle, always salt the water before adding the pasta... All good advice Tim

[@hollywoodactress]

I love the analogy. Btw as we are talking about pasta and salting the water. What about oil added to the water before boiling dried pasta? I read oil is not needed and a waste, so I don’t do it anymore. Just salt

[@DangleSan]

I don't know why people always buy into that statement when it's usually said by a guy who has a garage full of hundreds of thousands of vintage gear, As a guitarist if you're not recording Guitar for hip-hop or pop gear absolutely matters, Stop listening to guys who say tone is in the fingers who own an original Klon and have a Dumble or 2 among their gear

[@donbishop6994]

Tone is not in the fingers. Ability is. These 2 things are NOT one and the same. Tone is in the signal chain. Nowhere else.

[@MrWill9894]

@DangleSan I agree. Kinda rings hollow that they’re talking about “the gear is the journey, the music is the destination” when they’re playing on probably $8000 worth of guitars and who knows how much on amps and pedals just in this video alone

[@DangleSan]

@@MrWill9894 if you know the behind the scenes stories of all the old school guitarist guys like Rhett Idolize you realize it's even more bullshit, There's a reason all those 70s cats all went to studios with specific gear, There are a lot of guys from back in the day would paint the pedals black or get a piece of sand paper and strip the logo off so people couldn't see and potentially steal their tone, Also never forget just a few years ago when guys like Rhett were always shit talking amp Sims and modellers about how their never gonna be good enough they WERE NEVER SAYING TONE WAS IN THE FINGERS THEN WERE THEY!!!

[@gordonbradbury8996]

Great discussion guys. Lots of wisdom and experience and integrity.

[@damiennewyorker8105]

I loved every solo this man created... His advice is perfect.

[@rickfromthecape3135]

Tim always brings me back to the joy of making music.

[@jamesleigh900]

Great advice about noodling the guitar before the gig. I did this recently on your advice and it was so much better when I walked on stage. The hands felt beautifully warm and I felt very comfortable.

[@lysaarvideo]

Out of the electric guitars I own, there was ONE that studio people often asked me to bring along to sessions. I was a bit surprised at first, but I found out that it was easy to place in a mix.

[@fredfloyd68]

These boys can jam...you can tell they are just having a blast...great stuff.

[@keithlenn9010]

Loved the last one - everyone is equal... it is so true and I have always been treated like that with the more famous musicians that knew I was a musician too... been lucky...

[@graphicartdude]

Great video as always. Such excellent insider advice. Have learned so much from each of you over the years. Thanks Rhett & Tim.

[@MattyK-USA]

A really, really interesting and educational conversation. Thanks to Rhett and Tim for taking the time to do this!

[@bootcopy]

There's so many great moments in here. Really liked that takeaway of building trust and how studio time is sacred. Also how everyone will fall flat on their face in the studio trying out ideas. We're all human.

[@nikdrown]

Mike Cambell in the doc Sound City said something that resonates with me. “If you’re going for greatness and often times will fall short of it that night it’s brutal on your soul”

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Tim is a clever guy. Not just a session legend but an authority on the music industry.

[@jimmycrabtree-tb6jc]

Thanks Rhett and Tim! Awesome!

[@jordanleblanc1379]

Great video Tim. I do a lot of live gigs with different artists here in Canada, and I've found the number one thing has always been to be a great hang first and connect with your band mates. (while knowing your job of course). Thanks again!

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

Such great advice. The focus should always be the music. 💯

[@boddumblues]

This was a good one, cheers! Herb Ellis made me think; ride cymbal = right hand rhythm.

[@septemberwalk]

would love to see a vid abuout the powers electric you're playing, love andy powers

[@Magnet54]

Thanks Rhett. Great video to hear you both give your insight.

[@Billy_Moran]

Great Attitude. Great Talent. Great Success.

[@KordTaylor]

Thank you both for this. Great advice. As I watch my songwriter/producer son make his way (first pub deal, living in LA, etc) I’ve watched him learn some of these things so a great reinforcement with new gems 💎 as well.

[@KevinDick-h6f]

A fine presentation to the both of you . Practical and logical .

[@johnbogle6475]

Fascinating that most of the things you mentioned were interpersonal. In this I agree. Joy in the studio is a must. Keeping ego in check (ego - I'm not even here) is important. Great video. Thanks

[@markbaum9615]

Tim's got that infectious smile as he effortlessly throws out master riffs

[@JoshuaSkaja]

Tim Pierce is a national treasure

[@tymeryder7264]

Two of my favorites! Just fun hearing what they have to say.

[@sawekziokowski7114]

I loved the entire talk, from beginning to end. Thank you!

[@PeterMcCracken-n3g]

Thankyou Rhett, So appreciative of Tim sharing those common sense gems, that some of us may not give thought to when needed.

[@chrisfromnoosa1905]

What an absolute privilege and a pleasure it is to spend any time with either of these quality gentlemen/musicians. Thank you Mr Tim Pearce and Mr Rhett Shull, for you have set a very high bar! - Greetings from Australia.

[@mattaebi]

Rhett and Tim both rock. Thank you for this video. Been a Tim fan since Springfield and learned about Rhett through Beato. Both are world class. Thumbs up guys!

[@andrewjeffries8721]

Thank you Rhett for this interview with a man whom I respect and admire. Tim's common sense perspective on gigging/studio work is invaluable and I thank you, sir, for making it available!! Good job, Rhett!

[@noahpauley]

I saw Tim when I first got to NAMM a few weeks ago and wanted to say hi but he was busy with one of his friends so I just kept walking thinking I might run into him again (I didn’t). Regardless, this is a great video and something I’ll have to keep in mind. Tim is truly a legend and I can only hope to achieve a fraction of what he’s done.

[@richyriff]

Awesome advice! I can relate to saying no sometimes, but to venues. On rare occasion there will be a venue or gig that never works for me - acoustically or just the vibe. And I'll leave the show, ready to sell all my guitars and quit. So, I'm glad to hear you say that I shouldn't poison the well. I'm going to keep my JOY and keep doing what works for me!

[@jimmccarley9609]

Awesome interview, insightful nuggets. Great stuff about joy, and music before ego.

[@geechiesghost8118]

Tim ALWAYS brings JOY! Please be a bringer of joy. 🤘🏼

[@samuelhatman8995]

You both are why I am in training. Bring the joy... that's what we do. Thank you gentlemen!

[@cjcommerfordthesupertones9549]

Stellar tips! Lovin' Tim's window of wisdom. 'It's not about you' needs more oxygen to be frank along with serve the bloody song!

[@paulroyal2177]

Rhett! (Subscribed!) This is a GREAT topic for a YT video. There have to be some "secrets" that keep talented musicians from "blossoming" to the big stages. Tim's wisdom is appreciated. There are YT videos about what makes a guitarist sound like a noob (Paul Davids recommended), and one of the startling points is that Pro players muffle notes that they do not want to be heard. Their experience taught them what "incidental noise" interfered with phrasing, tone, and "tune". I think British virtuoso Chris Buck is the "tone master" with this regard, as he insists that a guitar sing. Cleaning out the static leaves purer tones that better soar and weep.

[@PaulLifewood]

Enjoyed that. Thanks.

[@tomcoryell]

Hey thanks for the tips and reminders Tim/Rhett.

[@jayumble8390]

All great points here and I want to say that 'Just Say No Sometimes' is such wonderful advice!

[@toliskoskinas]

Rhett, man this may be one of the most precious videos ever made for the global session players community. Bravo 🎉

[@MarsGuitarOfficial]

Things I try and do everyday !!! I appreciate you sharing thank you guys!!!:)

[@kevincason5309]

this was awesome... thanks to both for the wonderful content, what great education from real deep souls

[@stevehenry9826]

Excellent video! Very informative!

[@JonSuk]

That intro jam is a vibe 😙👌🏼

[@mike_b777]

Great video gents. I highly agree with the "present yourself as equals" part. I used to work in a music store where high profile musicians/ artists used to frequent.

[@arkenautgundlach2498]

Good stuff guys.

[@mikedwiles]

Great discussion and insight! Thanks guys!

[@PickettMusic]

Two guitars always. Back up rig in the trailer. Not my favorite to use but will get me through the gig.

[@jacksonrussellband]

Thank you guys for the wealth you of info/ reminders. But I mostly appreciate you presenting it through ‘conversation’. You both are an inspiration in different ways… 🙏🏽

[@nicolasrivera5310]

This was one of the best videos you have made Rhett. thanks

[@Pulse2AM]

I have been a freelancer for decades #5 is so true. I now kick clients to the curb that are too much trouble, one door shuts another opens. It's hard to do when you're broke so sometimes you have to suck it up. To build relationships you need to have self confidence and present yourself from the start as non-threatening and competent without being egotistical.

[@felixVanDiemen]

Such great insight and advice, thank you 🙏

[@alecmartinar6372]

WOW !!! Simple, yet amazing stuff !!!