Tim Lerch - Practical Practice - Getting the most out your efforts.

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Here is a related video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGS8fnemhalrp9Esi=ZxyfJp7A1NijwyhM

[@tonympirrotta]

This has been the perfect lesson for me since going through music school. I was actually so overloaded with information that I had distanced myself from guitar because I got overwhelmed by picking it up. I learned every triad inversion on every string, every 7th chord inversion, every key, every mode, in harmonic melodic and major/ natural minor. So many different songs and standards, different ways to play them, advanced theory, sight reading, composition, the whole works. ALL in the span of 2 years. I couldn't practice anything without feeling as though I had to practice the next thing, and it was way too much. Now im sitting here on the other extreme, simply switching between 1-4-5 in G. Allowing myself to feel it, listen to it, and enjoy it. The path is making sense again. Although im able to do "more", I remember that more isn't the point. The point is to play, and in order to play, you need to integrate it, make it part of you, and enjoy the sound. That can be done with just one note.

[@anthonyfox1436]

Nice , I needed to hear that .

[@dmoorefsmfn]

I experienced something very similar in music school. I was in my early 30s, married, and had two very young kids trying to make sense of a jazz curriculum for which I was neither musically or emotionally prepared. I have the degree, but I'm not sure I came out of really knowing how to play jazz beyond performing mental acrobatics while simultaneously trying to make my fingers do something on my fret board. The overload of information and the pressure to play in college overwhelmed me to the point that I had no idea of how to practice the volume of stuff thrown at me. The end result was that I have a ton of head knowledge and can't play like I want too. 21 years later I am finally giving myself permission to play and listen to music I actually enjoy. I now value my practice time because I understand how it is a means to an end: Technical proficiency enables me to better play the music I hear. Ironically, some things have come full circle. I am learning to play phrases from Kinda Blue "So What." It is so cliche' it's laughable. Yet the use of simple harmony is incredible and what really makes it for me is the phrasing and articulation that turns that simplicity into something much, much more. After listening to part of this video today I gained further insight into what I like to hear and want to play. That's a gift. Funny you mentioned "one note." I recently read that John Coltrane would play one note for hours. I'm not sure if that is truth or legend, but it has merit.

[@ABigDoggy]

and getting one note to sound good is a thing all by itself!

[@xGoldriever]

This resonates with me very much, and I'm glad im not alone in feeling this way regarding me music school experience

[@dabblesonguitar6752]

To add: 13:00 Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong. Applies to a lot in life. Great video, thank you

[@GordiansKnotHere]

I've been playing, studying the guitar for over 4 decades. I also study Internal Martial Arts and have been practicing-studying for about the same amount of time. I have found the one constant that make the most impact is "Less is More, Slow is Fast"... Mastery at any art take practice, do it with a happy heart gang!

[@brucebyrnes125]

“Learning something poorly quickly” is probably the story of my guitar journey so far. Too much information and a tendency to chase the next shiny new object definitely holds me back

[@RickDanner]

i do the same thing I learn 20 things and end up with nothing new under my fingers

[@guitarlots]

Just learn songs

[@danjohnstonguitar9484]

Excellent advice! In the 31 years I've been teaching guitar, the #1 thing I notice - and make sure the student is aware of - is to never practice mistakes. Most people are not aware that they are hard wiring into their brain, something other than what they intended. And, echoing what you said, people try to practice way too much at once. Just changing those two things can transform one's playing.

[@daynemin]

​​@@danjohnstonguitar9484nice! Do you have any tips on undoing the slop, I'm currently relearning guitar. Noticing how much of my playing used to be just muscle memory and habit, was not tagging and actively listening and connecting myself to the sound/music.

[@danjohnstonguitar9484]

​@daynemin I think a good place to start is to work on ideas that you already know, but play them at a slow speed, making sure your timing is solid. If it's not, use a metronome to keep you solid and well below your speed threshold. This can help reconnect those older muscle memory movements. Also, I find with myself that I need to let the fretting hand lead, as usually the picking hand is faster. If I focus on this, mentally, I find that my playing sounds and feels more synchronized and smooth. I hope this helps!

[@300PercentFlyingV]

Thanks Tim for the great advice and practical demonstration - a lot of wisdom in a few minutes!

[@Thinking_Ape_Plus_Clothes]

“Good sounds throughout. I don’t want to be practicing mistakes.” This is something I think every guitarist can relate to

[@wizrom3046]

I practice the hell out of those mistakes lol, I'm starting to get quite good at 'em 😁

[@johnpierson8398]

I have been playing guitar for 50 years, and I am still trying to build my knowledge and guitar playing vocabulary. I have taken years of lessons and still study on my own. This is the very best guitar lesson I think I have ever had! The patience, understanding, accuracy and paced way of learning makes so much sense. For all of us who play guitar, here are words of wisdom

[@mikebauer6917]

As an older learner I am taking my time because it is my time; no desire to “go pro” or any such hurry. I’m enjoying the journey and fully enjoying each incremental achievement.

[@chuck785]

There's a reason it's called 'playing' music, not 'working' music!

[@smokinjazzguitar]

Out of all the guitar videos on KZbin that I have heard and watched, this is the best and most useful one, great work Tim and thank you!

[@VincentBowe]

Best advice I've ever been given . Thank you Tim.

[@uaruss]

This is a master class on how to learn. Not simply how to learn guitar, but how to learn anything. How easy it is try to incorporate too much complexity too soon, and we're unable to grow, we stay frustrated, and we eventually give up. There is untold value in your words. Thank you!!

[@BlondChronicles]

Your voice. Your face expressions. Your thoughts. The intelligence of your comments. All adds up into a very sweet learning experience. Thanks!

[@amoswu7824]

Thank you so much Tim. I have to watch this lesson every once in a while to remind myself not to rush.

[@robertcanedo7607]

very sensible approach for an older beginner!.Thanks

[@vaughan7835]

Good thinking 99... I'm a mid 50s Aussie. Sadly I never learnt much at all when I was young, with no teacher. Just books with songs & chords & watching my older brothers & mates jam at parties & camping trips. I still have my 1st guitar I bought with my 1st wages. A beat up old mid 80s Aria Japan dreadnought. My Favorite band to play along with, rhythm only, was CCR. Now I'm trying to learn through YT teachers, by watching & listening. Marty Music & Justin Guitar etc. My Favorite now is Keef Richards! S R Vaughan is well n truly beyond me! Subscribed, finally! ❤

[@michelnaone9342]

A good habit to get into is to watch this video regularly. Thank you Tim.

[@analogblues9606]

I’ve been playing for 59 years and not even close to where I’d like to be. Tim, you put it in such a way that’s eye opening, easy, practical and beneficial! Thanks so much!!! 😊

[@pjjmsn]

Hi Tim, I want to mention that I met you at the Providence Zen Center in Cumberland , RI in the early 2000's. I Used to go there regularly as a visitor on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings to meditate and chant.I also did a 2 day retreat there, wherein I had an important psychological/spiritual breakthrough for me. I remember how spicy the food was during our silent dinner. I didn't know you played guiter then and was surprised to learn what a true master jazz guitarist you are. I also play jazz guitar but on an intermediate level. I am from RI but have since moved to Spain with my wife. I love your playing! Cheers and all the best!!!

[@johnoneill5570]

I've been practicing my mistakes for over 40 years and getting rather good at them. lol. Great lesson. Seriously great advice Tim. Thank you!

[@Paul-tk1hg]

Thank you Sir! Great lesson!

[@davemassie3726]

Don't practice mistakes! Love it, great lesson. Thanks Tim for sharing. Beautiful guitar.

[@Paul-tk1hg]

Great lesson Mr.Tim! I love the premise of not practicing your mistakes. Thank you!

[@mattgarbutt254]

Thank you for this great lesson! On the surface, some of this seems perfectly obvious but is stuff that I’m sure many of us don’t actually take on board… what you say about “we practice something until we can play it once, then stop” is so true! I’m a bass player currently retraining to play left handed as I have dystonia in my right hand… reframing the idea of practice as something to be enjoyed (enjoying the sound and the whole process) rather than a chore is so crucial to my approach. Great video, thanks again

[@duyle8921]

Extremely valuable and informative lesson. Thank you, Tim.

[@jadreza8182]

So down to earth. Thanks for explaining it this way. 👍👍

[@1loStu]

Being a teacher myself I want to thank You, dear Tim. This is really the BEST and the MOST useful advise what can give an adult teacher to an adult student.

[@markharris2562]

Why do I get the feeling the best 20-min lessons take years to complete? Thank you for the wonderful explanation!

[@Bflatest]

that guitar sounds amazing. Very warm and woodsy clear and defined even and great sustain

[@sosebee2]

Tim is a GREAT Teacher! Focused on the message of musicianship: slow down, listen to the sound of your own practice and finally understand what your playing. Thank-you Tim.

[@fer7068]

Such a great lesson Tim. With this method actually one can achieve anything he wants

[@Dan-Arg]

Thank you, I was bouncing between videos and I get some stuff that had in millon papers but now I chase it from you, quicky and nicely. Thx

[@barbermot]

Good advice. Took me a long time to realize how much time it takes to learn small things well. Thank you for these videos.

[@therealdoug1000]

Wonderful advice!

[@kisbandi1563]

I enjoyed watching this video a lot! I liked how you spoke out all the time, what can be in the learners mind, and how can one improve the mindset of the learner. I also liked the small details, how a learner would experience a new thing: watching, naming, repeating, take a break, check your body... I liked it a lot!

[@hcnilsson]

Best tip ever Tim, thanks: -Make sure you're enjoying yourself. I'm trying to tell people this: -the most important part is having fun. 🎸

[@Alan-zi2rs]

Thanks Tim. This is how I kinda practice ( no tunes ) then I'll apply to tunes I like what you said ' don't practice mistakes ' 🇬🇧👍🎸🎶🎶🎶

[@chikung]

This is possibly the best lesson I've ever had. But then again, ever since I've encountered your lessons, either at Truefire or here, I've been making sense and music of so many things! Your contribution to the guitar learning world is truly outstnding. Thank you, Tim!!

[@marcoformicone1276]

Thank you Tim!

[@THEItchybruddah]

That was as close to the zen of Bob Ross I ever experienced with instruction. EXCELLENT stuff Maestro. Nobody ever talks about about gently soaking up the data. (Remember folks… The Turtle won the race!)

[@donaldgossett1736]

Good advice. First and foremost, learn it the right way the first time. Go slow enough to get it right and then practice in chunks and segments.

[@jasonkesser]

Without meaning to, with the first inversion melody practice, you just blew open new doors for me with connecting triads and scales and chords, thank you man. Changed my practice immediately

[@TimLerchGuitar]

You might also enjoy my recent YT video on triad scales or my TrueFire course Melodic Triads

[@jasonkesser]

@@TimLerchGuitar I believe that video is how i ended up being a subscriber buddy, but trust me, I’ll dig through it now. This video totally defined my playing I today, the keys that unlock the doors are sometimes unexpected and weird. Really nice video.

[@captainkangaroo4301]

“If we program our brain to make mistakes we will make mistakes”. It applies in all of life.

[@duyle8921]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@Michajeru]

This is spot-on advice. Wow, I must really take note of this lesson.

[@martynharveythepoet5114]

Hi Tim - (and other folks, please read to the end - useful comment, there!) Absolutely love all your stuff and thanks so much for all your amazing videos. I watched this one because I've only recently (about 1 year ago) got into jazz, having played everything else all my life (since starting classical Violin at age 10 to now, age 61 and still playing guitar!) and I'm interested in your techniques and approaches to teaching and learning. I have to say - around 13'40" in this vid, you are SPOT ON... As you say, there's little value in getting to the point where you can get something right ONCE... and then stop. You MUST get to the point where you can play it 30 times (without bodging it!) I've played in classical orchestras, string quartets, Symphony and Chamber orchestras - everything from Gregorian chant, through Bach, Mozart and Beethoven to Schoenberg, Stravinsky and Xenakis (even John Cage) so I consider myself fairly well educated, musically. On either fiddle or guitar, I've also played Bluegrass, Country (and Western!), folk, punk, blues... you name it... but only just getting round to jazz! And now, in my later years and thoroughly enjoying this new thing in my life, I'm applying the same method of practicing that my violin teacher taught me at age 11... she said something that I've remembered and used ALL my life: She said "An amatuer musician practices until (s)he gets it right... a PROFESSIONAL Musician practices until (s)he can't get it wrong"... and I think, in essence, that is what this video is all about. Thanks again, Tim and I hope this little comment is useful to a few!

[@TimLerchGuitar]

@@martynharveythepoet5114 thanks for your insightful and generous comment. I wish you all the best on your Jazz learning. Consider visiting www.timsguitarworkshop.com

[@sclg560]

Thank you Tim!

[@clydesandry5351]

Absolutely brilliant. I found this so helpful. Thank you 👍🏻

[@Mr.Altavoz]

Great lesson..tha❤nks

[@vKarl71]

This is SOOOOOO good. 💯 The thing of not trying to learn too many things in one session is really important.

[@jrghansen25]

Thank you Tim for this precious lesson! Always benefit from listening to you and adore you music

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Thank you

[@PuddLane3]

Fantastic job.

[@GByePorkPieHat]

This is a BIG impact lesson. Thanks!

[@matsherwood6277]

Thank you for this video. I have played for a long time largely self taught, and have been making some progress as of late but about as quickly as the progress comes, it feels as if I'm stagnating again. This video is encouraging me to really nail down what I've discovered recently instead of rushing to look for the next new breakthrough.

[@va3ux]

This is excellent advice and it works. George Van Eps would approve.

[@EdgarBowlin]

Wow @analogblues9606, that's a long time! I've only been playing 42 years! Tim, thanks so much for your videos! Finally, after all these years, triads in all inversions, partial chords, passing chords, are all coming together for me. The kids are long grown and gone, I'm a software engineer working from home, and my studio is 30 feet from my back door, so I RELAX and practice, learn, and APPLY (digest?) much more effectively than ever before. I appreciate all your videos and latest book very much, you're very kind and an excellent instructor!

[@jallor]

Beautiful simple lesson!

[@brucejackson1329]

Thanks!

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Thank you

[@MikaelLewisify]

My whole life I’ve been beating myself up for not sticking to a regimented practice routine. Nice to hear such an experienced teacher debunking the myth.

[@Erschophone]

It's not "regimented" but it's VERY organized!

[@aeksinsang932]

Beat yourself off instead and come sit back down less tense

[@donlazov2443]

Thank you Tim! Very practical and informative, it’s nice to get someone else’s thoughts on practice in a clear and understanding way, nice and kind love your humbleness and honesty.

[@denisbarrette192]

Yes, this has been a very practical way to improve my practicing each day, thanks for opening my mind

[@twli]

Very thoughtful, thank you

[@marvinrudd5268]

Great lesson and beautiful guitar

[@erlingwesth7055]

Hi Tim, thanks for your teaching. It is SO meaningful, and although I have played for many many years, this is se important to me.

[@giarebig474]

MAN!!!! That's exactly what I tell my students over and over and over and... Hopefully they get more inspired by a KZbin-star like you are... THANKS A LOT!!! You make my life much easier...

[@freddymclain]

I needed a good sermon...thank you. I stood at the doorway to success...you helped push me through.

[@DaveLeoni]

Great advice. Thanks, Tim.

[@robmeyer7985]

Great video. Thx.

[@EternalOvercomer]

Great words of wisdom. Thank you for sharing!

[@brucejackson1329]

That was one of the most profound guitar lessons I have ever had. Thanks for sharing the work/fun that it takes

[@mattiagiovanetti]

Splendidi consigli, grazie!

[@leadcatpress]

Great lesson and thoughts! I've found that a regimented practice routine can be very helpful for learning certain concepts like chord tones and reading (especially for adult learners), and the "practice to playing" routine you outlined here works perfectly for the harmonic device you teach in this video. When I was teaching at Seattle University, I was challenged to find the fastest and most effective ways to get our guitar students caught up to the other music students in the program, which I did, but I would tell each student when they graduated that their real practice actually begins now. Thanks for offering those hard working students the real deal here. Cheers!

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Hi Susan, glad to hear from you. Hope you are well and happy.

[@leadcatpress]

@@TimLerchGuitar Thanks for taking time, and yes, that is my wish for all of us. ❤

[@michaelcope9501]

Mr. Lerch, this is among the best videos you’ve produced. Thank you!

[@JCFern]

I needed this. I know the triad basics, but the big lessons I learned here were to: -SLOW DOWN. Really LEARN, digest, understand, and MASTER the lesson -Repetition, consistency and proper form is always better than just trying to learn something new quickly. This is sage advice Mr Lerch. In sidenote, are there any seats left at the Ted Brown Music Tacoma Masterclass? I hope I’m not too late…

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Yes there are seat available. Hope to see you there.

[@JCFern]

@@TimLerchGuitar Done. Consider me a student 🙏

[@JCFern]

I just signed up for your Masterclass! Looking forward to meeting you sir!

[@rafaelreis4490]

Tim you are great teacher,Very deep and clear, thanks man👏👏👏

[@ivankachkovski]

Thank you Sir!

[@supasoul]

i like the way this lesson came together!!! THE APPROACH IS EVERYTHING!! My big lesson from this post is to *Take the time to slowly get each component accurate and THEN spending the same or more time learning to master each component....rest well... return and consolidate* "Digestable Chunks" only for the next two months HA!

[@roniabagimayordomo4786]

Thanks sooooo much!!!!!!!! Really needing this❤

[@paulgibby6932]

Sometimes in our lives we all need someone to lean on

[@jimmygetz9809]

Awesome, thank you.

[@kennywally]

This is all you need to know. UNDERSTAND what you are playing. Knowledge.

[@barrysebastian9584]

Sage advice! Thanks, Tim👍😁

[@MrSonicAlchemy]

Great lesson and a great reminder to slow the learning process down and make sure you really know the new material you are working on before moving on to something else. Thank you!

[@fouroutoffour]

Tim, this is very helpful advice to hear. In the past year I have drawn a distinction between “learning” and “practicing.” I found that I needed to do WAY more practicing (repetitions) and much less learning (new concepts). Thank you!

[@photoguy4212]

You rip, Tim. So inspiring. I’ve been learning triads and this gives me so much direction. Your playing is beautiful. Thank you immensely for posting this lesson.

[@plumhunter9158]

Thanks, Tim. I have been on your TrueFire lessons pages. Need to revisit!!

[@JeremyChildress]

You are a good teacher

[@e21steverino]

"Live with the sound" Fantastic Tim! When I get to that stage when it feels like I know something...know something well enough to almost make it music and worthy of playing it for someone to listen. Great lesson!

[@andytimmonsguitar]

Lovely video Tim...thanks for your wisdom ❤

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Thanks for stopping by Andy, I hope you are well and doing wonderful things.

[@asafnisan]

great teacher, great player. love and respect from istanbul.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

What treasure! Thank you Tim.

[@rexroman5211]

Brilliant 😊

[@MrMewsique]

This was helpful. Thank You Tim

[@noself1028]

Thanks so much, Tim! I needed this lesson today, as I’m inclined to be impatient in my practice. I’m well aware of the importance of repetition but tend to get frustrated when I don’t master a particular technique as quickly as I’d like.

[@aaroncorr486]

I love this lesson and needed to hear it….thanks Tim

[@captainkangaroo4301]

I like to learn new ideas like that then take it to the piano and work on it there. Or sometimes the other way around. It seems to give me a better understanding of what I’m learning and where I might utilize it in the service of a song.

[@Erschophone]

4:06 I love how he plays the Bb/D chord "This is a Bb major triad - first inversion" and then at 4:09 and 4:12 his finger gently brushes the open "E" string we hear the regal #11 popping out !

[@CalvinLimSH-ld5le]

Guitar constant practice makes perfect in all the things you do, that's why you need to put in the effort to learn things repetitively and become more familiar with the tasks you do. Everyday I still find ways to learn from You tube available resources and put them into practice. Thanks for sharing what you demonstrated best like movable triads.

[@thesongwritersdropin2565]

Thanks ,Tim . This is a great video. I'm exploring triads at the moment and I'm practicing pretty much what you're doing here with some things you pointed out which were overlooked . Thanks for filling in the gaps here. 🎸🙂🙏

[@bobberuck1979]

dude that was great. clearly i'm grinding along