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

This method is simple yet effective . This video was created for my students at my TrueFire channel Solo Guitar Sensei the link is below Tim Bram Archtop Guild HB1
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[@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.

[@TheKeyToMusicOfficial]

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

[@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

[@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 😁

[@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!

[@sclg560]

Thank you Tim!

[@ivankachkovski]

Thank you Sir!

[@JeremyChildress]

You are a good teacher

[@RaineyDaysStudio]

Words of wisdom

[@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! ❤

[@amoswu7824]

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

[@davemassie3726]

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

[@therealdoug1000]

Wonderful advice!

[@markharris2562]

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

[@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]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@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!!

[@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!)

[@duyle8921]

Extremely valuable and informative lesson. Thank you, Tim.

[@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.

[@Paul-tk1hg]

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

[@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!!!

[@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. 🎸

[@fer7068]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Bflatest]

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

[@dougnickerson]

Excellent

[@rexroman5211]

Brilliant 😊

[@jadreza8182]

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

[@jordanalexander436]

Awesome …thanks

[@vKarl71]

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

[@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 ' 🇬🇧👍🎸🎶🎶🎶

[@marcoformicone1276]

Thank you Tim!

[@GByePorkPieHat]

This is a BIG impact lesson. Thanks!

[@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!

[@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

[@freddymclain]

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

[@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

[@jallor]

Beautiful simple lesson!

[@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!

[@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.

[@mkusch2337]

Great words of wisdom. Thank you for sharing!

[@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...

[@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.

[@brucejackson1329]

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

[@andytimmonsguitar]

Lovely video Tim...thanks for your wisdom ❤

[@TimLerchGuitar]

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

[@denisbarrette192]

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

[@clydesandry5351]

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

[@BluegillGreg]

From another string teacher: Nice job.

[@stevecrockett6619]

"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!

[@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. ❤

[@jrghansen25]

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

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Thank you

[@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!

[@jimmygetz9809]

Awesome, thank you.

[@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.

[@barrysebastian9584]

Sage advice! Thanks, Tim👍😁

[@Riverdeepnwide]

What treasure! Thank you Tim.

[@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!

[@kennywally]

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

[@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.

[@elizabethanderson2968]

Opening up new neural pathways!

[@VictorHora]

Sounds like VanEps concepts. I´m your great fan from brasil

[@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 !

[@DaveLeoni]

Great advice. Thanks, Tim.

[@roniabagimayordomo4786]

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

[@twli]

Very thoughtful, thank you

[@paulgibby6932]

Sometimes in our lives we all need someone to lean on

[@wojtektomaszewski4234]

Absolutely great lesson in terms of approach to learn, repeat and internalize new ideas. I like the logical way of your explanations and putting your attention on a good sound as well. Appreciate that, it helps a lot. Thank you Tim!

[@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!

[@skeres01]

Thank you for another very valuable piece of knowledge for all us aspiring guitar players.

[@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. 🎸🙂🙏

[@lomezgaureano]

Merci beaucoup !

[@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.

[@Squareheaddude]

What a great lesson. Thank you, Tim!

[@bigbokiptd]

This is such an amazing video and advice Tim, thank you so so much. I was struggling with exactly this issue and I felt kind of what I was doing wrong (learning too much in too short period), but could never properly devise how to escape it. Your instructions just opened "the gate of joy of learning" again for me. THANK YOU

[@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.

[@vmcelvis]

Another great Tim Talk. Just got the internet back and this pops up. Learn it slow/Learn it Right is dead on. Unlearning something is vexing to say the least. Thanks once again for something that is musical/logical and readily applicable to your musical library. #SWEETGUITAR

[@jwright8838]

Great lesson. Thanks.

[@aaroncorr486]

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

[@wizrom3046]

Great advice, thank you! 👍 Not enough youtubers cover the mental aspect of practicing. Too much emphasis on fingers.

[@henninghesse9910]

Thank you for this!

[@plumhunter9158]

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

[@TrebleTrouble115]

Hey Tim, lovely principles as always. Would you be interested in making a video applying this same concept but to transcriptions? Solos, melodies, chords... it's always nice seeing how to squeeze the most juice out of any given piece of information!

[@ZacisBadatGuitar]

As a boy all I wanted to do was grind shred lines. Now that I'm a family man I use my practice time more wisely. Switching it up is very important. I will always be passionate about grinding difficult parts, but I could also learn a new song, study some theory, do some transcribing, or be creative and write something.

[@brittspace]

That was so pleasant and nice. :)

[@shallyshal1]

Practice makes permanent. Have to be careful to not ingrain bad habits. Also my poor arthritic hands get sore easily

[@timh2994]

Deely insightful

[@mardin56]

I once read that amateur players practice until they get it right, like Tim said, but a pro practices until he or she can't get it wrong. Which might mean playing it right 'thirty times.'

[@mtlgas]

Good reminder of these principles 👍 I can remember when i was studying the berklee books ! They introduced a similar approach on different set of adjacent strings building gradually in difficulty from books to books right ? But you explain in a way that’s so clear and easy to grasp ✌️✌️✌️

[@NoraBiteGuitar]

Hey Tim. Great lesson and great advice. :) I often talk of goal setting with my students but when practicing myself I also usually want to enjoy it . And normally I do. I must implement the goals versus practicality and enjoyment when speaking to students . Or at least a balance of these things . Also love your “live with the sound “ advice ! :)

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Hi Nora, yes I agree goals are important but I also stress that the goal has to be a reasonably achieved one that doesn’t frontload the process to any great extent. that’s really what I’m talking about in this video, making sure we don’t try and learn too much before we digest what we’ve learned. The student needs to be realistic about how much time they have to practice and do their repetitions. without a good balance between learning new things, and the repetitions required to cement them in our muscle memory, etc. practicing becomes too acquisitive and yields poor results.

[@NoraBiteGuitar]

Oh , just was still watching your video ! And added how much I also like “live with the sound “ advice. I used to teach at one online school where they used SMART goal setting method . SMART stand for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound..

[@NoraBiteGuitar]

I think the SMART + enjoyable = even better !

[@NoraBiteGuitar]

But yes . I understand what you’re saying . :) totally agree.. ( and must implement more myself ! )

[@vitormagalhaes917]

Nice glasses, Tim!

[@theWarriorUnknown]

Learning scientists say you have to do anything 200 times correctly before it becomes automatic, so this is why learning by heart always pays of in the long run and is why you should only do this with tunes that you really love to play. P.S If you can make 10 tunes sound really great it's better than making 100 tunes just sound good because there is a huge difference between the two, when you sound great it elevates you or any one listening to the celestial realm, so this should be your aim.

[@VitoGaarin]

Niiice👍👍👍

[@DARKLYLIT]

As always Tim, wonderful teachings. As someone who has struggled with impatience and frustration in my own practice, I would be interested in hearing a little more on how you approach dealing with this. Of course, as you said, noticing "tension" in your body (and mind), releasing and even just learning and accepting that this is a "thing" for most of us is super-important but, if you have any other tips for dealing with those frustrating and/or defeatist thoughts or mental "dialogues" as they arise, they would be very welcome. Thanks again for sharing Tim!😁👌👍✌

[@TimLerchGuitar]

I made another video about the falsity of levels, and I also made another video about relaxing and learning. You might want to take a look at those. They’re in my feed.

[@DARKLYLIT]

@@TimLerchGuitar Great! I think I've seen the falsity of levels already, but not the other. Thanks a lot Tim. Cheers.👍

[@TimLerchGuitar]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGS8fnemhalrp9Esi=ZxyfJp7A1NijwyhM

[@DARKLYLIT]

@@TimLerchGuitar Thanks so much for the link Tim. I was looking for it, but I couldn't find it. Very kind of you bruthah. Merci from Canada!😁✌

[@DARKLYLIT]

Ha! Looking at that link you forwarded, I see that I'd already commented on it when you published it a year ago. You know you're getting to a certain age when!.....🙈🙉🙊👌

[@moehoward21]

Great video Tim, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Along the lines of practicing, what’s your opinion on the following debate? Most pros who mastered the instrument/a music style all start playing as kids. Do you think it’s possible for someone who starts at say 20 or so to reach that same level (let’s say, mastering at least one style so that they have complete command over what they want to play in that style) in their lifetime, even if it’s at a later age, if they practice enough and practice efficiently like you explain here? Or is there something about learning as a kid that makes a difference. Do you have a video talking about your experience learning and how you practiced to achieve a high level of musicianship? Curious to know your opinion/experience

[@ancient_living]

Hi @TimLerchGuitar, Where is the foundational section that you say? Is there a playlist to checkout? Great Video to understand how a professional approaches music.

[@TimLerchGuitar]

I have a subscription channel on TrueFire that has the foundations lessons.

[@matthewmurray7428]

Are there certain things that you practice with 100% attention & focus vs practicing while distracted (i.e. watching TV or listening to a podcast while you practice it)? Thanks!

[@halem01]

Like anything else: you gotta put the work in.

[@musiccolours7928]

Hi Tim, i like the way you explain things,compliments ,what guitar you're playing in rhis video? Thanks

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Timbramguitars.com