WHO Is This "GO TO" Guitarist For Major Artists?

[@orionvassi]

This dude is a great example of how you don't need crazy fast chops to be a pro. Smooth and tasty tone gets the gigs.

[@FrankFurther]

You do need crazy fast chops to be a pro. I guarantee this guy can play as fast as he needs to. A pro guitar player needs to be able to play anything they are asked to play

[@joeferris5086]

@@FrankFurther Agreed this dude can shred with the best of them most likely

[@bripslag]

He may have shed chops, but he doesn't rely on them as his selling point. Much the same as Tim.

[@cheneyrobert]

Well it’s music, not a race 🥂

[@andocobo]

He can shred, he just usually plays more melodically, but he 100% can shred

[@rhyswarden]

‘I’m getting paid to play music, not playing music to get paid’.. That’s so good!

[@cgoebbert]

Mason has such a great feel for whatever he’s playing. His pocket, dynamics, sonic manipulation of his instrument to produce the right feeling. Just great to hear you two discussing the hired six-string slinger joys and pitfalls of the biz. Perfect Sunday day off video. Thank you Tim and Mason!

[@timpierceguitar]

You are very welcome :-)

[@ttop23]

Man the stuff he was playing on the red JM was absolutely stellar. Beautiful touch and just so tasteful.

[@TLMuse]

Mason was totally off my radar-wow, what I've been missing! Thanks for bringing him to my attention, Tim. The piece in the chapter "Mason Plays 5" was gorgeous-I'd love to see the whole piece! -Tom

[@RC32Smiths01]

It's always an invaluable time to see interviews and wisdom of those who are very experienced in the music industry. So much advice and knowledge to be had.

[@darrellstyner0001]

Tim is so generous, using his platform to give exposure to other great players. I'd never heard of Mason, but you can bet I'll be looking for him now.

[@KenjiKitahara]

It's cool to hear two great listeners have a conversation about music... AND the business/relationship side.

[@CrazyLazyDave]

Idk if I could admire his gear collection more than I do. Awesome guitar collection.

[@Ppuffdiddleydangdoof]

The big lesson I took from this video is that the session guys make every note count. I don't think it's a stretch to say that every single note Mason played on this video was impactful. I found myself hanging on every one, which as I say, was my take away here. Thank you Tim, and I signed up for the masterclass.

[@theelectricvoyage]

Mason Plays 2 has just blown me away Tim, what an innovative piece of playing.

[@gubfoley378]

Tim, this was a really great interview. It was relaxed and candid and you seemed to have great repour Mason. What a cool and authentic individual.

[@PawpawJamz]

What a humble and intelligent guy. Excellent player as well. Great video.

[@jurassicporkchop4162]

He is smooth!!! Smooth is awesome. Great video.

[@michaelgregory2231]

That opening piece from Mason and it's pocket are his bonafides as a disciple of Jerry Reed. There are many great fingerstyle guitarists out there, but few had the funk and the grease Jerry did. Tommy Emmanuel is one and Mason is another.

[@tatters72]

There's so many things I love in this world of music and then this happens. Beautiful.

[@stickman55100]

Just love the interview! Tim is such a giant in the music industry and a really genuine person. He did a great job interviewing another great player and real person!

[@johnmcevoy3598]

Super tasteful, patient, get the tone, and let the guitar do the work.

[@CGCEifel]

This morning i was sniffing around for a Ben Gibbard Mustang and watched his demo of it! What an amazing player!

[@20cenctstyle]

Very cool Tim, thank you for the groovy vid. It’s beautiful when there’s snow on the mountains I love the winters here

[@dustinrieseberg8707]

Mason is the man. I always feel so good after watching/listening to him play. He’s the guitarist i ALWAYS pay attention to as far as pedals go. I play very different music than him, but he inspires me so much. What a creative force.

[@steveb9325]

Totally agree. I'm a Classical guitarist, loved this all the way around. We love music man..learning from everyone. These guys are awesome. Happy I found this.

[@comandinn505]

What a great lesson on navigating a career with integrity. This is a topic unto itself. Way too little of this kind of information out there yet it is perhaps the most important. Relationships and cultivating them are key, especially in creative disciplines.

[@TrevorrNourse]

WOW! Amazing player and what great guy. Tim thank you for sharing!!

[@timpierceguitar]

Yeah I love Mason also... thanks for the comment :-)

[@N0B0DY_SP3C14L]

That guy is fucking amazing. Such flavor and feel.

[@butterflywing61]

Mason is pure magic !

[@buellzz]

Never heard of this guy and just immediately want to go grab the guitar after hearing this. Just magic.

[@cosmogang]

The song he played around @10:00 was just so beautiful- I had to rewind and re-listen like 5 times 😅

[@zenlandzipline]

Amazing. I listened twice. (So far)

[@slugtoenail]

Great episode! I wasn't familiar with this young man, but he seems very wise for his years and obviously a great player!

[@rubicon-oh9km]

It’s a beautiful thing to see a studio icon like Tim pass on his knowledge to the younger player. Mason is amazing and gives hope that guitar-based music is still alive and well.

[@jamiem7114]

Awesome player and, He has some really cool gear. Thanks for the introduction!!

[@michaelyolch79]

This entire video was...exquisite and INSPIRING! THANK YOU! :)

[@GuiitarBilly]

Great episode, love Mason’s vibe. I wondered about Jackson’s approach to finding lead guitarists. They all Burn on the Doctor My Eyes solo. Now I know; it’s part of the audition. That solo was turned into a lap guitar showcase in Jackson’s 1970s concerts by David Lindley of course (rip). I saw David play it several times back then and more recently Mark Goldenberg on a 2010 tour that reunited David and Jackson. So Mark’s playing the DME solo on a tele while David watched. No pressure lol (Mark was great). Thanks for putting Mason on our radar.

[@pj_day]

mason is such a good force in music today. kind of the sound, feel, and personality you pretty much always want involved for almost everything.

[@JGlassy]

Absolutely useful, inspiring dialog here!! “..sometimes we’re asked to just provide the feel..”.

[@NVRAMboi]

Great video Tim. Thanks for the introduction to Mason. He certainly has a promising future given his talents (and choice of friends).

[@AndrewFriedberg]

Loved this

[@antonjohnsson679]

I love these kind of interviews, Tim. Thanks for all the content!

[@erajad]

What a great conversation! Thanks, Tim, for making it possible for us to listen in.

[@geargeekpdx3566]

The difference between a true pro and just a good player (and this applies to all musicians, writers, freelance artists, designers) is the pro can sound distinctive within any context and style and the good player does one thing very well in a single flavor situation. You two guys embody the true pro's.

[@mikes9759]

I have to agree with a lot of the comments on the video. It's an eye opener! Great playing and music! Mason is an amazing player and down to earth guy! Wish I could have seen this years ago!! Changes some of my views on music!! Thanks Tim and Mason!!

[@ivorjones9961]

Thank you Tim, enjoy the talent you interview. You are truly one of the LA Music Men.

[@richardstones6445]

I love hearing the perspective of the really elite session players like Mason, Tom Bukovac, Steve Hunter… some of the greatest guitar players in the world talking about their experiences, successes and failures. Great stuff!

[@namesarehard88]

I have been following his work for a little while after seeing him demoing some stuff for Fender and being absolutely blown away by his playing... He just has 'it'.

[@drx2671]

Tim you have outdone yourself what a great interviewer you have become.

[@ViolinistExtraordinaire]

Thank you for sharing your passion and for being such a consummate performer. recently heard a review of The Kerry Kenny Band - Pining Time. Title track -yes, that’s a wickedly shredding violin - thanks for your inspiring me to level up my studio and live A-game..I’m pleased with the performances, and now am validated A GAIN. I Used a volume pedal on the majority of my playin on that album, am it is a key to sitting right in the mix…for me..Near the end of the signal chain, followed by at least one delay.. nice hearing this conversation. This guy is amazing, both of you so humble. A real treasure. Ring the bell!

[@MaPa60]

Oh, if Mason had a SoMe channel, I would watch everything!! Love those GTRS, the fretless and the pickup positions on that bari!! Wow

[@twobarsfourstars]

Brilliant thoughtful interview, thank you both so much for sharing!!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Outstanding interview. So much great information about how to play with other musicians and provide what is needed.

[@andrewbowen6875]

Would love to be so in touch that every note matters like this.

[@jimmyfrombrooklyn8550]

Great insight to the session/gig world! Mason is such an interesting player too! Thanks Tim

[@Cuardaitheoirfirinne]

Thank you so much Tim. What an incredible musician and player.

[@bleeknoir]

It’s been very cool to watch Mason’s star rise over the last decade or so!

[@vaughanbranch8376]

Loved this video, Tim! You and Mason are pros cut from the same cloth. You two should do more of this or start a podcast … commenting on classic songs, new songs, interviewing other studio pros. I’d be in 100%.

[@karlk5691]

Great video and great player and some very cool guitars.

[@Colinjohnmusic]

This makes me happy. Mason is such a tasty player and he’s an incredible human. What a great segment. Thanks Tim & Mason.

[@mojogypsy]

Mason is new to me, but now I’m a fan!

[@estoops]

Such a great, and informative, interview. Two great players talking about music and the business side thereof. Thanks, Tim, for taking the time to to create this and for sharing it here on KZbin. Additionally, I can confidently say that as much as everyone here enjoyed watching this I enjoyed it just that little bit more than all of you.

[@classicaxe1]

Tim Pierce Guitar Masterclass is the place to learn killer licks !

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

Tim is the Obi Wan Kenobi of the guitar community.

[@MichaelLewisMusic]

Love the insider perspectives! Fun stuff! Great pocket and relationship skills winning the day!

[@Buddhabellie]

Oh wow. That fretless baritone is amazing. Thanks for introducing mason.....😊

[@szabolcsmezei4088]

Very tasteful sounds and playing. Thanks for the introduction.

[@AndrewMasters]

Oh man this guy is awesome, great video Tim!

[@timpierceguitar]

Andrew thank you so much glad you like Mason ....

[@Kaisermb1]

I bet Blake Mills loved this guy. He's got so many rich and textural sounds. Heigh-Ho through some quality headphones is an awesome experience.

[@nathanmarshallmusic]

What a great guitarist, and down to earth sorta guy. I'm sure he's a blessing in the studio.

[@seanmcmorris]

Thank you Tim for introducing me to Mason Stoops. I was pretty much floored by his sound and musicality. Wow!

[@TheFeelButton]

Great show! Cheers Tim and Mason!!

[@DEJaegerWoodworking]

Tim, you should be the "go to guitarist"! Your work on Living In Oz in amazing!!! Such tasteful solos that gave Rick's songs an edge they hadn't had before. Will always be one of my favorite albums, and celebrated its 40th anniversary by playing it in its entirety... several times!

[@FC-cz6zd]

Tim introduces me to another great player. Thank you!

[@johnbsouth1]

Two great guitar players. Thanks guys!!

[@bigEcatMan]

That was wonderful, thanks. Would love to hear some talk about his guitars and set up.

[@jeremyhickersonsalem]

great video, guys!

[@rayg3116]

Being a studio cat is alive and well. Keepin it real will keep you employed.

[@Steve-ih7dg]

Mason Plays 5 - what a beautiful piece of music

[@fgmmusic]

I hear Ry Cooder’s time and placement of notes in Mason’s playing. Thanks so much for sharing this artist.

[@Drew_Gliebe]

I love this guy.

[@kevinbassvocals]

"The fewer knobs the better." You are speaking my language!

[@andybolee]

oh man, beautiful and tasteful playing! love it!

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I saw Tim’s name in the credits for Rendezvous, a 1992 album by Christopher Cross. Anyone have any information on that?

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

i think they are good friends

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Saw Mason playing with Jackson Browne in Perth. What an individual player.

[@seanfitzpatrick7878]

How grateful I am that it's you (Tim) doing interviewing. You ask the questions that I wasn't even aware that I wanted to know. I consider most of your videos to be master classes.

[@jason_koch]

10:01 mason plays 5. Wow so beautiful.

[@phillipasby9202]

Well now there is an example that you can’t make a living without a stable of custom shop guitars! What a cool dude and one of the funkier assortment of gear I’ve seen in some time. All of it sounding like him.

[@BOBBRADLEYCHANNEL]

That blue Gretsch is insane .. love it.

[@alstrummer2446]

Thinking the same thing!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Agreed

[@JefKalil]

Hey Tim, you mention lessons that mirror Mason’s concepts. Can you let us know which one ? Thanks for offering the master class. It’s been well worth every penny. 🎸

[@RicG.]

Fascinating conversation Tim. Thanks for sharing!

[@severebash9153]

Mason Stoops, Blake Mills, and (personal favorite) Harrison Whitford - those three are the class of the field when it comes to LA guitar recording.

[@henninghesse9910]

great playing

[@nicholasrussell620]

Love mason! Thanks for this

[@timothycormier3494]

That was some really good advice you just gave Tim! Thanks man!

[@fivewattworld]

Loved this. Thank you Tim!

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

Blimey Keith….”These? These go to 6….. watts mate !”

[@RobertWGreaves]

I have been playing guitar since 1962. I have never ever heard a pedal I liked. I bought and then dumped a a number of them. For decades it was my guitar and my amp. Today I use a multi fx processor into the mixer, loved them when they finally came out. However, I have about 8 sounds that I have tweaked and settled on and that is pretty much all I use 90% of the time. We are all different.

[@gtrgenie]

Not since Blake Mills have my ears perked up upon hearing Mason play so beautifully

[@GravelGodsBeEverInYourFavor]

Would LOVE to see the full uncut segments of Mason playing!

[@zitruc]

I absolutely love the part about having "people skills". So many virtuoso musicians can't read a room or play for the song/the artist.

[@JakeReedmusic]

Love Mason!

[@blainelanders2361]

Thank you for displaying all the hidden things about music I have wondered about for years.

[@RobertSaxy]

That organ pad with the midi guitar though, sounded great and a big little extra money maker. Don’t worry about hiring a keyboard guy for that, I’ve got you

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Can anyone tell me what Gretsch guitar Mason is holding during much of the interview? I think it may be a player model yet, I am unsure. This was a great video. What a wonderful way to end this beautiful Spring weekend.

[@paulcamus8944]

Mayson plays 5 & 6 🔥🔥 such great stuff.

[@lancemusgrave7087]

Thanks for the video Tim.