The TRUTH-What it REALLY MEANS to be a PRO Musician

[@safenders]

Such wisdom, Tim. "Everybody's musical life is valid, and Everyone is an equal".

[@malcolmjohnston4624]

He also said love the gear you have, that helped me allot.

[@dankenton]

Everyone's musical ambitions are certainly valid but they are hardly equal. There's first-call, the backup dude then Toontrack.

[@RT-wl4jr]

Very kind words, and very much appreciated. Just don't watch any Guthrie Govan videos and you'll be OK!

[@MrSatanismybitch]

@@RT-wl4jr are you kidding? I love Guthrie. Seeing that anything is possible gives me such drive to participate. Even if can only punk out a bad cover. Tim is gracious with what he says but, in a way, he's actually right .

[@RT-wl4jr]

@@MrSatanismybitch I'm a huge Guthrie Govan fan. He's phenomenal. I watch his videos all the time! And while we may have been equals when we first picked up the guitar, he has accomplished much more with it than I have. I'm not kidding!

[@mdp303]

Input: Hours of work, rehearsal, lessons, late nights, van hire, hotels, web sites, publicity..... Output: 2x45 mins. Anyone who does not think it’s work has never done it. It’s still worth it but only just.

[@malcolmjohnston4624]

Allot has changed since the 80's, we used to make 75-100 bucks a night, now we can't even play for charity.

[@pierheadjump]

Working with commercial producers & directors, movie production - these guys are insane - that’s why the unions are so strong... for the freelancer all work rules are erased -ALL WORK RULES - no overtime, no sick time, no unemployment insurance, no 401K matching. Their reliance on their creative energy and musical skills pays the bills. Mad respect to anyone that can MAKE IT in that environment. Though a new guitar is a write off 😎. HA! Thanks Tim.

[@miguelescalera626]

Yeah I agree. You have to have a lot of confidence in your craft.

[@sheatanner9935]

Actually, they've changed the tax rules... you can't write that stuff off anymore.

[@pierheadjump]

@@sheatanner9935 no way, thanks I didn’t know, I work with tools & my TurboTax used to let some kind of amortization. I think that’s the term. But really I just have a small amount. Tim & guys like Rick Beato, with larger studios must get some kind of break, Chevron doesn’t get it all...hopefully 😎

[@miguelescalera626]

@@pierheadjump Chevron?

[@miguelescalera626]

@keith madding I got sorry I read this again

[@alphadogstudio]

I've always loved Billy Preston. Glad to see him get some acknowledgment here.

[@MrRafaztar]

Just FYI in Latin languages such as Portuguese we don’t call it playing (brincar/jogar - children play or you play games) we call it touching music (tocar guitarra/ tocar música) just find it interesting it changes the perception of what it is. Just to put it out there.

[@TorTheWeirdo]

This is interesting

[@christianfoster3806]

I've been saying for years that we should all stop saying we're playing music, but rather say that we're doing music. Like a magician does magic.

[@jitblues]

Performing music? Creating magic?

[@UnseeingWorm]

@@christianfoster3806 the essence of art is to be playful 🤷🤷

[@EJBGuitar]

So cool to hear you say everybody’s musical life is valid! I just released my 52nd guitar EP and 100% proceeds are donated to Make-A-Wish, so it’s not my “job” but I put 100% of my heart & soul into it!

[@Stratboy999]

That is awesome.

[@timfletchermusic]

Love Tim's energy and how much he loves it! Them facial expressions haha makes my day : D On a serious note, he's right. Being a musician is a 36 hour a day job. Doing the jobs of hundreds of people on your own. Much respect to all the great musicians on KZbin.

[@budgetguitarist]

Agree - I'm doing music as a third job/hobby and it still takes every minute I can give it! I love it, though.

[@RC32Smiths01]

I have said it many times before, but I truly respect full time and session musicians! So much work is done in and out; I could never see myself in an occupation as deep as this.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Tim. Your thoughts are so spot on and relevant to today's musical landscape and working musicians. I've been playing professionally for 20 years and as someone who has never enjoyed the success of A list musicians, I have to continually reassess my strategy and revenue opportunities. I'm an Atlanta based youtuber and just last evening I did a zoom call with a fellow youtuber from Austraila. One of the things that came up in our brainstorming session (that's essentially what it turned into) is how much more time and effort videos take to create than people realize. I cant tell you that staying home and trying to constantly create fresh content in MUCH harder work than being on tour! Also, trying to create that sense of community that many local musicians enjoy through text and chats and zoom calle is harder. I've run into several small youtubers that are so concerned about protecting their little slice of the pie that they totally miss out on potential collaborations.Anyway, thanks so much for this. You are essentially mentoring the next generation of musicians. And I believe it's great advice. Take care. - Mark

[@lightsjohnson8253]

Cool Tim. I was a pro-musician ,mid-seventies to 90. Also a farmer it was the most wonderful time ever. Made about the same at both professions. Then music changed, I didn't. Became a weekend warrior, blues,jazz,rock. It was always work until it was time to play. That was the reward, performing,entertaining,and the jamming with guys. Even enjoyed the learning and writing. Now I'm retired and enjoy going to jams,woo hoo!

[@user-oy7gz5bf2h]

@Uhhh You do realize Tim Pierce also started in the 70's?

[@lightsjohnson8253]

@Uhhh I am 68 life is good.

[@JGlassy]

Tim’s mix of wisdom, humility and talent shown here is matched only by his infectious humanity. Keep up these great videos Tim!

[@budgetguitarist]

My heart goes out to my friends and everyone else who depend on gigs for a living. I also feel bad for everyone in other careers who are in a similar position. Wonderful video as always.

[@cranstjs]

Appreciate that insight. In my own case, now age 65 and having started with bands in my teens, (and long before computers and social media), it was nearly impossible to make money in music unless you had a lot of luck and maybe knew somebody in the business or had a parent that knew someone in the business. My brother was a pro drummer for 20 plus years, and is very talented, but just didn't quite make it with the bucks to survive. It's insanely difficult and music, like fashion, is transient. You might be popular for a year and then become a has been. Playing local clubs was a ticket to being broke and tired mostly. And typically when the business side comes in, the art goes out. You are playing what others want you to play to appeal to the customer base. The art part is for fun to me. I still play and have a studio by my house but it's just for fun now. My savings came from actual jobs when I realized in my 20s "need to do something more productive". Difficult choice to make if you're heart is in the music.

[@chriscampbell9191]

Truth be known, most of us in this game have never made a dime, or are lucky to have made one. A lot of guys were in bands that got a couple gigs, maybe recorded a demo or two, and then life or other circumstances took over. It's that way in many arts, actually. With the internet you can at least get your art out to the public in some form. Something that wasn't really so readily available in the 70's and 80's and 90's, when there were more 'gatekeepers', many of them just pure economics.

[@Highside713]

Wise words Tim. I was a fighter pilot for many years and got so tired of people telling me how awesome my job was. It was complete immersion and absolute dedication 24/7 to get there and stay there. But people told me how "lucky" I was. Now I play guitar for fun with no pressure. Total respect for you Tim!

[@perryfotos5489]

Just a thought, how about a "day in the life " long form video. It would be very interesting to see everything from booking and scheduling, preparing, playing and even how you bill for your services.

[@georgebarry8640]

What if no day is the same.....I play professionally and days are very unformatted...its all ad hoc...not sure that would translate as instructive to anyone.

[@tracyanderson3518]

TP - One of the most life-affirming people out there.

[@rva11]

Both wisdom and humility from a truly great artist, and a success in so many ways. Thank you.

[@2dazetake]

When I was in a band doing gigs at clubs,there would be some nights when I couldn't wait till the last song of the night,having worked hard all day in my day job and being dead tired on stage is hardly fun,and giging just becomes another job,it's hard work and it doesn't pay a whole lot of money,some employers were generous and some didn't want to even pay us at the end of the night,some would gives us free food & drink,others you may have to fight just to get paid and charged you for even a soda,if you develop a following,which our band did because we played every note and song perfect,then you can demand a better wage,but it's a standard wage,and splitting it was another story in itself,don't ever think for a minute that it isn't hard work,and never underestimate the ears of your audience,even a drunk can hear a mistake in your playing,gotta love it.👍😅

[@Draganism]

That's interesting 2Daze. I played in a garage band and did 2 free gigs at our local and then we imploded . . . None of us were much good. But it was our dream and we worked pretty hard to try to make it happen. How many bands have this story and never even make it a regular income no matter make it a career. Honestly, it must be considerably less than 1% of 1% who have a career. Bruce Springsteen talks about it in his autobiography, he says that he wouldn't recommend it for his children because it is just too hard, too unpredictable. And he's the 'boss'! I have to say, growing up, it was just about everyone I knew dream to be a musician in a band. The next Beatles. But you strip it back to what it really is and that is if you are, as you say, really good, it's still a hard job. On top of that is navigating all the drugs and alcohol. I wouldn't push my kids into it. The Beatles, after all, have been a one off out of millions, perhaps billions of bands. It will never happen again.

[@thebooda]

I listened to that song growing up so many times!! So much better now knowing you are playing on the record!! Dang, I really love your effort, Tim! So grateful for you. Thank you.

[@Funtw0]

Tim, you are such a wonderful human being sir! Thank you for all the videos and sound. :-)

[@TheChadRushing]

God, that intro was soul food. This year has me rethinking my career, what metric I've been using to measure my successes (which have, now that I'm REALLY thinking about it, have really been many), and what's next. Brilliant playing, brother!

[@zephyrhillmusic]

Great to see you outside Tim! Fresh Free Air!

[@rogeralleyne9257]

Thank you for this video!!!🙏🙏🙏 Preach on good sir!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@geraldmcquaid5383]

Thanks Tim for your perspective. Following both you and Lee Sklar you see two people who are constantly working or available for opportunities. “You only eat what you kill” as the saying goes. Incredibly stressful on family life and free time (no vacations for you). I choose guitar playing as a hobby and I really enjoy both you and Lee and your sharing of your life’s vocation.

[@tombrown9460]

Your so fun to watch. You obviously love what you do and it's a joy to see you do it.

[@j.s.m.5351]

Regarding rehearsals: Never take a gig where the artist doesn't make time for a rehearsal. I learned that the hard way!

[@licksnkicks1166]

Oh I so agree! I am so sick of the bs of band politics.

[@joethebar1]

Yep. Everyone thinks they’re above rehearsal- and then the gig becomes a train wreck

[@j.s.m.5351]

@@joethebar1 It was also a first time, out of town show...

[@mattrorke7536]

Tim, I love the look of excitement and joy on your face when you hit certain notes like you’ve discovered them for the first time. Just fantastic!

[@robertp330]

Tim: I love watching you work. You are a true professinonal and it shows. Your craft, the creativity along with the business side are all necessary to make a living doing what you love. I worked in rock cover bands in the 80s (what a blast) and even did it "full time" for about a year, but would never confuse that with being a professional musician. The career that chose me was information technology and ultimately information security. I can say that much of what you speak of in this video is the same. I love what I do, but there is so much to do beyond the small part that allows me to "play'. Rock on. You are an awesome inspiriation to hard working Americans everywhere.

[@mikesansoucy5662]

T- watch all your vids in envy... that intro is amazing. Much respect to you.

[@michaelmattson3515]

I remember playing the local park pavilion dances from 7th grade to 9th grade. We charged a dollar a head. Made about 150.00 to 200.00 a gig. Not bad for a four piece.Then the park board employees got wise to it and took half of our money. I’ve been in bands & the industry ever since but kept my day jobs. Still do some studio work via on line. I was invited to meet a 7 piece brass band at one of their gigs from a friend who’s the bass player. The leader/singer came to our table during break and asked if I play for free? I said of course I do,I get paid for rehearsals, setting up ,tearing down, fuel, equipment maintenance & supplies etc. Needless to say I didn’t get the gig. He took his anger out the band by saying over the PA if they weren’t stage in one minute he’ll dock them 20%.

[@gbarge4]

Hey, Tim, one thing for sure is that this part of what you do touches a lot of people and makes their lives better. A lot of listeners to professional recordings might take the ingredients of recordings for granted. Fair enough. Players who are trying to improve every day, especially as stress relief, appreciate on a different level. I'm just grateful for what you share and hope all your hard work continues to pay off. -G

[@DRCRANKNSTEIN]

Hi Tim, great to see and hear you- your video is very enjoyable.- thank you.

[@THEItchybruddah]

Wicked important data. MANY folk could benefit from this “checkup from the neck up”! THANK you Tim! I never leave you empty handed!

[@activemelody]

excellent video Tim!

[@timpierceguitar]

Thanks so much

[@tennysoncason772]

Honest, refreshing frankness. Politicians could learn a lesson or two from this episode.

[@KristopherCraig]

I share a very similar story to you. Starting professionally at 12 playing bass in an big band and haven’t looked back. I can’t even imagine not bei. Full time musician, no matter how hard it is. Had some pretty amazing moments including touring with the Funk Brothers, and wouldn’t trade my life for all the money in the world. Thanks for your great KZbin videos!

[@ddnsconsulting]

Yep, it’s a hard life. But Tim, you still have that infectious smile! And that’s what counts... Keep on rockin’ bro.

[@spiritualconnection4807]

The most precise and complete player I've ever seen

[@scoots8519]

Tim thanks for the live streaming, I really enjoyed it. What you said about playing guitar 10 hours a day when you were young and 3 hours a day at your current age make me see why you are a professional musician. You have put in your time and I see why you are so good at what you do.

[@kylecravens8052]

Tim, just enjoyed a track of yours that I didn't realize until now that you played on - Brickyard Road (Johnny Van Zant). Would be curious to hear which parts were you and which were Dann Huff. Any song with the two of you to me is instant gold! The solo is amazing - The opening to me seems like your melodic sense and timing/feel and the second part sounds like Dann. Then it's like this amazing back and forth. Wow!

[@akflute]

Oh, my. I'm a classical musician, but the same thoughts on making music. Always trying to become better and still enjoying the process. And many who don't understand the work that goes into presenting the finished product (which is considered a personal work of art).

[@coreycongilio]

I absolutely love this video and, have thought about talking about these topics many times. Thanks for the insight as always, Tim!

[@Ripprock1]

Was not expecting to here outta space. Thanks

[@wataboutya9310]

Great content that keeps one listening. A wise old sage for sure!

[@TheFeelButton]

Showbiz is a lot of work but should always look effortless to the audience. I like to say you gotta practice like crazy until strangers start calling you a natural and then the REAL work begins! Cheers Tim!!

[@RockHardRiffs]

Enjoyed the video. There’s nothing quite like an experienced perspective 🎸

[@NiceChristianMan]

Brilliant commentary..... Very well said...... Your compass points true North my friend.....

[@dlux703]

Content from Tim is so reliable, with good advice, good playing, good logic even, even in 2020. Who'd a thunk that was possible? I just wonder why his nice old Strat is missing its headstock decals. There are perfect replacements available right in Fullerton by way of the UK.

[@michelmoe]

Thanks for that, I really loved this video =) I've been talking about this for years with people and many don't realize a simple truth: this is a profession and hard work and as such, any work should be properly paid for. I feel truly blessed to pay my bills doing music as you are absolutely right that there are fewer spots in the arts, sadly. Seems like nobody can live without art but MOST will try to have everything for free. Ain't that a shame! This people aren't smart enough to do the math that if this doesn't pay our bills, we will eventually have to stop doing it so we can survive. We will surely be devastated about that but so will the world without our art. Thanks for spreading the word about our work! I am blessed I get to do it for a living and that I get to learn stuff from you! THANKS!

[@joekyleboston]

Thanks so much Tim. Terrific video - love the outdoors segment (don't forget to check for ticks) and thanks for the reality check. I guess I need to keep my day job.

[@AnthonyElsetinow]

You have a serious gift.. self taught...

[@TheBeardedGuitarist]

You're such a gentleman Tim, thank you.

[@ESP77769]

Tim, all music biz chat aside, that was some of THE best clean playing I've heard in years!! Thank you!!

[@jamminwithjambo7729]

Tim ...you sure funky. Great playing.

[@kungfubill4436]

Thx brother...you are inspiring every time....👍

[@fernandes5986]

Very good advice for musicians, Tim. I loved the sequence on the outside of your studio.

[@211squirrel]

To the gentleman who suggested “musician’s should be happy...” It’s dangerous to open up your mouth and speak for others. Opinions are typically best kept to yourself, especially when they involve the ideas of: - should - fair - deserve - where/how others spend their money

[@chrisphill]

I heard that Truefire is going to release some Tim Pierce courses. Excited to see what they'll be covering...

[@songsfromspringcreekave821]

People ask, "Who are your favorite guitarists?"... My answer always includes Tim Pierce. You are a great ambassador for the music industry Tim. An absolute killer of a musician, and humble. All of us amateurs idolize you man!

[@shawnmcvey7789]

Ambassadorships aside, he's also played on countless records and some really big hits. It would be easier to name a song he played on than it would for people like Steve Vai, Jeff Beck, or a lot of the modern tapping stuff 🤣

[@AwayWithWordsMusic]

Very well said Tim. Thanks for your insight.

[@jimc6687]

Wow!! Tim what a gorgeous area of CA!! Beauteous!! Great views and great hiking buddy!! Great life you lead!! Jim C.

[@HabAnagarek]

Awesome playing at the beginning. These old pros in their lairs look like Dennis Quaid in his little ship in Innerspace.

[@highstreetjackmusic]

Simply want to say thank you.

[@jeffm8262]

Your words are inspiring. So is your guitar playing

[@mimisounds2843]

Oh my, that playing at the start was brilliant. I have to learn it!

[@SL-vw9pm]

Dont worry, about 30 years of practice and you will get it easily. Like Tim.

[@MusicFed]

Thanks Tim. Wise words full of heart

[@bwrinn8]

Yes sir, Mr. Tim!

[@phillipherder4982]

I just love watching you play dude!

[@honestinsky]

Love your great channel and great instruction Tim, thank you, much appreciated. Congratulations of passing 275K subs! A+

[@buzzbabyjesus]

I liked everything about this video. Thanks!

[@tomace6906]

I truly think the industry should provide a lot more support for the people who actually make the music. Should they all become rich? Hell yeah!!! Every dime I spent in merch, tickets, records and stuff was worth it. Music could bring love, fun, peace and comfort to people. We should acknowledge these „Soul Shamans“ and not only preserve what they did but make sure that they can live their art free and independently.

[@GuitarExpress]

Loved every millisecond of that intro

[@ROKZLEON]

Great video Tim!!! Thanks for sharing your experience and wisdom!!! 👦🏻

[@anonymous06593]

It also takes a long long time to build a network that allows you to have enough work to be a full time musician. It can't be just clients, but it also has to include other musicians that can give you work when they need a sub.

[@timpierceguitar]

Good point

[@michaelpolutta3131]

One of the first 45s I ever bought - LOVE "Outa Space'!!!!

[@stratorarious]

Thanks for letting us schlebs into your world.

[@josephkemler6166]

Wow just the intro that's some damn funky guitar you got there I really enjoyed this

[@terrymiller111]

Awesome playing! Stevie Ray Vaughn jamming with Billy Preston and his people. Good stuff.

[@paulcoleman3081]

Loved the '70s style camera tricks during the intro! I half expected you to split in to eight and start revolving around yourself...

[@Thombrawley1]

your playing is such a pleasure to listen to. love the funk

[@CraigPaddockmusic]

Thanks for saying this stuff, Tim.

[@Ninjametal]

I have long appreciated your playing, but I have gained new respect for you. It takes a certain amount of bravery (and more obvious competency) to depend on music to pay bills

[@jitsroller]

Great video Tim. T.V. is so old school you can't watch stuff like this on there.

[@warrenmccune305]

Such a great feel. Saw him in Amarillo with Rick Springfield in 84 great show

[@slowwaterdrifting]

Ronnie wood strait hauling on a grit mid solo....now thats a professional! Great vid Tim!

[@igorwaldl1690]

Tim, I love your stuff! What I recognized: You said "Preparing a live gig takes me two weeks of rehearsal." which is true. "I'm spending all my spare time to prepare...". Not at all! It's your work time you are spending! I'm an adviser for issues related to renewable energies world-wide, and it is always fun. But I'm working hard for it; so, of course, even if it's fun and some things come really easy to me (after 30 years in the business :) ), I got paid for it. Like you must be paid for your hard work!

[@timpierceguitar]

Hey thank you for the comment

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Opens up with Billy Preston. Enough funkiness to melt faces!

[@limpindug]

A1 video thanks, take yourself to the point of exhaustion then convince an audience your having a great time. Yep a can see why people should be payed fairly for that. Respect and stay healthy all

[@nathanslavinskas5287]

That opening jam was incredible.

[@michaelmattson3515]

Thank you for the honesty. Got to have a product & to deliver the goods.

[@TheMisterGriswold]

The intro was awesome!

[@charlespalla1978]

Tim, your exactly right! I am a photographer and have been blessed to have worked for the same news paper for almost 30 years. From the being that was my goal and I never wanted to give it away for free. The problem is people only see the end result, and not all that goes into getting there. So when they see the results of what we do, to them it seems easy (lol) They also don't see how we have had to keep up with the changes in our industries. I have gone through the changes from film and printing in a darkroom up to and through the digital age and not to mention the challenges of dealing with the young ones nipping at your heals. My advice for the young ones and always has been, don't think your going to advance yourself by giving your work away for free. The only thing that will happen is you will be taken advantage of and you cheapen the industry for the rest of us and yourself in the future. If you work hard and master your craft it will happen for you and hopefully it will not only be your passion it will be your lively hood. Wake up everyday and do some that will help you to that end and by the way playing guitar is also one of my great JOYS in life, but I'm a realist, it fun but if had to make a living at it. Well I might be living in a box down by the river. Have fun and always be moving forward in what ever you do!!!

[@timpierceguitar]

Thank you for this comment

[@geofflines60]

So true, if you give it away, it most probably isn't worth anything.

[@jefffritts68]

i used to gig almost every night yrs ago in detroit. it was fun and paid the bills. but i had a day job too. i got all my gigs thru word of mouth thru people i had previously played with. i did everything from open mic and church gigs to being a hired gun on the thurs thru sat night circuit. drums, guitar, bass, vocals, whatever they needed :)

[@malcolmjohnston4624]

Thanks again for sharing the joy.

[@strummercash5601]

Tim Pierce, you’ve become my favorite living guitar player.

[@moochasas]

I love the way your channel is evolving... love the story telling, truths and down sides to the craft.... oh. and the playing is awesomesome..... cheers mate keep up the great content.

[@tomwhalen8400]

fun to see you outdoors, Tim!

[@powerpopaholic876]

Tim, you're an inspiration. Thank you for this helpful explanation !!

[@michaelcapanelli9233]

Awesome video dude, thanks.

[@dragonsage6909]

Great info, thank you! I could tell that you over prep for everything..it comes through in your playing..great chops! Masterclass! Thanks again!