How To Be a GREAT Rhythm Guitar Player

[@M00nkat55]

Tim what pick do you use?

[@timpierceguitar]

Right now, a Dunlop flex 73 that is the larger one... But I've used lots of different pics at different times, and I tend to change them up occasionally :)

[@MashaT22]

@@timpierceguitarpicks could be a whole video subject - why people gravitate to certain pick gauges and styles. I don’t know how you’d do individual note with your precision level using a 73 gauge pick. I tend to switch up my picks sizes/styles/brands depending on the song, but I can’t pick out single notes with anything less than a .96 (strumming and single notes) or 1.14 (only single notes) because I need more rigidity. For me, a .73 would already be for faster strumming and no individually picked notes. Yet I see other guitarists using .73 or less (including lead guitarists!) for insanely fast shredding. Anyway, it would be cool to have a deep dive and examine why that’s so - and how you personally select and use picks. And more importantly, how long you use each pick before deciding it’s too worn and then chucking it. Thanks, Tim!

[@Man.Well93]

@@timpierceguitar try red bear picks

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

@@MashaT22Lol my stepmom visited and first thing, “Why all the picks?!” Like I was crazy. I had no logical answer relatable to the real world lol. At a desk job, you might have a lot of pens, but not 30 variations. Doctors don’t think, “Let’s try that max grip .96 ultex scalpel with a precision tip for Johnny’s heart surgery today. Maybe the tortoise shell for Jane’s foot amputation…”

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Yeah you definitely want to try different picks and you want to switch out from time to time for sure. I find it kind of sad that some guys say this is the pick I use and that's it. I don't venture away from this pick... I use this pick for everything. Acoustic guitar and electric guitar. Six string and 12 string. Clean tones and distorted tones. This is the pick. Done. I think to myself, wow I don't think you're getting the whole story my friend.

[@tr5947]

Amazing that a master could be so humble. To get instruction from a player of Mr. Pierce's caliber would have been an absurd fantasy when I started playing guitar 50 years ago. It gives me joy to see how much its rightly appreciated.

[@moethibert3640]

Your the best teacher and one of the best guitarists I've ever seen, Thanks

[@bilray114]

Tim reminds me of a former guitar teacher of mine, who was a great teacher AND a great guitarist.

[@timpierceguitar]

Wow, thanks!

[@thunderingthelightning]

True Dat!!

[@JLalajabahl]

@@timpierceguitara good teacher would say *you’re…. But Tim is too classy and too amazing to be as vulgar as me. Love this channel❤

[@pjakobsen]

I’m sure teacher was great, but did he record on some of the biggest hits of all time? MJ and Crowded House..wow

[@MickeyBitsko-bn1bu]

The guitar is absolutely a percussion instrument. This is one of the best demonstrations of that

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

A good rhythm section is worth its weight in gold ✨️

[@foxfai1]

Man Tim, You made it look so easy. I just learned that first few years we train our left hand on the cords, and the next 10 years on the right hand to play accurately and freely. There is so much to learn. Thank you for the pointers

[@Nuker54]

A body in motion stays in motion👍 Words I've lived by through my 70 years and still going. Love your work Tim!

[@charliemitsios9251]

Greetings Tim! I’m not an amateur. I’m not even an amateur garage hack. But I won’t ever admit or quit. Your lessons are worth their weight in gold. Thanks!!!

[@sh1sh180]

As far as neck and shoulder pain, I found doing a dead hang from a pull up bar a few times a week loosens everything up.

[@in2livinit]

How long do you time the hang, and just one, or multiples each session. I'm rehabbing a C-7 fracture & will try anything for flexibility & relief.

[@Mtn603]

100% agreed. Hanging is so good (and often so overlooked) for our shoulders, like a lost art. Resets so much. Even just a light hang from a doorframe occasionally can provide huge relief.

[@sh1sh180]

@@in2livinit That all depends on your grip strength and what is comfortable. I stumbled onto this because of longevity videos saying if you can do a dead hang for a minute or two, you are in good shape. I found that my neck and shoulders fell much better and I can play guitar for longer periods of time now.

[@in2livinit]

@@sh1sh180 Thanks 👍

[@TheShink]

No joke, the kids swing set works perfect for that.

[@mackvismusic8622]

One of the best lessons I have ever seen on YT over the last 5 years. Playing since 1970!

[@MrWilson-WithaPbass]

Love this Tim Thanks ! I am 50/50 "rhythm guitar and bass . Always working to get better .

[@artemisXsidecross]

Your use of language is as well played as is your music; it is a great combination.

[@michaelscott356]

EXCEPT when he says "Your finger is laying". See above.

[@xirknight]

Tim makes it look easy:) thanks Tim!!

[@SeanVarley100]

This is such a practical lesson. So many players don't spend enough time developing the skill to mute on demand. I think it is the secret to making the guitar talk. I also had a Nash S63 with HSS Lollar pickups. I sold it for some cash. It is one of the guitars I do miss.

[@5TR4N63R]

WOW what a brilliant video. Tim is amazing. He can do it all and explain it perfectly at the same time, while also having such a calm and pleasing demeanor. Legend.

[@HarryStoneDotCom]

I didn’t play guitar for a couple of years and got arthritis in my left hand index finger. Once I started playing again it gradually went. If I don’t play for a few days it returns. Lately I’ve been able to play every day again and there’s zero pain. I definitely agree with you about keeping everything in motion to mitigate it. Great video again, like always.

[@telecasterbear]

I have played guitar from 1975 through 2020. I then switched to bass. I'm keeping it simple as I did while on guitar. Tim has the best smile.

[@toploadtele]

Tim is the such a good teacher! Having been a drummer in my younger days makes a hugh difference with timing and pocket as an old gray headed guy working on playing guitar today... Thanks for the tips Tim!

[@jeffroq]

What a fantastic lesson. Thank you Tim. The economy of effort thing I always think of Michael Casswell doing the Rory Galagher lick library lesson. Looks so effortless.

[@christhacker9450]

Tim is the bomb. Impeccable timing and feel.

[@thomasjefferson3481]

You get one of the if not THE best strat tones with that strat I've ever heard.

[@cuisineavecjeff]

Seriously, it's f"/$%?&* insane

[@Martin-op3uo]

Nash guitars

[@cm-kl2wx]

@@Martin-op3uo Must be the pickups...no?

[@alfonzo9]

Incredible!

[@carlsalazar4490]

Love the sound of your Strat. I’ve spent so much money to recreate the sounds of my favorite guitarists. I finally gave up, life got in the way.

[@joergenlang]

I think that information about holding the pick, posture, tension in the body and physical exercises would easily justify their own video series. Saying this as an acoustic guitarist. Thanks Tim!

[@grahamnunn8998]

Great video, Tim. I love showing students how to mute strings with the fretting hand - the best ones take it and run with it. Some great examples here. Frusciante is a monster rhythm player, I am get the impression he has constantly develops both his technique and theory. I am not even a big Chilli Pepper's fan but I love how inventive he is.

[@mmiller6873]

Valuable insight in this episode. I could listen to you play all day long. Thanks again for your instruction and tips. Well done!!

[@philipmarsh3522]

Since you referenced Nash guitars … my friend has a Nash Strat and lets me borrow it from time to time. I’ve seriously considered just taking it and leaving the country lol. Not sure what he does but the resonance and just the neck feel are excellent. Some builders just have the magic. Such a gifted artisan.

[@monoonlagoon7641]

You are a absolute no nonsense no politics pure pro and a total gentleman Mr Pierce!

[@majortwang]

True… every piece has limits… so i stick with what i’ve got… and work on MY limitations. Tim is a good teacher.

[@danmercer214]

That’s exactly what I have in both hands. Osteoarthritis and I’m 68 and it’s starting to affect how much I can stretch on the fret board. Love your playing skills.

[@alfredtuley481]

I was blown away by the air strumming. Magnificent idea!

[@00xanawolf00]

Tim, you just blew my mind. I didn’t know you performed and recorded those parts on Don’t Dream It’s Over! No wonder I’ve always loved that song in regard to my obsession with the guitar and tone!

[@jeffhughes1039]

Thank you Tim, you are a great instructor

[@timpierceguitar]

Thank you so much I really appreciate it

[@dennisenkurs2676]

Thank Tim. The last bit on gear of hitting walls, can be applied to our likes and dislikes in genres , food, cars and appreciating your differences and others. I can love anothers persons passions and loves. Shallom .

[@TheFuriousTee]

So much gold here, I wish KZbin was there when I started

[@JJ-dh4bq]

Great suggestion for playing and trying to stay loose. I actually sit on a drum stool when I play at my gigs now. I get a lot of comments from a fellow band member and also people that come to see us play about me sitting down on stage when we perform. I ask them where is it written down that a musician has to stand when they play. If you can perform and play better sitting why not !

[@ChrisJones-tm5ji]

Great video. To add to your comments about stiffness in the fingers, I'm not the greatest guitarist but I'm 71 and still gigging. I get stiffness and some pain (maybe arthritis) in my fingers. I use finger stretching exercises which I find absolutely invaluable. I can't remember where I found them but I'm sure a quick Google search will work.

[@minstinct280]

TIM IS A LEGEND!!

[@robyates136]

Love these videos because in one hand I’ve been doing these things for decades because I learned them in songs .. but in the other hand I still have to fill up my riff encyclopedia more

[@cm-kl2wx]

Tim...a million thank-yous for your generosity is sharing this wonderful information...not only the techniques...but also the historical titbits...I'm from Downunder and was amazed to learn of your work with Crowed House...your mention of low action for finger health with age was gold...keep it commin' Tim!

[@mikemurel1917]

I totally agree with the arthritis thing. In the morning I cannot close my hands into a tight fist, so even before I get up I work on closing my fists. Also because I've had open heart surgery I also take deep breaths and push out my rib cage in order to keep it flexible. When I play my hands never hurt or feel stiff. I'm happy for that. Also I've developed a light touch . So light I do not have calloused fingertips, nor do the strings dent my fingers. Beyond that, I feel I'm close to the worst player alive, but I love every moment.

[@da5idnz]

Very cool. A riff I enjoy playing is the opening riff from Sammy Hagar's 'The Girl Get's Around' from the Footloose soundtrack. I play it with the muted open G string, and double stops on the two high strings based on first position G, F and C chord shapes. The 'C' shape requires muting of the open E string between strums by turning the index finger slightly.

[@Lgiorgiojr1]

Love how you talk about your consempt of how you sound so so true that’s what we all struggle with love all you do!

[@SamVieiraGuitar]

For years I thought I wasnt good enough. I consider myself a very good rhythm guitar because im very comfortable with all these techniques. Thanks for the video.

[@ultimateinspirationguitar]

Great stuff as usual. I teach most of these ideas to my students! Quick note... I've seen the reggae veterans get really worked up about NOT using ups for the strumming (unless you are playing fast ska)... Hehe sounds almost the same but they got angry at the idea! Now I use downs for all my main reggae strums , then everything is also in place for the double skanks! Thanks Tim!!!

[@Rockingruvin]

Great comment about limitations of gear. I have a multi pedal from 20+ years ago. I rarely deviate from the first setting. Hybrid British-American rock amp clean model , stompbox option (tube screamer), effect option (chorus, flanger, etc.) and then delay. I've tweaked it a bit, but it's close to stock. And I run I through a Marshall DSL 100, 4x12 greenbacks, and no matter what guitar I grab, it sounds virtually identical. My 52 reissue tele sounds like a F'ing Boston guitar. And my leads sound like Jimi on a bad night... lol

[@CarlKennedyMusic]

Tim can always find and deliver these key points to being a pro that others simply don’t cover. THANKS!

[@brendanekins2159]

Thought the same

[@shawnok1]

Great as always Tim..I'm in love with that guitar

[@Khyron9]

Another great video. On the demo of Black and White, hearing the pattern played with only the right hand made the part so much easier to grasp, great teaching!

[@jakyru1981]

Spectacular explanations, lucid because they are SIMPLE!

[@dunehaggar7495]

The tension and body part is 100%. Also of note is many guitarists get told they have carpel tunnel syndrome and will need surgury. Often it's in the sholder and especially heavy guitar on strap on sholder... awesome vid and yes i am biased as a kiwi hearing crowded house haha

[@WickBeavers]

It's interesting to hear you play 8's. I always thought I was a wimp choosing 9's! Thanks for preserving my manship. As for tuning your neck and leaving the cover off the truss rod screw... I heard there's a guitar builder who makes the truss rod nut so openly available the act of tuning your neck is equivocal to tuning your strings. I'd subscribe to this 100%.

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

I agree with the notion of reducing tension in the hands, and everywhere else, for that matter. I have struggled to hold picks (due to very dry skin), and holding tighter doesn't work. Now I use Fender Mojo Grips, which are nitrile rubber sleeves that fit over standard picks. I can hold picks now with virtually no tension.

[@jonevan100]

Tim I thought only Black dudes had licks like you do but you play with such funky feel and groove thank you for being so humble for such a bad ass , Jonevan

[@zaprodaju1661]

This man is a pure gold.

[@MusicMotivator]

This is a HUGELY valuable lesson!! I love how you incorporate SO many diverse examples!!

[@JoeGtars13]

I really like my Nash guitar too. Super quality.

[@Viper_555]

Great rhythm tips! Thank you. I have that same Nash guitar (esthetically speaking). Same color, pickguard and plastic. I custom ordered mine with a Boat Neck (Large V) and Lollar pickups. It plays and sounds better than any other Stratocaster I’ve ever played. I stopped searching for the ‘right one’ after acquiring this one 10 years ago.

[@bertpainter8385]

Just a thought on arthritis, tendonitis etc. Like Tim says play as much as you can without causing excessive pain. But if you work with hand tools or anything involving some sort of work load on the hands, playing guitar afterward will be tough and probably painful. At least for me it is. It's the thumb joint that really is the problem. When that joint causes pain, is just about impossible to do any grabbing type motions. Even a strong handshake will cause paint. I have to choose one or the other on any giving day. Winter is best for playing guitar as there's not much you need to do outside, hopefully🤞

[@chrisculley3756]

I swear to God good I was just cooking lunch and I just had it in my head that I had to listen to crowded houses live show in Australia while I was cooking my food. Such a good band. RLTW 3/75

[@tunnel7]

Just such a nice guy and what a player thanks Tim when your at at Tim's level it must be a great feeling.

[@lyndamcardle4123]

Very interesting and salient point about acoustic playing versus electric. I tend to play with my fingers nowadays because I can't hold the plectrum/pick without it dropping from my fingers so I fully comprehend why you play with such a low action !

[@DavidWalker-oy6tx]

Great stuff! One of the best I’ve heard that can strum and mute specific strings is Dave Matthews. He’s under-appreciated I feel, but one of the best rhythm players ever

[@axslinger99]

Love your laid-back, conversational style of teaching.

[@patrickjordan2233]

I tend to agree...a light level of professional exercise (playing "deliberately") is a form of stretching + productivity? Les Paul epitomized (and employed it liberally) the exercise philosophy, playing almost to his last breathe... Because of it, even though his age was taking its inevitable toll on his hands, even in his last years, he could play @ a professional level (definitely not for hrs & hrs on end...) But at an amazingly high level, kind of @ his leasure...? Decades after others would have had to hang it up... I was fortunate to see him perform live several times in his Golden Years, always was amazed how he could play @ his age & arthritis levels... Watch him play during any of his tributes,.. Les Exactly lived what you're espousing, Rick! 🎉♥️♥️🎉 "...some people play while they live... others live to play..." Django epitomized this aspect...

[@steveperks59]

This was fascinating! I was having issues with tension and started to analyse what was going on. I mainly fixed it with small adjustments in neck angle, both up/down and forwards/backwards until it went away or I got a comfortable wrist angle. I also found that I was gripping the pick too tightly. If your thumbnail goes white - too tight! I lalways loved watching Wilko Johnson's (Dr Feelgood) unique style of combined rhythm/lead. I'd love to see you do a video on his style!

[@jackprice7828]

Tim just love the way you do double stops!

[@richardsummers2161]

The right hand strumming motion you call the pendulum/motor, is what I am trying to teach my son to do. However, I call it "shaking the water off your hands". Hmm, I will show him this and hopefully he can glean your invaluable rhythm information. thanks!

[@deanmihaere6554]

You're the man Tim. Thank you. Beautiful sounding Strat.

[@ikeeubuah]

Great video!! Have you ever heard of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong? Scrambled Greg is one heck of a rhythm section.

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

Thanks for the very inspirational video! Outstanding tips! Best to all. 🇺🇸

[@carlwolf9881]

Tim, thank you for sharing your vast knowledge on all things related to guitar!

[@guitartommo2794]

Can’t Stop is really difficult to get right hitting all 6 strings with a low action on the guitar. If you have low action (to make easier to play for other songs) sounds ok aiming for fingered string with nearby strings muted… while keeping the rhythm… or use guitar with higher action…sounds great.

[@jonnydubai]

One of the best at this style is definitely Stevie Salas. Amazing rhythm chops.

[@coycarlson4979]

As ALWAYS - GREAT INSTRUCTION 🎸YOU are INDEED a MASTER on the fretboard and know how to “ GET IN THE GROOVE “ 👍👍👍🙂🙂🙂🙂✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@MrIBaN1975]

what a master! enjoying so much this vids, i am kinda learning more of this 25 min vids, than from any guitar class i took so far, you are so inspiring, no matter what you play, everything is gold! the way you play guitar makes me think, this is easier than it seems to be but we all know it's not! thank you maestro! i really appreciate all your posts, I'll defenitely sing up for one of your courses when i have a more time. Peace!

[@rfidougsmith]

Just Subscribed...Tim, your lessons are so darn good! This is an incredible rhythm lesson, Thank You!

[@chadnikolaus8793]

Excellent video, great info on how to fret that a lot of KZbin instructors kinda leave out. ALSO, WOW you played on MJ's Black or White huge fan of that song.

[@harrysearia1784]

Thank you Tim for sharing!!!! That tone was AMAZING!!!!!!

[@ChiIeboy]

5:22 Reminds me of the intro to _Jive Talkin'_

[@wesleymarkmusic403]

Great lesson and great inspiration. Thank you sir.

[@DanaDeerwester]

Have a Sunny Sunday Tim🎉👏✌️💜🤍💙❤

[@coycarlson4979]

It is good to understand when playing with other musicians - to complement the performance NOT step on others

[@michaeldorcey9305]

Sound great Tim. I sent this off to my son, the rythm guitarist. I'm sure he can use your advice

[@jaywallis48]

Being a drummer, I've noticed when playing bass, piano or guitar, that the more I treat each instrument like percusion I sound better.

[@Fl_Music_Producer]

Tim I think you're correct about arthritis. I heard a physical therapist once say motion is lotion.

[@timrichardsonii7735]

I looooooove that guitar… I save every video I see it in!

[@GByePorkPieHat]

Second the request for some Reggae content from Tim. 😊

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I test-out every chorus-pedal I play through with the riff from “Don’t Dream it’s Over” One of my all-time favorites. Reminds me of being 16 & having a future. 😂

[@philallen8935]

Love this bloke, I've learnt so much from him ❤

[@mikeqp10]

Hi Tim! Love Your channel and content!

[@MonkeyDLuffy-cq2lo]

can you please add a part of talking about how to get the tone or patch at the end of each tutorial video? It will be like a bonus section talking about gears and the settings, which will be a lot of fun.

[@ruthhancock7665]

Simply amazing, Tim. Keep ‘em coming.

[@Uke-Tuber]

Tim, my guitar hero 😍

[@JosephStreppone]

Always enjoy and learn from your guitar work thank you Tim

[@oliviercastello4093]

It is such a pleasure to watch your videos. Great content, great vibes, always smiling, just about the pleasure of sharing and talking about guitar. It is so great to hear about all you have experienced. I have been following you for a while now and I can’t believe how humble you are vs all you have done. One of your videos actually inspired me a song (some music actually). I called it Smiling Tim 😅. If you ever travel to Budapest the beers are on me 😉🍻 Thanks Tim for what you do 👍

[@37BopCity]

Fantastic lesson, Tim! This is the best I've ever seen on the fine art of rhythm guitar.

[@blessedlifechronicles]

Recently experienced one of the points you made about playing without the song while learning it. The song was masking my mistakes and playing alone really showed how bad my timing and accuracy was. 😅

[@SharkDad85]

That tone and simplicity 🤙

[@jodyinalaska1]

Great video Tim! Appreciate all your insights and advice! Always take away several useful tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, experience and talent with all of us.

[@wonder1908]

I love the stops you played on the Rickfield records! 😍