Top 5 Tips To Becoming a Better Musician

[@Kendrix_76]

funny you mention playing drums.. lol. My 7 year old son is taking drum lessons right now and I kind of HAVE to know it a little in order to help him practice. And man.. sitting back and listening to albums.. about half of my teenage time spent listening to albums.. I think most of today's youth really miss out on this concept. Hearing the whole album, reading the liner notes, the lyrics, who played what instrument on what song, etc.. I miss those days. Good times! Great video, as always!

[@DevinRyanVitek]

Ken Conrad That’s my favorite part of albums!! Not all youth have let the record sleeves and gatefolds gone to waste. I must’ve spent half this year listening. ROCK ON!

[@ap210482]

Amen, with the number one tip!! I used to be a very frustraded musician, now im getting old but enjoying music even more than when I was in the music school. Happy notes from heaven this christmas!

[@rockobeall]

dude I could not agree more!!! I think playing the drums is so important for guitarists. especially bass players!!!! find the pocket!

[@stirlingarcher2141]

Tommy Emmanuel is a huge believer in how important the drums are and he sure gets some fantastic rhythms going on his acoustic guitar. Great video :-)

[@queral58]

I've been watching your demos of Eastwood and Airline, and sometimes Guild electric guitars and enjoy them quite a bit. Always so serious, never say anything, almost never looked at the camera. I just discovered your lessons on youtube and it's great to finally hear you talk and that you have a good sense of humor, as well as much knowledge about playing the guitar. You're inspiring.

[@notebender4]

The last tip is an excellent tip...Overdosing yourself often creates 'ruts' for me... luckily I've noticed it, and I truly think I sound better and learn more faster when I'm able to take a break from the instrument because when I come back my mind (what little is left of it) is cleared of all the pent-up stress but also I have had that much more of other experiences and stimuli that can actually translate into musical concepts and ideas...

[@LawrenceD]

So cool to see Nick in this video. Saw him play drums for an entire gig at a club in Dearborn. The next day he played the same club on his first(or one of his first) gigs with the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

[@tom27j]

Nice one for putting Nick Curran in there on the drums. I've been addicted to his music and guitar playing since I first heard him, one of my top 10 blues guitar players and singers of all time!

[@rayybarra2291]

I caught that too...Nicki was a great drummer.

[@OlyStereomaid]

Nice video. I have always said that about drumming too. It does provide a good foundation. That is how they teach music in India, first percussion, then singing and then a stringed instrument.

[@davidgamel1811]

Synergy is the word. Definitely important to play along with others

[@J3unG]

Great video bro. Quick story in response to your #1 tip. A guy I know who is now and has been for many years, a Ph.D in Electrical Engineering in was once a student of bass guitar at Berklee School of Music. His contemporaries at the time were people like Kai Eckhardt, among others and this guy was actually a better bass player than Kai. In any case, he will blew his wrists out (both of them) while trying to practice the Bach Suite for cello on electric bass guitar. He told me he was practicing like 10 hours a day on this stuff even past the point of being exhausted (kinda like that bullshit on the Sidewinder movie). So...he quit playing because he fucked his wrists up by TAKING MUSIC TOO SERIOUSLY. Later, he made a deal with his folks to stay in Boston and go to M.I.T. instead and finish some type of education. It took him about a year to be able to make a fist or lift a pen to write his name. I met this guy years later when he was going for his Ph.D at UC Berkeley and I ended up hiring him to play in my Latin jazz band (ironically, replacing Kai Eckhardt who tried to make a move to L.A. to play with Wayne Shorter). He still complained of wrist pain and fingers tingling while playing my tunes. I believe it was nearly 10 years since he blew his wrists (and frankly, blowing his musical career as well). This guy shoulda had fun and tried to go on the road as soon as he could instead of trying to emulate Jeff Berlin and Brian Bromberg in a shitty rehearsal room at Berklee. Keep up the good work, bro. I especially like your touring vids. Try to keep documenting that. It's fun and shows your work. Happy new year.

[@johnh.kingstonlll5727]

I too played drums first. I was in Band in Grammar School and High School before leaving for the road to do Sound. I saw my dad teaching himself and I picked up his guitar and amp and that started it. Although professionally I became a Live Sound Reinforcement Engineer( SoundMan). Getting to get people to stick to band practice and learning other people songs at the time sucked. Even now I play originals for and with people mostly. I of coarse know songs and getting together can probably be called Jamming. When I can get people together. Great video as usual RJ . Peace

[@chrismartin1990]

Spot on, R.J. I've found while truly listening to music, it's also very helpful to mentally isolate different instruments as much as possible. No matter what instrument you play, so many of the great bands we love are at their core amazing and innovative artists. Start listening to Led Zep as a teen, and you can immerse yourself for years in what each of those guys contributed to the total product. In other words, don't just hone in on one instrument, allow them all to have their say.

[@im215exempt]

So absolutely correct about understanding and playing drums: even learning to read drum tablature. I'm a guitarist/pianist songwriter and studying Stewart Copeland's contribution to Ghost in the...and Synchronicity were masterpieces even through he had to battle Sting. Keep up the GREAT vids.

[@RJRonquillo]

Yes he's a great drummer, I wore out the Police Live! tape when I was in college.

[@GeoZero]

GREAT ADVICE on drumming and inner clock/rhythm. My first band the drummer had a bad bad bad clock. Not good for a drummer. We struggled. I struggled. Leaving that band and getting a drum machine (pre-midi Oberheim DX) was the best thing I ever did. Even though by that time I had already been playing 10 years (mostly school band stuff, and even a couple of years as a drummer before picking up guitar), the drum machine solidified my inner clock. Never again did I play out of pocket nor tolerated a bad drummer. Fortunately, I've had quite a few great drummers I've had pleasure to have played in several bands.

[@pattybreiland7015]

You're a gem...thanks again for sharing the wisdom!

[@ooloncaluphid]

I also used to just sit and listen to music a lot when I was younger. I think when you're first discovering music it's easier to get lost in the trip and exploration of it, and when you get older, it gets harder to give yourself permission to use your time for just listening to music.

[@hearpalhere]

Awesome tips R.J.! I definitely noticed a huge improvement in my playing when I started to learn some basic beats on the drums. I love your tip #1 too. I got my first guitar around my 16th birthday and I remember feeling so frustrated by it that there were times I had to put it away. I would almost be crying because I wanted to play so bad but I couldn't do anything with it. I was close to literally smashing the guitar sometimes - those little breaks were a life saver.

[@tomfoolery2082]

Yep , i played drums in high school band helped my guitar alot right away. Still play both .

[@battmanvonrichtoven]

Once again great words. My son is 9 and is a really good drummer. I’m trying to teach him to just listen to songs without doing anything. I tell him he will really make advancements beyond what he thinks by just “ listening”. Thank you for this.

[@davidmiller1218]

You might have added #6: "Just watch my demo videos for the various guitars and gear to see how to hold a guitar properly and fret/pick cleanly". I've learned some useful stuff just watching you play; oh, yeah, I've also bought two Eastwood guitars that I'm loving, too. The Sidejack Pro DLX and the Sparkle Red Special Sidejack; I loved the Mosrite guitars, back in the day. Anyway, thanks for the great videos, I'm definitely a fan!

[@damien6685]

Enjoy it, its not a task! Thanks, every now and then I have to remember and be reminded why I picked up a guitar in the first place. I'm not trying to become a star, or impress anyone. I'm doing it for fun. Its a stunning journey, learning the theory, seeing how it all relates, and the beauty in it. The competitive side of me kicks in far too easily, and needs a running snot klap every now and then. Thanks for the reminder

[@Cam_B]

Tip 1: Get really good at your instrument.

[@Simsanchez]

you're an excellent musician and teacher, thanks.

[@adamflax2012]

What a great dood. Excellent tips. Love #5, drums such a foundation

[@guloguloguy]

......The Mind/Brain IS OUR MOST POWERFUL TOOL, for learning Music!!! We NEED to HAVE FUN, and Learn to Play what we can hear in our minds!... It MUST become AUTOMATIC, and "EFFORTLESS"/FLUID"!... (IF POSSIBLE!) THANKS, R.J.!!!

[@mediocrematt7677]

Thanks for all the tips bro! I dropped that flintstones jingle in a jam the other night and everyone loved it. Keep doing what your doing your lessons are awesome.

[@RJRonquillo]

Great to hear!

[@dubshockmedia1110]

Great advice r.j. 🔥🔥🔥 I find visualising patterns or solos on the fretboard really helpful as I flall asleep.

[@thereforeagency]

I’ve been playing for over 20 years. Have to say, these tips are all good advice. Take them seriously.

[@kckrye]

I NEED NEED NEED more of that jam at 4:09 that you showcased for tip number 4. It was killer!

[@RJRonquillo]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIWlgXqQisuoadU

[@kckrye]

RJ you made my day!!! So pumped right now. I ended my Greg Koch video binge to watch this. LOL

[@babsnout]

hey rj, after not playing for a few months, you've provided a nice boost of inspiration. thanks man!

[@jessievasser6293]

Man, you don't know how much I needed to hear some of this today. Thanks!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Thanks RJ, couldn't agree more.

[@OfflineKev]

Thank you!

[@druwk]

Could you do a video about pairing guitars, and amps? Also, pairing effects and amps?

[@BMWBikes-i7n]

A solid Rythm Foundation, that`s really true and my biggest working area! Visualisation, very note of Music! There is no end! Great lesson!!!

[@planej6315]

I'd like to add an (imo) important thing to number 2. Don't just listen to music you always listened to but try out genres you've never gotten into before. Force yourself to listen to genre defining album classics for a week or longer. It doesn't hurt being knowledgeable about jazz, classical music, country or hip-hop as a drummer in a metal band. Growing up as a blues rock guitar player and drummer (see number 1) I refused to listen to anything that didn't have a guitar in it. Good thing I listen to such a broad variety of music now, I would've missed out on so many great records. It takes nothing away from you, you can only gain and suddenly you view music differently as a whole.

[@emdblues]

Oh man, I always visualize myself playing those great solos and riffs :D

[@liarcity]

KILLING it with the cutaways, dude!

[@erjent59]

R.J., I'm new to your videos, but Man, you kill them!!! I love your simplistic approach to everything! Being a novice, you are a breath of fresh air!

[@Larsmop]

My two fav channels, Ronquiillo and Samurai guitarist , Great truths laid right here

[@thomasmorrison3279]

Excellent tips. Thank you for the video.

[@isaacjohnson.]

Thanks RJ, fantastic tips. Keep sharing insights in your musical journey, it's greatly appreciated.

[@claudiojusto5453]

gracias R.J. ¡¡¡¡ sos un gran músico.da gusto escucharte tocar.

[@Jamsville]

Freaking amazing video! You just confirmed a lot of things I've been thinking about recently too lol. One thing I would add as part of listening to music, Is making sure you go out and listen to LIVE music from amazing players. Then you'll never run out of inspiration!

[@RJRonquillo]

Yes!

[@HamidShibataBennett]

These are snazzy tips. I haven't learned drum kit yet, but I do play hand percussion, like cajon and djembe. Developing that internal sense of time is crucial. Thanks for another great vid!

[@jonathon1334]

Great video. Great advice R.J. I completely believe visualization is very important. Keep up the great work man!

[@Jossblues]

Great tips man, great video for any musician. Totally agree. Thanks

[@hippiekarl7]

Great advice, brother! I quit paying much attention to 'popular music' a long time ago, when I realized it was cheapening my own ideas. If you already have a song in your heart (so to speak), you run the serious risk of homogenizing it, or losing your own guitar 'voice' by being too familiar with the formulaic conventions of the day. I started listening to other types of music than those I typically play, and other instruments. Perhaps the most creative aspect of one's playing is the stuff you do that *doesn't* evoke someone/anyone else's sound....

[@russjchandra]

Thanks, for the tips, I agree with you. Will tell my son to check you out!

[@nago5142]

Really helpful. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Spain 😃✌🏽

[@belo1971]

Best regards from France and thanks a lot !!!! Love your videos , for sure !

[@GerhardAlbinus]

Thanks for sharing your tutorial! So very true!👍

[@tonyzuccaro2764]

I literally just bought my first Maton this week. Exact model you have there.

[@andrewsantos3283]

Maraming Salamat RJ !

[@lueysixty-six7300]

4:10 OMG, that guy !! 😂 What a far keen LEGEND !!

[@evanmarshallryanfemali7725]

Drums is my first instrument, which gives me a head start to any instrument I pursue.

[@mewiththedoves]

Wow, great video - thanks!

[@stevetrivoli1385]

love this guy and such a great guitarist! I'm a drummer & sort of guitarist. He inspired me to spend money on a Backlund 200. LH. Thanks R.J.! I think...

[@charliebrown3082]

I wish a musician of your caliber would do a comprehensive beginner to advanced course. I know that's an incredible amount of work but I would buy that in a second. Anyway keep up the good work.

[@XLBiker13]

Such a great video. Real sage wisdom from a very righteous dude. Love ALL of your videos and LOVE your guitar playing. Thanks.

[@Uncle_brandoo]

RJ this is a game changer thank you!!

[@supermanwithsilvergun4679]

Good stuff. I was just feeling nostalgic today about listening to actual whole albums in CD quality through headphones as a teenager. I used to fall asleep to And Justice for All, Melloncollie & the Infinite Sadness, and The Colour and The Shape. I think I'm going find a discman and start acquiring new stuff I'm interested in on CD again to hear the full quality. I'm very much wanting to learn country/Americana Tele style playing. Can't get enough Tele the last year or so. Very much into Joe Walsh's early stuff with James Gang and his Eagles work.

[@choiceblade]

Gave me some hope. Thx!

[@powermetallistic2293]

I came here from your livestream where you answered my question and talked about this video. Thank you! 🙂

[@bluesnitoper]

salamat!

[@nathanbrewer6032]

Fantastic advice, thanks RJ, from Nate in Davao

[@emochinchilla]

Thank you

[@andykuhn4968]

These are super valuable tips. Great stuff. Not sure if you know Victor Wooten but he's there in Nashville and runs music camps in Only, TN in the summer, vixcamps.com. You'd be a great teacher-camper if you can fit one of the sessions in. Thanks RJ

[@halfwayinfinate6342]

I've had the lucky experience of being able to play with a friend of mine who does the keyboard. However she doesn't like to do very often and she seem interested in learning how to jam rather than just reading sheet music and learning songs the classical way. I find it hard to find people who want to play together on a regular basis. Even my guitar teacher who is amazing went to a music college for classical guitarists and had the same problem. He couldn't find anyone there who was interested in jaming with him.

[@TMats100]

Really enjoyed that one

[@NotUrBiz]

Great advice, thanks for taking the time and for working to make it more fun and interesting!

[@kalelisuperman]

This was super helpful! Thanks!

[@guitarolm]

not sure if that photo of the "listening station" is a stock photo or not, but that todd rundgren something/anything is ace

[@RJRonquillo]

Stock photo, but my listening room is slowly being "modeled" after it. And Rundgren is ace.

[@JackFossett]

Great list!

[@savedplayer]

Thank you so much the last point has completely changed my mindset

[@patkilgore3603]

Great tips! Liked and subscribed. Greetings from ATL.

[@mattraker4542]

Awesome content as always, RJ. Keep it up, brother.

[@johnpick8336]

Thank you for posting !

[@PatrickRobinsonZA]

Such a great video. Informative and entertaining, love it. Thank you for the effort and time you took.

[@johnsarofeen7022]

thats a good way to look at things

[@wayneharrod9363]

Great tips in this one 👍🎵🎸

[@thijsroso76]

Nice one, agree with all arguments. Let's say "Amen" ✊Although I'm not really a believer. Like your Jimi photo. Just let us release ourselves.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

ALL GOOD RJ! Loving your videos. I would add explore new areas of your guitar. For example ... up until recently I was so busy trying to nail Hendrix, Page and Santana solos note-for-note I was overlooking other cool options. Two years ago I decided to 'raise the bar' with my playing and started exploring fingerstyle guitar ... such as Tommy Emmanuel. It changed ALL areas of my playing for the better. I highly recommend Googling 'Adam Rafferty fingerstyle guitar' if any of your readers are interested in exploring. Adam has phenomenal online lessons and great information ... like your videos! Btw ... he has toured/performed with Tommy Emmanuel. Thanks again for your excellent videos. Keep em' coming!

[@merlin4music542]

Totally agree

[@choplass]

Great advice.

[@WineSippingCowboy]

How about a part 2 for a Top 10 list? I would add 6. Improve your singing ability and 7. Learn other fine arts to the other 5 tips!

[@angryshoebox]

If I may, I'd like to respectfully add a #4.1: Go To Open Mics & Jams(Blues, Rock Or Otherwise). Get up in front of an audience, play with other musicians, play with a drummer, etc. You'll learn a LOT. On a related note: give singing a try. Singing= learn how to lead a song, how to sing & play your instrument at the same time, gain more musical skills.

[@semilivesixstringstrumist5595]

Good vid and tips but I am here because I like your playing. As for the tips go, If you hadn't done most of these on your own, Forget it. I say that because you are not interested enough. When a person loves something enough to want to do it, Their is passion there. You think about it all the time. You love to do it! All these "Tips" are coming from a person that has the passion and the love of doing it. If you have not already done some of these on your own, Forget it.

[@Guitarwizza1]

Great tips 😉

[@johnpick8336]

Outstanding Info !!!

[@sivadyert]

Great editing!

[@JariSatta]

Yes to drums. I like 10/8 + 9/8 + 10/8 + 11/8

[@MarkHindenaturalbodybuilder]

Watched a few of your videos and I like them. Subscribed and notified. See you around!

[@S19NALC14AIN]

Excellent as always!

[@mattmurphy16]

What band is that during tip #4, at about the 4:20 mark? Those guys sound awesome!

[@torchsound9318]

I’d kill to take some guitar lessons from you.

[@alansmyth2204]

Tips 12345 keep playing simple job done

[@GRude420]

You can avoid the whole "be a drummer" thing, if you practice guitar with a metronome. Tons of free apps for cell phones, or for your home computer. Learn how to use it, and how to practice with it and you will develop a great sense of timing. You might get frustrated at first, but practice and then practice more. Your solos will tighten up, your picking will tighten up, and your strumming will tighten up.. Then, the only problem is to find a drummer that can keep time like your metronome.

[@huskyprince7240]

Practise, practise and more practise.