TrueFire Live: Robben Ford

[@raincitymusic1369]

Idk what kind of money TrueFire pays Robben for the many many hours of patiently sharing and teaching a lifetime of hard-won musical insights, cuz it’s not enough. Robben’s willingness to help us all, and the value of this kind of insight is PRICELESS to me.

[@18echosf]

Seriously, Robben was the most influential guitarist in my development as a player. And, talk about being blessed, I was one of ten very lucky players in 2006 to be the only students in one of Robben’s private guitar clinics EVER to be held in the living room of his home north of L.A. It was due to a scheduling mixup at the clinic’s original location. So, rather than cancel that clinic, Robben and his wife, Anne, took us to their home for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, never to be experienced again. And, each of us had the crazy experience of playing with Robben one-on-one. That day happens to be the single greatest guitar experience I’ve ever had as a player. Needless to say, what an incredible musician and guitarist.

[@BITESIZEJONES]

Too cool

[@paristexas919]

Lucky you!

[@MG-jw6uy]

Amazing sound of Robben always sooths the nerves and puts you into a great place. Thank you !

[@brynjones7371]

Robben has been an inspiration to my guitar playing since I heard Talk to your daughter in '88. Some of his easier licks I use regularly in my blues playing thanks to his instruction videos. 😊

[@damonshanabarger2604]

40:48 Even if you don't learn this particular music piece, these chords and the particular order they are placed in are worth a thousand words. If you're trying to make a different picture, these would come in real handy.

[@paristexas919]

You meant 41:48 and yes, just amazing...

[@damonshanabarger2604]

​@paristexas919 Absolutely, that is the best part of it, and the part of the progression that drew my attention. It is so reminiscent of something Ted Green would have done. But obviously, Robben Ford is more of a blues player. I think he helped give my guitar voice, which helped me with my ability to write lyrics and sing.

[@paristexas919]

@@damonshanabarger2604 I understand what you mean when you say Robben is more of a Blues player, but I'd say he's as good at Jazz than he is at Blues. If you listen to City Life album or Jing Chi you'll notice he's very into jazz too but in an inventive way, not much of a traditionnal jazz. Let's not forget he founded the Yellowjackets. But you're right in the way Robben has been playing more blues than jazz. Hope it makes sense and that my english isn't too bad ^^

[@damonshanabarger2604]

@@paristexas919 I agree with that. Robben Ford obviously is phenomenal at mixing Jazz with Blues. I only meant that Robben Ford is more about blues than Ted Green. Ted Green was more into voice leading. Between the two, Ted Green was more about Classical than Robben Ford. Being a Blues Rocker that also studies Jazz, I am more inclined to study Robben Ford. The vast majority of the time I like to do my own thing. Picking up on a few things here and there never hurt a thing. I like Robben Ford's approach to the diminished scale. It was the first thing that got my attention about him.

[@paristexas919]

@@damonshanabarger2604 I had never heard of Ted Greene, he sounds like a mix of Wes and Pat Martino from the first tune from him I'm listening to. Nice indeed, much more classic as you said.

[@inkjob12]

going to show my age...I remember seeing the Ford Brothers band backing up Charlie Musselwhite at the Red Ram Pizza Parlor in San Jose Ca,. near San Jose State College.....so long ago...

[@tysmith_6844]

Northern Cal has really brought some stuff. Robben, rarified air. whats with the interviewer...du. duu..MILES DAVIS. This is not some rock jock we're talking to here. Dig in a little interviewer. Robben is a voice unto himself not some Nville top 40 session rat with more in common with Slash than Jimmy Bryant or Wes ....The albums out in July. When is the album out? Um...July

[@scottgutteridge1819]

Age is just number man - I'm older than dirt hahaha. Robben Ford has paid respect many times to Michael Bloomfield. Kind of neat that I was also listening to Bloomfield in 1966 around the same time Robben was. Bloomfield lit me up so much that I immediately sold my classical guitar and went electric. Bloomfield's playing on the "Paul Butterfield Blues Band" and "East West" albums still stands-up as incredibly inspired blues.

[@leighsayers2628]

Show your age with appreciation ..all these fabulous musicians we have seen ..so many will never see what we grew up on ..been a fabulous ride ..

[@davidbluesmanmagown4912]

I'm a harmonica player and this is some of the hardest stuff I've ever learned. Robben Ford is amazing !

[@PeterKertesz2013]

Robben Ford 💯🖤 Thank you for the endless inspiration!!!

[@GeorgeKam]

Robben is a real musician and a real improviser.

[@sclutovic]

seriously brilliant playing by the master .... never ceases to be incredibly musical

[@robsonmatos3546]

What a wondeful musician. Thanks Rob.

[@rogersmith5383]

God gave you a talent that we can all enjoy thanks Robben we love you

[@tun3tym3]

Holy schnikes. For years, I've heard my guitar friends always praise Robben. It's 2020, now I understand. And yes, I know this is just scratching the surface. I like his "style."

[@benmtz]

I find Robben plays like a sax or trumpet player, soo good!

[@sudhakartamang431]

yea because he maintains space in his playing like horn players , breathing is very important in music but again not every sax or trumpet player is good or tasty

[@davidsheriff9274]

@@sudhakartamang431 Robben's big influences were Miles, Jim Hall and Paul Desmond, all known for their melodic playing and use of space.

[@luigicannizzo2669]

Very Special Moment' s on the Culture And Life Music Player. .. Great Talent. .. Thank' s so Much Mr. Ford and True Fire for Istructional Divulgation on Playn'g Guitar ... 😊😀😁/👍👌👏

[@eastrolabio]

Giant of guitar. Love his playing

[@미스터도커youtube]

Robben Ford 선생님 항상 좋은 연주 들려주셔서 감사합니다. 항상 행복하세요 사랑합니다❤❤❤❤❤

[@skinnykarlos710]

I was studying classical guitar at Uni when "Talk to Your Daughter" album and "The Blues and Beyond" instructional videos etc came out in the early 1990s. He is/was a huge input in my electric playing. Little things like holding the pick/plectrum but using the rounded edge rather than the pointy tip have had an input on how I approach the instrument and the sound I strive for. A true legend and a gentleman to boot. Thanks, Mr Ford and TrueFire.

[@kristofer603]

Mind and Heart and Eye Opening!!!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I first became aware of Robben as a distinctive player from his presence on Joni Mitchell's Miles of Aisles album, he was a member of Tom Scott's L.A Express in '74, so he had that Jazz element to his playing from the beginning, Blues of course is the staple and the origin of so much music. I must admit to being a big fan of Mr Ford's playing, it is inspiring!

[@martinrhodes1619]

That is gorgeous stuff. Can’t wait to get your new album!

[@andybrown6981]

Thank you for showing us your knowledge - wow, what Miles Davis asked for his backing ..

[@john-zw9rw]

Robbie Robertson.........another Fantastic very inspirational Artist like Robben...

[@maton1982]

Robben Ford has forgotten more than i have learnt. incredible student of music

[@michaelkitzmuller1479]

Robben❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Mein Lieblings Gitarrist und Komponist

[@porkbelly0713]

that Tele has seen better days, but then those are usually the ones that sound the best ....................... subscribed

[@scottgutteridge1819]

So many players these days are preoccupied with slash & burn styles, but that type of gung-ho playing starts sounding a bit repetitive after a while. Not to sound snobby, because I do listen to those players and also learn from them. But Robben Ford is always creating new sounds - he takes blues to the next level and far beyond. He's in a class by himself as an artist, composer and lyricist. Really looking forward to this new course and his new album!

[@loumonte658]

Ford is an underrated master.

[@BITESIZEJONES]

Not in terms of people who know what a good guitarist is

[@loumonte658]

@@BITESIZEJONES 🍻

[@TheGurner1]

Wow, great performances!

[@graemethorne4540]

I have been a fan of yours for years,gr8 to see you live,hello from Thailand.

[@PetrifiedProduction]

Great stuff. Looking forward to having Robben back to headline the 10th annual Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival in August

[@sclutovic]

Is Robben's appearance at that event this year confirmed yet ? If so, would love to go - not yet listed in his 2020 tour dates

[@PetrifiedProduction]

@@sclutovic It'll be announced 1st week of April (by the producers)

[@sclutovic]

@@PetrifiedProduction Thanks so much !!!

[@msantann]

1:05:00 That’s not the Phrygian mode. It’s the Aeolian mode.

[@p911c32]

Great stuff. About Miles Davis and chord changes... read Miles autobiography... super interesting...

[@kilterkaos1]

Been a fan since Talk to your Daughter album. I used to cruise around listening to you, Pat Martino, Clarence “GateMouth” Brown, Black Sabbath and Testament. I play guitar, so I was into everybody.

[@dougdavis8986]

U thought you were the drummer for Def Leppard???

[@kilterkaos1]

No, I have both of my arms.

[@robertosozio3425]

Nice Mister Ford one great the moder Blues,

[@kilterkaos1]

I’m still training my ear. I’m studying my triads how they relate to the chords of the key. And how to target the major thirds in my playing.

[@adsffdaaf4170]

you will pick it up quickly

[@kilterkaos1]

I know it’s teaching me to listen, And to pay more attention to the chords I’m playing over.

[@18echosf]

And, just a musical note............unlike almost every other blues players, Robben almost never bends a note to the next whole note. He always slides to the next note instead of bending to it. Much different than other players........another reason he’s just the very best at what he does.

[@vhollund]

That last tune with those changes Ab7#11 Gm

[@TruthSurge]

16:15 I feel like someone is about to answer the phone and say "Thanks for holding...." except you never hear this nice a guitar on hold music.

[@TruthSurge]

Lots of folk refret teles and strats with those jumbo frets. Else bending is a B. That's really the two things wrong with those Fenders. Laquered fretboards and necks and small frets. Imagine if they had installed the larger frets and had satin finishes on the necks? omg.... imagine how much easier those bends would have been for all those strat players. I guess the ones who could bend easily didn't mind. other option.... scallop the fretboard.

[@BrianVallotton]

Makes me glad I am a 2nd year member at TrueFire! Now IF I could only understand what Robben is saying! I know it has a lot to do with A's and 6 and 7's and 11's and some 13th's.... I will catch on eventually

[@davidseriff711]

Ask a question

[@BrianVallotton]

@@davidseriff711 I was being funny, but yes, I have many. Right now I am backtracking and filling in the gaps in my musical knowledge. I do wish I would have applied myself to some basic theory when I was 20, not when I am 59... but hey, it's never too late! Until it is. God bless.

[@davidseriff711]

@@BrianVallotton have you checked out Scott Henderson's DVD called "jazz rock mastery"? There is a lot of great stuff in there.

[@curtdeschamp5585]

Robben Ford is the man! It's just that simple.

[@rockmeamodeo]

Any thumb not pointing up belongs to someone lacking elegance and soul. Robben has always been awesome. I saw him w The Yellowjackets back in ‘81 and was blown away.

[@ront4782]

Saw him in Boulder Creek club back in the '70's.

[@FunkyMuziq]

Incredible skill at 46:30 👌

[@hlaster11]

I see the In The Jam stuff and am interested, but are the backing tracks to these songs Robben plays in this video available for purchase also?

[@-Atmos1]

sounds great

[@TruthSurge]

How come amps in music stores never sound like that???

[@shanetankey3340]

Cool. 👍 If you wanna see how his Tele is ageing, go to a clip from 6 or so years ago, where he is using this guitar.

[@walterredaelli7507]

grande Robben!

[@andybrown6981]

from 51:00 is how he applies and practices

[@kristofer603]

All Played thru a Fender Princeton with No pedals??

[@ralphculp4852]

KING DAVID

[@viktorroll]

Awesome!!

[@NelsonRiverosMusic]

Interesting the story of how he got into Miles Davis' band came from Steve Lukather. Miles wanted Lukather in his band and he was leaving to go out with Toto the next day. He recommended Robben Ford and Michael Landau. Probably was reconfirmed later by Lipuma

[@sclutovic]

not correct

[@NelsonRiverosMusic]

Nick W 2016 Actually it is. Miles called Lukather to ask him in his band. I had a whole conversation with Luke. At the same time he did speak with Tommy Lipuma on this as a confirmation. Its the story they give.

[@sclutovic]

I'm aware of this whole story and all the little variations. If I state what I know to be the incorrect portion, it will end up starting some argument or something - and it isn't a good idea. If I write what I know to be the incorrect portion, it would be taken as a criticism. I should not have written anything. How do I know that one part of the story is incorrect - let's just say that I know it directly from someone who was very close to Miles and involved with the band at that particular point in time. I don't want to get into it further because it doesn't really matter. A good portion of your story is correct. All that matters in the end is the music that was created. :-) But - people who really want to figure it out without knowing any of people involved - can do so by doing some research and watching ALL the existing recorded interviews (audio and film) with Miles himself - and if they research it this way, they will know why there is 1 portion that is not correct. Once they have heard something that Miles himself says, they will know. There is another way of "deducing" what is the incorrect portion by thinking about it from a musical perspective - i.e., why it couldn't have happened 100% the way you describe - I know that sounds mysterious but I don't want to start any fights online w any music lovers - like I wrote - all that matters is the music that was created!!

[@TruthSurge]

43:35 huYEAH! like he knows. He just can't be honest and say uh never heard that one. hehe Every name Robben tosses out he goes oh yeah.

[@scottmillard9645]

Why wouldn't he know? Nazareth is on Renegade Creation Bullet album. If you are into Robben you would know this.

[@Larriex97]

Woah! What was he playing during the starting part?

[@andybrown6981]

What does he mean "My Favourite Thing"? When I search I only get Julie Andrews

[@davidsheriff9274]

John Coltrane played it.

[@gktde9874]

"seehund weg" ist geil !

[@cjchristopher5857]

What song is that at the beginning!?

[@paolopelizzon137]

Que sonido hombre.... Y con una Tele .... !!! Oh Yeah ...

[@BITESIZEJONES]

2:13 to 2:15 love it

[@DavidHendersonMusicChannel]

Who is the bass player and drummer on the backing tracks?

[@guitarelaxed]

Wes Little on drums and Brian Allen on bass. They are his rhythm section since the "A day in Nashville" record. He mentions it at 12:37

[@DavidHendersonMusicChannel]

@@guitarelaxed Thank you!

[@ColocasiaCorm]

bill also played with miles... UH. YEA.

[@billdarroca2059]

Do you think Robin was all up in arms about that gap in the neck pocket? Just think how much better he would sound if that gap was closed.

[@guitarchannelbergedorf7301]

lydian dominant 4+ b7

[@davidseriff711]

Imperial strut was originally in C sharp minor, Robben put it in B flat minor here.

[@joyfullmusicexploring-thom5093]

69 years old !

[@fromcodex]

does anyone the strap he’s wearing ?

[@TracyLanebike]

What scale is that? 🤣

[@hanskung3278]

Why are chords everything?

[@dong4176]

Hanskung notes and scales are everything .. chords teach you rhythm and songs ... if you can play good rhythm and know different chords you got it

[@JontCarr]

Chord tones in soloing

[@hanskung3278]

@@dong4176 That's too bad, cause I'm really into scales.

[@Esbenmad]

Then maybe spend a few years studying triads and connecting the dots between them and all the knowledge you already have of scales. I have got to tell you - playing scales without awareness of chordtones wont ever sound great.

[@hanskung3278]

@@Esbenmad A few years?

[@robertfitzgerald1693]

🤩

[@miked1931]

The host seems like a nice guy, but please, let Robben talk and pass on his wisdom!

[@BITESIZEJONES]

I thought Robben did a fair amount of talking in the beginning

[@thomasprice1760]

😁😁😁

[@hanskung3278]

I think it's funny he doesn't like those modern guitars.

[@earlwebb9032]

Just can’t get with that tone tbh Great playing but be better without the fuzz