Two Things Every Guitar Player Needs To Know

[@J.C...]

And THAT is part of what made Duane & Dickey so great. They went for it EVERY NIGHT. In every song. Two of the greatest ever, IMO.

[@davekeltner2460]

"allow yourself to make mistakes while being creative", Perfect timing Jeff, I really needed this right now. Thanks!

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@djcurtis9547]

I'm 65 years young been practicing and studying and playing since I was in Junior High Your Awesome Lesson here Makes the Most Common Sense I was in a Rut Thanks to you and your Common sense here I'm once again Excited and Ready for serious Studying and practicing and playing the Blues guitar Thanks A Million

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@icarusi]

I find there's an interesting time between when your fingers first warm up, so they're ok functionally, but the muscle memory isn't fully in control, so your 'go to' patterns are less likely to dominate your playing, when interesting lines which you don't normally play can surface. Ditto with melodies and tunes, so it's good to to have some quick recording stuff handy before it all evaporates.

[@larryk3408]

Great advice Jeff. Met a lady recently who has this carved in stone. Play with freedom and good things happen. Not just on the fretboard.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Sounds like a good lady! Yes in all things!

[@fivewattworld]

Love this Jeff. I’m off to go make a couple of hours of “mistakes” mate!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha! Thanks man!

[@jimleininger8963]

Transcribing favorite solos was step one for me. Then roughly transcribing while changing the original solo to something more my style or to my ability. Then just building my own solos. All of that helps my improv.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Good advice!

[@toneshop]

@ 10:15, I think best described as "Flow". When you are so immersed in the moment that you are not thinking (just doing). It doesn't happen all the time (for me), when gigging, but when it does, it's magical.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Agreed!!

[@patrickmonvignier4160]

I am so glad I just found this video. I was having some doubts the last couple of days. Creativity, improvisation can be practiced. Thank you for sharing!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JudehJudeh]

Just the thing I needed to hear today. Especially the Scofield clip. Thanks so much Jeff.

[@JeffMcErlain]

You’re welcome

[@GraniteSoundtrack]

Thank you Jeff. This was THE video I needed to see regarding my guitar playing.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Hi Lewis, I’m really happy to hear that!

[@joeurbanowski321]

Creativity is craft turned to art.. Great stuff Jeff..!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Nice! And thanks!!

[@raulmirandacarus6879]

This is one of the most revealing and meaningful lessons I have ever enjoyed! Outstanding! Thanks Jeff for your wisdom and your magic.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Well thank you very much! I’m so glad you found this helpful!

[@5se7en]

Nice! I was just having this conversation last week with my daughter about her drawing and how frustrated she gets if it's not perfect. I told her that you'll hear all the time about how sometimes the best work someone has done they came across it by accident. I also told her she needs to actually finish the work whether there's a mistake or not. So she can then go back and see what she feels she needs to work on. Because behind every great work there's always a lot of previous instances we learned from to get us there.

[@JeffMcErlain]

That’s awesome!!

[@rayfabris2512]

Read Jeff's response they're thoughtful and that's cool 😎

[@TheBluesBox]

Hands down one of the best videos I’ve watched in a while. Great stuff…

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!!

[@banburyjammer]

Never tire of listening to you play Jeff. Tone, technique, passion, so good.

[@banburyjammer]

And...you love the Pythons!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you very much!!

[@robert_starling]

Very thoughtful and introspective advice. Compliments as well on your camera, lighting and production looks improving noticeably over the last 2-3 years and even more so in the last 5-6 months. Sounds good, feels good and looks good Jeff!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks Robert! I appreciate you commenting on the production. It’s been a long road!! Who’d a thunk that years ago I’d have to know about lighting, video editing, thumbnails, hashtags. Etc. Certainly not me! But thanks the esthetics are important to me. I REALLY appreciate you comments on them.

[@keithoyama6865]

This came at a perfect time. I've been wanting to learn to improvise and working on scales/arpeggios but could not figure out how to start. Played a maj7 vamp on the ditto and followed your lesson. So much fun. I love the way you share your knowledge and expertise.Thanks Mr, McErlain, I'm signing up for the masterclass!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Excellent and thanks!

[@justinguitarcia]

Love that intro jam, has some cool Jim Campilongo/Roy Buchanan-isms, those languid bends. So good

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!! Interesting guys you mentioned both of whom of course I know but who not influences of mine. But they are indeed fantastic players! Those bends I really must attitude to Jeff Beck and David Gilmour. I know Beck was a fan of Roy’s. We all borrow from someone! Thank you for being here and commenting, I really appreciate it.

[@justinguitarcia]

@@JeffMcErlain super cool, i actually got into Roy myself via Jeff Beck, it all goes in circles for sure. Always killer playing Jeff!

[@roadtorockstar7848]

Man your Videos and Channel are /is Golden!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@JimmyDel]

This is absolutely bang on and came at the perfect time for me. Definitely needed this right now. Being too overly analytical and too critical of your playing can really mess with your head and confidence. Great video! Thanks Jeff 🤘

[@JeffMcErlain]

Hey Jimmy! Always glad to help!!!

[@MartinMelbye]

Honest and wise. Love it Jeff.

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Sammywhat]

Gary Burton touched on this topic a bit... he comments on having an "out of body" experience thinking like an audience member and asking "what would he like to hear from the fellow playing vibes!" The thing is, when you are as talented as you are, Jeff, the difference between clams galore to "interesting" sounding mistakes feels like a million miles away! The Scofield reference was spot on. Great content here my good man!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you and thanks for the Burton quote. I really like that idea a lot. I’ve never thought of it that way. Thank you.

[@LaMarrBrewster]

Besides the amazing information sharing, the internet exists to convince us we don't have enough and one more purchase will be a difference maker. The best thing I ever did was start recording myself. Thanks for your great content.

[@JeffMcErlain]

You are correct. It is exhausting sometimes and just concentrating on what really matters makes a big difference and quite centering. Thanks for being here.

[@Immacu_late]

Another great video lesson. Take time to be creative - something that would seem obvious and wasn't aware of until this video. Edit while improvising is a big trap - an important point. Thanks, Jeff got a lot from this, and great playing Man!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks Sebastian! I didn’t always think about these things either!

[@Dolphinstreets]

Great video! Have you fallen in deep love with that new Strat? Is the vintage Strat taking a back seat for now? 😊 I want to check out that guitar but they are not to be found in my neck of the woods.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Hi Robert! I have fallen deeply in love yes! The 64 is maybe a little sad but she’ll cycle back around! And yes these guitars are rare, I believe only 16 made?

[@davidharder7512]

Jeff, this is so important and I never hear anyone talking about this any more. I’m in my late 60’s and this is how I was taught to play, over 40 years ago. It feels almost like a lost art at these days. I would add that for me, I made the mistake of just improvising and never put emphasis on learning note for note solos from top 40 music. My playing has suffered because of that. I wish I had spent 70% of my time improvising and the remaining 30% learning note for note. I’m curious of your thoughts. What a great video! It’s so refreshing. Nobody ever teaches on improvising these days. Thanks!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks for this David! I really appreciate it. I grew up improvising, I was always shocked to learn people often wrote their solos! In one way it made me feel better as it relieved some pressure of trying to create the perfect solo in one take. 😀 Improv is my favorite aspect of being a musician. Thanks for being here.

[@glh1956]

This is great Jeff true creativity is the thing obviously based upon knowledge & technique etc - seem to remember Eric Clapton say he never plays note for note plays in the moment etc 🙌🎸🎶🙌👏

[@GazMoz78]

This is a great video Jeff. The world of KZbin and Instagram guitar is wonderful but can make you feel really insecure about your own playing. The idea of allowing yourself to make mistakes and be free is so important

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks Gary. I deal with the YT/Instagram guitar insecurities everyday! I hate to admit … and some of those guys are my friends!! Lol!

[@buddylobos5277]

If I can get 'my tone', then, I have a starting point. Also, I write, so if I can find a dialogue or narrative thread, that helps me develop and retain the song. Playing well is great but sometimes it can feel like a car all ready to role but no driver. Good one Jeff.

[@JeffMcErlain]

A good points Buddy. Thanks for joining the conversation, I appreciate it.

[@dom-melodicguitarist7554]

..powerful stuff Jeff and brilliantly illustrated.. thanks for elucidating what has been a valuable time of my day for ages.. always knew it was the way to go but it really helps when someone of your calibre confirms it.. be and play well!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you very much!

[@vincenttomazzolli3940]

Thanks Jeff...on point as always! Enjoy listening to you play and talk about your experiences. Really nice Strat by the way. Keep on keeping on!!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!! Thanks for being here!

[@steveDC51]

Excellent advice.

[@pyrsconr]

Possibly the best guitar lesson ever on KZbin .. thanks for this!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha! Thank you!

[@pyrsconr]

@@JeffMcErlain I just want to add something else here ... I discovered your channel when you started doing the lockdown sessions .. so I think that was 2 1/2 years ago .. and it coincided almost exactly with me deciding to spend 2 ro 4 hours a day learning to play better electric guitar .. I had never played a lead guitar line in my life .. each week I would work with those sessions and started also purchasing your Truefire courses ... (I now have them all) and since then .. working with your material .. I have become a much better guitar player .. both rhythm and lead ... so I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for the time you take to educate and teach via KZbin and Truefire .. I have put the work in .. you taught me that was the key to learning .. and it was .. and is .. . I have probably asked some stupid questions along the way .. only to find that the answer was just down the road .. a combination of work on my part .. and listening and watching what you were doing ... the biggest discovery for me is that guitar is not a linear learning experience but an accumulation of a number of things along the learning path .. and I have you to thank for all this ... oh yeah .. I am now 72 .. apparently you can teach an old dog new tricks ... thanks for everything Jeff .. I learn something new from you every day ... I look forward to whatever you have to offer in the future ... all the best ...

[@JeffMcErlain]

@@pyrsconr I really can’t thank you enough for sharing this with me. It really means a great deal to me that I’ve helped you in someway along the guitar journey. This makes my day. Music has been such a joy for me always I’m always happy to share it as others have with me. Thank you for being here and thank you for taking the time to tell me this! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@rgalbert63]

I'm a masterclass student and I love your content, man!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks you so much Albert!

[@robertclarkguitar]

Love this channel. Thanks !!!! There aren't many that use a trem these days. Not like you do. I have tried but need my strays floated. My main recent use is the one on my Fusion T. The wilkenson Is awesome. However I know if I get the 60s CV set up right and the black strat too I have they will work well. I'm no luthier...hahah Peace man. Gilmour is my mentor.

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@kutsbothways]

The comfort of a groove really aIIows me to stretch and search. When everything Iocs in and you get that feeling, y'aII know the one, and suddenIy you can do no wrong; don't think about it just do it.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Yup! Thanks for joining the conversation!

[@jorgesilva5004]

Thanks Jeff, great advice. I appreciated your perspective and knowledge on this topic. Btw. The tone of that strat is impressive.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@mozartsp]

great video jeff!

[@jamesemerson4102]

I love the title of this video ❤ my favourite guitar players and improvisers in general are those who truly attempt to always create spontaneously, and sometimes a fluff happens here or there, but the results are far more exciting and allow for a more moving musical experience IMHO

[@JeffMcErlain]

Agreed!!

[@mijlaid]

Thanks Jeff!

[@JeffMcErlain]

You’re welcome.

[@lisahaubert6873]

Good stuff Jeff, enjoyed!!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks Jim!

[@enzzthefink]

There’s definitely some great instagram guitarists and tons of show offs but you’re an incredible tasty ass player and that’s what is missing today IMO. You have a great touch and dynamics and always a killer tone. I’m currently stealing licks from one of your mixing major/ minor blues lesson. Thanks 🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!!

[@TheBhannah]

Your playing is fantastic Jeff !

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!! The full unedited solo is here. jmguitarlessons.com/courses/1784126/lectures/43221421

[@guitareveryone]

That’s a great title and very true.

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻

[@stickman55100]

This is something that I’ve struggled with and contemplated for many years. I continue to wonder how much of improvisation is comprised of a large repertoire of licks, passages and intervals, as opposed to playing something in the moment that is truly unique and based solely on the changes being played.

[@JeffMcErlain]

The idea for me is a mix of all of the back end stuff. Scales, arpeggios, intervals, licks, ideas, etc. The uniqueness comes from your interpretation of those skills applied in an improvisatory situation. I try not to play licks verbatim and just experiment. So that experimentation starts to become your personal vocabulary.

[@stickman55100]

@@JeffMcErlain Thank you so much for your reply and guidance. That is so helpful. I’ve really been enjoying your posts on KZbin and have watched some of your TrueFire lessons. Thinking it’s time to subscribe to JMLessons.

[@JeffMcErlain]

@@stickman55100 I’m liking the sound of that. 😉

[@limpindug]

Classic, make a mistake, repeat a couple of times and everyone thinks it was intentional. 😂😂 Respect to you bud.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!!

[@bobfurlani3314]

A quote I read somewhere "self consciousness ends the creative process" is appropriate to what Jeff is discussing here

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks! Excellent quote.

[@tomcaine752]

No better advice anywhere!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you.

[@meeno_the_man]

Todays some good, solid guru shit. “Mom, I’m going out to play.” There was never any conditional implication to that. Just statement of fact. “If you need me, I’ll be lost in my own world, and fully content with wherever that leads me.”

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you Meeno!

[@emdblues]

I needed this! I practiced improvising for years but I wasn't aware lol I really liked your playing here. It reminds me of Landau and Beck. Is that a ML strat btw? :)

[@philjones8693]

Great video - makes me want to practice more without self judgement! But the quote should have been "The greatest killer of creativity is.....Manuel"

[@JeffMcErlain]

😂

[@no59do56]

Dickey Betts once said the there are no Wrong Notes 😊

[@chuckabernathy467]

Great advice!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@chuckabernathy467]

FYI… I inquired on your web site about lessons! :)

[@mykneeshurt8393]

My playing is mostly mistakes. I mean.. creativity.. Great subject. Don't be afraid to fail or fall down.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha!

[@chrislestermusic]

Nice Landau strat. 👍🏻

[@JeffMcErlain]

I’m rather fond of it. 😉

[@MetaphysicalMusician]

It's about connection to the Universe..and releasing the Ego..if the Ego gets in there your dead😊...Kenny Werner Effortless Mastery

[@guitarpupil]

That tone is so great! What are you playing through Jeff?

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks! That is a Fractal FM3.

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Thank you, Jeff 🙏 Needed to hear this one today Be good to you 🤍💛

[@JeffMcErlain]

You are quite welcome, and thank you.

[@jeremyhickersonsalem]

great video!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!!

[@robert_starling]

Hey Jeff! Love the live show last week! Is your 8 hour British Masters Blues Rock Clapton etc course suitable for a beg/intermediate player?

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks Robert! Hummm. Hard to say exactly, it’s definitely more solidly intermediate IMO whatever that means. Check out the promo and do you think it’s in your sweet spot? I’m sorry that’s a difficult question to answer.

[@robert_starling]

@@JeffMcErlain I’m hoping it would be a good add-on to go with your Guitar Resource / Reference book I bought. ? Thanks!

[@no59do56]

Improvised music 😊👍

[@davidcromwell6805]

Vital and insightful comments, Jeff, thank you! Although I'm a tad disappointed we didn't get to hear you doing a 'Monty Python accent'! ;)

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha!! That would be cringe worthy!

[@darrylweller6143]

That tone is great! What is the chain?

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks! That’s the Fractal FM3 with the JTM45.

[@philjones8693]

@@JeffMcErlain One of my favourites. The "Two Stone" J35 is good too, but maybe not so exciting if you have a real Two Rock!

[@no59do56]

What color is that strat ?

[@JeffMcErlain]

Aged blonde.

[@georgechristiansen6785]

"You're not hurtin' anyone....." - Definitely Not My Neighbors ;)

[@richardnish6469]

Overthinking makes us regress into the shadows of familiarity, away from the natural light of creativity.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Well said.

[@stratman9449]

ha Jeff...great....and by your video title, i must be extremely creative.....😂

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha!!! I hear ya!

[@stratchoker8765]

👍

[@JeffMcErlain]

🤘

[@hashmark13]

So I click on the GET IT FOR FREE button (the backing track for this lesson) and I get this: An error occurred while processing the payment.

[@JeffMcErlain]

I see you got it sorted on my end. I wonder what happened, I haven’t heard of an issue before. Thanks for letting me know!

[@mikegee729]

7:45AM on a Saturday? Why Jeff? What did we do to you?!??

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha! You can watch it anytime after the premiere!

[@Tonetwisters]

After 60 years: when to change strings and when to turn down.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha!

[@johnnovack6168]

the whole idea of “mistake” is a mistake. a “take” implies the attempt to “perfect” the music. a “mis-take” means that you “blew it”. perhaps appropriate if reproducing a “score”. but not for music.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@rayfabris2512]

I get into a zone sometimes just jamming away then ask myself wtf just happened I get that it's a great zone

[@JeffMcErlain]

The best.

[@jonnybeck6723]

"Oh... but but I meant to do that..." (as I quickly and clandestinely work it into my phrazing) 🥸

[@JeffMcErlain]

Welcome to the club!