Victor Wooten’s Unique Approach to Improvising

[@rickbeato2]

Full Video Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKO8c4ilfKp5sJosi=7UH9hKJ0lCAX26wy

[@jimbicknell7253]

You're at his Bass Camp! I had the pleasure of not only going there but later working a camp with Vic. One of the coolest people you will ever meet!!!!

[@dscataglini]

You should put Victor Wooten in contact with Julian Lage, and Jerald Harscher WRT dystonia

[@DanielDez]

"We applaud a child's effort, not the result. But we look at the result as we get older, when its the effort that really matters" This is profound, beyond music.

[@bassbuffricky]

Words of wisdom!

[@joelpierson2628]

The thought that listeners won't give consideration to the effort performed by an adult learner is one reason why learning to play as an adult can be painful. The more I accept this, the more I enjoy it. Last year, I spoke to a young, professional, university-trained guitar player who told me he enjoyed his journey the most when he was very young and playing only for his own pleasure. That validated my attitude about playing music.

[@mgregory22]

That's a fantastic quote! It's no wonder we lose so much joy as we grow up.

[@shayneswenson]

Very profound….unless you’re an engineer or a pilot.

[@wulf67]

@@joelpierson2628If you play for the genuine love of music you will always be fulfilled. If you play for the approval of others you will ultimately be disappointed. Play what your soul wants to hear and you will be great. Play for approval and you lose at least four or five different ways.

[@allengoeddey2719]

I love how Victor relates music stuff in a non musical way. Like he was saying ‘when a child crawls across a guitar’ ‘we applaud the effort, not the result’. The other example of telling your spouse “I love you” the different ways

[@artysanmobile]

Yes, Victor is a musician, a composer, an artist. His thinking is gold. “Permission to do their worst” is profound even if it is said for comic relief. That ‘permission’ is an invite to join in the writing process, to add something unique and special to a given piece. His consummate skill on his chosen instrument allows him to understand this odd bit of advice. Music is quite literally akin to magic, and it’s entirely valid - in the recording process - to be the magician’s assistant whether they ask or not. Doing it onstage is another thing entirely. Don’t fuck up the magician’s show.

[@MrKittles1123]

Victor is a musical sage, I am convinced. I’ve never heard an unwise or unlikeable thing come out of his mouth OR his bass.

[@TheInfiniteFret]

I got to meet him once many years ago - before I had even heard of the internet. It was an Ampeg promotional tour with Steve Bailey and a drum machine. Of course, he was just as humble, clever, insightful, and personable with total strangers as he is here with Rick Beato. @@johncash5940

[@4EverLearning757]

I have personally seen Victor do that “ see how bad you can solo” exercise with people. It’s pretty amazing. It does a lot. It breaks the ice, it gets everyone smiling, and it breaks the tension in the air. You can also tell how bold or safe someone is by how they are willing to do the exercise. Victor is an amazing teacher.

[@rgTORO_grOSO]

👍

[@sapelesteve]

Victor is an incredible musician! Never knew that he had Dystonia. Glad that he is getting help and can still play!

[@bananabob2185]

Is this what Peter Frampton has? 💔

[@chrisggoodwin777]

Scott Devine has spoken about focal dystonia also. He's able to mitigate his with gloves. Thank you Rick, and thank you Victor! One of my biggest musical inspirations!

[@jeremyversusjazz]

Just watched scotts vid where he talks about the gloves. I guess the gloves dont work for him.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

@@jeremyversusjazz yeah he had a couple of older videos where he said they helped a bit, but I saw the more recent one also where he said they don't help as much as they did

[@jeremyversusjazz]

@@chrisggoodwin777thats rough….i never knew that about victor.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

@@jeremyversusjazz neither did i. Glad he's happy to bring awareness to it!

[@jenniferv]

Pretty sure Julian Lage has (had?) it too.

[@paulaguilar5985]

Victor is not just a bass player, not just a musician, he is an ambassador to teach the world about being a musician. He is the joy that music creates. A walking legend and a great human being.

[@estarling8766]

You are totally right.

[@air9music]

"Play poorly" - that's such an incredibly cool idea in terms of improvising.

[@drummermomcjs]

Victor Wooten has one of the best approaches to music of any musician I have heard. His style of teaching how to play musical instruments is genius. His story of how he learned music growing up and how he came to play bass is an inspiring story. Great interview Rick.

[@craigtittsworth9440]

Love it! Been playing guitar for over 50 years ( most these years professionally) and YES Improvisation is the Most fun, ever learning, better learning music and jamming then anything! ENJOYING YOUR CRAFT will always make you better at it!

[@jmusatto]

Victor is an amazing human being! He literally saved my son’s life with his music and beautiful heart. We got to meet him in Elgin last month and he is everything and more than we expected. ❤️

[@necroticpoison]

Inspiring hearing him talk about FD, and in general anything that makes stuff harder or can make playing feel punishing. And him mentioning successes (changes) for others and himself. For anyone out there thinking there's no way to play, or it'd be harmful not helpful to play, there may be a way or multiple ways out there that help or relieve. Basically there is hope out there and internally too in what you can change immediately

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

I play tenor & baritone sax. My improvisation was stilted so I hunted out a tutor. I went through four kind, willing tutors who taught me all sorts of interesting technical stuff that made sense. I knew why an improvisation could work BUT I was still clumsy. A new alto joined our group and she came up to and offered some help, she was so”natural” in her improvisation. Basically she just got me noodling around over backing tracks, learning things organically. She’d record me when I’d started to pull some good sounds and then we’d listen, analyse and understand. Eventually I got the confidence just to drop in what I felt was ok and could feel experience rather than theory guiding me. We often dissect something to understand how it works. Unfortunately dissection means you’ve killed your subject.

[@evangelistandreas9105]

“Let’s have a bad playing competition!” Loool I love that

[@clusternest1704]

went to flecktones concerts around 10 years ago and got my mind blown. Victor played a solo including detuning his bass on the fly while going crazy...jawdropping..they are all incredible musicians..recommend also the music by Fleck/Hussain/Meyer

[@nickgjenkins]

This is great. I've been really listening to a lot of musicians talk about this lately. It's so nice to hear and it's reshaping how I think about learning.

[@AdamLevyGuitarTips]

So much wisdom here - in just 8 minutes - about improvisation, creative freedom, and self care. Thank you, Rich & Victor.

[@ericwarncke]

His new book is really fascinating, called The Spirit of Music. Victor is a very intelligent and thoughtful person.

[@ultimatebasses]

Victor is one the most humble and genuine musicians I have had the pleasure to meet.

[@burmy1552]

One of the greatest musicians and teachers ever. What a legend. So glad you had him on.

[@MrBinnskinny]

Mr. Wooten is an amazing musician and more importantly an amazing human being. What a teacher and guide. God bless 😎

[@WhiskyCanuck]

I've had the pleasure of seeing Victor live with the Flecktones several times. He's so cool.

[@SWH2012]

You can only LOVE this guy. Have been listening for well over 25 years... Bless U, Vic.

[@St.mic2786]

America should be proud b/c of u !! u are no 1 in the world !!!

[@christopherstudley9374]

Truly, truly, not only is Victor The Man on Bass, but also the most favored among musicians because of his wisdom, insight, & humility. (Can never say enough good things about Victor!)

[@Clarity-808]

What a vibe… Vic is the MAN.

[@frankmerendino1855]

Victor should get in touch with David Leisner, a well known classical guitarist in NYC. He cured himself from focal dystonia and has helped countless players over the years. Please pass this on to him, Rick!

[@ChuckAnglais]

Man I ❤ Victor Wooten. I first admired him for his playing, and then I listened to him speak. He’s just the best. Keep on keeping on man.

[@younken24films]

Well said. Love it! All my life in every band I've ever been in (over 50 years) I've always said let's jam first because to me that is the most important thing musicians can do is to have a musical conversation and get to know each other musically. Without fail they always will say, we don't have time, we need to learn these songs for the upcoming gig. I have finally found as bass player and drummer who get it. We always jam while recording it and then find the golden nuggets and write music that way. It's fantastic!

[@rgTORO_grOSO]

Makes so much sense. In musical terms: being freed up and allowed to "play bad" while improvising, in theory, should result in more musical TENSION..., its well-placed/timed tension that creates EMOTION. Those limits can be tested more freely...

[@napoland9676]

Victor is so full of knowledge yet so humble and respectful of the learning process. Much respect!

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

Always love Victor's views on stuff!!

[@danacoleman4007]

What an interesting and useful conversation!!! Thank you, gentlemen!!!

[@rogerbrown9089]

one of the truly great players, teacher, thinkers

[@whiskeyrock73]

I have to meet Vic one day. He is like the Dalai Lama of music. Always spitting out these one liners that juat make you rethink everything you ever knew. And its always the simplest analogies too! The most excellent teacher

[@jeffreyking279]

It's one of your best interviews. Victor's insights are amazing.

[@mr.scottpowell]

Wow. What an interesting, and encouraging, way to look at improvisation

[@GiacomodellaSvezia]

True wisdom from Victor. Improvising literally means doing something unforeseen, which immediately explains why it's not easy, by definition. But I always love to try.

[@Shaft-Industries]

I saw Victor when he was with Bela Fleck back in the 90's and he was incredible. Also saw him on tour with Stanley Clarke and again just a phenomenal musician with a phenomenal performance. I hope he can manage his condition and continue making great music.

[@OilCanHarry2U]

“Permission” is a powerful word, if put into action, in the world of music.

[@TheInfiniteFret]

As always, Victor Wooten shares with us a constant stream of golden advice combined with humility. Most of us will never be able to play like him, but we can all learn his philosophical approach to playing music. It is sad to learn that he is having hand issues though.

[@charlieburns1385]

A real blessing and gentleman in Victor ❤🙏

[@williamweiss6128]

I love the freedom and spontaneity I used to see at every concert back in the day. Technology has changed it. Love Vic. Seen him and Bela about 94 or so. Bumbershoot. Stood about 5', 10' away, lots of old pics. Amazing.

[@mr.pringle8466]

This is true of all art, all creativeness.. we MUST move beyond what we "know" or are comfortable with to expand...

[@bowiemusic]

Dear Victor Wooten, I am a musician/teacher (drum set). I'm a fan of the bass (both electric and acoustic) and, of course, have a great appreciation for what you bring to the instrument. I never knew that you suffered from dystonia. I've been battling the condition since 2009 or 2010. It's a long convoluted story, so I won't go into too many details here. For a couple of years I had no clue what was happening to me. I finally insisted to my PCP, who had no clue what was happening, that I get a referral to see a neurologist. I was subsequently diagnosed with focal, task-specific dystonia. Medications we tried were of no help. I've been many directions trying to get relief from the nightmare. I finally realized what I believe was the cause. I was trying to learn a technique called drop-catch which is useful for execution of double strokes as well as playing a faster jazz ride-rhythm using the fingers instead of strictly wrist movement. I believe that this was contrary to what my right hand knew how to do and the way it had functioned for decades. I think trying to upend the existing "muscle-memory" caused neuronal confusion which resulted in the uncontrollable movement. I can tell you at this point that the claim that dystonia is incurable is not necessarily true. After many varied attempts at getting help I finally decided to see a physical therapist specializing in the hand. They were of little help. But it set me off on a new path which has taken quite a bit of time and effort, but that has been greatly successful! I designed my own exercises realizing that I had to minimize the reinforcement of dystonic movement, and that I had to relearn the basic movement of using my hand on a drumstick without any errant movement - very slow and very deliberate. My name is Ken Bowie. I live in VA near Richmond. I'm not leaving any contact information out here. But, without being presumptuous, if there's any way I could help, try to contact me (maybe a DM on FB or something). Best of luck. Keep making great music

[@bowlkiller1975]

Victor has been my favorite musician since the beginning of the Flecktones. I was so happy he referenced Snarky Puppy!

[@mustafa1name]

Victor is so smart and so articulate. Lovely guest

[@johncollier9280]

I got free tickets from my work at Borders to see Bela Fleck & The Flecktones at Sunset Center in Carmel, CA. I didn't know what to expect and was blown away by the top notch musicianship on display, especially by their bassist Victor Wooten. Before that night my favorite bassists were Chris Squire, John Entwistle, 'n Paul McCartney. He blew them all away! By far the best...

[@Viper-dz2kw]

I’ll never forget when I first met my old bass player, he had been raised classical his whole life, so he could not wrap his head around playing or composing something that hadn’t been written in front of him, but he could play the most amazing things as long as there was written notation, it was crazy

[@jodynelson2055]

Arrived here because I’m reading Victors book right now and it’s incredible.

[@chasechase-s1x]

Thank you Rick for being authentic and true to you and improvising in the moments of life. your solid. I hope to meet you one day. and it would be a gift of God to have you produce and collaborate on music one day

[@alienautopsy9326]

Saw him play with Denis Chambers a few years ago. The whole show was basically improvised. Important note, their chemistry allowed them to improvise well

[@austerityclause]

Victors one of those players that I enjoy listening to his ideas as much as his playing.

[@DianeLee999]

Thank you, both! 💜

[@bobbymeyerti9300]

Who doesn’t wanna listen to the words that come out of Victor’s mouth💐💐💐 he’s super intelligent!!! I’m not in just music I hear the way he speaks and the language that he uses🥰🥰🥰 I’m very impressed!!! And I learn a super a lot about music🔊🔊🔊 every time I listen!!! Thank you so much!!! The world needs people like you Victor🎉🎉🎉

[@jasonkeaton5140]

His book the music lesson is amazing

[@jonathanhorne6503]

Victor woooten is such a class act.

[@SeeSawMassacre]

That's how i learned to stay free when i play the bass. I think of it as throwing a monkey wrench in the works. As soon as i feel like i'm thinking too much and i'm kind of trapped and wondering what to do- or even if i just feel like the stuff i'm playing is boring- i'll throw a wrench in it. I make it as loose as possible- open strings, sliding around the neck all willy nilly etcetera. It works instantly. Or i'll just hang on a "wrong" note or whatever note i happen to play for a good while and see how it sounds. Then anything i do after that is an improvement, and a lot of times i end up playing really interesting stuff. But i'd rather be bad and freed up than boring. Bad music is funny, boring music is depressing.

[@tbluesboye]

Great post Rick! Victor is a treasure!

[@CareerDropout.]

He's absolutely correct

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

Victor is a real life guru. What a great man.

[@andyzar1177]

I read his famous book The Music Lesson and it changed my life, he is a transformative and transcendental teacher of music and life.

[@dabrupro]

What a fantastic teacher. Brilliant. Mr. Wooten should be training teachers.

[@mykolas3587]

Please, get in touch with Scott Divine. He has a focal dystonia and he made some videos about it, explaining why he wears gloves while playing the bass.

[@jimtpt]

Rick and Victor, I too struggle with Dystonia …. If you aren’t already aware of it, there is a documentary which is actually about the Mayo Clinic. But, in this documentary they have a segment on treating a violinist with dystonia that is absolutely fascinating. And, for someone who plays at your level and whose livelihood and identity are at least partially dependent on playing, this might be something you could investigate.

[@mitchkahle314]

Learn it and forget it. Think when you practice, but feel when you play. No musical has even been hospitalized for making a mistake. Mistakes are just notes or rhythms that you did not intend to play (hear). Vic is right, mental freedom is the key... Play on...

[@nadim4343]

As a musician who does both. Written music and improvisation have both their special place. Example: I love Mahler's gargantuan musical forms just as much as an improvised standard or blues. You cannot substitute one for the other, totally different experience. The ideal would be to master both and even be multiinstrumental. No question.

[@jesperbjerrum]

I needed to see this beautiful human being, this morning.

[@perryjude1230]

He is one hell of a human being. The best!!! 😊

[@Alchemist_X]

I saw foo fighters last month and almost every song became a jam. Great improvisation

[@nomorebs]

I love victor! Cant wait to see this whole interview!

[@ShawnAloysius]

Victor, i hope you overcome that finger condition. God bless brother 🙏🏾

[@dragolov]

Deep respect to Victor Wooten!

[@wendelynmusic]

I wrote one of my favorite pieces and at first was trying to get classically trained people to play it and they want it all written out with the improvised section worked into the written part. I put the piece in front of my jazz friends and we had an incredible jam session on it. we got into this awesome improvised duet with just the drums and my flute. and it rocked. /yeah I totally agree with you.

[@JohnTussey]

A GREAT interview with Victor! Thank you Rick!

[@MrDanilop45]

Sad to hear about dystonia. Hopefully he will overcome this. Great bass player. Maximum respect.

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

He is so right

[@williambennett6866]

love victor. He says it perfectly!

[@dougappel5924]

Victor, man. Victor deeply knows what's up.

[@x0rn312]

Victor is a genius with a wise soul

[@ysnoor]

I remember seeing Victor Wooten opening for Mike Stern at MI, he was playing trio with his brother Regi. At the end of the show everybody agreed that while Mike Stern is no doubt a great player but it was just too complicated and too many notes, we just couldn't enjoy the music too much. Victor Wooten was much more entertaining and enjoyable not just the music but the way he addressed the audience.

[@schmoh11]

I read his first book and it was really good. Should be required reading for all musicians. Frees your mind up to allow you to play better. Lots of good things to learn in there. Will get his newer book too.

[@beachrat5898]

My God,Victor is so wonderful.

[@LynnDavidNewton]

Victor is so right!

[@hififlipper]

I love Victor!❤

[@014bhap]

Got to shake Victor's hand once. The greatest basist I ever saw perform. A genius.

[@rowemo]

One of the GREATS, on ALL levels!

[@whiskeyrock73]

Yall go read Vics first fiction book. Its is chock full of these musical analogies we love Vic for. And it actually open my eyes up about music as a 20 year drummer in his first year of being a serious guitar player. Go read it!

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

I have been saying this for so long, language and music are inextricably intertwined, when we speak, talk, we are improvising. Music comes from the same part of the brain as language, we all need to tap into that to become better musicians and improvisers.

[@tomlehr861]

Right on, so many musicians never think outside of box or worry about being perfect....,no soul

[@DerekKelly-q8e]

Great video rick this will get more people to take up music without worrying about perfection

[@MikaelLewisify]

Such a great point. We are all expert improvisers already.

[@scottsmith2687]

I just love Victor

[@benwhitaker5802]

Rick Beato is an absolute legend

[@charlescdt6509]

Awesome stuff. Im still mad at myself that he was in town and I missed getting to see him live.

[@DanAshby]

I have focal dystonia in my right index finger. I can’t use it with a fingerpick as without that sensory feedback of skin on string, it folds up, just like Victor said. That’s why I don’t use it any more for banjo so I shifted to the next fingers. I can’t believe he has this problem although I know even with one finger he will be making incredible music.

[@DaveZula]

Victor is so brilliant.

[@Yupppi]

Yess, Wooten is the coolest. I'll say though, even I haven't ever gone "what was that, that was cool" when I started improvising without a care in the world. More like "what was that, please stop the pain".

[@MotorRoseMusic]

What I love about Jimmy Page was exactly this. He was fearless. It wasnt always perfect or pretty, but it was interesting, passionate, and a lot of times brilliant.

[@brushstroke3733]

Same with that Jimi Hendrix fella.