Why I Didn’t Play Guitar for 25 Years

In this video I discuss how I got back into playing after 25 years because of this channel.
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[@ectoplasma5]

Past : Rick junior with a older Les Paul Now : older Rick with a Les Paul Junior

[@RickBeato]

Haha!

[@r0bophonic]

Older Ricks are great if you can get past the skinny neck (no offense Rick)

[@citizenbxtr883]

@@RickBeato Hey Rick, what are your thoughts on putting out a solo album? I'm sure I wouldn't be alone in welcoming that as a possibility. With your reinvigorated chops and musical experience & maturity, it seems like it could be a good time to consider. It would be nice to hear what you would do with the sheer diversity of influence you've had and the in built production advantage. A guitar centric album of jazz, classical and rock influenced originals and / or standards would get my pledge. Thanks for what you do Rick, really appreciate your enthusiasm, passion and generosity.

[@Rick-Jangle]

r0bophonic get a younger 660 Rick. With the wider neck. Just as good as older Rick. Especially with the vintage Pickups that older Rick has. 😃.

[@jimharris6389]

Gary NU-man (born 8/3/58) is in fact two weeks OLD-er than Gary OLD-man (born 21/3/58)

[@shawnmcvey7789]

I didn't play for 2 years after the death of my father. We were not expecting his death so I sold all of my gear to make sure my mom wouldn't go in debt with medical bills and funeral costs. I ended up having to sell multiple Gibsons, a great american Tele, all my pedals and my whole amp collection (which included a Mesa JP2C, Linden NJ era Ampeg Vt-22, a Fender Vibrosonic Reverb in mint condition, etc) and not only was I devastated by the loss of my father but the loss of almost 2 decades worth of collecting and my only real outlet. I didn't get anywhere close to what I should have for the gear, I still look for my SG online everyday, but I don't regret my decision. It's almost 4 years later now, and I'm in a band again, playing guitar every day, and my band is recording an album. Channels like this one have helped me rekindle my love of music and helped me surpass my previous skill level. Thanks Rick.

[@goodpeopleoftheworldunite]

Very honourable for you to sell your instruments to cover costs like that. I hope you have a half decent guitar nowadays. They all have strings and frets anyway, and bring the joy of playing music.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

@@goodpeopleoftheworldunite I appreciate you saying that. I was an adopted only child that had a pretty magical childhood with two loving parents, so I saw it as an opportunity to give back. I just wished I had saved more money at that point in life, but what are your 20s for if you don't make a few mistakes? As for what I have as my current guitar....I got what I had been dreaming of since I was 10 years old and heard the Cream Farewell concert and saw pictures of Clapton with the 335. I first got a decent Gretsch Streamliner, then saved for a year and bought an ES-335 Figured Top in Antique Walnut, and I'd literally wanted that exact guitar and color for almost 20 years and finally pulled the trigger. Then it took me another year, but I found a neck Dearmond Gold Tone Humbucker and the ever elusive Gibson 4 Conductor 57 Classic in uncovered black to put in the guitar. I had that exact pickup combo in my SG, and I'd always loved the semi feel of my ES-139 but wanted the pickups and fret access on my SG in a Gibson semi, it was just so much money and those guitars were great as is. Well, now that the pickups are in the guitar sounds even better than I expected. On top of that, I was able to find another Laney AOR Pro Tube 50w on Craigslist in my area for $400. I'd had a 50w AOR head before I sold everything that was pretty great, but this one had been modded with a better FX loop, a higher quality transformer replacement (the OGs usually die), less hissy than any other, and they had taken it out of the combo and put it in a custom build hardwood chassis with a Mesa style cloth and a natural stain finish *that perfectly matches my 335* The only thing I couldn't sell before was a mid 70s Ampeg 4x12 that I'd put 2 Celestion Vintage 30s in the top and 2 G12-100ks in the bottom. Basically I lovingly call it my "Rig of Regret" because it's the culmination of everything I learned, wanted, and miss from my life as a musician. It sounds so much like *me* that all of my regrets wash away when I hear it. Especially on a studio playback🤗

[@marvinnorstrom2636]

mlm

[@comajoebuck999]

Shawn McVey All the best to you.

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

🔥🔥🔥

[@LillyMelody01]

Rick I just want to say my husband was born to play he suffered a massive tramic brain injury science can't tell you how he can even be alive , his brain completely rewired its self , he had no memory of ever playing all , but being a born player he wanted to learn again not knowing he played before . Music is powerful and thank you for your videos informational 🤘

[@NelsonStJames]

Jerry Garcia basically had to do the same thing. It's entirely possible.

[@GodsUnrulyFriends]

I'm happy your husband recovered from his injury! You and your husband may be interested in knowing (if you don't already) of the story of Pat Martino. Martino started as a jazz guitar virtuoso. He was absolutely brilliant, and unique among guitarists. Then he had a brain aneurysm which incapacitated him, and caused him to forget how to play the guitar. He had to listen to his own records to relearn the guitar. He went on to become an even more brilliant and innovative guitarist, and developed a unique system of music theory specific to what he calls "The Nature of the Guitar." He even applied the principles of the I Ching to the guitar, with astonishing results. I had the honor of participating in a master class he held in New York City. The concepts he introduced us to were so heavy that now, 25 years later, I'm still unraveling the mysteries encoded within them! Please extend my well wishes to your husband.

[@bogmanhimself4656]

your husband should really start jamming to some Django Reinhardt. the dude lost 2 of his fingers in a barn fire and still went on to be one of the most influential musicians of the time

[@adamwarlock5286]

@@bogmanhimself4656 Minor correction the fire took place in a Caravan not a barn but you make an excellent point with Jango being a great source of inspiration for many players with and without disabilities notably Tony Iommi but in terms of overall influence the list would read like a who's who of guitar Before he had a chance to start with the band, however, Reinhardt nearly died. On the night of 2 November 1928, Reinhardt was going to bed in the wagon that he and his wife shared in the caravan. He knocked over a candle, which ignited the extremely flammable celluloid that his wife used to make artificial flowers. The wagon was quickly engulfed in flames. The couple escaped, but Reinhardt suffered extensive burns over half his body. During his 18-month hospitalization, doctors recommended amputation for his badly damaged right leg. Reinhardt refused the surgery and was eventually able to walk with the aid of a cane. More crucial to his music, the fourth finger (ring finger) and fifth finger (pinky) of Reinhardt's left hand were badly burned. Doctors believed that he would never play guitar again Reinhardt applied himself intensely to relearning his craft, however, making use of a new guitar bought for him by his brother, Joseph Reinhardt, who was also an accomplished guitarist. While he never regained the use of those two fingers, Reinhardt regained his musical mastery by focusing on his left index and middle fingers, using the two injured fingers only for chord work.

[@johnskerlec9663]

Beautiful. Music is indeed powerful.

[@seanmanton400]

I am one of the lucky few who had Rick as my guitar teacher at Ithaca College in 1989. It was a blast! And thankfully, I still play. Thanks Rick! Keep up the phenomenal work!! ; - >

[@mrblank-zh1xy]

wow, that's lit.

[@Jamsville]

I think Rick might be the most inspirational musician on KZbin.

[@anant8884]

don't forget Mike Shinoda... he's great too.

[@Jamsville]

Anant Agarwal I’m not familiar with him yet! Rick has achieved such a high level of success despite huge challenges and obstacles, that it should motivate anyone who thinks they can’t be successful to keep working!

[@nikov4734]

@@anant8884 Totally agree! One of the most underrated songwriters imo

[@rorymcloughlin2023]

Rick when you talk theory I have no clue what you're on about but I love it

[@TM_Stone]

"Billy, we need more background lights and a spotlight on my KZbin Play Button. How's the coif look today Billy?"

[@alex0589]

“I never went back to teaching” ...Rick? What am i watching along with a million people right now?

[@RickBeato]

I meant college teaching :)

[@Formulabruce]

@@RickBeato This IS college, but the Learning doesnt END!!

[@plain_simple_garak]

This is better. Less gatekeeping, just spreading knowledge

[@jacktravis2718]

Your book is still cheaper than a college course, so like, i agree. Keep this up, you might see it as “not college” teaching, but I think our generation has become bitter at the gatekeeping of knowledge on colleges (fucking paying for access to peer written paperwork is one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard) so, appreciate this!

[@spiderbabybill]

@@jacktravis2718 College is still incredibly important from both a learning environment and for the college experience as well as for making friends and contacts for life. It shouldn't bankrupt you to go there though and they should be about education instead of shareholders. Affordable college run for education over profit is a great experience that I wish for more people. My four years of undergraduate a few decades ago cost me less than $4000 in fees.

[@williamrobertson1563]

Had two strokes took me out of playing. Lost use of my right hand. It was devastating. Took about 2 years of therapy and relearning to get back to where I was. It was a challenge that made me grow. Do it for the love of strings.

[@woodwork5574]

Good for you and good luck.👍

[@clairehachey2189]

Much respect to you sir!

[@arsewynd]

👏

[@mikejelinek1413]

God bless you ... I also find the love of the music is what drives me. It's what got me there in the first place.

[@NikkieRoxxx]

Wow, excellent! Keep on trucking!

[@JIAbbot]

Rick, I had given up on myself as a guitarist and almost even thrown in the towel as someone who wanted to see himself as a musician. Your teaching and enthusiasm have given me a tough love smack in the head to keep reaching to grow and learn. You lend new life to a kind of mysticism of rock, blues, and jazz to which I subscribed in my youth but in which I more recently-quite foolishly-had started to lose faith. Thanks for the smack in the head. 🎸🙏🏻

[@cherrypickerguitars]

I became a dad at 19 in 1977. Shortly after that, my 8 - 9 yrs of guitar playing virtually disappeared/ended. Jump to 2009, when I began to realize I could retire from my “day job” at 55! Guitar ruled again! I re-learned thanks to pioneer KZbin teachers. I took “Guitar design and build” courses available at a nearby community college. By 2011 I was learning to build acoustic guitars with master builder Sergei de Jonge! Now I gig and jam regularly (pre-COVID) and have a seven yr old, successful vintage guitar restoration biz! I’ll build the odd acoustic on commission and on spec, too. I’m 62 and I STILL love the music/guitar biz!

[@MattKibblehouse]

Wow! That's great, congrats!

[@MatiasVega08]

That's so inspirational..

[@scottdebruyn7038]

That's a lot closer to my story of 6 years of just picking at a Sears 'Bluebird' acoustic, having my son in '82, selling my gitfiddle in a garage sale and getting the bug now that I have arthritis at 60! Two years of being serious about it now and still loving it! Of course now I have two guitars, an acoustic and an electric. :)

[@lynnfrancesanderson1829]

Cherry Picker Guitars What state are you in Cherry Picker Guitars?

[@FullMetalJacki]

I wanna be you when I grow up

[@leaharrington4472]

I took a ten-year hiatus to raise kids and lose the bad taste of a sour band-ending in the early 2000s... in the last few years i've picked it up again and feel i'm better than I was in my twenties, maybe not in terms of chops, but certainly in terms of taste and knowledge. I do need to practice more, though.

[@timd8912]

Keep rockin....

[@donkeyfacekilla1]

Awesome!

[@michalmikolajmaslowski3994]

Hear, hear!

[@marcswanson9507]

Had a somewhat similar situation. Had played for 20 years then didn't touch it for over 15. Only picked it up again a couple years ago. Discovered Rick and a bunch of other guitar playing KZbin creators and - similarly - have learned so much in such a short time. So happy I've picked it up again!

[@stephengioacchini3946]

That's funny. I stopped playing because I got tired of the band thing around 30. Had great chops and feel and little actual knowledge. Started playing again at 50 when I had my first child. Want to learn more to pass on to him. He love's the guitar. Thanks to Rick and others for making it easier to re-learn and improve later in life. Maybe I'll even start recording again with my son someday.

[@Sworn2TheDark]

Sometime I wonder if Rick truly knows how fucking good he is at guitar. Hit us with that post-shred instrumental album!

[@whatcher8151]

He is finding that out and loving it, like that! :>)

[@alfeberlin]

Knowing and mastering all elements of grammar, orthography, and story building techniques doesn't necessarily make you a good author of novels or poems. It's a different skill still. There are great songs out there which lack all music theory aspects. I think Rick found his perfect place in working with other musicians and in teaching of course. But I might be wrong. I'd be happy to be surprised 🙂

[@Sworn2TheDark]

@@alfeberlin He obviously possesses the skills to write amazing pieces of music as he's demonstrated in various videos here and there over the past few years.

[@onikin]

@@alfeberlin what is good or popular music is subjective to all people. There is a lot of amazing classical music produced that is listened to by almost no one except a small community into that. While a 4 chord progression with simple loops and lyrics will become extremely popular and win a Grammy. There are many songs I've heard more meaningful to me than any popular song and I'm sure would touch many others, but are limited by luck, money, marketing, and timing. And there are many famous songs that bore me. I have no doubt he could make good music to some, not everyone.

[@alfeberlin]

​@@onikin When I mentioned “great songs” I was only referring to their popular success which is an objective measure to find out whether they emotionally touch really many people. (Not a perfect one, but still.) When you mention “amazing classical music” you talk about a completely different thing. To _you_ (and the “small community”) it is amazing while lots of (less educated?) people just shrug and might find it boring, too complex, not touching, whatever. Of course, writing a piece _you_ find amazing requires specific skills (musical education, for instance) and then it can touch people like you. But to write a piece that touches millions, in the end wins a Grammy - that requires different skills. I have the impression they are not as easily taught. Rick often falls back in such occasions on just calling a melody or a chord progression “beautiful” without being able to pin it down _why_ it is so beautiful. Music theory can explain only a part of it. Stick to the rules most of the time, bend and break some. But why these and exactly there? To me, Rick seems to have mostly the first set of skills. He explains great songs using these aspects. But I always felt that isn't really what the greatness of these songs come from. That isn't _really_ what made them great. It is something of the _other_ skill set which made them great in the Grammy-meaning. Rick's skills brought him so far in the business (we know his successes). But it also left him unfulfilled, it seems. Had a #1 song, nice. Had a golden record, well. What's next? To him these were milestones, items on a bucket list he wanted to achieve and when he did, he went on looking for other things to do next. To a guy like Kurt Cobain such things didn't mean as much, I assume. He concentrated on transporting his emotional state, often using way less complicated and way less education-based techniques. But he transported it so well that he is way more famous than Rick.

[@stevef]

I feel like I am listening to my story. Haven’t practiced much in 25 years. Still have my strat from when I was a teenager. Now I am 49 and getting back to it. Missed it so much. So great to find your channel. Shows me I am not too late to get back in the game.

[@alexander_winston]

“I took a hiatus from teaching and wound up never going back.” Oh, but you have!!

[@uzer_zero]

Exactly my thought as I watched this and recalled all the other stuff I've learned through this channel. If there's a renaissance in popular music in the offing, it will be due in no small part to Rick's enthusiasm, knowledge and monumental contributions, and those of other fine folks like him.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

"once a teacher, always a teacher" is a perceptive saying i remember from when i was a teaching-school librarian

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

😝👍🏼

[@brianloy7856]

The very best music professor I’ve ever had the pleasure to learn from in my opinion

[@Gnurklesquimp]

And he's teaching SO many people now

[@tranquilitybase6417]

I’m a year older than you and I am EXACTLY at the point of revamping and re-invigorating my playing after about 30 years of not practicing. I was getting bored and unable to play what I hear. I’m now enjoying playing again! Right there with ya!

[@erikpaterson1404]

Ditto. I think Rick inspired me the first time I saw one of his videos about 4 months ago

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

The longest I didn't play guitar for was two months, that was a couple of years ago. Got tired of making guitar videos, and really didn't have a reason to play. But you can only go so long without playing before getting the 'itch' to play again.

[@natural1952]

"itch"

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

@@natural1952 ok thanks lol

[@zachg7356]

@@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy sup

[@stomp4tm971]

I learned many guitar tricks from your channel. Thanks!

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

@@stomp4tm971 Thanks for watching! :-)

[@philfyphil]

You’re a very influential and clever man Rick. It takes real talent to dissect other musicians work so effortlessly whilst having a great ability and talent of your own.

[@RC32Smiths01]

You still play so adequately, fluently, and inspirationally after such a hiatus! I think that is testimonial to anyone who wants to get back into it, but are scared because of leaving such.

[@kurtodell3990]

OK - this video finally did it. Been watching this channel for a while, and after 35+ years of playing I really *need* to understand theory a hell of a lot better than I do. Just ordered the Beato Book 4.0 bundle and am looking forward to absorbing theory and becoming a LOT better player than I am now.

[@fewwiggle]

Don't worry about being a better "player" -- just learn to be more "musical"

[@Strange_Club]

Don't worry about your vocabulary - just your elucution. You don't need to know every scale under the sun - it's about how well you play what you do know. Some of the greatest pop and rock songs have been sung by people who are tone deaf. It's all about feel and atritude. That being said, thank God for virtuosity.

[@jfo3000]

@@Strange_Club Truth spoken here. I rarely hear a great vibrato anymore from the modern players. Gotta go back to the roots players for that. It's ashame too, that so few modern technical players are ignoring that expression and only presenting vocabulary and speed.

[@jgrossma]

After 30 years Rick discovers the classical guitar position...

[@todever]

I still own two foot stools 🙂

[@rmassman2]

Kids (anyone under 50) ask me "Why do you strap the guitar that high up?". Everyone my age and older give a knowing look and mutter something about Hal Leonard.

[@Pinkybum]

@@rmassman2 also - arthritis.

[@nirradyen-tolobaz3727]

jgrossma Truth.✨🎼🙏🏼🎼✨

[@jimintheweb632]

George Harrison

[@PauloNideck]

Rick Beato is the real deal!

[@aceto1900]

No, the real deal is Rick Beato

[@PaulOReilly712]

100% agree just a Beautiful soul of ahuman being up top for my full reason tolove him as a good humble gifted man.

[@Payne2view]

I've been playing guitar for 36 years but it could be argued that I've only put in about 2 years worth of practice. Once I could play at a level I needed to I didn't keep up the momentum to learn more and more. I didn't intentionally stop learning but I did and now feel I barely know how to play.

[@joeshmoe7967]

Me too. Started in '78. Still can't pick a real lead to save my soul. I just tell everyone I am a reasonably competent strummer. I haven't touched my electric in years. I have been practicing to be a better singer, because I can practice when driving my car. I can sing as loud or as soft as I want, go over a phrase multiple times etc. I do play almost everyday, but I haven't improved my playing, I have just expanded the number of songs I know to about 70. Cheers

[@mattgilbert7347]

Same. I would never seriously refer to myself as a musician. I played from 14-24 then quit. Picked it up again at 41. That was 7 years ago. I am still working on playing a "note". Not just a fretted note - a properly *musical* note with all the appropriate nuance, feel, and context.

[@plain_simple_garak]

I did much the same. I grew up playing music, but it was gospel music for the church my grandpa was the pastor of, which was mostly just simple chord strumming. Once I got good enough to do that, I never progressed. I would tell people I "played some guitar," never that I was a guitar player. And after some personal losses I put down the instrument entirely for probably 15 years. Only in recent years since I bought my classical guitar and learned some music theory and fingerpicking have I dared call myself a guitar player

[@zosov9802]

I don't understand almost nothing that Rick says, but i love watching him talking and playing

[@andreshenfling6137]

Rick, I had given up on myself as a guitarist and almost even thrown in the towel as someone who wanted to see himself as a musician. Your teaching and enthusiasm have given me a tough love smack in the head to keep reaching to grow and learn. You lend new life to a kind of mysticism of rock, blues, and jazz to which I subscribed in my youth but in which I more recently-quite foolishly-had started to lose faith. Thanks for the smack in the head. 🎸🙏🏻

[@billbaumiester6764]

Rick really dissects music to its core values (building blocks). Think of it as the science of music and using the science to create the magic of music. He’s in the league of a David Foster, or a Burt Bacharach. We’re privileged for him to share the knowledge

[@donnix768]

This is so true, anyone who plays a musical instrument knows that it is not like riding a bike folks. If you don’t continue to play constantly you begin to lose everything. I was an all state clarinet player in high school and quit playing for 20 years. I picked it up the other day for the hell of it and I can’t play a single note. I began playing bass guitar about 10 years ago and I know I have to keep playing every day even if it’s just for 20 minutes, I learned my lesson!!! Rick is a real inspirational guy, great channel.

[@jasonlamar6347]

My analogy would be with adults and non-native language learning. The same practice and usage rule applies and you lose vocabulary very quickly without it. Your range diminishes. I have experience with both, unfortunately. Lol

[@donnix768]

Jason LaMar That is a great example, language that is non-native and isn’t routinely used also goes away.

[@barbarafann8206]

Wow! You really are an inspiration. I've never gone beyond beginning classical guitar but I find myself at nearly 62 years of age and retired, wanting to play again. I entirely forgot a fundamental lesson, which is to hold up the neck of my guitar while playing. Thank you, Rick!

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Imagine going the Beatos studio as a guitarist , it would be intimidating and inspirational at the same time. Rick is an excellent guitarist.

[@bills8857]

You had some impressive sideburns for a 15 year old!

[@MustObeyTheRules]

Dude had a full beard at 15 lol god damn

[@BoxOfCurryos]

At 15 year old I was benching the bar and getting out of the whole “eye liner, emo phase”.

[@MrMetalhorse]

IKR? Pretty badass if you ask me.

[@gageamonette5120]

It's that Italian blood I guess.

[@beachhunting69]

I just watched this video and the second I saw that pic of him at 15, thought the same thing !

[@justinaskins2156]

Not guitar, but I had been playing bass since I was 12 and trombone since I was 14. Went to school to study music and teach and only made it two years before I quit. Pressure of trying to be perfect on my instrument was too much. It wasn't fun and I walked away from music for several years. Got back into it out of necessity really (my church needed a guitar player) and I could play basic chords. Now I'm in love with guitar and trying to write music. People like you are an inspiration for me

[@MaestroJay]

Truely a master that we are all thankful for. Massively inspirational and a perfect example of class, good taste and presentation. Keep up the great work, Rick. We all appreciate all you do for us.

[@bvbmusic6989]

My tiny brain can't compute Rick's immense knowledge of music theory and his phrasing. Hope I get there one day.

[@sweetnsourchick1761]

Diddo!!!! I'm glad I'm not alone. 🤯

[@mattgilbert7347]

You gotta keep in mind he went to school - the guy was a professor! He did all that during his formative years. It's so much easier to learn these things when you are young and have access to the proper resources.

[@jbilly24]

It’s something you slowly build on. Don’t expect for it all to makes sense overnight.

[@musicismyreligion5213]

Mine cant either. I just play my guitar and enjoy it very much.

[@spiderbabybill]

Someone in an audience I was in asked Andy McKee how to get really good at guitar. He said "practice." A few people in the audience laughed. Andy didn't. Smart/talented doesn't guarantee success. Hard work is always the answer and that's available to everyone.

[@lamech006]

"I'm just a simple unfrozen caveman guitar player." I'm still trying to learn beyond the cowboy chords after 25 years off. Thank you for so much inspiration!!

[@kattrakee]

I’m glad I stumbled on your channel a few days ago, I’m impressed and I’m happy to learn what you teach and what you say and to listen and think about the things that you have experienced. Thank you for being here on KZbin it’s a great great joy to me to hear you !!😄

[@supersupersomething]

Just discovered your channel, watched about 5 videos so far & am blown away at how your content is like, exactly what I want. Super approachable, clear and insightful. Thank you for putting straight up goodness into the world Rick Beato. :)

[@christophermichael9916]

I literally feel like Rick is the uncle I always wished I had. Appreciates music as much as I do and always teaches me something new. Every time my subscription bell rings and it's Rick's, I immediately get happy. Thank you for your passion and hard work Rick. You mean a lot to so many.

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

Did anyone else find that NOT playing guitar (seriously) for 5 to 10 years gave you a new, fresh or even BETTER viewpoint and even increased proficiency in your playing - especially improvisation?

[@benjaminfowler4513]

Yes that happened with me after a 4 or 5 year break

[@wildbillnj1975]

I've only been playing (at least 5 days a week for at least 40 minutes) for about 14 months... and I do find that an occasional 4-5 day break sort of refreshes me. I focus better and have more patience for repetition after taking a break.

[@kw9172]

Absolutely. Took a long break and found that not only my playing, but also my taste in music changed quite a bit.

[@Jazzmasterer]

I find that even after a week of not playing. It's so refreshing to know that you don't lose everything after being away from the guitar for a long time

[@hillwellford9637]

I don't know about 5 or 10 years but a weeks-plus break can definitely help. Not only with guitar. There is some science behind this, something about letting neural pathways grow. I can't find the research right now but it is indeed a real phenomenon.

[@bobbyhallmusic]

It really is wonderful to see you so inspired. It truly makes me want to play my guitar. Having time to practice the instrument we love every day is truly a blessing.

[@rodrigolopes4091]

You're the best, period! Your videos are making me comeback to music again. Thank you very much! Greetings from Brazil.

[@likethecheeze321]

Rick, thank you for sharing that story. For YEARS I berated myself for abandoning my violin (my first instrument) for three years while in music school. I was at a private school (ALMOST went to ithaca, actually, but I said NO to SNOW) in NY, I returned home to the local Uni bc money. Said state Uni has NO string program, and my other instrument was voice (classical/theatre). So I put my poor violin in the closet while I finished up at school. In place of Violin, I decided to ALSO study jazz & jazz vocal style. I became a better musician bc of that choice. And picked up my violin 3 years later to see it in a COMPLETELY different light. Now I play 5 instruments (AND sing in various genres). Sometimes that old adage "When a door closes, a window opens" becomes a life-changing reality. Your story is so much more enthralling, but gave me so much validation. THANK YOU.

[@ianrickey208]

Rick, I'm 55 years old and watching your channel ("What makes this song great?" and training exercises) got me back into practicing again. Your '5 things every beginner guitarist should know' episode has me relearning previous guitar instruction and, when thinking about songs I think are great, has me actively listening for those elements in practice and for the love of the music. I have grown from you and your generosity and I hope you continue to help us new beginners learn, love, and play. I ask myself, I wonder what voice I have through my guitars? How can I embrace and make my own the great blues guitarists who have come before me? How do I actively listen for new inspirations? And finally, what would make my music great? Thank you! I just bought your book - thank you!

[@nounylogic169]

Really lovely video Rick. Thank you so much for your sharing and teachings.💕

[@gregglockhart9551]

Excellent Rick! Your music makes me feel very happy!

[@manuelmesa3910]

I remember my brother in law sending me one of your videos a while ago and I didn’t pay attention to it. Now I regret having done so. Great content man!!

[@philipatoz]

I've been playing for 44 years. I've moved forward also stagnated in staggered steps. Today, I'm better than I've ever been. But looking back, I think the reason most of us level off or reverse ability is because we quit learning new stuff that excites us. It's too easy to pick up the guitar and play the same old riffs and runs, chord patterns, and even songs (vs. learning new ones). And, of course, "life happens," right - kids, marriage a job you are a slave to - you get home absolutely knackered. And then guitar playing isn't a priority, too tired, busy. But even when life gets crazy busy, you'll always find time for something you love AND that excites you. Again, challenge yourself and seek new aspects of playing, composing, etc. And right now, every guitarist has access to unimaginable resources to learn and be inspired by, YT being just one of them.

[@johnskerlec9663]

I agree. I was lucky to find stuff as I went along to give me something else to learn even when "life happened". Music has always been my thang, and throughout there have been triggers to get some new stuff into my head, and new ways of hearing it. Stay cool Bro.

[@mitch6642]

Thanks for sharing your history with us Rick. It’s very inspiring!!

[@christopherlees1134]

Another substantive, insightful, high-quality video!

[@goldensunspiral]

This is starting to sound like perfection to me really trippy this musical knowledge and writing is phenomenal

[@59sharmanalin]

Rick is such a modest genius, love him with all his materials.. no BS only great teachings from his years and years of hard work. Need I say he is simply incomparable to any musician out there! He is one of the greatest ever, Rick must make albums to become immortal in history of music, fantastic man mind boggling ideas!! So much love from India!!

[@georgemc7520]

Another great vid Rick. Love your tone on these too

[@donmiller2885]

I started watching this channel to learn about recording and loved hearing the business stories. I LOVE THIS CHANNEL. You are the complete musician. I play guitar and have struggled. This video alone has helped more than anything else.

[@beecessity9189]

Very inspirational Rick 👏🏼

[@mustafamrouweh7873]

I've stopped playing guitar for 2 years and I just returned to playing and this video was like a shot in the arm I needed this

[@cheekyboy-ho9ub]

You have always had a fantastic work ethic. Explains a lot! You've still got it, too.

[@ramoncrisanto1695]

I started playing guitar again after a seven(7) year hiatus. As a way of giving myself accountability, I bought your book to help me in my journey. I've been following your channel since 2018. I love your content. Keep inspiring Rick! Much love from the Philippines!

[@Cestariarts]

11:26 Let's say a C minor: PLAYS A GODLY CHORD THAT MAKES ANYONE CRY

[@MrShreddykruger]

Lol no doubt!! That’s not the wa my I play Cm dude!!

[@jtrudeau5109]

I just noticed a tear coming out of my eye and I was like, “Why am I crying.” True story.

[@tomm5023]

Cm11, sounds better undistorted

[@cgeraghty1000]

I'm 47 and feeling a similar plight. I focused on art and a career, but now looking to pick it back up, after about a 30 yr hiatus. Rick and his humble exuberance has brought me back, honestly.

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Same age….. let’s keep going

[@localpm]

Just bought the Package. Brilliant value. Thanks so much Rick for sharing all that superb and Inspiring Knowledge.

[@guitarpicka1]

Rick...I am an old Jazzer right into all of those legendary Jazz Guitarists...Now here I am at almost 80 with a worn out left hand where you have got all of my attention...I was a Guitar Teacher for many years ...But Man you are much more advanced than anywhere that I got to...I love your enthusiasm & generosity ...Five Stars To You Rick !!

[@mgw4205]

I got a guitar when I was 11 and played everyday into my early 20s and just burnout. I never had an ambition to make a career out of it.. Went years without playing...now in my 40s I'm back to playing every night just for fun.

[@Jazzadrin]

That’s the way!

[@tylerhackner9731]

Just goes to show how much you shouldn’t give up. Thank you stuck fir being a great inspiration. Rock on! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@00gt5speed]

My take-away as well...

[@jmtheboat]

That flat9 sounds really sweet. You’re so right. Really enjoying your videos. Rock on.

[@RollTideRising]

Love this guy glad I found him I’ve been watching no stop for a few days

[@TheOriginalEUrban]

"Use some unexpected intervals to make your lines more interesting." (plays the Spanish Inquisition scale)

[@thedonabides2218]

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition scale Bring out ... the comfy guitar

[@randybryant1141]

Ha ha ha.... I’m cracking up... the Spanish Inquisition Scale.....I can’t stop laughing...

[@Bikedueder]

This just reminded me of the Mel Brooks Inquisition skit too, lol!

[@dude3049]

The chief weapon here is surprise.

[@chuckcrunch1]

yep 10 years off after dealing with speed and alcohol addicted band mates ,did my head in. started back at the beginning of the year focusing on technique and scales for a few hours a day jamming with some jam tracks on youtube . i always improvised my lead but now i'm not guessing and much happier with my playing . it took a little while to get my hands back in shape but i feel i'm better than ever as far as lead go's .

[@riffdigger2133]

Fascinating. Love the video and pictorial inserts. Had to comment immediately. Ten years of daily practice and add 10 hours during college? This is perhaps the all time favorite for me of your uploads. You strike a bone of empathy for everyone who fell in love with a guitar. Thank you.

[@eamonmac2751]

Amazing story Rick! You’re an inspiration!

[@flooptydoo1178]

I got back into playing after 24 yrs in the military. I am definitely taking a more methodic approach and haveing a blast!

[@johnfloeter]

Rick, I'll skip over the part about how I totally relate to your channel (myself a pro orchestral bassist/professor who really loves the guitar and finally got back to it after 30 years). You don't talk too fast for me, but I wish you would dial back the distortion and reverb when you get into the theory stuff. Whether you do that or not, you'll still be one of the 3 or 4 channels I actually follow and take seriously. You are an inspiration and a lighthouse in these covid times. Thanks, man!

[@RickBeato]

Haha! I’ll dial back the distortion :)

[@ricardbennett6487]

Nice hearing you live, we want more!

[@whistlerscousin467]

Thanks for the tips and inspiration, Rick

[@alexmarkowski3859]

I have to say reading everyones comments are really very interesting. I stopped playing but never stopped listening so when i started playing again after years mixing tv and films. I just had to play using my ears not just with my fingers. Finally i am playing music with my guitar.

[@bassboye8959]

Ty Alex, for me I couldn't hardly listen to music for my 27 yr hiatus. It'd just wreck me inside. But: like you, once I got back to listening closely again to all my old favorites bands & players, that was the begining. Then back up playing everyday now retired, skills again then bam!! The internt commuinty, All the new kids, music, elders, many snobs. Then the legions of slackers who'll likely never invest the work & time just to get fairly good. I'm lazy & stupid theory wise but even I know this hobby is alot of work!!

[@WillieSurvive1]

I admire people my age and older who still have a passion for playing music. I don’t know how they can keep that alive. Guitar was my life from age 14-23. Then it became an on/off thing from age 24 til 39-40. I’m now 47, and though I’ve kept my most prized guitars with the most sentimental value, the idea of me trying to “be a guitarist” these days clashes so much with my self-concept of husband and father, I just can’t reconcile the two. Every once in a purple moon I’ll plug in and mess around for a little while, or I’ll pick up my acoustic; but those moments are few and far between, definitely not enough to build my skill back up to where it used to be, let alone surpass that. In my youth, I never imagined I’d be one of those guys who “used to play.” I used to shake my head in bewilderment when I’d hear about guys like that.

[@ShredmasterScott]

This was really inspiring to hear Rick. Exactly what you said happened to me at 30....just stopped moving forward. Now I'm back

[@chuckdriver7741]

Rick, I’ve been watching your videos on and off for a couple of years, but this one just knocked me out! Absolutely stellar chops, brother! I just subscribed! Thanks for sharing this! 🎤🎸

[@fastjazz]

Seems a lot of people commenting below are confused between “not practicing” and “not playing” / I believe RickB means the former and most certainly not the latter?

[@fewwiggle]

Well, it didn't help that he named his video "Not Playing" :-)

[@Dionisis_Pan]

Yes ! I stopped playing 13 years ago . No luck for me .

[@MikeFH]

I agree. He meant he wasnt practicing just playing things he already knew.

[@fastjazz]

fewwiggle I meant to include that tidbit and totally forgot!

[@jimmycampbell78]

I was going to say this- I swear I saw live footage of Rick Beato on this channel playing guitar with his band Billionaire which was dated 1999. Did I dream it?

[@sonovoxx]

I didn't play for 15 years when I worked in the industry... I came back as a completely different player. Currently on another haitus for the last couple of months, but thinking about new fingering, scales and so on. Some day I'll pick it up again, that much I know.

[@thehappyguitarist]

Rick. I love it that you are playing again 👍 and above all the way you are holding the Guitar 🎸. This is one of my biggest challenges with my students. John. 🎸✌️

[@jasonstallworth]

Dude, you have such smooth playing with clarity!

[@mrshankly01]

"If you have my Beato book, you know these things." I'm still trying to get past the circle of fifths.

[@MrTimdriver]

I hear that brother

[@RickBeato]

Haha!!!

[@beatz04]

Same here. I just fake my way through it ;)

[@Scott_6666]

Yeah, that statement made me laugh out loud. Yes, I have the book - but owning a book and understanding what is written on its pages are two very different things.

[@BILLY-px3hw]

yeah my circle of fifths is still kinda egg-shaped but I am working on it

[@kangaroofoot]

I love how Rick starts off talking about the title of his videos for the first few minutes and then it’s always, “ok, now check out these licks for the next twelve minutes.” lol

[@fabrizioinzoli6011]

Fantastic guitar playing Rick!

[@marcusthompson666]

I love your "Like that" series. Super digestible tips!

[@borysjarosz4679]

Wow, I just can't imagine such long time without any guitar playing. I just can't.

[@petebrown3715]

The longest I went was 6 years without playing. At the time my former wife asked when I was going to sell my guitars and amps? I said I'm not doing that. Her response was"then get back to work with your talent and develope it". Two days later I had a new guitar and recording gear from her for my birthday. Since that point I've never looked back. I'm not the greatest or worst but I can hold my own. I started writing my own compositions, opening up to smooth jazz, jazz fusion, classical and going back and rediscovering some of my favorite guitar players like Hendrix,Clapton,Beck, Satriani,Vai-,Malmstein and country players as well like Vince Gill, Jerry Reed etc. By remaining open minded it has really helped my playing and writing.

[@CorvetteCoonass]

@@petebrown3715 and that's how you know she's a keeper!

[@Jekylnhyde55]

It can happen. See my post above.

[@fewwiggle]

He played/noodled, he just didn't practice.

[@FrancoM7747]

Neither could I. But stuff happens in life.

[@mjt7231]

Hadn’t picked up a guitar in almost 5 years and haven’t played consistently in almost 10. Have been playing everyday since EVH died after I fell into a KZbin rabbit hole. I don’t even remember or understand why I stopped now. Second time in my life that guy inspired me to pick up a guitar. It’s amazing what you forget and remember and how stuff comes back to you. Like I’ll be playing and suddenly something happens without thinking that I had played a thousands times that I didn’t even know I forgot. And it’s the craziest feeling. Like I have to stop for second and I’m picking things up that I struggled endlessly with. Your videos are a big reason why I picked it back up. Thanks a bunch.

[@dwilliams2166]

Awesome! Ive hit a plateau atm and need this kind of inspiration. Thanks Rick!

[@bazzzzz6175]

Mate, you're the man! You've inspired me so much just in the last year or so. Bought the Beato book a few days ago. It's indispensible. Great stuff, man. Never stop! NEVER!

[@stevewarren4813]

I've noticed there are people that will say, "I never practice guitar." And yet they play every single day. They might not practice scales or practice with a metronome, but they are playing for hours every day. Interesting.

[@spiderbabybill]

There was some interview with Kirk Hammett (I'm a fan of his, not a hater, and I *like* his wah-wah solos!) where we mentioned not really practicing at all but at a certain level, if you're playing technically difficult music, it is a form of technical practice. But then check out the Larry Carlton interview with Rick - he still works on his chops.

[@JgHaverty]

It should be noted that "practicing" and "playing" are not necessarily the same thing. "Practice" is defined as a predetermined routine of training for a specific function; "playing" is just the act of making notes on the guitar. Playing along to a song you've played a million times, jamming the same pentatonic riffs you've played for the last 10 years, slamming some power chords down isnt "practicing". Its essentially using muscle memory to produce an effect. We dont "practice" walking when we are in our 30s; we just "walk". We dont "practice" going up stairs, we just go up them. Same is true for musical expression. So yes, its entirely feasible to be "playing" without "practicing".

[@JgHaverty]

@@spiderbabybill "technically difficult" is purely relative to the skill level and muscle memory to the individual deciding it. Playing Van Halen songs is not a "technically difficult" thing for me, but could easily be for others. Whereas playing Jazz? Yeah that would be EXTREMELY difficult for myself; but others could probably play jazz in their sleep. And as I mentioned in the other comment; using your muscle memory to play things 2nd nature to you is really not "practice" of any form; at best it can be construed as some form of upkeep routine, but youre not going to "improve" by playing the same stuff over and over; and thats perfectly fine. I dont specifically WANT to learn jazz, so I certainly dont practice it for example.

[@spiderbabybill]

@@JgHaverty Practice doesn't have to be about improvement. If you're at the top of your game and you don't practice, you won't stay there. Again, if you're playing technically difficult music (see below), it is a form of technical practice regardless of how often you've done it before. You can retain muscle memory even when you don't play (it comes back when you start playing/practising) but you'll lose some coordination if you take long breaks. In short: i) there's a difference between muscle memory and fine coordination. My fingers will find pentatonic licks under them easily if I haven't played in a while but what I'll play will be sloppy if I don't practice; and ii) when I say "technically difficult" I am talking purely about mechanics and technique - any combination of play fast, play clean, play with feeling - and not about musicality or theory. I probably muddied the waters by mentioning Carlton because he's a master of all of the above.

[@luminousbrilliance1711]

Mr. Beato can explain Jazz to me, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I can talk trash, because I bought his book, after all these views. :-) But seriously, my best purchases the last 6 months have been supporting the KZbin music tutorial wizards. My rule of thumb has become-if you have watched more than 4 hours of somebody's channel-Buy Their Basic package-thingie widget! Good KZbin videos are a PITA to produce. Thanks again, Rick!

[@johnfrenette]

Luminous Brilliance not even afrocuban jazz? Big band bebop like Dizzy Gillespie’s “Things To Come” (which is basically metal)? Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme”? I know, I know, I’m sorry. There’s just so many different flavors, _something_ is bound to resonate with someone who loves music.

[@robhand7205]

@@johnfrenette I like salsa. Don't like most jazz. But exactly.. the afrocuban type jazz resonates with me.

[@stephanspanninger7562]

Rick is awesome! So passionate....love it

[@yvesdewaele4387]

Hey Rick, been listening to your videos for weeks now (while relaxing, while doing work around the house, driving my car, ...) and I absolutely love them. I feel like you've learned me more theory in the past few weeks than I've been able to pick up in the past few years. So you can have my euro's, I'm buying that book bundle!

[@frednich9603]

Hey Rick, can you do a "what makes this band great" on Leonid & Friends? Their story is amazing, and they are doing some things that have never been done before in the industry

[@Heene1028]

I could cry! I just turned 60 and decided (as a part of my 40 year plan) to get back into Music Theory and Guitar. Rick has been my #1 internet teacher, and now, with this video, is my #1 inspiration to keep going.♥️🎼

[@Highcastle_of_Tone]

I had put down the guitar when I joined the Army, and it was around 17 years later when I got back into it. I had learned some basic chords and scales as a teenager but didn't understand the necessary discipline and focus I needed to progress on the instrument. Later in my career, I had some time to attend school and the additional downtime led to more personal reflection and I realized how much I missed music and playing an instrument. So, I started playing guitar again at age 37 and it's been 16 years now. One of the best decisions I've ever made. I regret not playing all those years, but all the additional joy and fulfillment it has brought to my life has changed everything.

[@DavidRamos-nz4bh]

I love the outside sound .. thanks Rick!

[@phil8249]

I stopped playing for about 1 year. Once I started again, after about 3 weeks, I noticed I was better then before I stopped. Very strange.

[@danieljanostik3564]

It's because your brain is refreshed. I had some troubles with tendons so I can practice only hour a day, yet I'm better than I used to be when practicing 4 hours a day. Less is more I guess.

[@ruudvanderstappen8444]

Will you be doing an interview with Guthrie Govan at one point? I think your prowess in teaching and your combined knowledge could really provide some interesting content!

[@elijahslate1842]

Great playing Rick. I've been watching your videos since I found the "what makes this song great" series. I'm definitely buying your book after watching this.

[@ziccuj]

Thanks for being an inspiration Rick!

[@BigislandEJ]

My band broke up in 91 when I was 22, my girl got pregnant and I stopped music, sold my gear for diaper money, never looked back, then on my 50th birthday I saw a fender acoustic, decided to buy it and relearned it, today I'm playing better than I ever did, I went slightly old man deaf and suddenly can sing in key like a bird, now I do over 25 songs, got amps,wall of guitars, and a neighborhood full of fans ,who'd a thunk.

[@shayneoneill1506]

Hah. When I was a young kid, dad sold his beloved Gretch Country Gentleman for $400 so he could buy bunk bedding for me and my brother who at cos at point in the very late 1970s the whole family where basically sharing a bed the family was so poor. To this day I tell the old boy he should have kept the guitar and made us sleep on the floor lol. One of these days when I find a good one, I'm gonna get the old man a Country Gentleman. Repay the debt or something.

[@BigislandEJ]

@@shayneoneill1506 amen bro, that’s what’s up

[@NovelMusic]

I majored in piano, got married for 17 years, had three children, couldn't play the piano, started KZbin channel, started composing songs and practicing piano again. I know it's hard to find my old technique again, but I'm so happy and happy to touch the piano and compose music again. All the songs that I write are improvised. I love the musicians who enjoy improvisation. I'll come to learn a lot.

[@bassboye8959]

Aha! yes Rick, your steady progress is clearly evident. How practice & focus on goals really does pay off. Our stories & ages are almost parallel in detail. Except you stayed on the music path, me into bussiness. I had similar experiences rebooting, my music after a 27 yr absence I believed was permanant. Now playing better than before, which I too found remarkable. Stay with it SIR. I love your short, modest & honest to the point type of recent videos. Great work, thank you. Most of us really enjoy sharing your love for all things music & helping others out of the weeds & ruts.

[@RobGlassTheGospelTruth]

Definitely love learning from a great teacher and someone that is passionate about music. keep up the great work Mr. Beato