WHY Is Robben Ford So Highly Regarded? I Found Out.

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truefire.com/educators/robben...

[@mchristr]

The magic of Robben is the ability to play the blues and constantly surprise his listeners.

[@myplan8166]

Well said.

[@Brian-pr1dq]

You nailed it

[@MrWilbo123]

I love that you’re still learning and growing as a guitarist even though you are already a masterful player. You always approach it with the joy of a teenager.

[@stevegordon5262]

Totally agree and smiling all the time

[@ErnieDouglas]

Robben is the only guitar player I know of that can solo outside traditional the pentatonic blues scales playing jazz scales intertwined... and it still sounds like real blues, instead of sounding jazz fusion or barber shop quartet like rest of the guitar player world does. He is unbelieveable. The guitar players of guitar players are mesmerized by how Robben does this.

[@TrueFireTV]

We ❤️ Robben! 🤘🔥🎸

[@henkkruidenier7680]

We love TIM PIERCE ~#~ GREEEEEETZZZZZ HENK,

[@todd6726]

I am also a huge Robben Ford fan. Everything he plays fits like a glove. It's amazing.

[@TheLegalImmigrant05]

Perhaps my best musical experience was seeing John Scofield and Robben Ford play together live at the Blue Note in NYC. I was so blown away that I went again the following night to hear the exact same set.

[@daveman_50]

I was there that week and to be honest Robben ruled. They were both great, but...

[@patrickgroll2046]

I was there!!! Toss Panos on drums, can't remember bass though. Enjoyed it to death, but the cute girl I brought there on a date really was clueless as to why I loved it.

[@2010njdevil]

@@patrickgroll2046 😆I'm married now, BUT....I know exactly what you mean and went thru that sooooo many times. Now my wife is the exact opposite in that if she accompanies to a live show(who most likely she never had heard of the artist) she'll get into the music with many......the same happens when I introduce her to an artist that I think she'll dig. She'll dive into the music and buy some of the material.

[@joeurbanowski321]

I certainly hope that it wasn’t the “exact” set…Neither one of those guys would be happy to hear that…😩

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

@@patrickgroll2046 you need to find someone who enjoys it at least as much as you do!! it's the best way to enjoy music on a higher level with those who "get it". Imagine Robben trying to find his soulmate when he is in rarified strata?! with other musicians to share playing too, although they clammer to be with him?! I guess that's so easy.

[@kicknadeadcat]

I had a guitar teacher that was amazing. Up and down the fretboard like lightning. Even played a fret less guitar just as fast. Never ending notes but that’s all they were to me. He moved to NY thinking he would make it there. Never got signed, put out his own album that never went anywhere. 20 years later he still is teaching and playing small venues. All the speed in the world can’t make up for feel and style.

[@tegknox2694]

Been a keyboardist for most of my time. I've began playing guitar a few years ago. Robben is why. I love what Tim has done here.

[@abradfordajb]

Tim Pierce's phrasing is absolutely impeccable. It's very inspiring to listen to, though a order of magnitude more difficult to DO it.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

It's fun watching a musician who is having FUN while playing - musicians who truly love what they are doing always sound best. Robben Ford has been a favorite since I saw him playing at the Leo Fender tribute concert at UC Irvine 30+ years ago. I had heard his name, but that was the first time I got to hear him play, and live. My jaw was on the floor the whole set. Robben mostly plugs straight in, using the same two guitars - mostly the telecaster. An old school Maestro, a guitar player's guitar player, but accessible to regular people, because he always keeps it musical. Thanks for featuring Robben Ford's style!

[@Mrsitarman]

People like the Beatles and Eric Clapton, have lit a fire under those of us who were so moved by music that we had to experience the joy of playing! And people like Robben Ford and yourself as well as many others, who take the time to pay their knowledge forward are truly an inspiration to those of us that strive to get the music in our heads out to the world! Thank you!

[@GaryBook]

I love your happy faces as you play as much as your playing. Pure joy.

[@johndoyle325]

To me, that tune has a very Steely Dan vibe... very cool.

[@cryptotharg7400]

That hit me immediately! Definite Steely Dan vibes.

[@TheArmchairrocker]

Me too.

[@mwdanny]

Tim, you are quietly one of the best guitarists playing right now. A side from your instruction, and insight, your actual playing is absolutely stellar. Thank you.

[@kodykindhart5644]

My fav guitar playing by far

[@guitarz99]

love Robbens ability to blend blues and jazz and make it sound new

[@jeremyversusjazz]

so great. one master celebrating another with humility and joy. love u tim.

[@mwpv11]

My son and I had the pleasure of meeting Robin Ford when he played a concert in Tampa. He was very gracious and soft spoken. My son Daniel copied one of his tunes note for note and Robin told him " I'm surprised you decided to learn that because it's a handful."

[@cliffirddelbridge2810]

Robben not Robin =)

[@eamonryan6157]

Just like his album: 'Handful of Blues'

[@ruinunes8294]

Tim is such a treat...humble and knowlegeable, so inspiring...and above all it's priceless the way he enjoys doin' what he does...those grins are priceless! Thank YOU Tim.

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

this is Robben Ford heaven, thanks Tim & I love that guitar solo on "Tangle With Ya" great example!!

[@reidwhitton6248]

I discovered Robben Ford in 1988 on the Talk To Your Daughter album. His solos, phrasing, tone and good taste blew me away! I've been buying his records ever since. And as Tim mentioned he's a great songwriter and singer as well.

[@tonya5809]

Such a great album. Still a real favourite.

[@stevengrinold3203]

Yeah man, me too!

[@TimBoulette]

Wow, I'd love to have that backing track to play over -- what a blast!

[@angusorvid8840]

I've been a Ford fan since I picked up the guitar in the mid 80s. He already had quite a heavy rep and a good friend of mine, a real blues aficionado, played some of his albums and I was blown away. There is a wisdom and maturity in Robben's playing going back to his early career. He's a real feel player like Roy Buchanan, but also incredibly knowledgeable of music theory. He has a very deep understanding and contagious enthusiasm for the guitar that just comes through in his playing. Nothing is phoned in. I can't think of another player who so seamlessly blends jazz and blues and everything in between. He's a very vocal player like Jeff Beck. He is conversational and tasteful.

[@danarcotta1283]

when I met Robben, I asked him where he got his jazz chops, he said, listening to a lot of records. He's a humble guy and a master of the axe

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Robben Ford is my all time greatest inspiration. I will never forget his VHS tuition videos back in the day which blew my mind. Your piece at the beginning was the perfect homage to his style. Brilliant . Truly brilliant.

[@stephanleo]

For a start, Robben is a fantastic rhythm player! Great soloing is much more about rhythm than most people think. Some People (And I did it too) are exploring weird patterns, scales etc. but it never sounds good because the lack of rhythm, time and phrasing! Some "ouside" stuff is actually quite simple melodically.

[@SkunkBearTK]

The opening/theme jam sounds very "Larry & Lee" to me...

[@rodericklopez9850]

I was about to leave that same -comment- compliment :)

[@raygooch]

Discussed in the EDLIS Café. Tim Pierce: "I did 30 songs live off the floor in April and May [2021] with Bob Dylan, so I got to work with him up close, and we were all sitting in a circle". Watch at 15:05:" Was this for Shadow Kingdom? EDLIS Café Press

[@peterball6097]

When you 'play Robben' you actually sound like Larry Carlton.

[@0TheDudeHAHAHA0]

That’s also what i hear. Looked down the comments section to see if anyone else was hearing the same! 😁

[@benkatof4240]

Yes, intro music - first thing that popped in my head was Lary Carlton

[@angusorvid8840]

The 335 certainly adds to that.

[@coreymcdonald6306]

that's what i heard as well! i see a few others did , too!

[@KrisVComm]

I thought the same thing. You know they played together over the years. I may be wrong but I think Larry gave Robben his Gold Top.

[@joeurbanowski321]

Truly creative people never stop learning..or changing… You’re our hero,Tim..!👍🏼❤️

[@skeymoson]

its great to come along with you Tim as you explore some of Robben's approach .... and you really bring it !!

[@brucelee4996]

Robben Ford even did some guitar work with KISS on Creatures of the Night. So Coooooool.

[@DlmlZ]

Robben is a really great teacher and his playing contains so many melodic varieties. I remember when he played live in the 80ies in a German TV-Show called "Ohne Filter". Robben and his band were the first act, while Steve Miller was the second act on that show. But Steve did not appear with his famous "Steve Miller Band", it was just him and his guitar. So on that day Robben and his whole band played the whole song list together with Steve Miller without even practicing. And man that was so amazing. Since that time I have always been a great fan of Robben. And you are right Tim if you look at Robben's videos, there is so much stuff and tricks we can learn from him. Probably one of the greatest "Inside-Outside" player along with John Scofield. Truly an extraordinary musician and an excellent tutor. Simply cool 😎 Thanks a lot for sharing Tim. A great reminder to get back to Robben Ford.

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

what a great memory in music heaven history!

[@raiderjohnthemadbomber8666]

Watching you play is like watching G.E. Smith. Always smiling and sometimes looking surprised at what's coming out of your guitar. Priceless!

[@mrstrat222]

Great Job on Robin Ford break down. Was waiting for you to mention his rhythm chops!!! I have seen Robben like 40 plus times in 40+ years. I try not to miss him.

[@jamieboydmusic6956]

I love Robben’s playing!!! Your impression of Robbin reminds me more of Larry Carlton. Which I hope you take as a compliment.

[@scrumpymanjack]

Robben once walked by my in LAX, and I was tempted to go up to him and just briefly thank him for the joy that he had brought me in my musical journey. In the end, I didn't because I thought he was probably so sick of people saying the same thing over and over. I regret that decision.

[@TwangTown]

The easiest way is to let him say something first. There's still time. Just remember that. I've met him a few times and when he starts the conversation its personal. I love his playing and respect his privacy. Larry Carleton was similar in demeanor when I met him. As with so many great players who are apprehensive of the guitar hero status.

[@mikeslavin4256]

Do it next time you have an opportunity (like when he has a gig near your home) - he deserves to hear your appreciation . We don't have many great players visiting South Africa, but I had to good fortune to meet him when he played a few gigs here and he was more approachable and humble that many of our local musicians.

[@bojangles6444]

When I met Herbie Hancock it was at a convention and he was surrounded by people trying to get a word in. Said something about a new form of Jazz needed to be started up that was different than before- something with more appeal for its survival. He said he didn’t know what, I always wondered what he meant. He understood that things were going in a tired overdone direction where everything had already been done before. He was the only person at the convention who didn’t sound like they were content letting people like Wynton sit on the throne- he was doing nothing but retreading the past touring with a rehashed version of the Ellington band with no original memenbers. I love Ellington, but this band was boring. I also saw an all white “Basey Band”. I dunno why in Jazz a fake version isn’t called a tribute band- bc that’s exactly what it was. Nobody in there played with Basey lol

[@mauricegiuliani3806]

Such an excelent taste when choosing notes, double stops and chords with an vibrant rythm articulation. Love your work. Thanks from Brazil.

[@warrenblake5554]

You're on another level Tim ..hats off to you !.. loved it .!!

[@AndyBigDaddyWilkinson]

We love Robben....but Tim....you are the bomb...always smiling...happy.....very contagious attitude....oh...and you rock.!!!!! Thank you so muchTim

[@surfrby8876]

Thanks Tim, I missed this stream the other day, but your enthusiasm is contagious, and shows that playing is an infinite journey ,not a destination, Im just starting to get into Robben Ford,he is a virtuoso and a humble person as are you

[@DRB2023]

Tim makes music so relatable. I always learn something. Thanks Tim.

[@ianperry5522]

"outside" = getting lost intentionally and finding your way home.

[@NicholasStein]

Before the LA Express days, I saw an 18 year old Robben Ford playing with Jimmy Witherspoon from the front row Ash Grove in LA when I first came to LA in 1969. It changed my life. Jimmy Witherspoon had a lot of that jazz stuff in his singing, and Robben fit in so perfectly. I read in the interview about the gig, that Robben said he really did not like the blues that much. It blows me away that, even as one of the great masters of the instrument , you are still learning and enthusiastic about getting better.

[@PolaOpposite]

_Nothing's Changed_ by Jimmy Witherspoon features Robben Ford. If you haven't heard it, you should.

[@lightanddreamsphotography7140]

Wonderful video again Tim. You have the best combination of technical ability, touch and feel, deep knowledge, and the ability to communicate all of the above!

[@j_muller]

Thanks for your enthusiasm and drive. Another lovely video.

[@johnfair62]

Playing guitar will wear you out mentally. Six strings, 22 frets, and endless possibilities. Ten people can play the same note ten different ways.

[@jameswyre6480]

I really appreciate seeing your approach and getting good tips while learning about what makes Robben or any of the great players you profile such talents. It makes it feel more doable.

[@hollyweird8]

Robben is my fav guitar player. He always plays what my ear wants to hear.

[@wesboundmusic]

WHOA! So, so tasty! I'm flabbergasted. If watching _one lick by Mr. Ford_ inspires you to _all this_ , gosh, it shows how deep your musical pockets really are. Thanks, I feel inspired now as well! (and of course, I totally concur with what you said about Mr. Ford's playing or your approach to music in general, that's always been my beacon of direction as well, i.e. serving the song and coming at it with a composer's/producer's ear)

[@IvorThomas]

Rewatching this 👍. Great info! I’ve seen Robben a few times and one of the amazing things he occasionally does to bring the house down is play these long horizontal runs where I believe he is holding a down a string while moving on to the next. Or adding in open strings? This smears the whole run together. So completely badass. Anyone else notice this?

[@014bhap]

He played with Miles Davis who could play any tone and by landing and phrasing properly made music with any note. Robben demonstrates it in one of the first vids he did.

[@realityboost4405]

Just GLORIOUS!…Such humble (yet amazing) talent…So great Tim that you can share this amazing insight with us… 😊

[@stevelaferney3579]

Oh yessireeBob!! Tim!! Thank you! Nice piece you played. Just watched Robben Ford MasterClass #2 and really enjoyed it.

[@aladinin]

Thanks for the video Tim, Beaut phrasing and tone..! I can hear elements from both Robben & Larry in your playing and phrasing. The L.A. studio guitar players of the late 70s & 80s is so inspiring - and we can add guys like Jay Graydon, Lee Ritenour and several others to the list of harmonically rich intelligent players. Cheers :)

[@sammyrothrock6981]

Great take on crafting a cool groove from Robbens changes ! Love it Tim thanks ! Love the leads!!

[@tomdecuca3627]

Tim, that was beautiful!! Nice to hear that style of 335 guys music. Lee Ritenhour, Larry Carlton, and of course Robben Ford!! Robben with his "twists and turns"!!! Your "turnaround" for the tune reminds me of Joe Diorio!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

The word 'Conversation' is the golden key here IMHO - I know what you are talking about! Dynamic variation, light/shade, loud/soft, music that talks with us, ahhh yes.

[@KrisVComm]

Robben is a beast! Miss the old lineups with Vinnie in the 80’s. Miss the Golden Bear too! Those early ‘Jackets albums with Russo were so good!

[@jdwild1698]

Awesome changes there Tim , Robben is just so fluid ... Thanks

[@Cajundaddydave]

Thanks for sharing a bit of iconic RF technique today Tim. I am a huge Robben Ford fan. He is such a lyrical player and brings the heat just when you are not looking. I attended one of his master classes about 6 years ago in Ojai and absorbed a lot of his philosophy on playing live with other musicians. Still working on adding in those diminished riffs tho. ;)

[@brianhelgerson3870]

Great artist !!! I have been listening to Robben Ford since the late 70's Yellowjackets

[@tru11666]

Very inspiring when someone plays and everything is on the money. Great tone.

[@waynemiller6070]

Pretty memorizing. Good playing. Stayed way longer than I expected to. (subscribed)

[@pmartinisixx]

Nice tone mate 👋🤘 I remember hearing Robben Ford with a hit here in Australia, his soloing blew me away. Love watching your videos. Amazing feel yourself. 😀😜

[@JeffMcErlain]

Great stuff Tim! Sorry I missed the live stream!

[@johnsworldofvideopoker]

Back in the day, I got to meet and watch Robben Ford & Alan Holdsworth up close at The Belly-Up in Solana Beach, Ca. The perfect venue to see and meet your heroes. And I was wondering if you’ve ever been to the Belly-Up or may even have played there. As always, I love your musicality and virtuosity in your own right, Tim!🙌🏻🙌🏻🍎

[@eightbars1]

I used to hang with a lot of Big Band cats, and what I really loved was when they would solo, they would play any note BUT the note you would expect. Way outside the melody line, but even though they played something else, you could still hear what the melody was, hidden in what they were (or weren't) playing.

[@ankitsharad990]

Does anyone have links to Tim just playing like this for longer, like a mix. If not please help and highlight this to him so he can make a few.... What a player man .. Absolutely lovely

[@jordanlucasthemusician]

My aunt gave !e his two disc anthology when I was around 13/14 y.o. I loved his version of it's my own fault and super grooving songs like hawks theme. We eventually saw him at jazz alley in Seattle. One of my all time favorites, amazing

[@niguel4438]

Hi Tim, I saw Robben at Ronnie Scott’s in London last Friday. He was mind blowing. We wished we’d booked for the later show also. Thanks for this video. If I may say so you capture him extremely well.

[@glenderonde911]

Thank you Tim. I had the pleasure of seeing Robben in a very small appearance in Vacaville California and you are right about his talent for mixing original sounds to blues and jazz,; nicer still he wasn't the the least bit arrogant, but the opposite.

[@277southtombob]

I really enjoy Robben Fords music. I’ve always liked elements of jazz as well as swing, blues and rock and he has a truly great way of combining all of this into a single, unique sound that I really enjoy.

[@realityboost4405]

Any time you play. Tim…Glorious for us all…

[@CrazyQ6930]

Man...I appreciate you more each time I see you. Love Robben too.

[@bldallas]

Tim, it is so much fun to watch you play! Besides your amazing skills, your facial expressions are priceless!

[@clayroundtree]

What a fantastically varied solo in the intro!

[@guitarbobification]

Thanks for the really enjoyable lesson on many fronts not the least of which was enlightening me about Mr Ford

[@jensenbell]

Robben is a musical voice unto himself. It's the phrases, but not the notes... it's the way he phrases any notes. I like that open E blues (1st post) moment on your song -- born in L.A. that's a "west" approach I immediately feel at home with. (Also... Semper Link Wray) - relating to my complicated thoughts about Robben with you is a delight. This is a service to people who needed another perspective to examine their own... my own.. I'll speak for my self and then also say, thank you!

[@MOzarkMike]

I enjoyed this! I discovered Robben Ford a few years ago and have been on a listening binge ever since I got my new high end stereo system. His “conversational style of playing is exactly what makes it such a delight to hear him play with the likes of Larry Carlton.

[@dougb5028]

Tim, your humility and continued joy in learning something new inspire us all to do the same

[@starblaster77]

Great video on phrasing! It reminded me I don't always have to keep the gas pedal to the floor.

[@jonathonmain9157]

Your smile when playing is infectious! I smile when you do! 😄👍

[@marcob.7801]

The opening sounded delightful! Can we mere mortals buy a copy of the CD????

[@pipedreamfretworks]

Oh man. This guitar playing...like looking at the Grand Canyon.

[@toneyrockstv]

Robben is the TRUTH the whole TRUTH and nothing but the TRUTH. Got to support him twice back in 2018. Learned so much from just watching him.

[@gregdenson7544]

Talking about what you're doing while you're doing it is a really helpful bit of insight.

[@paulajohnson139]

My God, you're a such a great teacher and demonstrater!

[@WickBeavers]

Robben’s pretty great at sharing but Tim, your objective and practical take is illuminating- thanks.

[@larrybethune3909]

Oh my! Thanks for the insights TP.

[@JohnSmithiuyytw]

To my shame I've never heard Robben Ford play before now, possibly because I'm not a blues guy at all, but I'm all ears for his stuff now! Fantastic video and dream playing as ever.

[@queenhenryviii]

Feel no shame, man. At some point everyone had to hear of him for the first time.

[@johngeddes7894]

One point that gets little attention as to Robben Ford’s early development was demystified by my jazz guitar teacher, who approached Robben after a show and asked how he got that sound. Robben’s reply was: “Get the Mickey Baker book” . It’s still in print last time I checked.

[@george3ag]

I loved the Beato-Ford Interview. Your video is very insightful. It would be so great if you can start interviewing some of the guitarists you talk about.

[@richard66754]

Whoa man, what are those four cords? That was pretty nifty!

[@nareh1113]

Awesome tone, great playing 🍻

[@joeriffanucci]

Thanks Tim! Who would've ever thought when we started playing that the manipulation of about 12 notes would have these outcomes... I really like what you wrote man 😊

[@jasonwilliamshuck]

gorgeous playing and tone, as always

[@guillermoazul220]

Main point for me and well said Tim. Tried liking a couple of early Ford recordings and certainly appreciated his expertise and sound from his hands and guitar ... but, that stuff didn't really turn me on all the way. I wanted it funkier, more street more conversational if you will. And watching recentish videos of Robben Ford in the last few years, he has spoken of how amazingly accomplished he was at a very early age, playing with some very bad ass folks but demonstrating his expertise was forefront, over the music and the band. (my take on it by the way) So, a while back in Arizona he played a gig at a bar with Landau, Haslip, and some serious ass drummer (dude) and what really struck me was how much Landau and Ford loved playing rhythm for each other to solo over. I love that, love, love that. One of the best live performances I've ever seen. And a super bitchin' Dumble on stage, what a sound those 2 had! Robben Ford is so tasty now and, to my ear, has taken his extraordinary skills and made them always part of the song and the band. Conversational indeed.

[@graemethorne4540]

Thanks ,Robben Ford wow a great influence on so many guitarist,I wore out that first solo album at that time it was so refreshing to hear something New, possible interview coming up Tim ?

[@MoreMeRecording]

Great episode. Love the insights, and the constructive process. Just like when writing, telling, filming a great story there does need to be that conversation.

[@fightfan6852]

Tim you rock this sounds like something that could have been on the Larry and Lee lp from years ago. I thought a collab between them wouldn’t work, but to me it’s a great lp still a favorite of mine. They could have had you on too Tim, your legend!

[@MartinMaat]

Tim is the only guitarist I know who, when he hits that summit note, transforms into a happy downer for a moment. Just watching it makes me happy too for no apparent reason.