You might not like this answer

[@AdamLevyGuitarTips]

"The more guitar-y that your thing gets, the narrower your market becomes. Sorry - not sorry." OMG - this is solid-gold advice! Listen up, kids. Thank you, Justin.

[@DavidDavis-FA-photog]

Justin, this was a great video. Sincere Gratitude = Latitude.

[@SuperBuzz71]

You were blessed with a lot of soul. I here it in your playing and I hear sometimes like this when you talk. Your family is blessed to have you. Thank you for just being you on the KZbin for us. Keep on Truck’n

[@JustinOstrander]

Thank you for the kind comment!

[@Fiddle_guy]

You can make something out of absolutely nothing. Ask the bookstore. Ask that winery. Understand why a bookstore would want a soloist or band in the corner. Work with the venue. Let them know you understand the business model. You're there to make them money. If they're happy, you get booked back. Sitting on a stool for three hours, knowing three hours (plus) worth of music is a given. It's just the starting point.

[@edtaylor7816]

Well said Just... well said...

[@heikkileppanen9605]

Excellent points Justin! No one ows me anything. Having gratitude for that what I have, the main things first, wow!

[@piktormusic2538]

So much wisdom in this video Justin. Regarding gratitude, I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, I try to frame almost everything through the lens of gratitude.

[@tacmason]

Very good points - for life long Musicians to consider.. know when to back away from things you are no longer a good fit for.

[@RobHarrisGuitar]

Great video Justin. This is a subject I think about daily. I’m in the UK working in an ever decreasing industry. I never made the move myself to a larger city but was fortunate enough to work with several different producers that I still continue to work with. I was also lucky enough to land a gig with quite a successful band. You cannot rely on just being a guitar player these days. There are so many other lanes to investigate. I do actually find it quite exciting though. I have college students reaching out all the time asking “ how do I break into the session scene?” My answer is always move to where there is a session scene and say yes to everything until you can afford to pick and choose. I can tell that sometimes it's not what they want to hear but some of them really take it on board. Thats usually the sign of someone who will go for it as much as possible . Anyway, once again, great video.

[@MatthewDavidMontgomery]

Man. What a treasure trove of wisdom. Thankful for you sharing that perspective near the end of the video about work as a means to an end, not an identity. If you’re not already hip to it, check out Carl Trueman’s book “The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self” - there’s a lot of overlap with what you touched on about work and its relation to family/life.

[@crosbycofod5052]

THIS. The location thing especially is big. I play fiddle, harmonies, slide guitar, write music, mandolin, record and sound engineer and live in MD. Nobody needs a fiddle player in general in MD so I had to learn guitar ahha. Done a couple tours but learning other skills has paid off and now I play fiddle and guitar in a few country bands and do remote tracks. I know that there would be a better chance somewhere like Nashville, but placing the importance on your own creativity is best. There is no guarantee for anything. You can write the most amazing song and it doesn't mean it has even a good chance of blowing up and that's ok! You can't control things you can't control, so focus on what you can control and make goals accordingly. Not things like "I want to be famous or have a no. 1" because you can never control that. Music is cool, but life is alot cooler. I cherish being able to workout daily and eat healthy and touring doesn't bode well for good routines we should actually value. Being a multi dimensional human is the greatest goal and having balance :)

[@hugo_benoitroche]

This is eye opening Justin! Thank you so much! Can't wait for the course 🎶

[@stevelankford7087]

New sub for you brother!

[@BoBigReds]

What are your thoughts on stainless steel frets?

[@Kifferei]

no i'd say entitlement is the right word, but its touchy bc hitting that wall of reality is something that happens to all of us when we are young and less experienced and maybe even a little arrogant.

[@jimsalman7257]

“Whaddya mean nobody cares about my noodle-y 15-minute long guitar solos?!? Why, if only someone would give me the right breaks, my solos could… save the world!” The hard truth is maybe only 10% of guitar players aspiring to be full-time professionals have any (pun intended) business being in the music business.

[@chasearrington346]

@Justin Ostrander , I would like to listen to your discography. Where can I find a list of all the songs you’ve played on?

[@JustinOstrander]

There are links on this channel’s About page

[@scottbee501]

Would you say music is math?

[@gregorylumpkin2128]

Get a plumb bob.

[@calebbhawkins]

Also a musician here in Indianapolis, you’re dead right about everything. Buying a better PA system than most of the musicians I was working with helped me become a more in demand sideman. Being able to record the shows. Shoot and edit 4K video helped make money. Being a multi instrumentalist helped get more spots with me being able to play fiddle and other folky instruments. Being sober and on time helps some though I have noticed around some of the scene don’t care about the sober thing which makes me play less with them than anything else.

[@LeoSundayMusic]

Just found you the other day - and I am loving your content! I’m a Connecticut based singer/songwriter, studio owner, mix/mastering engineer, producer, session trumpet player, band leader, etc., etc…. A Jack of all trades who totally gets where you’re coming from! My latest project is taking 2/3 Connecticut songwriters on monthly trips to Nashville to build our networks and promote our original songs … would alove to get together with you for a cup of Cortes on our November trip (usually 2nd week of the month). Keep up the great content!

[@laivasimo8427]

The best hobby and way to enjoy your free time. Sounds like miserable career 🤔 Maybe if you are one of these people who slowly turn hobby into job in youtube or such by doing exactly what you enjoy. Chance of that happening must be like 0,000006% 😂

[@bjorntannberg1581]

I'm an old guy, still practising everyday. I'll never reach the top, but being able to develop and make progress within the local scene is good enough for me. Following your channel has actually helped me to do that. For example; when you talked about Double drop D-tuning. That opened up a new area for me. Thanks for all the inspiration and insights. Love the channel

[@M0M...]

This was a video I thought I wouldn't learn much from. It felt like a "beginners" thing. But wow. GREAT INFO. Truly inspiring. I love the first tip and also the part about not finding our identity in our jobs. Soooo good

[@ericgiova1663]

Humility is mother of virtue. Good tips, honests and straights.

[@ac8704]

Cant wait for your course to come out! Learn songs not licks. This has been so helpful. I try really hard to not just noodle, but intentionally learn songs.. all the parts.

[@enriquemendez1507]

Humility and gratitude.. those are things people remember about you and will want to work more with you for. Before you even get down to the nitty gritty a simple handshake can show whether you mean business or are less than serious.

[@shaneframe1]

Appreciate your content and candor.

[@goldenbergconstruction1656]

Good advice for life in general, as a tradesman I would have benefitted from hearing this at 30. P.S. I am a 73 y/o hobby banjo player.

[@Tonetwisters]

Good on you, Justin on that advice for thankfulness and professionalism. Yes, "Thank you, Lord!" Wow. You and I have the same romantic visualization of a place to live!! A thousand year world is coming for us, soon! I have been playing guitar 62+ years and my "Thank you, Lord" is having a day whereby I feel well enough to pick up a woodchopper.

[@thisdyingsoul76]

Sometimes, you can do everything right and get nowhere. Sometimes, its a matter of being in the right place at the right time. I would say making music for a living is like anything else. Put your best foot forward, don't rock the boat and be pleasant to deal with.

[@jboughtin7522]

I'm not sure if promoting yourself would be helpful? I have an idea of what that would look like, but maybe there are things that I haven't thought of. This is the first of your videos I've watched so my apologies if you've covered in a past video.

[@loveguitars]

Hey Justin, Awesome lesson!! I am very much looking forward to your course!!👍🙏

[@UncleCaptainMidnight]

Leveling up can take years. Location, location location find the people in your area who are doing what you wanna do and get to know them and make yourself valuable to them.

[@playerifficstudio7550]

Great advice Justin. I would underline the importance of networking. Be a person people like to hang out with and be around. Also, be mindful of the people that hang around you because they can reflect back on you. Negatively or positively. Ive worked with some really cool people, but because of their friends (or sometimes even their wives or girlfriends), never wanted to work with them again, because those people were obnoxious and pushy and required a lot of attention, etc. And who wants to deal with that? I got most of my work from word of mouth, opposed to websites, etc. Relationships developed in the business are where its at. Have a can do attitude. Put in the time and it will really start to pay off.

[@wsakundi]

Justin, I've just recently discovered your channel and I just love your playing. Excited for the course so I can give you my money.

[@TheOtherJC77]

Great wisdom in this video. You can tell he really does value his marriage and family above all. I really hope the music industry as a whole regains as much financial stability as possible for creatives to be sustainably employed. I also hope big artists continue to hire talent like this guy who keeps the business of “show business” subservient to a healthy family.

[@guydouglas6094]

Hey Justin, I enjoyed the video and your tips, especially my all-time favourite ' LEARN SONGS'. I particularly liked your take 'NOBODY OWES YOU ANYTHING' and be humbled to be able to play and entertain others - both the audience and your fellow band mates. Guitar blogger Tim Piece gave important advice on one of his videos about session-guitar recording - 'IT"S NOT ABOUT YOU'. That was truly amazing that would equally apply in a live-stage band situation. I thought you were saying a similar thing. I enjoy no nonsense, relaxed-chilled manner and valuable insights - I'm subscribed. I dig your music and I like your numerous guitars, especially the gold LP with the P90's - what a sound! From Down-Under, east coast Australia.

[@JustinOstrander]

Thanks a ton, man!

[@nohillforahighstepper]

Ya....you're welcome to move to Wyoming. I would love to get the opportunity to jam with you. However....Wyoming is a musical black hole. There is literally nothing happening here in Cheyenne. Maybe some indie stuff in the Jackson area but the rest of the state is barren. I love living in Wyoming but I have darn few contemporaries.

[@chuckspears271]

Great advice Justin!

[@ScottMcdonaldMusic]

Dude this is great advice for any career. The point on graduating school and being entitled to more I have found the opposite. Having a degree puts a target on your back and you have to gain the respect of the old guys that have already paid their dues. Good stuff man

[@NoCoverCharge]

DIY is the only way to do it

[@g_and_kikos_studio]

Love the message about us being made to work and create. A stellar ending to this vid. Thanks Justin

[@bazilbrushrocks]

Please don’t say hard work and practice. D’oh!

[@greatwhite3676]

Hard work is racisms

[@bramb1er]

Best “dad” advice I’ve heard!

[@NickGranville]

Shooting straight like an arrow. Agree with the points you make in this video - same from my experience.

[@buzzfretwear2906]

Ambient sleep

[@TimsGuitarWorldwithTimFeskorn]

can't wait to see your coarse. Thanks for your great content. T. 😎

[@gianni.chiarello]

all good advice! listen to this guy! especially the "being in a scene"...the scene in London, UK is pretty healthy if you can stomach living in the big smoke! in Europe maybe less cities than in the US... London, Berlin, Paris, Rome to an extent. And as a friend of mine used to say, music works in cycles...some eras musicians eat with the kings, some others with the pigs haha!

[@jetairliner9660]

Regarding number 3 - i just read a great piece of advice somewhere: There’s no money above the 12th fret. i.e below 12th - working musician. Above - good luck with your solo career.

[@ruifernandes5340]

Thank you very much for reminding us that being a musician is much more than playing half a dozen chords....I think I'll try the part of committing to my 9 to 5 work. It will work better for sure.......hahaha. God bless you....

[@Istolemyownusername]

A huge part of it for me was developing the skill of figuring out how to amalgamate all kinds of different parts on a recording and execute them with one instrument. That and starting to play lap steel. And learning how to play slide and chords/fretting at the same time (hint, use your middle finger)

[@philf4086]

Whoops - I totally misinterpreted the title of this one. I thought it was in terms of the technical side of gain stacking, etc. Still was a good video to watch even though I cam not "competing" for live gigs as I don't play outside. Thanks Justin!

[@BeefNEggs057]

From Math to musician. Wow. Those seem like polar opposites. But then again Maybe if I was better at math i wouldn’t suck at guitar. That ship has sailed and gone down with all hands at this point. Hate math except the most useful day to day math. Learn songs - good advice. Noodling is an addiction.

[@TonyThomas10000]

You remind me of Dann Huff. Same humility...

[@JustinOstrander]

That’s very kind, thanks! There’s only one Dann

[@TonyThomas10000]

@@JustinOstrander 😀🎸🎼🎵🎶🎧

[@seangillen920]

Great advice for music and life in general. I'll check out the course for sure. I've been in a rut for 25+ years trying to bust out of a semi average intermediate player level. Looking forward to it. Correction, 30+ years. I'm old balls.

[@JoshuaSkaja]

Thank you for this! “Zero drama/easiest person hire” could absolutely be its own video (if you need an idea for the next one).

[@watermelon1147]

Turn the metronome on strum 1/8th notes enjoy the progress.

[@JustinOstrander]

A metronome is essential

[@winn4music243]

Amazing video and the best thing about it is the honesty you are giving aspiring musicians. Thank you!

[@liontone]

Love this video. I’ve been a musician/teacher most of my adult life, and been able to make my living playing a guitar in a variety of states, and scenarios. Your video is totally what most need to hear. One thing I try and think about: In the annals of history, how many humans get to make a living playing an instrument? It always keeps me grounded.

[@jamesalley7387]

I just wanted to put a few chords together. It’s been 100% gravy ever since!

[@martinwidenmusic]

I found this video really inspiring. Your tips made me value myself and the things I offer in the music space! 💪

[@ckjjclan]

Oh man, “…if you can pay the bills, it’s a privilege…..” - that be thankful, find joy and happiness in that… Felt like I should apply that to my life in general. 👍🏻

[@barefootnblues]

Thanks again Justin. Advice I wished I had years ago. It is about attitude, expectation, flexibility and continual adjustment. Relationships are the key for sure in my book. I love your straightforwardness. Licks and solos make the most money....for the presenter but have little value for a player unless we learn how to use the ideas contained in them and apply them elsewhere I cannot say anymore than what has already been commented, but I want to encourage you to please continue and look forward to your "lessons" project.

[@shootsnscores-cja]

Very good "life advice". As a retired engineer, I can say that this advice can also apply to so many other occupations such as what I did for a living. Side note - I started learning guitar just before I retired and have often wondered - how do people make money doing this, as I see so many talented and hard-working young musicians on social media. Love these real-life, insightful answers!

[@JeffreyDopp]

You are so right about being where there are opportunities and the “family” aspect of this business. Making the leap out of your home base is a huge commitment but I do believe Nashville is still one of the best towns for budding musicians. The ladder is a lot wider. Good topic! Thanks for your channel!

[@robert_starling]

Welcome back and thanks for another great creative life lesson. Thanks as well for recognizing South Florida has a decent music scene going. I'm on the film and commercials side of the business but love the fact that there's something for almost every level of musician and music lover down here. But, yes.. the elk are in Wyoming and a few in my freezer with the fish I spearfish for.

[@seanzinger]

This sounds like a gamer phrase. I thought this was a guitar channel. 😉

[@IDOMedia1]

Justin I’ve really enjoyed seeing the evolution of your channel. I have learned a lot from watching your content. This is really great career advice and philosophy for life in general! Thanks for your insight and all the info you share!👍 #workhardstayhumble

[@TheFeelButton]

Music is a blue collar job with a white collar reputation. Even dudes as big as Willie Nelson still work their birthdays! Good stuff Justin!!

[@greatwhite3676]

What grown man doesn’t work on his birthday?

[@TheFeelButton]

@@greatwhite3676 90 year old men

[@johnmac8084]

Good advice for any endeavour in life. What can you give comes before what can you take

[@fredn2885]

This is transferable to anyone, for any craft, even outside of music.

[@shawndeveau]

Fantastic information as always. Thanks Justin!

[@edbernardmusic3599]

Congratulations on the Number 1 song!

[@LennieDean]

Wow, so many nuggets that apply to not just music but life, thanks man!

[@SeanOFlynnMusic1]

Another informative video. Thank you.

[@garrysimmons111]

Great vid. I have an audition for a band in a few days and your notes about "what have you got for sale in your store" is dead on.

[@e.papascottcolvin7921]

Congratulations on all your #1s and great points

[@runefagereng6023]

Well spoken, mr. Ostrander.

[@ltgray2780]

Going to grow some dental floss.

[@c.noahbaoas6816]

Can’t wait for the course!!

[@jeremyhickersonsalem]

very helpful advice!

[@sergeymarchenko6252]

Awesome video man. Excellent

[@p_lawls]

Amen brother! Great advice.

[@michaellandreth1392]

Good Points ! Tedesco used "Plectrum Tuning" as he called it. On all none Guitar Instruments he played in the studio. In other words he re strung and tuned everything like a guitar.

[@johnmcevoy3598]

He was getting paid to play what was written - authenticity was not as important when the red light came on. Tommy knew how to give the producer exactly what was desired, and he worked for the same people a lot, so his skill as a first-take guy, especially in an ensemble, earned him his brand. 'The Wrecking Crew' is hilarious. He often pretended to change instruments when a producer wanted a different sound. He did a lot of jingles and TV work - not always fun or glamorous, but he WORKED, man.

[@dubshockmedia1110]

Great video

[@BeefNEggs057]

Saw Guthrie Trapp trio (no vocals other than his dad jokes) in a bar full of about 50 people. He’s out of this world good and he can just fill a dive bar. Guitar alone just doesn’t do it for anyone except guitar players. Most people want those silly vocals too.

[@TomCPlus1]

Chet Atkins. Andres Segovia. Jeff Beck. Most blanket statements have moth holes. And he (GT) plays in a dive bar for fun, not as a measure of his popularity, which is far greater. Vocals are indeed nice. Every musician has his/her unique contribution to make, whether as an individual or part of team, in studio or on a venue stage, and we listeners value them accordingly.

[@JustinOstrander]

Guthrie has played far bigger gigs than that dive bar, which by the way, has become Nashville’s own little Baked Potato, which is also a very small bar in LA. I want to make a distinction though between what I’m taking about here-being a touring and/or recording sideman playing other people’s music-and an artist playing his own songs. Guthrie is good enough and has developed a cool thing to where he’s an artist on guitar. He isn’t the sideman on those gigs; he HIRES the sidemen. And it’s just one of the many irons in the fire he has.

[@johnmcevoy3598]

Hey Justin. New subscriber here. The algorithm from Uncle Larry kicked me to your door. I am an older guy at 58, but playing better than I ever have. I am moving to Nashville in the fall. It's just not happening where I am. I'd be happy just playing with people and supporting myself with a day gig like driving because I feel like my talents are just not being properly utilized. Players I admire tell me I'm in the wrong place all the time. Since I'm not getting any younger, I'm determined to get in a few more licks before I exit this plane of existence. Thanks for the frank advice. Gratitude is key. Nice Kelley FACS on the shelf, btw.

[@raymster8450]

Hey young man, some of us are in our 70's and up. So be glad at your youth! 😅

[@johnmcevoy3598]

@@raymster8450 I feel like I may have gotten off to a slow start, but I plan to finish strong. There's a lot of good playing left in me, even if I have rusty bumpers.

[@raymster8450]

Well said. I started late, but am enjoying the ride!

[@AdamWellsMusic]

Excellent explanation. Freedom isn’t free, discipline creates freedom, and there are no solutions, only trade offs. I believe these principles lie at the core of everything.

[@kilgoretrout321]

I feel like I spent years telling myself that when I got really good, then I would make music a greater part of my life and maybe try to make a living with it. But I only started actually getting good when I decided to make music a greater part of my life.

[@jrdubay1169]

Stupid comment, I retired and started to grow my hair like you have( I was a CPA and a musical hobbiest- which means I dabble on all instruments and have a ball with my loop machine) - anyway why do you not pull your hair behind your ears…I know a stupid question??

[@tonyloco42]

sensible advice from this man, as always. He's doing it, and this is a reaiistic video. We should all take heed.