I once played in a worship band with a studio pianist. He had played on Kelly Clarkson albums and a few jazz fusion albums. No one on stage knew who he was or what work he had done, he just sat there tacit for the entire first song. I asked what was wrong and he said, “piano doesn’t fit in that song, maybe the next one.” So we went onto the next song and he started sprinkling in some tasty licks, almost like he was gearing up for something. When it came time for him to carry a song he was on in full force, but it made complete sense for the song. He didn’t feel the need to prove anything, and it freed him up to use the piano to maximum effect.

@andrewfrancis7739

Ай бұрын

Love this!

@el0blaino

Ай бұрын

Reminds me of the King Crimson story, where they were improvising Trio, and Bill Bruford stayed out the whole song because drums weren't needed. Robert Fripp gave him a co-writing credit for having the musical sense and lack of ego to not intrude. He extended the idea when performing live with his League of Crafty Musicians, where as I recall one guitarist would not play on purpose to visually reinforce the idea of the importance of silence.

@josuanachname1914

Ай бұрын

Pretty the same story here with Django Reinhardt's nephew who appears to be a christian.

"When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all" - God, Futurama Season 3 Episode 20

This channel is such an oasis in the desert of guitar instructional videos. So consistently bringing us back to the real.

anyone that says you are not an impressive guitarist doesn't know guitar. Well done Eric!

@asdf-oq4zr

2 ай бұрын

For real. I'll find myself listening to some of Eric's arrangements for the musical enjoyment they bring me, not just for educational purposes, even though they were intended as lessons. That's impressive.

@timjoseph887

2 ай бұрын

Totally agree. Never seen anyone play a C9 with a flat pinky, awesome

@EfthimiaAthan

2 ай бұрын

​@@timjoseph887hahaha you're right

“Some of the best playing goes unnoticed”… Preach sister 🙌

@MacHeath699

2 ай бұрын

I still remember--and try to live by--a comment Jeff Baxter made about his fellow Doobie Pat Simmons in a Guitar Player interview about fifty (!) years ago: he said Simmons's playing was always so perfect for the song that you wouldn't even be aware he was playing unless he dropped out. For other great examples of less is more, check out Bo Ramsey's playing accompanying Greg Brown.

@frankrussell4664

2 ай бұрын

@@MacHeath699 I remember reading that quote by Jeff Baxter and it stuck with me as well. And yes!! on Bo Ramsey.

@MacHeath699

2 ай бұрын

@@frankrussell4664 Paisan!

Could listen to Eric playing all day. Would love these sort of lessons in a book. It would sell like hot cakes

Eric, you are a gem. Your contemplative approach to guitar playing is so fresh, yet so needed within the guitar community. Thanks for always reminding us that we don't always need to do too much.

We tend to get so used to just banging away, strumming like mad when we pick up an acoustic guitar. Restraint is hard, but necessary, especially in a band setting. Awesome video.

@sd863

Ай бұрын

Always had this analogy that the more instruments in a band, the less they should do.

@Mikeunism1

27 күн бұрын

@@sd863I’d rather say, less instruments do more, more instruments and they should be doing less

@sd863

27 күн бұрын

@@Mikeunism1 oh thank you for pointing that out! I meant to write that as well :)

Great advice here. “ Do I even need to play anything? “ 😮

@mattheweady615

2 ай бұрын

Nah just be excellent & eat pizza 😎✌

I’ve been playing guitar for a long time. Probably over 30 years now, and playing simply and basic has always been a struggle for me. I just too bored playing it, but can definitely comes across as too busy sometimes. Of course I started with metal and that’s probably why. Over time, I learned my triads all over the neck. That happened on accident really, because I used to spend a lot of time just listening to other people’s tracked and improving solos on them. This is basically how I learned to play. But I always feel as if I need to be shining and doing something dramatic, which I know so far from reality. I’ve been working on getting better at this aspect.

Some of the best playing goes unnoticed - at first, maybe, but it's what keeps you coming back and noticing something wonderful for the first time in a song you've heard many times.

Hi Eric, from one guitarist to another let me just say your playing is impressively musical and clean. Musically you say a lot with few words, and that alone is truly impressive in my books. Thank you for your content. Liked and subscribed. 👍

I like that natural tele with the Bigsby.

What a great lesson. So many players would benefit from learning this mentality of playing.

serve the song! the best lesson.

Very solid advice. Serve the song!

Of all the KZread guitar teachers, instructors, personalities and players, I've always thought of you as the one I'd want to sound like the most. Plus, you've introduced me to a whole bunch of great music, so thank you for that as well!

Just want you to know that I totally believe in your channel Eric. You’ll keep blowing up because it’s just so good. I’ve learned a lot of theory from and I’m happy that it’s beginning to translate into how I see and play the instrument

This is what I am finding and working on - play less, play tastefully, and sometimes freakn rock out.

Something about your playing that speaks straight to my spirit. Fantastic work, Eric.

Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, Robbie Krieger, Mick Taylor, even people like Josh Homme... occasionally "impressive", but ALWAYS tasteful

Man, what a treasure of a channel. Thanks!

You impress the hell out of me, my man. I’ve been poring through dozens of guitar-teacher channels here on KZread, and have arrived at yours: the first that have actually stuck w me, that get me to sit down and practice the new techniques. Thanks a million, brother.

Great lesson/philosophy not just for guitarists but all musicians. So much to learn out of this, and something I'll probably be back to time and time again trying to check am I even close to getting tasteful. Such an impressive guitar player.

Eric, guitarist in Asheville, NC here. Just wanted to say thank you for the well produced, easily digestible and well thought out videos on subjects not typically addressed by guitar instructors. Valuable stuff sir.

Been meaning to say that you could probably give lessons to other YT folks on video, lighting, and sound...really high end top quality all round.

We're going to talk about these principles in practice today. Thanks for the guidance!

Tasteful guitar is an impressive guitarist. Wishing you many great notes 🎉

Watching you while tripping. Thank you for all you do. Youre a massive influence ✌️🧡

I don't check up on lesson videos as often as I would like to, but I've always really dug your tone, your playing and your taste in music.

Spot on!!! Played with so many people who don't get how far bass and drums will carry a song. Everything else is just "seasoning".😊

Man, you're the real deal !!! Another home run !!!!

Oh boy, I already watched and enjoyed a bunch of your videos but this one made me subscribe. This is probably the single most useful KZread video I've ever watched! It's not easy to let others in on your thought process making music. You took me right along! Thanks

Awesome video as always! Thank you Eric! Also great to see that you've grown the channel significantly. Yay for going viral! 🙌

You really are amazing, thank you for your videos. Players/teachers like you, and probably acpg, always bring that little extra knowlege that many don't know that they need. 👍

You have a wonderful conception of playing guitar.

Ah man you make me so exited to play guitar-thanks🙌

Eric Haugen - the guitarist and philosopher

Enjoyed your video. A lot of great nuggets in your video for me to learn from.

beautiful song

This is excellent Eric. Think first, play second. I’m often guilty of fishing for the good notes instead of thinking of a good part and working it.

Someone sent me this, at first I thought, why, then I listened, love it! Fantastic little lesson, Ill be going through your stuff. Thank-you!

Excellent lesson, tasteful playing is what makes a great musician!

Cracking lesson Eric; lots to take away any ponder on!

I love your teaching style very patient and explained very well

Great video! Love it!

10:40 sounds just like castle made of sand for a second and i was not expecting it and it threw me so off guard

You are always tasteful! Thank you, Eric! ✌️😌🎸

It seems to be about the pocket, i think the essence of music is respect. Thanks for your vid.

Who ever said you're not impressive? I love your playing so much

Nicely done! Thank you so much!

Great lesson man. Love that acoustic, love all your guitars tbh lol. Great tone and feel man, you know the craic. I like your guitar matrix, always helpful and useful knowledge 👍. Keep them coming

"we should strive to NOT be noticed." - that could have been said by a Russian mystic, one of the Optina Elders. Amazing!

Will definitely be buying all of these tabs

Good stuff Eric. So true

Interesting way to play the C9 off of the open c shape flattening the little finger that I never thought of . Love your lessons and insight Eric. The way you explain things is special.

@EricHaugenGuitar

2 ай бұрын

I did that just so I could get to the F smoother! Necessity is the mother of invention

Mate your good, tasteful and I love everything you do.

Dynamics and respect✌🏻🎸🎶

Dope video as always!

Develop Good phrasing and note choice is a lifetime journey (even for hard workers) and most people never will develop it unless if they put serious focus on it.. and will take a lifetime maturing. Improvisation alone is a giant subject... The less you play harder it becomes because there's less space for bad or random choices.

To me the most impressive playing is tasteful! Thanks for posting

I am always impressed! 👍

Outstanding content - thank you!

Subscribed Eric, it all makes sense my friend 👍🏻 thanks 👍🏻

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Eric ❤😊

Hell yeah, I finally watched one of your videos on a Friday where I had pizza. A day well lived

Tasteful = Impressive every time.

for me, its almost like being invisible to the overall sound. Then if you have a guitar part, like a solo, then it is your time to really shine and it pops more because you were patient and you have dynamic control. 4:48 OHHH YOU SAID THIS PERFECTLY LATER ON!

BRAVO! Using The Band In your teaching as an example of less is more add dynamic structure it's perfect! I referenced them often as well as an example for Harmony, vocal Harmony, arrangements and dynamic structure. If I talk drums I would also reference Levon Helm who's drumming added so much texture and dynamic all the walls singing lead in harmonies!

Excellent song choice here Eric. ;)

Top tier teacher also

I would be interested in a video on incorporating dead notes into your playing. It’s a technique I personally really like and would like to see your take on it. Thanks again for your thoughtful instruction.

I beg to differ Eric, Not only are you an impressive guitarist, and, a tasteful guitarist, You're an excellent instructor, who always has impressive content on your posts. Cudo's for another great lesson. Alan Greer in Columbus Georgia

Your arrangement on Tears of Rage is outstanding. Would love to be able to hear it in its entirety.

Thanks again Eric and what a great message to not have to play like some super virtuoso every time you pick up the guitar. To complement the song in tasteful ways is the mark of a true musician.

Got to listen to

Don’t let people tell you are not a great guitar player! You can be great and tasteful! You actually give me Chris Stapleton vibes for your guitar playing!!

If you hit a guitar, it will hurt and it will scream; if you handle it gently, it will sing. Impressive guitarists can quickly tire you out, but those who create a pleasant atmosphere are worth listening to.

When I c one of ur vids I immediately enter 4 amazing things to incorporate into my playing. R u in Montreal I was born and u feel like a Montrealer? Love ur playing.

i love the color of that mustang...........wish they made more guitars in dark brown

Learning to get relaxed in whatever I’m doing is my lifetime goal. I always have so much tension in my body and it’s messing up my intonation for sure. Never got into weed or meditation but maybe that’ll help.

@drongoesgalore

2 ай бұрын

I don’t even like weed what am I talking about

@ultang

2 ай бұрын

Weed won't help, not in the long term. It can open you a bit, but like other drugs it can delude you into thinking you're better than you are. The cognitive deterioration and demotivation that come with weed will slow your progress and the paranoia that comes with it will send your anxiety levels back up again.

@EricHaugenGuitar

2 ай бұрын

That’s a tough one for sure - remember to lower your expectations and try to have fun!

@drongoesgalore

2 ай бұрын

At this point I’m turning on a beat and going reaaaaally slow . I try to keep my body moving in time and remember to breathe. Doing short sets of 30-60 seconds a couple times and moving on, thinking about where I’m tense. I’ve played a few things that sound musical and have had a couple musical ideas so I’m counting that as progress. Also am in a band which has forced me to actually figure songs out all the way and get over some shyness. As an older guy if nothing else it’s a great brain workout and lots of fun, which is really what I’m here for.

This is the way. 🤛🏻

3:28 THIS!! Dynamics is the one thing that I hear least in players today, so many people I see just bang on the instrument the whole way through. Dynamics pleasee.

Reggie Young = The Master. R.I.P. to the GOAT of tasteful, emotional guitar playing. Just listen to his lead on, "Anymore" by Travis Tritt, or his masterful playing on, "Drift Away".

My name ain’t Buzz, but if you want best case tuning, get the Buzz Feiten nut/tuning for all your guitars. Great lesson, thanks!

I do find “tasteful” guitarists like yourself to be the most impressive. So yes, you are a very impressive guitarist. Adam Levy’s solo on a live performance of Come Away With Me with Nora Jones kzread.info/dash/bejne/lYuHk8Gwkte1h8o.htmlsi=C3GNzGlKpYuuFole , and Emmett Kelly’s solo on Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy’s New Black Rich (Tusks) kzread.info/dash/bejne/pn2LudWrldHLd5s.htmlsi=-b8aVp3v8cyphsZo , are two solos that recently captivated me for their utterly masterful tastefulness. I’d love to hear your thoughts on them if you ever have the time and feel so inclined.

@EricHaugenGuitar

2 ай бұрын

I was just talking to Adam Levy on the phone when you typed this! We’re gonna do a collab

Same as many here. Tasty, musical play is much tougher than machine gunning, and is the achievement of certified musicians.

Most on-line guitar teachers seem desperate to get your attention. Eric here and Devin over at Country Guitar just deliver the goods with quiet competency. Eric's minimalist approach to music stands out in a sonic landscape filled with bombast.

You impress me.

Hey Eric, Great lesson. Thank you. I just need to ask if that is a Mastery M1 Bridge on your Tele? I also have a Tele with a Fender/Bigsby. The bridge that it came with is not a good design, as the strings actually touch the plate that the saddles fit into. I was just wondering if you had the bridge installed, and how is it working for you. Thanks Again

All the best picker's play tele's.

Tears of Rage baby! Great tune.

The most important bit to playing in a group is to listen. Is the drummer keeping good time? If not, then that's my job: keep the groove, hold the drummer in place. If the bass player holding down the bottom? If so, I explore other parts of the spectrum, almost never playing a low note. Is there another instrument providing melodic fills between vocal lines? Yes, I'm off duty; no, I provide some ear candy -- and don't step on the singer!

you talk a lot like my band director, im also a bassoonist in college currently, i think instruments that sit back naturally teach you how to do so on others

Heres comes a two hour video essay about Mike Campbell

I used to go to jam sessions and there would always be a number of guitar players. Many times it seemed like no one listened to each other and it was a barrage.

Saying less IS impressive! What guitarist can shut up on the fretboard when there’s a guitar in his hands 😅

Mensch 👌

❤❤❤❤

Bro is Bob Ross of guitar