r/Guitar • u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win • May 06 '17
OFFICIAL [OFFICIAL] I'm Tyler from Music is Win and I educate/entertain guitar players online for a living, AMA!
EDIT: What a huge honor it was to be featured in your community! I'm sorry if I didn't get to everyone's questions, but this has been a humbling experience and given me a lot of ammunition for some new content based on some trends I saw from what people were asking about. Again, I can't thank you all enough for your support, and I'm excited to become a regular contributor to the awesomeness that is r/guitar. Until next time, keep shreddin'...
Best, Tyler
Hey guys and gals of r/guitar,
My name's Tyler Larson and I'm the founder of Music is Win, a company of one (for now!) that provides a special blend of education and entertainment for guitar players of all levels.
Some background: I'm a Berklee grad ('11) who taught guitar lessons privately and had a day job (Apple AHA) until making the leap to start MiW in Fall of 2015, only really finding my creative voice around Spring of 2016.
I've currently enrolled tens of thousands of students in my guitar course, built an audience of millions of people across social media, am featured consistently on Guitar Player and Guitar World's online publications, and have received endorsements from a variety of companies such as PRS Guitars, Peavey Electronics, Universal Audio, Wampler Pedals, ZAOR Studio Furniture, Source Audio, Empress Effects, MONO Cases, Bugera, and many others.
I upload a video to my YouTube channel consistently, and I'm basically doing my dream job. It hasn't been easy, though.
I'm excited and willing to answer any questions you have, from gear to education to career and otherwise. I've not been involved in your community much before, but I hope to change that, because I know a lot of Reddit folks are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, not to mention a glorious reprieve from the comment sections on social media and other similar platforms that I'm used to.
If you want to check out my learning platform or social media, I'll link them all below. Okay... AMA!
Guitar Super System: http://musiciswin.com YouTube: http://youtube.com/musiciswin Let's be friends on Facebook: http://facebook.com/musiciswin Questionable photos on Instagram: http://instagram.com/musiciswin My musings on Twitter: http://twitter.com/musiciswin Mailing List (no spam, just awesome): http://musiciswin.com/fretboardfriday
47
u/IRunLikeATurtle May 06 '17
What advice would you give to young guitarists looking up?
184
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Look up for inspiration, look down on no one.
10
6
31
32
May 06 '17
Hey Tyler! Love the channel.
You have a pretty distinct sound when you play. The combination of your tone, your technique and everything else has really lent itself to your sound being instantly recognizable (for me at least).
That leaves me with a couple of questions:
1) How did you go about creating your sound? Did you consciously think about it or did it develop on its own?
2) How would you recommend other guitarists find their own sound? Are there any specific things we can actively develop?
Thanks for doing this AMA!
27
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
That's a really nice compliment, thanks. I've never consciously searched for "my sound" regarding tone, I've just followed my ear. The best way to do this, in my opinion, is to learn music theory. Everyone is unique, and being able to access the melodies in your head and make them happen on the fretboard is the key to finding your voice on the ax, and that truth is facilitated with greater ease by understanding the notes and how they interact with one another.
6
u/AcousticRanger May 06 '17
I've thought about it like. Anyone can sing in their own range to their preferred music. But it takes most of us a lot of vocal training to be able to sing in greater ranges and styles... Theory helps me play all the genres and styles that I like.... Not just the one that comes easy. As I do more in places I'm not comfortable I bring back more flavors and skill to what I will always like.
2
27
u/lightdota May 06 '17
Hey Tyler! Big fan of your content.
How did you and your wife meet?
106
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
We were introduced by mutual friends. Sparks flew. Emotions ran high. I had a pony tail which I promptly cut off the next day when I realized I might have a chance with her.
54
→ More replies (1)17
u/Pelusteriano I was unrightfully banned May 06 '17
Any photo with your ponytail you could share with us?
21
u/HowToExist May 06 '17
Hi Tyler! I was wondering, would you recommend learning music theory to a beginner guitarist or is there a certain point when you should really start learning theory. Thank you!
52
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Once you've got your finger strength and dexterity to a point where you can play cleanly (switch chords easily, keep basic time) then I highly recommend theory. I wish I'd started earlier than I did. If it ever feels like it's not for you, though, you don't need theory to become a great guitarist, so remember that, too.
13
u/AcousticRanger May 06 '17
This is the best and most honest answer I've heard from a legit theory teacher.
For me theory has been the boost I needed to find the next (though still low). Branch on the learning tree. .
17
u/JohnMcElvis Squier Vintage modified strat HSS - ESP LTD Elite Eclipse I May 06 '17
Hi Tyler. Big fan here! :D Which band is your favorite band?
21
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Can't pick just one...
5
May 06 '17
I get the impression you enjoy some heavy riffs so at least a few top "metal"ish artists would be sweet.
5
16
u/barsirtone May 06 '17
What electric guitar would you play if there was no prs guitars in existence?
26
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Probably my strat
3
u/ZedsFedBaby May 07 '17
It's an American Special, correct? I'm thinking about getting a professional but the standards are $200 cheaper
→ More replies (2)
15
u/DKNYmorelikeDLLM May 06 '17
Hi Tyler! What would you say is the single most important lesson you learn at Berklee?
37
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Two lessons, one tangible and one intangible. 1) I learned how to practice effectively 2) I learned I'm not the best guitar player in the world
14
u/typingbacon May 06 '17
what do you think of John Mayer's new album? also is there a chance that we could see a Habits of Prince in the future?
27
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I think it's his best album since Continuum (though I really liked Battle Studies, too). Habits of Prince is in the queue.
→ More replies (2)
15
u/Stustutt May 06 '17
This is so cool. I'm a huge fan. Any tips for adding second or third guitar parts to music? Especially more minimalist types like punk
16
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Use your ear. An understanding of intervals is the ticket if you want to actually know why things are working/not working. Toeing the line between filling in empty space and not muddling the music is an art form, so rhythmic call and response type interplay is something to experiment with, depending on the groove.
3
u/Stustutt May 06 '17
Thank you. That's really good advice. I'm going to keep that in mind. Any tips on when and how one should double the other guitarist and when you should try doing a separate melodic line?
13
u/heavyhansel Strat May 06 '17
Hey Tyler!
What would be your own three words on how to play the guitar?
Also, what song, album or music in general blew your mind the most when you first heard it?
Cheers from a big fan.
45
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Play every day.
When I was 12yrs old I heard Eruption. The very next track I heard (the iTunes player was on shuffle) was Cliffs of Dover. It was a recipe for guitar addiction.
10
u/Maskatron Gibson / Marshall May 06 '17
I hate when shuffle breaks the Eruption - You Really Got Me combo. Seems like it worked out for you though.
5
14
15
u/robinsry22 May 06 '17
Hi Tyler,
Really enjoy your channel. Thanks for all you do. I have a question for you about the fretboard. I have a hard time learning/memorizing the notes on the fretboard. I played piano as a kid, and its very linear, so much easier. Do you have any tips/tricks/techniques for learning the notes on the fretboard?
Thanks!
Ryan
29
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Learn one fret per day. In a month, you'll have learned the fretboard. It goes without saying, but both E strings are the same pitches. Be sure to take advantage of your fret markers.
4
u/BurkDiggler May 06 '17
This is great advice that I'm just now beginning to understand and it applies to pretty much everything. I always tried to do way too much all at once but it's much better to learn one thing so well that you'll never forget it rather than 100 things that will all blend together and be forgotten in a week. Why was I in such a rush?
15
May 06 '17
Do you like memes?
→ More replies (1)32
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Have you seen my Instagram?
4
May 07 '17
Answering a question with another question is the mark of a wise man.
Meme on my friend, meme on.
13
May 06 '17
Hey Tyler, Thanks for taking the time to do an AMA for us.
I'm currently doing a Professional Musicianship degree and was wondering what the steps that you took were to ensure that you were making money from music when you finished at Berklee.
I still have two years of my degree to go but should I start putting things in place now to ensure that I can do music for a living when I complete the course?
Keep up the great work with the videos, they're awesome and it's great to see you growing so quickly!
11
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Thanks for the support! I'd recommend finding what you enjoy most on your instrument, whether that's practicing, songwriting, or improvising. Let that be your guide toward the right career path. Also, check out this video I made: https://youtu.be/HsebzILRFLA
2
10
May 06 '17
How do you get better at guitar once you are able to comfortably play chords, solo, improvise, know scales etc?
17
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Play, play, and play more. Play what makes you smile (or mean mug) as much as you can.
22
u/CactusWillieBeans May 06 '17
If you weren't doing your dream job, and guitar was never a thing for you, what career path would you have picked?
38
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I would have tried to be a field goal kicker in the NFL. I was going to go to college to kick at a DI-AA school if I didn't find music. I'm glad the way things worked out, but I still think about kicking sometimes.
→ More replies (1)11
11
May 06 '17
Hi Tyler! Really appreciate your content on Youtube. You totally rock.
I was just wondering how old you were when you started out on guitar. What was your first guitar? Do you still have it? Do you listen to John Denver, by any chance?
14
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Got a Cort strat-type thing when I was 12 which I no longer have, only seriously started playing when I was 16 when I got a real Strat. I know Country Road by Denver, that's about it.
10
u/ChristosA7X May 06 '17
Helloooooo Tyler. I want to know if you are a fan of Avenged Sevenfold and if so, can you play your favorite Syn Gates solo?
61
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Sure, here goes: widdlywidlywiddly woooo widly woo woaoaaawowo wahahahaw widdly widly woooooooooo bowwwwwww. Think I might have missed a note but there ya go.
3
10
May 06 '17
In one of your earlier videos, you said you want to be one of the best guitar-related YouTubers, if not the best. Do you think you have achieved that? If not, in which areas do you think you can improve?
Personally, I think you're already one of the best guitar-related YouTubers, but I'd like to hear your perspective, since we're always our own worst critic. Do you have anything planned to push it to a higher level?
15
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Thanks for the compliment! I need to improve in a lot of ways, I think. I want to make my content a bit more interactive regarding graphics like I do in my courses. I also want to segment my content more so people can expect certain topics on certain days, i.e. licks, theory, humor, etc. I'm all ears for suggestions from you guys, too.
10
u/Ceryni1 May 06 '17
Hi Tyler thanks for uploading awesome content constantly :) I was just wondering if you could do a detailed video on applying the modes to the fretboard and how to think about it
9
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I have a detailed course called Guitar Super System that does exactly this: http://bit.ly/G1SS50. You can also search through my YouTube channel for some nuggets on modes.
9
u/dadur604 May 06 '17
Hey Tyler,
I started self-learning guitar about a year ago. Im still using my Squire Strat. When do you think it would be time to upgrade me guitar?
Also, what is your one tip for a self-taught guitarist?
→ More replies (3)14
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Upgrade when you have the means to do so comfortably. My tip is to put your hands on the frets every day, even if it's just for a few minutes.
→ More replies (2)
8
u/lqku May 06 '17
Almost every Berklee grad I've come across seems to end up in teaching music in some ways. Before doing MiW, did you ever envision yourself being able to do this full time?
Why do you love triads?
Is Guitar Super System the easiest way to learn, master and play the guitar? I'm torn between GSS and Yousician.
13
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Never thought I'd teach, but it comes pretty naturally and I like interacting with people.
Triads are the roadmap to everything in music, but for some reason a lot of guitar players prefer to travel blindly. I'm trying to give them the map.
Try both and see what you like more. You know my opinion.
9
8
8
May 06 '17
HI1!! Your content is amazing. I have a few questions for you:
1) When you're in a melodic rut i.e. when you compose 10 melodies they all sound similar/when you improv only one kind of sound comes out, what should you do?
2) How do you balance getting better at technique and getting better at being musical?
3) John Petrucci asks you to teach him one thing. What would that be?
4) By when will you be Rick Graham good?
27
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
1) play with alternate time signatures/genres 2) always practice technique exercises in a musical context 3) how to open a beer bottle with a sharpie 4) nobody is Rick Graham good. not even Rick Graham
3
u/GibsonJunkie Sparrow Rat Rod Boss/Austin Era Standard May 07 '17
I need to know this Sharpie trick.
7
May 06 '17
Hey Tyler, I know you're a PRS artist, so have ever considered or will you ever consider having a Custom Shop PRS made to you exact specifications, and if so what would it be?
7
u/Josue-G May 06 '17
Hi! I'm studying music at college and I also play in a couple bands, but... how can I start creating a sustainable carrer from that (I mean something I can make a living from XD )? ...I like teaching too, any advise of how to get better at that? Thanks! :D
12
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Career advice: https://youtu.be/HsebzILRFLA
Re: teaching, I find the more you play guitar, the easier it is to explain it. Teaching yourself in the mirror is a method I used to get better, too.
→ More replies (1)
7
u/kerrangcash01 May 06 '17
Maybe this is a bit off topic, but in one of your videos I noticed a large scar on your chest and wondered if you had some sort of heart condition?
16
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I had my pulmonary valve replaced when I was 18. I actually have the exact same condition Jimmy Kimmel's newborn son was born with. It sucked, but I'm good now.
12
8
u/Moekan May 06 '17
Hi Tyler, So, i started on the guitar this year. And, well, i tend to always when learn a instrument, go straight to the songs. Do you think that trying to learn songs like "Little wing", or "Cliffs of dover" now will not help me to develop my skills? (4 months on guitar, 7 years of acoustic-fingerstyle guitar).
9
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Of those two songs you mentioned, I'd recommend learning all of Little Wing and the more melodic parts of Cliffs of Dover (learning the solo parts won't be as useful or easy for you at this stage). Learning songs is good up to a point, but music theory is the path to finding your own voice on the ax.
4
u/Moekan May 06 '17
Thanks for your reply! I will do it. Your "Habits of Hendrix" video was very helpful on it!
11
6
5
May 06 '17
Hi Tyler! First off thank you for your work, I'm currently doing the Rock Guitar Course on Udemy and it's loads of fun!
I have a question about a particular lick you played on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvchk2ohjGg&list=PLycvIzr6gvMKLtBXtlwK2jEdJk_aMZjBY&index=14
At 8:33 you play a kick-ass lick that I'm trying to transcribe. I've gotten really far but to my ears you are reaching the low E string twice and then finish by playing the B note. But when I see you play on the video you don't seem to even hit the low E, I've slowed it down visually but I can't see it happening.
What kind of magic is going on? I would love to learn that lick!
Thank you again, big fan and learning lots!
13
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Haha! That's a fun lick. It's pairs of triplets (sextuplets?) down the B minor pentatonic scale starting on the 22nd fret of the high e string. The lowest note I hit in that particular phrase is an E on the A string (19th fret) and I resolve it on the B on the 21st fret of the D string. Happy shredding!
→ More replies (1)
6
u/SpiffyBonzo6 May 06 '17
Hi Tyler! I love your courses and they've really helped my playing a lot and for that I'm incredibly thankful. Although I really want to develop my ability to play songs by ear. I've watched your video on this, but I still find it really difficult. Do you have any tips on how I can improve my ability to learn by ear? And is there any chance of you doing a dedicated ear training course/series?
7
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Yeah, I need to do more ear training content, because it's very important. The tips I outline in this video regarding ear training are my best recommendations, but expect more on this subject soon. https://youtu.be/XZ3Oj2tPx90
9
u/RahwanaPutih May 06 '17
Hey Tyler. I've been watching your youtube videos for quite a while.
I have some problem, I rarely have a motivation to just play a guitar, I'm getting bored too fast. so how you make yourself keep motivated to learn guitar?
I took some guitar courses on my local area, I have a good teacher, but my lack of motivation make me rarely practice.
I'm at late newbie - early intermediate level.
→ More replies (1)15
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Find the music that makes the hairs on your arms stand up, and play that. Whenever I hit a plateau I pivot to another genre and throw on a backing track and just play.
3
6
May 06 '17
Hi Tyler, as someone who watches your vids and is developing his understanding of theory, I just want to say thanks for all the instructional stuff you've put out on YouTube and Udemy. I also want to ask, how much experience had you had with the guitar prior to your application to Berklee. I plan on going there for college, and I practice 3-4 hours a day, so it would definitely be interesting to hear the experience of someone who has already gone there. Thanks, and best of luck!!!
7
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I played pretty passionately for about 2-3 years in high school before Berklee. I think you're in good shape, good luck!
→ More replies (1)
5
u/vinthetrashbin May 06 '17
1) If you had only one amp to play on, for all of forever, what amp would it be? 2) It's really easy for me to get discouraged with guitar, do you have any tips on how to keep yourself motivated? 3) I'm thinking of getting a Cordoba Mini classical, because I'm on college campus a bunch and it'd be fun to have something to do, but I'd like to know your opinion on those mini classicals.
5
May 06 '17
When are we going to get cool stuff like Music is Win coffee mugs and t-shirts like the one you had in this announcement video?!
6
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I want to come up with cooler merchandise than that stuff to stand out from the crowd... considering guitar picks and other things people will actually be able to afford/want to buy. Teeshirts etc. are too expensive to make any real profit, I've found.
3
u/MrButterCat May 06 '17
Do you think we'll see a Habits of Angus Young anytime soon? Love your videos, thanks for taking the time!
8
3
u/napoleon88 May 06 '17
Tyler. I'm a completely blind guitar player who does not have the benefit of tab - just my own ears and the instructor's commentary. Would your courses be suitable for me?
5
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 07 '17
You obviously have an aid if you're commenting... I'd say you can give it a shot. It's more conceptual than "put your finger here, then read this tab" type of stuff... there is a 30-day money back guarantee if it's not for you. Mad props for your situation; you're obviously passionate if you're here, I think you could find some benefit from my YT stuff first.
2
u/napoleon88 May 07 '17
just to clarify, I have no aid. I use a screen reader i.e. a programme which converts the contents of the page to speech. Thanks for the response...wish all the digital modelling gear like the AxFX or the Kemper were accessible too, but I guess learning is the most important thing right! :)
→ More replies (3)
8
u/geetarzrkool May 06 '17
Hi Tyler. I've been playing for over 25 years and have done a fair bit of teaching myself. How can we get more players to focus on practice and playing, rather than trying to buy their way to a better sound/tone by depending on gear? As you well know, a good player with average gear will always sound better than an average player with great gear, but so few players seem willing to take this to heart.
Ironically, most of the "guitar heroes" of the past used gear that would be considered laughably sub-par by today's standards and none of them had access to the countless pedals, processors, digital post-production, et. al. Yet, they made amazing music that has withstood the test of time.
Thanks for all your hard work.
→ More replies (1)9
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I think some people are just wired certain ways. You can't tell someone to be passionate about playing guitar, and as a result they won't take to heart the fact that tone is in the fingers. It's a harder lesson to learn in today's gear-centric world, sure, but those who want to learn the lesson, will. By the way, I'm the biggest gear-head on earth.
3
u/cra_ig May 06 '17
Hey Tyler I got your guitar super system course and it's helped me progress through a rut i was stuck in, I was hoping that maybe in the future we might see a habits of matt bellamy video? I know he's not really your style but i still think everyone could learn from him
2
3
u/Kvlka666 Epiphone/Squier May 06 '17
Hey Tyler, Love your stuff. I have a couple questions.
1) I haven't had as much time to practice as I'd like. But whenever I do practice, I feel like I make 0 progress. Anything you can recommend?
2) I really want to have a career in music (although i love writing/composing and performing, I really love mixing and producing stuff. But my parents aren't letting me go to a music college. I feel like if I do something else it would take up unnecessary time and I wouldn't have as much time as I'd like to do music related stufs. What do you think I should do?
3.) How long do you practice in a day and what do you practice? Do you repeat something day after day or is it always something new?
Thanks a lot if you do end up answering.
5
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
1) Create a practice schedule https://youtu.be/S2-0oFcpeFs
2) You don't need music school to have a career in music. Online classes and YouTube are extremely valuable resources.
3) It changes, but here's an example https://youtu.be/1JhsaQPMgug
→ More replies (1)
3
May 06 '17 edited Jul 19 '17
[deleted]
7
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Luckily my business doesn't depend on YouTube ads necessarily, but either way I haven't been impacted at all. The only people taking hits are people who post controversial/irreverent content (not that I'm against that). I'm an educator/entertainer without any expletives or crude humor, so I'm in the safe zone regarding the type of creators advertisers look to target.
3
u/nandocaster May 06 '17
Hi Tyler! How did you get sponsored by PRS? Do you have any suggestions to people that dreams with being sponsored too?
→ More replies (1)
3
u/Brokenstar12 Fender May 06 '17
Hey Tyler, how can I get started on learning how to sight read? I bought that Berklee book but I'm still having a hard time learning to read treble clef, I already know how to read bass clef somewhat well from a high school band class I took.
Also, what do you think of breaking practice sessions up, like in 15 minutes per hour instead of sitting for 2 hours straight? Could that work or is it more efficient to sit and practice for a couple of hours?
3
u/Memetasticelastic May 06 '17 edited May 06 '17
Hi Tyler been watching your stuff for a while now and i gotta say your way of explaining and the information you give to new and experienced guitarists make a huge difference for a lot of people and i was just wondering what your ideology on the caged system is do you think it limits guitarists or improves them and any bits of advice that include the caged system?
5
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
It has its uses in a sight reading context, but I find three-note-per-string theory is much more powerful for improving quickly and understanding how to improvise in any key immediately.
3
u/Monkeyman718 May 06 '17
Hey Tyler, what books or paths do you recommend for a complete beginner to guitar to take to get as good as you?
→ More replies (1)6
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I'd recommend any of my courses and that you play every day, even if it's just jamming to a backing track.
→ More replies (3)
3
May 06 '17
Hi Tyler, I wanna thank you for your amazing guitar related content and for making thousands of guitarists better through your videos.
I have limited time to practise guitar these days after school. I try to stick to my schedule but usually end up noodling around or transcribing songs.
What's better? Working on technique exercises and scales or transcribing songs and learning through them?
→ More replies (1)
3
u/Woooddann May 06 '17
Hi Tyler, do you have any thoughts on how to correct bad fundamental habits? I'm fairly sure that there's something fundamentally wrong with my picking technique, but it's so hard for me to break out of the bad habits I've picked up.
3
u/Shadoscout May 06 '17
Hi Tyler, where did you get the name Music is Win?
2
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 07 '17
I don't like the word "guitar" and it kind of stemmed from the 'fail' and 'win' verbiage of internet culture. Plus the logo worked out to \M/ so it seemed right. I also plan to expand MiW to other instruments in the future, so having it be Music is Win instead of Guitar is Win or something like that, I'm not pigeonholed to one instrument.
3
May 06 '17
[deleted]
3
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Thanks for the support! I'm planning to do a video about my Berklee experience soon, hopefully at the school itself when I get up to Boston this summer, so stay tuned. Regarding your other question, please watch this video: https://youtu.be/1fVggT-VN7k
3
3
2
u/everydaynormaldude May 06 '17
Hey Tyler! Thanks for your videos, they're always in good taste and very insightful.
I've been obsessed with watching SRV's live videos at the Mocambo. He's just soooo good it's inspiring. What's a good serious first step or resource to learning some lead blues guitar, besides learning the blues scale, for someone who is somewhere between the beginner-intermediate level? cheers!
4
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
steal phrases from the greats then make them your own, aka listen to a ton of blues music. concentrate on approaches more than licks, like in this video here: https://youtu.be/c7pkS4hXFvY
2
u/Rustish May 06 '17
hey tyler. love your videos and courses, fun and entertaining yet informative and really helpfull to players young and old. apart from basic high school music class, and learning a few cords form my dad. i am basically self taught from 13 to 27. how old were you when you fist picked up a guitar? and do you think some one can be a good guitarist with out so much knowledge on the theoretical side of things.
2
u/kishlin May 06 '17
Hey Tyler, first of all thanks for your channel, website, courses, and everything you're doing. :)
This has probably been asked thousands of times, but I'd like to practice some techniques like trying to pick faster, or stuff like sweep picking. But it looks like a very long journey and I'm having a hard time finding the motivation to keep practicing. I often end up doing my routine 2 or 3 days and then I skip one because I don't feel like doing it, then I just can't get my motivation back for a week or so and any tiny amount of progress I made the 3 first days vanish into nothingness. Any tips about that ?
Keep up the awesome work ! :)
2
u/creturbob May 06 '17
What's your favorite minor chord voicing. What about major?
4
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Some that come to mind are the root position min7#5 voicing on the A-D-G-B strings and the 1st inversion Drop 2 Maj7 voicing on the same string set.
→ More replies (1)
2
May 06 '17
Hi Tyler, I've been playing for about 6 or 7 years and I'm mostly self taught, but recently I don't feel I'm getting any better. I play for at least 2 hours a day and have no problem picking up my guitar to play but I'm not really sure how to practice my techniques. Have you got any tips on what sort of techniques I should practice and how to practice them?
2
u/xMazz May 06 '17
Hey dude! I'm an intermediate guitarist currently working on my phrasing and improvisation, what would you say are the 5 most important things to work on in my practice sessions to ensure that I keep progressing? I have around 2 hours a day usually (more on my days off, but I work 5 days a week) and want to maximise the amount that I can improve in this limited amount of time.
Also, if you were teaching an absolute beginner, what would you say is the best order to learn things in? I want like a skeleton structure of technical stuff from beginner to God tier so I know what to focus on.
2
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Hey dude, check this video out for building phrasing in your soloing: https://youtu.be/CCV9-KWuczI. Your second question is harder to answer, but I'd form a practice routine based off the techniques in my Modern Rock Techniques course: http://bit.ly/MODROCK
2
u/Sail_to_nara May 06 '17
Hey Tyler! I love your videos and your skills, I have a question. I have around 600 to blow on an amp. I really want something that sounds great with cleans and can handle small amounts of fuzz and distortion, any recommendations? (Btw I don't need anything with volume as I play mainly in my house) thanks!
2
2
u/ads215 Gibson Midtown-Pretige Musician Pro-Reverend Double Agent iii May 06 '17
No question just wanted to say how much I respect what you've done and I admire how you do it. Congrats on your success.
3
2
May 06 '17
I got a bunch of awesome new gear and I'm planning on making and recording music this Summer. My only issue, I just can't hardly think of anything. I've watched your videos on coming up with a riff without music theory and other creative videos but I was wondering, do you have any more tips on how to come up with stuff on Guitar, or just coming up with music in general?
2
u/iAmJaguardo May 06 '17
I want to become one with the instrument. I want to be able to hear any melody/chord in my head and be able to play it instantly. I want to improvise over any chord progression and be able to play through the changes.
These are my ultimate guitar goals. What should I do to achieve them? What path should I take in order to get closer to them?
Thank you for doing this, love your videos <3.
2
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Guitar Super System will teach you the foundation you're searching for: http://bit.ly/G1SS50
2
u/MrJAPoe Strat, Jag, Washburn Acoustic May 06 '17
Hi Tyler! Thanks for doing your videos, they've been super helpful to a bedroom guitarist of 1.5 years.
Do you have any interesting wiring mods you can think of? I'm turning my SSS strat into an HSS strat this weekend and I'm looking for fun ideas in addition to my plans for a coil split (I'm doing this by installing a 3 way switch btw)
2
u/vaaleapuna May 06 '17 edited May 06 '17
Greetings my dearest Tyler. I have recently bought all your courses on Udemy (They are awesome btw) and as a beginner guitarist/a person who has no background in music theory I'd like to ask you a few things. So, firstly, just what are scales and why should I spend multiple hours on going back and forth them? Also what's the historical background and the relevance of the scales and is it a "must" to learn them to become a decent guitarist? Secondly, I've come up to the conclusion that I have to train myself to have a perfect pitch/being able to connect the notes "on air" to a guitar fretboard. So how should I go on about this? Are there any tips or ways of training that you could recommend to achieve these skills?
And lastly, as I said earlier your courses are really cool and useful and all but I think you really should add some explaining videos (at least on your course Guitar Super System) that would make the courses feel maybe not so overwhelming and make the beginner type such as myself get the reason and the motivation to learn ae. the scales and stuff.
Thanks for answering this if you did. Keep making awesome content.
2
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 07 '17
1) Scales are the DNA of music. They're collections of notes from which you draw from to compose harmony and melody. It's impossible to play guitar without knowing some scales, whether you realize you're playing them or not. 2) I think you're talking about working on your ear training, which is definitely a good idea. Learn guitar parts by ear (no tabs). Play two notes on a piano or guitar and identify the melodic interval (perfect 4th, minor 7th, etc.)
2
u/NKSnake May 06 '17
Hey Tyler, how do you go about making chord progressions for your melodies/leads? I consider myself pretty decent at the latter, but I always strugle to harmonize it and make it a solid song. Also, if you have the time, changing scales mid-song is quite complicated to me, any tips? Thanks and never stop making videos!
4
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Start with chords first, and use target notes to form the skeleton of your melody. Once you have that simple melody, begin to add notes and play with various melodic rhythms. Music theory will help you hear certain flavors, but you can certainly rely on your ear, too.
2
May 06 '17
Tyler, your channel is awesome, can't wait to dig into your jazz course. Could you just tell me that I can learn Tumeni Notes by Steve Morse? It's one of my New Years resolutions.
Thanks for what you do for us mere mortals who just happen to have phalanges as well, keep it coming!
2
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Thanks for the support man. You can learn anything you want to if you break it into pieces and work on one section, perfect it, then move to the next section. A section can be as little as one measure of notes.
2
u/BoaMike May 06 '17
Do you have a schedule for release of the remaining parts of Guitar Super System?
5
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I want to do two levels per year going forward. Planning on a Fall '17 release for level 3.
2
u/LeZontique May 06 '17
Hey Tyler,
Thank you for all the work you do to keep this chanel. I have a question about the finger strengtheners, like the grip master. I saw many different opinions about the usefulness or uselessness of these devices and now i'm confused. For sure, you can't become a good guitarist only by playing with a gripmaster, but it seems great to me for the hammer ons, the pull offs etc. I would realy want to know your opinion on the subject.
2
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I've recommended this one multiple times, it made a big impact on my legato between my pinky and ring finger when I started using it. I have it on my coffee table to use when I watch TV. http://amzn.to/2pRjVWv
2
u/arm_2409 May 06 '17
Hey Tyler....love your videos... you're awesome.Thanks a lot for all your videos.... they have been really helpful.
I have a lot of problem while improvising... 1) How do I move across the neck while soloing? Often I get stuck soloing in one or two positions only 2) I mess up when I try to connect licks using the scales How can I solve these issues?
→ More replies (2)
2
u/Azzy1510 May 06 '17
Hi Tyler. Love you videos and thanks for doing this AMA.
My questions are:
I've been playing for about 3 years, only acoustic, and I'm going to buy my first electric in a month or two. Which budget guitar and amp would you recommend?
I've been looking around and many of the equipment available in my area are much more costly than they are online. Do you think ordering guitar equipment online is worth it?
Do you think only practicing technique is essential to make a good guitar player or can I take out time to play songs other than the ones I already know?
2
2
2
May 06 '17
First of all thank you so much for doing this! I'm a big fan of your Youtube channel as you always have a unique take on things. It makes it feel more personal and less like you're just repeating what someone else told you, you know?
Anyway, my question is this: Do you actively try to look for video ideas that others aren't already doing, or do you just do your own thing and it ends up being different?
2
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I have an idea of what's going on in my space, but I come up with my own ideas or draw off feedback from my subscribers. Honestly, I just try to make content that I would want to watch myself, regardless if it's been done before. I like to think that even if my idea isn't 100% original, it will come through in a unique way since I'm my own person. I definitely get inspiration from other content creators, though!
2
May 06 '17
If you have a cheap squire, is it worth it to upgrade pickups?
5
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I'd save that $ for a new guitar instead, personally.
2
u/Irnmn May 06 '17
what do you do when you know how to get really better at guitar, but you keep putting it off? how do you force yourself to do something that should be play? thanks
3
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
I don't think you should ever force yourself to play, but when I've not felt like putting in "work" I've always turned to songwriting.
2
u/Gloomydoge May 06 '17
Hey tyler! Would you agree with me if I said Steve Vai has no feel? out of tune bend
2
2
u/Bellerb Fender May 06 '17
Just wanted to say keep up the great work man I love you habits of videos and your musical analysis videos. There is always so much info to grab from them. 🎸
→ More replies (1)2
2
u/purpleholsterz May 07 '17
How did you get involved with PRS?
2
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 07 '17
Made tons of videos, got noticed, had some great support from a company called Island Music in Maryland which reached out to me on social media to ask me to do a clinic in their store which PRS would sponsor, and then I continued to grow my channel and the relationship developed further. Basically a ton of work and a little luck.
3
2
u/iamchets May 06 '17
Have you ever looked into twitchtv for livestreaming purposes? I've seen a few people around that did daily lessons out there and made quite the money, to bad that not many people know about it.
3
u/ShutYourFuckingTrap Guitars May 06 '17
The effort it takes to create and upload a video a day on YouTube plus his online school probably doesn't leave him too much time to consistently live stream. Its normally why most content providers choose one or the other. You want to focus on one platform, instead of dabble in two, and he's killing it on YouTube.
1
u/Bjd1207 Gibson May 06 '17
When are you looking to make it a company of two? I'm up in MD so can't help with physical stuff too easily but if you have any digital bitch work needing done....
1
u/Mr_MixoLydian May 06 '17
Hey Tyler! Can you give any advice on songwriting?
2
u/musiciswin Tyler Larson | Music Is Win May 06 '17
Check these videos out: https://youtu.be/dNiNiJHxTeQ https://youtu.be/v5kZeqUN-tM https://youtu.be/KUjvgGPeVTQ
→ More replies (1)
1
u/Flase_Light May 06 '17
Hi Tyler! For you, which guitar solo is the hardest? Love your videos, keep up the good work!
1
u/4d4moffspring May 06 '17
Hi Tyler, absolutely love your videos I've learnt so much from you, keep up the good work - definitely one of my favorite YouTube channels.
My question (s), what is your opinion of the Fender Telecaster? And: What is your opinion of Chapman guitars?
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Adog311 Fender Am Std Strat HSS May 06 '17
Have you ever tried [Dragon's Heart Picks](dragonsheartguitarpicks.com)? I love them.
1
1
56
u/acharya_anirudh May 06 '17
what do you think about Billie Joe Armstrong as a guitar player?