I unfortunately dont work but I do play a hell of a lot. I live in a tent so ppl on the sidewalk hear me soloing hitting those harmonics. I used to try to keep quiet and just Palm Mute everything,but I get carried away and I get so into playing. That ppl know there is a homeless Shredder in Orange Park Fl . 🤘🤘
@@TopSecretZ I play at Sam Ash in Orange Park off Blanding. Im the guy with the Winds Of Plague Samurai sleeve with dreads. I have so many hrs of music recorded that I have yet to upload. You a musician as well?
Wow. With 16 years of guitar under my belt, I can honestly say I never needed a motivational piece more than I needed this. Your humility and passion is a driving force of my continuing to progress. IDK how shitty these last 12ish months would've been without you. I'm not saying this to fan-girl or anything, and this isn't a stretch, but you particularly were one of about 3 or 4 reasons I didn't sell my very expensive guitar and quit earlier this year. Thank you for everything you do Dean. Please don't ever stop being so kind and badass. 💛🌻
The fact you gave a talk about riding the waves of frustration, coupled with the fact that Dark Souls is being played in the background, is absolutely excellent pairing.
My teacher used to say over and over “If you can’t play it at half speed you can’t play it at full speed.” Playing fast takes blood sweat tears and for most of us mortals, metronome clicks.
@@ZJtraylor That's true though. I enjoy playing a lot, and I'm not always in the mood to practice, so then I don't use a metronome. . When I am serious, I get out a timekeeping device. I use Songsterr a lot, cos I travel and it's so convenient.
"That overnight thing" is when your brain literally grows tissue around brain cells to form skills and memories. Even if you think you haven't gotten better over a practice session, try it again tomorrow, it might go much better.
I've experienced this while playing video games. Can't beat an area or boss, get frustrated, and put it away. I would try the next day and I breeze through it. It's very interesting.
I have to say, you’re primarily the reason I’ve became so much better the last 6 months. I’m 28, played from 13-21ish , didn’t pick up a guitar until 27, back in Nov of 2020. Watched all of your Dean learns x videos and it inspired me to cover Paul Gilbert’s Curse of the castle Dragon. 6-8 hours a day of practicing really does pay off. I know most of people don’t have that time, but from my experience I see a lot do but prioritize other things instead. Even if it means waking up extra early, not watching a movie or playing a video game. The time is there, just have to prioritize it.
Haha, I also started learning curse of the castle dragon because of Dean. It's one of the riffs I'm using to improve my alt picking. And your point about prioritizing is key. The time I spend onCZcams or watching Netflix or playing video games isn't really productive. Those things are important when you want to relax, but in my case I realized I could drastically cut down that stuff and have more time to practice. Here's to getting better!
@@metalkicker23 if you work a 9 to 5, plus 1.5 hours for commute, and sleep 6 hours a night, that leaves you with 8.5 hours to yourself. Now of course you need to cook and clean and do other things but one can definitely make room for 4-5 hours of practice on a weekday if they are very dedicated. It's just a matter of commitment and sacrifice.
Damn dude, this hit real hard, I used to practise about 4-8 hours a day when I started playing, and now 16 years later I basically stopped progressing for the last 12 years, due to work, life and kids etc. But I still love playing and just guitars in general. Thanks for this really sincere vid. Btw best gig I ever saw was Archspire, Revocation, Soreption, Rivers of Nihil in Wroclaw, Poland. Holy shit you all killed it.
After I went to college to learn biochemistry at 25-26 years of age, after having graduated high school with mediocre results and having worked a lot of factory jobs, I learned that I could get anything done if I just set my mind to it. To me that was the biggest lesson out of that whole experience, worth more than any exam results, and I'm certain it's the same for anyone.
ive been using involuntary doppelganger and remote tumor seeker as "technique checks" for the last few years. two years ago, ass. but i kept breaking down all the trouble parts into their own exercises and two years later, i'm doing those tunes! now to get bleed the future down this also immensely helped in my guitar teaching career - teaching myself how to get over these high hurdles has been invaluable in teaching others how to. so thanks dean!
The bit about recording can work to boost your confidence as well. I remember playing for people and they praised me, and I was like "What the hell are they talking about I'm terrible" but then after recording myself playing and listening back to it I was blown away. I'd played for years and never recorded myself, or at least never listened back to it on my own and actually listened. It made me a lot more confident in my playing, and inspired me to tackle more challenging techniques. This is a wonderful video.
I'm a lifelong guitarist/bassist who's started doing vocals. I think your philosophy works for that too. Thank you Dean, you have a real way with words.
I fully agree with the process of deliberately practicing. I've improved more in the last 6 months than I did in the previous 5 years, simply because I've been so focused and dedicated to it.
try other instruments too. When I started playing bass I played finger style, and as a side effect it improved my playing on nylon string classical guitar. The longer scale length forces me to use my pinky, and helped me stretch and move my fretting hand faster across the neck and more accurately. Bending and fretting the heavier string gauge strengthens up the fingers a bit too. Which lead to improvements on guitar.
Came back to this video a year later, and I can definitively say that this one video has had a MASSIVE impact on my mentality when I practice guitar now. My technique has drastically improved and I’m attempting to learn songs I would’ve been terrified to touch even a year ago. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I agree on everything you say here. I do this but on my drumset. You need to stress yourself enough to force you to want to get better, and then hit that wall. Relax, rest, think about it. And above all, my mindset is" Every fail makes me better". Then you go again, and again, and keep failing until you just can do that technique.
Dude, im 40, and you inspire me!! And so does your band! The way you deal with the frustration is genius. I recently decided i needed to get better, like you did, just way later in life lol🤘👽🤘 (Taking notes)
Glad I ran across this vid. Very honest humble straight foward advise. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE, BREATH, STREATCH, EAT RIGHT, LOTS OF WATER, CORRECT AMOUNT OF SLEEP, REPEAT !!!
Been playing for 9 years now, recently I've found myself getting a little too comfortable with where I'm at in my playing, but I now realize my error in that way of thinking. Thank you Dean for the advice, you just reignited my fire to push myself further, and that's why I love this channel.
Thanks for this man. I've spent alot of time feeling embarrassed about where im at, despite playing guitar since age 13ish. It really helps to hear advice from someone I really look up to in the music scene ❤️
preparedness meets opportunity. You guys are going to slaughter the charts in your careers, as tech death artists! Insane talent and determination, much respect for you all.
Feel like I’m listening to myself talk. We’re the same age and very similar experience with guitar and music. I like to think that if my college band had stayed together I’d be in your shoes but alas I’ve been solo for over a decade and it’s been a struggle. But I won’t give up. About to release my very first EP this year.
Sage advice. Been playing on and off for 20 years, and whenever I deliberately practice, and PLAN out my practice sessions, I’ve advanced. Even after all these years, I get better by being structured. Always spend time that way, and always do something fun (learning a cool riff or even a whole piece of music).
Thank you for the valuable insight! Having around 8 years of guitar experience, I thought that all the development there would ever be had already been... The story of you joining Archspire after a decade with instrument and the skyrocketing with the craft and art leading to it is refreshing and a bit reassuring.
Wow ive been in a slump these last few days and have not felt like practicing, really needed to see this video to understand how to deal with the wave of frustration. Invaluable insight.
4:20 absolutely. That's how I practice now. Works incredibly well. Learned how to do sweeps almost well enough in just two months time. Could've done it in one month if I wasn't so damn busy.
Great advice, all very good points! I’m actually preparing for the studio after a very long break and I 1000% confirm that sitting down and recording stuff at home, overlaying tracks, finalising the little details greatly boosts playing. And it’s playing where it matters: your own music, which at the end of the day is why most of us play in the first place.
I've been struggling with guitar for a year now but since I actually found your channel like 6 months ago I've been trying to grind it out, so I just wanna say thanks. 🍤👍🏼
All of this is so info is so valuable. Clicked out of curiosity but I myself did alot of these things last year and have seen immeasurable gains in my playing. The biggest benefit to me was bringing in someone else to listen to my recordings. She's hella honest with me and it makes me want to play everything as perfect as I can before I call it done.
This is all great advice and super chill delivery. I've been working on Involuntary Doppelganger for the last year or so and I haven't moved past the first 3 riffs because I'm determined to get them clean before I move on. Practicing the one part over and over and feeling the improvement is so satisfying, as sloppy as I still have it for now.
geez man, you don't know how much I deal with frustration, no matter how much I practice I feel I'm not going anywhere. I've been feeling like that for quite a while, I even thought of giving up. I feel like everything I play or compose sucks, and I don't have anyone to guide me, no teachers, no friends who play guitar, nothing at all. Hearing that even a professional like you dealed with it makes me feel like I can improve, thanks dude.
I feel like learning music theory while you practice technique will save you a lot of time in the future, theory and fretboard freedom go hand and hand.
This was a great video, and I'm currently going through a similar experience. I've played heavily for the better part of 15 years, but it is only recently that I started doing deliberate practice sessions, signed up for lessons to fill in gaps etc. I'm ready to really level up my playing and am excited to put in the dedicated time and work to achieve it.
Great advice Dean! Used to just watch your content on CZcams but I finally got around to checking out Archspire and you guys are now one of my favourite bands :D
It's funny. I was in a metal band in the late 90's as late teen and I didn't understand practice back then. So I quit after a while, because I didn't get better (and I was allergic to nickel and this was pre nickel free strings, which made it so I couldn't really play for more than an hour before my fingers started itching and becoming red). I only started really playing again when I was like 35, got a private teacher with a conservatory jazz background, and for the last 6 to 7 years I've been progressing so much. No longer in metal, really, but your video's - especially the longer attempts to learn video's - have been such a big help, an inspiration, but also this feeling of recognition of the way you have to work to get better. Really appreciate the content and the hard work. :) Cheers from the Netherlands.
Get your right hand in order! Perfect palm muting, play slow blues to learn hammer ons and pull offs, legato. Speed it up. Use downpicking and alternate picking. Get real tight with your riffs and licks, then after a while tackle the difficult stuff like sweeping and harmonics etc. Practice makes perfect and in time you will just feel everything without having to think about it.
The best piece of advice I can give new players is if you can’t get to now, you WILL if you are persistent, guitar is such a great tool because it gives you everything you need to do what you want on it, the rest is in your hands literally. You practice and practice and practice and get frustrated and put the guitar down, that’s okay because as long as you pick it up again the next day, you’ll be better. It’s really that’s simple if you practice with the intent to be better.
Dude! You're my greatest inspiration right now and I soak up all of this. I get high and watch archspire playthrough videos to set the bar and get hyped. I even add a "3rd guitar" while shredding a long but I couldnt rip you guys off If I wanted to because the music you compose in archspire Is just mind blowing and so dynamic. I'd be interested to hear you do a solo project or something. Stay tech and thanks for being you!
This was very beautifully put, Dean. I've "played" guitar for about 20 years, which means sporadic bursts of intense focus only to stop for long periods of time. I'm not in depth on the theory side of music, but I can play along to some songs from bands like Mastodon, Cradle of Filth, Death, etc - I've never gotten to the next level where I can actually play the SOLOS in those songs or songs that are just harder in general, such as yours in Archspire. I'm 38 and just had a stroke, so I don't know if it's still possible for me to get to that level, but this has inspired me to try. Consistent, deliberate practice is the key. And actual practice, not just jamming around. Thank you, Dean, both for the music you make and the motivation you give. Love you, dude - I hope I get to meet you when Archspire swings through Maryland/DC.
Dean, that video is very useful. I can also share how I progressed : I copied at least 20 guitar solos, from 15 various artists, along with some video game music that is melodic and somewhat not ''too difficult'' to reproduce (Megaman, Ninja Gaiden, CastleVania music). Then I assembled a serie of 10 other guitar solos that were ''similar'' in style and phrasing. Then I pick a difficult solo that is not too far from my skill level. Always try to reach ''the next level'' in skill - - do not attempt things that are miles away from your skills ; unless you can slow it down to 30 % and 50 %
I found a Yamaha acoustic in the dumpster when I was 10. Only had 3 strings and I played it with a bent paper clip. That started my journey. I’ve always wondered if whoever threw that out was frustrated and over trying. Whatever the case, glad I found it.
The fret and picking packages you offer has elevated my playing to a new level. I still have a long way to go though the progress I have made in six months is insane.
Being honest with yourself is huge, for everything in life. You're always going to be more successful when you're being brutally honest with yourself rather than just telling yourself what you want to hear
For sure, but it can swing the other way. Being overly critical is my thing, you can talk yourself out of trying pretty easily that way. I know I'm not deluding myself about my skill level, I just try to be understanding and compassionate with myself, shit takes time and as long as you're putting in real effort consistently there's no need to shit on yourself
Thanks Dean for sharing your experience, I've been playing guitar for almost 2 years and I got to say the frustration is through the roof. I'm currently trying to play C.P.E Bach's solfeggietto , it's really tough but I'm making some progress which is all the motivation I need
Dude you shred,end of story. You inspire the shit out of myself and many others as well,seeing how much fun you have when you play makes your videos so enjoyable. I'm a proud member of the shrimp army 🦐🦐🦐
Man, I am currently a guitar major at Berklee and this video honestly helped me so much. I am so bad about lying to myself about something sounding good when in reality it's barely passable. What you said about deliberate practice is so incredibly true. I've learned that playing whatever is fun for 8 hours straight yields far fewer results than focusing on fundamentals for just an hour. Thank you for this video.
This was really good. The "overnight digestion" thing is super-important. Shen I was learning to windsurf, I spent a whole afternoon getting smashing in a shorebreak trying to learn to waterstart. I never got going, but the next time I went out, I water started perfectly first go, and never had to think about it after that.
I really like how much emphasis Dean puts on having fun, and how he didn't (as one of the shreddiest and most terrifying guitarists out there right now) discount the validity of just playing chords if that's what you're into.
What helped me tremendously when I first started learning guitar, was metronome practice. If you have a computer, an audio software like Audacity (free and amazing audio software), and/or a tabulature software like TuxGuitar (Also free and amazing software), those three things put together are an extremely valuable toolset for supplementing, and I would argue, accelerating your learning. If you are like me and never learned how to read music, tabulature (guitar tabs) software is invaluable. Tempos can be slowed, and tunings can be changed for the song you want to learn, so you don't have to constantly change your tuning, or buy 6 different guitars for 6 different tunings. Most tab software has metronome functionality, as well as looping of the part you want to practice. Cannot overstate how valuable this is for building muscle memory. Use the audio software or the tab to slow down the song you want to play along to, or change the pitch (the music key). Invaluable toolset!!
Recording yourself, especially on dual track, is so painfully, because you hear that you are not as good as you thought... But you motivated me, I will do it now in a routine and get better!
100%. There was a part of Elder Misanthropy that I didn't like the way it was played. So I moved it around, but for the speed, it pretty much required economy picking. Each day, practiced. By the end of the day, it felt like I got worse. But, allowing your brain to make the connections in the background entirely separate from your conscious thought, allows the muscle memory to solidify. At the beginning of each day, I was immediately better by magnitudes. Work smarter. Not harder.
I too found this lovely and insightful. I suppose that you already know that deliberate practice on your weaknesses is the key to successful learning. That's the thing that the 10,000 hours concept missed. Regardless, I really enjoyed this direct, focused discussion of what you have learned in your guitar journey. As a new player at 57 years of age, there is always a fight with a negative voice in your head: "You're too old. You started too late. What's the point?" As I'm writing this it just occurred to me that I suppose everyone has similar thoughts. Back to my point, this kind of encouragement, grounded in experience, lessons learned, and an honest assessment of your journey is inspiring to me. Thank you Dean.
I think the important part that dean brought up is how everyone has a different learning style… this cannot be underestimated as each player can go off of instinct, rhythmic feel, muscle memory / repetition, noticing key changes or time signature changes… everyone is different in what they pay attention to
Dean, I'm surprised you didn't talk about visualizing practice. Huge part of preventing injuries such as tendonitis. There's classical guitarist who have learned Bach's Chaconne without touching the guitar and performing it almost flawlessly. Extremely helpful whether you visualize your left hand, right hand, and even TAB your music. It's so much better than repeating a passage 1 million times and failing.
@@darkstar8196 It's actually just a law of the universe known as Mentalism in the Hermetic tradition. All exists in mind before being manifest into physicality. This visualization is also encouraged for skateboarding; it works, and you should do it. Build synaptic connections by inputting the actions into your brain mentally.
Thanks Dean, needed that, almost 20 years of using guitar, playing death metal and still sound like shit. Need to practice more without bs. You are the man, peace!
Im 25 years old, been playing guitar since i was around 12/13. Back then i was in my prime, learning songs left and right, fast, clean, had some techniques down, got into a band, played gigs infront of crowds ranging from 30 people when we started to 250+ people, recorded an EP, living the life and seeing that goal of becoming a big band in sight! Then life happened, band fell apart, my enjoyment of playing diminished, playing became more of a chore then enjoyment, and now in this point in time, i play maybe 1-3 times a week, just play the same shit every time, try to learn something new every now and then but dont own a 7 string so cuts me back at times, but iv just hit a wall for the past like 7 years or so. Just cant progress further in my technique and playing, and i think lately iv actually gotten worse, its like my brain forgot how to hold a pick. I think ill try some of your advice, try record myself, try tempo stuff, and be honest with myself and accept the fact that i might just be a campfire sorta guy now and my dream of becoming a big band is over. Harsh reality but it is what it is
Thanks Dean. I've been playing since 12-13 as well. Guitar has always been a thing that is just for fun, most of my friends haven't heard me play unless they lived with me. I got to put in a lot of good time in my teens same as you. I find that without the challenge I have no drive to play in general. I wish I had been consistent but your music has gotten me playing and practicing solidly for over a year now. I've almost got parts of Human Murmuration up to speed. Thanks for the inspiration!
Bro, I LOVE THIS video! I just started a series myself called "Embrace the suck" where I take this EXACT approach. It's good to know that I am not the only one that views learning the same way. Growth is deliberate and SLOW. But it's worth it. Love your shit Dean, this was music to my ears man. Thank you.
I like going to a guitar store and just playing my heart and the looks and thumbs up I get especially with my own originals . Thank You Dean For being You and being COOL AND HUMBLE . You and ROB ARNOLD IMO HAVE THE SAME REAL GOOD PERSONALITY ON THE SCREEN AND AGAIN JUST Y'ALLS HUMBLENESS AND GRATITUDE TOWARDS MUSIC, THE FANS ,AND JUST LIFE IN GENERAL .THANK YOU .
Hey Dean, huge fan and also player of 20 years. Self taught and quickly latched onto the shredders like Malmsteen and Batio, but focused on technique and not theory. Not even near your level, but big inspiration nonetheless. Trying to put some more "deliberate" approach into my play and practice.
Other people are important. People that know what they’re doing. Best 2 pieces of feedback i got were “you gotta work on your chops” and “last time i heard you play you got a lot better”. I didn’t think I had made much progress but hearing it from someone way better than me that had been honest before gave me a ton of perspective I didn’t have before.
3:08 this is exactly like what john goggins said!!! "you have to figure out your own inner equation" I swear man it's all connected. we can truly accomplish our dreams it's just the entire established system is against us. and we keep coming back to fulfill our deepest wishes. if your reading this you can absolutely accomplish your dream. dont downgrade your dream to fit your reality, upgrade your conviction to achieve your fate
Some tips from years of playing (apologies if you covered these). "Go slow to go fast" means playing slowly with precision, then periodically playing the same piece faster and faster until you can play it fast. There will be revisions as you try to get faster because sometimes the picking and fingering that are working no longer work at higher speeds, which will force you to come up with different solutions. Also, playing guitar is similar to athletic training, in that the strength, speed, and dexterity you develop is not permanent. Just like a highly trained athlete, you lose the ground you gained if you don't play often enough to keep them up. Just like athletics, for me it takes about the same amount of time I took off to get back to where I left off. What allows you to play relaxed is hand strength. If you're hands are strong, playing with a light touch is easy. You will have more feel the stronger your hands get. Get into a practice routine. Devote time to noodling/improvising, time to learning whatever you're working on at the time, and time for technique. Too much of any of those is not good, and ignoring any of them is not good. Personally I work on technique last when my creative energy has already been used. Keep your smart phone or some recording device at the ready when you're practicing so if you come up with a cool idea or lick you can record it and save it. Trust me, if you try to remember the next day it may have disappeared into the ether. Have fun.
I increased my guitar ability by 1000% over a single summer as a child learning the entire first John Mayer album. I heard one of the songs and watched him play it, and then decided to seclude myself and master all of it. I wish I would have kept up with that dedication. I’m good, but I’m not nearly as good as I could’ve been if i kept practicing to that level. One day I am going to buy the Martin omjm as a present to myself.
Damn hits a spot here. Been playing six months and I feel like I'm walking down that road of bad habits. My playing is good to others but I can always improve. Thank you and I will definitely be focusing on those techniques I've been neglecting.
You had me from the title. That's how you inspire people!!! I don't care if you plug your band, you should. Open source and no elitist stuff. Cheers man.
Dude I needed to hear this! It’s really hard bro I constantly question myself and I ask what am I even doing. Your an amazing guitarist and one of the many that inspire me. 🤘💀🤘 Your words of wisdom are exactly what I need to hear! Thanks Dean!
I got two guitars during Lockdown (I play Bass finger style) a few weeks watching Dean going at it with those insane riffs showed me I needed to go outside and dig myself a deep grave then go rest in it. Maybe 10000 hours in a hole would do the job... I have a feeling Ill be picking up the guitar again soon and see what seeped into my calcified flesh. Hopefully something!
Great video Dean, very sound advice. Learning how to ride the waves of frustration and being honest with yourself is key. There’s no special class you can take or expensive gear that you can buy that will make you “Get Good”. You have to practice, there’s no way around it. The only thing i’d like to add is bleed in your personality within good reason. Nobody likes a copycat. Sure it might be impressive to play technical but originality of “Your” interpretation is far more interesting imo
As a guitar tutor I get students to always perform music live for family busking whatever. The stress of live performance is everything as your level when stressed will diminish greatly.
I started paying guitar at 2 . I saw the movie " LaBamba " and knew that's what I wanted to do. I toured for many years in my teens and early 20s . The last few years I'm trying to learn the more tech stuff. I totally get it when you say " I thought I was good until i played with the guys I'm with " great advice
"riding the waves of frustration" sounds like a scrapped Trivium song title
Alt. title to Drowning in Slow Motion XD
@@PowerfulWarbird gotta have me some In Waves
Sounds to ME like my marriage. Maybe that's just me. 😂
😂😂😂
@@RoosterOvenMittz6969 hehe i'm wirh you Mr. Walker ☝🤝
Noted. Less hair, more tech.
More hair, more trve
Tell that to Jared lol
@Franco smaller balls
Que One Punch Man
He actually lost his hair by getting good at guitar
So good to see Opeth and Necrophagist as inspiration, two of my favourite bands!
Same. I love how Archspire are tech but it's all catchy and there's really good emotional sections to solos like Opeth and Necrophagist (and Death).
And Martyr! Such and underrated band
Okay you've convinced me. I'm quitting my job and practicing 8 hours a day.
How's it going?
@@TopSecretZ I think he was being sarcastic
I unfortunately dont work but I do play a hell of a lot. I live in a tent so ppl on the sidewalk hear me soloing hitting those harmonics. I used to try to keep quiet and just Palm Mute everything,but I get carried away and I get so into playing. That ppl know there is a homeless Shredder in Orange Park Fl . 🤘🤘
@Marcus hey I'm in Florida too! I'd definitely gotta stop by
@@TopSecretZ I play at Sam Ash in Orange Park off Blanding. Im the guy with the Winds Of Plague Samurai sleeve with dreads. I have so many hrs of music recorded that I have yet to upload. You a musician as well?
Wow. With 16 years of guitar under my belt, I can honestly say I never needed a motivational piece more than I needed this. Your humility and passion is a driving force of my continuing to progress. IDK how shitty these last 12ish months would've been without you. I'm not saying this to fan-girl or anything, and this isn't a stretch, but you particularly were one of about 3 or 4 reasons I didn't sell my very expensive guitar and quit earlier this year.
Thank you for everything you do Dean. Please don't ever stop being so kind and badass. 💛🌻
ily and all your videos you post
get troy stetinas speed mechanics for lead guitar and adam kadmans guitar grimoire scales and modes. just do it.
The fact you gave a talk about riding the waves of frustration, coupled with the fact that Dark Souls is being played in the background, is absolutely excellent pairing.
My teacher used to say over and over “If you can’t play it at half speed you can’t play it at full speed.” Playing fast takes blood sweat tears and for most of us mortals, metronome clicks.
Was that teacher Lucas Mann? Lmao
soooo....practice doesn't make perfect.......metronome clicks make perfect ? LOL......I agree...I have spent many hours jamming with a 'nome.
@@MrScrofulous I almost (keyword almost) feel like I’m not really practicing if I don’t have the metronome out lol.
@@ZJtraylor That's true though. I enjoy playing a lot, and I'm not always in the mood to practice, so then I don't use a metronome. . When I am serious, I get out a timekeeping device. I use Songsterr a lot, cos I travel and it's so convenient.
"That overnight thing" is when your brain literally grows tissue around brain cells to form skills and memories. Even if you think you haven't gotten better over a practice session, try it again tomorrow, it might go much better.
I've experienced this while playing video games. Can't beat an area or boss, get frustrated, and put it away. I would try the next day and I breeze through it. It's very interesting.
@@Eyrie007 If only we could be half as good at other things in life as we are at videogames.
I feel like this is all stuff that I knew, but just needed someone to tell me and give me the motivation. Thanks homie.
Thanks bud!
I have to say, you’re primarily the reason I’ve became so much better the last 6 months. I’m 28, played from 13-21ish , didn’t pick up a guitar until 27, back in Nov of 2020. Watched all of your Dean learns x videos and it inspired me to cover Paul Gilbert’s Curse of the castle Dragon.
6-8 hours a day of practicing really does pay off. I know most of people don’t have that time, but from my experience I see a lot do but prioritize other things instead. Even if it means waking up extra early, not watching a movie or playing a video game. The time is there, just have to prioritize it.
Haha, I also started learning curse of the castle dragon because of Dean. It's one of the riffs I'm using to improve my alt picking. And your point about prioritizing is key. The time I spend onCZcams or watching Netflix or playing video games isn't really productive. Those things are important when you want to relax, but in my case I realized I could drastically cut down that stuff and have more time to practice. Here's to getting better!
Haha same thing when people say they don't have time to exercise. you don't find time you MAKE time
I stop playing at 20ish and started in nov 2020 again lol 33 now so 13 years off
I always hear this 6 hour a day practice bs. Its like do you guys have jobs?
@@metalkicker23 if you work a 9 to 5, plus 1.5 hours for commute, and sleep 6 hours a night, that leaves you with 8.5 hours to yourself. Now of course you need to cook and clean and do other things but one can definitely make room for 4-5 hours of practice on a weekday if they are very dedicated. It's just a matter of commitment and sacrifice.
Damn dude, this hit real hard, I used to practise about 4-8 hours a day when I started playing, and now 16 years later I basically stopped progressing for the last 12 years, due to work, life and kids etc. But I still love playing and just guitars in general. Thanks for this really sincere vid. Btw best gig I ever saw was Archspire, Revocation, Soreption, Rivers of Nihil in Wroclaw, Poland. Holy shit you all killed it.
I feel you man, i recently got back after playing for 12 years and a 5 year hiatus.
What a lineup
rivers of nihil are dope
Archspire revocation and soreption on the same gig? Thats outrageous
After I went to college to learn biochemistry at 25-26 years of age, after having graduated high school with mediocre results and having worked a lot of factory jobs, I learned that I could get anything done if I just set my mind to it. To me that was the biggest lesson out of that whole experience, worth more than any exam results, and I'm certain it's the same for anyone.
ive been using involuntary doppelganger and remote tumor seeker as "technique checks" for the last few years. two years ago, ass. but i kept breaking down all the trouble parts into their own exercises and two years later, i'm doing those tunes! now to get bleed the future down
this also immensely helped in my guitar teaching career - teaching myself how to get over these high hurdles has been invaluable in teaching others how to. so thanks dean!
This advice will save thousands of guitar players thousands of hours of practice.
Thank you Dean
The bit about recording can work to boost your confidence as well. I remember playing for people and they praised me, and I was like "What the hell are they talking about I'm terrible" but then after recording myself playing and listening back to it I was blown away. I'd played for years and never recorded myself, or at least never listened back to it on my own and actually listened. It made me a lot more confident in my playing, and inspired me to tackle more challenging techniques. This is a wonderful video.
I'm a lifelong guitarist/bassist who's started doing vocals. I think your philosophy works for that too. Thank you Dean, you have a real way with words.
I fully agree with the process of deliberately practicing.
I've improved more in the last 6 months than I did in the previous 5 years, simply because I've been so focused and dedicated to it.
I just write riffs I can't play and practice until I can
This is beautiful. You and Claire are my favorite brother/sister duo on youtube, and you both are very inspirational to me on my musical journey.
I agree, but also they are married.
@@amazingmato That makes it even more beautiful! #KeepingItInTheFamily #AlabamaBaby
try other instruments too. When I started playing bass I played finger style, and as a side effect it improved my playing on nylon string classical guitar. The longer scale length forces me to use my pinky, and helped me stretch and move my fretting hand faster across the neck and more accurately. Bending and fretting the heavier string gauge strengthens up the fingers a bit too. Which lead to improvements on guitar.
Came back to this video a year later, and I can definitively say that this one video has had a MASSIVE impact on my mentality when I practice guitar now. My technique has drastically improved and I’m attempting to learn songs I would’ve been terrified to touch even a year ago. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I agree on everything you say here. I do this but on my drumset. You need to stress yourself enough to force you to want to get better, and then hit that wall. Relax, rest, think about it. And above all, my mindset is" Every fail makes me better". Then you go again, and again, and keep failing until you just can do that technique.
This is the first time I’ve come across this channel but I needed this video. Thank you.
Dude, im 40, and you inspire me!! And so does your band! The way you deal with the frustration is genius. I recently decided i needed to get better, like you did, just way later in life lol🤘👽🤘
(Taking notes)
Same boat and I want to learn from scratch 🤘🏼
Glad I ran across this vid. Very honest humble straight foward advise. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE, BREATH, STREATCH, EAT RIGHT, LOTS OF WATER, CORRECT AMOUNT OF SLEEP, REPEAT !!!
Been playing for 9 years now, recently I've found myself getting a little too comfortable with where I'm at in my playing, but I now realize my error in that way of thinking. Thank you Dean for the advice, you just reignited my fire to push myself further, and that's why I love this channel.
Thanks for this man. I've spent alot of time feeling embarrassed about where im at, despite playing guitar since age 13ish. It really helps to hear advice from someone I really look up to in the music scene ❤️
I'm newly loving Archspire, but have always loved Dark Souls. Sweet mix.
preparedness meets opportunity. You guys are going to slaughter the charts in your careers, as tech death artists! Insane talent and determination, much respect for you all.
Feel like I’m listening to myself talk. We’re the same age and very similar experience with guitar and music.
I like to think that if my college band had stayed together I’d be in your shoes but alas I’ve been solo for over a decade and it’s been a struggle. But I won’t give up. About to release my very first EP this year.
Sage advice. Been playing on and off for 20 years, and whenever I deliberately practice, and PLAN out my practice sessions, I’ve advanced. Even after all these years, I get better by being structured. Always spend time that way, and always do something fun (learning a cool riff or even a whole piece of music).
I'm a drummer ,but even then all this advice and experience is gold. Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you for the valuable insight!
Having around 8 years of guitar experience, I thought that all the development there would ever be had already been... The story of you joining Archspire after a decade with instrument and the skyrocketing with the craft and art leading to it is refreshing and a bit reassuring.
Wow ive been in a slump these last few days and have not felt like practicing, really needed to see this video to understand how to deal with the wave of frustration. Invaluable insight.
What an intricately articulated explanation of guiterdom.
Drummer here. Your philosophy also applies for out instrument aswell. Very good content here.
4:20 absolutely. That's how I practice now. Works incredibly well. Learned how to do sweeps almost well enough in just two months time. Could've done it in one month if I wasn't so damn busy.
This is a great video. Too many videos offer instant gratification, too few talk about the process of learning *how* to practice.
Started Riffhard yesterday and I'm loving it! Thanks for this video Dean.
Great advice, all very good points! I’m actually preparing for the studio after a very long break and I 1000% confirm that sitting down and recording stuff at home, overlaying tracks, finalising the little details greatly boosts playing. And it’s playing where it matters: your own music, which at the end of the day is why most of us play in the first place.
I've been struggling with guitar for a year now but since I actually found your channel like 6 months ago I've been trying to grind it out, so I just wanna say thanks. 🍤👍🏼
"Struggling with guitar" sounds like a disease
All of this is so info is so valuable. Clicked out of curiosity but I myself did alot of these things last year and have seen immeasurable gains in my playing. The biggest benefit to me was bringing in someone else to listen to my recordings. She's hella honest with me and it makes me want to play everything as perfect as I can before I call it done.
This is all great advice and super chill delivery. I've been working on Involuntary Doppelganger for the last year or so and I haven't moved past the first 3 riffs because I'm determined to get them clean before I move on. Practicing the one part over and over and feeling the improvement is so satisfying, as sloppy as I still have it for now.
geez man, you don't know how much I deal with frustration, no matter how much I practice I feel I'm not going anywhere. I've been feeling like that for quite a while, I even thought of giving up. I feel like everything I play or compose sucks, and I don't have anyone to guide me, no teachers, no friends who play guitar, nothing at all. Hearing that even a professional like you dealed with it makes me feel like I can improve, thanks dude.
I feel like learning music theory while you practice technique will save you a lot of time in the future, theory and fretboard freedom go hand and hand.
Yeah it def helps
This was a great video, and I'm currently going through a similar experience. I've played heavily for the better part of 15 years, but it is only recently that I started doing deliberate practice sessions, signed up for lessons to fill in gaps etc. I'm ready to really level up my playing and am excited to put in the dedicated time and work to achieve it.
Great advice Dean! Used to just watch your content on CZcams but I finally got around to checking out Archspire and you guys are now one of my favourite bands :D
It's funny. I was in a metal band in the late 90's as late teen and I didn't understand practice back then. So I quit after a while, because I didn't get better (and I was allergic to nickel and this was pre nickel free strings, which made it so I couldn't really play for more than an hour before my fingers started itching and becoming red). I only started really playing again when I was like 35, got a private teacher with a conservatory jazz background, and for the last 6 to 7 years I've been progressing so much. No longer in metal, really, but your video's - especially the longer attempts to learn video's - have been such a big help, an inspiration, but also this feeling of recognition of the way you have to work to get better. Really appreciate the content and the hard work. :) Cheers from the Netherlands.
Get your right hand in order! Perfect palm muting, play slow blues to learn hammer ons and pull offs, legato. Speed it up. Use downpicking and alternate picking. Get real tight with your riffs and licks, then after a while tackle the difficult stuff like sweeping and harmonics etc. Practice makes perfect and in time you will just feel everything without having to think about it.
The best piece of advice I can give new players is if you can’t get to now, you WILL if you are persistent, guitar is such a great tool because it gives you everything you need to do what you want on it, the rest is in your hands literally. You practice and practice and practice and get frustrated and put the guitar down, that’s okay because as long as you pick it up again the next day, you’ll be better. It’s really that’s simple if you practice with the intent to be better.
Dude! You're my greatest inspiration right now and I soak up all of this. I get high and watch archspire playthrough videos to set the bar and get hyped. I even add a "3rd guitar" while shredding a long but I couldnt rip you guys off If I wanted to because the music you compose in archspire Is just mind blowing and so dynamic. I'd be interested to hear you do a solo project or something. Stay tech and thanks for being you!
I needed this video EXACTLY TODAY! I was getting frustraded with fast pace solos. I just starated picking up theory just to back up my skill..
This was very beautifully put, Dean. I've "played" guitar for about 20 years, which means sporadic bursts of intense focus only to stop for long periods of time. I'm not in depth on the theory side of music, but I can play along to some songs from bands like Mastodon, Cradle of Filth, Death, etc - I've never gotten to the next level where I can actually play the SOLOS in those songs or songs that are just harder in general, such as yours in Archspire. I'm 38 and just had a stroke, so I don't know if it's still possible for me to get to that level, but this has inspired me to try. Consistent, deliberate practice is the key. And actual practice, not just jamming around. Thank you, Dean, both for the music you make and the motivation you give. Love you, dude - I hope I get to meet you when Archspire swings through Maryland/DC.
Dean, that video is very useful. I can also share how I progressed : I copied at least 20 guitar solos, from 15 various artists, along with some video game music that is melodic and somewhat not ''too difficult'' to reproduce (Megaman, Ninja Gaiden, CastleVania music). Then I assembled a serie of 10 other guitar solos that were ''similar'' in style and phrasing. Then I pick a difficult solo that is not too far from my skill level. Always try to reach ''the next level'' in skill - - do not attempt things that are miles away from your skills ; unless you can slow it down to 30 % and 50 %
I found a Yamaha acoustic in the dumpster when I was 10. Only had 3 strings and I played it with a bent paper clip. That started my journey. I’ve always wondered if whoever threw that out was frustrated and over trying. Whatever the case, glad I found it.
The fret and picking packages you offer has elevated my playing to a new level. I still have a long way to go though the progress I have made in six months is insane.
Being honest with yourself is huge, for everything in life. You're always going to be more successful when you're being brutally honest with yourself rather than just telling yourself what you want to hear
this dude knows
For sure, but it can swing the other way. Being overly critical is my thing, you can talk yourself out of trying pretty easily that way. I know I'm not deluding myself about my skill level, I just try to be understanding and compassionate with myself, shit takes time and as long as you're putting in real effort consistently there's no need to shit on yourself
I've been an Archspire fan for years and had no idea you even had a channel, thank you for this.
When I saw Planetary Duality pop I was like, “There’s no way I’m NOT watching this whole video”.
Thanks Dean for sharing your experience, I've been playing guitar for almost 2 years and I got to say the frustration is through the roof. I'm currently trying to play C.P.E Bach's solfeggietto , it's really tough but I'm making some progress which is all the motivation I need
Dude you shred,end of story. You inspire the shit out of myself and many others as well,seeing how much fun you have when you play makes your videos so enjoyable. I'm a proud member of the shrimp army 🦐🦐🦐
Man, I am currently a guitar major at Berklee and this video honestly helped me so much. I am so bad about lying to myself about something sounding good when in reality it's barely passable. What you said about deliberate practice is so incredibly true. I've learned that playing whatever is fun for 8 hours straight yields far fewer results than focusing on fundamentals for just an hour. Thank you for this video.
This was really good. The "overnight digestion" thing is super-important. Shen I was learning to windsurf, I spent a whole afternoon getting smashing in a shorebreak trying to learn to waterstart. I never got going, but the next time I went out, I water started perfectly first go, and never had to think about it after that.
you literally just motivated me to pick up guitar and have fun on it, thank you)
Benny Harvey, gone but not forgotten. Miss ya big man
I really like how much emphasis Dean puts on having fun, and how he didn't (as one of the shreddiest and most terrifying guitarists out there right now) discount the validity of just playing chords if that's what you're into.
What helped me tremendously when I first started learning guitar, was metronome practice. If you have a computer, an audio software like Audacity (free and amazing audio software), and/or a tabulature software like TuxGuitar (Also free and amazing software), those three things put together are an extremely valuable toolset for supplementing, and I would argue, accelerating your learning.
If you are like me and never learned how to read music, tabulature (guitar tabs) software is invaluable. Tempos can be slowed, and tunings can be changed for the song you want to learn, so you don't have to constantly change your tuning, or buy 6 different guitars for 6 different tunings. Most tab software has metronome functionality, as well as looping of the part you want to practice. Cannot overstate how valuable this is for building muscle memory.
Use the audio software or the tab to slow down the song you want to play along to, or change the pitch (the music key).
Invaluable toolset!!
Props for putting planetary duality in there
Recording yourself, especially on dual track, is so painfully, because you hear that you are not as good as you thought... But you motivated me, I will do it now in a routine and get better!
100%. There was a part of Elder Misanthropy that I didn't like the way it was played. So I moved it around, but for the speed, it pretty much required economy picking. Each day, practiced. By the end of the day, it felt like I got worse. But, allowing your brain to make the connections in the background entirely separate from your conscious thought, allows the muscle memory to solidify. At the beginning of each day, I was immediately better by magnitudes.
Work smarter. Not harder.
I too found this lovely and insightful. I suppose that you already know that deliberate practice on your weaknesses is the key to successful learning. That's the thing that the 10,000 hours concept missed.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this direct, focused discussion of what you have learned in your guitar journey. As a new player at 57 years of age, there is always a fight with a negative voice in your head: "You're too old. You started too late. What's the point?" As I'm writing this it just occurred to me that I suppose everyone has similar thoughts.
Back to my point, this kind of encouragement, grounded in experience, lessons learned, and an honest assessment of your journey is inspiring to me. Thank you Dean.
thanks for this video, I am beginning a carreer in music and I sure needed those advices.
I think the important part that dean brought up is how everyone has a different learning style…
this cannot be underestimated as each player can go off of instinct, rhythmic feel, muscle memory / repetition, noticing key changes or time signature changes… everyone is different in what they pay attention to
Dean, I'm surprised you didn't talk about visualizing practice. Huge part of preventing injuries such as tendonitis. There's classical guitarist who have learned Bach's Chaconne without touching the guitar and performing it almost flawlessly. Extremely helpful whether you visualize your left hand, right hand, and even TAB your music. It's so much better than repeating a passage 1 million times and failing.
You mean air guitar helps?
@@darkstar8196 lol
@@darkstar8196 It's actually just a law of the universe known as Mentalism in the Hermetic tradition. All exists in mind before being manifest into physicality. This visualization is also encouraged for skateboarding; it works, and you should do it. Build synaptic connections by inputting the actions into your brain mentally.
Thanks Dean, needed that, almost 20 years of using guitar, playing death metal and still sound like shit. Need to practice more without bs. You are the man, peace!
Im 25 years old, been playing guitar since i was around 12/13. Back then i was in my prime, learning songs left and right, fast, clean, had some techniques down, got into a band, played gigs infront of crowds ranging from 30 people when we started to 250+ people, recorded an EP, living the life and seeing that goal of becoming a big band in sight! Then life happened, band fell apart, my enjoyment of playing diminished, playing became more of a chore then enjoyment, and now in this point in time, i play maybe 1-3 times a week, just play the same shit every time, try to learn something new every now and then but dont own a 7 string so cuts me back at times, but iv just hit a wall for the past like 7 years or so. Just cant progress further in my technique and playing, and i think lately iv actually gotten worse, its like my brain forgot how to hold a pick. I think ill try some of your advice, try record myself, try tempo stuff, and be honest with myself and accept the fact that i might just be a campfire sorta guy now and my dream of becoming a big band is over. Harsh reality but it is what it is
this is such a wholesome video.
Thanks Dean. I've been playing since 12-13 as well. Guitar has always been a thing that is just for fun, most of my friends haven't heard me play unless they lived with me. I got to put in a lot of good time in my teens same as you. I find that without the challenge I have no drive to play in general. I wish I had been consistent but your music has gotten me playing and practicing solidly for over a year now. I've almost got parts of Human Murmuration up to speed.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Bro, I LOVE THIS video!
I just started a series myself called "Embrace the suck" where I take this EXACT approach. It's good to know that I am not the only one that views learning the same way. Growth is deliberate and SLOW. But it's worth it.
Love your shit Dean, this was music to my ears man. Thank you.
I like going to a guitar store and just playing my heart and the looks and thumbs up I get especially with my own originals . Thank You Dean For being You and being COOL AND HUMBLE . You and ROB ARNOLD IMO HAVE THE SAME REAL GOOD PERSONALITY ON THE SCREEN AND AGAIN JUST Y'ALLS HUMBLENESS AND GRATITUDE TOWARDS MUSIC, THE FANS ,AND JUST LIFE IN GENERAL .THANK YOU .
Same goes for CLAIRE as well.
Hey Dean, huge fan and also player of 20 years. Self taught and quickly latched onto the shredders like Malmsteen and Batio, but focused on technique and not theory. Not even near your level, but big inspiration nonetheless. Trying to put some more "deliberate" approach into my play and practice.
Other people are important. People that know what they’re doing. Best 2 pieces of feedback i got were “you gotta work on your chops” and “last time i heard you play you got a lot better”. I didn’t think I had made much progress but hearing it from someone way better than me that had been honest before gave me a ton of perspective I didn’t have before.
3:08 this is exactly like what john goggins said!!! "you have to figure out your own inner equation" I swear man it's all connected. we can truly accomplish our dreams it's just the entire established system is against us. and we keep coming back to fulfill our deepest wishes. if your reading this you can absolutely accomplish your dream. dont downgrade your dream to fit your reality, upgrade your conviction to achieve your fate
When Dean speaks, I listen. It's that simple.
Quality song choice in the middle.
really needed this video, time to ride the waves of frustration !
Some tips from years of playing (apologies if you covered these). "Go slow to go fast" means playing slowly with precision, then periodically playing the same piece faster and faster until you can play it fast. There will be revisions as you try to get faster because sometimes the picking and fingering that are working no longer work at higher speeds, which will force you to come up with different solutions. Also, playing guitar is similar to athletic training, in that the strength, speed, and dexterity you develop is not permanent. Just like a highly trained athlete, you lose the ground you gained if you don't play often enough to keep them up. Just like athletics, for me it takes about the same amount of time I took off to get back to where I left off. What allows you to play relaxed is hand strength. If you're hands are strong, playing with a light touch is easy. You will have more feel the stronger your hands get. Get into a practice routine. Devote time to noodling/improvising, time to learning whatever you're working on at the time, and time for technique. Too much of any of those is not good, and ignoring any of them is not good. Personally I work on technique last when my creative energy has already been used. Keep your smart phone or some recording device at the ready when you're practicing so if you come up with a cool idea or lick you can record it and save it. Trust me, if you try to remember the next day it may have disappeared into the ether. Have fun.
I increased my guitar ability by 1000% over a single summer as a child learning the entire first John Mayer album. I heard one of the songs and watched him play it, and then decided to seclude myself and master all of it. I wish I would have kept up with that dedication. I’m good, but I’m not nearly as good as I could’ve been if i kept practicing to that level. One day I am going to buy the Martin omjm as a present to myself.
Damn hits a spot here. Been playing six months and I feel like I'm walking down that road of bad habits. My playing is good to others but I can always improve. Thank you and I will definitely be focusing on those techniques I've been neglecting.
You had me from the title. That's how you inspire people!!! I don't care if you plug your band, you should. Open source and no elitist stuff. Cheers man.
We love you Dean! And this honesty here is a big part of why. Just this video alone is worth money
Dude I needed to hear this! It’s really hard bro I constantly question myself and I ask what am I even doing. Your an amazing guitarist and one of the many that inspire me. 🤘💀🤘
Your words of wisdom are exactly what I need to hear! Thanks Dean!
I got two guitars during Lockdown (I play Bass finger style) a few weeks watching Dean going at it with those insane riffs showed me I needed to go outside and dig myself a deep grave then go rest in it. Maybe 10000 hours in a hole would do the job... I have a feeling Ill be picking up the guitar again soon and see what seeped into my calcified flesh. Hopefully something!
You a great player and instructor. Wish you gave lessons online
Great video Dean, very sound advice. Learning how to ride the waves of frustration and being honest with yourself is key. There’s no special class you can take or expensive gear that you can buy that will make you “Get Good”. You have to practice, there’s no way around it. The only thing i’d like to add is bleed in your personality within good reason. Nobody likes a copycat. Sure it might be impressive to play technical but originality of “Your” interpretation is far more interesting imo
As a guitar tutor I get students to always perform music live for family busking whatever. The stress of live performance is everything as your level when stressed will diminish greatly.
Coming back to a technique I'm working on, always works for me.
Thanks. I really appreciate you.
I started paying guitar at 2 . I saw the movie " LaBamba " and knew that's what I wanted to do. I toured for many years in my teens and early 20s . The last few years I'm trying to learn the more tech stuff. I totally get it when you say " I thought I was good until i played with the guys I'm with " great advice
Great advice, Dean! Thank for all that you (and Claire!) do, it really is invaluable.
Keep shredding! 🤘🏼💯🔥