Robben Ford Blues Masterclass: How to master the diminished scale

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  • čas přidán 19. 08. 2015
  • "The diminished scale seems to loom large in my legend…" A blues masterclass from Robben Ford. For the full lesson, with tab (and interview): bit.ly/robbenfordmasterclass
    Originally published in Guitarist magazine 398, in October, 2015.
    Buy Guitarist magazine in print and digital forms: bit.ly/guitaristprintmag
    Visit our website: www.guitarworld.com/guitarist
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Komentáře • 738

  • @graromek
    @graromek Před 4 měsíci +5

    "You're playing music no matter what you're doing" - I like this approach :)

  • @jeffdawson2786
    @jeffdawson2786 Před 3 měsíci +5

    Robben is the teacher we all want, yes?

  • @KaninTuzi
    @KaninTuzi Před 4 lety +124

    This is one of those videos I watched a few years back and didn't understand a word. Watching it again now and understand pretty much all of it. That's cool! Hang in there, you who can't understand a word, for a while later you may

    • @lobato87
      @lobato87 Před 4 lety +3

      Loool I was gonna post this comment but I knew I couldn't be the only one!

    • @CharlieAllenGuitar
      @CharlieAllenGuitar Před 4 lety +6

      Same here - been coming back to it for years now and getting a little more out of it every time.

    • @stinglikeabeee
      @stinglikeabeee Před 3 lety

      Backwards law!

    • @8odycount
      @8odycount Před 2 lety +3

      I still don't really understand it but yeah it's much better than two years ago or so :D was practicing arpeggios and some scales since then. So it makes much more sense. It all comes together like puzzle somehow

    • @bubrzubr5940
      @bubrzubr5940 Před 2 lety

      So your english has improved or what?

  • @chrisv5205
    @chrisv5205 Před 5 lety +79

    The first time I ever heard Robben Ford play a guitar was when I walked into a guitar store about 30 years ago to buy a set of strings. I was a young metal head back then and I didn't pay much mind to the jazzy, urban blues fused guitar magic that was playing over the store music system. In the span of time it took me to ask for a set of strings and pay for them, I had stopped what I was doing and was just awe struck by the slick, creamy tones I heard pouring from this dude's guitar. I asked who he was and they said Robben Ford. When I left the guitar store, I went straight to the record store and bought this cat's CD, "Talk To Your Daughter." I still have that CD (and many others from him). I immediately set out to learn every song and every lick on that CD.
    About 10 years later, Robben Ford signed it for me at a gig he played in Rochester, New York.
    Truly one of the most talented musicians of his generation and one of the most underrated.

  • @sduke39
    @sduke39 Před 8 lety +33

    As somewhat of a beginner this is a lot like explaining calculus to a cat. There is so much to learn it is quite daunting. I love watching and listening to Robben explain how he plays and maybe some day it will make a bit more sense.

    • @musicalgear1024
      @musicalgear1024 Před 17 dny

      Hi. Please remember this is "art" So many kids these days get lost in the blinding amount of information out there. Keep it simple. Build a foundation, move forward.

  • @bak1386
    @bak1386 Před 3 lety +10

    U can infinitely learn from guys like Robben. He's forgotten more then I'll ever learn. That tid bit about not being afraid to play the scale itself, is actually gold.

  • @mwngw
    @mwngw Před 4 lety +7

    Saw Robben perform around 1975 with Charlie Musselwhite's band and Robben Ford on piano. When the band played "Blu Stu," Robben's virtuosity really displayed itself...he was maybe 18 years old at the time. When Robben played the alto sax, the crowd was stunned in awe. Then he did the guitar and we were speechless for hours later.

  • @bluesyjazzcat31
    @bluesyjazzcat31 Před 4 lety +107

    The diminished scale always reminds me of an old cartoon where one of the characters is tip-toeing across a room to avoid one of his enemies

    • @nancychace8619
      @nancychace8619 Před 4 lety +4

      Kind of like Wile Y. Coyote and the Roadrunner?

    • @Deliquescentinsight
      @Deliquescentinsight Před 4 lety +2

      Sylvester the cat

    • @johnbuell8035
      @johnbuell8035 Před 4 lety +2

      Andres Castillo ha ha, exactly

    • @KaninTuzi
      @KaninTuzi Před 4 lety +2

      A lot of old cartoons use sort of gypsy jazz/oriental stuff I have noticed

    • @Marcleay
      @Marcleay Před 4 lety +1

      Yep....the villain is tying the heroine to the railroad track in an old silent movie...diminished...love it 😎

  • @patrickmccutcheon8860
    @patrickmccutcheon8860 Před 3 lety +4

    Thank Christ for Robben Ford. He makes it all make so much sense.

  • @trinity-loveeasley8914
    @trinity-loveeasley8914 Před 4 lety +7

    His guitar is so warm and sparkly! Makes me feel bubbly inside!🥰

  • @scottwaszak698
    @scottwaszak698 Před 8 lety +166

    Now I know how my dog feels when he watches t.v....

  • @thecompletejake
    @thecompletejake Před 8 lety +94

    This dude is an absolute gift.

  • @orage6900
    @orage6900 Před 8 lety +4

    I could literally listen to him forever, thanks for existing Robben.

  • @Waldvogel45
    @Waldvogel45 Před měsícem

    Robben was a star when my son was born. 1973. And again in Coutances 2 days ago.2024. Stunning musician.I,m workin on the HSWS scale and I am inspired by Rob again Love the man.

  • @AlanStewartMusic
    @AlanStewartMusic Před rokem +3

    Tiger Walk was the first RF solo album I heard, I was blown away by the ingenuity of the progressions, the guy just exudes a love of music.

  • @RichardsGuitarshop
    @RichardsGuitarshop Před 8 lety +2

    Spent my youth listening and watching Robbens tuitional videos as much as listening to his albums - still my biggest inspiration. Awesome.

  • @AnalogOpher
    @AnalogOpher Před 8 lety +114

    It doesn't even matter what he's teaching. He could be talking about nuts&bolts and that hypnotic voice and mannerism would smooth all your worries away. You just want to hear him talk. Forever.

    • @agtronic
      @agtronic Před 8 lety +4

      Totally agree. I could watch him explain things all day.

    • @annabatarowicz
      @annabatarowicz Před 8 lety +1

      Yeah he is a great teacher

    • @Gregorypeckory
      @Gregorypeckory Před 8 lety

      +Agtronic Are you sure you really mean that? You only said it three times. ;)

    • @agtronic
      @agtronic Před 8 lety

      +Greg Vinson And I thought it hadn't worked at all. I kept getting an error message when hitting submit. Fixed it! Thanks,

    • @MusicAnirban
      @MusicAnirban Před 8 lety +1

      +AnalogOpher Exactly my feelings! His teachings are therapeutic. Getting hooked onto them. Quite rare thing to happen actually to grab one's attention at a stretch. God bless him!

  • @donharrold1375
    @donharrold1375 Před 5 lety +11

    I just love the way this guy plays. Even when he’s just strumming it sounds beautiful and hypnotic. What a gift the guy’s got.

  • @bartjelories
    @bartjelories Před 4 lety +25

    Still watching in 2019, I learn so much from these masters.

  • @alftupper9359
    @alftupper9359 Před 5 lety +5

    The World's greatest guitar tutor.

  • @patkeating97
    @patkeating97 Před 8 lety +18

    Robben Ford is so positive and encouraging. I wish every guitar teacher took a lesson from him...

  • @nonemlinus
    @nonemlinus Před měsícem

    Thanks Robben! I love Miles too. I didn’t realize he used the diminished scale.

  • @joshualove6586
    @joshualove6586 Před rokem +1

    The way he attacks the strings is absolutely beautiful!

  • @cmonsterz
    @cmonsterz Před 5 měsíci

    Not just an excellent master lesson; it’s a master lesson by the legendary master himself!

  • @daveamici2719
    @daveamici2719 Před 4 lety +3

    Mickey Baker, wow my all time favorite book for learning jazz chords. When i first heard Wes Montgomery I new my regular bar chords weren't working anymore and i learned a bunch from that book great for beginners.

  • @JNRoman53
    @JNRoman53 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Your very kind to share this. God bless you man. 🙂
    Your an incredible player.

  • @jensenbell
    @jensenbell Před 8 lety +1

    I've had a lot of people explain RF's approach to the diminished scale... It never felt, "portable" until the man himself explained that it's all about V to I. Now I get it. I'm going to practice this today.

  • @whitneysmith895
    @whitneysmith895 Před 2 měsíci

    Invaluable lesson. And so clearly explained. Yes, years of working on what he says.

  • @123ubuntu666
    @123ubuntu666 Před 7 lety +15

    I love how Robben loves to impart his knowledge, getting deep in to theory, then just throwing theory out the window and saying 'just find out how to do it - however'.
    Then, when all that theory is learned. He is the most abandoned guitar player in the whole world. Not relying on any theory at all. Truly magical.
    He just rips it up to fuck. In the sweetest way.
    Man, I love Robben. Truly a guitarist's guitarist.

    • @victoza9232
      @victoza9232 Před 5 lety

      123ubuntu666 And, apparently, he can't even read music.

    • @johncurrie1789
      @johncurrie1789 Před 5 lety

      Vic Toza he can read. Probably not as well as he’d like. Believe me, he can read pretty well.

  • @coryj12
    @coryj12 Před 5 lety +3

    Such an amazing touch! His phrasing is perfect. No matter what he’s playing through it always sounds like Robben Ford. 🙌🏽

  • @GuitarSmartsPodcast
    @GuitarSmartsPodcast Před 2 lety +4

    That clean tone though, amazing!

  • @IvorThomas
    @IvorThomas Před 5 lety +4

    I've been working on dim scales for years, and still I get insights from Robben on how to use about them in such musical and simple ways. Love this dude.

  • @mer1red
    @mer1red Před 4 lety +2

    I like Robben Ford not only because he seems to be a nice guy and gives great concerts, but also because apparently he has discovered music in real life practice thanks to his intuition and talent, turning it into a personal voice and style. He's a doer. What he explains here are in fact essential ingredients for playing and improvising good music.

  • @rockitman7909
    @rockitman7909 Před 2 lety

    Treasure between your fingerboard... Robben, I met you once in LA at one of your gigs, a true sweetheart of a human being, your kind is becoming too rare but there's hope because of cats like you... been a huge admireor ever since my teens. I want you to know you that your teachings (especially like this one) and music have undoubtably made a huge contribution/impact to the music community and your legend will live forever. You pave the way as a pinnacle example for others to follow, a how-to lesson in life by giving back to society as much as you do in this CRAZY world we live in and there is simply no equal. Larry Carlton the great? ... maybe but you have contributed the most, you really make a difference in this world, we should all thank the universe for you brother!!! I sure do.

  • @topografer
    @topografer Před 3 lety +1

    Robben Ford's, is my favorite bridge blues tone, no matter what guitar he plays. Just amazing man

  • @romanvalente2871
    @romanvalente2871 Před 3 lety +4

    greatest clean tone I´ve ever heard in my life.

  • @charlespeterson3798
    @charlespeterson3798 Před 6 lety

    I spent the winter of 68' wandering the hills above Hopland. I caught this man's vibe. Universe is a small place.

  • @danielwolf9754
    @danielwolf9754 Před 8 lety +1

    Take to heart his mention of the Mickey Baker Jazz Guitar Book # 1. The first lesson is 26 of the most useful chords you will ever learn. Been playing over 50 years and use them every day!

  • @GuitarLava
    @GuitarLava Před 7 lety +3

    The more I watch RF the more I like him. Great role model for guitarists.

  • @Gitfiddle
    @Gitfiddle Před 8 lety +7

    This is what you get when you truly devote your life to your craft.

  • @Cajundaddydave
    @Cajundaddydave Před 4 lety +1

    Such a fresh perspective on the Blues. I attended one of Robben's Master Classes when he lived in Ojai and it was an eye opener. I probably only absorbed 10% of the technique he has to offer but his approach to music is almost as great as his playing.

  • @TheBandFLEDGELING
    @TheBandFLEDGELING Před 6 lety

    When he says "man" it's the best feeling in the world...... such a great instructional piece!!!

  • @diegobrown4947
    @diegobrown4947 Před 8 lety +16

    it makes me happy that I understood some of this lesson. I still have a long way to go, but thanks for uploading! I like the "feel" of the diminished scale and will definitely focus on adding that to my catalog. Thanks again!

  • @ericheine2414
    @ericheine2414 Před 6 lety

    Thank you Roben, I saw you play at the Mystic in Petaluma. You are so wonderful that when you stopped.
    We didn't clap. You leaned over and said "was I so good I left you speechless." We went crazy because that's exactly what you did. Always a pleasure.
    Iron American Dream on CZcams.

  • @joshlovegood9392
    @joshlovegood9392 Před 5 lety +14

    "that's a handful of chords right there"
    gold.

  • @RexStratton
    @RexStratton Před 5 lety

    Been listening to Robben since 1971. charles ford band is untouchable. His new music is adult but rockin blues. God Bless his kind heart

  • @rustyshackleford2841
    @rustyshackleford2841 Před 4 lety +4

    This lesson is pretty dang good. Guitar and tone are just outstanding.

  • @louviada1579
    @louviada1579 Před 3 lety

    He also has a great sense of humor. I talked with him after he gave a workshop at Guitar Center. When I asked for the most important advice he could share (really original question - right?) he said: "Don't play any wrong notes!" Cracked me up!

  • @westman2222
    @westman2222 Před 28 dny

    The major thing about using finger picking style is that you really can do magics on even sound,touch and feeling!I learned that this change alot for the better for me as an guitar player thanks to Robben and Chet Adkins

  • @usmc1875
    @usmc1875 Před 7 lety +2

    what a great teacher man! he has just a great way of explaining himself through music. thank you sir!

  • @swardmusic
    @swardmusic Před 8 lety +26

    Greatest reverb ever heard by anyone ever

    • @alanclayman5561
      @alanclayman5561 Před 6 lety +1

      swardmusic

    • @rolux4853
      @rolux4853 Před 4 lety

      I wonder how much of that reverb comes from the room..
      His voice also echoes a bit so I guess it’s not only the amp.

  • @jackhudson1154
    @jackhudson1154 Před 5 lety

    Robben is a master player. Easily my favourite of all time. I greatly appreciate that he is taking the time to impart his knowledge for all to learn. This video is so valuable!

  • @robertclinger7351
    @robertclinger7351 Před 4 lety

    Thank you! It's now November 2019, and I watch your lessons over again, and years later I hope, I understand them better! So, thanks!

  • @JFk426
    @JFk426 Před 8 lety +5

    It's really useful, plz make more classes with Robben Ford

  • @michaelcorcoran3942
    @michaelcorcoran3942 Před 8 lety

    I just heard this guy yesterday and by chance I was just ready for this... this guy speaks my language... thank you guitarist mag. and thank Robben fordyou

  • @chrisguthrie5008
    @chrisguthrie5008 Před 8 lety

    Robben, I've been a fan of your work for many years. This is great!

  • @stratplayer96
    @stratplayer96 Před 8 lety +1

    Great to see and hear Robben on a Strat. Fantastic!

  • @Deliquescentinsight
    @Deliquescentinsight Před 8 lety +5

    I did indeed enjoy the lesson, and I did indeed learn something from it -thanks Robben you are a gentleman.

    • @richardguido2798
      @richardguido2798 Před 8 lety +1

      Robben is a gentleman in that he gives to us without asking

  • @jamescopeland5358
    @jamescopeland5358 Před 3 lety

    I always learn from your lessons

  • @taraadcock1503
    @taraadcock1503 Před 4 lety

    Great lesson! Robben Ford as good at teaching as performing? Amazing all over again. So many of his tunes... I never get tired of hearing over and over. Monster talent! Thanks!

  • @DanOughton
    @DanOughton Před 8 lety +18

    I love this man!

  • @fulltonesmusic
    @fulltonesmusic Před 8 lety +2

    That is some seriously lush tone & touch, man

  • @desmo999
    @desmo999 Před 7 lety

    Whoouuuwwww!
    Lesson, sound and this awesome SVL Strat are in one line with the wonderfull Mr. Ford!
    All is unbelievable perfect.

  • @thomasschenker1870
    @thomasschenker1870 Před 6 lety +6

    Dear Robben
    Years ago I bought your book "Beyond the blues" but I didn't understand what you wrote about how to use the diminished scale. but after this lesson its cristall-clear to me! Thanks a lot!
    Thomas Schenker from Switzerland

    • @seaco4270
      @seaco4270 Před 6 lety

      thomas schenker If I have a visit in Switzerland, where should I go I would be there for probably four or five days I would be coming probably during the late summer

    • @thomasschenker1870
      @thomasschenker1870 Před 6 lety +1

      Dear Mr. C
      I can't answer your question, because I don't know where you want to go. For all eventualities, my telephone number is 031 7555900

    • @davidscott1052
      @davidscott1052 Před 6 lety +1

      you can use the dim scale over the dom7 chords in the blues cos each of the dom7 chords contains three notes of a dim arpeggio if you then add a b9 note to a dom 7 chord you will have the complete dim arpeggio ..so a dim scale will sound good over the top

  • @rvanstar
    @rvanstar Před 2 lety

    Just magic .. thank you

  • @brockyoung6113
    @brockyoung6113 Před 4 měsíci

    Thank you very much, sir!

  • @e.tienne6600
    @e.tienne6600 Před 8 lety +1

    Robben F is also a brilliant teacher!

  • @steviesindahouse4903
    @steviesindahouse4903 Před 3 lety

    Robben, thank you very much! 😃

  • @chrismurphyshef
    @chrismurphyshef Před 5 lety +1

    As usual, awesome. Thanks Guitarist mag and the brilliant and charming Robben Ford. ♥

  • @AllenPinchloaf
    @AllenPinchloaf Před 7 lety +1

    Thanks Robben You are such a class act on every level

  • @paraskevasgryllis3445
    @paraskevasgryllis3445 Před 5 lety +1

    what an incredible sound....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....thanks for the lesson.

  • @salvatoresperanza5449

    Thank you Robben!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @nelsono4315
    @nelsono4315 Před 2 lety

    I'm a drummer but a longtime Robben fan. The man knows his stuff

  • @youren8
    @youren8 Před 5 měsíci

    my mind was blown when i did exercises up a fourth, through all 12 keys. i finally realized i was going down a fifth. mind blown.

  • @peterward9446
    @peterward9446 Před 8 lety

    A true master turns basic science into high art - luvved these insights - thanx Robben.

  • @brentonkelly3780
    @brentonkelly3780 Před 5 lety

    Thanks Robben and Guitarist magazine. Much appreciated.

  • @Richard-vu7kh
    @Richard-vu7kh Před 6 lety

    Robben Ford - excellent musicianship ! I heard you YEARS ago in Victoria B.C. - so inspiring ! Also clear and articulate teaching - thanks so much !

  • @garymcaleer6112
    @garymcaleer6112 Před 3 lety

    Thanks, Robben. I'm late to the guitar world. But certain voices I gravitate to. And your humble character shines bright, brother. So I'm all ears to your instruction.

  • @HendryHZ
    @HendryHZ Před 2 lety

    his right hand touch is amazing

  • @clapton79
    @clapton79 Před 8 lety

    each of the licks he played is soo sweet.. can't wait to try them out!

  • @srwaite7
    @srwaite7 Před 7 lety

    Thanks, Robben. Always a pleasure!

  • @toneman335
    @toneman335 Před 4 lety

    This video instruction is incredible in how it shows the complexity of music!

  • @mattaldridge
    @mattaldridge Před 8 lety +8

    The man! incredible stuff!

  • @zipperdingo6385
    @zipperdingo6385 Před 4 lety

    Amazing rich musicality tips , thank you Robben

  • @prezillogic9230
    @prezillogic9230 Před 5 lety

    Very interesting information on the diminished scale. Thank you Mr Ford for you're amazing insight from a true professionals view

  • @kenh8038
    @kenh8038 Před 6 lety

    I’m thankful you are doing this for us!

  • @steffenbrix
    @steffenbrix Před 6 lety +2

    AWESOME guitar sound! Really!

  • @ksmit
    @ksmit Před 6 lety

    Awesome video. Robben has a great unique style. Musically and verbally. A master.

  • @Roddo731
    @Roddo731 Před 6 lety

    Fantastic thanks Robben!! Can’t wait to get home and jam

  • @DHgtr1
    @DHgtr1 Před 5 lety

    What a great teacher as well as guitar player Thanks...DH

  • @robhead22
    @robhead22 Před rokem

    Glorious!! Thank you!

  • @express49
    @express49 Před 8 lety +16

    Besides beeing a great musician , he seems to be a cool guy !

  • @colaboytje
    @colaboytje Před 3 lety

    Holy moly. Never thought of it this way.

  • @wildamendez
    @wildamendez Před 5 lety

    Really enjoy his lessons very clear and simple to the point. 👍🏻

  • @RichardWatson
    @RichardWatson Před 6 lety

    Such a great and generous teacher. Monster player!

  • @patrickromero5365
    @patrickromero5365 Před 4 lety

    Thanks for the video this just made my night i think i watched this video 5 times and now its starting to make sence to me Robbin Ford is a true master guitar thanks for the lesson.

  • @baessoguitar
    @baessoguitar Před 8 lety +2

    We love you, Robben !!! tks

  • @user-jz6to8md3c
    @user-jz6to8md3c Před 7 měsíci

    Robben such a legend.

  • @matthewbrown2817
    @matthewbrown2817 Před 8 lety

    Thanks there are so many really good pick ups to choose from.

  • @palfrensis
    @palfrensis Před 8 lety

    One of the best I've ever seen.