how to practice (its not fckn rocket science)

Summary

In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of practice through repetition to master an instrument, specifically the guitar. He stresses practicing until mistakes are eliminated, with a focus on symmetry in fingering and playing in all keys. The speaker critiques musicians who don’t fully understand the fundamentals of sound, chords, and music theory, highlighting the value of practical experience over innate talent. He also touches on the music industry's challenges and his own experiences, including balancing practice with building a name in the field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Practice is about repetition until you can perform without mistakes.
• 🎸 Symmetry in guitar fingering is key, and it requires practicing in all 12 keys to fully understand.
• 📚 Practice means doing something over and over until you get it right.
• 😓 Many people get things wrong in practice because they aren't committed enough to thorough repetition.
• 💼 Being experienced allows more freedom to pick and choose gigs, especially after building a name in the industry.
• 🔑 Mastering basic sounds (major, minor, dominant) is crucial for understanding music.
• 🎵 Perfect pitch is rare, but even people with it need training to recognize their abilities.
• 🧠 Memorizing key signatures is an essential skill for any musician.
• 👂 Having a good ear for music isn't inherent for everyone; it's developed over time through practice.
• 🚪 Moving to a bigger city and gaining visibility is key to advancing in the music industry.

Q & A

What is the main point the speaker is making about practice?

The speaker emphasizes that practice is about repetition, doing something over and over again until you can perform it without mistakes. It's not complicated, but it requires consistent effort.

Why does the speaker say it's important to practice in all 12 keys?

The speaker believes that practicing in all 12 keys helps you truly understand the material and develop proficiency. If you don't practice in all keys, you won't see the patterns or fully grasp the concept.

What is the speaker's view on learning fingerings for guitar?

The speaker points out that fingerings on the guitar are symmetrical and emphasizes the importance of learning them correctly. Without proper fingering knowledge, a guitarist cannot play well.

How does the speaker feel about the music business?

The speaker expresses disappointment in the music business, mentioning that they no longer need to deal with it and have the luxury of turning down gigs due to financial security.

What is the speaker's advice regarding learning musical chords?

The speaker advises learning the different sounds of chords, such as major, minor, and dominant chords. They stress that recognizing these chords is crucial for understanding music.

What does the speaker mean by 'symmetry' in guitar playing?

The speaker refers to the similarity in fingerings across different chords and positions on the guitar. Recognizing this symmetry helps in playing efficiently across all keys.

Why does the speaker mention 'moving' as important for a musician?

The speaker explains that for a musician to be heard and gain recognition, they need to move to a place with more exposure and opportunities. Staying in a limited area won't help a musician build a career.

What does the speaker say about musicians with perfect pitch?

The speaker mentions that some people are born with perfect pitch, but even they had to be told they had it. Perfect pitch allows musicians to recognize notes as easily as others recognize letters.

Why does the speaker insist on learning key signatures?

The speaker emphasizes that memorizing key signatures is fundamental for understanding music. Without knowing which keys have sharps or flats, it becomes difficult to progress in learning.

What is the speaker’s perspective on practicing eight hours a day?

The speaker reflects on their own experience of practicing for eight hours a day, suggesting that it's not just about the quantity of practice, but about recognizing sounds and patterns to improve.