FREE Course: How to Play Ambient Guitar

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Күн бұрын

Be sure to click on the chapters markers to move from topic to topic! This is a compilation of my "How to Play Ambient Guitar" course posted from 2015 to 2017. All of the episodes are still relevant and I use these techniques every time I play. I hope you find this of use as you look to develop your skills and unique personal style in AMBIENT GUITAR!
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Follow Chords of Orion Music here:
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Apple iTunes/Music: itun.es/us/iPqNQ
Bandcamp: chordsoforion.bandcamp.com
Some of Bill's recent gear (with Amazon and Sweetwater Affiliate links, see disclaimers below):
Heet Sound EBow Plus (in my hand)
Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/JzrR5a
Amazon: amzn.to/37G5UzK
TC Electronic PolyTune Tuner
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PedalTrain Classic PRO pedalboard
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Amazon: amzn.to/3bqlGBO
Strymon Compadre Compressor
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Amazon: amzn.to/36hjB8C
Strymon Riverside
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Strymon Iridium
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Amazon: amzn.to/3edUru2
Morley Volume Pedal
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Amazon: amzn.to/3crfJVL
Strymon Timeline
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Focusrite Clarett 8Pre USB
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iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced
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Video Chapters
0:00 Ambient Swells
10:26 Chord Voicing
24:45 Chord Layering
31:53 Leads
40:11 Distortion
51:45 Phrasing
1:04:43 Frippertronics
1:14:46 Use a Blindfold!
1:17:22 Hybrid Picking
1:25:48 Pitch Shifter Chords
1:40:30 Pitch Shifter Leads
1:46:05 Alternate Tunings
1:57:42 Drones
2:07:21 9th interval
2:16:31 Distortion Tips
2:31:11 Traditional Tunes
2:42:43 Baritones
2:52:14 Acoustic Guitar
3:02:56 Advanced Hybrid Picking
3:19:25 Tone Tips
3:39:12 String Bending
3:48:31 Pedal Chain
Chords of Orion - Ambient guitar is life
Bill Vencil - Guitars
Web: chordsoforion.com
Facebook: / chordsoforion
Instagram: / chordsoforion
Twitter: / chordsoforion
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure:
Chords of Orion is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for Chords of Orion to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Sweetwater Affiliate Disclosure:
Chords of Orion is a participant in the Sweetwater Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for Chords of Orion to earn fees by linking to sweetwater.com.

Пікірлер: 724

@saptarshichakraborty7474 Жыл бұрын

This man put a 4hr video up so that we can learn to play ambient guitar! You deserve all the respect!

@chordsoforion Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much!

@tommilitello198 Жыл бұрын

Imagine the hours that went into putting a four hour video together

@svelle37 Жыл бұрын

Haha, I opened this video and somehow misread the runtime as being 30 minutes and though "ah well, that sounds about right". Your comment only made me realize that it's actually 4 hours.... wow!

@LaceChaser Жыл бұрын

He could’ve done it ALL within 30 minutes. He talks about his music, his links, himself in general just way too much. If he said “okay this is called this, here goes” BOOM. That could save an hour alone. Then, when he plays… it’s way too long. We understand after 10 seconds honestly. That would save another hour and if he just removed all banter, it would remove even more. So, yeah it’s cool he’s trying to help… But, it’s wayyyy too long for people who want to learn quick so they can meditate. Not sit here zoning out to him playing. I can’t remember anything he said. Only the guitar I had to quit after 20 min.

@shitmandood Жыл бұрын

@@LaceChaserthis video has over a million views so you couldn’t be more wrong about the quality of this content. lol

@gregarmstrong2500 2 жыл бұрын

This is an insane amount of information to just give away for free. What a legend. I'm off to buy some of your music to say thank you.

@chordsoforion 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks!

@tyejohnson9400 2 жыл бұрын

You won’t regret it! Proud sponsor on Bandcamp!

@tedhuggins764 2 жыл бұрын

I 💯 agree! The fact that all of this information is free and all in one massive video is unbelievable and I couldn’t thank you enough Orion. I’m gonna buy some of your music as well to show my gratitude.

@leviplatero1140 Жыл бұрын

@@tedhuggins764 lmj v

@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments 6 ай бұрын

YES

@xoxxox5352 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been playing for over 30 years, and a lot of this was very basic to me. But I just let it play in the background for hours while doing other things, and paid attention when something struck me as interesting. I have to say that I learned a lot, even though I didn’t expect to. For a beginner or intermediate player, this would be a wealth of free information. Well done.

@chordsoforion 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much!!!

@adrian5b 2 жыл бұрын

@@chordsoforion I've been playing for 16 years, and I still listen to you like a child learning colors. This is a top top guitar channel.

@ata5855 2 жыл бұрын

actually... same.

@robinbanks2564 Жыл бұрын

Copied comment 😂

@vvcv__00 Жыл бұрын

@@adrian5b It's certainly not the quantity of hours/time put into learning something, but rather the.... you know the rest; in addition, it's how your mind is wired to work with any given tool (guitar in this case). I can't imagine how advanced humanity would be if we were all experts at all of our 'tools'....now i just sound like a tool --no pun intended.

@rohitl7636 2 жыл бұрын

Teaching ambient guitar wearing a Pink Floyd t-shirt with an Allan Holdsworth Carvin signature! Now that's what every guitar teacher should aspire to be! :) Great video!

@davidvuong1457 2 жыл бұрын

Zizizzizizizzzzzzzzzeddddoodfl

@larryduke5236 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! That guitar was the first thing I noticed. It inspired me to replay my UK lp...it was like time-traveling...

@rohitl7636 2 жыл бұрын

@@larryduke5236 They are one of my favorite classic prog bands. As a matter of fact, I love anything that Allan has done! :)

@nicknickson3650 2 жыл бұрын

That tip about playing blind is genius. It's really useful for getting out of a rut. Stop looking, just play!

@mohamedhatem2742 2 жыл бұрын

A person who shares his knowledge is a man who deserve all the respect , thank you .

@vicarious1 2 жыл бұрын

Knowledge

@davidslee101 7 ай бұрын

You are a better music theory instructor than any of the professors I had at Berklee College of Music. Thank you for this gem of a tutorial

@catzdollz9810 2 ай бұрын

whoa!!! that is saying alot right there!!! It's amazingly true!!!

@jockojohn3294 2 жыл бұрын

This is not just an ambient course, but a great practical use of music theory for the guitar in a immediately useful and fun way. How much better this is than reading a theory book and trying to make something useful out of it. This is truly a great thing you've done :)

@johnpowell3767 2 жыл бұрын

Bill...I wish I had a guitar teacher like you when I was a kid instead of the ones i had with no patience for imperfection. So I would quit out of frustration. Keep up the good vibes and brush off them negative waves.

@aljen9611 2 жыл бұрын

You anticipate exactly what I just wanted to say.

@watcherdan7437 2 жыл бұрын

DITTO for me too Bill love your lessons man you are an awesome instructor!

@quinngalloway4989 2 жыл бұрын

A person without patience cannot be a teacher, any more than a person without oceans and seas can be a sailor

@Nahhhh12nihger 2 жыл бұрын

@OtherMike5000 9 ай бұрын

FOUR HOURS of your time?! EXTREMELY valuable content! I'm putting MY money where YOUR mouth is! Thank you so much for sharing!

@chordsoforion 8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! And so sorry for missing this!

@christianhathaway908 2 жыл бұрын

Basically the Bob Ross of guitar! Calm, cool, collected, and just happy to be teaching what he loves. Great job my friend! Typically not a fan of effects (very AC/DC inspired, less is more type mentality), but I bought a physical Vol pedal to plug into my e-rig specifically because you made this style so appealing and broke it down into digestible chunks of solid music/chord theory.

@markmatson5522 2 жыл бұрын

I am up in age w/ hand arthritis so your slow-hand tips are a blessing. Also, I learned a *lot* about getting texture and expansive sound with effects. Thank you for the musical boost!

@cccbbb3579 Жыл бұрын

have u tried STINGING NEETLE for arthritis-u intentionally hit yourself with the fresh neetle plant-is supposed 2 help

@rickwood3251 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Exactly what I was looking for today. I've been watching your videos here and there for the last few months and finally decided tonight to seriuosly start learning the basics to Ambient Guitar. This is above and beyond my expectations for a beginning lesson. Thank you so much Bill.

@AlexMR 2 жыл бұрын

Saved into my guitar journey playlist this is amazing for someone like me who is starting to play around with electric and this being my favorite type of guitar tone

@Dorachagi1 2 жыл бұрын

This is fantastically educational and is all applicable to many genres beyond ambient. Thank you so much for providing all of this material, you rock! (but in a beautifully ethereal way of course!)

@jollytreepin2168 2 жыл бұрын

Nice one buddy, I have watched all of these before and learned loads. Now with a second veiwing of them I am learning more than I did the first time! And I'll keep watching again and again until I learn everything. As I said before, Nice one Buddy! Cheers

@ROCKNROLLMODS 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff! It's great that veterans of guitar are willing to pass all of this info on to the next generation! Hopefully he gets enough views to pay him as well deserved!

@rainerklama6365 Жыл бұрын

You are such a generous person to share all your knowledge and wisdom to us. Thank you so much from heart.

@ZeEduardo95 2 жыл бұрын

Dude this is amazing! I also love the fact that you're using jazz-fusion guitars to play ambient, they sound amazing! I'm usually used to people using Strats or Teles, but those Allan Holdsworth Carvins sound super good.

@michaelsullivan2675 2 жыл бұрын

You are an incredibly gracious instructor. Compassion exudes from you. The way conduct yourself is an inspiration in of itself. Hats off to you, sir - thank you 🙏

@SEVNTIGERS 2 жыл бұрын

thank you for putting in the time and effort to put this together and share! You are a KZfaq treasure Bill . 👍👍

@goryanhavefun Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Bill. You are so generous sharing your time, music, and passion. Your love really shows up in your playing.

@chordsoforion Жыл бұрын

Thanks so very much Ryan!!! Really appreciate the support!

@goryanhavefun Жыл бұрын

@@chordsoforion It is so my pleasure, Bill. I feel happily indebted to you as I have learned so much from your work that I've taken into performances now, most notably after your exposing me to the Hologram Microcosm, both DADGADing on acoustic and electric. Thanks again Bill for sharing your great work!!

@armandochavez3365 2 жыл бұрын

I'm a guitar, keyboard, bass player enjoying this to the Maxx. You are truly inspiring. My son is hooked on to you now. Thank you for sharing.

@chordsoforion 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Armando!!

@D-8-Tone2 Жыл бұрын

I have watched only the half of it but I like as it is. The tone , the calmness and the presentation are great and highly supportive. I had been looking for a video like this for ages. Thank you!

@jonnyfunkson Жыл бұрын

Hey buddy thanks so much for putting the time in to share all this with us !! It’s very much appreciated! Been playing for 30 yrs but never did ambient stuff until now as I’ve just been asked to do an ambient gig for a church thing , thanks so much this has really helped a lot !! Respect to you ! 😊

@mathisto21 2 жыл бұрын

Bill you are a wonderful human. Thank you for all you do. Much love and respect

@cleanslate2004 2 жыл бұрын

Your a true teacher. Most these days just regurgitate what they know without concidering if it's being recieved & understood. You feed the connection well. Music is an awesome power in the way it affects you on so many levels. It moves both your body, mind & spirit. Learning how to manipulate the intricacies can be intimidating like learning another language. You guide us thru it with a third eye. Thank you.

@88Nikoli 2 жыл бұрын

Unlike the person who tried to teach you how to spell and failed !

@519MaLoNeY 2 жыл бұрын

Great video man! I’ve always wondered why more people don’t enjoy ambient guitar. I absolutely LOVE just sitting down and letting things come to me when it comes to playing ambient stuff. This was amazing and had tons of tips and tricks. Much appreciated sir!

@kingmafw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing this course. I've watched a lot of your videos regarding your gear reviews and you influenced my decisions in a positive way.

@bored4428 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Ambient guitar playing is just packed full of emotion. It's so easy to get lost in.

@88Nikoli 2 жыл бұрын

Ambient guitar is a lot more effects than guitar , so the guitar is secondary if you get lost just wait for all the effects to tail off again so you can actually hear what little you are actually playing !

@HMUNGA 2 жыл бұрын

Really cool to have all this good information at one place! And all this for free. Thank you!

@Swayson 2 жыл бұрын

It is said that only the one’s who truly understand the subject are the only ones capable of teaching said subject. In this case it is you, Bill. Thank you for this jam packed informational video. Exactly what I needed to further progress my “self-taught” journey.

@eduardoprieto5267 2 жыл бұрын

Using the tone knob to find the sweet spot. The volume works in the same way. Thanks, God bless n rock on.

@TerrieJohnson731 2 жыл бұрын

I'm playing uke, but thankfully for me, guitaring classes apply so well. This is great for all stringed instruments and I subbed, really enjoyed this one. Thanks again!

@mattwilliam4803 2 жыл бұрын

-I'm sooo blessed to have found you - Thank you for all the wonderful information !!!! 🎶✨🎵

@vayabroder729 2 жыл бұрын

Very original and unique approach stylistically. Very impressed. Thank you!

@adammindykowski6984 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea Bill. A whole epic movie cut of your play ambient guitar series.

@blackwood1687 2 жыл бұрын

Now I know how to add a guitar with synthesizers for creating wonderful ambience music. I'm glad I found your awsome video. Greetings from Germany.

@matthewotooleis 2 жыл бұрын

Mate this is amazing. You are a good man putting this out for us all to learn from. You explain things very clearly and simply. This is a great resource. Thanks very much.

@hortojrafyco 8 ай бұрын

I'm taking this course slowly, I want to digest and nurture myself with it. It's the motivation that I needed to move from just practicing technique, rhythm, arpeggios, scales, different chord voicings and songs to go and create something, and the deeper into I get, the broader I see the possibilities, so I'm going to embrace what I find following your guide and whatever happens will have happened. Gonna submerge in lesson two and see what can I do with it in a few hours. I'll keep posted

@silke4913 2 жыл бұрын

Such a pleasant voice! I have no idea what ambient guitar is, but kept listening because you explained it so well. I saved the video for later, when I get better at playing guitar :D

@aljen9611 2 жыл бұрын

Hut ab und alle Achtung! Thank you, Bill, for sharing your knowledge - and for encouraging to keep things going!

@estebanb7166 2 жыл бұрын

I come back to this content again and again. Thank you for creating and sharing this.

@manuelgonzales6483 2 жыл бұрын

OMgoodness this is a free Masterclass. Thank you I'm a newbie and this is making learning guitar heavenly 😁🔥😁👽❤

@rafaelramos8642 2 жыл бұрын

Bill - simply amazing. This is one of my favorite KZfaq channels.

@CraftyOldGit 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, 4 hours of content! This is a brilliant find, thank you. I’ll be watching in chunks.

@kennethlinton4432 6 ай бұрын

This video is hypnotic. Excellent work!

@amishschool123 2 жыл бұрын

I love this compilation so much - thank you!

@odinson6528 2 жыл бұрын

I learned several new things today and I've been playing for 17 years 😱😱😱 You rock, man!❤️

@SeanKearney 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Bill. Your generosity is inspiring more than you could ever know. ❤️

@Instagrump_330 2 жыл бұрын

It’s nice having these all in one place. Thanks Bill!

@ricardogomezvasquez3291 9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the compresor, guitar vol and tone tips. Great job.

@tramlad2 2 жыл бұрын

Superb, love ambient its just mindblowing when it all comes together great lesson

@27photogger 7 ай бұрын

Loved this, thanks for sharing such incredible info and talent

@locutusmdv Жыл бұрын

Sensational! I'm learning A LOT! Thank you for this amazing tour de force in guitar studies!

@Joseph-dr6si 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! this is awesome. I always liked Ambient music, sounds and star streams. This is very informative, I greatly appreciate this free course, Godspeed!

@kenphillips3282 2 жыл бұрын

Delays and modulation in the effects loop lets you incorporate the amp overdrive and if you add the looper into the effects loop, you only record the overdrive and effects that you select at the time of playing so it works a treat.

@michaelskasick1560 Жыл бұрын

This will help my playing immensely! I love your work, and hope to incorporate ambient elements into my post-punk project. Thank you very much!

@aprillovesgolf7042 2 жыл бұрын

Im getting all these ambient sounds from my Boss SY 300. Lotta fun, and appreciate this channel.Also, the style is haunting, reminiscent of Brokeback Mountain Soundtrack.

@johnagutowski 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill. This is the guitar lesson I've always wanted to have!

@puncosorock 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much.. I have developed my skills watching your helpful explanations.... keep going chords! (From chile)

@scottdahneke1031 2 жыл бұрын

I've wanted to dabble in this for years. This is beautiful. Thank you!

@endless_universe2023 2 ай бұрын

Absolutely floored by their video and the harmonies you produce . Thanks so much for the intellectual pleasure,

@MarceloPinto-fw5sw 2 ай бұрын

I could listen to you for hours. I have been trying to compose a song for months and I was looking for these sounds but would have never get there without this video. Thank you very much.

@MarceloPinto-fw5sw 2 ай бұрын

By the way, are you also using a compressor?

@FranktheBlindArtist 2 жыл бұрын

This is so awesome for you to do for us. Much love man

@paultaylorfollowframe3579 10 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for your time and effort,I'm new to the ambient world and find this video very helpful. Thank you amazing work 🙌

@thepanicroommastering2062 2 жыл бұрын

What a great Teacher. Thank you Sir ✨🙏🏼

@chivudan1549 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome lesson! The explanations are great and the attitude is inviting. Dude also looks like Sir Davos from GoT!

@jakubduchnowski7753 2 жыл бұрын

Now you might be thinking, “hey wait a minute I’ve got two delays,” and I do because it’s t h e d i g Endless enjoyment in that phrase around 3:28

@heatherclower7697 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely incredibly insane I could not stop listening

@funkyfishcloneloverofmusic3825 8 ай бұрын

"Sorry for that chord" "Some day I'll be learning to play guitar" Great !!! I am absolutely convinced, that you are a very unique guitar player, but more than this, you are presumably a great sound sculpturer, pretty much what I myself would wish to be, a virtuoso of sound crafting rather than a virtuoso on any particular instrument including the human voice. This video you gave us is awesome... ta

@MichaelWilson-cg5hy Жыл бұрын

When I tell u I fell asleep I literally fell asleep watching this and no it wasn’t boring it was so amazing that I got sucked into deep sleep 😂 great video I love it. I finished the rest today

@brandonryanskala9288 2 жыл бұрын

This dude knows his gear. Kudos and thank you, sir.

@stevenfelix3104 10 ай бұрын

This guy really is the Bob Ross of Guitar 😂The chord voicing section was great! The power of 2 notes over 6, depending on the context. Great video! Thanks for the random play KZfaq, love this channel!

@michaelhaydenbell Ай бұрын

Insanely cool to have all this up for free, four friggin' hours. Thanks a ton!

@makemusichere 5 ай бұрын

Phenomenal course on guitar tones and controls for shoe gazing guitarists who love effects! Brilliant, and friendly teacher!

@Svergara1 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't even watched the video and I already know its going to be awesome.....audio sounds great!

@andreseduardo5991 2 жыл бұрын

Great content Sir Davos! Keep it up

@TheTraveler101 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you again Bill. I have enjoyed your knowledge and approach.

@lincolnmmitchell Жыл бұрын

You're such a nice guy man. You seem so gentle and considerate as you're explaining this technique. I have been watching you now for over a year and I'm a multi instrumentalist but mainly a drummer so my guitar playing is fair at best I love the music that you make, so getting a chance to try some of these techniques is pretty exciting for me, so I just wanted to say thank you.

@chordsoforion Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Lincoln!

@MythicStealth 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent channel, just subbed. I was taking a break listening to this and had a nap in the afternoon (which I really needed!) It's usually impossible for me to relax, but your chords/playing are so peaceful. I will re-listen and not fall asleep! haha but seriously, I can't see how this can get any neg. reviews. Awesome.

@datdeerdude5139 2 жыл бұрын

This video found me by chance and i’m so grateful for your wisdom, my friend 🙏

@scienceofsound 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. There's always something new to learn.

@wargilbometivoespanola6601 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing this informative video master..RESPECT.

@jaegerolfa Жыл бұрын

This guy’s cadence at times make him seem like the Bob Ross of the guitar world!

@TheVolumeSociety 6 ай бұрын

Ohhh my. Wasn't ready for that. What a massive sound, Wow. NIce set up

@StuartwasDrinkell 2 жыл бұрын

I play blackbird like that with hybrid pick ... i find it more bright! Applying this to uber sustained notes is really great. Thanks man!

@davidreidy5750 Жыл бұрын

Huge fan of Fripp/Eno music since early 90s.Love this vid and your riffs sound absolutely amazing ♥️🤖⚡

@johnny.musician 2 жыл бұрын

Exceptional stuff, man. I’m working my way through this and having a ball. I recently realised that listening to one of my favourite contemporary bands Radiohead, I was drawn to the ‘textural’ sounds that Ed O’Brien was creating. Just piling on here I guess, but thanks so much. I feel free to not be necessarily virtuosic but still able to create, create, create. Blessings from Brisbane Australia. Now I need a better delay and a volume pedal!

@lomoholga 2 жыл бұрын

What a relaxing guitar video. Love how you are showing your process

@drj602 2 жыл бұрын

🎼☺️🎼

@ibuildstuffanddothings 3 ай бұрын

💖 I'm so grateful for you, Bill! You inspire me so much.

@chordsoforion 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so very much for the encouraging words and support!!!!!

@CrowMacnas 2 жыл бұрын

This course is way too good and thorough to be free. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 🙏

@radiodust 2 жыл бұрын

Wow-thanks so much… just went to see Lord Huron play live… and this is “the sound”. I’ve never been convinced of compressors… until now-thanks for the demo… amazing difference!!

@chordsoforion 2 жыл бұрын

So glad it was helpful!!