I figured out why I like his lessons. He's being 100% honest with us. He's not giving us shortcuts to playing. He's telling us up front that you'll have to work and put in years to get this stuff.

If my Professors would’ve explained this to me, I would’ve saved so much time. Finally someone explains the practical way to practice, Thanks again.

I used the pentatonic as a crutch for the longest and would always play over the root or land on the chord tone that was INSIDE the pentatonic only. I could pentatonic with the best of them LOL! but My favorite musician in town after jams would nicely tell me to "Listen with BIG ears" and to listen to the musicians around me, but i never quite new what he meant. Id listen so hard to the band that I was barely playing. I realized later he was talking about playing over the changes. He could hear I hadnt worked it out like you said. I had a problem at first understanding how to connect going from each change, but you've really helped me a lot. I had taken myself as far as I could go self taught I felt like, and you've been the best teacher I've found on YT in literally years cause you cut out everything and get straight to what I want and NEED to know as a musician.

Great thing about YT is discovering all these great guitarists.....and benefitting from their advice.

That tone is golden.

I’m so lucky to exist on the planet at the same time Guthrie Trapp is doing what he does. The music world is a much better place with you making music AND so heart-fully sharing what you know with the rest of us mortals. Thank you!

Finally, someone teaching usable information. I am ready to tear down the wall I've been beating my head against for the past 5 or so years.

I think the disconnect a lot of people have is when you give the example of playing, for example, the A major scale for the A major chord. There is the foundation and layers. Chord, Arpeggio, Pentatonic, and Scale. Well, say you have a progression in the key of A that goes A-D-E. Someone who's following those foundations would play the A major scale over A, and then when the song goes to D, they think they can switch to the D major scale over the D. The problem is that those are 2 different keys, and it won't sound right even though it in theory should work. What is actually happening is the song is in the key of A, and you are playing out of the chord shape IN THE CONTEXT OF THE KEY OF A. Meaning you continue to use the A major scale, but now, all of your target notes have switched to the D triad. every D, F#, and A on the fretboard. Same thing with the E chord. you dont switch to playing the E major scale, because you;d be switching keys. You continue to think of the key of A, using the A major scale, but now all of your target notes have switched to the E chord notes. It's almost like LED lights on each fret. The scale notes are blue, and different notes within the scale turn red depending on what chord you are on.

The most common sense to conveying the basics with issues to intermediate. Very good angle. Some need visual some , need math... lol.

I've been playing for 55 years, got a B.A. in guitar performance and damned if I didn't learn a whole lot of cool stuff from you. Thank-you!

Great video. Man, I've been playing for 40+ years, and I still don't know all this stuff.

"The shortcut is learning the chords and the information around the chords - that is the shortcut" Nicely put!

Coming back to this a year later for me is helping… thanks! for doing these videos - even though it’s an older one :-)

Never does he play the same thing twice , so emotional and smooth with change of tempo , simply amazing 🤩

Started late (63) and after several years of work was ready for and appreciate your instruction. Simply thanks, has made a big difference.

Love tour playing. Great lesson!

Sunday afternoon, just sitting here with earbuds, close to dozing off listening to these beautifully buttery tones from this man’s fingers through his Tele. Have to say, I can’t play, don’t know how to or even know a single chord, but my ear knows beauty when I hear it, and this noodling is like a lovely lullaby. From those of us with zero talent but great appreciation, thanks!

The fact that he call them records makes me like him even more.

Whoa! I am two years in and this vid will help me break out of my rut. Thanks Guthrie!

Great info put plainly and easy to understand... Thanks!

Just a monster player so knowledgeable. I really appreciate a guitarist that not just has the chops but, knows what he’s playing.

Roy Buchanan always played Down By The River and when he stretched out it was usually quite magical. I learned a lot by watching him explore.

I really appreciate your casual, down home (as in DIRECT) way of talking and presenting the lesson/advice. Hawaii here. Great stuff--

Not abandoning them but growing as a musician.. well said

Great tone, rythmn, great phrasing, nice chord playing. Love the tele...my kind of player.

Great video! I needed this lesson in 1996 though. 24 years of bad habits to break!

This guy is phenomenal! So natural, melodic and soulful while also technically flawless. Very inspirational player and good teacher as well

Glad my teacher started me with the Major Scale and it’s modes BEFORE pentatonic scales. Great lesson thanks Gunthrie!

As I dive deeper, I find cool people like you that gives me direction. You've made soo many light bulbs explode for me with this one video. Thank you sir. I'm really digging your style

Love your honesty and killer musical take on the guitar

I love the way Guthrie is teaching. I had to learn this after being box pattern taught.

Love, love, love this playing man. You’re noodling at the beginning is always so inspiring.

Some of the best advice I've seen condensed into one video.....if you only watched this video and learned what he is saying you'd be pretty damn good

Nice to see a longer video with a very thorough explanation. Thanks G!

I've been waiting for this lesson for 30 years ! Thanks

Such a beauty of a Tele! Love that colour

You’re a great player and a terrific teacher. I love hearing you play and love watching your videos. Thanks mate. Glad the gigs are coming back for you too 👍🏻

3:15, fully agree🤙 Great video man🌟

I'm jealous! You are a beautiful player and a solid teacher - please do more of these. That is all.

Great jazzy parts in the explanations, I love it! Thanks Guthrie!

I respect that you’re so humble, when your so awesome.

Amazing. I've just been working on this progression and now see that you've covered it. It's like you're reading my mind and describing how I think about chords and scales.

Great video, Guthrie. I love how so many of your videos reinforce each other. I always learn something from you.

As always Guthrie, great job! And thanks for sharing what you have gained. You truly seem to love passing along your knowledge and good taste, keep it up!!

That’s what I’m always working on in my practice sessions. It’s always a work in progress. Thanks for taking the time Guthrie

Wow! Awesome playing! Why am I seeing your channel for the first time just now??!?!??

I love how you break it down, it makes it easier to figure out and get ideas. Thanks!

That's an amazing video and explanation. Exactly what I needed at this moment. I would love to hear you talk more about this approach. Please!

you are such a great teacher man! Thanks for sharing all these important concepts so clearly! Much appreciation for your knowledge sharing!

Great video man, very illustrative, clear and send me out towards many other practicing ideas. Keep doing it and THANK YOU for sharing!

Again, Guthrie your lesson is spot on!!! So insightful and helpful. I will live with this one lesson for months! Be well! I’m also glad you’ll be back to playing out. Hopefully I’ll be able to catch one of your shows.

thank you for your generous spirit and beautiful playing.

Thanks for this! I'm going to have to watch this over many times to grasp it all, which is what makes this a great video.

Such great advice. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all I am trying to learn and still have to learn. I will remind myself to take one step at a time, and to play along with the tunes I love so it stays fun! Cheers!!

I'm a new learner. I'm olso an old guy (68). I always wanted to play guitar but when I was younger I went into the military at 17. When I got out I didn't have the money. When I got older and had the money I didn't have the time. Now I'm old and retired so I bought myself a Gretsch G5420T. I'm never going to be great (probably not even good lol don't think I have the time left) but I'm having fun. I'm concentrating on learning to play the scales before I worry about playing songs. Good video buddy.

Thanks Guthrie, simply awesome stuff ! Bows to the master !!!

Yesterday I didn't know a dang thing about scales, arpeggios, etc. Today I learned some very helpful information. Now its practice time! Thank you, GT. You are the man!

This man is brilliant at what he does. I could listen to him all night. I just saw an episode where he was at Tim Pierces house. Tim confirmed what is apparent. He is not only a world class player he is a really nice guy.

Wow! I loved that! I love your down to earth, unpretentious style. I just love it!

Thank You very much!! You are amazing musician!

Hi Guthrie, i have watched 4-5 of your videos so far and every single time you always answered the questions i had for so long. You are a great teacher and I thank you for the contents you shared.

Man! That was so helpful. Just picked up the guitar again during lockdown. Used to play a lot and never found this info this simply but holistically explained. Really helped. Thanks dude!

Wow, am I grateful to have found this too. I'm hearing sweet overtones of Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Les Paul etc. Thanks again, looking forward to watching more of this...

Fantastic that you share your knowledge here. I am learning and really appreciate the insight!

Thank you, Guthrie. One of your best KZfaq videos.

That Tele sounds lovely in the cans. Wise words, "..when in danger or in doubt, always whip your arpeggio out..."

Your video just made the light bulbs go off in my head... Gonna keep working on my execution. Thanks for keeping it simple!

Wow! The most eye opening guitar lesson video!!! Thank you Guthrie!!!!

Man I love listening to you play. I could put words to everything you got, From the reach of the whole spectrum.

Wonderful player!

Using a looper is the best thing you’ve added to these YT lessons.

First time on the channel. By far some of the most valuable, practical guitar info on YT.

Excellent post... I never looked at it like that before... I don't read music and do everything by ear, but it really showed how it all works under the water! Thanks for your time posting!

Incredibly helpful lesson thank you for sharing Guthrie!

Awesome lesson! and inspiration! I proud to share. Thank you for this.

You got that right! I’m a sixty year old newbie, and boy this is what I need to focus on . I have been jumping around not really getting nowhere . Thank you Guthrie Trapp! Your awesome!

Love your playing and explanation. It's like you're articulating things that I already know, but can't quite put into practice as well as you can. It's exciting to see what I might be able to do with it in time if I continue to apply it. Thanks man, subscribed

Good Lord GT! I love your spirit of music as you call it. You keep me riding the current of uplifting winds like an eagle soaring high above the plains and bluffs. The scenery is spectacular from here and the horizons just keep expanding. God bless you brother. May you be well always.

@Guthrie Trapp Do you remember 12 yrs ago, in Amsterdam & then Bergin, Norway? You were playing for Kenny & Dawn Sears? I was there playing for another band & hanging around some with Mark Chesnutt. You were a great guitarist then, but lesser known. I'm glad to see you doing well & giving valuable guitar advice. Anyone with good sense should listen to every word you have to say about guitars!!!!!!!

Hey man thank you for speaking truth and knowledge. You've shown me that the way I have been thinking about it is right on. Just need to keep practicing. Great tone!

Amazing playing and great honesty! What a master

Man, for sure, what you are doing here is definitely music. Really great stuff! Thanks for sharing! God bless!

This is one of the best videos you have put out. I really appreciate it

Guthrie, What an incredible lesson! You’ve given me my homework assignments now for the next ?? months! Thank you very much!

Great video ! Love your tutorials. As an intermediate player even when your explaining things I already know your way of explaining it makes things click that I have been vague about in the past. Keep them coming. 🤘🤘

I really love watching your videos. I played guitar for years and developed a really good ear because I learned by playing my acoustic guitar and singing Beatles songs, but I never really learned theory. I learned how to play those songs by listening to a record and figuring out what key a song was in and then using the chords that I knew were in that key. Now I'm finally learning theory. But everyone said learn this scale or learn that scale, so I picked one scale and that was the 7 note diatonic major scale. Do Re Mi Fa So La Te Do. I know how to sing it in any key by ear and I know how to build it. Whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step half step. Every other scale is just some variation of the major diatonic scale. I think now that I'm learning theory from the ground up the only way to get a rock-solid foundation is to learn the major scale all over the neck in every key. I already knew how to build chords from the major triads. So now that I know my major scales it's easy to learn my triads. Once I learn my major triads, I can learn my arpeggios. Then I will learn how to modify each triad to make the other chord forms (minor, maj 7, dominant 7 and diminished). Then as long as I know the chord changes to a song, I will have a starting point to solo over any chord progression in any key. I think you probably learned like I did. Playing first by ear and then learning theory. I love your lessons because they take a very logical step by step approach to learning theory. I just wish all the guitar teachers out there would get together and agree that you need to learn theory step by step and not just jump right to the pentatonic box.

You might be the best teacher out there on KZfaq! Thanks man! Love it.

So good Guthrie

this is really good stuff. guthrie your helping out a ton of players. myself included. thanks for everything. just awesome.

This guy knows his shit! What an inspiration. Keep it up Guthrie!

60 seconds into it and I already smashed that LIKE button. Great playing!!! -Scott

Great lesson GT. loved your Down by the River intro, the chord tones, in and out of the arpeggios , Hendrixian in places... a joy. Where I want to get to. Bests, from Scotland

22 minutes of goldust man......anyone thinking of learning a bit of music theory and applying it not just to guitar but to any instrument I guess.......you are well and truly underway from here..... great teaching........ Thanks Guthrie.

12:53 Thanks for dropping all those wisdom nuggets! Thank you Guthrie!

The best as always!!! Thanks and you deserve a bottle of Barbera after this lesson... a big hug from Italy ✌🏻

Hey Guthrie, I just discovered your stuff this year. In fact this summer. Sorry, I came so late to this dance. But I love this session and what is really great besides a really clear lesson is that you are stating the truth about the commitment and the practice time. Some KZfaq teachers say to learn this for instant success on the fretboard just to get subscribers, and honestly, the only way to get good is to practice, listen and play. Thank you for being honest. This stuff is hard work (but rewarding and fun) but there is no shortcut. Great stuff.

Guthrie Trapp your explanation is spot on. This is the best explanation (in a nut shell) on how to understand the neck and playing proper melody over chords ever. I’ve played all my life and the way you explain it makes sense to me 100% but also you explain it so well that some one who’s not advanced can understand it in a short amount of time (with proper practice). This would normally take years to learn. Well done man

Thanks for sharing, brother. The study of chords is the way, learning tunes with intent, learning different styles of music and not necessarily guitar tunes, and getting your ear to mature. While it's great to outline chords, I feel it's necessary to understand how each type of chord yields the overall color. The dominant chord being the most expressive. It's funny how the guitar mystery starts to become clearer as this approached is used and one door closes and a new one opens. There is an amazing amount of information in this short video that could launch players into the next level. Lastly, I appreciate you saying we gotta keep making music. I feel it's not about a competition but keeping the craft alive for future generations. I rather play three well placed notes, from my ear, to make music over doing finger gymnastics to look cool. Too many people listen with their eyes and not their ears. Keep up the awesome work.

Excellent. Great tone, playing and teaching. Will be looking at some more of Mr Trapps stuff in the future

Awesome playing! I almost didn't get to the lesson, I just kept watching the first 2 minutes! Also, I'm with ya on the ditto looper. That thing improved my musicianship like crazy 🤠