Being around Tim’s age, I almost gasp when he says, politely, “there’s a guy named…“ and then drops a HUGE classic rock name like Jim Keltner or Danny Kortchmar (!) But Tim is so socially aware and so courteous, he knows that much of the KZfaq audience has never heard of these guys. Tells you so much about Tim.

What a fantastic bit of advice from Tim: If it's not working, play *less*. Leave more space. That's terrific.

Tim has to be one of the nicest pros in the world. He shares his knowledge so generously, and so passionately, I love his channel, and I don't even play guitar, unless the guitarist is late 😠

Tim Pierce and Rick Beato are responsible for introducing a new generation of musicians and listeners on to good music, techniques, history and a respect for the practitioners of music and it’s craft. Great interview Phillip. Much respect.

For a long time in my younger bassist days I was doing well in my playing...oh so I thought. One day I joined a drummer and guitarist who were looking to do an album. In those days around NYC the Jazz and crossover stuff had a very healthy following and the clubs were busy wth great players . This was the Era of the great Kool Jazz fests, clubs like 7th Ave South , Blue Note, Bottom Line, V V etc . We started rehearsing and I just wasnt clicking with the drummer. It was difficult . Songs had alot of odd time sigs and alot of changes albeit very subtle changes. The Drummer who played really well stopped at one point and said to me " Stuie, listen to the bass drum, lock in on my bass drum " . So we started up and after a minute of me just listening I came in and BOOM suddenly a whole new world of space opened up. I played more freely while always coming back in on his bass drum. I was shocked how I never had 'discovered' this before. He was basically showing me how to get in and out of the pocket. Best advice I ever got from a drummer.

Tim's philosophy isn't just a philosophy of music, it's applicable to life as a whole.

Tim is simply the most humble excellent studio guitarist out there, yes the wrecking crew was awesome but, Tim's attitude and ability is untouched, thanks for this video.

I can relate. I was one of Sydney's (Australia) busier session guitarists back in the 70's-80's-90's. Some of my best tips are 1) Be on time! 2) Be in tune 3) Leave your ego in the hallway 4) Be respectful 5) Have a sense of humor. The hardest thing is when you play something you really love first-up and the producer says 'Nah, try something else' ... over and over again ... until finally, he says 'What was that thing you played first-up? Let's go with that' ... and you either can't remember it or you can't play it with the same feel as you did. That's why it's always good to record the thing you play first-up and save it.

Tim’s Masterclass is easily the best teaching course I’ve ever seen.

I see Phil and Tim in the same video, it's instant like.

Such great questions, Philip. You really set Tim up to share some great and useful wisdom for all of us. Thank you and keep it up!

This is a wonderful insight on playing with others. Tim is fantastic.

I stumbled on someone else's video years ago in which Tim Pierce was a guest. He ripped into the solo for Bon Jovi's "Runaway" and humbly said, "Yeah, that was me on the record." I've been following him ever since.

Great advice, Tim is a jewel in the music world

Tim Pierce rules. Amazing musician. Even more amazing human.

Man, I'd be so stoked to share studio space with Tim. Congrats on landing the awesome session! I salute you sir! And thanks for sharing that experience with us.

Tim, if music was a country, you sir would be King! Thanks for the advice!!!

That question about pocket is really relevant to me. I recently had to leave a band because I couldn’t find the pocket that the drummer was in. He has a very technical style, knows lots of little rudiments and doodats and practices them religiously. The issue is that this results in a moving pocket, it’s never consistent and try as I did, I just couldn’t find a way to fit my playing into it. Everything would be flowing and then he’d throw in one of his signature fills and everything would slow down or speed up accordingly. Used to do my head in. I tried, man.

Comment for Tim: Tim, i enjoyed hearing your answers to his questions, especially when you said, "It's beyond being joyful. You're booked for the time, and you have to produce." (paraphrased) Tim, i have witnessed your infinite patience when i watched some of your basic guitar videos. I remember thinking, "Wow, was i ever that ____ (fill in the blank: slow, naive, uncoordinated, stupid?) when i was starting out?!" Tim, you take the time to explain every nuance, every detail. And you always claim to have made every mistake. So, not only are you extremely patient, but you have such a depth of humility. I can't imagine you ever being mad, angry, impatient with anyone, or getting your feelings hurt because they didn't like what you played from your heart. You obviously enjoy the teaching, the serving others. Either that, or you should've been an actor. You'd have won every award, and probably be a lot richer now. Take care, and thanks for the generosity of your time!

Tim’s the man! Thanks for the great video.

Great video I’ve got a ton of respect for top studio musicians. I watched this thinking how much I love playing at the club level.

I love Tim Pierce. Excellent player, great teacher, seems like an all around good dude. His masterclass is excellent. I've learned a lot since i started it.

What a genuine, authentic guy. A true pleasure to observe, thanks for sharing a window into this world. Joy as the pivot point and Discipline as the driving aspect of sustainable greatness is perhaps the most poignant bit I've heard in years.

Tim Pierce is simply full of perfect advice. Love this interview.

That reference to Lluis Cole really demonstrates his open minded approach to listen to music. Amazing interview man.

This was a great conversation. Excellent video.

Love your video channel Tim and learning about your studio work Great stuff. . 👍🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

I started watching Tim's channel about a year ago & didn't know who he was at the time but I thought he was so good a player & just seemed so happy while he is playing. I've always played for fun myself but tried to keep a reasonably professional level, so that's what I like about him. I already subscribed to Tim & now to You too Philip. Cheers to You both from a fan from Down Under.

Great video, Philip! Tim is a legend and your questions were cogent. One suggestion: if you have Tim Pierce in your video with a guitar in his hands, MAKE HIM PLAY!

Tim is the most generous person you could ever meet!

Thank you for this. What a great mentor.

Tim Pierce certainly knows how to 'read the room' when it comes to being tactful on a studio session. He also has that understated 'everyman' appearance BUT always 'delivers' ... One of his best qualities is how he articulates verbally (& musically) when he regales with his anecdotes. He's an alround inspiration as a musician and human being. He plays 'in the pocket' BUT also keeps his 'ego' in a different 'pocket'. He's an aural painter of quality musical tone.

Philip, thank you for the great interview with Tim. I liked your questions. Thru Tim’s answers and detailed info he gave, it provided me with valuable and useful advice for furthering a successful career in music.

Great questions! Always love Tims perspective. The hurt feelings or resentment deal is real though. It was and is the toughest thing for me. But i found thst if I also create or learn some things I really like on the side it makes it easy to just say ok ill use that in my stuff and just go right to whatever they are asking for- hopefully😅

This is one great interview... you elicit stuff form Tim that even he might not tell us out loud, because it's not on his mind. I love Tim's playing , and this really give us some insight into his thought process. Funny that he brings up Danny Kootchmar, who is a legendary guitarist in his own right.

Such great advice from a pro who’s such a great guy!

Great interview, Philip. Thank you!

Hi Philip, Greetings from Casablanca, Morocco. Thank you for this channel, love it! (... And I miss your Madmen haircut)

This is like a masterclass in everything one of my guitarists and I have been talking about since he came to the band in December! I’m the drummer, and we’ve got a bassist who’s a bit older than us (we’re both mid 60’s btw?). And it’s just not working, the dude is almost deaf on the low register! So he plays way too loud, is way too busy, rushes the pocket, on and on! The guitarists sent me this vid, nuff said! Thanks!

What a cool dude!

Tim is a Awesome REAL PERSON. Phenomenal human being. . What you see on the outside is a reflection from the inside. Always teaching and helping others become better.. Thanks Tim 🙏🙏🙏✌️😎💪💯

Great interview! Really good advice from a studio master.

Tim Pierce, AKA the post master. He delivers!!!

Woah!!! So cool to hear Tim mention Louis Cole. Such an underrated musician.

Great interview 👍

There will only be ONE Tim! Love this guy💪🏻👏

LOVE THIS MAN! Thanks for the interview.

Tim is the best, good interview, Phil.

Tim Pierce with a Musicman !! At last !!

Even though things are really different these days, the fact that you can get someone like Tim on a screen at your house, sharing advice is beyond incredible. 5:17 that is a picture worthy of a print and a frame!

Wow, a virtually perfect interview with a legend! Kudos!

What a super cool guy! You can tell his playing is the musical form of his personality.

I play drums in a free improvisation ensemble, and the most difficult thing is establishing a pocket. EVERYONE leaving space for the music, while also being there to support each other, is the most difficult thing to get people to think about. Many folks will create sound the entire time, but never step out front to take a lead, nor completely drop out and let the music breathe. They ease in, they ease out long after the rest of the band has started. Super common and they almost never latch onto anything firm. It's not all together bad, but it can get stale. A few people will take every note they have with all the reverb they have and never stop creating a washy lead over everyone. They will match your first note with 16 notes of their own. They start loud and if anyone tries to take the lead they leap in volume to match them, while jumping on the end of their phrases, and they seem blissfully unaware even when multiple people give them feedback about it. And then you have the occasional guy that ONLY takes leads, and the rest of the time sits out. Try to duet with them and they stop playing. Try to take a lead, they drop out and now you are soloing when you were hoping for support. Try to gradually drop your volume so that they come back in and they will wait until you stop playing all together, then rest for a full bar, and then come back in.

Wise words from a genuine artist!

I liked his view on advice. Listening to and taking advice can be disaster for yourself and everyone around you. 😎🤓

Tim Pierce is absolutely the BEST!

Listening! Probably the most important thing when playing with other musicians.

Tim's attitude is fantastic

Of all the guitar players I've watched. Tim is my number one guy. He's so good at many things.

Yoda of guitar Tim is!

Thanks so much for making this video!!!!! There is so much gold here!!!!

Mr. Phillip... That was an AMAYZING 16:13 from you and Mr. Tim. Straight from the man's heart. My favorite Tim Pierce. Thank you, Mr. Philip and Ms. Tilly, of course. :)

I could listen to Tim for many hours at a time.

What an amazing interview!

It’s interesting … these notions.. although advice for musicians… really work in life as well… well done, super enjoyable!!! .. great questions!

Thanks for using my question about the pocket! I was hoping to see this video!

Thanks Tim great stuff!!!!

This is awesome! In an episode of Eastman Saxophone Talk last year, Bob Mintzer highlighted Louis Cole as someone he's got his eye on too! So cool!

First time checking you out. I'm a drummer but your injury video was so inspirational. I'll be following you my man. Be blessed and I wish you continued success. I need my bass playing twin brother to see this. He has lost his inspiration. ❤

One of the biggest changes in music during the early sixties was the self-contained musician. They wrote their own music. Covering others work went by the wayside for the most part. You also didn't have to be the best of the best like Tim defined as the upper 5%. Luckily it seemed people that had a talent for writing also had a talent for musicianship in general. Tim is an unsung hero in my book, he still is the best of the best on many levels.

Pearls of wisdom here.

Excellent questions, and even better answers!

Well done interview

great conversation, I agree to a lot!❤

Great interview. Thanks, guys!

Tim is the master!

Wait! Did Tim write my favorite riff of all time, that lives rent free in my subconscious? The soundtrack for my walking around town??? The Home Depot commercial song?

Hey Philip! What a great video. Thank you. I've listened to Tim Pierce videos many times, and I think you just drew out the key items from about a hundred other videos all in one. Some i'd heard before, but this was really nicely concise and meaningful with some new things. Thanks again - you've got a new subscriber.

You are so learned Papa Timothy.

Philip, thanks for filming, edit and posting this. I love me some Tim. Maybe I am mistaken but I thought that I saw Rhett Schull in the studio also. Awesome session!

Cool man, that was deep.

one of the all time greats! nice work Philip

I’ve been following Tim for a few years now

This is immensely helpful. Thank you all

Sweet interview! Thank you!

EBMM L4! Bout time you got sum class for yo’ ass Tim! ❤Me sum Luke’s

This was just great, Philip!!!

I love Tim

Utter brilliance. I’m a student.

Gorgeous Music Man 💓

Great conversation, Philip! Must have been exciting too for you to actually play music with mr. Pierce. Nice photos btw. 🖖

這影片太棒了👏

What a great guy. Such GREAT advice.

Thanks for this interview.

Thanks! Super insightful! Great video! 🤘🏼

This is great advice.... It's always good to stop playing. 👍👍👍 Can that be a flashing sign in every room please.

Tim is classy and gracious.

To me (an amateur) especially the last parts of this advice were dead on 👍 thanks!

It seems to me, from my couch, this is the way Tim approaches life, let alone guitar.

Oh snap, that new Luke 4 is gorgeous!!! I know Tim is a huge Luke fan, as I am... sic guitar