Protecting your joy is great advice for life in general.

I have 40+ years as a studio and live audio engineer. Every one of these tips applies there too. Including, and especially, warming up. Even if you can only get to the studio 15 minutes before everyone else - listen to the session that's going on. If you can, listen to a few minutes of reference. Walk around the live room and listen to yourself breath or play your favorite mix in the arena. Know the space. And most importantly, be yourself, have fun, and capture the beauty that is taking place right in front of your very ears.

"The gear is the transportation, but the sound is the destination". Drop the mic on that one!!!

I mean come on, the life lessons that Tim provides is priceless. What a genuinely awesome person he is - "Protect your Joy" and "The Gear is the Transportation, but the sound is the Destination". Just genius. Well done on this episode Rhett. Keep up the great work!!

“It’s not about me.” Thank you. The two of you provide the most down to earth perspective in your videos. I’ve played guitar for 30+ years and still encounter musicians who think a gig is about them. It’s as if they aren’t there to deliver the music, the music is there to “deliver them” to the stage.

I'd add another. BE ON TIME. To the gig....session....rehearsal. don't make others wait for you. Solid video gents!

Things Pro Guitarists Do (that you probably don't): get paid

I don’t normally comment but as a pro musician of 40 years, that was GOLD! Such an enjoyable, entertaining and educational video. Thank you from Oz

7:21 Poisioning the Well : this is applcable in everything, everywhere

I remember an interview with a producer/sound engineer about expensive gear. After saving for years, he finally bought a Neumann U47 microphone. Adding this mic to his arsenal was a very proud moment for him. When his next artist came in, of course, he suggested to use the U47 for vocals but after trying it, the artist wasn't sure about this and asked if he had other mics. He reluctantly picked up a few mics and after trying all of them, the artist liked an SM7B the best. At first, he was disappointed and was convinced that the artist made the wrong choice but after some time, he realised that the sm7b complimented his voice the best indeed. Sure, the U47 is a great microphone but every voice is different and sometimes, an affordable microphone will get the best result with a specific voice.

Fantastic. Thank you Rhett. You and Tim Pierce make a great team. He treats you like an equal so there’s your lesson.

All great advice! Maybe I missed it in the video, but one thing my group always does, especially for gigs with 15 minute intervals for setup and tear down, is we structure how we pack our equipment as well as design plans on how to setup each portion of gear on stage. This is for being as efficient as possible with the limited time. We even practice these things behind the scenes to get the muscle memory in check; in the event that pre show jitters create tunnel vision.

Trevor Horn has had an AMAZING career. He was lead vocalist for YES, for the album "Drama." He then was in THE BUGGLES with Geoff Downes. Their hit "Video Killed the Radio Star" was the very 1st music video EVER played on MTV. He then produced YES's best-selling album, 90125! 😎

Love Tim's Heritage. Made in Kalamazoo baby. I have owned two H-575's (think ES-175) and I currently own an H-555 (ES-335). When shopping for the 555, I played a half-dozen ES-335's but I bought the Heritage. I also own (and play regularly) a mid-60's 335 that I bought on July 3, 1976 (you never forget your first Gibson). They're still making great guitars in Kalamazoo.

Great advice guys. One of the most gratifying things in my time as a guitar player was to be asked back to play in the pit for musicals. Why did I get asked back? Because I got along with all the musicians there. I took instruction and laid back in the mix. We were there to make the singers sound good. I find you want to be in the mix that no one knows you're there but you'd be missed if you were not "in the mix". Listen as much or more than you play.

It is always a treat when I get to see you and Tim hanging out, it just comes off as so natural, relaxed, and there is always sone great info and stories.

1. “It’s not about you.” You just made the rhythm section cheer.

I am mostly a singer, with (usually) an acoustic guitar to (help) keep me in key and space (rhythm). Warming up is a must. INCLUDING washing my old and partly wounded hands in warm water on these cold days.

That little lick Tim is playing that you used in the transitions... So so tasteful. Love that.

Wow, what a goldmine. I love how Tim de-mystifies the recording world in a way that humanizes it, rather than degrades it.

Tim is so humble. Love that guy. The dude played at Live Aid for crying out loud. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Live Aid was our Woodstock.

I’m a young session player (saxophonist) and this video was INCREDIBLE! Thank you Rhett and Tim!!

Of all the sage advice I’ve heard through the years, this is some of the sageiest! 👍

As an amateur/intermediate bass player this is all great advice. As a player I strive to fit the song and use whatever is needed to accomplish that.

Helpful, good advice, even for a guy who will probably never play as a studio musician for anyone (but myself), let alone someone famous. A lot of this stuff applies to even playing in a church band, or even your garden variety garage band. It's not about you (don't be a diva), work at getting the right sound (not just good gear), warm up well (& come prepared), make sure your stuff is working (have a back-up plan), not everyone/every gig is worth it (if it isn't fun/enjoyable, you're doing it wrong), don't waste anyone's time in rehearsal (etc.), treat people like people (in the end we're all more ordinary than we are unique). In fact, a lot of it just applies to life in general, if you stop and think about it.

GOLD. Tim is literally one of he most selfless content creators out there. He has a lifetime of knowledge and a willingness to give it all away. I can’t stress to people how 100% “on” he is And Trevor Horn is a genius…

All these subtle pro tips that Tim Pierce is putting out there he Exemplifies in his presentation of content. His knowledge and smile is enough to make me want to pick up a guitar & Just have fun with it.

Tone is in the fingers, gear is a vehicle, always salt the water before adding the pasta... All good advice Tim

I always test my gear before the show. Everything. Cables, amp head, make sure I have fresh batteries etc

Tim Pierce is a national treasure

I love these paying homage to Tim videos. Above everything he has accomplished, he seems like a cool guy. Thanks Rhett!

Wow.. each and every point is absolute gold.. seriously. Every guitarist or just musician should watch this as it's soooo relevant. Thank you Tim !!

Words that ring like beautiful notes, and sentences that land like phrasing. I so appreciate your generous spirits.

Tim's advice is always gold!

Good comment, "gear is just transportation, sound is the destination.". Thanks Tim.

“It’s not about you”. True for the guitarist AND the drummer. And I love the quote by your friend who basically said I’m the drummer on the guitar. That’s the way I approach my rhythm playing. And I have no desire to play lead - no offense to lead players but rhythm is where I live.

'Just be Cool'. I spent a few years in the 'industry' one way or another. Nothing that would get anyone excited. But I had the fortune of meeting and talking to some cool and famous people at one level of another. Of the people I talked to etc, I never talked about music/playing and such. Think about, they get that all day. I imagined they'd rather talk about ANYTHING else. Two examples: Famous/legendary manager called one day just to chat. That's it. I mean, we'd talked before but he called with no agenda. In the call, he said, you know why people call you guys, you're normal. Another was a still respected guitarist; was just starting his business aspect of life. I shared the benefits of Quickbooks back then. He was one of my fave guitarists in the 80's. Never talked guitar. Quickbooks. Called me back two weeks later totally geeked out on how easy it was. Was never lost on my what a funny moment that was in my head.....So, when you meet that person, be cool.

That heritage seems so good in the hands of Tim Pierce. Fantastic words of wisdom from Tim, "Gear is just the transportation". Last week I heard an excellent pro player use a Fender 112 because he wanted a clean sound. By todays standards, a cheap solid state amp - but what a sound he got from his guitar and this cheap amp, beautiful shimmering tones because he knew how to get the best out of it.

Agree very strongly with the 2nd point. I often find myself using a Line 6 for hyper-clean chorused picking parts. Great depth and clarity in that thing

Thank you, Rhett and Tim, for this Video! Protect your joy and the combination of "it's not about me" and "say no if necessary" -- that's the way! Thank You!

It's always a pleasure to see Rhett and Tim speak with each other and sharing their experiences.

Out of the electric guitars I own, there was ONE that studio people often asked me to bring along to sessions. I was a bit surprised at first, but I found out that it was easy to place in a mix.

Tim's got that infectious smile as he effortlessly throws out master riffs

Great advice about noodling the guitar before the gig. I did this recently on your advice and it was so much better when I walked on stage. The hands felt beautifully warm and I felt very comfortable.

There's so many great moments in here. Really liked that takeaway of building trust and how studio time is sacred. Also how everyone will fall flat on their face in the studio trying out ideas. We're all human.

What guitar is the gentleman on the right playing?

What a delight, this video. Relaxed, concise conversation with valuable advice. Thanks, guys.

Very cool. Thanks Rhett and Tim. Priceless advice.

This is a great video. Well planned. Well organized. Well said. Wasn’t boring. Tim is so thoughtful. Rhett knows how to keep people entertained.

What a wonderful collaboration, that jam is just soooo tasteful and inspiring.

Tim always brings me back to the joy of making music.

Tim is a clever guy. Not just a session legend but a an authority on the music industry.

A really, really interesting and educational conversation. Thanks to Rhett and Tim for taking the time to do this!

Rhett, man this may be one of the most precious videos ever made for the global session players community. Bravo 🎉

Great discussion guys. Lots of wisdom and experience and integrity.

Fascinating that most of the things you mentioned were interpersonal. In this I agree. Joy in the studio is a must. Keeping ego in check (ego - I'm not even here) is important. Great video. Thanks

Tim ALWAYS brings JOY! Please be a bringer of joy. 🤘🏼

Boy is Tim Pierce's house busy. Lee Anderton, Rick Beato, and Rhett Shull just in the last couple of weeks. Every guitar KZfaqr passing through LA makes a beeline straight for it.

Rhett! (Subscribed!) This is a GREAT topic for a YT video. There have to be some "secrets" that keep talented musicians from "blossoming" to the big stages. Tim's wisdom is appreciated. There are YT videos about what makes a guitarist sound like a noob (Paul Davids recommended), and one of the startling points is that Pro players muffle notes that they do not want to be heard. Their experience taught them what "incidental noise" interfered with phrasing, tone, and "tune". I think British virtuoso Chris Buck is the "tone master" with this regard, as he insists that a guitar sing. Cleaning out the static leaves purer tones that better soar and weep.

What an absolute privilege and a pleasure it is to spend any time with either of these quality gentlemen/musicians. Thank you Mr Tim Pearce and Mr Rhett Shull, for you have set a very high bar! - Greetings from Australia.

Tim is just so cool! Meaning funny, humble, smart and always easy to listen to- true genius! Amazing.

Great video gents. I highly agree with the "present yourself as equals" part. I used to work in a music store where high profile musicians/ artists used to frequent.

Great video as always. Such excellent insider advice. Have learned so much from each of you over the years. Thanks Rhett & Tim.

Rhett and Tim both rock. Thank you for this video. Been a Tim fan since Springfield and learned about Rhett through Beato. Both are world class. Thumbs up guys!

Such great advice. The focus should always be the music. 💯

Loved the last one - everyone is equal... it is so true and I have always been treated like that with the more famous musicians that knew I was a musician too... been lucky...

Tim is a class act!

Thank you Rhett for this interview with a man whom I respect and admire. Tim's common sense perspective on gigging/studio work is invaluable and I thank you, sir, for making it available!! Good job, Rhett!

Two of my favorites! Just fun hearing what they have to say.

You both are why I am in training. Bring the joy... that's what we do. Thank you gentlemen!

Firing your problem clients is entrepreneurship 101! Easier said than done, but ultimately it's almost always for the best.

Cheers Rhett, that was great, just love listening to both of you. Tim is so humble and wise, your both inspirational 😊

as an indie singer songwriter who’s also just starting to work in songwriting sessions with big artists this was really inspiring. It’s so hard to not feel a little nervous when you’re for the first time in the room with someone who’s written songs you have so many memories attached to. I’d love to learn to make the most honest music I can without all these psychological barriers

The warm up feels so important to me! Especially when it's cold outside, last rehearsal I had trouble playing because my hands were cold

A fine presentation to the both of you . Practical and logical .

Great video Tim. I do a lot of live gigs with different artists here in Canada, and I've found the number one thing has always been to be a great hang first and connect with your band mates. (while knowing your job of course). Thanks again!

Thank you both for this. Great advice. As I watch my songwriter/producer son make his way (first pub deal, living in LA, etc) I’ve watched him learn some of these things so a great reinforcement with new gems 💎 as well.

I'm just a music freak who doesn't have the wherewithall to purchase any equipment anymore, but I love the discussions both of you guys do on your channels.

I'm glad you got to gush at the end.

Thanks Rhett and Tim! Awesome!

All great points here and I want to say that 'Just Say No Sometimes' is such wonderful advice!

I loved every solo this man created... His advice is perfect.

Tim is the epitome of chilled wisdom!

Best advice I ever recieved from any of the locals earning a living playing music was if it sounds good, its good. Doesn't matter how you get there as long as the sound inspires you to play and sits well in the mix.

#6 is so true. I was taking lessons and my instructor asked me to bring in original stuff because we had talked about it previously. So I brought it in, showed him a little and he liked it so we kept working on it. At one point in the session he asked me to play it again and I kinda messed it up by jumping in without getting my rhythm down… and he went off on me! Scolded me up and down that I have good rhythm and I should use it and not mess up like that. I respected that guy so much for his ability but that was it. I never went back.

Every time I listen to Tim talk about his career he mentions another artist he's worked with and it amazes me. Great content Tim and Rhett, thank you

Things I try and do everyday !!! I appreciate you sharing thank you guys!!!:)

This video has much more wealth inside than I anticipated. Each section could also have been applied to a lesson on "How to conduct yourself on an elite marketing team" or "Lessons for maximizing your time on a Special Forces Detachment". You train to be the best at your niche but you are part of a group so act like it; it's not about the gear, the gear just gets you to the objective or to the client's approval; lose the poison relationships; conduct yourself as a professional even when surrounded by superior or established coworkers; don't rely on yesterday's accomplishments...practice, study, warm-up and train before you execute; one is none, two is one. This is far superior content to any gear review.

Tried the warm up tip last night at an open mic in Asbury Park. Great advice! I simply noodled as I walked around, carried the guitar with me to the bar, even the bathroom. Nobody really even noticed! I wasn’t even the only noodler. And it worked. I was cooler and more fluid than ever. Thanks for the tip! (My songs: You Can’t Judge a Book by Bo Diddly and a punk medley of the Misfit’s Skulls and NOFX’s scavenger type.

Thankyou Rhett, So appreciative of Tim sharing those common sense gems, that some of us may not give thought to when needed.

This was a good one, cheers! Herb Ellis made me think; ride cymbal = right hand rhythm.

Awesome advice! I can relate to saying no sometimes, but to venues. On rare occasion there will be a venue or gig that never works for me - acoustically or just the vibe. And I'll leave the show, ready to sell all my guitars and quit. So, I'm glad to hear you say that I shouldn't poison the well. I'm going to keep my JOY and keep doing what works for me!

This was one of the best videos you have made Rhett. thanks

Thank you guys for the wealth you of info/ reminders. But I mostly appreciate you presenting it through ‘conversation’. You both are an inspiration in different ways… 🙏🏽

Hey thanks for the tips and reminders Tim/Rhett.

The fairly recent trend of bands releasing studio outtakes and unfinished tracks has been enlightening to say the least. Not just the window into sound craft but you can also hear much of that vulnerability and tentativeness.

We all burn the cookies. Best advice for when meeting someone who is famous. I've met many musicians, actors, wrestlers, athletes and always got along with them, well except for two with egos lol. I've seen people I was with chase them away. Just treat them like you would anyone else, they get enough attention but what they often don't get is genuine conversations.

Thanks Rhett. Great video to hear you both give your insight.

I am so, SO grateful that the stars aligned in High School and I was the only guitar player that had an interest in jazz. So I was in the senior jazz band before I was even officially in High School. I was taking lessons at the college from who would become the head of the guitar department. Anyways, what I'm getting at,is that is took me longer to learn how to fit into the background of a band with 30+ pieces, without disappearing. And being able to control how audible you are through: the chords and voicings you choose, stylistic approaches and using your guitars controls to achieve this on the move and setting the app so that you can go up and down in volume and clarity without changing channels or using pedals. It's best to learn to get the tone you want out of almost any amps too. The only real gear based difference that I'd recommend is alnico 5 pickups.

Watch Tim play guitar and you’ll see joy. He doesn’t make agonizing “guitar face.” When I see Tim play, I want to play guitar too.