I started (serious) studying guitar at age 17. It was the only thing in my life i was really sure about. Two weeks before the entrance examination i got sick and had to rush into the hospital. I had to stay there for one month and on release, the diagnosis was a disaster (myelitis with a possibility of multiple sclerosis) - that meant, at any time in the future, in my 20ties or 30ties, i could loose the ability of movement and would end in paralysis. Altrought i couldnt study anymore (my shoulder was really damaged and i lost a lot of sensitivity in my fingers), i never stopped learning, went back to drums and later piano, til i was able to get my grip back. Now i teach (just the children in the town and some friends). Thanks to youtube teachers nowadays i am still constantly learning more and more, knowledge i wouldn't had access to otherwise. Moral of the story: Life is merciless and sometimes devastating. And 99% of us won't be "huge musicians", just people who make and teach music. But thats ok. Like almost everyone, in my youth I dreamed of a great musician career. Today, i'm just happy to be able to make music and i love it to be the boring guy in a small village teaching music to annoying little kids.

one of the most impressive things he said, was how little his formal education got him to where he is, and how far is own curiosity and tenacity and drive and determination took him... some things you can't buy...

my dad had a similar situation. Applied to master's school at Penn state and was rejected. got into UCLA, got his MBA. 7 years later, Penn state hired him to teach military history. His opening line to his class was, "Penn State doesn't think I'm smart enough to be a student here, but they do think I'm smart enough to be a teacher."

The more I view this channel the more I’m realizing what I’ve stumbled into. A gold mine of knowledge and experience.

You taught me Norwegian Wood in one of your videos. I played it live and sang it last week. Big moment for me. Thanks Rick

Man I really needed to hear this story. I been depressed and feeling sorry for myself and this made me realize I've just been lazy and in my own head thinking negatively.

Dear Rick, when I was 9 years old, I wanted to play the piano more than anything in the world. I loved Grieg and dreamed of being able to play his concertos. Someone donated an old piano to me and had it delivered outside our house. My parents let it sit there for weeks until it got taken away. My grandmother took me to ballet class, and they said I could borrow a pair of shoes until my parents got me a pair. They never did, and I had to leave. I gave up on believing I could do anything I loved. So I listened to your video with tears streaming down my face for your honesty and bravery. I know this video is a year old, and probably things are better, but I want to support you by becoming a subscriber. You have brought back the songs I loved in my youth and given so much happiness to me. Thank you, and all my best to you and your family.

Should rename this video: What makes Rick Beato great. You are the real deal

You're a great storyteller. I love listening to all of your stories. Inspiring stuff.

We worked with Rick as another band. Learned a lot from this guy. He is one of the nicest and honest people you will meet.

“The most unprofitable item ever manufactured is an excuse” John Mason

There have been times where, as a performing musician, I’ve been frustrated (from a little to a lot) by people who have said to me, “it must be wonderful to have such a god-given talent, to be able to play and sing so well... and how great it must be to make a living working only a few hours a day!” Most of the time, I politely thank them, but a part of me always bristles at those kinds of comments, because these people - who mean well - have no earthly idea of just how hard pro musicians work to get where they are. They can’t conceive of how we’ve all worked our asses off, to reach a level of being just acceptably “good”. The sacrifices, the discipline, the feast or famine months, the years spent on the road playing gigs, driving through the worst weather imaginable to get to the gig, showing up for load-in at noon to do a show that night at 9, and then loading out at 2 a.m., driving the rest of the night to get to the next city... I’m not suggesting that there isn’t such a thing as having a “natural” talent for certain things, and music wouldn’t be an exception to that. Some are born with a natural sense of pitch and rhythm. But mostly, it all comes down to hard work, dedication, and practice, practice, practice... and not for months, but for YEARS that determines your skill. It’s having your friends stop by on a Friday evening when you’re 18, while you’re practicing your instrument, trying to get an exercise right, playing it over and over, while they’re urging you to go out with them that evening, and saying, “Sorry guys, I’m gonna pass, I need to practice.” It’s sacrificing personal relationships, because you aren’t ever home, working for months out on the road; it’s going through times when you can’t afford to eat; it’s searching out those other musicians who are far better than you, just so you can learn something from them; and it’s times where you’re forced to take any gig that comes your way... and ultimately, it’s making a conscious decision to commit yourself fully to an occupation that most non-musicians (I refer to them as “civilians”) look upon as being “lazy” and “easy”... Over the 4-plus decades that I’ve been a working musician, I’ve found that it’s not talent (or at least not talent alone) that makes you a good musician... it’s the level of commitment you decide to dedicate yourself to. IMHO, of course.

During the 90's, I was in my thirties and basically a bum. I went from living in a tent, to a van, to a bus and worked seasonally picking fruit, tree-planting, tree-spacing, etc. in British-Columbia. I met my wife at 37, got a steady job for a few years and went back to school at 40, working nights the first year before becoming a research assistant which saved my life as by this time I had three young children at home and would have a total of 4 kids, five years old and younger, by the time I got my law degree. Fast forward to 2018, the modest house we bought while I was in school is bought and paid for and our 4 kids are all sight-reading multi-instrumentalists...I am an average joe who had the good fortune to meet a good woman and enough sense to stop, although belatedly, self-destructing before it killed me. So, it is never too late as long as you believe in yourself, aren't afraid of a lot of hard work and sacrifice and have someone in your corner rooting for you. As a final note, I started playing guitar seriously about 2 years ago and cannot believe the amount of time and dedication it has taken me to play at a "campfire" level: I have never been more in awe of serious musicians than I am today and am amazed at the level of dedication required by even very talented and gifted people to become well-rounded musicians. Thanks for the inspirational rant, Rick.

I taught myself guitar at 40 years of age. With a wife 2 kids and 2 jobs I didn’t have hours to practice so I’m not a high level musician but as a self taught hack I’ve done fairly well. I so admire high level musicians like Rick, love his insight and understanding .

"Kids you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is - never try" - Homer Simpson. 😂😂😂

This guy has so much enthusiasm and energy. He would be a great person to have in your life

63 years old on the downswing of my career. My whole life I kept saying to myself, one of these days your going to learn guitar (speaking to myself is common these days). There's only one reason I didn't learn, me! I was a talker. Pretty cliche. Last year I finally bought an acoustical and electric guitar. Every day since, I have picked up one or the other or both. Today, I am still a beginner, have no visions of grandeur but can say, I can play guitar. Watching your videos over the last several months has amped me up even more and am now enjoying when I play. Thank you for your enthusiasm and unending knowledge about music and the music business. It has helped re-kindle a beautiful fire. Take care and keep sharing.

I'm 50. This an inspiration to me. I took care of my Dad 24/7 from 2008 til he passed on New Year's Eve. So, I put off my goals in life. I am going to start a business. I started a hobby website. And, I want to make music to put on KZfaq. I may vlog too. But, after watching you, I feel my age will not get in my way.

Every high school senior in America needs to hear this.

I’m almost fifty and for the last three years I’ve been changing my workflow decisions, shedding my preconceptions about my own abilities, staying out of the “no” zone, and making the best art of my life.

Rick - subbed the second I heard "well screw it, let them demonetize it -- this is the stuff that needs to be taught on here, and I don't care. I'm going to take a chance..." -- I completely agree, and look forward to helping support your efforts here through the methods you've made available.

I only started studying music production in February 2018. 7 days per week, 8 to 16 hours per day. It's going very well and I appreciate the helpful vids on KZfaq. I am 48 years old.

I'm sick of my excuses too! Self doubt is the silent killer.

I grew up in Rick's town and went to school with one of his older brothers. They lived in a little house right near American Can Co. The man speaks the truth..

*My Favorite Excuse:* "I couldn't practice, my dog ate my guitar."

In Italy "Beato" means "blessed"... Well, God bless you! 😇 Thanks for making great videos every week!

This man never gives up, always push forward despite his age, he is not embarassed for working. This man is incredible, good role model

KZfaq needs more white haired men with massive (and soooooo relevant) experience.

Thank you Rick!! You are a mentor to thousands, and I consider myself lucky to have found your channel and be one of your students. Beato University!!

work ethic is everything and never think you have to be an expert to do something. just do it!

I agree with some of this but honestly becoming famous is extremely difficult and requires a lot of luck. You need to be at the right place, the right time and society has to be ready for your music. Not talking about cover bands, I"m talking about becoming famous for original music.

What an inspirational, motivational, and encouraging life story, Mr. Beato.

Behind the music, with Rick Beato. I loved hearing your story!

Someone in live chat said "Rick was a late developer". I disagree. Hearing this I'm convinced that Rick is a "Constant Developer"... always learning, growing, and pressing forward with no excuses.

I'm 53 and you've inspired me to get back to mixing and doing the thing I love. Thanks mate and all the best.

Wow!! This video really encouraged me as a musician and person. It just reassured me that no matter how old you are you still have time to be great and fulfill your dreams. God bless you my man!!!

Thanks for sharing. Inspirational. Aspiring guitarist, 41yrs old 😅

You're truly one in a billion Rick. Much respect to you and your perseverance to succeed through the muck and foggy darkness of the music industry. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. You change lives.

Your stories like this give us underlings hope. Someone with your musical intelligence was beaten down repeatedly, but you stuck to it! This inspires me!

Rick Beato Is The GOAT! Greatest Of All Time! LIFTS DEPRESSION! EMPOWERS THE FLOCK! THANK U GOD FOR BLESSING THIS GURU!

There is no substitute for hard work/practice and putting yourself out there 100%.

It is never too late! Never give up! Thanks for all your inspiration.

I love hearing stories like this. Mr. Beato truly deserves the success he's had in his life. More young people early in their career should watch this.

I started proper lessons in 1977. I was on stage for the first time in 1980. Gigged from then until 1991. Then back at it in 1995. During the 80s me and my bandmates gigged almost every weekend. 4 sets a night. Great club circuit. All those clubs are gone. I feel bad for young guys getting the chance to play. The clubs just arent there. Thats how you get good -playing in front of people. On the side I was playing weddings, bar mitzvahs etc....Play live any chance you get.

"If you put your mind to something, you can be successful" - that is the thing that so many universities fail to actually teach. If you are lucky, as a student, you develop a relationship with a teacher who can serve as a mentor and teach the wisdom necessary to make it to a career in music. The technical skills are, at best, half of the requirement. My story wasn't too dissimilar from yours. I had plenty of technical talent at age 18, relative to my peers, and didn't have trouble getting into a music program, but I lacked people skills and never really connected with any teachers or fellow students. As my taste in music broadened as a result of my education, I was exposed to more and more musicians who were enormously more skilled than I was, and I started to experience peers who were comparable or better players than me. Without a mentor, I had no one to tell me that what I needed to do was practice and play and get exposure to as many forms and players as possible, rather than comparing myself unfavourably to players who had put in more time on stage than I had spent alive. Instead of being inspired by those better, more experienced, players, I was intimidated by them and I ended up walking away for the better part of 20 years. When I finally came back to music, I was still pretty talented relative to peers of similar experience and education level, and I was able to learn quickly and get much better than I had ever been in my early 20s. Had someone only explained to me at that age, in terms I could understand at the time, that the difference between where I was and where I wanted to be wasn't talent, it was hard work and skill, I'd have persisted. Weirdly, I gave it up for something I was much less naturally talented at, but I think that's why I was able to learn the value of hard work in that context. I kicked ass in my career, but largely because I quickly learned that I had to do work and practice in order to excel at it. I had no belief in my own innate talent, so I put in real work in order to excel. Music had never seemed like work, so I never understand that was how to get better at it. All of my knowledge and most of my skill had been so easy to acquire that I never had to learn how to properly practice or even listen. The plateau I had reached at age 20 was the plateau that occurs at the edge of natural talent, when work and practice has to take over in order to retain momentum. I failed that test and gave up a potential career in music, as a result. Maybe I'll find my way to something resembling a music career in middle age, and I've certainly found my way to the enjoyment of music performance and composition, but an empathetic teacher in the right place when I was withdrawing from school could have gone a long way to helping me realize my original musical dreams. Instead of responding to excuses with anger or shaming, focus on teaching why those excuses or ONLY excuses. Teach how to learn instead of just teaching what needs to be learned. Teachers who laugh a kid out of an audition, instead of providing them guidance and assistance in order to make it through next time, really have no business being teachers at all.

19:20 "Who'll watch my channel at 54?" I do. I don't play an instrument, I'm not in the music business, and I still find your videos to be very interesting.

I have been watching your videos religiously, thank you for being who you are Rick. The world needs more friends, dads, musicians, sons Etc. Like YOU. Thank you Rick.

Thank you man for your Love of Music , your knowledge of Music and your perseverance without which we would never had known of you. Thank you !

Mate, I loved Shinedown growing up, and I love your videos as a grown up. Perfect combo. You're the man!

I studied music with Dick Grove when I was 18. Up until that point, I practiced 10 or more hours a day. I had a roommate while at Grove that had that "music theory and practice ruins feeling" approach. I call it lazy. Wed sit and jam, and I was rapidly improving, yet he couldn't even handle a 1 4 5 progression that wasn't in E or A. I moved back to my home state. I continued to practice pretty intensively, and study the material I learned at Grove more. I concentrated on improv, chord scale relationship and Holdsworth, my hero. I began playing out. I was shocked at people's response to my playing, because to me I was just this cat that liked to play. But I was getting recognized on the streets as "the guy with the blue guitar". I was getting gigs simply by word of mouth that I could play over anything. I had many requests for lessons, so I took on some students. I recorded several CDs with bandsbi was in, getting the nickname "one take" because I would often nail things in one take. Life was way groovy. Fast forward years: My roommate in college still can't improvise, and doesn't even know basic theory. I taught myself to compose orchestral music, and began to venture down the road of scoring film and video games. Then my relationship of 10 years ended under much pain. I ended up homeless. I lost everything. I had to sell everything to live. Then just as I got my life back together, I lost the vision in my left eye, and got gangrene in my left leg. My leg was amputated at the knee. I persevered, with relentless and unstoppable forward motion. I got a.$45 dollar Rogue acoustic and my dad's friend gave me his old Washburn electric. Both are blue. They are all I have right now. I don't even have an amp. But I won't stop. I have no excuses, and whining isn't in my vocabulary. I think of my heroes that I have met, and talked to, especially Holdsworth. He told me to find my voice. My voice. Not my version of his. I practice, study and got my chops back. I have one leg, one eye, and two cheapo guitars and no amp. Yet I am happier and have a sense of purpose greater than most people I know. Why? Its because of something that I don't have, and never will: Excuses.

AN AMAZING STORY RICK! I've come away with new-found respect for you. I wish I had known you years ago to inspire me with your "get up and do it " attitude. I write classical concert pieces and am almost 80 years old. God bless you Rick and much continued success and good health!

This is why I really enjoy your positive get on with it no nonsense attitude! You've been there and lived it, up down and all around the world! Keep up the great work Rick, youve inspired me to pick up my old yamaha beginners classical guitar and practice/start reading music again!

Thoroughly enjoyed the background story (first time hearing it) and the shear honesty of it. Pure unfiltered honesty. Love it. As I type this I'm a 66 year old songwriter who hasn't had one song accepted by someone in the music industry. Doesn't matter. I carry on as if I own a gold record. I'm going to write and play my guitar until I no longer can. Nice inspirational message Rick! I appreciate it.

Your parents house/couch can be a portal to success.

Powerful story!! Every kid who coasted to the off ramp because they heard a discouraging word needs to hear this. Pick up a habit worth pursuing and keep at it...and keep at it. Love your videos. The Beato Book is the Bible. Well organized and massive. Perfect shutin COVID reading. Thank you so much man. You’re on the right track.

Thank you so much for posting this Rick! Very encouraging!

Rick - You have to be the best you can be in the music industry Johnny Ramone - That's right these 3 chords arent gonna play themselves!

Django Reinhardt only had 2 fingers on his fretting hand.

Great story...thanks for sharing. The reason you've been successful is that you aren't afraid to put yourself out there, do the hard work, and you're real. Keep on hitting it!👍

Preach it brother. Grit, determination, and lots of practice.

Sitting here at age 47 and getting inspired (and getting a welldeserved kick in the butt, haha). Thanx for being who you are!

I was a talker, but now I'm a doer. Is it too late? No.

Sometimes resentment is a powerful motivator! Good for you Rick! Love this story...and the Rant! Class of '74 and living room musician who enjoys your videos

Thank you Rick. This is very important testimony. I will share it w/my son & daughter and my HS students. (Wow, we are about the same age, and I can relate to so much of what you are saying.) Thank you for taking the time to share your talent and videos w/us!

Rick, this is the most valuable video you have ever made. Every kid starting out in life need to hear this message. Effort can overcome talent in most cases. I have seen too many people with tons of talent and potential fall to the wayside because they give up too easily or they don't focus. I wish I had learned this lesson when I was young. I had to learn the hard way though. That works too, but takes longer. lol

I love your channel. You're me!!! I'm 54 and have played and been a producer my whole life. I have a full studio and am broke and hungry. I have a guitar curriculum... I don't know what to do. You inspire me

Been watching for a while now Rick. Gotta say, you're one of life's good guys. Many thanx.

It’s actually my 23 year old son who advised me to check out Rick’s KZfaq channel. So happy I found him (same age as Rick, but not his skills).

But Rick, _you're_ a doer & a talker:^)

Tired of my excuses? But I have some new ones you haven't heard!

This testimony is epic Rick, really inspiring--->> explains so much about your tenacity & excellence. Thank you!

I never heard this story before. My respect for you just went up even higher bro. I appreciated your knowledge before but after hearing what you went through over the years and your determination just speaks volumes. Thank you so much for sharing.

Great story Rick. I went to Berkeley in '79 to audition for the music dept. after a couple years gigging on Long Island and knowing that Simon & Garfunkel were not going to get me into the major. So I, also, took some classical guitar lessons (Sor etudes, etc.) to have at least SOME kind of 'legitimate' ax as my instrument. I got through the dictation and harmony phase and when I completed the musicianship/sight-singing part, successfully, I waited, tremblingly, to be called to play my 'instrument.' But, to my surprise, their question was not, 'What do you have to play for us?' It was, 'So, do you already have a teacher, or are you going to want to study with someone here in the department?' 'Huh?' I said, or words to that effect. 'You're a singer, right?' they asked. 'I'm a singer...oh, yea...right, yea, of course, sure, yea, I'm a singer, right, that's it.' Or words to that effect. Seems they were impressed enough with my so-fa vocalizing that they decided they didn't need to hear any more. (Too bad for the money wasted on learning Bourré!) The short story: I went on to sing with the San Francisco Opera; had a vocal career of a couple decades and now work with the music publishing industry; very happy to have made it. And it just sort of fell in my lap. Moral: Amazing how clueless we are when we are young, but somehow we progress nonetheless. Keep making music, Rick!

This is so inspiring. I've had classical piano lessons since I was 8 yrs old. When I got older I joined the Army when I was 19 to escape drug addiction and to have enough money to buy my first Mbox and Pro Tools rig. I got chaptered out for medical and got a job at a mom and pop music store where I learned about the music industry first hand. I met a friend and started a recording studio in town. My gf at that time was moving to California so I called studios in LA asking if I could work for them, and got a job at an indie label. They moved me out and let me stay at a house for free and I helped them bring high value clientele into the studio. I'm 33 now, decided to move home to PA about a year ago and bought my first guitar. Not long after that I subscribed to your channel, Rick and have been thinking about starting a band. I literally teared up when you said Shinedown happened in your late 30's. I totally understand feeling sick of their excuses. You can do anything if you REALLY put your mind to something. Thank you so much for making a youtube channel. Thank you for this video.

Rick you're such a rock and inspiration. I truly mean it. Hearing about your path towards this very moment of your life and career gives me chills... as well as making me feel such a weak looser. I gave it all up too quicky, too soon. I've been a talker during my dream, and you just made me realize it.

You are truly inspirational. Thank you, brother. My life has been a stream of excuses. Time to change.

Hey, thanks so much for taking the time to share your story. It was just the inspiration I needed today

I would've become a plumber if I lived through nine people and one bathroom and you parlayed that into a music industry career... amazing.

Thanks rick for all you've done and shared . So much to learn from all your stories and information

So many people (myself included) not only appreciate the heck out of you for everything you’ve done, and continue to do, but needed to hear this. Thank you for all the knowledge, advice, and inspiration.

Your testimony just inspired me,as a singer songwriter, who got saved. Now the Lord has called me to lead worship. So there it is. Forgetting all my secular songs ,and playing only in the spirit (improv).to you secular guys. I'm ready after hearing you rick. I'm 56. So it's not to late✝️

Your stories are inspiring and gives us the hope to keep chasing our goals.

I watched this today and could not be more pleased! I am a true believer in doing the work and not bitching, making excuses etc. work hard to be great and put yourself in a position to get the gig. I am not the greatest bass player in the world but my work ethic beats anyone I come in contact with. The hang and attitude is also super important. 54 years and still playing all the time. Rick you are always a true inspiration to me. TYVM!!!! Brian…

This is one of the best motivational videos I've ever seen, not just for musicians but for anyone. Thank you for posting this. You've really done a public service by sharing your story.

“Do or do not. There is no try.” Thank you for the video!😊👍🏻

"Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel; you can't always see light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving you will come to a better place." -Iroh

This is so inspirational and motivating! Thank you so much, Rick!

This is very inspiring Rick. Thank you so much for sharing.

Rick, you’re the Anthony Bourdain of music. And I won’t be surprised when I see you on cable in a musical version of “Parts unknown”.

Thanks to great guys like Rick and others sharing such useful information I am finally starting to get a handle on music after many years. Thank you very much.

just discovered your videos three days ago and have been watching almost but not quite non stop since then. I REALLY enjoy listening to you on the many subjects that you cover. I have learned a lot and I would like to thank you for doing what you do for us music lovers out here. Please, keep it going....

Thanks for sharing your story, Rick! A reminder to chase our dreams, put in the work, and good things will happen. Keep the music alive!

well...i mean there are three types of people, really: Doers, Talkers, and Rick Beato

It's amazing and I'm grateful that guys like you with your experience make yourself accessible for stuff like this, even if it is for $100. That's just enough to weed out the not-so-serious ones. So it will be like, "What Makes This Song Great/Suck" for up and coming artists. Cheers! Chris.

This was one of the top two videos I've ever seen you do, Rick. It's helpful to my musical spiritual crisis I've been going through, and definitely made me want to help you achieve your goals. Don't have a lot of money, but I'll do what I can.

Great speech! You have the gift of encouragement, Rick!

Rick.Each "What makes this song great"is a book in itself, a whole collection available. Steve Vai has a publishing company and is your friend. Maybe he can make it happen with you.

I toured internationally at age 18. Lasted about five years, came close to making it big but crashed and burned HARD. I ended up with late stage alcoholism at 24. Went to jail, the works. For years I kept at music while working construction, then high end dining, then being an executive assistant in NYC. Making good money. Then..finally had a band start to break big, charting on alternative radio unsigned. Got a deal, went BROKE AF to chase it for years. In my 30s. This pandemic is the first time I’ve been off tour in 6 years. Making a living as a musician full-time. To the young ones out there: you can do it you just have to push no matter what. Now I’ve got a wife and kids and if you think it’s hard to do it in your early 20s I’ve got news for you: it gets WAY harder once you’re married and the kids come. Like WAY harder. But people are doing it. So go do it. I’m still not rich by the way, my wife makes more as a nurse!! But that is part of it. Keep pushing to be great, it’s what musicians do

Terrific. Hard work and practice win the day! Great message! And I love the passion.

Glad to support this channel! I love to hear songs like Synchronicity II, Amelia, and even Black Hole Sun dissected. I've always loved those songs, but never understood how much more made them great than I knew. Best wishes, Rick. Love your material!