I improved exponentially once I stopped all the gear chasing and committed to really learning one guitar. And it became MINE. My musical world calmed down so much, and my focus sharpened. Great advice as always, G. Thanks for all these, as always.

Guthrie always plays happy notes, always plays correct volume, has a seemingly endless bag of licks, and he always sounds pure American, pure country, and pure heart. Thank you GT!

Couldn't agree more. Guitarists have a unique gear addition problem. When I was playing woodwinds instruments in ensembles, most people had a single instrument that they would play until it fell apart. Maybe they had multiple mouthpieces for different contexts, but it was rare that someone had multiple instruments to serve different purposes. Only the very best and most experienced players would have a consert sax, a jazz sax, and maybe a marching sax. Most guitar players have 20 pedals and 5 guitars before they can even play in time with a drummer.

For everyone that had read my comments… after 7 months, 16 rounds of chemo including 4 doses of the red devil and a double mastectomy my wife was given a CANCER FREE diagnosis by her physicians! What a damn roller coaster of a ride. I couldn’t have gone through what she did! Thank you GT for letting me post on your videoed cause they gave me a much needed escape during this time! Now back to playing!!! 🩷

I have a stand that fits 5 guitars. If I buy a new guitar, I have to sell and old one. That's my rule. So I keep a maximum of 5 guitars at any given time. This keeps me honest and keeps me focused and I'm not changing strings every few days to keep up. Minimalism but also, I have every tone I need for recording. 5 is plenty for me!

It’s like Christmas with all of these GT videos lately.

Dude tells the truth kids. He’s a musical phenomenon

Man, this is such great advice. It seems so obvious to just practice on one guitar and not get caught up in gear. It’s super hard for me as a person with a collector brain. I’ve got a ton of pocket knives and other things that I collect. And guitars just look so cool, and there’s so many different awesome looking guitars. But at the end of the day just practicing and having fun on one outweighs having a room of cool guitars. 🤘🏻

If we are being honest what we need is a Tele, a drive, a boost/compressor, a delay, and a nice little amp. That’s basically all.

Mr.Trapp you and Uncle Larry are a constant source of knowledge and inspiration to this old guitar player and while i pretty much know a lot of your tips and tricks regarding guitar setups. I will be learning some of your country licks and chord fingerings as I'm a blues rock guy mainly. So all apologies for coping all those tasty licks and runs from your opening song. :) P.s maybe you should have a tip jar or something to mitigate my guilt.

Spending time with your instrument is #1.....!!! Common sense, but so many people avoid the reality.

Here is a good one for you all, "The day you stop learning, you start forgetting". Thanks @guthrietrapp for your sincerity and such great advice about gear.

THIS is my favorite guitarist friends. His name is Guthrie Trapp, GT, Cousin Guthrie, Mr. Trapp for those of you that don't know him... finest fingers a fretboard has ever felt!! Woooo!! The sound of this guitar is truly my favorite. Perfection on every level. Thank you for everything a million times, sir!!

"Play the gear that you've got..." Yep-- subscribed ;)

"I guess they don't let you take as many solos (in Nashville) - lol! GT - I love this channel! I have a guitar addiction - I am not a pro but high-level intermediate moving to the next level - I have been experimenting with guitars/sounds as I just haven't done ii. But I gravitate to my Am Pro I tele - then strat - then 335 (but my Danelectro surprises me)- the key to it all as GT said --- get a good setup 100,000,000%!!!

What a great pep talk. Some important gear to play well and sound great is a nice, high-quality set of nail clippers and a nice nail file. I know it sounds like a silly comment but if my nails are too long and uneven, it makes playing difficult and not sound good. If it's "all in the hands..." that includes the nails!

I just LOVE the way you play, GT. So unique and tasty! And your opinion on "less is more" is so true. With age comes wisdom.

I feel called out 😂😂 As someone with a variety of guitars and basses, yeah. I know. At least I don't have too many duplicates or redundant guitars. Though thanks to GT and a few other KZfaqrs, I have seen a significant improvement in my playing. After 40 years I feel relatively proficient. Thanks for the insights and wisdom 🙏🏻🤍

As always Mr GT, solid, no nonsense, expert guidance from a world-class professional...in a world swimming in tons of guitar gear, so easy for the music to get lost. Thanks so much!

Ohh man, my version of this is to play one or two guitars at a time, for a time. But I’m definitely not a session guy, just a lower tier band guy. I also always buy cheap guitars with good bones. I like to set them up to be inspiring. And, shit, during the shut down I figured I needed to build 5 strats with 24.75” necks. Only got 2 done before going back. Definitely a little obsessed with that for a minute😎

Most of my practicing I do late in the evening when I’m all by myself. Not to annoy anyone I just use an electric without any amp as it is the hands that need to do the work. Additional bonus is that this way you hear exactly what is not sounding right as there is nothing to cover up any imperfections or mistakes.

Golly you just saved me a bunch of money and made my wife happy at the same time!

lol, I have bought a few guitars in the last few years, SG, Les Paul special, tele and epiphone les paul....but every time I try to use them live, I go back to the Strat that I bought in 98 new....cant help me

Sooo true! I have been playing for 59 years, and own 12 guitars. I am on my 5th #1. Each time, I have been completely happy with 1 guitar, and was never "Looking for that next guitar". I am blessed to have been gifted with 5 guitars over the years. I am not that guy you would see in the music store checking out new guitars. I was always happy with what I had, and just played the hell out if it.

Couldn’t agree more, GT. Been playing for 30 years now. I’ve owned some fancy expensive shit. At 43, I’m down to a Partscaster and a Les Paul I’ll never part with. Covers a lot of ground. Cheers!

My favorite guitar player❤

You cannot imagine how important that video is to me. I always dreamed about Vintage Gibson or PRS. But for the last 2 years I've been practising more. And I've reached a point where I Just can't get enough of my Stratocaster. The only guitar that I own for over 17 years and which is my "Wife". There is sth. special about the instrument that became Just a part of your body 🙏 My pedalboard is Just too big because I have Just couple of pedals that keeps me inspired to play. Thank you Man for the wisdom.

100% agree. I improved so much when I decided to just play acoustic primarily. No pedals, amplifiers, effects modelers, tone chasing etc to distract. Just pick up and play with nothing to hide behind.

Been playin my '60 strat since '70 and the last 10 years or so normally as an acoustic, it gets the job done and if I want to get loud i pop in the pick-guard and plug in... always exciting! Play on man!

I remember as a kid my Dad playing crazy arms like the original. Great memories. Fast forward and as soon as you started playing I could hear Redd Volkaert singing it..fun song. Great pickin and advice as usual.

I have all sorts of gear that I don’t need. And I enjoy it. But I admit it might distract from the overall goal.

Your intro playing always inspires me to play. Good advice on the gear rabbit hole too! Thanks.

You’re so right about simply playing the guitar you have… I have several “good” tele’s. Crook, Lucky Dog, Valley Arts,etc, but my Nash (which I’ve had the longest) is the one that just does it for me. It feels like home. Even in the studio, it’s the guitar that wins every time man.

GT you're on fire man, love this. At the end of the day of course you are right on with the gear thing but subliminally I think you're telling me to pull the trigger on the single cut Danocaster I'm watching on Reverb !? :) Thanks for all the inspiration.

One of the best players I've come across here on YT. Or anywhere else for that matter.

Guthrie Otis sent me here! Just subscribed……… looking forward to seeing your channel grow!

Much respect to Guthrie. Your tone and approach is always beautiful, immensely skillful and humble. I play an Epiphone Special w Tyson Tone p90s in it, an Epiphone DOT w Tyson Tone Preachers in it, and a Carr Rambler with a ODR1 and a VHT D-Boost. That's all I ever need. Well, there's that D'aderio headstock tuner and the JCM 800 Lead with the oversized MESA 2x12 I use for certain kinds of music and bigger venues. To the annoying beardy advertiser who seeks to divide us into those who succeed and those who don't take his class: The difference between a person who bought a guitar years ago but never got past learning a few chords versus someone who has the experience of watching their family and friends jaw drop is that the second variety are moved by some interior force to actually play every day. And, your beardyboy web class isn't going to make the first variety into the second. You gotta want to have that guitar in your hands all the time, you gotta feel the passion for the sound and drive. That's the secret.

You’re right on the guitars. I bought a Dillion 335 copy for $650 and it was crap. Did my own setup new nut, filed some frets adjust the action, now plays better than a $8000 Gibson from the 60’s , I will never sell. The neck is great, Hope to come to Nashville see you

Hey Guthrie, I’m sitting here drinking my morning cups of coffee. I usually do my own set ups, but lately, my Tele has been just not playing optimally. So you convinced me. I’m calling my guitar tech this morning. I am overdue for a high quality setup. Thanks for the kick in the butt.

Fingers on string is what makes it sing...too many people focus on the fancy string holders. Good stuff Guthrie!

Such perfect words of wisdom GT. Several years ago, I got rid of all my effects and pared down to 1 Tele and a Fender Princeton. I really focused on being a better musician. That effort pays off so many huge dividends… Sometimes you may even discover the gear you have is all you need!

i guess i dont play enough or my touch is light, because i have never played a guitar until it was falling apart.

I agree with you Guthrie...I never really was a gear head. Just practice and play with decent equipment. It was the same with my golf game. I have the same putter from 1989. I used to be a 1 handicap. Never really went for equipment so much, so worked on my game, my three wood is still a steel shaft 1990s Mizuno...crazy.

I remember a video from awhile back where Buk said….always tune up to the note.

Holy Crap. Without a backing track. This is insane. Who can do that. Nobody!

All excellent tips! During the madness of my old band days I had 14 guitars. What a PITA! I’m lucky that I now have 2 of the best Tele’s I’ve ever played. I have zero desire for more than that. At 54 I’m very happy with 2 good guitars, 2 good amps, and no more than 5 pedals on my board. Less is more in my world. Thanks for the awesome videos, Guthrie! They inspire me to pick up the guitar and try to learn something. Anything. 😊

This video hit home. I'm guilty of watching endless gear videos on KZfaq when I should be practicing. It's possible you're referencing my comment on your instagram post where I did ask if you were straight into the amp or had a pedal turned on. I don't even know what it is that makes me ask something like that. Anyway your channel has been beyond inspiring , and I'm working on my addiction of wanting pedals or whatever other piece of gear I think is gonna make me sound and play better because I know it won't. Thanks for the inspiration man and keeping the overall focus on making music.

Great advice…I’ve been down the gear rabbit hole for sure…now I have 24 guitars and 8 different amps. I really use 2 guitars and maybe 2 different amps depending on what I’m trying to accomplish. The rest of that stuff just sits and collects dust. However it could take a while to find that perfect setup that works for you. I guess now it’s time to sell all the extra dust collectors.

Needed to hear this message today! Thanks GT

Great lesson! thank you.

Everyone has their own personal preferences when it comes to gear. But I highly agree. Less is more. I keep a couple guitars around for sentimental value, but I mostly play one or two guitars and invest the money I have into more lessons. Thanks again Guthrie. You are a breath of fresh air 🤩

Great video , thanks for the info .

The absolute most killer instrumental version of Crazy Arms I've ever heard!......bar none!....and basically off the cuff.....truly amazing!

Thanks for the story on the Danocaster. Love that guitar and your approach and philosophy on gear.

Very helpful as always.

Love this GT. great video

Freakin incredible!!

Great post! I think once I get a 335 (and a Blonde Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb!) to go with my Tele, Strat and acoustic, I am done with gear buying.

I love the message today Guthrie, thank you

Awesome work

Love all the video action lately thanks

Amen across the board

Thanks Guthrie, great episode!

Thanks for the pro advice, Guthrie!

I just love my Suhr Alt t Pro: resonant, very well made and sounds/plays beautifully! I think practice makes you appreciate gear more: its like marriage - you just have to work hard for it! :D

Less is more! Great words GT. Love the videos 🤙🏻

After listening to you talk about playing the chord tones and its connection to CAGED (like over and over) it finally clicked for me last night. I realized that one of the whole points is being able to be in the same position and being able to follow the changes and easily target the chord tones during improvisation. I can't find the video, but it was like one moment where you show following the changes in the same position in one of your past videos. I've been diligently studying CAGED and playing my scales assuming it will pay off and waiting for that moment of insight. Anyway, thanks for all these videos.

Practical wisdom with licks. Thanks mate.

Ty bro right when needed , best rehab talk cuz really all I want is jam.

Great video - best to you Guthrie

that is the very best conversation on gear I have heard. and It is so true.

Really good advice to all of us out here. GAS and FOMO is real and can get everyone off track to think you have to buy something new or different regarding gear. Just play!💯🎸

MASTER guitar work!!!!!!

Great thoughts man, truth be told and I’m guilty of looking for gear that exceeds my skills man 🤙

Astonishing playing.

Thanks for keepin' it real, Mr. Trapp. Much respect to you!

Dammit that was badass!

So very practical Guthrie. Thanks. Buffalo, Australia

We love you Guthrie!

You've got da thing, GT! Great take on a great tune. That, and I'm loving the holistic approach.

Love the bonus section on checking if your guitar is intonated. That’s helpful for sure. Sometimes on guitars I’ll do the 12th fret harmonic test just to find out that the nut is off and so the notes still sound out of tune down in the lower frets

Beautiful intro playing. Love it!

Exceptional advice. Bravo Guthrie.

Always great advice and out of this world playing. Thanks GT- I will lay of the purchases and focus on my favorite ax, right after I get the right tube amp. :)

On the other hand, how do you know what you like without buying stuff and living with it for a while? I've owned 3 Les Paul's and I now realize they're not for me. They feel like a boat anchor around my neck. Similar with Telecasters, slab bodies just aren't comfortable. I've discovered that a Casino is a Great country sounding guitar...wouldn't have known that without buying and trying. And, I'm a 62 year old man in Reno...I'm not trying to break into the Nashville scene. I now own 8 Strats and they're all different. Maybe that's overkill, but I'm enjoying them and they're paid for. I'm never going to be a guitar-star and don't have those aspirations. I'm just a hobbyist who LOVES guitars, why not have as many as I want? Good video, but there'sroom for every kind of player!

God you're so good. You, Brad Paisley, and Daniel Donato are my all time favorite guitarists. Always inspiring me.

Amen Guthrie. I’ve improved the most as a musician when I put my electric and all the other crap away (pedals) and just played bluegrass on my acoustic and old Kentucky mandolin.

Love, love, love the Western swing playing at the first of this video! Well done G! I’m also a big Red V. fan too!

Heck yeah, mister! Thanks, big time and your time, the parents.

Thanks Guthrie! I love all these video's you put out. Great advice on the guitars, it's too late though I already have too many! But I do enjoy them. Have a great time with your parents.

Another great lesson, real world, thank you!

Love the stories as well as the guitar wisdom, thanks.

Every time I think I’ve heard Guthrie do it, he does it different… amazing

All of it ,its what makes the world go around

Thanks for this Guthrie. I agree on all points though I do have way too much gear.

Great advice... have fun with the folks!

I view it like having different tools , some tunes I like a strat for , some a les Paul , others a tele but it's all good . Thanks for lettin us peek inside that melon of yours , always come away with something valuable , insight perspective, whatnot

Guthrie - I love the neck pickup on that Tele. Great advice on guitar setup too, thanks for the reminder!

I love that tune it Gave me Redd Volkaert vibes

But a new guitar/amp will make me better. Even without practicing. Right? : - ) Honestly, I have more than I need and I've been practicing far more on the things I need to practice. That's the trick. Thanks GT. Love your lessons/tips and videos. Cheers.