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Patreon Q and A (Patreon)

Published:
2023-03-20 07:54:56
Imported:
2026-06

Content

Hello all,

After last month's studio tour video I want to continue to do the occasional Patreon-only video and either this week or next I'm planning some kind of Q and A session. 

So just let me know your questions below and I'll do my best to answer as many as I can. It's the first time I've done this kind of thing so I'm not sure exactly how it will work, but for this one I think just ask me whatever you like on whatever subject. In the future it might be an idea to have a specific theme, or even do a live session if I can work out how to do that. 

Some ideas - questions about specific videos I've made, technique, theory, music in general, amps/pedals/gear, recording etc.

If you've previously submitted questions I have already made a note of those, so no need to resubmit. 

Thanks and speak Friday,Adrian 

Comments

Neal Pike

What was the hardest video you made? What videos do you want to make but havnt had the chance yet?

Eddie Garner

Hi Adrian - I'd be interested in understanding how you go about working out / transcribing songs. It's something I've always struggled to do so any hints and tips would be welcome. Where do you begin, do you use any software or apps to assist you etc.?

Simon Hewitt

Hi Adrian. I have a Blackstar modelling amp which has a lot of useful effects. However, I want to get a valve amp for a more authentic tone (for home use, not gigging). What amp power would you suggest, any specific makes/models, specific things to look for and would be tge best few pedals to get. I an an intermediate level player, variety of styles but focus on blues and classic rock/pop. Thanks, Simon.

Christian Bob

Hi Adrian, Thanks for great videos. Much appreciated. My request is probably more for a video of its own (or even a series >D). One thing that I have a hard time finding on Youtube is knowledge about how to improve, in lack of a better word, 'tonal technique'. E.g. How do different players use rythm, attack, dynamics, etc to create their tonal signature? Hope this makes sense?!?

Dave Cooper

Hi Adrian. I'm new to electric guitar but have played strum and finger style acoustic for years. While I'm comfortable at following a lead guitar solo breakdown, which I really appreciate you doing, I'm looking forward to the day when I can improvise a solo. What is your number one tip to get to this stage?

Craig Leonard

Hi Adrian, Thank you for the opportunity to provide suggestions. I would like to see a video about your recording process. How you track your guitars, how you mike your amplifiers, how you make your backing tracks (especially programming drum sounds), how you go about mixing your tracks, etc. I know it’s a big ask. Don’t feel pressured to reveal any of your ‘secret sauce’ recording tricks. Take care.

Chris Thomas

Hi Adrian, a general music question for you. What music did your parents / siblings play in the house when you were a kid ? And how has this influenced the music you play now?

Ian West

You put on a tutorial for a song most weeks. How much do you actually remember of what you have learnt?

Matt Wright

Hi Adrian - thanks so much for doing this. A songwriting question. I've always avoided any "traditional" music theory / tuition, and have taught myself from listening to / picking out songs that I love. This was deliberate on my part - in an attempt to avoid being overly influenced by what I would have practiced if following more formal tuition. It's my understanding that some of my hero's - Paul Mc Cartney, George Harrison & Johnny Marr all taught themselves this way. I totally understand that they are exceptional talents - but wondered what has worked best for you in learning guitar and then writing original music? Many thanks, Matt

Turner Lynch

Love your videos and have been able to perform some of my favorite songs because of you so be thanks! And suggestions and tips fot putting music to pre existing lyrics and tune??

Robsoft

This, in spades for me too - as a kid I always figured out a track roughly just by repeatedly playing it on the hifi, and chugging along with powerchords/simple chords that broadly seemed to fit. But moving from that point to having a good breakdown of the real chords always seemed a step beyond me. I'd love to see how you do it Adrian

Tim Dedman

Hi Adrian, im an app/youtube-taught player (and a lefty who plays righty-strung guitars). Playing upside down meant that barre chords came easy,so i largely play/think of things as chords. Scale practice and alternate picking has always been mind numbing to me, though, so im still fairly slow. Any advice how to keep myself engaged on those two topics?

Tim Dedman

Side note: general Q for all subscribers- anyone have any good recs surf drum loop sources? Ive hit groovemonkee and stevesspringysurfdrums, but past those it seems theres a general dearth of resources! Mainly looking for fills i can mix and match.

John

Hello Adrian, I like to play a variety of music but mainly funk, pop and rock. Which amp would you recommend that can do all of that. I've got a strat and had a boss katana but I don't want to mess around with the tone studio anymore. Can you give a budgetish recommendation and a better quality recommendation too. Essential pedal recommendations too? It would have to be able to gig (pub up to hall for 300).

Martin Lorenz

Hi Adrian, Maybe you have addressed this already and I missed it: How about

Martin Lorenz

continued: discussing your approach to mining voice, guitar, and amps (types of mikes and placement etc)?

Jas

Hi Adrian, this is a great idea! Always wondered (and been amazed) at how you are able to break down a tune. So my Qn is what is your process in starting this? What techniques and tools (if any) you use, what research, etc. Is it a mix of all of these or are you old school in your approach and are able to do it by ear? I'm tone deaf so I'm secretly hoping it's a magical tool :))

Jas

Another topic: what was your history in picking up and learning the guitar? How did you start and what were milestones in your progress? Would be very inspirational to know!

Addison Wilhite

You seem to have a pretty eclectic taste in music. Your choices for songs to teach are often not the usual choices of youtubers out there. My question is, which guitarists do you most revere and please explain what in their style or technique is something you find so compelling? Thanks!

Gavin Howie

Hi Adrian, your lesson on 'Lonesome Train on a Lonesome Track' is one of my favourites. However, I'm really struggling to improve my hammer on/pull off technique, which is really critical for that piece. Any tips? Thanks.

cblulu

Hello Adrian, As always appreciate your efforts to bring us that are learning, the songs, licks and laid back vibe. Any exercises to improve solo's or riffs

Chris Strane

Writers and pundits are starting to refer to the period from about 1950 to 2010ish as the “Rock Era.” Hip-hop seems to have replaced rock n roll as the preferred voice for youth of all backgrounds. What are your thoughts on the future of rock music and the electric guitar in general? Thanks for doing this Q&A Adrian.

Tom Kirby

Hi Adrian, I was just wondering if you planned to make any more records as The Inky Depths. I think you're an amazing singer-songwriter. Cheers!

Steve

Along these lines, it would be great to hear more about the two mic techniques you mentioned (SM57+ribbon). Any advice on placement/panning to avoid phasing and generally get the most out of this approach. Any thoughts on mixing room mics would be much appreciated as well!

John Leonard

I always like your use of space / silence in your compositions. As a compulsive widdler/non-beat counter I'd appreciate some tips. Is there anyone you particularly admire in this regard?

Mark Kelly

Hi Adrian. Maybe some information on your live rig. What Amp, pedals, you use. And something about settings.

Lauren

Hi Adrian- Wonderful idea to do a Q&A! I am continually amazed by the choice of songs you put on your channel. I've learned about so many artists from watching your videos. You have wide ranging taste. How do you choose which songs to explore? Also - any updates to give us on the Post Punk course you've been working on?

Henry Gascon

Thanks for offering this Q&A session Adrian. Are there any guitar books that were truly revealing in your ability to understand guitar concepts? What do you recommend for folks across all levels?

Mark Norman

Hi Adrian … I’m lost in trying to find tones I like. I’m one year into my playing and decided to buy the FractalAudio FM3. One reason I bought it is the many options for experimenting with tone. One place in particular that I’m puzzle is the amp and cab selection. Sooooo, to make this long story end, I’d appreciate some tips on how to compare amps and cabs (simulated or real). Maybe a suggested process, or things in particular to listen for. Thanks.

Héctor

What do you think about a roadmap for different levels of guitar players, what's things a beginner/intermediate/advance guitar player should know. This way we have some milestones to set goals when we practice and maybe a follow up about how to achieve that things,

J.R.

How long does it tend to take you to come up with a full accurate transcription of a song? Even for someone with your ear, knowledge, and experience it seems like it can require a lot of time and research (watching live videos, for example). Any advice on how we can get better at doing this ourselves? I know: "practice practice" — but it can take hours just to figure out two measures of a simple intro, never mind non-standard chords voicings and complicated lead lines and so forth. It's pretty grueling. How can we improve without driving ourselves crazy?

Dale Judd

Hi Adrian - just wondered about your own approach to navigating the

Dale Judd

...fretboard - scales, CAGED (with scales shapes underneath), triads - a combination of those or anything else? Cheers!

Patrick Stevenson

Hi Adrian-there are already quite a few things here. I would add that I particularly enjoy the rockabilly stuff you do especially the finger picking techniques. But at the end of the day I love everything you are doing and will lap up whatever you do with this new idea.

Billy Ray Valentine

Your house is on fire. You can grab only one guitar. Which do you take and why?

Jeremy

Hi Adrian, what are your go-to guitar and record shops in London?

Andy Santandreu

What's your approach to learning songs by ear? How does theory play into that? Also, the same questions but applied to your own songwriting process.

David Parker

Hi Adrian. Something that I'd find really helpful would be some tips on how best to position the picking hand. I've tried various positions, like behind the bridge, resting on lower strings etc, but somehow it never feels quite right and Im often muting the strings I dont actually want to mute. I also find transitioning from strumming chords to picking quite challenging so any tips on that would be greatly appreciated.

Chris Williams

Have you met any world famous guitar players?,( beyond me of course.) And if so, who and what did they think of you? By the way, your lessons are great.

Wolfgang Mederle

Do you have any tips on how to save your playing when you accidentally played the wrong note or chord or could not quite keep up with the speed for a moment?

nic

Hi Adrian, I’d love to know more about how you create your drums for your backing tracks, not really what software/ drum kit you may use but more specifically your process is for recreating a drum track: where do you start? Do you follow the original beat by beat or bar by bar, how do you replicate the original sounds, compression & reverb, that kind of thing. It’s a bit of a frustration for me and I usually end up settling for a preset midi groove and moving some snares, but would love to hear your take on the process. Thanks and keep on doing what you do, you really help us all to improve as musicians.

Mick Marston

Hi Adrian, you have impeccable taste in music (Big Star!) and your lessons have done wonders for my playing. My question is about retention – are you able to keep all those solos, chord progressions, technical intricacies for each song in your head, or do you forget stuff and have to relearn. Is retention related to expertise?

Mr Mont

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, Adrian. How did you begin your guitar journey? What was your first guitar? Do you still perform live?

Haroun Haroun

What are the best methods of breaking out of the Pentatonic Ghetto??! There has to be something more than the CAGED system that helps you with chords but not notes, solos and most importantly, walking/passing notes between chords?

Ron Fornelli

Adrian, You teach so well and play so well. Do enjoy teaching as much as playing.

C#ris

What were the big revelations or skills that have opened up your playing/improv/compositional guitar ability? You've talked about a number of them on your channel: memorizing the notes on the fretboard cold, CAGED positions with major and minor pentatonics, using triad-based soling. What else has radically expanded your musical horizons?

Matthew Bockbrader

Is it better to be laser focused on one or two things (a fingerstyle pattern, lick, section of a song, etc.) at a time in one's practice routine or should you work on a variety of stuff each week? Also, do you ever play your original music live?

Trick Fall

Was there a particular band, or artist that made you want to pick up a guitar?

Matt Olle

Its hard to know what I dont know, but my music theory outside I, IV, V is non existent. Do I need to know all the fretboard notes, only on the bass strings, patterns etc? I can only copy your lessons, not add to my repertoire

Gerry Devine

I'd like to know how you organize and divide up your practice sessions. Do you spend a pre-determined amount of time on technique, new material, review etc. Thanks and keep up the good work!

Mike Williams

Newbie here…I don’t know a huge deal about Triads…you have a number of lessons on triads. Which order would you think is best to tackle these…

Harriet Johnson

Just want to say I love your tutorials. I found you because you play music I like.

Harriet Johnson

I recently started playing again after a decade off. I’ve switched to electric because my family complains the acoustic is loud, so I play unplugged a lot so I can chat with them etc while noodling. When I do plug in I sound absolutely awful. No matter the setting on my modeling amp it sounds clean. I think I’m striking the strings too soft because I’ve been keeping quiet for my family. So, any thing addressing the different tones one can get on a single setting just by angles, force, etc is appreciated. I want things to be fuzzy or chuggy or just rock sounding, you know.

Gordon Greaves

I enjoy the sessions where you tried alternative soloing over songs such as Folsom Prison Blues and You Ain't Going Nowhere. I listen to Carl Perkins play Birth of Rock and Roll a lot, and he never plays quite the same solo. That might be one song to try.

Gordon Greaves

I also enjoy the Nice lick series, although a few have been quite challenging (which is ok)!

Gordon Greaves

Finally, I suggested Wheels as a song to include in the lessons at some point. The popular version was done by the String-A-Longs, although Neil Letang also did it in Lawrence Welk.

Gordon Greaves

really enjoy your weekly lessons and I look forward to them! Keep up the good Work!👍🎸

Øyvind Nyborg

Hi, hope you are well. I love your stuff, in particular the country bits. I am planning some home studies and would like some tips about the coolest and most useful country scales to start off with and how to work them up and down the fretboard, and also a little bit more elaboration on double stops and how to use them as well. Keep up the good work. Regards from Oslo.

Bernie

MAJOR/MINOR PLAYING COMBINED I saw some vids where you started playing in Major and later adding Minor notes or phrases or vice versa. I never understood when to mix this. When does this work and when not? Are there any informal rules or something like this? BTW thanks for all the excellent work.

Tom Davis

I would appreciate any comments on use of compression. When playing solo electric how much is too much? When playing rhythm in a band? Soloing with a band? Adapting to different styles. All appreciated.

Tom Jackson

Any plans for new courses to build off your Beginner series or the ACPG Solos course? Much appreciated.

Phillip Ballard

Yes absolutely more maj/min triad content would be awesome. Learning the shapes with fluidity feels like climbing Mt Everest. Could we possibly get the "fun" maj/min inversions exercise in a few more common keys?

Michael McDonnell

Hi Adrian. Great lesson on DADGAD a couple of weeks ago. Any chance of some stand alone blues pieces on acoustic in that tuning. Thanks Michael

Thomas

Hi Adrian. What kind of guitar picks do you use?

Jas

Fender confetti heavy :)

Alan Patrickson

Hi Adrian, in terms of a Q&A I'd be interested in your take on what you like about different guitars and how you choose which instrument fits a certain tone or style. There's really obvious ones (like a tele for country), but is there anything else you could tell us about your preferences or the choices you make. Maybe extend the Q to amps and pedals. Thanks

Randy Schellenberg

How do you create your jam tracks? Are you really performing each part with what you have in your studio? Love the jam tracks you make. All the best.

Chip Kaye

hi Adrian - thanks so much for taking our questions. this might be a bit dry so please ignore if you don't think it would be useful to others. i'm digging into the problem of eliminating or minimizing hum when recording single-coil guitar - particularly when plugging into a computer interface as opposed to miking a cabinet - and wonder if you could say a bit on how you get such clean single-coil guitar audio on your YouTube videos? not sure if the problem might be more pronounced in the US given differences between our power grids, etc.? thanks :-) - Chip

jb nb

Hi Adrian. I also would like to see a video much like your studio tour,that shows your process for creating backing tracks and tracking your music. Thanks! --Jimmy