How To Master ANY Instrument You Want (Beginner to PRO)

As a professional multi-instrumentalist, I teach you how to master bass or any other instrument you want in a 7-step process! TAP like and subscribe if you enjoyed this video!

IG: @charles_berthoud

A few notes. This is ONE way to master an instrument. I’m not saying you have to follow my steps and there are many great players with radically different paths, but from my own experience it has worked well for me and my peers.

The steps aren’t completely self-contained. For example I did some composing as early as step 2. The steps indicate what my main focus was at each stage of my journey.

This video is just a roadmap. There’s thousands of videos online teaching you all kinds of techniques, music theory, ear training etc which is an amazing thing, but it can be very overwhelming and you might have no idea where to start and how to put them all together. My intention for this video is that you can identify what you need to improve on right now, and then search online for videos that cover that area (I might make more specific videos addressing certain areas of music so stay tuned). Then you can come back to this video regularly to check in and see what you might need to work on next.

I didn’t talk much about areas like listening, tone, time etc. These are all things you should work on at all steps of your journey. Many of these areas will improve naturally through the other steps. For example, through learning music by ear, you will improve your listening skills and probably start using a better tone and time as a result of listening to great players over and over again.

Special thanks to Zachary Brunetti, AhLun, Sugabeat, Colin Heberling, Timothy Gabrielson, Turpid, David Geschke, Dario Cimmino, James Ansell, Rob Nack and all my other Patrons

0:00 Intro
1:17 Step 1
2:06 Step 2
2:38 Step 3
3:20 Step 4
6:03 Step 5
7:22 Step 6
9:03 Step 7

[pianoninja]

This has always been my philosophy...at 25, I couldn’t play a triangle...I’m 34 and now I play the piano, guitar, bass, the triangle 😎

[gabrielparra]

I'm a surgeon, and this is exactly like my job. Keep studying the basics, read theory, work with new colleagues, find new teachers, watch other surgeons. It applies to life itself!! Inspiring words Charles! Greets from Portugal!

[luckytripura]

2019: Charles the bassist
2020: Charles the Tapper
2021: Charles the teacher

[raphaelfp]

There might be youtubers with more followers, memes or buzz, but none of them have this kind of dialogue with their audience. Simple and rich content, a true master revealing his own secrets with no arrogance or pointless showing off. I salute you, Charles!

[HofTheStage]

I consider this guy to be a master player, but I like it even more that he seems like the most down to earth guy ever. There's always something to work on, but it takes a well brought up dude to be this humble. This just proves my point once again that not all master musicians have to be divas. I REALY don't like diva singers and musician

[robadobflob]

You know what Charles? This is exactly what I needed. I have been trying to learn instruments for years, and have never gotten past that basic intermediate stage. I've chosen to do guitar now, and this video is going to stay in its own dedicated playlist on my account forever. I cannot thank you enough for this, and I don't think I can tell you how much this means to me and how much I needed it either. I've almost been brought to tears by this, as I have been searching for a guide that isnt laced with a "give me your money first, then we'll speak" scheme. I plan on following and learning from your wisdom on my musical journey. Thank you, Mr. Berthoud. I truly appreciate it.

[darkshadowii]

The smartest music instructor I've ever met once told me, 100 repetitions done wrong only makes you really good at being wrong. Being better, at music, comes from 100 corrections done right. Take the time to listen to your critics, they're probably on to something. To be great requires stowing your ego and asking for help.

[TommyLeeDepp]

Really inspiring video! I was also lucky to find a band in the same year I got my first bass and I do believe it helped me grow a lot as a musician!
Also, can't wait to finally get your tapping book!

[juandiegoargandona]

Charles just showed how he isn't just talent he's such a hard worker and enthusiast, your videos are inspiring for many thank you Charles 🙏

[urbanprojectz]

Explaining like this is beautiful.

You are not afraid to show how you got so good. That shows how great you are, not hiding techniques but explaining the quality behind them <3

[TheFrozenDesert]

I kept waiting for the joke, but all I heard was sincere, and well earned advice that I wish I heard 40 years ago. Well done Charles.

[Wlfmther]

I started playing Bass almost a week ago now. I would honestly say that I combine steps 1, 2 (backing tracks), and 3/4 everyday. I personally dont feel like it’s a lot to do! I practice scales and technique for about an hour, and then practice songs that I love WITH A METRONOME. I start with 90bpm until I get the technique down with no buzzing. I didn’t see any mention of metronome in the video but it’s vital to keeping up with the rhythm of the song.
Do this with your scales as well!

Some people may not be able to play in bands because covid, but most popular songs have someone playing drums on the internet that you can play along to and backing tracks as well. I will admit that sometimes I pick songs that are a bit more advance lmao, but don’t let that stop you! Break it down into the simplest components. We will definitely get there with practice! I’ve seen SO much improvement already!

[maartenarnou]

As a bass teacher, I can only say: well said, this is some brilliant advice. Top-notch ! 👍

[MacArchitect]

Finally, I understand that you were speaking about life itself or any profession....
This is the hidden secret/sarcasm/satire !!
.
I'm architect and it's the same on every step of the profession, from beginner to pro....
And I see the same pattern on life...
I really enjoy your music and videos....please continue like this.

[BassByTheBay]

Big +1 to *economy of motion* -- I don't think this is taught enough. I learned the hard way after developing severe tendonitis. Figured out that I needed to relax my hands and adjust my position.

When I started teaching, I gave students an exercise where they'd start off pressing the string so lightly that it didn't produce a note, then they'd gradually increase the pressure till the note was produced. This way, they could feel how much pressure was necessary to produce a note, and any additional pressure was just wasted energy and extra strain.

[Fliegenpilzkonsument]

As a drummer, I always thaught I would never need to learn tonal music theory. But I have started to play the guitar as well and now I seek to seize every help I can get on my journey to learn it. This video definitely helps. Thanks, Charles. Keep being amazing.

[Libanass]

You’re a treasure Charles 🙏 even after 14 years of playing, I still learn a lot from you!

[generalfishcake]

I am a digital artist, and this applies to art, as well. Efficiency is so important, breaking up tasks, learning theory - pretty much in the same order as you described.

[charlesandjennyroberson]

I’m 60 years old and just starting playing a musical instrument (Bass). Of all the YouTube videos I’ve watched (and I’ve seen and subscribed to plenty), ..this was the best “how to” video ever!!! Your break down really made sense. I decided to learn how to play for church. We only have a guitar player, ..so I decided to step up and learn something to help out. I really am hooked and hope to learn the piano as well someday but I guess, .one step at a time.

[camelusdromedarius]

I've been playing bass for a year and hit a plateau recently and this is just what I needed to push through. Thank you Charles for being such an inspiration for so many aspiring bassists like myself.