5 Minute Guitar Lesson: Julian Lage's Practice & Warm Up Tips

In this 5-Minute Lesson, Lage explains the benefits of practicing quietly on the acoustic guitar. “You think when you play an acoustic guitar you have to work harder, or play with more muscular tension, or somehow manifest a sound. One of the things that has helped me a lot, is practicing extremely quietly, and touching it very gently. Try to get in touch with your guitar’s ability to turn whatever you do into a beautiful sound. That’s why acoustic guitars are cool, they are doing a lot of the work for you.”

[charliemcleod]

You're so right about the slow practice. I'm an old guitar player now, but 40 years ago I worked in a concert hall In Bristol, England. Segovia played there one night. My job was to warm the Maestros room up before the gig. When I arrived at the room to do that, Segovia was already there. I could here him play slow major scales. He was 82 years old then, and still 'woodshedding' Beautiful guitar btw. He played to 1600 people for 2 hours, just him and a guitar. Kind regards from Scotland

[TRUETOILETTENPAPIER]

when he said “hi there” I just about started crying. He’s so soft spoken and he seems like he’s such a sweetheart.

[jordanbrazinski]

So well spoken and relaxed. I could listen to him read out an audiobook for hours.

[jrmybwedding]

Dude is so talented. I'd love to hear him talk about the guitar for hours.

[haroldclark]

Wow, what a gentle, introspective, visionary, gifted musician he is. The guitar is an extension of him as a person and as a gifted creative. How wonderful it must be to be him and to possess these enormous abilities. He's a blessing to the world — a splendid, soaring talent who has enriched us all immeasurably. Thank for for posting this enlightening video!

[CiscoDuck]

Jules is such a kind and gentle soul. I met him at a Jazz Fest in the San Francisco Bay Area at the College of San Mateo in June of 2001 (he was 14).  He was so humble after literally blowing everyone away with his incredible talents, technique and complete mastery of the instrument at such a young age. He was so soft-spoken and reminded me of Phil Keaggy. I can relate to his advice about practicing by approaching the guitar softly and slowly playing each note gently. There's no need to try to over-power the instrument or manhandle it into submission.

[AmandaKaymusic]

"...the guitars ability to turn whatever you do into a beautiful sound...". What a helpful and wonderful way of describing how you get a guitar to sing so sweetly under your nimble fingers.

[cristiangomezschmidt]

I love him I didn't expect him to be so gentle like that lol it shows the kind of person he is fs

[spb]

What I find impressive about this is it was - I believe - recorded *after* Lage was diagnosed with focal dystonia in his left hand. This explains all the “nervous shakes” people have commented on, but it also shows a commendable decision on Lage’s part to see value in slowing down. In effect, he’s demonstrating how injury and limitation can make you a better musician.

[onlyrick]

The idea of devoting time to just playing is something that I try to remember to do whenever I pick up the instrument. It amazes me that after over a half-century of playing I can noodle around and in a short while come up with something I never played before. Great lesson - love your playing too.

[mattfleming]

Wow, what a calm, nice guy. His words really hit home as I literally have a small sign on my board that says 'Right hand' because I've been working on it for the last few months. I've made some real progess, but it's time to balance it out. Really glad I found this.

[avjake]

Just discovered Julian today. Lots to look forward to.

[brandobin]

The way this guy plays I expected him to be more cocky what a sweet human being

[gergthims]

I really like the wise informality: helps me think more intelligently, even after many years of playing. Thank you!

[jonathanhandsmusic]

Great advice for all of us who play and sometimes wonder if what we’re doing is helping us to play better, or faster, or more melodic, etc.

[mjolnircarlssen]

Excellent, Excellent practice advice.

[abhinishsingh]

Hearing him first time was just more than expectation ❤️

[pernauldthevisch]

Seeing this guys fingers quiver as he played really just eased a lot of my tension. I've always wondered why my hands shake when I try and play gently. At times, I've actually been worried for the future of my guitar playing experience. Seeing his hands do the same thing is one of the most reassuring things I've ever witnessed.

[billybudd]

Me too, trying to play quietly has really improved my playing. Playing more relaxed as well.

[hunterandrus]

That was extremely help. He’s a great teacher