Learn The Language of Music

In this lesson I discuss the language of music and how I think and hear when I'm improvising. I take you through a little transcribing exercise to help you grow your own vocabulary.

Also, if you're not hip to Pat Bergeson, here's a great clip-

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[thrutheveil]

Jack as a professional musician of 32 yrs. I find your playing and teaching to be the most on point of any.
Outstanding work.

[MrJudogo]

As a 68 year old beginner who is disabled and studies at home, my most difficult thing is to understand the language you are using. Trying to make sense of the theory of playing over chords and knowing exactly where things are on the fretboard. Hahahaha, it's an unending puzzle so far. But your videos are AWESOME 👍

[ericlauner]

Jack really does a good job teaching the intermediate player . I understand the fretboard and how notes and chords connect, and I am expanding my skills on the guitar substantially, as long as I practice what is being taught and try to apply the concepts he teaches.

[ryanreeves]

The more you can grab amazing licks, put them in context to a chord progression and then play them in different locations on the fret board, you'll find yourself incorporating them. My problem is going from an amazing lick to the next idea! This is truly the key to becoming amazing! Thanks for such a WONDERFUL video and quintessential lesson.

[alexcornu]

I was looking for guitar lessons, and this is the exact thing I requested from teachers ! They didn't understand unfortunately ... And the comparison with language is so relevant !!

[paulchow]

That's the most valuable advice I've received !

[mixedfruitjam]

Loved this! Learnt so much.

You should turn this into a series. I’ve watched this video 3 times and it gave me more perspective every single time.

[winstonsmith]

I tend to spend too much time on technique rather than the notes and intervals. Thankfully that's changing. With a little help from you. Cheers 👍.

[Dave-gfkd]

Jack, really well done. I appreciate hearing how YOU use many of the things you have shared with us. “Here is what I do” is SO valuable…if one has the basis to at least grasp the pieces you are using. Love it!

[emanuel_erol_germann]

Thank you for the fine inspiration Maestro Rush (!)

[deltaster]

Jack your lessons and explanations are great. Thanks for sharing appreciate 🙏🏽

[theppband]

Jack, thank you so much for your insightful analogy. I've always thought of a bag of licks as vocabulary, but never the rudiments as grammer. What a great way to guitar-splain things. You have such a talent as a performer and teacher. The world is a better place with you in it. And thank you for that in depth turn around phrase.

[druwk]

Developing your ear against the definite performance of other musicians has been my Achilles heel. Thank you for the post, and always your knowledge and inspiration.

[donnymac]

My ex-guitar coach, Mark Stefani, teaches this same or similar approach. It takes much less time to put together nice sounding solos then it does going the scale and arpeggio route.

[holisticaustralia]

I really enjoy your video mate! Well done and thankyou for sharing.

[taildragger]

Fantastic analogy. Absolutely 100% correct

[groovymidnight]

As always, an impeccable lesson! Best guitar teacher on YT hands down!

[crespo]

I’m a student of Jack’s lessons on True Fire platform and a Patreon subscriber. I consider myself a high Beginner to Intermediate player. I don’t gig yet but enjoy the academic and artistic aspects of guitar playing. I also speak 3 languages and relate to Jacks analogy of studying the guitar much like one studies a foreign language. My personal struggle—I suspect the same for many—is being patient to meticulously “analyze” what other musicians are playing and understanding it in musical context. That means that it’s a slow process for me at least. Thanks Jack for reinforcing the need to be patient and put the time into the academics of studying the guitar but also embracing the artistic aspect of playing the guitar.

[glx]

Thank you so much for your wonderful tone, the slow pace that really helps me understand what you're doing on the guitar and the insight. I am super happy I found your channel! Thank you!

[stephenowen]

Thanks Jack. These lessons are always a treasure chest of lick gems. Wishing you well!