This Is Why You Suck at Guitar: You Don't Pick SMOOTH!

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This almost RUINED by playing!!! This time, it's Uncle Ben Eller here that SUCKS AT GUITAR, not you!!!
On this very special episode of Blossom, I'm going to show you the tension-related issue that was destroying my playing, and how I fixed it! Every struggled getting a SMOOTH sound out of your alternate picked shredding, especially on the high strings? Me too. Let talk about how to beat it, and how to keep tension OUT of your playing so you can rip it like a real Shredi Knight!!!
Gear:
Gibson Slash November Burst Les Paul
Steve Vai signature Synergy module
UA OX
What topic or technique do YOU want to see covered on the next installment of This is Why You Suck at Guitar?!?! Uncle Ben is listening!!

[Kriegter]

This is probably also why everyone suddenly forgets how to play guitar when they record. Relaxing is quite important

[KmartKingz]

I remember when I sucked at xylophone back in the 70s. This was the video that changed it all for me. Nearly 80 yrs later I come back to it for inspiration

[tatsuyoshiguitar]

it’s crazy that this works so well, and my stepchildren now consider me their real dad. thanks

[brando]

It’s crazy how often the natural tendency when playing guitar is to be tense and tight, but learning that playing looser and more restrained sounds way better. It’s something that seems so counterintuitive that it really messes with your mind like “it can’t be this simple can it”?—— such a hard habit to break but I’m working on it. Thanks Uncle Ben for the primo content.

[originalgiantvintage]

BEST. TIP. EVER.
Seriously.
Everyone—don’t waste your time on any other exercise until you’ve got this one under control.
You’re welcome and thank you!!

[GuitFiddlerOntheRF]

The band .38 Special knew what they were talking about "Just hold on loosely! But don't let go! If you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control!" That rule applies on so many levels 😉

[justsomeguy]

"i picked up the guitar and i fucking sucked!"


Uncle Ben always so relatable

[joegalford]

It's refreshing to hear even great players run into bad days.

[BK-lxmo]

I often watch Yngwie live videos as a reminder to stay RELAXED. He makes it look effortless because he’s loose even during his most difficult passages. He’s also great at “economy of motion” - moving your fingers (L) and wrist (R) as little as necessary versus flailing around. Relaxed and focused motion = control.

[zacharysmithingell]

I always like to say "don't try harder, try more betterer"

Excellent video, perfect advice. Thanks Uncle Ben!

[Guitarisforgrins]

The amount of Smooth references in this kept it real and I won't forget about it.

[wx]

Im a self taught(watch yt videos) guitarist for the last 7 years and have always had issues with the strings buzzing so much after picking. Nobody ever pointed it out to me til now either. Its been only a few days and an immediate improvement in my playing. Appreciate you!🤘

[reckless-]

I figured this out about a year ago. This video is going to help a lot of shredders. Thanks uncle Ben! 👍

[WizardinBlack]

I've been watching this series for years and the videos never fail to help me improve my playing.

[sorenahlback]

Great subject and advice. I’ve also noticed I must remember to breathe when I play something challenging.
Focus while relaxing seems to work best. It’s the same if you for example want to drive a car fast.

[MatthewBreithaupt]

The way you drop all those puns in there is almost unnoticeable, you're so smooth!

[fhatsker]

I love your burst tip! I used to play “marathon” exercises all the time, but the past few years I’ve been doing bursts. I think it’s less mentally taxing too which makes it less tense. It’s become more a “Simon says” game, starting with a tiny chunk of a run, then gradually adding more and more instead of just playing a super-long passage at a snail pace. Anyway thanks for these reminders I think we all need!

[jakebriscoe]

I remember this video was the only thing that could distract me from the sound of my step father wrestling my mother back in ‘69…. Now, almost 1.3 million years later, here I am, watching it again.

[nc]

I admire your humility. If someone as good as you can share your "bad days"... days you feel useless as a guitar player... there's hope for all of us! Thx for the great content.

[ccaputa]

Ben, I hear you whisper and the words melt everyone.