SO YOU WANNA BE A PRO MUSICIAN? #2 - JUST SHOW UP!

Pete Thorn (guitarist with Melissa Etheridge, Chris Cornell, Don Henley, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, Jewel) offers tips and pointers for aspiring pro musicians. PLEASE SHARE! Hit the thumbs up if you like the vid. Thanks!

Check out "The Groomed Noodler", new single by Pete Thorn here:
Check out Pete Thorn's "Guitar Nerd" CD here:

[PeteThorn]

Thanks for watching y'all! Please share if you like the vids!

[jfrockon]

Great video Pete.... I got a lil story for you. I have been out of music for 15+ years. From the late 70s to the late 90s, I played tons, toured, recorded in some known places. By the time I reached 42 yrs old, I had just finished an original project that had some big $$ behind it.. No deal, so I was done with music at that point. Life, some college and move ahead to 2016.... I moved from Sacramento (no gigs there) to Charlotte (lots going on there). I figured at 59 I would give it one last hurrah! Rock band here I come. Going out and meeting so many musicians is such a chore, but a weird thing happened, I had recently got a nice digital camera.... So I figured I would start taking photos of the bands I went out to see. I had no idea what that would do for the process. EVERYONE wanted to know who I was taking the photos, and once I put them on social media. It's like they all wanted to be my buddy. Most didn't know I was looking for an established band or players, let alone a musician. Connections made happened faster than at any time in my life. I am now in a Brit hard rock tribute... a popular one playing the better rooms. The moral to the story.... YES! Just show up, but, you never know what mechanism will put you in a good music situation. My trusty camera did more for me, than showing up at jams or clubs without it. That's all. Love hearing you give advice and tell your story man. Rock On!

[Jason-cmuh]

One thing I've learned lately: All bands are like a cover band, unless there you're songs. You are always learning someone else's material. Start learning the skill of learning immediately! The sooner the better.

[kennethhacker]

I'm told networking is key to success and having great chops...great upload pete

Sharing your personal experiences is not only an encouragement for the music community but for us everyday folks! A real treat to listen to you. You're a good man. Blessings!

[martymay]

Oh Pete.... you are so on the target! Get out there and absorb for better or worse...

[RubyD]

This series should be called "So you wanna be a decent human being?" lol. So many important lessons in the first 2 videos alone. You're knowledgeable, a top bloke, and a great player. Really appreciate your content, nice work mate!

[rwblackwell]

Just show up and... HOLY SHIT BRO! If anyone deserves the right to drop names it's you Mr. Thorn. Wow that's a cool, lengthy list! It's easy to tell you are proud of your journey in the biz and you should be!
 By the way, I once, or twice (or a thousand times) heard my fellow Canadian musicians during the early '90s say that we Cannucks couldn't make it to the same level as American ones because of where we lived, but they were wrong. We all live on the same planet so being a native to Canada or New Zealand makes no difference. Thanks for making these videos because we get to hear about your early career. Cheers!

[nlcmoto]

Damn! Nick Nolan’s instructional video got me started into learning the elec guitar! Nostalgia..

[dargusto]

Great video Pete. Had no idea Brian Hughes was your instructor. I recall seeing him play at Beans and Barley on 81Ave. in Old Strath, a great jazz player. And Click? Amazing band, Randy Black was a great drummer, Keith on vocals. Saw them at the Londonderry many times in the 80’s. The Rex, CI South, The Beverly Crest, People’s Pub. A great era for live music in Edmonton. So glad to see you take a great leap, stick to your guns and find success in LA.

[bryanclarke]

Are yes! The art of performance. Massive part of playing live.

[adamcone]

I had no idea you were so connected. Your career is amazing Pete. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I want to play guitar live so badly but have spine pain and it keeps me from taking that step forward to try and meet musicians to jam with. I really would love to play guitar as my career. Don't need to get rich, I just want to be able to support myself comfortably and enjoy my music. Your video made me smile. I appreciate you Pete, thanks again!

[Theweeze]

These videos are priceless! Having played music as a kid and now having a career in the trades, I’m looking forward to getting back to music. I just love hearing these stories!

[fretwireonfire]

Thank you! I came up on the old 80s shred stuff and the Seattle scene and these videos are a a breath of fresh air...making me remember why I picked it back up. Keep doing what you do brother.

[ewfunnell]

Good life lesson we can all use in whichever path we pursue. I like to say...you miss ever ball you don't swing at. Till next time Pete....and thanks for showing up!

[MusicTherapyLaz]

Looking forward to this new series of videos Pete! Thanks for all the time you put into making us better at this!

[Turtavius]

You're a cool guy, thanks for the experience and advice! You have a story and its wisdom for those who havent had those experiences yet.

[martinaddison]

You are right Pete, having a tone is a given, but MORE THAN 99% will ever know or care what amp, pedals, guitar model, or pickups we have.

[G___k_Personal]

Thanks a ton Pete. This stuff is so invaluable to people trying to get into the game.

[chrisact]

You're an inspiration, Pete. So positive. Thanks for sharing your story.