What Makes a Virtuoso?

What Makes a Virtuoso?

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10 comments

I think that what we just listened to was a long Litany of tortured Souls that feel compelled to express their torture through their genius.
As a guitar player the most important thing I’ve learned from you so far and players in general is employing air in my playing.
Music is a conveyance of emotions..
The lyric; a conveyor of imagery.
I’m still learning.
Thank you for your help.

Ronald Oberbeck

Spot on comment about George Benson ! I so agree. I would rather hear that than shredding. Any info on the Dixe Dreggs?

Bryan Hemedinger

Rick you are a GREAT window into what music was and is . Really enjoy your insight, as far as virtuosity I grew up in the time of Shredding (80s) and I HATED it. The session great players like Tommy Tedesco new how to say SO much with a seemingly simple little phrase that just would make the song. That’s the secret ingredient. Just a pinch at the right moment can really elevate a song. But I know you already know that.
Great stuff thanks for sharing !!

Brian B

Rick you are a GREAT window into what music was and is . Really enjoy your insight, as far as virtuosity I grew up in the time of Shredding (80s) and I HATED it. The session great players like Tommy Tedesco new how to say SO much with a seemingly simple little phrase that just would make the song. That’s the secret ingredient. Just a pinch at the right moment can really elevate a song. But I know you already know that.
Great stuff thanks for sharing !!

Brian B

Hey rick. My name is sanad. I’m sorry to bother you. I have a concern I believe you are more than capable of not only answering, but guiding me in the right path. I am a “self taught” piano player(internet of course)
I’m not half bad. I’ve been playing for 10 years and I’m confident I’ll obtain an enormous musical prowess before I pass.

But that is not what I’ve aimed to achieve musically. I’ve always looked at music as self expression. A way to find myself internally and express it. And also as a method of communication with other. When I envision this type of communication. I’d imagine myself being able to answer musical questions asked by other mysicaions( through their instruments ofcrouse). Essentially, if they lay down melody and harmony. I should be able to pick up on what’s happening and respond. Or perhaps a woman is singing an accapella and I would like to harmonize her melody and comp her. I know this involves an amazing phenomenon which I am not blessed with. I don’t have bad ears, I can pick up a melody after a few clicks on the keyboard and figure out what’s happening pretty quickly. But is there truly a way for me to unlock the ability to just instinctually play and not only in a solo setting, but a call and response type setting. I know relative pitch can go a long way. But how far can I truly train my ears. I watch videos of your son breaking down complex poly triad chords and all these altered upper structure chords. And I’m blown away. I would like to achieve a fairly similar ability although it may not be “perfect pitch”. Perhaps there is a method where I could hit two notes and find my way? I don’t knkw. But I am more than willing to put in the long hours as I have been.

Thank you for guiding us with your brilliance. I’ve watched just about every video you’ve made and I’ve become a better musician and human because of them. Once again, thank you. You inspire me to give my friends free music lessons and pass along the energy. I wish you and your family the best of lives.

Sanad Rihani

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