Things Pro Musicians Do (that you probably don't)

Protecting your joy is great advice for life in general.

"The gear is the transportation, but the sound is the destination". Drop the mic on that one!!!

Things Pro Guitarists Do (that you probably don't): get paid

I have 40+ years as a studio and live audio engineer. Every one of these tips applies there too. Including, and especially, warming up. Even if you can only get to the studio 15 minutes before everyone else - listen to the session that's going on. If you can, listen to a few minutes of reference. Walk around the live room and listen to yourself breath or play your favorite mix in the arena. Know the space. And most importantly, be yourself, have fun, and capture the beauty that is taking place right in front of your very ears.

7:21 Poisioning the Well : this is applcable in everything, everywhere

I mean come on, the life lessons that Tim provides is priceless. What a genuinely awesome person he is - "Protect your Joy" and "The Gear is the Transportation, but the sound is the Destination". Just genius. Well done on this episode Rhett. Keep up the great work!!

“It’s not about me.” Thank you. The two of you provide the most down to earth perspective in your videos. I’ve played guitar for 30+ years and still encounter musicians who think a gig is about them. It’s as if they aren’t there to deliver the music, the music is there to “deliver them” to the stage.

I'd add another. BE ON TIME. To the gig....session....rehearsal. don't make others wait for you. Solid video gents!

I don’t normally comment but as a pro musician of 40 years, that was GOLD! Such an enjoyable, entertaining and educational video. Thank you from Oz

Fantastic. Thank you Rhett. You and Tim Pierce make a great team. He treats you like an equal so there’s your lesson.

1. “It’s not about you.” You just made the rhythm section cheer.

I remember an interview with a producer/sound engineer about expensive gear. After saving for years, he finally bought a Neumann U47 microphone. Adding this mic to his arsenal was a very proud moment for him. When his next artist came in, of course, he suggested to use the U47 for vocals but after trying it, the artist wasn't sure about this and asked if he had other mics. He reluctantly picked up a few mics and after trying all of them, the artist liked an SM7B the best. At first, he was disappointed and was convinced that the artist made the wrong choice but after some time, he realised that the sm7b complimented his voice the best indeed. Sure, the U47 is a great microphone but every voice is different and sometimes, an affordable microphone will get the best result with a specific voice.

Tone is in the fingers, gear is a vehicle, always salt the water before adding the pasta... All good advice Tim

All great advice! Maybe I missed it in the video, but one thing my group always does, especially for gigs with 15 minute intervals for setup and tear down, is we structure how we pack our equipment as well as design plans on how to setup each portion of gear on stage. This is for being as efficient as possible with the limited time. We even practice these things behind the scenes to get the muscle memory in check; in the event that pre show jitters create tunnel vision.

Wow, what a goldmine. I love how Tim de-mystifies the recording world in a way that humanizes it, rather than degrades it.

It is always a treat when I get to see you and Tim hanging out, it just comes off as so natural, relaxed, and there is always sone great info and stories.

Trevor Horn has had an AMAZING career. He was lead vocalist for YES, for the album "Drama." He then was in THE BUGGLES with Geoff Downes. Their hit "Video Killed the Radio Star" was the very 1st music video EVER played on MTV. He then produced YES's best-selling album, 90125! 😎

Love Tim's Heritage. Made in Kalamazoo baby. I have owned two H-575's (think ES-175) and I currently own an H-555 (ES-335). When shopping for the 555, I played a half-dozen ES-335's but I bought the Heritage. I also own (and play regularly) a mid-60's 335 that I bought on July 3, 1976 (you never forget your first Gibson). They're still making great guitars in Kalamazoo.

That little lick Tim is playing that you used in the transitions... So so tasteful. Love that.

Great advice guys. One of the most gratifying things in my time as a guitar player was to be asked back to play in the pit for musicals. Why did I get asked back? Because I got along with all the musicians there. I took instruction and laid back in the mix. We were there to make the singers sound good. I find you want to be in the mix that no one knows you're there but you'd be missed if you were not "in the mix". Listen as much or more than you play.