How To Master ANY Instrument You Want (Beginner to PRO) 

Which step are you on? 👇🏻

I consider this guy to be a master player, but I like it even more that he seems like the most down to earth guy ever. There's always something to work on, but it takes a well brought up dude to be this humble. This just proves my point once again that not all master musicians have to be divas. I REALY don't like diva singers and musician

This has always been my philosophy...at 25, I couldn’t play a triangle...I’m 34 and now I play the piano, guitar, bass, harmonica.....and the triangle 😎

I'm a surgeon, and this is exactly like my job. Keep studying the basics, read theory, work with new colleagues, find new teachers, watch other surgeons. It applies to life itself!! Inspiring words Charles! Greets from Portugal!

There might be youtubers with more followers, memes or buzz, but none of them have this kind of dialogue with their audience. Simple and rich content, a true master revealing his own secrets with no arrogance or pointless showing off. I salute you, Charles!

2019: Charles the bassist 2020: Charles the Tapper 2021: Charles the teacher

The smartest music instructor I've ever met once told me, 100 repetitions done wrong only makes you really good at being wrong. Being better, at music, comes from 100 corrections done right. Take the time to listen to your critics, they're probably on to something. To be great requires stowing your ego and asking for help.

You know what Charles? This is exactly what I needed. I have been trying to learn instruments for years, and have never gotten past that basic intermediate stage. I've chosen to do guitar now, and this video is going to stay in its own dedicated playlist on my account forever. I cannot thank you enough for this, and I don't think I can tell you how much this means to me and how much I needed it either. I've almost been brought to tears by this, as I have been searching for a guide that isnt laced with a "give me your money first, then we'll speak" scheme. I plan on following and learning from your wisdom on my musical journey. Thank you, Mr. Berthoud. I truly appreciate it.

Finally, I understand that you were speaking about life itself or any profession.... This is the hidden secret/sarcasm/satire !! . I'm architect and it's the same on every step of the profession, from beginner to pro.... And I see the same pattern on life... I really enjoy your music and videos....please continue like this.

Charles just showed how he isn't just talent he's such a hard worker and enthusiast, your videos are inspiring for many thank you Charles 🙏

I kept waiting for the joke, but all I heard was sincere, and well earned advice that I wish I heard 40 years ago. Well done Charles.

Explaining like this is beautiful. You are not afraid to show how you got so good. That shows how great you are, not hiding techniques but explaining the quality behind them

Im trying to teach myself an instrument that nobody I know has even heard of this guide is the most helpful I’ve seen for learning it

As a bass teacher, I can only say: well said, this is some brilliant advice. Top-notch ! 👍

Big +1 to *economy of motion* -- I don't think this is taught enough. I learned the hard way after developing severe tendonitis. Figured out that I needed to relax my hands and adjust my position. When I started teaching, I gave students an exercise where they'd start off pressing the string so lightly that it didn't produce a note, then they'd gradually increase the pressure till the note was produced. This way, they could feel how much pressure was necessary to produce a note, and any additional pressure was just wasted energy and extra strain.

I started playing Bass almost a week ago now. I would honestly say that I combine steps 1, 2 (backing tracks), and 3/4 everyday. I personally dont feel like it’s a lot to do! I practice scales and technique for about an hour, and then practice songs that I love WITH A METRONOME. I start with 90bpm until I get the technique down with no buzzing. I didn’t see any mention of metronome in the video but it’s vital to keeping up with the rhythm of the song. Do this with your scales as well! Some people may not be able to play in bands because covid, but most popular songs have someone playing drums on the internet that you can play along to and backing tracks as well. I will admit that sometimes I pick songs that are a bit more advance lmao, but don’t let that stop you! Break it down into the simplest components. We will definitely get there with practice! I’ve seen SO much improvement already!

Really inspiring video! I was also lucky to find a band in the same year I got my first bass and I do believe it helped me grow a lot as a musician! Also, can't wait to finally get your tapping book!

Charles: I have yet to attain complete bass mastery Literally everyone: surprised pikachu face

As a drummer, I always thaught I would never need to learn tonal music theory. But I have started to play the guitar as well and now I seek to seize every help I can get on my journey to learn it. This video definitely helps. Thanks, Charles. Keep being amazing.

Brother Dave as a fellow musician I can understand that taking smaller chunks is the best way to study, so that you can become proficient. I am a guitar player that has cerebral palsy from birth effecting my entire left side of body. Because of this, most people thought I was out of my mind when I said I was going to start a rock band LEMON 🍋 PARK. Many laughed in my face. We played all over Southern Indiana and Ohio too. I have 7 CDs of my own music recorded since 2001. I started when I was 16 yrs old and now I'm 60.Its funny how time flys when you are having a good time. 🎸

You’re a treasure Charles 🙏 even after 14 years of playing, I still learn a lot from you!

I am a digital artist, and this applies to art, as well. Efficiency is so important, breaking up tasks, learning theory - pretty much in the same order as you described.

I’m 60 years old and just starting playing a musical instrument (Bass). Of all the RU-vid videos I’ve watched (and I’ve seen and subscribed to plenty),..this was the best “how to” video ever!!! Your break down really made sense. I decided to learn how to play for church. We only have a guitar player,..so I decided to step up and learn something to help out. I really am hooked and hope to learn the piano as well someday but I guess,.one step at a time.

So humble and down-to-earth of you man! Easily a virtuoso of Bass you are! Hope a great and better new years to everyone!

Hey Charles! Just so you know: you're absolutely my favorite musician on youtube in 2020! Thank you so much for all you videos❤️❤️

10 minutes to say, a lifetime to master. Ive been playing guitar and bass off and on for almost 20 years, but because Ive never actually stuck with it for more than a few months at a time, I still consider myself a beginner.

Just watched the intro, but I’m so glad this is the first video that popped up when I searched, bc bass is what I want to play and you’ve been playing bass for 15 years and I’m so excited to hear what u have to say. I’m a beginner at playing music, I only played trumpet in 5th grade and played a little bit of violin for a couple months in high school, so I’m not what one would call musically inclined. But I really REALLY want to learn bass, it feels so fun to learn the easy little songs I have in my Spotify and I think if I practice EVERY day I can get at least decent at playing. It’s so fun to be able to entertain yourself with your own favorite songs, that’s what I’ve been having fun with, but I still sound like crap 😅 but it’s still so fun.

Some great advice - I get fed up with people who see great musicians, great athletes, singers etc. saying wow they have such natural talent - Well the more you practice with purpose the more talented you get - So glad you mentioned the many hours, weeks, months and year it took you to get where you are. Thank you.

I work as a full time computer programmer, and it took me about 10 years (about 20, 000 hours) to become a Step 7 senior professional to architect, lead teams, and keep refining my craft.. I'm also a pretty good amateur boxer as a passion and it took me about 12 years (about 9,000 hours) to get to the equivalent of Step 4/Step 5. As a guitar player, it took me about 4 years (about 1,000 hours) to get to Step 2 and Step 3, but at least I kind of can play Paganini Caprice 24 (inspired by charles). Holy moly....learning is hard work...the road forward seems so long and daunting...how do I master everything?

Back in November, I decided I wanted to learn alto sax as a second instrument so I could join my schools jazz band. Now, in June, I can do improv, and play pieces I would've never imagined playing in a million years!

36 years playing bass. I'm one of those unfortunate bastards who was blessed with aptitude, but has somewhat squandered my gift with laziness. Spent a couple years getting as fast as I possibly could, and then pretty much did not play outside of band rehearsals once I joined a band. Getting better about it, finally started learning theory about 10 years ago and actually work on stuff at home now. This dude's level of dedication is amazing and the results speak for themselves. Kinda cool to see what happens when someone picks up a bass instead of a bong for 15 years. Well done man.

Bruh you don't understand how much i appreciate this. I know i really needed to hear this months ago and hopefully it helps everyone as much

Not into learning music, but youtube homepage spammed me this video so much that in the end I watched it to support the channel and I'm leaving a comment to support even more

I'm glad we have musicians like you in the world. Thanks for being awesome Charles. Have a great New Year too !!

Dude this is probably the single best learning pathway video ever created. Thank you so much for putting this together and drawing from your own personal experience for us

The points about economy of motion, practicicing etudes and also not being afraid to copy are really really important. Establishing good technique and learning from good examples are the best gifts a player can give themselves. Thanks for sharing your insights Charles. Love your work!

This is highly motivating and inspiring, not to mention informative. Great video Charles, thanks!

I like that you make it clear it's about practice and not short-cuts. As Strongman Brian Shaw says "do the work!"

I have watched a number of your videos over the last couple-few days, because I am about to start learning bass. This video is by far your best of those I have seen. It's well-thought out, clear, and heartfelt. You have a gift for clear organization & presentation of ideas, and I'd love to see you make more instructional videos. I realize that they might not get as many views as the ones in a more click-baity style, but I think that they'd have a much more lasting personal impact for many people who'd watch them.

I've been playing bass for a year and hit a plateau recently and this is just what I needed to push through. Thank you Charles for being such an inspiration for so many aspiring bassists like myself.

I've been playing music for just over 50 years. I'm at the frustrating "Step 8." I'll explain. I started on drums and trumpet before grade school. Added guitar, bass, and keyboards by the end of grade school. Played any instrument I could in every possible school band. Took lessons from Richard Paul [drums] and Dr. Irwin Mueller from junior high up through college. They were my college professors. I played The Creston, 2nd Movement, for my marimba recital. Build up great ear skills, as well as the ability to read and write music. I continued studies, learning from anyone I could. Most recently spent a year on guitar with Zoot Horn Rollo. Also spent 33 years in Los Angeles, as a struggling musician. Got hired quite a bit, but was never "famous." Got to write, record, and perform with some amazing musicians. Played a great number of improv "open jams" on drums and fretless bass. So, what IS step 8? It's the hard admission that, for all of my work, study, and practice, I still cannot "shred." For the life of me, I can't figure out why. It's the ever-elusive "widdily-woo."

Honestly, I never learned so much about music in 10 minutes in my whole life! Thanks for your talent Charles! This is superb Christmas gift for ALL musicians, and a video I'll watch and re-watch (and share of course) thousands of time! Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!

Thankyou Charles! I'm a nobe to bass. It is intimidating watching the great bassists online. Great to see a path to focus on :)

Step 8: challenge other RU-vid musicians to a bass battle!

This was so beautifully informative, wicked big help for anyone stuck on what to do next like me 😂, what a great video thanks Charles!

Of all the years of youtube professional tips/help this was the best one thus far !!immense knowledge and wisdom

Wow. One of the things I am grateful for 2020, is finding you and your channel. You’re ao humble and down to earth. You are one of the few mucisians I truly respect and look up to.

This could not have come at a better time! I have been recently trying to decide where to go from here.

Aplausos, Aplausos, Aplausos!.....Este ha sido uno de los mejores videos que he visto sobre aprendizaje musical, creo que me callo como anillo al dedo porque eres una gran inspiracion para mi, Charles. Saludos desde Republica Dominicana!

It's been a couple months since I watched this, but your epic point in economy of movement is something that's slipped me by for the last nearly 2 decades of playing and I've had my first real improvement with a stringed instrument in over a decade, thanks mate! I can't believe I was so wrong for so long!

Thoughtful and well-laid out video. Thanks Charles. As an old time musician who has let his skills get rusty over the years, this video inspires me to get back on track.

One of my biggest regrets was not going to Berkeley. I got accepted but everyone around me told me that music was not a good idea that I should join the military and I listened and I wish with every fiber of my being I had not

I clicked on the video expecting satire. I had no idea how helpful it actually would be.

Thanks Charles! This helped me sooo much in organizing my journey towards mastery of the triangle!

I think this is one of the best videos ever made not only to teach how to play an instrument, but also to motivate someone who never played (or stopped doing it). Please keep doing this kind of vids! Greetings from Argentina!

A magician sharing his secrets.

Well doing the Step 1 while liking Polyphia is really hard, i guess im going 0-3-5 anyway

Charles, you are a true gem in sea of online content! You inspire me, and I am sure many others, to become a more improved and passionate musician! Thanks for your humble insights and captivating videos!

Thank you, this is super useful and really did simplify the process. I can see which stage I am at and what I can do next. This is a fairly underrated and very well made video!

Few years ago me watching Davie on YT : Damn he's really good at bass Few years ago me, when Davie introduce us to Charles : OK wtf ? I'm gonna throw my guitar away and buy some BASS Thank you Charles for all your inspired music and your humility, you're one of the best musician I've the chance to listen to, but you stay humble and give us musicians courage and inspiration to keep playing and maybe someday realize our dreams. Keep your hard work and your sympathy, your fans love you mate

This is a great video, Charles. But never forget the most important part. Step 1 : Have Fun.

An awesome end of year video Charles! Feels like you're giving back. Cheers man 👍👏

I love this guide. Charles does a fantastic job of making killer music and encouraging others to do the same. It’s not daunting, it’s encouraging. It’s a fantastic vibe and I wish him all the best!

You're the man, Charles.

Ah yes the passing of knowledge... I am very honored and thankful to have received this important information! Thank you!

You have no idea how grateful I am for this video, I've been looking for something like this for so long. Because I live in the rural part of a third world country there isn't any music teachers and I didn't know what to start with by myself. I just ordered my first bass the other day and I'm going to apply this method to slowly start making the music I want to. Thanks a lot!

This was super informative! Def need more!! Happy new year Charles

Every time Charles mentions the hours of practice he gets this crazy look in his eyes. He’s not kidding! Look at the results though.

I'm at step 0 - basically, I have my bass sitting somewhere at a friend's house Upd: Full on step 1-2 my dudes.

I wish there was someone to tell me this when I was starting out. Thank you for the thoughtful, honest and smart advice on behalf of those beginning artists who might benefit from this :).

You are a genuinely nice guy, that is one of the reasons why I follow your channel besides your skills.

Planning 2021: January: Play songs with tabs February: Join in a band March: Learn basic music theory April: Technical exercises May: Ear training June: Composing July: Improv August: Holidays September: Start again from the beginning because probably I will forget everything. October: Imitate great composers. November: Create my own Style. December: Open my own YT Channel.

I think I’ve been too focused on technique, and that’s why even after playing guitar for almost 10 years I only feel like a guitarist, and not a musician. I’ve been falling into the trap of chasing “the sound” of my favourite musicians too far. Instead of expanding and learning more diverse music, I focused too much on trying to reproduce the sounds of others, forgetting the fact that no two musicians can play/sound exactly the same. So for me personally, I believe ear training is what I should be focusing on for the next while. At the end of the day, music is a language. If I never “communicate” with it, and I just read from a book all day, I’m never gonna truly learn this language. I’ve seen and heard of a lot of musicians who sound amazing but can’t play anything without sheet music. Not that it’s wrong, but it’s not where I wanna end up. I believe the most efficient and natural way to learn a new language is by listening and trying to imitate proficient speakers; like how babies learn. Learning and sticking by the book will just make you sound inauthentic. I’m sure anyone who has ever tried to learn a new language can relate. The things most teachers start with simply doesn’t make sense in real life. When was the last time you’ve heard someone say “hi, my name is x”? Or “this is a desk. That is a pencil.”People rarely speak that way, and yet it’s usually the first thing people learn when approaching a new language. Language changes over time, what was considered wrong 500 years ago might be normal now. Music is the same. If a musical idea makes sense to you, and you like it, no one can tell you you’re wrong. Anyways, I’m saying this because I feel like I had false values branded into my brain, and that’s probably the biggest reason why I got stuck in a rabbit hole. You can’t grade music, there is no right or wrong. Just like you can’t grade a painting. I wanted to chase after a “higher mark” because that’s what our entire education system advertises. I will never get full marks as long as there’s more than one person alive, people will always disagree; so why chase after it? Just like you mentioned in the video, we have to eventually develop our own sound. Chasing/copying others is fine to a certain extent, but after that, it’s just an endless pit. Imo, someone with horrible technique, but is 100% authentic, will always sound better than someone who has perfect technique but lacks soul. To my ears, some people just sound “too clean”. It’s almost like listening to midi straight up. All of my favourite musicians have their own unique flaws, and they all contribute to building their own unique and authentic sound. Just to clarify, I’m not saying practicing technique is pointless, it’s just not as important as authenticity. Techniques are icing on the cake, but if your cake itself tastes horrible, so will everything on it. You don’t wanna serve a cake with absolutely no icing either right?...

I am a bass player of 10 plus years. I have recently lost inspiration due to the people I played with, and life. This dude has helped me find my inspiration in playing again. Thanks!

One of the best and helpful videos I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much.

Im in the step 1 im learning cool songs and try to play and have fun a lot and forget my problems. My mom gift me a bass because my friend committed suicide .. two days later I got appendicitis and my cat die too and he was my company in the duel and recovery. So i start mmm like in november. Is sad but I want to play so loud so that they hear me so i have to practice and be best every day. I speak spanish if i have bad lenguage Thanks for everything Charles

As a beginner: thank you 🙏

I absolutely loved this video and am going to share it to the folks I know who are starting their musical journey. Thanks very much Charles, this was fantastic.

I think I've made it to step 7, based simply on the fact that I've hit every previous single step a significant number of times in my musical journey, but there wasn't one that I feel like I've nailed perfectly. It's also nice to know that there will not be an end to music for any of us. Thank you so much for this!

Charles: “ . . . Music the-“ Ad: *”Allow me to introduce myself”*

*Step 2* Me, absolutely unsocial person, who has big troubles with making new friends and does not know any musicians: 🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿

This is the best Christmas present I could have received this year, thank you. Even though it seems simplistic, I really wish someone would have laid out these steps when I started my musical journey so long ago. I actually majored in Music in college, with a focus on theory and composition, and haven't done much with it since. Now, I am 42 years old, married, kid, job, etc... and all I want is to have the time to really focus on music again and take it to the next level. I am pretty good at a lot of instruments but I spent a lot of time when I was younger (and had the time) just messing around and not really focusing my practicing on anything other than learning songs. It's amazing that in my 30 years of music background some of your steps I have spent very little time on. It's time for me to go back and revisit these steps again and catch up on what I was missing. So thank you again for posting this.

Brooooo you make me excited to practice and get better! You yourself keep getting better and better!

I’m currently on step 3. I’m still trying to finesse the pentatonic scale and In process of learning my major scales

Charles Berthoud: [Gives a comprehensive, actionable series of steps to become an excellent musician] Me at 5:33: Aha, so the REAL secret is to tie a blue ribbon around your left wrist. To the craft store!

This was probably the most useful advice I have seen. Thx man!! Just beginning

Hey Charles! I have to admit, you are my favourite bassist on RU-vid. You are my role model as a bassist. The first time I watched a video of your, I thought you are a hard worker. I am at step 1, a year ago when I was a 9th grader, I joined my school band, at that point I forgot everything about music that I learned when I was 6 years old. You are doing a great job, keep up the hard work.

I want to see Charles play a rudra veena.

Nobody: Not even Davie504: Adam Neely: **WaNtS tO kNoW yOuR lOcAtIoN**

This video and you as a person are going to be my new motivation if i ever feel like i wont make it to the next level. Nice work and nice content man.

Thanks for taking the time to post this....great lesson! Planning to share with others!!

4:52 that's stranger things lmao

Casually just rips out Coltrane's Giant step solo on bass then moves on lol...

Great video Charles. Thanks for the insights. Love your work

This is inspiring! I'm somewhere between step 3 and 4 and this is the kind of encouragement I need

"How to master any instrument you want?" well just like you'd master any other sound i.e. with EQ, compression, saturation, delays, reverbs, stereo wideners etc.

Ling Ling only needs 40hrs to master ANY instrument. BTW nice video BTW

This was a really helpful breakdown of the process....while I haven't truly mastered any of them, I've taught myself several instruments and enjoy the heck out of each. What I find most interesting about this video is, it zooms out on the learning process to show a bigger picture...with a little generalization, you could apply this process to not just musical instruments but any subject, for example, breaking something down into sub-skills and sets of exercises to learn each...that's gold.

I definitely want to see more videos like this. I love how down to earth and realistic it was. It helps to show how much work realistically goes behind the skill. For my own progression I am somewhere between 4 and 6 because those all contains elements I am focusing on currently.

Step 8. Challenge Davie504 to a 🅱️🅰️SS battle.