Ask Larry something, in the VCB box below, with very little chance of a reply….just kiddin’ class!
965 thoughts on “Ask Uncle Larry – VCB”
we called it ” electronic quarterback” over here in toronto, and if that wasn’t enough to blow my mind you also brought up foosball!!!!I bought myself the sa,me table as you had years later and its still in my brothers basement. holy shit parallel lives (except for the playing skilz) or what!! Even though my parents couldn’t afford to buy me the quarterback i had friends who lent me theirs. I still say it helped by right thumb playing slap bass in the 80’s. I bought myself the same table ( gitone or “foosball” as we call it on this side of the pond) as you.. addicted to it.. your Bukovac brother from Toronto (mississauga actually)
Tom, you’ve talked about the Bigjam and Voodoo1 pedal in your videos.
But, I didn’t see those pedals on your session pedalboards.
Do you use the Bigjam and Voodoo1 in the studio for recording?
i have 5 or 6 different boards that i switch in and out and use for different things mate…i also like to just use whatever is laying around in any given studio i happen to be working in at the time. inspiration can come from lots of different places
I would like to thank you for all the amazing videos and lessons you have been sharing with us the last few years. I can’t explain how much you have helped me develop my guitars skills and I hope to progress it even further.
I would really like to ask you a question about technique, which I’ve been trying to improve for the last year. I have checked out all the “speed picking” videos (including the Brett Papa one) and it has helped me, but I noticed that I’m not sure that the positioning of my index finger on the pick itself (when playing either of the positions of the pick) is placed “correctly” (both the angle and the way I am holding).
I have seen a few people holding the pick with just the index’s finger tip, but some also use the large part of the side of their index finger.
I know that you’re probably sick of the speed picking questions and to be honest I feel extremely stupid about asking a pro player like you “how do you hold the pick with your index finger”, but I guess this is where I am at.
In any case I wish you the best of luck and thank you again for all the videos!
With reference to your recent validation of Epiphone guitars and their ability to stand up to their Gibson counterparts, I’m curious as to your feelings about the Squire line compared to Fender.
hey uncle larry – how’s the bachelor cookin’ going? love those vids. S&B golden curry my friend; easiest shit in the world & the youngins will go crazy for it. pairs well with a nice cold japanese beer.
Hi Tom, I remember seeing a video a little while ago where you went to a buddy’s repair shop and he showed how to buff a gloss finish neck to make it less sticky feeling using a scotch brite scouring pad. I don’t think it was a Gruhn’s field trip. I can’t seem to find that vid now, can you please send me a link if you remember the one I’m asking about? If I’m mis-remembering someone else’s video I apologize.
Your approach and guitar playing remind me of Teddy Roosevelt’s Man in the Arena. I’m sure you know the quote but on the odd chance you don’t I’ll paste it here. Thanks for all you do for us all and be well.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
If you were going to buy a Les Paul made after 1970, what era(s) would you gravitate toward, and what era(s) would you avoid? Inquiring budget-conscious minds want to know…
Tommy,
Can you please remind me of the episode # of Homeskoolin’ where you ‘guitarified’ the opening theme of Saturday cartoons that you watched with your boys? This was a few years ago – looked real hard but can’t find it. Thanks
Hey, and thanks for re-igniting my playing. I started playing around 12-13, had big dreams of becoming a rock star..eventually pretty much all I dreamed of came to life, and then i realized.. this wasn’t it. I just wanted to write and record music. Not tour year round playing the same songs over and over. Over the years since then (late 90’s) the passion has sort of come and gone, but since finding you here it all came back. And that has been a true blessing. So thanks for that.
When did you realize you’d found your creative voice in the guitar? And does it feel like a blessing or more like an obligation? Meaning, this is something you were meant to do, in sickness or in health if you know what I mean.
Thank you for your contribution to music aand your videos on YT. No matter how shitty my day was you always get me in a better mood. You are a sweet soul and I can only hope you get as much happiness from your work as I do watching and listening to you work.
Some day you should get Stephen Stills on the show and bicth slap him. Naw JK.
Love you Tom.
I was going to ask if you have a Patreon site. With your knowledge, experience and humility (from what I’ve seen so far) I would gladly pay to be part of learning your approach to playing. I see in the thread some type of paid lessons might be coming so I’ll stay tuned. I’m new to your stuff, but it resonates with me so appreciate all the effort you put towards it. Thanks. Mark
Good morning Tom, got a question about fingernails How do you avoid scraping them down to the flesh, especially on the right index finger….and by the way do you have a special treat to keep them from breaking ….may sound odd, but I´m mainly a rythm / rockabilly player and after a 4 hour gig my nail on the index(pickholder) is almost gone. How do profesional players deal with fingernail issues…? Bluegrass pickers may have the same problems….
And thank you for your inspiration….I´m gigging guy not a studio crack, but i seriously owe you a big THANX for really getting better in my playing. Take care and cheers
Dirk
You said a while back you were going to do a video on the Cooper Time Cube and how to properly set one up and use it. I don’t think that video ever happened, did it?
Also, we read our boy “Williams Winter Nap” recently and he loved it. Any other recommendations?
Vern… I am a super-noob steely dan fan. Been listening for 40 years, but got a real bump in enthusiasm from you! How ’bout some Eliot Randall notes? We spend our lives ‘Reeling’ in something, ya know? Cheers from Bugtustle…
Since about the 13th episode back in the garage I was so fortunate to have found you. I could write a soliloquy. I won’t. Sycophants and quizlings are a tad bit annoying, kinda like this preface. As far as guitarists go, you are right on top of that mountain for me, right next to Brian Carroll. I really just wanted to thank you for being so so very generous. I want to pick up my guitar after every video. Only have commented twice under the name movealongtherebuddy on Youtube. I love that you say the true things others are afraid to. One last thing. Way back in the day my favorite childhood memories are from watching my Broncos play all those wildcard games with your Browns. I hope Cleveland’s resurgence of late has brought some happiness to your downtime. The title (Everybody’s favorite uncle) is well deserved.
Tom, just watched a post from HomeSkoolin’ from 10 months ago where you gave a tour of your “pedal pantry” and CD collection. You had a box of slides and asked if anybody wanted to buy one, well I do want to buy one. Let me know how much and I’ll do the Paypal thing. Hope the L.A. Irsay gig went well, sorry about the Browns too brother. As we Red Sox fans like to say, “maybe next year”. Peace, Scott
Hey Buco; Whats your flair on using charts or using an ipad for live performances.? I still use charts but i’m considering an ipad and using the foot switch.There are two of us that use charts in the project i’m in, the rest use their ipads.I understand the advantages and disadvantages of both.Looking for some feedback.Thank you and gruhns for letting us see repairs and restorations on details of vintage instruments, great stuff.
we called it ” electronic quarterback” over here in toronto, and if that wasn’t enough to blow my mind you also brought up foosball!!!!I bought myself the sa,me table as you had years later and its still in my brothers basement. holy shit parallel lives (except for the playing skilz) or what!! Even though my parents couldn’t afford to buy me the quarterback i had friends who lent me theirs. I still say it helped by right thumb playing slap bass in the 80’s. I bought myself the same table ( gitone or “foosball” as we call it on this side of the pond) as you.. addicted to it.. your Bukovac brother from Toronto (mississauga actually)
Tom, you’ve talked about the Bigjam and Voodoo1 pedal in your videos.
But, I didn’t see those pedals on your session pedalboards.
Do you use the Bigjam and Voodoo1 in the studio for recording?
thanks
i have 5 or 6 different boards that i switch in and out and use for different things mate…i also like to just use whatever is laying around in any given studio i happen to be working in at the time. inspiration can come from lots of different places
Hey Tom!
I would like to thank you for all the amazing videos and lessons you have been sharing with us the last few years. I can’t explain how much you have helped me develop my guitars skills and I hope to progress it even further.
I would really like to ask you a question about technique, which I’ve been trying to improve for the last year. I have checked out all the “speed picking” videos (including the Brett Papa one) and it has helped me, but I noticed that I’m not sure that the positioning of my index finger on the pick itself (when playing either of the positions of the pick) is placed “correctly” (both the angle and the way I am holding).
I have seen a few people holding the pick with just the index’s finger tip, but some also use the large part of the side of their index finger.
I know that you’re probably sick of the speed picking questions and to be honest I feel extremely stupid about asking a pro player like you “how do you hold the pick with your index finger”, but I guess this is where I am at.
In any case I wish you the best of luck and thank you again for all the videos!
Best Regards from Slovenia
Hey Tom,
I was just thinking, alot of things have to be broken in before they hit their stride—baseball mitts, boat motors, tools, and so on.
Do you think the same applies to electric guitars, pickups, amps?
With reference to your recent validation of Epiphone guitars and their ability to stand up to their Gibson counterparts, I’m curious as to your feelings about the Squire line compared to Fender.
i’m only talking about my interest in pre 1965 epiphones man….i have no idea what they did after 1965
hey uncle larry – how’s the bachelor cookin’ going? love those vids. S&B golden curry my friend; easiest shit in the world & the youngins will go crazy for it. pairs well with a nice cold japanese beer.
Hi Tom, I remember seeing a video a little while ago where you went to a buddy’s repair shop and he showed how to buff a gloss finish neck to make it less sticky feeling using a scotch brite scouring pad. I don’t think it was a Gruhn’s field trip. I can’t seem to find that vid now, can you please send me a link if you remember the one I’m asking about? If I’m mis-remembering someone else’s video I apologize.
I dig you playing and your chats, all the best.
Pete V.
i have no idea my man…that was ages ago
Hey Tom,
Your approach and guitar playing remind me of Teddy Roosevelt’s Man in the Arena. I’m sure you know the quote but on the odd chance you don’t I’ll paste it here. Thanks for all you do for us all and be well.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
lovely my friend….thank you
If you were going to buy a Les Paul made after 1970, what era(s) would you gravitate toward, and what era(s) would you avoid? Inquiring budget-conscious minds want to know…
you lost me on the first 11 words of this question my man
Hah! Okay, if “one” were to buy a LP made after 1970. Is that better?
Tommy,
Can you please remind me of the episode # of Homeskoolin’ where you ‘guitarified’ the opening theme of Saturday cartoons that you watched with your boys? This was a few years ago – looked real hard but can’t find it. Thanks
Hey Buco; Possibly interested in the matchless chieftain.
sorry bro its sold
Larry, you restore my faith in humanity. Not a player but please help me out. ‘Song for Kentucky’ what’s the tuning? ?
its a tricky one….you ready?
ok…from from low to high
E A D G B E
Tom, are you now or have you ever been in Here come the Mummies? Do you know any of them?
Larry, put me out of my misery. Homeskoolin Ep 120 ‘Song for Kentucky’ Whats the tuning?
Hey, and thanks for re-igniting my playing. I started playing around 12-13, had big dreams of becoming a rock star..eventually pretty much all I dreamed of came to life, and then i realized.. this wasn’t it. I just wanted to write and record music. Not tour year round playing the same songs over and over. Over the years since then (late 90’s) the passion has sort of come and gone, but since finding you here it all came back. And that has been a true blessing. So thanks for that.
When did you realize you’d found your creative voice in the guitar? And does it feel like a blessing or more like an obligation? Meaning, this is something you were meant to do, in sickness or in health if you know what I mean.
Cheers from Sweden, Johan
Tommy,
Thank you for your contribution to music aand your videos on YT. No matter how shitty my day was you always get me in a better mood. You are a sweet soul and I can only hope you get as much happiness from your work as I do watching and listening to you work.
Some day you should get Stephen Stills on the show and bicth slap him. Naw JK.
Love you Tom.
Flesh
Hey Tom, any news on your paid-subscription lesson site, or has that idea come and gone? I’d be more than happy to ante up for such a venture.
its coming bro…stay tuned
I was going to ask if you have a Patreon site. With your knowledge, experience and humility (from what I’ve seen so far) I would gladly pay to be part of learning your approach to playing. I see in the thread some type of paid lessons might be coming so I’ll stay tuned. I’m new to your stuff, but it resonates with me so appreciate all the effort you put towards it. Thanks. Mark
Good morning Tom, got a question about fingernails How do you avoid scraping them down to the flesh, especially on the right index finger….and by the way do you have a special treat to keep them from breaking ….may sound odd, but I´m mainly a rythm / rockabilly player and after a 4 hour gig my nail on the index(pickholder) is almost gone. How do profesional players deal with fingernail issues…? Bluegrass pickers may have the same problems….
And thank you for your inspiration….I´m gigging guy not a studio crack, but i seriously owe you a big THANX for really getting better in my playing. Take care and cheers
Dirk
super glue fixes any finger problems bro
Hey Uncle Larry,
Have you seen the Circle Guitar and all the other stupid contraptions coming out lately that people have the nerve to call a “guitar”?
Curious to get your thoughts.
P.S. Enjoy this short video, where I throw my hat (The Quad Strummer) in the ring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp7S3vqVuRc
i’m still trying to get good at a regular guitar plugged into a clean amp
Hey Tom
What amp do you have under your desk please? And when is the new pedalboard reveal? I’ve been saving
I’ve been using that new marshall they so kindly sent me mostly…the pedalboard is just the same old shit i have always used
Thanks Uncle Larry for all the love and knowledge you bring to all us friends, so thank you bro!
Question, what is your favorite neck profile on electrics, and what are your favorite profiles on acoustics?
Hey Tom,
You said a while back you were going to do a video on the Cooper Time Cube and how to properly set one up and use it. I don’t think that video ever happened, did it?
Also, we read our boy “Williams Winter Nap” recently and he loved it. Any other recommendations?
we did an extensive cooper time cube video on the “inside blackbird” series
best kid’s books ever
“Missing Piece” by Shel Silverstein
“Where The Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein
“Mike Mulligan And His Steam Shovel” by Virginia Burton
get them all
Ahh thanks on all accounts pal. Be well.
Vern… I am a super-noob steely dan fan. Been listening for 40 years, but got a real bump in enthusiasm from you! How ’bout some Eliot Randall notes? We spend our lives ‘Reeling’ in something, ya know? Cheers from Bugtustle…
Since about the 13th episode back in the garage I was so fortunate to have found you. I could write a soliloquy. I won’t. Sycophants and quizlings are a tad bit annoying, kinda like this preface. As far as guitarists go, you are right on top of that mountain for me, right next to Brian Carroll. I really just wanted to thank you for being so so very generous. I want to pick up my guitar after every video. Only have commented twice under the name movealongtherebuddy on Youtube. I love that you say the true things others are afraid to. One last thing. Way back in the day my favorite childhood memories are from watching my Broncos play all those wildcard games with your Browns. I hope Cleveland’s resurgence of late has brought some happiness to your downtime. The title (Everybody’s favorite uncle) is well deserved.
Sincerely Rodney in Texas
thank you bro
Tom, just watched a post from HomeSkoolin’ from 10 months ago where you gave a tour of your “pedal pantry” and CD collection. You had a box of slides and asked if anybody wanted to buy one, well I do want to buy one. Let me know how much and I’ll do the Paypal thing. Hope the L.A. Irsay gig went well, sorry about the Browns too brother. As we Red Sox fans like to say, “maybe next year”. Peace, Scott
they are all gone bro sorry
Is Uncle Larry in there?
You sounded great doing vocals on Comfortably Numb awesome show!
thank you bro
Hey Buco; Whats your flair on using charts or using an ipad for live performances.? I still use charts but i’m considering an ipad and using the foot switch.There are two of us that use charts in the project i’m in, the rest use their ipads.I understand the advantages and disadvantages of both.Looking for some feedback.Thank you and gruhns for letting us see repairs and restorations on details of vintage instruments, great stuff.
i still use an old school hand written chart book with laminated pages
Why are the pages laminated ? In case you wanna rub one out between takes ?