So, there are quite a few "Prince Guitar Lessons" on YouTube. Well, there aren't now, because he keeps having them taken down.

While I for the most part disagree with his views on the internet/YouTube. What has he got to loose from someone trying to help/teach others how to play his songs themselves?

I've stumbled onto a couple of indie artists on YouTube who give short lessons on how to play their songs. It got me to wondering if I could ever imagine Prince doing something like that?

He has in the past talked (vaguely) about being approached with offers of a TV Channel. Presumably online, I can't imagine Sky giving up channel 319 to NPGTV. So assuming he wasn't grossly overstating what was offered/discussed the topic of content must have come up.

The other thing that got me wondering was how great everyone says he is in the studio. Regarding being patient and supportive with people (mainly females I think - but still).

What do people think? Not necessarily on YouTube. Maybe if at some point in the future he decided to launch another website? Could we see a page given over to Prince giving tips and advice to fans who want to learn how to play his songs?... or to broaden things - a page of fan cover versions?

Noodled24 said:

So, there are quite a few "Prince Guitar Lessons" on YouTube. Well, there aren't now, because he keeps having them taken down.

While I for the most part disagree with his views on the internet/YouTube. What has he got to loose from someone trying to help/teach others how to play his songs themselves?

I've stumbled onto a couple of indie artists on YouTube who give short lessons on how to play their songs. It got me to wondering if I could ever imagine Prince doing something like that?

He has in the past talked (vaguely) about being approached with offers of a TV Channel. Presumably online, I can't imagine Sky giving up channel 319 to NPGTV. So assuming he wasn't grossly overstating what was offered/discussed the topic of content must have come up.

The other thing that got me wondering was how great everyone says he is in the studio. Regarding being patient and supportive with people (mainly females I think - but still).

What do people think? Not necessarily on YouTube. Maybe if at some point in the future he decided to launch another website? Could we see a page given over to Prince giving tips and advice to fans who want to learn how to play his songs?... or to broaden things - a page of fan cover versions?

I don't know how I'd react to that. I mean it would definitely be interesting to have him open up and do tutorial videos for other people so they can play his songs. When I read this threads title, I wasn't thinking of online lessons. I was kinda thinking of like him in a building giving one on one lessons. Then I had a pretty funny idea of how that would go.

Student: Mr. Prince sir, I wanna learn to play the solo to Purple Rain!

Prince: ... Uh this solo? *does a bit of the solo*

Student: Yeah that one!

Prince: Then go play it. *points to the Students guitar*

Student: But... I don't know how...

Prince: That's the idea.

Student: *struggles to play a simple note progression*

Prince: *Christopher Tracy voice* Oh lawd, get out. *Opens the door*

Levi Seacer and Kirky J then makes some snobbish comment about the student playing too much Sega and not being able to make a simple chord... Oh man, I've been watching too many Prince interviews again...

^ LOL, I could see Prince being a teacher though, I don't know why I just can. I think he'd be one of those teachers who would go off topic and as interested as the class may have been in the subject it'll get to the point where they just can't follow anymore and everyone is just looking at each other like

"What in the funk is he talking bout again?!"

Anyway, If he gave music lessons, I'd take them or watch the videos and what have you. ^_^

I think $100,000 an hour would be more than most could afford.

Not sure if it's news or olds but I read today that the artist "Beck" has/will be releasing his new album only as Sheet Music. Which makes for an interesting take on things.

Prince has always talked about wishing there were more people in the world who would pick up an instrument. Yet has done little about it himself (other than making music himself) - his sheet music can be difficult to track down.

Something like YouTube would be an ideal medium to reach fans (and pocket some ad cash if they became popular), show the chords to his songs and a quick demo. Maybe a little background to the tunes, his own or cover versions. Although it'd be messy given how many videos of people covering him he's had taken down.

I'd love to see it, but can't imagine it would happen.

Skylightt said:

^ LOL, I could see Prince being a teacher though, I don't know why I just can. I think he'd be one of those teachers who would go off topic and as interested as the class may have been in the subject it'll get to the point where they just can't follow anymore and everyone is just looking at each other like

"What in the funk is he talking bout again?!"

Anyway, If he gave music lessons, I'd take them or watch the videos and what have you. ^_^

I imagine him being one of those totally brutal teachers that if you hit one bum note or gave a wrong answer, he'd give you a look that would make your blood run cold, or say something to make you cry.

Which is why, as great of a musician as he is, I wouldn't ask him to teach me how to play shitttttt.

Student: Mr. Prince sir, I wanna learn to play the solo to Purple Rain!

Prince: ... Uh this solo? *does a bit of the solo*

Student: Yeah that one!

Prince: Then go play it. *points to the Students guitar*

Student: But... I don't know how...

Prince: That's the idea.

Student: *struggles to play a simple note progression*

Prince: *Christopher Tracy voice* Oh lawd, get out. *Opens the door*

that's exactly what would happen, good one Nivivrus

I don't agree with the idea of tutorial videos, but it should be mentioned that Prince is a GREAT teacher (and student).

It has been reported numerous times by most that have played (and recorded) with him, that he brings the best out of anyone, and is very encouraging.

Besides that, he must be a great teacher because he has had to train his many bands (and protege bands like The Time), and frequently demonstrates the parts to each band member on their instrument... not only THAT, but most say that he plays their instrument better than they do.

Jus sayin'...