“I don't even really know where all the notes of the guitar are because I learned to play by ear”: Why Tim Henson believes that “learning everything by ear” is the best thing aspiring guitarists can do

Guitarist Tim Henson of the American band Polyphia performs live on stage during a concert at the Huxleys on June 17, 2024 in Berlin, Germany.

Tim Henson has emerged as one of the most authoritative voices in the contemporary guitar scene. The virtuoso sparked up a debate a couple of years back when he made a throwaway comment saying he prefers to avoid “boomer-ish” bends, which even led to Kirk Hammett giving his two cents about the whole ordeal.

Now, the Polyphia guitarist is sharing his thoughts on the best thing young guitarists – or those just starting to learn the instrument – should do: “learn everything you can by ear.”