“I want to be just like him.”

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of imitation as a crucial aspect of the learning journey. But it’s also hard to describe it in mere words.

In this deeply engaging YouTube interview with Rick Beato, virtuoso bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings recounts the way he learned his guitar skills early, at his father’s knee, by watching, by joining in. and by continually asking: “how does dad do it?”.

I’ve never seen a clearer example of the role of the imitation stage of learning, and exactly how it works.

I’m the author of Shu Ha Ri. The Japanese Way of Learning, for Artists and Fighters, available now.

Now read: Find the right teacher.