I’ve seen a lot of guitarists over the years and been mega impressed at the virtuosity and skill of some of these players. Others…not so much. There are two reactions I have had:
- I can do that!
- Why even try? I’m giving it up and hiding my guitar in the closet
Wait a minute! Is that all there is?
So easy a caveman could do it
I’m not going to mention names but there are plenty of guitarists out there making a good living or are famous who are not that great. Are they not worthy of their fame and fortune? Maybe not for their limited skill on the instrument but what separates them from me?
I would suggest two things rise to the top:
- They can write great songs
- They surround themselves with great players
Do I need to do that to be accepted? Fortunately, not! You have their work to benefit from and play to your heart’s content. Not only do you have some great songs but the additional players and production choices have taken what may have been a so-so song and propelled it into greatness! Now, we can learn from all these years of recorded genius!
Imposter Syndrome
Asking yourself questions like, “What do I think I am doing?” or “Nobody would come to see me play” are evidence of this condition. Having the distinct sense that I should give up playing because I will “never be as good as that guy” is clearly in this same mentality. Well, I may never be as good as that guy but I don’t have to be. My music is decent and I enjoy it just the same.
On occasion, I will be called on to lead singing like at Christmas parties and such. Do I need to be Brian Setzer and pull off a swing version of The Nutcracker Suite to play and sing Jingle Bells? No, not really.
So, you might see a guitarist play some difficult song note-for-note but remember my previous point about writing – they can play but can they come up with something as catchy that sells a jillion records?
Look Closely Around You
The local hangouts have a variety of players and there is the occasional children’s music sing-along at the library or whatever. Looks like fun, right? One of our newest places, Jaxon Edwin, had a solo woman playing her guitar and singing the other night and she was passable on guitar. What really stood out to me as I watched her was how one of the patrons got up and danced to her song as he made his way to the restroom and then dropped money in her tip jar. Are they concerned that Eddie Van Halen might stop by and show them how its done? I don’t think so.
So, Why?
Why did you or are you learning to play the guitar? Because it is fun! You can express yourself in ways that you can’t other wise. As I tell my wife, I can express my self in “socially acceptable ways” 😉
Join the journey if you haven’t already by clicking the Learn More! button above.