Jimmie":3kxb3pfm said:
Ventura":3kxb3pfm said:
I've been muddling around with a few chicken-pickin' inspired runs/licks for years - V.
I think that quote says it for a lot of us; we've all dedicated enough time to being somewhat great at guitar, but with all the distractions around us like personal relationships, jobs, (Rigtalk..heh) that to get to that next level of greatness is the chasm between me and the likes of Andy Wood and then beyond him to those who were lucky enough to market their talent and make it to the big show. I admit that I have an instructor, he's another one who's developed his skills to that of being tastefully fast and articulate, (also a fan of A. Wood) but Northern Michigan's live music scene is less than supportive of talent so he along with the rest of us, continue to struggle, which errodes at our creativity or desire to excell.
Nicely written. My reality is such that I know I'll never be a well paid musician, nor would I want to be I don't think. I mean, I'll jam, I'll perform, I'll make music solo or with others, but for me it's an artistic release - and something I want to get good at for my own reasons, not those listening. It's all about time management and priorization. Sure, I could dedicate 10 hours a day to playing, to chip away at the requisite 10,000 hours needed to become 'expert', but in the meantime, the mortgage goes to shit, my livelihood and clients decompose, my relationship with my wife and kids is gone, and I'm left being this 40+ year old curmudgeon who's locked himself away to be a 'perfectionist' on the guitar... And all for what?
Instead? I have a terrific life, and any time I want (for the most part), I can strap on a guitar, flick the switch on any number of beautiful sounding amps, and give 'er for hours... Ya, I want to improve, and in the New Year Mr. Carl Roa will be helping me do that, but it's strictly for personal and spiritual health and fitness. Andy Wood would kill me, as would Chubtone and the rest - but I'm not a 'musician' by trade, just an enthusiast (who's also managed to lend his ears on a lot of recordings of pretty well known artists because apparently, I've got good ears...whatever that means!).
Ah, whatever - back to work
V.