Why You Should Avoid "Mastering" the Guitar (Here's What to do Instead)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- Watch this to reset your guitar values and have more fun with your guitar.
The common belief is that your goal should be to “master” the guitar, but there's a much better way to reach your ultimate "guitar life dream" scenario.
5 Day Acoustic Guitar Challenge ▶tonypolecastro.com
Listen to this man. What he is saying not only applies to guitar but life in general. Apply generously.
Music cannot be mastered, there is always something new to learn.
Amen once you think you know everything you find something new
There is, but I'm pretty sure most people would say that Bach was a master.
+MrMikomi Even he improved over time, though.
Speak for yourself, I’ve already completed the guitar. Moving on to the ocarina now, for a *real* challenge.
like most things in life!
Good stuff!
You Tube can be a huge form of discouragement to beginners and even accomplished players with all these videos of six-year olds who can play like Jimmy Page or whoever. Our culture has long since placed too much emphasis on the goal and not the journey. Personally, I have played the guitar for over 50 years and I have mastered mediocrity. Guess what, I don't care anymore. I play because it's fun and what I am able to do brings me joy.
Thanks Tony.
jimmy5634 How do you get back to "fun"? I'm burned out on Yousician, Blues Guitar Unleashed, etc.👎
play music you enjoy , or gig with people
How can a six-year old REALLY play "Whole Lotta Love." When us geezers play it we have the right mindset intended by the author. All of these mini-geniuses never amount to anything because they just parrot. Love your comment. Here's to mastering mediocrity!
Another discouragement is when people say "dont play these songs when a guitar store". Sometimes those are the only songs someone knows
Same here...I'm actually glad to say, after nearly 40 years of guitar, I am solidly amongst the most mediocre guitar players on the planet and I have nowhere to go except....down!? LOL I'm semi-kidding, but for sure, when I realized that I'd never be Hendrix but I could be a pretty good "Tony Jones," things really started looking up for me. One thing guitar should never be is a *chore.* I had to remember that, once, I just might have been the worst rhythm guitarist in the worst metal band in town...and I had a BLAST!
Very good video! I wish I would've had this realization years and years ago. I picked up the guitar as a child (probably 5 or 6) with the intention of mastering it. I'd learn complex stuff that most adults have never even heard of, let alone an elementary school kid. No pride. No sense of accomplishment. Instead, I was on to the next thing. In middle school, I listened to Gentle Giant, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, and Jethro Tull nonstop. I marveled in the complexity of the arrangements and looked down heavily on the music that my friends enjoyed. I joined band after band, finding myself looking down on everyone around me for their shortcomings and/or "inferior" tastes in music. God, I was insufferable. Now I'm 29 and finally seeing the light. Sure, if it's possible to play, I can do it, but at what cost? I look back and realize that I alienated so many well-meaning musicians, had a terrible time, and came across as jerk, all because I was set on "mastering" the guitar and couldn't be bothered with things "beneath me."
Guys (and gals), listen to this guy. I would've much rather enjoyed playing music with friends instead of running through endless fingerboard drills. Hell, I've got a friend who can't touch my guitar abilities, but his chops are 1000x tastier than mine!
Enjoy guitar. Lose the ego. Quit viewing "mastery" as the endgame. Even the best guitar masters will tell you that they have more to learn.
Geoff Strehl I remember watching bb king say he had so much more to get better at and that blew me away but its true just gotta enjoy the journey n make noise
Funny this applies to EVERYTHING in life that you're trying to get good at.
anesthesiology
I started off thinking about the day I would be a "real" player and that made it hard for me to actually learn. Now, I simply enjoy the playing and am making more progress ..
thank you very good!
Sharon Tiano just recently realized this myself always thought I wasn't good enough but jamming with friends and having fun forgetting everything else for a bit is why I play
i thought the title referred to post-production mastering.
that doesnt make any sense.
haha me too, i was like, what sound tricks is he gonna pull out. guess ima out again
ha, me too
The same thing. :)
OverDev You're an idiot. Now that makes sense.
I always wanted to learn how to play the guitar but the beginning seemed so slow and frustrating
*skips ad*
Ha-ha!
We're more alike than different.
Perfection is a journey not a destination, enjoy the trip!
TheSeventhSelf perfection is an unobtainable destination😁
Tisbonus Perfection is a never ending journey, an adventure with each session.
IT'SME yessir! Chance favors the prepared mind.
Instead of saying 'Practice makes perfect' I modified it to 'Practice makes permanent'. I think that's more realistic :)
You have , far, a more intelligent approach to guitar improvement techniques than most people on TH-cam. Subscribed!
I have been playing for almost 50 years and I agree with this statement! I have not mastered the guitar and I merely stand a 6 average rate.A lot of frustration and unhappiness as well as many days of staying away from fear of disappointment and practices .Follow this advice to the letter. I sure am nowadays and I love playing more than ever.
This is a wonderful message that I will take with me as a young adult. I'm 21, a college student. But I greatly appreciate the message of this video and so I want to add my reflection.
I picked up my guitar in middle school and started to learn how to play because my other friends knew how to play. My concern was to NEVER be "better" and compete. My concern was to have fun and hey, if I can learn something out of it, thats a plus. My growth for learning guitar and piano was increasing at an exponential rate. I was learning quick. But as I undergo a period of not playing, (as Im sure everyone has at one point) I go back to my guitar and piano with that negative perspective: "I have to get better. I have to MASTER this." I found myself struggling to learn - struggling to practice. It was even a struggle to make time for it.
My sister got me a new guitar. A Martin DRS1. I was so happy I started playing it every--single--day. I wasnt concerned about getting better, I wanted to have fun with my most expensive guitar: Martin DRS1. I started to know a difference. I was getting better. Then I started to know something else. I was getting better QUICKLY.
Then....I find this video :) This was a message that was necessary for me to hear. Music is not about mastery of an art - its about enjoyment and playing for pleasure. Since when did it become a skill set for people to display on their resumes and or brag about how good they are on their list of acolades?
So, I want to say thank you for this video. I will be sure to give the same message for other people who are learning how to play the guitar.
"Work is more fun than fun." - Noel Coward
That being said, granted, playing guitar should be enjoyable and not an unpleasant chore.
pajamasflannel No wonder that dude was a coward.
Unless you have to play some boring songs like me i have to play 3 bach pieces which i dislike but i have to because i will learn something ive never played or experienced before and then i have 10 more advanced pieces that i enjoy so sometimes you have to do somethings you dislike to get the most out of your playing, its not all fun and games and if thats what you want to do for the rest of your life then you will sacrifice some fun time to learn something more and have a wider more open minded view of music :O
pajamasflannel I think it should be both, you should work hard so you can have fun on guitar, and be the guitarist you want to be.
Noel Coward ? ...was he in Oasis ?
Yes. Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.
By Earl Nightingale
Thank you for you lesson on mastering the guitar. I'm 60 years old and from 5-17 was forced to master the piano. I came as close as one could. I've always wanted to be comfortable picking up my guitar and simple play and of course play well. I'm sure you learn something new daily. Mastering is a misleading. Enjoyment should be first. A health problem has left me with time to do what I've always wanted to do. Will I ever be a "guitar hero" no. I do want to pick up the guitar and play what I wish. And with down to earth teachers as yourself I'm becoming more comfortable. But none of what I've learned would matter if I didn't enjoy it first.
But mixing the guitar is fine?
Sorry, had to be said...
Jan Minor Yeah, that's what I thought he meant, mastering as in mixing, not mastering as in being a virtuoso.
Jan Minor get out
vidiac2012 I thought the same thing
Jan Minor lmao
lol exactly my first thought
I really needed this video. It's so hard when you're fighting for so long. Thanks, I'm trying the challenge.
I like this guy. More than a good guitar instructor, he's a mentor and mentors is what we need in all walks of life... and for me "mastering" the guitar has been a long ride for a long time. Thanks
completely agree. Like you say "It's a journey" not a destination and it should be FUN! While I set a minimum time I always find it quit way past the time I set. Always end on the high note. Makes me look forward to the next session. Small wins are critical. Tony you have a great process that REALLY works for me. AND many others...
Tony, good thoughts, thanks. What you outlined is similar to what I do for my regular physical exercise. It's all about step-by-step process.
This advice can be applied to anything in life.
It's not about the goal, it's about the journey.
To me and what I'm working on is HAVING FUN! Not trying to impress anyone, but if I can, hey all the better. As for your Tuesday Show, I just sat for 3 days and watched every episode. Love it and LOVE your message. Rock on Brother!
This is a very honest and humbling piece of information and also very important for any guitarist trying to get better....it’s appreciated!😎
Guitar for me started out as the most fun thing in the world, I looked forward to it all time...But I started to get obsessed with perfection and mastering every single detail that I eventually ended up hating it. This video really helped me realize that it is not all about perfection but about having fun. Thank you for helping me get back to my passion and improving my lifestyle overall.
Well, don't get me wrong, i love to watch these incredible guitarists like Michael Angelo Batio and all these guys that can sweep pick at 400bpm, but to me, that's just acrobatics, "fret wanking" as we call it in the UK, it's entertaining, but i grew out of listening to that sort of stuff after about 5 years of playing. Guys like Andy Timmons or even someone like Reb Beach or Steve Stevens are the ones i really look up to. They play so modestly, you know they can shred like beasts, but they just don't need to, they care about their tone and the way every note is played, not how fast they're played and how cool it looks. That's why i don't really believe in 'mastering' a guitar, it's a tool of expression. You can reach an absolute top tier in physical ability but it means nothing when you're just doing that for the sake of it. There are most likely thousands of people out there that can play 50 times faster than Dimebag Darrel, but they won't match him because he wrote what he played, and he designed every nuance with which he played it. That means so much more in terms of talent.
I've been picking up on little things for the last 15 years, and I think your 100% right!
No matter what you do, learning a guitar is patience, practice, and positive attitude.
This is good advice for people starting out on guitar. Most of it you do instinctively.The desire to play guitar and keep it up as a lifetime accomplishment.
Wait? But I wanted to master having fun on the guitar?....lol
Brian Auer just enjoy. Maybe you can be the master of enjoyment
And this guy has 78,000 what the F and I mean I give prizes away and I have like in the not even 1000 is rambling on because he’s just telling you guys what he tried to do it’s ridiculously obvious and this is ridiculous nobody could master anything master means the the definition of master something is to be at perfection with it you know everything about it I’m a professional drummer and singer I do not first of all like you and I do not know I’m an ex Navy seal I took a bullet for this country and I still I still four and people like you that are too lazy to shave face it you too lazy to shave because you look like where I don’t know who try to look like but you’re not Jesus and I believe in God and what the shit that’s all I know what the shit the Rambler #TheRamblerStrikesAgain i’m gonna I’m gonna do a music jam I’m going to master door just to spite you while I’m gonna try try and try and then since I masturbateI I Should master theguitarOh and I did master the guitar and guitar hero so where you didn’t say what kind of guitar so screw it you’re wrong I’m right by by now
are you on fuckin drugs? did you read that back befor you posted it? you fuckin lost me mate
Holly cow.
It's fun trying the impossible... it's the journey that matters. The end goal is to reach totality of self expression through your instrument as an extension of yourself. Using the techniques necessary to express yourself totally is only possible once it becomes second nature through repetition.
Very appropriate. My primary instrument is fiddle, with mandolin being second. I am currently working on banjo and guitar and having fun playing not so good. Plenty of people play better than me, but no one is having more fun because I view every repetition while I practice a phrase or a line as a footstep that gets me closer to playing whatever song cleanly. I am thoroughly enjoying the "walk".
I don't care what you say I'm going to be a guitar master.
I wanna be the vary best that no one ever was, the metronome is my real test, to shred is my cause. I will travel across the land, searching far and wide, each scale to understand the power that's inside. Guitar! gotta play them all, its note for note, I know its my destiny. Guitar! Oh, your my best friend, In a world we must Djent. Guitar! gotta learn it all, a heart so true, our courage will pull us through.
Good one bro
Pokemon theme song...
No Mances yes thanks for explaining the very obvious joke
Violen boi
For some reason I thought he was some main anime character.
This helped me out a lot, I’ve been trying to figure out how I should master the guitar and become an absolute legend for the longest time, yet I’ve come to slowly realize that it’s not possible and that I need to learn things one by one in a fun way that I enjoy. Rather than seeing guitar as an assignment in school.
Wow dude this video is excellent content. Great job! Very glad TH-cam recommended this to me.
Less is more Erik.
fake ass comment
Tony, you just changed my life. I relate 100% to everything you said. I'm guilty of the bad, and I have experienced the good.....You are a right on...a good speaker and a good teacher....Thank You..
Tony
New to your musical adventures
Enjoy your musical talent, interviewing skills, and ability to convey your geekism
I truly enjoying watching your past and present youtubes
Thanks for sharing Geek on
Agreed completely. I've recently started getting into teaching (very recently, lol,) and it's my aim to impress upon students that they should focus on every little thing they learn being a bonus to be cherished rather than one step on a very long, arduous journey before you're good enough to be allowed to relax and enjoy yourself.
It seems like a silly thing on paper, but in my opinion we should always be thinking of ourselves as good enough already and that anything else we add to our current abilities is icing on the cake, cause that self belief is what is the most important thing of all in getting anything out of music, professionally or otherwise. There are many different types of professional guitarist in the world of all kinds of skill levels, and if they are all good enough without having "mastered" the instrument then why should anyone else worry about it.
Needing to be a master of the guitar is a poor approach because for starters no one has done it yet, and secondly it overlooks all the other important parts of being a musician. From what I've seen of it, people that get this mentality of focusing on the tiny details and always thinking they're not good enough tend to remain bedroom guitar players, and no amount of skill in the world means anything if you're too afraid to step outside and show what you can do.
Best of luck to everyone here with their goals. Cheers.
Bearded Ashton Kutcher has a point
After playing guitar for more than 45 years, your advice is the best I have ever heard with one exception! The one thing and most important thing that started and kept me wanting to play guitar, is learning my first really cool ( but easy ) song that a friend or a good TH-cam video (lots of good guys with skills) can teach you. Never mind learning chord names, aelion phrases, appegio, 4/4 beats etc.....just find a way to learn it fast, not perfectly but just good enough to impress yourself and maybe your girlfriend!! I tell you right now, I have thought friends over the years how to play a cool easy song they really liked really fast, and many of them are still playing ( some much better then me now!!) But I feel so awesome that I was part of showing them their first step into a life long passion and FUN! Nothing has to be perfect, it just has to be passionate. Its like the parents of children who sit and watch their kids play the worst version of Amazing Grace and are still filled with tears because they sang with heart, love and confidence, mistakes and all! So many TH-cam instruction videos are not very good, and they want your money!! I think this may be the only worth signing up for if you want to learn to love playing you guitar! Great job dude!
Anybody who's watched this and is sceptical... trust me.. I'm on the 5 day programme and I've noticed a marked difference in 6 months! ... it works!!!
whoa really?
Yep!
haha
While focusing on guitar, and more specifically acoustic guitar, this is great advice for practicing _anything_, from writing to coding to editing video and so forth. No matter what youre practicing or wanting to practice, with these three pillars you really can't go wrong.
I've never understood the notion of "mastering" any skill. There's no point at which you "arrive"- you can always get better and, more importantly, you should always strive for that. If you're better than when you started, that's all you can do, and that's the point.
If you consider that a skill then idk what to tell ya dude
Yeah
I have to say, this did hit uncomfortably close as "not good enough" is what I always feel when i pick up my guitar. Great vid.
I add the extra step of smoking bud and I will never run out of new observations.
True that!
I understand and understood the statement before I watched the video. Expression is more important for development than constant regimented practice. I tend to move about,groove,practice poses,enjoy. This shapes relaxation and I have developed because of this mindset. Rock out guys!
dude, how did you get your beard (especially the gotee) to look so EPIC? I get out of the shower, and mine looks like a fresh bold pot of spaghetti!
Yeah, thanks Tony for this one. Very important to remember why we started playing to begin with. Small wins and progress should be good enough. To enjoy playing is most important.
If you have one eye set on the destination, you have only one eye left with which to find the way. Chinese proverb.
I have learned a few languages. To me ... music is another language and I want fluency. I concentrate on just sounding ... smooth. I want what I play to sound good ... and it is hard to do this even wih the simple stuff. For me ... it is working ... or so I like to tell myself. I just love this journey. I cannot put the guitar down ... hours pass sometimes.
As a guitar geek I appreciate these pep talks. So easy to forget why I started playing. Thanks brother!
Totally agree. I resigned myself to the fact decades ago that I will never be a John McGlaughlin or Yngvie Malmstien (sic) on Guitar. My main instrument is Bass, but with the six string I only play basic Major chords to make mono syllabic ditties and create and play out my own psychodrama - tales of unrequited love, misogyny, family dysfunction, social delinquency... spiced with dark humour. My Ernest 'serious musician' mates pall at my craft, but I couldn't care less.
You sound like a very interesting person. been through a lot, huh? You should start writing lyrics to your songs.
Angel L. Valiente Anybody who makes it a point to talk or write like that on TH-cam is a pseudo intellectual. He wants you to believe he's a genius. That's his gimmick to get you interested in him.
me25422 Yes.... yes, he does.
local man strums guitar when hes sad in the wee hours of the night. his roomates/band mates think it’s rude cuz its like 3am but he doesnt care cuz hes a true artisté lmao
Great advice! I've been studying and learning to play jazz for the last few years. I learned to focus by not buying or downloading any more materials, sticking to one method at a time, varying my practise sessions and dividing my time. But it wasn't fun. I was practically forcing myself to practise things I didn't want to play because I thought I needed to know them. Well, I probably do need to know them, but I had lost sight of the goal - to play jazz. I wasn't playing jazz, I was playing licks, scales, studying theory. What a nightmare! The penny dropped when I was going through the theory part of the HUGE study guide I have (I won't name it, because it's a great book and some people probably benefit more from it). It came to a section on secondary dominants and I could feel all the happiness in my life seeping out of my pores. I said "I don't want to do this..." and my wife said "Then don't"... LIGHT BULB!!! Now, I know that I do have to learn a certain number of scales and chords, that's a given, but to beat myself into doing things that are not enjoyable in any way is just torture. What a nut! So I'm skipping the parts that seem like they should be banned by the United Nations and focusing on playing jazz, playing to records, learning chords and theory WHEN I NEED IT, and using my ears more than my whip to guide my playing.
2:10 .... 3 pillars you can follow for mastering the guitar 😂😂
He didn't say that.
I know xD
Talk about bait and switch, Its a commercial for their stupid course.
it's the same good old mental masturbation after all
This is a good video. I agree with so much of this. Music should be fun and it's not about where we end up in technical skill but rather how we get there and enjoying the journey. Most of the things in your video I try to do like ending on a high point of the night, pushing myself (because I enjoy the incremental skill increases) to play something faster, cleaner or correctly more often and reflecting back on where I was a week, month or year ago. Sometimes it feels like I've hit a plateau and I imagine that's normal for most musicians but if you think about it objectively you can totally see the improvements, however minor they might be, in your overall skill and knowledge over any period of time. Keep releasing videos like this dude, you're preaching the proper mindset for any musician to sharpen their skills and enjoy the experience of being a musician every step of the way.
i thought he was gonna talk about mastering in termsb of recording. i was like "wahh??"
This is such an alien concept to me. I just pick up my guitar whenever I want to play. I just derp around a little and when I feel like learning some new stuff I just look it up and learn it.
You've misunderstood what mastery means. And what you're ranting about here is that misconception most people have of what mastery actually is...
that's just an ad for begginers to start a course, you are correct but that's really okay... most people might find it inspiring, music is a good thing regardless.
I think you can do both. I do. Just enjoy the ride because there's no destination, you can always get better.
How do you get rid of the fear of playing in front of people?
Robert that is a great topic, and I will put that on my video list. I will say that it is not the easiest step to take, but it's not just a single step either :-) Thank you for posting this question and keep your ears and eyes peeled for the video :-)
Play in front of people...
As John Frisco pointed out the only thing that has helped me get over this fear, is facing the fear head on. The first time I did it, I bombed, because I was shaking so badly I was too stiff to even hit most of the correct chords or notes, much less sing. My voice sounded like someone had a vibrating massager on my back (if that makes any sense). However the next time around, it was easier because I knew it couldn't get any worse and I survived the previous attempt. It only became easier and easier from then on.. It's still extemely nerve-wracking, but I try not to be surprised or resist the nerves any longer. I try to trust that my body is preparing me to be in a hyper alert state, and embrace the extra passion i am feeling which gets incorporated into my performance, and makes it possible to push it to the next level. Also, I just try to have fun and connect with everyone who is kind enough to take the time to listen. They're there for fun too.
1. Do it as often as possible. . .unfortunately, no substitute for this. 2. Practice as much as you can so that playing becomes almost automatic. 3. When playing in front of people don't worry about them, just play like you always do during practice.
I wear a mask
I have been struggling lately because I thought I had to "master" the guitar in order to be a better musician. I'm a guitarist and a singer. I won't put so much pressure on myelf anymore. Thank you for the great advice!.
It's almost impossible to master the guitar, we can't all be like Guthrie Govan.. Just enjoy sucking at it and you will be fine.
Guthrie himself have flaws
Like what???
Been playing 45 years and your words ring very true. Tap your soul and create something cool.
Tony Polecastro is wrong, Claus Levin is right. Yes, we _should_ try to 'master' the guitar (one sub-skill at a time), because _mastery is freedom._ Self-expression -- the end goal -- is second nature to the liberated mind. We should learn theory, too, because it provides the brain a sensible, compact frame of reference for organizing tonal associations, which ultimately expands one's musical horizons. Great musicians who never bothered with music theory are less than they could be.
Jason Cavitt All my favorite musicians are NOT into theory or any such shit. Why? Because they sound better. They literally sound better, pouring out their emotions into their instrument, channeling their feelings onto us. I’d rather listen to Eric Clapton that Yngwie Malmsteen or Joe Satriani any day of the week.
Firstname Lastname That's a stupid thing to say. A lot of great guitarists are into theory (Richie Kotzen, Allen Holdsworth,etc.). Of course there are also many great guitarist that did not really learn theory, but when you are well versed with your scales,etc. , you are able to use more of the fretboard, which means getting out of repetitive cages. I've been playing the guitar for about 6 years now and I just wish I had learnt theory earlier on. Knowing more positions really help you express yourself more.
Muanpuia Varte I don’t give a fuck about you and your positions or your guitarists that nobody has heard of.
Firstname Lastname Never heard of Guthrie Govan?
Thanks Tony!! Absolutely some of the very best advice I've heard from anyone on TH-cam. This advice can unlock the music in folks that is staying hidden simply because it's being way overthought and made bigger than it is. The only addition I can make to this is - if your living space allows, keep a guitar (in a case) easily accessible so that you can pick it up at times you might not plan to and progress comes with it. I realize everyone can't do this, but it's invaluable if you can - again - in a case, but easily accessible.
Thanks Tony for this.
Author Malcolm Gladwell tells us that it takes 10,000 hours to master anything. Perhaps you've heard this. But this is daunting especially for a beginner or a poor player like me. I've generally rejected this notion and over time have adopted some of the same pillars that you talk about and just try to have fun. But some days frustration sets in and I have to give it up till the next day at 2pm when I try again.
Terrific message, Tony. Some of the best music doesn't have huge overdone guitar leads, it's simplicity. Less is actually more...
You always find a way to pull things out of my head. Because this is awesome. This is how I see it myself. This is why I've been enjoying my 15+ years playing daily. And when I say enjoy I mean just that. It's not to be negative at all. When that happens that's when I put the axe down. Or in other cases I've found it inspiring to start a session induced by whatever anger may spark in my day. For any reason. But mostly by the time I have my instrument in my hand I'm already calm. It's my escape. And my primary mode of expression and release the pressure of my bottle I love to put stressors in. The one that people dread opening every now and again.
Good video. I like your content more and more with what I've seen so far. Your approach is very different and your advice is reality. Other are too but you're more blunt and realistic. Keep it up.
I've gone to many "master classes" for classical guitar, and I've really learned a lot. I actually come from a jazz background, and I don't play any classical arrangements, but I found their approach to rendering an 8 bar phrase, for example, very helpful. They are interested in forming the best concept of how it should sound, and then working towards achieving it. They are validating the concept of constructive criticism.
I really appreciate this, Norman. Thanks for commenting!! +Norman Spurgeon
Your approach to playing is more of a philosophy than a technique, it was very nice to listen to. Thanks man, hope to see more from you soon!
Being a Guitarist is a lifelong journey which never ends. If you have the required talent and love for it you will love playing that first G chord and then never stop progressing. It takes daily practice and dedication,and you will never stop learning. I've been playing since I was 6yrs old which is now 48yrs ago and gigging since I was 11. Still learn new stuff every year...🎸😎👍
Good tips not only for guitars but for every instrument. I learn drums and I'm having fun while progressing.
I listened to this video while brushing my teeth under the hopes that it would motivate me for the next morning of guitar practice but heck, this is the best life advice video ever. Imma use these tips for studying, entrepreneurship, my marital life, and times when im not bothered to get in the shower.
I absolutely love this video i don't even play guitar. but this advice is great for so many things in music. I just replaced the word "guitar" with "producing" :)
Very good points. I think another important lesson that can come from this mindset , especially to people just beginning, is this: A lot of people start playing from point A to point B, already trying to sound like either their favorite artists, or worse yet, the material that guitar hotshots all go to play, from basic to complex, until they either master it or give up. I personally got very frustrated trying to learn other people's songs by the book, and almost gave it up when I was young. It wasn't until I tried playing to a recording of myself screwing around, with 90% unusable stumbling around, just trying to play to that 10 percent that I accidentally played the grabbed my inspiration) that I started to love it.
I then got myself a 4 track and suffered through a LOT of that stuff. I'd take some time to learn some basic chords here and there, a lot of times realizing a lot of those basics I already accidentally played here and there, but it my own clumsy way. But it was so much fun trying to weave different parts together, and over time I realized I didn't just have a bunch of generic chords with generic leads over, I was actually coming up with stuff that didn't sound like every other thing other than bits and pieces of things I was influenced by here and there.
I wound up with a LOT of clumsy material, but it didn't sound like it was all the same session, or formula...every piece/mess stood out on it's own, with my own voice (through the guitar, not literal. That's one thing I could relate my playing to with some favorite bands growing up; a lot of them were similar in the fact that despite having a huge catalog of songs, it didn't all sound the same as the other stuff, or 1000 other bands who just picked a genre to identify with and write template style. I can't sing to save my life, so this is where the struggle REALLY forced me to find my own voice through melodies (many simple, some not so simple) weaving them together, and over the years, it just starts pouring out of me when I'm on a creative kick.
My Dad used to try to teach himself Chet Atkins songs through books over the years and got extremely frustrated and hasn't touched a guitar for more than a couple minutes in almost 30 years, which always made me sad.
I think if I learned the conventional way, by books, teachers, tabs, favorite songs, etc... I never would've found my "voice" and I would've had very little desire to keep on with it. Sure, I'll learn a song I like by someone else (by ear) if I get an itch to try it out, but it always sounds like me in there, even when I don't butcher it and give up before finishing. Learning the hard way has led me to a point where I can come up with something in a couple takes and have something to go back and build on. I know it'll never see the light of day even if I ever did bother to put it online, and I'm sure I'd be a nightmare if I ever had a chance to play with "real" musicians. On the other hand, It'd be a nightmare for me too. I have a hard time getting through gear reviews or attempts to find people to play with.
If I ever had the chance to take it further, to me, the only thing that would let me carry it on is if I genuinely felt I had something that wasn't done 5000 times already (just change the name and lyrics). As it is, it's at least why I still have the itch, burn, and surprising to myself even after all this time, ability to create something that I actually enjoy listening to. The pain in the ass part is, getting my own fragments stuck in my head, god awful mistakes and all (as I'm trying to work stuff out or record something just to get an idea down).
Not sure if anyone else who plays relates to this sort of backwardass journey in the way I described, but it'd be cool to compare notes with anyone who does relate.
Thanks for the video
So true. I remember the first time I played. Buddy showed me nice beautiful chord progression. I played it for like 3 hours. Got to get back to the magic
Being a member of Tony's Acoustic Challenge allows me to let go and be be myself and I participate in the TAC Daily Warm-up.
I also study Music Theory, practice Seven of the Major Diatonic modes, Five Pentatonic Forms, Fifteen of the Basic Cowboy Chords, All Barr Chords Shapes, CAGED chord and Scale System. The Nashville Number System and a multitude if other things, never all of them every day that's just crazy. I take baby steps, practice what I need each day and limit my time wisely too music.
I still struggle and I use a crutch, Tony's Acoustic Challenge
Whoever came up with the word Mastering only meant it to be a part of something like mastering how to hammer nails, that's what Mastering is.
Like what you have learned and apply it to what fits you. Remember Baby Steps "Baby"!
Zen and the art of guitar practicing. Went through many years when I always had an axe in hand. Then it got to feel like work.
Thanks for the great perspective!
Good advice this. I think if you started as a kid in his or her early teens for example, these steps were pretty much automatic. Time wasn't an issue, it's very likely you were just getting into the kind of music that inspired you to play and most likely you were always in your bedroom. I've never felt frustrated while I was learning at 13 or even playing today, 20 years later. It's always a joy. Have fun!!
Excellent video dude!! Some days ago i was discussing that topics with a musician friend of mine. Your tips were very very usefull to complete our thoughts about playing guitar and get better, without getting so frustrated and loose the most important thing: TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR INSTRUMENT. Again, thanks a lot!! cheers from Argentina
"Living the acoustic life." What s great quote. Love it. Thanks for this video. It's helped me change my mindset. Thank you.
I must agree!! All of us want to be able to play stuff we like most, but some stuff might take years to achieve technically. That tough road must be filled with joy, not with pain as an enormous struggle! Frustration is a part of life (since we create our own expectations), but enjoying what you can do and how you improve, MUST be a goal!! Working with music can be so much fun, so expressive and life fulfilling!!
So many great points made. I hurt myself by trying to be too perfect and I ended up in the rut you were talking about plenty of times. I have to try to always stay positive about learning and playing guitar.
Well i agree,,, cuz when I first bought my guitar im so so eager to master it,, ending up to being bored whenever I don't hear and learn what I want to,,, thanks for the info mr. Tony!!! 😊
Completely agree! I almost got to a point in my guitar playing that nothings good enough like you said because of the notion of not "mastering" the guitar, forgot that I was more of a songwriter than a shredder dude. Very eye opening video, hope kids reflect on this.
Hell yeah. I've been playing 25 years and there's still another lifetime of stuff to learn. Enjoy the journey as with everything else. Maybe early on these time tables work. Now I play when I can.
Dude, Sir... this is an exceptionally smart and generous video. Seriously. I know it's a lead generator to get people to sign up for the 5-day challenge, and that's smart too. But you could easily sell this as an e-book or mini-course all on its own. Thanks for posting it free. Just so you have some idea of impact, here's what I plan to do: 1) Use it for my own guitar playing. I'm going to go sign up for the 5-day course now (and I've been playing guitar for 30 years) 2) Use it to get my daughter back into piano playing (I want to find a way to help her love it, not dread it as she did when she was taking classical lessons). 3) See if there's a way to adapt it to how I train people in my job, because I think there is. It's great stuff, man. Thanks again.
I read a book along time ago called “Zen Guitar”, that reinforces your premise. This author used the analogy of martial arts, and that you should take pride in being a “brown belt” always open and ready to learn. In short it’s the journey you should focus on not the destination. I have been playing for over 40 years now and although I haven’t mastered the guitar, it has certainly been time well spent.
Wish this guy was around when I went to Musicians Institute. Took it WAY too seriously and had to drop out, went back, had to drop out again, was determined to graduate and went back, third time was the charm. Could have saved myself so much grief and money, just glad I got my attitude straight. Don't go to a "School" unless you've got the school in you.
it was an absolute and exact step choosing your challenge I thought it would be a waste of time watching your video but that actually made my day and opened eyes and now I feel so assured that I will enjoy my guitar .really thank u very much Mr. Tony
Just wow... i have never thought that wanting to master a skill would make it boring, but when i saw this video i kinda knew why i ended up quiting most of what i was trying to master... i just bought a guitar and my intentions where never to get super good, I just loved a few songs and i am working my way to play them and its really fun.
I'm a self taught guitarist who always felt bad for not being a "master". So I went to a "master" to learn. Expensive but felt it was worth it. After 1 lesson he said to stop taking lessons from him. He said I was fine and said never taking lessons has helped me develop my style and theory, etc would eventually change or kill what I am doing. Was confused in the moment but on the drive home I understood and it made sense. Thought it was very generous of him to not take my money and to look out for me.
My practice routine usually starts in the morning while my partner is getting ready for work. I have a few acoustics, tuned differently, and a banjo in the sitting room. I choose one and spend maybe half an hour playing slide or finger picking a song Ive written. I never, ever, practice somebody elses songs here. I have a few go to tunes that I work on and improve and will play them for a few minutes each or the same one for 20 or more. That way I can really get into it and don't get frustrated when I cant make a difficult chord or key change that I might come across if I was practicing a cover version. This is important for me. I remember way back when I was just a beginner and I was stuck going from Dmaj to Bm in a Bob Dylan song. It frustrated the hell out of me for weeks and I would leave it for days then come back to it and get pissed before I even started, instead of doing something else. I almost gave up playing because of that one damn change. I eventually got it, but I know now that obssessing over it and playing it over and over and over again held me back. If I had just said 'oh, fuck this song' and moved on to another, I would have been happier and progressed faster and further. Ive never played it since.
There was a guy teaching me bits and pieces at that time, and he was considered a virtuoso by beginners and inter-mediates, but he really wasn't that good, and still isnt. I felt intimidated by his skill and thought I would never reach those dizzy heights, and the myth that you couldnt learn to play well unless you started at 5 years old was still going around. It was also the butt end of the guitar hero era, where the likes of Vai, Malmsteen and Scratchyfanny ruled the world. I can play like that now, sort of, but at the time you would be dismissed as a nobody if you couldnt double tap and make those stupid noises with the wiggle stick. Those guys probably put more people off than they inspired.
So yeah. Mastering the guitar is not only pointless and wasteful, its impossible. Learn all the theory if you must, but thats got nothing to do with making music. like Zappa said "Let's get serious. No let's don't, let's mime the hard bits"
Straight facts brother
I used to be so frustrated forcing myself to learn all these " beginner songs " and being too focused on these "methods and practices for improvements", every guitar TH-camr will tell you different things, has different finger placements, teaching methods and tips and tricks and I became sick of it because nothing was consistent and It would be more or a chore instead of a hobby. So I decided to just play it the way I want and after a year I self taught myself Barre chords, indie chords, fingerstyle, gypsy style and all the struggles are gone, I pick up my guitars and play Django inspired tunes without any stress
Dude, THANK YOU! I mean you just brought this whole thing about sucking at trying to "master" the guitar on point. I play the guitar for like 2 or 3 years now. And I really do reflection and I am also kind of proud of me what I accomplished yet. But every time I watch a Video of some random dudes at more or less my age (I'm 18) and they just handle the guitar like goddamn guitarheroes and then I try to play like them and I get sort of depressed, because I don't even play nearly as well yet. The point is your advices are kind of simple but I think they are so effective and will help me A LOT! Because I love to play the guitar, I love to be creative and find or even experience myself in playing. I know my time will come and I really thank you for all the courage you gave me just with this video! Oh and by the way, I didn't know your channel before this video and I think you are one of the moust sympathic guy here in this online-guitar-scene. Keep on giving good advices! Henry
As a beginner myself, I almost was trapped too. I wasn't pressuring myself too much....I thought. These words did show me that I was already pressurised. Thanks mate.
Thank you very much, may peace be unto you and to your family and all that you have.
I hear what you are saying. Perhaps I was spared from any early desire to master the guitar because my Grandmother bought me my first acoustic when I was four years old. I played Mary Had a Little Lamb on it instantly (no, not the Stevie Ray Vaughan version, the nursery rhyme version), and I had (oh YEAH!) fun.
Thanks for making this video.
Ending on a high note is really important. When I start noticing myself making mistakes, I'll either go play something I'm comfortable with and come back to the difficult piece. If I continue to make mistakes, I'll call it quits on it, play a few things I'm comfortable with and call it a day.
I've been playing guitar now for 34 years and the best advice I can give anyone is don't compare yourself to other guitarists and find your own voice through your playing and love what you do. A bad day playing guitar is better than not playing at all. Don't get discouraged just realize tomorrow is another day and keep plugging. It is so worth the effort. I can't imagine my life without my guitars.
I agree completely with this. Even though there is tons of information at our fingertips nowadays, you still have to make the decision to be commited for the long term. Be patient, put in the work, and don't have unreasonable expectations. A good parallel to this would be when I started learning tennis later in life. As a complete beginner at the age of 38, I remember sitting and watching the other players after my own frustrated attempts at playing. I couldn't even hold the racquet correctly, and I remember thinking that never in a million years would I be able to play with them. In a way, this was good for me, because I was correct. They had spend countless hours learning how to play, and I had no business thinking that I could achieve the same thing over the course of one summer. This forced me to stop considering results that were impossible. Instead, I started focusing on the here and now, and what I could do to at least play with other people at my same level. With guitar, it's different, because it's just you and the instrument. Unless you try to play with other musicians, it is easy to be lured into thinking that you can skip the " grind", and so you start to confuse long term goals with short term ones. Since tennis always requires other people ( serve notwithstanding..), you have no choice but to face the reality of your situation. You either commit to the process, or you don't. The end result being that 8 years, thousands of hours, and lots of sore muscles later, those same people that I used to watch longingly are now not only training partners, but great friends as well. As for those eight years? I have no recollection of where it actually started. Forward 8 years to today... I can now step onto the court with a 25 year old college level player, and not make a complete ass of myself. The kids even text me to come and train if their regular partners are unavaliable, yet if someone told me this 8 years ago, I would not have believed them for a second, even with my delusional attitude at the time. The thing to take away from this is that I feel no different about tennis now than I did 8 years ago, apart from understanding how much work remains if I ever want to be what I would even consider "decent" at it. The upside to all of this is that because of the commitment I made 8 years ago, I'm not daunted by this prospect at all ( my advancing age notwithstanding). I look forward to it in fact, because the process is still the same now as it was when I first started. So much so, that if someone were to ask me when I started playing, I would say " Tuesday, November 21, 2017" , because that's when I was at the gym with my raquet, practicing shadow strokes in front of the mirror ( I presently have a foot injury, so can't "play", per se.). For all I know, it may as well be 2009. Nothing is different. The years have no beginning, and I certainly hope they have no end.
You are one smart man. Play from your heart and not from your ego. You sir are the Yoda of guitar playing.
So true. Just pick up the guitar and enjoy it. When I try to learn new song, I see how far I can stretch my limit. If I can’t, I fiddle through the song until one day, I can play it like it’s supposed to sound.