Don't sweat the small stuff?
That's certainly not true when it comes to music! What makes a great musician stand out? Attention to detail. We're talking clean, clear, crisp notes, impeccable timing, tone that's pleasing to the ear. Listen to some of the guitar masters such as Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Chet Atkins, Joe Pass, and countless others in all styles of music. It's amazing to just listen to them, watch them and see what it's like to hear a true master of an instrument. While I never got to hear Joe Pass live, I have gotten to hear Doc Watson, Tony Rice, and Chet Atkins to name a few. I consider myself to be a good guitar player, but these guys are from a different universe!
What sets them apart?
There's not one single element that you hear, but an overall sound that defines each individual. Each one has his own style, his own sound and his own approach to guitar as well as to music in general. A beginning guitarist needs to seek out the best players and learn from them. I remember my guitar teacher asking me one day what I was trying to do. I'd want to play classical guitar one day, blues, country, fingerpicking, Chet Atkins' style, if I liked it I wanted to be able to at least try it. I've always loved the sound of the guitar and the type of music wasn't as important as how it sounded.
Open your eyes, your ears and your heart.
After having taught guitar and banjo for years, I often get asked by students how I can stand to listen to a total beginner "messing up those songs." My reply is that if you're trying, I have all the patience in the world. Put your guitar lessons way down on your list of priorities, only practice once or twice a week and then complain about how you're not getting it, and my patience runs out in a hurry. You need to listen to good music, go to concerts and see the passion that the performers have, and soon you'll see if your heart is into it. Music can be enjoyed on many different levels, so open up and let it in.
That's certainly not true when it comes to music! What makes a great musician stand out? Attention to detail. We're talking clean, clear, crisp notes, impeccable timing, tone that's pleasing to the ear. Listen to some of the guitar masters such as Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Chet Atkins, Joe Pass, and countless others in all styles of music. It's amazing to just listen to them, watch them and see what it's like to hear a true master of an instrument. While I never got to hear Joe Pass live, I have gotten to hear Doc Watson, Tony Rice, and Chet Atkins to name a few. I consider myself to be a good guitar player, but these guys are from a different universe!
What sets them apart?
There's not one single element that you hear, but an overall sound that defines each individual. Each one has his own style, his own sound and his own approach to guitar as well as to music in general. A beginning guitarist needs to seek out the best players and learn from them. I remember my guitar teacher asking me one day what I was trying to do. I'd want to play classical guitar one day, blues, country, fingerpicking, Chet Atkins' style, if I liked it I wanted to be able to at least try it. I've always loved the sound of the guitar and the type of music wasn't as important as how it sounded.
Open your eyes, your ears and your heart.
After having taught guitar and banjo for years, I often get asked by students how I can stand to listen to a total beginner "messing up those songs." My reply is that if you're trying, I have all the patience in the world. Put your guitar lessons way down on your list of priorities, only practice once or twice a week and then complain about how you're not getting it, and my patience runs out in a hurry. You need to listen to good music, go to concerts and see the passion that the performers have, and soon you'll see if your heart is into it. Music can be enjoyed on many different levels, so open up and let it in.
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