Is this you?
(1) You really love playing the guitar.
(2) You love playing music for your audience.
Then congratulations you have potential to MAKE IT BIG!
How can I be so sure you may ask? Well...I am still holding onto my dream...
Where It All Began For Me
Growing up, there had always been a lot of great music around so naturally, you would think that I would have started down the path of wanting to learn to play the guitar much sooner. With having two older brothers who also played guitar there were plenty of opportunities, but things didn't work out that way.
One day I heard the song Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne which featured the original Quiet Riot guitarist Randy Rhoads, and it was then that I knew I wanted to learn to play the guitar. Randy Rhoads became my all time favorite guitarist and is the very reason that I felt inspired to start taking lessons.
Through reading articles about Randy I learned who his influences were and I went and listened to them to see what I might be able to learn. I also developed an interest in classical guitar after hearing the piece Dee, which Randy wrote for his mother Delores.
Prior to his passing away, I had the privilege of seeing Andres Segovia perform twice, however, I, unfortunately, can't say the same where Randy Rhoads is concerned, but I have listened to as many studio recordings and live performances as I could find in order to learn as much as I could from him.
I have had many great guitar teachers, and to this day I see myself as someone who is continuing to learn while getting better and better all the time, and that's as it should be.
My Musical Influences and Having a Proper Perspective
Everyone has musical influences, that is to say, everyone has at least one guitar or bass player that they've listened to one or more times and thought to themselves "I'd sure like to be able to play like that."
I too was one of those who admired a string of musicians and rock stars and at times tried to emulate them, but through the years my perspective has changed some what and now I just want to be the best original me out there. What I'd like to encourage and remind an aspiring guitar or bass player is that what was possible for someone else just may very well be possible for them too.
In many a guitar store you are likely to walk in and hear a new or novice player doing their level best to play riffs or chord voicings from their favorite guitarist or bassist, and sometimes this can be quite enjoyable and entertaining. However, more often than not, what most hear being played can be rather unpleasant depending on how developed or undeveloped the guitarist is!
Believe me, when I say, I too was there! This pretty much sums up what I mean:
Now, this isn't meant to be demeaning in any way, but rather an encouragement, so unless one is playing cover tunes in a top 40 band, what I've learnt through the years is that no one really wants to hear you trying to play like your favorite famous guitar player. Rather, people are bound to be much more interested in what kind of original idea you as the aspiring or novice player can come up with and how you will continue to develop your own musical skills and abilities. With that said, I believe there is a strong case that can be made for the fact that whatever or whoever a player listens to, that artist's influence will to some extent come out in their playing. The ultimate goal of any musician should always be to be great in their own style and strive to have as much originality as possible.
Another point that I'd like to make and encourage you to do is to use your favorite songs played by your favorite player as a measuring stick of sorts so as to gauge what is possible. This way you can set goals that you can work towards. As you mature more and more as a player in your own right you will hopefully be able to start improvising your own riffs, chord voicings, and even solos if that is what you desire to do. With patience and determination, you can reach whatever goals you set for yourself if you just stick with it.
Making It BIG
The desire to make it big or in other words to become very successful in a particular field is something that everyone wants. At least that's what a lot of people say, however, there are many things to consider when it comes to setting out to achieve this goal. In this case, we are of course talking about becoming or attempting to become successful in music, which despite all the technological advances can be, and more times than not, is still a very difficult field to break into.
One conclusion you could come to is that music just isn't your strong-suit and that you should probably either keep music as a hobby or give it up completely. But, is one of these two alternatives really the right decision to make? In all honesty, for some people, it may very well be. But, what about you? What decision could you make without ending up living in regret for the rest of your life? Is there a happy medium?
Through pretty much every form of media, we can imagine we are and continue to be constantly inundated with words, visual imagery, and photographs of famous people who have "Made It Big." To be clear, I am not trying to knock anyone for their success, but as a guitar teacher, I strive to not only provide lessons but also to encourage my students to be well grounded and think things through very carefully because there is a harsh reality that comes with being a highly successful person.
I mean, how many times have we heard about celebrities who have trouble holding relationships together, or who just don't seem to be able to handle all the pressures and demands that come with their chosen career? Yup, sadly too many for me to keep track of. And yet, we are told that they are who we must strive to be like if we want to be successful, happy and generally accepted in society. Wrong!
With that said, we can still be very successful in music or any other field that we choose to go into. This is especially true today with all the advances in technology. Will we have the lavish life style that those who are rock-'n-roll royalty seem to be enjoying? That's debatable, and depending on who you ask, the answers will obviously vary from person to person. However, that doesn't mean that you can't be successful. What I'd like to propose is this, ... there are various levels of success and one doesn't have to necessarily be playing in huge arenas to be a successful person.
- So, what are your goals?
- What will it take to achieve them?
- Who must you meet and get to know?
- What time constraints and schedule demands are you willing to accept?
- What or whom would you have to give up?
- Will your relationships suffer or survive as a result of your career choice?
Personally, I believe that staying well grounded, especially as you begin to gain more and more attention in your field of choice is the primary key. Sure, you have to tend to business, and you may not have as much time for other people as you once did, but as long as your friends and family know that you love and appreciate them then the relationship side of things should be able to remain intact.
One thing that sets music apart from quite a large number of other fields is that there can potentially be a lot of traveling, interviews, meet and greets, writing and recording sessions, sound checks, etc. If you are anything like me then you would know that playing music is something that is really enjoyable, and there's is nothing else that you would rather do. If music is where your interest lies then stay focused, practice as often as you can, and stay true to your core values. In other words, never lose sight of who you are and why you are doing what you do.
Remember, each player is unique in their own right, which means that we all will eventually play the same notes at one time or another, but we will seldom if ever play them the same way or in the same order.
Looking forward, what you or I will be able to come up with in our own playing style is just as cool sounding as that of our favorite artist. If you enjoy playing guitar as much as I do your passion for the instrument will shine forth.
HOLD ONTO YOUR DREAM!!
I leave with this quote from Randy Rhoads:
There's no reason for a Guitarist to have a big ego. You should love the instrument more than wanting to be a Rock Star.
Here is a video lesson with a recognizable chord progression by one of my favorite musical influences to help you on your way ...
Photo credit: Austin Neil from UNSPLASH
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Awesome article. I am one of those people who treats music as a hobby more-so than a full fledged passion. I do love playing music and making original music, but as I get older I've realized that I do not want to be the center of attention with a rock and roll lifestyle. I enjoy playing to myself, and maybe some close friends and family every now and then. I am considering to start posting my originals here on steemit, but I doubt I will ever go on a tour or even play locally much. To each their own! I loved reading your post, very well put together and inspiring. Keep it up!
Thank you so much. I totally understand where you are coming from with regards to playing to yourself as well as for family and friends. Right now, I am doing pretty much the same thing, but I would love to be able to play my music for as many people as possible and maybe even tour if the opportunity arises. That is my dream, and who knows, dreams do come true. I encourage you to keep rocking on. I will follow you and will upvote everything you post. As musicians, we need to stick together.
The best feeling in the world is performing in front of a large audience! I get an adrenaline rush! When I'm on stage, I'm all fired up! Music is a hobby but someday I wouldn't mind going on tour. Maybe I'll post some music on here! Cheers and happy blogging!
https://steemit.com/hot/@sakshi1524/guys-go-listen-to-music-trust-me-its-beneficial-scientifically-proven
Done! Great post and so agree.
thanks :)
Excellent article, as a guitar player I couldn't agree more, I think many musicians have an unhealthy relationship with music at some point of their career, too many bad influences from this sick society
Amazing words. I relate totally. Following you my friend. Keep up the good work. Check out my words if you get chance. Peace x
Awesome stuff tree-poet! Definitely following. And thank you!
the part about being yourself as a musician instead of sounding like your heroes really resonated with me. There are so many great players, so many of themwith perfect technique who can play lightning fast solos... but how many can inspire you to feel something transcendental? Being a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan I love John Frusciante's playing. He's not the most technical player but he can make you feel something when he plays. You can get to know a little bit of his soul when you listen to his music. I know so many people who are not musicians who love that man because of the way his music makes them feel. Isn't that the purpose of music? To achieve a transformation in the mind and heart of the listener? AND the musician? Thanks for this post, I'm definitely following you.
You are so right! Thank you for your input and follow. Just read your post "10 Business Habits That You Should Apply To Your Music Career" - https://steemit.com/music/@thevultureking/10-business-habits-that-you-should-apply-to-your-music-career.. Spot on!
it's awsome man , keep it up i am going to follow you
Thanks Youseff! will follow back :)
That was very well written and relatable, thanks for sharing! I would not classify myself as a guitar player, but I am a singer/songwriter with aspirations to be successful in music. I've been at it for years and have stood at that crossroad of "keep going or give up". I chose to keep going..
Success definitely means different things to different people- so it is important to figure your true definition.. and then go for it!
Cheers!
Thank you for your response, and good for you. Keep that dream alive. Following.
Goo post buddy! I am also a guitar player and feel pretty similar to you. I just wrote this article https://steemit.com/money/@jonahramirez/do-i-love-money-yes-an-artist-view-on-it
Thanks, Jonah, I read your post and commented. Following.
Fully agree. I had a chat with the late, great Freddie King in my mind recently, as you do, and I asked him how to play like him, and he said the only way to play with as much passion as him was to play like myself, 'cos that's all he was doing. He wasn't trying to be anybody else. Great article. Thanks! :-)
LOL! Thanks, friend. So true. I know of Freddie King, but I guess now I will have to go and listen to him. I actually discovered Muddy Waters through watching a B.B King video, and he's a really great Blues player as well. Have you heard of him? What are your favorite Freddie King songs? Following.
Freddie is the King of Kings for my money. I love Me and My Guitar, Big Legged Woman, Goin' Down - which is his biggest hit. Anything from his recordings with Shelter, tbh. Hideaway is a big instrumental hit of his. He's just the man.
thats so great!!!
go through this post too.. if u like then upvote thanks :)
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