The guitarist and not the guitar - Page 3

buddyhu · #31 02-12-2019, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Burns

I always say "Id rather hear a great guitarist on a crappy guitar than a crappy guitarist on a great guitar "

And I always say that I'd rather hear a great guitarist on a great guitar.

But, to echo what others have said, I'd rather listen to my playing on a great guitar: while it doesn't make up for shortcomings in my technique and skills, it is just a pleasure to listen to a great-sounding instrument. And, presumably, playing a great sounding guitar won't hold me back from developing as a musician....

TaoMaas · #32 02-12-2019, 11:20 AM

A good guitar definitely helps, but it's not a short-cut to being a better player. I can still remember borrowing a classical guitar that belonged to a friend's sister and being struck by how much better it sounded than my guitar. I knew that no matter how much I tried, my $60 Yamaha would never sound as good. But then, her guitar probably should have sounded better because it cost 10X as much as my old Yamaha. It didn't actually make me a better player, but it made me sound much better. That guitar was a lot more expressive, was fuller, and sustained longer...and it was even a bit easier to play.

51 Relic · #33 02-12-2019, 10:32 PM

A long time ago a classical violinist gave me some advise . She had a saying Heart to Hands then Hands to instrument . For me it’s been wonderful advice . It’s amazing when you listen to a player that gets you on the very first note

highvibrational · #34 02-13-2019, 08:30 AM

I've been a painter for many years and have searched a long time to find the right consistency of paint, brushes, colors and surfaces to bring out my "stuff." I have a lot of high-end materials but my favorite brushes are common and inexpensive and my oil paint is student grade. Somehow, they work for me.

Likewise, my inexpensive guitars all sound great, play great, and feel good, not to mention look good. They are effective conveyors of my soul energy. I have no reason to think I have to spend top dollar to transmit my music to the world. I regret to say that I've been seduced by brand mystique and music legend appeal. I realize now that I am my own artist.

Larry Pattis · #35 02-13-2019, 02:42 PM

Work to become the best version of yourself possible, musically.

Work to find the best (or at least a great) guitar for your needs.

I think that covers it.

Pitar · #36 02-13-2019, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highvibrational

Hello all,
I feel like I had an A-HA moment recently when I realized that what I'm looking for is not in a guitar, but in me. To be able to play beautifully in the way I envision and not try to find the most perfect guitar that is in the market. This relieves me of the energy drain of searching for the right instrument and puts my focus on my skills that would work on ANY instrument.

Do any of you have any thoughts about this topic?

This has been the way of it for me since 1973. I focused all my energy on playing the way I want to play, which means in a satisfying and effortless manner, and the guitar itself is secondary. I've come to see it as learning to draw well, but the table I do it on just needs to be flat.