Here are 5 of the greatest tips of all time made by famous people and how they can apply to guitar playing. I’ve heard and read these tips over the years and all of them are worth their weight in gold :
1) “What You Think, You Become.” –Ghandi
I came across this quote in the book entitled “Fearless Creating”, which is written by Eric Maisel. It emphasizes the possibility that the things we try to make all begin with our ideas, and imagination. I put this quote on my wall, my notepad, everywhere I could think of, for a number of years to remind myself to keep my purpose top of mind, and it always helped me to not give in to negative thoughts.
2) “There is Always a Way” -Vinnie Colaiuta
I read this from an interview with Vinnie, in a friend’s magazine sometime ago, relating to drums. The summary of it was that whenever he was faced with a problem, or when he was trying to pick up something especially challenging, or new, he was of the mindset that there was “always a way” to get it, whether it was an adjustment of posture, a new way of looking at the execution of it, a new way of playing the blues guitar, something had to change to accomplish what was previously thought to be “impossible”. I always try to use this when trying to get to the next level. It has lead to some great results, if not necessarily technical prowess, certainly something creative and unique.
3) “Poor Artists Borrow, Great Artists Steal” -Picasso or Stravinsky
I’ve overheard that it was either one of these extraordinary artists who said this. Also a conclusion…”To be a really good guitarist, you must copy the styles of other blues guitarists.”-Frank Gambale.
Well, first what can we steal? Chord progressions, tempo, groove, melodic phrase, (backwards melody!) Expressive style, mental attitude. What is the difference between that and “borrowing”? I think the great artist turns his thievery into something entirely his own, perhaps by unabashedly admitting the theft and developing it into a whole new foundation.
Think –The Beatles, Prince, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Page, Clapton, Ornette Coleman, Elvis. Whereas the “borrower” is simulating to us that his original work has never been heard and they have an unnatural quality. This can be a very fine line.
Prior to ever reading the interview with Frank Gambale, saying that imitating styles was a invaluable tool, I was given to some obscure concept of “being original”. When I acquired the accuracy of that affirmation, I set about to work, and it changed my life. I embraced the point of view that I was a student, and had a great deal to learn from those who preceded me, that music and its history was outside of myself, and was greater than I was. I am now a firm believer that both of these aspects expand one’s growth to an immense degree. They give the player completely fresh languages to speak, and once you speak new languages, you will be able to create your own great stories. Stories with depth and richness.
4) “The Impossible Can Be Accomplished Through Meditation and Concentration” -The Cup and Saucer Guy
I remember feeling trapped on a plateau with my blues guitar playing at one point. I had achieved a good deal, but I didn’t know how to really move ahead.
I was watching a variety show on television one night. When, a man came on balancing one hundred cups and saucers. He did this for what appeared to be a very long time and then he allow them crash around him. As the audience applauded his effort, the host asked how he had learned to do this. His answer was that through meditation, he was able to achieve the necessary concentration. I began my own meditation methods, first applying a easy technique of being still, which I had discovered in the pieces of writing from people like J. Krishnamurti, and Tara Singh. Nothing which requires years to master, but a simple way of continuing to quiet the mind, increasing concentration, focus, and listening, just being in a very calm and relaxed state, paying attention. I now carry this stillness and relaxation to all my guitar performances.
5) “The Three Month Rule” -Roger Mckinley
Roger Mckinley was an associate student at Berklee. Roger was also a very gifted rock and blues guitarist, who, when I first came across him, was imitating Pat Martino. Just 2 years later, had created his own explosive unique style. ( see tip#3!) He left the jaws of many around him agape (and he never seemed to be committing any effort into it!) I was surprised that he befriended lil’ ol’ me and was willing to jam with me.
I understood and learned so much from him on just a single jam session. One of the things he told me is that it takes a good 8 weeks to bring an element of originality into your playing. This has saved me a good deal of frustration, and tempered my natural impatience. I have come to the conclusion that no matter how much I practise something, it is usually the better part of 8 weeks before I can actually master it.
I hope you can use these practical and inspirational quotes to bring your music and guitar playing to greater heights.