Great Question! I am sure all of you have a perfectly acceptable take on the question. So, I'll give you mine.
To start with, I really believe that it doesn't matter whether your Stratocaster's marquee says Fender or SX; whether your acoustic is Martin or Yamaha. It doesn't matter if your amp is tube or solid state. Nor does it matter whether you have an array of effects pedals. Backing tracks are inconsequential and a high degree of music theory isn't necessary. Can't read music? Not a problem.
There are two things that you must have to become as better guitar player though. Neither is physical or electronic. In order to elevate your skill and capability you must have real desire and complete commitment. Sounds obvious doesn't it? But why is your local music store or online auction site full of used or "unused" guitars?
First, let's define the terms.
Desire is a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment.
Commitment is the quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity. It is also known as a pledge or an undertaking.
So what do I mean when I apply these terms to our playing ability?
For those of you just starting your musical journey, it means you must make some trade offs. We have all had to make them. That is to say, for gamers, less game time, for readers, less reading and for partiers, less party time, and so on. Why? Because you are going to need that time to become a guitarist; time to learn, time to practice, practice, and practice. Initially, the high of your first guitar will be enough to get you to focus on what needs to be done but, trust me, soon the sore hand and fingertips plus the mind wandering to all those other things you could be doing begins to take its toll. The realization that 'Rock Stardom' is still well into the future also sets in. This is when you really have to want this. This is when wanting to become a guitarist means dedication. You must want it and focus on it to advance. You are learning the basics now that will be the foundation of your music career/avocation and ultimately define just how capable you will become.
Honestly there is no other way, but the rewards are over the top!
There is a nuance here that I want to address and that is expectations. I joked earlier about rock stardom but there is an element of truth there as well. We've all dreamed about playing a stadium or famous auditorium; cutting a "record" or at least getting paid. That's fun and harmless. Setting expectations that are unrealistic can get in the way. I'm not trying to limit your goal setting. What I am saying is you must stay real. Rather than have one goal that equals rock stardom, why not start with learning the C, D and E chords and being able to transition between them flawlessly. Once you have achieved this ability, move on to the next step; one step at a time.
Now for those of you that are more experienced, you are not off the hook. You may have more style and technique by now but are you as accomplished a guitarist as you could be? How many of you have a stable of go-to riffs but haven't added to it for awhile. Maybe you are a rocker or a country picker but have never attempted a real jazz chord. How many of you are bedroom virtuosos but never played with others? Your timing in a bedroom will never match that of playing in a group.
The point that I am making is that it is easy to become satisfied with your playing, current capability and for some that is enough. But, if you want to be a better player, you too, must push the envelope. You too must re-commit. You too must really want to.
For you, the new found focus can produce significant results, quicker actually, because of your already established ability. I would contend that moving to the next step, for you, is more dependent on desire and commitment than for those just starting out. Maybe it is time to take the next step and become an even better guitar player.
Before I wrap this up, let me refer back to my comments about equipment. There is no doubt, that the quality of your instrument makes a difference. With current amplifier and pedal technologies, we are provided with incredible sound reproduction and modeling capability at great prices. I would encourage all of you to stay up to date and trade up to both, whenever you can. My point was that neither, in their own right, necessarily makes you a better guitarist.
So, desire and commitment is what it is going to take to move to the next step, becoming a better guitar player. Are you up for it?
Best Guitar Player (BGP) is about you! We are committed to giving you access to the players, role models, lessons, products, services, suggestions, videos and opinions that will facilitate your journey towards being the best guitar player you can be.
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