Being a guitar player is not that different from being an author, photographer, magician or pizza parlor owner.
Huh?
In actuality – it’s only ONE field…we’re all self-employed entrepreneurs getting our creations out into the world, providing value for people, and earning something in return.
As an entrepreneur, you have to self motivate. It’s the “long haul” tactics and daily habits that build into something worthwhile, over time.
Short bursts of inspiration can’t build musicianship or a great career, but a little bit of work every day – towards a worthwhile goal, most certainly will.
I just read an article by my one of my favorite information marketers, Fred Gleeck, and he talked about the writing process…this quote rang true to me as a creative musician.
He says…
The one thing I suggest you do is that you MAKE yourself sit down and start writing every day for a given block of time. Writing is an act of creativity AND discipline.
This is exactly the process I use in regards to practicing guitar… I use “creativity AND discipline.”
You are the CREATOR, not the CONSUMER
As a CONSUMER, and lover of music – when you listen to your favorite musician or band, it’s as if you are getting the most delicious dessert at a fine restaurant, served to you.
Mmmm yummy!
No work is required. You sit back, hit play and enjoy watching and/or listening. Easy as pie.
As the CREATOR of that dessert, you will not likely “feel the feelings” that the consumer feels!
This is precisely the spot where, for example, little kids at music lessons realize they need to practice and “it’s no longer fun.”
The shiny new thing loses it’s luster, you see the errors and really have to polish your work of art.
A Recent Real Life Example
I recently did a stretch of arranging, videotaping and uploading 9 Beatles tunes to YouTube. Here’s one of them for your enjoyment – “In My Life”
[youtube=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_31xKFzSy4″]
The Discipline:
As the musical “dessert chef” I spent, on average
- 2-3 days creating the guitar arrangement & practicing it
- 1 day video taping & recording
- Maybe 1 day more recording the video again after “sleeping” on the problems of the first taping
- For each of these 5 day projects I have a delicious 3 minutes to present to the world.
The Creative:
Even though it’s “covers” some serious “creativity” went into choosing this stretch of tunes, before I even picked up the guitar.
- I felt it was time to inject some new life into my repertoire, and I love hitting the “bullseye” musically for my audience.
- Almost everyone loves the Beatles – so it’s as if I am coming “back from the bullseye” like a Zen archer. (See my C + Y = R post)
- With a nice set of Beatles songs, I can maybe do a Beatles DVD
- I can offer to now teach a Beatles class at a guitar workshop
- Of course I’ll have more GREAT tunes to play on concerts
- If people like the videos, they’ll share them socially
- Maybe a Beatles CD is worth doing…
- I strove to get GREAT versions of these songs onto the guitar that really convey the music, better than I’d ever heard…
When I saw what I wanted to achieve, I determined that it would be well worth the discipline and time needed to whip these tunes into shape and make videos, upload etc.
Is there “Luck” involved?
It makes me almost want to barf when someone says “oh you are so lucky – you get to do what you love…”
Are you kidding? I work my tail off and claim it….it ain’t luck!!!
🙂
Hopefully this gives you some “inspiration” to be disciplined, put the time in daily, and stick to a plan – and achieve your dreams!
Now….git to work!
i’ll purchase an instructional dvd of beatle tunes…but only if you include your arrangement of “she’s leavin’ home”
dc
So true man, thanks 🙂
I’ve been reading your posts since I began taking music courses at my college in Jan. ’11, and every single one of them has been ”right on time”. Just a few weeks ago, you posted tips on recording YouTube videos around the same time I began preparing applications to transfer universities, and today, this post is describing the type of balance I’m currently seeking in my own practice sessions.
Thank you so much for sharing all of your insights into greater musicianship and entrepreneurial pursuits. I am ever grateful!
Having been working on a duo project for over a year now with a bass player friend of mine I can certainly agree. We are doing a tribute record to bass player Steve Swallow and a few of the tunes are solo arrangements that I did. I can’t tell you how many times I recorded and re-worked then recorded, re-worked a particular tune. It can be VERY frustrating.
However, since my initial solo recordings, my solo playing and arranging chops have gotten better – not to mention that I am more comfortable recording – so, this week I was able (finally) to get a take that I was happy with!
It certainly can feel like a chore sometimes but, the end results are both creatively and musically fulfilling.
Glad to see the post hit the spot for you! Keep rockin it!!! AR
Looking forward to that Beatles lesson dvd, great arrangements cant wait to have it.
JJ.
Yet again Adam you’ve put together a thought provoking article that sums up the whole process. I’m amazed that it only takes you five days to put these things together but that’s a tribute to all those years of hard work that got you to this stage.
I love this! One question:
As a developing player, is there a golden ratio between spending time learning new challenging songs and composing/arranging/ creating your own songs?
I feel both push boundaries in their own ways. What are your thoughts? Is simply learning a song still “consuming”??
Brock, it all depends. WHen I go on tour I have to practice old tunes…then on the off season I learn new stuff. A small gig is a great way to keep up old songs without feeling like you are “practicing” – at a cafe or somewhere! In the practice room, mix it up. AR
Some great thoughts, Adam!
As pro golfer Gary Player was find of saying about luck, “The more I practice, the luckier I get.” The same can be said for guitarists…
SW
I always enjoy reading your posts. There’s so much to life about discipline and creativity. Whether it be guitar or my profession as a registered nurse. Hard work is the one consistent thing that pays in the end. Creativity comes and goes. It is like a bonus check, it’s nice when it’s there, you may never see it coming and surely can’t depend on it to pay the bills. Awesome life analogy! Thank you for keeping it real!
Thanks Paul!
so much to write in response to your post. all I can say is that your posts are really inspiring. I really hope that you continue writing these and inspiring the rest of us.
Thanks Uday!
Your generosity is a gift to us all!! Thanks Adam.
Thanks Mike!
“As an entrepreneur, you have to self motivate. It’s the “long haul” tactics and daily habits that build into something worthwhile, over time.”
Thank You ! That could not describe how I earn my living in my entrepreneurial business, any better !!. I was first attracted to you Adam because as a Music fan, one of my favorite Genres for years has been Acoustic solo arrangement’s of classic tunes done tastefully and skillfully on the Guitar. And I agree with what you say, your arrangements “really convey the music, better than I’d ever heard”…
Then when I found your insights, attitudes and pieces of wisdom apply to many aspects of life, as well as the music…well it’s delightful, entertaining and educational, all rolled into one LOL…
When listening to your arrangement of “In My Life” , I can close my eyes and revisit my childhood and life in such a deep and emotional way, the same as I do when John Lennon sings it, but yours evokes those feelings without the Lyrics. Now that is the signature of an Acoustic Masterpiece, I would say..
Cheers and please do, Rock On ! Todd Jetter, Las Vegas NV.
Wow Todd, thanks for the thoughtful reply! I am working hard on all sides – playing and being an entrepreneur of sorts…I enjoy the work even though it is gruleing at times. It’s my daily job to stay motivated, straight and always separate A level tasks from all the other BS….
Thanks regarding In My Life…stay tuned for an announcement about a new lesson site coming soon…ALl the best – AR
Im lucky i found this place!
Once again – super advice, Adam. I immeditely went to youTube and watched the videos. Put me down for a copy of the DVD when you release it.
Adam —
One consistent message from all “masters” of guitar — yes, I consider you one of that select group! — is the amount of hard work necessary to make a piece sound easy. Tommy Emmanuel’s motto is “Dedication and Determination.”
Thanks for another informative and inspiring post.
Stephen
It makes me almost want to barf when someone says “oh you are so lucky – you get to do what you love…”
Are you kidding? I work my tail off and claim it….it ain’t luck!!!
Adam I have always had the utmost respect for you as a person and as a musician. Your warmth and humility shines through your outstanding guitar arrangements, videos and your unique and outstanding performances. So, whilst I understand the basic sentiment behind your “lucky” comments I believe you are mixing apples with pears.
Lucky is so often used to mean chance….the luck of the draw, but actually it is rooted in a German word Gluck, then later in Middle English as lukke meaning prosperity and fortune.
You achieved you musicianship through hard, disciplined work, playing and practicing many tens of thousands of hours to reach your present level. You were fortunate enough to have been born in a relatively prosperous country the U.S.A and to have had the chance to attend and study classical guitar at the State University of New York.
Many good, hard working and even great musicians throughout history and the world have not been so fortunate (lucky) as you.
Consider the story of Mississippi John Hurt who was “discovered” and went on to tour the U.S.A and Europe at the age of 71 in the last two years of his long life. He worked as a gardener and farmer; he may well have been doing what he loved.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_John_Hurt
or
Wes Montgomery in his earlier years
Montgomery toured with Lionel Hampton early in his career; however, the combined stress of touring and being away from family took him back home to Indianapolis. To support his family of eight, Montgomery worked in a factory from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, then performed in local clubs from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am. Cannonball Adderley heard Montgomery in an Indianapolis club and was floored. The next morning, he called record producer Orrin Keepnews, who signed Montgomery to a recording contract with Riverside Records. (From Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Montgomery
Of course being successful in the music business takes much more than just hard work and talent, it takes ambition, drive and perseverance and often being in the right place at the right time (chance….a lucky break) and also who you know helps.
Personally I have been playing music since I was six and the guitar since I was 17, I am now 63.
I have been very fortunate in that I have worked most of my life as a cabinet maker, musical instrument builder and carpenter, it has helped me pay the bills and I am grateful, but I was certainly not doing what I love. Playing music, guitar and piano and studying was what I did with every hour that was left to me as well as being a dad. It has been my life’s vocation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ffzJp8V-Q8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww-al7wmIWA
https://peterjohnbailey.com
So, I believe you have been extremely fortunate (lucky) to do what you love. Many millions of talented, dedicated people work in soulless, dead end jobs. Thank your lucky stars and thank you Adam for your wonderful lessons, videos and music.
Peter thank you for your lovely comment, and actually I know I am also VERY VERY VERY (that is 3 VERY’s) lucky. I had parents who supported me. I am not and have never been in a war torn land (man, the poor Syrians, dying as they cross borders, just to avoid being killed), I have stayed away from drugs and managed to not have any unplanned kids 🙂
I thank God every day.
I work hard, and I have a 50/50 split now between teaching on line and playing gigs. I have a great life partner (hope she’ll marry me one day) and I love where I live.
I also had the great fortune to upload vids to youtube just at the moment that the soil was fertile and not overcrowded, and with the few vids that caught fire I built a fingerstyle career.
I am lucky. The stars lined up and the angels seem to push me from behind.
I still practice passages over & over, exercise, pray, meditate and I got my butt in the chair to keep up with my students and concert planning – so there’s the work (as I am sure you know 20 years more of than me!)
Brian Tracy summed it up by saying “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
God bless you, please feel free to reach out to me anytime!
AR
Add to my comment that Wes is my all time fave I think 🙂 AR
Hi Adam.I was surfing the ytube net,as you do and I came across you playing “In my life”by the beatles.I have been playing music for 50 years,.both piano and guitar.I play all styles of guitar.However I love to play fingerstyle.When I heard your version it blue me away.I continue to play it over and over again.It has a profound affect on me.Maybe the reason for this epiphany is I am from Manchester in the U.K.I grew up with Beatles.Kinks Searchers.Billy J Kramer.the Pacemakers (Jerry) Just to mention a few.I saw all these bands play live,and I cannot describe the emmotions music creates in me.It kind of adds an extention to my already great life.The music you play especially “In my life” adds yet another extention to all that is perfect.I have become a big fan.And from one musician to another,believe me I appreciate your discipline. determination and your virtuosity on the guitar.All is good.
How kind Denis, thank you!!!!
Hi and thanks for your post. Great information and playing, as usual.
Here’s an unrelated topic question: I suspect you travel by air occasionally. What experiences and thoughts do you have with regard to flight cases and their ability to standup to the risks of airline baggage issues?
Thanks,
Hank Gregor
Excellent blog Adam.
I do a lot of wedding and corporate gigs, & with a rep. of nearly 100 songs…..it’s a LOT of prep !!
Makes me think of this quote attributed to Tchaikovsky:
“I sit down to the piano regularly at nine-o’clock in the morning and the Muse has learned to be on time.”
YEs sir, thank you John!
I especially like the comment about being “lucky”, though I know it wasn’t the point of the article. It reminds me though, of the word talent. People use the word talent in such a way to imply that one is just born with something that makes it all come easy. In so doing, they often excuse themselves from ever being able to play and additionally minimize the countless hours of work put in by those who do play.
Excellence is the sum of love + encouragement + obsession — discouragement. Some time ago, I realized that however “good” I might be musically, is a result of these quantities. I’d be better if I’d had more encouragement or obsession for example (because I don’t think that I could “love music any more”). I would never attribute my ability though, to some innate force (talent) that made it all effortless.
I totally get and believe what you are saying about talent, however I feel that some of us have been given gifts….for example, my mom was a very good pianist and played/practiced constantly as I was growing up, playing mostly classical, but also backing up my dad who sang Broadway and Standards. I started playing stringed instruments at 12 and within months found that not only did I have Relative pitch, and almost perfect pitch, but I could also shout out the chord changes to most any song as it was being played. I call those gifts. Whether genetic or experiential.
But the real reason I’m down here in the Comment section is I wanted to ask Adam and all the rest of you fingerstyle guitar players a question. I don’t use a thumb pick and I really keep my nails trimmed, but occasionally when picking a tune a nail will catch a string somehow and POP it. Not often, but even once in a tune is too many. Any tricks, advice, or thoughts? Even though I keep them way trimmed is it perhaps not enough? Maybe poor hand positioning? Anyone have anything to share?
Clifford – keep em short, smooth and check the angle you play at 🙂
AR-15… not only does some of the most AMAZINGLY funky, complex a tasteful guitar music pour from you, the wit & experiences – good AND bad -you so humbly share with all of us, your “guitar peeps”!!! Thank you, & I have to say, I am LOVING my Taylor 214-CE! Being a lefty, & not too many big music stores close, I ordered the best one I could afford – & when it arrived… WOW!!! The low end is so rich & the upper register sings!! Now (& ESPECIALLY after watching your review of Taylor vs. Maton)Mason, I’m glad I went with a Taylor. Well, & MAYBE my last name being Taylor had a little to do with the choice too… LOL!!! 🤣
Take care Adam, & thank ya for all you do, man!!
Marlin Taylor
Oh, I STILL plan on trying out one of those Matons too, one day soon – YESSIR, Hoss!!! 🤟😁🤟