The way that many of us have been taught to think about learning music is like this:
- we function like computers
- if we get musical data input, and practice it enough, we should be able to play it back
- if we can’t play it back, it means we need to practice it more
This model has never really worked for me 100%. There’s much more to it than that.
The “person as computer” model does not acknowledge human beings’ complexity, depth,
taste, individuality and childhood & cultural experiences.
Looking back, my fingers have only found their way around my instrument with true confidence when music has really entered my “heart”, not just my head.
When there is a deep love for the music I work on techniques “reveal” themselves. It becomes an feeling of discovery and unfolding rather than a mental battle.
Conversely, if a musical style has NOT lit my soul up, my hands just cannot play it no matter how much I practice it.
Even if I understand music intellectually and practice it for long periods, it just never clicks if it has not truly entered my heart.
Have you ever had a frustrated practice session where you still can’t play something, wondering “am I stupid or do I lack talent? Why can’t I play this yet?”
If you are struggling technically the answer may not lie in “more practice”, it may mean that you are not being 100% authentic and true to YOUR nature.
This can be a relief, but also a deep challenge for you as well – because now you have to be extremely honest with yourself.
Here Are 5 tips on How To Re Connect With Your Musical Authenticity
Tip #1: Can You Sing What You Want to Play?
If you can’t sing it, it means you don’t really understand the musical message,
and you will not be able to play it well.
There is NO SUCH THING as “I hear it but I can’t sing it.”
If you can’t sing what you are trying to play, it is as if you are telling a story you don’t understand.
Tip #2: Put the Musical Idea First, Discover the Technique Second
With all music we have to go from the SOUND to the TECHNIQUE.
My composition teacher used to tell me “Always go from the SOUND to the PAPER.”
Same goes for playing an instrument.
It’s very easy to get fooled and start with technique and go in search of music. That is a backwards approach.
On a scientific level check out downward causation in Quantum Physics – i.e. Spirit coming down into Matter…cool stuff!
Tip #3: Focus on Your Rhythm Concept
This is THE core skill which we all have to work on – it’s an endless journey! Rhythm it is THE base concept, no matter what kind of music you play (yes, even classical!)
Your aim is to connect your body, head and time concept in a way that is based on natural laws. No matter what type of groove you play rhythm is THE flow of the music.
Don’ Use A Metronome! You are WAY better off going dancing in a disco and FEELING grove in your body rather than playing with a metronome.
Get your groove first, then allow the fingers to follow your body rhythm.
Tip #4: Embrace the Music and Culture You Grew up With
These are “musical messages” that you’ve absorbed into your body and being, that go far beyond “the notes.”
Of course check out new music…but the stuff you’ll sound great on and enjoy the most is that which has been digested by your heart & soul.
For example, when I play Beatles it just “feels right” because that’s what I grew up on. It does not feel separate from me, it’s a part of my life.
Tip #5: Don’t Succumb to Musical Peer Pressure
There are many styles of music out there…
In certain situations, it’s easy to feel that we SHOULD like what other people like, even when we don’t. Think of this as musical “peer pressure” 🙂
You can be open, acknowledge, respect and understand different styles and not love them. That’s ok!
In Conclusion
The connection with one’s musical authenticity is a total alignment that happens inside the musician, regardless of musical style.
- As listeners, it is the “sweetness” we get when our favorite musicians play in an authentic state…it’s the message between the notes.
- As a performer, being “in alignment” with your authenticity is one of the greatest feelings life can give, and it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give others.
When you play authentically, your light will shine. You might not even realize how deeply you affect people by playing this way.
This is far more profound than a “perfectly practiced performance.”
Enjoy the journey!
Perfectly said. I can add that I also noticed the way one plays guitar is related to his personality. People who play generally fast and extremely energetic on the guitar are also the quick-witted ones and talking like a waterfall (no pun intended!). Same observation goes for slower ‘less is more’-like guitar players; they don’t like to be in the first row all the time, they think before they speak.
It might be a plain observation but there is a connection.
Play like you are 🙂
Stephan
Great videos and tutorials Adam I’m hooked after years of plectrum Jazz I’m eager to learn from you and very impressed with the whole ethic. This is a whole new departure and hopefully will get me out of a rut.
Kind regards. Alan
Adam, lam one of those guys whom has played all of my life.off and on that is more off than on . Earlier this year I lost an uncle which was my favorite one he is the person in ones life that teaches you the first chords andwould sit and play rythem as long as you wanted or anything else you wanted from him, he would just say I want you to be a better musician than I am. Anyway when he pasted he asked me to keep p,aying this and not stop after a while I promised him I would. Ihave never been as good as I could because of the things I said and now as I get older I wander if I ever will be now that I truely want . I have recently been working on playing fingerstyle and finding myself getting ever more frustrated. I sit and learn paten after patern making sure I know one thourghly before moving to the next but when I try to play songs it just doesn’t want to come out just right. I have been able to not master but get to the point that my thumb can sometimes move independent of my fingers . I really am tryi g to keep my promise to him to the point of buying a new guitar . I guess I’m just asking in a long and drawn out way that I apologize for . Any suggestions support ideas anything you maybe able to help me with to honor my promise and my Uncle Billy would be appreciated more than you know. Thanx Tim
Tim I too get frustrated. I say just play simple, simple simple and go slow. Sooner or later the hands will find a way, maybe contrary to what you mind thinks – and you’ll go AHA! Let that thumb flop around as loose as a goose and just watch what feels good.
Also – aim for groove only, and the hand will obey. Don;t get too complicated with the RH fingers – it’ll just distract from your groove.
I deal with this all the time, it is a real riddle, I know!!!
AR
Hi Adam. Always enjoy reading your views on better playing. The emphasis that you give on ” musical authenticity ” is very interesting and I certainly get it. Although I would put it more simply, as being able to express yourself so much better when you are playing something that you really connect to, and enjoy.
I play in an acoustic duo, along with my female vocalist. We are currently putting together a playlist of songs. And as in any collaboration, the songs we choose are a mix of those I like and some she likes.
We find that most we both enjoy performing, whilst others we go through the motions. We do always give 100% but we can tell when either of us isn’ t totally committed. This may be that one of us really lives the song more than the other.
Have you any advice on how to overcome this ?
Better technique/ embrace authenticity- beautiful and brilliant at the same time. I love listening to Adams thoughts as much as listening to his amazing music. Rock on brother!
Adam, your articles are always great , and inspiring….
Thank you!
Kind regards from Croatia
Ivan
Adam, your articles are always great , and inspiring….
Thank you!
Kind regards from Croatia
Ivan
I follow you for a while, Adam, and what you have today written in this article shows me that I have chosen well. Although I’m not a great guitar player, I play just to increasingly get closer and develop the flow of feeling that you speak of. Thank you very much. From Italy
Reading this made me well up, this is so right. Thank you Adam!!
Always great ideas! Thanks Adam!
Thanks Adam, this applying also to other form of arts, the mind works in the same way.
Thanks Adam I struggle for authenticity in my playing. Good tips. Singing the tune works well when I have enjoyed it enough to know it off by heart. Appreciate your posts and those of other players very much
Regards Steve
Great post Adam…..it rings true with me….I learned that songs that I liked and heard other people play did not always work for me …..although I could play the chords and sing the song I was just not feeling it.
I think this is why I tend to write my own songs or any covers I do tend to be my own version rather than staying true to the original.
This Is why I could never do a gig that requires the artist to perform popular covers….if my hearts not in it I just can’t do it.
Your point about going back to the Music you know and grew up on is valid and certainly applies to me….I get so much inspiration from my record collection….not technically but for the vibe. Also being a bluesy guy it’s all about the feel, the groove, the vibe….so the metronome is not a requirement as you alluded to. I think this is why I struggle a bit in the recording studio as I have to conform to a click track and try and deconstruct what I play rather than just doing it!
Nice to know I’m not alone in my thinking……thanks Adam.
Thanks again!
I can relate 100% to this. I’m currently learning “Jerry’s Breakdown”. You can learn the notes, but until you feel the rhythm of it, it sounds like gibberish.
Hi Adam –
This is a fantastic, timely and inspiring post!
Thank you for this and all the other great ideas you share with us!
Steve G
I think what you are saying makes a lot of sense, in fact could not pick out anything I would disagree with good stuff Adam