Perseverance: It Will Make You Or Break You!

One of the biggest obstacles for most guitar players comes from their own belief that, in order to be a great player, one must possess natural ability. I've taught many guitar students privately over the years and I often hear things like:

I'll never be as good as (student names some great or famous guitarist), or,

Players like Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai must have been born with incredible natural musical talent.

I usually respond by telling the student that he (or she) will never be a great player as long as one believes those things. Great players like Yngwie and Vai didn't just pick up the guitar one day, practice for a little while and then become virtuosos. Both of them had worked extremely hard developing their awesome skills. Yngwie has been quoted (many times) as saying that he practiced 8 hours a day between the ages of 13 and 18! If he (and others) were born with all of this talent then why did they all have to work so hard to get where they are today?

A great non-musical example of perseverance would be the great basketball star, Michael Jordan. Jordan wasn't even good enough to make it on his local high school basketball team! Most people would have given up after such a disappointment and most would have believed that there would be no point in trying again next year, since they obviously would assume that they don't possess the talent. We all know that this was not how Jordan thought about his situation. He worked extremely hard everyday, practicing and asking the coach to teach him, even though he was not a member of the team. The next year, Michael made the team and went on to eventually become one of the world's greatest athletes of all-time.

I've known a few students to believe that they did have natural musical ability. Unfortunately, I have watched them waste their time waiting for their 'natural ability' to turn them into great musicians. They showed some initial progress when they practiced, but depended too much on their talent to do the rest of the work for them. Usually at this point, they begin to become lazy and practice less, thinking that they will be great anyway. It is always hard for a teacher to see students fail because they didn't persevere when the potential was there.

What does all of this mean for you? It means that you can achieve great things if you have the passion in your heart for music and if you have the perseverance to learn and practice each day. It will take a long time, but it is well worth it. Each of you has basically the same potential as everyone else to accomplish great things. Don't wait for some natural abilities to take you where you want to be though. You must believe that you can do it only if you work hard and long. If you believe in this concept and believe in yourself... dreams can come true.

Thanks for listening.

Copyright 2007 Tom Hess Music Corporation. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Tomhess.net

POSTED: 11/16/2007 - 10:45 am

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Comments

[PlagueX1]

Excellent article.

[MidstFallacy]

This is a really good article. I've seen this happen a lot. People with the talent and potential fall short because they don't think that after a week since they can't play like eric johnson or joe satrianni they become lazy and quit. It's really sad. Good article.

[disillusia]

perfect motivation fer me to keep my dream alive

[J.A.M]

Yeah, this is my way of thinking. If you think you can do it, you can do it.

[Kingyem0c0re]

Good article, Steve Vai also admitted himself that he wasn't a natural or any good at guitar for a while but he just kept on playing and look where that got him.

[Jackolas]

I hate this "natural on guitar" rubbish. Last time I checked humans were not designed or conditioned to wield musical instruments, and so on.

Saying that people say I am a "natural", and while it can be true to an extent, no one gets to a high level without serious hardwork. There are so many factors at play.

Cheers.

[Borza]

Yes but one has to make a difference between technique and musicality. Everyone has the ability to play perfectly but not everyone has the ability to play what he feels; to express his ideas musically.

[Whiskky]

Great article, indeed. I myself am guitar student (been playing for 5 months now) and I'm learning everything about playing a guitar all by myself. So I know what it feels like to think you'll never be any good at all. I've been through that myself. But I got over it, and started practicing hard. Now, I honestly feel I've made a great progress, and now I just have to keep on going.

However, there are times I still feel unsure about playing, so this article really helps keeping my chin up. Mine and any guitar student's out there. Hats off for you. I'm sure you're one hell of a teacher

[Whiskky]

And about the "natural" thing, there's this saying from where I'm from that roughly translates into "no one is born taught", and I believe that applies to everything, and guitar must be no exception. So yeah, I agree when people say there's no such thing as a "natural".

[led,rainsong]

cool

[Shabalaba]

Good article

[doctor woot]

I think there's a certain extent of natural, but I don't think it means you're born good. It just means you catch on rather quickly, but if there's no effort, there's no product. So someone with only 2 fingers could play better than someone with 10, if they really applied themselves. It would just be, obviously, a lot harder, but if you really want that goal, by all means go for it

[ghostofhendrix]

Yeh i think some people are initially better suited to guitar than others, but that can only cover basic stuff. Everyone has the potential to be amazing like Yngwie Malmsteen or Paul Gilbert, they just have to practice a helluva lot and not give up or lose sight of their goals. I practice on average about 3 hours a day and i could still be much better- for example, im rubbish at sweep picking anything more than 3 string arpeggios, but thats mainly cuz i dont have the patience to learn it properly.

[Megadeth77]

Who so ever doesn't believe there is no Natural talent is BS'ing. Because there is Natural Talent, Natural Talent is what everyone posses for something..like guitar playing. The Natural Talent is something that comes easier and quicker than that would to someone else. but, it doesn't mean you don't have to practice at it, because you have to practice whatever you do.

[MATTTHEMOP]

i never understand the people who practise for 8 hours a day, or similar lengths of time. didnt they go to school? didnt they sleep? did they do NOTHING else beside play their instrument? i admire their persistence, but people need to sleep, need to go to school, and need to other things...

[webbtje]

This has been said so, so ,any times before. Nothing special here.

[Metallica_Man55]

this was an inspiring article, and the comments were just as interesting. while i agree that no one just picks up a guitar and plays as well as malmsteen, there is at least a little bit of natural talent. practice is how you turn that talent into playing ability.

like the article said, if you don't practice and you wait for your talent, you're not going to get anywhere. you have to put effort into your playing. you have to want to play. it can't be a routine, like "oh, i gotta go practice guitar now", it's gotta be like "i feel like playing guitar right now".

[Blakaos]

Great article, every time I see it when entering UG I pick up my guitar and try some excercises.

[Insomnia57]

dude, dont use the Micheal Jordan excuse, he didnt make the VARSITY team, he did make the JV team though, because he wouldnt have been starting on varsity, but besides that, it was a great article.

[Pingis_Or_Death]

MATTTHEMOP wrote:

i never understand the people who practise for 8 hours a day, or similar lengths of time. didnt they go to school? didnt they sleep? did they do NOTHING else beside play their instrument? i admire their persistence, but people need to sleep, need to go to school, and need to other things...

+1 It's not human!

[Andraysexy]

I basically lost my social life, but it payed off, 'cause I can handle Dream Theater and Symphony X after only 2 1/2 years of playing. Its honestly all i do.

[neversleeps84]

Great article, I used to feel that way. I think people just need to realize there are no "naturals". However, there are people who pick up on it quicker than others, but even these people have to work their asses off if they want to continue to develope as a guitar player.

[bluesblaster]

Insomnia57 wrote:

dude, dont use the Micheal Jordan excuse, he didnt make the VARSITY team, he did make the JV team though, because he wouldnt have been starting on varsity, but besides that, it was a great article.

who the f__k cares?

[tamargoguitar]

Nice, love the MJ example really helps understand your point nice job!

Checked.

[DaveGilmour1189]

although against the whole Steve vai is born with talent is kinda wrong. he admits to being gifted with music theory, but admits he sucks at guitar from a technical aspect. That's why he has that 12 hour daily practice regimine

[nicotine_13]

Nice article, gave me a confidence boost :]

[samerika]

I can do it!


thanks for the confidence boos i really need i'm playing tonight.

[astrocreep71]

I think the author does do a great justice in saying that this attitude goes beyond just music. One thing I would like to add to this(it applies to the overall point of this article). In my experience, when you are practicing and feeling your head with excercises, your head gets all messed-up(tired, burnt out). Take a step back if you are allowed. Give yourself a day or two to NOT think about it. You may be surprised at the steps forward this will actully produce. Nice article though. Short

[SG Man Forever]

Great article. I never let myself think "I'll never be as good as Vai" I always say to myself, "If I put my mind to it, one day, I could outplay Vai" A lot of people need to realize that the same is true for them.

[rhcp3412]

this is a great article. i myself get very frustrated when i cant put the true feeling into the music like jimi could. but if you love what you do, and just keep playing, then who knows where you'll get?

[StealthyHayze]

just what i needed wow

[Skater901]

Thank you thank you thank you my friend! This is exactly what I need to show my friend. He keeps talking about how he doesn't have enough talent to be as good as all the greats. I'm gonna show this article to him. Thank you.

[Mud Martian]

Well, this is something I have to think about. Before reading this article believed that all of my favorite singers and guitarists became great because they deserved it, because they were born to be great, and they could not fail. I've come to believe that I too must rely on my natural talent, and if I don't have it, then I am a failure.

After reading this, I think I'm beginning to understand why, after two years of playing guitar, my solo's are sloppy. Why I can't shred. Why I can't tap. Why I can't sweep pick. Why I struggle to play power chords and clean barre chords (hand tenses up, I play the wrong chords). Why I don't know where all of the notes are on the fretboard. Why my fingers slip off the fretboard all of the time, my bends are out of tune, and I'm always tense with whatever I'm playing. Why I sweat and clench my toes after three minutes of playing. Why I throw my guitar down every night and say **** it.

I never practice. I pick up my guitar and play. But I play no better than I did 1 year ago. I really have not improved in any way. I know some more theory, but that's about it. My solos are still sloppy, I'm still tense, I'm still, after one year, everything I said in the last paragraph. Because I don't practice.

I still believe there is such a thing as natural talent. Led Zeppelin is an example of natural talent. Chris Cornell is an example of natural talent. John Petrucci is an example of natural talent. And many other people, who aren't a big name or a name at all, are naturally talented. It doesn't mean they pick up the guitar for the first time and start sweep picking arpeggios at 100032490bpm. But it takes less time and practice than it does for me.

It's something to think about, for sure.

[mr barnicals]

-goes and practises for 8 hours-

[FenderValveking]

Article is great. I for one don't have the natural talent. I started playing in 1989's. WHen I started I couldn't even tuner my guitar. So about the 8 hours, Hmm I remmenber that when used to have day off from school and work, I did Indee play more than 8 hours. Why? I thought playing guitar was so relaxin. I will turn the mute on the t.v and put up the caption and read and play as I was going downs and up on Scale. , My drummer asked me last night , How do can you play so fast without getting tired and I wished to play fast like that. I looked at him and told home I practice Intensively almost everyday. when I first started.Now I still do practice and play any time anywhere when never i get some time i will grab my guitar. In other words. what peoples means with natural talent they may be saying how mucuh do you love your instruments how passionate you are about your intrument. For I I love my intrument.My style of playing is close to Yngwie opn the fast scale things. Trust me I keep telling my bands that is not all about me . Do what you are best at. Because i play fast and make it look easy going up and down It get tired for me it take alot of me when I do play like that, I m play many style of music now. So i can relax from blastin solo and riff. So basically, How good you want to be? Once you figure that one . Go for it. get there. For I love playing jazz,rock blues, Latin, metal, death metal,classical,Flamenco,altenative,and yes pop music. I also play piano,drums and bass. And this is not natural talants. I works hard for this and I wanted it with my soul to do this . not to impress peoples . going look at me i can play this and that. I just do it. Oh yeah I play scalloped neck fender. Awesome . It will NOT!! make you FAST!! the sole purpose of it. is to get a better grip of the strings when you bend them, I had meet many sheredder in my time that play other plat neck guitar and let them try my guitar try to goes fast on it , they goes HOLY Crap!! This is a different ball games here. I m like yes I know they scalloped doesn't not make you fast in for better grip , the Fast come within yourself, not the guitar. For better example here is one. If you give a $10.000 dollars guitar to a beginner that does mean hes is a awesome guitar player? NO He just got a expensive guitar then give it to a Pro ! well you know the answers to that one. So If you want to play Like a pro Do what you have to do. PLAY YOUR HEART OUT. Thank you for you time

[FenderValveking]

Article is great. I for one don't have the natural talent. I started playing in 1989's. When I started I couldn't even tuned my guitar. So about the 8 hours?, Hmm I remmenber that when used to have day off from school and work, I did Indee play more than 8 hours. Why? I thought playing guitar was so relaxin. I will turn the mute on the t.v and put up the caption on and read what was on t.v and play my guitar as I was going downs and up on Scales. , My drummer asked me last night , How do can you play so fast without getting tired and I wished to play fast like that. I looked at him and told home I practice Intensively almost everyday. when I first started.Now I still do practice and play any time anywhere when never i get some time i will grab my guitar. In other words. what peoples means with natural talent they may be saying how mucuh do you love your instruments how passionate you are about your intrument. For I I love my intrument.My style of playing is close to Yngwie on the fast scale things. Trust me I keep telling my bands that is not all about me . Do what you are best at. Because I play fast and make it look easy going up and down It get tired for me it take alot of me when I do play like that, I m play many style of music now. So I can relax from blastin solo and riff. So basically, How good you want to be? Once you figure that one . Go for it. get there. For I love playing jazz,rock blues, Latin, metal, death metal,classical,Flamenco,altenative,and yes pop music. I also play piano,drums and bass. And this is not natural talants. I works hard for this and I wanted it with my soul to do this . not to impress peoples . going look at me I can play this and that. I just do it. Oh yeah I play scalloped neck fender. Awesome . It will NOT!! make you FAST!! the sole purpose of it. is to get a better grip of the strings when you bend them, I had meet many sheredder in my time that play other plat neck guitar and let them try my guitar and they try going fast on it , they goes HOLY Crap!! This is a different ball games here. I m like yes I know the scalloped doesn't not make you fast in for better grip , the Fast come within yourself, not the guitar. For better example here is one. If you give a $10.000 dollars guitar to a beginner that does mean hes is a awesome guitar player? NO!! He just got a expensive guitar then give it to a Pro ! well you know the answers to that one. So If you want to play Like a pro Do what you have to do. PLAY YOUR HEART OUT. Thank you for you time

[Arnthor]

I have problems playing my guitar, like others ive been very much at the same skill level for over a year and i know i should stop playing and start pratacing but the only thing is, i don't know what to pratice. Ive tried somethings like legato and chromatic metronome exercises but it does not help one bit, i can sometimkes spend hours playing the same exercises with the same result. Ive read this article a great number of times (its been on shredaholic.com for ages) and while it is helpful it just hasn't helped me but thats probably my fault.

[lll A7X lll]

hey

im an alrite guitraist i guess.....

but wen i sit down 2 practice i just end up playing the same songs or exercises

ne 1 got ne ideas for stuff i sud learn that will actually help me progress rather than me playin (bat country, unholy confessions, other 7 fold stuff and so on.

plz help!!! be suggestions welcome

[FenderValveking]

Arnthor wrote:

I have problems playing my guitar, like others ive been very much at the same skill level for over a year and i know i should stop playing and start pratacing but the only thing is, i don't know what to pratice. Ive tried somethings like legato and chromatic metronome exercises but it does not help one bit, i can sometimkes spend hours playing the same exercises with the same result. Ive read this article a great number of times (its been on shredaholic.com for ages) and while it is helpful it just hasn't helped me but thats probably my fault.

Arnthor wrote:

I have problems playing my guitar, like others ive been very much at the same skill level for over a year and i know i should stop playing and start pratacing but the only thing is, i don't know what to pratice. Ive tried somethings like legato and chromatic metronome exercises but it does not help one bit, i can sometimkes spend hours playing the same exercises with the same result. Ive read this article a great number of times (its been on shredaholic.com for ages) and while it is helpful it just hasn't helped me but thats probably my fault.

Arnthor wrote:

I have problems playing my guitar, like others ive been very much at the same skill level for over a year and i know i should stop playing and start pratacing but the only thing is, i don't know what to pratice. Ive tried somethings like legato and chromatic metronome exercises but it does not help one bit, i can sometimkes spend hours playing the same exercises with the same result. Ive read this article a great number of times (its been on shredaholic.com for ages) and while it is helpful it just hasn't helped me but thats probably my fault.

Arnthor wrote:

I have problems playing my guitar, like others ive been very much at the same skill level for over a year and i know i should stop playing and start pratacing but the only thing is, i don't know what to pratice. Ive tried somethings like legato and chromatic metronome exercises but it does not help one bit, i can sometimkes spend hours playing the same exercises with the same result. Ive read this article a great number of times (its been on shredaholic.com for ages) and while it is helpful it just hasn't helped me but thats probably my fault.

Arnthor wrote:

I have problems playing my guitar, like others ive been very much at the same skill level for over a year and i know i should stop playing and start pratacing but the only thing is, i don't know what to pratice. Ive tried somethings like legato and chromatic metronome exercises but it does not help one bit, i can sometimkes spend hours playing the same exercises with the same result. Ive read this article a great number of times (its been on shredaholic.com for ages) and while it is helpful it just hasn't helped me but thats probably my fault.

Arnthor wrote:

I have problems playing my guitar, like others ive been very much at the same skill level for over a year and i know i should stop playing and start pratacing but the only thing is, i don't know what to pratice. Ive tried somethings like legato and chromatic metronome exercises but it does not help one bit, i can sometimkes spend hours playing the same exercises with the same result. Ive read this article a great number of times (its been on shredaholic.com for ages) and while it is helpful it just hasn't helped me but thats probably my fault.

sometimes when I used to practice a certain scale was only to learn the modes and make sure my finger make those note counts. per examples. It should be like counting or walking . should be where you know the notes exactly how you want them to sound. then start making radoms playing within that scales, Listen to it, don't worry how you finger will look. just listen and the music should come out of it , try it let me know if you got any succes. kinda like a classical player, they will play on a certain keys let say A minor and when you listen they are all over the violin or whatever they play making it sound like they are doing a whole lot of stuff but they are in one scale. try that. hope that help.

[FenderValveking]

lll A7X lll wrote:

hey

im an alrite guitraist i guess.....

but wen i sit down 2 practice i just end up playing the same songs or exercises

ne 1 got ne ideas for stuff i sud learn that will actually help me progress rather than me playin (bat country, unholy confessions, other 7 fold stuff and so on.

plz help!!! be suggestions welcome

When you feel that you are playing the same stuff. stop right there and be open minded and try to listen some other style of music , for the heck out of it. Even when you don't like the songs. you will hear one specif note or beat or whatever move you , stop and ask question , How?, why?, can I? Will it? and so on. then apply it to your style and see what happen. per say I listen to latin romantic stuff and wrote a song in that style. then don't laugh i listen to savage garden and did something to that style. sometimes listening to other style will drive you to something else. and please. Don't try to sound like someone else. They are doing that for you. I play in the style of scale like Yngwie but that doesn't not make me Yngwie. I m not even trying . he is doing that for me. Thank you and hope that help

[philipp122]

Jackolas, I believe some people do progress faster in some areas than others, and I believe some people will find it easier to learn the basics of guitars than others, hence the term "natural". But in the end, it will take hours of practice and a lot of devotion and determination to become a great guitarist, so either way, everyone has the potential, natural or not.

[-stratomaster-]

All I can say is thank you.

[Seidenschnur]

I liked the article and I agree that we all must practice, but some people just don't have rhythm.

[E V H 5150]

It's the same for any instruments. I thought I would never be able to do a vibrato on a trumpet last year. And then I asked my teacher how, and began practicing, and had it within a few days because of practicing vibrato whenever there were long notes.

If it was easy, everybody would be doing it. It's not easy. It's not supposed to be, if you want to be a good guitarist. You could learn some simple stuff like Green Day, or even Johnny Cash or whatever, if that's your style. Music isn't supposed to be about who can play the fastest or whatever. It's about the sound.

[envoykrawkwar7]

MATTTHEMOP wrote:

i never understand the people who practise for 8 hours a day, or similar lengths of time. didnt they go to school? didnt they sleep? did they do NOTHING else beside play their instrument? i admire their persistence, but people need to sleep, need to go to school, and need to other things...

whoo needs to sleep seriosly
and when thats ll you do, you dont care about school really

[rokknrollldude]

people say i am a natural at guitar, but i played piano for 4 years and saxophone for 2 years before i started....a music background puts you light years ahead of everyone else

[alexpaton]

MATTTHEMOP wrote:

i never understand the people who practise for 8 hours a day, or similar lengths of time. didnt they go to school? didnt they sleep? did they do NOTHING else beside play their instrument? i admire their persistence, but people need to sleep, need to go to school, and need to other things...

Although it has little to do with guitar, my father practiced drums pretty much everyday for hours and hours and hours on end for years, eventually moving onto the piano and a bunch of other percussion instruments, as well as guitar, so it's definitely possible to squeeze it in with school, I just have no idea how haha

Also SOME people do have natural musical gifts. Saying that isn't true is utterly ridiculous. That would be like saying a man with naturally strong lungs doesn't have any gifts towards being a great marathon runner. OF COURSE HE DOES! Just like someone with excellent dexterity, long/strong fingers, hand-eye coordination, musical rhythm, and an ear for tones has gifts towards playing music.

[Donkey Fly]

Really enjoyed this.

Very true and really hits home about it all.

10/10

[jamis8891]

Great Motivation. I've been playing for 7 years, but the middle 4 years i improved very little because i never practiced. The last 3 years I've seen my playing go to a whole new level. I sucked when I first started (I snapped 2 strings the first time i strung my guitar).

[Brad52]

im in the exact same situation as jamis

[justalocalhero]

i liked the article, but it irks me to hear the infamous michael jordan reference(again...). he was the best basketball player at his high school but he got cut from his school's varsity team as a freshman because only upper classmen were allowed to play.

[t3h guitar n00b]

I liked this. My principal tells us the Michael Jordan story every year, forgetting he did so the previous year. And although it is annoying, it is a great inspirational story. I don't think there is a single person who wouldn't be able to get motivation from this article (unless they've seen it all before).

[§ArmyofAngels§]

MATTTHEMOP wrote:

i never understand the people who practise for 8 hours a day, or similar lengths of time. didnt they go to school? didnt they sleep? did they do NOTHING else beside play their instrument? i admire their persistence, but people need to sleep, need to go to school, and need to other things...

you know, they didnt just practice for 8 hours at a time, theres plenty of time in the morning, afternoon, and at night. for example, you could practice for an hour in the morning, 3 hours after school, 4 hours at night, or any other combination.
you would pretty much have no social life though.

[FenderValveking]

§ArmyofAngels§ wrote:

MATTTHEMOP wrote:

i never understand the people who practise for 8 hours a day, or similar lengths of time. didnt they go to school? didnt they sleep? did they do NOTHING else beside play their instrument? i admire their persistence, but people need to sleep, need to go to school, and need to other things...


you know, they didnt just practice for 8 hours at a time, theres plenty of time in the morning, afternoon, and at night. for example, you could practice for an hour in the morning, 3 hours after school, 4 hours at night, or any other combination.
you would pretty much have no social life though.

Yes I agree with you I didn't have a social life for doing this.I used to play anytime,If i get 15 minute here and 1 hours here and so on. But now that I play live in front of hundreds and thousands peoples it's not bad . I guess giving up my teen social life wasn't that bad after all. Now I get more than social life.

[vIsIbleNoIsE]

MATTTHEMOP wrote:

i never understand the people who practise for 8 hours a day, or similar lengths of time. didnt they go to school? didnt they sleep? did they do NOTHING else beside play their instrument? i admire their persistence, but people need to sleep, need to go to school, and need to other things...

and that is what makes them superheroes.

[Dante Morius]

Good article, but I must say, Vai and Malmsteen have talent anyway... 95% of their abilities comes from hard work, but that 5% of god-skills coms from their talent. Look at Flea from RHCP, he worked hard, true, but he always have natural filling of music and groove.

[FenderValveking]

Dante Morius wrote:

Good article, but I must say, Vai and Malmsteen have talent anyway... 95% of their abilities comes from hard work, but that 5% of god-skills coms from their talent. Look at Flea from RHCP, he worked hard, true, but he always have natural filling of music and groove.

Amen Brother ,Amen!

[steve45]

i myself admit that i am sufering the "break you" side. yeah, I admit that I'm stuborn to practice any piece. but how can I overcome this?
I have time for practice but, Im not even sure if I am practicing or just wasting my time

[The_Seventh_Sin]

liked the article
Very inspiring if anyone in a rut reads this.

[FenderValveking]

If you have problem thinking that you are wasting time , then stop! Think for a moment and ask yourself do I want to a good musicians or just a hobby? then after you figure it out then you will know what to do. hope that help.

[klaheto]

Awsome, love the way he preaches the truth.

[FenderValveking]

Another things about scales. If you already knows your whole bar chords then you already knows your scales. How? simple way to do for beginner.
Okay here is how? Grab your guitar. Play a A bar chors strings by string, strums one strings at the time going down and then up. listen to it carefully. what do you hear? singles notes right? now have someone play the same chord or you can do that your self and memorize the chord sound in your head make up a beat and then move to the octave or (keep it where the A chord is at). either way it works the same, take it to octave section of your guitar neck while playing the chord in your head make up a beat then play the same chord progression in a singles notes mode playing solo( style with the chord that is playing in your head or a friend playing the chord can be good too.) Try it ,That way you will be in the same keys and there is no way you will be out of tune. of course tune your guitar first hehehe, that is one easy way to play. so basically A chord , take it apart what do you get A chord scales. chords are made up of scales . Thank you hope that help , this is easy way to play in tune.

[FenderValveking]

FenderValveking wrote:

Another things about scales. If you already knows your whole bar chords then you already knows your scales. How? simple way to do for beginner.
Okay here is how? Grab your guitar. Play a A bar chors strings by string, strums one strings at the time going down and then up. listen to it carefully. what do you hear? singles notes right? now have someone play the same chord or you can do that your self and memorize the chord sound in your head make up a beat and then move to the octave or (keep it where the A chord is at). either way it works the same, take it to octave section of your guitar neck while playing the chord in your head make up a beat then play the same chord progression in a singles notes mode playing solo( style with the chord that is playing in your head or a friend playing the chord can be good too.) Try it ,That way you will be in the same keys and there is no way you will be out of tune. of course tune your guitar first hehehe, that is one easy way to play. so basically A chord , take it apart what do you get A chord scales. chords are made up of scales . Thank you hope that help , this is easy way to play in tune.

oh yeah once you figure this one out , then move across the board and look for similar notes that are in the same keys, you will suprised on where you hand will be playing at. then you will move to the advance theory. Good luck guys

[FenderValveking]

FenderValveking wrote:

FenderValveking wrote:

Another things about scales. If you already knows your whole bar chords then you already knows your scales. How? simple way to do for beginner.
Okay here is how? Grab your guitar. Play a A bar chors strings by string, strums one strings at the time going down and then up. listen to it carefully. what do you hear? singles notes right? now have someone play the same chord or you can do that your self and memorize the chord sound in your head make up a beat and then move to the octave or (keep it where the A chord is at). either way it works the same, take it to octave section of your guitar neck while playing the chord in your head make up a beat then play the same chord progression in a singles notes mode playing solo( style with the chord that is playing in your head or a friend playing the chord can be good too.) Try it ,That way you will be in the same keys and there is no way you will be out of tune. of course tune your guitar first hehehe, that is one easy way to play. so basically A chord , take it apart what do you get A chord scales. chords are made up of scales . Thank you hope that help , this is easy way to play in tune.
oh yeah once you figure this one out , then move across the board and look for similar notes that are in the same keys, you will suprised on where you hand will be playing at. then you will move to the advance theory. Good luck guys

Oh crap I forgot again. When you play the chords improvise as you go. add extra notes take them off. listen carefully thought, you ear will let you know, How you want those notes to sounds.

[Mike_Philippov]

Great article!

[Muppet]

Great article. The first good one from you, and it's a pure 10!

[Y00p]

Actually, it's a good article. Surprised to see it was Tom Hess' (no offense, really!), though.

[Azrael`]

amazing article never thought of it in that way.

[DeuceMortius]

you know, they didnt just practice for 8 hours at a time, theres plenty of time in the morning, afternoon, and at night. for example, you could practice for an hour in the morning, 3 hours after school, 4 hours at night, or any other combination.
you would pretty much have no social life though.

What time do you all start school? I start at ten to nine, and I have to get up at half seven to get ready for it. i leave my house at 10 past 8 to walk to school, and that leaves no time. And that means i would have to practice 8 straight hours from 4 till 12 at night.

[FenderValveking]

DeuceMortius wrote:

you know, they didnt just practice for 8 hours at a time, theres plenty of time in the morning, afternoon, and at night. for example, you could practice for an hour in the morning, 3 hours after school, 4 hours at night, or any other combination.
you would pretty much have no social life though.

What time do you all start school? I start at ten to nine, and I have to get up at half seven to get ready for it. i leave my house at 10 past 8 to walk to school, and that leaves no time. And that means i would have to practice 8 straight hours from 4 till 12 at night.

Get up earlier!5 am to 6 am that give you plenty time!=)

[oddhawk676]

I don't consider vai, malmsteen, or herman li as the BEST guitarists because they play fast and dont have much energy and emotion in their solos. Just good, but im not any fan of them.

[whitebluesboy]

LIVE TO WINNNN, TILL YOU DIEEE, TILL THE FIRES IN YOUR EYESSS, LIVEEE TO WINN!

[Second Rate]

oddhawk676 wrote:

I don't consider vai, malmsteen, or herman li as the BEST guitarists because they play fast and dont have much energy and emotion in their solos. Just good, but im not any fan of them.

The article is trying to reinforce the point that no one is born with the ability to play guitar. You have to practice. The guitarists he referenced are perfect examples of the levels of ability that dedicated practice can allow you to achieve. Hell, why would you bother reading an article with Malmsteens picture next to it in the first place?

[FenderValveking]

Second Rate wrote:

oddhawk676 wrote:

I don't consider vai, malmsteen, or herman li as the BEST guitarists because they play fast and dont have much energy and emotion in their solos. Just good, but im not any fan of them.


The article is trying to reinforce the point that no one is born with the ability to play guitar. You have to practice. The guitarists he referenced are perfect examples of the levels of ability that dedicated practice can allow you to achieve. Hell, why would you bother reading an article with Malmsteens picture next to it in the first place?

Yes Why did you bother?? Herman Li?? what are you smoking ?? this guy can't touch Vai or Yngwie???

[FenderValveking]

Yes why did you bother reading this? Herman li? what are you smoking ? this guy can't touch Vai or Yngwie.

[FenderValveking]

Yes? why did you bother reading this. Herman Li? this guy can't touch Vai or Yngwie.

[!normajean!]

thanks a lot for this. this gave me a lot of inspiration.
im going play guitar now.

[steve45]

FenderValveking wrote:

If you have problem thinking that you are wasting time , then stop! Think for a moment and ask yourself do I want to a good musicians or just a hobby? then after you figure it out then you will know what to do. hope that help.

[steve45]

FenderValveking wrote:

If you have problem thinking that you are wasting time , then stop! Think for a moment and ask yourself do I want to a good musicians or just a hobby? then after you figure it out then you will know what to do. hope that help.

wow. thanks for that. my mind stopped there thinking..
and it's hard..

[daniel c b]

i kinda wrote a song about this a little while back

[daniel c b]

and good artice

FenderValveking wrote:

Yes why did you bother reading this? Herman li? what are you smoking ? this guy can't touch Vai or Yngwie.

actually from what i remember the top 3 fastest players by notes per second were vai, batio, and li knocked malmsteen off 3rd... :O

[daniel c b]

but then again no doubt that malmsteen is an incredible player

[FenderValveking]

REAlly ?? Hmm do you have the article where I can read this,

[BigBall]

playing and practising is not the same. If you dont develop your ability it means you practise the wrong way. Many people start practising too difficult things to early, and to fast, they will be stuck. when i practise i start up with a scale routine, mostly three notes pr. string scales, first i do the major in all positions, then the minor, then the gypsy minor, and then the bluespentatonic. All scales are played from third string, fourth string, fifth and sixth string. And, most important i do not play this fast, i play this slow, so slow i play this extremely perfect. thefirst 45 minutes i do this. First then i start working on speedy and difficult things. This is exremely boring, but it really helps.

[guilty]

I'm with you BigBall, I do the same thing.. but in 30 minutes. It is less but still helps..
Great article though..

[brianakirk]

Its all about the drive, if you want it bad enough and put enough time and effort into it, it will be rewarded

Great article m8 top marks

[Froyd666]

awesome

[ChucklesMginty]

Excellent. I kind of of already new this, but it's still very helpful. My friends and family have told me I'm very good at guitar, but I still practise A LOT and really hope I can make it into a career someday.

[FenderValveking]

This should not be this hard. You want to play great. then practice. You want to be okay practice half the time . You want to be suck at it. just strums some few chords on the guitar . Jeez .How many great guitars player do you know that suck?? You want to be great? Practice, learns your stuff . Period!!! This should not be about I can't play that long . my milk bottle still warm, I don't have time . sniff sniff!! suck it up. If you can't play that long quit while you are it. Yes I m with brianakirk . It's all about the drive.!!

[PsychoKNTX]

SENSATIONAL!

[dominion8]

EXCELLENT article.
I get so tired of hearing people preach about how Jimi Hendrix was born to play the guitar. No one popped outta their mom and started shredding, it just doesn't happen that way.
However, I do believe that there is a portion that is god given talent...be it the way a person arranges what they learn in their mind or just a knack for hand eye coordination. Either way, theres nothing, nothing, that can't be learned.
Even this 'perfect pitch' thing. Sure some people can naturally hear precise tones, but they still have to learn what their hearing...and either way, you can still teach yourself that. I'm living proof that it can be learned through dedication.
Again, excellent...excellent article

[Slaytanic6606]

My own family tells me I don't possess the talent...

[FenderValveking]

dominion8 wrote:

EXCELLENT article.
I get so tired of hearing people preach about how Jimi Hendrix was born to play the guitar. No one popped outta their mom and started shredding, it just doesn't happen that way.
However, I do believe that there is a portion that is god given talent...be it the way a person arranges what they learn in their mind or just a knack for hand eye coordination. Either way, theres nothing, nothing, that can't be learned.
Even this 'perfect pitch' thing. Sure some people can naturally hear precise tones, but they still have to learn what their hearing...and either way, you can still teach yourself that. I'm living proof that it can be learned through dedication.
Again, excellent...excellent article

Amen! Amen brother

[x.brutal.x]

now that was inspirational.

[nikh158]

What time do you all start school? I start at ten to nine, and I have to get up at half seven to get ready for it. i leave my house at 10 past 8 to walk to school, and that leaves no time. And that means i would have to practice 8 straight hours from 4 till 12 at night

This is similar to the practice routine used by Zak Wylde; he started practicing after is evening meal and kept going through most of the night. The truth is, if you want it bad enough you`ll put in the hours. I practice for about an hour a day; Therefore in the last 18 months I`ve done roughly 550 hours practice. In the same amount of time, the likes of Vai, Satriani and Vai might have done over 4000 hours (that`s each!). If we had all started playing together and they stopped playing after 18 months, it would take me 8 years to catch up!

[xitlight]

I believe there's a cutoff. Some people seem to have a natural affinity for musically-related things. But at a point, EVERYONE will have to grind it out for many, many hours each day to get past a certain level.

I picked up the guitar and piano at age 18, and a year later I dropped my psychology major and picked up music performance. But I practiced 6-9 hours a day for the first 8 months. ;]

[cick13]

cliche

[special2Albino]

this is a great article for beginners.i always believed in my self n im gettin places where i wanna go. however, my friend who im teachin is having a problem with Perseverance and he's struggling. it wasnt easy for me either at first but if you work at it and go balls out about it like i did, you can do it to. im not sayin its easy, you gotta work for it. if you want it enough and work hard, you'll get it.

[cjsquid]

i loved the article please write more!!!!!

[k00kie M0nster]

The title is "Perseverance: It will make or break you". How could perseverance "break me"/be a bad thing?
I also agree with cick13

[wildchild6660]

I agree 100% with this article. I'm a living example.Practicing 5 hours a day for the last few months seems to hav tripled my ability. You do of course need at least some sense of rhythm and tone

[flipdirtman]

MATTTHEMOP wrote:

i never understand the people who practise for 8 hours a day, or similar lengths of time. didnt they go to school? didnt they sleep? did they do NOTHING else beside play their instrument? i admire their persistence, but people need to sleep, need to go to school, and need to other things...

no they dont quit being a pansy ..LOL

[flipdirtman]

mr barnicals wrote:

-goes and practises for 8 hours-

i disagree go and practice every two seconds of free time you have when you got to do something put it down even if you only been practicing for 5 min. then when youre done with whatever youre doing pick it back up and continue practicing

[flipdirtman]

envoykrawkwar7 wrote:

MATTTHEMOP wrote:

i never understand the people who practise for 8 hours a day, or similar lengths of time. didnt they go to school? didnt they sleep? did they do NOTHING else beside play their instrument? i admire their persistence, but people need to sleep, need to go to school, and need to other things...


whoo needs to sleep seriosly
and when thats ll you do, you dont care about school really

thank you for saying that

[FenderValveking]

okay liten to my clip that I jus added to my mp3 thingy. this is what happen when you do your homework. thank you all

[FenderValveking]

FenderValveking wrote:

okay liten to my clip that I jus added to my mp3 thingy. this is what happen when you do your homework. thank you all

Just to let you all know , this is recorded with a small Solid state practice amps. To get the ideas down on the pc and then following with a drums machines for tempo purposed then I will bring this up to the bands members and share it with them. then we will take it from there. hope you will like it .

[stratupyourass]

3 words...Practice Makes Perfect.

[sykguitaryst]

MATTTHEMOP wrote:

i never understand the people who practise for 8 hours a day, or similar lengths of time. didnt they go to school? didnt they sleep? did they do NOTHING else beside play their instrument? i admire their persistence, but people need to sleep, need to go to school, and need to other things...

around 10 hrs a day here, lol, who needs sleep/school/other things when u can play the hell out of an axe? xD natural = brain power in my book. keep at what u love and itll return the favor with better results.

[punky_deryck]

i'm maybe sucks, but tomorrow i'll be the greatest guitarist!!! X-P

[pangui]

daniel c b wrote:

and good artice

FenderValveking wrote:

Yes why did you bother reading this? Herman li? what are you smoking ? this guy can't touch Vai or Yngwie.


actually from what i remember the top 3 fastest players by notes per second were vai, batio, and li knocked malmsteen off 3rd... :O

What, so that makes him better?
Li is just good at playing fast, but he doesn't apply it suitably. Fair enough, being able to play fast is a good skill to have, but you are a true master if you know how to use the speed well.
Trust me, Li doesn't.

[Black_Fender]

pangui wrote:

daniel c b wrote:

and good artice

FenderValveking wrote:

Yes why did you bother reading this? Herman li? what are you smoking ? this guy can't touch Vai or Yngwie.


actually from what i remember the top 3 fastest players by notes per second were vai, batio, and li knocked malmsteen off 3rd... :O

What, so that makes him better?
Li is just good at playing fast, but he doesn't apply it suitably. Fair enough, being able to play fast is a good skill to have, but you are a true master if you know how to use the speed well.
Trust me, Li doesn't.

How dare you!!! Li is a master of guitar. His melodies are excellent. To say he doesn't know how to apply his speed is foolish; his technique is perfect!

[FenderValveking]

I didn't say he suck. he just in a different league from Vai and Yngwie. Plus about 15 years ago. I had a chance to try the origianl whammy pedal and a wah together and you won't believe what it came out from the speakers . Yep. same thing Li is doing. accept that I was doing that 15 years ago!! that style wasn't yet acceptable.

[FenderValveking]

FenderValveking wrote:

I didn't say he suck. he just in a different league from Vai and Yngwie. Plus about 15 years ago. I had a chance to try the origianl whammy pedal and a wah together and you won't believe what it came out from the speakers . Yep. same thing Li is doing. accept that I was doing that 15 years ago!! that style wasn't yet acceptable.

I can say whatever I Want . Can you play fast?? If you do prove me! speed is not all. You missing the WHOLE picture. I don't even know why I wasting my time with you .Bye

[-blaze-]

This is the first time i read an article to the end. fantastic stuff.

[Absu_Kanpa]

I'd like to add something about those that say Jimi Hendrix was only good because of natural talent. I don't believe that, and he was certainly not just a random wanker. He sounded like from another planet at that time, but he knew what he was doing.

The problem is that drugs are so taboo that people don't warrant the need to discuss them in detail. Others then think "oh he was just high outta his mind", instead of wondering "what/how did he just play that?". Getting to my point, Hendrix early on had the desire to attain "limitless inspiration" and he persevered like hell to attain it. He found different drugs or combinations would allow him to get different states of mind(unnatural emotions, if you will). So what he did was experiment, pratice and persevered until some style or songs ideas would pile up until reaching his satisfaction, it's not like the final version of Little Wing popped into his head one day, he worked at it.

Look at him live improvising, he's chewing tinfoil because it rubbed his fillings and gave him some kind of feeling, but bottom line is plays what he learned in the past and conditions it to his state of mind.

[Absu_Kanpa]

forgot to say a tip for motivation lol... Like others said before, it takes time. Before you get bored with scale exercises so much that you want to quit, take a break off of it for a little while.

During that time, have fun when you do pick up your guitar and play songs you know well. Decide a technique you want to improve, sweeps maybe. Put it anywhere in every song you're casually playing.

Don't bother with sloppyness or technique, just follow the song and take it easy. However, the goal is to get off your lazy ***** after and resume those serious exercises you were doing before the "break".
Try at risk! haha

[JimPrenier_11]

This is my problem I'm lazy..... I can still play pretty good I just got to sit down longer I sit and practice maybe 3 hours at a time

[W.h.o.r.EGuitar]

Yeah i practice too much Lol it interferes with my homework, chores and all else but who cares? I love it and I'm learning really fast practicing so much!

[Kole*]

Great Article, Perseverence is so very important.

[Flamin' Mania]

Seriously, I'm all for the "people can do anything if they try" thing, but don't try saying that everyone is equal and there is no natural talent.

People are completely different, we are made this way. Some people have longer fingers with more dexterity which helps them move around the fretboard with ease. Other people can understand musical theory and how scales change almost instantly after looking at them.

Also things can happen which impair people and make playing more difficult. I know this because a few years ago, i snapped my ring finger and now it doesnt bend at the top half. Not saying that I can't be just as good as hendrix or vai or li but I had to change the way I played and pretty much had to learn again.

By the way, FenderValveking im sure you're a great guitar player but seriously, get your massive head out of your ass. No one likes a no-it-all who thinks he's better everyone and is gracing such low lives by giving us your advice.

By the way. To anyone who hasn't read the hendrix biography. The guy never put his guitar down. He would practice all times between sets, on the way home, when he was in the army and he always asked other people to teach him what they knew and show him how to do certain techniques. Plus he was born with naturally long fingers.

Other then stating the obvious and stuff that has been said multiple times over and over, not that bad a column

[FenderValveking]

Flamin' Mania wrote:

Seriously, I'm all for the "people can do anything if they try" thing, but don't try saying that everyone is equal and there is no natural talent.

People are completely different, we are made this way. Some people have longer fingers with more dexterity which helps them move around the fretboard with ease. Other people can understand musical theory and how scales change almost instantly after looking at them.

Also things can happen which impair people and make playing more difficult. I know this because a few years ago, i snapped my ring finger and now it doesnt bend at the top half. Not saying that I can't be just as good as hendrix or vai or li but I had to change the way I played and pretty much had to learn again.

By the way, FenderValveking im sure you're a great guitar player but seriously, get your massive head out of your ass. No one likes a no-it-all who thinks he's better everyone and is gracing such low lives by giving us your advice.

By the way. To anyone who hasn't read the hendrix biography. The guy never put his guitar down. He would practice all times between sets, on the way home, when he was in the army and he always asked other people to teach him what they knew and show him how to do certain techniques. Plus he was born with naturally long fingers.

Other then stating the obvious and stuff that has been said multiple times over and over, not that bad a column

hhahahaha You are so funny > You suck , good for you thar you broke that finger
haha

[FenderValveking]

FenderValveking wrote:

Flamin' Mania wrote:

Seriously, I'm all for the "people can do anything if they try" thing, but don't try saying that everyone is equal and there is no natural talent.

People are completely different, we are made this way. Some people have longer fingers with more dexterity which helps them move around the fretboard with ease. Other people can understand musical theory and how scales change almost instantly after looking at them.

Also things can happen which impair people and make playing more difficult. I know this because a few years ago, i snapped my ring finger and now it doesnt bend at the top half. Not saying that I can't be just as good as hendrix or vai or li but I had to change the way I played and pretty much had to learn again.

By the way, FenderValveking im sure you're a great guitar player but seriously, get your massive head out of your ass. No one likes a no-it-all who thinks he's better everyone and is gracing such low lives by giving us your advice.

By the way. To anyone who hasn't read the hendrix biography. The guy never put his guitar down. He would practice all times between sets, on the way home, when he was in the army and he always asked other people to teach him what they knew and show him how to do certain techniques. Plus he was born with naturally long fingers.

Other then stating the obvious and stuff that has been said multiple times over and over, not that bad a column
hhahahaha You are so funny > You suck , good for you thar you broke that finger
haha

Once again I if know it all! that is my problem I did My homework, and know my stuff . You don't like what I said then get off my topic and ingnore it . I don't care what you think anyway LOSER!!!If you don't know it all that is your problems . You are mad at me because I have an opinion?? I just share my experience in this treat. Now listen little man! Once again go pawn your guitar . You can't play it anyway with that finger.

[FenderValveking]

FenderValveking wrote:

FenderValveking wrote:

Flamin' Mania wrote:

Seriously, I'm all for the "people can do anything if they try" thing, but don't try saying that everyone is equal and there is no natural talent.

People are completely different, we are made this way. Some people have longer fingers with more dexterity which helps them move around the fretboard with ease. Other people can understand musical theory and how scales change almost instantly after looking at them.

Also things can happen which impair people and make playing more difficult. I know this because a few years ago, i snapped my ring finger and now it doesnt bend at the top half. Not saying that I can't be just as good as hendrix or vai or li but I had to change the way I played and pretty much had to learn again.

By the way, FenderValveking im sure you're a great guitar player but seriously, get your massive head out of your ass. No one likes a no-it-all who thinks he's better everyone and is gracing such low lives by giving us your advice.

By the way. To anyone who hasn't read the hendrix biography. The guy never put his guitar down. He would practice all times between sets, on the way home, when he was in the army and he always asked other people to teach him what they knew and show him how to do certain techniques. Plus he was born with naturally long fingers.

Other then stating the obvious and stuff that has been said multiple times over and over, not that bad a column
hhahahaha You are so funny > You suck , good for you thar you broke that finger
haha
Once again I if know it all! that is my problem I did My homework, and know my stuff . You don't like what I said then get off my topic and ingnore it . I don't care what you think anyway LOSER!!!If you don't know it all that is your problems . You are mad at me because I have an opinion?? I just share my experience in this treat. Now listen little man! Once again go pawn your guitar . You can't play it anyway with that finger.

With that said I M SORRY ! If I offended you !!

[FenderValveking]

FenderValveking wrote:

FenderValveking wrote:

FenderValveking wrote:

Flamin' Mania wrote:

Seriously, I'm all for the "people can do anything if they try" thing, but don't try saying that everyone is equal and there is no natural talent.

People are completely different, we are made this way. Some people have longer fingers with more dexterity which helps them move around the fretboard with ease. Other people can understand musical theory and how scales change almost instantly after looking at them.

Also things can happen which impair people and make playing more difficult. I know this because a few years ago, i snapped my ri