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Why
Why. A simple three-letter word with incredible power. A word children will use endlessly, and if they’re smart, never stop using. Allow me use it:
Why do you play guitar?
There are probably as many reasons as there are guitar players. I have heard some reply “to be rich and famous” or “to get girls.” No doubt, these are powerful incentives for some. It is my hope, however, that your initial response was something similar to “Because I love music, and I love playing the guitar.” If this is your motivation you will always be a successful musician. Success has little to do with money. Fame and fortune can (in a relatively few cases) be by-products of your playing, but they should not be your sole motivation. Even if you choose to make guitar playing your career, remember why you are doing it. If you love playing, you can play for ten thousand people or you can play for ten. It shouldn’t matter. If you get a chance to play, do it. Do it for the love of playing. If you can make a living at it, all the better.
Looking Forward, Looking Back
I know from Better Guitar’s reader poll that the majority of you reading this are young. When you are young you tend to spend a lot of time looking forward. Dreaming of how your life may go. You rarely think about the present. But there will come a day when you will start looking back. Your actions, and the decisions you make now will be what you look back on. Planning ahead is smart, but don’t spend all your time chasing the future and neglect the present. If you are playing in a garage band with your high school buddies, relish the moment. If you are playing in the park for fun, give it all you’ve got. No matter where you play, enjoy it. You are making memories. Make them good ones.
Just In Time
Since I have reached that age where I have started looking back, I recently began reflecting on why I was doing Better Guitar (definitely not for fame and fortune!) Is Better Guitar having any impact on guitar players? Was it worth the effort? The sad thing about the Web is, you can reach thousands of people and yet never know if you have really reached them, or if anyone even cares. Just when I was feeling a little down, I received email from three different guitar players who said Better Guitar had made a real impact on their playing. Two were new players and one had been playing for some time. This was exactly what I needed. Thanks guys.
Share
The ultimate thing you can do with music is share it with others. Music has the power to move people. You don’t have to be a star, just go out and play. Do it for the love of playing, and share that love with anyone who will listen. They will see it, feel it, and they’ll know why you do it.