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Location: south east Michigan | While I’m mired in my current, and hopefully temporary, guitar slump I’m spending some quiet moments in the lotus position contemplating my navel and searching for the true meaning of life.
So.. why do we play? Just what part of the ego is served? Because if we didn’t get something from playing the guitar, we wouldn’t put in all the time, money & effort.
I think it’s pretty safe to assume that the OFC membership offers a fair sample of every type of player. From the solitary guy who waits for the wife & kids to leave the house before playing, to the open mic / church worship players, to the lucky (?) guys who can get paid to gig.
We’ve all run across the guy who tends to take over and wants to “show up” everyone at a jam session. The guy who has so much of his sense of self-worth invested in what his fingers can do that it’s the only thing he has going for himself. You know… as many of “those” guys as I’ve encountered over the years, I’ve yet to meet “that guy” within the ranks of the OFC. As much amazing talent as there is here, there is always just a dash more of humbleness to balance it out.
So why do we play? I’ll start it off.
In its simplest form, when I’m in my living room, I love to hear sounds being produced by my own fingers. I can just close my eyes, feel and hear the vibrations of the instrument, and get lost in a simple finger-picked chord progression. It’s a way to get escape from the outside world.
That’s part of it.
Another part is the pride of an accomplishment. At some point, after hours of thought and practice go into an effort it is gratifying to finally reach the desired result. It’s really not so different from a traditional sport. Whether it’s driving a golf ball straight and long or skiing the fall line, the skill is only achieved after a lot of work is put in.
That should be plenty enough reason just on it’s own, wouldn’t you think? But no…it’s not. Once in a while I like to put myself to the test by actually playing for, and up in front of, a group of people. Maybe “like” is not the right word because there are times when there is nothing to “like” about it. It can be nerve racking. You get up at some open mic and no matter how many times you have run through that new song, you wonder if you can pull it off... right now. It’s a roll of the dice. Both thrilling and frightening at the same time. If all goes well you are rewarded with a heartfelt round of applause. If things don’t go quite so well, you get the muffled courtesy clap. Either way you are rewarded. To have the fruits of your time and efforts actually bring a moment or two of enjoyment to someone is very gratifying. Gratifying in two ways because 1) You passed the test you set up for yourself and 2) It was confirmed and witnessed by others. And if things don’t go so well there are always multiple lessons to be learned about what you need to do different the next time.
Yeah, maybe it takes a certain kind of ego to want to get up in front of someone and think for a second that they might enjoy what you’re trying to do, but it is really the only way to test yourself. I mean you can go out and play a round of golf or a game of tennis to put your skills to the test but you can’t go out and play a friendly game of guitar.
That’s a few reasons. I’m sure there are many more in an infinite number of combinations. |
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Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Gets the chicks.
Can't skate. |
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Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Soooo..did U`re navel change color..?..
Kidding Aside ;
It`s all about having GUTS !! ( there are kids about so we will not mention balls)
The first time I stood up to "them",I could not play !!..I could not remeber anything,so..I cramped my left fingers on the fretboard,banged the right hand against the strings,and bellowed away,and "they" gave me money !!...
Once, I had practiced,worked hard,practiced again,to play something classical/spanish,I Performed it,I was So Proud of myself,only to notice that the audience had turned into a bunch of zombies,so I said,: "Okayy...who wants Rock&Roll"..and they went.. "Whaaaa"...and I went back to crampin`the fretboard...U know..when those bands ,like Beatles,Rollin`Stones and the like became known,what did they know,apart from crampin`the fretboard,but they could put a show on,my fav. chord is still Em7add11 , and as far as Humbleness on the board goes...rofl..
but as a side note ,I hope that U will find Peace and Solace in the Inner Sanctuary of Happiness...Ohmmm.... :)
Vic |
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Location: Snåsa, Norway | Brad, I'm just like you, except for the live part, haven't played for an audience for about ten years, and before that only on a handful occasions. We should really meet over a beer and talk through this, but it's a long way to travel!
;) |
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Location: East Tennessee | It's either go home and play some guitar or Choke the rude customer I had earlier in the day.  |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | Damn, Brad! If I could string two coherent thoughts together right now... well.. what you said! As I was reading it, I kept thinking to myself "it's the accomplishment" and then you said it. It is such a great sense of accomplishment, even if it takes me decades to learn a song. This has also turned into a great way to meet like minded (I shiver as I say that :eek: ) people. I would say that the playing in public - like in church - is a small part of it. If I ever got the gots to get up alone and play something, it might be a big part of it. Even when I play solo in church, I'm still part of a group, so I really don't feel like I'm playing alone.
Now it's also the pride that I feel in seeing my kids play. Maybe they wouldn't have if I didn't play... who knows.
No matter the reasons, it's all good! |
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Location: South of most, North of few | Brad, I'm speechless. You covered it as well as I could have ever done in my mind, but I could never put into words. BRAVO!! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | simply.... to make Music. |
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Location: Slightly northwest of Trader Jim | Originally posted by Trader Jim:
Brad, I'm speechless. You covered it as well as I could have ever done in my mind, but I could never put into words. BRAVO!! Big DITTO there! Great start to what should be a very interesting thread. |
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Location: south east Michigan | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
simply.... to make Music. Well yeah... there is that.
Enfant Terrible (aka:Vic)... Yep.. ya gotta concider your audience. I think that is #3 on the list of, "Things I Learned The Hard Way, Volume 1". |
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Location: Tennessee | For me ... it's my escape. Of all the hobbies one can have, I've found it is the only one that completely absorbs me. Otherwise, I tend to think about work even when I'm not there (maybe I ought to get a different job but I thrive on the challenge and stress). If I'm wrenching on the car, my brain can think about work. If I'm doing yard work, the brain thinks about work. On a spirited drive through a canyon, my brain will float back to work once I come back to 6/10s or less. But if I pick up the guitar, the brain needs to shut off everything else and think only about the music I'm trying to make. It takes full concentration for the music to work. If you think about something else, you completely lose the music. Sitting down for 30 or 60 minutes and ripping through a bunch of songs completely refreshes me, and gives me a complete break from the other things in life.
And I do like to make music. I wish I had the talent for it to be my work. Then I could wrench on the car and think about music. :cool: |
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Location: NJ | ". . because we fear Death?? . . "
- Johnny Camererri |
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Location: NJ | intersting topic.
although it does not seem like it due to my lack of talent I have been playing guitar since I was in the 2nd grade.
there is absolutely nothing else in my life that gives me more pleasure. Even when I have playing slumps I always come back to it. There is something about putting my fingers on the strings and having melodies come out that just warms my inner soul.
My sister told me nephew she remembers me falling to sleep with my guitar in my hands as a kid. Yup it was true. I would play until I was so tired that I would fall asleep. when I was stressed with school I would play the guitar, when I was pissed off at a bimbo, I would turn up the amp and just make it feed back ala hendrix. Yes for every mood there was a corresponding mode of guitar play.
a conversation with my other sister tonigh was where she determined I needed a stress reliever. What don't you remember? I have one it is guitar playing. I can sit and play for hours if no one would bother me. It does not matter if I was playing scales or learning a new song or just "noodling" it is an outlet for stress.
guitar playing too is an outlet for creativity. It is not often that I get to do too many creative things and although you may question the creativity of my playing it is still something that fills the artistic void.
forget it...I am just an idiot that sells gear for a living... |
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Location: Midland, MI | I’m spending some quiet moments in the lotus position contemplating my navel and searching for the true meaning of life. Dayum, most of the time I contemplate the true meaning of life (42) and search for my navel! :eek:
Why do *I* play? I play because even though I don't play well, I can play. Music is an escape, a way of communing with the Oneness, of realizing the limits of my potential and accepting that, of transcending the moment while being grounded in the now.
Or, maybe it's just because watching TeeVee is a monumental WOMBAT[1]. (Yours, too, by the way)
;)
Some things don't need to be defined, they just need to be experienced. When I've tried to apply logic to my playing, I found all I did was lose the meaning of what I was trying to find. You dig?
Go play and leave the post-deconstructionist existential crap for the Emo kids smoking dope in dorm rooms. :p
[1] Waste of My Brains And Time. Sometimes, especially at 'ork, it's Waste of Money, Brains and Time (or Talent). |
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Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Ho now,U and I got to get together to write the handbook of "Learning things the hard way" and get it published by Paris Hilton ( She`s ah,so Nice ,dream dream ) U know,you can try to play like someone U look up to,but it`ll never be the same....Be YourSelf..there are a couple o`guys on the board who are Virtuosos in their own right, ( I will not mention any names,but their guitars are On Fire ) I would never,ever be able to play like them,I`m a different kind a guy,instead ,I heave up my crotch,go out there,and bellow..."Who wants to hear..."..it`s all about manipulation..!!..and yet, you got me staring at my navel,wondering about the deeper meaning of life...Oohhmmm.... :)
Vic |
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Location: big island | music is inherent in the human experience. it is a gift from our Creator. even babies in the womb move to rhythm once their ears are developed to hear and their nerves can sense vibration. one of my largest joys is to see my toddler daughters rock, roll and dance while i am playing guitar. they simply cannot stay still.
music, whether it is beautiful and soul-stirring or base and demeaning touches a place within every living being that nothing else can.
i have played music in many ultra-conservative churches. it always "thrills" me when pursed lips, stiff necks and folded arms transform into tapping feet, swaying shoulders, bobbing heads and sing-alongs.
last evening, i played a three hour gig for a jewish wedding reception at the hilton in waikoloa. sheesh! talk about music being such a cultural element. what a blast!!
simply, music is in us. we can't help it. let it out any way you can. when you let it out, God will keep pouring more of it in and on you so you can keep sharing it. |
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Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Dear ALPEP ,
Did U Noodle your Guitar instead of Noodling that Bimbo..??..
Small wonder you`re selling gear for a Livin..and about selling gear,..how about selling real good stuff..like an OFC guitar with a Solid Top..instead of a laminated something clad in plastic..Right,here`s the lay-out,..triple grade spruce (englemann)sunburst,24k gold hardware,walnut fretboard,jumbofrets,with all the handcarved goodies a la proff.BB`s guitar...OFC Logo in Gold..No Slothead..Please No..hang on..that would be like my 1537,with carvings and OFC Logo..yeah alright..I`d buy one right away..Deal..??.. :)
Vic
(Yeah I know,I`m getting the entire ADAMAS population to sharpen their axes,but there are more of us "solid-top people",....we are the Elite...!!..) :D |
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Location: Copenhagen Denmark | ...I wonder if GGG is still in jail for chokin` that customer... |
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Location: SoCal | Al, it doesn't amaze me that you've played guitar for so long and that it's such a stress release for you. I'm the same way.
It does, however, astound me that you were a kid once...... |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Brad, I've seen your navel (in pictures) and it is not worth contemplating. Please get over it and go back to playing. Your rambling thoughts are right on the mark, but you'll never get your post count back up if you talk so much.
A great shot in golf or a great riff are the same. Everyone gets pleasure in doing something well. Some don't need any others to witness it, but most get additional satisfaction of having someone else appreciate the effort. |
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Location: New South Wales, Australia | Someone once said "If it feels good..do it!".........so I do.
For me it's a kind of meditation where nothing else exists until I hear that call from somewhere in the house...."will you put that bloody thing down and wash the car/mow the lawn/paint the house/fix the fence!!!!!"
I guess a few minutes of peace is better than none at all. |
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Location: Texas | amen, al!
you do it because you have to.
people ask me, should I practice?, how long should i play per day? should i become a musician?
and i always say, if you are asking you should not do it, because you don't need to ask if you have to do it.
it is the greatest sport, and the more you do it the better you will get to be.
play it everyday. |
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Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | "Whatever gets you through the night." |
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Location: South of most, North of few | It's funny, I started playing when I was about 13 and played till I was about 20, then dropped it until my ex wife bought me a guitar (Applause) for my birthday (32). I played half heartedly for about another 2 years, then it sat in the case until about two years ago. Then, at 54, I started again, and now have more guitars than I would ever need, but I don't let a day pass without playing.
My wife (2nd) thought it was just a fad at first, and really didn't like my acquisition syndrome. The old "how many guitars do you need" thing reared it's ugly head more than once, and consequently she didn't want to listen to me play probably because of my obvious lack of expertise. So I would practice by myself in the office at home, usually when she wasn't home.
She heard me playing about a month ago, came in and said "you've really gotten a lot better" and proceeded to sit down and listen for an hour or so. Now she knows it's a big part of my life, and it's becoming part of hers also. I can't imagine what it would be like if I suddenly couldn't play, for some reason, (physical or other) so I enjoy every chance I get to play, even if I can't seem to get the fingers to work right.
Sorry for rambling.... |
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Location: Orlando, FL | Mostly I play because I love music. I love to listen to music. I love to play music. It makes me happy - usually. Sometimes it doesn't, but I'll play anyway.
Also there's the creative process. I'm lucky enough to be in a creative field. I run a corporate art department. But I'm am also actively designing and creating. It is a great feeling to start with a blank slate and create something cool.
Playing guitar is the same creative process. There is a real satisfaction I get from creating music. Whether it's just a three chord blues progression, some classic song from my youth, a song I heard on the radio that I like or something that comes from my head - it just feels good to create something. |
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Location: closely held secret | Very nicely said, Bradley. In fact, everyone.
I'm with JW (I'll probably regret that)... just to make music. When I can sit and play for no other reason than to hear the notes that my hands are playing, the melodies that my fingers are weaving of their own accord, there is nothing more relaxing. If someone else happens to hear it and enjoy it as well... all the better!
Originally posted by Slipkid:
It’s a roll of the dice. Both thrilling and frightening at the same time. If all goes well you are rewarded with a heartfelt round of applause. If things don’t go quite so well, you get the muffled courtesy clap. Either way you are rewarded. "What's the chicken wire for?"
Jake Blues
"Yes, Mrs. Castorini, I would LOVE some oatmeal."
Ronny Cammareri: |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | I'm with bobbo - music, whether I'm listening to it, watching it or playing it is just a pure release for me. It takes me away from everything and allows me time to mentally regroup. 10 minutes or ten hours - it's the one and only thing I could do all day long.
(Side note - does this zen realization from Brad qualify him as the official OFC Dalai Llama?) |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Music is not unlike Language. Humans are wired for it. Babies, regardless of outside influence, will begin to babble at a certain stage (and some continue right into adulthood). The spoken language they learn is a matter of environment, but capacity, grammar and syntax are pre-wired. Even babies born deaf will begin to "babble" with their hands, making conspicuous, repetitive gestures (in Jersey, it's "The FInger").
Ask anyone if they don't appreciate language... It's almost and absurd question.
The same is true for Music... babies will invariably beat the table top rhythmically, dance (you've all seen the "the baby dance") and do that "Waa-waa Waa-waa Doo-whopp Sha-dooby Waa-waa" scream.
Whether, it's tapping our foot along with the beat, or singing in the shower or playing guitar or conducting an orchestra, we are wired to do music...
Ask anyone if they don't appreciate music... It's almost an absurd question. |
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Location: closely held secret | I don't appreciate rap... Oh, wait. You said music, didn't you.
Ok, I'm with ya. |
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Location: Omaha, NE | I do it because I love doing it.
I play an hour or so each day...often one or more of my daughters will join in and we'll sing some old country songs.
On weekends where my band is playing, its a ton of work: Load up the truck, drive to the gig, load in, set up, sound check...all to play for four hours. If we're lucky we have a two-nighter where we can leave the gear...otherwise its a late night tear down and load out.
But its all worth it. Playing alone is fun, but playing in a band is magic. On nights when things are working its the best thing possible. Its amazing how you get into that zone where there is no such thing as time. We've had shows where things were working so we just played straight through for two or three hours, and yet it seemed like it took no time at all. That is so cool when that happens.
Then on Sunday morning, when I'm still pretty exhausted from the late night and my left hand feels like a balloon and my fingertips are all shredding off and my guitar smells like smoke, my family and I play at church. Those are usually the best times of all. |
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Location: Tampa, FL | I'd agree Brad's 'evolution of the guitar player' analysis. I've done the wait for an 'empty' house and play for the dogs (Things aren't going well when the aussie decides to accompany). I've been doing the church thing for a few years now. Initially part of a group, now I do a number solo scenarios. But always in front of a 'home court' crowd. That'll change Saturday. As part of my wife's business, I do a lot of Green markets, one or two every Saturday. I've gotten to know the performers pretty well at each of these. So this Saturday I arranged to play the break(s) at one of our regular markets. I plan to do a thirty minute set and then see how it pans out. Going to be a very mixed audience. The vendors are a pretty tough crowd and the customers have no connection to me. Guess I'll find out how big the pond is.
Chat(tryin' out the deep end of the pool)Man |
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Location: SoCal | This has been a good thread. Reading all the reasons people play is very interesting, yet I'm not certain that I can articulate (honestly for once) why I play. I'm not a great player and I don't have a great voice. Yet I've played for family and friends for years, have played at church for the last 6 years, and in a Friday nite jam for the last 2.
What I've learned is that it can bring joy and comfort to others (my wife, kids and other family members think I'm great even when I'm not -- at church, when I've really been off, people will come up and say how wonderful the band sounded -- and when playing in public, watching people tap their feet, sway their heads, or sing along feels wonderful) and give me a strong sense of satisfaction.
When I play by myself at home, it feels wonderful when I finally master a new tune that started out slow and clumsy. It relaxes me and it allows an escape for a short time from the pressures of the day.
It's given me a whole new family in the OFC. A whole group of people who are my friends and many of whom are family to me and who have taken me in as family.
I'm a decent guitar player and a fair (at best) singer. There are people in this group who can play and sing rings around me. But my music has been an entree into many new worlds. All of them positive in my life.
Going back and reading this, it doesn't seem to cover everything that I wanted it to, but it's as close as I'm going to get. I think I'll leave introspection to Brad in the future and go back to being a smart ass..... |
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Location: Vermont USA | When I'm not being a wise guy I love playing guitar at church an open mic, or home alone. I just love it, so whether I'm playing, listening, or watching it's all about the guitar.
Pauly
How that for a straight answer :D |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | For me, its just something I have always done...my first public performance (singing) was when I was 5 years old. I learned piano starting at 8 and guitar at 13. Piano fell by the wayside, but guitar has been my constant companion ever since: I wanted to play one years before i started, but Mother and Dad bought my brother a toy one and bought me a microscope...I think we can all see the provocation behind that move...The Beatles (I Want to Hold Your Hand, and later Beatles 65) changed my life and later I found out the Girls/Women liked guitar players. I was hooked. Now, after 41 years of playing all different types of Music (except Jazz and Rap) I play because the messages in the songs I do now reach people on a positive level. I still enjoy much of the music I always have; I feel like I've just kept moving on...and I'm comfortable with that. I turned 55 years old today, I am a blessed man: my faith, wife and kids, family, friends (including all of you), some great guitars and my love of music; God has been good to old Music Mike! There's a song in there somewhere, lol...
Blessings... |
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Location: big island | there is a song in there, mike...
"happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear mikey, happy birthday to you"
blessings, brother! |
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Location: South of most, North of few | Thats right Randy! Happy birthday Mike!! :D |
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Location: south east Michigan | Happy Birthday Mike!
I like the observation that stonebobbo made about how guitar playing requires a high level of focus on what you are doing. The by-product being that one is forced to put aside things like work related problems, at least for a little while. I know if I let my mind start to wander while in the middle of a song, there is sure to be trouble ahead. |
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Location: Vermont USA | Happy Birthday Mike!!!!!!
Pauly |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | :) :rolleyes: Thanks everyone!
Blessings...
(and Randy, your voice sounds really nice...sounds like you're over the crud...lol) |
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Location: Rego Park, NY, | Happy Birthday Mike!! |
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Location: Budd Lake, NJ | I grew up singing; Mom and Dad both sang well, and music has always just been there. I started playing guitar because one was left at my house for safekeeping and it seemed like the logical thing to do--and when Gertrude came into my life playing became an absolute joy.
Work may be what I do, but guitar allows me to express who I am. And worshipping with my guitar gives me a sense of freedom that I don't experience anywhere else. I play nearly every day--not just for me, but for the Audience of one Who hears my heart.
--Karen
1111-4 (Gertrude); CE868-LX (Jewel); the Viper (Blanca); the Tornado (Jazzey); the Guild acoustic (Gilda); the Guild classical (Jacquita); the Steinberger bass (Sugar); Vega banjo (Twang); Galiano mandolin (Plink); fiddle of uncertain antcedents (Shriek) |
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Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Q "I grew up singing"..."playing became an absolute joy"
Would U rate yourself as ;
A) Guitarist
B) Singer
C) Performer
..Just curious.. :)
Vic |
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Location: Vermont USA | Karen posted "I play nearly every day--not just for me, but for the Audience of one Who hears my heart."
Karen that was awesomely put.
Pauly |
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Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Q "Karen posted "I play nearly every day--not just for me, but for the Audience of one Who hears my heart."
Karen that was awesomely put.
Pauly
.................................................
Yes it Was ,I agree ,Well Put !! :)
Vic |
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Location: Budd Lake, NJ | To answer Vic's question--a worshipper who happens to play guitar.
--Karen |
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Location: Central Oregon | "last evening, i played a three hour gig for a jewish wedding reception at the hilton in waikoloa. sheesh! talk about music being such a cultural element. what a blast!!"
Now you did it lanaki. That post made 'Hava Nagila' start looping in my head. I've been doing a lot of 'Readers Digest Chet style picking' lately so I tried Hava Nagila with a thumb pick. It kinda sounds like Chet Atkins' Bar Mitzvah. Really pretty cool when I can hit it right. Got the basic tune, I'll have to work on this some more.
I play because I can barely remember when I didn't, that, & it's fun to entertain, even if I'm only entertaining myself. I had one rather lengthy guitar-less time during the past 50 years since I started hacking away (at age nine). I sold all my gear shortly after I got married the first time. It was a first wife appeasement effort, bad deal all around. I should have sold her instead. (Reminds me of the old country favorite "If I'da Killed You When I Wanted to I'd Be Out By Now")
Even for the nine or ten years I didn't own a guitar I would pick one up if I found one somewhere & play it a little & I almost always have some tune going in my head, maybe it's an auto-defense against this miserable Tinitis.
At any rate, I play a lot more than I used to. I like being able to say to myself "Wow, I didn't think I'd ever be able to do that!" I might be the only one that enjoys some of the stuff I play when I'm alone, but I'm the only one I have to please so I don't care.
Like several others have mentioned, it feels great to see people dancing or tapping their feet or whatever while I'm playing.
Interesting thread. |
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Zen and the Art of the Guitar