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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Looks like Canberra is replacing Brisbane as 'Oz OFC Central'... |
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Posts: 811
Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | muzza - 2015-11-02 7:28 PM
Looks like Canberra is replacing Brisbane as 'Oz OFC Central'...
It's because of our beautiful climate down here.  |
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December 2006
Posts: 61
Location: us | Hell.....I am embarrassed to play in front of myself ! |
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May 2011
Posts: 755
Location: Muenster/Germany | When I was -younger- I was busking for quite a time. In the pedestrian areas I lost most of my stage fright, but still today playing in front of an audience of Claptons and Hendrixes is a nightmare. But I love to play WITH good players, life is for learning. |
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December 2005
Posts: 247
Location: Seacoast NH | I consider myself to be a high intermediate to low expert player, but really don't ever consider myself to be better or worse than anyone else. I play in a rock cover band with my buddies and the other guitar player is great at soloing, and is very technically competent. But as often as I might ask him how to play a lick or what scale that is, he asks me what chord I'm playing, to show him a strumming pattern, come up with a chord progression, or if I can figure out a funky breakdown in a bridge or something. We just have different strengths, I don't think one of us is better than the other necessarily.
Now that's not to say there aren't people who are just gifted. I have an older cousin who's been playing since he was a kid. Played Metal in high school in the 80s then joined the service and played in the Air Force Jazz Band. To hear this guy combine metal, classical, and jazz is almost a religious experience. I relish every opportunity to play with him because I walk away invigorated, excited, and knowing a few new tricks to add to the old portfolio... |
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Posts: 607
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA | Hi, Everyone,
Speaking as a player who has played for over 50 years, I went through/played on various "stages", with my playing alone and/or in public. Being physically handicapped, overcoming "stage fright" was a major hurdle, but having practiced up to 8 hours a day, at one point in my studies, definitely made me a better guitar player. I also took Speech and Theatre Arts for 3 years to hone my performance skills. Now as a Praise and Worship Player, in local churches and coffeehouses here in my city, I just strive to be the most excellent player I can be, in every situation, because; a) yes, there are other guitarists who are much better than me, but, b) there are guitarists who are worse than me, c) after all my studies, starting with guitar, I do believe that I am also a much better all-musician, simply having studied more than just guitar, and playing many different musical situations, but, d) I have come full circle now, and just enjoy playing in the years I have left. Most people in your audience, who are not musicians, can't tell how good or bad you are, really, and they don't care about it as much as some other guitarists/musicians, especially those who have very fragile egos, which I know are none of us here present at OFC.
Edited by Michael R. Seguin 2015-11-04 11:35 PM
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Posts: 18
| In one of the songs on the tribute album of John Cale and Lou Reed to Andy Warhol sung by John Cale there is a line that says: "I think sometimes it hurts you when you are afraid to be called a fool". So true. |
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Posts: 270
| I remember when I was younger that skiing with someone better than me was the best way to improve my skiing. I think the same is true of many things, including guitar playing. |
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August 2005
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | BCam - 2015-11-11 5:41 AM I remember when I was younger that skiing with someone better than me was the best way to improve my skiing. ...as long as you survive the experience. MY first time on skis... my 'buddies' took me down a black run. |
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Location: Flahdaw | muzza - 2015-11-10 7:15 PM
MY first time on skis... my 'buddies' took me down a black run.
Typical Aussies...(crazy bastards!) |
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December 2014
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | BCam - 2015-11-10 1:41 PM
I remember when I was younger that skiing with someone better than me was the best way to improve my skiing. I think the same is true of many things, including guitar playing.
I Love learning from someone who knows what they are doing, anything I do, I want to learn from someone really good. But I like to watch them intently, ask a ka-billion questions on how and why, then go off somewhere and do it by myself. I'll never make it to a stage, but that works perfectly for me! .
Edited by Nancy 2015-11-10 8:13 PM
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | Darkbar - 2015-11-11 12:45 PM
Typical Aussies...(crazy bastards!)
Some of us aren't crazy ... just bastards. |
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December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | I actually love to play with anybody I can!
Playing with people better than me is fun and inspiring. I used to be in a band with another guitar player who, when I asked him how he played something, was happy to play it for me again - with his back turned. It used to crack me up AND piss me off. But I learned a lot from that guy. |
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Posts: 12758
Location: Boise, Idaho | If I have to think about how I play something, I screw it up. So, if someone asks me how to play something it's frustrating for both of us. Maybe that's why your buddy turned his back.
My next public performance may be our daughter's wedding. I probably should practice in front of other people, but I'll probably just shut myself in my room and go over it a jillion times. |
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Location: Orlando, FL | Mark in Boise - 2015-11-11 3:00 PM
If I have to think about how I play something, I screw it up. So, if someone asks me how to play something it's frustrating for both of us. Maybe that's why your buddy turned his back.
No Mark, the guy was just a huge smart-arse and got a kick out of making me figure it out on my own.
:-) |
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March 2005
Posts: 12758
Location: Boise, Idaho | Maybe that's why I'm such a pessimist. When I try to give someone the benefit of the doubt, I'm usually wrong. I really do have a mental block about showing someone how to play something, though. I just don't get enough opportunities to play with someone else. |
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March 2013
Posts: 359
Location: undisclosed | If you let me play your 2010 collectors again next time you're in the PNW I guess we could jam. Otherwise forget it!
Just joking but if it makes you more comfortable bring some cash for the pay to play. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12758
Location: Boise, Idaho | I saw one on Al's website. I'm sure he'll make you a great deal. The next time I come up there with a guitar will probably be July. I'm already trying to decide which guitar I should bring and whether I can leverage our daughter's wedding into some new gear. When I express shock at the wedding costs, I know it's going to come back and bite me. "You said we can't afford this, so why do you want to spend money on that?" I know I can't win. I pay either way. It's hard to explain why one of my 17 guitars and 6 amps or whatever won't work. Maybe I'll baffle them with an explanation of bowl depth. |
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Location: undisclosed | You might try needing a guitar to match the decor of the venue and attire of the wedding party.... |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Cavalier - 2015-11-13 5:09 AM
You might try needing a guitar to match the decor of the venue and attire of the wedding party....
And I thought I tried everything! After my input about saving money I haven't been consulted. There was some talk about a South American theme with a taco truck. That was rejected or I might have had to get a Flamenco guitar.
I tried out my acoustic amp with an additional small powered pa speaker and it sounded pretty good. The Bose L1 or even the L1 Compact are definitely better, but the L1 is way more than I need and I don't know if I even want the L1 Compact sitting around for years after my single short public performance. |
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Posts: 359
Location: undisclosed | You need to use the wedding as a springboard to play more gigs, hand out cards- it's another gas angle. After all performance has different needs than practice.
Your local store might let you demo or rent a amp for the gig, maybe a direct box or amp to the venue PA? It probably is best to use something you are used to as the sound will make you more comfy and line out if more is needed.
I've penciled you in for July but there is the chance I'll be sailing North that time of year. Maybe sea chanties on deck? |
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March 2005
Posts: 12758
Location: Boise, Idaho | I can borrow a Bose L1 if I want, but it's just too big to haul to Seattle, set up and take down for a few minutes' use. The L1 Compact may be perfect, but my acoustic amp and powered PA may work and it's paid for. The ceremony is outside and the reception with a DJ will move inside and use the venue PA.
I have no burning desire to gig, but would like to jam with people better than me or worse, just so I have an excuse to play. I have several possibilities, including the owner of the Bose L1 and the guy next door, who has a band. We keep saying we need to get together, but it never happens. Everyone seems to be busy with other things. |
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Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | Mark, you can use my powered mixer, speakers, mics, etc. It's what we did Zach's wedding with.
I meant to let you know that a lot sooner when you asked before. Sorry buddy. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12758
Location: Boise, Idaho | Thanks, Damon. I wish I could say you were too late cuz I bought the Bose, but I didn't. The two used ones available here don't have the carrying cases and that makes them not such a great deal. GC offered to sell me their's with a flight case, which brought the price up to the price of a new one with the case. When I told the sales guy that, he said "good luck with your search." I hadn't been in there in a long time and it's no wonder it's dead. It was kind of nice to sit in the acoustic room by myself, though, except for no Ovations or really any acoustic guitars of interest.
Back to the theme of playing with better players, you want to join me for my rendition of the Wedding Song? I think the last time I played it I couldn't get in sync with my brother on guitar and his daughter on piano. |
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November 2005
Posts: 4827
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Whenever I play in front of people I just imagine they're all drunk. but then, I don't have much imagination. |
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are you shy about playing in front of better players than yourself?
