Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ 2013 Update From Ben
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 7 2013, 10:46 AM
Hi Guys. I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to be stepping down as a GMC Instructor for the foreseeable future. I'm not leaving the GMC community, just taking a back seat on the former activities of an instructor.
I don't want you guys to worry, nothing bad has happened ! 
The recent months have taken their toll with The Reckoning album, teaching and various everyday realities of life which I'm sure is something you guys can appreciate. Even Donut Masters like me have their human limits 
So I'll be taking an indefinite break to pursue other things, which I most definitely need as I feel like I can't give you the attention and commitment you deserve and it would be unfair to continue if I've got nothing to give you guys.
I'll still be around on the forum, albeit on a more casual basis and let's face it - someone still needs to tease Gitarrero ! So don't think of me as 'leaving'.. I'll still be here, just leaving my Temple open for some of you young pretenders to seize my throne whilst I'm out exploring the mountain and finding rare donuts 
I know some of you will be upset about no more of my video chats but you've still got my lesson notes archive and I know you guys haven't got your fingers around all of these ideas yet. I know who you are 
So, there's always some Tasks to be done and I'll always be watching !!
Right, thanks for reading.
Gitarrero, H4H.. 500 push ups now ! Quenzoz, 250 push ups just for thinking about Bacon.
Posted by: PosterBoy Jan 7 2013, 10:52 AM
It won't be the same without you. But you have left much material for us to master.
I guess it's a case of GMC was meant to be a means for you to help you work on The Reckoning, and it took over in terms of time and energy.
Posted by: BTrian Jan 7 2013, 11:26 AM
oh noeeees 
is bushido closing, too?
however good luck with whatever you do.
and I'm sure there will still appear plenty of random "just found this in the internet" topics 
May the Donut be with you
Posted by: Bossie Jan 7 2013, 11:44 AM
Wish you all the best in whatever you'll be doing..besides eatin..
Thx for doing an outstanding job here!
Posted by: snackajacks Jan 7 2013, 11:54 AM
Nooo what do I have to do now on my tuesday evenings
But I understand Just leave the pink cup with us
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Jan 7 2013, 12:22 PM
It shure took me a while for this took sink in... I can't do more then whish you luck - you know you will always be welcome back as an insturctor here! Until then please stop by once in a while and keep us updated.
I will really be missing the daily inspiration coming from you. But knowing you, that energy will be channeled into something new and cool for sure!
Thanks for everything - you have done a fantastic job here! 
Posted by: jstcrsn Jan 7 2013, 12:47 PM
coming up on 5 years at GMC , I understand this is the way it is , still sad to see you leave,but the body of work you have left behind was just amazing. you really surprised me with just how your lessons never grew dull.
You will be missed and after all , you were my first
Posted by: JTaylor Jan 7 2013, 12:48 PM
Wow Ben, I just came back yesterday and today you are leaving! Well bro, you have been an immense help and I thank you very much for it. To say you will be missed is an understatement. God bless ya Ben!
Posted by: maharzan Jan 7 2013, 12:51 PM
Damn you Ben, My account just got renewed today..
Posted by: wollace03 Jan 7 2013, 01:03 PM
this can´t be true!!! 
although I never find the time to attend the video workshops I am addicted to your lesson.....
and you made the best lesson ever!!!!!! (30 shredders i one solo!)
And I was really proud to tell everybody that the incredible guitar player in the reckoning is one of my teachers.......
but as person who reaches the age of 40 in a month I understand what it means to have a life full of differnt tasks and obligations and that you have to make decisions and step back in some cases to keep your life healthy and satisfactoring.
Thanx for the huge ammount of inspiration you gave me through your lessons!!!
this week the good news at gmc have somehow still not arrived in2013! 
First the mentoring programm of Alex Feather ended and now its Ben stopping being an instructor.......
please, nor more bad news!!!
Posted by: bleez Jan 7 2013, 01:42 PM
no. I dont like change
Best wishes with your pursuits though mate. you're an awesome instructor and musician Im sure you'll kick ass with whatever you take on.
The few collabs of yours which I managed to join were an absolute blast and its good to hear that you'll still be around the board cause I would genuinely miss reading your posts.
Posted by: WeePee Jan 7 2013, 02:08 PM
...
manly tears were shed
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 7 2013, 02:25 PM
Hey Ben! I'm very sorry of knowing this news that have a sad side but also a very positive side that means that you keep on moving and growing as a musician. You did a killer job here at the site and you shared a lot of your amazing knowledge.
Thanks for all and all the best in your musical career and life!!
Posted by: Timmy b Jan 7 2013, 02:32 PM
OH NO!!
Sorry to see you leaving us! You did a fantastic job here at GMC. Your lessons are always great and fun to work on!
All the best of luck for your future projects and goals, and hopefully we'll still see you around sometimes in the forums!
Also, Who's going to start all the Random/Food related Forum topics!!??
Best of Luck
Tim
Posted by: Dieterle Jan 7 2013, 02:43 PM
HEY BEN ,
it is the right decision when you recognized the next GATE ,
YOU go through it and this is TUFF (MUTIG STARK ) and you are a WARIER on his WAY and this can be only the RIGHT ONE!
Zenzai i keep on watching You OUSS !
WISH YOU ALL THE ENERGY YOU NEED
Dieter
Posted by: JTaylor Jan 7 2013, 02:49 PM
That is GREAT!
manly tears were shed
Posted by: MonkeyDAthos Jan 7 2013, 03:31 PM
Best luck with The Reckoning, friend!
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Jan 7 2013, 04:00 PM
I am speachless..
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 7 2013, 04:11 PM
BALLS! 
Hmm, guess I won't be making it to that next collab of yours after all.
Best of luck on your other endeavors sir! 
Posted by: zoom Jan 7 2013, 05:50 PM
OH NO NO!! Well your leaving a legacy here mate. Thanks a heap for your effort here Ben.
I've really enjoyed taking part in your Bushido lessons they have helped me heaps. Bushido was like a box of chocolates you never knew what you where going to get.
I will miss eating donuts with you on the mountain. Wish you the best for the future mate.
Posted by: Michael AC Jan 7 2013, 05:56 PM
Ben I wish you well. Your encouragement here goes without saying. I am personally a better musician thanks to you.
Keep rockin'! There is so much material here from you that your presence will still remain.
Be seeing you!
Posted by: Ulrik Jan 7 2013, 06:12 PM
Good luck with your projects.
Good that you are not leaving completely. Maybe you could still vote if we do one of your lessons for rec!
Posted by: Fran Jan 7 2013, 06:29 PM
Ouch, Ben so sorry to see you go. I sincerely hope you find the time again in the future to keep inspiring so many of us.
May the force be with you!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 7 2013, 06:43 PM
Guys, thanks so much for all the kind words. There's too many amazing things to comment on them all individually but rest assured, I've read them all and absorbed them fully
I will still be causing mischief on the forums and yes.. don't think you're safe from me popping up with another food thread, making everyone hungry again !!
I still intend to be around but the Instructor title is still being carried by Gabriel, Cosmin, Todd and the gang, whereas I am now a fellow guitar traveller, alongside you all
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Jan 7 2013, 06:45 PM
I guess you can choose one of those cool forum names now.
Posted by: Gitarrero Jan 7 2013, 06:50 PM
Dude...das darf nicht wahr sein!
I always liked dressing up for your video collabs, and sneaking that riff in. Hard to believe that this is gonna be over now.
I always knew this day would come someday, but I hoped it would be far in the future and not now where I decided to tackle your 30 shredders lesson. The funny tueday chats are over Maybe I'll step in for you once in a while.
Alles Gute mein Freund!
P.S.: I did the 500 push-ups like you asked. Video is uploading.
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 7 2013, 07:00 PM
I always liked dressing up for your video collabs, and sneaking that riff in. Hard to believe that this is gonna be over now.
I always knew this day would come someday, but I hoped it would be far in the future and not now where I decided to tackle your 30 shredders lesson. The funny tueday chats are over
Maybe I'll step in for you once in a while.Alles Gute mein Freund!
P.S.: I did the 500 push-ups like you asked. Video is uploading.
Christian, you know that you don't need my vid collabs as an excuse to dress up ? You like doing that anyway, remember ?
You never know though.. if inspiration hits one day and if Kris is ok with it, maybe the rare collab will pop up out of nowhere in the future...?
Posted by: Gitarrero Jan 7 2013, 07:06 PM
You never know though.. if inspiration hits one day and if Kris is ok with it, maybe the rare collab will pop up out of nowhere in the future...?
Actually, your collabs were the ones that inspired me cause I knew you'd laugh your hairy .... off.
In case that rare collab will pop up, you can expect legendary things.
Man, I had plans to blow you away with my guitar skills in one of your next collabs.
But Rich, HFH and I agreed to stand in for you in the tuesday chat.
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 7 2013, 07:10 PM
Well, it will be a nice change.. maybe I can come along and watch and you guys can teach me for once !
Man, I had plans to blow you away with my guitar skills in one of your next collabs.
Well, in that case.. your legendary ideas will build up until they're at bursting point and then a solo will erupt, the like of which the world has never seen ! And the outfit...... well, there are no words...
Posted by: snackajacks Jan 7 2013, 07:33 PM
Yes I think we should keep the tuesday night chats in tribute to ben, Maybe schedule it in as the GMC unofficial chat
Posted by: Opetholic Jan 7 2013, 08:04 PM
Awww man this can't be real
Posted by: Gitarrero Jan 7 2013, 08:35 PM
This is my try of cheering you guys up...
A pic of a young german guitarist. That's all I got.
If it doesn't cheer you up then I don't know what will.
Posted by: Bossie Jan 7 2013, 10:17 PM
He gave us great skillfull lessons ..but also very wise words about the philosophy of becoming a skillfull artist....hail to that!!
The only opponent is within....
Posted by: Qenzoz Jan 7 2013, 10:54 PM
BEN! You ran out of bacon, you're not thinking straight!!
Besides that (the obvious - need of bacon) it is very good that you're still staying on the forum!
But Ben what I think this is really about and that is that you don't want to upload a lesson for 6 months and for those months you're probably just gonna spend in a basement eating bacon and donuts meanwhile practicing 12 hours a day on voodoo guitar techniques (no idea what that is) 
And another thing. Can I postpone the push-ups? Still stick
Posted by: PosterBoy Jan 8 2013, 06:59 AM
I think I speak for everyone when I post this
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 8 2013, 10:16 AM
A pic of a young german guitarist. That's all I got.
If it doesn't cheer you up then I don't know what will.
Great pic ! Rocking at an early age !!
Posted by: Blister Jan 8 2013, 02:37 PM
I guess it's selfish of me (us? ) to expect any instructor to be at GMC forever. You have left a lot of great study material for each of us. Besides, it's going to take the rest of my life to learn the http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/30-Shredders-In-One-Solo/ . Thanks for the lessons, chats, licks, exercises, encouragement & Zen Guitar motivation! Best of luck with the Reckoning & I'm glad you'll still be around in the GMC community!
Posted by: WeePee Jan 8 2013, 03:06 PM
) to expect any instructor to be at GMC forever. You have left a lot of great study material for each of us. Besides, it's going to take the rest of my life to learn the http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/30-Shredders-In-One-Solo/ . Thanks for the lessons, chats, licks, exercises, encouragement & Zen Guitar motivation! Best of luck with the Reckoning & I'm glad you'll still be around in the GMC community! +1 to this post.
Posted by: Gitarrero Jan 8 2013, 05:35 PM
) to expect any instructor to be at GMC forever. You have left a lot of great study material for each of us. Besides, it's going to take the rest of my life to learn the http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/30-Shredders-In-One-Solo/ . Thanks for the lessons, chats, licks, exercises, encouragement & Zen Guitar motivation! Best of luck with the Reckoning & I'm glad you'll still be around in the GMC community! +1 as well
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 8 2013, 06:48 PM
Thanks Homies, you most definitely are Ze Best !!
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 8 2013, 06:56 PM
I'm glad you posted in here... I read some of these comments and felt like I was at a funeral.
Ben was good man, he loved bacon and donuts and hated root notes.... he will be missed terribly... WHAT?
No dude, he's right there!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 8 2013, 08:18 PM
BEN!!! I hate to see you have to step back for a bit, but hopefully, it won't be for too long! You will be sorely MISSED!!!
IN RELATED NEWS
I"LL BE ADDING AN EXTRA VIDEO CHAT ON SUNDAY @ 5PM!!!!!
So we will keep having wall to wall video chats hopefully!!
BEN: YOU ARE AN AMMAAAAAAAZZZZING player and KILLLLERRRR instructor and your work here will be felt and heard in the music of GMC forever.
Todd
I don't want you guys to worry, nothing bad has happened !
The recent months have taken their toll with The Reckoning album, teaching and various everyday realities of life which I'm sure is something you guys can appreciate. Even Donut Masters like me have their human limits So I'll be taking an indefinite break to pursue other things, which I most definitely need as I feel like I can't give you the attention and commitment you deserve and it would be unfair to continue if I've got nothing to give you guys.I'll still be around on the forum, albeit on a more casual basis and let's face it - someone still needs to tease Gitarrero ! So don't think of me as 'leaving'.. I'll still be here, just leaving my Temple open for some of you young pretenders to seize my throne whilst I'm out exploring the mountain and finding rare donuts
I know some of you will be upset about no more of my video chats but you've still got my lesson notes archive and I know you guys haven't got your fingers around all of these ideas yet. I know who you are
So, there's always some Tasks to be done and I'll always be watching !! Right, thanks for reading.
Gitarrero, H4H.. 500 push ups now ! Quenzoz, 250 push ups just for thinking about Bacon.
Posted by: tonyk Jan 8 2013, 08:40 PM
Hey Ben.Sad to hear you going. The time effort and commitment youve given to GMC has been amazing. Thanks. Good luck
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 8 2013, 09:06 PM
Thanks again my friends.. Mark, you cracked me up again, dude !
Posted by: Piotr Kaczor Jan 8 2013, 09:15 PM
Oh nooooo!!!! This time it wasn't funny! I love your posts and a sense of humor, but this is not funny!
Posted by: AK Rich Jan 8 2013, 09:17 PM
Every ending is also a new beggining so I wish you the best of luck in your new begging Ben whether it be with The Reckoning project or creating a new and improved donut. You have been an inspiration to many a guitar player around here including myself, it has been my pleasure to learn from you and take part in your awesome collabs, I am definately going to miss your V-chat lessons but I am glad that you will still be around to shoot the breeze in the forums and maybe bounce some ideas off of from time to time, keep up the great playing man and thanks for all the good times!
Much love and respect! Rich...
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 8 2013, 09:18 PM
*man hugs all round*
Now pass that box of donuts, don't be shy !
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 8 2013, 09:32 PM
Well I try my very best sir. That's true Piotr, there was certainly nothing funny about Ben's post this time. I kept looking for the punch line... I would have even taken a punch to the head for it not to be true...
I've just been cracking jokes so no one sees a grown man cry. I'll go off later by myself somewhere and do that where no one can see...
I need a pint of bacon and donut flavored ice cream to drown my sadness in now... BTW, I did run across some maple syrup and bacon flavored yogurt here the other day at a local yogurt shop. Don't ask... just don't ask. I didn't, but by God it was good... and I thought of Mr. Higgins and how he would probably actually hurl at the thought of that. LOL.
Posted by: Bossie Jan 8 2013, 09:36 PM
The rumour is spreading that Ben wants to prepare for the next season of masterchef...
Posted by: SpaseMoonkey Jan 8 2013, 09:41 PM
Kinda sad to read this, I don't think any kind of doughnut will make this kind of read better, in a selfish aspect.
But on a more positive note, it was great to take part in your final collab! And all your crazy weird news posts and your words of wisdom. Much luck with the band and going pro. If you ever come to the states and play a set, I will have to gather some friends dust off my Reckoning shirt be like what up haters! Wish you had an original shirt? SUCK IT!
Keep on rocking the free world, take it by both hands, and never look back! Enjoy what the future holds Broseph!
Posted by: Slavenko Erazer Jan 8 2013, 09:42 PM
U're the first who sent me Personal Massage here.
and now i'll miss your Manowar' covers and random dual True Metal quotes with ya@!
Posted by: DeGroot Jan 8 2013, 09:56 PM
Say it ain't so...
Its been fun taking part in your collabs and bushido tasks ! As you say, its not the last we'll hear from you. Now I will just have to find a new way to satisfy the donut cravings.
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 8 2013, 09:59 PM
and now i'll miss your Manowar' covers and random dual True Metal quotes with ya@!
I knew this wouldn't go over ...
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 9 2013, 12:09 PM
Best of luck Ben! I'll be seeing you around, my friend
Posted by: tonymiro Jan 9 2013, 12:13 PM
Sorry to hear this Ben but very happy that you'll still be active on the forum. Best of luck with The Reckoning and all of your many other projects .
Posted by: Mudbone Jan 9 2013, 12:57 PM
I go on vacation for two weeks and I come back to this? Christian, we have lost one of our divas! Bring the paddle!
Posted by: Blister Jan 9 2013, 02:41 PM
IN RELATED NEWS
I"LL BE ADDING AN EXTRA VIDEO CHAT ON SUNDAY @ 5PM!!!!!
So we will keep having wall to wall video chats hopefully!!
BEN: YOU ARE AN AMMAAAAAAAZZZZING player and KILLLLERRRR instructor and your work here will be felt and heard in the music of GMC forever.
Todd
Todd, will this be two different lessons?
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 9 2013, 02:52 PM
ROFL!!!!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 9 2013, 03:33 PM
Personal message is bad enough but massage ??
It should have stayed secret
Posted by: maharzan Jan 9 2013, 03:45 PM
Haha, looks like your first and last messages will be memorable..
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 9 2013, 05:26 PM
It should have stayed secret
YEA, it should have.... cause now I want one!
ROFL!!!
Posted by: Sensible Jones Jan 9 2013, 05:58 PM
Sorry to hear this mate, but I know what it's like when real life gets in the way!!!
Good to know you'll still be around though, it would be a shame to loose you from the site altogether!
I wish you all the best for whatever direction you take and who knows, maybe we'll get to meet for a Beer or two sometime this year!!
Posted by: Gitarrero Jan 9 2013, 06:52 PM
Christian, we have lost one of our divas! Bring the paddle!Rumor has it he steps down as an instructor to finally improve his dancing skills! So our group performance will greatly improve.
Posted by: Sinisa Cekic Jan 9 2013, 09:57 PM
If I understand correctly - you leaving us ??!? Shame on you !
Posted by: casinostrat Jan 9 2013, 10:11 PM
Apparently those Mayans were a little off on when the world would end........not in December but in January!
Seriously I always enjoyed your lessons and wish you best of luck!!!
Posted by: mad Jan 9 2013, 10:16 PM
I read Christians post on FB.. now I know the news, too..
I wish you all the best - and it would be awesome to have you here in the forums once in a while
Still remember when you joined the site and introduced yourself with those damned vibrato lessons (My left hand fingers are still always burning when trying to learn them longer than 5 mins )
Posted by: Mudbone Jan 9 2013, 11:32 PM
Nice.... now if we can just get him to wax....
Posted by: Blister Jan 10 2013, 12:42 AM
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 10 2013, 05:57 AM
YUP!!! New Lesson for each Vid chat, so two different lessons per weekend.
That's the plan! This weekend will be our first Trial run
Todd
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 10 2013, 08:59 AM
Todd, will you be tackling other techniques in the new v-chat?
Posted by: Slavenko Erazer Jan 10 2013, 11:14 AM
It should have stayed secret
U can't keep some things locked in you forever
Btw, that massage chick should visit me more often!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 11 2013, 05:56 AM
Each Lesson will be Self Contained I"m thinking so Sat and Sun will have new content for each day. Should be fun!
We've covered wads of techniques in the chats, and I"m sure we will add more as we go
Todd
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 11 2013, 08:47 AM
We've covered wads of techniques in the chats, and I"m sure we will add more as we go
Todd
Alright! I'll see if I can drop by and say hi and leave with a new quiver for my musical bow
Posted by: Yash Jan 11 2013, 03:38 PM
Oh man...... I try to make yet another comeback, and I find that I am gonna have empty Tuesday nights This is not good. But, I hope you get a thrashing rocking over the top Reckoning album out which gets famous and I can say proudly, the guitarist is my friend I wish you all the best for the future Ben, saying 'I'll miss you' will be an understatement because you are the heart and soul of GMC Food threads, random yahoo news, collabs, awesome vid chats and incredible lessons, you have it all.
I know this is not the end, and, I think you'll be back with us before we know it Oh, and I'll miss you man (I know its an understatement)
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 11 2013, 06:31 PM
This is not good. But, I hope you get a thrashing rocking over the top Reckoning album out which gets famous and I can say proudly, the guitarist is my friend I wish you all the best for the future Ben, saying 'I'll miss you' will be an understatement because you are the heart and soul of GMC Food threads, random yahoo news, collabs, awesome vid chats and incredible lessons, you have it all.I know this is not the end, and, I think you'll be back with us before we know it
Oh, and I'll miss you man (I know its an understatement)Thanks Yash, for the kind words
Don't worry, I'll still keep popping up with random threads !!
Posted by: Amir Razmara Jan 11 2013, 10:38 PM
Dear Ben
I would like to sincerely thank you for all the good times we had in the chat sessions
The time you devoted to GMC, your mentoring and support, and all of your work related endeavors are certainly appreciated.
See you around
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jan 12 2013, 10:37 AM
I would like to sincerely thank you for all the good times we had in the chat sessions
The time you devoted to GMC, your mentoring and support, and all of your work related endeavors are certainly appreciated.
See you around
Thanks a lot Amir.. you're welcome
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 13 2013, 02:16 AM
!The Godfather has spoken and I don't think he is none to happy...
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 13 2013, 08:22 AM
Uh oh ... If Sinisa is angry, we are doomed
Posted by: snackajacks Jan 13 2013, 09:33 PM
Leave the gun , take the cannoli
Posted by: Sinisa Cekic Jan 14 2013, 01:28 AM
You gotta go, you gotta go
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 14 2013, 02:06 AM
Hope Ben looks good in concrete shoes....
Posted by: Nava Feb 10 2013, 07:33 PM
Just heard it from FB
So sad to hear, just bought ur album Defining Armageddon, amazing guitars and great music!
I understand and can see that future has something great for you!
As someone did say earlier, you have left a lot of great material here for us to master
All the best and may fortune follow your steps!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Feb 11 2013, 11:40 AM
So sad to hear, just bought ur album Defining Armageddon, amazing guitars and great music!
I understand and can see that future has something great for you!
As someone did say earlier, you have left a lot of great material here for us to master
All the best and may fortune follow your steps!
Thanks for your support, Thomas ! I hope you like the album - I'm working on the 2nd already
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)