Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Practice
Posted by: PosterBoy Oct 7 2012, 06:24 PM
I always thought that many rock guitarists were super human with regards to their speed etc.
I know I always read how in their teen years they spent hours practicing scales etc and it seemed so glamorous in a way.
Yet it never really sunk in that that's what it takes.
Being part of the GMC community has awoken the part of my brain that understands this.
That running scales and etudes etc for substantial amounts of time is what it takes to be proficient and gain the skills we all try and attain. I no longer hear a piece and try it and just think no it's not possible for me to play, I start off incredibly slowly, make sure I can hear the notes I'm meant to be playing (for me this means can I sing them?) make sure I get the fingering correct and consistent, and then fire up the metronome and the journey begins, slowly and methodically.
I wonder where I imagined the glamorous side to all this, when reading about Paul Gilbert and the rest of my heroes. There really isn't one. There are no shortcuts, no one can do it for you, it's a very anti-social and isolating part of being a guitarist (no one wants to hear you practice this stuff)
I wish I'd had this epiphany when I was younger, when my fingers might have learnt quicker, and I had less bad habits to get rid of before getting the good habits to replace them.
Posted by: bleez Oct 7 2012, 06:47 PM
I know I always read how in their teen years they spent hours practicing scales etc and it seemed so glamorous in a way.
Yet it never really sunk in that that's what it takes.
Being part of the GMC community has awoken the part of my brain that understands this.
That running scales and etudes etc for substantial amounts of time is what it takes to be proficient and gain the skills we all try and attain. I no longer hear a piece and try it and just think no it's not possible for me to play, I start off incredibly slowly, make sure I can hear the notes I'm meant to be playing (for me this means can I sing them?) make sure I get the fingering correct and consistent, and then fire up the metronome and the journey begins, slowly and methodically.
I wonder where I imagined the glamorous side to all this, when reading about Paul Gilbert and the rest of my heroes. There really isn't one. There are no shortcuts, no one can do it for you, it's a very anti-social and isolating part of being a guitarist (no one wants to hear you practice this stuff)
I wish I'd had this epiphany when I was younger, when my fingers might have learnt quicker, and I had less bad habits to get rid of before getting the good habits to replace them.
cool post, I can totally relate to that!
I always imagined the elite guitarists had a practice routine like a Rocky movie training montage. 5 years of hard practice condensed into 5 minutes with an uplifting soundtrack and then they were guitar gods.
Posted by: PosterBoy Oct 7 2012, 07:02 PM
That's exactly how I saw it in my head. Rather than my own diary of
Monday
Went to work, came home, practiced my A Major scale in 4ths, managed to up my bpm another 5.
Tuesday
Went to work, came home, practiced my A Major scale in 2nd position, keep messing up on the G and B string.
Wednesday
Went to work, came home, practiced my A Major scale in 2nd position for 3 hours and I think I might be getting worse
etc
Posted by: korblitz Oct 7 2012, 09:00 PM
I still think that only studying scales and arpeggios is not the way to learn. I was stuck trying to play the scales as fast as I can, but it's not a good idea. When you no sense of Rhythm or create a simple melody idea.
To be honest, it just depends. I don't want to shred, I want to play music. I can't play a single song from start to finish. And I believe that once I do that, I can't stop calling myself a beginner.
In other words, whatever route you are taking, it all leads to music. Don't forget about it. It's so easy to forget about the ultimate goal: Create Music.
Posted by: Ekilo Oct 7 2012, 09:03 PM
You're not alone. When I was learning to play, many years ago, I was the same way. I rushed trying to learn things and never used a metronome. After years of "playing", I might have know only a couple of songs completely and a ton of song intros. I never tried to learn scales. I never put in technique practice. Most of the time I was just jamming with friends and drinking some beers. Nothing really productive.
A few years ago I had some events in my life that made me not want to play. I sold off everything. Then two months ago, a coworker was having issues with his bass. I offered to take a look at it and brought it home. While it was sitting at my house, something hit me. I must have had one of my buddies spirits, who I talked about playing with in between gun battles in a far away land a few years ago, give me a kick in my ass. I purchased a cheap guitar and cheap amp. I was suprised how easily what little I did know, came back. So, I took a good hard look and thought that it was never to late to learn properly. So I found GMC and am taking lessons at a local rock school. This time around my practicing and playing have gone to a whole new level very quickly. My progression is amazing even to myself. It has become a passion. I suppose I have humbled myself. No inflated ego here. The best part is that my mood is way better as well. My coworkers think I have gone to therapy to deal with the ptsd related issues and that has made me a whole lot more fun to be around and more social. The truth is, I found something that is both a stress reliever and passion.
So, back to topic. This time around I practice scales, fingering exercises and techniques. I use a metronome. I listen, watch and learn not just the "how" but also the "why". I actively look for my playing technique faults while learning songs and find a lesson to correct them. I dont set a time limit or structure any of my practices because I know my mind works better in a "free form" environment. This time around I am playing for two. Rest in peace my man, I got it from here.
\m/
Bill
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 8 2012, 09:12 AM
As long as you won't make a goal out of playing the guitar as a God, you might have a good chance to get there without knowing it 
The pressure we put on ourselves is the worst thing that we can do to our subconscious mind. 'I have to be the best there is!' It is NOT a sport or an Olympic discipline.
Once again, I will use the metaphor of the foreign language: Are you a great poet/ writer if you can speak/ write lightning fast? 
Posted by: PosterBoy Oct 8 2012, 10:16 AM
I agree, but I do want to be really proficient with the foundations and attain a certain amount of speed that will allow me to play what I hear in my head
I'm hitting 40 next year, I don't see myself becoming a guitar god, but taking myself to a place where I can play at say 140bpm in 16th notes with alt picking, should be enough to play what I want, and also the journey will help me to find the best way for me to learn, practice.
Playing music will always be the end goal, these are just the building blocks to allow me to get the music under my fingers, in terms of technique and what I'm hearing in my head.
I was drilling the first 3 positions of the A major scale last night and then jammed to a C Lydian jam track, using the 3 positions (but obviously in the C Lydian Mode), and moving between them.
I have so much instructional material that I can use for this from Paul Gilberts Intense Rock to Andy James Shred in 6 weeks, that I have looked at briefly in the passed but never sat down and really worked on, because I was hoping they had a magic trick that enabled me to get there instantly.
The metronome and Guitar speed Trainer are now my best friends!
Posted by: wollace03 Oct 8 2012, 12:09 PM
well... I turn 40 next year, too and there are more things I have in common with posterboy..
I always bought tons of lesson stuff (Paul Gilbert - terrifying rock guitar 1+2, Angelo Batio - speed kills 1+2, speed lives, john petrucci - rock disciples, many books and online lessons). I always thought, somewhere in all these lessons there lies the shortcut and I can shred like Paul gilbert or play like Steve Vai when I just find these shortcuts..... which I never found and I never spend much time with the lessons anyway...
I never had the discipline when I was young and started to play in bands when I was 16 so I always played what I could and never really dug into technical lessons or theory....I also learned dozens of song parts but only very few whole songs and spend many hours practicing without an idea what to practice..
then I found gmc in 2008 and again in 2012 and now I practice with dedication and very limited time, due to job ad family but I am making steady progress thanx to you all!
I think, beside of his talent, Steve Vai had his 10 hours a day practice plan so there is a reason why these players are all so good...
My main goal is to write good songs and solos, learn more about theory and learn all the techniques properly, so that what I play sounds good....I am too old to become the next guitar hero and I know, that even I wanted to I would never be good enough..
I still dont like to use a metronome but I always use a backing track or a drum rhythm and thats fine..
so, there is no shortcut nomatter what the advertisments tell you and good practice works...
and gmc is the best place to learn (and I tried many other online sites!!)
Posted by: Ben Higgins Oct 8 2012, 03:54 PM
It's cool when you have these revelations. I have them from time to time, not necessarily about guitar or music but life in general. You hear things and you think you understand and have taken them on board but you haven't really really felt what they meant. Then one day it just clicks. It doesn't mean anything against you as a person though.. it just has to happen when it's the right time and you're in the right place for it. We all pick up different things at different times of our life
You're kidding me, I thought you were around the same age as me. You're wearing it well, man !
Very true. There is no short cut to becoming great at anything.
I will add to this, though.. that although there isn't a short cut there is still a route that is the quickest to your personal greatness and that is your personal passion. Follow your passion where it leads you and don't be tempted to stifle and delay your progress by thinking you've got to be able to do what other guitarists can. I've made that mistake before and it only leads to frustration. When you accept who you are and what it is that really floats your boat as a player it feels like a great weight has been lifted and you're free to play what you want to play
You can get to your personal sound quicker when you're not distracted and weighed down by the achievements and attributes of other people.
P.S. That's not saying anything against looking at the things you'd like to learn, Matt. I think it's good that you've had this realisation. Just pick the stuff that really appeals to you and leave the things that are excess
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 8 2012, 04:03 PM
That's a great thought mate! I always loved playing the guitar, so maybe I didn't know this things that you have written here, but I was playing guitar all day because that's what I mostly enjoyed... the good thing was that once I learnt one tune, then I wanted to learn something a bit more difficult.... so my technique improved progressively, first with Ramones, Nirvana & The Rolling Stones, then Gun's and Roses, then Iron Maiden, then Malmsteen, then Steve Vai, an then Dream Theater, and when I could play DT songs I started composing my own stuff...
It's so true that this is a very isolating journey, even I had some phobia problems because of this... it's important to never loose the balance in life.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 8 2012, 08:17 PM
I wanted to congratulate you on taking a major step toward becoming TRULY GREAT player. This realization is something that one simply has hit and work through (IMHO) before you can progress much beyond a certain point/level. It does seem more glamorous than it is when you read about Steve Vai or Gilbert woodshedding for 12 hours at a stretch for years on end. Mostly it's because we see the result as fans of their work so it's like watching the Training Sequence in Rocky before the big fight. Actually doing the training sequence is quite different and there isn't any theme music playing or audience watching. It's just you, alone in the woodshed earning it.
The good news is. Nobody, I repeat Nobody can honestly fake it. Your good or your not and it's easy to hear the difference even if you just started playing so once you earn it and get "good" everyone that hears you play knows it. That's something special that nobody can take away from you. Something for yourself that you get to keep your entire life. People will come up to you and say they wished they'd learned to play an instrument. Comfort them. They probably never will. They will see the joy on your face as you play and how effortless it seems and regret not having earned it for themselves. It's a burden you will not have to bear. Carry your achievements with you in your heart (nailing a riff/scale/song) and cherish them. They are yours. You'll have earned every one.
Todd
Posted by: Ben Higgins Oct 8 2012, 08:21 PM
Todd that reminds me of an excellent saying that you once shared. From my memory I think it was something you say to people when they say something like:
"I always wanted to be able to play the guitar !"
And you reply
"So did I !"
Pure genius
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 8 2012, 11:52 PM
"I always wanted to be able to play the guitar !"
And you reply
"So did I !"
Pure genius
Thanks
That used to be one of my FAV sayings! But I must admit that I found it more funny than most of the people I said it too. I thought it was sorta funny and playful but some folks just don't take jokes like that very well It's very true though, I did "Always want to play guitar" from the about the age of 5 I started asking for a guitar of any kind and kept that up until I started buying my own Todd
Posted by: casinostrat Oct 9 2012, 01:22 AM
Todd
This should be framed and put on every wall in every practice room. I know it is going on mine tomorrow!
Posted by: jstcrsn Oct 9 2012, 01:43 AM
Todd
I think I am going to cry( just kidding)
that is truly is an incredibly aspirational, inspirational paragraph , Well done Todd
Posted by: The Uncreator Oct 9 2012, 03:07 AM
I think practice should be spaced out with writing. I know lots of musicians, most of them dont write anything. If you just want to doodle around, or play your favorite songs, thats great. But writing, creating music, is where I think musicians learn who they are as an artist, not just a guitarist. Its where you become a composer, not just a guitarist. Eventually you will write something in your head that you cant play, but its the perfect riff or melody, and that motivations is so absolute it completely triumphs over anything else.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 9 2012, 06:00 AM
Thank very much
I mean every word of it.that is truly is an incredibly aspirational, inspirational paragraph , Well done Todd
I appreciate that, thanks
There is very real truth in there for certain. Seeing all of you guys earning it everyday (especially every one of my boot camp/marathon video chats) is actually what inspires me to dig deeper and teach better/harder. You guys RAWK!!!Very true. Learning to play any instrument is the start of true musicianship, which involves creating things from your own influence/heart. Being able to express yourself with something as universal as music is honestly a blessing. But it's one you have to earn.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 9 2012, 07:35 AM
Todd
I will frame it in my mind for certain! Thanks Todd!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Oct 9 2012, 09:04 AM
That used to be one of my FAV sayings! But I must admit that I found it more funny than most of the people I said it too. I thought it was sorta funny and playful but some folks just don't take jokes like that very well Well it's true. I get annoyed when people imply that you're kind of lucky to have the ability and it was something they always wanted but didn't get.. we've all got choices
Posted by: korblitz Oct 9 2012, 09:31 AM
In fact, a woman once came up to Fritz Kreisler after one of his concerts and said to him, “I’d give my life to play as beautifully as you do.” To which Kreisler replied, “I did.”
Posted by: Ben Higgins Oct 9 2012, 09:50 AM
What an excellent response
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 10 2012, 02:35 AM
I'm honored! I think I might put it above my metronome and amp too. Knowing other folks are inspired is always inspiring to me. So if you guys put this up, know that other players are woodshedding it just like you are, some where else on our little planet.
Well said
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 15 2012, 08:09 PM
I just saw this reply and you are SOOOOO RIGHT! It's not really a lottery system where some folks are just born and BAM instant Guitar God! It really does take up years and years of one's like to get good at anything. Making something hard look easy takes thousands of hours of practice. So anyone can do it if they are willing!
Todd
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 15 2012, 08:09 PM
I just saw this reply and you are SOOOOO RIGHT! It's not really a lottery system where some folks are just born and BAM instant Guitar God! It really does take up years and years of one's like to get good at anything. Making something hard look easy takes thousands of hours of practice. So anyone can do it if they are willing!
Todd
Posted by: rokchik Oct 16 2012, 12:44 AM
The pressure we put on ourselves is the worst thing that we can do to our subconscious mind. 'I have to be the best there is!' It is NOT a sport or an Olympic discipline. Once again, I will use the metaphor of the foreign language: Are you a great poet/ writer if you can speak/ write lightning fast?
It has taken me a very long time to realize this
I was always one, in sports any ways, that picked things up very quick and was usually pretty good at what I played (not to be conceited or anything) If I wasn't good right away I didn't continue the sport.
When I first picked up the guitar, I was in my late 20's... almost 30
.... and quickly realized that I wasn't good. It was going to take time and a lot of practice. I had a tough time at first, a really tough time. I wanted to be playing songs, not learning scales or theory. I was learning on my own as no one I knew at the time played and was very frustrated and put the guitar down quite a few times before I realized this wasn't a race. I found GMC and my whole mind set changed. I started setting small goals for myself and before I knew it I was playing my first song.I've had many, many, many, ups and downs in my guitar playing, and I expect many many many more, but I've stuck with it. I might not be where I could have been now after 6 yrs or so of playing as have had spurts of no playing at all. But I am happy with the ability I have now and I know if I keep practicing I'll keep getting better. I have a few small goals in mind and I'm working to get them completed. I'm not in a band, I play for myself cause I enjoy playing. I know, now, I'm not going to be a rock god... well at least not for a few more years anyways
rok
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 16 2012, 08:00 AM
I was always one, in sports any ways, that picked things up very quick and was usually pretty good at what I played (not to be conceited or anything) If I wasn't good right away I didn't continue the sport.
When I first picked up the guitar, I was in my late 20's... almost 30
.... and quickly realized that I wasn't good. It was going to take time and a lot of practice. I had a tough time at first, a really tough time. I wanted to be playing songs, not learning scales or theory. I was learning on my own as no one I knew at the time played and was very frustrated and put the guitar down quite a few times before I realized this wasn't a race. I found GMC and my whole mind set changed. I started setting small goals for myself and before I knew it I was playing my first song.I've had many, many, many, ups and downs in my guitar playing, and I expect many many many more, but I've stuck with it. I might not be where I could have been now after 6 yrs or so of playing as have had spurts of no playing at all. But I am happy with the ability I have now and I know if I keep practicing I'll keep getting better. I have a few small goals in mind and I'm working to get them completed. I'm not in a band, I play for myself cause I enjoy playing. I know, now, I'm not going to be a rock god... well at least not for a few more years anyways
rok
Hey Rok! Nice story and good mindset there
I for one, gave up the thought of being a guitar god, just for the simple fact that I started appreciating music writing and arranging more than JUST PLAYING THE GUITAR The guitar is a small part in a great ensemble. As the great Miyamoto Musashi said:“You should not have any special fondness for a particular weapon, or anything else, for that matter. Too much is the same as not enough. Without imitating anyone else, you should have as much weaponry as suits you.”
...and yet, his mastery with the sword was unmatched
Posted by: PosterBoy Oct 16 2012, 08:10 AM
I think my biggest problem when it comes to practice, was that being someone fairly musical (singing since year dot) I picked up the basics pretty quickly, I was singing and playing songs like Blowing in the wind in front of my school aged 10 (I had nothing on some of those Korean kids though) and apart from my finger style stuff and learning more chords, I stayed at that level for many years, I was happy enough being able to accompany myself. When it came to electric guitar and lead guitar, it didn't come quickly and so I thought I wasn't able to do it (bring in the truck full of excuses and reasons) or I didn't know the secret rather than realising I'd found where natural ability ended and hard work began.
Posted by: Ben Higgins Oct 16 2012, 09:28 AM
Really the only things that separate any of us are the decisions we take
Posted by: Gitarrero Oct 16 2012, 09:50 AM
Some truly inspiring posts and thoughts can be found in this thread!
As for me, I remember when I tried getting serious at the guitar I would actually sit down and practice AP and legato etudes for like 20 or 30 minutes. But I quickly became bored with it and started jamming along to my favourite tunes again.
I have talked to Cosmin about this during our skype lesson...I seriously don't have any goals regarding my guitar playing other than writing cool and catchy songs, and you all know I'm more of a punk rock guy. So I don't see the point in becoming a shredder (for me, that is!)
As for practice, I really had to think about what I do that I would call practice. Lately I've been playing along to our collabs backing tracks a lot, always coming up with new ideas. I try to implement different techniques into my solos, but really focus on strong melodies. This is most fun for me, so I can do this for hours.
I wasn't sure if I really became better over these last years at GMC until I (surprisingly for me) became most improving rec student and I checked my older stuff. Now I know, I have become better. Without pushing things, just by playing what I like...and trying new stuff I picked up from the video chats here and there.
Now, where am I going with this post?
Bottom line would be: just play what feels right for you, try to add a new thing once in a while and you will become better eventually.
Posted by: Ben Higgins Oct 16 2012, 09:59 AM
As for me, I remember when I tried getting serious at the guitar I would actually sit down and practice AP and legato etudes for like 20 or 30 minutes. But I quickly became bored with it and started jamming along to my favourite tunes again.
I have talked to Cosmin about this during our skype lesson...I seriously don't have any goals regarding my guitar playing other than writing cool and catchy songs, and you all know I'm more of a punk rock guy. So I don't see the point in becoming a shredder (for me, that is!)
As for practice, I really had to think about what I do that I would call practice. Lately I've been playing along to our collabs backing tracks a lot, always coming up with new ideas. I try to implement different techniques into my solos, but really focus on strong melodies. This is most fun for me, so I can do this for hours.
I wasn't sure if I really became better over these last years at GMC until I (surprisingly for me) became most improving rec student and I checked my older stuff. Now I know, I have become better. Without pushing things, just by playing what I like...and trying new stuff I picked up from the video chats here and there.
Now, where am I going with this post?
Bottom line would be: just play what feels right for you, try to add a new thing once in a while and you will become better eventually.
Totally !
It's quite hard to look at yourself honestly and say 'I don't really need to be learning that if it's not really what I want'. But if you can do that you unburden yourself of excess that you don't need.
It's your personal journey in this life so it's only got to really matter to you in the end
Posted by: snackajacks Oct 16 2012, 10:00 AM
Awesome Topic, well gmc keeps getting me back here even when I don't have a lot of time on
my hands, I guess I am just trying to have fun with guitar and see how it gets.
Damn, I have missed you guys.
Posted by: Gitarrero Oct 16 2012, 10:07 AM
Good to see you Marc!
How about the Steel Panther show in Cologne?
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 16 2012, 10:21 AM
Marc! Hey man! Welcome back
Posted by: PosterBoy Oct 16 2012, 10:48 AM
Indeed
The tattoo I have says 'Choose your own fate' in Irish. We can bitch and moan all we like about where we are in life, but it is the choices and decisions we made that got us here!
Posted by: snackajacks Oct 16 2012, 12:03 PM
How about the Steel Panther show in Cologne?
I don't know yet, I want to go really bad, but it is a saturday and I quit my job for
my education so I am low on money. Especially because I am going to see muse in Stockholm
in December. I will try to look into it because its really close and I still have traintickets to Koln and
there is a nice musicstore
Posted by: PosterBoy Oct 16 2012, 12:24 PM
Steel Panther would be more fun than Muse!!!!
Posted by: Gitarrero Oct 16 2012, 12:34 PM
For sure!
There don't seem to be any tickets available online anymore though
Posted by: snackajacks Oct 16 2012, 01:51 PM
oh darn, maybe we then can go to the musicstore in Koln in the near future , www.musicstore.com
and they have a huge saturn in Koln with a looooot of cd's. maybe some other gmc'ers are interested as well
Posted by: Gitarrero Oct 16 2012, 02:04 PM
and they have a huge saturn in Koln with a looooot of cd's. maybe some other gmc'ers are interested as well
I'll keep checking for tickets.
I'll be home in Münster for 2 weeks around Christmas until the first week of january. I'm pretty sure we can find an opportunity to meet up then
Posted by: rokchik Oct 16 2012, 03:08 PM
I for one, gave up the thought of being a guitar god, just for the simple fact that I started appreciating music writing and arranging more than JUST PLAYING THE GUITAR The guitar is a small part in a great ensemble. As the great Miyamoto Musashi said:“You should not have any special fondness for a particular weapon, or anything else, for that matter. Too much is the same as not enough. Without imitating anyone else, you should have as much weaponry as suits you.”
...and yet, his mastery with the sword was unmatched
LoL!! I actually don't have any aspirations to be a guitar god either
I have a few songs I want to learn and a few techniques for me that is enough right now. Maybe down the road I may wish to do more musically, but until then I'm happy with the small goals I have set out for myself. Once I reach those ill sent some more I'm sure but again ill be taking baby steps
rok
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 17 2012, 09:36 PM
Baby steps are all anyone can take believe it or not, especially when starting out. It's sort of a long series of little improvements that happens over time. Something happens, say you go to play something that seemed difficult a bit back, and you notice it's much easier. It's in times lick that where you can be shocked to find you've improved drastically.
Some really great replies in this thread! And some great points! There really isn't any point killing yourself to play stuff that you never plan to use. And playing music, any music you enjoy, is a great way to get better and be able to enjoy more about playing. I have had students who almost punish themselves in to practicing which can lead to a sort of depression where guitar seems like an obligation. Egad thats horrible.
I'm not saying there won't ever be bits that feel like pure homework, just that it's really important to focus on what makes playing guitar (or anything) worth doing. Once you find what that is, your growth/development as a player will gain a steady momentum. Which is very important for getting better at anything that requires practice/repetition.
Todd
I have a few songs I want to learn and a few techniques for me that is enough right now. Maybe down the road I may wish to do more musically, but until then I'm happy with the small goals I have set out for myself. Once I reach those ill sent some more I'm sure but again ill be taking baby steps
rok
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 18 2012, 08:20 AM
I will add another martial arts piece of wisdom here
'A man came to a Sensei and asked him: If I study hard, how fast will it take for me to become good?' the Sensei said: 10 years. The man continued: I will train even harder, how much then?. Sensei said: 20 years. The man became desperate and said, how much will it take if I train day and night?!! Sensei said: 30 years.
Musashi himself said: 'Too much is the same as not enough' which is the same as the story above. I think what these words mean, is that the more we stress ourselves out to reach a certain level/ overcome a certain obstacle, the more frustrated we will become and things will be harder to achieve because we can't get the right mental state to evolve in a harmonious way.
Posted by: Ben Higgins Oct 18 2012, 09:52 AM
'A man came to a Sensei and asked him: If I study hard, how fast will it take for me to become good?' the Sensei said: 10 years. The man continued: I will train even harder, how much then?. Sensei said: 20 years. The man became desperate and said, how much will it take if I train day and night?!! Sensei said: 30 years.
Yes, if you always have one eye fixed on your destination then you only have one left with which to find The Way
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 18 2012, 01:17 PM
Indeed
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 20 2012, 05:19 AM
A very hard teaching to absorb for any initiate to be sure. I remember having the same questions of course when I first started playing and a similar perspective. "What if I just don't sleep and practice 24 hours a day forever? Then how long will it take?" The drive and impatience that is just part of being human is something that learning any instrument or skill will help to transform and in eventually lead to an entirely new perspective.
Of course, this in itself is years in the making. Looking at the mountain of practice from the valley of getting started can be daunting. How far to the top? How long will it take? What's the "best" way forward? These are natural questions and they represent the start of what can be a life long quest. Somewhere on the way to top, you discover to your astonishment that
the peak was an illussion. The path itself is eternal.
As we know from THE MATRIX movie, "There is a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path".
Walk the path!
Todd
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 20 2012, 06:55 AM
Great words Todd! I am discovering this myself again and it feels incredibly well to be able to do it again With the sword I mean 
Posted by: Ben Higgins Oct 20 2012, 09:25 AM
Great words, Todd !
As Zen would teach.. never focus on the length of the journey or the destination. Just focus on taking the step you need to take today, now, at this moment. Then forget about it. When the time comes to do it again, do it again.
Posted by: tonyk Oct 20 2012, 09:27 AM
My wife said to me yesterday "all you do is practise,you never actually play anything".Her comment and this topic has reminded me to spend more time actually making music and enjoying playing
Posted by: bleez Oct 20 2012, 01:15 PM
this thread is all kinds of awesome on a cosmic level. I wish I could email it back to my 17 year old self.
However, just incase time traversing emails dont happen any time soon Im just gonna keep walking the path
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 22 2012, 10:10 AM
However, just incase time traversing emails dont happen any time soon Im just gonna keep walking the path
I often had this thought
What if I could think like I'm doing it now, back then And then I realize that this is the way things are supposed to go. No regrets mates, make the best of what you have and if you reach a level of high understanding, it is WAY better if it happens, regardless of the time when it will happen, rather than not experiencing it at all. At least that's my perspective on things See, we all need a woman to tell us that from time to time
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)