Some guys (yeah mostly guys it seems?!) think they're God, when in fact they’re merely good.
I think have seen a trend: the more humble the guitarist, the better he/she will play.
I met some of the greats out there and guess what - they are all humble guys with no exception...
2008
Me: WOW! You played great!!
Steve Lukather: Ah, c'mon man.. It was not that great, but you sure know how to make an old man feel good. Gimme a hug, c'mon (then leaves off with a few girls )
2010
Andy Timmons: Are you also a guitarist?
Me: Well, yeah, let's say so
Andy: And where will your next show take place?
Me: I am performing with a philharmonic orchestra in 2 days from now in one of our biggest venues in Bucharest.
Andy: WOW! Man, I am so happy for you - I have never played with an orchestra so far, but I will be doing it in Tokyo in 6 months from now - how does it feel like, can you give me some tips maybe?
Me: - stunned - almost crying
So why are some guitarist walking the macho road, when all we’re trying to do is express our feelings? What do you think is a good example of a self-obsessed vs a humble guitarist?
Sometimes it just depends on the time of day and the circumstances of the day.
I have had a few experiences completely the opposite of yours Cosmin ...
Really great 'legendary' player/performer/songwriter/etc. who's just a total A-hole ... at that moment. Or they're a prince one day and a gargoyle the next day. *They usually get the benefit of the doubt from me because I don't know the circumstances - ?
Some people forget there is no place for "best and worst" categories in music I agree - most of great players are such a kind and humble people Most of those with huge a ego are like... You hear him talking that "this guys sucks and that guys sucks"...but then he goes on stage an play his part....
...After 3 minutes You realize it's a not a type of guy who has any right to judge people...and You hope it's first and last time You meet him
Very good point Ben. Like you almost have to put on a shell. It's like to become a great guitarist, it takes hours and hours of alone time - then you go on tour and everyone wants to talk to you, and for some people, that attention could be hard to deal with. In that case some people may come across as assholes, but they're really just shy.
My friend got to see Stone Sour when they played locally and he said James Root went straight to the tour bus and didn't say anything to anybody, while the other guitarist was very personable and stayed outside. It doesn't make JR a jerk, anything could have been going on.
Another person that comes to mind, and is the furthest thing from a narcissists imaginable is Neil Peart. He is just a quiet introverted guy. I am the same way. It takes me getting some alcohol into my system before I can talk to crowds or even feel comfortable on stage. My hands would always shake uncontrollably during a sound check, before I had taken a few shots. I hate to admit that, but it's true. I may not come across as an introvert, because I am not shy when it comes to typing behind a screen, but when it comes to performing or even mingling in public, I would prefer to sit in a corner with a couple of friends discussing some deep mystery as opposed to small talk.
But, I have witnessed the attitude before. It seems more prevalent now in younger bands, guys in their teens and twenties. The guys I know which are still playing on any circuits are all very humble, but there was a time when they fit right in with that "my band is great and everyone else's band sucks" mentality.
Which is another thing I've noticed. Many times a guitarist would come across as anyone he believes himself to be better than, sucks, and anyone he believes he is not as good as, is awesome. There is no middle ground.
It's just people on fragile ego trips. It's really a testament to just how insecure people really are, it's like, they have to let you know how great they are or else you just might not understand. And hearing themselves say it somehow makes it true in their mind - regardless of if the listener is simply agreeing to get them to shut up because their arrogance sends the cringe meter through the roof.
Paul Gilbert is a good example he's a really nice guy and quite a player. Yngwie is a bit on the other side. Overtly stuck on themselves guitarists just come across to me as insecure. Almost like they are defending themselves and there ability at all times. Thankfully the instructors that we have here are pretty down to earth folks with a lack of A Hole Attitude which is not always the case with instructors. I've met instructors that are as bad or worse than Yngwie. It takes a confident person and player to avoid being arrogant. Arrogance is almost always just a shield for massive insecurity imho.
Todd
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