Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including needing to have “thick skin”, playing for yourself, and a potential new podcast. Here we go…
#1 – “Thick skin”
Someone left a charming comment on a Facebook ad of mine the other day.
The ad was linking to my Fingerstyle 101 course.
When it comes to advertising in the guitar world, some people get a bit nasty.
I’ve seen this time and again with comments on other ads, even with huge companies like Fender.
Anyway, the chap chimed in and said this:
“He can’t play for shit but wrote a great book!”
I had to chuckle to myself.
What a charmer, I thought.
So, I checked my email list and buyers list – it turns out this guy has never bought anything from me and is not on the mailing list.
I thought so.
I suppose he could have got the book from Amazon, but it’s more likely that he’s just an internet troll leaving a bitter, sarcastic comment.
These sorts of comments flood the internet!
Many years ago, I would have felt bothered by this, and maybe even asked him why he said that.
These days, I just laugh at stuff like that.
It’s part of the internet world where anyone can be a sarcastic hero (albeit in their own minds, like that guy).
It goes to show having “thick skin” is key.
This is key for all guitarists, especially if you’re a beginner.
Other people may say things that bother you or upset you about your playing sometimes.
Most people (especially in the real world) are decent, but even so, people can say the occasionally upsetting comment – sometimes accidentally.
Mainly because they often don’t quite understand your journey of learning an instrument.
Sometimes a sarcastic or teasing comment can be in jest, but they can be hurtful.
So, one thing I urge you to do is develop “thick skin” and make sure any remotely negative comments slide off you like water off a duck’s back.
Remember, you’re playing for yourself, not anyone else.
Speaking of which, this brings me on to #2…
#2 – Why you should play guitar for yourself first and foremost
The first thing most of my new students would tell me would be something along these lines:
“I only want to play for myself. I don’t want to be a big rock star or anything. I just want to have some fun now the kids have grown up.”
About half would elaborate and say they would one day love to play an open mic or jam with friends.
Either way, we would work specifically towards their goals from day 1.
That’s important because if your goals are not aligned with what your heart wants, then it can lead to a path of frustration.
I mean, there are a gazillion lessons out there teaching advanced theory, tonnes of scales, and all sorts of sparkly things.
Some people will tell you it’s “essential” to learn some of these things, but often it’s not.
Take the recent subscriber, who only wanted to sing and strum a few tunes.
Yet, his teacher insisted he learn the minor pentatonic scale in five fretboard positions.
That’s crazy for a beginner who just wants to learn to sing and strum.
I’m not saying he shouldn’t learn the scales like that, but doing so should be way further down the line.
There’s plenty more relevant stuff that the student should be learning – i.e., good technique, rhythm, chord changes, coordination, etc.
So that’s just a little reminder to keep your goals and not anyone else’s in mind as you practise and develop your playing.
#3 – New podcast?
I’m thinking of doing a new podcast.
Many years ago, I did about 5 or 6 of them, which were fun, but Archie was super young at the time, so I put it on hold.
There’s so much I want to share when it comes to guitar playing, but there’s only so much time in the day.
…Yet sometimes I just want to go on a tangent and talk guitar.
So, I may start up a new podcast soon.
If I do, I’ll share plenty of tips, motivating stories, random thoughts, as well as specific advice to help you on your journey.
I may even do some ear training stuff (which should work for a podcast), some fun quizzes, interviews with students, or even just talk about my favourite guitarists and how they’ve inspired me and how they can inspire you.
I know these emails are well-loved (thanks for the kind words!), but would you also like to hear a podcast?
I have no idea if this is something you are keen on.
Personally, I think it would be a lot of fun for me and you both!
Comment below and let me know if this interests you.
If there is enough demand, I’ll start planning it out.
I hope you enjoyed those three random thoughts and you have a great start to the week!
Dan Thorpe
Guitar Domination
P.S. For more guitar help, motivation, and specific lessons to improve the most common issues I see students struggle with, you may want to check this out:
Guitar Domination Super eBook Bundle
P.P.S. This post was originally taken from Dan Thorpe’s private email list. To get blog posts like this sent to you which are full of great tips to make fingerpicking, strumming, and learning guitar more enjoyable (especially if you are over 40) join Dan’s list. It’s 100% free, HERE.
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