Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including some “famous” students I’ve had, the importance of rewards, and more.
Here we go…
#1 – Like a kid in a candy store
Me and Archie went shopping the other day for my nephew’s 16th birthday.
We went to a shop called HMV.
In the old days, this was a cool shop that sold CDs and music, but these days, it’s way more exciting than just that.
As music is easy to get hold of and people can get it on demand and stream it easily, they’ve had to get more creative.
So now, the store is all about pop culture.
They have loads of T-shirts, posters, band memorabilia, crazy stuff like unique doormats, comics, and much more.
They even had this very cool Guns N’ Roses cover for their album Use Your Illusion (I’m very tempted to get it).
Archie loved the store, and I was like a kid in a candy store.
It’s like everything I love about music, pop culture, games, and more – all there in one place.
I could easily spend a few thousand in there.
…But I was sensible.
Yet just like I was saying in yesterday’s podcast, it’s a good idea to reward yourself.
Well, lately I’ve worked hard getting the podcast up and running, the eBook to go along with it, and filming and releasing the new social media 1-minute videos (plus more stuff coming soon).
…So, I gave myself a very small reward of two new Beatles T-shirts.
The takeaway here is that sometimes it’s cool to get out and immerse yourself in all the things you love (that is easily my new favourite store)…
… but also, remember to reward little successes occasionally – learning guitar can be tough, so treat yourself when you do well!
#2 – John Williams chose me as his guitar teacher
I’m often easily amused by simple things.
Well, recently John Williams decided to purchase my book.
I’m guessing it’s not the classical guitar maestro, John Williams, (he is already exceptional).
And I’m guessing it’s not the other John Williams – the wonderful movie composer…
…but who knows!
Whenever I check the sales for my books and courses, I often come across some interesting names.
There have been quite a few others too.
For instance, off the top of my head, there was William Hague, who bought my book (he’s a famous UK politician).
Again, I have no idea if this is the politician or someone with the same name.
It’s like when David Gilmore got one of my courses.
Okay, so it couldn’t be David Gilmour from Pink Floyd, (spelt differently after all) but the thought amused me.
Let’s just say it was all these celebrities who got the course.
I often say after all…
“We never stop learning on the guitar no matter how good we get,” – so it could be!
Anyway, those are just some humorous thoughts I thought I’d share.
#3 – Reminiscing
I was watching Archie play cricket last week.
I was chatting with one of the other parents and my dad, too.
Somehow the conversation got onto music.
Before you know it, we were all reminiscing about a rock club we used to go to (all at different times).
The club was called JBs, and it had some great artists play there over the years.
These included U2, Elvis Costello, Judas Priest, and loads more.
The club is no longer around, but it was cool looking back at a place I spent a lot of time in.
A lot of my love for music developed there.
My desire to be in a band was heightened because of being there, and I made many friends there (some I’ve been in bands with over the years).
I met some of my best friends there.
Those experiences are really cool.
You really can’t beat live music and the social side that music gives to us.
As guitarists, we are blessed like this.
Not only can we perform with others (if you want to, that is), but being in a live music venue and chatting to random folks is very cool.
When you’re watching musicians perform, at least a decent chunk of the audience will no doubt play guitar too.
So, it’s well worth getting out, experiencing live music, striking up a conversation, and talking guitar with like-minded others.
It’s a cool thing to do.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed those three random thoughts, keep being inspired, and keep having fun on the guitar!
If you want more help from me, and some simple tips to fix the most frustrating issues many struggle with, you can check this out.
Guitar Domination Super eBook Bundle
Have a great Monday!
Dan Thorpe
Guitar Domination
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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