Why do some people never start learning to play the guitar, even though they have an interest in playing? Why do they give up? There are many possible reasons, but the one that gets played more often than not is: “I have no Talent.”
What is Musical Talent?
“I think that musical talent is loving music.” Quoted from college music professor Peter Graham-Swing.
This is a great working definition of talent. It is an empowering statement! It is so very true that loving something is the main factor in becoming good at it, such as the guitar. The guitar is a very technical instrument and one needs to truly love the instrument, and the challenge of learning to play it. As someone once said: “Do what you love, and love what you do.”
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said: “Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation.” Using Peter Grahams-Swing’s definition of talent -- A developing guitarist, who loves music, is a guitarist that will take the necessary steps to develop their talent.
Talent is truly a skill that can be developed. Improvements in guitar playing will always cost a developing guitarist something, but they must first love music and the instrument. As such, their talent will be developed appropriately, and their possible vocation or goal realized.
It is critical that the developing guitarist take the necessary steps to achieve success. In point of fact, any guitarists who receive poor training will produce poor ability/talent -- regardless of any inborn ability/talent. Many developing guitarists will think they have no talent at all and simply give up. The ground work must be laid wisely.
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Talent can be Created
Amazing ability can be developed by the right training. One has to first believe. If the developing guitarist makes every effort, even though it may be difficult, to learn and build their ability, they will achieve endless results. Their talent will grow. Talent can most definitely be developed over time, regardless of age. It is never too late to learn and get better at the guitar.
A developing guitarist is born with unlimited potential. To simply say they are born with talent is to ignore the fact that one needs to learn, to practice, and it is not always going to be easy. A developing guitarist must have staying power. All the accomplished musicians have spent many hours developing their talent – and maintaining it!
A developing guitarist’s perception of their potential talent is important. It is better for them to believe they can do anything. The thought of having no talent and giving up the effort of learning the guitar is what infects the minds of all too many, especially those who have been wrongly told they have no talent.
Yes, there may be someone out there that was born with six fingers (extra long) and can do things on the guitar one may never be able to do, but that is their own uniqueness.
All developing guitarist have their own talent as well -- even if it is just playing a few chords of their own song. It is something that is uniquely their own and no one else can copy that. Without them creating their music, the world misses out! Sadly, there are many people out there that are extremely talented, but never have the opportunity (or inclination) to develop that talent. Many are able, but not willing. It is good music never head. It is unlived potential.
Playing in a Band
One can also take some average musicians, put them together as a team (or band), and they shine. For instance, the Beatles were not considered virtuoso musicians, but when they were together, magic happend. They worked well together as a team.
Actually, one can even take a great player (a virtuoso) and put him or her with new people, but they may or may not work productively together. It works the other way around too. They may even try to do a solo album, but it just is not the same as with the band. Certain musician-mixes just seem to have the X-Factor. In other words, certain musicians will take a guitarist to one level, but a whole other group of musicians will take a guitarist to another level.
So, why do so many bands break up? Why is it so hard to find the right people to play with? It turns out that many musicians are very good, but do not have any staying power. They always have an excuse to quit. Some guitarist have actually reached the top, but the pressure was too great for them, and they fell from grace and/or they just quit. Many musicians have a hard time coping with success -- coping with performing -- coping with the critics -- among other things. Learning coping skills is critical for anyone in the limelight.
In summary, talent is not just inborn, but can be developed. If one receives the proper training, one can learn the guitar, and learn it well. The ability to play the guitar is within us all – but one must love the instrument and what it can create. The love of music is musical talent.
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