July 6, 2022
It’s a critical point in every story, and it happens throughout all genres of film and literature. After we are introduced to the hero, the hero meets…the villain.
Sometimes, it’s a violent, startling encounter where the villain bursts onto the scene. Other times, it’s a rather civilized exchange, where the hero and the villain have a brief conversation. Perhaps the villain temptingly says, “Join me,” the hero refuses…and they each acknowledge that they are diametrically opposed, so they come to
terms with the fact that each wants a different outcome.
This could be in a legendary medieval epic, a detective story, a science fiction saga, or a superhero comic book. Name a good genre of story, and there is usually a hero and a villain.
Once we know who the villain is, we can root for the hero and watch as he or she goes against all odds to defeat the villain.
It can be a long battle over the course of many pages or many episodes, but with determination and sometimes help, that hero can overcome the villain.
In the story of our guitar journeys, we are the heroes. As protagonists, we are on a quest to be victorious, and to defeat the antagonist. And I believe there’s one main villain in our stories who is lurking in the mundane moments of our everyday guitar adventures.
You might not guess the name of this villain. I’ll tell you.
The villain is: “plateau playing.”
Sound unremarkable? I sure think so. “Plateau playing”…what kind of a villain is that? You may have been hoping for a much more sinister name. But the very “bland” nature of this villain allows it to be cloaked in familiarity, and to do its evil work.
Let me define “plateau playing,” so you can get to know this dark and destructive character a bit. “Plateau playing” is a manner of playing our guitar over time without any urgency to improve or develop our skills beyond where they are.
This applies to any skill level for any guitar player.
Take a beginner, for example. Perhaps he or she has learned the open chords G, C, D and E minor, or some variation. They’ve discovered the capo, and how it can be placed up and down the neck to allow for access to multiple keys, using these four shapes.
That’s a great discovery, but that’s where they stop. Perhaps for years. They settle for those four chord shapes, use their capo, and whether they play worship, pop, or original music, those basic tools make up the nuts and bolts of what they do, and they really don’t see any reason to go much further beyond that.
I went to a Christian concert one time and sat in an audience of about 3000 people. Onstage, the main artist wielding the guitar did exactly as I have just described – those four chord shapes and a capo, for 90% of the performance.
That’s “plateau playing” for beginning guitarists.
What about someone who’s further along?
Take a guitarist who uses the same basic collection of chords and strumming patterns, and doesn’t see any real need to branch out. They’re comfortable, but are we called to be comfortable?
What if this more established guitarist worked on enhancing their theory knowledge with a view to greater musicianship through color chords, borrowed chords, some fresh new grooves, or even some fingerstyle guitar? What if they expanded their memorized repertoire?
They could. But no, they remain in a holding pattern, clinging to what they know.
That’s “plateau playing” for intermediate guitarists.
Are we called to stay in a holding pattern over the course of the life of our guitar playing? I really don’t think so.
Perhaps for some of us, our time is limited, but even a short practice time each day could yield some new tools, techniques, and a higher level of musicianship and artistry…for each of us, regardless of our level of experience.
Let’s look at the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25. I’m concerned with one servant in particular – the one who buried his talent in the ground.
When the time came for the master to settle accounts with his servants, this servant brought back the very same talent that he had been entrusted with. No increase, just the same talent. Do you remember how the master responded? He was disappointed, upset, and angry. That servant had not stewarded his talent faithfully.
When we bury our musical talent and don’t develop it, we are giving in to the villain of “plateau playing”. But naming our villain can take away some of its power. We have its number. We know what it is.
Now how do we defeat it?
It’s a daily battle, actually.
First, we can pray for the Lord to give us strength to overcome this obstacle.
Second, every time we play the guitar, instead of thinking, “I’ll just play what I know,” we can think, “What’s a better way to grow in this area?” If we’re on a worship team, what if we learned some fresh new chords or voicings for a song we already know? By taking these steps, we can recalibrate our mindset towards being on the lookout for ways to learn and grow.
Third, we can be teachable, seeking out resources and people who can empower us with new insights and strategies. By experiencing what I’m sharing with you right now, you are pursuing counsel and insights to help you grow – so, good for you!
I myself have been a student of the guitar and music for nearly three decades, always learning from others. I’m now making it my main focus to equip other guitar players across the U.S. to discover their potential through an ongoing membership experience called GuitarSuccess4U.
Fourth and finally, we need strength in numbers. Sometimes the hero defeats the villain single-handedly, but often, as I mentioned, there is a group effort. What if you were in a community of guitarists who shared a common vision, who pooled their collective knowledge, and who could encourage and hold you accountable?
That would put fear in the heart of our villain, to be sure.
So, let’s acknowledge our enemy as “plateau playing,” let’s unite against this common enemy, refusing to give in on any front. As the hero in our story, let’s claim little victories along our quest, having serious fun all along the way.
Be teachable, seeking out resources and people who can empower us with new insights and strategies.
ABOUT ME
David Harsh
Singer, Guitarist, Teacher
© 2023 GuitarSuccess4U a ministry of David Harsh Ministries.