May 11, 2022
It’s happened to all of us. We hop on YouTube and watch some virtuoso just dominate on his guitar strings, using creative techniques to play a crazy fun cover, maybe even adding some rhythm on the guitar body as well. We smile, laugh, shake our heads, but then when the video is over, we think, “I should go apologize to my guitar for being so neglectful.”
Yeah, don’t do that.
I have some alternative solutions. First, remember that the guitarist you’ve just watched is walking deeply in their passion, and this “tip of the iceberg” you’ve just witnessed in a 4-minute video represents thousands of hours of dedication, practice, and course-correction.
Second, remember that this guitarist you’ve just watched is on their own journey. They may or may not share your love for the Lord, and they may or may not have the same definition that you do when it comes to success. Either way, your journey is your journey.
Third, if you do love the Lord, remember that to focus too much on skill development, rather than worshipful pursuit of bringing glory to God, can move us dangerously close to idolatry. How good is good enough? How many YouTube views or subscribers are enough? It can be a slippery slope.
There are ways to be inspired, and there are ways to get derailed and discouraged. If the virtuosos out there are inspiring you, keep watching and enjoy the process. But if watching them discourages you because of where you are with your guitar playing, I encourage you to take some time to just enjoy playing your guitar, with the devices off.
You have this guitar for a reason – either you bought it or it was given to you. You’ve been entrusted with stewarding its care. Rather than feel sorry for not stewarding the instrument well, take the opportunity today to embark on a fresh start.
Play a song you know. Play it well. Then look for a song, or even a musical exercise that you don’t know, and do what it takes to play that well, even if it takes a few days…or longer.
Before you know it, you will have increased your knowledge and skill in a measurable way.
As this process is underway, I invite you to thank the Lord for allowing you this opportunity to grow.
Then the focus of your attention won’t be on the guitar virtuoso, or even your guitar. It will be on the Lord, where it belongs.
Before you know it, you will have increased your knowledge and skill in a measurable way.
ABOUT ME
David Harsh
Singer, Guitarist, Teacher
© 2023 GuitarSuccess4U a ministry of David Harsh Ministries.