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Chasing a dragon?
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Haydn
Posts: 59
Joined: Jan. 29 2011
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 Chasing a dragon?
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I've been having thoughts about what it means to be a great guitarist, and wanted the infinitely wise members of the foro to weigh in with their opinions.
Here's the questions: Do you consider yourself to be a great guitarist?
Obviously, this is a very subjective question, so give reason for your answer.
Personally, I've found that as I've progressed, I've exceeded my initial expectations of what I thought I could achieve. I'm better than I thought I could be. BUT, as I've improved I've realised how little I know, discovered so many fantastic guitarists, mind blowing compositions and impossibly technical pieces. The yard stick has been moved. When I started I thought that if I could do what I can do now, I would be great. Well, I've arrived here and the goal has been moved. Undoubtedly, one day I'll reach a point I currently consider amazing, and when I reach it I'll once again realise how much more there is to learn.
So, is it possible? Can you reach a point where you feel as though you can rest on your laurels? Or are we doomed to chase a dragon, strive to reach an unreachable goal and measure ourselves against an impossible yardstick?
I'm going to go practise now. Hopefully I'll be one step closer to the unattainable by the time I return to your wise and witty resposes 
Haydn
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Date Feb. 9 2012 22:12:27
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BarkellWH
Posts: 3459
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Washington, DC
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RE: Chasing a dragon? (in reply to Haydn)
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quote:
Here's the question: Do you consider yourself to be a great guitarist?
Anyone answering in the affirmative had better be stacking himself up against, and considering himself the equal of, Paco de Lucia, Ramon Montoya, Nino Ricardo, Sabicas, Manolo de Huelva, Melchor de Marchena, and the like in flamenco; Segovia, John Williams, Julian Bream, Pepe Romero, Narciso Yepes, and the like in classical.
To be considered a "great guitarist" is not determined by some subjective evaluation that someone "plays very well," or even that someone is "excellent" or "superb." There are several of them on this forum. The term "great guitarist" implies a category that is in the realm of the sublime. Very few reach that level worldwide. I think I know what you meant by the question, Haydn, but it probably should be re-phrased to represent reality on this forum. I do think that all of us should strive to be the best we can be within the constraints and limits of our talents and quotidian obligations.
Cheers,
Bill
_____________________________
And the end of the fight is a tombstone white,
With the name of the late deceased,
And the epitaph drear, "A fool lies here,
Who tried to hustle the East."
--Rudyard Kipling
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Date Feb. 10 2012 22:02:40
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Ricardo
Posts: 14828
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
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RE: Chasing a dragon? (in reply to Haydn)
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There are different stages. When you can finally play in rhythm pretty much constantly without loosing the beat, that is one MAJOR step forward. Later it is important that what you do affects other people, regardless of your level. If you are able to inspire other people then you should feel pretty good about what you are doing. Next when you are respected by your peers, or those "in the know", it is a milestone to be proud of. And finally, I think the "great" artists are aware of the feeling when they walk into a room full of, not lay people but, OTHER great artists, and can sense a feeling of "competition" or even fear. That's when you know you are at least good.  The balance shifts when the next higher level artist appears in the room...it's great! But you realize that "greatness" is relative. See the movie "Searching for Bobby Fisher".
All along the way there will be critics, people ignore or look down upon your efforts, remain un affected or even jealous of what you do relatively speaking....it is normal. Don't let that deter you from the path of striving for excellence in any case. And while you don't want ego to prevent you from letting your advance or limiting you in other ways (professional or social), remember this quote of John Mclaughlin: "The only egoless persons in the world are saints, and you don't see saints playing guitars!".
_____________________________
CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com
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Date Feb. 10 2012 23:09:01
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Haydn
Posts: 59
Joined: Jan. 29 2011
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RE: Chasing a dragon? (in reply to Haydn)
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I read many interesting points, and see much food for thought.
Firstly, I have to agree with everyone who has said that it's the journey that matters, and not the destination. However, I can't help but feel as though goals are important. Without the milestones we choose to mark our progress as musicians, aren't we just stumbling around in the dark, not going anywhere, and eventually becoming frustrated by our inability to create anything new and exciting? This can be seen as a double edged sword too; by creating milestones, you are also creating a yardstick by which to measure your ability against others.
Secondly, whilst even the more competent players are hesitant to label themselves as great, we're all very quick to label other musicians this way, despite the fact they might disagree. What's going on here? Do we all sound better from the perspective of another person, who isn't as intimate with our perceived shortcomings (imagined or otherwise)?
I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts on the matter...
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Date Feb. 10 2012 23:11:13
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BarkellWH
Posts: 3459
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Washington, DC
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RE: Chasing a dragon? (in reply to Haydn)
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quote:
Secondly, whilst even the more competent players are hesitant to label themselves as great, we're all very quick to label other musicians this way, despite the fact they might disagree.
Perhaps the more competent players are hesitant to label themselves as "great" because they understand the difference between being "more competent" and being "great." I stand by my post above. In my opinion, "great" is not as relative a term as some would have you believe.
I think that we sometimes label other musicians as "great" because we use the term in a loose, colloquial way. We refer to someone as a "great" guy, when in fact he may have ordinary talents but he's fun to have around. We just mean we like him a lot as a friend, he's amusing and funny, witty, etc. It doesn't mean he's "great" in the true sense of the term. I guess it comes down to I think "great" is one of those over-used terms that we all throw around with lack of precision.
Just my thoughts, for what they are worth.
Cheers,
Bill
_____________________________
And the end of the fight is a tombstone white,
With the name of the late deceased,
And the epitaph drear, "A fool lies here,
Who tried to hustle the East."
--Rudyard Kipling
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Date Feb. 10 2012 23:39:07
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BarkellWH
Posts: 3459
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Washington, DC
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RE: Chasing a dragon? (in reply to Ricardo)
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quote:
Well, by my definition the ones on your list are more then great, they are THE BEST for their relative time periods and disciplines. There plenty of players not in your list that were better then "good" players. But that is just MY definition.
I agree that there are (and were) plenty of players not on my list that are (and were) better than "good" players, but that does not mean they were necessarily "great." Note that I list other categories: "Very good," "excellent," "superb," all of which fall short of "great." I do think that most aficionados would consider the guitarists I listed as "great."
Cheers,
Bill
_____________________________
And the end of the fight is a tombstone white,
With the name of the late deceased,
And the epitaph drear, "A fool lies here,
Who tried to hustle the East."
--Rudyard Kipling
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |
Date Feb. 11 2012 0:20:46
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