5 Ugly Truths About Being A Guitarist

If you are like me, then you began playing the guitar and had a very clear image of what 'playing the guitar' should have looked like. Very few actually achieve that initial image. You might have thought that you would make it big and play music with your heroes, or making a million dollars with nothing but your axe and sweet licks. Those ideas might be spectacular visions of grandeur, the truth is a little ugly...


About That Fame


Well, you might have guessed that it would be very difficult to make a name for yourself playing the guitar. The guitar is a wonderful instrument that many enjoy, but there is the problem, many enjoy playing the guitar. There is a crowd of people that are doing the same thing that you are. That is why there is such a large community of guitarist. Forums, Blogs, Stores, and other things exist because there are so many of us. This fact alone makes it difficult to stand out. It is difficult to play faster, smoother, harder, more technical or some other superlative more than everyone else. Just shear numbers would dictate that there is someone else that has been specializing in that one thing more than you. Not to discourage you from trying to progress, in fact, this reason is my personal motivation to keep pushing myself. Having said that, the thought that being the top of your particular ''field'' won't be enough to propel you to stardom


About That Fortune


Another common assumption is that learning and playing the guitar with just burry you in all the money. The logic here is a little funny here. Making money is a bad reason to pick up the guitar. I've spent countless dollars on my habit hobby. I have made a little bit of money hear and there, but fortune is not the word that I'd use to describe the amount. I'm sure I've spent way more than I've made and I doubt that will ever change. There are tons of working musicians that make a living with their craft. That's not completely out of reach for the average guitarist that devote enough time and energy toward it. Supplemental income is achievable, a living can be manageable, but breaking six figures is going to take a lot more than just talent. You'll have to constantly market yourself and network to make connection that will further your career.


Your Heroes Kind Of Suck


I mean, I don't know you heroes but I'm working with generalities here, so work with me. Let's assume that your hero has achieved that fame and fortune that we discussed earlier. This means that, in addition to the talent, they have a work ethic that has propelled them to were they are. They also have a personality and temperament that is complete different then what you image. It's easy to assume that you know the people that you look up to, but many times you can disappointed. I'm not saying that these people are all type-a jerks, but they are conditioned to a very demanding and time-consuming schedule. Depending on who you hero is, this is achievable goal, but you'll never know if that person will live up to your expectations. Also, depending on who your particular hero is, you might want to get on that, because they might die. That's why all my heroes are already dead. That way I don't have to try...


Other People Don't Love Your Playing


Yes, people enjoy the guitar, but growing up in my house, people did not always like listen to the same songs over and over (other wise know as practice). Most impressive guitar playing is enjoyed by other guitarist that know how hard it is to make those particular sounds. The common person will equate strumming chords and typically challenging arpeggios to one another. That's because they have to basis to compare the two. To them, they are both difficult. You could have Eric Clapton setting in you living room playing the guitar and, after a while, you'll ask him to stop. Even if you are very talented, sometimes the noise is just unwanted. Don't be the guy at the party to pick up the guitar and start playing Wonder Wall. for the love of Pete don't play Wonder Wall...


So Easy To Waste Money


I own so many things. Many of them relate to the guitar. I own several guitars... and amps... and pedals... cases... chords... books... *sigh* I've bought so many things. I like buying things. I also like buying guitar things. That cost money. Lots of money. Do I need to say more? Yes? Ok. A starting rig will run you a few hundred dollars, As you progress you will probably spend thousands of dollars if you continue to play. Acoustic or Electric, your rigs will get a little more complicated and refined (is that a contradiction?). You can also spend money on things that don't need. Extras are so temping. I've bought several 'boutique picks' because that's a thing now. They aren't necessarily better. My point is, just like many hobbies, you will spend countless dollars on your self... you self-centered narcissist.


Conclusion


I don't even know anymore. I've never given so much thought to why guitar playing might suck. It doesn't suck, in fact, it is absolutely rocks. I love playing guitar and I'll stop playing when I lose control of all of my limbs... Yes, I will start playing with my feet if I lose my hand in a harvesting accident.

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