Technically Inspirational

Have you ever browsed YouTube or Google to check out guitar players? Or perhaps looked up online guitar lessons? In my case, I’ve spent more time looking up guitarists than any other type of musician. Many times I find myself blown away by some of the incredible technique that is being mastered (and taught) on the guitar. But as blown away as I’ve been, I also don’t remember anything I’ve heard. Sure, I remember seeing a solo played with 2 hands, 8 fingers, a tongue and who knows what else – but did the melody stick with me or was it the gimmick that was etched in my mind?

For years, I've heard people say "If you play fast guitar, you’re not playing with feel." I never understood that because playing fast (for me) is invoking emotions of passion, anger, rage, intensity - all types of "feel.” Perhaps what they meant is that when many players play fast, they don’t emphasize melody and phrasing. There is so much technique going on that there’s nothing being said that is memorable. It seems like the majority of newer players have spent the majority of their time learning and applying technique rather than finding their own voice as an artist.

I’ve been playing guitar full-time since I was 14 (that’s nearly 27 years) and yet, I feel like I’m just beginning to understand my own language on the guitar – a language that includes everything from soft melodies to loud and fast playing.

There is one person that stands out as not only one of the best guitar players I've ever heard but one of the greatest musicians of all time. His name is Matthew Bellamy from the band “Muse.” Matthew incorporates some incredible technique (on vocals, guitar, and piano) and writes the most memorable songs. To me, Muse has pulled off what I’ve been searching for all my musical life: great technique, memorable songs, songs in many different styles, originality and songs that reach audiences from diverse musical preferences.

Today, I will focus on writing something that is technically inspirational. Thanks Matt Bellamy for leading the way!