Comments on: Guitar Tales

By: Larry

Larry — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:59:25 +0000

Vai is a great example of dedication to his craft. This is a guy who would transcribe Zappa songs for practice and the technique, phrasing and soul in his playing reflects it. In the end, your playing will reflect how much you really practice and I think that is why I push the boundaries of truth here and there. It’s a bar that I set for myself.
If you can do it, it ain’t braggin.

Thanks JKKC for the great comments. Also if you like Vai, then check out my post about my friend Hercules. Great guitar playing that I think you will enjoy.
http://www.guitarmusings.com/2008/03/11/hercules-singularity/

By: Jaan Cohan

Jaan Cohan — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:36:30 +0000

Haha I love this topic… Too true in multiple ways!

I’m an 18 year old guitarist who has played guitar for almost a decade. Being the teenager I am, I’ve exaggerated the truth to obtain the respect and admiration of my younger fellow friends and musicians (there is no problem in stretching the truth if it betters the good of other people, despite lying to one’s self). Saying that I play for three hours a day and religiously play my modes and Circle of Fifths is completely false; I may get in about a hour a day at most haha (school takes a toll on my hectic schedules). Though, I’ve noticed that the younger kids at my school look up to me as a guru or Confucious for guitar and the music world; they practice in hopes of becoming as talented as I am (not meaning to brag or be a showoff)…

Steve Vai is an exception to this rule… He plays atleast 5 hours a day if not more (so did frank zappa).

With all due respect, I play guitar with a passion. I’m not a kid who picked up the guitar after playing Guitar Hero or in hopes of getting laid, becoming famous/rich, or hoping to get a scholarship to college. I play because it’s a way of expressing my emotions and ridding myself of life’s constant stress. Whether I’m playing along to Gilmour, Clapton, or the Three Kings (BB, Albert, Freddie)- exaggeration of one’s ability can somehow….make us better…

Whats wrong with showing off or stretching the truth? We’re no better than the politicians =) haha.

I wish the best to all of the musicians out there in this oh-so-crazy world!

Best Regards, JKKC

By: Robin Easton

Robin Easton — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:55:31 +0000

I LOVED this story. Not just the guitar “fish” story but the honesty with which you told this. I really admire that, A LOT. I think the biggest thing it does is that the reader (me or others) say, “Oh wow, I’m not the only one. You mean other people exaggerate?” LOL LOL

Your honesty allows for the human in all of us to exist. We get to embrace our humanity in a more loving way, instead of wasting time beating up on ourselves. I like that. Good for you!!!

I think it’s two things. It’s a reflection of what we might really want to do or experience and so yes in that sense it can guide us or is trying to motivate us as it did you. I also think that some people are just natural-born storytellers….and they LOVE to spin a yarn…I’ve had others tell me that about themselves, almost everyone I know. They’ve said how they LOVE to tell a tall tale and it comes out in little ways like you mention here. It never bothers me in other people because I LOVE to hear a tale. See, I loved this story you told. I think it’s delightfully human. Just precious.

Keep up those four hour sessions.
I will too. LOL LOL
Hugs,
Robin 🙂 🙂

By: MacNichol Guitars

MacNichol Guitars — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:43:14 +0000

Speaking of fish tales and guitars, check out the “fish guitar” at the Larrivee guitars forum:

http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=22721.0