Playing the guitar (or any instrument) is like learning to speak a language.  At first, you only know a few words or phrases.

But the only way to get better? Say What You Can.

I had a downer feeling yesterday about my guitar playing.  Although I didn’t have much time today, I wanted to play a bit to see if I can feel better about it.

Glad I tried.

The problem is that I have a great mind (if I say so myself ).  I can play some amazing guitar in my head.

You see, that’s really not a problem.  The only problem here is that my imagination is unlimited by my playing ability.  Or rather, I’m still not disciplined enough to confine my imagination to what I can play.

But just like knowing what you want to say but not knowing the words to say them, you have to start out by picking out words that are close enough in your head.  If you remain silent, then you’re most certainly not communicating, nor are you getting better at it.

So today I focused on simplifying — be creative with note choices and expressions and phrasing.

It wasn’t mistake-free, but it was much better.

A lot of guitarists play licks instead of musical ideas.  I am guilty of that, too.  Just play what my fingers have a habit of playing.  Not really hearing my phrases in my head before playing.

So I am trying to get out of that — but I’m still not that good at it.  I feel clumsy and my range seems so limited.

But I have to say what I can say.  That’s the only way I’ll get better at this.

And I will.