Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
-Jesus
How does this apply to music and guitar playing?
It’s about that time for making those New Years Resolutions. Why don’t you make one of them be getting yourself out there in public, increasing your knowledege base, and/or increasing your network. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people actually enjoy doing favors for others.
Help others out too if you can. You never know what karma will bring around the corner for you.
Why don’t you tell us how Jesus’ quote applies to you.
Merry Christmas!
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5 responses so far ↓
1 anekretia // Dec 25, 2007 at 7:37 pm
I myself have always perceived music as a gift, to enjoy, and to be shared, and given. As far as help, I could use all I can get at the moment, lol but that is another story, I do look forward to the coming year of events for sure.
2 jacob // Dec 29, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Every day before I practice my guitar, I take a few moments to clear my mind and focus on what I am about to do. I try not to fool myself into thinking that I am better than I am, and I itemize the things I know I need to work on BEFORE I EVEN TOUCH THE INSTRUMENT.
One cannot seek the unknown, or ask a question they haven’t got. This is similar to the first step in 12 step programs… You must acknowledge the things that hold you back in order to improve on them. Buddhists call this the “beginner’s mind”.
There’s a book called “The Zen Guitar” that I strongly recommend to anyone who earnestly wants to improve their musicianship. This book explains the beginner’s mind very simply. “Put on the White Belt,” it tells us. No matter your skill level, you MUST approach practice with the knowledge that there are things you can improve on.
Christ’s words apply the same concept in a spiritual context. To improve on the guitar, we don’t necessarily have to ask God for enlightenment, though if you are a spiritual person, this may work well for you to humble yourself and put on the white belt. We can ask ourselves, “what needs improvement?” We can seek out those who are further on the path we wish to take and pay attention to what has worked for them. We can learn so much from simply realizing that we know very little.
Sometimes, all it takes to knock at the door is a few moments of quiet time before we begin our practice routine. Personally, I don’t separate my music from my spirituality. Like the Zen archer, I try to let my soul guide my development in a personal way. In this way, my practice becomes a Q&A with my God that covers the topics of my soul and who I am as a being, not just “what notes are in the Phrygian Dominant for Eb Major?”
I sincerely hope that this comment helps someone look at their instrument in a new light. If this concept helps you, or if you have any comments on my post, feel free to email me about it.
Happy Practicing!
Jacob
3 Jeff // Dec 29, 2007 at 9:54 pm
This is an excellent comment Jacob. Very well spoken and with great advice for everyone. Clearing your mind before practice and seeking an outcome based on your own musical goals is truly an effective way to constantly improve. We need to get you contributing some articles brotha!
4 jacob // Dec 30, 2007 at 12:24 am
I’d be happy to contribute! How would I go about that?
5 Jeff // Dec 30, 2007 at 12:49 am
Just register and login, then click on write post to start writing away! When you are done just send us a message on myspace to let us know. We will edit it and then publish it!
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