What category do you fall in?

Originally Posted by: R. ShackleferdYep, I declined joining an initial attempt at a band with a real good friend (drummer) because of another guitar player he recruited had that attitude of bragging and the mentality of "better than". I met and jammed with them once, and I could tell it wasn't going to work. He told stories of how he could blow this guy or that guy away, or whatever. Sure he could play lickety split fast, but they weren't his licks, and he didn't have any "soul". I only smiled when he asked me how I got my guitar to sound like that?

Originally Posted by: WilldridgeYes, yes and yes...I absolutely agree with your statements on Joe. I think he, as is Steve Vai and Eric Johnson, et al, are always striving to be better - and I think what set's them apart from other virtuoso's is that they know there's thing's they don't know...(did that come out right? Think I lost myself there!).

To pick up on your Yngwie statement - I can't deny that he can play...but from a personal perspective, when I listen to his albums, all they make me do is want to play more accurately - they don't inspire me to write or play "music". Joe's, Steve's and Eric's, (along with many other's) however do - and I know a lot of non-guitar player's who enjoy their music because of this. I don't think Yngwie "sucks" as such, I just feel that you hear a Malmsteen solo...then you hear it again on another track...and the next, and the next and - well, you get my point...the notes may be different, but the content's much the same.

Originally Posted by: 3fingeredbluesI'm sure if he ever wrote a biography the title would have to be "Yngwie J. Malmsteen - A legend in my mind"

Originally Posted by: WilldridgeTo the fans - I'm not knocking Malmsteen, it's just I've grown out of the effect his playing had on me.

Originally Posted by: WilldridgeExactly!

I know I'm not the greatest/fastest/most emotional/etc. player in the world. I'll admit it's my goal, but it's something I'm very unlikely to be able to achieve. Ultimately, I want to be able to play whatever I want as well as I can. At the moment, I think I can hold my own against most advanced guitarist, but I'm nothing special.
I think there's always too much emphasis on trying to be better than everyone else though. I treat better guitarists as an oppurtunity to learn something new and expand my playing. It also gives you that inspiration (the firm kick up the backside) to raise your standard and improve yourself...
Just my two pennies worth...

Originally Posted by: magicninjaHere's your first post on this thread sometime in 2002. Go back and skim thru the entire thread you said some crazy things.

Originally Posted by: magicninjaHere's your first post on this thread sometime in 2002. Go back and skim thru the entire thread you said some crazy things.

Originally Posted by: WilldridgeI guess there's a thin line between being confident about your talent and being cocky.
Modesty's not something that's natural to many people it seems...I guess my princible is to "shut up and play yer geetar..."
Wise words from a wise (if not excentric) man...:s

Originally Posted by: magicninjaHere's one before you learned to spell

Originally Posted by: magicninjaHow many people here are truly big headed and like to think they are the best? How many want to be the best and try without being a total jerk about it? How many people here can jam with somebody who is better them and admit it to them and try to learn something. I find a lot of people claiming this and saying that. I posted almost all of one of my songs because I wanted to know what people thought not because I wanted to show off. So what is your playing mentality do you want to learn all you can or do you just want to say your the best no arguements and thats final? I hope to get a good thread going on this subject because its such a hot topic. I know what we all write about other people but what do you think of yourself?

Originally Posted by: magicninjaWe,ve added five new pages to this "dead thread". How wonderful.

Originally Posted by: WilldridgeJoe's been one of my all time hero's on guitar - and seeing this lesson made me realise, like you say, they are just human. What you never get to see is the hour's upon hour's of practice they've put in to be able to play the way they do. I'm a firm believer that if you're prepared to put the effort in, you'll get the reward.

It comes easier to some than others, but that doesn't make them better, it just mean's they've got a natural talent. Someone said on another post "nobody's born with a guitar"...wiser word's were never spoken if you ask me.