The commitment it takes to become an elite virtuoso guitarist is not unlike that required to become a champion in any other field. You must think, breathe, eat and live the instrument at virtually every waking moment (and even while sleeping, when possible). You must transcend the games your mind will play on you and the excuses it will give you to lay off and take the easy road. You must continue to bring back the focus to the instrument. You may find yourself harshly criticized by other music community people, or friends, magazines and those that hang around on Sunset Boulevard obsessing over the nuances of the latest trends. This is precisely the time when you need to fearlessly stick to your vision. There are tests along the way. Realize that it’s all in the mind, and never accept failure when dealing in things that are within your ability to control.
Keep a positive outlook on things and don’t let your intensity turn you in a prick. Always compliment and support your fellow musicians. We all have dreams and hopes. By encouraging, complimenting and supporting those around us, we gain self-dignity, respect, friends, a healthy overview of our own work and an appreciation for the efforts that others put in during our struggles.
It’s okay to get discouraged at times, but it’s not okay to quit. Quitting is never an option for true a artist. It’s jus not in their makeup. Think of music and the guitar when you’re not even around an instrument. If you’re in a quiet setting, imagine that you’re playing and try to see your fingers moving while you’re listening to what’s happening in your head. You can get better at this as time goes by. It’s unbelievably rewarding and it can help you improve drastically because you’re not confined by your physical limitations. I used to do this all the time, and I still do. I imagine things on the instrument that I can’t do, and then I work on them until I can do them effortlessly.
There are those who believe that God is manifest in everything, in the form of light and sound. Some believe that that light and sound need to be discovered by each of us personally and alone. This could be why we are so fond of music. Creating music just by “willing” it in your head may eventually lead to just listening to it happen in your head. Who is the composer is and where the music takes you are for you to discover.
I think being a musician and being able to play an instrument is about the coolest thing in the world. Creating music (and especially playing the guitar) is most rewarding when it’s based on pure passion. Its our birthright to play an instrument an to create.
-Steve Vai-
-Guitar World April 2004 issue on his 30-hour guitar method
