In June’s guitar newsletter, I want to point back to a basic concept at the heart of learning an instrument and the key to eventually playing music with other musicians: the importance of developing the discipline to practice.

This month, I will be participating in my first 5K along side our 11-year-old daughter to celebrate the end of a season of a girls' running club.  My wife did it last year so it is only fair that it’s my turn despite the fact that I definetely do not consider myself a runner.  I see a lot of parallels between preparing for this event and for a live music performance.  Incorporating visualization techniques helped equip me for them and are worthwhile tools. 

When we watch an artist, we witness a product that has deep roots.  We are only seeing the blossom, the fruit so to speak, of a long growing process.  Not only is the event a manifestation of their creativity but also an accumulation of their past work and experiences.  We don’t see all the inspirations, teachers, mentors, books, musicians, music, recordings, art studies, instrument knowledge, schooling, endless practice, rehearsals and past concerts and much more behind the momentary performance.  

This year, on January 10th, Jeff Beck passed away at the age of 78.  The legacy of this English musician is enormous.  He solidified the option for guitarists to have solo careers and focus primarily on their guitar playing skills and own compositions.  He is an amazing illustration of how an artist can continually evolve and embrace many different genres yet stay close to his roots.  He also embodied an innovative spirit that saw far greater possibilities of what the electric guitar had to offer sonically.  I would like to encourage guitar lovers to become well acquainted with his tremendous creative output.