Has youtube made you realise you suck?

**jono** · #1 02-02-2008, 09:52 AM

OK I'm sitting here and I'm supposed to be writing a report on the implications of some impending legislation on a client's position in the polymers industry. but I'm actually surfing on youtube. (no I won't be billing for my time on that

)

When I was younger I was probably the best guitarist in the "local area" and rightly feared in the guitar shops o a saturday morning

Nowadays with the level of folks we see on youtube, I know that I basically suck.

Has youtube been humbling to you, or are you in the "I can do better than that - watch" category?

Dee · #2 02-02-2008, 10:14 AM

LOL! Good thread, Jono.

YouTube has made me realize there are lots of good players out there, but no, it has not made me think I suck.

CosmicDebris · #3 02-02-2008, 10:27 AM

I can't vote. I don't play to impress, out do, or be the best. I play because I like too. There will always be someone better, faster, or whatever.

Algiman · #4 02-02-2008, 10:29 AM

I suck, but I knew that anyway.

Eggy · #5 02-02-2008, 10:35 AM

I'm not sure which option to vote for but I do think that Youtube is one of the most important things to happen for guitarists in recent years.

When I was a kid I remember my Dad coming and getting me out of bed to come and watch The South Bank Show and other late night documentries on TV because this was one of the few oppertunities to actualy watch great players play.
Now you can put a name into Youtube any time you like and you've got access to all kinds of great footage. It's helped my playing massively and I wouldn't want to be without it. I spent over an hour last night just watching amazing footage of Paul Kossoff that I'd never seen before. When I was 8 I thought this guy was a God and I love the fact that I can watch him play whenever I like now.

As far as having my own videos on Youtube goes I see it as nobody can play like me better then I can play like me.
I don't go in for the whole c*ck measuring competition side of things. If somebody leaves a comment under your video saying they liked your playing then it does make you feel good but at the same time if another person says you suck then what's to worry about? As long as YOU are happy with YOUR playing then that's all that realy matters. If you're not happy with an aspect of your playing then youtube is brilliant for getting ideas and learning from the guitarists you respect.

DEADTUNES666 · #6 02-02-2008, 11:16 AM

I chose #1 only because I am great at what I do. I Know my abilities/limitations and exploit the hell out of them. Ego and relaxed confidence can go a long way in making you better than a young ripping player who is unsure. Being great in your bedroom is way different than being great in front of a thousand people.

Ant1981 · #7 02-02-2008, 11:38 AM

Yeah. I've been watching people on youtube who can do the fast food dance soooo much better than I can.

For those of you who are wondering what the fast food dance is, here it is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF01RxiquNk

That's THE song, but the actual people who did the original video do the dance so much better.

Eggy · #8 02-02-2008, 11:44 AM

^ Put the crack pipe down and step away from the computer!

Gurj · #9 02-02-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algiman

I suck, but I knew that anyway.

Same here! I knew I sucked at playing guitar long before youtube came along.

Myst and rain · #10 02-02-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jono

OK I'm sitting here and I'm supposed to be writing a report on the implications of some impending legislation on a client's position in the polymers industry. but I'm actually surfing on youtube. (no I won't be billing for my time on that

)

I've seen a lot of people on YouTube shred big-time, yeah. But it hasn't made me think I suck, at all. I think just play a bit differently that a lot of folks on YouTube. A bit more old fashioned. Anyway, technique is just a tool, really. It's the music that it's all about.

Alwin

jay ratkowski · #11 02-02-2008, 06:15 PM

As far as playing a whole lotta notes in a short amount of time cleanly and in rhythm goes... I suck and Youtube is a reminder of this.

Other than that, it actually is a really cool site for guitarists. I remember when ZVex released their Nano Head I tried it out at a local shop and really had no use for it at the time. Now I am more and more keen on buying/building a very low wattage amp (1-5W). Since the shops around here seem to let you actually try less and less stuff, I looked at YouTube. I found a few videos with extensive reviews, tests with different equipment, etc. It's a fantastic way to see if you like gear before going out into the world and dedicating your time/energy to really testing stuff out.

Hmm... YouTube has made me really lazy...

shogun · #12 02-02-2008, 08:05 PM

wheres the option for 98% of the guys on youtube are horrible.. i can only think of maybe 10 amateur players who i consider worthy to listen to

DEADTUNES666 · #13 02-02-2008, 08:48 PM

As far as amateur guys go remember they might be recording their piece live in their bedroom 20-30 times before they nail it close enough for youtube posterity. I agree with shogun...

CosmicDebris · #14 02-02-2008, 09:34 PM

One more point to make. Whenever I see anyone I consider better than myself (which are most folks with guitars) I see it as an inspiration rather than a blow to any part of my ego.

CaptainD00M · #15 02-02-2008, 10:14 PM

If YOuTube has made me realise anything, its that there are WAY to many Bedroom Shredders out there who shouldnt have Youtube accounts, and who should pay attention to TIMING!

32nd notes are not to be played over some blues groove!