Either you have it or you don't?!

[nwobhm]

Interesting topic, I think that some are born with a more 'creative' streak than others, eg left side of brain stuff. What then capitalises on this is exposure to different forms of music and art and a massive amount of dedication at a young age when our brains are more 'plastic'. Of course, that does'nt mean to say that a 50 year old picking up a guitar for the first time won't do well, as long as he has the dedication.
Case in point, I'm kicking 40, been strumming along for 25 years, still suck, but I can jam along to most of my faves, generally rhythm, but when it comes to lead I still stick to the same patterns. I've recently ordered a new axe through Jaden (now that is a genuine talent!!), so looking forward to my horizons being broadened, new pickups, sounds, wood etc.

just my tuppence :-)

[Viper-sfm]

I think saying that natural talent doesn't exist might be a bit of a stretch. From my experience, it certainly does but in varying degrees. A good friend of mine started to play when he was 15. 2 years later, he was already playing stuff from Vai, Satriani etc without effort. Nowadays the dude is a monster on the guitar. But I don't find his compositions to be all that interesting.

My father on the other hand, can make beautiful compositions both on piano and acoustic guitar. He himself says that he just listens to the melodies and learn how to play them. It's a weird process seeing him compose. He is also a fantastic player, but doesn't have anywhere near the same theoretical knowledge that my friend has.

I sit in the middle of all this. I do believe that if I had more time to practice, I could become a fantastic player. But I don't think I would ever make songs like my father does. Only if I study a lot of theory maybe. For know, having the ability to learn a few satriani, vai, liquid tension songs etc makes me happy

[marijuana_kills]

liquid tension is kewl!

[sactownthrash]

I think you have to ask yourself this question: Did you practice 10+hours a day for 10+ years every day up until where you are at now? I believe some have a natural gift for creativity...but as far as technique goes, that is all practice, practice, and more practice.

[RedTiger]

Unless its academic, I would hope most musicians not worry themselves too much about this. It can be very self-defeating if you somehow get it into your head that you're in the "don't have it" camp!

I like to think back to the days where playing an instrument was a major form of casual entertainment. The family piano and the like. I think those musicians played for the sake of playing, for the enjoyment. They weren't often in it to become a first chair violinist or a concert pianist. I have known professional working musicians who think like this too -- not worrying so much about talent and being "the best", just practicing and playing their music.

[mike570]

Originally Posted by RedTiger

Unless its academic, I would hope most musicians not worry themselves too much about this. It can be very self-defeating if you somehow get it into your head that you're in the "don't have it" camp!

I like to think back to the days where playing an instrument was a major form of casual entertainment. The family piano and the like. I think those musicians played for the sake of playing, for the enjoyment. They weren't often in it to become a first chair violinist or a concert pianist. I have known professional working musicians who think like this too -- not worrying so much about talent and being "the best", just practicing and playing their music.

Absolutely!
I believe that you should make yourself happy, first and foremost, as a musician. Being "the best" is a bogus line of thinking. You shouild be playing because it's fun, otherwise - what's the point?

[Magical Muffin]

Originally Posted by mike570

Absolutely!
I believe that you should make yourself happy, first and foremost, as a musician. Being "the best" is a bogus line of thinking. You shouild be playing because it's fun, otherwise - what's the point?

+100000 to this post.

Even better if you find practicing scales and patterns to the metronome fun!

[marijuana_kills]

I dont believe in being the best only certain thing can you reach the title "the best" for example Michael Jordan...but for music i dont think so....

[prydogga]

Originally Posted by marijuana_kills

I dont believe in being the best only certain thing can you reach the title "the best" for example Michael Jordan...but for music i dont think so....

Yeah but if you ask people who their favourite basketball player ever they're not just gunna say Michael Jordan, Even asking who they think was/is the best would still get diffeent answers, so the title of "best" is irrelevant.

[marijuana_kills]

Originally Posted by prydogga

Yeah but if you ask people who their favourite basketball player ever they're not just gunna say Michael Jordan, Even asking who they think was/is the best would still get diffeent answers, so the title of "best" is irrelevant.

then their fools.

[Robstar]

I don't have "it" that's why i practice like madman so i can obtain "it", or at least fake "it".

[blackspy]

There is fantastic book that deals with some of this stuff. You can find it here.

Everybody is different, and has different levels of natural ability. However, everyone has an equal amount of potential. As has been said earlier in the thread, some people have figured out where they go wrong earlier on in the process, and made alot of good formative choices earlier, so they have an advantage, but nothing that you can't have as well.

One thing I find funny is that so many people base this on things like "I've been playing for X years, and still can't play the solo Y by Z." Well, I've been speaking English for my entire life, and still can't read a piece of Shakespeare like Patrick Stewart. Why focus on sounding, phrasing and acting like someone else?

[HeavyMetal4Ever]

When it comes to talent, natural or otherwise, it's not what you've got, but how you use it.

Rock on!

[SnakeEyes]

Originally Posted by blackspy

There is fantastic book that deals with some of this stuff. You can find it here.

Everybody is different, and has different levels of natural ability. However, everyone has an equal amount of potential. As has been said earlier in the thread, some people have figured out where they go wrong earlier on in the process, and made alot of good formative choices earlier, so they have an advantage, but nothing that you can't have as well.

One thing I find funny is that so many people base this on things like "I've been playing for X years, and still can't play the solo Y by Z." Well, I've been speaking English for my entire life, and still can't read a piece of Shakespeare like Patrick Stewart. Why focus on sounding, phrasing and acting like someone else?

Someone sticky this!

[Mr. Killer]

You may have the talent, but if you never practice you'll never be able to show it. For example, I might be good at basketball, but I never practice that sport, wich means I'll never use that talent. And if I do practice, I won't become the next Michael Jordan in one day. It would take me years of practice to become a good player, just as if I didn't have the talent.

I think practice is what really matters.