josterD opened this issue on Aug 08, 2010 · 34 posts
SamTherapy posted Mon, 09 August 2010 at 9:28 AM
BB has it right on the money regarding talent, time and dedication. The reason so few people become extremely accomplished musicians (or anything else) is - as BB said - the time involved.
Re the pain factor...
As Laurie remarked, yes it does hurt at first. Play every day for at least an hour and it won't be so bad after a couple of months. Eventually it won't hurt at all. Until, of course, you get old (like me) and end up with tendonitis or RSI. :)
Another thing to consider is your playing position. If you're sitting, you should try to learn the "classical" playing position. I don't mean the left hand style so much, rather the way your guitar is held relative to you. If you're standing, don't make the mistake of having your strap as low as Jimmy Page. You can do all that stuff when you have the techniques in the bag.
The importance of having a good, playable guitar shouldn't be underestimated. Too many beginners have some horrible plank with an impossible action and lousy strings. Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune nowadays to get a decent guitar.
Coppula eam se non posit acceptera jocularum.