First i would like to apologize for my Cyber A.D.D.. In my last article I ended with a list of topics that we will be discussing as we move forward, but before we begin on that list i would like to take this article to tip my hat to a subject that can be a little “touchy” for many musicians.......sharing.
Remember when you were five and you got your first Play-Doh Fun Factory? The last thing that you wanted was for some crumb-snatcher to get their greasy hands all over it. As musicians, many times we have the same attitude about our chops (scales, licks, drum rolls etc.) We come up with an amazing solo or learn a song that seemed impossible for any human to play- and what do we do? We hide the knowledge like we are hiding a ring from Smeagol (for you Lord of the Rings fans out there). For example, Eddie Van Halen discovers guitar tapping and creates this amazing composition called Eruption. He finds that his solo is so amazing that he feels compelled to play backwards on stage so that no one steals his licks. Also, people have actually attempted to create a product called the “Lick Blocker” to help hide the guitarist’s hand while playing.All i have to say about that is....wow.
So, you may ask “what is the solution to the narcissistic musician?” and my answer would be simple...share. When we come to the realization that there is nothing new under the musical sun, we will find that all we can do is learn from each other. The more you share and receive musical ideas, the faster you will reach new heights with your instrument of choice.
So the next time someone wants to mess with your Fun Factory, let’em have at it. After all, they may let you borrow their Hyper-Color shirt for your next date.
talk to ya, Blake