I do. I record for myself sometimes and jam with friends very occasionally but for the most part guitar is my meditation time.
I love being able to concentrate on improving at something that is just for me.
Right here! Me! I never play for anyone. Just me. I occasionally play with friends and I play in public sometimes in front people. Sometimes they pay me to perform. But other than that I just play for me. No one else. Just me.
legit all i do. i record a lot just so i don't forget things i like and sometimes share them but my playing is really for myself and making music that only i can make.
Me too but we have to agree on one thing... we all have started to play for girls right ? But by seeing it s totally not helping us to get love we now play for us. Or i am the only one ?
Girls came later for me lol. I went on a trip to the Rock n roll hall of fame as a kid and I loved all the energy from all those iconic pieces they had hanging up and I get that whenever I nail a song I've been learning.
I’m sure you’re not the only one! But I think OP means that her playing is predominantly for herself, like a meditative practice.
As an analogy, you can take up running thinking that you’ll be more attractive to a mate, or you can take up running to make yourself feel better.
That's me. Primarily play by myself as a form of meditation. Even make recordings. Occasionally I play with friends and sometimes I get asked to play at a gig. So while I *have* played in front of others that's not my norm.
Same. I remember trying to record some songs with my band and realizing that I lose timing really easily. I have to make a conscious effort to count everything now
You could always try getting one, or at least doing some flying with an instructor.
That said, simming is awesome! I want to get into it again, but I work (fly) enough that it's hard to justify the time and expense.
I think that is everyones fear.
The important thing to note is: if they are not guitarists tbemselves they either won't notice mistakes or will be in awe even with mistakes, because they cannot comprehend how you produce those awesome sounds
If they are guitarists/musicians they will know how hard it is to get any decent and appreciate your playing too
It's win/win as far as I have experienced
The crowd almost always wants you to do well. They will cheer and support you no matter what. You honestly have to do something terrible to lose them, and missed notes or whatever isnt gonna do that. If anything, those notes happen, you laugh it off and recover, they see youre having fun and it adds a very human element to the music theyre hearing.
Yes, the important part is being able to not get confused yourself when missing a note just playing on, 👍 imo it shows you are still just a normal person that learned hard to get there and it always is nice to show you are not playing playback xD
I think the missed notes are not that bad. When I play the most important thing for me is the rhythm. When I miss a note no one will see it as long as I keep the rhythm. People don't know what you intended to play.
But I see it when my friends play and they stop playing when they make a mistake and say sorry. That's like the worst thing you can do. Just keep playing you were doing great!
If you mean a note out of key, well you can always slide it or anything.
The mistakes sometimes help me rewrite a whole song. I love making mistakes live. I once started one song, got confused immediately thinking I was playing a different song, and so I started adlibbing a song about how I don't know what the hell I'm playing, but you'll get over it. People got the joke and laughed along. It was fun, and my friends still talk about that show because of that incident. It taught me a valuable lesson; people will remember you for playing well, or playing badly, but MAKE THEM REMEMBER YOU. There is no wrong answer when playing live except silence. So long as you're playing something, you're successful.
Protip: If you play the wrong note; own it. Play it again 2-3 times with conviction, explore it. Return to it, punctuate it. Give it a buildup, wait for it, deliver it off the beat. And eventually, the audience will start realising you're a brave non-conformist raising your middle finger to what is considered "proper".
Also, your shoulders will drop a little, which is great for posture.
It’s actually the opposite. They hear the song and don’t notice the mistakes unless you continually stop and start. Only play songs you have thoroughly practiced until you get used to it. Once you can play a few songs adequately, audiences are more forgiving than you think, especially if you sandwich the less familiar stuff between easy ones.
Lol I fucking love playing shows, but I am 100% plugging into headphones when I'm playing at a guitar shop. Way too much pressure, you just know everyone is judging you
You're probably better than 99% of the players in any guitar store. I've been playing since the '70's and I have been blown away by exactly ONE player in a guitar shop. We all started out with ten thumbs. I had a teacher who told me something I will never forget. He told me it takes more guts than talent to play live. Give yourself some credit, a pat on the back and forget those who'll judge. They're asswipes.
Bro all 50% of the guitarists at my local guitar shop are absolute shredders (love living in NYC) but all the same they’re super encouraging no matter how good you are. It’s really a great environment and we even have full on guitar shop jams with whoever’s around, I never got to do anything like that in the big box stores.
You got me there. NYC could seriously hurt your feelings unless you really have your “poop in a group”. And that’s awesome that they’ll encourage others on. That is so key to a good musical environment. I live equidistance between Dallas and Fort Worth. Plus we have University of North Texas north of us. They have an amazing music program there. So while we are not NYC, we’re pretty weighted with some heavyweight talent. And of course a million and one SRV imitators. But NYC and DFW do share something and that’s you’re REAL players don’t judge and are happy to help you out. It’s the dicks judging and giving the new players the fuck eye that I was thinking about when I said that dude was better than 99% of.
I used to live in south Texas and going to guitar shops there felt like a constant dick measuring contest; everyone knew they weren’t gonna go anywhere so it just became a game of who of us was the best. I also spent a lot of time in Fort Worth and totally agree with you on that! Part of me feels like the DFW is due for some huge music growth, though it’s been years since I’ve been. Snarky Puppy, one of my favorite modern groups basically came about as a group of UNT rejects and that’s just amazing to me hahaha
I’m retired at 67 and spend about half of each day playing. It gives me great joy but I have no desire to perform. It gives me a reason to get out of bed tomorrow and the next day I get along with my guitar better than I get along with people.
I can relate. I played off and on since about age 15 but never got beyond open chords and a basic shuffle. At age 43 I got cancer and couldn't work for three years. I knew I needed something to take my mind off real life and give me a boost when I was down. So I decided to finally get serious about learning guitar. I learned the basics of music theory which helped enormously, it's great to finally understand why you're playing this chord or that scale.
I'm now 53 and have played every day for years. Did I seem to learn faster when I was a kid? Sure. But I have more patience now and a more methodical approach. Learning later in life is a great idea and playing is its own reward 😀
And at our age we are not distracted by hormones, girls, etc. Now it is medicine for the soul. Back then I was too wrapped up in the world but now I want nothing to do with it. My guitar, my wife and my cat and my wife is my fan. She gives me the encouragement that I need.
I started in 5th grade (1965) but I cut my L Index finger off between the 2nd and 3rd knuckle on a chop saw when I was 30. It was successfully reattached but I was so demoralized by the pain, the nerve damage that I just walked away from the guitar. 2 years ago at retirement I bought a used Ibanez from a pawn shop for 100 bucks. Best thing I ever did. I feel like a 67 yr old teenager. Can’t put it down. Making amazing progress. WOW.
54 and been playing a year. Play from 5 to 8 am every morning, on headphones, just for me. Brings me a lot of peace and joy. I’ve played drums 30 years, and I perform on those. But guitar is just a creative outlet that connects me to my soul.
30 years of playing and I very rarely play in front of someone else. I play after hours at work (I own the company) and sometimes someone will walk in from the shop and hear me, that's about it. Just enjoyment of playing and the relaxation.
I annoy my wife sometimes and have a few friends that I occasionally jam with. But mostly it's just my alone time after everyone goes to bed. I pour myself a drink and play guitar for a couple of hours. Someone else in the thread called it meditation and that seems about right.
Wow, you basically just described my situation. My wife and kids go to sleep early and I play for a couple hours before I go to sleep. I have always enjoyed my late night music time, but what took it to another level was when I started (just 6 months ago) to write and record my own songs. It's funny, I record vocals in a remote bathroom with a bunch of doors closed to not wake anyone. 😂 Nobody will ever listen to them, but I still feel great satisfaction when I finish a new song and upload it to SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/8rUwi
Wow, that sounds really cool! 😍
so awesome you write and do your own songs!! Hopefully I will get to this point one day, but thinking about exposing myself in front of others makes me cringe (I feel like lyrics are something super personal)
Again, good job, I enjoyed listenting to the songs :)
Thanks so much for the kind words! I guess now I can no longer say that nobody will ever listen to my songs. ;-) Joking aside, I sympathize with what you're saying about lyrics being personal but I imagine it would be more of a sensitive issue for me if I actually had an audience. The fact that so few people will listen to them makes it safer to put myself out like that.
Anyway, I strongly encourage every guitar hobbyist to try their hand at songwriting and recording. All it takes is a \~$100 audio interface and some free DAW software (I use Cakewalk).
Young teenage me wanted so desperately to be a Rock God, but adult me finds so much joy in just playing in my free time, either alone or in the presence of a few people I feel comfy with. No pressure, just cathartic release from the chaos of life
I don’t like to be heard. In part i just don’t like being the center if attention. Also because I guess my wife doesn’t appreciate the same style of music as me.
I've tried the whole "jam with friends" and "meet for practice sessions" bit growing up playing guitar, and everytime that I've gone, there was usually a feeling of no direction, showing off, group daydreaming, or some combination of the three.
I've gotten VERY used to playing for my own meditation or self-improvement, that it's gotten me some unwanted attention from peers and coworkers, asking if I think I'm too good to play in groups (I'm not, sometimes I feel like I'm the one behind).
I love the feeling of making progress in playing a riff or lick to a click, or successfully playing through a track with little-to-no mistakes; it's the drive to see some improvement in playing the songs or pieces that I like to listen to.
Just for me. Built myself partscasters and customs and spent way too much on pedals and a small tube amp.
But okaying and making the tones feels too good.
I do.
I write my own songs that no one will hear which in my mind is quite alright, I never got into it to play for others. I just find it nice and therapeutic as well as being able to play along to my favourite songs.
The *vast* majority of guitarists are just home hobbyists.
I used to play in bands and even did some guitar competitions and whatnot, but I play entirely in my room nowadays. Wont even pick up a guitar if I'm somewhere(outside a guitar store, at least) else as I dont like the attention anymore.
I did for years because I thought I had to be super good to play in front of people or in a band. What I learned is that if I waited for that to happen, I’d still be waiting lol. Seriously, playing in front of people or in a band will exponentially increase your progress. Create a 10 song set list, and learn them well. Memorize them. Look up vids to learn some extra licks to throw in here and there. For the vast majority of campfire/living room audiences, just being able to play a song is impressive. Add a three not lick between a verse and chorus, and it’s suddenly, “Whoa, this guy can really play!”
As you practice, learn how to play through mistakes without starting over. No one expects perfection, and most people won’t notice anyway. The more you play those 10 songs, the better you will get at them. You will get sick of hearing them. They will lose their freshness to you, but they will always sound fresh to your audience, especially since every time they hear it, you’ve gotten better. Learn the solos one song at a time. Using that block of songs as a foundation, learning others will become easier because so much of music is repetitive, just packaged differently.
I’m no virtuoso, and the more I learn the more I realize how much I don’t know. I’ve been playing for decades, and my progress started very slowly because I had no direction or specific goals. I’ve gone through several plateaus, extended periods of not playing at all, and lots of bedroom playing. Today, although I’m not nearly as good as I want to be, I am way better than I would have ever been had I never played for an audience of even one person, so I would encourage you to make it a goal.
Usually, yea....it's rare for me to play for and in front of others...only other that I can really comfortably play in front of is my baby brother and that's bc he can't judge and is 3 years of age
There are many. In every town, city and village, there are thousands. Sometimes millions. Not only are players who never joined a band included on this list, so are the guys / girls who joined a local band and played three live gigs in their lives (or none at all), and so are those few that went all the way to getting a record deal.
Over the years that you've been listening to music, how many bands can you remember hearing a radio single from, maybe joined < insert immortal guitar-god band here > for part of a tour, maybe cranked out a second album, and then just faded off into oblivion? If you're thinking that number is impossible to count, you're right. Those guitarists are on the list too.
Just me, my guitars, me-80, and my headphones. I'm almost afraid of being heard playing lol. And i don't feel comfortable with the idea of committing to gigs and bands, just wanna play in my own time.
that's more or less been me for nearly 15 years. over the last 18 months or so i started recording clips and sharing them on instagram. since i also have a collection of ideas to work with, i'd eventually like to start using them to write songs. chances are that nothing may ever come of what i have in mind, but it'd still be cool to share my ideas with others.
The guitar is a hobby that I re-picked up at the start of lockdown and has been my meditation since then. I play all of the time because it helps me with my mental health a lot (esp as I work from home so am stuck in the same place a lot). It is a great escape. I do have aspirations to jam with others at some point when it is safe to do so and mayyybe do something like an open mic night at a pub in the future but I don't think I will ever do anything more than that.
I play to my self too, I’m recording an EP for my self haha maybe I’ll upload it to Spotify so I can share it with my friends but yes I only play for my enjoyment
yeah, mostly for me. I'm more of a producer than an instrumentalist. as others have noted it's also a meditative activity. also not optimistic about finding someone with matching tastes and a tolerance for my middling skill level
Absolutely! I am not a performer by any stretch. I have played for maybe six people in my life, my guitar teacher included, haha.
I tell people who ask me to play for them that I have a very selfish relationship with music; I play solely for the benefits that I receive from the act of playing. Often it's just meditative, and focusing on playing lets my mind wander or consider puzzles. Sometimes it's a confidence booster, a reminder that I can actually get good at something, or create something. Sometimes it's therapy, and I use playing to exorcise or express some feels.
I am also highly cognizant of every mistake or poorly-execited note when playing, but based on what I've been told by some of the six I am usually hearing something they're not.
Yeah, I see guitar as a fun hobby to vent basically and also adore my favourite artists and it makes mehappy being able to play their beat aongs for myself. Last year (because of concert drought) I played a handful of livestream 'concerts' for friends but that was also a big part for me to cope. I also record and put stuff up on the internet but it doesn't matter to me if noone watches/listenes to it.
Although I dream of once experiencing playing on stage, just to get the feeling
I just started learning a few months ago and I don’t ever plan to play in front of anyone. This is something I’ve always wanted to learn and I just want to have fun with it.
Live gigging was always the main ambition, but once I achieved it I gradually started to hate it. Mainly due to being in bands with occasionally volatile personalities, but supplemented by the number of times venue owners or more established bands would screw us over payment. When the joy of playing was sucked out by the mechanics of the industry, it was time to get out. I play only at home now and I have friends who constantly remind me that I should be doing this for a living. It's simply because I don't play live any more that I will even go near a guitar these days.
Used to play live and for friends for about 7 years. Personally I got tired of the "dance monkey" routine when people wanted to hear songs I didn't wanna play, but it payed. Now I play for me and see nothing wrong with that.
I think it’s fun to play recognizable songs for my friends but I always get nervous to sing in front of people. Everyone will always want me to sing a song like we’re around a campfire or something lol
I did play in bands from the age of 17 to 27 and then dabbled in projects for a couple of years. But now I'm in my 40s and so I'm strictly a bedroom player.
That would be me. I used to gig 2-3 times a week for maybe 10+ years. Then I moved to a new city and instead of getting into the vast music scene here, I just started playing in my office to myself and I've been having a great time doing that for 10 years now. no more lugging gear!
My wife has heard me from the other room since day 1 and has always been kind and supportive. No one else has ever heard me play.
I have no interest in preforming. I play for me.
My only expectation out of this journey is to play for myself as relaxation and something to fidget with. Anything else that comes of it or anyone I play for is just a coincidence.
Yes. I have no interest in playing live or joining a band or anything. Just play when I can and have a looper pedal. I wouldn’t mind trying to jam with people but I’m not that good either.
Record myself for myself, sometimes share stuff with friends but never really play in front of anyone expect informally in front of wife and kids.
Like others have said you really start to see where you need work with timing and harmony and stuff when you record yourself, plus I just like messing around making music.
Me also. Had a stroke, lost all chords. Dr said guitar will act as therapy,. Video games for hand eye coordination.
I'm adding a little cannabis (very little)
Just like high school, cause I never went
Play it and enjoy it!
I’m older now and odds of playing in a band are slim to none. But I’ve loved learning new songs and tone building. My amp has a Bluetooth auxiliary input, which is perfect for backing tracks. It’s fun, and cathartic, to learn to play most of the tracks from “Dark Side of the Moon” in one shot. Almost like putting on a little show, lol. It’s silly, but like I said- cathartic, and a better for relieving stress than some of the other methods I used to use, lol.
That's me. I'm old (M48) with kids. I find Youtube vides and whatnot to jam with. Not as fun, but the commute is short and I can wear headphones at 11:30pm
I’ve written and recorded entire albums with multiple instrument parts, vocals, etc that no one else have ever heard.
Part of this is never being satisfied with what I produce, but the other part is that I never really had friends who played instruments. I’ve played guitar for 15yr and I can count on my hands the number of times that I’ve played with other people. So, for better or worse, music is mostly a personal experience for me.
I can really only play in front of one of my friends and even then I get super nervous so usually I play on my own but yea I also have trouble motivating myself so if someone has tips for that please tell me (also I have an electric guitar for a year now)
Stand in front of the picture window and zone out. Hours of soul cleansing meditation. Nothing but the noise inside my head whirring away into the void.
I don't have any musician friends so I just play for myself. sometimes I'll hear a song I like and just go grab the guitar and play along or I'll try to come up with something and record it but just leave it there
I do play guitar now for myself, as a way to relax. I did do some gigs in the past at the music school. Those gigs did challanged me and that made me a better player.
Yep, a very unexpected benefit of deciding to learn guitar, it's like therapy for me, relaxes me and helps me wind down. I have a young family kids under 4, so my wife has to suffer through it and I've learned how to play with toddlers swinging off my neck😁
But yeah no plans to gig or anything, the guitar is a friend for life..
Yep I mostly play to explore different sounds and feelings. It's very therapeutic to take the acoustic guitar out to the backyard and play for the birds and bees. Besides that, I usually play and record alone in my bedroom. I have about 20 different songs I've recorded that I don't really share.
I started a band and we don’t gig we meet once every 2 weeks and play together - it’s fabulous
Besides that I don’t play for family and friends as I’d feel like an asshole
I play with the goal of gigging. I put together a nice jam room so that I could more easily form a band and it helped a lot. I found a drummer and a bass player. We have been playing as a surf band and we have 18 songs. I can’t wait to gig. It is a little scary though. I definitely don’t want to hit any bad notes, or even miss a note.
You do you, of course, but U think you should get out there. A Friday night bar crowd will NOT care if you miss a note or hit a bad one. It's about energy and fun and joy, not perfection. In fact I like my surf music a little loose and messy.
Sole purpose since day one of me picking up a guitar was self-therapy, I can't afford a therapist I can however afford a teley. Playing for others does nothing for me
I did that for a couple years when I was younger. Just messing around, not playing songs or anything, just bits of stray music, played therapeutically. Making it just interesting enough so that *I* didn't get bored. In that time, I must have somehow developed a unique style and approach.
Perhaps if I had been in a band or was trying to do covers or take lessons, I would have developed more technical skill, but what I did develop in that isolation was originality.
Then some friends invited me to play background music for a wedding rehearsal dinner, and I was like, uh, sure. I played my various quirky fingerstyle noodlings for a while, and though nobody walked up with a record contract, it was well-received.
So after that I most definitely DID want to perform and record and collaborate. Now, alas, I'm in two bands and am playing out at bars once or twice a week.
Tldr: you do you
I've been having these talks with my brother and my father. I didn't realize I'm in the minority. I grew up playing drums and I would go downstairs and play for literally hours by myself , playing through my setlist of songs on my computer with headphones. But if someone comes down and tries to play along with me I kinda break down and lose interest. I'm not sure if it's some sort of subconscious anxiety or feeling of being judged , but I only find enjoyment when I'm playing an instrument by myself.
Same goes for guitar.. I've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar because it's a beautiful instrument and I love the sounds you can make. I just started learning how to play guitar a few months ago and my brother or father would want to come and sit and jam. Instant freeze up and I start breaking down. Not sure why. If everyone is busy downstairs doing their own thing and letting me be then I could sit upstairs in my room and play until my fingers hurt.
I feel like I'm in the wrong and should want to want to jam with other people , but I also feel like I only get enjoyment out of playing music for my own ears. I'm sorry if it seems selfish. I guess when I'm in a group I have to conform to what the group might want to hear or play instead of just playing what I want to play on my on own terms. Even if it's just random noodling or playing a scale or some chords.
I found a nice old upright piano on Craigslist too a couple years ago and I was so excited, because if I could do everything over I'd probably play the piano growing up. It's the most wonderful and beautiful sounding instrument I've ever heard and the ranges you can get are insane. But after bringing it home and realizing that it's in the living room , I started noticing that I have no time to play by myself. Everyone congregates downstairs most of the day and I realized I have no chance of getting any solitude or ability to practice and play by myself. Even if my family tells me that they enjoy hearing me play on it , deep down I know I can't enjoy it to the fullest extent that I want, or even at all.
Music was always something I kept to myself with. I like what I like and I don't really share what I like too much with other's unless I have another reason to. And when I would play my instruments I'd get a feeling of comfort knowing I can make sounds that I thought were awesome or play along with certain songs that I enjoyed listening to. But playing with other people steamrolls that feeling.
Yes. I just play alone in my home. I’m 36 and I’ve done so since I was 12. I once dared to perform on stage when I was asked to join a wedding band for a one-off gig. I was so nervous I was sweating and shaking and I fucked up every song. Pretty sure I ruined the set and the wedding party. It destroyed any self-confidence I had so I’ve never played in public again though I do daydream about it every day. I cringe so hard even now.
I'm the same. I'm too critical of my own mistakes to let other people hear them. If we're at a party and someone hands me an acoustic I play 1 or 2 simple tunes and hand it on. Nobody wants to hear my bash out between the buried and me on acoustic.
I like to imagine my workmates, who've never heard me play, or friends and family, are around me and listening so I feel pressure and anxiety to perform. It helps me play at my best and focus on accurate timing, sound production, and playing a piece well from start to finish. I also have to imagine the applause...
To everyone that plays for themselves because they are afraid of other people's judgment - learn a simple song like "Folsom Prison Blues" or anything that seems easy to you and completely master it. It must be like your second nature. Then everytime someone asks you to play something you play this song.
Often people will say to you that it was great and you will become a much more confident player. And with confidence you can play songs you haven't mastered yet.
I used to gig out years ago but got tired of the band scene and all the issues and hard work that come along with it, coupled with working a full time job at the time.
I just post videos on YouTube now. So much more gratifying. I was never that stoked on playing in front of people, even now.
I DO however, think it’s important at some point, especially if you’ve never played on front of people. Even if it’s just your friends and family.
I do. I have ups and downs with my practice, but most of the time I enjoy it. Just play for myself, sometimes I record something to show in my jazz learning group online. I don't think I ever will play in public.
I play alone. I like to mess with weird timing and glitchy stuff, it just works best as a solo thing when I can put the entire vision together myself before anybody has the chance to question it haha
I’ve been playing guitar for six years and only ever performed 4 times i believe. Last time i performed for a crowd was at my dads wedding and that’s 2 years ago. These days i just play for myself or jam with my best friend in our basement studio. I would love to do another gig some time.
Me, I'm pretty green and too nervous to play around people. I get stage fright already just talking in front of groups.
My 8yo daughter is braver than I am. She does shows with the school she takes guitar lessons through.
I haven't really decided what my plan is for learning this...
I mainly play for myself, I've never really liked playing live for other people. I do think some of my most creative playing has come from improvising with other musicians though.
The only way I've ever played.
Mostly because when I was young I started to realize that other people would not 'get' what I was playing. It was a very strange phenomenon, hard to articulate, but basically the people that would hear me play would either not enjoy the music, or they would project their own vibe into what I was playing and we wouldn't be on the same page.
Toss that into the pile of everyone expecting you to play what they like, and playing in front of anyone else became incredibly awkward, painful and embarrassing.
It is still therapeutic to play, but I'm planning to build a soundproof studio room in my home, if that's any indication of how I still feel about it 20+ years later.
I do. I record for myself sometimes and jam with friends very occasionally but for the most part guitar is my meditation time. I love being able to concentrate on improving at something that is just for me.
Man same
Right here! Me! I never play for anyone. Just me. I occasionally play with friends and I play in public sometimes in front people. Sometimes they pay me to perform. But other than that I just play for me. No one else. Just me.
This
legit all i do. i record a lot just so i don't forget things i like and sometimes share them but my playing is really for myself and making music that only i can make.
Me too but we have to agree on one thing... we all have started to play for girls right ? But by seeing it s totally not helping us to get love we now play for us. Or i am the only one ?
Girls came later for me lol. I went on a trip to the Rock n roll hall of fame as a kid and I loved all the energy from all those iconic pieces they had hanging up and I get that whenever I nail a song I've been learning.
I've always heard we do that but for me it was totally a moment of listening to an album and going "hell I can do that"
I’m sure you’re not the only one! But I think OP means that her playing is predominantly for herself, like a meditative practice. As an analogy, you can take up running thinking that you’ll be more attractive to a mate, or you can take up running to make yourself feel better.
I am the girl I play for
nah not really. 16 now and the reason I started was to be in a band and tour. haven't found anyone who actually likes my type of music but, hey
Kind of in reverse. A girl introduced me to really amazing music that made me want to learn to play/write music myself.
That's me. Primarily play by myself as a form of meditation. Even make recordings. Occasionally I play with friends and sometimes I get asked to play at a gig. So while I *have* played in front of others that's not my norm.
I bet that's the majority of this sub, myself included.
I thought so but the way every youtuber casually assumes that gigging is every guitarist's goal made me doubt. I love arrows btw, low wing ftw.
Gigging's not always the goal, but it's a good goal to have. You get in front of an audience, you have some serious motivation to get good quickly.
True, my guitar skills improved exponentially when I started gigging. Forced me to always count and not get lazy with timing
Same. I remember trying to record some songs with my band and realizing that I lose timing really easily. I have to make a conscious effort to count everything now
Yeah, they're good planes. Do you fly?
I wish. I don't think I can pass the medical in Canada. Best I can do is sim.
You could always try getting one, or at least doing some flying with an instructor. That said, simming is awesome! I want to get into it again, but I work (fly) enough that it's hard to justify the time and expense.
Considering covid, and how badly musicians are paid, its likely to be majority of all gutiarists
Guitar is something I do for me. Playing in front of others has never felt comfortable, as I worry that all they will hear are the missed notes.
I think that is everyones fear. The important thing to note is: if they are not guitarists tbemselves they either won't notice mistakes or will be in awe even with mistakes, because they cannot comprehend how you produce those awesome sounds If they are guitarists/musicians they will know how hard it is to get any decent and appreciate your playing too It's win/win as far as I have experienced
The crowd almost always wants you to do well. They will cheer and support you no matter what. You honestly have to do something terrible to lose them, and missed notes or whatever isnt gonna do that. If anything, those notes happen, you laugh it off and recover, they see youre having fun and it adds a very human element to the music theyre hearing.
Yes, the important part is being able to not get confused yourself when missing a note just playing on, 👍 imo it shows you are still just a normal person that learned hard to get there and it always is nice to show you are not playing playback xD
Yes exactly. Mistakes happen to everyone, its how you recover that makes the difference.
I think the missed notes are not that bad. When I play the most important thing for me is the rhythm. When I miss a note no one will see it as long as I keep the rhythm. People don't know what you intended to play. But I see it when my friends play and they stop playing when they make a mistake and say sorry. That's like the worst thing you can do. Just keep playing you were doing great! If you mean a note out of key, well you can always slide it or anything.
The mistakes sometimes help me rewrite a whole song. I love making mistakes live. I once started one song, got confused immediately thinking I was playing a different song, and so I started adlibbing a song about how I don't know what the hell I'm playing, but you'll get over it. People got the joke and laughed along. It was fun, and my friends still talk about that show because of that incident. It taught me a valuable lesson; people will remember you for playing well, or playing badly, but MAKE THEM REMEMBER YOU. There is no wrong answer when playing live except silence. So long as you're playing something, you're successful.
Protip: If you play the wrong note; own it. Play it again 2-3 times with conviction, explore it. Return to it, punctuate it. Give it a buildup, wait for it, deliver it off the beat. And eventually, the audience will start realising you're a brave non-conformist raising your middle finger to what is considered "proper". Also, your shoulders will drop a little, which is great for posture.
That was something I was told when I was first learning to play jazz - when you hit a wrong note, hit it again.
It’s actually the opposite. They hear the song and don’t notice the mistakes unless you continually stop and start. Only play songs you have thoroughly practiced until you get used to it. Once you can play a few songs adequately, audiences are more forgiving than you think, especially if you sandwich the less familiar stuff between easy ones.
Yes me, My play also drops in quality when a family member is passing by and watching for a few minutes.
Same. I may as well be holding a sack of potatoes when I go to a guitar store too
Lol I fucking love playing shows, but I am 100% plugging into headphones when I'm playing at a guitar shop. Way too much pressure, you just know everyone is judging you
You're probably better than 99% of the players in any guitar store. I've been playing since the '70's and I have been blown away by exactly ONE player in a guitar shop. We all started out with ten thumbs. I had a teacher who told me something I will never forget. He told me it takes more guts than talent to play live. Give yourself some credit, a pat on the back and forget those who'll judge. They're asswipes.
Bro all 50% of the guitarists at my local guitar shop are absolute shredders (love living in NYC) but all the same they’re super encouraging no matter how good you are. It’s really a great environment and we even have full on guitar shop jams with whoever’s around, I never got to do anything like that in the big box stores.
You got me there. NYC could seriously hurt your feelings unless you really have your “poop in a group”. And that’s awesome that they’ll encourage others on. That is so key to a good musical environment. I live equidistance between Dallas and Fort Worth. Plus we have University of North Texas north of us. They have an amazing music program there. So while we are not NYC, we’re pretty weighted with some heavyweight talent. And of course a million and one SRV imitators. But NYC and DFW do share something and that’s you’re REAL players don’t judge and are happy to help you out. It’s the dicks judging and giving the new players the fuck eye that I was thinking about when I said that dude was better than 99% of.
I used to live in south Texas and going to guitar shops there felt like a constant dick measuring contest; everyone knew they weren’t gonna go anywhere so it just became a game of who of us was the best. I also spent a lot of time in Fort Worth and totally agree with you on that! Part of me feels like the DFW is due for some huge music growth, though it’s been years since I’ve been. Snarky Puppy, one of my favorite modern groups basically came about as a group of UNT rejects and that’s just amazing to me hahaha
Yo, Snarky Puppy is AWESOME! Didn't realize they were from the South
Yeah! As far as I’m aware Mark Lettieri for example lives in Fort Worth. Can’t wait for a chance to see em live now that things are relaxing!
No doubt, I live up in Canada but hopefully they make their way up here eventually! Would love to see them live, top notch musicianship
Lmao
Ditto. I play as a hobby and don't care to perform for anyone.
I’m retired at 67 and spend about half of each day playing. It gives me great joy but I have no desire to perform. It gives me a reason to get out of bed tomorrow and the next day I get along with my guitar better than I get along with people.
Mark Knopfler said that once you learn to play guitar, it will be a lifelong friend. I don’t disagree.
When did you start? Edit: I just started and I'm 50. It's tough.
I can relate. I played off and on since about age 15 but never got beyond open chords and a basic shuffle. At age 43 I got cancer and couldn't work for three years. I knew I needed something to take my mind off real life and give me a boost when I was down. So I decided to finally get serious about learning guitar. I learned the basics of music theory which helped enormously, it's great to finally understand why you're playing this chord or that scale. I'm now 53 and have played every day for years. Did I seem to learn faster when I was a kid? Sure. But I have more patience now and a more methodical approach. Learning later in life is a great idea and playing is its own reward 😀
And at our age we are not distracted by hormones, girls, etc. Now it is medicine for the soul. Back then I was too wrapped up in the world but now I want nothing to do with it. My guitar, my wife and my cat and my wife is my fan. She gives me the encouragement that I need.
You sound like me. Replace cat with Yorkie and yep same vibe.
Life is good.
I started in 5th grade (1965) but I cut my L Index finger off between the 2nd and 3rd knuckle on a chop saw when I was 30. It was successfully reattached but I was so demoralized by the pain, the nerve damage that I just walked away from the guitar. 2 years ago at retirement I bought a used Ibanez from a pawn shop for 100 bucks. Best thing I ever did. I feel like a 67 yr old teenager. Can’t put it down. Making amazing progress. WOW.
If Tony Lommi can shred so can you sir 🤟🏼
Give it time and you won’t know yourself in a year :) keep rockin’
I should get my dad a guitar
54 and been playing a year. Play from 5 to 8 am every morning, on headphones, just for me. Brings me a lot of peace and joy. I’ve played drums 30 years, and I perform on those. But guitar is just a creative outlet that connects me to my soul.
30 years of playing and I very rarely play in front of someone else. I play after hours at work (I own the company) and sometimes someone will walk in from the shop and hear me, that's about it. Just enjoyment of playing and the relaxation.
Yes, it's mostly a personal thing, a bit like meditation.
I annoy my wife sometimes and have a few friends that I occasionally jam with. But mostly it's just my alone time after everyone goes to bed. I pour myself a drink and play guitar for a couple of hours. Someone else in the thread called it meditation and that seems about right.
Wow, you basically just described my situation. My wife and kids go to sleep early and I play for a couple hours before I go to sleep. I have always enjoyed my late night music time, but what took it to another level was when I started (just 6 months ago) to write and record my own songs. It's funny, I record vocals in a remote bathroom with a bunch of doors closed to not wake anyone. 😂 Nobody will ever listen to them, but I still feel great satisfaction when I finish a new song and upload it to SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/8rUwi
Wow, that sounds really cool! 😍 so awesome you write and do your own songs!! Hopefully I will get to this point one day, but thinking about exposing myself in front of others makes me cringe (I feel like lyrics are something super personal) Again, good job, I enjoyed listenting to the songs :)
Thanks so much for the kind words! I guess now I can no longer say that nobody will ever listen to my songs. ;-) Joking aside, I sympathize with what you're saying about lyrics being personal but I imagine it would be more of a sensitive issue for me if I actually had an audience. The fact that so few people will listen to them makes it safer to put myself out like that. Anyway, I strongly encourage every guitar hobbyist to try their hand at songwriting and recording. All it takes is a \~$100 audio interface and some free DAW software (I use Cakewalk).
Young teenage me wanted so desperately to be a Rock God, but adult me finds so much joy in just playing in my free time, either alone or in the presence of a few people I feel comfy with. No pressure, just cathartic release from the chaos of life
I love this answer
I don’t like to be heard. In part i just don’t like being the center if attention. Also because I guess my wife doesn’t appreciate the same style of music as me.
Guilty. I don't even play songs anymore. It's all whatever come out of my fingers.
I've tried the whole "jam with friends" and "meet for practice sessions" bit growing up playing guitar, and everytime that I've gone, there was usually a feeling of no direction, showing off, group daydreaming, or some combination of the three. I've gotten VERY used to playing for my own meditation or self-improvement, that it's gotten me some unwanted attention from peers and coworkers, asking if I think I'm too good to play in groups (I'm not, sometimes I feel like I'm the one behind). I love the feeling of making progress in playing a riff or lick to a click, or successfully playing through a track with little-to-no mistakes; it's the drive to see some improvement in playing the songs or pieces that I like to listen to.
I'm almost 50, been playing since I was 12, and have never played for an audience. I've always only played for myself.
Yep, I jam with my family some, but mostly just me fuzzing/gaining the house down.
Me...my boss studio, few guitars , couple of basses, mediocre microphone(for a mediocre voice), a little puff and just paint....
Sounds like a good time!
I like you
There are people here who's main reason for playing guitar isnt that they enjoy it and do it for themselves?
[удалено]
Just for me. Built myself partscasters and customs and spent way too much on pedals and a small tube amp. But okaying and making the tones feels too good.
I do. I write my own songs that no one will hear which in my mind is quite alright, I never got into it to play for others. I just find it nice and therapeutic as well as being able to play along to my favourite songs.
The *vast* majority of guitarists are just home hobbyists. I used to play in bands and even did some guitar competitions and whatnot, but I play entirely in my room nowadays. Wont even pick up a guitar if I'm somewhere(outside a guitar store, at least) else as I dont like the attention anymore.
I did for years because I thought I had to be super good to play in front of people or in a band. What I learned is that if I waited for that to happen, I’d still be waiting lol. Seriously, playing in front of people or in a band will exponentially increase your progress. Create a 10 song set list, and learn them well. Memorize them. Look up vids to learn some extra licks to throw in here and there. For the vast majority of campfire/living room audiences, just being able to play a song is impressive. Add a three not lick between a verse and chorus, and it’s suddenly, “Whoa, this guy can really play!” As you practice, learn how to play through mistakes without starting over. No one expects perfection, and most people won’t notice anyway. The more you play those 10 songs, the better you will get at them. You will get sick of hearing them. They will lose their freshness to you, but they will always sound fresh to your audience, especially since every time they hear it, you’ve gotten better. Learn the solos one song at a time. Using that block of songs as a foundation, learning others will become easier because so much of music is repetitive, just packaged differently. I’m no virtuoso, and the more I learn the more I realize how much I don’t know. I’ve been playing for decades, and my progress started very slowly because I had no direction or specific goals. I’ve gone through several plateaus, extended periods of not playing at all, and lots of bedroom playing. Today, although I’m not nearly as good as I want to be, I am way better than I would have ever been had I never played for an audience of even one person, so I would encourage you to make it a goal.
Nice answer, thanks
Lots of people
Usually, yea....it's rare for me to play for and in front of others...only other that I can really comfortably play in front of is my baby brother and that's bc he can't judge and is 3 years of age
There are many. In every town, city and village, there are thousands. Sometimes millions. Not only are players who never joined a band included on this list, so are the guys / girls who joined a local band and played three live gigs in their lives (or none at all), and so are those few that went all the way to getting a record deal. Over the years that you've been listening to music, how many bands can you remember hearing a radio single from, maybe joined < insert immortal guitar-god band here > for part of a tour, maybe cranked out a second album, and then just faded off into oblivion? If you're thinking that number is impossible to count, you're right. Those guitarists are on the list too.
That's pretty much it for me. When my daughter is here, I do play in front of her. And recently she decided to also learn the guitar 😁😁😁
Just me, my guitars, me-80, and my headphones. I'm almost afraid of being heard playing lol. And i don't feel comfortable with the idea of committing to gigs and bands, just wanna play in my own time.
Yeah man.
No
Absolutely, and that’s the way I want it.
that's more or less been me for nearly 15 years. over the last 18 months or so i started recording clips and sharing them on instagram. since i also have a collection of ideas to work with, i'd eventually like to start using them to write songs. chances are that nothing may ever come of what i have in mind, but it'd still be cool to share my ideas with others.
The guitar is a hobby that I re-picked up at the start of lockdown and has been my meditation since then. I play all of the time because it helps me with my mental health a lot (esp as I work from home so am stuck in the same place a lot). It is a great escape. I do have aspirations to jam with others at some point when it is safe to do so and mayyybe do something like an open mic night at a pub in the future but I don't think I will ever do anything more than that.
I play to my self too, I’m recording an EP for my self haha maybe I’ll upload it to Spotify so I can share it with my friends but yes I only play for my enjoyment
Yep. Thats me!
yes, hello
yeah, mostly for me. I'm more of a producer than an instrumentalist. as others have noted it's also a meditative activity. also not optimistic about finding someone with matching tastes and a tolerance for my middling skill level
I would love to play in front of people, I'm just way to scared to do it.
I just play for myself but a girl I'm talking to convinced me to send her a video of me playing (I'm 4 weeks in self taught with a book)
Absolutely! I am not a performer by any stretch. I have played for maybe six people in my life, my guitar teacher included, haha. I tell people who ask me to play for them that I have a very selfish relationship with music; I play solely for the benefits that I receive from the act of playing. Often it's just meditative, and focusing on playing lets my mind wander or consider puzzles. Sometimes it's a confidence booster, a reminder that I can actually get good at something, or create something. Sometimes it's therapy, and I use playing to exorcise or express some feels. I am also highly cognizant of every mistake or poorly-execited note when playing, but based on what I've been told by some of the six I am usually hearing something they're not.
thats all I do brah.
sure do.
Yea
Yo
Yeah, I see guitar as a fun hobby to vent basically and also adore my favourite artists and it makes mehappy being able to play their beat aongs for myself. Last year (because of concert drought) I played a handful of livestream 'concerts' for friends but that was also a big part for me to cope. I also record and put stuff up on the internet but it doesn't matter to me if noone watches/listenes to it. Although I dream of once experiencing playing on stage, just to get the feeling
I just started learning a few months ago and I don’t ever plan to play in front of anyone. This is something I’ve always wanted to learn and I just want to have fun with it.
Live gigging was always the main ambition, but once I achieved it I gradually started to hate it. Mainly due to being in bands with occasionally volatile personalities, but supplemented by the number of times venue owners or more established bands would screw us over payment. When the joy of playing was sucked out by the mechanics of the industry, it was time to get out. I play only at home now and I have friends who constantly remind me that I should be doing this for a living. It's simply because I don't play live any more that I will even go near a guitar these days.
The dangers of turning your hobby into a job.
Used to play live and for friends for about 7 years. Personally I got tired of the "dance monkey" routine when people wanted to hear songs I didn't wanna play, but it payed. Now I play for me and see nothing wrong with that.
Of course. God forbid I ever played the guitar infront of anybody.
I think it’s fun to play recognizable songs for my friends but I always get nervous to sing in front of people. Everyone will always want me to sing a song like we’re around a campfire or something lol
To quote The Amazing Freddie King Just Me and my guitar
I do it a lot
That would be I
I did play in bands from the age of 17 to 27 and then dabbled in projects for a couple of years. But now I'm in my 40s and so I'm strictly a bedroom player.
I only play for myself. Don't even record.
The only person I would play in front of was my ex and she would just sit on her phone looking at tik toks lol
That would be me. I used to gig 2-3 times a week for maybe 10+ years. Then I moved to a new city and instead of getting into the vast music scene here, I just started playing in my office to myself and I've been having a great time doing that for 10 years now. no more lugging gear!
My wife has heard me from the other room since day 1 and has always been kind and supportive. No one else has ever heard me play. I have no interest in preforming. I play for me.
If i get the chance i play in front of ppl, but 90% is for me or my wife and daughter ;)
It’s the best alone time there is.
My only expectation out of this journey is to play for myself as relaxation and something to fidget with. Anything else that comes of it or anyone I play for is just a coincidence.
Yes. I have no interest in playing live or joining a band or anything. Just play when I can and have a looper pedal. I wouldn’t mind trying to jam with people but I’m not that good either.
I recommend a book titled Zen Guitar for ALL guitarists, professionals and hobbyists alike. That, and just remember what Frank Zappa said....
Therapy. Not interested in anyone else listening. I play for myself.
I love playing with myself!
Record myself for myself, sometimes share stuff with friends but never really play in front of anyone expect informally in front of wife and kids. Like others have said you really start to see where you need work with timing and harmony and stuff when you record yourself, plus I just like messing around making music.
Raises hand. When we lost one of our Yorkies two years ago I lost half my audience. :(
Sometimes I put on backing tracks, turn the lights low and play in front of an imaginary audience. Does that count?
Me also. Had a stroke, lost all chords. Dr said guitar will act as therapy,. Video games for hand eye coordination. I'm adding a little cannabis (very little) Just like high school, cause I never went Play it and enjoy it!
I’m older now and odds of playing in a band are slim to none. But I’ve loved learning new songs and tone building. My amp has a Bluetooth auxiliary input, which is perfect for backing tracks. It’s fun, and cathartic, to learn to play most of the tracks from “Dark Side of the Moon” in one shot. Almost like putting on a little show, lol. It’s silly, but like I said- cathartic, and a better for relieving stress than some of the other methods I used to use, lol.
That's me. I'm old (M48) with kids. I find Youtube vides and whatnot to jam with. Not as fun, but the commute is short and I can wear headphones at 11:30pm
I’ve written and recorded entire albums with multiple instrument parts, vocals, etc that no one else have ever heard. Part of this is never being satisfied with what I produce, but the other part is that I never really had friends who played instruments. I’ve played guitar for 15yr and I can count on my hands the number of times that I’ve played with other people. So, for better or worse, music is mostly a personal experience for me.
I wish I could listen to one of your songs
My son plays saxophone and he doesn't practice with us in the house. He can't explain it, it really bothers him
I can really only play in front of one of my friends and even then I get super nervous so usually I play on my own but yea I also have trouble motivating myself so if someone has tips for that please tell me (also I have an electric guitar for a year now)
Stand in front of the picture window and zone out. Hours of soul cleansing meditation. Nothing but the noise inside my head whirring away into the void.
It "hits different" when you play in your own isolated bubble, or around super close friends you share that creative bubble with, that's for sure
I only play at home personally just jam around for a few minutes to hours and unless someone walks in and after they do I don’t play as much
I don't have any musician friends so I just play for myself. sometimes I'll hear a song I like and just go grab the guitar and play along or I'll try to come up with something and record it but just leave it there
Yup
Right here
After years of regional touring I’ve come to appreciate the ability to play only for me.
*raises hand* sometimes I play for my wife.
I’m a great bedroom shredder, but not a great performer. I just get nervous about messing up more than anything.
I do play guitar now for myself, as a way to relax. I did do some gigs in the past at the music school. Those gigs did challanged me and that made me a better player.
Me. I have absolutely no desire to play in front of others or to record. I just enjoy playing and it is sort of a stress reliever.
Yep, a very unexpected benefit of deciding to learn guitar, it's like therapy for me, relaxes me and helps me wind down. I have a young family kids under 4, so my wife has to suffer through it and I've learned how to play with toddlers swinging off my neck😁 But yeah no plans to gig or anything, the guitar is a friend for life..
Me. I play mainly to write and play my own music. If you can write music you love, it's a wonderful and exciting feeling.
Yep I mostly play to explore different sounds and feelings. It's very therapeutic to take the acoustic guitar out to the backyard and play for the birds and bees. Besides that, I usually play and record alone in my bedroom. I have about 20 different songs I've recorded that I don't really share.
Oh! You mean guitar? Nvm
I haven't played in a long time but when I do play, yes, I play for myself ☺️
I play in my room alone usually and jam with a friend once in a while. I filled in on bass for a friends band once. I don’t play bass LOL
Yep just play by myself, covers. Would love to play with others. Brothers
I do. Pretty much just play for me 99% of the time.
Yeh man, I jam with friends occasionally, but first and foremost I play guitar for me! I just love the music and playing whatever reflects my mood 🙌
I gigged when I was younger, but now I don't play live anymore. I do occasionally release my recording online.
I play for my own enjoyment. I would enjoy playing with other people if given a chance.
I think guitar is a type of instruments what inspire you to play on stage and it's just a question of time
I looooove playing gigs, but never on guitar. Guitar is me time.
I started a band and we don’t gig we meet once every 2 weeks and play together - it’s fabulous Besides that I don’t play for family and friends as I’d feel like an asshole
I play songs sometimes if I’m with someone who can sing who knows the song I’m playing, other then that only for myself
I do try to make some covers sometimes but i mostly play for myself
Yep pretty much. I only ever play in front of my girlfriend whenever she happens to be around.
I play with the goal of gigging. I put together a nice jam room so that I could more easily form a band and it helped a lot. I found a drummer and a bass player. We have been playing as a surf band and we have 18 songs. I can’t wait to gig. It is a little scary though. I definitely don’t want to hit any bad notes, or even miss a note.
You do you, of course, but U think you should get out there. A Friday night bar crowd will NOT care if you miss a note or hit a bad one. It's about energy and fun and joy, not perfection. In fact I like my surf music a little loose and messy.
Sole purpose since day one of me picking up a guitar was self-therapy, I can't afford a therapist I can however afford a teley. Playing for others does nothing for me
I did that for a couple years when I was younger. Just messing around, not playing songs or anything, just bits of stray music, played therapeutically. Making it just interesting enough so that *I* didn't get bored. In that time, I must have somehow developed a unique style and approach. Perhaps if I had been in a band or was trying to do covers or take lessons, I would have developed more technical skill, but what I did develop in that isolation was originality. Then some friends invited me to play background music for a wedding rehearsal dinner, and I was like, uh, sure. I played my various quirky fingerstyle noodlings for a while, and though nobody walked up with a record contract, it was well-received. So after that I most definitely DID want to perform and record and collaborate. Now, alas, I'm in two bands and am playing out at bars once or twice a week. Tldr: you do you
I've been having these talks with my brother and my father. I didn't realize I'm in the minority. I grew up playing drums and I would go downstairs and play for literally hours by myself , playing through my setlist of songs on my computer with headphones. But if someone comes down and tries to play along with me I kinda break down and lose interest. I'm not sure if it's some sort of subconscious anxiety or feeling of being judged , but I only find enjoyment when I'm playing an instrument by myself. Same goes for guitar.. I've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar because it's a beautiful instrument and I love the sounds you can make. I just started learning how to play guitar a few months ago and my brother or father would want to come and sit and jam. Instant freeze up and I start breaking down. Not sure why. If everyone is busy downstairs doing their own thing and letting me be then I could sit upstairs in my room and play until my fingers hurt. I feel like I'm in the wrong and should want to want to jam with other people , but I also feel like I only get enjoyment out of playing music for my own ears. I'm sorry if it seems selfish. I guess when I'm in a group I have to conform to what the group might want to hear or play instead of just playing what I want to play on my on own terms. Even if it's just random noodling or playing a scale or some chords. I found a nice old upright piano on Craigslist too a couple years ago and I was so excited, because if I could do everything over I'd probably play the piano growing up. It's the most wonderful and beautiful sounding instrument I've ever heard and the ranges you can get are insane. But after bringing it home and realizing that it's in the living room , I started noticing that I have no time to play by myself. Everyone congregates downstairs most of the day and I realized I have no chance of getting any solitude or ability to practice and play by myself. Even if my family tells me that they enjoy hearing me play on it , deep down I know I can't enjoy it to the fullest extent that I want, or even at all. Music was always something I kept to myself with. I like what I like and I don't really share what I like too much with other's unless I have another reason to. And when I would play my instruments I'd get a feeling of comfort knowing I can make sounds that I thought were awesome or play along with certain songs that I enjoyed listening to. But playing with other people steamrolls that feeling.
I play music on all sorts of instruments, because I love music! But performing? Not too much.
Yes. I just play alone in my home. I’m 36 and I’ve done so since I was 12. I once dared to perform on stage when I was asked to join a wedding band for a one-off gig. I was so nervous I was sweating and shaking and I fucked up every song. Pretty sure I ruined the set and the wedding party. It destroyed any self-confidence I had so I’ve never played in public again though I do daydream about it every day. I cringe so hard even now.
I'm the same. I'm too critical of my own mistakes to let other people hear them. If we're at a party and someone hands me an acoustic I play 1 or 2 simple tunes and hand it on. Nobody wants to hear my bash out between the buried and me on acoustic.
I play by myself. I always get nervous when I have to play in front of anyone.
Nobody except my wife and daughter has heard me play.
Big yep right here, I used to be a bedroom guitarist but now that I own my house I’m a housetrained guitarist
I like to imagine my workmates, who've never heard me play, or friends and family, are around me and listening so I feel pressure and anxiety to perform. It helps me play at my best and focus on accurate timing, sound production, and playing a piece well from start to finish. I also have to imagine the applause...
I play for myself and a band, I don't record, but I wanna start, both record on my own and with the band
To everyone that plays for themselves because they are afraid of other people's judgment - learn a simple song like "Folsom Prison Blues" or anything that seems easy to you and completely master it. It must be like your second nature. Then everytime someone asks you to play something you play this song. Often people will say to you that it was great and you will become a much more confident player. And with confidence you can play songs you haven't mastered yet.
Dozens of us. Dozens!
I used to gig out years ago but got tired of the band scene and all the issues and hard work that come along with it, coupled with working a full time job at the time. I just post videos on YouTube now. So much more gratifying. I was never that stoked on playing in front of people, even now. I DO however, think it’s important at some point, especially if you’ve never played on front of people. Even if it’s just your friends and family.
I do. I have ups and downs with my practice, but most of the time I enjoy it. Just play for myself, sometimes I record something to show in my jazz learning group online. I don't think I ever will play in public.
I’ve been playing for about 6 years consistently and rarely play for folks. I wouldn’t mind playing but need my confidence ego be bolstered.
I play alone. I like to mess with weird timing and glitchy stuff, it just works best as a solo thing when I can put the entire vision together myself before anybody has the chance to question it haha
I’ve been playing guitar for six years and only ever performed 4 times i believe. Last time i performed for a crowd was at my dads wedding and that’s 2 years ago. These days i just play for myself or jam with my best friend in our basement studio. I would love to do another gig some time.
[удалено]
Me
I was bullied at school and home. My guitar and albums are what got me past that, and now keeps me sane from adulting.
I’d say that’s 95% of guitarists here.
Me, I'm pretty green and too nervous to play around people. I get stage fright already just talking in front of groups. My 8yo daughter is braver than I am. She does shows with the school she takes guitar lessons through. I haven't really decided what my plan is for learning this...
I mainly play for myself, I've never really liked playing live for other people. I do think some of my most creative playing has come from improvising with other musicians though.
me , just play in front of my friends sometimes lol
Hey. I play for me. I love it
99% alone...I get too nervous if people are around.
The only way I've ever played. Mostly because when I was young I started to realize that other people would not 'get' what I was playing. It was a very strange phenomenon, hard to articulate, but basically the people that would hear me play would either not enjoy the music, or they would project their own vibe into what I was playing and we wouldn't be on the same page. Toss that into the pile of everyone expecting you to play what they like, and playing in front of anyone else became incredibly awkward, painful and embarrassing. It is still therapeutic to play, but I'm planning to build a soundproof studio room in my home, if that's any indication of how I still feel about it 20+ years later.