100 Things every Guitarist Should Know

Lean back, get comfy and soak up 18 pages' worth of sound advice from GW's editors and columnists, not to mention Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Misha Mansoor, Joe Bonamassa, Tom Morello, Mark Tremonti, John 5, Jim Root, Ben Harper, Eddie Van Halen and more.

- By Joe Bosso

TALENT. KNOWLEDGE. WISDOM. Everybody possesses these attributes in varying degrees, but let’s face it — who couldn’t use a little more? But is one good without the other? Think about it: You might be a preternaturally gifted guitar player. You pick up the instrument and gorgeous licks simply fly from your fingers. But what if you don’t know the theory behind what you’re playing? Would a little knowledge improve your musicianship?

Quite possibly.

We can turn that around, of course. What if you’re not blessed with natural ability, but you’re willing to put in the time to learn, to gain knowledge? Through careful study and diligent practice, could you then break through technical barriers and achieve a greater degree of competency on the guitar? In other words, can the pursuit of knowledge result in talent?

Again, quite possibly.

Lastly, what if you’ve dedicated yourself to the pursuit of excellence on the guitar — you’ve studied theory and have put in your 10,000 hours (this is the conclusion drawn by Herbert Simon and William Chase in which anybody who devotes 416.67 days can achieve expertise at anything) — but you lack the ability to make wise choices? Could a little wisdom further your chances at success?

We would say so.