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.
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Guitar World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Guitar World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KIM THAYIL
The mighty Soundgarden guitarist looks back on his most iconic riffs and solos, as well as the gear and tunings that guided him deep into the creative superunknown
ANDY BELL
The U.K. shoegaze pioneer discusses the recording of Ride's classic Nineties albums and his 10 years as a member of Oasis
MARC FORD
The respected SoCal guitarist explains why he chose the Black Crowes over Guns N' Roses - and how the Crowes' internal friction helped make them a compelling alternative to grunge
BRIAN VANDER ARK
Determined as he moves out of the shadow of his past, the guitarist recounts the origins of the Verve Pipe and the recording of a definitive Nineties anthem, \"The Freshmen\"
VERNON REID
From Vivid to Time's Up to Stain: How Vernon Reid's expressionist shredding juiced Living Colour through the grunge era
ART ALEXAKIS
The tenacious Everclear frontman/guitarist discusses the music, moments and \"dangerous\" amps that changed his life and maybe ours - in the Nineties and beyond
DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
The retro designs, digital innovations and misfit toys that defined guitar gear and technology in the Nineties
IT'S ALL A BLUR...
The rise and fall of Britpop, the Nineties' other massive, guitar-based movement
NEVERMIND NEVERMIND!
10 overlooked rock albums from the Nineties that are worth a second listen
A GRUNGY GUITAR GUIDE TO THE '90S
Guitar World