Jazz Intimidation

[superlightweight]

What do you do when you look at all the scale practice, the memorization, the chord theory, etc....the hours and hours of practice that you know it will take to get to where you want to be in Jazz guitar?

[fep]

It sounds cliche but I think it's true:

It's the journey not the destination. Enjoy the ride.

And, make sure to spend some time playing tunes that you like.

[M-ster]

Echoing fep! We do it because we love it, no? This time spent is generally my most pleasant and fulfilling time spent.

[brock957]

How much do you want for that talent simulator pedal? I need it bad.
I enjoy playing. It's like meditation to me. Not to sound cliche, but it really is spiritual. As long as I don't get down on myself about not being a better player than I am, it's my best part of any day.

[Jake Hanlon]

Originally Posted by superlightweight

What do you do when you look at all the scale practice, the memorization, the chord theory, etc....the hours and hours of practice that you know it will take to get to where you want to be in Jazz guitar?

I go practice

[docbop]

That is the great thing about Jazz is its a life long journey of exploring ways to navigate thru tunes. Enjoy the ride!

[dkaplowitz]

Originally Posted by superlightweight

What do you do when you look at all the scale practice, the memorization, the chord theory, etc....the hours and hours of practice that you know it will take to get to where you want to be in Jazz guitar?

Focusing on all of it, instead of what you need to/can learn now -- broken down into bite sized chunks-- is not a successful approach. If you don't know how to break everything down into bite sized chunks, seek the help of a teacher, if only for a short period of time. Work only on mastering the lesson he/she gives you a week (or two) at a time. This makes things much more manageable, and you'll be able to chart your progress a lot more easily as well.

Good luck!

Dave

[superlightweight]

Originally Posted by docbop

That is the great thing about Jazz is its a life long journey of exploring ways to navigate thru tunes. Enjoy the ride!

Thanks everybody but especially for this reminder....I am getting mellower now and not into loud music and partying or playing the pubs and clubs...want to sit back, relax and enjoy myself more.

Looking for something that won't get old in a hurry, and will keep the old brain cells feeling fresh and young (from use).

Also Dave K you hit the nail right on the head too- I'm not going to go from couch potato to climbing Mt Everest on the first day.

[superlightweight]

Originally Posted by brock957

How much do you want for that talent simulator pedal? I need it bad.

I need it more! lol Seriously, though, one of my downfalls has always been the whole gear side of things, rearranging the pieces in my head, buying this or that piece of 'must have' equipment, switching guitars and amps, reading product reviews and dreaming....

If I had spent 1/10th of that time actually practicing, I'd be a monster player by now. Just feeling frustrated today, I guess, it's cold and rainy outside and I'm cooped up in the house with the kids, and they're bouncing off the walls

[Flyin' Brian]

If you're serious about it, you'll never get where you want to be because as you improve, "where you want to be" moves away at the same rate.

[mr. beaumont]

I actually find the jazz journey rather comforting...think about it--I never have to be bored again for the rest of my life!

[Greco]

Originally Posted by superlightweight

I need it more!

Could you at least tell us where you bought it?

Seriously, though, one of my downfalls has always been the whole gear side of things, rearranging the pieces in my head, buying this or that piece of 'must have' equipment, switching guitars and amps, reading product reviews and dreaming....

You are one of a huge and thriving club of players (and wannabe players).
Unfortunately, the cost of membership can be overwhelming at times...LOL
The gear side of things is a very difficult addiction to overcome....that "tone in your head" is always nagging you...."maybe IF I had this...OR that...OR both".....no, not quite there yet...damn !

If I had spent 1/10th of that time actually practicing, I'd be a monster player by now.

Practicing .....and (for me) avoiding spending too much time on forums.

As a beginner, I'm still getting a thrill out of the cool sounds of the jazz chords and putting 4 or 5 of them together in a nice progression.

I know that my reply likely hasn't helped you...but possibly it is nice to know, to some extent, that "misery enjoys company" .

Cheers

Dave

[wizard3739]

I am never bored, I am never finished and I enjoy everminute I spend to gaining the ability to play jazz guitar. What more could I possibly want?

wiz

[whatswisdom]

Originally Posted by fep

It sounds cliche but I think it's true:

It's the journey not the destination. Enjoy the ride.

And, make sure to spend some time playing tunes that you like.

Thumbs up to this. I especially like the last sentence. I'm exploring connecting chords tones on "Autumn Leaves." You could say that it's the first step at the foot of Mt. Everest but I prefer to think of it as the start of an exciting adventure.

[Hypno]

Overwhelmed is what happens if I look at the whole picture instead of focusing on one aspect at a time. And then accepting that it is going to take time; but yet never knowing it all.

[gingerjazz]

I was quite happy when i realised that as a jazz student i could replace collecting gear with collecting knowledge,my special effects would be all the new and wonderfull sounding scales and chords i would learn,all you need for jazz is a good amp and a good guitar.Oh and a bit of playing ability helps too.