BK_dup2 Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 Kendrix brought up an interesting topic regarding age. I thought it would be fun to take it a step further and ask what advantages and disadvantages are there to getting older as a Person and Player? If you are a young person and player what are your thoughts on getting older? Given the current state of the music business in regards to age: How has that translated to your life? Best BK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy James Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 Getting older is a good thing. You develop better taste in music and you are able to use everything you've learned with maturity. Being an older player also helps develop confidence and that's half the battle for those who play out. ------------------ http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/144/oscar_jordan.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dondottcomm Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 I agree that getting older..gives you a better grasp of the nuances of playing music...Taste and tone seem more important than when I was young.. I think the one thing that I've lost to a degree is the rebelious unihibited exploration that I had as a kid..There was a certain energy to my guit playin and songwriteing as a kid..As a adult its kinda like more substance..But I wish I could still capture the energy of my youth..Attitude I guess is the biggest loss for me.. Don What? you mean I can take this block of fine swiss and make a song??...COOL! Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott from MA Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 I was thinking pretty much the same thing, Don... I'm a better musician now, but I've lost a lot of the angst that used to fuel my songwriting. Still, I think I write better songs now than I did back then. Scott (just another cantankerous bastard) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 I don't think I could add anything to the opinions already described...so I'll just nod my head and think of boogeying senior citizens like B.B. King. "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuitarMan Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 When I was a kid I only played Gibson Les Pauls and I only ever used the front p.u. ...I didn't like onions, or hot peppers. I've expanded my pallet considerably! http://www.mp3.com/TheBottomFeeders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHAN Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 Originally posted by BK: Kendrix brought up an interesting topic regarding age. I thought it would be fun to take it a step further and ask what advantages and disadvantages are there to getting older as a Person and Player? If you are a young person and player what are your thoughts on getting older? Given the current state of the music business in regards to age: How has that translated to your life? Best BK Could ya speak up, sonny ? http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif ------------------ KHAN (Always hopeful, yet discontent) www.floydtribute.hpwebhost.com So Many Drummers. So Little Time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy James Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 I was thinking back to when I was in college and playing in a Pop/rock/punk/metal/dance band. I'd trade all that energy and inhibition to play something with some soul. I don't miss it because I sucked. It was all energy and no substance. I was a late bloomer. I'm glad I stuck it out. ------------------ http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/144/oscar_jordan.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Flier Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 Well... I was always a tasteful player and still am (if I say so myself). That was pretty much my aim from the beginning. But, with age I've developed a few more subtleties, a wider palette and that kind of thing, definitely. I had a pretty solid foundation as a young player and since then I guess I've just added onto it. There WAS a certain fearlessness I had when I was younger, that I don't have anymore. Sometimes I miss that, although lately I'm kind of getting it back, in a different form. But the flip side of that fearlessness was I also think I took certain things for granted that I don't anymore - I have a deeper appreciation for playing now I think, a better understanding of what it really means to me. I do miss the intense focus I was able to have on playing when I was much younger and didn't have any other responsibilities... but on the other hand, I now have a home studio and all the gear I need, which the "responsibility" of adulthood allowed me to have. When my band gets together in my studio I feel like we're in the ultimate kids' clubhouse, one I never had as an actual kid. So it's all a trade-off. Tell you what I DON'T miss about being younger: the angst, the drama, myself and others around me getting freaked out about things that really don't matter. Yeah some people get older and lose that angst and feel they have nothing left to write songs about, but that's bullshit. Like I said, hopefully as you get older you develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of things and that gives you plenty to write about. Experience gives you soul in your playing - that is, unless you turn into a complacent old fart, which is your own choice and not an inherent feature of getting older! Anyhow. Interesting question. --Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendrix Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 Great build on the age thread BK. When I was really young I knew I was deeply in love w/ music. Unfortunately, due to the fact that I did "too well" in school and due to various influencers around me I was too conscious about the need to do something "more meaningful with my life" to "fulfill my potential" ...... The result was that I stoped playing for the most part in college and pursued the day job thing. Still was a very avid fan - just left it to others to do the job of making music. For me my mid life crisis re-connected me with the need to make music.I still had the Gretsch Chet Atkin's bought with $200 of my paper boy money in '67. Fortunately, the day job has given me the bucks to pull a home studio together. Now I just wish I had more hours in the day. So, for me, playing when older meant playing again after a very long hiatis. It also meant writing - not just playing. Earlier in my "career" I never would have thought about writing original stuff. Now my focus is mainly on songwriting. Getting the sounds right is only in suppoprt of the song. Related to this I used to ignore all lyrics and memorize all the sounds. Now, when writing, Im equally focused on both the sounds and the lyrics. What a difference a few decades makes eh. Hey, Ill bet there are some great late 60- early 70's concert stories out there in guitar forum land . I think I'll start a new thread to collect them - see you there. Check out some tunes here: http://www.garageband.com/artist/KenFava Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Wing Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 As a beginner, it's harder to learn the technical skills; that is making the chords and playing fast. It's easier to memorize everything. There are two theories about arguing with a woman. Neither one works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jflush Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 When I was 15, I took my first guitar lesson. My teacher asked me, "why are you ditching the drums and taking up guitar?" I tell him..."because you can jump around more with a guitar!" 18 years later, I'm still jumping around, only now, I'm wondering at what point do you start smashing stuff? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosespappy Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 At what point do you start smashing stuff? I figure about the time your teenage kid trashes your favorite axe.... Or when the spousages bouts with P,M,S.(petrify my spouse) last for monthes due to a strange phenomenon known as menopausal madness. heheehhe... I'm so glad she'scomputer illiterate... r. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 I read an interview with EC where he said that people told him he played with more 'fire' in his youth. I think that's what some of you have alluded to and it is something that I can still conjour up, but it doesn't just pop out like it did 20 years ago. I read another interview with Albert Lee and he said he never practices anymore. That's sorta how I am now days. If I pick up my guitar, I write or play old favs so we can exercize our singing voices. The only time I really practice is when I write a part that's on the edge of my abilities and I have to 'learn it.' I think playing in front of people for two to six nights a week for years makes for this phenomona, but man, I miss my callouses. Blisters on me fingers and all that... -David http://www.garageband.com/artist/MichaelangelosMuse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrhappy_dup1 Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 Is it me or did my guitars get a lot heavier with age? It seems like everything got heavier...rack,speakers,etc. When I was younger I only liked certain styles of music but nowadays I'll give just about anything a listen with an open mind. Here are a few things I've noticed with age: Bad back smaller guitar amp rig smaller/lighter speakers better trasportation need to use ear plugs more frequently after a few long sets guitar begins to bother neck/shoulder and give me a headache more guitars need better shoes less posing deal with bandmates better less hair leather pants no longer fit still love it!!! ------------------ MH MH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Flier Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 Originally posted by DC: I read an interview with EC where he said that people told him he played with more 'fire' in his youth. Yeah, and boy ain't that the truth. I don't quite understand that. That "fire" is what it's all about for me, if I didn't have that my playing wouldn't be shit. I don't get why a lot of people seem to lose that as they get older. Maybe a dude like Clapton who's had such an intense life, just burns out on it after awhile and has to kinda dull the emotions in order to stay functional. Bummer. --Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy James Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 I'm not losing my hair and I don't feel decrepit, but I would love to have my 22 year old body back. It would come in handy for the load ins. ------------------ http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/144/oscar_jordan.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BK_dup2 Posted September 27, 2001 Author Share Posted September 27, 2001 Originally posted by mrhappy: Is it me or did my guitars get a lot heavier with age? It seems like everything got heavier...rack,speakers,etc. When I was younger I only liked certain styles of music but nowadays I'll give just about anything a listen with an open mind. --- Mr Happy. Yep, I used to have a 24 sp rack full of shit when I was eighteen- twenty. I also toted 2 4x12 cabs for that stereo split. NOT NO MORE! I refuse to even carry around a Half Stack. Now I have combos and pedals. For me the pursuit of music is changing as I get older. I used to want the fame - not anymore. Now that I am making a living as a musician - guitar playing has taken on a whole new vibe. Getting paid for what you love to do is bitter - sweet. On one hand getting paid is great and it validates what you do. On the other you can start to resent that it has become work. The only way I can combat this is to save some really special stuff just for myself. As far as getting older and my acutually playing - I made quicker decisions when I was younger. I didn't hesitate. I realize now that sometimes thats not the best thing. Getting older has given me more choices and given me better taste or atleast a much different taste in music. As Lee said I think as long as your emotions aren't dulled by the mundane then you still got the magic! Best BK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Froggytwanger Posted September 27, 2001 Share Posted September 27, 2001 Originally posted by BK: Kendrix brought up an interesting topic regarding age. I thought it would be fun to take it a step further and ask what advantages and disadvantages are there to getting older as a Person and Player? If you are a young person and player what are your thoughts on getting older? Given the current state of the music business in regards to age: How has that translated to your life? Best BK The Woe's of getting old: 1. Too many trip's to the Drugstore for Viagra 2.The FEAR of your false teeth fallen out on stage 3. Havin a BAD HAIR DAY, Your wig won't stay put 4. the need for glass's to see the mike 5. A chair on stage for you to rest in every so often 6. tube's and tube's of Ben Gay for your athritis 7. Memory Loss, can't remember where you left your guitar 8. the need for more sleep, can't stay awake after 10:30 9.No practice, other Senior citizen's living in project complain of noise. 10. My favorite WISH - To still be a Dumbass Noplayin 16 year old Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chip McDonald Posted September 28, 2001 Share Posted September 28, 2001 Originally posted by Froggytwanger: The Woe's of getting old: 1. Too many trip's to the Drugstore for Viagra[/quotes] No problem with that, never had a problem with that, probably would HELP if I had a slight problem with that, but currently a more PRESSING problem is the flipside of NOT HAVING A PROBLEM WITH *that*, because I *don't* have a reason to have a PROBLEM either way, problematically that is, in regards to possibly having a problem relative to *someone else*, female, having a PROBLEM with said problem that I fortunately don't seem to have a problem with. 2.The FEAR of your false teeth fallen out on stage Thank God no problem there. 3. Havin a BAD HAIR DAY, Your wig won't stay put Having had enormously curly and unruly hair most of my life (think "Slash"), I'm not all that trepidous about shaving the remains off quite soon. 4. the need for glass's to see the mike Bah, I've had that problem all of my life. Wish I had realized I needed glasses sooner. Kind of explains a penchant for French impressionism. 5. A chair on stage for you to rest in every so often No problem. 6. tube's and tube's of Ben Gay for your athritis Hasn't been a problem, although I do have a weird neck condition presently? 7. Memory Loss, can't remember where you left your guitar That's easy, never put it down. 8. the need for more sleep, can't stay awake after 10:30 A "good night's rest" for me is about 4 hours. I *wish* I couldn't stay awake after 10:30..... 9.No practice, other Senior citizen's living in project complain of noise. My neighbors in the project can't hear me practice over their LOUD AND INCESSANT rap music and their LOUD AND INCESSANT BARKING DOGS, WHO ARE BARKING RIGHT THIS VERY MOMENT (they *never*, ever stop....?)... 10. My favorite WISH - To still be a Dumbass Noplayin 16 year old Uhg. ------------------ New and Improved Music Soon: http://www.mp3.com/chipmcdonald Guitar Lessons in Augusta Georgia: www.chipmcdonald.com Eccentric blog: https://chipmcdonaldblog.blogspot.com/ / "big ass windbag" - Bruce Swedien Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted September 28, 2001 Share Posted September 28, 2001 >>>My neighbors in the project can't hear me practice over their LOUD AND INCESSANT rap music and their LOUD AND INCESSANT BARKING DOGS, WHO ARE BARKING RIGHT THIS VERY MOMENT (they *never*, ever stop....?)... Chipster...I remember the dumbass neighbor I had in our old place who left his fucking Rottweiler out all night while he was working...right next to my bedroom window. Calls to the cops didn't work...but one night I pointed my Marshall out the window and let 'er rip. YIPE! HOOOOWWLLL... It didn't really work, but I felt so much better. You need to get outta that 'hood, bro... "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Posted September 28, 2001 Share Posted September 28, 2001 Some of these posts are really reminding me of Root Boy Slim and the Sex Change Band (a late 70's group) and their song; "My wig fell off." My wig fell off, Hand my toupee' to me, I'm quitin' the disco, I'm only 43... -David http://www.garageband.com/artist/MichaelangelosMuse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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