The untrained ear can tell how good a musician is if they look for one thing: how complicated does the music sound to play? If the song sounds difficult to play, the musician is probably not that good.
That’s because good musicians play below their skill level. They make even complicated pieces sound simple because they play within their zone–below the fringe of their skills.
It’s tempting for a guitar player to grab some tabs offline, practice a few times and show off to his friends. His ignorant buddies think he’s an amazing guitar player, even though he botches some notes and lacks the tone of a skilled musician. But he’s not a great player. Because the great players play below their skill level.
Are you tempted to show off the fringe of your abilities? Resist that. Practice practice practice. Make that fringe ability a comfortable place. Then it’s ready to go public.
Note: I’m not saying to avoid risks. Risks are necessary for creativity that impacts. But you can take risks from within your zone. I am saying make sure you have the skills to back up your risks. Risks taken from within our zones have a stronger change at success. Give yourself a chance to succeed. Play below your skill level.
Ok, I’m biting on this one. You at least provide an interesting thought. So you’re basically saying that I should take the risk by myself first, get it down, and then go outside with it? Let me know.
I’d say this mainly applies to performance. Obviously a painter isn’t required to recreate his work.
But a juggler, for instance, wouldn’t perform with four chain saws if he just learned how to do it.
A speaker wouldn’t try a new speaking style he just learned about…until it was natural to him.
Does that make sense?
Oh, cool. Thanks.
Ok, I’m biting on this one. You at least provide an interesting thought. So you’re basically saying that I should take the risk by myself first, get it down, and then go outside with it? Let me know.
I’d say this mainly applies to performance. Obviously a painter isn’t required to recreate his work.
But a juggler, for instance, wouldn’t perform with four chain saws if he just learned how to do it.
A speaker wouldn’t try a new speaking style he just learned about…until it was natural to him.
Does that make sense?
Oh, cool. Thanks.