There has always been this background idea in the world of rock guitar that the best players “know nothing” about music. That they “never had lessons” and “didn’t know any music theory”.
Let’s call it the Musical Ignorance Mindset.
This holds that the absence of music knowledge is not just a fact (of others), but a good thing and a desirable condition (for you). Almost a badge of honour. A way of saying you’re keeping it real.
Let’s make explicit the logic of this belief, which goes something like this:
- The best players didn’t learn theory
- Music knowledge is therefore unnecessary, or even detrimental – to your feel, creativity etc.
- Since I want to play guitar like my heroes…
- I too will avoid education so I can walk the same path as the legends.
I’m convinced this belief/mindset is not only false, it is the #1 attitude holding many people back from playing at the level they could.
I have discussed this theme before in my myth of the self taught musician article.
Today I have picked out an even better example, one that comprehensively demolishes this myth of the clueless self taught musician.
The player? Someone who is always pulled out as an example of the kind of guitarist who just feels it, man – none other than Blues legend BB King.
Now, there is no question that BB King did feel it, but what did he think? Do yourself a favour and watch this brilliant clinic/interview.
BB King Masterclass
- Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvFraycGx74
- Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thja3cvEJWY
- Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX2KjCwTXD4
- Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxluwXcugQU
- Part 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBT4LvZAzp4
- Part 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IBrKWE25GM
As soon as he starts talking, it’s immediately apparent BB King is someone who understands music and knows what he’s doing. That he understands the blues on an intellectual as well as emotional level.
I recommend you watch it in full, but let me give you a quick list of what he discusses/demonstrates awareness of within the first few minutes:
- Note names all over the fretboard
- Blues scales (yes there’s more than one)
- Scale playing in multiple positions
- Blues chord progessions and variations
- Chord functions
- Extended chords
He also talks extensively about his musical influences, how much he learned from musicians in the family and picked up from band mates (informal tuition). He talks about how much time he spent listening intently to music, picking up licks and ideas that caught his ear (deep practice).
He talks about his approach to phrasing – how to take a handful of notes and make them sound like music, not just scales – probably more than anything else. (In itself is a big hint/lesson).
There’s far more to see in the video, but that’s a quick summary of some of what he talks about. It’s clear BB King understood the blues, on an intellectual as well as emotional and spiritual level.
Now, let’s keep perspective. Music is a big topic. Knowing theory is not necessarily an all or nothing situation. There are degrees of involvement.
It’s fair to say that BB King may not have mastered theory to the level of a professor of music, but it’s also very clear he knows a lot more than people like to make out.
For me, the problem with this whole myth (apart from being totally misleading and inaccurate) is how many young and impressionable players take it as advice.
Egged on by myths and hero worshipping, we guitarists believe on some level that avoiding musical knowledge is part of the secret equation of becoming a good musician.
That’s not only false, it’s horribly discouraging and demotivating to believe that people who are good got there without doing anything you can replicate.
Where does that leave you?
Mentally, you’re placing your musical heroes in a different realm to yourself. Musicians belong to an elite world of mysterious talent, to which entry cannot be earned (- is basically what you’re saying).
You might not put it exactly like that, but that is what follows inextricably from your core beliefs. You must begin to recognise what a serious problem this is.
At a deep level of your psyche, your ego will discourage and repel you from the very things you need to do to get better. Study and practice becomes, in effect, a form of failure. An admission that you are not special, like the (false) image of those you look up to.
This could easily be the invisible anchor holding you in place.
So starting today, I would ask you to examine these false and self-limiting beliefs. More importantly, think about what you need to be, learn and do to reach your goals.
Knowledge and practice is the key to everything you want to be able to do on guitar!