SIMO SAYS
[ COMFORT ZONES | JD Simo ]
Hey there! I hope you all are doing good and all is will often be the most difficult. In the end though, break through or even a stutter step. Just one
groovy. I want to discuss something I get asked that is where true growth comes from. day, the slide didn’t clink against the frets and
about a lot: comfort zones! We all have them.
the notes were clean. I was elated, and then
They can be a genre, a particular guitar, a signal I’ll share a little bit of something I went through a proceeded to work on my vibrato and refine it. A
chain, a key, a groove, a series of licks, etc. Now, few years ago. I was established in Nashville and process that still continues to this day.
there is a distinct difference between relying on working regularly as a session player and in a what you do best, and using it as a crutch. In the club band five nights a week. I’d always wanted I share that with you to show that worrying about
end, the name of the game is to develop into the to play slide guitar well, and it always eluded me. looking like a fool will keep you from growth
best human being and musician you can. That Every time I tried, I sounded like a herd of cats every time. You have to stay in it to win it, and
requires diligence in pushing yourself outside of fighting for the last saucer of milk. Up to that work hard. Some things are worth it in the end.
your comfort zone and expanding it. point, I threw it aside and put off really putting Slide has become the missing piece for me. I
the work in. Finally, one day I decided that I was always wanted to be able to express myself that
As I’ve already mentioned, we all can have many going to commit to it. I worked every day on it way, and now I can anytime I want. I urge you to
comfort zones. First and foremost, it’s good to with little advancement. The hardest part was bite off more than you can chew, or strip away
examine what those might be. Take a moment every night I’d pull it out on the bandstand to try a crutch that is holding you back. Perseverance
and ask yourself, “What do I rely on? What would and incorporate a little that I’d worked on. The will win out in the end, I promise! Don’t be afraid
make it seem impossible to play without?” Now band would cringe and beg me to stop! I looked to be a fool.
strip it away! Take away that comfort and work like a fool and suffered the embarrassment with on making your weakness a strength. One of the the hope that I’d someday soon start to make most common ways of stunting your growth is some headway. I stumbled on for months, trying to continue to work on things you’ve already got my and everyone else’s patience. Then, all of a down. As with most things, the most rewarding sudden, one day, I could do it! There was no big
Much love friends!
JD Simo: Musician, singer, songwriter hailing from
Nashville, TN. Front man/guitarist for his band SIMO.
Loves talking gear and vintage tone.
www.Simo.fm/simohome
Photo Courtesy of FrettedAmericana.com
Sep Oct 2017
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