time ? Profitable ? I don ’ t think so .
Lastly …
6 . RECOVER GRACEFULLY … BUT EVALUATE OBJECTIVELY LATER . This last option , if you haven ’ t already decided for yourself , is my preferred approach , because it ’ s only by learning from our mistakes that we can truly grow .
Some would say that mistakes are easier to learn from than successes . If we know something worked , but we don ’ t know exactly why , it can be more difficult to learn from the experience .
However , if we make a mistake , we can examine it from a few different angles objectively , and decide how to better prepare for a similar experience in the future . This will help us avoid making ( or at least reduce the possibility of making ) the same mistake .
Having an intentional time set aside , sometimes with fellow team members on what might be called “ Honest Monday ,” can be a good opportunity .
The key is not to be too hard on ourselves . If we skirt the edge of 100 % negative self-talk , it can be pretty damaging . It can even make it hard for us to keep the joy of music alive .
If we can separate ourselves from our musical offerings and be objective enough to say “ That was a mistake , and here ’ s how I plan to avoid it in the future ,” this simple approach can be tremendously effective .
The more specific we can be about our recovery strategy , the better .
If it ’ s a chord transition , we can work those chords . If it ’ s a tuning issue , we can practice tuning every time we get ready to play ( and this is a great habit for any guitarist .)
If it ’ s a tempo issue , we can practice with a steady drummer or percussionist who keeps us honest , or at least practice with a metronome .
And the next level is to play the song ( with the challenge spot ) for an “ audience .” By the way , have you heard my definition of an audience ? Here it is .
An audience is : one or more people who are listening , giving their undivided ( or even divided ) attention , thereby compelling us to finish the
song we ’ re playing .
This puts us under a healthy amount of pressure , much more so than practicing on our own . If you ’ re having a hard time convincing someone to listen to you play , become your own audience .
Put your smartphone on a tripod , spin it to “ selfie ” video mode , and hit “ record .” The pressure will go up , and the added blessing is that you can go back and watch yourself play .
Hopefully , these insights have given you some tangible strategies , as well as some behaviors to avoid , the next time you make a mistake with your guitar onstage .
Mistakes are inevitable . But every mistake can be an opportunity to learn and to grow . My hope is that you ’ ll take those opportunities . Keep showing up , and I ’ ll see you next time .
© GuitarSuccess4U . All rights reserved .
David Harsh David is a nationally touring worship leader , songwriter and performing artist . He is passionate about equipping guitarists to discover their potential . Learn more and join now at www . GuitarSuccess4U . com
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