Have you ever experienced guitar euphoria? Euphoria is defined as “a buoyant feeling of well being” and, contrary to the culture of the day, is something you can experience without the use of illegal substances.
The other night I had the pleasant opportunity of attending the International Guitar Night at our local performing arts center and experiencing guitar euphoria first hand. Fingerstyle guitar artist and poet, Brian Gore, founded the International Guitar Night in San Francisco back in 1995. His aim was to bring the world’s finest acoustic guitarists together to collaborate on musical ideas and perform in public concert. What began at a grass roots level twelve years ago, has developed into North America’s foremost mobile guitar festival that is now sponsored by Acoustic Guitar Magazine.
Brian, described as being one of the “most interesting and influential performers of ‘the next generation’ in acoustic guitar,” opened the show with an expressive original composition. “Music started out as a kind of therapy for me” he said. “Consequently, I am a very emotional player.” Other featured artists were Miguel de la Bastide, a master flamenco guitarist; Clive Carroll, one of Britain’s premier fingerstyle guitar players; and Ernest Randriana, an open tuning wizard from Madagascar who goes by the name,”D’Gary.”
All in all, it was one of those experiences that makes a person want to play fingerstyle guitar. Each performance was simply fascinating to watch. I sat spell-bound by the wonder of it all. I also realized, even as a guitar teacher, that there is still much more to learn.
It doesn’t matter how good a guitarist one might be, inevitably there will always be someone better. Just ask Eric Clapton. While fans were in the midst of worshiping him as the greatest lead guitar player alive, someone by the name of Jimi Hendrix came along. Then, almost overnight, Eric was suddenly dethroned and replaced by “the Wild Man of Borneo.”
Fortunately, Eric and Jimi quickly hit it off and became friendly rivals instead of fierce competitors. I think there is an important lesson here for guitar players to heed, regardless of style. That is, if we are humble and open to learning from our peers, we will find a safeguard against discouragement and the inclination to give up when outshined by a superior. This attitude will help us continue to develop and grow as musicians.
The International Guitar Night demonstrated musicianship at it’s best. The collaboration, skill, and humility which these four guitar masters displayed throughout their performance was exceptional. When we live in a time where pride and vanity are applauded, regardles of talent, I must admit- it was a refreshing change.
Until next time… Keep practicing!
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