How come it seems like so many people play guitar, but so few are actually good at it?

Answer 1

because it's true! long ago i took my cousin to a concert by a very big band whose name i wont mention. it was apparent live that these guys(especially the two 'stars') barely knew how to play their guitars. yet they made millions. so people dont have much motivation to be good. only to get on the stage. guitar is fairly easy to play, but difficult to master.those who have a lot of talent(or a little talent & work very hard to master the guitar) are rare.

Answer 2

A few reasons why people are bad at the guitar

1-Nu-metal came about and wrecked it all.Seriously, a lot of bands have no idea what to do besides tune the e string down so they can hit simple power chords up and down the neck.Its horrible and everyone sounds the same.But it catches on somehow and everyone all of sudden has a nu metal band.
2-Its an easily accessable instrument.You can get a guitar for as little as 100 bucks on sale during christmas.
3-Everyone trys to run before they can walk on guitar.They want to sound like such n such, look up some tabs, but have no idea what the theory behind the sound is.They also get most of the files online so they simply jump into it, and cant do most parts because they havent taken the time to actually stretch their fingers, learn some exercises, etc. Adding to this is the fact that a good amount of songs onliine have at least a few sections completely wrong, so they dont even learn the correct notes.
4-No one is patient anymore.They want to learn Now, get good in a couple of months when it takes years to be a very masterful guitar player. Look at all the topics on yahoo answers about learning guitar quick.
Why so few are good is the exact opposite of the above reasons.A few people have patience, take time to play properly, and become great.
On another note I have a freind that stops by every once in a while that plays and he always plugs in my guitar and does the most horrible solo-thing I ever hear, and hes like Im getting better.Hes really been trying to sweep pick and its funny cause he shows me whats he learned and he hasnt learned anything, hes going to fast too soon. It sounds sloppy.And hes been playing longer then I have.Im not saying Im better, but Im a lot more humble then that.The point is he wants to be in a band and wants to show off solos, and some people are actually impressed by him just wailing out random notes cause hes a bit better then most.Point of the story is hes a perfect example of why theres no good guitarists.Rush rush rush.

Answer 3

You don't need other instruments to make guitars sound good. i think there is nothing better than the sound of a guitar. And of course stuff isn't going to sound original anymore, because we are all influenced by many years of music. There's simply not enough different sounds you can get your guitar to make.

As for why so many play and so few are good, the person who talked about talent got it right. I don't think people play guitar to pick up, i think they play because they want to be able to play like the greats, or their favourite musician. We don't all have talent, but the beauty of music is that its there for all of us. It's the common man's saviour. you don't have to be great to enjoy it. Playing music makes people feel much the same way as listening to it does. People want just a little slice of that pie.

Anyway, that;s all from me.

Answer 4

Every guy I meet seems to play the guitar, maybe it's the ultimate pick up line. But it's not impressive. I can play the guitar too, pick it up and strum...that DOESN'T MAKE ME A GUITARIST people lol.

Answer 5

i totally agree with you! everyone in my school plays it, all these new bands like simple plan and sum 41 have guitars in it but i think it's not original and you can't difference them all... and the stuff they play with their guitars is bulls***! i like piano better... you don't depend on any other instruments, like with a guitar where you need a few other guitars and drums and it doesn't give you a headache after only a few minutes of listening

Answer 6

To learn the basics, it does not take that long but to master the guitar can take a lifetime or you must have great natural ability

Answer 7

music is a hobby for me and guitar is the easiest instrument to learn how music works. i like music and i can play alot of stringed intruements (guitar, piano, etc). i like percussion too. i originally started playing to pick up chicks x.x it ended up being really enjoyable tho.

Answer 8

some want to impress women...
others are really dedicated to play the guitar...
others may just be really gifted

Answer 9

I think *part* of the reason is the current popular music climate. emphasis on having good chops has taken a back seat today. back in the 70s & 80s, you HAD to know your scales, etc.

Answer 10

same with football basketball-god blesses only a few with natural talent and the rest of us struggle