EuroAussie Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 In Prague there is a guy called Dani. Now this guy has been playing with the best of them including session work for madonna, hanging with slash, touring with the whalers and opening for page & plant at madison sq garden. He can basically do it all. He now lives in prague and recently joined our band on lead guitar while our 'normal' lead guitarist recovers from a broken hand. Now this is a super nice chap, very humble about his ability and background. But ... Playing next to him makes me really nervous as I'm quite in awe of his ability and this is magnified when we play on stage. I tend to toghten up and feel I really need to keep time super spot on ... But in the end this tightness makes me play sloppy and loose ...:-( Anybody else been in such a situation where you played next to a legend who's miles above your own ability, and how did handle it? Cheers, Btw: you can see us playing together on the revernation site from the hard rock vids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 when it comes to stuff like that, nobody is better than anybody. i know many musicians that are miles ahead in ability that what most "famous" musicians can do. some poeple have had different breaks than others. also, i am well aware the technical ability does not translate into good music, it is simply a tool to get there. look at keef. and fame or musical ability does not measure a man. doesn't make you a better or worse person. doesn't make you a more or less quality person, or interesting person. or better looking, better dressed, ect. it is just a thing. no matter who or what we are, we are all on equal ground, and we all answer to the man. we all have problems, too. now, see, i like david crosby just as much as the next guy, but if i am painting the house, and he can't paint, i'll see you in a while. know what i mean? now, when it comes to playing in front of a crowd, and he is playing lead, he can't do rythm like you can. you can still kick *** and get in the grove, and i often find it to be the most fun slot in the jam. yea, everyone may be looking at the lead player, but everything you do in that slot has the most effect on where everything goes. when someone is playing lead, it is almost like they are doing your bidding. lead player responds to everyone else just like everyone responds to the lead player. a band jamming is ALWAYS a group thing. when its your turn, give it all you got, you got something to say. but when you don't have something to say, and you know he got it, pass it right along. what is cooler then that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 oh, btw..once you hit the stage with someone, you are automatically just as cool as he is. you are all part of the same music, and just as vital. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhanners623 Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 You're up on stage for a reason. Just be the best you and don't worry about the other guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannusguy2 Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 I wear a paper bag on my head or something similar as you can see in this pic of me and Leo Kottke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sexygibson Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 Don't feel like you have to " handle " it; use it as a learning experiance. I know guitarists that are so intimadated by guys that are better players that they will just stay at home. I love to play with someone better than myself because I watch and learn. Most other guitarists are happy to help each other out so don't be afraid to ask him questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted March 10, 2011 Author Share Posted March 10, 2011 Don't get me wrong, he's a super nice guy and I feel fine around him. Its actually best when we rehearse together as we or I can make mistakes and he's cool and patient. Tolerates my shortcomings. The main problem is when were out on stage, especially a large stage where he's in his element and that's when I feel somewhat out of depth a bit and start tightening up, which is not ideal for a rhythm player .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daryl M Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 What a killer opportunity you have. To trade licks and learn how to be a better player and entertainer from a guy who has been there. Look at it as the cool experience that it is, relax and play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 I always think of what this guy who could play circles around me that I once said to me when I got the chance to sit in with him on slide. I ain't no Willie Brown and you ain't no Son House but its all good. Turned out I had a blast that night and got to steal a few good tricks from the guy in the bargain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryp58 Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 What a killer opportunity you have. To trade licks and learn how to be a better player and entertainer from a guy who has been there. Look at it as the cool experience that it is, relax and play. +1000!!! Learn all you can! You're only as good as your competition! I would worry him to death asking him to show me new runs and licks, chord progressions, etc. Most of the "professional" musicians that I've met or played with, were all to eager to show or teach someone something new. A rare opportunity you have EA! Take full advantage of it!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted March 10, 2011 Author Share Posted March 10, 2011 Look, I definitely see this as a great opportunity to learn from the master and be a sponge for knowledge and opportunity, this is really clear. Main issue is at performance time where I need to learn to relax when playing next to him. Now I don't have stage freight of such and there is no issue with nerves when we play just as a duo. But when I'm up there I feel like a little boy that wants to make sure he doesn't make mistakes and impress his hero ... For lack of a better term. I mean this guy is as good as any player I've come across and it is overwhelming somewhat. Although I know this is all in my mind and deep down I know I can play very solid rhythm and provide the foundation. Just need to relax a bit ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneS Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 But when I'm up there I feel like a little boy that wants to make sure he doesn't make mistakes and impress his hero ... For lack of a better term. I mean this guy is as good as any player I've come across and it is overwhelming somewhat. Although I know this is all in my mind and deep down I know I can play very solid rhythm and provide the foundation. Just need to relax a bit ... You know, you've described a kind of magical place--feeling like a little boy that wants to do right by his hero. It's a place where a certain kind of insecurity is challenged by inspiration. I feel like this (well, like a little girl, in my case ) whenever I have the opportunity to jam because everyone else really is better than me, usually. But I keep doing my best and they keep letting me play, so I find myself being more relaxed, each time out. Probably, this will resolve itself soon enough--I believe, in the end, it's our courage that gets us through. (P.S., As we speak, my daughter is in your fair city with a small group of high school students from Pennsylvania...She tells me she is blown away.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted March 10, 2011 Author Share Posted March 10, 2011 Thanks Anne, yes I think you're right it will just take time for me to 'settle down' and get into my groove. Thanks for the encouragement. Great to hear your daughter is enjoying Prague, I wonder if she's staying at Mosaic House, very popular with young American trqvellers, we play there regularly. Actually we've got a pub gig this sat nite if she would like to pop in with her friends at a place called Jama on petrska 23 street. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 I used to tighten up when my WIFE would listen to me....and she doesn't even play guitar!!!!!.....lol...But I hear you. When I'm with a better player, I'm torn between being intimidated and wanting to "go to school" and learn all I can, and being the best guitarist I can be! However, I'm realistic, too, and know that I will never reach the heights of Tommy Emanuel......Another side of this discussion is actually learning to play WITH someone else, especially if you always were a solo performer. It takes very special chemistry to be able to play guitar with someone, and maybe even better chemistry to sing with someone.....just a thought Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneS Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 Thanks Anne, yes I think you're right it will just take time for me to 'settle down' and get into my groove. Thanks for the encouragement. Great to hear your daughter is enjoying Prague, I wonder if she's staying at Mosaic House, very popular with young American trqvellers, we play there regularly. Actually we've got a pub gig this sat nite if she would like to pop in with her friends at a place called Jama on petrska 23 street. Cheers. Can't recall where they're staying, but tonight it's dinner and a performance at Theatre NoD. Looks like they are scheduled for dinner at U Zlatého lva Saturday night, but I'll try to learn if they have any flexibility to take in your gig. (It is, after all, an 'arts' trip, and when she's home, my girl likes to take her turn at the open mics. If anyone could persuade her faculty sponsors, it'd be her...) I'll PM you if I hear anything. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 my uncle often says "dumb luck and determination coupled with style and grace". that gets me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 Look, I definitely see this as a great opportunity to learn from the master and be a sponge for knowledge and opportunity, this is really clear. Main issue is at performance time where I need to learn to relax when playing next to him. Now I don't have stage freight of such and there is no issue with nerves when we play just as a duo. But when I'm up there I feel like a little boy that wants to make sure he doesn't make mistakes and impress his hero ... For lack of a better term. I mean this guy is as good as any player I've come across and it is overwhelming somewhat. Although I know this is all in my mind and deep down I know I can play very solid rhythm and provide the foundation. Just need to relax a bit ... Tell yourself this: playing with such a great player is why you CAN relax--he can respond to anything you or the band does. He's a safety net. Have a blast! Red 333 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 Look, I definitely see this as a great opportunity to learn from the master and be a sponge for knowledge and opportunity, this is really clear. Main issue is at performance time where I need to learn to relax when playing next to him. Now I don't have stage freight of such and there is no issue with nerves when we play just as a duo. But when I'm up there I feel like a little boy that wants to make sure he doesn't make mistakes and impress his hero ... For lack of a better term. I mean this guy is as good as any player I've come across and it is overwhelming somewhat. Although I know this is all in my mind and deep down I know I can play very solid rhythm and provide the foundation. Just need to relax a bit ... Tell yourself this: playing with such a great player is why you CAN relax--he can respond to anything you or the band does. He's a safety net. Have a blast! Red 333 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted March 10, 2011 Author Share Posted March 10, 2011 Actually that's a good point ... He definitely is able to work around our 'handicaps' - cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brians356 Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 When I was in high school, I was a local musical hero, but on trombone, not guitar. There was a guy two years older who was the local guitar hero, and he decided he wanted to add horns to his band. (Chicago Transit Authority, Blood Sweat and Tears, Chase etc were in vogue.) So he invited me to rehearse and do some gigs. When he discovered I was also playing guitar in private, he sat down with me and showed me some stuff. I was stunned when he invited me to bring my Telecaster and actually play on stage with his band. He even nodded to me to take some solos. Believe me, I had no business playing with them at that stage of my guitar development, and I shudder to recall it, but he was just so generous and encouraging a person, and he also was savvy enough even at his own young age to know it was exactly what I needed to break out of the natural timidity beginners cling to. Challenging me that way to lay it on the line, on stage, in front of paying customers, was the best thing that could have happened to me. And on the few occasions over the decades I have talked to him, I always find some opportunity to thank him for his generosity so long ago. Such opportunities are golden, so reach for the ring! Sure, everyone will know who the giant on stage is, but they will also be instinctively rooting for the underdog to make a good showing. Your humility and gameness will win them over, no matter how you play. Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroAussie Posted March 10, 2011 Author Share Posted March 10, 2011 Oh, There is one music related thing that I'm better than him (surprisingly) and that's knowlege of acoustic guitars, tonewoods and strings that I pretty much got from this Gibson forum and AGF - which gave me some cool cred points ..lol..( mainly an electric background) We'll go acoustic guitar shopping which is cool. He loves the CW and SWD but interestingly its the Czech made Furch OM that really made him turn his head .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneS Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 When I was in high school, I was a local musical hero, but on trombone, not guitar. There was a guy two years older who was the local guitar hero, and he decided he wanted to add horns to his band. (Chicago Transit Authority, Blood Sweat and Tears, Chase etc were in vogue.) So he invited me to rehearse and do some gigs. When he discovered I was also playing guitar in private, he sat down with me and showed me some stuff. I was stunned when he invited me to bring my Telecaster and actually play on stage with his band. He even nodded to me to take some solos. Believe me, I had no business playing with them at that stage of my guitar development, and I shudder to recall it, but he was just so generous and encouraging a person, and he also was savvy enough even at his own young age to know it was exactly what I needed to break out of the natural timidity beginners cling to. Challenging me that way to lay it on the line, on stage, in front of paying customers, was the best thing that could have happened to me. And on the few occasions over the decades I have talked to him, I always find some opportunity to thank him for his generosity so long ago. Such opportunities are golden, so reach for the ring! Sure, everyone will know who the giant on stage is, but they will also be instinctively rooting for the underdog to make a good showing. Your humility and gameness will win them over, no matter how you play. Brian Beautiful story--brings tears to my eyes. As the song says, the grand design reveals iteself "in a cup of kindness." Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livemusic Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I don't have an answer but I know that I experienced "intimidation" one time in my life. It was a golf match. I made it to the city championship semifinals and was up against the big dog all-American. I am not one used to being intimidated, but I choked. Simple as that, I could not perform and I was beat the night before the match. No contest, embarrassing. It wasn't just a bad day... I *know* that I choked. Only time I recall doing that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rambler Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 Do your best. Dont forge to breathe. Here's a story, not a hero so much but a welcoming situation. Back in the 90s I was in Eunice, LA on a Friday looking for some live music. Instead of a band scene, I ended up at a local watering hole that was having a cajun session (loca1 guys, acoustic). If I remember right,the leader was Don Fontenot (Tate Cove Rambers). Being an obvious strange, folks were curious about me. When I mentioned I played, they said get your guitar. So I sat in. After awhile, they started this slow minor thing. After a few passes through the chords, the leader said 'you've got it', put down his guitar and took up his accordian. Talk about on the spot. A great night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gilliangirl Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I wear a paper bag on my head or something similar as you can see in this pic of me and Leo Kottke. Rob, you have the best job EVER! As for me, every body I play with is lightyears better than me so I just start off by apologizing for my playing, then do the best I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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