Play The Long Game With Guitar

Last year I launched a Patreon page in hopes of finding support for pursuing a doctorate in performance on the guitar. Then, the pandemic hit. A lot can change in a year. Like many, I had to put many things on hold…like pursuing a doctorate. However, most great things we achieve in life happen over long periods of time. The guitar is no different. Today, I want to encourage you to join me in playing the long game with guitar progress.

The Long Game For A Decade

One of my favorite quotes from this past year came from Rich Roll. He said, “I’m reminded that most of us vastly overestimate what we can accomplish in a year. And wildly underestimate what we can achieve in a decade (Instagram Post).” And this from a man who, “At age 40, and after years of struggling with drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy living, Rich dedicated his diet to plants and his body to purposeful action. Just two years later, he began clocking top finishes at Ultraman World Championships (richroll.com).”

In no way am I suggesting that we all need to be exactly like Rich Roll. However, the idea applies to every aspect of life. For me and you, this should apply to the guitar. This is especially important to remember when it seems like the entire year has been lost.

Plans For The Guitar

Working with Christopher Berg’s guidance, I have decided to work towards an “imaginary” doctorate. I have a copy of his latest Guide To Applied Levels For The USC Guitar Program (you can download a copy below). I am attempting to move through the guide to cover any areas I may have missed throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies. Also, I have many pieces and collections that I feel I should have read through and/or learned that seemed to have never been placed before me during my studies. I have played so few Sor pieces it makes my heart hurt.

In the process, I am challenging myself to post about my progress more regularly. This has always been a challenge for me. Hopefully with support from readers that comment, I hope to stay consistent.

The challenge of achieving the “imaginary” doctorate might end with actually receiving a doctorate. It is the long game that I am playing for when it comes to guitar. I know how much can be achieved in a decade with incremental improvements. I have seen it in myself and in my own students. I hope it becomes a part of your mantra as well as mine.

Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.