The only thing that's holding you back, is the way you're thinking.
The level of achievement that we have at anything, is a reflection, of how well, we were able to focus on it. Because the only thing that's holding you back, is the way you're thinking.
Find what you're best at and exaggerate it.
If you want to play something that you can't, you need to see and hear yourself doing it in your minds eye. It will start to happen
The tone is in your fingers, not in your amp or effects.
The cool thing about playing is that the more you do it, the better you get.
Besides being a guitar player, I'm a big fan of the guitar. I love that damn instrument.
Play slow and perfect - that’s the way to becoming a virtuoso.
If I remain true to what's in my heart, that's all the success I need.
A good solo is like a book. It will start out in a phrase, it will go on in paragraphs, and then it will have a great ending.
It's always funny to me when people use the phrase 'Best guitar player in the world'. There are too many variables such as technique, uniqueness, emotional investment in the notes, etc. But If I had to pick one, it would be Tommy Emmanuel. Watching him perform can be a study in artistic and virtuosic human achievement.
In the physical universe, there are objects that include suns, planets, all life, and all matter in all dimensions. And then there is the space where all these things exist. That space is the vital element. For virtually every kid since 1968 who picked up a guitar to find his voice on the instrument, Jimmy Page has been the space that enables all our notes to be played.
Make an exercise out of everything you can’t do.
Possessing a healthy imagination is a necessary ingredient for creativity.
If you're feeling emotional when you're creating something, it'll sound that way.
All musicians practice ear training constantly, whether or not they are cognizant of it. If, when listening to a piece of music, a musician is envisioning how to play it or is trying to play along, that musician is using his or her 'ear' - the understanding and recognition of musical elements - for guidance.
I was always one of those guys who was a seeker after truth. I want to know what's going on.
I don't believe in 'greatest'. I believe in favorites.
I have a deep love for life and my fellow human beings. I try to understand everything that everybody does, even if it seems wrong to me.
My past is very interesting, and I treasure it, but to write about it, it's just not on my radar.
I knew that I was going to have a life as a musician, because I always felt the pull. I don't remember ever having to make a choice.
If you want to be a virtuoso then you have to set your sights above me. You have to go beyond what I'm doing. And that's for you to figure out. Because if you can do that, then I'm going to be trying to go beyond you.
Criticism can be devastating. When push comes to shove, we are all very sensitive.
I could never overstate the importance of a musician's need to develop his or her ear. Actually, I believe that developing a good 'inner ear' - the art of being able to decipher musical components solely through listening - is the most important element in becoming a good musician.
I've learned over the years that you're going to be most successful at the things you're most excited to do. Every artist has a special set of tools. When you really use those tools, and you make yourself feel really good about the product you create, I think you'll find an audience for it. I've been very fortunate in that respect.