Do I need to learn to read music?

Image by Franco Folini via Flickr

This is THE most asked question I get. There are other forms of this question such as, do I need to take lessons? Do I need to go to Julliard? Do I need to pay $66,000 for a decent guitar? Do I need to get a boob job to get noticed or should I just learn to play with my teeth or light my guitar on fire? Do I have to practice scales? Should learn ‘Modes”?…you get the picture.

Ok then, here is a single answer to all of those. HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED to play an instrument, according to me. This answer will be VERY controversial and everyone will have a different take on this. That is what I am hoping anyway so email me and I will post your responses to this. So please hit my blog f

or all to see.

There are 2 things in the front seat of what ‘you need’. In order they are:

1. Strong and musical rhythmic integrity in your phrasing (whether you are improvising or NOT).
2.  The appropriate tone for the music you are playing.

THAT IS IT

After you spend 20 + years playing, studying music and practicing your instrument, you will realize that the difference between a novice and a great musician is mainly in the above 2 items. Phasing and tone. It’s your sense of time/phrasing and your tone that is the difference. Not notes, exotic scales, chops or anything else.