It always surprises my students when I tell them that I don't think of myself as a "guitarist". I prefer to think of myself as a "musician". I play music. I think music. The guitar is the tool that I use. Like a pencil to a writer, brush to an artist, or hammer to a carpenter. There is no question that being able to play the guitar is important to me. I practice a lot. But the goal is to play guitar well enough to be able to play the music that I like.
I also tell them that the second best compliment they can receive is, "Wow! You're a great guitarist." That always surprises them because they have assumed that this is the goal.
The best compliment is, "Wow! That song is amazing." That means their technique is so good that it became invisible. The only thing noticed was the beauty of the music.
One of the things that keeps me going after all these years of teaching is being present when a student suddenly "gets it". After a difficult journey of boring scales, mandatory songs, and generally feeling like they are wasting their time, something clicks. They will play a song for the hundredth time but play it musically for the first time. A look of wonderment and sublime joy overcomes them. They look at me for approval and they see it in my face. I've been known to get a tear in my eye and beam with pride.
I wish I could say that every student has a moment like that. Unfortunately only a select few will. And I'm often surprised by which ones. I've seen so many hard working students try so hard to be great guitarists that they miss the purpose. They are always unhappy with their playing because there is always someone better than them technically. When I try to explain that it's supposed to be about the art they think I am being condescending.
It's not their fault really. It's our culture. We have competitions for this stuff. We have begun choosing our successful artists on game shows. Artificial devices to logically choose what appeals to our heart. Sometimes it works. Often it does not.
But a handful of students will come to understand that true art can be easier than that. The hardest part to master is honesty. Not being daring or flamboyant but simply saying what's in your heart. Playing a simple song without pretension can be a strong artistic statement.
But that also includes playing in an effortless manner. And that's where the technique part comes in. I was explaining to a student recently that working on scales and other exercises with a teacher is a privilege. Like an athlete having a personal trainer. Becoming better is no longer about being noticed. We practice and improve because the music requires it.
I am occasionally asked who my favorite guitarist is. If I don't mention their favorite they immediately launch into a sales pitch to convince me. In truth I like just about everyone who plays well. Sometimes it depends on the song. I like certain songs when played by certain artists. It's always about the music. That's my favorite.