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I played classical guitar off and on for over 30 years, mostly off. I quit over 10 years ago because I realized that my main why for playing was completely ego driven. I enjoyed learning very difficult songs for the challenge and played them for others to impress. I didn’t particularly appreciate the songs or the composers, but most importantly I had no passion for the guitar itself. My hope is that as I get older (I’m in my late 50’s) I can somehow discover that passion and appreciation and start playing again - that I can play to share beautiful music with others, rather than to show off. Your channels are incredibly entertaining and inspiring, and are definitely nudging me toward re-stringing my guitar.

My why is... My Dad played the classical guitar though he has been gone for almost 30 years when I practice, especially the easy pieces they bring back those memories.

Motivation is slowly becoming a progressive more attentive awareness now more than ever in every aspect of my thoughts more and more

Glad you’re uploading here again. My why is that I have this talent that I enjoy sharing, and if I don’t use it then it’s a waste.

Great video! Super powerful 👍🏻 Here are a couple of my why’s: 1.) Keep my mind sharp as I get older. 2.) I love creating- and music is something that makes the world a little better. 3.) I love the satisfaction of achieving something that is difficult- especially when that something makes me a better person!

That's fair. I'll pick up the guitar today.

Motivation is killing your guitar practice and yet you still motivated us to pickup the guitar thank you man

This is something I've been well aware of for a very long time, but I always appreciate hearing it from someone I respect. I don't think the value proposition is there for me and so I don't prioritize practicing. I find myself eternally stuck in this state of not being as good as I would like to be, but also not valuing proficiency enough to put in the effort. I've no aspirations to become a professional so I suspect I allow it to happen at "its own pace"

I practice because I love music, and being possible to play the music I love is very gratifient, since I am not a natural born guitarist I need the practice to get, I first play for my pleasure but I would like to play it for my family and friends or Jam with other musician. Another motivation is seing good guitarist like you Nathan making beautiful arrangement, I would like one day to be able to do the same. Thank's for the motivation video. Ciao! from Montréal

It has to be your passion, something you lose track of time with due to the fun you are experiencing…if guitar bores you while you play, it may not be your passion…not saying you can’t force the practice and inevitably get good, you will definitely progress, but it will always feel forced and grueling since it’s not what you really love or even find fun todo . Good luck 😊❤ I genuinely wish you the best 😊

I appreciate your interest in helping us improve. I have played the guitar for over 30 years with long periods of not practicing in there. Recently, I purchased a ukulele and have enjoyed learning and playing this new instrument. I think these principles taught in the video apply to any instrument. My whys: 1) I enjoy the connection practicing and playing gives me to special memories. 2) Getting gradually better on my instrument is super satisfying when I see how far I've come. 3) I enjoy learning to play songs I enjoyed and . . . 4) Performing them for others. 5) Being good enough to teach others things I've learned is also fulfilling.

I never think of it as "practicing." I just think of it as playing. Even running scales is making music. Whatever I play, I try to play it as beautifully as I can. I never do a mindless "drill." Why play? 1)It was my refuge from the savagery of my childhood. Playing is still an act of defiance 2) It is a kind of meditation in which I can extinguish my self-consciousness 3) It adds to the level of joy and positive juju in the world 4) My lady enjoys listening to it (she plays flute) There's a lot more but I try not to gush about myself too much on a first date. :)

JUST DO IT!!

Found myself not playing for months now. Had some setbacks earlier this year and lost my "motivation". Here are my why's: 1) Escape from a daily routine, stress relief. 2) Being able to make music with loved ones and friends. 3) The feeling of being productive. 4) Satisfaction of tackling a difficult piece. 5) Being able to play my favorite tunes instead of just listening to them. I'll pick up my guitar again!

I practice mostly for all the reasons I've read below but what really motivates me is the amazement I get from learning something total foreign that is beautiful which initially appeared almost impossible and then it happens. That impossibility clicks and stays forever.

Whoa. I was looking for motivation. And I've bombarded myself with motivation that it won't motivate me anymore. This video is something I wanted to see. It's true.. motivation can come and go. But we still have to practice guitar anyways. It's a learning curve (or I should call it a bend 😅) we need to follow. And why? Because, I want it. Nothing can take me away from my will. Why? Because music is so personal thing to me. I wanna play what I like to listen. Whether it's on music player or its in my own head playing own tune. Why? Because it's meditation for me. It reminds me of me.. the younger version of myself who once was so enthusiastic. Why? Because look at the world.. what kind of music is being made. Terrible. I wanna partake into those 2-3% of people who make real music with real instruments which can be played live without auto tune and lip sync or just acting on stage on pre recorded audio. I wanna put a life into it. Why? Because I wanna be proud of myself in my older age telling my grandchildren that your grandpa has made own songs which are real headbangers. (I really wanna make at least 7-8 songs i.e. an album of my own before I die. Idc if people love it or not. If its hit or not.) And final why? Because we gonna die someday. I don't want this guilt of not learning guitar the way I want when I'm dying. Bitter truth.. we can die any moment. So it's better to re-start the practice sessions right now!!! PS. I'm waiting for my new string sets to be delivered at my home. I can't really start practice like right now. Pardon. But I'll surely start soon.

I got here because of your Ezio's Family Cover, but this video made me completely convinced of suscribing to your channel. Your words trascends guitar practicing and can be properly applied to any habit a person could be starting or having issues maintaining. Amazing.

Motivation is not killing my guitar practice. Not yet. I’m super happy to practice every day because I’m a beginner and every tiny accomplishment is exciting. But I’m intentionally in it because it’s something to grow old with. I wanted no part of ‘learn to play in 30 seconds without effort!’. The key for me is a structured, goal-oriented curriculum and making sure my musical study blends into rather than orphaning my family life and other things. I’ve learned the perils of being too ‘into’ things. At 58 and an empty-nester finally becoming a musician is just a vision I have of myself. And I bet that in ten years or so I’ll be at the lever of a moderately accomplished middle schooler, if I put the time in and work really hard. That’s fine. I have no need to play for other people really. I just want to be as skilled as I can be and when I play on the porch or around the campfire, to be able to say, ‘that sounds nice.’

Thank you Nathan!! I was a Guitar teacher for over 20 years and did a switch to Special Education in order to a more stable income and time with my kids. I am trying to keep on playing and my kid loves your “Mandalorian” arrangement. I bought it to learn and I am getting my passion back

Needed this Nathan, thank you

Wow, I didn't expect such a profound discution when clicking this. You truly are the bard of bards! 😀

What is your "why"? Leave a comment!

'Mood follows action.' One of the best quotes I heard. And it's so damaging that even in education this whole, "we need to pay attention to the motivation of the pupils and kinda entertain them".

Unlike any other learning curve,the guitar rides parallel with your journey in life……for me is mind over matter and seeing positive progress however small it is.It has to be intrinsic motivation which drives your desire to progress through the infinite stages of music using the guitar as the vehicle……build up a library of skills which when mastered will take you to a level where the instrument is an extension to your body and soul and your thought become music……..when one single note makes a difference!

The only time my mind stops chattering is when im practising(strangely my mind visualizes the tab,am i the only one?)you can call it zen like meditation if you will🌀all thoughts subside and only music remains,sort of like what psychologists call a state of flow

I really needed it thank you

I play and practice guitar because its the gateway for my inner feelin expression it just let you put your mind and heart outside its a great tool to make others feel what you feel inside, and i cant wait for your live show....... i want to fix some of my bad habits mistakes i do on training im sure i got plenty ^^ tyvm.

I motivate myself playing by arranging pieces and creating small projects to work on - this helps me keep wanting to do something with the guitar every day.

This is true and a good point ....mostly i do it because its one of the thing that still free and its relaxing .... what is strange is i realize except for my video and the collabplayground, i play mostly only for me and alone, so it's hard to find a why around other people ... its just a thing i have to do because its a part of me i think .... but i dont put to much pression about it , like i know i am not the best, but i don't care, i do it because it feel good to do it and improve.

looking forward to the workshop!! It will be really late for me but I'd really would like to learn how to perfect my practice from you!

my why, helped me cope with intese depression on and off for so many many years and stll to this day , maybe even prevent me from taken it too far, i will always be in debt with the guitar, that´s is why i'll never put it down, there may come a day where i´ll just pick it up just to play the same couple of songs, but i will always at least to that, i owe the guitar so much i would never consider to just put it behind me, in the closet for good, ungratefullness is not a flaw of mine, at least i really try so it is not.

The last part hit me now I'm starting to practice and getting back into playing guitar again. I remember when i was 14 i wanted to be Slash and my other guitar heroes, i think i can still continue pursuing the that dream not being a rockstar but being able to play with people and have fun cause these days we need fun especially when we're getting older.

Dang, there’s a lot of wisdom in this, even past practicing your guitar

The reason why I keep practicing regardless is to gain/improve technique as secure technique allows you to express yourself musically to yourself and others.

Great video. My why for learning to play guitar is nurturing my appreciation for music. I want to feel and understand sound from as many perspectives as possible whether I’m listening or playing. Music is beauty. Music connects us all. Thanks for the awesome videos, sir!

As a content creator, I have to say you are quite good at producing videos. Changing zoom, infusing B rolls, hooking the audience to continue watching and also comment (and therefore help "the algorithm"), and having an overall good production value (lighting, audio, etc), all contribute to a top notice video. Well done sir. And this video specifically is really good because one can extrapolate the points you mention here and apply them to literally ANYTHING (for example, I'm working on a certification for network engineering and it's pretty brutal and I often lack motivation to study) and I plan on sharing it with as many folks as I can. And on topic, as a very casual guitar player, I would like to get better and I am in awe of your skill, especially on classical guitar. Dat Halo theme doe...

My why's I play because it fills me. The award of finally playing a song I love is amazing. It fights my stress It makes me feel productive I use my time wisely

Thank you, I've already get my place. Im total beginner on guitar (I played piano so I know a bit around notes and theory).

I always appreciate your videos! Thank you so much, it has made a huge difference for me!

1. there are 2 major ways to affect people effectivly, being politician or musician 2. standing and playing on stage, people lovin ur music, may be the ultimate feeling 3. guitar playin, same as many other instruments playin, is strangely and uniquely beautiful and how could one not want to be capable of producing something that beautiful for whoever

When im not motivated to actually play i practice techniques, like rasgueo and tremelo, not realy looking to be musical but just exercising rythmic even repetition. Or other times I'll write out theory, working out modulations or studying compositions. Also I'll concentrate on production and sound design i love messing with synths and programming beats. My why is, I just have a lot of musical ideas in me and they need an outlet. I guess what I'm saying is lots of variety in music not just performance.

Really great video! I feel like this advice can be applied to all areas of life and not just guitar.

Wow. I don't think I've EVER had a day when I didn't feel like playing. But it's only been 50 years. Maybe I'll hit one. :) I love your playing, BTW. Might take your course just for fun.

Bro I just got my new classical guitar yesterday and I found your video and signed up. If this is not fait I don't know what is.

Bless you!!❤❤

I practice guitar to share happiness with those around me

I love practicing. I have an hour blocked off everyday and I stick to it because it's guaranteed enjoyment for me. Every few months I remind myself that I'll be better than I was a year ago. I enjoy the process and I believe that I'm working on the right things

my why... i have felt untalented and easy to replace my whole life like i couldn't bring something unique to the table to anyone and being a guitarist is just the right thing to make me feel special and feel like i have some kind of purpose in this world

This is super helpful!! Thank you very much!!

That's actually funny because my brother asked me today why I'v become so passionate about guitar etc. I didnt have an answer at the time but when i think about it, it just makes feel good when i produce the music that I love and even better when I can put my thoughts in it by arranging it on my own, it just makes me transmit my emotions through my playing and i love the challenge of learning something I know is hard, because guitar needs alot of practice, I mean it took me 2 months to get the F chord at the beginning. So it's really rewarding when I can pick up the guitar and do what I want with it.

02:31 click here to start the video

My main Why would be self expression. Being able to express myself by playing emotional beautiful music.

Awesome

Playing guitar while my daughter sings = best feeling ever.

Choosing control over addiction is my why.

Okay i'll get down with this:) my "why's" are 1: music for me is something that i fell in love with at a young age, it's something that i'd found can express so much, if you do it with your heart in it and with meaning. it's my way to express myself i guess:) 2: i'm in a worship band, ( in worship music, if God's not in the song it will be meaningless) i'm not the lead guitarist but my worship leader encourages me to keep growing so i can someday lead my group in worship to God. 3: i like to think music can connect people, i'm kinda particular about what i listen to cuz i want music that is real, and honest ect ect. (both secular and worship) i wanna write music that makes at least one person say that that song they could relate too. that's just me tho so... :)

Hi, the free live practice workshop was a year a go. Do you have a workshop soon?

To bring glory to God.

He who has a why can bear any how

Love

I’m stuck in the rut right now. I haven’t touched my guitar but 3 times in the last year.

Often times the reason why I decide to not pick up the guitar is that I don't know what I should play. Yeah I pick it up occasionally to play a couple songs that I know and love but I don't feel like I'm improving since I'm only playing the same songs and don't really have any method of improving. I have tons of songs that I'd like to learn, but most of them are too difficult for my skill level and I just don't know how I should take my playing to the next level.

Hi yall, im a great guitarist, i learnt basics, barre, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, chords and a couple of scales, ive set my goals/Found new famous guitarists online just to rekindle some motivation and it works but the thing is, even tho i do realize im good at it and i will most likely wont lose motivation or passion, im still feeling overwhelmed on a daily basis, i cant stop thinking about losing and stuff, i just wanna learn guitar enjoyably and effectively. Any ideas to get rid of the overwhelm and not to worry much about my guitar journey?

1 to be liked and impress others 2 to have something the work and improve on 3 because i don't know what else i could do 4 because it's enough fun

i have huge goals for flamenco guitar, i have insane motivations, but my parents arguing, screaming, fighting and etc. every ingle day, is making my mood horrible..

My why is cuz I just wanna feel like I’m good at something. I was always afraid of failure and I hate it with a burning passion. I think I’m experiencing burnout with my guitar from how much I force my self to practice. Please someone tell me what should I do I’m overwhelmed as hell

If I'm being honest, my biggest why is "TO HAVE MY FINGERS PLAY LIKE YOURS! (^u^) 🤩". Cause I absolutely fell in love with your Oogway Ascends and 3 Beautiful DreamWork themes videos. And rewatch them all the time. And just sub'd to this channel to start my fingerstyle journey and the first video I see is this. So I'm basically fired up while being real about it. Hopefully, in 6 months I will have significant progress. And when I do, Ill come back here and thank you. 😇🤘

Good 🤙👍

Can someone please comment on this tomorrow? I need to remember to play :)

*plays for 5 minutes* That's good enough

My why's To glorify God. I want to take my guitar and go sit on a beautiful place and play a melodious music. To make my parents happy.