then... after watching Mr.Greg Howard's latest video "take five"
I was taken by discouragement, for me the issue has become big.

I would address Mr. Greg: "Is it worth learning to play this instrument?"

I explain myself better (trying not to dwell too long) :

Question:
Is it possible in the end to be able to express the musical need? ,
or do you remain confined to an eternal test of your abilities?
[thus becoming playing automatons instead of musicians]

the objective difficulties required are many (and all at a very high level):
touch, coordination, speed, muscle memory, independence of the hands,
minimalist arrangement of the songs, etc ...

watching Greg Howard's videos, for example "take five"
or that of the collection of pieces by J.S.Bach
starting with a frightening bass line at the speed of light

the question remains ...
is it possible to express musicality despite the technical difficulties? ,
and therefore , if we are not Greg Howard (or even other great stickists),
[which have overcome a high technical barrier]
for us mere mortals is it worth it?

- keep in mind that I have been trying to learn the Ch.Stick for 20 years-
- I know, the question is provocative-
- and sorry for the outburst -

[translated into English with google translator]

I'm not Greg Howard so please forgive my intrusion.

Just a few comments, I'll try to keep it brief..

You said;



First off, Greg Howard is a Virtuoso and there are other great Stick Players that fall into this category as well. I can only imagine the countless hours, days, years they have invested in the instrument to become the masters they are. I doubt many would argue that the Stick is not an "easy" instrument to learn. I also, like you, have been trying to learn the stick for 20+ years now. After all that time i am still very much a novice. Why? because I haven't invested in the practice time i need to become a better player. I'm quite sure I will never attain the level of Greg Howard and I'm perfectly fine with that. On the other hand, I love playing the instrument and I can make music with it. I've played live gigs, played on recordings, jams and most importantly, it is FUN. I can't play "Take 5" although I'd like to learn that someday. (my left hand right hand interdependence sucks!)

If you're expecting to become a virtuoso then you need to make an investment. Lower your expectations and you can still have fun.

Hope that helps

Hello, glennfin , my question in tour perspective
May Be like : Is It worth to spend a such
Enormous amount of time to play like an "automa"?

-i was not questioning about virtuosity-

Sorry....i meant : "in a your perspective..."

Clearly the answer to that question is "yes". Perhaps your question is rhetorical?

Just take a listen to the many pieces written for the Stick, or to improvisations played on the Stick.

If you need a starting point, how about this one posted here on Stickist today?

Kevin is a multi-instrumentalist. He has a choice of musical instruments with which to express his ideas. Here, as often, he chooses the Stick.

Logical...Kevin Keith Is a super talented musician
And an Amazing Stick player...but at this point
I'm near to leave the Stick.

Non ti preoccupare...

First off, I would never call myself a "virtuoso". That's a title reserved for people who have the talent and discipline to truly command their instrument. For me, it is always a question of commanding the material, and speaking some emotion through the instrument. For this reason I called the video of "Take Five" a practice video, because I am not yet at the point where I feel like the tune is already in my hands, then I can "say something" with it.

Virtuoso is also a title some people put on themselves out of puffery, something that doesn't really appeal to me especially in this age of perpetual puffery.

I've been playing this instrument for almost 37 years (in February, 2022). Bob has a ten year head start on me, so when I see him play something amazing, I don't give up, I say to myself, "I would like to play that piece, too, and say something different with it." What I will say will be a conversation between my hands, which is something that isn't happening yet for me with "Take Five", but it will... Bob's version of Bach's "Invention 4" really inspired me to try it, just as Leo Gosselin's version of "Take Five" put that one in my head, or Jan Laurenz's "Walking on the Moon".

My point is, if there is music out there already that you love and you want to figure out a way to play it, it can be done, but sometimes you might need a coach. Are you studying with anyone? I would have killed to have a teacher when I was getting going, and you are all my teachers now. Every time I see someone post something I learn from it. Some people are very musical but they need a better sonic approach. I take notes, what sounds good to me, what doesn't sound good to me. Some people have incredible sonic aptitude but they are relying on that to do the heavy lifting for them (this is something I used to do myself years ago, and I had to put all my toys away and learn how to play...)

Some pieces take a long time to develop, others come quickly. Sometimes I have to invent a whole new subtechnique, like my three-fingered bass approach, to be able to do it.

If there is music you want to create, that has not yet existed, that is something anyone can begin to do, but it is not about technique, it is about intent. Your hands are a direct connection between your bicameral mind and a set of vibrating strings. Every note you play can have intent behind it or it can just be a reflex. Which one do you want to listen to? I want the intent.

Putting your musical intent into your playing is the way to be satisfied with it. Fast or slow, simple or intricate, we must always be musicians first and players second, if we want to move people. To me there is no other reason to play music.

Don't give up. Get help! It takes time to learn to play an instrument, there are experienced teachers who can help you spend that time more efficiently.

Thank you for your question.

Rome was not built in one day.
It takes many small steps to get where you want to go.

- Break down the tune into small steps.
- Practice each step until it sounds the way that you like to hear it.
- Be patient... Life is a journey, not a race to the finish.
- At some point in time, others will enjoy the fruits of your labor.
- Most of all, have fun and enjoy the music.
- Play for yourself first, then share what you have learned with others.

Hi Greg,
I am very happy that you have answered
a somewhat controversial question,
and thank you very much.
your answer was broad and comprehensive,
going into many topics.
you see, I specifically do not have major technical problems, but seeing the your last video I realized that you have total control over the sound,
which is difficult especially in the left hand.
in fact in my case especially in the bass section
I get sterile, indefinite or explosive sounds,
with the result of being not musical ,
and to a possible audience to be unlistenable.

anyway I will treasure what you wrote,
and among other things,
I thank all those who have answered me.
I have the opportunity to wish you all
a happy new year.

Thank you for your thanks and your wishes.

I hope you find what you are looking for.