Don't Let Gear Ruin Your Guitar Playing!

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#gear #gas #guitar

[@stvywndr]

Thank you for posting this! Like many, I find myself obsessing and tweaking my gear and guitars. I easily put more time into tweaking than playing. The results are as you described, becoming saddened about playing the guitar. Your post actually popped up as I was looking for an amp mod for my Marshall, searching for something to magically make me become better and more inspired. Thanks for your videos and for sharing your struggles!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks for posting Steve! I miss the days where I had my one guitar and amp. Well… lol

[@vincentl.9469]

@@JeffMcErlain we live in the age of influencers...it's their job to sell/promote-your job is to make sure you really need that item !!

[@JeffMcErlain]

@@vincentl.9469 I’ll go with that. Happy holidays Vincent!

[@danielconrad764]

For your amp mod quest, consider looking into the Mr Scary mod from legendarytones. 😀

[@manuedwards6959]

@@vincentl.9469 absolutely

[@1earguitar]

Good points. It’s amazing how much better my current gear works after a little practice!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Funny that.

[@ericwarrington6650]

Gear acquisition syndrome....you nailed it my man..

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks Eric! Happy holidays!

[@ericwarrington6650]

@@JeffMcErlain welcome my friend.. happy holidays to you as well

[@LukeBowmanGuitar]

Wow, thanks Jeff. I needed this right now and made me recognise so much that I go through all the time! Very wise words indeed 😎🎸

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you Luke!

[@gotmeamojohand]

All I can think of is, “ I need that sweet HH strat he is holding”

[@JeffMcErlain]

Lol! It is isn’t it?…

[@riplead]

Cracked me up! 🤣

[@davidpekarsky2977]

I started thinking I don’t have a HH bolt on the second he started playing.

[@tinman8014]

Yup. My takeaway from this is that I need an HH strat.

[@mirkobaumann316]

Geht mir auch so 😅. Ich bin wohl noch infiziert.

[@jfar3340]

I play blues and jazz on my 335 with 11s on through a princeton reverb reissue, 1 OD pedal 1 looper 1 attenuator, and 1 martin dreadnought for bluegrass and folk. That's all I use.

[@thefuzzboxx1018]

I enjoyed this while surfing the web for new gear.

[@JeffMcErlain]

😂

[@jorgesilva5004]

Thanks Jeff. Very honest and insightful perspective. We all suffered from gas at some point. I was in this negative cycle from quiet some time and listening to you helps me to recognized some of my limitations and frustration during that period.

[@robert_starling]

Thanks for sharing your journey Jeff. There's also a lot of pressure producing content and obsession with the numbers that go with it. There's more depth to you as a man than your identity as a guitarist. I few nights ago I watched one of your older KZbin interviews with another player from back during the pandemic. Clearly he was having a tough time with the lockdown and I watched you patiently and with empathy listen to him and hear him. That's an entirely different level of decency and humanity. Enjoy playing for YOU and we'll be here when you're ready. ~Robert

[@Guitarnivore]

I needed to hear this. The past three years I have bought more gear than I'll ever need or use. Just when I think I'm good, something else catches my eye. I've had to unsubscribe from any gear mailing lists so to remove that temptation to even look. Once it has ahold of you, it's tough to shake.

[@beachbuggyonfire]

Thank you for raising the awareness that my obsessing on gear is not necessarily a good obsession but rather a bad habit and due to procrastination. I am grateful for your honest words.

[@tacmason]

Music was the target-I got Obsessed by the multitude of details surrounding Electronic signal chains, amps, Guitars. Then the dream of a personal studio space, and suffice it to say - fifty years went by.

[@somedaygibson6894]

This was not just a music lesson but a life lesson. Many thanks

[@VS_AUTOS_Tamil]

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[@gbarge4]

All true. I'm grateful for you, brother. And it's fun to be a fly on the wall and enjoy your friendship with Matt Schofield, for example, another great guy. Thank you for the year and all the best in 2023.

[@VS_AUTOS_Tamil]

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[@hesekie1]

Great insights. Honesty towards yourself is the key. Like you said, "what am I trying to avoid".

[@alainkempa2139]

That's exactly why I joined your January blues courses in order to re-focus on the real thing.Looking forward to it.

[@williamwagnon2809]

Fantastic video!! You hit the nail on the head!! Lately I've been obsessing on gear, not so much so that it's the cure-all, but I think more so about 'missing out' on 'something'. Thanks for talking about it. It's exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks for putting it out there! Time to go play some guitar!!

[@karlfarren]

Thanks, Jeff, for your honesty and insight. Not so much about the gear, per se, but about the internal triggers or the emotional/personal scenarios that are going on for us. Respect for the honesty and humility you display here. Side note: I bought your Major Triads course a couple weeks ago, and have found it really valuable. I already had strings 1, 2, 3 and strings 2, 3, 4 pretty much down, but your course has me feeling a lot more confident and more fluent with the lower string sets now too. Thank you.

[@Doony70]

This video really hits home for me. I hate how everytime I think of simplifying, I switch right into searching/shopping mode.

[@DaveFrattaroli-p5d]

Jeff, this resonates with all players. I recognized this about myself years ago. I have the occasional relapse from time to time but I get over it quickly. I'd rather be a better player than have more "better" gear. Like many, I have a room full of gear I don't deserve and yet I spend most of my time playing through a MIM strat and a Cube. I realized a long time ago that if the tone didn't make me happy, it wasn't the gear. The culprit was in the mirror. Thanks for what you do.

[@chuckfluker9770]

Great video! Here’s my two cents. When I’m going through GAS I return to practicing and playing my Guit straight into my amplifier and really force myself to get the tone I want just by making myself pay attention to the way and what I’m playing….

[@kevinmusso2397]

Guilty ✋🏼 I needed to hear this. I need to focus on growing as a player, not growing my debt and gear list.

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌🏻

[@alexmurphy5289]

I find myself setting up the “perfect tone” and then just noodling and not improving. Thank you for this

[@woolyfuzzy]

This is one of the most honest guitar gear related KZbin videos. For years, I played one guitar, one amp and a wah pedal. Today, I have to be creative on where I store it all. I’ve been telling myself I’m on a tone journey, where I need to explore as much gear as possible to find the magical combo. I think I’ve found it, but there seems to still be more coming in than going out. GAS. Ugggh.

[@jamesemerson4102]

Another important topic and great video, Jeff! When I forget about the pedal and the amp that I'm playing through, and I find myself lost in playing, that's when I know I that it's the right pedal/amp combination for me. For me it's been an overdrive special clone and a Jan ray pedal, with maybe some reverb. Oh, and a fuzz.... and maybe a delay.... and ummmm what else...... 😂

[@Smart-Alex]

Good video and it really resonates. I’m tired and buying and selling and focusing on playing these days. Good points, thank you.

[@motsgm]

OMG...A name for my ailment!!!! GAS! My wife has accused me of having gas so many times, but I always thought she meant something entirely different. In all seriousness, I really needed to hear this video. I have kept buying way too much guitar stuff (along with other hobby stuff) that just keeps me from practicing. Thank you so much for putting this out there Jeff!!!!!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

You’re welcome John!

[@mralgebro]

Favorite guitar + favorite amp + reverb = happy You nailed it man

[@andyava9383]

I couldn’t agree more, as I get caught up in the same situation once in awhile! Keep up the great work!

[@MyWordPressGuy]

Watching my little brother chase his tail through an endless signal chain of dissatisfaction helped me avoid G.A.S., although I did buy like a dozen guitars during pandemic and really got into luthiery and such. Great video, truly great philosophical musings and a tremendously useful piece of instructional material today, Jeff. Thank you very much as always.

[@LMGuitarCorner]

Thanks a lot Jeff! I just recently got GAS again after a long time. It's for a Tele I've played a few years ago but couldn't afford back then. It haunts me a little ever since and recently I got "flashbacks". Now I can afford it, but I need to find it on the used market, as that was a limited run. The hunt begins... Other than that, luckily I haven't had real GAS in a long long time. Also thanks a lot for the Jam Tracks! Are we allowed to jam to those and put videos of us jamming to them up on YT? Cheers, Martin

[@victor2510]

Thanks for this Jeff. I have a klone that I love and searched all year for a pedal that I can stack for solos. 8 pedals later all I needed was more output on my klone, so back to the board my old micro amp (after klone) that I bought years ago for $50 bucks used. It was so simple and I already have what I needed.

[@leftchicago]

Very timely. I've been doing what you've described for the past few weeks. Putting all the pedals away now and plugging a guitar into a reverb-equipped combo. I'll check back in a few days...

[@JeffMcErlain]

Enjoy the freedom!

[@telecasterbear]

I've been playing since 1975, and have been through a bunch of gear for a modest means guy. Now I have a 1973 telecaster, and a Carr Mercury amp, and one pedal. Now I just play guitar.

[@citizenchris099]

This is an important message. I really appreciate the honesty. Its something we all struggle with ( I think) and we need to hear this.

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@WickBeavers]

This is massively timely- I’ve wasted Hours fussing with iLok, trying to bust open multitudes of plug ins I’ve owned for ages… with not much luck and barely any playing. Turns out, as always, an OS Update has left iLok and others (Band in a Box) with their drawers dropped and working furiously… on their windows versions. It is so nice to play my old, common and oft overlooked Acoustic again! Jeff, thanks for all you do here and on True Fire! You’ve really helped me enjoy my playing a ton! Merry merry!

[@johanndaart7326]

I got to a point after so many years of not being able to learn to play guitar properly, where I'm fed up with any gear focused content. I have middle tier Les Paul and low tier modeler - I'm still not able to utilize their full potential. The only thing that makes me happy about gear is when I learn something new that enables me to squeeze some more out of the gear I have.

[@DaveBroTube]

I'm chuckling because today, in the middle of spending a few hours with your "Clapton on a Slow Blues" video (excellent), I got distracted by your '64 Strat and did some online Strat shopping (I have none; only too many Teles). Had to pull myself back from the Custom Shop and vintage ledge and get back to practicing and learning. I think the sad truth for a lot of us is it's easier and more instantly gratifying to shop for gear than to do the hard work of playing and getting better. Thanks for injecting some reason into the madness!

[@JeffMcErlain]

I know this feeling well.

[@hgostos]

Probably one of your best videos, if not the best

[@davidrustad2084]

So many things we all need to hear so often. Thank you Jeff!

[@keithfriend2118]

Speaking of gratitude, thanks Jeff. I took your advice. I took a walk, came back, plugged in just one guitar to my old Princeton and played. After a little while, I forgot all about that OTHER guitar I've been wanting to buy. I am grateful for the wisdom you laid down in this simple chat. I've taken some of your classes through TruFire and now I'm gonna check out your triad lessons.

[@VS_AUTOS_Tamil]

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[@tgdkls5891]

Very important video, thanks Jeff. So true. Timely inspiration for a New Year resolution!

[@sirchessic]

New to the channel. I like this topic. I think we often set up roadblocks in front of ourselves with the things we are most passionate about. Excellent insight.

[@VS_AUTOS_Tamil]

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[@rhykko77]

100% agree .........great to hear this talked about .

[@denbodg9311]

Oh! I just came across this while waiting for an auction to end for more gear. 🥺This is so true. I’ve been in and out of this whirlpool most of my life. This is great advice. Younger musicians take heed.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Good luck with the auction!!!

[@SergioAureo]

Thanks Jeff for being such an inspiring musician. I suffered a lot with gear obsession. Curiously, I started playing more and more and getting reconnected with the instrument when I realized that plugging a guitar straight into amp with only a Strymon Flint was giving me all the inspiration I ever needed with less tweaking and struggle to find the ultimate tone...

[@JeffMcErlain]

Good for you!

[@rockstarjazzcat]

That popular Strat photo... Lot more guitar owners out there than guitar players, let alone guitarists and musicians! Happy Solstice, D

[@balazsmagyar4211]

Greetings from Europe, your channel is brilliant, I learnt a lot from you!! You just pointed to the most urgent question from the present guitarist community. In KZbin the Swedish guy Johan Segeborn publishes a lot of gear review and he busts the myth about many underrated gears, just shows how to tweak amps and that’s it, go and play, develop your skills not your gear first! Mentioning being grateful is for me the most important message from you: nowadays we just forget how affordable guitar playing is!! One can get a decent amp and a well assembled good sounding/looking guitar for under 500€/$/£, and much below in second hand… Getting “western” stuff was in my country until the 90s not even possible, and worldwide the good sounding guitars/amps cost a lot of money. I just read posts of old guys who tell “today’s variety was unimaginable 50 yrs ago”. Yeah Man, “play the fcking guitar” with ear-to-ear smile! 🎸

[@erikpaterson1404]

A very honest video, thank for this, and I'm taking your advice onboard

[@zososhep]

Perfect timing on this video Jeff! I am currently putting together my last iteration of my pedalboard(yeah right! 😁). I went down the rabbit hole hard for the past ______________fill in the blank trying so many different pedals, a few diff amps, guitars(although I have my # one absolute keeper). I kept justifying this as "Man am I fortunate to have tried so many different pieces of gear over the past _______fill in the blank, how lucky am I". But I am now at the point where I want to master the guitar and be the absolute best player I can possibly be(for me, not to follow or impress anyone else). But when I am spending so much time searching for the next holy grail this or that it is taking away time of actually playing, learning, growing, expanding etc...(You hit all of this spot on!). SO, I will be listing one amp head, two guitars and approx 20 pedals on Reverb in the very near future! And what I decide to keep will be awesome and I will still sound like me! So to circle back, your video is absolutely perfect timing for me! (is there a 12 step program for GAS?) Happy Holidays!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha! I know this well!! Sounds like a great plan and happy holidays!!

[@johnbuttrey953]

Jeff, I have learned so much from your various courses on the blues, but not near as much as from this video on gear blues. Thank you for the insightful talk.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks John!!

[@Sadiesoft]

For me it's about being bored. Just like music. My favorite songs just get old after awhile. New gear inspires my (most of the time). I have 12 guitars. Like Jackson Browne says, "Guitars are like a good women", you only need one". I definitely have gear that I never use anymore, but I used the heck out of it when I first got it. Most of the time it inspired me to pick up the guitar. I am just a guitar hobbyist. I just do it for myself, never play with others. I'm trying to learn to be a musician, so I can enjoy playing even more. I love your latest course! The way you've presented the material. I have purchased so much training materials over the past 15 years. Each one inspires me to practice but I look at the collection and wonder what am I thinking? How many training resources do I need? I own every TrueFire training course by Jeff McErlain. Did I need another one? Probably not, but it's my way of showing support and appreciation for the work you do. Thanks for all you do and as much fun as it is for you to make music, you are one of the best teachers out here. I have been tapering down on new purchases for the reasons you mention. Thanks for sharing the advice!

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a good weekend also a happy holiday

[@michaelsingley5641]

Great video. I've noticed that as I get older (64), my hands sort things out for me with the gear, because I have to play my guitars with the chunkier necks if I want to play for any length of time and that's only about 4 of the 12 guitars that I have.

[@sdw1979]

Hey Jeff! This has to be one of the most important videos put out in a long time, thank you. I for one had this realisation a while ago and ever since have stripped back what I really require and when. Once you've let go of the psychology of obtaining new gear all the time, it leads you right back to just playing and working on different aspects. And also improving the physical and mental connection to the instrument. That's what's happened for me any how. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the UK!! Sam

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@ApricotHurlforth]

Fabulous lighting Jeff.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ha! THANK YOU! Few people know how much work that can take! I really appreciate the comment.

[@davelinstead4052]

Nailed it. I’m 63 years old and picked up guitar at around 13. Only NOW do I realize how much time I’ve wasted on GAS. This video had to be made even tho the majority of us understand it and know it but are in denial. Self aware !! I got to the use it or lose it stage where I have sold off all but my favourite piece and they are not special or vintage just great to play. And just play them. Thanks.

[@notebender5073]

I think a lot of us are guilty of getting sucked in to the vauccum of gear rather than playing. I had a yard sale guitar, solid state Crate amp, and a tape deck when I began playing years ago. With no inhibitions, I just played and made the basics work. I've found myself gear conscioius to the point that it's interefered with my growth. I get it. Think I'll down size now and get back to the basics. Great video.

[@grzegorzprzymus402]

Great video ! Respect for admiting it , you are absolutely right on that subject...regards Greg from Trondheim.

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@michaelmassaro3483]

Love this video and very well timed as this very topic has been on my mind a lot lately. In fact, I'm going on a self-imposed ban from buying any gear in 2023. Instead, I want to focus on 1) playing my guitar more, 2) learning and more thoroughly understanding the gear I already own inside and out and 3) working on the crafts of songwriting and recording. I have more than enough gear already to do those things. Wish me luck!

[@stickman55100]

Really important guidance as well as your openness about sharing your personal perspective and feelings. Honestly, what a great message for this or any other time of the year! Thank you.

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻

[@fngrs69]

Interesting comment been told to me “you don’t need more gear you need more practice “. Completely agree with you Jeff, I am happiest with one of my favorite guitars, amp and no pedals whatsoever.

[@philipodd3378]

Good point because this is a really common problem, My wife is my gauge she lets me know because most of us tend to turn a Blind eye, I turn to being creative whatever that may be .

[@michaelclarkphoto]

Such a refreshing video. Thank you. As a professional photographer that teaches a few photo workshops each year I see this all the time in the photo world as well. An amazing photographer can create incredible images with just about any camera. I think that is the same in the guitar world as well.

[@JeffMcErlain]

As you well know, it’s not another gear!!

[@timbrooks521]

Wow, ya smacked me with this right after ordering the new two notes revolt today. But you're spot on about chasing the procrastination...

[@VS_AUTOS_Tamil]

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[@dckstrat90]

Very insightful. Thanks Jeff

[@ryansmith544]

Thank you for posting this Jeff! It's absolutely brilliant. Pure truth and fantastic insights on the affects of consumerism as a guitar player. You say you're not a religious person but clearly very spiritual, particularly your point on the power of gratitude. Thank you again.

[@VS_AUTOS_Tamil]

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[@davidestes6738]

Watch all your videos. I have also taken a couple of your courses through truefire. I consider you as my guitar mentor. Thanks for all you do for us.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you so much for this David. It means a great deal to me. 🙏🏻

[@phishphan5732]

Thank you Jeff, you summed up my past few years. Constantly searching for new pedals to suit each of my 3 guitars. I go from a double size board with 9 boxes to a Pedaltrain mini thinking less is best. I’ve wrecked my playing searching and buying. Over the holidays it’s going to be my McCarty, Deluxe Reverb and a few pedals reconnecting in playing and songs. Happy Holidays Jeff.

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@davidmaki6960]

This is so true, Jeff. At 70, I gave up performing live and now just play for the joy of the sound. Scuffham S-gear in a laptop with monitors and interface, I can zone out 90% of the time. No need for big amps anymore. Thanks for this video, I've been down the gas rabbit hole for a number of years and you nailed it when you pointed out it's just procrastination.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Good to hear David! And big thumbs up on S-Gear!! Enjoy the instrument!

[@mikewvideos]

Jeff, thanks so much for your timely and insightful commentary. I have been obsessing over building my new, "perfect" pedalboard for months, and I still don't have it completed. I've been researching and buying pedals for so long now, that I am mentally and emotionally exhausted. Like you said, I haven't been playing guitar because I've been too busying finding the "perfect" gear. Not only do I have G.A.S. but I also have "Analysis Paralysis" and I'm just stuck. I think I'm going to take your sage advice and step away from everything for a while, take some walks and exercise, and just plug in to my amp and play guitar.

[@brucejackson1329]

Great comments and thank you for the wisdom.

[@VS_AUTOS_Tamil]

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[@littlerhodyguitar2169]

Right on point with this one Jeff. Thanks 👍☮️❤️

[@Stereostupid]

Thanks Jeff I totally agree and was just talking about this !funny thing is that this can transpose into every thing in life also shopping buying crap to fill a void ect

[@gurtana]

Five Watt World brought me here. Love the advice in this video - especially the self awareness and keying into the impulses one can be held prisoner to. One thing I would also like to say though, is for people not to beat themselves up over the gear they have acquired. It also feels like there's this online trend to push back against what you have amassed - i.e. to sell everything and go minimalist - and that adds to the sense of shame of the acquisition. Perhaps rather, just view that item of gear in the context of a wider hobby of (hopefully) fulfilling a niche in one's creative set-up. It is fun to have options and it is fun to get new gear. It feeds that curiosity part and sense of exploration, and new gear (if you gel with it) can open up new realms of creativity. But yes, it's the overbuying and procrastination that's the problem. Tip: One thing I also try to do is rewatch videos of the gear I've bought to remind me why I opted to purchase it in the first place when I'm trying to learn it!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Excellent post and welcome. I’m unapologetically a gear collector. It’s only when I let it effect my ability to play or practice that I put it away. It’s a fun hobby and part of my job so I’m cool with it as long as I don’t go into debt for it!!

[@EasyBreather000]

Hi Jeff. Quite simply, the subject of this video is so true! Thank you for bringing all of these important points to the table 🙏 EB

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@simonpark843]

This is an excellent video and you make some valid points - not enough people discuss these things.

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@bbalestier]

Gratitude Speaks! Thank you 🙏

[@VS_AUTOS_Tamil]

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[@jimamsden]

I'm just a hobiest musician playing in a logal cover band. I'll never be a great guitarist (although I can play some things reasonably well). So controlled GAS for me is just part of the fun. I use modelers which actually feeds GAS with just a couple of devices. Re: connection, I find playing a different guitar does sound and feel different, and makes my play differently, which is inspiring in itself. Then when I go back to my goto guitar, the reconnection brings a renewed joy.

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌🏻

[@petesmith4424]

Nice video. Pity that it is so hard to separate the internet's great potential for sharing information, knowledge, and enthusiasm from the consumerism and linked tracking, profiling, and targetted adds. Having an awareness of how easily we can all be triggerred is a good start to refocussing on music instead of paraphernalia! Many thanks!

[@VS_AUTOS_Tamil]

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[@homebrew1709]

It’s all about what makes you happy. I know people who are middling guitarists but they love collecting gear, tearing apart amps & pedals, and finding new sounds to work with, irrespective of how well they can play…the gear itself is the hobby and some people find great joy in that. But you’re right: if you’re striving to be a better player and the gear is impeding that progress, then there’s a problem. For me, playing is fun AND gear is fun so I try to strike a healthy balance between the two.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Yup!

[@tymccudden1334]

Great video Jeff, thanks.

[@tomhuusom5954]

Thank you Jeff, you just so nail it. In so many areas we put matter above life. Gear is just a tool that allows us to express and experience life. Somehow we fool ourselves and we turn things up side down. I'll try my best to follow your advice. 🙂

[@VS_AUTOS_Tamil]

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[@larsthunes1739]

Thanks for adressing this in such an open way. To me it is a way of buying a dream. The dream of being able to express myself through the guitar, but i end up looking for stuff or lessons that will get me there but… less playing and practicing. Sometimes i totally give up, then i start over and the dream comes back. But you’re the first pro I heard putting it so frankly! All my respect and appreciation, thank you👍🏻🤘🏻

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank Lars. Keep practicing!

[@ronpetersen2815]

Gawd!!! What perfect timing this is! I haven't practiced for a couple (few?) days. But I've had time to stop by my local guitar shop and look at a PRS 594 HBII and drool over it. Played it for an hour. WTF do I need a new PRS HBII for. I just counted and I have 11 nice guitars and I can hardly play. I should be practicing but instead I'm looking at a new guitar I don't need. Perfect time for me listen seriously to your video Jeff!

[@zoomzoom3950]

well the holidays are here, Ron, and you deserve a new guitar, you know you want it, and you should make it a gift for yourself... usually works for me whenever I hesitate buying new gear. 😁

[@stevelankford7087]

Thanks for that insight on this issue. I do experience some of this “syndrome” also. I keep telling myself ok that’s enough, at least I don’t mind admitting that I don’t need another guitar or amp or pedal😂. I do plan this year to make a better home music studio.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks for posting Steve! Good luck with the studio, and don’t get too distracted by that too! 😂

[@SaintLuminus]

Thanks for this Jeff. One thing you didn't mention is lack of gear forces you to really learn what you have. For example I only have 1 amp, Mesa Boogie MkV:25. I'm forced to really learn that amp inside and out because I don't have any other amp to play through. Excellent points in your vid here, thanks again.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks and yes. That is an excellent point. Thank you!

[@bangpow00]

Unexpected but profoundly insightful video. Thanks for the reminders.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you and you’re welcome!

[@no59do56]

Yes. Ive had it and dine done it...should concentrate on your playing..👍👍👍👍

[@elpastor7155]

hi jeff! do you have tips on how to overcome stage fright in live situations?

[@limpindug]

Enjoyed your thoughts, thanks fo sharing. My dumb opinion, keep chasing gear is because we haven't found our own tone that fits perfectly. 👍👍👍🥃Respect to you mate

[@steveDC51]

Recently done the reverse - sold all my pedals with the exception of a basic Boss looper. Also sold some guitars. No regrets and am definitely playing more and enjoying it.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Excellent!

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Good to know that I'm not alone in these things. I've curbed a lot of my spending in the last few months, which has helped. I have a few friends that build pedals, and I like supporting them. They also make cool effects. Much appreciated video Be good to you 🤍💛

[@craigryallful]

Hi Jeff, great vid it's so relevant for me at the moment, I've just started to get rid of any gear that causes me to tweak to much especially meau basses gear, and gone back to basics and my playing suddenly improved. Still fighting gas though 😂

[@LNROKR55]

Thanks for this one today Jeff. It's easy to get caught up in the FOMO nature of constant gear obsession that is always present in the KZbin world. It never hurts to get a reminder that what matters most is playing the guitar itself. It's rarely about the gear itself, except for when that special guitar or whatever drives you to play, and play, and play some more. You're always getting better (or worse) depending on how much you actually play. Thanks for reminder Jeff, very much appreciated.

[@ericbrooks8573]

Was waiting for someone to bring this up....we can waste a ton of time chasing aquiring, figuring out...always something new to purchase to keep up with others....an endless cycle. We get better by practice or just playing more...

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@elmerfudd1047]

Hi Jeff. Been listening and watching your channel for a while now. My first time commenting though. I completely relate to this video. I’ve always been happier with just an axe and amp, but I am stuck right now into some heavy GASing. Much needed video. Thank you and Happy Holidays

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks for being here!!!!

[@davisworth5114]

Great vid, great advice, "avoidance" is a great concept and also a main PTSD symptom, some of us can get "GAS" because it deflects us from ongoing personal issues that we don't know how to face, or that are difficult to deal with. It can serve as a drug, just as we can see playing an instrument is self-medication. There is nothing we can do to make God love us more than He does right now, that is the reality we need to focus on because it is salvific and liberating, and that we can experience this love by being silent. Thanks for these great insights, new sub.

[@angusorvid8840]

Good video. I love gear as much as anybody, but what I've learned over the years (I've been playing guitar since 1985 when I was eleven) is that gear is not magic, and it's not always the solution. What matters most of all is that a player gets a very basic level of satisfaction simply by playing. Gear can be the icing on the cake when you need a particular tone, or you need a guitar that works best for your needs. But that's about it. I started playing in the years of highly technical razzle dazzle, the post-EVH era when players like Yngwie, George Lynch and Vai were ripping it up. I can't tell you how many times I went to a concert, or simply saw a music video, and said to myself, "Yes! I need a wall of white modded Marshalls! I need a Boogie Coliseum stack! I need a Jackson Soloist! I need these strings, those pickups, that pedal, etc. As guitarists we much first play to please ourselves and be true to ourselves. Yes, we live in a capitalist society where people are always trying to sell stuff. An old friend I grew up with called me a few years ago and tried to sell me homeowners' insurance before he realized I moved into an apartment. An awkward moment, but a reminder of this truth. I thought he was just calling to say "Hi! How's it going bro?" So it's not surprising that KZbin is full of gear vids. This affects players young and old. Everyone wants to shiny new thing. I love gear, but I keep a simple signal chain, and at the moment only have one guitar and a small amp. And it works fine for me. When I gig I borrow one of many amps owned by my drummer. When I get back home I just play my little amp which has a headphone jack so I don't annoy the neighbors. It took me a long time to arrive at this Zen-like state, but I got here. Guitars, pedals, amps, pickups, are simply tools for making music. We must ask ourselves if we truly have everything we need to make music. I suspect in most cases, if we're honest with ourselves, the answer is yes.

[@patrickmonvignier4160]

Thank you Jeff for the tracks and the video! Not boring at all! I noticed talking gear on guitar student forums brings more discussions than talking practicing, technique etc. Thanks again! Happy Holidays!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks my friend!! Happy holidays!!