I almost QUIT guitar... Here's why I kept on playing

[@beneunson]

Get ALL 11 Masterclasses in THE BGC BUNDLE: www.bensguitarclub.com/p/the-bgc-bundle Tip Jar: paypal.me/bensguitarclub

[@andresludmer]

is Ben the nicest guy out there or what? thumbs up if you agree!

[@beneunson]

Haha thanks so much for watching, Andres!

[@Gregorypeckory]

I totally agree; some people have a way of speaking that really is compelling and disarming; it's a gift to be able to communicate kindness in your tone of voice, and Ben does exactly that. I imagine he's a great teacher for shy people! 😍

[@rillloudmother]

He's definitely one of the good guys.

[@RustyOnGuitar]

I struggle with quitting every 20 minutes, one of the reasons I never finished going to school for music.. that self doubt won the war.. I regret it but I still play and would still love to do something with my life and music. Being older with a full time job can put a damper on your musical goals but I still play.. I step away but always come back.. if it’s something you love you always come back.. 🙏

[@tylerwise6396]

I had a similar experience. Music was toxic for me academically and I dropped it for 10 years. Its never too late to come home!

[@lambertfooks7358]

You are inspiring

[@gitarmats]

One of my things is to always remember how some of the things that seemed impossible in the past are easy today. And I'm also trying to make an effort to fit in more music listening to my daily life, even if it's busy.

[@beneunson]

I agree completely, Mats! Yes, I still try to make sure I fit listening in - it's so important

[@JamesDaSilvamusic]

Don't ever stop playing brother - you inspire so many including myself

[@beneunson]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@christuxford4462]

PTSD from family tragedy over the last two years has sapped my soul. I’m hoping 2023 might see me pick up my guitar and play music again.

[@ShrimpsTonic]

God bless

[@ИгорьШаманов-ц3к]

Ben, your videos are always inspiring, man. As well as your music, obviously. Thank you for sharing this story!

[@Guitar-free]

You've got me listening to Kamakiriad now loving it! Thanks Ben you are great inspiration.“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than the things I haven’t done."

[@beneunson]

Thank you so much for watching, I really appreciate it!

[@carloscardona3924]

You play Great I stoped when cancer took my left kidney. I recently picked up a lil Yamaha Pacifica and line 6 catalyst as therapy to keep my mind alert good story Wonderful achievements. Back to basics time does rust the sense's But struming is therapy.

[@flyonwall360]

About 5 years ago I started playing in a band and found out that I had cancer. I had to have all of my teeth removed to save my jaw. Guitar kept me going. I'm in a different band now but I still have the same full time job with long hours. I miss the times when I could play every day. It's been three years and the cancer hasn't returned. Hope your health is good and your guitar playing is often.

[@sfbloodsister]

Good thing you never quit, would've been a great loss. When are you playing next in NYC? Gotta catch a live show. Cheers

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! New dates will be coming soon on my website 😊

[@djanguidini]

You are one of the best guitar players that I ever seen. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and for the inspiration.

[@joeyshuster8569]

This man somehow exudes wholesome energy. Idk why and how just does💯

[@MrApprobatur]

Best video as of yet! So genuine :) And also, thank you for the tips Ben!

[@beneunson]

Thanks for watching, Markus!

[@raulcaldeira8071]

I think you are right the key is finding that piece of music that turn you on and for everyone is different, for me is be-bop dizzy stit e stan getz version, it gives me so much energy when I'm down

[@beneunson]

Absolutely Raul, it is different for everyone and you've gotta find what's right for you! 😊

[@SILVERCHARGEDS]

36 years of playing. I used to gig in my old original band as a hobbie and I had more times where I'd lose inspiration. Maybe I was bored with the gigs. So since 2015 I strictly just write songs and record in my studio with a singer and drummer. Since I've been doing this, I haven't lost inspiration. We write, rehearse and record songs then go to the next without looking back. Songs just pour out of me now. There's no pressure of getting prepared for a show. I can spend more time with the songs getting them to my liking. It's kept me nonstop inspired. I guess this is where my heart truly lies with music. I'm happiest here

[@rillloudmother]

Articulate and nuanced with all the feels. Word up, Ben!

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@sampizzi4545]

Hi Ben. Watching your videos and hearing your music certainly helps me stay motivated. Although my day gig is teaching elementary music for the school board, I sill enjoy practising the concepts from your volume 2 -3 videos. Thank you Ben for inspiring us 56 year olds.

[@TheMetalslayer100]

Hi Ben! Love your playing and enjoy it always - i think you are easily one of the best sologuitarists in the world right now… both from technical and melodical aspect in the playing! So please keep on showing us more of your videos 😊🔝

[@FrancisFurtak]

Great video! You are an amazing player with a great attitude. Congratulations on your achievements on the guitar. Keep it coming. Thanks

[@justinsabaj6349]

Ben, I dig both your playing and your shirts.

[@jacobvalois1717]

Ben you need a "Calm" sponsorship lol. This video was really meditative, both the story and the playing, really enjoyed it

[@beneunson]

Haha thanks Jacob!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@m.vonhollen6673]

Ben, you have made such a huge investment in music, and it definitely shows. Take a break if needed but never quit.

[@beneunson]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your support! 😀

[@jeantcable7356]

That was great! btw what drive or amp you use while you playing in the kitchen with the strat? (geek alert! 😂)

[@lambertfooks7358]

Yep was feeling what you described the past week and a half. I play in a jazzy trio but was feeling burnt out not because of the band. When we are not gigging it sucks .

[@beneunson]

Thanks for sharing, it can be very difficult indeed!

[@fender4brad]

Solid video, thanks much!

[@beneunson]

Thanks for watching!

[@maxperson590]

Thx Ben for this emotional insight

[@beneunson]

thanks for watching!

[@LIKEFUNK]

I had a lightbulb moment instead but I didn't stop playing, I decided I not to perform live anymore because it was cramping my style and intended direction, I sensed the bands I was a part of lost the plot and were in the ego business instead, I wen't out solo/duo and trio for a long time, the solo aspect was my main thing because I didn't have to perform, I only had to play which was and still is my main thing.

[@bdogjr7779]

Awesome Ben🎸《☆》Wonderful advice Brother👍🔥🔊I've given up on Guitar a few times over the years. I would sell my only guitar and eventually buy another one after a year or so. It's always like coming home when I get my hands on a guitar. I now own 14 guitars and can't think of any one of them that I could possibly ever part with even though I'm not very good😁I guess it's just a love for the instrument and music🖖😎☮

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for sharing! I think it always comes back to a love for guitar and music, right? I know it does for me 😊

[@lefujyou]

Art Tatum ❤is a piano player that always inspires me 🤗!

[@beneunson]

Art Tatum was brilliant!

[@alessandrogajo5776]

Hi, I’m sorry if the question isn’t about the video, but can I ask you where did you bought the synthotron by red witch?

[@apisdude]

Designing patches in amplitude helps me stay motivated

[@beneunson]

Fantastic! Always important to stay inspired and motivated!

[@ashandesilvaguitarist]

I'm going through the same thing right now after 2 decades of being a musician. I've even found a new thing I'm interested in. I'm learning web development almost all the time. I don't have band work. I haven't picked up a guitar to learn or play for the fun of it past 3 months. It's a very strange feeling. i didn't know I could survive without practicing more than a day. really confused right now. should i master web thingy and get a job that's paying more than what i earn with music or should i stick with music? Well, the plan is to freelance with web work once I'm ready for work while working as a musician. If it gets big i will switch to remote work. There's a high chance I'd give up music if I get a lot of work in web development. like music, it's slowly becoming a science and a discipline i absolutely love!

[@tinajackel]

i can totally relate!love from berlin

[@kennytseguitar8574]

well said!!

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much!

[@derek5168]

I almost quit the drums for four years I was on a combination of anti depressants (zyprexa and lexepro)thank God I'm not taking them any more i didn't not just feel like drumming but lost interest in everything that makes life good

[@abrahamvazquez7079]

Thank you! It came at the right time!

[@beneunson]

Thanks for watching, Abraham!

[@famodimuaderemidaniel4685]

Thank you for teaching Ben... Please I always have issues with beats, any help from you please

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for watching! Practicing with a metronome and later playing with a good drummer can help solve this 😊

[@adrianskramusky]

I absolutely love the bach piece! Whats the name or number of that partita?

[@beneunson]

Thanks! Violin Partita No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002: III. Corrente

[@LowKeyTired-q7d]

Beautiful guitarist ... yee hee bro ...

[@beneunson]

Thanks for watching!

[@OtRatsaphong]

Nice topic, Ben! I used to suffer from self doubt, and I need to be aware of it when it sneaks up on me. I found my self confidence when I went back to time in my 20s, when I was full of confidence. Having Fun is very important! If you are not having, give yourself a break and go do something else (fun) for a while. Thanks also for reminding me of Steely Dan. Great musicians. One of my favourites. 👍🦘

[@LowKeyTired-q7d]

Figuring out how to solo over giant steps is one of the greatest practises for me ... still haven't nailed it ...

[@flyonwall360]

Went through a nasty divorce in the late 90's and sold everything except an Applause acoustic. I almost gave up but a friend needed some cash and sold me his Fender Stratocaster for $250. The Fender is now a backup to the Gibson Les Paul. However, my day job is taking up most of my time. When I was younger I had more time to play. I've known many musicians that almost quit but music always found a way back into their lives.

[@ilandiamond]

❤❤

[@budiprio5522]

wah...mantab enak sekali per tiap not nya 👍

[@beneunson]

thanks!!

[@RickDanner]

When I hear wes montgomery i want to quit