Why Your Guitar Playing Stinks (I See This Every Day)

Today's topic is meant to help you become a better player. It's why you're not getting better. It's about mindset. It comes from me working as a music teacher and having 400 students a year, and why some of these young people don't improve at all, or not as much as they should. The title draws inspiration from Ben Eller's guitar lesson videos.
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[@MrPolevaulter]

Check out my Patreon. You get all my music, lessons, and a bunch of exclusives, and you can even take it for free: www.patreon.com/elmojk

[@olafburgermann806]

Great life lesson not just guitar lesson.

[@jrtolber]

Bingo. Here for this.

[@bsbrooks455]

Great life lesson in general. You gotta be in it to win it. Even the best virtuosos practiced their butts off. I played lead guitar in 2 classic rock/blues bands. In 2014 I had a stroke which left the entire left side of my body paralyzed. Thought my world had ended. Went into rehab for 6 months and never gave up. Came home and never stopped practicing and NEVER said NO I CAN'T. Now I play the best I ever played in my life (I was 63 when I had the stroke). It's all about attitude.

[@mjkvl9193]

Hope you're doing well know brother, keep it up.

[@aritradutta1581]

What's funny is that since I picked up the instrument during the pandemic, I thought to myself "I'm never going to come out of this lockdown a guitar god, but I might as well try to learn hard songs so I can fail miserably and get a better appreciation for the artists in the process". And, well, I ended up learning neon by the end of the one year mark( which was a feat I never thought I'd be able to achieve). It's crazy how sometimes we underestimate ourselves so much that we don't even give things a proper try before giving up.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Really cool :) Good going!

[@AuntAlnico4]

That is what I always tell my 5 year old daughter ! It seems most adults haven't matured past the pre teen stage of adolescence and I think the public school system has a great deal of responsibility for this because they have really really lowered the standards in order to promote this behavior, either that or it's just organic out come of the participating trophy generation !?

[@tommartin7728]

This is a reminder for me to spend more time practicing with the metronome. I never even practiced playing fast, then I spend almost a year doing nothing but finger exercises with the metronome and I've gotten... slightly... faster. But still, faster than I was before!

[@taffrat3826]

"I will 'cos I can, and I can 'cos I will"... I'm 55 and have been fannying around for 20yrs. Just got myself a new 2nd hand Les Paul copy and am trying to give it the berries! Managed to reach above the 12th fret for the first time the other day... poor neighbours, but sod 'em. Learning something new every day. Cheers mate.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool bananas :)

[@calbrockocat8728]

I'm 61 and started a year ago. I find the more I play, the more fun I have and the more fun I have the more I learn. I am not good, but I am enjoying the hell out of it!

[@JohnWiku]

Elmo and Euge are such great people and inspiration to me. Great advice being given here, listen up people!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@jasonking2976]

This is so true. A lot of people give up because they think "I will never be as good as my favourite guitar player, so why bother; it's too hard". But really, the aim should be to be the best player that you can, and be true to yourself by trying as hard as you are able to. I started learning at 55, and I do struggle, but I still keep going because I love playing.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Spot on.

[@Dan_Ranger]

Absolutely fantastic my good man 👍 My dad used to say to that there is no such word as can’t. Where there is a will there is a way, nothing, absolutely nothing, is insurmountable. Having grown up in third world countries watching people struggle against tremendous odds and be successful it has inspired me and stops me bitching when having a bad day. A few years ago I contracted Dupuytren's Disease in both hands. Some things I now cannot play like I used to. But fuck that, I’ll find another way and work on another way. My dad’s words still ringing in my head. “There is no such word as can’t!” It’s all in your mind. Love your vids mate 🤘💪❤️

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks man! Sorry to hear about your hands, but loving your attitude :)

[@mikedwiles]

This is really good. Thanks for posting this. Started guitar at 21. Gigged for 40 years. Still learning and practicing daily. The great thing is, there is always more to learn no matter your skill level. It's a lifelong journey if you choose.

[@oldmanofcotati]

OK, Elmo. You finally reached me. Thank you for doing so.

[@j-venom616]

A great point in the video - and it is all true: by little effort you can surprise yourself in positive way.

[@1959fenderstrat]

Yep agree - I say to my kids when they say I can’t do it - I say you can’t do it YET !

[@mrscary3105]

learning to relax when playing and not stress and stiffen-up was my break-thru.

[@bbbro34]

Takes work, practice is the only way. Never easy, but one does have breakthroughs. I started on drums and my brother had a guitar which he got completely frustrated and put it down never to play again, he gave up because it's hard. I picked it up and haven't put it down since. Has to be a want, a drive to it all or it's just game over. There's just no app that substitutes for practice...people spend their whole lives practicing, tone chasing...kind of the beauty of it actually. Frustrations, elation, joy, sorrow...it's life. Really cool to hear you're a teacher, I'm sure a good one too. Cheers.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks :)

[@cylonhibrid]

Yes as a teacher of the Martial Arts, the same thing, Good Advice. This applies to almost every activity. BUT ONE MUST KNOW ONES LIMITS, But we can all get better.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Great video. Absolutely true. Without taking chances we NEVER KNOW what we can ACHEIVE. I find it interesting people try to tell me I was born talented to be able to play guitar the way I do. I tell them all the time I put in a lot of work to play like I do. I still can do much better even at the age of 60, there is much to accomplish. The only thing that gets in my way now is health issues, but I will work around that! So yeah, very very true. Just too cool. People need to hear these things. !!! Hope you and yours are well my friend!!!! Thanks brother.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks man! Hope you're well too :)

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

@@MrPolevaulter I'm hanging tough my northern friend!

[@Peasmouldia]

I've taught a few. The most difficult thing I found was many don't think they need to learn music theory. They'll tell you about great guitar players who played by ear. That's fine, but theory will open up a whole world of potential and understanding of what you play and what you hear. Ta.

[@Skinny_Karlos]

I've played in bands in my time but my main thing is as a classical guitarist. I practised my ass off when I was young, went to Sydney Conservatorium in Australia and play pretty much every day from twelve years old. I play guitar and violin (which I picked up later). You can't get anywhere without doing the 'hard yards' the work, the tough stuff. Just do it - every day a little 15 minutes to a half hour and you'll get there. Just don't whimp out and think that you'll never get there 'cause if you've got that attitude, guess what? You won't get there. Tough it out and try !! Oh and btw, 'tries' aren't just a rugby score !!

[@weonboard9430]

Ty alot! I fall in that mindset trap quite often...

[@85Cloud85]

You are so damn right. Thank you for this one. Subscribed!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@Mr.5hady]

Thank you master Elmo! 😎🤘

[@looneyinkproductions-eduard]

30 Years ago I asked my (then girfriend) wife, when we were still studying in the academy of art, what she wanted to say with her painting... Her simple answer was: "I love to paint." She's a marvelous painter and she taught me a very wise lesson which I think, also counts for a lot of things: love what you're doing, don't care too much about if it's "good" or "the other person is better". If you love what you're doing, studying that thing becomes fun.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Spot on.

[@richszmal1653]

Two simple words "think positive". Great video.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep :)

[@dalejacksonmo]

Growing up in school guitar wasn't offered I ended up playing saxophone and quit after graduating and I has bought a Kramer and couldn't afford lessons just played around with it and sold it. Always wanting to learn it..at 50 I bought a cheap Dean Vendetta and practice amp..started watching KZbin videos..learned some licks..became fun..bought lots of stuff since and better equipment but can't find lessons anywhere on my days off...but I keep trying with severe Arthritis now and 30 years working on diesel trucks...I'm a bit worn down but keep trying a little everyday I'm 54 now...working on my bucket list...lol 😂

[@seancostello7608]

Your best video yet, mate. Love that message.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nikosmagnisalis6080]

GREAT point of view! Why nobody says I suck at football/basketball/swimming? We enjoy playing these games (or swimming) and have fun without feeling that we should be at the same level with Messi/Ronaldo etc. When playing guitar we need to sound like Slash/Steve Vai/Elmo etc... I think we should focus on the joy of playing the guitar not on judging how we play.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Joy is the key :)

[@hafstrat]

Fabulous teaching. I am taking this on board. ❤

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@Lola_Santoro]

This is so true!! When I started playing, I thought there's no way I could play certain songs/types of music. Then, as I got better and realized it's easy if you work at it, I got super good and not just blew other people's minds, but blew my own mind at how good I got. Now (many years later), I don't play as much and don't have the skills anymore. I want them back and know I can get it back if I focus. Just FOCUS!!

[@Theflamers08]

You reached me, granted I'm not the type to say I can't, but in the past I have stayed away of learning advanced music theory and becoming a better composer. The only way to get somewhere is by doing. I really like this style of videos, it reminds us that we have to take action to move forward as musicians.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad you liked it :)

[@dalejacksonmo]

I think your advice is solid

[@GabrielNacu]

Definitely agreed with all this as a fellow guitar teacher . The students that I see that are the most successful ones are those people who put the most work in ; not necesarily the most immediately talented ones. The hard -working ones build a certain level of self-discipline where " I Can't" turns into "I Can't Yet, but I Can With Practice". Doesnt' matter if the challenge is a basic G chord or all the 3 - note per string modal positions, a little effort goes a long way!

[@MrPolevaulter]

It does indeed.

[@hkguitar1984]

Spot on Elmo. Like anything in life, you have to work at it...........A LOT I started playing guitar back in 1974 and have been practicing and learning almost every day since then. In fact, when asked I refer to myself as a "Practicing Guitarist", cause its true (and kind of funny). What keeps it fascinating and interesting for me is that I'll never be able to learn it all. It is kind of an opened ended hobby, there are no limits except the limits you set. In most things people are their own worst enemies. Thank You Elmo Gotta go, time for me to practice.

[@oldguyjammin9732]

That’s a good word. I used to have my students read chapter two of The Music Lesson by V. Wooten to make the point to “just play and accept the results” mistakes and all. I’m fairly impressed with the results of practice, lol.

[@fodaseodinheiro]

Great video. Thanks!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad you liked it!

[@mrredritehand]

My favorite video of yours Thank you Elmo. I shattered my left hand about 20yrs ago. Overcame it by playing guitar daily.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@davel_ggw]

Absolutely! You need to have confidence, which in turn helps you to stay relaxed as well. Trying to learn something new or difficult while all nervous and tensed up is not going to go well generally. There is a balance of being confident and relaxed yet being focused and precise as well. And sometimes it can be difficult to stay in that zone, but being conscious of it helps.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Absolutely!

[@colinohare]

Firstly you made me laugh when you said your guitar Stinks lol. Totally agree, its all about having the desire to do it and its not easy motivation is a big part. Since I've adopted the attitude that the only way I will fail is if I give up I've improved vastly. I'll never be as good as you or many not in this lifetime . However I can and I will be a lot better and this journey is infinitive . I have days where I find it hard to be motivated but I guess so does everybody. Since I have deadlines to learn stuff for live work, I have to put the time in and the result will be I'll improve faster because I have no intention of my guitar playing Stinking in public. lol. Pretty obvious really and you can't argue . We hear people say my fingers are too small, or my hands are too big basically making excuses before they start, then you see players like you and you don't know whether to be inspired or just give up . I'm choosing inspired even in the real knowledge I couldn't get to where you are now, but I'm going to try harder for sure and I know that's what people like you want me to do, so Thank you.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you. Well spoken 😊

[@billyj5080]

Hey man… absolutely correct.. I’m 61 and my skills have gone way up now that I practice an hour a day.. gotta keep the arthritis at bey.. great vids .. thanks bunch… have a great day..

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! Take care, and have fun practicing.

[@chrisinkansas1362]

This video was a lesson for sure!! Not just a guitar lesson, but a life lesson. I like how you were fired up but not loose your cool fired up. It's pretty simple, go into learning this instrument with an open mind. You will only get out of it what you are willing to put in!! That's with guitar and life. Great video Elmo, no BS and straight to the point! 🤘🤘

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks Chris!

[@ThisOldGuy3]

I stopped worrying about hitting the wrong notes and being sloppy and just started going for it when I practice and I found out over time I got faster and cleaner on particular licks and patterns.🤘😎🎸🎶

[@MrPolevaulter]

That's another example of the mental side of things. I believe that to be true.

[@niklasmerikallio43]

Yeah, you are right! And to "how to practice" I have been fortunate to have good coaches on swimming and running, I learned to swim in adulthood. And the most valuable lesson I have had from those is that you need to repeat something 10 000 times, and then you know how to do it. And the tricky part is, that you have to do these repeats in small amounts, maximum 30 repeats per training session. And these repeats must be spot on. You know what I mean, don't do it with "half-lights-on" but with rested mind and body. And that is why it takes so long to become good at something, or better as you well put it.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep. Regardless of what you do, do it properly.

[@robertblumenfeld824]

Growth mindset. It’s important!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep.

[@robertblumenfeld824]

@@MrPolevaulter thanks for your reply. Love your channel!

[@deeforty]

I don't think it's age that holds us back, if anything I'm more disciplined as I age, biggest challenge for me personally is keeping my fingers very close to the fretboard, I feel that's where speed comes from. Been enjoying you videos lately.

[@machine-madedog5059]

1:31 Truer words were never spoken.. being *mentally unprepared* to play guitar (or any other instrument) is worse than not knowing or being "bad at" a particular technique.

[@christophersheeler7173]

Very true video, Elmo. I once failed a piano class because I wanted to play the songs I heard on the radio instead of basic songs that I was suppose to learn. When it came to play for the instructor, I couldn't play the lesson, but I could play a song that I heard on the radio. However, the instructor didn't buy it :)

[@glennhughes2664]

Nice to see a real video on why people wont learn guitar, I never thought I can't play something" Now after 30 years of playing for a living, I can play what Im given in the studio , I can play as fast as I want to ,speed picking, string skipping , sweep picking, legato, you should be able to play fast its just part of guitar , playing fast is a requirement not the be all & end all of guitar, just part of it. Im a blues based technical guitarist, but I only play fast when needed, I hate people shredding and doing nothing else no phrasing no chilling bends just a blur of notes . As I said I play as fast as I want to but don't do it often its a maturing thing, I tend to pick my notes carefully and do fast runs sparingly, Andy Timmons is a great example., I used to practice 8 hours a day not because I had to because I couldn't walk pass my guitar without picking it up, thats something to consider guitar might not be the instrument for these kids. Great vid Elmo Great to hear you talk about Django Rhineheart ( I Spelt his last name wrong ) & Danny Gatton ( do you really think you could play one of his crazy difficult songs , If You can your better than I thought & I do think your good :) Take care .P.S. Ben Eller Sucks at guitar & Ive told him numerous times, in my opinion his playing sucks balls .

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks Glenn!

[@anthonyprice5596]

Your absolutely right, if you quit before you start your going nowhere, I wasn't a fast player, but I practiced the same solo every day over and over, until I wasn't thinking, just for 20 mins, then moved on to other practice after that same thing, I eventually got quite quick, muscle memory, it flowed easily, but determination won the day. Lets face it, if we didn't try as kids we would all still be crawling and pooping our pants. It's just another thing to practice,like standing up and walking.

[@ЕгорМурзаев-ш9о]

Couldn't agree more on the talent topic. And i know some people that are good at something and they get really pissed off when someone says that they are just talented because it devalues all the hard work that they have done

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, talent is probably about 5% of the whole thing.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Some people I believe are born with extra abilities , I've seen 4-5 year old children playing Master Class violin . Some have mathematical abilities at a young age - how is this . ? I still can't play Malmsteen's music , even though I have all the tab books . Thank You . 💥🎼🎼🏁⚡️✨🎸🏆 ( foot note ) In addition no matter what instrument you play you Must incorporate melody and harmony between chords and notes . 90 % of guitarists have no sense of melody or harmony . Thats a major problem . If a student wants to make music - Great !

[@ridha3248]

Thanks .. some days i need to hear something like this

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad I could help :)

[@sleepy4x]

Yes! I do this myself. And that is why you helped me. By the way, I can't do fingerstyle... 🤪

[@matisgeo]

Great motivational video. Not just for guitar playing but for life mindset. Also i liked the examples.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@kristiandickson2508]

I must say I'm guilty to that behavior... and I'm 50 !! from now on I WILL AND I CAN!! thanx for a great channel !

[@MrPolevaulter]

And thank you 😊

[@GiacomoVaccari]

Recently I tried to learn some phrase from Paul Gilbert and could only do 30% speed. The next day at a jam session i readapted the idea and even tho it wasn’t his lick, it was a very cool version of it… at 30% the speed 😁 Even if you don’t reach you goal quickly trying makes you better day by day!

[@graycolors2879]

Playing better has nothing to do with scales, modes, theory and all the stuff that compliactes the music. The best booster to get better at anything is to appreciate what you can play on gear that you have. If one thinks "oh, this sounds bad, will not impress anybody" or "I need better gear" this is road to nowhere. This is rooted deeply in pshychological part of person and affects everyting. Once you get over your self imposed limitations and you start appreciating small steps and you get enjoyment from simple things, your abilities to focus and learn will get skyrocketed.

[@soldierbreakneck771]

I watched your tutorials and ex. of economy picking and some other people and most important I think - I've been watching and listening attentively how you play. And after few monthes - voila, it started to turn out. In one video you mentioned, that you have to play enough, but try not too much and too hard, have a break. For me this recommendation works perfectly. If I realise that some lick is to hard I finish to try to play it for a while, play something else, and than go back, and repeat this on and on. A bit later it started to turn out. So I can recommend - if you want to play something, don't hung up on it, don't hung up on speed. Play it slow, then have a break, play something else. Back to hard pieces ocasionally at comfortable speed. But, this is important - don't make a big breaks of playing guitar at all. After some time you will play needed licks as you want.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad I've been of help :)

[@robertrockwell6996]

Great message!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@guitaratfourty]

I started playing at 41. I had 20 year pause. I played 14 to 19 ruffly. Last 6 months i have practised with metronome. Reached 160 bpm three notes per beat clean. Its all about the practice. First i played 120 three notes per beat.

[@benloveday6113]

Completely agree Elmo. I’m completely self taught and still hardly know much theory or chords. I’ve dabbled with guitars on and off for years but never stuck with it. About six months ago I told myself I’d learn to play a handful of SRV songs from tab. and I’m so happy with my progress. I’m nowhere near playing like him but to me at least the sound I make is enjoyable. And at 42 years old, there’s no time like the present to learn :-)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep. Now is always better than later.

[@SlowerIsFaster139]

Dude yes, everyone thats starting out could use this video.Half of the great thing about getting out of your comfort zone is when 2 months down the line you look at a tutorial or tab and you think to yourself "i can see what he's doing!" Or "that doesn't look to terrible to learn!". Guitar can be so rewarding if your willing to push yourslelf

[@mikaashton2152]

You have great insight and foresight my friend... Love your outlook . You are now my official Guru!!!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! :)

[@TheHaawiz]

Yes, I was in that state of mind. Thinking "I wish I could play guitar, but I can't becouse I'm not cabable of doing that". 😬 It took 30 years to start, but now I'm practicing scales and bends. 😎 And I can!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Better late than never :)

[@861markus]

Great Video, way more honest than many "Tutorial" or "teaching" Videos on this Platform, promising shortcuts of different kinds. From my Point of View the shortest shortcut is to stop searching for a shortcut and Start workin on the necessary Details for doing your thing. No Matter If its playing an Instrument, doing Sports or whatever you want to do.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Spot on.

[@ricmusician]

Great philosophy, not just for guitar playing but for life in general.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@thebaldshredder]

So this is why? I finally know! 😁

[@MrPolevaulter]

😀

[@KrisperKenvue]

I recently bought an old Harley Benton SC500 Vintage dirt cheap, mainly as a decoration. I can't play guitar (yet) - but that doesn't stop me from trying. Ask my neighbors... :D I'm a bass player, so I still get confused with that many strings sometimes, but I'll get there ;) Out of own expericene I can attest that he mindset of "Oh, I can't do that - so why bothering trying it?" is the worst that can happen. It's better to think "I can't do it YET, but with practice I'll get there!". Another important thing in my mind: you NEED an instrument, that you like and want to pick up and play around with. That's what got me hooked on guitar: bought the SC500 as a decoration piece because I liked the look of it, then started to fiddle around with it and now I'm eager to really learn to play it.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, having an instrument you want to play is really important. It also helps to have it out in the open, where it's easy to pick up, as opposed keeping it in a case or bag.

[@mopetenstaub]

As usually, totally on point, Elmo! This is no "omg I was bullied in school and only had my guitar"-kind of story. However: In school I didn't have a lot of friends except my bandmates. That's why I spent a lot of time with my guitar and that period of a few years was the time I made the most progress. Later I got lazy and 12 years later I regret this laziness. I consider myself a lower average Player. I'm not very fast but I think my technique is pretty good and it's a shame because now I am a working dad and it is much more complicated to find time for practicing properly. Although, now I might be back on track and I really feel the magic again... 🤣

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, finding time as a parent can be a bother.

[@jimherleva4541]

The same can be offered the same way. Improvement is perceived as “playing fast”. When that is the attitude of the teacher - but the pupil isnt interested in “playing fast” - the teacher has failed, not the pupil. I have been playing for 25 years, not once have I looked at “shredders” and gone “I can’t do that, so I won’t”, I’ve said to myself “that doesn’t interest me, so I’ll spend my time doing something that does”. It is up to the teacher to understand what the pupil wants from their teaching, not to say “improvement=fast”. What about slide guitar? What about chicken-pickin? What about understanding HOW to use the notes, not just tearing all over the fretboard? Speed is but ONE element. Legato is but ONE element, but to suggest that they are the benchmarks of “improvement”? I think that is an attitude issue of the teacher.

[@roybenson955]

My dad always used to say, I can't really means I haven't figured out how. I have accomplished a lot with this philosophy. Push the mind, and the body will follow.

[@hesekie1]

So true!

[@Spankhill]

I think this has been the best lesson on KZbin ever. Asenneongelma on aina suurin ongelma.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers! Juurikin näin.

[@LeifPalmin]

Inspiring! Thank you!

[@MrPolevaulter]

And thank you :)

[@matthewgibson9485]

Thank you

[@MrPolevaulter]

And thank you 😊

[@nomadman123]

I always thought that I wasn’t given the gift of “natural talent.” And yes I pick up the guitar every day, but sometimes only for 20-30 minutes. And then you hear Steve Vai talk about when he was 13 and he’d practice from the time he got home from school at 3 until he went to bed at midnight. He said something like you have to decide whether you want to practice for 8 hours a day or 10 hours a day. Or for 20-30 minutes a day. It’ll be the decider of how good you get.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Spot on.

[@hannahithink6055]

i love your videos, sending love from saudi arabia!🇸🇦 this makes me want to practice harder😌🤍

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! Keep going :)

[@fredc5812]

Improvement. I decided to learn to read music. Phew, terrifying! But I found a great book, the Berklee Modern Method for Guitar. Not for the faint hearted but if you stick at it in small steps, you will kill it. And your technique improves heaps.

[@michaelw6277]

Decades ago when I was a freshman in high school I went to run track. The coach was looking for hurdlers and for whatever reason I volunteered even though I was hilariously short and more or less had to “high jump” over every hurdle in a race. For two whole seasons (two whole years) I was… really slow. I even got out of step and crossed up so bad that I had to come to a complete stop and go under a hurdle. Anyway, a year later (third season, junior year), beginning of the season, at the same meet, another competitor backed out and I was bumped up from the slow heat to the fast one… and I was given one of the two middle spots on the track (reserved for the fastest runners). On top of that this heat was filled with sprinters from a higher competitive bracket and I took second place at the competition out of two dozen sprinters. I was a short, scrawny kid with respiratory issues and no natural talent or inherent physical advantages over anyone. Some of the people I competed with, had they put in a fraction of the effort I did could have been competitive at the university level or higher. By the end of my fourth season, my senior year, I was among the fastest in my state; I was the very fastest runner in my event in the history of one physical track; and I was very nearly the fastest in the history of my high school. Natural ability without effort will only get you so far in virtually any activity, but effort without natural ability will get you a LOT further than you can imagine.

[@icanhandlethataustralia]

Thank you!

[@eamonmcdermott4032]

You are brilliant! Putting a pic of Ronaldo up instead of Zlatan 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JohnWiku]

Cracked me up 🤣🤣🤣 C. Ronaldo is also a great example of what hard work and dedication can accomplish. Portugal caralhooo!!

[@MrPolevaulter]

:D

[@Bowietrope]

Sage Elmo, I must confess my playing stinks because I have a love of garlic and I am always eating and playing guitar at the same time, it's called multi tasking..but I suppose I should really take the time to wipe off the guitar every so often...but seriously very honest video and so true about the mind and self doubt getting in the way. My biggest problem is playing in front of people, even after all these years, please do a video on that! I can sound brilliant alone, but then lose my strength and chops even playing for my brother, thanks much,Bruce

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks Bruce! I'll think about it. I think I did one video on that topic a couple of years back, but I might redo it.

[@thefrogking481]

Thanks Elmo! This whole time I was thinking it was my sausage sized fingers and my inability to develop hand corridination.

[@MrPolevaulter]

:D

[@solidus317]

100% facts

[@rhodeislandfirearmsownersl9916]

I teach physics here in the states. "I can't so I won't," seems to have proliferated to all subjects that involve any sort of practice. (Math, science music.)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, we seem to get more of it every year.

[@a.grujic8905]

Yes, will and practice is what it takes - just like your excellent pronunciation of Ronaldo's name 😉 I'm impressed! God lesson btw. Cheers!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@ArticLight14]

So true…..

[@tiagocandeias1979]

Do those who say they "can't/won't" even want it in the first place? As in really want.... Think there's a great discussion here which should continue in the nearest pub :)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Which one shall we go to? :D

[@castleanthrax1833]

What one person can do, any person can do. It's that simple.

[@MikeJones-jr5hb]

I agree! When i was a preteen learning how to play the drums, I think of all the time i put into it but it was a labor of love. Now I'm in my 60's trying to learn to play guitar my desire to play is there but the time I've been putting into it is lacking somewhat. I get really frustrated because some days i play fairly good but other days it's like it's the first time I picked up the guitar. I couldn't play my way through a wet paper bag 🤣 So what's the deal with that? I've heard other people talk about this stumble. Did this happen to you when you were learning?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Absolutely. I still have that were some days everything is plain sailing, and other times it all feels off.

[@willygfromdahood]

Says Zlatan, shows Cristiano. Ha! Totally agree on the message, good video, man.

[@richardjones2811]

Economy picking, directional or Alternate Picking?

[@Alfredo78666]

01:47 Basically, adolescence

[@robertcarey3383]

Believe you can / Believe you can't...........either way you will be right.

[@danbowers20]

People are often capable of great things than they perform. They are sent into the world with bills of credit but seldom draw to the full amount.

[@I_Am_Not_Tyler_Durden]

Don't let'em get to ya, all our lives we are told we can't and must hire a pro rather than learn a skill. Those who want to will do.

[@bln3576]

I haven`t picked up my guitar in 20 years. But it will come back

[@sitgesstudio]

I dedicate this video to myself

[@PaleCaretaker]

Because i only have acoustic guitar and i want to play rock and metal. In addition to that, my guitar is buzzing on high frets (past 12) and even luthier don't know how to fix it.

[@unacuentadeyoutube13]

Randy Rhoads had tiny hands, and he ended up being one of the best guitarist to ever live