DAN HOOD

Lessons Learned

Dec 30, 2009 Blogroll, Charlotte Music, Guitar, Guitar Gear, Music Industry, Threshold Church, Worship, Worship Leader
Posted by admin

Dec. 30, 2009

OK, well it has been an interesting year for me musically and professionally. I continued to learn (hopefully) and maybe even passed on a bit of knowledge as well.

Lessons learned for 2009:
1. It is really about the music. Do you just play a song, or do you live the song? That can be a difficult thing when you are playing covers, but always try and find time to write. I saw a student write her first tune at age 12. It was a heartfelt song about her friend moving away. It brought people to tears, and it is a really good song.

2. Tone is very subjective. It isn’t all about the gear the hands and your practice time have more to do with your sound then the latest OD pedal. A couple of different guys I have worked with this year have made HUGE improvements in their abilities due to re-examining their practice routines and practicing with intent.

3. I realized that the amp is one of the most important parts of the tone/expression equation. I found mine this year. I have a few for different sounds, but I found my voice this year.

4. Fast learn rule number 1. (I have always wanted to say that)

So, to the 5 people or so who read this thing (Thanks Mom) Happy New Year, and I hope that you can make some music this year that moves YOU. Music is really about communicating something that is difficult to put into words. I was fortunate enough to get to that headspace a couple of times this year, which is difficult (for me) when playing music is your job. And make sure to share it with your friends!

Dan