Expand your Palette

When we begin to learn any instrument, we have a genre, style or maybe even a specific artist that we emulate.  Once we learn the basics, we imitate and experiment and acquaint ourselves with our instrument - if we make it through the steepest part of the learning curve.  Most see that playing effortly takes work and talk themselves out of continuing.  The hand eye coordination, the muscle memory, the ability to read charts, the tedious scale work requires commitment and perseverance.

So if you have made it through the learning curve I want to suggest that you consider broadening your instrument's palette and your personal range.  If you are a metal thrasher, look at classical.  If you are a jazzer, look into Flamenco or Celtic.  If you are into hip-hop, look at blues or R&B.  The idea is that your instrument likely has many different "voices" - other genres where you can learn variations on phrasing, melody, rhythm and tone.  How awesome was it when Paul Simon when African on "Graceland", or when Eric Clapton went acoustic on "Unplugged", Ray Charles went country, or Sting went jazz?

Every genre has something to teach us, and gives us a new language to incorporate into ourselves.

What instrument you play doesn't matter!

I have an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar and a classical guitar.  Each instrument requires a different technique to play.  Because you can play an acoustic guitar does not mean the same technique will work on an electric.  None of these instruments are limited to what they can be used for musically- the only limitation is the musician.  I like the tone of the classical for jazz, flamenco and classical.  Each style requires different technique.  My acoustic guitar is my go-to for worship, folk, pop, Celtic and blues.  My electric is my power blues, rock, funk, jazz and progressive choice.  Different colors, different styles, still my personality spoken with a different voice.

Do not neglect to broaden your palette!

Next I will talk about the benefit of playing multiple instruments...