As some of the more crafty of you out there have perhaps realized by now, i don't necessarily believe the best lessons are ones in which the teacher shows you a couple of licks or exercises. i like to think that through the use of stories, one can learn perhaps even more, if one is open enough, to get a deeper understanding.

i must preface this by stating, for the record, that this "exercise" for lack of a better term, is on the esoteric side of things and will most likely not arm you with licks of devastation to impress your peers. You may want to get a box of tissues and rent a Barney video for afterward.

Not to get all warm and fuzzy on you all but, there is MUCH more to what you do as a musician than your technique. There is a place in music that transcends all such small things, deep within. If you think i'm wrong, than i am truly sorry for you that you don't want to experience it. If you're with me on this and you're ready for the next level, try this as an experiment:

Go into your room when no one is around, and you know you'll be alone for a while. i used to wait for Friday nights when my parents went out to eat and the house was empty for a few hours (a sad foot note here that other normal kids my age were out drinking their brain cells away and partying on Friday nights; what the hell was the matter with me?). Set the mood, however you need to. This sounds silly but it's important. i suggest turning the lights out and lighting candles. Forget all the technique and theory and cerebral stuff you've learned. Sit there in the near dark for a few minutes and put yourself in a situation, much like an actor who "becomes" the part to experience it on a deeper level. The situation is this: you are about to die. Oh, yeah that's right, baby... DEATH!; buying the farm, kicking the bucket, pulling the plug, cashing your chips in, driving the car to Akron (sorry to the Ohio people-just kidding).

Really put your mind in the part. Think about how you would feel if you had 10 minutes to live. Think about the people you'd leave behind and all the places you've been that you loved. Think about your experiences here on earth, from greatest to smallest. Think about all the silly incidental things you like and maybe take for granted like the smell of fresh cut grass on a Saturday morning in the summer (sorry, i happen to really dig this; i already know i'm weird so don't email about it). Spend time really "being there"; imagine the smells and sounds and feels that are part of the situations you create. Lastly, think about how much music means to you and what it would feel like to have to die and give it up (apparently there is much speculation about this "death" thing and popular consensus dictates we won't have hands or fingers to play an instrument when we are, ah, dead.). That to me would be one of the saddest things; to not be able to play music.

Still with me? Anyone need to take a tissue break? Good. The more you put yourself into the part, the more effective it'll be.

Ok, great... um, now that we're all in a feel-good mood... The next step is to grab your guitar and play. Remember, this is the last 10 minutes you will EVER have with your guitar... PERIOD. After that, you're off into the great unknown, sans guitar. This is your last performance.

If you're doing this right, you will definitely achieve a deeper level and understanding of music. And you may be changed as a person in the process. That's how powerful it can be. It's worked for me. i've gotten "goosebumps" and even come very close to tears. Very emotional stuff. i've always come away feeling different and like i've peeled another layer off of this music thing. Remember, it doesn't really work as well if you don't completely let go and just get in the moment.

Try it, i think it'll really change your outlook.