NOTE: This question is from a guitar student but the answer applies to every IFR student. It’s a very important point to understand, so please read our exchange!
Student’s question:
I’m watching your video lessons on chord melody guitar and I can’t do some of the things that you demonstrate. My hand just isn’t strong enough to bar some of the strings the way you do. Is this going to cause me problems down the road?
How we think about this in IFR:
Wow, thank you for this important question. This is such an important topic that I’m very sorry there’s any confusion about this. I should have been much more clear about this in the lessons, so let’s clear up several things right now:
1) Nobody should EVER feel bad about their physical limitations. It literally makes no difference. No matter what your level of physical and intellectual ability, there is a UNIVERSE of music that you can express. Everyone can enjoy the full benefits of a creative music practice in their lives, regardless of their ability level.
2) Nobody should EVER worry about trying copy what I play. We’re not trying to teach you how to play like me. We’re trying to teach you how to play like YOU! The playing demos that I include in some of my lessons are just to inspire your creativity and give you ideas. But all you need to do is empty your mind, connect with your instrument, and enjoy discovering the music that YOU can express.
3) Absolutely you can play the guitar without playing bar chords! You can play the guitar without ever playing chords at all! Music is a creative art form. There are no rules. So whenever you find that one of our chord melody forms is uncomfortable or unavailable to you, just cross it off your list and don’t think about it again. It’s foolish to lose our time stubbornly trying to conquer techniques that are especially hard for us, when we already have unlimited creative expression available to us with just the techniques that are comfortable and feel right. Seek out the things that feel right!
Thank you for taking the time to raise this important question. I hope that everyone reading this exchange will feel empowered to take the IFR teachings in their own unique directions. Practice what YOU find beautiful. Play what YOU find comfortable and pleasurable. Don’t be afraid to focus on some things while leaving others aside. And never fall into the trap of believing that you’re not enough. You don’t need more strength, more intelligence or more technique. Just be yourself and make music in whatever way is authentic and easy for YOU.
