the better i play, the worse i play..

[toddzilla]

it's so hard to not let technique dictate how you play. sometimes i regret doing so much metronome work in lieu of being more limited by speed and inability to play rapidly.. I had some hand problems a few years ago and actually like alot of what i played because i didnt' have the chops to play the fast flashy stuff.. .

[Ron Green]

1. I know what you mean.

I've always had enough natural talent that I never really learned how to practice and work at my technique until recent years (I've been playing for about 45 years.) Now that I'm more willing to practice, I'm seeing that there are some technical things I'll never have, just because I'm too old to acquire them. At the same time, my ideas and overall feeling for the music are still growing, and I consider myself a better player than I was 10 years ago. I know how to listen and support the other members of the group much better, and I know how to leave stuff out and let the music speak, instead of always trying to put more stuff in.

So in that respect, yes, technique can get in the way of music, and carried to the extreme you just have wanking rather than art.

[bullimiami]

2. listening is the trick

the most important part of playing in a group is listening and feeling.