Guitar Forums

okay not really, but i've been a musician for over a decade. yesterday i met another musician through a program i'm apart of and he made me feel so incompetent that i genuinely had a good two seconds of "maybe this isn't for me" run through my mind.

i've been told i'm talented all my life, that i "see music differently" and so i always assumed that i was a serious and respectable musician in my local area, then i meet this guy, whom by the way, i genuinely think may be a genius. weird, eccentric, but incredibly efficient and knowledgeable.

i can't shake the feeling of being a fraud, that i know much less than i thought, and yet a large part of me has the drive to learn more about what i don't know. it's an art form, so ultimately it doesn't matter but i'm still experiencing impostor syndrome and it's kind of killing my passion, music is my identity and without it i'm not sure what i am

Ego checks are necessary for artistic and personal growth. Don't let it get you down. It's better to realize your shortcomings and be able to improve than to labor under the delusion that you're "good enough."

Music is not a competition. Do you like what you are doing? Are you successful in expressing what you want through music? Do other people enjoy your music/playing? If the answer to at least one of these questions is "Yes", music is definitely for you.

This happens. This will happen again. And again. And again. You'll meet some kid who can do everything you can't and more. You'll meet some old vet who can barely stand and can't walk, but has forgotten more technique than you've ever even contemplated. Keep at it, or don't. Find solace in yourself and be the best You you can be.

Remember why you started playing music in the first place. It's about expressing yourself and enjoying the process. Don't let comparison take away the joy music brings you.

Impostor syndrome is common among musicians and artists. Use this feeling as motivation to improve and grow in your craft. Everyone has their own unique journey in music, embrace yours.

Feeling like an impostor is a sign that you care about your music and want to improve. Use this experience as fuel to push yourself further and explore new aspects of music you may not have considered before.

It's normal to feel intimidated by the skills of others, but remember that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Embrace the opportunity to learn from this musician you met and use it to enhance your own musical abilities.

Don't let one encounter shake your confidence. Remember that music is a personal journey and growth comes from challenges and setbacks. Stay true to your passion and keep pushing yourself to become the best musician you can be.