All that said, I don't even know about the idea of "natural talent". Is there some kind of genetic reason for some being better at it than others, or is it more to do with the environment?
I have found talent is more about developing your timing and skill sets, then learning to let go OR not think>> Like riffing and singing the same lick THEN >> sing a riff you have never heard and play it at the same time as a exercise.
I've been Lucky (opportunity surrounding skill) to work and jam with talented people in NYC. Here are few things they said to me that stuck.
Will Lee - Don't try to make your friends more talented, make more talented people your friends. Try to jam with people who have better skill sets or different skill sets than you. The talent in you will make you want to rise to the occasion.
Ray Gomez - "If you think you will stink, if you play you'll be OK, if you burn you will earn." Thinking makes you late for the creative moment. Think before or after you play. when you play push yourself.. burn. Ray taught me to growl instead of saying any words when I hit clam. Keeps you from thinking and falling off the bike so to speak. Keep the momentum going.
Am I talented? They say I do things easily that they struggle with. I say the same about them.
That being said. Your natural and learned talents WILL wither unless polished and maintained(practice and jamming)
One last thing, as humans we have good days/bad days.
You must be able to close the mental door on the things that keep you from being in the moment I.E. like owing back rent, your ex leaving a strange message or that hang nail. If not, you will not be able to access your "talent"... Avoid thinking when you play!