I have no problem whatsoever if you tell me my tone sucks, especially if you follow up and explain why you think it does and the go through the process of making it better! That's the whole point, I rarely get a chance to have an outside view (or is it listen?) with qualified critique, so that would be truly appreciated. I have no insecurities about my tone, especially utilitarian tone for live use.
My guitar playing could be another matter, but I still think it could be useful to many people if you go through it in public. I got an idea about this, so please check your PM inbox in a few minutes!
And thanks again for the offer!
I hear ya...but I'm from the school of never telling anyone that something "sucks". That doesn't mean I'm not honest and I sugar coat. I just think that there is a nice way to tell someone without obliterating them, that they may need to work on something. And then, it's as you said...you go through and show them how they may be able to at least try to better it. For others, it's easier to just comment harshly and walk away or show off with what they are capable of.
To me, there's no help that can come about showing someone tough love when they may be trying to grasp a concept. Cool story for you real fast that you'll get a kick out of.
I had a social studies teacher that would yell at me all the time for missing the point. He was an ex drill instructor. One day after class, he told me that he'd like to stick his foot in my ass. I calmly said "you're welcome to try, but I don't think that will make you a better teacher. See sir, that is the problem....it's not that I'm dumb, it's that your teaching delivery suffers from patience and sympathy towards others that may not be as knowledgeable or as intelligent as yourself. Do you think I asked to be in your class? Do you think I really give a crap about what happened in WW1? None of it will help me live in TODAY'S world, sir. I'm stuck with you and you are stuck with me. So here are our options..
You can take a shot at me, but please be warned that I have studied martial arts since 8 years old, so I will not sit here and allow it. Or, you can maybe try and change your approach and try to get through to me and the rest of the class without treating us like soldiers. Do you want to teach or do you want to fight? Why are you here, sir?"
He looked at me and smirked with what almost looked like a smile because he had no idea how to answer me....and just walked away. From that day on, his teaching was more human and less drill instructor/yelling. The last day of school he shook my hand and wanted to hug me....I said "you can hug me sir, I welcome it" and he says "don't push it Danzi" and smiled really big and patted me on the back.
So I learned something too. Insulting people if you want to help them, is never good. Tough love only works for a recurring problem where a person doesn't really want your help...they just feel the need to cry for attention. I tread softly but I tell it like it is. Who needs to be annihilated? It solves nothing and can deter a person away from progress as well as feeling ashamed. I'm not saying that's you, but I bet if we got a show of hands on the forum from those who feel they suck or have crappy tones, we'd be surprised.
For those that feel like that....we've all been there! You gotta be terrible and fall down 100 times before you stand and grow, right? The key is not to be afraid as you don't learn if you don't ask. Annihilation is the worst form of help on the planet. I can't tell you how many battles I've been in on forums because guys like to bash others and say things they would NEVER say to a man in person. You guys have seen it...it sucks!
So I'm just saying....none of that ever comes out of my mouth. No one sucks....we all have different interpretations of ourselves. Some tones are Godly...others need work. You don't improve unless you know what to listen for. If you are too afraid to ask or show your nakedness (like I do when I show you guys my tones and patches...trust me, I feel like a n00b!) you may never climb the ladder.
I can go on and on telling you stories about the stuff I've been through and how people dissed me or didn't help me when I asked or begged. I'll leave you with this....they are the reason I try to help others. One day I was so frustrated after one of my local guitar hero's made me feel horrible in front of a bunch of people, I made a deal with God and said...."if I'm ever in a position to help other people to where they actually listen to me and I know what I'm talking about, I'll do my best to help them."
