I think I need some kind words.........

[Further]

This does somewhat pertain to songwriting but mostly it's about needing your advice on something new I've started.


About two months ago, I met a guy at work who found out about me being a musician and approached me about jamming. It should be stated that this guy previously played in a successful touring band and had "retired" for a few years. After we jammed a couple of times and I played him several of my songs/demos, he claimed I had relit a fire in him to start playing again and he wanted to get an Acoustic Duo thing going that will eventually turn into a band.


Now, this guy comes from a mostly eighties, hard rock kind of place and I come from a sixties/seventies country rock/folk place. He picked up the guitar to play other peoples songs, I picked it up to write my own.We've been doing a few covers, some of my originals and have started writing a couple of tunes together.


Here's my problem ( finally! ). He's way ahead of me in terms of playing and I'm way ahead of him in terms of writing but I'm worried that once the ball really gets rolling on this thing, he's gonna feel that I'm not good enough to be playing with. I think what's got him interested right now is the fact that I have a totally different style and the fact that I can write and sing but once he really gets practiced, I don't think I'll be able to keep up with him. See, I like to keep things simple and I think he aspires to more complicated music.......


Am I just suffering from a MAJOR lack of confidence here or do you think I shopuld just do what I do and not worry about it. I think I know the answer but I'm in desperate need of some reassurance........


Thanks for reading this far. I appreciate your advice or comments......

[theron]

If you're having a fun and productive time with the dude now, I'd continue and not worry about the future. If you worry about tommorrow you'll waste today.

It could work out in the end and it might go belly up. It might be possible for you to stay simple and play the core of the song as he gets as complicated as he pleases on top of that core.

I'd just focus on your strong points (writing and singing) and let him focus on his. Plus, it helps if you both discuss what you want and expect out of the duo.

Hope that helps

Peace,

Theron.

[matty_boy]

My advice. Just do what you are comfortable with. Keep it fun for you, and remember why you started this in the first place. As soon as it isn't worth it for you, or this project starts to stray too far from your ideal, stop. You may get a lot of enjoyment from this project, and playing with someone with better chops than you is a good way to get better (if you feel you need to). Hope it works out

Matty

[jitteringjim]

Ditto what the other guys have said.
Do what you do best, write songs & practice, practice, practice.
Ride the project out as far as you can.
I've found that there really are no "better" or "worse" players - only different types.
Personally, what I do - I do well. I've jammed with guys who technically ran circles around me that couldn't add shit to my music, and I've jammed with guys who could barely keep up - but added a new dimension to what I was working on at the time.
Life is too short for inferiority complexes. Just do what you do.

I wish I had learned that back in my teens instead of through an expensive therapist later.



Rock on.

[Even]

No question....play and love it. It is a growing process too yes? expand, explore, who kows you may well end up with a whole new style out of it. Everytime you try a new type of music it becomes a small part of you.

Footnote: If a shred of your doubt is about success or failier or politics, then I vote you copywrite your share of the tunes. Call me paranoid but I've seen the ol "thanks for the great tunes" deal befor.

[Further]

Thanks alot, guys. I know I need to just quit worrying about what MIGHT happen and just go with what IS happening but sometimes you just need someone elses opinion or advice to drive it home.


I guess the thing is that we get along GREAT as friends and that carries over into the music and I just want this thing to pan out........

SO, I'm gonna relax, do what I do to the best of my ability, continue to write and sing and have a good time. You guys are right - In the end, it's really what makes you happy that counts - I'm just gonna follow the way I feel and go wherever that takes me. If he ends up along for the ride, great - if not, I'll have no regrets.........


I appreciate everyones help. Thanks again............