Questions & Answers with Neil Hogan - #4.2

Q. I have heard someone advertise himself as a guitar trainer. Would you consider yourself a guitar trainer as well?

A. I think all teachers can be thought of as trainers. Our job is to get the athlete (guitar player) into shape for competition (performance). We need to make sure the competitor has been running laps (practicing consistently), doing wind sprints (using a metronome), and hitting the weights (pumping a little nylon).

One of the main things I have to do as a guitar trainer is make sure my athlete is relaxed when it’s time for his event. This is why we address the issue of stage fright. Many players have a very hard time when it is crunch time. This is also where the psychoanalytical part of guitar instruction comes into play.

Why don’t you take a spot on the couch and spill your guts grasshopper?

Other thoughts about strange guitar occupations can be found at guitar training.