ABOUT MUSIC
In this book, I've discussed some different ways of playing the guitar, all from a technical viewpoint. I believe these techniques to be great tools to get different sounds from your instrument. Hopefully, with what you've learned by reading this book, you'll be inspired to create some music that didn't seem to come out when you just strummed.
Please remember, though, that these techniques are only tools. As a painter creates a picture, the final product is a masterpiece not because of the painting techniques or the brushes used, but simply because the picture itself has some meaning beyond the paint and canvas. Whether the painter spent years and years working on a complex background or just a few minutes with a simple sketch only matters in how it reaches the viewer. Please don't get caught up in technique for the sake of musical complexity. Perhaps a trite thing to say, but in my opinion never said enough-- the music needs to come from you, and it needs to be something you want to say. Complex, impressive ways of playing the guitar mean only as much as the heart and soul put behind them. The techniques discussed in this book are to open doors for you to express yourself, they alone cannot make your music any better.
With that, Good Luck in your playing, and I hope this has opened some doors for you. Perhaps next time we see each other, you can teach me something. See you on the streets!
Tim Penn
Tokyo, Japan
