In this week’s episode of the ArtistWorks Music Series podcast, our cofounder Patricia Butler sits down with ArtistWorks electric country guitar instructor and one of Nashville’s most sought-after session musicians, Guthrie Trapp, to discuss the concept of “How to Find Your Own Sound.” Together, they explore the process of developing a unique voice as a player, the value of focusing on what you have to say through your music, and the importance of embracing a diverse array of musical influences. The show is available wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can listen here at ArtistWorks.

As we begin the process of learning how to play an instrument, we tend to focus most of our attention and energy on playing the correct notes, performing pieces accurately, and emulating the sound of musicians that we’re inspired by. While this is a critical place from which to begin your journey, musical performance is ultimately about self-expression and developing your own unique voice on your instrument. However, understanding how to accomplish this goal can be daunting for beginner and advanced players alike.

“When you’re just starting out, you do have to mimic the style of players you like in order to have a blueprint that will teach you how to obtain some of the sounds that you’re inspired by,” Guthrie explains. “But as you develop and go through phases of critical listening to different players and genres and your ear grows, your chances of developing your own unique style increases.”

The process of developing your unique sound on your instrument has as much to do with listening as it does with practicing with your instrument in hand. Diversifying what you listen to will not only expand your musical ear, it will also help you discover new sounds that you like and will naturally become a part of your playing vocabulary, and those that you may not.

“I love listening to Cuban music, African music, bluegrass–the list goes on,” Guthrie explains. “And, because of that, I naturally bring elements from those genres into my playing on guitar. It’s become part of who I am as a player.”

To learn more about how you can develop your own unique sound and grow as a musician, regardless of the instrument you play, listen to the full podcast with Guthrie Trapp here:

If you’re interested in studying the electric country guitar and learning even more about Guthrie’s approaches to developing a unique sound and style, check out his online guitar lessons right here at ArtistWorks!

ABOUT THE ARTISTWORKS MUSIC SERIES:

On the ArtistWorks Music Series, cofounder Patricia Butler speaks with master musicians across all genres who teach at ArtistWorks. Join them as they dive deep into topics like becoming a musician, playing at all skill levels, and the journey of learning music.

Looking to dive into more music podcasts? You’ve come to the right place. Investigate previous episodes where plenty of topics are explored with fantastic, hand-selected, and knowledgeable guests.

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