Literally No One cares (And why that's a good thing)

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[RobChappers]

If anybody here has any hints or tips for other guitar players please leave them under this comment, let’s help each other out :-)

[doctorskull]

I’m 70. Been playing electric guitar in bands over 50 years. I must say, the message in this video is incredible! I’ve known this for decades. Thanks for putting this out there ‼️

[Brykk]

People need to realize how much happier they will be when they realize that not caring so much what other people think about what they do is very freeing. Its almost spiritual.
I was a roommate with eddie kramers son and he came to visit us and we got to hear some really good studio recordings from the 60’s and 70’s.

[darrenclewes]

Is this the most humble brag video of all time.

[russgoos]

So true, Rob! It all goes back to that old EVH quote... "If it sounds good, it is good!"

[goodbetrue]

Thanks, Rob, for this insight, you are absolutely correct.👍 I realized that after collecting 15 of the best guitars. (Gibson, Fender, Chapman, Suhr, Ibanez, ESP, etc) Upgraded them all and set them up as perfect as I can thinking that people will be impressed. But in reality, people don't really care about your gear. It's ONLY Me who cares for it. Also, I have a friend who is a fellow guitarist. He's the only one who can understand "GAS" and my passion for guitars.. the rest they don't even care about "shredding" or "technical skills". Lots of people only enjoy listening to me when I play "mainstream/famous relatable songs" on gatherings. But shredding indulgently on a very expensive guitar doesn't really matter to them. 🤭

The moral lesson is, don't purchase guitars if your goal is get validation or to please other people. The rude awakening is that people don't really care. BUT if you buy because it makes you happy, and it's important to you. Then that's the ONLY thing that matters.😉💯👌

[dropdeej]

22+ years as a bedroom player (nobody cares!) and I'd like to borrow the mic for a moment to echo a lot of the video's sentiment through personal experiences.

It's incredible seeing figureheads of the YouTube/online guitar community unify over the last few weeks through warm messages to remind us who the hell we all are offline - imperfect humans enjoying a hobby we love that at one time seemed like magic at a simpler time in life.

*If you have ever experienced identity/sense of self issues, this comment is for you. We're all in this together.*

First...Music is really hard, dude. Give yourself a lot of credit for what you've done so far. Learning to play well is truly an evolving career in itself, learning about equipment and maintenance another, theory and music language another, recording and mixing another, and it's reasonable to feel like you need a speed boost or quick fix somewhere. When you look around our bubble, there have never been more experts screaming about what you need to buy or what you don't have and it seems like everyone is a virtuoso now!

I can't speak for anyone else, but some of the greatest times I ever had with my guitar were my first few years learning...after developing some basics but before I knew about all the different kinds of guitars and gear. Why? Because that was when it was about making what I wanted to make without thinking about what I could have instead... I've since spent so many thousands of dollars over the years and almost all of it was to try to be like someone else (because then I'd be cool, right?!) instead of prioritizing fulfillment and self-expression.

A headstock logo or pedal brand is not a sense of identity and self-worth. Companies have made billions convincing new players and frustrated intermediates that if they just buy (item they don't need), their dreams are in reach! In turn, the communities of these players that believe this can end up pushing a sense of superiority from gate-keeping and elitism. It's all part of the desire to be in the "in" group (insecurity) because we know deep down, it isn't the gear - it never was.

After the luster of the purchase fades, we still have to practice for hours, days, weeks, months, and years with consistency, intent, and goals no matter what path you take to do (the thing). Let's flip it though -- Why is that a bad thing? Why do we run away from it? That's what brought us to guitar in the first place, right? We want to make cool sounds, challenge ourselves, and feel happy! Your favorite guitarist didn't start out with their signature model either, but it's easy to forget that.

You are enough with whatever you have, and I hope you find peace and joy making the noises you find cool forever.

[shanewalton]

Great message, Rob. Watching this at one in the morning here in Japan and suddenly am so motivated that I can't sleep.

[robluciani]

Hey Rob! It's Rob. You've touched on a very important issue that impacts so many of us: our need for validation from others, and why that is not unhealthy. Most of us want to be liked, admired, loved, and in so doing, we try so hard to impress, and then we are left disappointed and confused by less than enthusiastic responses. We have to do it, whatever 'it' is, for ourselves first and expect nothing in return. I think ultimately what you are saying is be passionate about what you do, be compassionate and engaging, and those around you will be lifted up. Please continue with these types of videos: they are filled with wisdom, humor, and kindness. We all need more of that.

[WSBM]

The longer you’re in the recording game the easier it is to fall prey to the idea that to improve means acquiring more and better gear rather than seeking to grow in your art. Thanks for the reminder. I really needed to hear this.

[pierremaiden]

ive seen a dude shred like hell with a donner pedal board, when we got chattin' he said that ''smaller gear means less heavy stuff to carry'', and boy was he right!!

[VideoDetection]

Its about the individual's talent and not their equipment. Play the music you want to hear and express what you need to express for your own well being and enjoyment. I was 68 years old when I first picked up a guitar to learn to play and nobody cares. Actually I do care about learning the guitar and hope there is enough years left in me to be able to play it. I care about playing my guitars because weirdly it brings me a sense of achievement and joy.

[InstruMentalCase]

I spent over 20 years obsessively researching tones and collecting vintage guitars and gear… until I completely burned out about a year ago. Can confirm: no one cares, it doesn’t make you a better musician, it doesn’t provide meaningful connections to other human beings, it’s not a smart or reliable “investment, ” it takes up a lot of space and requires a lot of maintenance, it’s a burden to sell, collecting is an unhealthy obsessive hobby that puts many people in debt, and you can’t take the shit with you when you die.

[cfloyd]

I am a guitarist and pianist. When I am in my guitar circle we talk about gear, amps, pedals, strings, technique etc. When I'm with my Pianist friends, we talk about music.

[JuxtaCrucem]

Late is the day by which I have ingested this wisdom Master Rob. The existential difference between what is in your head, and what is in the head of other people listening to you, is a vast chasm.

[dannyllerenatv]

If it sounds good and you enjoy playing it, then that's what matters the most!

[chrisbernal]

100% True. I've noticed people that are lazy about practicing, delusional or lack talent focus ~way~ too much on gear.

[VICGUZ]

That is so true. We just listen to the music, the melody, lyrics, and maybe as a musician, you wonder how they got that sound. If we love the music, we're going to listen to it. And we don't care what they used.

[MeesterJoey]

Being 33, I feel like I can share valuable experienes with a lot of younger people. But I feel like I needed to hear this from someone more experienced. This video was valuable.

[toddclarke]

I sometimes get the sense you reverse engineered this, as a chance for you to NameDrop your entire life.