How do you manage your musical ego?

cosmicevan · #1 02-10-2009, 06:03 PM

As much as we all like to think that we are non-judgemental and have no ego about our musical or bass prowess (or whatever you might be good at), let's face it, when you hear someone else play you can usually size up an opinion on how you'd stack up against that person - for example, have you ever walked into an audition to hear the end of a tune with another bassist playing? as modest or boastful as you may be, how do you keep your ego in check?

toytech · #2 02-10-2009, 06:13 PM

It is easy for me, I suck so everyone I hear is usually better. Besides who am I to judge?

Joe Gress · #3 02-10-2009, 06:15 PM

I am learning from every one. No matter the experience that they have or I have, I will always be learning.

Armueller2001 · #4 02-10-2009, 06:15 PM

I tell them they did a ****** job.

lol just kidding

RTO · #5 02-10-2009, 06:30 PM

Say " I can do that" then butcher an audition, Then resort to busting out some sweeping and other impressive gimmicks.

bass12 · #6 02-10-2009, 06:35 PM

It was a lot easier to be egotistical about my bass playing before Youtube!

iamlowsound · #7 02-10-2009, 07:07 PM

I manage it by not posting about musical related stuff in OT.

lowsound

FreaqyFrequency · #8 02-10-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeinsprings

I am learning from every one. No matter the experience that they have or I have, I will always be learning.

+1

Make everyone around you a teacher, and you will learn a lot.

IconBasser · #9 02-10-2009, 07:22 PM

by remembering that there are many musicians who are better than me. (not just bassists)

Valerus · #10 02-10-2009, 07:33 PM

I've learned to not think "that guy sucks" but rather "what can I learn from him? What does he do that I can improve on?"

rcarraher · #11 02-10-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmicevan

As much as we all like to think that we are non-judgemental and have no ego about our musical or bass prowess (or whatever you might be good at), let's face it, when you hear someone else play you can usually size up an opinion on how you'd stack up against that person - for example, have you ever walked into an audition to hear the end of a tune with another bassist playing? as modest or boastful as you may be, how do you keep your ego in check?

I leave that problem up to the peons playing guitar, licking the mic and beating on that primitive bunch of fake hollow logs.....

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #12 02-10-2009, 07:52 PM

This poem, which I consider the "bible of life", is what helps me keep my feet on the ground. The third verse ("If you compare..." - from line 11 to 16) is pure wisdom in this particular situation.

FreaqyFrequency · #13 02-10-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerus

I've learned to not think "that guy sucks" but rather "what can I learn from him? What does he do that I can improve on?"

I'm very glad to hear I'm not alone. Often, even in the people who seem to be the least musical, there's often a lesson beneath the surface.

kobass · #14 02-10-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

This poem, which I consider the "bible of life", is what helps me keep my feet on the ground. The third verse ("If you compare..." - from line 11 to 16) is pure wisdom in this particular situation.

Great stuff! Thanks for posting that, Alvaro!

Cheers,
Kevin

shamus63 · #15 02-10-2009, 08:01 PM

I'm confident enough to know what I do bring to the table, and smart enough to realize what I don't.

That keeps me humble without selling myself short.

Valerus · #16 02-10-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreaqyFrequency

I'm very glad to hear I'm not alone. Often, even in the people who seem to be the least musical, there's often a lesson beneath the surface.

Dude yeah, and let's just say the guy is terrible, you can think to yourself...okay...just don't play like him and you'll be fine!

FreaqyFrequency · #17 02-10-2009, 08:03 PM

Great poem, Alvaro. I am going to put that on my door, I really liked it a lot.

Thanks for providing me with that bit of joy.

Joe Nerve · #18 02-10-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmicevan

As much as we all like to think that we are non-judgemental and have no ego about our musical or bass prowess (or whatever you might be good at), let's face it, when you hear someone else play you can usually size up an opinion on how you'd stack up against that person - for example, have you ever walked into an audition to hear the end of a tune with another bassist playing? as modest or boastful as you may be, how do you keep your ego in check?

Come to bar called Corio on Grand at West Bdway next monday night after 10pm for an open funk jam they have going. If you're not completely humbled then you have every right to think you're the sheeiit and I wouldn't worry about having an ego.

I went last night, first time, and was completely blown away by some older black dudes that seemed like they've been playing 100 years. I'm rarely if ever intimidated and I can absolutely hold my own, but these guys rattled my ego right back to where I guess it belongs. I got up and did my thing anyway - I had to. I plan to start hanging out there as much as I can to see what rubs off.

Heading over there next monday with a bunch of friends after a birthday dinner (Monday's my Bday). If ya feel like popping in let me know and I'll look out for you.

spade2you · #19 02-10-2009, 08:20 PM

Usually nobody asks me, so I can think whatever I want since it doesn't matter. If they're good, I take notes.

GeneralElectric · #20 02-10-2009, 08:22 PM

How do I manage my musical ego?

I stroke away.