anyone else get caught up in technique

Worry about technique in the bedroom, groove when on stage. Then you can do both.

Well said.

 

Music is never an either/or situation. You shouldn't choose between reading and having a good ear...you should work on getting both. And you shouldn't choose between technique and groove...you should work on both. The best groove players I know are the ones who can do all the fancy stuff, too.

 

"technique" is being substituted for "virtuosity" in this context. Technique is not virtuosity, it is technique. You cannot groove without solid technical skills. Groove is the result of good technique applied musically.

Technical exercises can be rather un-musical and mechanical, but I'd argue that after your work out the notes and rhythms (slowly and out of time) you should then practice them as musically as you can. While scales and etudes may be 'boring' when looked at as strictly mechanical exercises, if they are approached with a sense of groove and style, they will help you develop into a well-rounded musician.

Playing fast and furious without groove (which is good technique applied musically) is called wanking.