Do you play more music than you listen to?

[Silence Dogood]

It dawned on me not long ago that I'm probably playing more music than I am listening to these days (this isn't true when it comes to Classical music, soundtracks/scores, and music I don't have the ability to play -- I often use this music as the backdrop to my workday).

I was all about bands and artists for most of my life, but I care way less about all that now. 

I also realized at some point that this is a much more historical approach to music.  In times past if one wanted to hear music, it would be at church, a concert hall, or some gathering where people played instruments.  Recorded music is a very recent phenomenon.  I'm grateful for it, but am just relying on it much less these days. 

I was playing a certain tune on my mandolin just yesterday and realized so-and-so plays it way better.  But I don't care: I want to play it and enjoy it for myself. 

[B0WIE]

 I rarely just listen to music anymore, it's always either while I'm working out (which is an hour every day) or socializing. I won't just play music while I'm relaxing or cooking, etc. I'm usually listening to some type of informational show instead now.

[Rockysdad]

I listen to music a lot, nothing, from what's coming out these days.

I'm a Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) fan big time, great guitar player, if you get a chance have a listen to the Love Over Gold album.

Also a David Gilmore (Pink Floyd) fan. I can listen to these guys for hours on end.

[jpmist]

I'm a Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) fan big time, great guitar player, if you get a chance have a listen to the Love Over Gold album.

Also a David Gilmore (Pink Floyd) fan. I can listen to these guys for hours on end.

We're 2 for 2 on old rock stars. Just wondering if you've heard any news on Knopfler as far as retirement. I'm thinking we've gotten his last full band album and a bit sad about that. . .

[unclrob]

I don't listen more, last i did was to listen 30's jass so I could come up with a different lead to a tune I played in a duo and that was 12 years ago

[B0WIE]

I've got to add, David Gilmour is the closest thing I have to an electric guitar hero. The levels and layers to his technique remind me of the classical masters. Not because he's playing anything complex, but the texture and expression are incredible. Anyone can play his parts, no one sounds like him. I'm still learning from him and discovering things my less mature ears couldn't detect.

[BlueBowman]

Re: David Gilmour

Agreed. For the same reason, when asked who my favorite rock guitar player is from the 80s, I always say "Slash": I can sing most of his (and David's) solos. A great melody (even one played on guitar) is more powerful than a fast-paced string of notes. Yes, the latter is still fun to listen to (or play), but a great melody is almost always more memorable. I'm glad this dawned on me sooner rather than later, because it has changed my approach to guitar/piano/music. 

[Silence Dogood]

I agree about Gilmour's stuff: just insanely great and tasteful.  The Comfortably Numb solo is one of the best ever.  Slash was mentioned. His November Rain solo is up there too.