Help out a young aspiring session guitarist? (re-posted)

First of all, thanks so much for taking the time to help me out man, great to have your input

Thanks man I used to be faster but it got to the stage where it had no purpose to play that fast that often. As for developing speed, I spent about a year struggling with it and getting my right hand as fast as my left hand, and then syncing them both of them together. I guess I just had a mindset that I wouldn't be satisfied with my playing if I couldn't pick fast, so I had a lot of motivation. Finally nailed it when I was 17, was a great feeling to have achieved that goal.

I totally see what you mean as far as the vids just being out of context riffing, and I plan on getting more comprehensive performances recorded next month. However for the time being ill just put a small disclaimer on my site saying the videos are there to display my technical ability in different areas. I'll also have a Classical performance video and a slide-guitar composition up within the next couple of weeks

I definitely need to find a band and video us playing something in a live format.

Thanks again

Nic is right, an open mic tour of sorts. Doing so will first help you become used to playing for people if you're not accustomed to that already. Second, it will get you used to playing with different types of players. Playing open mics myself allowed me to know how to adjust, adapt and overcome barriers when playing with a different bassist, or drummer. Trust me, they aren't all very steady..  And not all bass players sync up well with all drummers.. Also factor in possibly playing with another guitarist, organist, even a harmonica player. The more people, the more control over your playing you'll need to be aware of. This would be a HUGE plus should you decide to pursue a gig as a studio guitarist since obviously you would be playing (and dealing) with various egos, styles and genres. You can then catalogue your recorded performances in with your youtube account, and maybe polish it up a bit to look more pro.

Stefan somehow uses backing tracks or programs backing tracks..I don't have a clue how all that works..then he records himself as if he were playing with a band in the studio. I bought a recorder the other year and my old band did a few songs. They turned out really nice and then we had a cd to physically give out to people. Same can apply to you if you are serious about such a venture. You could make business cards, document your live footage on youtube and have hard copies of demos in hand to give out to people. Then, you're more prepared to do some networking. Again, this is merely to give yourself some bargaining chips if you can finagle some connections. Sorry for the slight lecture if you're already seasoned at playing with other people, or bands..not sure your actual gigging experience!

I'd imagine being a studio musician isn't like being in a band and needing to have demos to hand out in order to get gigs, but having something is better than nothing! At least its a start. -Seth

Hard to judge. From what I see in the clips you are technically accurate and fast, still strongly influenced by Joe (?). So far nothing wrong with your playing. I personally always like complete musisicans, who are/become good song writers, write good lyrics, are able to ispire others, leave memorable melodies. A good example wood be Brad Paisley.

What I want to say is, find the balance, the right mix between virtuosity and musicality, don't lose your focus on what music should do - move people emotionally - move you emotionally as a musician.

T.M. Stevens once said: "Learn as much as you can and then forget everything and make your own thing!". I thinks that's the best advise one can get as a musician.

As others already said, play out as much as you can. Maybe plan a musical holiday/trip - that's at least what I did in 1998, only packed with a few clothes and my guitar I roamed the west of the US and played countles sessions in clubs. Figured out that most of the shred licks I have so eagerly learned were not practicable and that sometimes a single note played at the right time makes the audience get goose bumps ;-)

Good luck!

Nice playing, you have some good chops for 20, way ahead of where I was at that age. One of my favorite bands is from Scotland, a town called Perth, the band is Alestorm.

Rock on remember the quest will never end.
Cheers Ron