Book Review: Guitar Lessons; Bob Taylor

Guitar Lessons; A Life's Journey Turning Passion Into Business. Bob Taylor

“Make your work your play, and play your work” ~Sir Chinmoy

“My story is about my interest in building things and my interest in playing guitars merged… a talent and interest combined into one.” ~Bob Taylor

     Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a deep passion for guitars, and am willing to talk about—or read about-- any aspect of the instrument, and the music it allows people to express. When I discovered this book written by the person responsible for, what is now one of the most successful guitar manufactures in the world, I was excited, and expecting to read about a guy and his love of guitars.

     Guitar Lessons is the story of Bob Taylor as much as it is the story of the company, Taylor Guitars. At its heart it is a business book, but that is only one of several themes carried throughout the pages of Taylor’s autobiography. It is also an underdog story, describing how a small-time builder of acoustic guitars was able to survive amid, and compete with industry giants like Martin and Gibson. Among these and other themes, the one that jumped off the pages to me was of a social nature; the way Bob, and his partner Kurt Listug treated the people around them.  

     This theme could best be described as social sustainability. According to Wikipedia, this concept encompasses human rights, labor rights, and corporate governance while safeguarding future generations. It also describes the philosophical aspect, which “…focuses on individuals’ behaviors, attitude and actions.” As mentioned, this theme runs throughout the book. Some of the more memorable examples that leap to mind are statements such as:

“I was blessed with the ability to be happy and content with what I’d been able to achieve and I mean that in regard to every step of my career” pg67

“We worked hard to clean up our act and become better customers to our suppliers” pg91

“You are only as good as your employees” pg92

“The local government liked us because we followed their laws and helped clean up their air” pg179

     Taylor even included a chapter dedicated to the relationship between employer / employee, Ch13, “We’re All In This Together.” The fact this is considered a business book, one would expect it to address what is arguably the most important aspect of a business—its people. What one may not expect is the way Bob and Kurt (50/50 owners in Taylor) approached a brewing “us vs. them” controversy in their factory. The two decided to invest three days away from the factory and hired a consultant to address the problem; they asked, “What would I want if I were an employee?” pg153. One of the things they discussed was they didn’t know what it meant to be good employers, but they were willing to find out. That willingness to honestly seek and acknowledge their shortcomings along with their desire to do right by their employees speaks volumes about their character. 

     On page 154 Bob writes, “You don’t have to give away profitability of the business to garner trust & respect from employees you just have to consider their needs, show solid leadership skills, and be fair and generous.” They invested much time, effort, and money into this relationship to make the employees feel part of the Taylor family; if you ever have a chance to visit the factory, you’ll see that they have succeeded, and in a big way. 

Of course being a guitar nut, it was also nice reading about advances Bob made in guitar manufacturing, such as the bolt-on neck; again challenging conventional ways of thinking. The traditional way of attaching the neck of an acoustic guitar to its body is by using a glued dovetail joint. Changes in humidity levels often cause a guitar neck to move out of alignment. Repairing this often requires removal of the neck. Doing so on a traditionally made guitar is very labor intensive. Taylor designed an alternative method of attaching the neck using bolts with a custom fit neck-pocket, making the process of removal much easier, and creating a straighter, more stable neck in the process.

Custom made, flamed Koa body/sides
 with detailed abalone inlays 

Since guitarists tend to be traditionalists, the bolt-on New Technology (NT) neck was a bold move for Taylor. The respectful manner in which they interact with their suppliers, employees, local government, and customers is also a bold move in today’s business arena. Those moves appear to have paid off as Taylor Guitars continues to grow, introducing new models and design approaches that challenge tradition. Their employees feel as they are part of a family, and are invested in the growth of the company. Did I mention they also make wonderful guitars?

“…During the late hours of the night, when I am not working on poems or when I’ve grown exhausted by my writing “voice,” I often pick up my Taylor 710 dreadnought and find a quiet nook to carve out an intimate bond with my guitar.” ~Ben Jackson 

Healing Power of Music

I was talking with a good friend a few months ago, about the status of our country, politics, military actions overseas, and really just venting my frustrations. I see corruption in our government-- from top to bottom, and with both primary parties-- and get so frustrated that nothing seems to “change” for the better, that my attitude turns overly cynical. My friend, with whom I joke about being my big brother, concluded that since our leaders are not doing anything to improve the lives of people, it's up to us to do so. The manner in which we treat people around us is where it begins. The more people begin to consider those other than themselves, the healthier our society will become. Making music, sharing music, and teaching music is a tangible way to make the world around us a better place.

Find a local song circle & get involved

Ukuleles make music too~

Making our world a better place is through music happens in many different ways. My friend has been a professional in the music business for years. One of the ways he makes our world a better place is by organizing and facilitating monthly song circles, and actively encouraging people to participate—no matter your skill level. During these sessions people are encouraged to share the art they’ve created with their guitar, or through their poetry. Not only is beautiful music brought into the world during these sessions, a healthy community is also being created and nurtured.

Music has been used as a form of therapy for thousands of years. The American Cancer Society has recognized the health benefits of music, and notes its historical use on their website, “Ancient Greek philosophers believed that music could heal both the body and the soul. Native Americans have used singing and chanting as part of their healing rituals for millennia.” In the treatment of cancer, music is used to “help reduce pain, anxiety, and nausea caused by chemotherapy... There is evidence that music therapy can reduce high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, depression, and sleeplessness. There are no claims music therapy can cure cancer or other diseases, but medical experts do believe it can reduce some symptoms, aid healing, improve physical movement, and enrich a patient’s quality of life.”

Another example of music—specifically guitar music—to heal its people is found in an organization called Guitars for Vets. Their mission is simply stated on their website, “Enhancing the lives of ailing and injured veterans by providing them with guitars and music instruction.” This is an organization of volunteers working together with the Veterans Administration hospitals to supplement their treatment regimen. Most of the people who served in the military did so because they believed it to be an honorable act. It is important to remember that politicians make the decision to go to war, not the Soldiers, Sailors, or Airmen. Sadly, many of those who have gone to war return with serious physical, and/or emotional trauma. The method they use is to provide private guitar lessons, followed by “group sessions that provide a forum for the veterans to talk and play music with like-minded individuals, many of whom have had the same experiences, emotions and traumas. The music sessions provide a communal atmosphere.” The effectiveness of music therapy is clear when reading the testimonials, or watching the video interviews of those involved.

“A better life through music” is the mantra of the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund, a non-profit organization that funds music therapy programs across Canada. Their mission is to, “promote, develop, and support music therapy services and research in order to restore, maintain, and improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of Canadians.” Their efforts are much broader than Guitars for Vets, using music to help children such as Caryanne, a blind infant at a Montreal palliative care unit, “…When she touches the instruments and there is a sound coming out of it, then she is an actor in this world instead of being just passive or receptive in her bed.” They support therapy for adults with developmental disabilities by giving them a sense of purpose, and an alternative means of communication.

If you’re a musician, be encouraged that you’re art can really help those who need healing. Take that a step further and help someone else get involved in music by teaching them what you know. If you would like to become a musician, don’t hesitate—do it! No matter your age, or perceived “lack of talent.” It is never too late to exercise your brain by accepting the challenge to learn something new such as the guitar. A good place to start is this blog—"Making Music" includes several resources that can help anyone along the guitar-playing path. We can make tangible changes through the power of music. Search out opportunities locally-- you might be surprised how much is actually happening right now. Make music, share music, teach music. 

“That’s how powerful the music is… the music that I play-- what God gave to me-- is for no other reason than to help heal this planet, and the people in it.” ~Carlos Santana 

Review; "Guitar Zero"

"I’ve been obsessed with the guitar since I was twelve. In many ways, my life has been one long conversation about the guitar, interrupted only buy the countless hours of deep pleasure I have playing the darn things, as well as some less pleasant time spent doing what needs to be done so that I can get back to playing & chatting about them"

~Perry Beekman; jazz guitarist

The guitar has been such an integral part of my life, that I completely understand Perry Beekman’s statement. It is exactly how I would describe the activity if I were as eloquent as he. Most guitarists I know feel the same way.

I chose to include this book in my project because I think it will be an encouragement to those “older” folks who really want to learn to make music; more specifically, to play guitar.  Like Zen Guitar, which I believe is useful to both musicians & non-musicians, Guitar Zero applies to everyone— young and old alike.

Author Gary Marcus is a developmental psychologist, professor at NYU, and regarded by his peers as “one of the deepest thinkers in cognitive science.” In Guitar Zero he debunks the popular belief that talent for music is innate, or that its something an adult is unable to learn.  The idea that an adult can't learn something complicated like a musical instrument was the basic idea behind the "critical periods" of learning. Since this theory is based on weak evidence, scientists have been reconsidering these theories. The “critical periods” suggests that if a person fails to learn a language, music, etc. in their formative years that they will never be able to learn as adults. I can’t help but wonder how many people accepted that as truth, and decided to forgo making the attempt.

Unwinding after a hard days work. 
Camp New Amsterdam NL 1988

Early in the book, the author examines the health benefits of music;"...the journey... exercising our brains helps maintain them by preserving plasticity, wards off degeneration, and literally keeps the blood flowing" pg3. This idea isn't new; the Sudoku craze for instance, or the brainteasers once found in every newspaper. Perhaps the latest addition in brain exercising is a website called Lumosity. Its home page currently displays in large letters, "Harness your brain's neuroplasticity and train your way to a brighter life. Lumosity turns neuroscience breakthroughs into fun, effective games. Stimulate your brain today." Of course, they aren't giving it away- there are monthly fees to improve the plasticity of your brain.

He asserts that learning to play the guitar, not only benefits the brain, but also benefits our emotional wellbeing. It is an activity that provides a lasting happiness, as opposed to a fleeting pleasure. Instead of spending not only my money, more importantly-- precious time-- playing games (Lumosity), why not focus that energy learning something that will enrich your life; learn to play a musical instrument. This is the path our author followed.

One of the more interesting topics in the book that stood out to me was that of practice. Again, the wisdom from Zen Guitar came to mind when reading about the worlds leading expert on expertise, cognitive Psychologist Anders Ericsson, and his theory about practice. Ericsson says there are two vital keys to becoming an expert:

1) A ton of practice

2) Deliberate practice

Practicing at home; garage band, chord maker, Tele & coffee

By “a ton of practice” Dr. Ericsson is talking about the often-repeated phrase "10 years, or 10,000 hours." He is actually the one who coined the phrase. Relating this to Zen Guitar, author Philip Toshio Sudo writes, “Beginning students often ask, ‘how long will it take me to learn the Way of Zen Guitar?’ My answer is, as long as you live—that short. Your playing may progress enough to impress your friends in a years time, perform onstage in two years, or turn professional in three. But if those are the ends you seek, your concern is not Zen Guitar… is learned day by day, minute by minute, second by second, now to eternity. There is no faster way.” We see this is true of Perry Beekman, and all of us who have a guitar as part of our lives.

But practice alone, is not enough; it needs to be meaningful. That’s where the second part comes in; deliberate practice. This is a process of constant self-evaluation, focusing on your weakness—not your strength. There is a significant difference between playing what you already know, and stretching yourself to reaching new levels. The world can be changed by three chords, but why stop there? Without being overly scientific, Marcus explains the theory of the “zone of proximal development” pg12. The theory is that learning is most effective when it’s not to hard, and not to easy; the goal must be set just beyond reach. To illustrate this idea, Marcus uses the goal of 80% success. If the rate of success is greater people get bored. If less than 80% people get frustrated and give up— believing the task is just too difficult for them to learn. 

Trees of inspiration; Life moves fast-- follow your dreams

The idea of deliberate practice is again consistent with Zen Guitar; Sudo writes, “…concerns the way you physically take it in your hands. Don’t pick up your guitar aimlessly. Act with a sense of purpose. Be of the mind that you’re going to do something… maybe you just want to noodle on it while watching TV. Then pick up your guitar with the mind of noodling while watching TV. Remember, the guitar is an instrument—a thing by means of which something is done. Keep this in mind every time you reach for it” pg29.

In a nutshell, the book is about his journey as a 39-year old adult, without the slightest hint of rhythm, learning to play the guitar. Along the way he explains the psychology behind the process, and delves into the brain science of how anybody of any age can learn to play a musical instrument. If you are an adult with the desire to learn to play, then do it! Find a guitar of good quality-- one that speaks to you, and begin your journey. Gary Marcus’s book is proof that it can be done by anyone, of any age.

"It will test your head... and your mind... and your brain, too" 

~Dewey Finn; School of Rock

Blog Update 10 May;

Lots of things happening at the moment:

- Updated the Guitar Production page

- “Get Involved” has been added

- LOTS of photos on Facebook from the California guitar builders road trip

As mentioned in the FAQ, this blog revolves around three main themes; threatened forest habitats, guitars & music.

The blog now includes several posts on the threatened forest habitats, and I will continue to add more, but with the review of Zen Guitar, and the upcoming review of Guitar Zero I’ve entered the music side of themes. I will continue to add info from the other themes as well. 

Anyone who ever wanted to play guitar, but life got in the way... will want to check out the upcoming review of Guitar Zero.

Also in the works, is a section where I will post a few of my own musical “cheat-sheets” that may help people take their playing to the next level, or maybe just view what they already know from a different perspective.

Just a few more days on the road, and I’ll be back at HQ with A LOT of things to post (factory tours, guitar shops & more). 

Including this story behind the blue Tele...!

Stay tuned,

                   & In-tune!

Book Review; Zen Guitar

     “There is a zen saying, ‘Paths cannot be taught, they can only be taken.

 So it is with Zen Guitar” pg16 ~P.T. Sudo

I chose Philip Toshio Sudo’s book as part of the project because I wanted to include a guitar centric reading on music that would apply to as many people as possible—from beginner, to expert. The author describes the book as an alternative to the conventional how-to program of instruction; perfect! I love being different. “There are no chords or tunings or music theory in this dojo; you won’t find lessons on how to read music, play the blues, fingerpick or copy “Stairway to Heaven” pg16. That is only information, and can be found by a student online, in videos, or in other books. 

Rather than information, Zen Guitar aims to provide wisdom. Sudo explains it like this, “The idea here is to train and to experience; it is only though the experience of our senses that we truly gain wisdom.” Describing the difference, he compares learning to make music, with learning to ride a bicycle. Having myself learned, failed, and succeeded at both endeavors, I find the comparison quite appropriate. A person cannot be told how to ride, they have to mount up, wobble, crash, and try again-- “...direct experience of our bodies.” And so it is with learning to express that sound, song, music that exists in each of us.  

The reader is taken through five stages of Zen Guitar-- a circle from white belt to black, black to white. Sudo encourages readers to think of the stages as broadly as possible. The book is divided into five corresponding sections: Beginner’s Mind, Practice, Responsibility, Barrier, The Way of Zen Guitar.

My favorite section of the book was that called The Beginners Mind. It is a mindset required through every stage of the circle. It is about being open to new ways of thinking, and accepting that you don’t know it all, you can never know it all. The Beginners Mind opens with one from Jimi Hendrix; “My own thing is in my head. I hear sounds and if I don’t get them together nobody else will.” I caught two pieces of wisdom here (of the many possibilities):
1- we each have a sound, or music within us
2- we have to get them together our own way

The thought that we have music in us is not a breakthrough discovery. I heard Boogie Chillen on the radio when I was a kid, and learned this truth from John Lee Hooker:

"One night I was layin’ down,
I heard mama ‘n papa talkin’
I heard papa tell mama,
let that boy boogie-woogie,
It’s in him, and its got to come out"

So, we have this sound within us, how do we get it out? “… if I don’t get them together nobody else will.” It is up to each person to learn what works for them. What works for one person, doesn’t necessary will work for the next. Some pick up a guitar, others express it through drums, a piano or even just singing; we have a sound within us that we are determined express. The path of expression for me is through an electric guitar and amplifier. Once you find your path, its time to really dig in with everything you have to find your sound. There is a quote on page 79 from Carlos Santa that says it best, “If [you’re] going to sweep the floor, sweep it better than anybody in town. And if your going to play the guitar, really, really, really get in it, and don’t be jivin’.” 

As with anything of value, much work is required. When you are reaching for something only you understand, discouragement, and self-doubt will surely become obstacles. Zen Guitar does a wonderful job of addressing how to handle both. Sudo writes, “Patience and concentration will be vital attributes as you move along the path. Combat discouragement with your desire to learn” pg30. 

Self-doubt is such a common barrier, it earned its own chapter which opens with a quote from Neil Young; “I like to play with people who can play simple and are not threatened by other musicians thinking they can’t play. And that eliminates 99 percent of the musicians.” This quote has been a huge encouragement to me. I often play with musicians whose talent far exceeds mine. After reading Zen Guitar, I’ve learned to accept and be at peace with my own path, rather than envying that of others; “The Way of Zen Guitar is to play what you are meant to play, not necessarily what you want to play” pg73. 

You have to be true to yourself, by playing to the sound that is in you. I enjoy Eddie Van Halen, but I don’t want to copy him; doing so would be denying who I am. What if Carlos Santana dedicated himself to sounding like Eric Clapton? We would miss out on the incredible music within Santana, and instead have Clapton, and that other guy who wants to be Clapton. 

Sudo’s remedy for self-doubt is to remember this; “One can play the greatest stages in the world and still be spiritually adrift; talent alone does not bring inner peace. If you work to find peace within yourself, you will have no self-doubt about your music, your talent, or anything else” pg73.

I keep a reading log for each book I read. This is where I write down any ideas that come to mind, or passages I find intriguing. My reading log for Zen Guitar is filled with quotes, and wisdom that I will be referencing for years to come. To summarize the book would be truly unfair, as it contains wisdom that each reader will relate to differently, and on a personal level. What I will say in summary is Zen Guitar has helped me better recognize the path to finding my sound, and my approach to making music. 

“Once you learn the principles of Zen Guitar, you can apply them to any endeavor outside music. Follow the samurai maxim that says, ‘From one thing, know ten thousand things.’ Music can teach you everything you need to know” pg20.