While sharing words of advice for all the guitar players out there, Diamond Head guitarist Brian Tatler said that “adjusting your expectations as a player can liberate you as a songwriter.” He explained to Music Radar:
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“I wanted to be great. I probably I thought I could be like Ritchie Blackmore, but the only thing that stopped me eventually was hearing Yngwie Malmsteen in 1984 when he released ‘Rising Force.’
“When I heard that first album, I realized I’m never going to be the greatest guitarist in the world because this guy is already way better than me, and he’s younger than me, so at that point, I thought, ‘Right, I’ll focus on songs.’
“As far as being the fastest gun in the west, it was completely pointless, because I was already way behind Yngwie Malmsteen. I do remember having that feeling that I’m never going to be that good. And now, of course, you’ve got people like Guthrie Govan.
“I really like Joe Bonamassa, and I just think I couldn’t play like that. I would have to spend eight hours a day for the past 40 years to even approach that, and even then I think certain people, physically, can play faster and more accurately than others. I think there’s just something in you – providing you’ve got the patience to do it.
“I don’t think any amount of practice would get me up to that level. [Laughs]. I can’t do it. I’ve tried. My right and left hand won’t accurately play as fast as Al Di Meola. I just can’t do it. I’ve tried and tried and tried.
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“So I do what I do. I have to focus on getting better, and on being myself; I can’t compete with certain players who are just so far ahead. I don’t even bother trying.
“I don’t know if that’s good advice or not. I think if you’re young, fine; set your sights as high as possible, but when you hit a certain age you’ve got to be realistic. But practice every day: I still practice every day. I always do warm-up scales before a gig or a rehearsal.”