Do you really need "Natural Talent" to learn an instrument?

What is natural talent? Does natural talent exist? Do I have natural talent?? These questions often arise in our musical or creative journeys, which is perfectly normal!

So let’s talk about it! 

In fact, I’ll share some snippets from my journey as they relate to the concept of natural talent. 

First, what is “Natural Talent”?

Let’s start with a definition: “Talent” is defined as a natural skill or aptitude. 

Perhaps the “natural” piece of that phrase is redundant. Talent can exist naturally, as plenty of people may have natural-born aptitudes for certain skills or abilities. I'd venture to say that everyone has a unique assortment of natural talents or aptitudes, which help create their identity.

That said, “natural talent” is by no means a necessary component for developing excellence in a skill or ability. How would one even measure “natural talent”!?

A little About Me:

I have been playing guitar for the better part of 14 years. For me, the guitar did not feel like a natural-born skill or ability. I first developed an interest in the guitar as a young teenager because I became fascinated with the sound of classic rock songs that were driven by the electric guitar.

I wanted to figure out how to create this sound myself, using my own hands and my own guitar.

This curiosity led me to ask for my first starter guitar for my 13th birthday, which my parents graciously took me up on. I received a bright red First Act “Flying V” guitar. After struggling through Youtube lessons, my parents offered to help set me up with weekly introductory guitar lessons with a local teacher. 

The early stages of this journey were difficult, challenging, and quite slow. I felt like my hands couldn’t do the things I needed them to do. I felt like every chord I played sounded unclear or out of tune. However, the routine of attending guitar lessons kept me in check during this period.

In time, I was able to learn the opening riff to ACDC’s back in black. This was the first snippet of what felt like “real music” that I was able to play. This achievement made it feel like I was starting to learn a super power. I wanted more. My curiosity moved on to the next song that I wanted to learn, and the next, and the next, etc.

During this time, practicing didn’t feel as much like “homework”. Instead, it felt like the thing I should be doing that would allow me to achieve my next musical goal in whatever song or riff I wanted to learn. I came to understand scales and chord exercises as the keys that would unlock more potential on the guitar.

Curiosity Turns to Obsession

Let’s fast forward a bit after years playing as an intermediate “hobby” guitar player, to when I first heard a jazz guitarist improvising over rapidly changing chords. This sparked an obsession. I NEEDED to learn how to do that. I then immersed myself in jazz as much as I could - listening, practicing, studying, playing, etc. 

I eventually auditioned into the jazz program at the University of Vermont, and began a jazz-oriented chapter of my musical journey for the next few years. The child-like curiosity of wanting to play what it was that I was hearing was still driving me along in my guitar journey through this point, and was now a daily obsession.

Alex (right) performing with artist Nick Ryan (left) at a show in Nashville, TN.

Making the Leap - Curiosity, to Obsession, to Career

Following college graduation, I spent some time back in New Jersey, explored some other cities around the U.S. over the course of a couple years, and finally landed in the city of Nashville 2 years ago. As the obsession with music continued, I became more interested in the professional side of playing. I wanted to explore bigger opportunities & possibilities. I wanted to see where the guitar could bring me.

Since college graduation, I have balanced music & guitar with a constant 9-5 job. Over this past year, I was ready to move on from my last full time job, and moving to another 9-5 job didn’t feel like an exciting prospect. In fact, the idea of moving to another 9-5 job felt like turning a blind eye to an important passion of mine, which I didn’t want to do.

Just 3 months ago, I resigned from my full-time 9-5 job to pursue music as a career, and explore my full potential as a guitarist and a musician. I haven’t looked back.

To Tie Things Back:

The question of whether or not I have “natural talent”, or what “natural talent” is, has arisen plenty during my musical journey. I’ve met other musicians who began their musical journeys at extremely young ages, seemingly falling into their craft like it was a natural-born skill. Is that natural talent? It absolutely could be.

For me, learning the guitar was not easy, seamless, smooth, nor without its bumps. It felt anything but “natural” when I was starting out.

However, that familiar, child-like curiosity of “what will it sound like when I’m able to play that riff myself”, which at times has turned into an obsession, has kept me focused over the years. It has helped keep guitar in my monthly, weekly, and oftentimes daily routine. Before I knew it, the guitar was starting to feel comfortable and more “natural”.

Further, I knew that I wanted to create certain sounds or bits of music that I heard in my head on the actual guitar. It seems like the intersection of curiosity, devoted interest, a little bit of passion, and an interest in music created the conditions for my persistence with the guitar over time, and still to this day. 

When a musical instrument becomes rooted in our routine, it will become a part of who we are. This will escalate into a true skill that continuously improves with time. Mix in a little love & passion, and greatness becomes very attainable.

Whether you’re strumming your first chord or practicing your 100th scale, don’t worry about the concept of being “naturally talented”. Rather, stay curious, sit back, and enjoy the journey. Listen to your ear and focus on the things that “feel” best to play for you!

-Alex