Does playing guitar still touch you as “deeply as it did” – in your own words – 40 years ago?
Answered by Edgar Froese
Yes, it does – but surprisingly it’s different. Many years back, playing guitar was really just linked to my ego. It sounds strange at first, but identifying yourself with what you do can easily get you into a trap of pure egotism. Inundated with flattery, you think that you are becoming a better, bigger, more accepted musician, and all of a sudden you feel as though you have reached the peak. Today I can see it all from a more distant perspective; it happens with all instruments I’m using. It’s just wonderful to be able to express yourself without putting the ego part up front. Often it’s like listening to another person and enjoying what you hear. The result is surprisingly quite distinct if you don’t try to force things to be the way you want them. You’re more guided by the energy of the tone and things aren’t ambiguous anymore. Today it’s more of a contemplative approach.