--Did Prince teach himself how to play guitar????

....those who are born on a seven day (7th,16th,25th) learn a great deal from observation....it is said that old souls retain knowledge/skills from previous incarnations that they bring & can quickly activate n the current journey given the right stimulation ....
...i grew up with one i consider Prince's musical twin & all he needed was some time with an instrument & he figured it out(often the 1st time he touched the instrument=which could amaze him as much as those watching)...it could become frustrating & tiresome 2 the budding musicians around him, especially those getting lessons or instruction & still not playing as well>generally lead 2 admiration & respect or straight up jealousy/hatin...
...this guy & i both played by ear(way Byond what instructors were teaching): keeping at it until what we played sounded like what we heard....
...my interpretation is heaven gave Prince a generous gift of natural musical ability that he has exercised 2 exemplary expression - the kinda thang u can't buy or practise enough 2 ever obtain: either you're born withit or your not: don't hurt ya brain tryin' 2 figga on this one beret1022, its like askin' y the sun chose the east 2 rise n & not the west!!! "don't try 2 duplicate or imitate, do what heaven gave u & originate!!!"

with a little help from Satan.

Well I have no idea..I think that because he had so much times on his hands and the the fact that he was determined to play it....I think that he tought himself just the basics at first and then gradually went to harder stuff keeping in the range where he could understand what strings he had to press and not press to make this sound or not make this sound.....it's all about whether or not you understand what you are doing.....so i think that him understanding the basics and whatnot.he could get to the length he is now just from learning the basics at the beginning...that's how I think he learned to play...just my opinion.....don't hurt me.....

practice.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

Exactly. Hard work, just like with everything else.

It's not difficult, you just have to put in a large amount of time. Most people are too lazy or preoccupied to do that.

"Talent" is overrated, in my opinion. I'm not sure that it even exists...

Did he teach himself to sing also?

doctamario said:

Good point. It's been proven that many birds are born with a natural singing ability. In fact, they know entire songs without the need for tuition. Maybe Prince was the same.

At the age of about 5 apparently my uncle picked up a half sized accoustic and started playing 'she loves me' by the beatles. He had never had a lesson and no one had ever seen him pick up a guitar before.

Years later I remember him listening to old blues records and mimicking the guitar after only one listen of the track. He would play eric Clapton riffs note for note after only one listen. I think you will agree, a true gift...

Unfortunately, he was also open to the darker side of life and got embroiled in drugs. Sadly he killed himself at the tender age of 28...

I suppose, if he had made a record he may well now be revered in the same light as the likes of Hendrix etc. But alas, he was a 'nobody'. It comes back to that genius debate again. Was he a genius? Who knows... He certainly had a gift.