Guitar Players and Their Observations of Inaccurate Film and TV Performances
Have you ever sat through a TV commercial, movie, or TV show and found the guitar players not quite hitting the right notes or holding their instruments improperly? If so, you're not alone. Many guitar enthusiasts share this sentiment, as evidenced by the experiences of multi-instrumentalist instruments from the early 1990s and ongoing observations.
The Early 1990s: Guitar Models and Inaccurate Instrument Handling
Back in the early 1990s, a specific TV commercial garnered the attention of many guitarists. The commercial featured multiple models pretending to play various instruments, including guitars. Although it was clear that the commercial was for a shampoo product rather than an instrumental demonstration, the inaccuracies in instrument handling still bothered the guitarists. Models were holding guitars in ways that made it highly impossible to play them. Surprisingly, the same level of inaccuracy has been observed in many older TV shows and movies, where basic instruments are often played without proper technique.
Advancements in Modern TV Shows and Movies
Great strides have been made in recent years, particularly with the advancement of special effects and digital editing. Modern shows and movies now more frequently showcase accurate instrument handling, making it less noticeable when actors are not playing guitars or other instruments accurately. However, the underlying issue remains a common point of frustration among guitarists, who continue to call out actors for their poor instrumental skills.
Live Performances in TV and Music Videos
The disparity between live performances on TV and in movies and the actual performance of real musicians is another area of concern. While some live performances in TV shows and music videos are impressive, many lack the technical proficiency one would expect from a seasoned musician. For instance, famous artists frequently rely on background tracks to create a polished sound. It is often harder to find real musicians willing to perform live in a studio or on TV, especially when backing tracks can deliver a more consistent result.
Open Mic Experiences and Professional Performances
Experiences like performing at open mics have given insight into professional musicianship. A guitarist with a premium guitar such as a 5000 Martin might play basic open chords and loud strumming, which can indicate a less skilled player. The use of capos and worn-down finish areas on guitars can also signal a lack of experience. In contrast, when performers hit their marks and start playing with passion and attention, the audience becomes more engaged and attentive.
Conclusion
Guitar enthusiasts and multi-instrumentalists often find themselves critiquing the portrayal of their craft in film and TV due to a lack of proper technical execution. While there has been significant improvement over the years, the frustration remains. Whether it is the way instruments are handled in commercials or the technical proficiency of musicians in live TV performances, the issue is one that continues to divide those passionate about music from the casually trained.