Musicians and Self-Doubt

Someone commented on a post about a guitar workshop I conducted on fingerstyle guitar. . According to him, my playing was “kindergarten level,” and the idea that anyone would pay to learn from me was laughable.

And for a few minutes… it got to me.

I doubted myself. I questioned what I was doing. I forgot everything I’ve spent a lifetime building.

To be honest, I can let this sort of thing get to me much more than I should.

Then I remembered something important:

Not every opinion deserves a seat at your table.

I’ve played thousands of gigs, worked on hundreds of recordings, performed across Australia, Asia, and the US, and shared stages with incredible musicians. As a teacher, I’ve had students go on to play with artists such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Steve Lukather.

Yet one stranger with nothing to show nearly made me forget all of it.

That’s how powerful self-doubt can be.

But here’s the truth:

Constructive self-criticism helps us grow. It shows us where to improve, where to work harder, where to sharpen our craft.

Destructive self-criticism does the opposite. It paralyses us. It tells us we’re not good enough. It keeps us small.

Remember your first chord.
Your first song.
Your first gig.
Your first breakthrough.

So when doubt creeps in, flip the script.

Then look at how far you’ve come.

Use setbacks as lessons.
Use negativity as fuel.
Use limitations to find your own way.

And most importantly, surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you win.

Keep going.
Keep learning.
Keep playing.

The people who say it can’t be done are often watching those who are doing it.