---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I know I have a very unusual style of…"
description: "\"I know I have a very unusual style of playing, where other more recognized and technically proficient players might look at me and wonder what the heck..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dave-matthews-2023_accompany_i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-pl_2276796.jpg"
---

#  I know I have a very unusual style of playing, where other…

![“I know I have a very unusual style of playing, where other more recognized and technically proficient players might look at me and wonder what the heck I'm doing. The purpose of my learning to play the way I do was more to accompany my singing. I figured out a style where I'm mentally playing the…” quote by Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dave-matthews-2023_accompany_i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-pl_2276796.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dave-matthews-2023_accompany_i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-pl_2276796.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dave-matthews-2023_accompany_i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-pl_2276796.jpg)

> “I know I have a very unusual style of playing, where other more recognized and technically proficient players might look at me and wonder what the heck I'm doing. The purpose of my learning to play the way I do was more to accompany my singing. I figured out a style where I'm mentally playing the drums over a simple melody.”

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

His unconventional drumming style serves the song, prioritizing musicality over technical showmanship.

**In simple terms:** Play for the song, not just skill.

Key Takeaway

Focus on serving the music.

Themes

creativity humility musicality

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

musical philosophical

When to use this quote

- band rehearsal
- songwriting
- live performance
- music education

Key Concepts

improvisation songcraft

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you balance originality with audience expectations?
- When does technical mastery hinder artistic expression?

A Different Perspective

Technical skill may be undervalued by some listeners.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Accompany](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/accompany/) [Drums Simple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/drums-simple-5298532/) [Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows/) [Look at me](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/look-at-me/) [Looks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/looks/) [Melody](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/melody/) [Mentally Playing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mentally-playing-5298530/) [Might](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/might/) [Music](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/music/) [Music making](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/music-making/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) [Player](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/player/) [Playing drums](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/playing-drums/) [Playing Recognized](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/playing-recognized-5298531/) [Purpose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/purpose/) [Simple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/simple/) [Singing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/singing/) [Style](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/style/) [Style Playing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/style-playing-2039314/) [Unusual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unusual/) [Way](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/way/) [Wonder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wonder/)

## Related quotes

> [The idea is more important than the style you're playing in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ornette-coleman/the-idea-is-more-important-than-the-style-you-re-playing-in/)

[Ornette Coleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ornette-coleman/)

> [Through my unique style of playing, I want to prove that you don't have to conform to be accepted. The greatest value comes from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lindsey-stirling/through-my-unique-style-of-playing-i-want-to-prove-that-you-don-t/)

[Lindsey Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lindsey-stirling/)

> [The truth is I like the style of playing the ball out and hitting long passes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aymeric-laporte/the-truth-is-i-like-the-style-of-playing-the-ball-out-and-hitting/)

[Aymeric Laporte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aymeric-laporte/)

> [I can only be me. I do what I do, I'm not a jazz player. ... I don't play jazz standards, at least not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jorma-kaukonen/i-can-only-be-me-i-do-what-i-do-i-m-not-a-jazz-player-i-don-t-play/)

[Jorma Kaukonen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jorma-kaukonen/)

> [“was privileged to know the very last living exponent of this way of playing, Alex Currie from Cape Breton, and I can confirm that his style of playing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fergus-muirhead/was-privileged-to-know-the-very-last-living-exponent-of-this-way-of/)

[Fergus Muirhead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fergus-muirhead/)

> [My style of playing is more enthusiasm and instinct than skill.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/florence-welch/my-style-of-playing-is-more-enthusiasm-and-instinct-than-skill/)

[Florence Welch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/florence-welch/)

> [I know that I haven't invented anything myself, that I am only a mixture of countless influences, and thanks to that I am able…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arturo-sandoval/i-know-that-i-haven-t-invented-anything-myself-that-i-am-only-a/)

[Arturo Sandoval](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arturo-sandoval/)

> [Maybe only my physical state can make someone wrong about my style of playing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hulk/maybe-only-my-physical-state-can-make-someone-wrong-about-my-style-of/)

[Hulk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hulk/)

> [His name, even, is part of the marketing scheme, I mean, Thelonious Sphere Monk - how can you think of a better name to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matthew-shipp/his-name-even-is-part-of-the-marketing-scheme-i-mean-thelonious/)

[Matthew Shipp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matthew-shipp/)

> [In a way, I feel there's a Carrick style of playing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-carrick/in-a-way-i-feel-there-s-a-carrick-style-of-playing/)

[Michael Carrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-carrick/)

> [People are always defining and re-defining music. My style of playing has been characterized as smooth jazz and acid jazz. I listen as I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-ayers/people-are-always-defining-and-re-defining-music-my-style-of-playing/)

[Roy Ayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-ayers/)

> [Practice. Learn and then unlearn - that's the trick in finding your own style of playing. You can't merely emulate, you have to innovate,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carrie-brownstein/practice-learn-and-then-unlearn-that-s-the-trick-in-finding-your-own/)

[Carrie Brownstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carrie-brownstein/)

> [I don't think my style of playing is different from the classic Brazilian style.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hulk/i-don-t-think-my-style-of-playing-is-different-from-the-classic/)

[Hulk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hulk/)

> [I have a sloppy style of playing guitar. A percussive style. Unique in fact.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sixto-rodriguez/i-have-a-sloppy-style-of-playing-guitar-a-percussive-style-unique-in/)

[Sixto Rodriguez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sixto-rodriguez/)

> [I used to be a drummer in a band, and I really loved playing the drums, so I look forward to the right opportunity…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zedd/i-used-to-be-a-drummer-in-a-band-and-i-really-loved-playing-the-drums/)

[Zedd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zedd/)

## More by Dave Matthews

> [Being able to scream at the top of my lungs in front of people is very therapeutic. It is a great gift for me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/being-able-to-scream-at-the-top-of-my-lungs-in-front-of-people-is/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [She feels like kicking out all the windows And setting fire to this life She could change everything about her using colors bold and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/she-feels-like-kicking-out-all-the-windows-and-setting-fire-to-this/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [So often we talk about saving the planet, but what we really mean is to save the planet the way it is, so we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/so-often-we-talk-about-saving-the-planet-but-what-we-really-mean-is/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [I'm from a very politically and socially conscious family. My mother always made a point of making us look at what was going on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/i-m-from-a-very-politically-and-socially-conscious-family-my-mother/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [She runs up into the light surprised Her arms are opened Her mind's eye is Seeing things from a better side than most can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/she-runs-up-into-the-light-surprised-her-arms-are-opened-her-mind-s/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [I see you young and soft oh little baby Little feet, little hands, little baby One year of crying and the words creep up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/i-see-you-young-and-soft-oh-little-baby-little-feet-little-hands/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [So let us sleep outside tonight, Lay down in our mother's arms, for here we can rest safely.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/so-let-us-sleep-outside-tonight-lay-down-in-our-mother-s-arms-for/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [I don't think everything is going to get peachy ever. But I think we have to fight for what we believe in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/i-don-t-think-everything-is-going-to-get-peachy-ever-but-i-think-we/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [So why would you care To get out of this place? You and me and all our friends, Such a happy human race. Eat,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/so-why-would-you-care-to-get-out-of-this-place-you-and-me-and-all-our/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [You seek up an emotion and your cup is overflowing, you seek up an emotion sometimes your well is dry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/you-seek-up-an-emotion-and-your-cup-is-overflowing-you-seek-up-an/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [To change the world, Start with one step. However small, the first step is hardest of all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/to-change-the-world-start-with-one-step-however-small-the-first-step/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [I'm partly obsessed by aging gracefully.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/i-m-partly-obsessed-by-aging-gracefully/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [Are you looking for answers, to questions under the stars? If along the way you are growing weary, You can rest with me until…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/are-you-looking-for-answers-to-questions-under-the-stars-if-along-the/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [It's funny, I get a little quieter with time. I don't want to chase my tail and one day repeat myself and repeat myself…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/it-s-funny-i-get-a-little-quieter-with-time-i-don-t-want-to-chase-my/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

> [I'm only this far, and only tomorrow leads my way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/i-m-only-this-far-and-only-tomorrow-leads-my-way/)

[Dave Matthews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

[Explore all 191 Dave Matthews quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/)

## More Accompany quotes

> [One must accept the fact that we have only one companion in this world, a companion who accompanies us from the cradle to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/agatha-christie/one-must-accept-the-fact-that-we-have-only-one-companion-in-this/)

[Agatha Christie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/agatha-christie/)

> [The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-millett/the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imposition-of-male-authority/)

[Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-millett/)

> [We may... affirm that the balance of power in a society accompanies the balance of property in land. The only possible way, then, of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-adams/we-may-affirm-that-the-balance-of-power-in-a-society-accompanies-the/)

[John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-adams/)

> [Satire must always accompany any free society. It is an absolute necessity. Even in the most repressive medieval kingdoms, they understood the need for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-randazzo/satire-must-always-accompany-any-free-society-it-is-an-absolute/)

[Joe Randazzo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-randazzo/)

> [But down the bagagge, take of the blinders, and see for yourself that this very place is the valley of the endless spring, this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-daido-loori/but-down-the-bagagge-take-of-the-blinders-and-see-for-yourself-that/)

[John Daido Loori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-daido-loori/)

> [It is not God's way that great blessings should descend without the sacrifice first of great sufferings. If the truth is to be spread…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-henry-newman/it-is-not-god-s-way-that-great-blessings-should-descend-without-the/)

[John Henry Newman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-henry-newman/)

> [In transmitting the dharma, there is neither explanation nor teaching; there is neighter hearing nor attainment. Since explanations never really explains, nor are they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-daido-loori/in-transmitting-the-dharma-there-is-neither-explanation-nor-teaching/)

[John Daido Loori](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-daido-loori/)

> [Lead the ideas of your time and they will accompany and support you; fall behind them and they drag you along with them; oppose…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/lead-the-ideas-of-your-time-and-they-will-accompany-and-support-you/)

[Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/)

> [Freedom is based on the anarch’s awareness that he can kill himself. He carries this awareness around; it accompanies him like a shadow that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernst-junger/freedom-is-based-on-the-anarch-s-awareness-that-he-can-kill-himself/)

[Ernst Junger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernst-junger/)

> [There is an unmistakable freedom that accompanies contentment: a freedom to be who you are, enjoy who you are, and live the life you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josh-becker/there-is-an-unmistakable-freedom-that-accompanies-contentment-a/)

[Josh Becker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josh-becker/)

> [The greatest grossness sometimes accompanies the greatest refinement, as a natural relief.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-hazlitt/the-greatest-grossness-sometimes-accompanies-the-greatest-refinement/)

[William Hazlitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-hazlitt/)

> [Those who choose, conduct, present, and accompany the music may influence the spirit of reverence ... more than a speaker does.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/boyd-k-packer/those-who-choose-conduct-present-and-accompany-the-music-may/)

[Boyd K. Packer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/boyd-k-packer/)

> [“Loneliness why do you accompany me if I wish to be alone?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luis-alexandre-ribeiro-branco/loneliness-why-do-you-accompany-me-if-i-wish-to-be-alone/)

[Luis Alexandre Ribeiro Branco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luis-alexandre-ribeiro-branco/)

> [Most of my books are set in the American Midwest, where I have always lived. Midwesterners are lovely, down-to-earth people. The luxury of choosing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leigh-michaels/most-of-my-books-are-set-in-the-american-midwest-where-i-have-always/)

[Leigh Michaels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leigh-michaels/)

> [Modesty should accompany youth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plautus/modesty-should-accompany-youth/)

[Plautus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plautus/)

[Browse all 285 Accompany quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/accompany/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "I know I have a very unusual style of playing, where other more recognized and technically proficient players might look at me and wonder what the heck I'm doing. The purpose of my learning to play the way I do was more to accompany my singing. I figured out a style where I'm mentally playing the drums over a simple melody.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Dave Matthews"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-playing-where-other-more/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Accompany"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-playing-where-other-more/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dave-matthews-2023_accompany_i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-pl_2276796.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dave-matthews-2023_accompany_i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-pl_2276796.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8a/dave-matthews-2023_accompany_i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-pl_2276796.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“I know I have a very unusual style of playing, where other more recognized and technically proficient…” — Dave Matthews",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Dave Matthews",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-matthews/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "I know I have a very...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-playing-where-other-more/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-matthews/i-know-i-have-a-very-unusual-style-of-playing-where-other-more/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
