Breaths Quote by Tom Verlaine
“I've seen a lot of people getting into Jazzmasters because of me, and, well, people don't know what they're in for. I mean if you're looking for endless sustain, you're going to have to get it out of your hands (laughs). Because a saxophonist gets it out of his breath. You've got to work for it on the guitar - it means you have to pull it out of yourself, otherwise, what are you doing? You end up playing a lot of noise or scale exercises.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Guitar Magazine, 1985, discussing technique and expression
The speaker emphasizes that sustained guitar sound requires personal effort and breath, unlike wind instruments that naturally produce sustain.
In simple terms: Guitar sustain demands active player involvement
Key Takeaway
Practice breath control and hand technique for sustain
Themes
music
technique
effort
Mood
determined
motivated
Type
instructional
inspirational
When to use this quote
- guitar performance
- practice sessions
- musical improvisation
Key Concepts
sustain
breath control
musical expression
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you integrate breath into guitar playing?
- What exercises improve sustained tone?
A Different Perspective
Sustain cannot be passive; it must be earned through skill
