I listen to alot of music/musicians on CD, radio, you tube and live performance. As you all likely would agree there are some amazing players out there. And, I'm sure I'm not alone when I say or think to myself am I “good enough.” This is not in comparison to other players but rather an insight to my own development and growth as a player.
When I attended the Musician's Institute 1981-82, we were given words of wisdom like; “You will have this information to use and learn from for the rest of your life," and “not all of you will earn a living playing music but you are still a musician!" These words as a player/musician has been useful information that I have carried with me since those days. It has helped me to stay focused in my learning and kept me humble.
At the same time it has given me insight into who I am as a musician. I enjoy sharing my music with audiences. Playing where there is no audience is not my favorite environment/s. The response I receive from people is just as important to me as the enjoyment I get from learning a new song.
So it is songs I work on and present to audiences where I spend my time these days. The techniques, scales, chords and arpeggios contained in the songs continue to help me grow as a player.
Could I spend more time on the technical aspects of my playing, sure! I'd be lying if I said anything else. But, I'm doing what I like and what makes me happy and keeps me growing. Back to the original question am I “good enough.” If the audience responses I receive and the continued bookings at venues is an answer to that question then that's “good enough.”