Despite having spent decades as one of rock’s most influential guitarists, Alex Lifeson has candidly admitted that self-assurance was never something that came easily to him.
It’s a surprising notion when you consider how wide-reaching Lifeson‘s impact has been. Ask almost any progressive guitarist about their inspirations, and chances are his name will surface quickly. His legacy extends well beyond prog circles — Metallica‘s James Hetfield has called him one of the greatest rhythm guitarists in rock, while jazz virtuoso Kurt Rosenwinkel has praised his distinctive sound and boundless creativity.
And yet, speaking recently with Guitar World, Lifeson reflected on his own persistent doubts:
“I always felt like I had to work really hard if I wanted to be good at it. I kind of discounted my natural ability, and I’m more aware of that now. I find that when I’m doing takes, I’ve always been an early-take guy. My best work is in the first five or six takes, particularly the solos. But I’m finding now that the first couple of takes are really satisfying.”
In recent years, it’s been his work with the project Envy Of None that has shifted his perspective. The supergroup arrived in Lifeson‘s life at a crucial time, providing a creative lifeline after he had stopped playing following the death of Neil Peart. Through this collaboration, he experienced a rejuvenation — both musically and emotionally.
“I know where I came from, and I know what I was like as a player for the bulk of my main career. Now, I’m more of a sensitive player. I don’t have the same kind of expectations. I’ve never been very confident, to be honest with you, as a player. I’ve always felt like I had to work hard, and maybe I didn’t appreciate that I have a natural talent for playing guitar.”
Getting back to regular playing after stepping away from the instrument posed its own set of challenges, especially at his age. Still, Lifeson has embraced the process with humor and perspective.
“Well, my fingers feel better! I’m 71; I’m not going to play like I did when I was 21 — or 51, for that matter. [Laughs] But I’ve found that my fingers are coming back; they’re grateful to me for doing this and getting them back into shape. It’s a long road when you’re at this age and battling the things that come with advanced years, but my fingers feel so much better than they did six months ago.”
Now, after everything — the doubts, the break, the return — Lifeson finds himself in a place of renewed joy and assurance in his playing: “I feel so much more confident in my playing. I feel happy. I feel reborn in terms of playing. It’s a good place for me right now.”
