From First Chord to Full Throttle

Your journey as a musician starts with one step—take it, and the rest will follow.

Kevin McElroy
Editor, Tune Up Magazine

Find Your Voice, But First Learn the Rules

Have you ever wondered how those rock icons you admire seem to pull off music that hits so hard it feels like it’s made just for you? They aren’t just magically talented—they’ve put in the work to learn the ins and outs of musical emotion. Every note they play is deliberate, designed to make you feel something. That’s the real power of music: its ability to speak directly to the soul.

Here’s the thing: you’re not going to get to that level by accident. Sure, it’s fun to jam out on your guitar and rip through your favorite band’s riffs—but don’t confuse that with the hard work it takes to truly express yourself. If you really want to create something that stands out, you need to dig deeper.

Learn the Rules Before You Break Them

When we think of bands that mastered the rules before they broke them, Led Zeppelin comes to mind. They didn’t just create epic rock music out of thin air—they built their sound on a foundation of Blues, Folk, and Rock ’n’ Roll. Jimmy Page and Robert Plant knew the traditions, but they pushed the boundaries to create something that had never been heard before. Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” wouldn’t exist without them first mastering the basics of musical emotion and structure.

The point? You’ve got to know where music has been before you can take it somewhere new. But don’t mistake studying the past as copying it. You’re here to find your own voice. The techniques, the rules—they’re your foundation, not a prison. Once you’ve got the basics down, then you can start bending and breaking those rules to create something that’s yours.

Take the First Step—Do Something

A great example of just getting started comes from The Beatles. Before they became international icons, John, Paul, George, and Ringo were playing in dingy clubs in Hamburg, Germany, gigging non-stop to find their sound. Their early performances were far from perfect, but it was those countless hours on stage that turned them into the greatest band in the world. They didn’t wait for perfection; they just played, learned, and got better with each gig.

There’s a saying: “You can’t steer a parked car.” Same goes for your music career. You can dream all you want, but until you take that first step—whether it’s writing your first song, booking your first gig, or recording your first track—you’re going nowhere fast.

Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking everything has to be perfect before you begin. It won’t be. And that’s okay. Your music is going to evolve as you evolve. You’ll refine your sound, tweak your lyrics, and figure out what makes you you as an artist. But none of that happens if you don’t take that first step.

Be Self-Critical, But Stay True to Yourself

Think of Bruce Springsteen, who faced a ton of criticism early in his career for being “too wordy” in his songwriting. While he did refine his style, he never abandoned his deep, storytelling roots. His breakthrough album Born to Run wasn’t just the result of hard work—it was the outcome of self-criticism and staying true to his voice. Even under pressure from the industry, Springsteen didn’t let outside opinions sway his vision, and it paid off.

As you grow, you’ll get feedback. Some of it will be constructive; some of it will be garbage. Here’s where you need to toughen up and learn the difference between the two. Don’t let someone’s subjective opinion shake your confidence. Remember, this is your music, your voice, and your vision. Be self-critical—always strive to do better—but never let anyone talk you out of what makes your music yours.

Commit to the Lifestyle

Few artists embody the idea of commitment like Metallica. When they started out in the early 80s, they were known for their relentless work ethic. They didn’t achieve massive success overnight—early albums like Kill ‘Em All and Ride the Lightning were built on sheer dedication, countless hours of practice, and a never-ending desire to improve. Their commitment to their craft led them to become one of the most successful metal bands of all time, and they continue to evolve decades later.

This isn’t just about making music. It’s about living and breathing it. Rock and roll isn’t something you dabble in—it’s a lifestyle. You’re going to spend hours honing your craft, obsessing over gear, and thinking about how to connect with your audience. It’s going to be hard work, and it’s not always going to be glamorous. But if you’re in it for the right reasons—if you’re chasing that feeling, that emotional connection you get when a song just hits—then the work won’t feel like work. It’ll feel like living the dream.

The Truth: Do the Work, Take the Risk

A classic story of taking the risk and doing the work comes from Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. Cobain didn’t follow traditional rock paths; his raw, emotional songwriting didn’t fit into neat categories, and it wasn’t polished. But he stayed true to himself, and Nevermind changed the face of rock music in the 90s. Cobain didn’t shy away from taking risks with his music, and that authenticity struck a chord with millions.

At the end of the day, the truth is simple: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. There are no shortcuts. The only way to achieve anything is to do the work, take the risks, and pour your heart and soul into your music. Don’t let fear of failure or the need for perfection hold you back.

Take the first step. Write that riff. Book that show. Record that demo. You’ll refine it later—but right now, the only thing stopping you is not starting.

Rock and roll doesn’t wait for anyone. So what are you waiting for?