Hi Marty-
This is my fifth attempt at trying to get my question posted, so please give me some sort of response. First, I can't put into words how much your playing has inspired me to become a better musician and I thank you for that. Second, Music for Speeeding is probably one of the finest pieces of work that I have heard in the last five years. Excellent job. Now my question. I spend a lot of time learning other guitar players solos note for note. However, when I try to come up with something on my own, I just don't get the joy or excitement that I do from other peoples solos, especially yours. When I play for other people they like what I do, but I don't like it as much. I constantly search for something better, but I can never can live up to my own expectations. I need your advise to change the way I think about myself and my playing. Marty, your the best and I love your music to death. Cheers!

This is more a self confidence issue than a musical issue, but here is what to do. Record your playing. Just making up melodies and stuff, improvising, whatever. A lot. Then wait a few days and then listen back to it objectively. Be honest about what you think is cool and what is not. Analyze it as if you were analyzing another player's work. The more you do this, the more you will respect your own playing. Good luck!