Is Playing 40 Gigs a Month Real Success?
“This comment asks: why should shred music be less valuable? Isn’t it also music?”
Yes—shred is music.
But here’s the key:
Music itself isn’t the value.
Music is the product.
Value is what that product creates in the real world.
Value is measurable
Value shows up as:
- audience size
- ticket sales
- streams
- demand
- cultural impact
- leverage
Shred music usually has a smaller audience.
That doesn’t make it fake.
It makes it niche.
Niche isn’t bad—niche is math
A niche product can be excellent and still earn less because fewer people buy it.
That’s not an opinion. That’s economics.
The Frusciante example
John Frusciante creates:
- mass connection
- catalog value
- cultural relevance
- long-term demand
- leverage beyond the instrument
That’s why the value is higher—literally.
Skill impresses musicians.
Music moves people.
The real question you should ask
Not “Is it music?”
But “What value does it create?”
If you want more value, you need:
- bigger demand
- stronger emotional connection
- clearer identity
- better positioning
- repeatable outcomes
Conclusion
All shred is music.
Not all music creates the same value.
FAQ
So shred music is worthless?
No. It’s niche. Niche can be a strong business if you build offers that fit the audience.
Can shred music be mainstream?
Rare, but possible when technique serves songs, hooks, and identity.
How do I increase value without changing style?
Build audience, clarify identity, package experiences, and create demand through consistency.
Transcript
“This comment asks: why should shred music be less valuable? Isn’t it also music?”
Great question. Let’s clear this up.
Yes—shred is music.
But music itself isn’t the value.
Music is the product.
Value is what that product creates in the real world.
And value is measurable:
audience size, ticket sales, streams, demand, and cultural impact.
Shred music usually has a smaller audience.
That doesn’t make it fake.
It makes it niche.
John Frusciante creates mass connection, long-term catalog value, cultural relevance—leverage beyond the instrument.
That’s why the value is higher. Literally.
All shred is music.
Not all music creates the same value.
Calling everything “just music” avoids the real question:
Not “is it music?”
But “What value does it create?”
Take Your Guitar Playing To The Next Level!
Wouter Baustein
Music Producer, Music & Mindset Coach
If you like clear, practical guitar and music coaching instead of random YouTube tips, you need structure. My guitar books and coaching programs give you that structure, so you can finally make real progress and level up your playing.
