Guitar philosophy for beginners and not so beginners!

Many students and sometimes mature players ask me about a specific technique they want to master. As always, I am thrilled to show anyone around the neck.  Even if I don't know the answer to the question (in question), it is always a terrific journey to figure something out with them.  The question could come loaded with a theory or practical issue.

However, at the end of my musical conversation with them, I usually ask "why".  Why as "why"? Well a bit of philosophy here wouldn't hurt.  When the why is answered, the learning curve get shorter and things get done quicker and more efficient.  But, when the idea behind the guitar issue at hand is a bit less altruistic and more about impressing the audience, then the learner usually starts to run into a mental and sometimes even professional fog.  Now, that is not to say that learning a particular needed technic won't bring that stress too, but the philosophy behind our guitar journey should always be looked at from a service perspective.  Therefore, addressing the philosophy or the "why" is almost always one of the most useful questions we could answer as guitarists.  

By the way, this is an issue that can help in many more aspects of music, art, and life!