What does it really take to become a professional guitarist? In this episode of the Guitar Underground Podcast, Neil Santos sits down with full-time musician Kevin Herrera to talk about discipline, practice, performance, fitness, and the realities of making a living through music.

Kevin shares stories from his musical journey, including studying at Musicians Institute, learning songs note-for-note in tribute bands, developing consistency as a player, and how mindset and discipline helped shape both his guitar playing and personal life. This conversation is packed with insight for intermediate guitarists looking to improve their playing, motivation, and long-term growth.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Kevin became a full-time musician

• The importance of learning songs note-for-note

• Practice habits that accelerate growth

• Why discipline matters more than talent

• How fitness and music influence each other

• Mindset tips for serious guitar players

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FOLLOW KEVIN HERERRA ONLINE:Website: https://www.kevinalexanderherrera.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuitarzanHerrera/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinalexanderherrera91/

NEIL'S BOOKS:

The Guitar Simplified - https://amzn.to/3Mz7Kup

The Lefty Guitarist's Survival Handbook - https://amzn.to/4tZHolY

STUFF NEIL USES:

Fender 57’ Reissue Stratocaster - https://amzn.to/4tL5MYl

Vega Trem VT1 Special Standard Tremolo Bridge for Strat-Style Guitars - https://amzn.to/4awaYYF

Michael Kelly Patriot Decree Electric Guitar - https://amzn.to/4aOdQyQ

Line 6 HX Stomp XL - https://amzn.to/3MEsIbc

HeadRush FRFR108 MKII - 2000W Guitar Amp - https://amzn.to/4tZpwYq

TC Electronic DITTO+ LOOPER - https://amzn.to/3MtnNtD

Tech 21 Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig v3 Multi-effects Pedal - https://amzn.to/4kMdZaA

Gravity Guitar Picks - https://amzn.to/4cFUG0D

ObsidianWire Custom '5-Way' Solderless Wiring Harness - https://amzn.to/46lKJSc

Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera - https://amzn.to/4rAmBD7

Shure MV7X XLR Dynamic Microphone - https://amzn.to/4aU6A5T

Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile USB Audio Interface - https://amzn.to/4crblFf

Behringer XENYX 802S Analog 8-Input Mixer - https://amzn.to/4ryJLtL

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Guest Introduction

01:15 – Meeting Through New Hampshire Guitars

03:50 – Kevin’s Early Musical Influences

08:05 – Discovering Guitar & Van Halen

13:25 – Musicians Institute Experience

17:40 – Life After Music School

21:20 – Family, Guitar & Early Inspiration

25:15 – First Bands & Performing Live

31:45 – Expanding Beyond Metal Music

37:30 – Tribute Bands & Professional Playing

43:00 – Learning Songs Deeply & Musicianship

48:00 – Great Performers & Stage Presence

53:10 – Favorite Players & Musical Influences

58:45 – Learning by Ear & Transcribing

01:04:00 – Teaching, Practice & Growth

01:09:00 – Local Music Scene & Networking

01:14:00 – The Importance of Relationships

01:18:45 – Marathon Running & Fitness

01:23:20 – Discipline, Health & Mindset

01:28:40 – Nutrition, Consistency & Balance

01:33:20 – Music as a Physical Craft

01:38:20 – Final Reflections & Advice

01:42:30 – Outro & Closing Thoughts

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