Going Deep vs. Wide: Which Path Unlocks True Mastery?
Rediscovering the Power of Depth in a World Obsessed with Breadth
Deep vs. Wide: The Case for Going Deep
In a world that often demands more—more knowledge, more productivity, more consumption—it can feel as though we must constantly expand our horizons to “keep up.” Recently, however, I’ve found value in what I call a special brand of ignorance: going deep instead of wide.
When we learn deeply, we focus on a single aspect of our craft, giving it our full attention and commitment. In contrast, learning widely involves gathering a range of experiences without necessarily diving deeply into any one thing. Both have value, but I’m discovering that going deep can be transformative, particularly in my musical pursuits.
Learning Deep vs. Learning Wide
I especially find deep learning valuable in my piano studies. When I focus on one piece, practicing with intention, I feel as though I’m truly mastering something. My piano teacher Danny recently remarked, “Spotify is the enemy!” as we doubled down my focus on a classic jazz standard.
While attractive, endless variety dilutes our focus and prevents us from creating deeper grooves in our brain’s neural pathways.
The Limits of Masters
As I study the lives of my favorite musicians, I’m reminded that they were, by necessity, deep learners. They lived in an era with no streaming services or vast record collections to detract them from their craft.
Consider John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Early in their careers, they had very few albums to study. However, the albums they did have were absorbed fully, with unwavering dedication. They went deep, and despite a limited palette of examples, both Davis and Coltrane became some of the most original and prolific musicians of their time. They drew upon not only external resources but also turned inward, developing their unique artistry through countless hours of focused practice.
Most of the original and legendary Jazz musicians that we admire had very few recordings at their disposal. Let’s take a couple legends that most anyone has heard of: John Coltrane and Miles Davis had very few albums to learn from early on in their careers. However the albums they did have were absorbed fully and studied with unwavering dedication. They went deep.
What’s amazing to me is even with a limited palette of external examples, both Davis and Coltrane are considered among the most original and prolific. They also went deep inside themselves and developed their own depth by committing countless hours to cultivating their unique artistry.
Now, let’s look at two remarkable singers:
Nina Simone reportedly never took a voice lesson and spent her early years dreaming of becoming a classical pianist.
Drawing heavily from Bach, she developed a musical foundation that transcended genres, making her one of the most evocative artists of her time. After decades of piano practice, she began singing in nightclubs to pay the bills, bringing a richness and depth that only her intense study could provide.
Here she is speaking about Bach:
And a musical example that alludes to some of her classical roots:
Joni Mitchell, the songwriter’s songwriter, is known for her complex chord structures and innovative guitar tunings.
Rather than spreading herself thin across different genres, Joni honed a distinctive style, tuning her guitar differently from everyone else and taking her songs to profound places. This depth and dedication to originality is why her work continues to stand apart.
Here’s a Video demonstrating her tuning on Big Yellow Taxi
And a link to Joni playing Big Yellow Taxi in 1970
Going Even Further Back
Imagine Beethoven and Bach, who grew up in an era where music could not be recorded, and written scores were scarce. Beethoven spent countless hours exploring the pieces he could access, cultivating a profound understanding of musical structure and emotion. J.S. Bach walked long distances to hear live performances and painstakingly copied compositions by hand, developing a deep mastery of counterpoint and harmony that would define his style.
These musicians, and countless others, chose to go deep with the resources they had—and the world thanks them for it.
How To Balance Deep and Wide Learning
I often ask myself: Am I learning deeply, or am I spreading myself too thin? When I go wide, I gather knowledge like I’m at a buffet. But when I go deep, I drill into one thing until it becomes second nature.
In my songwriting, for example, I might focus on specific aspects like groove, lyrics, or structure. Dedicating time to each part elevates the entire song.
To balance the urge to go wide, I set aside “wide retreats,” where I explore new ideas for a set time. This allows me to play without losing focus. It might be a bit of a cheat, but it helps break up the tedium.
My deep learning sessions, on the other hand, are short but frequent—10 to 25 minutes, two or three times a day. This approach lets me integrate variety and depth.
How to Practice Going Deep
If you’re curious about embracing depth, here are a few practical steps:
Learn One Song Gradually: Pick a favorite recording and listen to it repeatedly. Sing every part you hear and play along.
Slow-Motion Practice: Slow your speed down to a fraction of your goal. This allows you to notice details you might otherwise miss.
Focus on One Aspect: Pick a specific part of your craft—tone, dynamics, technique—and zero in on that.
Reflect on Your Practice: After a focused session, jot down your observations. This helps reinforce insights and deepen your understanding.
Track Your Practice: Use a simple chart to monitor your progress over time.
The Power of Intentional Practice
Recently, I’ve been practicing playing the drums quietly. This requires a high level of motor control and reveals nuances I don’t experience at higher volumes. After nine months of practicing rudiments softly, I’ve developed better control than ever before.
I’ve also noticed tension in my body, which I can relax more easily when playing slowly. Tension detracts from performance, whether I’m singing, drumming, or playing piano. By slowing down and consciously relaxing, I’m developing a new relationship with my body and instrument, making my practice more mindful. Slowing down lets us notice the details that foster deeper learning.
Are You Ready for a Deep Dive?
The human brain is an amazing organ, but society’s rapid pace and expectations can overwhelm us. Let’s give our learning the time it deserves to deepen our experience.
Can you allow yourself to absorb what matters most and leave the rest behind?