If anybody is making a list of Mudcat threads to archive, this one is definitely heading in that direction. I agree that it's a combination of practice and talent, and in varying degrees for different people. We all have different "wiring patterns" in our brains and muscles, and different abilities to make brain and muscle work together in different ways. There's no question that motor skills improve with practice, as you create a stronger motor memory. It's like running water carving a channel--the more often it flows, the deeper the channel and the easier it is to stay in the channel. But some people cut that channel in firm earth, while others are stuck with crumbling sand!

What I find fascinating is trying to understand those wiring patterns, and how they interact in different tasks. (This is a professional interest for me, as I often deal with children who are having learning difficulties.) I, for one, seem to be a klutz on guitar, or drawing, or anything that requires consistency in fine movements of my hands and fingers. I can get better with practice, but only up to a point. However, I'm a fairly fast typist, and I'm really good at fast singing and tongue-twisters, both of which also require fine muscle movements. Maybe when my strong language skills are engaged, they help my muscles do better! It's a fascinating subject.

Aloha,
Mark