You and your guitar: why now? Have you always wanted to play, or is this a brand new interest? Share your thoughts here.
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- NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION!
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- I Dropped My Pick Into the Sound Hole – Help!
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Guitar Life 
Music is a powerful means of self expression and learning to make music is something I have wanted to be able to do for a long time. The guitar is an an amazingly versatile instrument and a means of expressing ones-self in so many different ways on many different levels. After a frustrating initial effort this time I’m going to succeed and learn to play for my own enjoyment and sense of accomplishment.
It does my heart good to hear you say that, Jim. The guitar is kind of miraculous in it’s versatility and accessibility, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing your thoughts – and know my best wishes are with you as you and your guitar make music tonight.
I think a big answer to the question of why now has to do with getting older, physically and mentally. I was always a jock, but after several knee surgeries and numerous back problems…and ugh! I’m 52 now! Geesh! Anyway, I lost a sense of self expression for myself. I had to leave my comfort zone. I’d always been facinated by the acoustic guitar and haunted by the sound of it, and very intimidated by the thought of trying it. I always thought it was for someone else, someone who had a natural talent for it. I had to realize that we are all learners on this road of life. I might as well enjoy life by doing things I love, no matter what my ability level and learning speed. I love the journey I’ve undertaken with the guitar. I’m only sorry I didn’t start it decades ago. I apologize for my long answer
Dave,
That’s a wonderful answer – thank you for sharing it. I agree – it’s really all about the journey, no matter how and when you got started, and where you are wishing it to lead you. Doing something that you love is a life moment at it’s best.
I am 54 now and when I was 18 I started playing and only played for about 6 months. I was disillusioned about how long it was going to learn to play. The guitar I had a an exceptionally poor action on it and on top of that someone told me to put heavy strings on it. I did manage to play open chords and get a few songs down but at some point it went under the bed. Well 2 years ago I took a fall from a ladder and busted up my heel and was on crutches for 3 months. I was bored to death to say the least. Long story short the guitar came back out and I have since bought 3 more and I have not put them down since.
http://www.youtube.com/user/AlPrindle
I’ve found myself in groups where others play and wished I could be part of that scene. I always loved the sound of a guitar but have no musical background. After I told a friend what I’d been thinking she totally surprised me with the gift of a travel-sized guitar. In effect, she jump-started me. At this time in my life (62) I have time to practice, and I actually do!
Hi Marion,
How’s your guitar journey going? What a wonderful gift, the travel-size guitar!
-Lisa
At 57, I finally realized how really passionate I am about music. I love it, and I always have. I have it in my life all the time and I find it “fulfilling”. I find that there is
purity” in the notes on the acoustic guitar. I enjoy my electrics as well, but not the way I do the acoustic. I love simply strumming it to hear how true a sound it is. Nothing fake, nothing altered, just “pure” notes. Its what the sound does for me. And above all, I want to learn to play really well, for me.
It’s a magical thing, isn’t it?
I saw a tv program which proclaimed that you can learn many new skills these days just using the internet. That got me thinking…..hmmm I would like a new skill. What would I like to learn.? Then in a moment of inspiration I thought of the guitar. I bought one the same day and found this site. I have a 2 year old daughter and it will be great to share guitar playing with her as she gets older too.
Mark, your daughter is a lucky little girl! My father taught me my first guitar chords when I was 10. Music is a great way to connect with kids – I play with/for my 3-year-old niece every time I get the chance.
Keep me posted on how it’s going – welcome to the guitar!
Best wishes, Lisa
Love hearing all the stories, keep them coming. Thank you Lisa for all you do and all the instructors over at guitar tricks. I have learned so much from everyone and I love your down to the earth approach with websites like this, it is great
I would also like to give a BIG SHOUT OUT. I checked out his youtube. nice stuff.
Jaime
well.first id like to say its an honor….
I just bought my first guitar this past year& its been fascinating!! all i could think about is guitars???
I have to keep myself from going near a music/guitsr store.Its almost like an addiction?
But i just started taking lessons about 5 mo ago… But, i dint really put much effort or time, because of life issues you know?. i really would like to sing & play for peole someday, like say a church, or the elderly. music is a language .thats all i can describe, & i would love to learn the language..:)
Bill,
Sharing your music with others (church, elderly, family, community…) is such a beautiful gift to give. Let us know when you get a chance to have a “conversation” in this universal language.