Music is one of the most important things for modern life on Earth. Other than air, water and food of course. I truly believe that…
In the animal kingdom, music in one form or another is used for communication, displaying to the opposite sex, even just to pass the time swinging through trees (when it comes to being a howler monkey that is).
For us humans, music can bring about a litany of emotions; joy, sorrow, excitement, craziness, elation and of course also be used for displaying to the opposite sex. If you believe the stereotypes that is…
Learning to play any instrument is a journey of self discovery, as music resonates with us on a primal level and is full of small idiosyncrasies that make every musician unique. You literally cannot sound like someone else, no matter how close you get in terms of equipment, skill or desperate longing, purely because you play your instrument in your own way.
And that leads me nicely on to why most people give up learning guitar. Aspiration is by no means a bad thing, but some people pick up an axe to emulate their idols, and get so wound up on becoming “that good” it distorts their progress.
I first picked up a guitar in my secondary school music room. Walking into a friend’s guitar lesson, I stupidly asked if I could see what he’d been learning. 10 minutes later I’m trying to wrap my head around the first few notes of Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers, trying to understand finger positions and what a fretboard even was… things like that.
I’ve now been playing guitar, entirely self taught, for about 10 years, for better or worse. I will be the first to admit I’m no Hendrix, but I’ve learnt enough to earn a music degree, play regular shows and support some incredible acts locally and further afield.
Playing a guitar in my own way has enabled me to meet people I treasure as good friends, engage with my local community and help forge new opportunities for myself and others. And I’ve never had a guitar lesson…
I truly believe 90% of learning an instrument is down to confidence in yourself. If those sounds coming from your strings sound good to you, I promise it will sound good to someone else. That’s your sound, your musical output. The other 10% is just learning to refine that playing technique so it doesn’t break said instrument or sound like it’s split itself open.
Sure, there are going to be moments where you want to throw it away, stop torturing yourself and wonder why you’re doing it. But the end result is a total freedom to express yourself. And if you still end up in a situation like the one below… well, there’s always drums?
Three points I would advise anyone thinking of learning guitar to remember:
1. Buy decent equipment when you start out.
I’m not saying you should go out there and splash £500+ on a guitar and the same on an amplifier, but make sure you’re working with an instrument that sounds, looks and feels good to you. The most likely excuse for giving up guitar is that you just don’t like picking it up and making a horrible racket, so make sure you’re using the right tools for the job from the get-go. Plus, if you like the look of it you’re going to play it more! Psychology!
2. Some people will be better than you, and that’s okay.
Unless they are rubbing it in your face that is, in which case, write a song about it! As I said previously, your sound is unique to you, so don’t worry if someone is shredding in front of you showing off. You can build technique, but Nirvana became one of the biggest bands in the world from just four chords. So don’t stress!
3. Get out there to some gigs and be inspired!
This is probably the most important thing about engaging in music. Playing guitar in your bedroom is great, but nothing will be more inspiring than realising that there are some incredible local musicians right on your doorstep, and they are some of the most welcoming and supportive people you’ll ever meet. And it’s not just the other players; promoters, venue owners, bar staff, sound men - all of them can become friends for life. And that can only help your playing, as it links back to confidence.
Ultimately, just pick up a guitar and give it a go. If it’s not your cup of tea, you’ll know.
But if it is, you’re in for a world of fun!