Guitar Lessons Online

Jun 25

2008

Back to basics..

Posted by william6691 in Untagged

I guess this is where it all begins. I have played guitar for lots of years but never very seriously. Now I have decided to start (re-start) from the beginning to rebuild the foundations and see how good a musician I can be. I guess since I'm back to the beginning then good place to start is with the simple wonder of the intrument itself. I look back on it now and I remember the first time I touched a guitar and strummed across the open strings:

What can this strange device be?

When I touch it, it gives forth sound....

It's got wires which vibrate and give music...

What can this thing be that I've found?

No matter what, the simple wonder of the instrument should be what drives our desire to learn...

I think a lot of musicians lose that 1st time appeal as time goes on, you know..like the scene in Back To The Future where Marty McFly turns on the amp and hits the power chord that blows him against the wall. Remember the first time you you played a chord (probably) and A or Em, or even open G on a guitar with distortion on it? That day, in your mind, you had joined the gods of rock and you were hungry for more....

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Good Observation by william6691
written by Jeremy Laursen, June 26, 2008

Great observation. I always tell my students that no matter what we are in this to have fun. Learning your first chords, learning how to strum, and learning scales can be somewhat tedious at times. But we do this so that we can have fun playing the guitar. Whether you are a weekend musician, late night musician, or a professional, you have to have fun! Sometimes I have to learn maybe 10-20 songs in 2-3 days. That is a lot of work. But I put in the work because I know that it will pay off when we get to the gig and we nail the tunes and the crowd loves it. The same thing happens when I may work for a couple of weeks trying to perfect a solo guitar piece. I know that some evening when I don't have to learn 10-20 songs I might pick up my guitar and play a nice tune that I don't have to practice anymore because I can make is sound good. Practice, but make sure that you enjoy your instrument. Have Fun!

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written by William Dawson, June 27, 2008

Thanks for the comment, let me add something from my own experience. I have known and worked with many "bar" bands in Orlando for years. One thing that just kills me is that most of the guitar players (who are really good) will tell me that the only time they pick up their guitar is for a gig on the weekend. There's no enjoyment, no "coolness", no desire to play the instrument, other than for the gig. That's when the instrument becomes a tool, and the gig becomes a job...nothing more. When the artist sees the canvas as a paycheck the I guess you could say the paints have lost their color, and the artist has lost his soul. If I never make 1 dime from playing the guitar I really won't care, because I know that I can play a beautiful song and makes my wife smile. (sorry, had a sappy moment)

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written by Jarrod Taylor, June 28, 2008

It's so nice to see you're in touch with the "Beginners mind" It's so important not to lose sight of that and to always keep your interest and have fun playing! I think every musician I've met has lost their inspiration from time to time, but they know how to get back to being excited and in touch with the music. For me, going back to the music that made me want to play in the first place, will always inspire me and excite me again! I think balance is important with music....with anything really. Too much time in any one area or aspect of playing can diminish your drive and excitement, so it's very important to be sure you not only practice, but play, jam, write, listen...etc
Thanks for sharing the story!

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