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I have had this affliction with acquiring guitars for over 35 years. I often have thought where I might be today if I had put half that effort in learning how to actually play the guitar rather than simply buying them. Don't get me wrong, I do play, but I could be so much better.
I'm sure many players feel the same. I have many friends that have expressed the desire to play. They get a guitar, but all it does is collect dust.
It's not easy to make the time and learn how to play. It takes commitment. Many new players complain about the soreness in ones fingertips when starting to learn chords. That is just a part of learning to play. It doesn't take long before chords actually sound OK and the fingertips have become hard. The real trick is to play as often as possible. It can be 10 minutes or an hour. It doesn't really matter.
Play, and play often is the real key to learning how to play well. Seek out other players and get together. I always learn something from someone. Many players are more than willing to help a new player.
I have a guitar stand right next to my desk. I often pick up the guitar and just play a few chords. I find it relaxing and very enjoyable.
When I started playing guitar 36 years ago, I was encouraged from other more experienced players. I purchased books that gave me the pictures of the finger positions for the chords of a song I wanted to learn to play. I never took formal lessons in playing the guitar.
Peter, Paul and Mary, John Denver, James Taylor, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson were the artists whose songs led me down my intermittent musical venture. As with many things in life I had less and less time, as I grew older to play the guitar. College, marriage, kids, jobs and businesses all filled the time I once had taken in playing guitar. Now in my late 50s', I have taken a great interest in playing again. My children are out on their own, I have a great marriage and I have taken the time to pursue playing, really playing.
Today, my interests are in country music. Today’s country is more like the mild rock and roll I enjoyed as a teenager. We attend many concerts throughout the year featuring the likes of Luke Bryan, The Eagles, Vince Gill, Marty Stewart, Chris Young and Travis Tritt. The yearly country music festival in Nashville, in early June has been one of our favorite events for more than a few years. It's a great 4-day event with music from 10am till after midnight. If you haven't been there, you might want to check it out. I will give Marty Stewart credit for his Midnight Jam, the night before the CMA event starts. We have enjoyed the Midnight Jam for several years. Held at the famous Ryman Auditorium, the event has featured a who's who of country music, up close and personal with your host Marty Stewart and company. It's a great start to a great music event.
I still haven't taken any formal lessons, but I enjoy learning new songs from many venues. There are several web sites with free songs, which will show the chords and lyrics. I mainly play for self-enjoyment, but have stepped up at more than a few open mike nights. This re-sparked interest has opened many doors and led to opportunities never imagined. We will be attending many car events this year, but not as vendors. I'll have a guitar or mandolin with me looking for fellow players. Plan on stopping by and joining us at the host hotel in Columbus. We'll be in the parking lot. Hope to see you in Columbus!
Here are a few more of my guitars. Play on!
If you see a guitar that you are interested in or just want to talk guitars, drop me an email at rpbsaw@aol.com.
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