Why I Love Playing the Guitar

I got my first guitar when I turned 10. It was a birthday present from a man that attended my church. I can't even tell you what brand it was. What I remember is that it was white and an electric guitar. I did not think about the work and practice it would require, so it went in its case and under my bed. Finally, a couple months later my mom asked the man who had given it to me to give me lessons. He gave me a piece of paper that had a couple chords written out on it. I didn't even understand how to read it, so the only time the guitar came out was when I wanted to act like I was a rocker while I listened to music. Eventually the guitar had three strings broken and hadn't been touched in a year. I sold it for $50 so I could have money for a mission trip. (Ironically, I sold it to the pastor that was taking us on the mission trip.)

And that is the sad beginning of my instrumental life (not including my short stint with the flute in elementary school).

A couple years later I moved across the country (due to my fathers work). The church that I started to attend was overflowing with youth that had musical talents and I wanted to fit in. I got really close to a young man in my youth group and he became like my older brother. He can practically play any instrument he picks up, so I asked him to teach me guitar. I was home-schooled at the time and he had just begun community college. We both had a lot of time on our hands.

Every Wednesday he would come over around 4 and we would practice for an hour then we would feed him dinner and head to church. It was a good arrangement and I picked it up pretty quick. He was a good teacher and forced me to learn, think, and practice.

He taught me the basics: chords, a couple scales, names of the strings... But I had to learn the rest on my own. And I have. It has been worth all the hard work and now I am past the effort of fitting in. I play because I love it.

There is something powerful about being able to play a song that connects you to time and to other guitarists through time. Music itself is powerful and the ability to make your own or play some of your favroite songs is amazing.

If you are someone who has a constant need to evolve, grow, and gain knowledge then you might want to consider picking up and instrument. No matter how much I learn there is always more to learn. There are so many ways to stretch yourself and grow and so many different musical styles that can be picked from.

Just do me a favor and try it.