New Strings in Life
I have no TV at home. I also have no flatmates, a very crappy radio, and tonnes of books. So to scatter amongst the reading and incessant laptop movie-watching, I decided (amongst other reasons) to pick up the guitar.
The bad stuff: My fingers hurt. They have semi-permanent lines on them. I have cramps in my left hand. I have to cut my nails (sob). And holy hell, some of the chords drive me insane.
The good stuff: My previous music training really helps. It’s super fun. And I can now play a portable music instrument (cause the piano sure as hell ain’t portable).
It’s nice to play an instrument that’s somehow more accessible than classical piano, which is a bit, well, classical, right? But guitar is fun. Guitar can play Jingle Bells and Vivaldi and Tears in Heaven. Guitar, in short, speaks to everyone.
All good.
Anything new you’ve picked up that has opened another venue of conversation with people?
– Jean AAR
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Oh, I tried to play guitar years ago, but my fingers are small and it was too much of a stretch. I’m sure I could have gotten used to it, but gave it up. I did play violin for years and taught a bit too. My daughter also played violin and my son was/is a natural at playing the guitar. I always thought it would be very cool to pick up a guitar and play to my heart’s content but sadly, that never happen. Much good luck to you! It looks like a lot of fun and great entertainment. (Maybe I should try again??)
I had piano lessons for years, and then tried to play the guitar. I was a complete flop at it. But I do remember the horrible pains on my fingertips until I gave it up. Good for you for keeping at it.
A couple of summers ago I decided to learn to play the guitar and took a class. It was loads of fun, but I hated cutting my nails (all the way down!). I was, however, quite proud of my bloody, callused fingertips. :) I worked damn hard for those.
I found that my previous musical training (I played saxophone) helped me in reading music. I was able to pick up melodies no problem, but chords were a bitch.
Kudos to you for learning guitar. It’s a lot of work, but well worth it I think.
Good for you for taking up guitar again. I think your fingertips are supposed to develop callouses so you don’t feel the pain. ; )