RodneyVikens Same story for me really - started around 13 years old, put in so many hours up until age 22 then stopped for like 8 years. Back in it now though and not going to stop again!
Why do you play guitar and make music
why do I attempt to play...
Simply put music has been a big part of my life, not in the sense that I've made a living off it, but rather that I surrounded myself with noise of some sort for as long as I can remember, Music has the power to sooth me through the bad, and cheer me through the good, so the next step is a natural progression of that, from mere listening and enjoying, to creating and playing,
3 months later
I grew up with music... from Abba to ZZ top.. and when Dire Straits Brothers in arms landed , I was hooked, I wanted to play guitar. Got a crappy (this is 1986, I'm 9) accoustic for R50. Played and messed and tried to learn by ear. hAD IT for 10 years. gAVE IT away as it started to break apart. Thought I buy a fender, ddint' have the money. 10 years on 2006 I win Pink Floyd Delicate sounds of thunder cd on Radio 2000 I think. And this time I had the money, bought a Squire to start off again. Love it. Still have it. Love the escape it provides. Looking to upgrade to a Gibson Les Paul early next year. I loved Fender, wanted it, then they made Edge and Bozo(U2) who I despise and I said never will a Fender come near me.
- Edited
Strataxe, So if you change to a LP you will have to change your name then? ;-) Why not have both, a full range of tones.
I don't hold Fender to blame for any of their endorsements, rather Gibson have been the big bad brother lately. Try a Tokai (either Strat, Tele, or LP style)
I also have played from early teens, with similar histories to other stories here. Eventually bought a good guitar in my mid 20's then went cold again with family growing. The last 10 years I have been very actove playing daily, I love my music, it is my escape
Tuckstir TRUE, but I have the Squire, so that style is covered, though can get something similar with single coil pickups from another co.Though Fender rules that, maybe I'll change my mind in the future. Its a reason why Gilour, Knopfler, Jeff Beck, etc plays them. That sound. But for now I'd rather go Gibson LP.
Ah you see that changes things.. if you want to EXPAND your collection to get a different feel and sound..
thing is with Pickups there is soooooooo many options which will change your sound... even just between single coils. add in Humbucker's, P.A.F's, P90's and well the world is your Oyster.
15 days later
Well done brother. I found myself doing a slow clap while reading your post. Being prepared to bare your naked self is a requirement of being a "good guitarist" IMO - so now you know that you're doing at least one thing right ?
In response to your headline question: I think that the guitar has become an absolute essential element of my mental health strategy. It is both my escape and my reality check. And of course, I also chase those dreams and harbour some fantastical ambitions - but upon reflection, the journey has already paid off in a huge way. Reaching "the destination" will merely be a bonus.
10 days later
As a further exploration into my motive for playing the guitar and making music, reality...
As we grow older, we realize a couple of things, first, time is running out, pension is a reality and not something far out there in the future and I express my thoughts and insecurities in song. I am in the fortunate position to own a copy of Band in the Box which serves as a great comping and accompaniment tool for chord and melody inspiration.
Real life issues and thoughts remain the foundation, love songs, well ja, not really, way past that
A lot of truth in these words. Sums up my reason.
studmissile
Luvit!