I was at a house party last month where a circle formed and my friend brought out his guitar. He played us a few songs and did some showing off and we all loved it. Then we started passing the guitar around the circle. The girl next to him wasn’t quite as good in her playing skill, but she played us a song which still sounded beautiful. Then the next person had a go and they played a nice cover song they’d been practicing. Then it was my turn…
I can’t play the guitar. Trumpet? Yes. Accordion? Yes. Piano? …I’m getting there! Guitar? No! Nevertheless I didn’t want to break the circle so did my best and tried to bosh together something in the way of a melody by sliding my finger up one of the strings and pausing where it sounded nice. It sounded rubbish, so I passed it to the next person who sung another great cover.
The guitar seems to be one of those instruments that everyone can play. Obviously some people are amazing at guitar, but all you need to sing a simple song is to know a few chords and be able to strum along.
Coursera is hosting a new course from Berklee College Of Music called Introduction To Guitar, therefore I’m going to follow the course and learn the basics over the duration of the 6 weeks of the course.
I’ve managed to borrow my sisters guitar, which is pretty small but will do for now, therefore if you’ve ever wanted to learn guitar then I urge you to borrow one from a friend and learn with me and the next time someone passes you a guitar you can at least play a simple chord loop before passing it on.
Introduction To Guitar – https://www.coursera.org/course/guitar
Hello, Aaron.
I just discovered your site today. It’s terrific. I listened to the music tracks on your “Music” page and enjoyed both of them immensely. I’m also a musician (as well as an author, teacher, and minister). I have played keyboard all my life, and I actually started my music journey learning to play the accordion. There are very few accordionists around my neck of the woods these days, and I seldom play it now. I still often play keyboard, especially in connection with worship for ministry. And I once started learning guitar as well. I got to where I could play fairly well in the key of C, and then gave it up. Just too many other responsibilities, I guess.
But I have really enjoyed reading your articles, and I liked your point that we need to be sure what we do with our time and energy is taking us to the place we want to be. I’ve had some major changes taking place in my life concerning my work this past week, and your thoughts really spoke to me about being careful concerning the choices I make going through these changes.
Thanks for sharing so much of your talent and your life with us.
God bless you.
Sandra
Hi Sandra. Thanks for your kind words. I’m really glad you liked my music tracks, and that my point about time and energy helped you think through your choices. It’s great that you’re still playing the keyboard, and in connection with your ministry must make it even more enjoyable. I was really lucky this week as I was able to combine two of the things I love: writing music, and playing music in a group. I brought a song I’ve been writing along to one of my band practices and it felt so great to be able to hear it properly and play it amongst friends.
Best of luck with your work and your music.
Aaron
If you want to supplement your learning make sure you check out the G4 Guitar Method. Just search on Google.
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