Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Learning Guitar
OK fine. I wasn't going to say anything about it, but then I do tend to get enthusiastic about new things that I get involved with, and I can't help but talk about it. So I've decided to learn how to play the guitar. There are all sorts of reasons why I'm starting now - I've been to lots of sing-alongs lately and would love to hear the songs I know and want to hear, I'm taking a mini-break from theatre so I have a wee bit of spare time, it's a great distraction from updating my portfolio (which I really need to be focusing on), and I'll be 35 in the fall and this is one of those things that I've always kind of wanted to try and I'd like to try it before I hit 35 (and I still have no idea why this birthday seems to be the one that means something, as I've never realy given a hoot about age in the past).
So, I found some great lessons online: free lessons on About.com actually. They seem to be pretty decent, and it would be an inexpensive way to start. Next, I would actaully need a guitar. I called a couple of friends and tracked one down that I could borrow. My friend Chris used to play guitar but hasn't used it in a long while. It's a very nice acoustic guitar, and he even lent me the stand and a tuner. I didn't want to go out and buy one because I wasn't sure if I'd even like it or not, or if I'd even stick with it.
Day 1 was last Friday. Scott M popped by and helped me get started. I learned how to tune it, and I learned a basic set of scales to practise, and learned three chords (G, C, and D major). My goal was to spend 20 minutes a day on it and then put it down.
As friends have predicted, my fingertips are a wee bit tender. I am looking forward to building up calluses. Otherwise, it seems to be going pretty well. I know it's a steep learning curve and I'm willing (so far) to put the time in to at least get some basics down. If I eventually decide to stick with it and I can afford it, I'll look into possibly purchasing the guitar from Chris and taking lessons. Small steps for now though.
I headed over to Scott and Mare's to play a bit of guitar with Scott. It was a good exercise and will be a good motivator to keep improving. He has an electric guitar that he let me try out. I can totally see why so many people learn on electric guitars - what a difference. Still, I prefer the sound of the accoustic, and since it is so much less forgiving, it's forcing me to learn properly, which I appreciate. Mare treated us to a very neat strawberry cake, and was patient enough to listen to our struggles. OK - my struggles, as Scott is already easily stumming and changing chords. I am thankful to have such supportive friends!
Posted by Dre at 11:42 PM
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