Do you play an instrument and if so how does it impact on the way you listen?.

Posted by: Briz Vegas on 05 April 2010

Equally, if you don't play how do you think that impacts on your enjoyment of music?

Like half the western world I have owned a cheap acoustic guitar for years but never got beyond three chords and an inability to string them together. Like all good mid life crisis experiences I ignored common sense and went out and bought a Gretsch hollow bodied electric guitar and a valve guitar amp. I've also invested in a few lessons (the students before and after me are about 6, I think its hilarious - and they probably think I suck - which I do but in typical mid life crisis style I will ignore that fact).

What I have found is that my interest in music has broadened. Most listening sessions end with me dragging out the guitar and having a bash at a few tunes myself. I spend hours checking out utube posts from other folks or just checking out the on-line lessons.

I thought it might kill some of the mystery and magic. In fact what it has done is open up another avenue for enjoying more music, and it works better than listening alone when it comes to tuning out the stresses of the day. Its the ultimate DIY, with the associated feeling of satisfaction by doing it for yourself (however badly).

Forget digital vs analogue. Play a few decent chords on the old 15 watt valve practice amp and it leaves the more "powerful" stereo for dead.

Anyone else had similar experiences or thought of taking the plunge despite not being 16......or 6?
Posted on: 14 April 2010 by mikeeschman
Mick, the first thing is to learn to enjoy it. If you can't enjoy it, there's no point to it.

Don't expect great results right away. Everything worthwhile takes time.

Good luck.
Posted on: 14 April 2010 by mikeeschman
Mick, you never said how long you've been at it?
Posted on: 14 April 2010 by Briz Vegas
I look at it this way, if playing an instrument was easy everyone would be doing it. I think for me it is going to be a long hard slog before I get my fingers under control. But then again I am touch typing this and that involves all my fingers so I figure I just have to keep plodding thought those scales.

I just had a lesson tonight and watching my teacher doing a bit of blues improv I was just amazed at the way she could make her figures dart around like that with such ease. I think I play better at home than I do at lessons as I relax a little more and can go with the flow. Its just a like a football team finding their rhythm, they might suck in the first half then in the second half they seem to get skills and teamwork from nowhere.

I guess that means lots of practice and finding the music in you.

In Micks case I suggest that you go to Justinguitar.com and take a few utube guitar lessons. I've been there a few times and its all explained in very simple terms. Its free but he asks for those who can afford it to donate for the lessons. You can go at your own pace. You may find that you are just slow to start or just take a little longer than others. You can take as long as you want if you take the online path.