Having grown-up with a brother who played trombone and two sisters who played flute, I was inspired to pick-up the trumpet when I hit fourth grade. Through their performances and my own learning, I developed a real appreciation not just for listening to music, but for making it.
The trumpet, unless you are very, very good, turns out to be a difficult solo instrument. I was not very, very good. And so, when I left the band to pursue running and student government, I set down my horn and put my music making on hold for a while.
This year, I was inspired at a family reunion in an Ohio State Park. I remembered there how much fun it could be to sit around a fire or on a porch with a bunch of people, listen to the guitar, and sing. The Chianti probably didn't hurt, either.
After the reunion, I talked about how much fun those nights singing had been over the years. I loved how they brought the family together. And wouldn't you know it, this Christmas my parents Ann and Sam gave me a beautiful acoustic guitar. My sister and uncle were kind enough to give sheet music to James Taylor, Eric Clapton, and Cat Stevens (as much an inspiration as a tool at this point).
It seems only right, therefore, that I put these excellent tools to work. I therefore resolve to learn the guitar in 2007. And I shall do this in three ways:
1) I plan to sign-up for weekly lessons with someone in my neighborhood to begin to learn the basics
2) I plan to practice, at least 30 minutes daily, on any day when I am in Boston
3) I plan to join or form a group on Gather where guitar players can share their craft once we launch audio and video on gather.com this spring
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Comments: 46
I continue on, feeling patriotic. Rockets red glare, bursting in air. Reverb. Fuzz Box. And, the home (home, home, home, home) of the brave . . .
Later:
"Leaves are fallin' all around, it's time I was on my way." I'm singing along to this song, Ramble On by Led Zeppelin, on the album that Trish borrowed from her friend, Bryce Underwood. This is some really good stuff, I have to admit.
"Ramble on, I'm going around the world to find my girl. On my way." I run into the kitchen and grab the broom. Now I'm Jimmy Page. Before long an audience assembles, Trish and Wendy. They watch in amazement as I jump in the air and pluck out three different chords. Bristles from the broom fall to the floor. A few guitar solos later, the broom has met its untimely death. The last piece of wicker falls, leaving not much more than the broomstick. Mother comes out of her bedroom and orders me to stop the nonsense and "Ricky," she says, "You know that's our only broom. Now it's of no use. Boy, sometimes I really wonder about you. And turn that music off."
Ah yes, after all these years... I still pluck the old broom. For old times sake if anything.
My husband plays the acoustic and electric guitar. I'm jealous, I'm musically challenged and all my family can play something. My 5 yr old daughter is already picking up some things from her daddy. We bought her an electric guitar for Christmas but I'm sure she'll have an acoustic one before the end of the year.
My husband, Jeff, has said for years that he would love to learn to play the guitar. Well, this year I saw an ad on TV for Morrell's Music offering a guitar and two free lessons for $59.95. I had already spent most of the allotted amount for my husband's Christmas and I knew he had a pretty good idea of what I had gotten him. I decided that I would splurge and went to the store to check it out.
The salesman showed me a rack of guitars - most average looking. There was one, though, that was dark green and black. Green is my husband's favorite color. It was a beautiful instrument.
I assumed it would cost more than the other guitars - you know how they plant something really nice amongst the sale items hoping you will bypass the sale items and go for broke on the really awesome item. Well, I asked how much the green one was and he confirmed it was just $59.95, and said he would even throw in a pack of picks. That sealed the deal for me right then!
I took it home and went to wrap it up, but knew the odd shaped box would give away the contents immediately. I then devised a plan to totally fool my husband. I found a small box and placed the pack of green picks and the free lessons coupon inside it. I wrapped it up and added ribbons and a tag which said:
To: Jeffery "Babe"
From: Monica "Babydoll"
May this bring music to your ears.
You see, one of the items Jeff had asked for but I did not get was an MP3 player. I had heard it was often better to go with an iPod rather than one of the cheaper off brands, so I decided to let him pick one out himself sometime after the New Year. I knew my little clue would make him think that this small box included an MP3 Player. I hid the wrapped guitar in the closet and on Christmas Eve, set out all his gifts except the actual guitar.
Well, that morning, it was the little box that he chose to open first. He read the tag out loud and smiled. I took his picture as he read it and then opened it. He looked at the contents quizzically, and I decided to finally clue him in to what it was all about. I said "Oh yeah, there is something else that goes with that."
I went to the closet and pulled out the wrapped guitar. Jeff just sat there, stunned. He was so excited as he opened the gift, but I knew that even still, he would not expect what was inside. When he saw the green tint peeking through the foam bag, I could tell he was surprised. He pulled it out and just kept exclaiming how beautiful it was and how much he had always wanted to learn to play.
Later that morning, he took the green guitar with us to our family gathering. Everyone thought it was so beautiful. Jeff had fun playing it - music to his ears but just awkward noise to the rest of us who recognized that yes he will need lessons!
So, this was a really long comment to tell you my husband is also going to learn the guitar this year. I will probably turn this comment into my own article once I have pictures loaded. I am excited for both of you and cannot wait to hear you both play something that is music to all of our ears! Merry Christmas, Tom! I hope you enjoy your guitar as much as my husband is enjoying his!
PS - I'll send you a note when the article is published so you can see that guitar! Post a picture of you with yours too!
If you hit a snag, just picture that roaring fire, the friends with their glasses of wine, and YOU, the center of attention, as you play a few of their favorite songs!
The hardest part is getting the callouses on your fingertips: do yourself a HUGE favor and bring your new guitar in to be set-up before you even start. With the action (distance between strings & neck -- the distance you have to push them down to 'break' or 'fret' the string) properly set and the fret wires themselves filed down to remove buzzing -- and *all* guitars need this kind of attention, be they Taylor or Hohner -- you will save yourself a great deal of agony and frustration.
Most traditional songs need only three chords: I, IV, and V (example: G, C, and D; or A, D, and E) so you can pick your key, learn your three, and get immediate gratification!!
I'm just delighted you're starting with acoustic. Can't wait to hear great things from you, come spring!
We had a musical Christmas in my family. I gave one daughter an acoustic guitar, the other a 16-track recorder, and the grandchildren percussion instruments. A nephew got an electric guitar and another family member a bass. Knowing these gifts were going to be opened, others who already play music brought their instruments when we got together on Christmas Eve, and we had music and singing. I love live music and am an advocate for supporting musicians with liveable wages, so this was a perfect celebration for me.
Tom - I stopped by again to point you to my article about Jeff's guitar and MY New Year's resolution - thanks for the inspiration (and a $50 Border's gift card would be nice too - get some sheet music for Jeff to play!). Here is the link: My New Year's Resolution: Bringing My Husband's Guitar Dreams to Fruition
My dad always came up from out of the basement workshop at the end of my mom's sewing club gatherings and played a few tunes for the ladies to sing to. Some of those old ladies (in their 90's now) remind me of those times and how much they loved that corny thing! As a result of his mentoring, even after taking all kinds of classical lessons, of which I'm a pretty good organist, pianist and choir director, I prefer playing my accordion with somebody on the guitar, a friend on the fiddle and a pennywhistle or two. It's an evening well-spent!
I wish you luck on your endeavor.
Jeff. Happy New Year!
newyear.gather.com - started it in Nov
I always wanted to play the piano and all my classmates had one at home and I was interested in learning about it when I visited, but they were sick of it and the lessons.
Unless you want to be a Rock and Roll Star then listen well to what I say...
" A song for Edna Driscoll"- Guess you would have had to be there.
Thats great! My advice? With passion, make it a labour of love!!!
Bravo to you for making the resolution!!
I loved the guitar, but not the callous's, so I stuck to the piano, organ and keyboards - though I no longer have them, I sure wish I did! Actually, when I took piano lessons, I never had one then either, I had three study halls in high school a week and the music teacher used to let me practice away. After having taken organ lessons, it was enough :)
Go for it ! I've been playing for most of my adult life. I'd be lost without it.
Able to play only three songs, a friend and I wandered around the campground to every campfire. We would settle in for a while and when it was our turn we would play our three songs. The other, frequently better, musicians would join in and it would sound pretty good. Note that when I say I could play three songs, I mean that I could remember all the words and chords and keep time (very important!)
This experience was so inspiring that I resolved to learn to play 10 songs by the time the next festival came around. I was able to accomplish this and for the next 18 years I learned at least 10 new songs for the PFF. The last year I attended my friends and I never left our campfire and played each night from the time the show was over until dawn and never repeated a song.
PS – It's easier if you are able and willing to sing!
My sister and her guy have just joined a guitar concert band in Montreal, where they actually have gigs.
Just got a neat mailing the other day from the Powers school!
I started lessons last night with a local grad from the Berklee College of Music. I am also checking out Chordie.com and a couple of online lessons to supplement what I am doing offline.
So far, I can report that the fingertips of my left hand have no feeling in them and I have a better understanding of the instrument. Oh...and I have started having some fun with it too. It might be a while before I hit Stairway to Heaven, Laura, but I will get there (and post it on the site when I do!)
Thanks,
Rosa
How' your 20-minute practicing coming? I'm with you - staying consistent with my practice so I improve. It's funny how music feels the opposite of work, but to get past the hurdles, it takes work. I hope to hear your clips one day soon!