So You Think You Want a Guitar!
I wanted a guitar for eleven years before I actually got one. I always thought I would have fun playing and that it may help me with my singing/feel for music, but I never thought I would find a companion in my guitar. I'm not saying a guitar is necessarily for everyone, but I do think that everyone needs something that makes them feel like they are complete in a sense. Be it painting, drawing, cooking, mechanics, leather work, writing, animal training, sports, or anything else; we all need something that makes us feel whole. For me, that is music. Nothing feels better than writing a song - just me and my guitar - that nails exactly how I feel. If you think you want a guitar, you need to be prepared for the following things:
1) Addiction. I cannot go a full day without longing for the feel of my pick in my fingers gliding across my six strings. (Cue angels singing!)
2) Tears. There will be tears. Tears of joy, laughter, frustration, sadness, and anything else. Sometimes when I'm playing a song, I just get so caught up in the emotion of it or am reminded of something that makes me cry. Also, I get extremely frustrated in almost no time at all (that's an INTJ thing), which can bring me to the point of tears (that's an INFJ thing).
3) Passion. I have never felt a fire burning inside quite as strong as my desire to make music - meaningful, powerful, beautiful music. I am trying to improve in the songwriting department, which has brought about an unprecedented amount of passion to my life. I kind of scare myself when I get into songwriting mode. I just feel like nothing else matters and that nothing short of the world ending will stop me from writing. The hardest part for me is getting to that point. So many times I am excited to start writing, but I can't get in a groove. I do believe it is a mental block maybe from trying too hard, but once I just free myself, the words just flow. Hopefully one day you will hear me on the radio. Probably not, but that won't stop me from dreaming. Either way, I'm going to write my heart out... because it's my passion.
4) Sore fingers. I was told that my fingers would literally bleed when I started playing guitar. I built up calluses, but my fingers never bled; nevertheless, my fingers felt like little harbors of hell for a good two or three weeks. If I don't play for a few days and then decide to play for a few hours one day, my fingers will still get sore. Even so, it is still worth it.
5) Love. In addition to the passion, you will develop a love for your guitar. I often talk to my guitar, tell her I love her, and I ask her questions about life. (Yes, it's a her. Her name is Abigail.)
6) Names. I didn't know I was going to have to have a name picked out when I got my guitar, but as soon as I got her, I knew she needed a name. I chose the name Abigail because of its meaning (The Father's joy). If you name your guitar, I would recommend picking it out for the meaning. In my opinion, it just makes the new addition to your family (guitars are family, you know,) that much more special!
7) Change in social status. When I first learned to play, it attracted a lot of attention, but then I just spent more time with Abigail, less time with others, and only talked about my dear Abigail, so people just kind of got tired of that. I don't care though. Who needs friends when you have a guitar? And let's be honest, the best friends will definitely find as much joy in your guitar as you do.
8) Popped strings. Don't do like I did and cry when you pop a string. I was DEVASTATED. I honestly felt like I had hurt my own child. The second time I was just like, "Ah, crap," and then proceeded to replace it. To prevent string popping, I would highly suggest purchasing an actual tuner. I tried apps and online tools, but you really just need a tuner. It will save your life. (Or should I say your guitar's life?) I personally use a Snark and LOVE it. I would also be sure to know which string goes to which peg and which way to turn it before you attempt to tune. If you haven't gathered, the first string I popped was from using an online tuner, and the second was because I was turning the peg to tighten the E string, but was trying to tune the D string. Needless to say, my E string was sacrificed in the name of learning how a guitar works.
These are just a few things to expect when getting a guitar. I think many of these can apply to taking up any hobby that you are truly passionate about. I think it is of extreme importance for everyone to find something that makes them feel the way I feel when I'm playing my guitar. Whatever that may be to, I hope that if you haven't found it, you will. Merry Christmas everyone! May this blessed season bring you lots of love, joy, good food, good music, and maybe even a new passion!
1) Addiction. I cannot go a full day without longing for the feel of my pick in my fingers gliding across my six strings. (Cue angels singing!)
2) Tears. There will be tears. Tears of joy, laughter, frustration, sadness, and anything else. Sometimes when I'm playing a song, I just get so caught up in the emotion of it or am reminded of something that makes me cry. Also, I get extremely frustrated in almost no time at all (that's an INTJ thing), which can bring me to the point of tears (that's an INFJ thing).
3) Passion. I have never felt a fire burning inside quite as strong as my desire to make music - meaningful, powerful, beautiful music. I am trying to improve in the songwriting department, which has brought about an unprecedented amount of passion to my life. I kind of scare myself when I get into songwriting mode. I just feel like nothing else matters and that nothing short of the world ending will stop me from writing. The hardest part for me is getting to that point. So many times I am excited to start writing, but I can't get in a groove. I do believe it is a mental block maybe from trying too hard, but once I just free myself, the words just flow. Hopefully one day you will hear me on the radio. Probably not, but that won't stop me from dreaming. Either way, I'm going to write my heart out... because it's my passion.
4) Sore fingers. I was told that my fingers would literally bleed when I started playing guitar. I built up calluses, but my fingers never bled; nevertheless, my fingers felt like little harbors of hell for a good two or three weeks. If I don't play for a few days and then decide to play for a few hours one day, my fingers will still get sore. Even so, it is still worth it.
5) Love. In addition to the passion, you will develop a love for your guitar. I often talk to my guitar, tell her I love her, and I ask her questions about life. (Yes, it's a her. Her name is Abigail.)
6) Names. I didn't know I was going to have to have a name picked out when I got my guitar, but as soon as I got her, I knew she needed a name. I chose the name Abigail because of its meaning (The Father's joy). If you name your guitar, I would recommend picking it out for the meaning. In my opinion, it just makes the new addition to your family (guitars are family, you know,) that much more special!
7) Change in social status. When I first learned to play, it attracted a lot of attention, but then I just spent more time with Abigail, less time with others, and only talked about my dear Abigail, so people just kind of got tired of that. I don't care though. Who needs friends when you have a guitar? And let's be honest, the best friends will definitely find as much joy in your guitar as you do.
8) Popped strings. Don't do like I did and cry when you pop a string. I was DEVASTATED. I honestly felt like I had hurt my own child. The second time I was just like, "Ah, crap," and then proceeded to replace it. To prevent string popping, I would highly suggest purchasing an actual tuner. I tried apps and online tools, but you really just need a tuner. It will save your life. (Or should I say your guitar's life?) I personally use a Snark and LOVE it. I would also be sure to know which string goes to which peg and which way to turn it before you attempt to tune. If you haven't gathered, the first string I popped was from using an online tuner, and the second was because I was turning the peg to tighten the E string, but was trying to tune the D string. Needless to say, my E string was sacrificed in the name of learning how a guitar works.
These are just a few things to expect when getting a guitar. I think many of these can apply to taking up any hobby that you are truly passionate about. I think it is of extreme importance for everyone to find something that makes them feel the way I feel when I'm playing my guitar. Whatever that may be to, I hope that if you haven't found it, you will. Merry Christmas everyone! May this blessed season bring you lots of love, joy, good food, good music, and maybe even a new passion!
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