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This is where I am at with the guitar currently, and my thoughts on the subject... |
The guitar. I believe what I have for the guitar right now may be called an obsession. Even when I am tired of playing it, I cannot step away from it - I want to continue working on the song or riff or baseline or whatever I am trying to get down I love the feel of the instrument in my hands, against my body, the smell of cedar in my nostrils. I love the feeling of the frets and pressing the strings down with the calloused fingers of my left hand while fingerpicking with my right. I cannot get over the sounds of the chords, the complexity of the rhythms as the notes sound together or in succession, all flowing smoothly into a melody when played correctly. I listen to the song recordings when I am not playing, noting the transitions and the harmonies, the various instrumental parts, the ranges of tones. I watch YouTube videos for glimpses of the artists playing the guitar. They are so polished - make it look so easy. They even sing as they play. I have been able more and more to play without looking at my fingers. I am proud of that ability That is progress. I can read music and tablature, and play by ear. So I am trying to tackle "Classical Gas" right now because I want a good-sounding challenge. I am getting parts of it slowly, but surely. I love the fact that my husband can recognize it! I want to learn "Classical Gas" for my husband, "St. Louis Blues" for my dad, and a whole bunch for myself. I can play single-note melodies really well. Now I am working on multiple-note melodies, all in fingerpicking style because I can do a lot more with fingerpicking than with a plectrum. The guitar is calming to me. I find peace and reassurance in playing it. That is the best part - an accomplishment that is not stressful and full of anxiety, but is instead relaxing and fulfilling. A new hobby that I am motivated to continue - driven to continue for pure pleasure. It makes me happy. I praise God for the guitar and the ability to play it, and I pray that God blesses me with talent in playing it, that He would make me a great guitar player for His glory and not my own. That all may see and know that He is God and I am his servant. I must say, "Thank you, God." Phoenix Jones Cordoba C5-CETBK Fender Mustang I playing since February 2012 written 01 May 2012 |