What has playing the guitar done for you?

[The Bard Rocks]

One word: " happiness".

More words: it gives me a creative outlet, brings peace if I ever feel down, has brought many friends, gives me great intellectual stimulation...

[Bluesidae]

Originally Posted by The Bard Rocks

One word: " happiness".

More words: it gives me a creative outlet, brings peace if I ever feel down, has brought many friends, gives me great intellectual stimulation...

Very well said. I fully agree.

[Hasbro]

I'm realizing that I'm a bit compulsive by Nature. The guitar can be something that frustrates other people in my life such as my wife who can find me distracted as I'm trying to constantly figure out how to play something or thinking about something I've been learning. However it is also been a great way for me to be challenged and not have to spend money necessarily in order to pursue hobby ...when in reality we all do spend a lot more on guitars than we need to! I play instrumental music and can't really sing but none the less I do believe there is a spiritual connection also.

[Mooh]

Guitar was my savior when I found myself unemployed and out of unemployment insurance benefits. 40 years old and unable to support my family, so I went back to playing and teaching music. I did get a part time day job for a couple of years to pad my income a little (and it came with a benefit plan) but it only took me two years to go from a couple of students to full time. 18 years later I'm still at it.

I would also argue that it helped me stop drinking, kept me away from other temptations, helped me volunteer in the community, pay it forward, and give me a future.

Guitar.

[Orfeas]

Playing the guitar is when the ritual begins
Only then I am human
Only then I am free

[Ditch]

For me learning to play has been a life long dream. I just never had the time. When I retired my wife purchased a cheap guitar for me. Her heart was in the right place but it got me started. It's going on three years and I can truthfully say I am enjoying my guitars more then words can say. Oh yeah I have those days I question my sanity for starting this in my senior years but that don't last long. I really enjoy learning , making music and making so many great friends. It also got me out of the shell I kept my self in. I go to weekly jams a few times a week and play for nursing homes and children's hospitals. Yeah, this has been long overdo.

[baimo]

iT TAUGHT ME LOTS OF NEW WAYS TO SPEND MONEY

[Shades of Blue]

If I wasn't into the guitar, I'd probably be into photography or computers. I have always been good with visual arts, and I can draw, paint, and sculpt. But, photography was always the one thing I wanted to grow and develop. A few years ago I bought a nice camera and some lenses and I sought out to get better and I even started a side business in photography.

But ultimately, I discovered that people (clients) suck. I was delivering some of my best work and having FUN, but it was always about the shot I didn't get, so got sour and lost interest. I shouldn't have dove in so fast, but it felt right and people were asking me to take their photos.

So, I picked the guitar back up, and haven't put it down. I can play alone without clients nitpicking my every move...

[markm2553]

It has opened doors that I never would have thought to even knock on.

And I'm lousy at it!

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by Pitar

It franchises humility, defines patience, promotes effort, denies defeat and then poops on my shoulder.

Well, yes...!

[reeve21]

Originally Posted by Ditch

For me learning to play has been a life long dream. I just never had the time. When I retired my wife purchased a cheap guitar for me. Her heart was in the right place but it got me started. It's going on three years and I can truthfully say I am enjoying my guitars more then words can say. Oh yeah I have those days I question my sanity for starting this in my senior years but that don't last long. I really enjoy learning , making music and making so many great friends. It also got me out of the shell I kept my self in. I go to weekly jams a few times a week and play for nursing homes and children's hospitals. Yeah, this has been long overdo.

Great story, Ditch. You have come a long way in 3 years, keep it up!

[mr. beaumont]

I will never be bored again...there's always something to work on, even if it's just in my head. How cool is that?

[reeve21]

I've always been "really into" something since I was a kid, to the point of obsession at times

Some of that stuff just hurts too much to do anymore, and some of it isn't good for me

So guitar fills a need in my life, a need to learn. I'm not really happy if I spend my free time watching TV or movies, and even reading is a passive activity (which I enjoy very much). Guitar is active and engaging and something I hope to continue doing until I'm gone.

After writing this post I realized it has already been said, and a lot better!


Jason Isbell, Something to Love. He wrote this for his baby daughter.

I hope you find something to love
Something to do when you feel like giving up
A song to sing or a tale to tell
Something to love, it'll serve you well

I was born in a tiny southern town
I grew up with all my family around
We made music on the porch on Sunday nights
Old man with an old guitar smoking Winston Lights

Old women harmonizing with the wind
Singing softly to the savior like a friend
They taught me how to make the chords and sing the words
I'm still singing like that great speckled bird

I hope you find something to love
Something to do when you feel like giving up
A song to sing or a tale to tell
Something to love, it'll serve you well

Tonight we're lying on a blanket in the yard
The wind is cold the sky is dark and the ground is hard
But your momma loves to count the stars at night
So if I get a little chill that's alright

I hope you find something to love
Something to do when you feel like giving up
A song to sing or a tale to tell
Something to love, it'll serve you well

You were born on a hot late summer day
We turned you loose and tried to stay out of your way
Don't quite recognize the world you call home
Just find what makes you happy girl and do it 'til you're gone

I hope you find something to love
Something to do when you feel like giving up
A song to sing or a tale to tell
Something to love, it'll serve you well

[HOF dad]

Wow - great thread starter Toby and a ton of great responses. I really don't have anything unique to add since it seems we all come from similar places.
I will say that for me, music has always been an important part of my life. Since the days of 45's and 8 track tapes, there was always music. It lifted me up, consoled me, and accompanied everything I did.
Being able to actually create music (at whatever degree of expertise) has provided an inlet to one of the most important parts of my life. It brings me tremendous joy to be able to do that. Obviously some days more than others but always, to some degree. I don't gig or even open mic, just play for myself and it's wonderful.


Dan

[ljguitar]

Hi Toby

Beyond the obvious enjoyment of just playing, it has brought people and relationships I'd otherwise not had into our lives (my wife's and mine).

It also provided income (teaching and gigging).