What has playing the guitar done for you?

[Gordon Currie]

Originally Posted by Looburst

Second, I am truly a left handed guy! Guitar is the only thing I do right handed and it has been a bit of a challenge in that regard as well.

Funny you mention this. I am left-handed (although fairly ambidextrous) and I play conventionally. I always maintained that the most challenging aspects of playing were those done with the left hand (fretting, chording, bends) and that southpaws actually had an advantage when playing 'right-handed'.

Didn't get much support

[Dirty Bill]

Payed a lot of money for some thing I know that I will never get back,or even begin to become a decent player.

I don't know why I do it.

[Looburst]

Originally Posted by Gordon Currie

Funny you mention this. I am left-handed (although fairly ambidextrous) and I play conventionally. I always maintained that the most challenging aspects of playing were those done with the left hand (fretting, chording, bends) and that southpaws actually had an advantage when playing 'right-handed'.

Didn't get much support

Yes, I have also learned this over the years. My left hand dexterity is really fast and nimble but the right hand technique has been a bit more challenging.
I remember trying to throw a football right handed and it was like watching a girl throw one,,,,,,but much more funny looking!

I remember, in the early days of learning, I would keep telling myself that it was actually my left hand doing the strumming. I think it helped.

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by Gordon Currie

....I always maintained that the most challenging aspects of playing were those done with the left hand (fretting, chording, bends) and that southpaws actually had an advantage when playing 'right-handed'.

Since the fret work is usually more intricate, I've never understood why using the left hand to fret in somehow considered to be "right handed guitar", using the non-dominant hand to do the heavy lifting. Finger style might be a different animal.... my right hand does a lot of fancy stuff there too.

I was going to quote John Denver and the lyrics to "This Old Guitar" but someone beat me to it by posting that video.
"Introduced me to some friends of mine, and brightened up my days, and helped me make it through some lonely nights.......".
Seems like a pretty complete answer to me. I've often used that song to close my shows. Either that or Lyle Lovett's "Closing Time".

[Tico]

Playing guitar has kept be broke.

But ... happy.

[Silly Moustache]

The Acoustic guitar gave me my voice - enabled me to become a singer and songwriter.
I had more "success" as a drummer and in my bones I'll always be a drummer.

I saw Tom Rush at a festival and marveled at the way that he could charm a crowd with just one voice, one mic, and an acoustic guitar (Epiphone Texan) .... of course he had a fine voice and was a good looker, but that day changed my direction.

[drawshot1975]

Peace. Guitar has given me peace.

From my knee-high days, I was always active. Through my late 30s, I was always active. At the tail end of a military career, I deployed...for the 10th time...and got hurt.

I came home to a long road of recovery, and couldn't do any of my old hobby stuff, anymore. After a bout of sad-sack 'poor me' syndrome, I decided to try something new. That new thing was guitar. Two years later, I find myself immersed (daily) in something I genuinely enjoy...and it has brought me peace.

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by Gordon Currie

Funny you mention this. I am left-handed (although fairly ambidextrous) and I play conventionally. I always maintained that the most challenging aspects of playing were those done with the left hand (fretting, chording, bends) and that southpaws actually had an advantage when playing 'right-handed'.

Didn't get much support

Same here - totally agree. Whilst us "southpaws" or "cuddy-wifters" have to learn to become ambidextrous - (it's a right handed world) I certainly think it is an advantage when playing guitars, mandos etc.

I just wish I could find some cutlery for left handed knives!

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by MrDB

Happiness, comfort, creativity, a sense of accomplishment.



Guitar is a lifelong companion that we can all turn to in good times and bad. Play when you are happy and it keeps you happy. Play when you are sad or troubled and it lifts you up and gives you comfort, and before you know it you have a smile on your face.



In the darkest of times it's where you can turn off the world for a little while.



I can't imagine my life without it. Those who are not musical will never understand.

This pretty much sums it up for me, too.
Brings me so much joy and has gotten me through some dark times.

Best,
Jayne

[David Rock]

Originally Posted by Steadfastly

Playing guitar has done three things for me.

1) It's brought me joy and satisfaction
2) It has brought me frustration and disappointment
3) It has made my wallet a little thinner and a little thicker at times.

O.K. Laughing heartily! Maybe my approach would be closer to "What hasn't it done for me?" Or the opposite, "What has it helped me do for others?"

This is a great question with great responses. Carry on!

D

[Larry Pattis]

"What has playing the guitar done for you?"

Given me a lifetime of joy, amazement, and adventure.

[Tony Done]

Good question. Given me a retirement plan without equal, and something to talk about on the internet. It provides both physical and mental exercise

[51 Relic]

1, Through the guitar I met my dear wife

2, It allows me to play music weekly in the most wonderful location

3, I've got a great friend for life

4, it's made me who I am in life

[TBman]

It's probably helped to lower my blood pressure and also given me creative pleasure.

It's also slowed down the completion my "do to" list. I was on schedule to have that done by 2038, but due to the recent discovery of a few more tabs that's been pushed back to 2040.

[Von Beerhofen]

Emptied my bank account several times already
Cost me many so called 'friends'
Introduced new so called 'friends'
Made me like free alcoholic beverages, untill I got paid
Brought me to unexpected places
Left me with good and bad experiences
Tought me what perseverance and determination are about
Made me feel humble but also confident at times
Brought me light in dark times but sometimes left me sad
Amazed me occasionally and inspired me at all times

Ludwig