Hello New Strummer

Congratulations. You are embarking on a difficult, rewarding journey. When you sit around the campfire and pull out your trusty Martin guitar, start strumming and people start singing, you will be filled with joy. When you play for your friend’s daughter’s wedding. you will fill others with joy. When you sit in your room, or on the dock of the bay, and just pluck around, you will feel contentment. Music makes everybody smile, playing music feeds your soul.

When you sing, “I Still Haven’t Found What I am Looking For” and play along, it will make you laugh. You will feel something you have never felt before. When you play “Holy, Holy, Holy” in church and the congregation sings, you will feel thrills in your head, your feet and running up and down your spine. You will probably want to do it again.

But, you say, it will take years to learn how to play. No, says all the internet sites trying to make a few bucks. Yes, says me. What have you ever done in your life that was worthwhile that was not work, that didn’t require your time and attention? In all endeavors in life—sports, music, politics, academics, corporate success—everybody talks about the work they put in. How hard they worked and pleased they are with themselves. Really.

With guitar playing, you are going to not only effect your life, but many, many others. Your family, your friends, loved ones all around will appreciate and enjoy what you have done. Even if you have no friends or family the guitar will become your friend and will lead to other friends, new friends.

Think about the music you love. Do you sing in the shower? While driving? Humming while you cook? Singing along at a picnic? Do you love classical music? You could play Giuliani, Sor, Bach - all kinds of wonderful, inspiring classical pieces. Giuliani, Sor and others wrote simple learning pieces for beginning guitarist that are beautiful and thrilling to play.

Just call me Uncle Ralph. I am an older, beginning guitarist. I can assure you that learning to play at 18 would be easier. But. So what? It just takes a little longer, a little more patience and not only is the reward great but the journey is rewarding. I practice almost every day; probably 28 days out of the month. When I stop practicing, I feel good, like I accomplished just a little something—every day. That, in itself, is so satisfying.

Want to pick out a new guitar or ukulele? Want to find a teacher, in person or online?

Want to decide what kind of music to play?