The going was slow at first, but I was dedicated enough to deal with the blistered, raw fingertips that develop when one first learns to play. I tried to keep it simple, learning melodies on one string and playing with one finger sliding up and down the neck. Soon I had the two-string riff to “Come As You Are” down pat, and I was on my way, hooked for life.
That’s how I started playing, but why should you play the guitar? Do you need a creative outlet? Do you enjoy singing your favorite songs? Have you ever had dreams of becoming a rock star?
The guitar is one of the most versatile instruments in music. How many other instruments can play up to six notes at a time and easily go with you wherever you want to go? It is the ultimate accompaniment instrument. You use only your hands to play, so your lips are free to sing along. It is a weapon of choice for Boy Scout leaders, comedians, and poets.
In this day and age, technology has made the guitar a much more accessible instrument. Quality guitars can be bought for prices that won’t break the bank, and anyone with a computer can have his own home studio.
In the next installment, I will deal with the basic anatomy of the instrument. I will also give you some fundamental terminology that will help in our future discussions. Also in the future--Don’t know if you should buy electric or acoustic, nylon or steel string, Gibson or Fender? I’ll give you some information that will make your choice a little easier.
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