Why Guitar?

Everyone who plays guitar has to ask themselves, why? There are legions of brilliant players of this popular instrument. There are countless fine musical recordings featuring the guitar, in virtually every style, from classical to rock. And if you must play, why not Guitar Hero?

The answer is personal for each of us. I play guitar because I’m a composer and I write for the guitar, usually songs. You might say I’m composing guitar accompaniments. Someone else wants to “shred” wildly, playing as fast (and as loudly) as possible. Still others want to just enjoy playing an instrument at parties, and a guitar is both portable and socially accepted. (If you brought a piccolo, people would think you strange—even if you played “Smoke on the Water.”)

Not everyone thinks or feels so much about it, however. Some people don’t know why they want to play, really, and sign up for lessons, deliberately play through each exercise their Mel Bay or Alfred’s lesson book contains, and even if they enjoy the process and learn to play well, there’s no suggestion that they want anything from the experience beyond having done it. I am happy to help such students learn, and admire their cool determination.

It’s easier for me to relate to those who have ulterior motives, though. Who just want to bang on the drum all day, write symphonies, or play Irish ballads because they love singing them.

Guitar Bliss is where you find it. Welcome to my blog.