Why Play Guitar?
By George Nellas, Sat Dec 10th

As a full-time guitar instructor, I am constantly faced withpeople in all walks of life who, for all different kinds ofreasons, believe that playing the guitar will add something totheir lives. Most people that are just starting the guitar forthe first time are young (pre-university) although certainly notall. One of my favorite students last year was a 65-year-oldretiree who wanted to learn enough to be able to start a barband with his friends.

There is no “one” reason to play the guitar. This instrument canbring joy to everyone regardless of their primary motivationsfor taking it up. There’s no such thing as being too old or toomusically inexperienced for the guitar either. Neither theBeatles or Jimi Hendrix could read music, and I think most wouldagree that they did all right without it.

Many guitarists will ask me, after their first lesson, how longit will take them to become good at the guitar. I’ve never beenable to answer this question. No one can. Your success orfailure in playing the guitar depends completely on the effortthat you put into it. One of my favorite stories is about EddieVan Halen: he would come home after school and pick up hisguitar. He would sit at the edge of his bed and play until hehad to go to sleep. Not once, not every once and a while: everyday. Of course, most of us don’t have the luxury of this muchtime to practice, but this story helps to illustrate thatsuccess isn’t completely dependant on some inborn talent, but onhard work. There’s no easy way into it. Please, whatever you do,don’t take up the guitar if you are only going to practice thelast hour before your lesson. You’ll just annoy me and you’llnever get any better.

Remember, if you go to an instructor or you take lessons onlineor from a book, what you learn is, for the most part, up to you.You’re the one hiring the teacher and, although you’re puttingyourself under their direction, it’s your responsibility toinform them as to where you want to go. Find

a teacher who willhelp you succeed in the style of music that you want to go into.

So, why play the guitar? There isn’t a day that I don’t wake upand am glad that music is such a big part of my life. Music hasbrought me more happiness than almost anything else. When youaccomplish something, the sense of success becomes real, whetheryou’ve recorded your first song, or finally learned to play allthe chords to “Smoke on the Water”. Playing music, like anyother art form or skill, greatly enriches those who study it.

About the author:You can learn more about playing guitar at . Youcan find here lots of information for players from beginner toadvanced, as well as tips about and links to online guitarlessons and other great player’s resources!