Should I Learn to Play the Guitar?
How many times in your life can you say that one decision made such a huge impact on it?
When you look back on things, you may have had regrets or have had things that you are so thankful for. When I look back, I cannot imagine my life without music and the guitar. In fact, because I learned guitar, I can play almost every instrument. As a private music teacher and educator, I have seen the power that music can do to change lives in a positive way. If you already don’t play guitar or an instrument, here are 7 reasons to start:
#7 – It Changes Your Life.
Once you have attained some skill at playing, you will build self-confidence. It becomes something you will want to do every day.
#6 – It is a Universal Language.
I believe it is a universal language. Anyone who can read music can play the same piece of music with people of all cultures. Even if you can’t read music, you can just sit down and jam with musicians – communication will be automatic.
#5 – It Makes Others Happy.
Whenever you’re playing music, people get really happy (unless you are playing a sad tune and that’s what you are going for). Why do people always want to listen to music? We all have an inherent love for music, and it connects directly to our emotions. Remember an old tune and you will probably remember exactly where you were and how you felt listening to it.
#4 – It Helps Your Memory.
It really helps your memory and also your coordination. Can you imagine how hard the brain has to focus to have your fingers play (movement) as you read (sight) the music, and as you listen (hear) to ensure no errors are being made? Ultimately memorizing a piece will be a great workout for your brain.
#3 – Explore Your Creativity.
Sometimes people feel they are not very creative. However, once you start to play the guitar, you will automatically try to improvise and make up some neat sounding melodies or chords. Guitar will open up a whole new world of creativity for you. Maybe you will even want to start song writing.
#2 – It’s Therapeutic.
It really does help you relax. I know many times I came home from work in a bad mood, I picked up my guitar and almost instantly I felt a stress release. (Perhaps don’t try to learn a new song when your stressed but play a favourite one that your good at!)
#1 – It’s Cool!
Imagine if you pulled out your guitar at a party and started playing it. I would guess that you would be the life of the party very quickly. This is one of my favourite things to do. Even if your shy, have others sing while you play. You will feel great.
Overall, learning guitar was one of the best and most important decisions of my life. I’m so glad I did it. You should too!
If you already, play guitar (or any instrument), do you have any other reasons why you love it?