Trying New Things
If I have learned anything worth sharing this summer, it would be this: it is never too late to pursue a dream.
I’ve had a fascination with ukuleles for a while now. I love how they make playing music accessible and fun for people who do not have the time or attention spans to learn more complex instruments.
However, I have always had a longing to pick up a guitar and “tinker” with it, creating a more complete sound.
My favorite kind of music has always been indie/acoustic, with elaborate songwriting wrought with emotion. I’ve had two guitars sitting in my room for years now, but they were so intimidating to me! Six strings, when I only have five fingers on each hand! With no training in the realm of stringed instruments, it baffled me that anyone could coax a melody from one. They must be working enchantments.
Then, this summer, quite out of the blue, I made a choice.
I am now 30. I have a basic knowledge of music theory because of the piano lessons that Grandma gave me. I am finally up for the challenge of picking up a guitar and using it to create something. The Internet has a wealth of information, and I have found second-hand lesson books.
I am going to teach myself to play the guitar, for my own enjoyment. I do not plan to join a band (though with a God like ours, it’s always dangerous to talk about ‘our plans’). I started with Taylor Swift because I am most familiar with her lyrics (I’ve already learned the intro to White Horse), but I plan to try music by other artists. I especially want to learn some classical pieces.
Music is my second favorite escape (books and writing being the primary). I can play the piano, but those are not portable. I’d love to be able to take my guitar or uke out to the yard, sit on the grass, and compose something for the sheer fun of it. Maybe I’ll share a bit of my progress. I have considered making a separate Instagram to document my journey so that you can follow along.
We need not limit ourselves to one form of art, when there are so many different ways for humans to express themselves. I don’t reckon I shall ever be adept at the visual arts, such as drawing or painting. Writing and music, however, sit comfortably in that space of my soul.
How much can I learn in a year of self-taught guitar study? Will I be fantastic at it in a decade? We can only wait and see.
My goal is to learn five songs this year from beginning to end. This might include singing along! Since I’ve already learned the intro to White Horse, that’s become the first of those five songs. When I decide which songs the remaining four will be, I will be sure to post about them here.
Have you tried anything new this summer? Have you ever taught yourself something from scratch?
