pages

Sunday 9 August 2015

No.4 on the 'Pledge list' - Learn

So yesterday I had my first guitar lesson! I am really proud that I have made the first step towards ticking off no.4 from the pledge list as it is something I have wanted to do for many years now. If anything I'm just frustrated that I haven't done this sooner, especially as I was dating a pro guitarist that could have given me all the lessons in the world for free! 

Ever since I was younger I have always admired people playing the guitar and just wish that I could play. Everyone who knows me can describe my ideal man to you; he's a guitar playing, Irish man with the second name Jones (random I know.) I can't quite pin point what it is about the guitar that I love, I think firstly, the actual instrument itself. The body of a guitar is a beautiful shape, with beautiful hourglass curves. It's also a very versatile instrument, I have decided to learn the acoustic guitar mainly because of the kind of music I'm into, although I do love rock but my heart will always be true to the more folk type of music and of course my one true love... Paolo Nutini.

I have decided to learn with a tutor that has a regular slot in a music shop locally to me. Typical me, I did no research into reviews or anything like that, just picked the first name on google. For some reason I had mixed emotions about my first lesson. Although I was incredibly excited to get stuck into it, I also felt very nervous. I have absolutely no experience whatsoever when it comes to playing instruments or reading music etc so walking into the music store with these 'music' guys that actually knew what they were talking about and could actually play, was a little intimidating!

As I walked into the shop, I was greeted by this great big hairy giant of a man called Andy. He was about 6ft 7 with long black hair down to the arch of his back; and of course his look was completed with this thick black beard and a bikers jacket. It was safe to say that I stuck out like a sore thumb in this place. Despite his 'Sons of anarchy' appearance, he was a real gentle giant and soon put me at ease.

I was slightly concerned in having to tell him that the only experience I have had playing any sort of instrument was back in the day with my addiction playing guitar hero on the wii and thinking I was Jimi Hendrix. However, despite my initial concerns, I could not have chosen a more supportive tutor.

We started with the basics, things as simple as how to correctly sit with guitar, the correct position to hold the strings etc. I began to learn simple notes, E major and A major. I have to admit I didn't realise that playing the guitar was so complex and required such multi-tasking skills! And I certainly didn't realise that it hurts your fingers so much! I have been reassured by Andy that as soon as the callous form on my fingertips the pain will disappear, so that's something to look forward to!

I think it was my naivety expecting to walk out of a half an hour session, pick up a guitar and play like Pink Floyd, how far the truth was I!? I suppose like everything, hard work and practice will pay off. I'm a bit of a perfectionist so being out of my comfort zone does not sit well with me. In the learning cycle I am what they call 'unconsciously incompetent', the complete first step in learning something new, I am unaware of what I don't know.

Has anyone else recently decided to learn something new? Or perhaps If anyone is a pro at playing the guitar? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I shall keep you all updated with my progress...If they are not too sore to type that is!




No comments:

Post a Comment