Anyone Can Play Guitar

A few weeks ago I accomplished one of the goals I had set for myself before I turned 35. With the help of some actual musician and guitar-playing friends, I purchased my first electric guitar. The purchase of the guitar was a dream come true. I have always loved rock music. Now I will be able to play rock music. At the very least, owning and learning how to play the guitar will add a new dimension to listening to music and watching concerts.

I am very fortunate to have friends in DC that can play guitar. Walking into Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center can be very intimidating to the first time guitar buyer. There are guitars everywhere and without the aid of Roger, Paul, and Michael, I would have been completely lost on where to begin in selecting a guitar. They were extremely helpful by telling me what to look for in a guitar, actually playing some of the guitars for me, and giving me their honest opinions. They were also there to make sure I got all the necessary accessories, namely an amp, cord, and tuner.

I learned in the guitar buying process that a first time buyer should not go in with any preconceived notions of what they want to buy. I have been a fan of the Fender Telecaster guitar since going to see The Thermals play at the Black Cat in 2007. Hutch Harris, guitarist for The Thermals, was making the kind of sounds with his Telecaster that I hoped to make someday. The guitar seemed classic, simple, and gritty all at once. However, during the process of trying out guitars, and having my friends try out guitars, one guitar stood out from the others. That guitar was the Gibson SG. What stood out about this particular SG was its feel and versatility, something I wanted out of a first guitar. The final selling point was when my friend Michael stated how much he loved the guitar, particularly since he had previously stated how he generally didn’t like the SG model.

So with my new guitar in its hard case, my amp that apparently is “loaded with rock star settings,” and all the other goodies I bought that day in tow, we were off to Roger’s apartment to actually play some instruments together. While I only played one chord along with my friends as they played real music, it was a great moment. The evening also included good Thai food and beer. In other words, it was a great day.

Since then I have bought a lightning bolt guitar strap, purchased some picks, learned a few new chords, practiced a bit, and hopefully started the process to getting guitar lessons from a real musician. Learning to play the guitar can be frustrating, but I am having fun and that is what is most important to this music lover. Watch out people! I will be melting your faces before you know it!