Escape!
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what makes each of us want to play guitar. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. What do you like about playing—or what do you hope to get from it?
The One Thing
Everyone will have different answers. But one thing that we may all agree on is that playing guitar takes us out of our usual state of awareness. There are a lot of things that draw me to the guitar, but that one may top my list. I become immersed in the experience: the sound and the feel of the guitar, the mysteries of the fretboard, and the discoveries waiting to be made.
Playing guitar is a form of escape, really, but it’s not the kind of escape we usually think of. For example, getting lost in social media is an escape, but it’s unlikely you’ll emerge feeling more connected or in any way enlightened. Watching a movie or spending time with friends are other ways to escape, and they may be healthier diversions than knocking back a few drinks or ranting online, but they are still external activities. But guitar provides an opportunity to climb into an internal world and come out changed.
Which World?
I’ve always gravitated toward inner world experiences, which is why in addition to music, I’m also drawn to drawing, painting, time in nature, and meditation. I don’t do any of those things to relax—I do them to step out of the mundane and into the unknown.
But even for those of us seeking an inner experience, playing guitar isn‘t always so deep. It can serve as a simple diversion, or it can be a compelling social activity. Regardless of the context, though, the best times come from the best playing—and the best playing starts by combining a willingness to learn with the courage to go inside.
You & Your Guitar
I wrote You and Your Guitar as a guide to accessing these types of deeply personal experiences. If you haven’t worked with it yet, check it out. If you have, go back to it again. You’ll be glad you did!
Keep playing, keep breathing, and don’t forget to send me your answers!
