I have been playing guitar for about four years now, but this is not my first foray into the guitar world. I first picked up a guitar when i was in my twenties, about 30 years ago. I learned a bunch of chords, and even began writing some (rather corny) songs. that lasted for about two years, then it began to fade, as other aspects of my life took over. Work, romance, family, and other interests squeezed the guitar out of my daily routine. it was probably because i never liked to play in front of anyone, embarassed at my lack of skills, so when i eventually fell in love and got married and I no longer lived by myself, my guitar found its way to the nearest used guitar dealer and i sold it.
But that never rested easy with me. Every time i would hear a great guitarist on the radio, a pang would go through me. I'd tell myself, "one day I'll go back". There was even a time i found a great Martin guitar at a garage sale for $50, and I thought that was a sign, but when I tried to pick up where i had left off, my fingers rebelled. That frustraction soon led me back to another used guitar dealer, and i sold the guitar (for a substantial profit!)
The years passed, and about 10 years ago I decided it was time to try it again. Playing guitar, not just a few chords, but good lead, was on my bucket list. I began doing my research, and bought another Martin guitar. A 000-28ECEric Clapton. I was beaming. I had this awesome guitar, and now I was going to play it! I did play it, actually, and I began learning. Mostly from books, lessons were not in the budget (especially after buying this Martin!), and my schedule didn't allow me the time. the truth is, I wasn't keen on taking lessons anyway. I was embarassed that a 40+ year old guy was first taking guitar lessons. I was also embarassed to bring my excellent guitar to a lesson. I felt I wasn't worthy of owning such a fine instrument. So i began teaching myself again. I started with some scales, and pretty soon I could play a little lead along with the blues station on the radio.
When my progress began to stall, and then quickly stop, so did my playing. at this time I had acquired several guitars, acoustic and electric, and I was pretty good at finding the deals, and making pretty good trades. However I sold them all as other intersts kept me occupied.
The knawing continued, though. Then, about five years ago, I tried it again. I wheeled and dealed, and bought another martin 000-28EC, and a Gibson CS-356. I was in six string heaven. I havent looked back since. Ive been playing pretty regularly since then, although I've traded and sold those guitars many time over... Still trying to teach myself, as my scedule doesnt allow lessons, my progress is slow. However, I know I'm better than I was 10 years ago, and much better than i was 30 years ago. Most important, I'm enjoying it!
One of the things I enjoy most is the aquisition of a guitar. I love going on the "hunt". In other words, I love having G.A.S.
I've learned quite a bit about guitars, not so much about how to play them, although I can hold my own, but on how to BUY them, and what makes a guitar a GREAT guitar. Of course, its in the eye (and ear) of the beholder, but that's the fun part. There's so much to choose from, that talking about them, testing them out, reading about them, is as much fun as playing them for me.
Perhaps a musician, especially a purist, would argue that you can make any instrument sound great in the right hands. I agree. Eric Clapton would sound great on a $20 child's toy. However, i don't feel the two are exclusive. the guitar has been one of the most popular instruments in history. Because of the sound? Yes. But also because of the instrument itself. It is a work of artistry. For me, playing a guitar is as much about the beauty of it as the tone.
