NeVer TOO LATe

I wasn’t too surprised with the letter from Matthew [Feedback, issue 417], as I know the feeling all too well of ‘losing the feeling’ that guitars used to give you. However, I have a piece of advice for you – get a life! We have all been there, and sometimes, like Matthew, it seems as though I’m the only one in the world who feels like this. There is, however, a solution – and that is get out and enjoy yourself. It’s great therapy and good fun.

There are quadzillions of guitarists out there who are loads better than me – and possibly a couple who ain’t – but that doesn’t hold me back. By the way, I am way on the ‘wrong’ side of 70 and should ‘know better’ but hell, no, I go out every two weeks to a local jam session, and pick up new tunes, inspirations and friends. There is another member who comes along and she is very enthusiastic and writes all her own songs. All this in spite of being the ‘wrong’ side of 60.

To put all this into perspective, I was invited to an evening recently where there were going to be another three guitarists/ singers. And although we all brought something different to the table, it was a great night and I was among like-minded people. It’s all out there: go and find it, my friend. Jim McLanaghan, via email Thanks for your thoughts on getting one’s mojo back as a guitarist, Jim, (and David, left). It’s interesting to note that you both pointed to playing guitar with friends as being the spark that rekindled your love of guitar. It is called an instrument, after all – a means to a musical (and social) end. Camaraderie is sometimes the forgotten part of being into guitar – and it can be the best part. Go for it, age is most definitely not a barrier!