RELIGHT THE FIRE
I’m writing with a bit of a dilemma and something I just can’t seem to put right no matter what I do, so I’m hoping you can help! Have you ever considered selling all your gear because you’ve lost ‘the feeling’ playing guitar used to give you? I’m at a bit of a crossroads and I don’t enjoy playing any more – I find it a bit of a chore. I’ve tried buying new gear, but as soon as it arrives, it lies there, in its packaging, unplayed. Sad, isn’t it? Not withstanding the amount of money I’ve spent and lost when I’ve sold gear in shop condition just a few months later. Is it just me? Is there anything I can do to get that feeling back?
I’m a husband to an amazing wife and a dad to two wonderful children who get most of my time. I don’t play in a band or gig, so I need something to get me back in the groove at home. I used to listen to music and if it hit the right notes I’d grab a guitar and start noodling away. Now, I just think to myself, ‘I’m not that good’ or ‘I can’t play like that’. I’ve already resigned myself to ‘former musician’ status. I’ve lost all confidence in playing and have forgotten far more than I can remember. I’m stuck in a rut and any help would be greatly appreciated! Matthew, via email
Hi Matthew, thanks for sharing your dilemma so honestly. But don’t worry, you can get it back! First, try to make time to play in a band or at an open-mic night. There’s nothing like the thrill and camaraderie of playing live to make your guitar feel like a trusty companion again and remind you that you are still a proper musician. If that isn’t possible, write a list of five songs you’ve always wanted to be able to play and learn them accurately and in full, taking no shortcuts – the name of the game here is to restore some self-respect and deep engagement with the instrument. You have to invite music back into your life again, and like any form of fitness, the more you exercise those musical muscles, the easier it gets. You just need to push past the accumulated ‘meh’, which is like a layer of dust that’s taken the shine off your passion, and start making music again. Trust us, once you get properly stuck in and start seeing real growth, your love for all other aspects of guitar will return, too. Good luck!