(Update: Read about how it went here)
“Music producer learns actual instrument!”
I’m going to learn how to play the guitar. For once, I’m going to be able to play an instrument, not just operate advanced electronic composing tools. I’ve been making music for more than a decade, but I can’t really share my abilities any other way than pressing “play”. I did take guitar classes more than 10 years ago, but all I ever learned was to pluck the thinnest string.
My foundation
Although I haven’t really played the guitar before, I won’t be starting from scratch. I know basic music theory (chords, scales, intervals), I can play chords on a piano, and my musical ear and sense of rhythm are very good. I can always tell when someone is playing “Wonderwall” incorrectly, which is approximately every time. Rather than relying on incorrect tabs, I think I’ll be able to figure out things by myself.
I think learning the basics is going to be fairly easy with my foundation, although I could be wrong. We’ll see. Regardless of outcome, I’m going to have learned more than I know at the time of writing. Also, if I get stuck, I can always consult my dad, who’s a former music teacher.
I’ll do as much as possible or everything by myself though; from experience that’s how I learn best.
What I’m going to learn
What I mainly want to learn is just the basics: A few common chords, techniques and known songs of easy-to-medium difficulty. I’ve found a decent looking free beginner’s course at http://www.justinguitar.com/en/BC-000-BeginnersCourse.php – I’ll keep a checklist in my notebook, to maintain some consistency.
I wonder what the world of musical abilities beyond software is like. I’m definitely looking forward to learning something that doesn’t require a computer to run – I’m getting increasingly tired of the omnipresence of technology, and I think daydreaming will be easier without distractions. I think this is going to be a positive experience. I also enjoy taking a stance against spectatoritis.
Do you have any experience learning an instrument as an adult? How has it enriched your life? Has it improved your electronic music composing in any way? What are your favourite guitar-related resources?
