[Why Do You Play?]

On 1/22/2020 at 8:21 PM, NeilES335 said:

Why do I play guitar...hmmm. Well let's see The love of music has to be number one. The challenge of learning, which for me has been a life long pursuit, would be another. When I'm playing and practicing, it's a chance to do something just for me, and escape for a while from the pressures of life and business . I think of nothing else while doing it and relish the moment. Hopefully when I play, others find it enjoyable too. One of the nicest things about learning guitar is you can take it as far as you wish. Now I've been at it a while, and beyond the "beginner" stage, there's still so much more to learn, and this propels me forward. I hope  to be doing so as long as God gives me strength. I hope you do too. All the Best; N

Well said, Neil, and I echo every point you made, plus:

The further I go, the more I enjoy playing with other people. I hope I can be good enough at some point to sit around with great players and jam. 

I'm learning that music breaks down walls. I can disagree with someone and still sit down and agree on a piece of music. It's almost too cliche to say that music is a universal language, but I'm starting to see how true that is.

I've read in several places that learning music keeps the brain fresh and well as you age. I'll just call that a bonus.

I hope I can be good enough to share my playing with other people. I'd love to be able to play for people in nursing homes or hospitals. 

I guess most of all I love the challenge and the confidence that playing music brings. Learning a song, then interpreting it yourself is a blessing.