I have had a guitar for the longest time, but in the spring semester of my sophomore year I finally decided to sit down and teach myself how to play. I started out just playing songs consisting of only three chords. For those of you who do not know what a chord is, it is basically a figure formation of what strings to hold down to play a certain note. But, needless to say I started out very small.
My very first song I learned was “It Ain’t Gotta Be Love” by Brett Eldredge. I continued to learn many different country songs and other popular songs, but my skills as a guitarist began to elevate dramatically once I started to play music from the 90s, and specifically, Nirvana. I had always had a negative outlook towards Nirvana because of pretentious people who were fans of their music. But, once I began to sit and listen to the music, I began to really appreciate the rhythm of it. Seriously, take a break and play a few Nirvana songs and listen to the rhythmic beauty of the music.
After delving into their music, I began to really appreciate the sheer musical genius of Kurt Cobain. For those of you who don’t know, Kurt Cobain was the front man for Nirvana. Kurt died at the very ripe age of 27 years old from suicide, but his impact on the music world and musicians alike is still alive today. Kurt Cobain is my musical inspiration to my guitar playing. I immediately had an ear for rhythm guitar, which is why I was immediately drawn to Nirvana’s music. It truly is a shame that Kurt Cobain has passed. I suggest if you are a fan of Kurt Cobain/Nirvana to watch the “Montage of Heck” documentary. You will begin to appreciate Nirvana and Kurt Cobain that much more. Now I’m in the process of starting a 90s cover band with a couple of friends, playing music that we enjoy for ourselves and for others.
To address all of you reading this, I highly suggest learning to play a musical instrument. Just about everyone and their mother enjoys music. But, like so many other musicians out there, I can tell you it is incredibly rewarding to be able to physically play the music you enjoy listening to. Learning to play an instrument has many benefits mentally and emotionally. To list a few of these benefits: it increases the capacity of your memory, enhances your coordination, exposes you to cultural history, and it helps foster your self-expression and relieves stress. I can’t tell you how many times I came home stressed from school and picked up my guitar and played a few songs, and then found myself relaxed. So pick any instrument, find a musical inspiration, and start learning. Keep progressing and learning, and then you’ll have a skill you can break out at any moment.
