Why do you play guitar?

[Doug Marks]

You're welcome. I loved your post. It's very similar to what many people experience. Thanks for sharing that. It will mean something special to others experiencing the same frustration that you experienced.

[Lost Sock In The Dryer]

All of the above.

[torerik]

It was hard to choose one of the answers because it is more complex than that. I started to play because it facinated me and it touched me inside when I hear a blasting riff or a solo. I was facinated with the harmonies and the mix of it. I have always been into rock and metal, some blues too of course. I remember when I heard Michael Schenker the first time. Outstanding! A fire was lit inside me. I have also had the pleasure of teaching young people to play guitar and the metal method is a great way of learning. The teaching skills of Doug Marks and his DVD's are fantastic! Being a guitarplayer for years they gave me so much knowlegde and even more passion for the guitar!

[gdwerthm]

I am 54 years old,
ever since the beatles movies when I was 12 I have been into guitars but not as a player
In High school I played in a band with some friends but was to lazy and to interested in trying to get a job, cars and girls and to stupid to realize if I stuck with the guitar the girl thing would never have been a problem.
When I turned 50 , I went and purchased a Gibson Les Paul a fender amp and a day has not gone by in the past 4 years when I have not played it, I am now 54.I love playing blues, Rock and even some metal.
I am hoping when I retire from being a union carpenter in 3 years and if I dont screw up my hands more than they are now, I might be good enough player to make a few extra buck playing local gigs. But what is more important than that, is playing the music that I have always loved and knowing I did not totaly give up my guitar dream
Geo.

[TheKidGuitarist]

[quote="6String"] You could say its a bit of a self esteem booster. It feels great when you finally see all that hard work pay off.

I agree!

[JetJaguar]

Definitely the technical aspects of playing, I enjoy the challenge of learning a new skill. That's the engineer in me coming out.

[The Thief]

Initially is was to get into a band which did happen. But that was a long time ago in a galaxy far away. However, I now pick up the guitar to get rid of those inner demons. When the stress of work and the univesity gets me down, you can be amazed what a rock chord progression and the minor pentatoninc scale can do for you. However, recently, I been thinking about teaching guitar on the side to younger children. Hmmm... Maybe its a calling.

So, my reasons to play the guitar is not glamarous, but it is good enough for me. Besides, if I wanted to play along with a band, I had offers from my Italian freinds here in Italy.

[David Pavlich]

Ummmmmm....does this ring any bells?

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/comics/hiandlois.html

David

[motkobor]

At first for my love to Music. That is why Istarted.
Second is that I'm fascinated by the technical abbilties and skills that are necessary for really playing guitar and being able to form your imagination into sound.
OK...playing live became also great fun.

I hope my engish is not too bad and you can understand what I'm trying to say...

[MetalKid]

Well I started playing at the age of thirteen, against my will. My younger brother wanted to get guitar lessons, so my mom forced me to take lessons as well. I wasn't really that much into music, but that soon changed when my teacher led me trough a pretty sweet intro and some nice arpeggios. I'm 15 now, I've been studying music to pursue a music career, but I know I still have a long way to go. Short version: metal fan since 2006.

Peter

[Cooleymetal]

Like most of the people on here, I love playing for more than one reason. I love the challenge that it gives me, yet also how I can mold the sound into almost anything I want to after practice...lots of friggin' practice. When I'm shredding or even just practicing my basics everything just feels "right". I somehow find beauty in the never-ending shreds of my favorite metal bands. Because of my love for the instrument and the joy it brings me, I also have a dream to one day make a job out of it, even if its not my primary source of income. I get looked down upon a lot for that dream though (I'm 17) because people don't think I'll get good enough or stick with it long enough to ever achieve anything. I chose to ignore them for the most part and just keep practicing...even when it seems like forever. I recently ordered Doug's DVD lessons and I'm really hoping to fill the gaps in my knowledge. I'm guilty of being a google guitarist

[jerbear]

Cooly, don't listen to the negative people. Life is full of them. To make up for their own inadequate lives, they have to cut other people down to their level. Overcome that and show them!

[ArielGibson]

That's so true, don't listen to others. If you do you'll regret it later.

[petiterose]

That's so true, don't listen to others. If you do you'll regret it later.

+1

[Cooleymetal]

I'm glad I chose to join this forum and get the Metal Method DVD's. So many positive people here, its real confidence booster. Thanks everyone!