My Drug of Choice
As a nine-year-old, I received a Roy Rogers guitar for Christmas, complete with an instruction book. Despite my initial excitement and daily practice, I struggled to make progress. Living in a small coal mining camp of about 50 people, I had no one to turn to for guidance. My school teacher played piano, and my uncle played the fiddle, but neither could help with the guitar. Eventually, the instrument was relegated to the closet, forgotten over time.
Fast forward 45 years, and I was in my mid-fifties, divorced, and with ample free time. An article about dementia prevention caught my attention, suggesting that playing a musical instrument could help reduce the risk. That sparked my motivation to visit local thrift shops, acquire a used guitar, and seek out a teacher.
Learning to Play
Being a self-proclaimed hillbilly, I naturally gravitated towards country music and made this preference clear to my new instructor. For about 18 months, I took lessons, often joking that I had to slide the check under the door before being allowed in. Despite my teacher’s apparent need for earmuffs, I persevered and was pleased with my progress. Eventually, I moved to a new city and continued practicing independently.
Guitar Collection
My passion for guitars grew, and at one point, I owned four instruments simultaneously. That led to tension with my wife, who questioned the necessity of multiple guitars. My witty retort comparing guitars to kitchen dishes did not smooth things over. To appease her, I gave my least favorite guitar to a relative interested in learning. However, my wife remained skeptical about my need for more than one instrument.
Electric vs. Acoustic
My favorite guitar is electric, much to my wife’s chagrin. She complains about the noise, but I personally enjoy the volume. It may seem counterintuitive for someone my age to prefer loud music, but it is a passion I cannot deny.
The Joy of Music
While my practice schedule has become less consistent, I hope never to quit playing entirely. Music brings immense joy to my life, and I firmly believe that a life without music is like a life without sunshine. The guitar has become more than just an instrument; it is a source of happiness and a way to keep my mind sharp as I age. It is, indeed, my drug of choice!
