How many of your play the guitar? And what does it do for you?

2016-05-27T10:48:48-04:00

I wanted to find something for my 9 year old to have interest in other than gaming. So I got my first electric guitar out of the attic, restrung it and gave it to him. 1-1/2 years later, he takes lessons every week and it renewed my interest in playing (was in a Punk Band in my previous life) and we play together at least 4 times a week. His interest, for him, turned into a passion. He knows so many facts about the major guitar manufacturers, their current and past product lines, what's hot and what's not, etc...it also sparked something else for him. When he wanted a BC Rich Warlock guitar, we went on eBay and purchased everything separately. We found the body he wanted, the neck, pickups, even some of the skull bling. That turned into "Dad, why don't we start custom rebuilding these used guitars as a business and sell them at a profit". So today we have a part time business and he gets the profit after I get back my initial investment for each one.

So this has done a few things for me: it has given me an outlet to reduce my stress; it brings me closer to my son so we have something for just us to do; it allows me to teach my son at an early age how to run a business doing something he loves.

So, do you play and what does it do for you?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-05-27T10:57:51-04:00

I've been playing since '97. I love it. I definitely gave me something to do, something to keep me away from some of the less productive aspect of life. I was also in a punk band back in the day.

Now, I mostly play acoustic stuff by myself and, sometimes, with other people. Open mic night is always great too.

That is a great story, and well done.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 11:14 AM

2016-05-27T11:14:08-04:00

1. Relaxing hobby (at least once I learned a couple of chords)
2. Self discipline to sit down and practice AND know when to get up and step away.
3. Gained a network of friends through various jam sessions, bands and gigs.
4. Finger dexterity that helped me with typing.
5. Expanded my musical tastes. Up until 1987 I was only into rock. Buddy of mine put on Chet Atkins and I was blown away. Got turned onto flamenco and classical and OMG bluegrass! I can't play them worth a damn but I do like to listen to them.
6. Oh ya ... 3 out of 4 girlfriends in high schhol

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-05-27T11:15:49-04:00

This is awesome, SSG Matthew B. Markle! I have 3 boys; ages 23, 21 and 16 (and they ALL play guitar for some reason). I'm not sure if you're familiar with Guitars for Veterans http://www.guitars4vets.org/ but they're a really cool organization! Good luck and have fun!!

Guitars For Vets | Restoring the feelings of joy and purpose that can be lost after suffering...

Guitars for Vets, Inc. (G4V) is a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enhances the lives of ailing and injured military Veterans by providing them with guitars and music instruction. Through self-expression and the healing power of music, it is our intent to restore the feelings of joy and purpose that can be lost after suffering trauma.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made May 27 at 2016 11:37 AM

2016-05-27T11:37:47-04:00

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member That's great! An outstanding way for you to connect with your son!
I still pick up the Strat play some. Was in a hard rock/metal band in H.S. back in the day. It's good for relaxing and relieving stress. When i've had a particularly bad day, i plug in the amp and turn it up to 10 and let'er rip. My older son started a hardcore metal band. I've taught him a few chords, but he'd rather do the vocals (screaming)..lol We have played together some, it's an awesome feeling!

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made May 27 at 2016 11:41 AM

2016-05-27T11:41:12-04:00

Right now I have a Epiphone Les Paul Standard and an LRG 12 string dreadnought. I got another sunburst Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro with EMG 81 and 85 humbuckers. Til recently, I had an Ibanez RG and a Schector Damein-6.

I play for the love of hard rock and metal. I used to play all through high school but stopped for five years while in the Marine Corps. Now that I'm out and have more time on my hands, I've been reteaching myself how to play, upwards to about 5 hours a day when I can.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 27 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-05-27T12:29:42-04:00

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member - I have three: Ovaton 6-string, Seagull 12-String, and a Fender Strat. Depending on where I'm going, one of those three are always in the back seat. What does it do for me? Well, it landed me my wife (was serenading her under her window 'til the neighbors demanded that I be allowed in)! Music is one of the few arts that I appreciate. And a guitar travels well.

Response by SN Stacey Werkmeister made May 27 at 2016 4:19 PM

2016-05-27T16:19:29-04:00

Been playing since 77 ... Stress relief

Response by 1stSgt Michael Gartland made May 27 at 2016 9:08 PM

2016-05-27T21:08:50-04:00

I played for 10 years before I joined the Air Force and didn't play at all for 24 years while on active duty. I started playing again after being retired for about 6 years, strictly classical this time...fighting of arthritis.

Response by LCDR Tj Oman made May 28 at 2016 12:20 AM

2016-05-28T00:20:55-04:00

here's just a few of mine... (been at it since 1964)

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 1:03 AM

2016-05-28T01:03:53-04:00

Are there other musical string instruments??

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 4:42 AM

2016-05-28T04:42:41-04:00

Been playing serious for about 25 years, strictly rhythym. I get lost listening to a good lead, so I'm probably a better listener. The whole family, 2 brothers, 2 sisters are all musically inclined. Mom the piano and Dad the guitar and mandolin. Good jam sessions create harmony as well as exercise for my hands and fingers. Music being a universal language crosses boundaries, where all the statesmanship in the world fails.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Oct 23 at 2019 5:44 PM

2019-10-23T17:44:24-04:00

My guitar is my sanity check. I am now dealing with arthritis in my fretting hand so prayers are requested. Picture of my humble collection.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Oct 25 at 2019 7:56 PM

2019-10-25T19:56:43-04:00

What a terrific way to bond with your son. God bless.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2019 9:13 PM

2019-10-25T21:13:17-04:00

Gives me great pleasure and much relaxation.

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 25 at 2019 10:10 PM

2019-10-25T22:10:00-04:00

It clears the room of all the cats, dogs, and rodents.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 26 at 2019 12:22 AM

2019-10-26T00:22:33-04:00

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member WOW! You scored!

I have recently furnished: a keyboard and a violin for two grandchildren in their mid-twenties who played those instruments in high school.

They each report great satisfaction in playing their instruments.

I believe that having musical skills contributes to peace of mind.